Chapter 67: Presidential Government - The Value of Risk
Upon returning to the capital, Lumière, with Hassan and Chandra in tow, I
was briefed on the remarkable diplomatic achievements of the Francia
Republic.
Firstly, the Alpine Kingdom.
Our envoys sent to the kingdom of dwarves, nestled in the mountains
stretching from the southeastern Francia to the northern Holy Church
territories, initially piqued the dwarves’ interest.
However, the issue arose that none of the goods we produced were of any
necessity to them.
We took pride in our wine, considering it a jewel of our culture, but the
dwarves dismissed it, demanding beer instead.
To our dismay, after tasting our beer, the dwarves deemed it inferior to
that of Germanian.
Our currency held little value to them, and with their abundant mines, they
possessed far more gold and silver than we could offer, marking Francia
Republic’s first diplomatic venture a grand failure.
Secondly, the Eastern Empire.
A vast empire of elves beginning from the east of the Germanian Empire.
As passage through Germanian was out of the question, our route had to be
maritime. However, the Northern Union Kingdom, controlling the necessary
waters, extended their trade blockade to deny us passage.
Essentially, we didn’t even get a chance to propose trade.
Indeed, such splendid diplomatic achievements by the Republic are
overwhelming.
And here I am, facing hurdles right from the start with my third endeavor.
“To ally with barbarians and pagans, what absurdity is this, Duke?”
“We may have turned our backs on an unworthy king, but we remain proud
Francian nobility. How could we possibly welcome these barbarians?”
Even the Central Party in the parliament, which should be backing me, and
those nobles who have followed me since joining the Republic, are vehemently
against this.
Even Count Anjou, usually so jovial, wore a face of utter disdain, making me
understand why Croxus and his men found me so peculiar.
Though Gaston and I, who have forsaken chivalry due to the Blue Knight and
come from common backgrounds, might find it easier, the animosity the
Francian knights and nobility harbor against these people seems far more
intense than I had imagined.
“I understand your concerns. However, realistically, trading with them could
bring significant benefits, especially since they can supply mithril, which
would make trade with the Alpine Kingdom feasible.”
Mithril is a precious resource, even to dwarves. Francia, 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, Duke, that’s only if everything goes smoothly. Can you assure us that
trade with these barbaric beasts will remain stable?”
Skepticism filled the questioning delegate’s eyes.
It’s fortunate I sought consensus before bringing Hassan and Chandra.
“Having spoken directly with their king and subjects, our understanding and
dialogue were quite smooth, far better than our preconceived notions of
barbarians.”
“But their nature...”
As the delegates remained unconvinced even with my intervention, Christine
spoke up.
“There’s also the matter of maintaining trade routes. If they indeed conquer
the Iberian Peninsula, it could significantly disrupt the Holy Church and
the Aquitaine Trade Guild’s maritime commerce. Therefore, to secure easy
access to the Porto port, collaboration with them is necessary.”
“But, Countess Aquitaine, wouldn’t that pose a problem? If these barbarians
unify the Iberian Peninsula and seize Porto port, what will we do if they
turn against us?”
Christine narrowed her eyes and turned her gaze to me.
It’s unavoidable that she would be unable to respond once the conversation
shifts from politics and economics to military matters.
“Therefore, to prevent such a situation, it is imperative that we maintain a
friendly relationship with them, and should the worst occur, the army and I
will respond-”
“No, Duke. Surely there’s another way?”
Count Anjou interrupted before I could finish.
“...What do you have in mind, Count?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to assist Porto Harbor, solidify our friendship with
them, and focus on subduing the barbarians?”
As soon as Count Anjou finished speaking, opinions started pouring in from
all sides.
“Count Anjou is right. Porto has functioned as a trade harbor for ages. It’s
better to support those we can trust than to aid those beasts.”
“Just a decade ago, we fought at the southern fortresses to fend off their
raids! The barbarity of those beasts is proven by centuries of history!”
Faced with stronger opposition than expected, I managed to hold back a sigh
and responded.
“Realistically, we need to keep both the Germanian Empire and the Northern
Union Kingdom in check. Moreover, trading our surplus Francia food for gold,
silver, or mithril could significantly stabilize our struggling peasant
economy.”
