Chapter 263
"Logan McLaine... Logan McLaine... How peculiar... He's surpassed all predictions."
Muttering quietly, the second prince's words resonated in the chamber, causing Leos, standing beside him, to tense his previously stoic expression. Having confidently given counsel on matters concerning the McLaine Kingdom that were all proven wrong, he interpreted the prince's murmurs as a subtle critique aimed at himself.
"My apologies, Your Highness. It was my oversight. I apologize."
Officially, archivists assigned to each prince for the imperial succession were meant to remain impartial. Their role was to evaluate their respective princes' abilities and provide unbiased assessments of those outcomes to the emperor. However, a tradition had somehow emerged that the newly crowned emperor would not only eliminate his rival brothers but also their archivists, either through assassination or exile. As a result, archivists were compelled to wholeheartedly support the prince they served, as their survival hinged on his victory.
Naturally, Leos had no option but to exert his utmost efforts to ensure the second prince's success. The prince was well aware of this fact.
The overall score for the imperial succession still favored the second prince.
Furthermore, the recent successful operation against a coalition of minor kingdoms was attributed to Leos's strategic planning.
"No, no. If you lacked, who wouldn't? It's just that man... He's the unusual one..."
The second prince spoke briefly, clicking his tongue.
"Putting aside past events, what do you think is the primary reason we failed to anticipate this event?"
Leos promptly responded to the query.
"Logan McLaine. His conduct goes against all common sense."
"Can you elaborate?"
"It is evident that the McLaine Kingdom possesses an undisclosed source of significant funds. However, its utilization was peculiar."
"Peculiar how?"
"If they had such a fund source, they wouldn't have needed to take the risks associated with rapidly expanding their military. With the estimated magnitude of their funds, they could have effortlessly raised their army within five years."
"But they opted to do it in a year, embracing all those consequences, correct? Was it a tactic to restructure their nobility?"
"They could have easily subdued the nobles after the army was formed. Even before that, the king held substantial royal authority and could have handled any rebellious noble by merely exercising his rights."
"So why the rush?"
"There are two potential explanations. One is that his temperament couldn't endure the delay..."
"That's not it."
Leos nodded in agreement with the second prince's decisive response. Given the man's actions and words before the emperor, it was a logical conclusion.
"Then there's only one other possibility remaining."
Leos paused before cautiously continuing.
"He is aware of our empire's 'grand plan.'"
Upon hearing those words, both Leos and the second prince couldn't help but tense up.
"Yes. That would make sense. Yet, it also doesn't."
The second prince smiled bitterly. How could a king of a minor kingdom be privy to plans known only to the emperor, his archivists, and the participating princes of the imperial succession? Plans that had been meticulously crafted over the past two decades by the reclusive emperor?
Anyone with even a modicum of knowledge about the empire's security protocols would find such a claim implausible.
Leos, too, chuckled bitterly, touching the small magical tattoo inscribed on his temples.
"Are we merely speculating?"
"Speculating alone wouldn't push a nation's policies to the brink of disaster."
"True. But then, how did he uncover this?"
"That, I do not know. I apologize."
"Do you have any inkling?"
"None."
"Well, then. We are in quite a conundrum, aren't we..."
Tapping his fingers on the armrest, the second prince inquired once more.
"What can be ascertained at present?"
"We should be able to conclude the tracking of their funds within a month or two."
"Do you have any anticipations?"
"Discovery of a rare mineral deposit or an ancient excavation site. One of those."
"Either way, it implies they stumbled upon a windfall. Not favorable for us... But whether it's ore or artifacts, wouldn't we have noticed if they were in circulation?"
"The only commodity exchanged between the McLaine Kingdom and our empire was grain."
"And then?"
"While dealing with the minor kingdoms coalition, we unearthed a substantial sum of money flowing into McLaine. It was not grain, and we are currently delving into the transaction specifics."
"Merely from the minor kingdoms coalition? And ours was solely grain?"
"Yes."
"It certainly appears like they are aware of the grand plan. Otherwise..."
Leos concurred with the second prince's musings but refrained from commenting.
He could offer guidance, but the ultimate decision rested entirely with the prince.
With such ruminations, he awaited the verdict when suddenly, the prince put forth an unexpected proposal.
