Ch.22The Eastern Advance of Prosnak (3)

# Chapter 22: Prosnack’s Eastern Advance (3)

[Connected Event: Prosnack’s Touch]

[Coincidence? Just as you expressed opposition to the war with Prosnack, envoys from Prosnack have arrived.]

[What could be the reason for Prosnack’s envoys to visit?]

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such an utterly unhelpful event message.

Seeing it, I almost shouted “Stop messing around!!” out loud.

But somehow managing to hold that back, I tried to focus my mind and maintain tension…

I took in the sight of the Prosnack delegation appearing as the doors to the imperial hall opened while the royal council was in session.

And immediately after.

Four individuals in massive heavy-armored enhancement suits carrying an enormous coffin-like equipment on their shoulders.

More impactful than that sight was the figure walking quietly in front of them, completely wrapped in something like a robe that made it difficult to discern their form.

The moment I saw them, my mind flashed to images of Middle Eastern women in hijabs from my past life shouting “Allahu Akbar,” and I momentarily lost my tension.

‘Oops, I shouldn’t be like this.’

Being in such a formal setting, especially right after giving something resembling a speech to others, it would be insane to remain in my usual relaxed state.

So I tried to readjust my posture to maintain a tense attitude, but…

-Staaaare.

The Prosnack delegation stopped walking and just kept staring at me.

For a moment I wondered if I’d done something wrong, and as I stared back while trying to figure it out…

“…”

“…”

“Ah.”

I suddenly realized that until just now, I had been standing alone at the podium for the briefing, and I felt my mind go blank.

‘Well, I’m screwed.’

——————-

At the same time.

“My daughter, your role in this war is truly significant.”

“I will certainly fulfill the mission I have received.”

Having come to the heart of the Sebelli Empire to complete the mission given by her “father,” she was currently experiencing strange emotions.

‘…Is that man the Duke Arto, called the Guardian of Sebelli?’

She had often heard rumors that he outmaneuvered many diplomatic strategists of the Alliance and manipulated the Galactic Federation from behind…

But meeting Duke Arto in person gave her a peculiar feeling in many ways.

‘Logically, in this war, it would be natural for them to ally with those Kerzin trash and invade together.’

Of course, even if Sebelli participated in the current war, her faith in their ultimate victory remained unshaken…

But the numerous casualties that would result would create significant problems for their plans to dominate this galaxy.

To prevent that, she had come with compensation for Sebelli, which they had ignored until now.

‘Better than expected.’

With her clear eyes, she could distinctly observe.

The arrogant and haughty Kerzin trash looking dejected as they left the imperial hall where the royal council was held.

And through special spy equipment, she knew what had happened inside.

‘This man could be the most necessary puzzle piece in completing our grand mission.’

Moreover, he was looking at her and Prosnack not with fear, but with a gaze of cold evaluation (not really), even while refusing war.

Yet remembering how he momentarily relaxed his tension while looking at them, she found him difficult to evaluate in a single word.

‘Perhaps he’s an undercover agent planted by Father… no, that’s too far-fetched.’

Being one of the most intellectually gifted individuals in Prosnack, it didn’t take her long to reach a conclusion.

‘First, it’s important to approach and build rapport.’

Therefore, she decided to greet them with what she considered the most courteous attitude, completely different from the typical Prosnackian manner.

“Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor of the Sebelli Empire, and everyone present.”

————————-

It was linguistic rudeness incomparable to Kerzin’s, but perhaps because we had just been openly threatened by Kerzin…

“…Yes, pleased to meet you.”

Our Emperor responded with a voice that seemed about 10% less disgusted with Prosnack.

Of course, the (somewhat) favorable reaction toward Prosnack ended there.

“How dare you come here!”

“Have you come to declare war on us this time?”

From the numerous councilors and high officials around, hateful remarks toward Prosnack poured out unrestrained.

But when the other party has come with some semblance of courtesy, if only our side acts rudely, we’ll suffer significant debuffs in future negotiations.

“Everyone, let’s calm down first.”

As I snapped my fingers to focus attention, an uncomfortable silence began to spread from the previously excited monkey-like people.

“Thank you for your consideration, Duke Arto.”

“…You know me?”

“Of course, there aren’t… many people in our Alliance who don’t know you.”

Damn it, talking like that makes me sound like some Prosnack spy.

Indeed, as soon as the robed figure uttered those words, several people at the royal council began giving me strange looks, making me feel even more complicated.

