Chapter 378: Chapter 331: The Conference Begins_1
While Yan Xing led his troops to attack the Heize Werewolf rebels, all factions in Wildwind Highlands were busily pursuing their own interests amidst the rapidly changing situation.
Following the riots in Nuta City, the Temple, after a period of silence, saw High Priest Lancelot secretly travel to Storm City, where he met with Marquis Anderson.
Cloud Tower’s sudden arming of Marquis Anderson’s Wildwind Highlands Legion had quickly caught the attention of the entire world. After learning about the scale of Alchemical Weapons Cloud Tower provided to Marquis Anderson, all parties sensed that a significant global upheaval was imminent. Thunderous Swamp also formally entered the view of various factions. Even if Cloud Tower chose an agent to eliminate Thunderous Swamp, it would be enough to elevate this region, once considered barbaric, to the status of a top power. Consequently, the names Eternal Domain and Yan Xing began to appear frequently in communications among the ruling classes.
The Gryphon Heart Empire also learned, through the Temple in Nuta City, about the various weapons Yan Xing had displayed there. These included the newly appeared Gryphon Armor and Beak Eagle aircraft. At the same time, the news that Eternal Domain had sold ten Beak Eagle aircraft to the Silvermane Principality deeply unsettled the Empire.
According to intelligence, the Beak Eagle was a large Alchemical Aircraft with a carrying capacity comparable to an airship. However, it was smaller in size and faster. Eternal Domain was assisting the Silvermane Principality in building civilian airports within its territory. Since these could be used for civilian purposes, they could certainly be used for military purposes as well.
No matter how great the conflict between the Silver Mane Duke and Marquis Anderson, the reality was that Cloud Tower and Thunderous Swamp were simultaneously arming both Anderson and the Silvermane Principality with Alchemical Weapons. How could this allow the Imperial Emperor to rest easy? Therefore, High Priest Lancelot was entrusted with the grave responsibility of secretly meeting Marquis Anderson. There was no reason for Anderson not to see him. He also wanted to know what the Empire’s stance was on the future situation.
A fresh snowfall had covered Storm City, making the weather even colder. Despite the roaring fire in the fireplace, a penetrating chill could still be felt.
Dressed in a fur coat, Marquis Anderson, like a devout believer, greeted High Priest Lancelot and warmly invited him to sit by the fireplace.
"Your Excellency," Marquis Anderson said, speaking like a professional clergyman, "this year’s winter has come earlier and is colder than in previous years. This is not a good sign. It must be that the gods are displeased with the world’s lack of reverence and have therefore sent down divine punishment to chastise us sinners."
High Priest Lancelot, possessing the composure and steadiness of a high-ranking clergyman, removed his magnificent ceremonial crown and placed it on a nearby table. He then stretched his hands near the fire, rubbing them together for warmth.
"We are servants of the gods and should not speculate on their thoughts lightly. But... surely the gods love their followers as they love their own children. A warm spring will surely follow the winter, yet this spring will be vastly different from those of the past.
"The geese flying south from Wildwind Highlands have brought this news to His Majesty’s ears.
"His Majesty congratulates you, Marquis, on once again upholding the honor of humankind in Wildwind Highlands.
"He also very much admires your military talent, Marquis.
"If...
"His Majesty said... if you were his vassal, you would certainly receive a higher title and a larger fief."
As if casually chatting, Lancelot subtly revealed the purpose of his visit.
Anderson was already a Marquis; in the Silvermane Principality, there was no higher title he could be granted. If Anderson were to be bestowed the title of Duke by the Imperial Emperor, his status would naturally be on par with the Silver Mane Duke, effectively splitting the Silvermane Principality. But for the Imperial Emperor to bestow a dukedom upon another sovereign’s vassal, especially one outside his direct domain, would be tantamount to tearing all pretenses with the Silvermane Principality—it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a declaration of war. If Anderson accepted the Empire’s bestowal of the title, it would be a significant blow to his reputation, and he risked complete isolation.
But there were also many benefits. Wildwind Highlands would certainly become his fief. With a higher title, he would have many high ranks to grant to others. With land and titles, he could gather a group of heroes willing to leave the Silvermane Principality to open up new territories with him.
Now that Eternal Domain and Dawnspirit City, the capital of the Principality, had opened an air route, they could bypass Storm City for the transport of sensitive materials. Meanwhile, two developments pointed to deeper, undisclosed cooperation between Eternal Domain and Silvermane Principality: the sale of ten Beak Eagle aircraft and Yan Xing’s sworn siblinghood with Lady Karol. These suggested many secret dealings unknown to the public. All signs indicated that Duke Silvermane was determined to get involved in the conflict between Thunderous Swamp and Cloud Tower.
When spring arrives, if the Wildwind Highlands Legion launches an offensive against Eternal Domain, Duke Silvermane will definitely exert pressure on Storm City, both politically and militarily. Currently, the Wildwind Highlands Legion is nominally under the Silvermane Principality; direct intervention by the Duke would certainly cause some to waver. Therefore, rather than being hamstrung by Duke Silvermane when the time comes, it’s better to draw clear lines early and let one’s subordinates recognize where they stand and make a choice.
In the past, as a Marquis, cutting ties with the Principality would have been rebellion and might not have drawn many to follow him. But if he were to be bestowed the title of Duke by the Imperial Emperor, the tangible benefits would be substantial. They would be enough to compensate for the damage to his reputation. Certainly, more people would rally to his side than if he, as a mere Marquis, broke from the Principality.
Of course, being granted a dukedom isn’t as simple as a mere pronouncement. Otherwise, High Priest Lancelot wouldn’t have stated his intention in such veiled terms. He was here to negotiate, aiming to secure advantages for the Empire.
"Please convey my thanks to His Majesty for his favor," Marquis Anderson said to the High Priest, bowing. "I am a vassal of Duke Silvermane, and Duke Silvermane is a Duke whose title was bestowed by His Majesty. We guard the northern border for His Majesty, as per the agreement between our ancestors."