Chapter 450: Scene 200 – The Split and the Restoration Plan
Veronika looked at Brendel with a bit of helplessness. She found that this young man had a very poor impression of Cruz, which was understandable considering the historical animosity between the two nations. Although this common animosity among the general populace didn’t prevent her from appreciating him from a higher perspective, Brendel’s constant expression of hostility towards the Empire left her somewhat amused.
She couldn’t understand how someone as clever as Brendel could let the hatred from hundreds of years ago cloud his judgment. His vision should far exceed the perspective of the lowest citizens of the Empire and Erluin. Veronika certainly wouldn’t understand that Brendel held such animosity towards the Cruzian people because of the ‘events that were to unfold in the future’—a reason that, if expressed, would likely be dismissed as the ramblings of a madman by the Empire’s War Goddess.
Clearing his throat, Brendel recalled that there stood an imperial general right beside him—especially since Veronika’s smile gave him chills. He quickly changed the subject: “What I actually wanted to say… Lady Veronika, you wish to help the Gray Saint restore his kingdom, but that seems quite difficult.”
“You should know better than I do, Miss Veronika,” he carefully chose his words, “The Empire is controlled by the Noble Council. Even with the Emperor’s support, there will be opposition from the major nobles… Moreover, the animosity between the Gray Saint and the Cruz Empire is not something easily resolved merely by the existence of a territory. During the events in the capital, you should know how many young officers from the Imperial Academy he killed. Those young elites are an immeasurable loss for the Empire today. I heard that the Empire even placed a bounty of several millions on Mr. Mephistopheles. That’s no small sum.”
“It seems you are well-informed about the Empire?”
“Oh, not really. Just average,” Brendel hurriedly downplayed his knowledge, making it clear to this Empire’s War Goddess that he had designs against the Empire was no joking matter.
“Hmph! This guy specifically seeks out trouble with us Empire people. I don’t understand where he gets all that deep-seated hatred from, but I think, even for that reason, it should be sufficient for him to study our Empire’s history well!” At this moment, Faina, who had been quiet for a long time, suddenly chimed in, giving him a significant eye-roll.
Brendel was a bit surprised; Faina’s words sounded like a sarcastic jab at him yet were, in reality, providing him some leeway. He couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine at the thought—could this socialite actually have good intentions? There must definitely be a scheme behind this!
However, Veronika seemed to accept this explanation. She nodded, “You’re right; this proposal cannot pass in the Empire.”
“…You really intend to deceive him?” Brendel couldn’t help but be somewhat impressed. Even the Gray Saint, someone most people would hesitate to offend, was someone she dared to say she’d deceive. Politicians truly were something else—indeed, they had the thick faces and black hearts to match.
“Can’t you think of something positive? Why are all the young people so full of bad intentions? How could I, a dignified Legion Commander of the Empire, lie casually?” Veronika shot him an annoyed glare. “I’m, of course, speaking the truth.”
“But you said…”
“I said I can’t, but that doesn’t mean you also can’t.” Veronika interrupted him.
“Me? Wait,” Brendel suddenly realized what Veronika was getting at. “Why should I help him restore his kingdom? Restoring a kingdom isn’t a simple matter. Besides, this seems like your deal; why should I be dragged into it?” He couldn’t help but complain.
“How could that be?” The Cruzian War Goddess looked at him leisurely. “Young man, I could simply leave. But I risked staying to persuade him to help you deal with Andisha. Don’t you think you owe me a favor?”
Brendel immediately shook his head vigorously. “Several centuries ago, the Empire also owed the Erluin people a great deal, so let’s consider this evened out.”
Veronika was at a loss for words. This kid was actually trying to play games. What kind of talk is that? How could it be evened out? Unable to help herself, she poked him on the forehead. “It’s not that simple. Besides, this matter isn’t entirely bad for you; I think you should understand that. What kind of charm are you trying to play with me here?”
“Sorry, I don’t understand.” Brendel replied, keeping a serious face.
Veronika couldn’t help but smile slightly. “That’s fine; let me explain. Earlier, you mentioned wanting to help the Druids ignite the flame, and I saw that you were also aiming for this territory, right?” Brendel didn’t respond; she didn’t mind and continued, “You must have already qualified as a Pioneer Knight, so the moment the flame is ignited in your hands, you’ll legally have ownership of this land. You’ve got it all figured out, but it’s unrealistic.”
“In the past, no one dared to covet the Loop of Trade Winds, because no one knew there existed a primal flame within it. It represents such vast growth territory that it almost rivals the reconstruction of an Erluin—this temptation is too big for any noble in your country to resist. Those people don’t care about legality; you should know this, young man. Legality is just a nominal term. A primal flame is enough for anyone to tear off their masks.”
“And you?” Brendel asked her cautiously, realizing that if this woman suddenly had malicious intentions, he could be in big trouble.
“Me?” Veronika chuckled a little, “What does the Empire need a piece of territory for? But if this land happens to be right next to Cruz, I might be tempted.”
