Chapter 279: 279
****After getting the Administrator Roman’s refusal, Duke Norman’s Assistant immediately informed the Duke about the refusal . The Duke was quite confused as he knew that his petition was quite good and hence wanted to sought Lord Roman for an explanation .
He thought as he saw that there was no official letter of refusal, ‘I don’t think this proposal should be refused without any explanation . This is profitable for both the Royal family and should build a foundation to counter-attack the Radiant Church’s Finances . There might be something that they cant discuss openly . I better go and meet him . ‘
Duke Norman wanted an explanation and hence decided to meet him immediately the same day .
Lord Roman shook his head and spoke to Duke Norman quite frankly as he understood the intentions of Duke Norman’s today’s behavior, “Lord Duke, It is not that Duke Norman’s proposal is not good . It is just that we have different plans in using the funds from Medicine sales . At the suggestion of Prime Minister and Defense Minister Plato, currently, we are going to set up Military research facilities and departments for those things called guns and other weapons that were used by the Sky in the previous war to prepare for our future . In my view, your proposal is too good to be rejected which will divert our funds from medicinal sales and hence make a big change in our plans . Additionally, by building a Pharma Research Centre we will draw the gaze of Radiant Church and become their target . “
Lord Roman thought deeply as he looked at Duke Norman, ‘I guess he is quite worried because of Lord Hector’s loss in favor as well as Lord Hector’s difficult to manage character . I guess there won’t be problem if I divulge some of the secrets to him and shake some hearts and alliances . It was good that I rejected his petition to indirectly summon him . ‘
Lord Roman sighed a bit as he drank wine and spoke, “Also, Defense minister Plato thinks that we may face a civil war in the next 5-20 years so we have to strengthen ourselves . And the likely causes for civil war would be Prince Hector, Prince Felix, Prince Lukavv and Prince Jabal now that almost everyone has made their moves and not to forget the Radiant Church which is the biggest threat to Aelius . We came to this conclusion after a deep and thorough assessment . “
He sighed as he continued solemnly, “Defense Minister Plato thinks that we must be prepared to face an invasion from Sky when they consolidate their resources i . e . most likely in 2-3 years if they have expansionist policies and hence the council of elders too wanted a peace deal which can last 5-10 years at least so that we can recover our power to give them back for our previous humiliation . In case Sky breaks the deal, we can rally the other bordering countries in our defense as they too might be feeling danger from Sky and currently, we are sure that all the other bordering countries feel the same from Sky . So in the case of a Peace deal, We think that Sky would only make their move when Aelius is in a civil war most probably in the name of protecting their interests . Their current ambitions and goals are most likely internal stability, gaining control of resources in their newly occupied areas and unifying the people of different races so that they can prepare for a future war . John could most likely enter into a political marriage to unify different races or bring in some other new revolutionary laws like the one where he banned slavery in his domain . Because of these actions, the common populace both here and other countries are quite touched and baffled as they never knew what is freedom . The Elders, King and other important ministers too have come to the conclusion that The Law Banning slavery of all the races was quite a big factor when people of the North-frontier town rallied behind him in his rebellion when we placed export sanctions on them . In fact, many feel that it was the common populace manipulated by their media that encouraged Lord John for a rebellion . Well, their media reported the truth and Lord John used it for his political goals . “
Both Duke Norman and Roman sighed as they understood the courage, determination and ambitions behind John’s actions when he rebelled .
Duke Norman thought, ‘I guess Lord Hector’s actions only fuelled the grievances of the common populace when a whole village was massacred and hence the rebellion when sanctions on food was made and this also made Aelius lose a lot of face . And this loss in face in public also led us to go to war because of the economic benefits from his technologies . ‘
Prime Minister Hasse who came in with his proposals saw the Imperial Court Administrator and Lord Duke Norman were having quite a serious discussion and stopped by to greet them .
After Hasse’s arrival, Roman told Hasse about Lord Duke’s proposal which made him understand the situation .
After hearing Roman, Hasse nodded and spoke the plans to Duke, “Yes, currently we are facing a big problem for future when it comes to military might and hence the current decisions . However, the nobles can set up their private Medical companies for research which the Royal family can support you if you get good results . “
Duke Norman too didn’t refute and understood the power dynamics of Aelius currently . Duke Norman sighed and spoke, “So as I guessed, Lord John didn’t occupy any extra territory as he didn’t have enough resources and he might want to build his reputation as a good sovereign to other countries so that other countries don’t keep their guard up . I guess he is also not occupying any territory for peace and give Aelius some face making our populace believe that they are afraid of Dragon Knights . “
Prime Minister Hasse smiled as he saw Norman’s helplessness and spoke, “Nah, you don’t understand his mentality currently . From what I think he is currently focusing on building the foundation of his Country and investing a lot in civil works . And from all his previous actions, I can say that he likes a very sturdy foundation as we saw in the previous war where he had minimal casualties while we lost more than 80,000 people . From your worried expression, It seems you too are in a dilemma because of your daughter’s marriage, I think I can help you in this matter . As far as our current threats are concerned, It is certainly the Radiant Church since they have received an Oracle . Anyway, I will also forward your proposal to his majesty when I meet him so we can pass a bill for setting up Private research facilities . “
Duke Norman sighed and spoke gratefully as he remembered his father’s words on Lord Hasse, “Thank you, Lord, I wonder how you can help me . “
Prime Minister Hasse looked around as he saw other people coming and spoke, “I think we should talk at some other place since a lot of people are just coming in . We would like to bid you farewell, Lord Roman . “
Roman too smiled as he nodded and thought, ‘It seems Lord Norman hopes to end Mary’s marriage with Lord Hector since he has acquired quite a lot of land in North and hopes for very less conflict with Sky right now but Lord Hector’s presence might change a lot of things at the border and also at trade since he has a grudge against Lord John . As for Lord Hasse’s motive in helping the Norman family, I can only guess . It is most likely to do with Lord Hector and keeping him within his reign . ‘
Lord Duke understandably nodded as both of them headed for a restaurant to continue their talks .
