How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony-Chapter 184: The King’s Chicken (1)

Their sweet wine also became an indispensable entertainment at banquets, selling like hotcakes. The distinctive flavor profile – a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity with notes of exotic fruits unknown to European palates – captivated the nobility across the continent. Courtiers and diplomats would specifically request these New World vintages, elevating their status from novelty to necessity at any gathering of importance. Merchants who secured even small quantities found themselves besieged by wealthy patrons willing to pay extraordinary sums.

And the flow of all this trade rolled in Henri IV's hands.

The debt that had seemed impossible to repay in this lifetime was gradually being cleared, and the empty royal treasury was slowly filling up.

His desired rebuilding of France and the French monarchy was no longer a dream.

Everything was thanks to exchanges with the New World, the mysterious native empire of Virginia. He couldn't help but think that things were going smoothly as they became allies.

However.

"I too, as a chief, would be sad if I could only feed my tribe members one chicken per week."

"Not being able to eat one chicken every day. That's sad. Are there so few chickens here too?"

"Uh... this is chicken? I thought it was a chick."

"Oh! It really was chicken! How fascinating. How did you raise it like this? Did you deliberately make it smaller? The taste is a bit lacking, but interesting!"

"..."

This was slightly too much.

Of course, he understood the intention. By boasting of Virginia's overwhelming wealth, they sought to gain some advantage in future friendly relations.

Such a move wasn't all bad. No, it was rather beneficial to him.

Thanks to the narrative that a 'naive native chief' 'inadvertently flaunted his prosperity,' attention focused on Virginia.

And the phenomenon of attention focusing on Virginia was very beneficial to him, who was increasing his wealth through Virginia's luxury goods.

But.

'To go so far as to diminish my authority with exaggeration...'

Honestly, it was difficult to understand the intention.

Anyway, isn't it like mocking and insulting his governance to his face? They have no idea how much effort he put into preventing rumors from spreading that Virginia's envoy had insulted the king.

'It couldn't have been an unintended action.'

Many who explored the New World said there were no chickens there.

That's the conclusion reached by numerous people of various nationalities and statuses over the past decades—Spaniards, Frenchmen, Englishmen, Dutchmen, and so on.

...Of course, since they failed to discover the 'empire,' their reliability should be reconsidered, but it was also uncomfortable to completely ignore their exploration results.

'Why on earth did he?'

Clearly, they were in trouble and in a position to ask for France's help.

Could it be...

"The 'Emperor's' intention?"

As his thoughts reached there, Henri IV's face hardened.

Yes.

The Christian monarch, fluent in Latin, French, and English, had spoken through Oitotan.

Then, that sudden diplomatic breach of etiquette, and those absurd statements about feeding everyone chicken every day, all make sense.

'Don't think you're above me even if I temporarily ask for help.'

'I am in the position of bestowing my enormous wealth upon you.'

Thus, that native emperor was whispering in Henri's ear.

"Is he being bold because the Atlantic serves as a barrier between us..."

Or is there really something else?

Thinking about the latter possibility, Henri IV suddenly shuddered.

That powerful emperor who repelled Spain and wielded influence throughout the eastern coast of North America.

He must have other powers.

He had extended his hand to Henri IV while simultaneously warning him.

...Not to underestimate him.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis de Rosny enters the palace!"

"Finally... he returns."

Just then, a servant opened the door and announced the return of Maximilien de Béthune, who had been sent to Virginia. Henri IV nodded to himself, steeling his resolve.

The relationship with Virginia is important. But the king's dignity is equally important.

This time, he wouldn't yield. Whatever story the Marquis de Rosny brought, he would not be shaken.

With that in mind, he proceeded to the court, and.

"...I didn't expect you to return?"

He was momentarily taken aback upon seeing Oitotan standing beside the Marquis de Rosny.

Oitotan laughed awkwardly, and the marquis explained on his behalf.

"Your Majesty, uh... they have apologized for the previous diplomatic breach and have sent a gift to foster our friendly relations..."