Chapter 1417 - 602: On the Candidates (2)

Chapter 1417: Chapter 602: On the Candidates (2)

"What’s worse is, German is one of the inheritances left to me by my father." Carl Franz said with a bitter smile, "Evidently, he received some kind of permission from my father, so sometimes he uses a tone of reprimand and teaching when speaking to me."

"I understand." Laine nodded again, thinking that such a ’Minister of Imperial Affairs’ often doesn’t end well, whether with good intentions or maliciously. Generally, new emperors don’t like these people. Initially, they had to use them when they first ascended the throne, but over time these individuals often face suppression or even retaliation.

From Carl Franz’s words, you can sense the Emperor’s subtle dissatisfaction with this Flame Element Holy Sanctuary Grand Mage, not quite dislike, not exclusion, much less hatred, just some dissatisfaction.

Moreover, for Carl Franz, German interfering in the army is taboo. The army is the Emperor’s most important supporter within the Imperial Court. Every time there is a war, Carl Franz inevitably holds the Divine Hammer Gail-Malaz, riding either a Pegasus or Griffin Death’s Claw, personally fighting on the front lines. Whether it’s Rick Territory or the military noble families under other Prince-Electors, they now have a certain recognition and high respect for Carl Franz because of the series of victories he won after ascending to the throne.

Of course, the Emperor didn’t mention this, and Laine didn’t ask, because there was no need.

"Lastly, there’s Biersaze Gaert, the Empire’s Great Alchemist. Initially, he arrived in Marinburg by ship and used conjured gold to pay for the fare. When he entered the Alchemy Academy, I had objections," the Emperor continued discussing the third candidate, recalling the past with a smile, "The captain who was deceived posted a bounty in Marinburg, and no one dared accept it. Then he went to Brunswick to complain, but it was futile since the fare had been settled on the spot, with no evidence afterwards, even though we all knew it was certainly Gaert’s magic."

"Gaert’s advantage lies in, after encountering a strange adventure, his prowess in magic grew rapidly, and he achieved a lot in gunpowder and alchemy. He’s meticulous, brave, never shuns the world, and dares to handle affairs. More importantly, he’s very loyal!" The Emperor spoke seriously.

"Uh...mm!" Laine’s expression was somewhat strange, his facial muscles twitched a little but he still nodded.

"But Gaert’s problem is that his foundation is too shallow. Whether as a wizard or within the court, his influence is insufficient. His adventure’s origin is mysterious—the Ancient Saint’s ruins, what exactly Gaert obtained from them—are unsolved mysteries. I later sent people to check the Ancient Saint’s ruins, but they were already destroyed." The Emperor didn’t notice Laine’s expression changing, and continued, "Do you know anything? My subordinates told me that the manor was recovered by you and your female sorcerer courtier."

"Yes, at that time I also investigated the manor and discovered the Ancient Saint’s ruins." Laine nodded, telling the Emperor about Madame’s hiring, omitting some content, "I chased away a Scorpion-tailed Lion that was lurking there."

"Alright, now I’ve told you about those three people." Carl Franz didn’t think too much about it. Ancient Saint’s ruins in the Old World are numerous, but usable and decryptable ones are nearly nonexistent: "You don’t have to rush in answering me, just think it over; you are about to become King soon. If it were you, how would you decide?"

Laine was silent for two minutes, then suddenly smiled, "Carl, you saying this to me shows your heart already holds an answer, am I right? Since you already have an answer, why seek my approval? You have so many subordinates and courtiers you can ask."

"...because you have no stance," the Emperor gazed at the flickering flames, "Do you believe, if I asked in the Imperial Court, everyone would unhesitatingly answer with their supporter? But that’s not the kind of answer I’m seeking."

If asked Vicma, it would definitely be Odo, if asked the Empire’s army, nine out of ten chances would be German, if asked those musket soldiers or Amelia, it would definitely be Gaert, would it not? They aren’t really favoring anyone; they have already chosen their stance.

Laine understood the Emperor’s predicament, "So since you already have an answer, why not appoint directly?"

Carl Franz’s face squeezed out a trace of smile, "Laine, I’m quite curious about how you usually get along with Her Highness Lake God Witch Mogiana?"

"Get along?" Laine was a bit embarrassed, "Just...normally getting along, huh? We each manage our own things, when there’s business, we...meet to discuss. We generally respect each other’s opinions. Mogiana isn’t someone who can’t accept suggestions; if there’s a need, I’ll try to persuade her."

"Is that so? That’s great, Laine. Even as Emperor of the Empire, I can’t appoint a Royal Chief Grand Mage alone." Carl Franz smiled bitterly, "But I can’t be manipulated either. What’s troubling me now is, I want someone who can provide me with more help and answers, but everyone doesn’t think so."

The two Human Realm leaders fell into contemplation, staring at the flames, as if they were very interesting things.

Carl Franz thought if Laine was honest, then perhaps the rumored strict, unpredictable-tempered Lake God Witch wasn’t so difficult to get along with. Looks like rumors are indeed untrustworthy.

If only Archbishop Vicma were as communicative as Lake God Witch Mogiana, that would be wonderful.

As for Laine, the Duke of Musillon maintained a poker face, neither smiling nor speaking, while he pondered his course of action.

The Emperor was unaware, but Laine wasn’t without a stance in this matter.

However, Laine knew that if he praised Gaert now and commended the Great Alchemist, it might have a counterproductive effect; you know the reason.

How could he help the Great Alchemist without drawing the Emperor’s disapproval?

"Carl, you are still misunderstanding a point." After a few minutes of silence, Laine spoke up, his deep tone: "You have confused the positioning of the Royal Chief Grand Mage position."

"Why?" Carl Franz asked, curious.

"What is the significance of the Royal Chief Grand Mage?" Laine continued, the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lake Fairy looking solemn: "We need to select an individual who can provide the most optimal answers and greatest assistance in magic; that is the essential need and purpose of the Royal Chief Grand Mage position. But you, due to various reasons, have turned this role into a bargaining chip!"

The Emperor’s eyes lit up, "You’re saying?"

"Such an important position, how can it be obtained through various means and exchanges of benefits?" Laine said seriously, "Carl, what you need to do is maintain justice, ensure fairness, as Emperor to supervise this competition, let these three candidates simply rely on their magic abilities to decide the winner, so that everyone will have no complaints!"

Indeed! Carl Franz’s eyes brightened, realizing this was what he needed, though the Emperor soon thought of something, "But if he..."

"Do you not have any confidence in him?" Laine pursued another question.

"Understood!" Carl Franz’s expression finally became resolute, he extended his hand to Laine, "I know how to proceed now, thank you, Laine."

"No need to thank me." The two shook hands.

After receiving his answer, the Emperor didn’t linger, he and Laine agreed to take their families to visit the Royal Zoo two days later, and he turned to leave.

It was already very late now, Little Devenhill was asleep, and Laine and his companions were also preparing to rest.

Amelia, wearing fluffy slippers, came before her son, the Empire Countess smiling sweetly, "Frederick, how about you sleep with your brother tonight?"

"Okay!!!" The little boy didn’t doubt anything; he indeed liked spending time with his brother.

"So obedient~" Amelia reached out to stroke her son’s head, smiling even more happily.

"Truly my good son~"