“There are five influential noble families in Rimmel. Those are the houses of Duke Philling, Duke Grindel, Duke Sligar, Duke Baskar, and Duke Crowe. They’re the ones who really hold the power in the kingdom,” Romello said, as if sorting through the information out loud.
He and Louis were in his study, surrounded by books. Even though he hadn’t meant to speak loudly, his voice echoed through the room.
“Right now, we’re attempting to make contact with Dukes Philling and Grindel from the moderate faction, correct?” Louis asked.
“Yes, that’s right. Little by little, we’re trying to formally propose an alliance between our two kingdoms.”
“What are the advantages for Rimmel?”
“First, they’d be released from the threat of General Gazell. Plus, there’d be a reduction of tariffs. According to our research, Rimmel’s land isn’t suitable for livestock, so they’re desperate for a reduction of tariffs in that regard.”
“I see. They’d benefit in both ways then. What about for our kingdom?”
“The biggest advantage would be a non-aggression treaty. We have military power, of course, but we don’t have enough supplies to fight a war right now. We’re desperate for security. And, in matters of trade, they’re famous for their production of gold and gemstones, and that would please the nobles.”
“All right… So our real goal here is the non-aggression treaty. Let’s get the nobles and merchants on board by explaining the financial merits of the arrangement. After that, it should be easy for us to get the kingdom to agree.” Louis proposed, and Romello nodded. “What about Duke Crowe? He’s part of the neutral faction.”
“According to our information, he hasn’t joined either side because his house fears General Gazell. I think it’s because his domain borders both Tweil and Tasmeria. He hasn’t been in contact with the hard-liners, so I think that Duke Grindel might be able to help get him on our side.”
“That makes sense. If he’s afraid of General Gazell, then a non-aggression treaty would be attractive to him.”
“Exactly. Things are going well with him so far because of that.”
“So the only ones left are the hard-liners Dukes Sligar and Baskar?” Louis asked. Romello heaved a heavy sigh.
“Those two families really have their guards up. We’re tentatively trying to make contact with them now.”
“That’s good news. I heard that Duke Sligar knows Duke Baskar’s weakness, so the latter is beholden to him.”
Romello pounced on that bit of information. “And how do you know that?”
“It just came in from the spy we sent to Rimmel. They caught a glimpse of some ledgers and noticed the flow of money looked quite odd. When they investigated further, they found a letter and a separate dummy ledger. I think word should have reached the palace by now.”
“And what’s this you said of a weakness?”
“Apparently Duke Baskar was in dire financial straits, to the point of being on the verge of bankruptcy. He was over his head in debt, so…he turned to human trafficking.”
“Human trafficking?!”
“Yes. He captured people from his own domain and sold them to other kingdoms. Of course, that’s a serious crime in Rimmel. Duke Sligar got hold of that information and has been holding it over his head ever since.”
“Really?! You have proof, of course?”
“Yes. The spy is bringing it back home. You can ask for more details at the palace.”
“Right. I’ll head there right away.” Romello stood up and rushed to leave for the palace, which was unusual for him.
Just as he left, Lady Aurelia came in the room. “Hm? Did Romello leave?”
“Mother, are you sure you should be up right now?”
“I’m fine. I can’t stay in bed forever. Merellis will be here tomorrow anyway,” she answered with a sheepish smile.
“I see.” Louis nodded but still urged his mother to sit. “I don’t think Father will be home for a while.”
“I figured. Once he goes to the palace, he usually doesn’t come back for two or three days.” She had a warm smile on her face. “Are you going there too?”
“Yes, when I get the chance.”
“I see…” She let out a sigh. “May I say something, Louis? Before, you said that Merellis was aware that you had vowed to devote all of yourself to the kingdom and its citizens and that you were already prepared for it. Still, I think she’ll be quite lonely from time to time… Make sure that you care for her, and only her, very much.” She had a serious look on her face.
“What’s gotten into you, Mother?”
“I was just doing some thinking, and I’m sure she’ll feel how I feel. I wanted to make sure you knew that.”
“I have no intentions of looking at anyone else but her. She’s my beloved fiancée. We’re both dedicated to staying by each other’s sides.”
“I see… Never go back on those words. She’s my very precious daughter too.”
“Yes, of course.”
“I’m sorry I kept you, Louis. I’m sure you’d like to leave now.”
“I will once I call someone to help you.”
“I’m fine. I walked all the way here.”
“Did you? Well, then, I’ll be going now,” Louis said and then left the room.