Chapter 221: Westphalia 11

The representative of the Kalmar Union, Athena.

Seeing her, Polena could not help but feel a profound sense of wariness.

‘Athena, the Kalmar Union’s strongest…this woman being here in person undoubtedly means she is plotting something…’

Among the ‘mages’ Polena knew of, Athena was the second…

And the strongest she had encountered directly.

The pinnacle of human attainment, spoken of as a Grade 12 mage, was this very woman before her eyes.

And now, she had come as a representative of an entire nation, automatically leading Polena to suspect this monstrous being had some ulterior motive.

“So?.. Surely the esteemed Grade 12 mage did not grace me with her presence without reason?”

Senel asked in a chillingly cold voice.

In response, Athena showed a light smile as she spoke:

“You need not be so heated. I merely came to see if there might be some amusement amidst this dull conference. Though it seems to have ended rather drearily without any, from what I observed.”

“…Is that so? Then I take it you have no further business here. It is hardly the time for us to engage in battle in any case.”

With those words, Polena departed the garden.

Meanwhile…

Watching Polena’s retreating figure, an ominous smile crept across Athena’s lips.

‘It seems whatever she had intended to do has been canceled for now… But the fact that the Dragonian Imperial Princess is present could prove useful if I play my cards right…’

Even without this, the Kalmar Union had suffered significant losses in this war.

King Chris IV’s foolish unilateral actions had achieved little beyond dealing a severe blow to the Union’s overall national strength.

It was fortunate that the malicious faction had been thoroughly crushed, but that alone still left their interests unsatisfied in many ways.

Athena had come to attend this conference to address that issue, but with the Kalmar Union’s stake so minimal, she could only rack her brain over possible solutions.

And to overturn this situation, Athena needed to stir up as much chaos as she could manage.

‘If Kalmar’s troops had been formally deployed in the Holy Roman Empire, I could have proceeded through warfare… But with that not an option, this is the limit of what I can do.’

In the great conference hall of Westphalia Palace, envoys from various nations engaged in heated verbal clashes to secure their respective national interests.

“On this occasion, I request that Lorraine’s independence be formally recognized. For far too long, we have suffered under the Holy Roman Empire’s unjust interference.”

“On that point, I agree. The Kingdom of France will support Lorraine’s rightful independence based on justice.”

“I have no objections to that matter. However, before that, I request the return of territories seized by Lorraine during this war. While the demand for independence is legitimate, I cannot condone the unlawful occupation of Imperial lands amidst the chaos.”

The firm response came from Duke Maximilian, as the Lorraine envoy spoke.

As one of the Empire’s closest aides and a powerful Prince-Elector, Maximilian strove to minimize Imperial losses by any means, acting in place of the Emperor, whose hands were now bound by Wallenstein.

“Are you ignorant of Lorraine’s long-suffering plight? We deserve at least this much as recompense!”

“Unjust suffering does not justify unjust gains! The Holy Roman Empire is a place with long-established order and discipline. I cannot accept disregarding that!”

“Indeed. No matter the grievances, maintaining basic courtesy is only proper, is it not? As Duke of Saxony, I support Duke Maximilian’s stance.”

Even in this disadvantageous situation, the Imperial nobles who had long submitted to the Emperor for personal gain mounted defenses through various arguments, unwilling to relinquish Imperial interests.

Though their lord the Emperor had lost real power to Wallenstein, they could still voice their claims based on principles to some degree.

Thus, the nobles fought tooth and nail to protect the Empire’s… or more precisely, their own vested interests.

And watching their display, I could not help but slightly furrow my brow.

‘It’s fortunate the war ended swiftly, but I do feel some regret seeing those fellows still breathing freely…’

Touting outdated discipline to maintain their vested interests, they were the sort who should have been utterly ruined over the prolonged war in the original.

But with the premature end to hostilities, they remained in power and were seated here.

The very root cause dragging out this conference while most nations negotiated interests behind the scenes.

If I could, I would eliminate them, I thought as I felt a dryness in my throat and took a long sip of tea.

Then…

“This conversation is dragging on too long, it seems.”

“! Hmm…”

The next moment, Wallenstein’s voice rang out unexpectedly.

Then, in a composed tone, he addressed the nobles and the Lorraine envoy:

“As the other lords have said, we cannot simply cede that territory to Lorraine. One way or another, basic principles must be upheld. So how about this? You purchase the legitimate rights to that region from us.”

“You mean…?”

“Yes, the lands Lorraine occupies would not be unlawfully seized, but rather properly acquired through a contract with the Empire. As for the price, I will leave it to you to provide a suitable sum befitting our dignity.”

“Hmm… Very well. If those are the terms, I gladly accept.”

Although a small nation, Lorraine boasted economic might rivaling the continent’s greatest powers thanks to its thriving commerce. For them, paying a sum satisfactory to Wallenstein’s tastes was not an issue.

Having swiftly resolved the matter, Wallenstein left the formerly vociferous nobles unable to voice any objections, despite their displeasure.

Though the result of a rebellion, Wallenstein attended as the nominal representative of the Emperor’s will.

Simultaneously, he effectively controlled the Empire’s military might, leaving even the most principled nobles unable to openly defy him.

If he maintained a semblance of principle, they had no grounds to object.

‘Indeed… he displayed considerable competence in the original, and that ability remains undiminished here.’

Aside from ultimately refusing to rebel against the Emperor, Wallenstein was a rather likable figure overall.

Watching him cleanly handle the drawn-out issue, a slight smile crept across my lips.

The Imperial nobles, having once again compromised their interests to appease foreign powers, could not help but harbor profound displeasure.

‘Damn… at this rate, only Wallenstein and those heretics will benefit.’

‘We must find a breakthrough somehow… If this continues, the losses to our domains will be too severe.’

Truthfully, having achieved little throughout the war, the proper course would be to meekly accept the outcome.

Yet even in this situation, the nobles could not relinquish their vain desires, seeking any opportunity to turn the tide.

Then…

“You all seem quite troubled.”

“Hm?”

“You are…”

A woman’s voice reached their ears.

Immediately after, the nobles’ eyes fell upon the figure of a maid in blue attire.