Ch.192Chapter 21. The Art of Deceiving Each Other (4)

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Virginia accepted the request for an audience from Ambassador Arthur Minsk. However, the meeting place was not a conference room but a hotel banquet hall, and there were quite a few attendees. Most were Elsa’s military personnel, high-ranking officials, and business executives.

Strict inspections followed from the hotel lobby. Not only did they check body temperature, but they also required a simple blood test. Fortunately, none of the important attendees were “filtered out,” but some of the entourage received “quarantine” verdicts. They were quickly isolated to avoid upsetting the distinguished guests. It wasn’t a particularly pleasant sight.

Still, upon entering the main hall, all unpleasant feelings vanished. A buffet was laid out before them, with chefs sweating profusely as they prepared food. The lowest-ranking staff secretly smuggled empty cans out of the kitchen, but they did it so frequently that everyone could see them.

“Canned beef would be better. Where else can we eat beef these days? Unless you’re immigrating to Römer or Minsk.”

Nevertheless, the atmosphere was decent. Despite the chefs’ tearful efforts, the food wasn’t particularly tasty, but the alcohol was genuine. Some dignitaries even brought their own liquor, passed down like family heirlooms.

“Oh, Commander Virginia!”

Men desperately tried to approach her, while women subtly tripped them, pinched their arms, or made faces to dissuade them. However, there were so many people trying to get close that they couldn’t be completely stopped.

“It’s truly an honor that someone as busy with official duties as yourself would grace us with your presence!”

“It’s nothing special.”

Among others dressed in fancy outerwear, Virginia stood out distinctly in her National Gendarmerie uniform. The neatness and orderliness of her well-fitted uniform, along with the palpable sense of formidable power behind her, was unmistakable.

Virginia remembered most of the attendees’ names and handled various complex matters on the spot, securing cooperation and promising assistance. Despite dealing with numerous issues, she remained impeccably composed when she finally sat across from Ambassador Arthur at his table.

“Martial Law Commander.”

Ambassador Arthur smiled gently as he offered a handshake. To Virginia, he seemed to have had quite a bit to drink.

“How interesting that a party is being held even in these times.”

Virginia spoke politely, which amused Arthur quite a bit.

“When I was assigned to Elsa, my predecessor told me, ‘Arthur, if you want to throw a party in Elsa, you have to cover your face with a white handkerchief. Those people consider such things sinful. You won’t have many occasions to celebrate in Elsa!’ You know, don’t you? In Elsa, there are more days commemorating sacrifice and death than celebrating joy and birth.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but given my position, it doesn’t quite resonate with me. For a National Gendarmerie member, there are only two times to rest: when we take off our uniforms and when we die.”

Instead of responding, Arthur poured her a drink. The scent of oak wafted gently. Arthur raised his glass, and Virginia did the same. She wondered what kind of toast this smooth-talking diplomat would make.

“To eternal love.”

It was a somewhat puzzling toast, but Virginia clinked glasses with him. The liquor was as thick and bitter as tree sap, but its aroma was pleasant.

“It’s whiskey from Minsk. The name is complicated, and I don’t know much about alcohol. It’s more commonly known by its nickname, ‘Tree Sap.'”

“I can see why it tastes like tree sap.”

Since it was an unfiltered fact rather than sarcasm, Arthur laughed good-naturedly.

“The aroma and taste are quite different. The fragrance is enticing enough to draw everyone around, but the drinker experiences a bitter, thick taste. That’s why middle-aged couples in Minsk drink this on their wedding anniversaries. No matter how well-matched and harmonious a couple may appear on the outside, only they know the intensity within. Personally, I suspect it’s just a marketing ploy by the liquor company.”

Virginia recalled that Arthur himself had been divorced for some time. She didn’t know why he divorced. Since he came as a diplomat, he probably hadn’t committed any unethical acts in his private life, so it was likely just a personality clash.

“Interesting. The lingering aroma in the mouth and the bitter taste on the tongue… one’s evaluation of the liquor would depend on which is stronger.”

“The funny thing is, the longer people are married, the more similar their evaluations become.”

“How so?”

“They say tree sap is just tree sap. The two can’t be distinguished. Those who aren’t married say it’s a terrible drink. They say the bitter taste stays with you while others get all the sweet aroma? Marriage is like that too. Outsiders enjoy the pleasant view while the couple themselves are left with all the headache-inducing fights.”

“Is that so? I’m unmarried.”

Arthur waited until Virginia emptied her glass. Once it was empty, he refilled it with precise, delicate movements.

“Commander. Have you ever considered finding a good match? Or, if I may ask, are you perhaps committed to staying single…?”

‘Here it comes.’ Virginia seemed to understand why Arthur had brought this up.

“I have no such thoughts. I simply believe it’s not the right time yet.”

“Of course! You’re quite popular both in your home country and here in Elsa. If you wanted to, you could do so anytime.”

Arthur thought it was a decent compliment, but Virginia shook her head.

