Chapter 1074: Inviting the Everqueen

As Talleyrand and Belial had anticipated, their proposal to invite the Everqueen to Bretonnia was approved by Ryan and Sulia at an astonishing speed.

Ryan requested that Talleyrand and Belial personally come to Angron’s estate to deliver their report in person.

Upon receiving the news, Talleyrand and Belial wasted no time. They packed their belongings and set off for Angron’s estate.

The cunning Talleyrand deliberately arranged for a relatively slow ox cart, allowing him and Belial time to coordinate their plans on the way. While they agreed on inviting the Everqueen to Bretonnia, there were still many details to discuss.

Their positions differed. Talleyrand aimed to take charge of the reception and the entire process, giving him ample opportunities to manipulate events and gain visibility. Not only would this elevate his reputation and influence in the Old World, but it would also allow him to pocket a substantial sum of money.

Moreover, Talleyrand hadn’t told Belial that he was drawing a salary not only from Ryan but also from Nuln, where he was still listed as an employee. Additionally, he served as an informant for the High Elves, providing them with intelligence about the Knight Kingdom, and received a stipend from the Phoenix King’s court.

His mentor, the distant relative Charles-Maurice de Benoist, was a trusted senior advisor to the Phoenix King Finubar, who naturally regarded Talleyrand as his representative and diplomat in the Old World. However, Charles-Maurice de Benoist was actually a mole planted by the Dark Elf Witch Queen Morathi in Finubar’s court. Thus, the Dark Elves also received intelligence from Talleyrand, who in turn received a salary from Morathi through Charles.

Besides these, Talleyrand had deep connections with the merchant princes of Marienburg, often receiving numerous benefits.

In short, the man was drawing four salaries and additional perks, and everyone believed he was on their side.

For Talleyrand, however, he was actually Ryan’s most loyal follower—at least as long as Ryan listened to his advice and didn’t overstep his bounds. Talleyrand had secretly informed Ryan and Sulia about his multiple income streams, offering to serve as a channel for gathering intelligence and spreading rumors.

Belial, on the other hand, wasn’t as far-sighted as Talleyrand and had no interest in wealth. Belial wanted to expand his authority within Ryan’s court. When the First Guards Lancer Regiment wasn’t engaged in battle, Belial had little to do, which meant he had no presence and risked being forgotten by Ryan—a dire situation for a close confidant.

He needed tasks, and hosting the Everqueen, organizing the canal tour, and coordinating accommodations were tasks he excelled at. This would allow him to gain more power and elevate his status.

Inside the thickly covered ox cart, Belial wore a lake-green military coat, his bald head and epaulettes dusted with snow. Talleyrand, dressed in a deep red noble winter suit and a gentleman’s top hat, leaned on his cane. He lifted the thick curtain of the cart and, seeing Belial already there, couldn’t help but smile. “You’re early.”

“Better early than late,” Belial frowned at Talleyrand’s leisurely demeanor. “Why an ox cart? We’re summoned by His Majesty.”

“Precisely because we’re summoned by His Majesty, I arranged for an ox cart,” Talleyrand brushed the snow off his suit and sat down, smiling. “His Majesty’s efficiency in handling internal affairs is astonishing. If this were the Phoenix King’s court, the proposal would have to go through multiple levels, and if everything went smoothly, it would take three to six months to reach Lord Tyrion’s desk. Assuming Lord Tyrion found it worth discussing, the proposal would then be sent to His Majesty Finubar. If Finubar was interested and didn’t reject or ‘drown’ the proposal, I might have a slim chance of being summoned to the palace.”

Belial fell silent for a few seconds, then chuckled bitterly. “I don’t see the point of such a proposal.”

“But it maximizes the limitation of royal power. What if we end up with a foolish Phoenix King or a Dark Elf mole as Phoenix King?” Talleyrand smiled. “This system minimizes the risk of unacceptable losses due to the Phoenix King’s incompetence or recklessness. That’s how the Poet King Aethis and the Brash King Morelion were kept in check.”

“I have no interest in discussing High Elf history unless it’s related to the Everqueen,” Belial avoided being drawn into Talleyrand’s topic and asked, “Alright, the ox cart gives us some time on the road. Have you figured out what to say to His Majesty?”

“Yes, it’s clear His Majesty is still hesitating,” Talleyrand adjusted his flaxen hair, thinking for a moment. “Besides his efficient administration, His Majesty is a wise and intelligent king. He understands the immense benefits of having the Everqueen pass through Bretonnia.”

“I see. You mean His Majesty’s hesitation isn’t about whether to invite the Everqueen but about how to show enough sincerity to make her accept?” Belial immediately grasped Talleyrand’s meaning, frowning as he pondered. “I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps we could test the waters?”

“Ha!” Talleyrand couldn’t help but tap the floor of the ox cart with his cane. “Don’t use human logic to think about elven problems. Test the waters? What do you think the Everqueen is? Do you think elves can be tested so easily? The moment you show the slightest intention, the Asur can turn the tables. Don’t think the Everqueen is young—she’s older than three of you combined, and she’s well-versed in strategy and political maneuvering. Moreover… His Majesty’s factional alignment will also make the Everqueen hesitate.”

