Arthur put his plan into action, focusing first on Duke Raul, a significant player in politics. Duke Raul's expected appearance on the fifth day of the week became the focal point of Arthur's initial efforts.
During the wait, Arthur strategically gathered essential information. He tapped into the network of maids and butlers within the Imperial Palace, ensuring they were well-informed about the developments in the north-western region. These trusted individuals served as valuable sources, offering insights that could influence Duke Raul's perspective.
Fortunately, the treasurer of the Imperial Palace remained aligned with a neutral faction. This detail provided Arthur with a unique advantage, as the maids and butlers, not entirely aligned with either mainstream faction, could provide a more balanced perspective. The diverse information flowing through these channels allowed Arthur to build a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding the Elmsworth estate.
As the days passed, Arthur's information-gathering efforts became more refined. Navigating the palace corridors with subtle maneuvers, he positioned himself strategically to stay ahead in the unfolding political chess game. The treasurer's neutral stance added authenticity to the data, enhancing Arthur's grasp of the intricate dynamics at play.
Armed with a wealth of knowledge, Arthur prepared to engage with Duke Raul at the right moment. The careful orchestration of information gathering set the stage for a diplomatic dance that could potentially shift the balance in favor of Elmsworth. The countdown to Duke Raul's arrival had commenced, and Arthur stood ready, equipped with insights and a strategic plan to navigate the complex web of political alliances.
With information gathered from the palace, Arthur became increasingly convinced of implementing the meticulously crafted plan he had devised. A crucial aspect of this plan involved an assessment of the military forces at play. The Margrave of the Elmsworth family commanded a formidable army, comprising eight thousand infantry, one thousand cavalry, and an additional one thousand knights under their prestigious knight order.
In contrast, the combined forces of the Theanbe region counties and Earldoms boasted a larger army, with eighteen thousand infantry, two thousand cavalry, and three thousand knights. These troops were already positioned at the border of the Margrave, engaging in skirmishes and looting unarmed and innocent civilians. Adding to the challenge, reports indicated the use of mercenaries within their ranks.
The concept of mercenaries triggered a thoughtful reflection in Arthur's mind.
'Mercenaries. Hmm... It seems to me that these types of military units are kind of dangerous people as they can easily be convinced by money. If wee must have control over them, then instead of employment, we should give an approvals for them via government.' Thought Arthur.
Recognizing the inherent danger posed by these unpredictable and financially motivated units, Arthur pondered a strategic approach. Instead of directly employing mercenaries, which might lead to uncontrollable consequences, he contemplated a novel idea – granting government approvals for their services.
Little did Arthur know that this seemingly simple thought would evolve into a groundbreaking initiative in the future – the creation of a Mercenary Association. This entity would play a pivotal role in controlling and approving mercenaries employed within the Empire, marking a significant development in the realm of military governance.
Arthur's foresight unveiled the potential risks associated with unregulated mercenary employment. By establishing a system of government approvals, he aimed to exercise greater control over these mercenaries, mitigating the risk of their allegiance being swayed solely by financial incentives.
This innovative approach not only safeguarded the Empire from potential internal threats but also laid the groundwork for a structured and regulated use of mercenaries.
As Arthur delved deeper into the intricacies of military strategy, he recognized the broader implications of his decisions. The Mercenary Association, born out of a simple yet insightful idea, would emerge as a pioneering institution, shaping the future landscape of military operations within the Empire.
In the present, however, Arthur remained focused on the immediate challenge at hand – leveraging the information about the military forces to devise a strategy that would aid the Elmsworth estate. The evolving political chess game demanded not only strategic thinking but also the ability to foresee and address the potential ramifications of each move. Arthur, with his newfound understanding, stood ready to navigate these complexities and pave the way for a future where the Empire could wield influence over even the most unpredictable elements within its borders.
As the day of Arthur's anticipated meeting with Duke Raul arrived, the Cardinal Palace hummed with a distinct energy. Duke Raul's network of informants, strategically positioned within the palace, meticulously relayed every unfolding detail during his absence.