"It appears I must investigate personally."
"Pardon?"
"With the invitation already extended, I shall go. Prepare the 'ghosts.'"
"Your Highness!! Is that truly necessary...?!"
Taken aback by the prince's rare display of emotion, Leos was met with a chilling smile from the second prince. Perhaps His Majesty the Emperor might not be concerned with such minor details. After all, even if that small kingdom was privy to the grand plan, it could never possibly thwart the empire.
'But I have my doubts. I have a foreboding.'
The black irises of the second prince, Baros van Ares, gleamed intensely.
* * *
Subsequent to the Kingdom of McLaine's proclamation of their national wedding.
As winter crept in, heralding the close of the year, a sizable procession traversed the eastern borders of the McLaine Kingdom despite the harsh cold gusts.
The procession, numbering well over a thousand, extended with wagons and individuals in tow.
A disgruntled voice emanated from the head of the line, "Usually, weddings, especially national ones, are held in spring, aren't they? In the dead of winter..."
"Well, they must have their reasons. Let's concentrate on our duty rather than such inconsequential matters, Roy."
"Yes, I understand. It's just that the weather is so frigid..."
Lagon comprehended the young officer's grumbling sentiment completely. As an intermediate-grade knight, he wouldn't be significantly affected by the chilly winter breeze.
'It's not the weather that's cold; it's your spirit.'
He felt the same.
'Where did we veer off course...?'
Their homeland, the Kingdom of Tria, within a coalition of seven minor nations, had been the most dominant and had long maintained its leadership since the coalition's inception.
However, last summer, although merely a duchy in name and more akin to a substantial territory of McLaine, the unexpected and abrupt request from the Duchy of Tahiti for a reconsideration of their decision-making authority led to a shift in the coalition's leadership. It was an inexplicable move, but within the coalition, it didn't signify a significant upheaval.
Nevertheless, Tria was already trembling due to its diminished influence. New coalition resolutions mandated a reduction in border patrols and decreased tariff rates for merchants.
For Tria, the revenue generated from inter-kingdom trade was substantial owing to its central position within the coalition. Naturally, this situation was anticipated.
However, their unique geopolitical position also rendered it impossible to exit the coalition.
'We must find a new path to survival.'
Hence, they were en route to McLaine with a substantial trade convoy, ostensibly to partake in the celebration of McLaine's national nuptials.
Unwilling to remain merely a trade intermediary, the royal family had embarked on an endeavor to establish a fresh income source. In essence, they were embarking on a quest to forge new direct trade pathways.
With this significant undertaking, Lagon keenly grasped the weighty responsibility he bore.
The other high-ranking envoys felt a similar burden, unable to indulge in the new foreign landscapes due to their serious countenances.
Yet, even amidst their profound apprehension, they couldn't help but cast glances of amazement when they chanced upon an unexpected scene.
Upon entering the conclusion of the eastern sector of the former Douglas ducal domain, now the royal territory, they beheld hundreds of individuals firing crossbows at targets.
Setting aside the potency and designs of these crossbows, which appeared vastly distinct from any they had previously encountered, the attire of those utilizing them was peculiar.
"What are those people engaged in? They don't resemble soldiers..."
Before Roy could remark that they bore a strong resemblance to peasants, the McLaine knight guiding the delegation, Tamil, intervened.
"Ah, it's the preparation of the local militia."
"Militia?"
"Yes. By the king's directive, men from each domain are being trained for self-defense."
Upon hearing this, Lagon wanted to protest on various fronts.
For one, among those firing crossbows, there were numerous women, and how could shooting a crossbow at a target prepare them for maintaining peace rather than hunting?
But most significantly, Lagon harbored a burning question.
"That crossbow seems remarkably potent. Will ordinary citizens be armed with such weaponry?"
"Ah, it's likely merely provided to them for the duration of the training. How could they possibly..."
"If it won't be utilized, why train with it? They are undeniably being equipped. Of course, it's not for individuals but at a village level."
Roy, who had cut off Tamil, now appeared dumbfounded at the knight's resolute response.
"Ah... Haha. Well, since McLaine knights are formidable, they can afford to bestow such arms upon the populace..."
