Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 284
Chapter 284: The Previous Noble of the Empire Spotted by the Princess of the Tria Kingdom, no, the Informant
The imperial noble spotted by the Tria Kingdom’s informant in the Duchy of Tahiti turned out to be Donati Fello, a former member of the royal household.
The small group of incredibly powerful individuals he had brought with him empowered Leon Tahiti, who had previously been known only as the Duke’s brother, enabling him to lead a successful uprising.
King Ramon I stated that the newly appointed Duke of Tahiti, under the guidance of Donati Fello, was breaking away from the alliance’s norms and implementing policies that were causing unrest.
“What particular policies are we referring to?”
“Despite being part of the alliance, each kingdom remains distinct, yet they have started easing border controls and gradually reducing trade tariffs between nations, with the eventual plan of eliminating them altogether.”
Out of all the seven kingdoms, Tahiti – a maritime kingdom in the Eastern Sea made up of islands, benefiting from transit trade linking the mainland McLaine or the Empire – would certainly see advantages from this approach.
The policy was seen as praiseworthy.
“Furthermore, the Duchy’s troops are now fully equipped with Yonsa crossbows imported from McLaine, focusing on daily military drills, which has put neighboring kingdoms on edge.”
Their defense capabilities were also being reinforced.
“Additionally, they stress that their four kingdoms have long been marginalized within the alliance and now wield significant decision-making power, so if unchecked, the alliance will continue to be swayed by them.”
Their diplomatic efforts were also robust.
“Hmm, sounds like a capable ruler then…?”
“Eh?”
“Ah, my apologies. So, what exactly do you seek from us?”
In a haste, Logan changed his tone upon noticing King Ramon I’s reaction to an unintentional slip of the truth.
Ramon I, who had appeared puzzled, swiftly composed himself and got straight to the point.
“I believe this entire situation originated from a plot by the Empire. Therefore, our kingdom, already affected by the Empire, wishes to form a strong alliance with McLaine. We in Tria are willing to meet any requests McLaine may have.”
“Truly? Anything?”
His eyes widened at the generous offer, indicating they were willing to grant almost anything in return for forming an alliance.
“Yes, anything within reason, as McLaine is, undoubtedly, the more powerful entity.”
Behind the flattery towards the influential country, there were evidently conditions attached.
“However, in return, we ask that you eliminate Donati Fello and remove Leon Tahiti from the Duchy.”
“What…?”
To request the assassination of a kingdom’s ruler?
Logan was taken aback by King Ramon I’s audacious proposition.
“What are your thoughts?”
I’ll need some time to consider.
After ending the conversation with King Ramon I, Logan sought Damian’s opinion.
Given the threat from the Empire, the proposal from Tria presented a valuable opportunity.
Yet, there were certain aspects that raised suspicions unavoidably.
And Damian accurately identified those doubts.
“King Ramon I’s statements may hold some truth, but not entirely.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Empire wouldn’t employ someone whose identity had already been uncovered as a spy. Consider Cleo’s case. We still lack concrete evidence that he was a spy for the Empire, except for the fact that the suspected second prince brought us his head.”
“True.”
“Nevertheless, it’s plausible that someone named Donati Fello is instigating changes in the Duchy of Tahiti, which, in turn, is disrupting the unity of the small kingdoms’ alliance. There’s a reasonable chance of the Empire’s involvement.”
“Indeed. The question is, what does the Empire gain by supporting the Duchy of Tahiti, something we have yet to decipher. Setting aside King Ramon I’s biased claims, the new ruler of the Duchy is implementing policies that appear to benefit their nation significantly.”
“That’s correct. And the progress seen in the Duchy of Tahiti, essentially signifies the advancement of the weakest member of the alliance. The rise of the once feeble Duchy now disrupts the existing order for the other kingdoms.”
“So, everyone is wary, like King Ramon I?”
“Yes. From their viewpoint, centuries-old established norms seem to be crumbling, leading to potential chaos.”
“Indeed… that does make sense. So, they wish to remove that unpredictable element and revert everything ‘back to the way it was.’ That could be a plausible motive. However, I doubt that’s all King Ramon I desires.”
In matters between nations, where the lives of millions are at stake, nothing is absolute. There are always various factors to consider.
Yet, the fact that he was ready to offer something that shouldn’t be offered implied clear intentions.
“…This implies he doesn’t plan to keep his end of the bargain. This King Ramon I seems to have underestimated me.”
“Honestly, your portrayal as a frail king was begging to be disregarded.”
“What?”
“It’s a jest.”
Logan chuckled at Damian’s unexpected humor.
Did he also possess such levity in his previous life?
Feeling the contrast with his past existence, Damian swiftly changed the subject.
“King Ramon I is evidently trying to shift the burden onto us. If successful or not, it appears they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
“And if it fails?”
“They would disavow any involvement.”
“If it succeeds?”
“They would paint us as the alliance’s foes and reclaim control over it.”
In unison, Logan and Damian’s viewpoints aligned perfectly.
“If I were in your place.”
“Exactly. That old fox did seem quite cunning.”
“‘Too’ cunning? Are you implying I’m a serpent…?”
Oh, you.
In your past life, you were akin to a poisonous viper.
Unable to voice those thoughts, Logan promptly redirected the conversation.
“Ahem. I meant he appears shrewd, no, intelligent, that’s all.”
“Well, I’ll take it as a compliment.”
“Right. So, what should we do? Ultimately, having more allies against the Empire would benefit us.”
