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Chapter 9 - Colourfull congresses

"You truly are stubborn," A legate dressed in elaborate robes scoffed, "A King should want the best of his people, yet you want to remain in savagery and unfulfillment as you halt the progress of your country."

This was not the first time Pantheon legates had come over to persuade, or rather harass the King.

Believe it or not, the Astra Kingdom has military might which rivals that of the Pantheon itself, which in effect means that the Pantheon cannot easily exert their influence over the Astra Kingdom.

As a result of such, the next step would be to lead the assault diplomatically.

Though, if the two were to war and it became a battle of attrition, the Moonshine Kingdom would undoubtedly lose The Pantheon just had so much land and resources at their disposal, but the costs to start such a war outweighed the benefits, forcing The Pantheon to take the 'peaceful' approach.

"I've made my stance, and I'm not intent on changing it," Edgar Astra spoke forcefully, "We, the Astra Kingdom, will not adopt the theocracy of the Pantheon,"

Edgar really wanted to strangle these bastards, but the repercussions of such an action would be severe, he was a man who could keep his patience.

"Oh my, you can deny us all you want, but think about your future generations, I believe this is a matter for them to decide," the envoy smirked, he definitely had something up his sleeve, "After all, you never know how long you'll remain at the top for,"

Edgar's expression darkened, "Are you threatening me?"

"Oh, I would never dare!" he feigned sincerity, but it was easy to spot the mockery in his eyes.

After a small conversation between the two, the King bade farewell to the legate as he had some affairs to attend to. As the legate left the reception room, the King let his shoulders sag as he leaned into the pink couch.

It looks like The Pantheon had some back dealings.

He already knew that the Pantheon already had some sympathisers within the noble class, but it raised numerous problems if members of the royal family were bought off by the Pantheon. Who knows what kind of information those bastards have.

Those star smitten fanatics! It looks like he would have to counterspy, within his own family no less.

Nonetheless, he wasn't making an excuse just then. He had to immediately attend a meeting between the political powers of the Kingdom.

Yes, powers, plural. The Kingdom was not a total monarchy run by the royals, but rather a split democratic system, whereby a legislative body takes charge of internal affairs, however, is overarched by the monarchy donning absolute veto power over any decision made.

Entering the conference room, Edgar finds himself the last to arrive.

The other two parties present in the room, glazing over him before promptly revising their agendas.

"Let's start," Begining the congress, Edgar listened to the various reports and issues met across the Kingdom and countermeasures put in place.

The person currently speaking was a member of the Moonshine Council. A congregation of talented individuals who formed their own political party. They were one of the two parties in the room, not including the Royal faction. The other political faction was the opposition, a faction composed of a portion of high ranking aristocrats of whom stood in opposition to his party. The Royal faction.

"I believe we have a pressing concern to address today, my statesmen," Looking around, he made sure everyone had their attention on him.

"As we are all aware, the Pantheon has been a growing threat as of late, they-"

A member of the opposition cut him off.

"We have proposed this many times, your majesty, but we should accept their theocracy. There are only benefits to such an offer! Not only do we share in their power, but we also get allocations of-"

"Silence. I do not appreciate you speaking over me,"

The opposition grew more brazen by the day.

"However, it is still fact that there is some benefit to that proposal," An Moonshine Councilman interjected, "Currently, we are facing heavy domestic and political pressure from the Pantheon, not to mention the hidden threat the elves pose with their operations down south. There is also the Empire to worry about, as they push for the renouncement of our local authority,"

The Astra Kingdom is located in between two major powers, being The Pantheon and the Empire of Steel. However, The Pantheon wants them to become their vassal state by way of theocratic takeover, slowly pressuring and placing sanctions on them.

Whereas with the Empire of Steel, they recently had an internal war as things got very messy over there. The new government of the Empire frowns upon magic and wishes that they become their vassal, or give up all magical practices, threatening a war. If only the situation was this bad, the Astra could handle it, but the recent Heretic sightings have pushed things over the edge, as the elves became more aggressive in their recent maneuvers.

"Oh, I forgot to mention the recent cult activity and Heretic sightings, didn't I? I suppose it can be timetabled for another congress,"

Indeed, that was not the true agenda for today's conference.

"Should we summon an otherworlder?"

That was what they had gathered here for.

"Nay! The costs heavily outweigh the benefits, additionally, many court summoners may die, which is yet another con of this!"

"False! It's projected that it'll have a strength of at least a legend, and bringing an unknown entity in the fold is good insurance if any conflict were to break out."

The statesmen immediately entered a round of debate, though it didn't take long to devolve into a petty feud, as they started insulting and mudslinging each other…

"I wonder whether you were properly fed as a child, cause it looks like it's causing you to have a stroke now innit?!"

"At least I have parents, what do you got?"

"Hmph, you're just a kid playing house. Why don't you go home? Wait, you're too broke for one aren't you?"

"Oh, wowie, you got some money to slap around, why don't you pass some?"

"Yeah! Gimme some money! Unlike you pricks, I don't embezzle taxes!"

That last one was a genuine complaint. But nonetheless, the agenda had been completely forgotten as the statesmen fought amongst themselves.

*Boom*

Releasing his aura, a crushing aura descended upon the room. Although he was not a dedicated fighter, Edgar was still of the Steel Will rank and his aura showed. Silence ensued as cold sweat dripped down the members of the opposition. They were the ones who were fervently against the summoning and wanted to be vassalized by the Pantheon.

From the minor drips he gathered, and his own personal projections, he had already decided on whether to proceed with the summoning.

The only purpose of this meeting was to see where everyone stood and to inform them of this decision. The outcome was already decided and even if the opposition wanted to change it, they had little power to do so.

After all, the Astra monarchy was not so pathetic as to lose political control of their denizens.

"The summoning goes ahead,"

His word was final, the opposition could only bow their heads, as they gulped down their complaints