Chapter 257: Making Allies through Politics.

Chapter 257: Making Allies through Politics.

Why did Mother reject Artorias attempt to discuss a potential alliance with Kargryx? It was simple: the dragons did not want to get dragged into this mess. Humans versus demonkin or humans versus humans, neither of these situations sounded like a problem to Mother. It wasnt the dragons concern if either race eliminated the other.

Of course, you could argue that, if the demonkin were to win, they would then engage the dwarves, elves, dragonewts, levianewts, and eventually the dragons. But that was it, it was only a possible outcome. Mother argued that, if the dragons were to engage every single potentially world-scale threat, what would stop the other races from continuously pleading to them to solve their problems?

Mother and most of the ancient dragons had enough of war. That was the point.

Of course, the other races constantly entreating for help from the dragons would follow Kramps wish to turn dragons into the worlds protectors, but all the ancient dragons currently inside Kargryx are mostly apathetic towards the world, and dragons like Mother and Emperor Eltharion were completely done with the notion of war. They now stood at the peak of a mountain, peering down, looking at everything as if it wasnt their problem.

Mother wouldnt budge, even if I tried persuading her. She personally was against my participation and the gods will. She only wanted my safety, but I had things to do in Altrust. Idol stuff was obvious enough, but I still wished to fulfill Aurenas Quest to get my end of the bargain a meeting with my parents and to apologize to them for all the sorrow I gave them.

As such, Mother wouldnt agree to anything as a representative of Kargryx. She couldnt even. She didnt have the authority to do so since all the executive power belonged to Emperor Eltharion, my dragon father.

However, what about just putting my name on a piece of paper? Nishio, the son of a talent agent, reminded me how important a name was for marketing purposes. The participation of a famous and amazing actor in a movie? Instant seller. The name of a celebrity promoting the quality of a product? Better make sure you can get restocks soon.

Now, what would happen if I were to trade my permission to use my name on things? For example, a letter to certain country leaders? The name of the eighth child of the imperial family of Kargryx and the dragon whose egg went missing? Not only that, but she was also accompanied by her Mother on an adventure?

Well, I am sure it would make a few people raise a brow when King Drangleic sends this letter out.

Princess Hestia, if possible, I would like you to agree to the urgency of this summit. If it were you, I am sure Saelariel and Loatryx would contemplate our proposal to hold a summit to discuss an alliance between all of us, King Drangleic said, following the instructions we as Aurora gave him on how to open this discussion.

I understand. However, I presume you must understand that simply giving you my approval is already a large commitment. As a princess and idol, I have my own reputation to look out for. The recent incidents, as you might expect, were not very pleasing to experience.

I placed my foot down during this discussion. There have been things I was majorly inconvenienced by during my stay in Artorias, and signs that might cause Artorias to lose out on this alliance deal. After all, the elves, dwarves, and dragonewts dont have to accept Artorias, they could just go and solve the problem by themselves if they had to.

The dukes quickly caught onto what I meant, looking serious as they recomposed themselves. Whether they deduced that most of the beginning was staged, I dunno, but what was important was that they understood the real meeting would begin now. With documents on hand, they were ready to negotiate.

As I said, the beginning was staged and coordinated with King Drangleic, but now, everything was up for grabs. Muraina was in the know, too, of course. It was just surprising to see Shaturein participating today, but I guess if they didnt betray us today, it would be important to get Shaturein on our side, too.

Regardless of their alignment and their criminal-infested city, having some sort of contact in the underworld would be good. Now, while I didnt have the strongest moral compass, I wasnt ignorant of whom I was intending to work with. However, after the slave auction rescue, I get that sometimes you will have to work with less than ideal companions.

Now, if we could urge these less than ideal companions to change, or at least not backstab us like those Yanderu guys, that would be for the best.

For Griffonpeak to gain my support, the very first term I must receive is a guarantee that the Kingdom of Artorias is currently in control.

This probably was the most important part. We had to stress it.

As you might already know, I was involved in numerous accidents and incidents during my stay in Artorias. Most of them happened in Greenveil, however, the most recent one was rather damning to Artorias security and stability. Out of my responsibility as Goddess Aurenas champion, I chose to defend Griffonpeak; however, I saw little to no support until the end from the nobility and knights.

I concur. When I arrived on that day, I saw my whelping in a life-threatening state. I learned you were aware of my daughters identity, so I must ask why you left the elimination of multiple high-ranked threats to my daughter and her party, Mother supported me, causing the king and his dukes to frown.

Yes, Mother, scare them! Does that make me sound like a villain? Nah, whatever.

Regardless of your excuses with corrupt nobles or not, I must ensure Artorias is peaceful from within. United, not divided. As such I turned to the Shaturein representatives. Mister Blackreach and Miss Grengar. I do understand why King Drangleic wishes for my assistance, however, I do not understand your motives. I presume you must be aware that the information you received today wont come for free, correct?

