CH 43

“Among the forty-two lords of Lindbergh, thirty-two were imprisoned. The remaining ten were mostly border lords, each of whom signed different treaties.”

Thud, thud, two stones collided.

Everyone gathered here momentarily turned their gaze to the Crown Prince’s hand, then quickly looked away as if nothing had happened.

“And as for Kitchener’s whereabouts, though it remains unknown, the last trace indicates that he was in the area transitioning from Lindbergh to Parman. We have already sent a separate request for new recruits to Parman in advance.”

Hearing the words of Count Bourbon, Duke Hendrick was taken aback.

“Parman, you say? When did Kitchener have any connection with that place?”

Parman was a small country that bordered both Heineken and Lindbergh and was even more closed-off than Lindbergh itself. 

It was inevitable because, unlike other nations formed by various ethnic groups, Parman had only one ethnic group and had been ruled by a single royal family for nearly a millennium.

Although it was similar to Lindbergh in terms of being isolated from the outside world, Parman, unlike Lindbergh, never opened its doors even once since the establishment of its dynasty.

Perhaps someone would argue that it’s not surprising that no one has ventured into the mountains.

“Is there only one messenger this time?”

Count Bourbon nodded his head.

Duke Hendrick let out a deep sigh.

If Kitchener had truly fled to Parman, it would be a major problem.

Even in Heineken, a country that soared high and wide, they couldn’t send spies to that place, as it neither engaged in trade with foreign nations nor waged wars.

It was because they had emphasized that even when sending messengers, the castle gate must be opened promptly, and only one person should be allowed inside.

“It would be a big problem if we can’t find him, wouldn’t it?”

Belfry asked his father quietly, but the Duke shook his head.

“It would be better if he hid there until the end of his days in Parman.”

“Is that so?”

Other young lords looked at Hendrick with curiosity.

“The problem arises when Kitchener decides to crawl out of there and do something unnecessary.”

“Is it possible that Parman is secretly developing weapons?”

Someone raised their hand and asked.

Viscount Thomas was once mentioned by a knight as the lord of the western archipelago.

Although his rank was low, he was one of the rare commoners to manifest as an Alpha and had an appropriate amount of magical power. Thanks to his exceptional abilities, he demonstrated remarkable talent and, as a result, received a viscount title last year and was granted fertile territory.

‘He’s quite handsome, and still single.’

Thomas lowered his hand with a slightly flustered expression, feeling Adrian’s penetrating gaze upon him.

“No one knows what they are hiding. But if it’s true that Kitchener has taken refuge there and plans to come out again to retake Lindbergh…”

As Count Bourbon was interrupted before he could finish his sentence, the lords all swallowed nervously in unison.

“Allied nations might provoke a war with Parman.”

Emperor Glenn, who had been silent until now, spoke, and the others fell silent.

Belfry made a muffled sound of distress deep inside.

Parman, a country smaller than an archipelago.

It was a place surrounded entirely by walls dozens of times the height of a person, and the entire country was covered by a ‘roof’, making it so tightly sealed that it was difficult to see inside even from the sky.

Of course, it wasn’t a real roof.

It was a network of copper strings connecting watchtowers in the four cardinal directions, resembling a birdcage.

During the day, it was not easy to see it clearly unless the sun reflected off the copper strings and shone directly on it.

Since most people in that area live without turning on lights even at night, it was even more difficult to observe them at night.

The reason why Parman has never been invaded by anyone until now is not only because the country is small and there was no reason to invade it.

It was also because they had no interaction with anyone.

“Whether it was intentional or unintentional, the isolation of Parman has actually preserved peace within their own borders. With the international community already in turmoil due to the Mochu Mountains now being owned by Heineken, if rumors spread that Parman helped Lindbergh’s Chancellor, everyone would try to break down Parman’s walls.”

Count Bourbon rubbed his forehead.

It’s what they call being disliked for being annoying to others.

The relationship between Lindbergh and Heineken was quite complicated. 

In the past, they were brother nations, and after Lindbergh transitioned from being the Lindwyer Empire to the Kingdom of Lindbergh, there were no countries attempting to meddle between them, thanks in part to the friendly policies of Heineken, along with the trade of the magic stones from the Mochu Mountains.

Regardless, this recent incident was still an affair between the two countries, and it was considered a ‘business’ prompted by the request of the heirs of the Lindbergh royal family and accepted by Heineken. So, even though many countries were displeased, they had to swallow their grievances.

