Dream Life

Non summoned the Duke of Alexis Ezarrington to tell him about his meeting with the Lockhart family.

I heard him talk. He tightened his expression a little,

"Masaias, it looks like Rodrick and I both exceeded my expectations. At my place, I only showed one scale, but I didn't feel that rigid. If Zacharias, Sharon's wisdom is added to both of them, it will be enough to contain the Northeast."

That strikes me as Lord Alexis.

The northeastern part of the Empire is close to the border with the Kingdom of Lax, a land known as the Free Border Zone. It sounds like a free temperament, but it can also be described as a precarious land where the order of the empire does not extend.

It is a vibrant land but too close to the Aquila Mountains due to active commercial activity if nothing happens. If the Demons invade in earnest, the Northeastern Empire could become the Demon Bridge Head Fortress.

Especially in the city of Periclitle.

Supplies are plentiful and the land is fattened for only a poor fence.

I don't know how the Demons are increasing their families, but at least food and demons are a land that can easily be replenished.

But even if it goes well for the Imperial Army to march to that place, it will take months, about six months if you think about the barracks.

It is difficult for the nearest Kingdom of Lax to dispatch a large number of Royal Armies concerned with the trends of the Empire. Perhaps only to the extent of hiring and dispatching mercenaries.

I mean, if they occupy that place, they'll give the Demons nearly six months.

With all that time, the surrounding towns and villages would fall entirely into the hands of the Demons.

There are also fortified cities to the north and south, and to the west, where it becomes even more difficult to attack the perimeter of Pericritle if it is suppressed. It means you'll need time on an annual basis.

Cooperation between the Adventurer Guild, the Mercenary Guild, the Kaum Kingdom and the Lax Kingdom is essential in order to deal with it early, but the present empire cannot be said to have good relations with anything other than the Kaum Kingdom.

Nearest to the organization of the Empire will be the Northern Governor's Office, but the Northern Governor's Office has only the force necessary to maintain law and order, as well as military departure agencies.

In addition, although the Governor of the North has been given certain diplomatic powers, it is difficult to make such a decision as to acknowledge the actions of a large army without considering the historical context.

The Free Border Zone is a vacuum of imperial power.

This time the Rockhart family lord can be considered a good opportunity to fill exactly that vacuum zone.

The Lockhart family is related to the Raswell family, the northern governor, and even better to each guild. There is no particular link with the Kingdom of Lax, but a blacksmith's guild would also allow us to draw cooperation from Lax.

And the Lockhart family is a home style that is rigid and weighs the peace of the people above all else. Even if it turns out to be a matter of asking the Kingdom of Lax for help, it always moves to help the people, trying to make its own position within the Empire worse.

Lord Alexis thought about them and said to Non.

"Um. Masaias, whoever His Majesty the Emperor is while Rodrick is in charge, their loyalty to the Empire will remain unchanged. If you think about it, Zacharias is right not to call the Lockhart family to the capital."

"Probably, but you were thinking about that, too, he would. It is premature now, but sooner or later I want you to be under my command. No, you'd better have a stepson. I'd be relieved if all those men served my men."

"Right. Because Stephen is not personally suited to the plot. When I say that, it's the same at Non's."

Stephen, the son of Lord Alexis, is one of Noh's secretaries, but as the Duke's son, it's not enough. Especially after seeing Zacharias.

The fact that the planning of policies and the operation of organizations are immature is acceptable given that they are only twenty years old, but that overly gentle character is not for the elders.

I work out as much as I can, but I can't change my natural personality overnight.

My son Jeremiah is even more unhappy.

Thirty-eight this year, but compared to Lord Alexis, who's barely the same age, he's really inferior.

"Lord Jeremiah is worthy to inherit His Excellency's trail. Well, I know it's hard to appreciate when you see it in your father's eyes."

My son and Lord Alexis are close.

My son is the Undersecretary of the Treasury, but so much so that he says to himself that he has been seeing Lord Alexis longer than meeting Lord Ingolslop, the Treasurer. That's why you must have cared.

"I can't say that... we're not talking about that right now"

"Yeah. You meant Lockhart. What does your Excellency intend to do?

An unexpected question came.

"Isn't that what you just answered?

"Long-term, yes, but while the Lockhart family is in the Empire City. If you're going to make it look like you're our comrade until you leave the capital, I wonder if you have any hands you can't take advantage of."

I see, that's Lord Alexis. Looks like you're asking me to use Zacharias' intelligence.

"Surely it's a waste of time not to use it. If we were to make use of it for the Empire, he would also be our main hope"

Lord Alexis nods with a wicked grin. Perhaps Non has the same grin.

