Chapter 176 (1/2)
Finally, the Emperor made a decision.
“The Eimmel Kingdom was the first to declare war. If we are invaded, we cannot help but defend.”
The Emperor declared.
“If they really wanted to uncover the background behind the Queen’s assassination in the Eimmel Kingdom, they should have politely requested cooperation in the investigation, rather than raising an army to invade.”
And he said this too.
“Although the truth is not certain, it is difficult to tolerate the act of accusing a subject of the Empire as an assassin and then assaulting us. The Prince of Eimmel does not want to reveal the truth, but raises an army recklessly, so the truth is deeply questionable. As a protector who protects the subjects and honor of the Krates Empire, I want to clarify the truth of this matter clearly and hold the Eimmel Kingdom accountable.”
In addition to the will of the Emperor, the temple added points.
Its main content was to raise suspicions that the assassination of Queen Eimmel was related with Prince Cadriol.
What ability and power did a woman who was a silk merchant have, that she could have committed such a mortal sin? Rather, did he frame Madame Lexen and kill her so that she couldn't reveal who was behind her?
There was one more condemnation.
“With what qualifications does a prince, not a king, dare to send a letter of state? This only proves that the state of the Eimmel Kingdom has been disturbed.”
It also meant that they wanted to drive a wedge between the relationship of King Eimmel and the prince.
Papers and intellectuals shaped public opinion. Grand Duke Roygar thoroughly followed it.
All papers criticized the Eimmel Kingdom at once. Not only in salons and coffeehouses, but wherever people gathered, it became an atmosphere of praising the bravery of the Emperor.
It wasn't difficult. There were many people whose self-esteem was hurt by the fact that they were being defeated by a small country like the Eimmel Kingdom.
“He should have done this earlier. Since when did the Empire care about things like Eimmel?”
“It’s a country infested with pirates after all. I wish we could sweep it away on this occasion.”
Over time, people forget the pain.
The same is true of personal suffering experienced by a person. It was more than two generations ago that there was a war in the center.
It was not strange that there were many who cried out for all-out war. After all, what flows is someone else's blood.
And as the numbers gathered and a little incitement was added, a voice calling for an all-out war swept public opinion.
***
An air of anxiety and concern flowed through the Grand Duke Evron’s residence.
In Grand Duke Evron's residence, few people knew what war was.
It was not something that could be ignored just because the effects of the war did not directly reach because it was so far away from the South and the North.
Hayley couldn't hide her worries and asked Artizea.
“Will there be an all-out war?”
“No.”
Artizea replied.
“The reason for forming a public opinion calling for war is to threaten the Eimmel Kingdom. Even in the Eimmel Kingdom right now, they must be doing their best to understand the atmosphere of the imperial government.”
“Are you saying they’re not actually going to send an army?”
“They will send it. In the beginning, intimidation must be accompanied by actual actions, only then will it be really scary, right?”
“I heard that the supply plans for the Southern Conquest Army have already collapsed. It would be a huge undertaking to connect the supply routes from the central part.”
“Nevertheless, it is the Empire, they can do it.”
Artizea said, reclining comfortably on the sofa.
“Whether the people fall into chaos, monsters sweep and ruin the farm from time to time, or the soldiers shed thousands or tens of thousands of blood……, if squeezed, they can continue to mobilize the military and get supplies.”
When she started playing with numbers, the Empire was a really huge country.
Even if the Eimmel Kingdom and the wealthy Iantz Kingdom joined forces to create an army, it was impossible to mobilize more soldiers and supplies than when parts of the Empire were squeezed out.
No matter how meager and miserable the materials that go to each soldier are.
“But it’s okay. What makes up the Southern Conquest Army is His Majesty's elite army. Even if he meant to use it to support brother Lawrence, he wouldn't want to waste it on something unexpected like this.”
“But I don’t think it’s going to be easy to succumb to the Eimmel Kingdom, which is gaining momentum right now……. Are they trying to send a fact-finding team?”
Hayley asked. Artizea nodded her head, fiddling with the corners of the cushion.
“Perhaps they are.”
And the fact-finding team will probably aim to estrange King Eimmel and Prince Cadriol.
Artizea said.
“It has been three months since the Queen died. King Eimmel's sorrow will have gone away to some extent.”
And then, slowly, other thoughts began to arise.
Like that he gave too much power to the eldest son whom he should be wary of.
“It’s only been three months. Didn't King Eimmel say that he loved the Queen very much?”
In the meantime, Sophie, who had been by Artizea's side and picked up a lot of stories, intervened.
Hayley replied.
“It is common for an old powerful man to fall for the young wife, who is of his daughter’s age, but how sincere the love can be.”
“It must have been sincere at that moment, but…….”
Artizea muttered like that.
“Anyway, from the King’s point of view, he may have given all power to Prince Cadriol without thinking at first out of sadness, but he must have come to his senses by now. The King must be well aware of the relationship between the Queen and Prince Cadriol.”
“Yes…….”
“If he adds the excuse that it is for the Queen, it becomes easier for the King to change his mind.”
And the leader of the fact-finding team will be Grand Duke Roygar.
In order to go beyond Prince Cadriol and have a conversation with King Eimmel on an equal footing, it was necessary to have a proper status.
Artizea was hearing more details from the information network in the palace.