Governor’s Government – Worth the Risk
After returning with Hassan and Shandra to the capital Lumière, I was briefed on the wonderful diplomatic achievements of the French Republic.
First Alpine Kingdom.
It is said that the dwarves at first showed some interest in the envoy sent to the dwarven kingdom located in the mountains from southeastern Francia to the northern part of the Holy Church.
The problem is that none of the products we produce are what they need.
We took some pride and brought along our famous wine, but the dwarves said there was no need for that so we should just give them beer.
In fact, the dwarves who tasted our beer said that it was much worse than that of Germania.
Our currency is of little value to them, and they, who live off of gold and silver mines, have much more than we do, so the first diplomacy of the French Republic was a huge failure.
Second Eastern Empire.
A vast empire of elves that begins to the east of the Germanian Empire.
There was no way the Germanic Empire would let our envoy pass through, so we had to go by sea, but the Northern United Kingdom, which controlled the sea area we had to pass through, did not allow passage as an extension of the trade blockade.
As a result, I couldn’t even stab it. I need to be able to meet before I can talk about trade.
I am truly moved by the Republic’s wonderful diplomatic achievements.
And I, who brought the third one, was having difficulties from the beginning.
“What kind of nonsense is it, Marquis, to join hands with a barbarian and pagan nation?”
“Although we have turned against an unworthy king, we are still proud nobles of Francia. How can we welcome those barbarians?”
The Central Party, which is supposed to support me in the National Assembly, and the nobles who have followed me since I joined the Republic, are at the forefront of fierce opposition.
Even the Count of Anjou, who was only laughing vainly, was wearing all his arrogance, so I could understand why Crocs and his men were so amazed at me.
I, who had a hard time with chivalry due to the Blue Knights, and Gaston, who was a commoner, were a bit better, but the hostility towards the knights and nobles of Francia seemed to be much worse than I thought.
“I understand your concerns. But realistically speaking, trade with them seems likely to bring quite a bit of benefit. In particular, they can supply mithril, and if we use this as an ingredient, trade with the Alpine Kingdom will be possible.”
Mithril may be just like ordinary gold or silver, but it is a precious material even for dwarves. No, they would be even more excited because they were dwarves.
Franzia, who cannot trade with the Abyss Corporation, desperately needs a source to import weapons, and the weapons that dwarven artisans will sell will be more helpful than anything else.
“But Marquis, isn’t that only a story when everything goes well?
“Can you guarantee that our trade with those savage beasts will be maintained?”
The eyes of the lawmaker who asks that question are full of disbelief.
It’s a good thing that we tried to agree first before bringing in Hassan and Shandra.
“I personally spoke with their king and his subordinates, and the understanding was consistent and the conversation was quite smooth. At least it is much better than our perception of barbarians.”
“I guess it’s just nature…”
Christine began as the lawmakers were indifferent even after I stepped forward.
“There is also the issue of maintaining trade routes. “If they really occupy the Iberica Peninsula, maritime trade between the Holy Church and the upper reaches of Aquitaine will be significantly disrupted, so there is a need to cooperate with them in order to easily gain access to Porto Port.”
“But Count of Aquitaine. If so, isn’t that actually a problem? What if those barbarians unite the Iberica peninsula, take control of the port of Porto, and then show their teeth at us?”
Christine narrowed her eyes and turned to me.
If you go beyond politics and economics and move on to military issues, she can’t answer, so there’s nothing you can do.
“So, in order to prevent such a situation, we will continue our friendly relationship with them, and in the worst case scenario, I and the military will respond-” “
No, Marquis. “Isn’t there another way?”
Before I finished speaking, the Count of Anjou, who had been listening quietly, opened his mouth.
“…What method are you talking about, Count?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to help Porto Port, strengthen our friendship with them, and subdue the barbarians?”
As soon as the Count of Anjou finished speaking, opinions poured out from all over.
“Count Anjou is right. Porto has functioned as a trading port for a long time. Would you rather help those beasts than those you can trust?”
“Just a dozen years ago, we fought in the southern fortresses to stop their plunder! “Hundreds of years of history prove the barbarity of those beasts!”
