Chapter 124: The Stellar Gala 5

The gist of the story Estelle had heard from Santana was as follows:

Currently, the Heretical Alliance was utilizing Prince-Elector Friedrich’s connections to draw in foreign rulers. However, fundamentally, immense resources and funds were needed to motivate them to act.

It was clear that those acting in their own national interests would not readily suffer significant losses beyond indirect support.

Unlike the lords of the Holy Empire who directly felt the threat, foreign rulers would only mobilize if the rewards outweighed the costs.

And for this purpose…

Santana had made a particular request to the Empress through Estelle.

“If I recall correctly, the contract Your Majesty had previously sent contained the following: Instead of providing large-scale military support, you would offer substantial resources.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

Despite having a basic justification, the foreign rulers would not act if the rewards did not align with their interests.

The method to compel their decisive action was simple:

This side would need to mitigate the inevitable losses they would incur from mobilizing their armies.

Starting with military expenditures, as well as provisions like rations and armaments they would require,

if this side could take responsibility for a portion, when combined with the existing justification, they would have no reason not to mobilize.

Estelle relayed these points, and the Empress displayed an intrigued yet skeptical expression.

“Certainly, if we can maximize foreign military capabilities in this manner, our chances would improve. However… even if we provide support, I question whether Bohemia can fully bear the burden.”

Although a great power, the Dragonian Empire had limits to what it could provide for free.

If Bohemia could bear the full burden, there would have been no need for such deliberations in the first place.

“Regarding that… I have a request to make of Your Majesty.”

In connection with this issue, Estelle carefully broached the matter Santana had entrusted her with:

“The support you mentioned, Your Majesty… if possible, could we proceed in the form of a transaction rather than a freebie?”

“A transaction… you say?”

Intrigued by Estelle’s unexpected words, the Empress’s demeanor shifted slightly.

Sensing this, Estelle felt even more tense as she composed herself and continued:

“Yes, as Your Majesty mentioned, even the Dragonian Empire has limitations regarding freebie support. In that regard… while minimizing the burden on Dragonia, we wish to receive your support in the form of a transaction to ensure sustained assistance.”

Carefully gauging the Empress’s reaction as she spoke, Rozveta slowly nodded, indicating she should continue.

She did not seem to outright reject the notion.

Some obstinate rulers disliked complex proposals they could not readily comprehend.

Fortunately, Rozveta did not appear to be of that disposition.

Relieved by this, Estelle proceeded with her intended proposal.

The essence was to request various essential items needed for the war effort, from basic ores and gunpowder to grains and other provisions, through trade with the Dragonian Empire.

At first glance, it did not seem grandiose enough to refuse outright freebie support.

However…

As the Empress listened to the details, she realized this was far from a simple transaction.

“So, you mean to say… we should freeze the prices for the requested resources at the rates determined here today, for trade over the next ten years?”

“Yes, that is correct, Your Majesty. Additionally, to ensure trust, we will make advance payments at the beginning of each year. Credibility is paramount in such matters.”

“Hmm…”

Listening to Estelle, Rozveta slowly nodded her head.

Certainly, by supporting in the form of trade, the Dragonian Empire could provide an immense quantity of military supplies to the Holy Empire over an extended period, without the burdens of outright freebie support.

While the financial gains from such a trade would merely break even at best, it was still preferable to incurring losses.

Moreover, the advance payments would enhance the credibility of the transaction, further alleviating potential burdens on this side.

However…

Separate from these considerations, Rozveta’s attention was focused elsewhere at that moment.

‘These folks… so they can think like this too?’

At first glance, it seemed like a consideration to lighten this side’s burden while securing long-term support.

However… regarding this matter, Rozveta recognized the underlying implications were not so straightforward.

While posing no particular harm to her side, depending on the circumstances, it could potentially deal a devastating blow to the Holy Empire.

Recognizing this, a slow smile crept onto the Empress’s lips.

‘Not bad. I don’t know whose mind this came from, but the Heretical Alliance clearly has someone quite clever among them.’

Inwardly expressing slight admiration while deciding to interestingly observe the aftershocks this would trigger, Rozveta slowly nodded her head.

“Very well. I shall proceed as you wish.”

“Th…Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After some contemplation, the Empress granted her permission.

Seeing this, Estelle let out an inward sigh of relief.

‘Thank goodness. To be honest, the request was quite peculiar, so I wasn’t sure if she would accept it or not…’

Typically, arrogant rulers instinctively rejected proposals they could not comprehend with their own minds.

However, Rozveta had permitted this matter, the intricacies of which even Estelle did not fully grasp.

For now, she could feel pleased about this.

‘But… why did Lord Santana request such a complicated transaction? Certainly, compared to freebie support, the total resources brought in would be greater… but why go so far as to make advance payments…?’

While unaware of the precise reasons, Estelle was pleased that she had successfully executed the task given to her.

Then… it was the Empress who first addressed her:

“Now that the matter of support has been settled… there is one request I would like to make. Is that acceptable?”

“Huh? Ah… yes, of course, Your Majesty.”

Estelle responded with some bewilderment at the Empress making a request of her.

The Empress then smiled as she looked towards the door beside them and spoke:

“Come in.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With a brief exchange, the door slowly opened.

Immediately after, a woman Estelle had never seen before entered the room.

A woman of remarkable beauty, with black hair and blue eyes.

Seeing her, Estelle began to feel a peculiar sensation she could not pinpoint the cause of.

‘Who is she? Clearly someone I’ve never met before… but there’s something strange about her…’

The moment she laid eyes on her, for reasons she could not discern, Estelle felt an uncomfortable emotion akin to unease blossoming within her.

It was like…

The instinctive wariness two ferocious beasts felt upon their first encounter.

Puzzled by this, Estelle could not take her eyes off the woman, and the Empress, with a hint of a smile, addressed her:

“She is my granddaughter, appointed as the person in charge of this endeavor. Although her abilities are not lacking, she still lacks experience, so I hope you will keep an eye on her as we proceed, Lady Estelle.”

“Ah… yes.”

Responding with some awkwardness to the Empress’s words, the woman respectfully bowed her head towards Estelle.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Cazeros Sophia Reymond la. I look forward to working with you, Lady Estelle.”