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.
Normally the maids and butlers would've been spies or maybe insiders of those two factions, and majority of them are. Fortunately, the treasurer of the Imperial Palace remained aligned with a neutral faction. This detail indirectly provided Arthur with a unique advantage, as the maids and butlers, though not entirely aligned with either mainstream faction, could provide a more balanced perspective. Working in Imperial palaces is boon in itself, for gathering information on Empire's situation. No matter how corrupt the aristocratic regime is, for outward appearance's sake, the Imperial Hall is the only place to discuss important issues, like territorial wars between nobles inside of the Empire.
As the days passed, Arthur's little information gathering in the name curiosity about Ginny's situation, gain some momentum. Although the maids and butlers were prohibited from revealing any information to Emperor, they still indulged few non-important things about situation to him.
Armed with this knowledge, Arthur prepared to engage with Duke Raul at the right moment. But what he didn't expected was one of the butlers to suddenly reveal an important knowledge about the situation in the Elmsworth frontier battle.
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.
This made him question his earlier knowledge which he thought he had 'obtained' from the palace workers. Realising his own inadequacy and inexperience in gathering information, he quickly asked every single detail he could.
What he didn't know at the time, was that the butler was a servant of a certain Count, who had purposefully, gave away the information, just to observe and test how Young Emperor would react and combact the news.
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, though not fully convinced, of any external influences, 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, 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 court politics to take place, so that Elmsworth may survive this turmoil. Hoping for the best Arthur went back to doing his usual things, unaware that his actions had caused Raul to increase, young emperor's surveillances.
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.