“Factional alignment?” Belial understood the first part of Talleyrand’s explanation—that inviting the Everqueen, as the heir apparent, required a one-shot success with no second chances—but he didn’t grasp the latter part.

“The High Elf court is roughly divided into several factions: the War Lord Tyrion faction, the White Tower Archmage Teclis faction, the Caledor Dragon Prince Imrik faction, and the Everqueen Alarielle faction. Perhaps Eltharion could also be considered a faction, subordinate to the War Lord,” Talleyrand nodded. “So, can you guess which faction His Majesty belongs to?”

“…Archmage Teclis?” Belial hesitated slightly before answering.

“Correct,” Talleyrand chuckled bitterly. “That’s part of the problem. His Majesty’s factional alignment is too obvious. He’s clearly aligned with Archmage Teclis and the Moon Goddess Lilith behind him, which will also make the Everqueen hesitate.”

“This time, the Everqueen is coming for the dwarves. Perhaps King Belegar of Eight Peaks can help us. Our Knight Kingdom and Eight Peaks are in a sacred alliance,” Belial also realized the issue.

“That’s not enough!” Talleyrand said seriously. “The most crucial bargaining chip lies with the Wood Elves!”

“We must admire His Majesty. While many make enemies everywhere, His Majesty makes friends. His friendly relations with the Wood Elves will be the key to winning over the Everqueen!” Talleyrand confidently fixed his gaze on Belial. “Therefore, for the reception and the grand tour, we should aim big! Make it an Old World-level event! Don’t be afraid to spend money. Often, the most expensive is the best. You need to support me on this, Belial.”

Belial was convinced.

Over two hours later, at Angron’s estate in Red Fish Village, Ryan’s vacation cottage.

Ryan and the Lady of the Lake sat in the main chairs, while Morgiana led the villagers in prayer. Sulia took Devonshire and Frederick with her. The Knight King and the goddess listened as Talleyrand and Belial presented their entire plan. Ryan was clearly deep in thought. “Talleyrand, Belial, are you suggesting we turn this into a major Old World diplomatic gathering? Combining the canal tour with the reception for the Everqueen?”

“Yes,” Talleyrand and Belial explained their plan to Ryan.

A grand welcome ceremony, inviting dwarf representatives, Wood Elves, Empire delegates, and representatives from the southern realms. Ideally, they would invite the Wood Elf Queen Ariel, and if possible, Ryan himself would extend the invitation.

They would demonstrate their sincerity to the Everqueen, then parade the High Elves along the canal, showcasing Bretonnia’s prosperity and strength to the High Elves, who traditionally looked down on the Old World, and show them how formidable they were.

“Is it necessary? Such a costly endeavor?” Ryan hesitated.

“It is necessary,” Talleyrand emphasized. “Your Majesty’s greatness, Your Majesty’s civil and military achievements, and Your Majesty’s wisdom and valor must be made known to the world. The strength of our Knight Kingdom must be displayed. If we don’t show it, most people won’t understand. Your Majesty, as I’ve said before, if we don’t occupy the battlefield of public opinion, others will. Glorious deeds must be spoken of, and great achievements must be made known.”

“I can’t summon the High King,” Ryan shook his head. His relationship with High King Thorgrim wasn’t that friendly.

“Inviting King Belegar of Eight Peaks would suffice. Isn’t King Belegar coming to discuss bulk purchases of mules and horses with Your Majesty?” Talleyrand urged. “There are said to be many elven treasures within Eight Peaks, many indeed. Your Majesty, is this true?”

“That’s true,” Ryan nodded slowly. He had been inside the Eight Peaks treasury. “There are indeed many, with display cases filled with unusable mementos (Belegar’s words).”

“Then it’s settled. King Belegar is significant enough,” Talleyrand added. “As for the Empire, having Lady Emmanuelle here is sufficient. The southern realms’ minor players don’t matter. The key is the Wood Elves. As the future first chosen of Isha, the Everqueen’s relationship with the Wood Elves is crucial. Your Majesty…”

“I understand, Talleyrand, Belial. You may leave now,” Ryan gestured for the two to exit.

Soon, only Ryan and the Lady of the Lake remained in the wooden cottage. With no outsiders present, the Lady of the Lake reached out, her small hand in white lace gloves resting on Ryan’s larger hand. “So, you’ve decided to invite the Everqueen?”

“The benefits are too great to ignore,” Ryan nodded. “Lilith, you’re Isha’s daughter. It shouldn’t be too hard to communicate, right?”

The High Elf Moon Goddess Lilith was the daughter of the Elf Mother Goddess Isha, or rather, as the Elf Mother Goddess, Isha was the mother of most elf gods and all elves. But Lilith was special to Isha, and the two referred to each other as mother and daughter.

“My relationship with my mother isn’t as good as you might think, dear,” the Lady of the Lake sighed. “But since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll try to communicate with her. However, there’s one condition: you must promise me that under no circumstances will you make a move on the Everqueen!”

“Am I that kind of person?” Ryan quipped.

“You know the answer to that!” the Lady of the Lake gave her husband a pointed look but tightened her grip on his hand. “Let’s take a walk. There are some things I need to tell you, just the two of us.”

“Alright.”