“Elsa.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I am a soldier of Elsa. It’s true I was born in Römer, but I don’t consider Römer my homeland. For a soldier, wherever their feet stand is their ‘homeland.'”

Arthur found this statement somewhat peculiar. It seemed to convey something beyond merely emphasizing military spirit. To understand what that was, he needed to extend the conversation further. But Virginia already seemed to be losing interest.

“Ahem, Commander. I never thought I would be saying this. Normally, diplomats neither deliver nor receive such messages. But I am personally very pleased to convey this to you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“There is a young man who wishes to meet you. Noi Sedu, the eldest son of the Sedu Corporation Group. In my opinion, he is expected to take a leading role in the group’s operations soon.”

Virginia thought it was quite a clever proposal.

Sedu Corporation is one of Minsk’s major corporations. In terms of asset value, it accounts for about one-seventh of Minsk’s GDP, enough that candidates from Sedu Corporation could realistically aim for election if employees voted for them.

Moreover, the Robarten region, which has a direct road to Minsk’s capital, is densely populated with Sedu Corporation factories.

And Virginia’s own father is the Senate President of Römer. Though Römer claims to be a republic, it’s still essentially an aristocracy. Minsk’s businessmen would certainly be aware of this situation.

‘So they’re proposing a marriage alliance.’

If Römer nobles marry among themselves, it’s not an issue, but if they marry someone from another “class,” they have an obligation to protect their spouse’s property and life to the fullest extent. While this clause seems harmless on the surface, its true meaning is that the marriage partner becomes the “property” of the noble family.

Therefore, when a noble marries someone from another class, it’s tantamount to a declaration of expanding the family’s influence.

In the end, Arthur’s proposal meant this:

‘We’ll give you one-seventh of Robarten and Minsk, so don’t even dream of war. We don’t want unnecessary tension between Elsa and Minsk. But we also don’t want this to escalate into a matter between nations, so we’d like to treat it as an issue between individuals. Withdraw gracefully.’

Virginia had already made her decision. But she also wanted to play with Arthur a bit more. So, she covered her mouth and laughed.

“But I’ve never even seen him?”

“He’s an elegant and charming young man. He has worked as a model for his company several times. You could easily find him with a search, but if you wish, I can arrange a direct meeting.”

“Marriage with such a person in this situation… how interesting.”

Was it a diplomat’s intuition? Arthur already sensed he had failed. Virginia’s attitude was extremely courteous, but her body language was saying no. However, he didn’t want to retreat so abruptly.

“I’m not suggesting you meet him right away. You can take your time to consider it.”

“Take my time. You seem to think that today’s banquet could be held again tomorrow, Arthur.”

“Of course. With such an excellent and elegant person as the Martial Law Commander, what is there to worry about?”

Virginia didn’t answer. Arthur, feeling somewhat awkward, cleared his throat.

“Commander. This crisis will end soon. Everyone will return to their daily lives. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to salvage more? There’s no need to cause unnecessary disturbances that would burn down my house and my neighbor’s. Now is the time to unite and extinguish the big fire. Don’t you think so?”

‘Minsk must be quite desperate.’

Virginia was pleased. Normally, they wouldn’t have approached so submissively. But now they were offering to give up one of their conglomerates. This means the damage Minsk would suffer from war is greater than losing one-seventh of their GDP.

‘The infection must be severe. They haven’t found a vaccine yet either. Or perhaps they have, but mass production would be difficult if war breaks out, so they’re groveling like this.’

“I appreciate your words, Arthur.”

Virginia responded politely. In that moment, she seemed not like a military leader but an elegant noble lady.

“Hmm, you don’t seem very interested.”

“If I’m going to drink, I’d prefer something with better aroma and taste.”

A shadow of concern briefly crossed the diplomat’s face. It seemed Virginia had realized what this marriage meant. ‘This isn’t enough. Bring more.’ She still seems willing to negotiate, Arthur found comfort in that.

“What would satisfy you?”

“Something worth trading for the entire world.”

“You have quite an appetite.”

“Yes. There’s probably no such person.”

Virginia’s gaze turned cold. Though Arthur was somewhat drunk, he didn’t miss the ‘warning’ signal in his mind. In an instant, the diplomat understood Virginia’s meaning. But he couldn’t accept it.

There would be no match worth trading for the entire world.

To pay ‘that price,’ one must first possess ‘that much.’

“Hmm, that sounds like something a father with a daughter would say.”

“No. This is my condition.”

The last excuse vanished. To the question ‘Is this Römer’s will?’ Virginia answered ‘It is my choice.’

“If your condition is too high, you might have to remain alone for life.”

It was a warning that being too greedy could lead to trouble, but Virginia seemed indifferent.

“Then this world must be truly insignificant. Not even that much exists.”

“Life is generally not that remarkable.”

Arthur responded almost with a groan.

“How boring.”

Virginia looked like she might actually yawn. At that moment, a guest singer took the stage. A soprano voice quickly filled the entire hall, as if singing of the calm before a storm.