This time, a delegate from the National Assembly, not of noble birth but a
capitalist, spoke up.
“I understand that we can’t immediately embark on a campaign to the Iberian
Peninsula. But, Duke, even so, isn’t it just the peasants who will benefit?
Honestly, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re taking on too much risk just
to fatten the peasants’ wallets.”
“That’s exactly our concern, Duke. No matter how you look at it, this
doesn’t seem right.”
Seeing Count Anjou nod emphatically gave me a headache...
In the end, the Central Party, dominated by nobles and capitalists, is
unaffected whether the peasant economy collapses or not. Their distrust and
aversion to barbarians are much greater concerns.
Eventually, I sighed.
“...I understand the sentiments of our party members. However, since they
are official envoys, the matter will be submitted to the National Assembly.”
“Well, that’s...”
The delegates reluctantly nodded, and with that, the Central Party’s meeting
concluded.
***
After the meeting, in the reception room of the Central Party headquarters.
Christine handed me a cup of coffee she had prepared herself and began to
speak.
“There’s a lot of opposition.”
“Thank you. ...Indeed. Perhaps I underestimated the situation.”
Even the aroma and taste of high-quality coffee didn’t feel as sweet as they
might have, possibly because of my mood.
Seeing the reaction of our party, a coalition of nobles and capitalists, I
doubt there would be many favorable voices in the Liberal Party either.
As I pondered, Christine took a sip of her coffee and then spoke up.
“...Pierre, even I think there’s some merit to the Central Party members’
concerns this time.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it is. A merchant’s priority is profit, after all. From my
perspective, maintaining Porto Harbor as it is seems more stable. The
benefits you speak of from trading with them rely entirely on the premise
that we can trust them.”
If Christine is suggesting this, perhaps it’s time to reconsider.
Seeing my evident disappointment, Christine set down her coffee cup and
offered a slight smile.
“However, it was you who personally spoke with them and came to this
conclusion, and under the premise that they can be trusted, it indeed
presents an opportunity too valuable to miss. If we fail to resolve the
economic issues, the public’s trust in the National Assembly will only
continue to decline.”
“Yes. Moreover, they could become valuable allies against the Abyss
Corporation. We might even secure benefits like tax exemptions in Porto
Harbor in the future. But with our own party members, who should be the most
supportive, reacting this way...”
I trailed off, my voice fading.
Indeed, the Central Party and the Liberal Party, which have little concern
for the peasant economy, would likely be reluctant to support such a
proposal.
But what about the Revolutionary Party?
Until now, the Revolutionary Party has almost always been opposed to us, but
if this proposal could revive the peasant economy, they might show interest.
After all, peasants and workers form their core support base.
Additionally, given their secular stance, their history of concessions to
religious entities might make them more open to tolerance towards a pagan
nation.
Perhaps I should propose this to Maximilian Zidor?
“The Revolutionary Party might take an interest in this proposal.”
“...That seems likely. But even so, the opposition won’t be insignificant,
and it wouldn’t look good for you, a key figure in the Central Party, to go
against the party’s stance and ally with the Revolutionary Party.”
Christine took another sip of her coffee before continuing.
“As you know, Pierre, both you and I have a solid enough standing that we
don’t need to rush into anything.”
I pondered for a moment.
As Christine and the Central Party suggested, a slight collapse in the
peasant economy wouldn’t be fatal to us.
Even as Francia’s economy wavers due to trade blockades, Aquitaine’s
monopoly trade is experiencing unprecedented prosperity.
But if we only look to fill our own coffers in such a short-sighted manner,
how are we any different from the old regime...
Lost in thought, Christine spoke up again.
“There’s also another matter. There have been unsettling movements centered
around Bishop Richelieu.”
“Really? I was under the impression that he had been in seclusion for a
while.”
“Yes, and while it’s not yet confirmed, it seems he may have connections
with the Northern Army.”
At Christine’s words, I furrowed my brow.
The Northern Army.
Raphael Ballian?
But in peacetime, not wartime, what could a mere military commander do?
