The Countess of the Empire's suspicions towards the Emperor were not unreasonable. From a certain perspective, Emmanuel's suspicions were completely justified. As a Countess of the Empire, she had the right to do so.
Many people were interested. What was the Empire?
Was it a unified feudal Empire?
Or was it a federated country that recognized the Emperor's authority?
In reality, neither was correct. The Empire was essentially a large alliance formed by a large group of kingdoms. Even though the Savior Ludwig's reign over the Empire wasn't that far in the past, Karl-franz didn't have the influence of the Savior.
Ludwig's order could force a noble of the Empire to commit suicide on the spot. Karl-franz's order would basically result in him being torn to shreds by the nobles if he left the Rick Territory.
After winning the great Holy War, the Kurfürst Parliament of the Empire held a meeting in the capital of the Oster Territory, Wolfenberg. Fifteen votes were cast, and Ludwig the Savior was elected as the new Emperor of the Empire. After he reorganized the Empire, there were ten provinces, each of which were Kurfürst territories. Each province was ruled by an independent Kurfürst with military and political power.
Even though each province was theoretically a part of the Empire, in reality, they were all independent countries.
When Emmanuel's spies in Brunswick learned that the Emperor might have asked the Supreme Dwarf King for a large war loan, the Countess of the Empire had the right to be angry. That's right, as the Emperor of the Empire, Karl-franz had the right to ask for a loan from the Supreme Dwarf King. He also had the right to do so.
But the core of the problem was that Karl-franz was using the Empire's name to borrow the loan.
The Emperor used the Empire's name to borrow the money. First, he didn't say anything, and second, he didn't share it. He secretly used it for his own use. If he could pay it back, then so be it. But what if he couldn't?
At that time, the dwarves would have the Emperor's seal on the document and could go to any place in the Empire to find the Kurfürst to pay back the money!
Therefore, in Emmanuel's opinion, could Karl-franz take the loan? Yes, but he had to use the Franz Family's name or the Rick Territory's name.
Could he use the Empire's name? Yes, but the money must be shared.
He couldn't just let the Emperor use the money and have the entire Empire pay him back, right?
Needless to say, this had happened many times in the history of the Empire, and Emmanuelle was naturally aware of the financial difficulties of the Empire. Thus, when she saw the hesitation on the Emperor's face, she immediately asked, "Karl! Let me tell you, if you do this in the name of the Emperor, then don't blame me for being impolite! We have no obligation to repay your debt. You were the one who sent Galt to rebuild Saul Hill. You were also the one who sent people to surround and confiscate the weapons and equipment of the White Wolf Church during the Battle of Shame (the fire that just happened in the suburbs). We all know the relationship between you and Archbishop Vikma. Karl, you have to pay for what you did. Don't involve me and Nur! "
The Emperor of the Empire blushed at the words of the Countess of the Empire. He wanted to defend himself, but no words came out.
Archbishop Vikma was his staunch supporter, and the belief of Charlemagne was deeply rooted in Brunswick and the Rick Territory. If the Emperor dared to oppose the archbishop or say that "Charlemagne is not a god", then he would be abandoning his own foundation! He wouldn't be the Emperor for long.
The Emperor was in a difficult position. He felt that he couldn't admit it, but he also couldn't deny it.
However, as an excellent politician, Karl-franz's expression was calm and steady. He controlled his expression and showed some helplessness, "No, Emmanuelle. You must be mistaken. I have never borrowed money from the Supreme King of Eternity Peak because of financial and economic difficulties."
"Really?" Emmanuelle looked at the Emperor coldly, "But why did I hear that a group of dwarves from Eternity Peak sent a batch of goods through the Sea Gate and Carrak Forge Castle? They are now in the room next door?"
When the Countess of the Empire said this, her beautiful eyes were full of suspicion and warning. She had been the ruler of Nur for many years. She was no longer the soft and cute little maid, or rather, the person who could see her soft and cute side was not here. Karl-franz also felt great pressure. Emmanuelle was threatening him. This was political blackmail. The Countess of the Empire wanted the Emperor to tell the truth by being the mediator.
But the Emperor couldn't do anything about it, "Alright, if you insist, I will take you to see it."
"Valfen!" The Emperor shouted outside.
Count Valfin, Prince Rick, Minister of the Great Council, Minister of the Imperial Court, and also the Emperor's Chief Spy. He was a middle-aged man about fifty years old, wearing a luxurious and exquisite coat. Seeing that the Emperor had called for him at this time, the Chief Spy was a little surprised, but he controlled his emotions well. "Is there anything I can do for you? Your Majesty? And the Countess? "
"Our Countess is very interested in the goods of our dwarven allies." The Emperor stood up from behind the desk, "If that's the case, let us satisfy her curiosity."
"I see. Countess, please follow me." Count Valfen immediately nodded.