“Whether or not Donati Fello is genuinely linked to the Empire, it essentially involves toppling a Duchy. It’s concerning due to the potential consequences rather than the difficulty… But, perhaps…”
Damian spoke with a subtly chilling smile.
“If we handle it astutely, we can create a situation that significantly advances your goals.”
“Oh?”
“We comply with King Tria’s request, eliminate Donati Fello, and bring about the downfall of Leon Tahiti. Then, we shift the blame onto the Empire.”
“Didn’t you mention that would turn the Kingdom of Tria against us?”
“That’s why we need to secure some leverage from the King of Tria beforehand.”
“Hmm?”
“They wouldn’t anticipate us acting solely based on their word. They must have some leverage prepared. However, we must impose conditions so weighty that they would be substantial even for them, whatever that may entail.”
“And if he refuses?”
“He won’t. Further investigation is required, but if the King himself is resorting to such drastic measures, the situation is likely more critical than he admits. They are in a more urgent situation than we are.”
“Agreed. Let’s first grasp the situation thoroughly.”
“Yes.”
Damian’s confidence proved accurate merely three days later.
“The Kingdom of Tria is more reliant on transit trade than we initially thought.”
Despite only three days of investigation, Damian spoke calmly while organizing a significant stack of documents.
“What does that imply?”
“Tria lacks notable unique products. If we were to pinpoint something, it would be their surplus agricultural produce compared to the other small kingdoms in the alliance. Yet, even that hasn’t curbed the extravagance of the royals and nobles.”
“Intriguing.”
“They have amassed wealth by heavily taxing inter-kingdom trade due to their strategic location. Now, they have lost their primary income source.”
“A challenging predicament indeed.”
“Yes. They would likely agree to nearly any condition we set.”
A smile crept across Logan’s face.
Before long, another covert communication was initiated with King Ramon I of Tria.
“Demand, you say?”
“Yes. As you are aware, it’s quite troublesome for McLaine to interfere within the kingdoms of the alliance.”
“Indeed, it must be.”
“As you promised to accommodate any demand, I assume you have certain expectations. I would appreciate it if you could state your conditions first.”
Express it clearly.
King Ramon I appeared distressed by Logan’s words.
However, after a brief cough, Ramon cautiously began to speak and introduced a condition that was rather unexpected.
“I have a charming sixteen-year-old daughter. As a gesture of our alliance, I would like to send her to you as a concubine.”
…How many daughters does this man have?
‘But before that…’
Logan struggled to contain a twitch of discomfort on his face.
“That’s unnecessary. Another condition, if you please. I am content with my current queen.”
“You would reject a woman, at your youthful age of valor… Ahem, my apologies, that was inappropriate of me.”
Surprised by Logan’s response, Ramon I’s expression revealed shock.
Observing this, Logan became convinced.
‘This man views his daughters merely as tools.’
Despite his outwardly kind demeanor, internally, he was a different kind of individual.
And the subsequent proposal was equally absurd.
“Our kingdom is currently not in the best position to offer a significant upfront. How about a written pledge instead?”
“Another pledge?”
“After the restoration of the coalition, our kingdom would draft a document committing to ‘continually’ repay McLaine annually.”
“Ah… A form of tribute, then?”
“To reinstate harmony in the coalition, we are willing to do whatever is necessary.”
Effectively proposing a vassal-like status.
Nonetheless, Logan shook his head casually.
“While your offer intrigues me…”
A magical agreement between individuals could be disregarded by a seasoned knight. Much less, an inter-kingdom agreement without a formal notary or assurance could quickly become meaningless scribbles.
If, as expected, Ramon I intended to exploit McLaine with mere words and insignificant documents… the situation would be quite challenging.
‘With no guarantee of enforcement, mere verbal promises, and even offering his daughter… He certainly underestimates me too greatly.’
Feeling the need to exert more pressure, Logan pressed on.
“…I would prefer tangible collateral over such documents.”
“Collateral? As I mentioned, our kingdom lacks the resources to spare presently. Oh, or do you mean one daughter isn’t sufficient? In that case, perhaps three…”
This lunatic…
Suppressing a shiver, Logan abruptly interrupted the king’s attempt to use his daughter as a bargaining tool.
“I am referring to entrusting a cherished national treasure of Tria entirely to me.”
“What?!”
Ramon I was evidently taken aback, his eyes widening dramatically.
The leader of the seven heroes who liberated themselves from the tyranny of the ancient Grandia Kingdom, Spear King Tria Cassel, left behind a six-class artifact known as the Radiant Lance ‘Ignis’ as a relic.
Subsequently, the Spear King’s name became the royal surname of Tria, and his relic became the kingdom’s prized possession.
“Ignis is a six-class artifact and the national treasure of our kingdom. How could we…”
Ramon I didn’t even mention the royal emblem, the symbol of sovereignty. The worth of the national treasure was immense.
‘Which is precisely why it holds value.’
Despite witnessing the king’s dismayed expression, Logan spoke resolutely.
“It would merely be temporarily in my care. Given the gravity of the task we must undertake, such collateral would ensure the commitments are taken seriously, wouldn’t you agree?”
“But, that’s…”
“Do you believe you can rally our kingdom with mere words and a worthless piece of paper? Certainly not?”
Confronted with Logan’s icy smile, King Ramon I was rendered speechless through the transmission.
After a prolonged silence, Ramon I tentatively spoke.
“…I ask that this remains confidential externally.”
A silent admission, bowing low.
Logan accepted that concession with a grin spreading across his face.
“Of course.”
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