Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 621 - 273, Virtuous Wife_2
"He seems to have something to say." Surya patted Laine's hand: "Laine, go quickly."
"I understand." Laine stood up and walked to Anton's side: "So... has the Empire made preparations?"
"The cause of the matter was a month ago." Anton looked at the heavy snow outside: "The long-term friction has made the border residents suffer terribly, so we proposed negotiations. The Duke of Paragon agreed, and he brought his wife to Brunswick for negotiations. At that time, His Majesty the Emperor was busy with internal affairs, so the Toscan Prince-Elector 'Fierce Sun Lion' Umberto Corleone stepped forward to negotiate with Mr. Casvan."
Upon hearing that Casvan brought his wife, both Laine and Surya's expressions turned sour.
This is going bad!
"During the negotiation process, we never reached an agreement, and the process was repeatedly interrupted because Mr. Casvan's wife barged into the meeting site." Anton's tone was indescribably odd: "The Duchess was really too rude and imperious. Mr. Umberto couldn't stand it and reprimanded Mr. Casvan and his wife..."
"So, the negotiations broke down?" The female knight picked up the conversation.
"Yes, the negotiations broke down." There was an inexplicable tone in Anton's words: "Therefore, His Majesty sent me to you."
Laine's expression became grave.
This was why he had to extract himself from the winter offensive.
"You are a respectable opponent and comrade, Laine. The feats you've accomplished over the years are well-known even in the Empire. His Majesty the Emperor has never restricted the spread of rumors and even sent the Rick Guard to fuel them. Perhaps... I mean maybe, the Empire has to engage in a war with Casvan in order to cool down both sides, and your stance is crucial." Anton continued.
"What's so crucial about me? I'm just a Count, not a Duke. You should find Mr. Francois or Duke Bohemond." Laine's voice had a slight hint of mockery: "Finding me is useless."
"No, finding you is the most crucial step." Anton smiled: "The reputation and status you hold in this country are unmatched, even by your father. You are also the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lady of the Lake. Your statement is important. If I'm not mistaken, all the young knights of Brittania are imitating your every move. Your one word is the wind vane for the Knight Class, am I right?"
Surya immediately understood, completely understood.
With Laine's huge prestige in Brittania, if he showed even a little unwillingness to be hostile to the Empire, all the Dukes would feel it was the Lake Fairy's intent, making them very apprehensive about the issue of waging war. As for the young Ranger Knights, they would be even more so; if Laine made a statement, most Ranger Knights would refuse to fight the Empire.
The Empire has rightly leveraged the special relationship between Laine and the Empire, which is why they sent an envoy to pinpoint the crux of the problem!
"I need some time to think." Laine gave his response: "It's been a long journey for you, Anton. Please rest first."
"Alright." Anton nodded.
Twenty minutes later, in Laine's master bedroom, Laine and Surya were sitting together discussing what had transpired.
"I don't want to see civil war within the Human Realm, Surya." Laine held the warm and soft jade of the female knight in his arms, speaking in distress: "But judging by the current situation, this war seems unavoidable."
"Laine, the Empire also has this purpose in mind. They want to use your influence." The female knight gently stroked Laine's handsome face: "You are the Lady's Divine Chosen Champion. If you declare enmity with the Empire, then the whole country might see ten thousand Ranger Knights join Casvan's side. If you state that you do not wish to be enemies with the Empire, then the Dukes will be very cautious about whether to side with Casvan."
"Do I wield such great power?" Laine smiled a bit uncertainly: "I always feel it's somewhat unreal."
"You do, Laine." Surya's smile bloomed like a flower, and she kissed Laine on the face: "Otherwise, my father wouldn't have so readily agreed to our engagement."
"So... my fiancée, what do you think about this matter?" Laine smiled wryly: "I don't want to be enemies with the Empire, but I also don't want to fall into my brother's trap. I wish to remain neutral, but..."
"You should bluntly tell Mr. Anton that you won't be enemies with the Empire, but due to the Lady's intent, you cannot publicly state it. All you can do is remain silent. Laine, trust me, both my father and Mr. Bohemond will make the same choice as you." Surya analyzed: "You have enough strength not to take sides. You are now the Legendary Peak Holy Grail Knight Commander, and neither we nor the Empire can find a champion to compare with you."
"My silence means that Duke of Paragon Mr. Casvan and the Empire will indeed go to war, Surya." Laine frowned tightly: "I said I don't want to see internal conflict within the Human Realm."
"You're wrong, Laine." Surya shook her head vigorously, and her waist-length golden curls danced in the air, emitting a full fragrance of irises: "We cannot allow a full-scale war between humans, but small-scale wars are still very necessary. Regardless of victory or defeat, this war will calm people down, both on the Empire's side and ours in Brittania."
"Without a fight, how would we understand the power gap between the two nations? Without a fight, how would we truly achieve peace?" The female knight's lips curled into a smile: "Let Mr. Casvan and the Empire go to war. No matter the outcome, we will all sit back and enjoy the benefits. Casvan will not be a match for Carl Franz from any perspective."
Laine's eyes gradually brightened,
Indeed, he needs not make a statement. He only needs to use the Lake Fairy as a shield. By remaining silent, he will gain favor from both sides. The Empire will appreciate his goodwill, or else face the assault of tens of thousands of Ranger Knights, and Brittania will not blame him, as this is the Lady's intent. Furthermore, several Dukes have good relationships with the Empire, and they will seize the opportunity to choose silence alongside Laine, sharing the goodwill he offers.
Internal strife among humans is undesirable, but persistently attempting to negotiate peace forcefully also proves to be painstaking. Conversely, as Surya said, a small-scale war can calm both parties down and bring them back to the negotiation table. This is true peace.
Seeking peace through struggle leads to peace, but seeking peace through compromise leads to the annihilation of peace.
Within such a short time, Surya actually mapped out such a clear best option for Laine!
Laine couldn't help but lift Surya and spin her around a few times, planting several kisses on her lips: "Thank you so much, Surya, you're truly my Goddess of Fortune! I'm so lucky to have a fiancée like you!"
"Ah! Not like this~ Laine, Ollica is still here!" The teddy bear slippers fell to the ground. Surya reddened with shyness and clung to Laine's neck, for the Dark Elf Maid Ollica was watching them inside the room!
The female knight always felt shy about intimate actions between the two, especially if they were alone, it was fine, but given that Ollica was long settled beside Laine to serve, Surya felt unaccustomed in front of a dark elf.
In the void, a certain beautiful silhouette looked at the blissful female knight and gave a cold snort.
......
"Mr. Anton, please stay here during this time." In the guest room of the castle's outer fort, several maids were arranging the room for the Griffin Earl.
At this moment, a little maid wearing a white maid dress pushed a cart and delivered many daily necessities to the Griffin Earl's side, her steps brisk: "Mr. Anton, please rest well. Dinner begins at seven in the evening. I have some matters, so I will leave first."
After speaking, the little maid hastily tried to leave, but Anton still saw the ordinary appearance of the little maid, sparking some confusion and curiosity in his eyes.
"This voice... sounds like Emmanuelle... but doesn't look alike."
The strange thought spun once in Anton's mind and then faded away. He shook his head self-deprecatingly: "I'm really having hallucinations. Emmanuelle disappeared more than ten years ago. How could she possibly appear in Brittania or even be serving as Laine's maid?"
"Phew~ I'm so tired, let me rest for now," he said to himself with a shake of his head.
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