After successfully enlisting the help(??)of Duke Raul to aid the Elmsworth family, it was now time to turn to Grandpa for assistance.
A couple of hours passed over before Duke Aquila made his appearance, exhibiting a more guarded and cautious demeanor compared to Duke Raul. Upon arrival, he promptly retreated into one of the numerous vacant rooms within the expansive palace, engaging in discussions with his network of informants.
Unlike the openly revealed informants of Duke Raul, Duke Aquila operated with a shrewder approach, keeping his maneuvers discreet. Nevertheless, the time had come for the second phase of Arthur's plan to unfold.
He would now enlist Duke Aquila's help in helping Elmsworth. But knowing his grandfather, a cautious and more calculated man than Raul, Arthur decided to be more direct and assertive.
(Arthur's Pov)
Huff*
I had to be more direct. Old man is more difficult to deal with, even my eyes can see his sly behavior.
Clank*
The door opened and three people entered the chamber. The oldest of them, my grandfather immediately gave a small bow followed by the other two,
"Greetings, Your Majesty," he respectfully addressed me. A glance into his inner thoughts revealed a mixture of anxiety and concern, likely stemming from the recent conversation with Duke Raul.
"Hello, Duke Aquila," I replied before diving into the matter at hand. "I need your help," I declared, not allowing him a chance to respond fully. I had to take the initative, or else this old sly fox will probably manipulate me into doing hiss bidding, just like last time
"It would be my pleasure to be of any help to you," he smoothly replied, an adept speaker indeed.
"Will you fulfill my wish?" I inquired, sensing a déjà vu moment unfolding.
"Yes," he answered.
"Anything?"
"Anything."
He seemed to grow slightly restless. Perfect. Now for the playful part.
"Then help Ginny's family now!" I exclaimed, reveling in the childlike anger of throwing around a tantrum.
His response was a stunned silence, inner turmoil evident in his demeanor. Before he could speak I seized the moment, continuing with an exaggerated tone, " Fine don't help me then. It's not like I would need you anyway. " I said openly, disregarding his unanswered opinion.
"The Prime Minister said he would help me," subtly implying that I didn't need him anymore.
Realizing the implication, he hastily clarified, "It's not like that, Your Majesty. I was just thinking of how I should help the Elmsworth family."
Perfect.
Now, let's observe how they would react that way.
(Arthur's Pov Ends)
"Is that so," Arthur said, narrowing his eyes cutely.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Now, if you'll excuse this servant," he bowed and hurriedly left.
---
Wtf is wrong with this brat. He just dismissed me like this. Duke Aquila thought.
With a signal to his bodyguards, he quickly sent them away to confirm the news.
"It's not like that, Your Majesty. I was just thinking of how I should help the Elmsworth family." He immediately replied.
"Is that's so? " Arthur said, as he narrowed his eyes.
Damn it what a mess! Aquila thought realising he was stuck in predicament, as he was the one who encouraged the Theanbe Nobles to rise up against Elmsworth in hopes of replacing Luna with his own pawn to control Arthur more firmedly.
Once the news was confirmed he quickly left the room to change his approach.
---
As days passed, the ripple effect of Arthur orchestrated interactions with Duke Raul and Duke Aquila started to manifest. Both sides realised that whoever helped Elmsworth, would gain Arthur's approval.
Both Dukes immediately changed their approach from indifference, to direct support to Elmsworth.
Word spread fast that both factions, headed by Prime Minister Duke Raul and Archduke Aquila, chose to back Elmsworth in response to the young emperor's wishes. Outside of Political support, they also sent provisions and logistics for Elmsworth. Other than that Raul went even further and ordered his vassals that were bordering Theanbe Region to pressure them directly.
Unexpectedly, the Elmsworth Margrave emerged victorious in the conflict, seizing a dominant position. The Raul duchy contributed crucial supplies, arms, and ammunition, while the Aquila Duchy provided advanced ships and ample food resources. This formidable support bolstered the Elmsworth forces, compelling the Theanbe region counties and earldoms to the negotiation table.
Faced with a disadvantageous situation, the opposing factions had no choice but to abandon their aggressive stance. They were compelled to release all hostages and offer reparations to the innocent villages they had raided along the border. The once-oppressed Elmsworth Margrave now stood in a commanding position, thanks to the strategic assistance from the Raul and Aquila duchies.
However, the consequences extended beyond the immediate victory. Unbeknownst to all at that time, the Theanbe nobles harbored resentment towards bothe factions.
---
Inside one of the villas in noble district in Imperial capital, a figure can be seen sitting across a round table. As he read the report, he let out a chuckle,
"Heh! " The voice echoed the room.
"My Lord, I had informed His Majesty about the situation just like you ordered. " Another figure said.
The figure revealed himself to be none other than the butler, who had been providing information about Elmsworth to Young Emperor. As it turns out, the butler was in fact doing this not because of his loyalty to Emperor but because the figure in darkness told him to do it.
As the figure read the report, a sense of satisfaction filled his senses.
"Nicely done. It seems this country still has hope left. " The figure said as he glanced at his hand, revealing a beautiful golden ring with the mark of Griffin on it.
"Deliver this letter to Garfield Elmsworth, and make sure only he should receive it. " The figure ordered his butler.
"As you wish. " The butler replied with a small bow, leaving the figure alone in the serene room, with his thoughts.
"Consider it as reward, for entertaining me. " The figure mused to himself as he glanced outside the window, across which lay the large Imperial Palace. His eyes betraying a sense of relief. Relief that Empire still had hope.
As the last of Guardians, he was the only one who can guard the old legacy. That legacy is the Empire itself.
---
In the following weeks, an unexpected development unfolded in the Capital and the Palace.
Garfield Van Elmsworth, the head of the Elmsworth family, made a surprise visit to express his gratitude directly to the emperor.
This move took everyone by surprise, including the various factions and even the Emperor himself.
---
A/N
I hope you guys are liking it.