"He can see things differently from ours. It doesn't mean you won't have an unexpected idea if you think about it."

"Do you have any idea what saying that means?

So Lord Alexis nodded loudly.

"Why don't you let me think about the biggest concern we have?

"I see. Not after we beat Luke. Sure, that's funny."

The victory against Lukes is almost confirmed by the Second Corps and the Fourth Corps' expedition.

There is absolutely no battle and it may be said to be overly optimistic, but if Lord Alexis and the forces of the Northern Governor's Office work together, they can undoubtedly achieve victory if their strategic aim is only to strike a blow to the enemy army.

But after the victory, we should have a big problem.

That means His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will make war work and Lord Ingolslop and others will have a stronger voice, which means a louder voice for the commercial guild.

But His Royal Highness Leopold also has ample fighting power. Naturally, the Senate will be a lot rough because Grand Duke Langton and others are expected to rebel.

"This Second Corps expedition is also, in a way, to protect the Lockhart family. It is no exaggeration to say that Zacharias' fiancée Sharon made a move in the first place and decided to travel. Then it's natural to make the Lockhart family think about what to do."

"Right. That's good."

Though I answer that, it's not like Non doesn't have an idea. Of course, Lord Alexis should have some idea. On top of that, I want to hear from young Zacharias.

"Then let me command it. Well, I'm looking forward to seeing what you can come up with now."

"Not at all. I may have a lot of fun this morning. Hahaha!"

Lord Alexis also laughed to be invited to the laughter of Non.

■ ■ ■

February 11th.

He was summoned by the Chancellor, the Duke of Irving Feelobisher, first thing in the morning and questioned. It was my father Masaias, my brother Rodrick, and my three men who were summoned by the Chancellor to belong to his faction, the Neutrality, repeatedly.

The three of us managed to keep saying no, and settled for belonging to the neutrals, but not ostensibly giving them.

Afterwards, my father and my brother had an explanation from an official of the Chancellery about the ceremony of the Serpent to the Viscount, but I had nothing to do with it, so I thought I would leave the Chancellery.

Viscount Radford, however, has returned to the mansion in a separate matter, and he cannot return alone from the palace, which is heavily guarded.

I had no choice but to kill time in a place like the long but just waiting room in a painting of the building.

(I guess the last one got a little too well. Thank you. I don't like teeth when I talk about booze. Well, the prime minister didn't seem to punish me because of that, so I can't say it's a credit for the injury...)

He remembered earlier interactions and was reflecting on them in cold sweat.

The interview with the Chancellor felt long because he had been forced into strong tension, but it had not actually been an hour and the bell at 10: 00 had not yet rang.

I'm talking about my fathers meeting taking a cup in the morning, so I'll be here for over two hours.

I waited blurry for my fathers in a wide waiting room where no one was, while I did my earlier reflections in my head.

About thirty minutes later, I felt signs of people and turned around.

There the Duke of Alexis Ezarrington stood with a grin.

"You seem to have plenty of time."

"I certainly have nothing to do..."

I don't know their intentions and answer ambiguously.

I'm here at this time because I'm likely to be meeting with the Chancellor and I don't know what the story will be.

"There is no need to be alarmed. If you like, why don't you come to my office? I'd like to hear from Lord Clement."

He has said that he would like to hear about the improvement of the quality of Seawell wines, and the production of brandy, which he discussed with the Marquis Clement Seawell and others.

"Okay."

I'm not sure if I can leave this place, but I can't refuse an invitation from the Duke, who is also an elder.

Tell the officials outside the waiting room they are going to Lord Etherlington's office and walk after the Duke.

"I wonder how it went, what was your meeting with the Chancellor?

I've heard that in a good mood for some reason.

We talk on the assumption that we know the outcome, but we don't.

"It was a meaningful interview. Your Excellency the Chancellor has reprimanded the Lockhart family for growing, but at the end of the day you have accepted our words."

"Sounds like it. Nevertheless, since when have you been considering distilling liquor in Firobischer territory? Your Excellency was surprised, too. He said he didn't think they'd say he'd succeed so clearly."

It still seemed like it was after you listened to me.

"Last April at a Blacksmith Guild liquor review, I heard there was more sugarcane based liquor than a merchant in Imperial City. The sugar cane is naturally sugary, so there's plenty of alcohol, and I actually heard it at the Paston Chamber of Commerce in Ezarrington City, but he still said the same thing. It's not so hard to make it distilled if you have enough alcohol."

"I see, you've already looked into it. But isn't it true that distilled liquor made from alcohol that you've never even drunk will surely be received by Dwarves?