“Therefore, pushing for a proposal in the Assembly that would starkly divide
opinions, taking on such a political burden, is a risky endeavor.”
Christine looked at me, pausing for a moment before asking.
“Despite all this, do you still believe it’s worth taking on such a burden
to pursue this matter?”
There is value in it.
War with the Germanian Empire is inevitable. An empire that mobilized an
army of 30,000 even in someone else’s war.
In a war for the Empress, who is essentially the power behind the throne,
how many troops would they mobilize?
In a situation where normalizing the economy is already a challenge, it
seems the delegates are still lost in a fantasy, thinking everything will be
fine as long as it doesn’t affect them personally.
What if we turn away Croxus’s offer and they end up unifying the Iberian
Peninsula? Given their capabilities that I’ve seen, it’s entirely possible.
Then what will become of Porto Harbor? And can we be sure that these newly
hostile entities won’t eye Francia’s fertile lands during a war with the
Germanian Empire?
Above all, it’s in no one’s interest to let more humans or barbarians fall
into the clutches of Abyss Corporation, which is openly hostile towards
Francia.
Yet,
“...The risk is significant. But if it endangers you to an unacceptable
level, then it’s all for naught.”
Christine offered a slight smile and responded,
“It’s more likely you who will be in danger, don’t you think?”
If Christine is saying this, it means she’s quite certain, even without
proof.
Am I, in my unnecessary ambition, putting not only myself but also Christine
at risk?
As I contemplated backing down, Christine, observing my expression, spoke
up.
“Pierre, have you forgotten? You were outraged when I was targeted in a
terror attack, but in reality, I also eliminated Jean Malraux in a similar
manner.”
“That’s different. Back then, we weren’t part of the National Assembly, and
you were eliminating someone who denied our very existence, without causing
unnecessary civilian casualties. They’re targeting both us, who joined at a
high cost, and civilians—”
“The essence is the same, Pierre. Both I and they ended up with blood on our
hands, and I can do it again if necessary. That’s the kind of person I am.”
“...”
“When you first approached me, you wanted a Count who could assist you with
Aquitaine’s influence.”
Yes, I did say that.
“Until now, you’ve been acting to avoid a dismal fate resulting from
complacency, and I’ve been supporting you. Even if...”
Christine seemed to choose her words carefully before continuing slowly,
“...Even if you’ve come to regard me as something more special, that hasn’t
changed. I’m not here to hinder you, but to help you. I have only one
question for you, Pierre. Is it worth taking this risk to see this through?”
“...Yes.”
“Good. I trust you, so I’ll help you make it possible. Just do what you
believe is necessary.”
“...Is it really possible?”
Especially when our adversary might be Raphael Ballian.
Christine smiled deeply.
“I’m not so incompetent as to be blindsided after noticing something amiss.
If you allow me to use any means necessary, even turning the risks to our
advantage, I can handle it.”
As I remained silent, Christine tilted her head slightly and asked,
“Does this side of me make you like me less?”
“...Absolutely not. I’ve told you before. I trust you, so do what you think
is necessary.”
Christine smiled clearly.
“You don’t mince words.”
I let out a sigh.
“I had intended to avoid putting you in danger at all costs.”
“Ultimately, protecting this country is necessary to safeguard Aquitaine,
and only then can I stand tall before Louis.”
After saying this, Christine shot me a look before speaking again.
“I, for my part, trust that you won’t recklessly invite serious danger. But
if you jump into the fire this time, I won’t let it slide so easily.”
Ah, truly.
“May I kiss you?”
As I fixed her with my gaze, Christine blinked slowly, and a look of
surprise spread across her face.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but find some amusement, and Christine asked
somewhat gruffly.
“Was our conversation leading up to this?”
“Do you mind?”
Christine responded without words, and that was answer enough.
After sharing a sweet warmth and feeling our mingled breaths, I whispered to
her.
“Alright, let’s do it. We’ve never been ones to shy away from a challenge.”
Whether facing the royal army, joining the revolutionaries, or dealing with
witches.
We’ve always confronted challenges head-on, according to our plans, in the
moments we chose. There’s no point in quivering and hiding now.
If a confrontation is inevitable, let it be on our terms, not theirs.
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