I responded while suppressing the feeling that I was about to sigh at the backlash that was stronger than expected.
“Realistically, we must keep the Germanian Empire and the Northern United Kingdom in check.
In addition, since it is a transaction in which gold and silver mithril are received in exchange for the abundant food produced in Franzia, it can greatly stabilize the impoverished peasant economy.”
This time, a lawmaker who was not an aristocrat but a capitalist who turned away from the National Assembly spoke.
“I understand that we cannot go on an expedition to the Iberica Peninsula right now. But marquis. Wouldn’t that only benefit the farmers? “To be honest, I can’t shake the feeling that we are taking too much of a risk just to enrich the farmers.”
“That is exactly what we think, Marquis. Anyway, I don’t think this is right.”
It gives me a headache to see the Count of Anjou nodding his head so suddenly…
In the end, the Central Party, which is centered on nobles and wealthy people, does not take a direct hit whether the peasant economy goes bankrupt or not.
Rather, there is a much greater distrust and rejection of barbarians.
Finally, I sighed.
“…I understand what our party lawmakers mean. However, since I am an official envoy from that side, the agenda will be submitted to the National Assembly.”
“Well, that’s it…”
The members reluctantly nodded and with that, the Central Party meeting ended.
–
In the reception room of our central office after the meeting.
Christine opened her mouth as she brewed coffee herself and handed it to me.
“There is a lot of opposition.”
“Thank you. … I see. “Maybe I thought it was too easy.”
The aroma and taste of high-quality coffee do not seem very sweet, perhaps due to my mood.
Looking at the reaction of our party, which is a coalition of aristocrats and wealthy people, it seems that not many members of the Liberal Party are happy about it.
As I was pondering, Christine also took a sip of her coffee and opened her mouth.
“…Pierre, I also think that the opinions of the Central Party members make sense this time.”
“Is that so?”
“yes that’s right. What a merchant prioritizes is profit. For me, I have no choice but to accept that stability will be higher if Porto Port is maintained as is. “The benefits of trading with them that you are talking about are only established on the premise that you can trust them.”
If Christine says this, should she give up too?
As I was feeling discouraged, Christine put down her coffee cup and smiled slightly.
“But this is a conclusion you came to after talking to them yourself, and assuming you can trust them, it’s an opportunity too good to miss. “If the economic problem is not resolved, trust in the National Assembly will continue to decline.”
“yes. Additionally, they will become valuable allies against the Abyss Corporation. In the future, you may be able to receive tax exemption benefits at Porto Port. But the members of our party who are supposed to give us the most solid support are like that…”
I spoke slowly and then closed my mouth.
Yes, it is an agenda that the Center Party and the Liberal Party, which are not very interested in the farmers’ economy, may be reluctant to do.
But what about the Revolutionary Party?
Until now, the Revolutionary Party has almost always been hostile to us, but if there is an agenda that can revive the peasant economy, they will be interested. Because farmers and workers are their core supporters.
In addition, since they advocate secularism, tolerance toward pagan countries would also have some meaning for those who have made concessions to religion.
Would you rather make an offer to Maximilien Isidore?
“The Revolutionary Party may be interested in this agenda.”
“…I guess so. However, there will still be a lot of opposition, and it would not look good for you, the core of the Central Party, to go against the party’s opinion and join hands with the Revolutionary Party.”
Christine took another sip of coffee and opened her mouth.
“You know, Pierre. “Neither you nor I have a solid position here so we don’t have to do anything unreasonable right now.”
I thought for a moment.
As Christine and the Central Party say, we will not suffer a fatal blow even if the peasant economy is slightly ruined right away.
Even though Francia’s economy is shaken by the trade blockade, Aquitaine’s monopoly trade is enjoying an unprecedented boom.
However, if you only fill your own stomach in such a short-sighted way, what is different from the old system…
While I was lost in thought, Christine spoke again.
“And one more thing. “There is a seditious movement centered around Bishop Richelieu.”
“Is that true? “I thought he had been living in seclusion for a while.”
“Yes and. “This is not yet confirmed, but I think there is a connection to the Northern Army.”