But now, suddenly, a third country, and a minor one at that, has intervened?

The allied countries that have been observing so far will likely redirect their arrows towards Parman.

“In this situation, we can only continue to watch until Kitchener reveals himself. It’s better to hope that he doesn’t appear.”

Count Bourbon finished speaking and sat back down in his seat.

Glenn pondered for a moment and then turned his gaze to Leia.

“Before Kitchener appears, we are trying to quickly establish Lindbergh as an independent principality. Princess, what do you think?”

Leia thought that Glenn wanted to quickly distance himself from the issue of Lindbergh.

If Kitchener really seeks the assistance of Parman to reclaim Lindbergh…

No, using the term ‘reclaim’ is inappropriate. 

Lindbergh wasn’t originally Kitchener’s to begin with.

If someone intends to invade Lindbergh.

While Leia is in Lindbergh and Lindbergh remains under the political influence of Heineken, everyone understands that Heineken would not engage in war and disrupt the international community’s peace.

Leia thought that instead of seeking independence as a principality, it would be better to maintain Lindbergh as an inherently independent kingdom from the beginning.

“What if we simply maintain the current Kingdom of Lindbergh and I take the throne as the next ruler?”

The people in the conference hall were in turmoil.

Emperor Glenn looked at Princess Leia with an expression that said, ‘Oh, look at this.’

Belfry wondered if the princess was taking advantage of Carl Lindbergh’s disappearance to also eliminate mining rights in the Mochu Mountains. 

But Princess Leia shouldn’t be unaware that Emperor Glenn is not such an easy opponent to deal with.

Leia, who noticed what people were thinking, smiled slightly and spoke.

“The magic stones of the Mochu Mountains belong to Heineken. Political participation rights will still be maintained.”

It was Leia who had suggested that when Carl Lindbergh sought help from Heineken, they should relinquish their royal authority.

“Neither Carl nor I have enough experience or wisdom to engage in politics and properly maintain Lindbergh. Ultimately, we are grateful to receive such significant assistance.”

Her words were met with nods from the audience.

No matter how much it may be considered a weak kingdom, she is the first successor of the kingdom.

Giving up everything she had enjoyed and seeking political interference from a foreign country or openly expressing gratitude could be a significant blow to her dignity.

However, she remained composed.

“Then why are you talking about maintaining the kingdom?”

Someone asked, and Leia lowered her head.

“Regardless of whether Lindbergh is reduced to a principality under Heineken’s political interference, it still means becoming a subordinate country of Heineken. If, by any chance, the Chancellor, who has Parman on his back, were to engage in war with Lindbergh…”

She paused for a moment, carefully choosing her words.

If a war were to break out in Lindbergh, who among the commoners would be able to step forward and fight?

They had been worn down by long periods of hunger and oppression, making it difficult for them to even lift a shovel.

It was something that should never happen, but at the same time, it was inevitable.

“Heineken will inevitably have to provide support. They may turn a blind eye or pretend not to know, but the weight of responsibility is different. Whether the kingdom goes to war or not, they can’t simply ignore it or easily withdraw their involvement.”

Deploying troops for peacekeeping purposes in another country and deploying soldiers to protect a subordinate country had different implications internationally.

“But by now, those who need to know are likely already aware. That Heineken has gotten involved in internal affairs.” 

Belfry said, and Leia grinned at him.

Belfry felt a chilly sensation in his chest for some reason.

“So, that’s why it’s even more important to maintain the royal authority of Lindbergh at this moment. It’s the young and inexperienced King of Lindbergh who is receiving assistance from Heineken, and Heineken hasn’t taken any proactive action on their own.”

Ah, I see.

‘So, we shouldn’t openly act too friendly with each other.’

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

At that moment, Emperor Glenn burst into laughter.

“That may be true, but I don’t agree.”

Leia looked at the Emperor in doubt.

To have the opportunity to interfere in internal affairs, while having the opportunity to withdraw politically at any time. Do you not realize how acceptable that is in the international community?

It seemed like everyone was asking the Emperor why he was rejecting such a good opportunity.

Especially when Duke Hendrick lowered his voice and called out, “Your Majesty.”

However, Glenn wiped away his smile and continued speaking.

“Do not underestimate Heineken, Princess Leia Lindbergh.”