Chapter 199 (1/2)

The moment the emperor entered the throne room in the palace, he called for Count Voltas.

With light steps, Voltas ran to meet the emperor and greeted him with an exemplified face upon reaching there.

“You seem to have some good news.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Duke Ferrierd has started to act.”

“Oh, really? That really is good news!”

Duke Ferrierd was a high prince of the Holy Arthenia Empire, and he had a long history of being closely acquainted with Archbishop Michael, whose existence was currently unknown.

Naturally, he was dissatisfied with the new pope and the coup of Constantine. That made him furious as the communication with his friend had gone silent for the past two years.

However, Duke of Ferrierd was finally deciding to act.

“Hu hu hu! This is something that I have waited for a long time.”

“Because of Benedict III’s death, there is no one who can mediate between the two groups,” said Voltas.

For a very long time, the Baroque Empire had kept a close eye on the Holy Arthenia Empire. That was why they were able to know well about the dynamics and the groups the pope candidates had around them and tried to make contact, and the result of such acts was Duke Ferrierd.

“Let’s not miss the opportunity and support him with all the combat force that we have got and send as many mercenaries as we can. Since I am a king, better send some good ones,” ordered the emperor.

“Would you like us to send some experienced ones?”

“Uhm, yes. Someone like the Gigant riders from the Knights of Guard.”

Rudolf intended to send the Imperial Forces by disguising them as mercenaries to the Holy Empire.

With strong support, even the smallest fire wouldn’t fade away, and the knights had to taste some experience on the field. He thought that if that happened the dumb Knights of Guards would at least learn something.

“Ah, and I found that it wasn’t just our empire, but the northern bandits tried to contact the main figures of the Holy Empire as well.”

“Are you talking about the Volga?”

The complexion of Rudolf went dark after hearing about the Volga.

He always had his eyes on the Volga Republic. Even though he didn’t want to, he was forced to do that.

Therefore, the fact that they were trying to get into the matters that Baroque had already intervened with was much more unpleasant for Rudolf.

“But, they’re working with the lower nobles and the lower priests who represent them, not the high nobles of the high priests,” informed Voltas

“Huh, obviously they are. It is their goal to stir up foolish lowly people and create a world with no balance.”

The Volga Republic was a nation, which advertised the importance of power over pedigree, and the will of the people over the monarchy system.

Of course, there were no rules or special bonds, and the government was often influenced by the words of the president.

Nevertheless, it was a very tempting idea for the underprivileged people who were always being crushed by the feudal class society that had long ruled them.

“The problem comes from the fact that the downfall of those things always works pretty well.”

No matter how illiterate the general public was, they had eyes, ears, and head to think with.

That was they had no choice but to look at the power struggles of high nobles and involve themselves in a phase causing the chaos in their nation which they thought would lead to a ‘New World’.

“Fortunately, it isn’t such a serious matter to deal with right away.”

The Volga seemed to be interested in other matters than incitement.

“Any other problems?” Asked the Emperor.

“The new pope has been introduced. Investigations have shown that it is possible for the pope to be Princess Reina, who has disappeared 2 years ago.”

“Uhm, Princess Reina…”

The disappearance of Princess Reina had been a hot topic in the southern empire.

That was one thing, but the sudden disappearance of a lady of the brilliantly developed Rakan territory was gone.

Most people thought that the Volga Intelligence might have kidnapped her, but no one knew of the exact reason or cause of her disappearance.

Meanwhile, a new pope, resembling Reina, appeared in the other nation.

“Is it really Princess Reina?”

“It seems likely seeing that the Volga has reached there.”

“Well, what could have happened for her to become a pope? Oh, have you checked in with Luke?”

Rudolf knew very well about the relationship between Luke and Reina.

So, if it was true that Veronica III was indeed Reina, Luke would never stay still.

“According to the information from our spies, he is currently in the estates, and he hasn’t been seen leaving the estates,” reported Voltas.

“Hmm, is that so.”

Although the words seemed advantageous, Rudolf’s expression didn’t seem that glad.

Although Voltas’ words made sense, Luke didn’t seem to be an easy guy to deal with.

Luke was unlike the other Rakans before him who weren’t knowledgeable, bold and had clear weaknesses.