Episode 123: The Emperor's New Clothes - The Saga of Lioncourt

"Such an unexpected blunder, I have no face to show." "We have troubled His Majesty with..." Before me, Albert and Benuro knelt, offering their apologies. They had been outmaneuvered by a numerically inferior enemy, allowing an attack on the main camp of the Rioncour army. This was an inexcusable oversight. Currently, the various commanders were gathered in the fort of the fallen Canber Castle, in the midst of a military council. It was important to praise those who performed well in front of everyone, and to admonish those who failed. However, excessive reprimand wasn't necessary for Albert on his first campaign, and I had no intention of punishing him. "Ah, perhaps there was some carelessness indeed." As I chuckled, a senior retainer of the Viscount Benuro's household interjected, "With all due respect, I was remiss." He likely intended to protect the young Albert on his first campaign. "Hold your tongue! This is not your place!" However, Albert wouldn’t permit it, and he rebuked the old retainer. The old retainer of Benuro was merely a secondary retainer, a subordinate's subordinate. Certainly, it was impudent for him to interfere in exchanges between me and the lords. Had Albert not reprimanded the old retainer, it might have fallen upon me to punish him, potentially leading Benuro to lose a retainer unnecessarily (though I wouldn't do such a thing). By scolding the retainer, Albert protected his subordinate. It’s quite commendable for such a young man to reprimand an elder who defended him. "Retainers protect their lord, and the lord protects his retainers. A commendable act." I was impressed by Albert’s admirable demeanor and smiled warmly. "I heard this was Albert's first battle, and it was a commendable fight. The final breakthrough was only because Ramire de Cocteau was even more skillful. Fighting powerful foes is the honor of a knight; there’s nothing to be ashamed of." Hearing this, Albert sighed in relief, and the old retainer bowed his head to hide his face. Perhaps they had some prior agreement, but that was none of my concern. "Anyway, the fort fell due to everyone’s efforts... particularly, I was impressed by Count d'Aulne's remarkable actions. Assigning him to the vanguard was a wise decision." Count d'Aulne was my mother's nephew, my older cousin, and a long-standing ally of the Rioncour family. Not only the count, but also Viscount Arbeau and Viscount Benuro, who were allies even before my kingship, command respect and consideration, naturally causing a polite tone to surface. In future generations, our relationship might solidify into a clear master-subordinate one, but currently, it's more of a subordinate alliance. It's not a relationship to be treated dismissively. When I praised him, the count responded modestly, "I am humbled." Indeed, he's quite the gentleman. "However, Your Majesty, Canber Castle is now a dying entity. It might be well to attack it swiftly, or if we make our intentions clear, they might surrender." Count d'Aulne, still composed, turned his gaze towards Canber Castle. His motion was elegantly aristocratic, befitting the title of 'Count Le Comte.' "Hmm, truthfully, capturing it would be easy... However, completely destroying it would make future governance difficult, and I wonder if this baron, who has shown such stubbornness, would bow to me?" Indeed, military suppression was possible. However, if the populace were to turn their backs on us, as with the former Bachelaire territory, it would become difficult to collect taxes effectively, making it unprofitable. In fact, setting aside the expedition costs, the current management of Bachelaire is breaking even... or slightly in the red. Although it may generate profit in the future, I don't want to increase the number of unprofitable sectors at this time. "Then let’s propose lenient terms for surrender; how about encouraging their capitulation? An exchange of leadership, incorporation into the Kingdom of Rioncour, and partial cession of territory should suffice... Count, your opinion is?" "Indeed, ceding Jumel City... perhaps that, along with a few castles, would be appropriate." Viscount Arbeau and Count d'Aulne seemed to be consolidating their opinions. As experienced politicians, it would be wiser to adopt their views rather than interpose my own. While I possess some confidence in domestic policies, I've always found this sort of diplomatic maneuvering tedious and distasteful. Diplomacy is the specialty of Viscount Benuro, Albert's grandfather, but unfortunately, due to illness and his advanced age, he was unable to partake in this campaign, leaving his army under the command of his eldest grandson, Albert. If he were in good health, I would like him to occupy a ministerial position akin to Foreign Affairs, yet his ailment is beyond anyone's control. In this realm of Amoros, living into one's 60s is considered to be a long life. I hope he'll take care of himself. "…How about this, Your Majesty?" Having exchanged ideas, Count d'Aulne and Viscount Arbeau, along with several others, seemed to have reached a conclusion. The terms seemed to include the submission of hostages, among others, but such matters can be left as flexible during negotiations. The main point is to bring Baron Cocteau's domain under our control. "I trust you with the details. The emissary…" As I pondered for a moment. Honestly, anyone would do... I scanned the room and called out, "Anyone interested?" But there was no reaction. Everyone seemed frozen with expressions of "huh?" clearly evident on their faces. It appeared my intent had not been conveyed. An awkward silence descended over the room. "No, I was asking who would like to be the emissary..." "We get that, but who in their right mind would 'want' to be an emissary