Remarkably nonchalant about maintaining the secrecy of these information channels, Duke Raul openly acknowledged their existence, engaging in conversations within the vast corridors of the palace.
Upon receiving the pertinent details, Duke Raul navigated his way to the Emperor's chambers. A smug sneer adorned his lips, coupled with a merry tone that, to the discerning eye, betrayed a hint of disdain. The news of an apparent thorn having extricated itself – a reference to Ginny's absence – elicited this reaction.
From an external perspective, the mirthful tone concealed a deeper undercurrent of satisfaction at the perceived removal of an impediment. The intricacies of palace politics and the subtle dance of power played out in this encounter between Duke Raul and the puppet emperor, setting the stage for a meeting that would have far-reaching consequences in the unfolding political landscape.
Entering the room without the courtesy of a knock, Duke Raul beheld the young Emperor in a seemingly emotionless state. "Greetings, Your Majesty. It's a pleasant day outside. How about I escort you to the beautiful gardens of the Cardinal today?" he suggested.
In response, Arthur remained silent, merely turning his head to face Duke Raul. Then, with a direct gaze, he questioned, "Duke Raul, I am the Emperor, correct?"
Taken aback by the unexpected inquiry, Raul replied with a hint of suspicion, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Arthur continued, "If I am the Emperor, will you fulfill my wishes?"
"What wish?" Raul inquired.
Without answering directly, Arthur posed a rhetorical question, "If not, then I have to ask my Grandfather, Duke Aquila, for it."
Muttering in a low voice, he added, "I thought I could rely on Duke Raul for this."
Hearing the child's murmur, Raul considered the implications. Responding in a fake serious tone, he said, "It's not like that, Your Majesty. I merely wished to understand your desires so that I could assist you."
"Anything?" Arthur questioned with childlike merriment.
"Anything," Duke Raul replied with a satisfied and charming smile, assuming the request would be trivial.
Seizing the opportunity, Arthur declared, "Then help Ginny's family, Elmsworth Margrave, in their territorial conflict or whatever is happening."
The Prime Minister was momentarily silenced. "How did you know about the conflict, Your Majesty?" Raul asked, suspicion lacing his tone.
Arthur, aware of the need to ensure the Emperor's independence, replied, "The maids were talking about it, and Ginny has been missing for a few days."
Duke Raul, now understanding the source of Arthur's information, grappled with the challenge of a four-year-old making such inquiries. Reflecting on the situation, he considered the involvement of Luna's clan and the need to ascertain the Emperor's autonomy.
"The maids were talking about it, and Ginny is missing for a few days," Arthur repeated, readying himself to employ a child's most potent weapon against adults – tears.
In orchestrated fashion, he began to cry, exclaiming, "I want Ginny back now!" and throwing a tantrum.
Duke Raul, now convinced that no external influence swayed the young emperor, observed the child's natural instinct to seek and care for the person who had nurtured him for years. "You don't have to worry about anything, Your Majesty! I'll help you, I promise," Duke Raul said in an exaggerated tone, attempting to console the crying child.
As Arthur wiped away his tears, he asked hopefully, "Really, will you help her family?"
"Absolutely, Your Majesty. Anything for you," Duke Raul affirmed.
"Yay!" Arthur exclaimed in excitement. "I thought I had to ask my Grandfather or mother for this, but now I can rely on you, Prime Minister."
"I'll talk to you about it tomorrow then, Prime Minister. Bye!" With that, the young emperor dashed outside the room, leaving Duke Raul with his thoughts.
"Damn it! If this brat, Arthur, talks to old Aquila about this, I might have to act in Elmsworth's favor," thought Duke Raul as he exited the room.
Post-Duke Raul's departure, Arthur sported a smug expression, signaling the success of the first part of his plan. The stage was set for a diplomatic dance within the intricate web of palace politics, with each move carefully calculated to protect Elmsworth and navigate the nuanced alliances that could shape the future of the empire.
After a couple of days, Duke Aquila visited Imperial Palace, to 'meet' the Young Emperor.
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A/N
I hope all of you are liking this story.