Chapter 268

Chapter 268: Chapter 268

"Well, I know where he is, Your Majesty," said Earl Lestlin, bowing to him slightly, "In fact, while I was enjoying the banquet with Marquis Mirwa, he received an urgent report from his estate. According to him, there broke out a fire there, destroying about 30% of the farmland. So, I understand he urgently went down to his estate to cope with the situation."

"I see. But why didn't he report it to me? As the Captain of the knights division in the capital, wasn't he supposed to get my approval before leaving the capital?"

They were silent at his sharp question.

He looked around as if he was upset, then said, knocking at the desk, "Well, good. Let me discipline him later. Duke Verita, continue. "

"Yes, Your Majesty. Today's agenda is the matter of how to deal with the Lisa kingdom. I think most of you may have heard the rumors, but for those of you who don't know, I'll explain the situation first. Do you all remember Baroness Feden? She was a princess from the Lisa kingdom who was naturalized into the empire two years ago. "

According to his explanation, three days ago Beatrice was faced with the three princes of the Lisa kingdom who had been chasing her. She passed out while quarrelling with them over Sir Feden.

Fortunately, both her and her baby were safe, but the empire could never overlook the incident in which the prince of the Lisa kingdom injured her, a naturalized citizen of the empire. That's why the emperor called the meeting urgently.

As soon as the duke explained the situation as fairly as possible and stepped back, Earl Hamel asked for a say and opened his mouth, "Your Majesty, I think you should have them pay the price for their actions. Not content with insulting the empire by sending a princess who already got pregnant as the candidate for the empress, they insulted the empire again by trying to harm the princess who already became a naturalized citizen of the empire. We can't allow them to act arrogantly any further."

"I agree. As we tolerated them once, they are now making a mockery of us. We have to punish the king of the Lisa kingdom this time to set the example for other kingdoms."

It was unexpectedly Earl League who chimed in. Actually, he was a member of the pro-emperor faction. As head of the military family famed for its unique fencing style, it seemed that he was anxious to get even with the Lisa kingdom.

"Punish them? How? Are you going to start a war with them?"

"Even if we are not starting a full-out war, I think we have to make them feel the pain enough."

"I agree. Besides, hasn't the Lisa kingdom been subversive to the empire since Kryans III's crowning?" Earl Hoten, who assumed the deputy captain of the 3rd Knights Division, said.

A smile came to my lips when I saw all of them supporting the idea of punishing the Lisa kingdom. Who would have imagined that the members of the rival factions would come to a consensus instead of arguing?

As if he was of the same thinking as me, the emperor chuckled after listening to their opinion and said, "I feel so great. I've never seen you agreeing like this rather than quarrelling all the time."

"..."

"Anyway, let me keep in mind your opinion. Any other opinion?"

"May I present my opinion, Your Majesty?" Earl Whir, affiliated with the Foreign Ministry said, "I don't think this is such a simple matter. As you know, the kingdom of Lisa is currently engaged in small local battles with other kingdoms. If we declare a war with the Lisa kingdom, it means we will also be involved in their conflicts."

"Hmm."

"That's right, Your Majesty. The empire has long served as the mediator of the continent. The reason that we made an alliance with the Lua kingdom was because we wanted to maintain peace, but the case of the Lisa kingdom is different. So, you should give it careful consideration," seconded Earl Genoa, supporting Earl Whir's prudent position.

Most of the noble faction members nodded at his argument. They were mostly affiliated with the government.

In conclusion, almost all of those who supported a war with the Lisa kingdom were from the military families, while those in the government were opposed to the war. In fact, the civil service officials had not much to gain from the war. No matter how well they supported those fighting at the frontline with military supplies, the credit for their efforts usually went to the latter than the former.

While the great noble families, whose statement carried a corresponding responsibility, were silent, only those from the earl families were engaged in a fierce argument, regardless of their factions.

How much time passed? For the first time someone ended the controversy by presenting his own opinion. He was Duke Verita who attended the political meeting after a long time.

"Your Majesty, I have no objection to the idea of punishing the kingdom of Lisa that dared to harm a noble woman of this empire, but I think we have to take into account their achievements."

"Their achievements? I don't understand."

"Well, the kingdom of Lisa has already ceded part of its territory to the empire for sending an empress candidate who had defects. This time they are trying to let us make profits again by trying to harm the princess. I think we should be grateful for their silly actions."

"Hahaha!"

Laughters burst out here and there. I also closed my mouth with one hand.

'Oh that makes sense.'

In fact, the Lisa kingdom gave the empire a good cause to take advantage of their silly actions twice.

Duke Verita, who smiled happily at those laughing here and there, looked around and said, "So, how about forgiving the Lisa kingdom one more time, Your Majesty?"

"How?"

"As they are ironically so loyal to the empire, why don't we select some of the Lisa delegation here and give them an opportunity to observe the empire's development in various fields?"

In other words, what the duke argued was to bring them over here and take them as hostages.

I nodded unconsciously. As the Lisa kingdom was a big headache to the empire because of its peculiar belligerent tendency, it seemed a good idea to make the leadership of the Lisa kingdom more favorable to the empire.

As if they agreed, the noble faction also seemed to see eye to eye with the duke.

"It seems like a good idea, Your Majesty. We can also sound out their thinking by proposing it. If they reject it, we can punish them," said Duke Lars.

"Okay. Send back the rest of the Lisa delegation except for the three princes. As for the fate of the princes, let's talk about it later after checking how the Lisa kingdom responds," said the emperor who was lost in thought for a moment at the duke's idea. When everybody bowed deeply to him as if they agreed, he looked around and said, "Oh, the meeting was longer than I thought. Let's adjourn today's meeting here. Thanks, everybody!"

"You're welcome, Your Majesty."

"Oh, by the way, I have prepared something special for you in recognition of your great service. So, everybody, please stay seated a little longer."

I guessed it when the emperor ordered all those with the rank of earl and above to attend the meeting, but it seemed that he was going to start "it" today.

"What is going on?"

"Well, I'm not sure. Do you know what the emperor has in mind?"

"No, I don't know."

The majority of the nobles who were about to leave began to whisper here and there, making a perplexed expression, but the emperor said casually, "Well, I'm glad that the festival was successfully over in cooperation with the temple, so I've invited the two High Priests to celebrate it. Protocol officer!"

When the protocol officer bowed and opened the door, the two High Priests in white robes stepped inside.

Only

The gray-haired High Priest approached the platform, dragging his long hair.

"I'm so grateful for your warm hospitality, Your Majesty."

"I haven't done much, but thank you for your hospitality, Majesty."

"Well, we could end the festival successfully thanks to your help. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.'

"I'm flattered, Your Majesty."

"Okay, sit down. I'm afraid the food will get cold in no time."

As the emperor gestured lightly, the door opened, and the servants and maids came in with silver trays and laid tablecloths on the tables. Silver forks and knives engraved with the crest of the imperial family and various cups and silver plates began to be placed on the tables one by one.

When they were done placing all the tableware, the emperor said, proposing aperitif, "Let's toast for the successful hosting of the first National Founding Day festival since my inauguration! For the glory of the empire!"