Chapter 268 (2/2)

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.

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!”