In the room next to the study, there was a row of crates. The Dwarven emblem of Eternity Peak was branded on the crates, and they were reinforced with runes. Emmanuelle moved her long legs wrapped in dark red pantyhose and walked in front of the crates in confusion, "So, what is inside?"
"It's a weapon." Karl-franz helplessly reached out his hand and opened the crates with a special dwarven tool, "A flintlock. Dwarven rune musket. Excellent goods. I ordered it from the Supreme King. Unfortunately, the payment can only be held in arrears for the time being, using customs as a guarantee."
"A flintlock." Emmanuelle reached out her hand, wrapped in a black lace glove, and gently tucked her soft golden hair behind her ear. Then she pressed her hand against the cloth in front of her chest and bent down to take out a dwarven musket, "It is indeed a flintlock."
The dwarven muskets were exquisitely made, with a bright luster and strange patterns on them. As the mistress of Nur, the Empire's Countess was naturally familiar with the military. She took a few glances and put the flintlock back into the crate, "To deal with Boris?"
"No, it's just a coincidence. This weapon is used to deal with the Empire's enemies, I promise." The Emperor put the flintlock back into the crate without batting an eyelid, "Do you believe me now? This is just an order. I don't know who told you this, Emmanuelle, but I know that person is up to no good. "
"Alright, perhaps my information is wrong." The Empire's Countess gave in, "Alright, time is of the essence. Let me bring my men to Karonburg to meet with Boris. Karl, you owe me a favor."
"… …" The Emperor frowned, but nodded in the end, "Yes, I owe you a favor. But what about after that?"
"After what?" Emmanuelle did not understand what the Emperor meant.
"After Karonburg, are you going directly to Brittany?" The Emperor smiled, "You haven't seen Laing in a long time, right?"
"Ah? This … … It's mainly because little Frey Derick has been clamoring to see father. " As expected, Emmanuelle's attention was diverted elsewhere. She blushed and put her hands on her hips, "Also, I haven't seen sister Suria in a long time."
"Then, I wish you a good holiday. Also, send my regards to His Majesty Laing and Queen Suria." The Emperor nodded. The Empire's Countess did not think too much and left. She was preparing to go to Karonburg to mediate the relationship between the Emperor and Boris.
After Emmanuelle left with the Armoured Nur for a while, the Emperor let out a sigh of relief. He realized that his back was drenched in sweat unknowingly, "Valfen, send these things to Madam Hawkswold as soon as possible. Also, let Helberg know about this."
"Understood, Your Majesty." The Chief of Spies also let out a sigh of relief, "I will do it as soon as possible. Today is a great day, Your Majesty. You once again helped the Empire resolve a crisis with your wisdom."
"I can resolve it once, twice, three times, but I can't save and protect the Empire forever through this clever method." The Emperor sighed softly, "Tell Hawkswold that this money must be used in the right place. Otherwise, I can't explain it to our oldest friends and all the Kurfürst of the Empire. There is no doubt that I lied."
"Everything you have done is for the sake of the Empire. I believe that Charlemagne and Ludwig the Savior above will definitely forgive you." Count Walfen looked at the Emperor with respect and seriousness. "I am almost certain."
In the crates, the dwarven guns were shining with silver light.
In the end, the Countess of the Empire did not see that each of these dwarven guns was made of pure silver.
This was the effort of Karl-franz to get the Empire through this difficult time. He put down his dignity and personally wrote a letter to the Supreme King of the Dwarves, Solgrin the Empire, begging the dwarves to lend a helping hand to the Empire's current predicament.
All the dwarven guns in this row of crates were made of pure silver.
Yes, they were the first phase of the war loan. Without the help of the Supreme King, the Emperor's finances were about to collapse.
For the Empire, Karl-franz had done his best.
Now, he could only hope that Emmanuel's mediation would work.
Otherwise, a civil war would be inevitable.
Many times, the Emperor would wish more than once that all this could be resolved on the battlefield. Compared with internal affairs, the Emperor had reduced his public appearances to the minimum, and announced to the outside world that his most important task now was to maintain the stability of the Empire and carry on the war. He would not accept any personal meeting. Every day, he would have meetings with his Council of Cardinals to decide the future of the Empire. But even so, the nobles still flocked to ask for a meeting, hoping to please the Emperor. The various internal affairs of the court, the conflicts of the Kurfürst, and the demands of the Emperor had made Karl-franz feel powerless.
Wrinkles gradually crept up the Emperor's originally handsome face. His forehead and the corners of his eyes had begun to show signs of aging. Although he was not yet 50 years old, the Emperor's sideburns had some white hair.
Compared to staying in the court, the Emperor preferred to be with his own army. But this was the Emperor's duty. He could only stabilize the Empire through his own strength.
For the Empire, he was willing to give up everything.
… I'm the Card Emperor's best cut-off line …
Many times, Laing wished more than once that all this could be resolved on the battlefield.
Today, the Knight's Expedition finally arrived at Bordero.