Fortunately, the Prosnackian seemed to notice the atmosphere and nodded before continuing.

“Let’s set aside trivial talk… To get to the point, I’ve come as an ambassador with full authority regarding the Sebelli Empire from the Prosnack Alliance.”

“That’s fortunate. If you had just sent anyone to waste time, things would have been different.”

Despite Artralaia’s curt response, the Prosnack ambassador continued without any particular reaction.

“First, regarding our purpose for coming, it was to prevent the Sebelli Empire from allying with Kerzin in this war…”

After saying that, the ambassador paused and glanced at me.

‘What, what?’

Since I was in an awkward position to leave, I just stood there with my arms crossed, so I immediately returned the gaze.

“…The Sebelli Empire’s self-declaration of neutrality has given us the impression that Sebelli strictly adheres to treaties.”

“Hmph.”

At the ambassador’s words, Artralaia merely snorted.

“And there is another reason for our visit…”

With those words, the ambassador turned back and gestured, and the four enhancement-suited soldiers lowered the massive coffin they had been carrying.

-Thud!

Despite being set down as carefully as possible, the weight was evident, showing that the coffin was as heavy as it was large.

‘But what exactly is that thing they brought?’

However, that fact didn’t answer the fundamental question of what it actually was.

“What is that?”

That question was shared by Artralaia and the high officials, who looked at the coffin placed in the center of the hall with suspicious eyes.

“This is the payment for the Irtelan Treaty from our Prosnack Alliance.”

“…!”

As the ambassador’s words continued and the coffin opened to reveal its contents, everyone’s expressions turned ashen.

-Clank! Creeeeak…

And for good reason, because what was inside the coffin… was truly something no one had expected.

-Bubble bubble

Honestly, who could have predicted it?

That a massive space empire would bring, as compensation for a 10-year treaty… a young girl contained in a test tube connected to all sorts of hoses and pipes.

“What do you think?”

And the ambassador’s emotionless demeanor toward the astonished high officials provoked great anger from those who had been quiet until now.

“This, this person is clearly mocking us!”

“That’s right, Your Majesty! After plundering more than ten resource star systems, they dare to end it by giving us something like this after 10 years!”

“Even though we have a class system, we have lines we don’t cross!!”

“Your Majesty! We must declare war on Prosnack now!”

Not only the high officials and councilors, but also…

“…”

As could be seen from Artralaia’s grip on the throne’s armrest, tight enough to break it, the situation was more than enough to start a war immediately.

But…

“…Your Majesty, may I speak?”

“Speak, Minister of Execution.”

“Prosnack has paid the price for Irtelan, so there seems to be no reason to fight anymore.”

At my response, astonishment spread across the faces of Artralaia and the royal council members.

“Have you lost your mind, Minister of Execution?!”

“Your Majesty, the Minister is acting no differently from a traitor!”

“Due to his lack of experience, he’s trying to sacrifice the empire’s interests for worthless human rights!”

Especially Artralaia, well…

“…So that’s your preference?”

Seeing her make some strange misunderstanding, I felt an urgent need to correct that misunderstanding if nothing else.

Just as I was about to open my mouth…

“As expected of Duke Arto, you recognize its true value.”

The Prosnack ambassador’s terribly timed words completely blocked my explanation.

“Even if others don’t notice, I believed you would certainly recognize it.”

“Uh… yes.”

This time I was stunned into silence, and the Prosnack ambassador looked around the imperial hall…

“And our Prosnack Alliance doesn’t engage in petty acts like those vermin from the Trade Union.”

“How can we believe that!”

“That’s right! How can we trust someone who won’t even reveal their identity!”

Hearing the accusations directed at them, the ambassador nodded.

“Indeed, that statement could be considered a truth that pinpoints the current situation.”

Then, removing the hood they had been wearing, revealing flowing sky-blue hair and gleaming teal eyes, the ambassador said:

“Let me introduce myself again. I am the Prosnack ambassador to the Sebelli Empire with full authority.”

After taking a breath, the next words were…

“My name is Jad Samiya Halabi`dus, daughter of Supreme Commander Fern`dus, the current leader of the Prosnack Alliance.”

It was essentially proof to everyone present of how serious the Prosnack Alliance was.

And her shocking statement didn’t end there.

“It seems that Duke Arto over there knows the true value of this best.”

“…Hmm?”

“You truly are as remarkable as the rumors say, so… I’ll leave this to you.”

“???”

Why are you giving that to me?