Although Yuan was a follower of Eastern Levetia and an elite cardinal, the unexpected upheaval in recent days was something he had hoped was a practical joke.
The issue was poor timing. A top-level meeting between the larger-than-life Crown Prince Wein of Natra and His Grace Ernesto of Eastern Levetia, in the Empire no less, would allow Eastern Levetia’s influence to soar. Certain of this, Yuan had done everything in his power to bring both sides to the negotiation table. Yet despite his initial success, Wein then suggested they meet in Natra. This was a result of Yuan’s own inadequacies and a call for self-reflection.
However, the events that followed could only be described as astounding.
First, there was Lowellmina’s supposed assassination. Yuan had been dumbfounded by the news. He knew the princess’s popularity within the Empire was practically tangible. Yuan himself was secretly fond of her. What was to become of the Empire with her gone? A violent thunderstorm loomed over its future.
Thus Yuan was relieved when reports of misinformation arrived. Plus, Prince Wein had taken the situation seriously and agreed to meet in the Empire so he could observe its state of affairs. It was an unexpected windfall.
However, that was when Yuan’s luck ran out.
Princess Lowellmina and Prime Minister Keskinel were close allies, the outraged citizens suspected either Manfred or Bardloche had ordered the assassination, and the princes’ recent movements were worrisome. The Empire’s situation was deteriorating rapidly, and since he was the conference’s coordinator, Yuan’s work was never done.
If—if only we could postpone it…!
However, Yuan was the one who’d invited the foreign prince in the first place. Any proposed delay would reflect poorly on him, and Wein would see through any attempt to indirectly get him to do the same. Yuan racked his brain over what to do about the inevitable arrival of the Natra delegation.
As matters stood, he had no choice but to get through the conference as fast as possible and send Wein’s delegation back to Natra.
That was the plan, but…
“I never imagined it would come to this.”
Reports of Bardloche’s army were the last thing on Yuan’s mind.
They were hardly inconsequential, but a greater issue overshadowed them.
“I suppose we won’t be able to remain uninvolved for much longer,” Yuan said in a displeased tone. He glanced down at the letter in his hand.
“Wh-why, Your Highness?!”
Fyshe, who’d finally caught up to Wein’s delegation in a town north of Veijyu Lake, insisted on an audience and requested Natra’s aid. However, Wein said his nation would not provide reinforcements.
“If your concerns are financial, we will cover the cost! In fact, you don’t have to send a single unit! You only need to announce that Natra’s military is assisting Princess Lowellmina,” she stated firmly.
“Like I said, I can’t.” Wein’s refusal cut like a knife. “See for yourself. This just arrived from Eastern Levetia.”
Wein held out a missive. Fyshe read the contents, then reeled.
“…Eastern Levetia has denounced Prince Bardloche?!”