Of course, information never comes for free. Everything has a cost, Jenghil tapped the piece of parchment before her. However, all the information we received today has been priceless, I must say. Everything concerning Princess Hestias real identity and subsequently her companions, like Miss Saori. The reveal of the demonkin plots and also the truth behind that giant monster.

And due to how precarious it was to keep this secret from others, Jenghil and Vangrim couldnt leave without handing in some kind of assurance. We had to know they wouldnt just sell this to the enemy.

Jenghil continued, However, as I can see, you are skirting over some information, like how Davison was involved in fae hunting. My little spiders have already gained this information for me, and rest assured, Shaturein has no interest in profiting on it.

Duchess Morgiana narrowed her eyes, inspecting her niece. So, what does Shaturein want, Miss Grengar? There is still the question if His Majesty can trust you and Mister Blackreach with this information, but I presume you must have a reason for us to do so, if you are here.

Precisely, Duchess Morgiana, the one to answer was Vangrim. I must also say that our proposition will also aid in Her Imperial Highnesss wish for unity. Shaturein and Griffonpeak have always been separated since our founders created our cities. Griffonpeak would guide those under the sun, while Shaturein shall shelter those too unfortunate to see the glistening white walls of the nobles. That has always been the case.

Jenghil continued, However, during these tumultuous times, Shaturein has also learned that it cannot fully survive alone. We may work in the shadows and our webs might spread all throughout the kingdom, but if Griffonpeak were to fall, Shaturein would also collapse.

As such, I, Vangrim Blackreach, leader of Shaturein and the three pillars, would propose a proper alliance between us, King Drangleic.

Preposterous! Duke Lecartiglio spoke bluntly.

Yeah, it couldn't have gone this smoothly. Please, dont escalate the situation.

He continued, Do you really believe an alliance between us would be possible? Shaturein, you should know your place. You have long since devolved into a realm for criminals and those depraved enough to forsake honor in all their actions. Allying with you would cause the opposite of what Her Imperial Highness wishes unity.

You speak with prejudices, Duke Lecartiglio. I understand your wariness. Past events concerning our citizens and foreign workers have caused Griffonpeak distress. I will not make any excuses concerning Hamil. It is our fault for not producing a proper background check on him, Vangrim humbly accepted his mistakes. However, I do not exactly believe Artorias has the liberty to choose its allies. As Her Imperial Highness already implied, your alliance with the northern races isn't secure. Shaturein can provide information and supplies in exchange for protection.

Then why not accept vassalage? Duke Greenveil proposed.

Jenghil shook her head in response. Shatureins culture cannot conform to Artoriass. If we were to accept your offer, this will, without question, cause riots and public disorder beyond what Mister Blackreach can control. If we cannot control Shaturein, we cannot prove our worth.

An alliance is done through equals. We are not equals in strength nor influence, Miss Grengar, Duchess Morgiana rebuked her argument. No matter how much Artorias has suffered from this attack, we stand strong. In addition, Artorias relies on the Aleistunum mages guild to educate novices and further our arcane studies. The management of your contracted mages is a blight and embarrassment to proper arcanists, and if we were to ally with you, it will only damage our relationship with them.

Hmm, as rough as I thought. We need to give them a push.

I nodded contently.

Todays meeting wasnt there to suddenly introduce reforms to Artorias. We werent that pompous to think we could just waltz in and change everything here to be similar to America or Japan. This wasnt my kingdom. All we needed them to handle was to expunge corruption. That was something we didnt need.

And once we made that clear to them, we expected King Drangleic and his dukes to change their kingdom naturally over time. Pretty sure if we just kept communicating with them, they would change in some ways. I mean, Earth pastries and idol culture were slowly being spread here.

And with two dragons literally breathing down their necks to be better, Artorias has to work hard to appease us. That was our advantage as the superior faction.

Yeah this does make us seem like the oppressive empire stereotype. Literally throwing our weight around, hoping something sticks. Meh, its better this way. In the future, theyll have the elves doing the same to them!

With that out of the way, now it was time to coordinate with our newfound allies.

Saori began, Our first term is that you will help us in keeping watch of the Heroes of Aurena in the Empire. As you know, those heroes were not actually summoned to this world by Goddess Aurena, but by the demonkin. Still, they are from Earth and acquainted with us. We require information on them to make sure they are safe.

Krymdar will act as our correspondence in the Folschreck Empire, but as the imperial alchemist, he probably shouldnt put himself in the fire too often. As such, we needed less conspicuous spies.

I can send my girls to the empire. I might not be able to provide the same service as Hamil with his contacts, but my girls should be able to slip into the empires capital easily enough, Jenghil offered. However, it would become far easier for me to coordinate with them if I had access to their path into the empire. I believe the southern way through Atadoro is out of the question?

If we were to interact with Atadoro, it would be mostly for war. Our interactions have never been friendly even once, Duke Lecartiglio explained.

I see, as expected. As such, our only way would be either through Ankor-Nazta or Estralia. We need access to the Ankoran train.