"Well, the repeating crossbows can pose a threat to the knights if they are not cautious. They can easily pierce through standard armor, so for ordinary knights who cannot imbue force into their weaponry or armor, it's a rather menacing weapon."
"Pardon?!"
That's not merely a threat to ordinary knights. Even as an intermediate-grade knight, Roy couldn't engage in prolonged combat with his armor infused with force. Hence, he regarded Tamil's words as mere bravado.
"Oh, come on. Jesting aside, it appears you are underestimating us due to our coalition affiliation..."
"Not at all. How could I disregard the delegation whom His Majesty tasked me to receive with great reverence?"
"Are you serious about what you just said?"
"Yes, absolutely."
Taken aback by the knight's candid reply, Roy went as far as to vocalize something he shouldn't have.
"Then, may I test the actual prowess of that weapon?"
"Roy!"
Lagon had to reprimand his subordinate. While he comprehended the tense loyalty of the guard due to the nation's predicament, questioning the guide's statements hinted at disrespect, which could bode poorly for international relations.
Nonetheless, Tamil calmly acquiesced to Roy's request.
"Indeed, go ahead."
"Don't underestimate people..."
Roy was fuming as he stepped forward, only to return with a bolt from the crossbow piercing his forearm armor, his countenance now downcast.
It was a sight that stunned the entire delegation.
- Are they distributing arms capable of slaying knights to common folk?
- Have they lost their senses?
Everyone was in disarray, yet the astonishments were far from over.
Three days after crossing the border and arriving in Douglas City, the scene laid out before them was nothing short of astounding.
"Step right up! Fresh silk from the capital, only 10 gold per bolt!"
"A pail of ten apples from the southern Desen region, just 1 gold! It's a steal!"
"Selling anti-plague remedies from Raftan territory! Secure one for your abode!"
"Handicrafts from Taren territory, crafted in the Dwarves' city! Don't hesitate, come and peruse!"
Amidst the wintry chill, the streets buzzed with activity, a vibrant spectacle unseen in any of the lesser coalition kingdoms.
"The uprising just concluded..."
"I heard it lasted only a day, but this is quite different from what we anticipated."
Lagon, wearing a stunned expression, encountered Roy, who bore a similar look.
"There's no need to journey all the way to Grand if we're solely engaging in routine trade."
"Indeed."
If not for a formal agreement with the McLaine royal family, they could have peddled their prepared goods then and there.
Furthermore, yet another peculiar sight caught their attention.
"Why are they excavating waterways within the city?"
"That's a royal initiative. It's a sewage system, intended to divert household waste to the farmlands."
Townsend Rendoval, the mayor of Douglas City, responded cordially to Lagon's query.
"Sewage system?"
"Yes. It's being implemented not solely in the city but also in the larger villages beyond. It has noticeably reduced odors."
"That signifies..."
"Lagon, sir. Allow me to elucidate that for you..."
The delegation's urban planning specialist approached with a whisper to enlighten the perplexed Lagon.
Townsend, the mayor, merely smiled and inclined his head slightly in deference to the envoy's stature, and as Lagon absorbed the explanation, he gazed intently at the construction site within the city, marveling anew.
'I presumed the recent upheaval would have left them in dire straits...'
Three civil conflicts in four to five years, including a dynastic change, yet the nation was functioning smoothly.
'If a regional metropolis appears this way, what about the capital...'
Observing one aspect, comprehending ten, Lagon was amazed yet also somewhat vexed by the scene, as the memory of his own country faltering over a mere pact resurfaced in his mind.
Nonetheless, it fueled his determination.
'I will guarantee the success of the agreement.'
Considering the repeating crossbows and the prosperity of McLaine they had already witnessed, establishing a proper trade route could significantly aid their current national predicament.
'We must assemble the most extensive delegation. I will negotiate directly with the king.'
With this resolve, Lagon pressed forward. When they finally reached the capital, Grand, after more than a week, he couldn't help but grimace at the incredible sight before him.
Carriages adorned with golden dragon banners filled the castle, alongside rumors that reverberated in their ears. The Empire's second prince had personally arrived to extend felicitations on the Emperor's nuptials.
Lagon's pledge to have a private audience with the king faded into insignificance as the McLaine royal palace bustled, unprepared for the unforeseen visitor.