Just outside the Mannan Dry Dock, the Brittany soldiers and civilians were once again in an uproar. Whether it was the knights, nobles, or the serfs, they were all celebrating the victory of the Eight Peaks Mountain Expedition. The streets and the city of Bordero were filled with people. People were celebrating, shouting, drinking black beer imported from the Empire, shouting "Long live the Lady!" and "Long live His Majesty!" It was like a carnival.
To the Brittany, Laing's name was the guarantee of victory. With him, Brittany would definitely win!
Now, under the reforms, life was getting better and better. Regardless of whether it was the knights or nobles, the serfs were more than happy to celebrate such a great victory as a festival. Now, newspapers had started to appear in Bordero, and every tabloid reported the glorious deeds of the Eight Peaks Mountain Expedition with all kinds of attractive headlines. The serfs were especially interested in this topic, especially the Old Guard, who was the focus of their debate and envy. Now that the social class had opened up, who would be the next Old Guard to be promoted to a knight?
The people were singing and dancing, and the knights were not idle either. Queen Suria brought her son, Devenhill, the witch of the Lake, Morgiana, and the regent of the kingdom, Lauan Leo Cornwall, had already led a team of Holy Grail Guards to wait at the dock to welcome the victorious return of the king. All the dukes in the kingdom, except for François and Duke Carcassonne, who participated in the expedition, were all present!
On one hand, they were praising the Lady, the Lady of the Lake for her protection of the knights, and the great achievements of His Majesty in this great expedition. On the other hand, the dukes were excited that they were about to share in the wealth. Although there were only a few words, just by looking at the deep waterline of the Poseidon fleet, one could tell how fruitful this great expedition was.
As the Landouin docked, cheers sounded from one side of the dock. The cheers did not stop and stretched for thousands of meters. The humans crowded together, wanting to see the glory of the expedition. Duke Bodrick of Bordero had no choice but to send a large number of troops to patrol and maintain order.
And with the arrival of King Laing, the cheers reached the peak.
"Long live His Majesty the King!"
"Praise the Lady, thank the Lady for giving us such a great victory!"
"Long live the expeditionary army!"
"Long live the Brittany! Thank the Lady for giving us the great man Laing Macado from the heavens! "
The roars of the citizens and nobles were earth-shattering, the sea churning, and even reverberating in the subspace.
But amidst the roars, a young child's voice could still be heard clearly. A little boy in a silk robe with a small leather jacket on the outside ran towards his father. "Daddy, daddy!"
It was little Devenhill. Laing was excited to see his son after more than a year. He reached out and scooped his son up, kissing his face that was red from the cold. "Devenhill, were you good when daddy wasn't here?"
"Yes! Devenhill was very good! " The little boy had not seen his father for a long time. He was so excited that he cried. "Uncle Anglo was very good too!"
"Hahahahaha!" Laing heard and laughed loudly. He had already seen Anglo standing far away, wearing a large straw hat and laughing.
"You're back, Laing." Suria, wearing a full queen's dress and a queen's crown, also came up to him with a smile.
"Yes, I'm back, my lady," Laing and Suria hugged gently. "This victory is not only mine, but also yours."
Suria was unable to control herself. The queen had been separated from her husband for a long time and wanted to say a few words, but now was not the time. She hugged her husband and stood beside Laing. She took the initiative to tease Veronica. "Thank you for your hard work on this expedition, Veronica."
Veronica's eyes turned, and she immediately bowed humbly to Suria. She then smiled and said, "This is all thanks to Sister Suria. This time, we've gotten a lot of good things. When everything is ready, I'll take you to have a look. You can choose whatever you like."
Suria listened to Veronica's words and nodded slightly. The queen thought to herself that Laing's first female court official was indeed smart and knew her limits. This was good.
Very soon, it was Morgiana's turn. The Lake Goddess witch was dressed up. Under the protection of the guards of the Holy Grail, she stepped forward. Her green eyes were filled with resentment and joy. "The Lady gives you her blessings, our king. This victory does not only belong to the expedition army, but also to the whole of Britannia and all the followers of the Lady. For the Lady!"
"For the Lady!!!" The people shouted at the top of their lungs and celebrated. This was the greatest victory since the Red Flame Expedition hundreds of years ago. They had a reason to celebrate to their hearts' content.
"I'm back, Morgiana." Laing also gently hugged the Lake Goddess witch. Morgiana did not refuse. As soon as she smelled the unique fragrance on Laing's body, she felt weak all over and almost lost her balance.
After a gentle hug, Morgiana reached out her finger and gently wrote a number on Laing's palm.
“63。”
Laing's expression changed slightly. Looking at Morgiana's beautiful face and her eyes that seemed to be able to speak, Laing suddenly had the urge to turn around and run back to continue fighting the Green Dwarfs and the Rat Men.
Morgiana was obviously hinting:
Tonight, the ancient battlefield.
Tonight, the Abyss will be settled.
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