for peace? Be serious; one misstep and the war doesn't end." For some reason, Jean rebuked me. I wouldn't mind ignoring him, but somehow, it felt as though my heart had taken the blow. Though it's hard to explain, I realized I'd been hurt. "I am being serious. It's best if someone who wants to do it, does it." "That was obviously offhanded; I know you weren’t even listening from midway through the conversation." Jean and I bickered, eventually arriving at "Then you do it!" "Alright, I will!" resulting in the emissary role being assigned to Jean. While I harbored doubts he could handle it, we had both committed to our words in the heat of the argument. His older brother, Maurice, would accompany him as an assistant... or more precisely, a supervisor. Though those around us looked on anxiously at our bickering, such ease in communication is a testament to our childhood friendship. Jean is a relative, and also a fellow noble. In a way, we stand on equal footing. "Heh, you think a ruffian like you can handle being an emissary? If you succeed, I'll stand before the assembly stark naked!" "You idiot, you idiot, you better do it!! If you lie, I'll tattle to mother!" Jean hurled elementary-level insults as he, along with Maurice, headed towards the mountaintop castle. "Varian, it might be best not to jest about such things." "Indeed, Jean is surprisingly adept at tasks like these." Andre and Rolo voiced their concerns, and I turned away with a "hmph," despite internally thinking it might indeed be a fraud. Yet, having spoken, I couldn’t retract my words. Hoping it would go well, yet partly wishing it wouldn't... I gazed up at the hill with mixed feelings. ... Half a day later. Jean and Maurice returned, accompanying Baron Cocteau’s two sons, bearing a letter from the baron. "Mm... you returned." "Here, make sure to read it." Jean handed me the letter rather nonchalantly, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. ... Tsk, so he managed to pull it off... Let's see... I read through Baron Cocteau's letter. It outlined the acceptance of most of our demands. 1. The Cocteau baron family pledges loyalty to the Kingdom of Rioncour. 2. The current baron will retire and shall not resume any position. 3. The current baron and his spouse will become hostages and spend the remainder of their lives within Rioncour territory, treated fittingly for their status. 4. The city of Jumel, along with two castles on the boundary with Baron Ge, will be ceded to the Kingdom of Rioncour. 5. The Kingdom of Rioncour will henceforth protect the Cocteau baron household. 6. The current head is not required to pledge further loyalty to the King of Rioncour, nor apologize to Baron Ge. These were the terms. ... Hmm, quite intriguing... The sixth point was particularly interesting. It seemed Jean deftly concluded negotiations by preserving Baron Cocteau's pride. It made sense why the sons appeared instead of the baron himself. I was genuinely impressed by Jean's unexpected finesse. "Good, this will suffice... Which of these sons will be the next baron?" I rolled the letter and handed it to Rolo, standing by. Jean had brought two sons of the baron. While joint governance was possible, that didn’t seem to be the case here. It's likely one would remain as a hostage. "I will, Your Majesty." The one appearing to be the older son stepped forward and knelt. "Understood. Your younger brother will not be a hostage but my retainer. A formal ceremony will be held later, and you shall establish a new branch family." Delighted, the brothers expressed their gratitude. As terms of surrender, they were indeed quite lenient. They would become peers under Rioncour's protection... it was better for them to feel gently treated than harshly. Incidentally, the ceded castles were granted to Pierre and Berrie's Pugne family, one each. Their territories were far too small for a baronial family. Being a baron entails many formal expenses, and I wanted to increase their lands, so this worked out well. Although the new territories would be enclaves, Bachelaire and Cocteau were nearby enough, and improving the roads would alleviate any issues. These actions were also taken to create distance between the territories of Ge and Cocteau, which had been in conflict. Establishing a buffer zone to prevent territorial contact was the goal. Given the extent of these efforts, further conflict involving Cocteau would result in more than just a slap on the wrist for Ge. In such a case, they'd receive a personal reckoning from my mace. Non-intervention between the subordinates is generally a rule. Unless the situation is dire, the sovereign can only mediate peace... unnecessary interference might be seen as favoritism, eroding trust among subordinates. Adjacent territories governed by hostile subordinates are unlikely to yield favorable results. Distancing is the best course of action. ... Nonetheless, there must be regulations to enforce... I realized the need for newer legislation. Subordinates engaged in conflict can't rally troops when needed. It's prudent to have systems in place to minimize disputes. As for the retired Baron Cocteau’s custody, I decided to leave him in Jean's domain, who had formed a good rapport with the baron, ultimately becoming friends. Under such terms, it would be more comfortable to let Jean take him in. Being with a familiar face would make the baron more at ease, diminishing any thoughts of escape. ... Well, attempts to escape would reflect back on his sons... he’s unlikely to try anything... Nodding to myself, I ordered preparations for a banquet to celebrate the peace agreement. There, the Cocteau baron family would formally swear allegiance to the Kingdom of Rioncour, marking the end of the conflict. As for whether or not I was naked at the banquet... I'll leave that to your imagination.