Chapter 1001 - 224: Decision

Chapter 1001: Chapter 224: Decision

The composition of the Overseas Empire’s Imperial Council is quite simple, consisting of only eight members, all core under Losa’s command.

Lavinia, Chief Steward of the Court, also serves as the Kingdom’s Chief Judge, overseeing national judicial affairs.

Kurs, Chief of Intelligence, heads the Shadow of Darkness secret agent organization, responsible for gathering domestic and foreign intelligence, including movements in lord’s territories, enemy military deployments, public opinion, and even supervising all officials, similar to the leader of the Jinyi Guard organization.

Ulm, Steward of the Holy Vault, formerly the Kingdom’s Grand Treasurer, manages national economic affairs.

Andreas, heir to Kurs’s legacy, Minister of the Seal, responsible for holding the Emperor’s Seal, signing documents, drafting charters, and managing the Empire’s foreign affairs.

Jeanne, Empire Grand Marshal, manages the Empire’s regular armed forces and supervises the Empire’s mercenaries and lord-subordinate forces.

Prajna, Chief of the Wardrobe, Master of Losa’s private vault.

Hans, leader of the Imperial Guard, head of the Winged Cavalry, responsible for Imperial City security and ceremonial outings.

Urding, Archbishop, head of the national monastery, in charge of nationwide church affairs.

As the Minister of the Seal, Andreas was the first to speak: "The Tatar’s strength is not weak. Back in the ’Dream Trial,’ we experienced their prowess. Personally, I believe it’s best to maintain good relations with the Tatars for now and avoid conflicts. Nomadic empires have a characteristic: their rise is sudden, as is their decline."

He paused slightly, then continued: "As I understand it, the Great Khan of the Tatars is already aged, while his sons are embroiled in both open and covert struggles. Upon his death, they will certainly fracture, engaging in endless battles. At that time, we could achieve victory at minimal cost."

Losa approvingly glanced at the young official who rose from being a mere knight’s servant; this vision surpassed most Europeans of this era.

"Kurs, what do you think of your student’s words?"

"Based on reports from the Shadow of Darkness secret agents, the Tatar’s strength is indeed substantial. Three years ago, they stumbled temporarily, and upon their return, their power had expanded significantly. Under their royal court are four Great Shamans, all supposedly of the Legendary Tier. Additionally, several Eastern Monks, whose status is comparable, likely possess formidable means. Personally, I agree with Andreas’s view."

Kurs looked up at Losa, saying: "But it all depends on Your will. The Empire has been resting and recuperating for three years, and our strength is no longer what it was. Even against strong Tatar forces, we have the certainty of victory."

"Jeanne, what do you think?"

Jeanne frowned: "I’ve heard from past merchants that the Tatars are cruel and violent, often massacring and plundering cities. I don’t think there’s any point in playing nice with them."

Anna, listening in, couldn’t help but applaud: "Exactly, Lady Jeanne is right. Saying we wait for the Great Khan of the Tatars to die of old age and then watch them fracture, but who knows how long that Khan will live? With so many Legendary Mages under him, brewing a life-extending magic potion would be simple, wouldn’t it?"

Losa coughed lightly: "This foreign envoy, it’s already a privilege for you to have the chance to listen in; the Imperial Council is not a place for you to speak."

Anna snorted and fell silent.

This strength of the Tatars is truly terrifying. Just the extraordinary individuals under them could easily sweep across the European countries. If they conquer Persia and then advance westward, the Empire’s situation could be dire.

Though the Eastern Empire has always maintained very close diplomatic relations with the Overseas Empire, in political matters, she has no great confidence in how much influence personal relationships can exert.

"As Jeanne mentioned, there’s logic in what she says, but we’re still separated from the Tatars by half of Persia’s territory. So, are we to fight the Persians or the Tatars? Or do we try to handle both at once?"

Hans hesitated: "Aren’t the Tatar envoys already here? We could first hear what they have to say."

Losa chuckled, knowing that if he made the decision, no matter how eloquent the Tatar envoys were, they wouldn’t be able to change his mind.

"Very well, Andreas, meeting foreign envoys falls under your duty as Minister of the Seal. You and Hans take the Winged Cavalry to receive the Tatar delegation. I’ll have Ladon and its two wives back you up."

After reducing the Imperial Council by two members, Losa turned serious: "Ulm, can the Empire Holy Vault support a war involving a hundred thousand troops?"

Ulm hesitated, then nodded: "It depends on how long the war will last and how many forces you plan to mobilize."

...

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the members of the delegation were not particularly awed by the city.

Even though Jerusalem City had been reconstructed over the past three years, "Worship the Basileus of the Southern Empire, the only Monarch of the Eastern Franks, Guardian of the Holy Land of Jerusalem, Protector Saint of Overseas Christians, Great Guardian of Divine Wood, and Holy Spear Master."

Fulk knelt on one knee.

"I think I’ve seen you before."

Kurs frowned: "Baron Fulk of Languedoc? There shouldn’t be any mistake."

Though phrased as a question, Kurs’s tone was very confident.

In three years, Fulk had changed significantly, to the point that even relatives might not recognize him, but not Kurs; identifying someone wasn’t reliant on appearance for him.

Fulk appeared a bit nervous.

Back then, he was a minor figure, who had come to the Holy Land to escort Reynard’s fiancée, Miss Eleanor of Languedoc, and ended up in trouble, seeking the help of Losa, who was then Count of Transjordan.

"Hehe, I once advised His Majesty to accept a loyal and brave man like you as a Personal Guard."

Fulk shamefully said: "I failed to live up to your trust and felt unworthy of my oath to the Heavenly Lord."

"Let’s put the past aside for now. Now that you serve the Tatars, what does your new master want you to do this time?"

"Your Majesty, we have the Great Khan’s national letter to present."

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the members of the delegation were not particularly awed by the city.

Even though Jerusalem City had been reconstructed over the past three years, "Worship the Basileus of the Southern Empire, the only Monarch of the Eastern Franks, Guardian of the Holy Land of Jerusalem, Protector Saint of Overseas Christians, Great Guardian of Divine Wood, and Holy Spear Master."

Fulk knelt on one knee.

"I think I’ve seen you before."

Kurs frowned: "Baron Fulk of Languedoc? There shouldn’t be any mistake."

Though phrased as a question, Kurs’s tone was very confident.

In three years, Fulk had changed significantly, to the point that even relatives might not recognize him, but not Kurs; identifying someone wasn’t reliant on appearance for him.

Fulk appeared a bit nervous.

Back then, he was a minor figure, who had come to the Holy Land to escort Reynard’s fiancée, Miss Eleanor of Languedoc, and ended up in trouble, seeking the help of Losa, who was then Count of Transjordan.

"Hehe, I once advised His Majesty to accept a loyal and brave man like you as a Personal Guard."

Fulk shamefully said: "I failed to live up to your trust and felt unworthy of my oath to the Heavenly Lord."

"Let’s put the past aside for now. Now that you serve the Tatars, what does your new master want you to do this time?"

"Your Majesty, we have the Great Khan’s national letter to present."