I narrowed my eyes at Christine’s words.
Northern Army.
Raphael Balian?
But what can a mere military commander do in peacetime, not in wartime?
“So, it is a considerable risk for you to risk the political burden and push forward an agenda that will have sharp differences in pros and cons in Congress.”
Christine looked at me, paused for a moment, and then asked.
“Nevertheless, do you think it is worth carrying out this matter even if it means taking on such a burden?”
There is value.
Anyway, war with the Germanian Empire is inevitable. It is an empire that mobilized 30,000 troops even in other people’s wars.
How many troops will they mobilize in the war for the empress, who is actually the powerful person?
Even if we somehow normalize the economy and prepare for it, it’s not enough, but those lawmakers still have the mindset that they have a flower garden in their head and it’s just me.
What if we let go of Crocs and they just unify the Iberica Peninsula? With what I’ve seen of their capabilities, it might really be possible.
How will we use the port of Porto then, and is there any guarantee that our allies will not target the rich territories of Francia during the war with the Germanic Empire?
Above all, it would never be good to allow more slaves, whether human or barbarian, to fall into the hands of the Abyss Corporation, which is determined and hostile to Franzia.
but.
“…it is well worth it. However, if even in the unlikely event that you reach a dangerous level, it will be of no use.”
Christine smiled and answered.
“You’re in more danger than me, right?”
If Christine says this, she’s pretty sure, even if there’s no confirmation.
Also, wouldn’t my useless greed put not only me but also Christine in danger?
As I was thinking about quitting, Christine, who was watching me, opened her mouth.
“Have you forgotten Pierre? “You were outraged when I was terrorized, but in fact I similarly got rid of Jean Malraux.”
“That’s different. At that time, we were not members of the National Assembly, and you only eliminated those who denied our existence and did not cause unnecessary civilian casualties. They paid a high price to join us and the civilians-”
“The essence is no different, Pierre. As a result, both they and I had blood on our hands, and I can still do that if it is inevitable. “I am that kind of person.”
“…”
“The first thing you asked me for was a count who would help you with the influence of Aquitaine.”
Yes, I said so.
“Until now, you have been trying to avoid the miserable fate that awaits you if you become complacent, and I have helped you. “You…”
Christine seemed to be a bit hesitant about her words and then spoke slowly.
“Even if you start to think of me as a little more special, that doesn’t change. Because I’m not here to hold you back, but to help you. I have only one question, Pierre. “Is it worth it for us to take this risk?”
“…yes.”
“great. I believe in you and I will help you achieve it. So do what you believe is necessary.”
“…Is that possible?”
The opponent might be Raphael Balian.
Christine smiled deeply.
“I’m not so incompetent that I already noticed and suffered unilaterally. “If you allow me to take advantage of any danger by any means necessary, I will deal with it as much as I can.”
“…”
As I remained silent for a moment, Christine slightly tilted her head and asked.
“Have you lost affection for someone like this?”
“…you’re welcome. I said it before. “I trust you, so just do it if you think it’s necessary.”
Christine smiled brightly.
“You don’t say anything twice.”
I sighed.
“I was planning on making sure you avoid any danger at all.”
“Anyway, I have to protect this country to protect Aquitaine so I can be proud of Louis.”
After saying that, Christine stared at me for a moment and then opened her mouth.
“I believe that you will not put yourself in serious danger and that I will help you.
“If you jump into the fire pit again, I won’t let you go.”
Oh really.
“Can I kiss you?”
Christine, who was staring at me, slowly blinks and confusion spreads across her face.
As I was watching it quite happily, Christine asked me bluntly:
“Were you having a conversation that would sound like that?”
“You don’t like it?”
Christine responded silently and that was enough.
After sharing sweet heat, I whispered to her as I felt our breaths mixing together.
“Okay, let’s do it. “Because we weren’t the ones avoiding it from the beginning.”
Whether fighting against the king’s army, joining the revolutionary army, or slaying witches.
At the moment we chose, we countered with the plan we had in mind. Now, we are trembling and trying to protect ourselves.
If we have to clash at least once anyway, we’ll deal with it when we want, not when they want.
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