Chapter 222: Westphalia 12

The Imperial nobles led by Maximilian were well aware of their precarious position at this conference intended to conclude the war.

Although they had not directly engaged in combat, the loss of power by their liege the Emperor had severely undermined the fundamental strength of the nobles.

At the conference, their voices carried little weight. Even invoking the Empire’s principles only allowed Wallenstein, attending as the Emperor’s representative, to twist those laws at his convenience while using the nobles’ interests as bargaining chips to end the war.

Instead of upholding their interests, Wallenstein aimed to curtail their standing to facilitate the war’s conclusion.

In this situation, the nobles keenly felt the need to find a new breakthrough, racking their brains together.

And now, the polar opposite yet similarly disadvantaged figure of Athena, the Kalmar Union’s representative, extended an offer of allegiance to the nobles.

“Lady Athena… is your proposal to join hands with us sincere?”

“Yes, it is.”

“But… does not the Kalmar Union follow heretical doctrines? How can you, who subscribes to such beliefs, possibly align with us – the Church’s last bastion?”

“It is entirely possible. Need I look further than General Wallenstein, your very leader, openly siding with the heretics at this very conference?”

“Cough…”

“Hmm… hmm…”

“The Kingdom of France likewise joined hands with heretics despite posturing as the Church’s protector. In this situation, is there any need to dwell on religious differences?”

“…Well… I suppose…”

Truthfully, though unstated, all present regarded religion as a mere pretext and means to gain benefits.

Keenly pointing this out, Athena continued:

“And crucially, the Kalmar Union’s current position differs little from yours. Our war achievements were scant, our losses severe. Is that not ample reason for us to join forces?”

Having achieved poor results in this war, the Kalmar Union supported the heretical doctrines opposed by the nobles and had even clashed with Imperial forces.

Yet as Athena stated, the Union and nobles now found themselves in similar dire straits, feeling the need to upset the current trajectory.

And on that point…

The nobles began lending ear to Athena’s ‘proposal’, slowly nodding in agreement.

“Hmm… it does seem a plausible suggestion.”

“Risky, but… if executed properly…”

While Athena’s scheme required considering considerable risks, none present openly opposed it.

For they too sensed it:

This conference attended by the continent’s preeminent powers would be a crucial milestone shaping the future order. Failing to seize the initiative here would leave them perpetually subjugated by the ‘victors’, no matter their future actions.

‘To survive, we must take risks and act…’

‘We cannot allow our downfall like this. For centuries, we have been the Holy Roman Empire’s great nobles. We cannot now submit to some upstart like Wallenstein.’

‘His arrogance has become infuriating. I will overturn this situation, no matter what.’

As the nobles burned with such desires, a cold smile crept across Athena’s lips – their de facto temporary leader.

‘Well then… with these useful pawns secured, shall we begin?’

Suspicion, once ignited, tended to spread uncontrollably.

And their scheme began by fanning the sparks of such suspicion…

“Whew…”

“You have labored hard, Lord Chancellor.”

“Indeed, you all have as well. Today was rather taxing, it seems.”

Emerging from the conference with his aides, the Chancellor of France, Richelieu, felt profound fatigue.

Though past his prime with wrinkles lining his face, today’s proceedings had proven quite demanding for him. Yet it had also yielded tangible results.

Through negotiations with Wallenstein and Santana, Richelieu had ultimately secured legitimate dominion over Lorraine.

With his primary objective achieved in traveling this far to Westphalia, he considered the outcome satisfactory overall.

While not an expansive territory compared to France’s domains, Richelieu fully grasped Lorraine’s immense value.

‘The fertile lands of Lorraine and its abundant iron ore deposits. For our Kingdom of France to eventually become a great empire, these are essential. Moreover, acquiring Lorraine will ease defending against the Holy Roman Empire’s aggression.’

Despite its modest size, Lorraine held remarkable value.

Richelieu had desired Alsace as well, but considering the war’s premature end, he knew demanding that would be overreaching.

‘I am greedy, but stopping here is wise. Coveting what I cannot have may cause me to lose what is already in my grasp…’

Setting aside some regrets, Richelieu found satisfaction in his current gains.

Then…

“Hm?”

“Who goes there!”

The next moment, his guards hastily drew their swords to block his path.

As escorts to their nation’s representative, they swiftly channeled augmentation magic into their blades, adopting combat stances.

And the following instant…

“!”

-Clang!-

“Kuh!”

A powerful shockwave of mana came hurtling from somewhere.

The vanguard guards were blown backward while the remaining soldiers tensed, shouting urgently:

“Protect the Chancellor!”

“An enemy ambush! There must be an assassin nearby!”

Swiftly erecting a barrier of mana, the soldiers maintained strict security around Richelieu.

Among them was even a Grade 9 archmage dispatched by France, rendering their defenses virtually impenetrable barring the most extraordinary means.

Thanks to their swift response and thorough precautions, the ‘attacker’ concealed in the darkness seemed to deem further efforts futile and did not persist.

After some time, having scouted the vicinity and confirmed no lingering threats, the soldiers finally relaxed.

“Thank goodness. It seems the assassin has fled for now. Are you unharmed, my lord?”

“Worry not, I am fine – thanks to your timely actions.”

“Damn… what brazen fool would dare such an attempt…”

Having secured the Chancellor’s safety, the soldiers raged at the unidentified assailant.

Yet despite the brush with danger, Richelieu remained composed as he pondered the incident.

And after a moment…

A familiar serene smile spread across his lips.

‘…This… could prove rather interesting…’