WeTried Translations

Translator: Nemui

Editor: Nemui

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 131: Imperial Visit (1)

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The capital of the Rigald Empire, Saint-Algernon.

As the imperial capital of the vast Rigald Empire, it was said to be the largest city on the Ludna Continent. Within its walls stood the imperial palace, great noble mansions, the cathedrals and monasteries of the Church, merchant houses from every land, and countless workshops, warehouses, and markets. From dawn until late at night, people and goods flowed through the city without pause.

Claudia had arrived in that city with only a small party of attendants.

She had already been crowned on the battlefield as queen. Now, while her subjects prepared for a decisive battle in the west, she had come to the Empire in person.

There was one reason for that.

The previous negotiations with the Empire had been carried out under the assumption that Sigismund and Matthias were still alive. The death of both men had changed the battlefield, and with it the terms of any support the Empire might offer. If Edelstein was to ask for more, Claudia had to make that request herself.

The schedule was harsh. She had ridden almost without rest, bringing only the minimum number of guards and officials needed to maintain royal dignity. Even so, the Empire had received her as a sovereign.

In an audience chamber of the imperial palace, Claudia stood before Emperor William Rigald II.

The emperor was already an old man, but the weight of the imperial throne still rested naturally on his shoulders. He looked down at Claudia from his seat, then rose in greeting with a solemn expression.

"Your Majesty Claudia von Edelstein. I welcome you to the Rigald Empire."

"Your Majesty William Rigald II. I am grateful for the honor of this audience."

The exchange was brief, formal, and equal. Both were sovereigns, and neither could bow too deeply before the other.

William's expression softened.

"I heard of King Sigismund's passing. He was a worthy king and a friend of the Empire. Allow me to offer my condolences."

"Thank you. My father also valued the Empire's friendship deeply."

"Then today, let us first mourn the dead and honor the living. You must be weary from the road. Rest in the palace for today. We can speak of politics tomorrow. Tonight, I will prepare a banquet to welcome you."

It was a generous offer, and by ordinary custom Claudia should have accepted. But she did not.

"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your consideration. However, my subjects are fighting even now. The decisive battle will decide the fate of my kingdom. I cannot take rest or enjoy a banquet before I have done what I came here to do."

The emperor watched her in silence.

"I ask that negotiations begin today."

For a moment, the chamber grew still.

Then William laughed quietly.

"So this is the daughter Sigismund raised."

His eyes were not displeased. He looked at the young queen as though he had confirmed something.

"Very well. I will not make you wait. The practical negotiations will be handled by Crown Prince Edwin. I have entrusted western diplomacy to him, and he has full authority in this matter."

At the emperor's words, the crown prince stepped forward.

Edwin Rigald was still young for the heir of an empire, but the courtesy with which he bowed contained none of a youth's immaturity.

"Your Majesty Claudia, allow me to guide you."

"I place myself in your care, Your Imperial Highness."

The formal phrases continued until they left the audience chamber and entered a smaller reception room prepared for private talks.

Only after the doors closed did Claudia exhale faintly.

"You may speak as you usually do here, Your Imperial Highness. We are not before the emperor or the court."

Edwin smiled.

"Then I will accept the kindness of a friend."

"A friend?"

"Do you dislike the word?"

"It is not a word I expected from the crown prince of the Empire."

"Then let me use it all the more. A friend who speaks too stiffly is tiring."

The exchange was light, but neither of them had forgotten the matter before them. Claudia sat across from Edwin, and the moment the tea was placed and the attendants withdrew, she spoke plainly.

"I will be direct. Edelstein requests direct military support from the Rigald Empire for the coming decisive battle. Any number of soldiers the Empire can spare will be of use."

Edwin's smile faded.

"As your friend, I would like to answer yes at once."

"But as the representative of the Empire, you cannot."

"Exactly."

Edwin folded his hands on the table.

"We have received reports about the battlefield coronation. Edelstein's morale has risen dramatically. You restored a collapsing front, gathered the nobles, and took command as queen. That is an achievement worthy of praise."

"I will accept praise after victory."

"That answer is very like you. But the situation itself has worsened. King Sigismund and Lord Matthias are dead. Lord Joseph has withdrawn from the front. Edelstein has suffered painful losses among its best commanders and troops."

Claudia listened without moving.

"From the Empire's perspective, we must ask whether lending troops to a country whose chance of victory has declined is wise. Our eastern border with the Shival Kingdom cannot be ignored. And if Arelia becomes our new neighbor in the west, preserving our own forces may be the safer course."

The words were cold, but they were not wrong. Claudia accepted that.

"Then what conditions would make the gamble attractive?"

Edwin's eyes narrowed slightly, as if pleased by the question.

"If the risk is large, the reward must also be large. If the Empire can gain a profit worth the gamble, then the calculation changes."

"And the price?"

"Before that, I should tell you what we can offer."

Claudia straightened.

Edwin's tone became that of a statesman.

"If Edelstein accepts the terms, the Rigald Empire will send troops to the western front."

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