Chapter 29: Revolutionary Period - Closing In
Translated by Mara Sov
Revolutionary Period Closing In
As spring bloomed completely, following the clashes between the Revolutionaries and the Royal Army, I held a meeting with the Lords sympathetic to Lafayette.
The ones invited were Christine De Aquitaine, the Countess of Aquitaine; the Count of Anjou who became an ally thanks to Eris; and Count Lionel who supported us against the Duke of Bretagne and Count Millbeaul in the final battles of the Civil War due to our protection against their plundering.
However, not everyone reacted well to the proposal I brought up.
Marquis, I understand that the rebel army fought well against the Royal Army, better than I expected at least. But you want to join hands with this commoner rebellionShould I worry about your sanity, my friend?
Count Lionel made no effort to hide his disagreement.
The surrounding nations see the rebels as a threat and will respond positively to King Louiss call for aid. Especially the Germania Empire, since they were defeated by us in the last war, they wont let this opportunity go to waste.
Count Lionels words have some merit, but we have to remember that we already crossed the point of no return with King Louis. Besides, the revolutionary government will surely be aware of this upcoming crisis as well, so they may react favorably to our proposal. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my ally.
Sigh-. Even soTo ally with these commoner rebels. These people even declared the abolition of the feudal system. I trust you realize what this means, Marquis.
The abolition of feudalism. Essentially this was simply a measure to seize the nobles assets and distribute them to the bourgeoisie, the main supporters of the revolution, and most of all, this was a way to win public support.
Honestly, I believe that this feudal system is something that will already fade in the next decades.
I am aware of this. If we were to cooperate with them, we may have to transfer some of our lands ownership.
Snort-. You are seriously considering handing the lands and estates inherited from our ancestors to that rabble?
Yes, this is not something a noble could easily accept.
If this doesnt sound pleasing to you, think like this. You can hand over your title and land for fair compensation. Taxation rights, for example, and both lands and titles are something that could be bought at the end of the day, right?
Christines family is living proof of this, as they are a newly risen noble family who bought the titles and land from the ancient house of Aquitaine.
I hear your words, Marquis. But know that I have no intention of joining hands with those rebels who are massacring nobles at will! And much less giving the lands my ancestors secured with their blood, sweat, and tears!
After saying his piece, Count Lionel stood up from his seat.
May peace shine for Lionel County
And prosperity for the Lafayette Marquisate.
With those parting words, Count Lionel stormed out of the room.
His son, Gilles De Lionel looked at me with an apologetic gaze before opening his mouth.
I wish you the best of luck, Marquis.
Ill always be grateful for all the help the Lionel family has given to meShould you ever reconsider, Ill make sure to return the grace given to me, so please do not hesitate to ask.
I thank you for those words, Ill remember them.
With a bow, Gilles followed his father.
Truthfully, it would be strange if they accepted this proposal immediately. At least, his son seemed to understand the situation a bit, so he could still be persuaded.
After the two men from the Lionel Family left, Count Anjou who had been stroking his beard spoke up.
Chuckles-. This proposal may have been a little too radical.
Do you also oppose it, Count?
Hm
Instead of answering, the Count looked towards Christine as she nodded and proceeded to speak.
Im in favor. Aquitaine has always been a mercantile family, relying more on trade and commerce than its lands
After a brief pause, Christine showed a more predatory smile and added.
Its an opportunity to expand into the north of Francia, where trade has always been dominated by Bretagne and the Abyss Corporation. So for Aquitaine, this is worth the risk.
Once more, Im grateful for Aquitaines support.
After expressing my gratitude to her, I turned back towards the Count who continued to stroke his beard.
Sigh-. Its becoming rather challenging to keep up with the new generation. But if I may, I wish to ask you one thing.
Please do, Count.
Have the two of you already promised to share a future?
Excuse me?
Why would he ask this right now?
The engagement decided by the former Count of Aquitaine has been broken. And yet, since then, the two of you have been cooperating rather closely. This old man is merely interested since the Countess of Aquitaine would be a good match for one of my sons, but if the two of you already have a compromise, it would be beyond rude of me to intrude.
The Count finished his words with a hearty laugh.
My stiff gaze turned towards Christine who smiled as if she hadnt even heard this.
Both the Marquis and I just turned 20. So theres no need to rush into marriage talks in such chaotic times.
When I opened the window, the pigeon flew inside and started speaking with a twisted voice.
Its an honor to finally meet you, Marquis of Lafayette and Countess Aquitaine. Im Halphas, a member of the Pride Corps from Abyss Corporation.
Sigh-. What madness is this now?
Looking at Christine I could see that she seemed legitimately disturbed, which was a first.
I apologize for this rude greeting, as this bird is merely my familiar and not my true form. I hope you find in yourself some forgiveness.
The bird spoke with a polite language, courting our favor, but I didnt want to listen to this nonsense, as I said the first thing that came to my mind.
I dont think I have any forgiveness left in me?
The moment I drew my sword this blasted bird tilted its head, its eyes almost shining.
That would be most regrettable, but as I said, I represent the Pride Corps and have come here with a delightful proposal for both of-
If you have a proposal then come and present it in person.
Before the pigeon could even say another word, I cut off its head.
Instead of blood, what came out from the severed neck was remnants of dark-colored mana, as the pigeon crumbled to dust.
After watching this scene unfold, I said.
Christine.
Yes, Pierre?
The CEO of Sloth said we cant talk over long distances yet, didnt they?
Thats correct.
Christine was the first to receive that crystal ball and pass it to me.
There, Paimon expressed their clear regret over the lack of such a function.
So if such means existed, they would have contacted us immediately.
I believe that should be the case.
While I recalled the face of the quirky demon who said he would eagerly anticipate the chance of meeting with us despite the losses we caused to them, Christine agreed.
The publication of the Theory of Social Hierarchy was moved up compared to before my regression.
And now, after the early publication of such an important book that affected the masses, a demons familiar appears in my domain?
Are you sure there werent any new additions to your caravan besides that man?
Yes, Im sure. Besides him, Ive only brought those who usually accompany us to Lafayette. Otherwise, we wouldnt be able to confirm his identity as a spy.
Once again I was impressed at Christines cunning.
I assume youll have been keeping a watchful eye for things like this, Pierre?
Indeed. Since the revolution, weve been thoroughly verifying the identities of those who enter and leave my territory.
After a short silence, I asked.
Could it be that these demons have hidden means for deception?
If the one who contacted us months ago had something like this planned from the beginning
Then they are such an omnipotent force that it wont matter whatever we do.
If you think that is the caseWas it wise to step on their tails like that?
Christine said this with a sly smile on her face.
Well, we wont know until we draw them out. But Im curious to know whether the Abyss Corporation or another force is hiding their true identity and sneaking in as spies. If we know that a spy exists, then we could deal with it however we want to. What do you say?
When I asked her stance on this matter, Christines smile widened with a hint of venom behind her beautiful facade.
Now that you have said that, Im rather curious as well. I wonder what face this demon will make when they realize they were the ones being had.
TL NOTE: I.Dont have anything to say in this noteBut..Lets clap sum demon cheeks lads?
Like those
Juice
Demon
Cheeks
Omega GYAAAAT lvs of stuff
Like built in stuff, shockstop stuff.
Im drunk.
/genesisforsaken