Sword of Salvation-Chapter 83: - Neither Hero Nor Villain (2)

Three days later, as they had agreed, Mariel took King Maggio to Norania after dusk. They were alone; the king did not need any other guards as long as Mariel was his escort.

Their arrival was greeted by Delphia. It seemed that she had officially been appointed as the new prime minister that morning. It was not surprising. If Mariel had been in Lasyana’s position, he would have appointed Delphia as prime minister long ago. No one was more suited for the role than her.

Even so, despite officially becoming the second-most powerful person in Neiracia that day, Delphia was still dressed in a maid’s attire. Mariel did not know whether she simply liked the outfit too much or was too immersed in her role as a servant. Either way, she remained as captivating as ever.

Just as when Mariel first arrived, Delphia offered the king a tour of the palace. However, Maggio had not come to sightsee, so he politely declined. Delphia nodded in understanding and led them directly to the palace’s dining hall.

Lasyana was already waiting there, clad in a long-sleeved red gown. The luxurious dress was perfectly complemented by a thick fur scarf wrapped around her neck. The empress also wore a pair of elegant black gloves.

The room’s temperature was not cold, yet her attire seemed to suggest she was in a much chillier environment.

Lasyana did not stand to welcome them. She gestured for them to sit without moving. This was an indirect way of showing that Neiracia held a higher position than Mangolla. It was not the most courteous gesture, but she would not be Lasyana if she acted otherwise.

"You are just as beautiful as the rumors say, Empress Lasyana. Some parts of the rumors are inaccurate, but I find myself even more honored to meet you like this," King Maggio remarked.

At that moment, Delphia seated herself beside Lasyana. Mariel, now sitting next to the king, was directly facing the prime minister. He offered her a charming smile, but Delphia did not return it.

"I enjoy being praised," Lasyana responded. "That is no secret. But you know, King Maggio, it feels somewhat wrong to hear such compliments from a man old enough to be my father."

"Hahaha, you are right. I apologize for that."

"It’s not a problem. Praise is still praise. What about you, Mariel? Do you not wish to compliment my appearance tonight? The reason I wear such lavish clothing is to hear your admiration. Won’t you praise me?"

Lasyana’s question made King Maggio glance at the young man instinctively. Mariel could easily guess what the king’s look implied—he was likely wondering about the true nature of Mariel’s relationship with the empress. But Mariel had no interest in addressing that curiosity. Instead, he wondered if Lasyana was being too bold. What was her goal?

"I am silent not because I do not wish to praise you, Your Majesty," Mariel decided to indulge her. "I simply lack the words to do so. Is there any compliment greater than perfection? You look like a goddess descending to bless us mere mortals, Your Majesty."

Lasyana let out a soft laugh at his words, but it quickly faded.

"Thank you for your praise, Mariel," she said, her expression turning serious as her gaze shifted back to the king. "Let’s put an end to this small talk, King Maggio. Mariel has told me about your request, but not in detail. So, you may now speak."

Maggio nodded, agreeing to move past unnecessary pleasantries. They could not afford to waste time. The king then spoke directly about the reason for his visit. He explained his concerns about the continent’s developments and the future of his kingdom. He proposed that Mangolla and Neiracia establish bilateral relations in various fields.

Lasyana also shared her thoughts on the continent’s situation and its trajectory.

She revealed that her revolution in Neiracia was meant to prepare the empire for the challenges posed by the western continent. She also mentioned that the recent military movements of the Urakhna Kingdom had been troubling her. Furthermore, the kingdom’s growing ties with Perakhsa in recent months had been particularly concerning.

In the end, Lasyana agreed to King Maggio’s proposal. Neiracia would form a covert alliance with Mangolla. If either nation became involved in a conflict, the other would provide support. Neiracia would aid with military forces, while Mangolla would assist by supplying logistics.

An agreement had been reached. Though unofficial, from that night onward, Neiracia and Mangolla were allies.

Maggio and Lasyana then focused their discussion on trade. To maximize their cooperation, there was no sector more important to discuss than that. They talked about everything from tax issues to safe trade routes.

Mariel appeared to be listening to their conversation in silence.

However, he wasn’t truly listening. His mind was more occupied with the fact that he was the one who had orchestrated this conversation between the two rulers. They were Mariel’s pawns, moving of their own will, yet unaware that he was the one directing them.

The feeling that filled Mariel as he watched them speak to strengthen the pieces on his game board was exhilarating. He wanted more. What he felt now was akin to someone in front of an exquisite feast, a growing urge to keep indulging.

Watching others move as he wished, seeing them dance in the palm of his hand... Mariel relished such things. No, "relished" was too weak as a right word—he was addicted. His desire to make the world his stage, with its people as his pieces, grew stronger.

Fantastic. Mariel couldn’t stop his lips from curling into a smile. But since Delphia was also focused on the rulers’ discussion, no one noticed that smile.

He quickly regained control of himself and joined the conversation.

Since the topic was still on economics, he proposed that both rulers begin reducing the influence of Great Human Council by increasing taxes on their businesses. At the same time, he suggested that Neiracia and Mangolla start mimicking those businesses and establishing their own competing enterprises.

The discussion continued as they enjoyed the dishes laid before them. The topic shifted from economics to technology. Then, technology was replaced by art and education. The two rulers even agreed to establish a city on their shared border once their alliance became public. That city would serve as a bridge for better relations between their nations.

One discussion after another concluded successfully. Each side agreed to send diplomats in secret as proof of their alliance. Important documents would be signed through those diplomats. King Maggio left the palace with a joyful expression—not for a second did he regret coming to Norania.

Mariel and the king finally returned to Iresvilea three hours after their departure. The portal brought them in the palace’s drawing room.

"Mariel," the king called out just as he was about to take his leave, making the young man stop in his tracks. "What exactly is your relationship with Empress Lasyana?"

"That’s an interesting question, Your Majesty," Mariel replied without looking at him. "I am a citizen of Neiracia. I believe I am the strongest among all its people. So, tell me—what do you think Lasyana would want from me? I’ll leave the answer to your imagination, Your Majesty."

Mariel then walked away.

"Ah," he suddenly added, stopping once more, but this time turning to face the king. "Tomorrow, I will leave this city, but C will stay. She will continue teaching your daughter for two, three, or perhaps four months."

Having said everything he needed to, Mariel finally walked away for good.