Brendel nodded. Actually, upon deeper reflection, his plan indeed had some flaws. He was accustomed to thinking like a player in a game, assuming that acquiring territory through ‘legitimate’ means recognized by the ‘system’ would leave only monsters and possibly players to worry about. But here, those greedy nobles were also players, and it dawned on him that he might have been too optimistic about the situation. Due to the historical past, he had a natural affinity for the future Princess, but he’d forgotten that in this context, he and that interest group were still strangers.
Faced with a territory that could grow to rival all of Erluin, even a wise person like the Princess would hesitate to let him govern this land. Let’s not forget that, compared to Prince Grifian at this moment, he was still nothing more than a stranger.
Brendel could gamble on the Regent Princess’s trust, but he couldn’t afford to lose. This wasn’t only related to his future.
Thus, from the moment Veronika opened her mouth, Brendel actually understood what this Cruzian War Goddess was driving at. She hoped he could help the Gray Saint restore his kingdom within this vast territory. This was indeed beneficial for him; their interests were intertwined. The Gray Saint would absolutely not stand idly by as his restoration plan was scrutinized by other nobles within Erluin.
However, using almost one-third of the territory in exchange for a ‘charm’ was a bit too much to swallow.
What made him even more resentful was that Veronika completely exploited him to resolve an enemy of the Empire—the Cruz people would bear not even the slightest cost, while he himself was the one making sacrifices, and that woman would reap the benefits. In a moment, he suddenly found this smiling woman exceedingly irksome. What kind of ‘dignified legion commander’ is that? Aren’t they just as wicked?
“It’s not that easy.” Brendel thought to himself, shaking his head. “Far from enough. You know my influence is nowhere near that of the nobles within Erluin; how can you ensure that the Gray Saint will be completely committed to my cause? He certainly has better options.”
“Count Mephistopheles is not that kind of person.”
“I’m not that kind of person either, Legion Commander. Do you believe me?” Brendel gritted his teeth as he spoke.
Veronika laughed heartily, “So shrewd, young man. Alright, I promise you, in my capacity as the Commander of the Azure Sky Legion, I will secretly support you in establishing this territory. With the Empire as your backing, Mephistopheles won’t overthink things.”
Brendel nodded. This was the result he wanted. Although he could guarantee that the Cruz people wouldn’t provide him with any tangible help, as long as there was this promise, even if the Princess wished to find someone to replace him, she would have to weigh the stakes of both parties. As for whether this verbal promise could be fulfilled by the Cruz people, there was no need to worry about that. Brendel believed in Veronika’s capabilities as a leader of a faction, and moreover, should her misfortunes cause Mephistopheles’s restoration plan to fall apart, it would bring her no benefit.
“But restoring a kingdom is not that simple; merely having land is far from enough. I believe Count Mephistopheles does not simply wish to be a lord, does he?” Brendel asked again.
“Of course. There are still some remnants of the principality in Cruz, and the people of the old kingdom still live on their original land. As long as they are willing, I will find ways to arrange for their transportation.” Veronika nodded in response.
Brendel also nodded. Opening up wilderness was not a simple task. Guardian territories were not established overnight; they required years of maintenance to reach their limit. It would be fortunate if the moment the flame is ignited in his hands, he could at least acquire one-tenth of the territory. To put it plainly, Mephistopheles’s kin arriving here would also require him to help open up the Black Forest, all of which would be free labor.
As for the existing population in the forest, after the Wolf Disaster in history, the Druid population had decreased by more than eighty percent, with most left being elders and children, primarily needing to recuperate. In short, he would have to rely on himself to bring in outside immigrants, so he had to be thrifty, as it was hard to cook without rice.
Having confirmed all the conditions Veronika could offer, Brendel suddenly asked, “Miss Veronika, you’re doing all this for the Empire here, yet not necessarily anyone knows; on the contrary, arranging for Count Mephistopheles’s kin to escape from the Empire might not be understood by others. Although I know you are wholeheartedly doing this for the Empire, to your political enemies, it’s merely a handle they can grasp. Are you willing?”
Veronika shot him an annoyed look. “Put away your provocations, young man. You’re still too green. I am an Empire citizen. Everything I do for the Empire is of my own free will. The growth of the Empire is the greatest reward for me—besides,” she narrowed her eyes playfully, “Even if you succeed in sowing discord and create a rift between me and the Empire, what benefits would you gain from it? Even if I were to switch allegiances, young man, you’re still not qualified for my loyalty.”
She suddenly added with a chuckle, “You are more likely to owe your loyalty to me.”
“Heh heh,” Brendel chuckled without caring for such a degree of sarcasm. “Then let’s enjoy our collaboration. Since we’ve confirmed the ownership of this place, let’s inspect the area separately. This way, we can find things a bit quicker. I believe the Druids outside can’t hold out for much longer.”
“You really have a thick skin,” Veronika couldn’t help but shake her head. Just what kind of ‘since we have confirmed the ownership of this place’ is that? How thick-skinned do you have to be to say such words? However, the more confident this young man appeared, the more she found it pleasing. She nodded with a smile. “It seems you’re preparing to go somewhere alone?”
“Of course,” Brendel unabashedly replied, “Having finally won, I still need to check my spoils.”
He said it with a tone belonging to a player, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
…(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to support it with a recommendation or monthly vote on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