The Ankoran train was the first and only mana-fueled train in Peolynca. Probably the only train in the world, in fact. According to Grimnir, this was the very last invention of the Revolution Queen before she died. Her last memento to the world.

With its tracks beginning in the dwarfs capital inside the Ankoran mountain ranges, the train allowed you to reach the beastman and the empire through the underground of the mountain. The train was the reason why the dwarves were able to interact with the eastern parts of Altrust with ease.

After the War for the Faefolk, the train was made and the train tracks placed after its inventors death. One of the stopping points is in Estralias capital. Even if the dwarves didnt like trading with humans, Estralia had access to the underground tunnels since its capital, Gleisvale, was made by the dwarves.

If we help Shaturein, we help ourselves, in other words.

Saori continued after that was dealt with, Second term, we require you to still act as allies to the empire and church of Aurena until the alliance is sealed, King Drangleic. We would like a war to be avoided as long as possible.

It might not be possible, Miss Saori, he answered bluntly. Even if the Church and Empire dont use Saintess Eshes death as a reason to destroy us, they will probably soon demand for a higher tribute. More soldiers and resources. We cannot afford that. If we deny it, they will have Atadoro and the other human countries attack us.

I understand that six months is a long time. Anything could happen, after all. Yorshka gave us a realistic view of Artorias situation, so we had an idea of what to expect. However, Aurora is currently not ready to support you in your war. There must be a way to delay it, Your Majesty.

I didnt want to fight in a war. If we could avoid it, I would do my best to stop it. I do understand if it's inevitable that I had to do something, but having a war now wouldnt be feasible. Griffonpeak is weakened from the demonkin and I still had a lot to prepare before I could do anything in a war. It wasnt time.

Maybe If we can spread our own influence through Estralia, we might be able to prevent a war purely due to a lack of resources? For the first time since the beginning of this talk, the new Duke Equevanna spoke up.

How so, Duke Equevanna? King Drangleic asked.

Well. As my fellow dukes and His Majesty must be aware, after everything that happened with House Equevanna and the noble purge, our duchy is currently in a precarious situation. We are dealing with the aftermath right now. However, before all of this, the previous Duke Equevanna had multiple contacts within Estralias capital. As a republic, they are managed by senators and representatives whose power is above their monar presidents. Their senate is quite corrupt and influenceable.

Gleisvale is a terrible location to do battle, Duke Groushia added after taking time to think. Due to its natural fortification, invasions are always in Estralias advantage. With access to the longest river in western Altrust, their ability to ship resources gives them the reputation as the City which can never be conquered from the outside. Only from the inside, through these senators.

The president is a pawn, a marionette for the senate, Lord Ulquint spoke. To wage war in Estralia, one must go through the senators. To control the president and Gleisvale, one must bribe the senators. If we can convince them to, we can make sure only Atadoro and Rakarteen can attack us. They will think twice before they attack us immediately.

Everything is starting to look like Estralia really was the best next destination. Damn, and here I thought I just wanted to help Tasianna.

However, that would leave Aureolis. If they support the Empires decision, the holy capital might excommunicate us, Your Majesty, Duke Olivus warned us. The moment they do so, the Knights of Aurena will be sent to attack us. We also cannot forget that the Empire will also send its own forces. If they send any of their Imperial Knights, we will have to deal with people of at least rank A in power.

Imperial Knights?

I wasnt sure what these knights were, but I guess they might be the personal guard of the emperor. If they were around rank A in strength, they might be as strong as Yorshka.

In that case, if that were to happen, then it might be okay to use me if you wish, I was the one to bring that up. As a Champion of Goddess Aurena, they cannot just ignore my wish to meet with them. If the time for war were to come, then allow me to speak with them.

If we were speaking about influence, Princess Hestia might be able to gain enough to make Aureolis think twice before condemning Artorias. As an idol, we will travel towards cities and towns to perform her music concerts, Saori supported me. If she were to state her support for Artorias, to assure the faith stays true in the kingdom, they might consider stopping the empire from breaking your vassalage for now.

And then we backstab them all! Muhahaha! We join with the other races! Yeaaaaaa, that will turn me into peoples enemies, but if it can prevent a war before we get ready? It might be worth it.

I do hope it will not come to that, but it is worth a try. King Drangleic was worried but he had to look to the future. He had to make sure Griffonpeak was strong enough to weather the storm.

After that, we mostly talked about internal stuff and how Artorias and Shaturein would proceed from here. The politics stuff concerning me was finally over at this point but Saori still had a few things to say. In any case, I finally had the time to just take a breather and just listen. All this stress made me want to eat cake.

The future will be wild, huh?

Once the meeting ended, King Drangleic and everybody else thanked us for attending and that the formal agreements will happen at a later date. As we left the citadel, we congratulated ourselves for a job well done. It wasnt perfect, but we still got certain things across.

The day after will get stressful since I need to attend some political appearances, though. Six months and a few days remain for us until the summit. Until then, I gotta make sure I use it well. After all, our next destination will be a new country.

But first, time to sleeeeep and relax.