Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

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Although the Sovereignty War had ended twenty-six years ago, many within the Empire still regarded the Senas Alliance as southern rebels. The clandestine meeting of the Vineta Army's powerbroker with the Emperor's favorite was enough to spark endless speculation with a simple sentence.

Yet Antonio wasn't surprised by the identity of the visitor. Without even a cursory word of greeting, he just nodded at the other party and casually pointed to the chair in front of the desk, saying indifferently, "Please sit."

Despite the cold reception, Earl Narzio didn't appear angry. Instead, a fawning smile spread across his face, "His Majesty sends his sincerest regards."

Antonio chuckled dryly, but offered no reply.

However, Earl Narzio took the exquisite wooden box from his servant's hands with diligence, placing it respectfully on Antonio's desk, "This is a gift from His Majesty for you and your esteemed wife."

But Antonio didn't even glance at it, leaning back in his chair with impatience, "If you are here to deliver gifts and greetings on his behalf, I have received them, you can go now. Otherwise, speak plainly."

"Bringing a gift from His Majesty is indeed the main purpose of my visit. He doesn't wish to obtain anything from you, merely to extend well-wishes to an old friend," Earl Narzio said with a smile, but then his tone shifted, "Of course, there is another matter..."

"Speak directly."

"I am here to convey His Majesty's stance... Of course, to convey a stance, not to give directions," Earl Narzio said politely.

"Speak!"

"Our side... that is, His Majesty and the government representing his authority, do not wish to see war break out between Vineta and Tanilia," Narzio spoke warmly.

Antonio scoffed, "Too bad he doesn't have the final say."

"You misunderstand, His Majesty has no intention of imposing his will onto the southern... nations, only asked me to relay some facts," Narzio maintained his courteous demeanor, "A new warlord has unified most of the Norman tribes and gained the loyalty of the Tatars. The Empire will not stand by as a new barbarian regime emerges on its borders. Our northern armies will initiate a preemptive offensive to eliminate this threat."

The previously impatient Antonio fell into thought, while Narzio waited silently.

After a while, Antonio asked, "When do you plan to commence the war?"

"Four days ago," Earl Narzio replied with a smile, "The war has already begun. According to plan, the borderland armies have already set out from White Mountain fortress four days ago. The news should reach here in a few more days."

"You are taking preventive measures indeed."

"This is necessary. If one doesn't extinguish the fire at its beginning, wouldn't the end be just as we see before us?" Narzio said, smiling and gesturing around, "This is the lesson the southerners like you have taught us."

Antonio laughed as well, "Why tell me this?"

"Sir, you must understand what I am saying," Earl Narzio spoke smoothly, "The Empire and your Alliance have close commercial ties; traders carry their goods wherever they fetch a higher price. Our war against the Norman barbarians has already driven up the prices of bulk commodities. If Vineta and Tanilia were to go to war now, the prices of military supplies would skyrocket.

This continent's supplies cannot support two wars at once. If we both bid for military assets, it would only benefit the merchants. With the current prices, your side could not possibly procure enough supplies. Moreover, Vineta isn't self-sufficient; saltpetre and sulphur rely entirely on imports, let alone hoping to secure supplies through trade embargoes."

Narzio paused for a moment, then added more weight to his words, "Moreover, when the campaign against the Norman barbarians consumes most of His Majesty's attention, the power balance in the south will be disrupted, and inevitably some will become restless..."

Antonio snorted, interrupting him, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Someone wants to know your stance."

"I have no stance; the stance of the Executive Committee is my stance."

"No, your stance is very important," Narzio insisted firmly, "Within the Vineta military, you are the one the sensible look to for direction. Your stance is very important."

"Says who?"

"I say so." The servant who had been standing silently behind Narzio stepped forward, lifting his hood.

Winters didn't recognize the man, but now it was Antonio's turn to be shocked.

Antonio stood up abruptly, his voice low with astonishment, "The Secretary of State, Your Excellency?"

The highest position in the Vineta Republic was that of the Consul, but the title of Secretary of State was only used by The Federated Provinces. The Secretary of State of The Federated Provinces held a status equivalent to that of the Consul of Vineta.

Startled by Antonio's words, Winters was taken aback as well.

"Yes, it's me. In my capacity as the Secretary of State of The Federated Provinces, I request your help," Secretary Lionel took a few steps forward, speaking earnestly to Antonio.

In that moment, the Emperor's favorite, the head of state of The Federated Provinces, and the general of Vineta, three individuals who should never have been in the same room, were all within Antonio's study.

Of course, that included a Vineta Army lieutenant eavesdropping behind the secret door.

"What is going on here?" Antonio looked at Earl Narzio.

"It was I who requested Earl Narzio help me get here; without Earl Narzio's protection, I wouldn't have been able to reach Sea Blue City," Secretary Lionel of The Federated Provinces explained quickly, "I've arranged everything properly in Guidao City; no one knows I've come to Sea Blue City."

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