Chapter 268 (1/2)

“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!”