"Sure you're right, sweet-scented distilled liquor has calvato (...) s with apple liquor. This liquor has a certain reputation for Dwarves, so you can be sure that sugarcane-based liquor will also be accepted"

"If that's what the alcohol god's petitioner says, I'm pretty sure"

I go into the back of the Chancellery with that talk.

There was a Duke of Ezarrington's office upstairs, slightly away from the Chancellor's office.

The Duke goes inside with a gentle greeting to the knight guarding the door. The knight sees a boy like me follow the Duke, and he mistakenly assumes he is the son of a senior nobleman, not only the Duke, but also a bishy salute to me.

I return my confession to it and go inside, but there was a slight doubt in the face of the knight. Probably because it was not the behavior of the son of a senior aristocrat.

Unlike the Chancellor's room, the office was a luxury worthy of the Duke of the Empire. It is decorated with a long carpet with long hairy feet and a heavy clerk made of mahogany, and a tapestry with plenty of gold and silver thread on the walls.

In the back, Darrell Routham, the Duke's escort, stood upright and immovable, blending in so much that he thought it was part of the office.

Meet Rutham lightly and sit on the couch for reception, as recommended by the Duke.

"In the meantime, let me say congratulations"

Perhaps you are saying that the Prime Minister did not punish you, but I will only answer "thank you" because I do not know what you are talking about.

"Your Excellency was frightened... No, I was impressed. You are exactly the son of a booze god. [M] He laughed that he didn't think I'd be so happy to talk about brewing."

I have no choice but to laugh ambiguously.

"His Excellency the Chancellor was satisfied that he was able to join hands with Lockhart. I think it's the best result even for me. Lockhart can only use its power if it is on the edge. It's the same perception you have. On top of that, I want to ask you something."

"What is it like?

"For the succession of His Majesty the Emperor."

I thought it was possible you'd ask, but I didn't think you'd ask straight. On this matter, however, the answer is settled.

"In my capacity, would you like to answer that question?

"I know. I still want your opinion. [M] His Royal Highness Crown Prince Gigismund and His Royal Highness Prince Leopold. Which one would you support?

To that straightforward question, I just have to shut up.

"I know to be vigilant. But as far as I'm concerned, I need your opinion. This is a limited time, and I don't care what you say, I don't care what you're responsible for. So let me give you a candid opinion."

You can't answer honestly if you say so.

"Okay, I'll answer you. I have nothing to say about either. This is because too little information is available, rather than being conservative. What's in my ear is precision, about the rumors flowing down the alley. That kind of vague information doesn't answer that."

"I see. You sure do," the Duke seemed convinced. But that didn't end the story.

"Then gather your information by the time you leave the capital. This is about the Lockhart family, and you yourself. [M] On top of that, I'd like to hear your personal thoughts."

"Why are you so bound by my opinion?

"His Excellency the Chancellor had let go and praised you. He said he deserved insight into hitters that was all ahead of him. I felt it myself, but your thinking is different from mine or your Excellency's. I don't know how to say this, but I have a different perspective. So I would love to hear it as a reference."

Honestly, I don't want to get involved in the Emperor's inheritance issue. But this duke will have to answer because he is surprisingly persistent.

"I will try to gather as much information as possible. Let me answer on that, but I'll just tell you that it could be the same conclusion we have now."

"I don't mind that," he says, grinning.

And I've changed the subject.

"This is also a request from His Excellency the Chancellor, but please think about the post-victory response to the Lukes while you stay in the Imperial City. If you pass on the information you need to my son Stephen, His Excellency the Chancellor will have it ready."

It's also a strange story to talk about after winning even though he hasn't marched out yet, but the Duke has fought Lukes many times, and he seems to be given enough fighting power and definite strategic goals to think the victory won't waver.

In response to that question, however, I cannot grasp the purpose of the Duke and the Chancellor.

"What does that mean?

"This second legion and my fourth legion expedition in the first place was aimed at by your fiancée Sharon. Then it would be natural to think about the aftermath. Regardless, your opinion is not adopted as it stands. We take it for granted, too."

I can't say no if they give me about Sharon.

"Accepted. I don't know how far I can make a concrete plan, but I'll do everything I can."

"Nice to meet you on the matter. Let's get down to business. Can you tell me about the Marquis of Seawell? I'm going to hear it from Lord Clement and Radford, but I still want to hear it from you, son of a liquor god."

The Duke's expression had changed from slightly stiff until then to the usual soft one.

He then thrived on stories of wine and distilled liquor until his fathers returned.