Semi-Coercive Imperialist

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Hailand's Prime Minister Gary Beaufort boarded a plane.

Wheeeee...

Gary looked down at Hailand's coastline receding beyond the window.

They felt a tension so strange that even they could not understand it, as though their entire body were churning.

When Gary closed and opened their eyes, they had already reached the Empire's border.

"Prime Minister."

"......Let's go."

Gary Beaufort got off at the Imperial capital's airport with their aide.

They flinched.

Halfway down the plane's stairs, Gary stopped walking.

At first, they thought they had come to the wrong place.

Cheers erupted.

It was because of the unexpected welcoming crowd.

"......"

Gary was bewildered. Their aides wore similar expressions, but soon exchanged glances with the Imperial security agents.

"Prime Minister, this way."

Gary Beaufort walked under the guards' escort.

Cheers rose again. Whistles filled the air.

The crowd's welcome was astonishingly warm.

It seemed rude to simply stand there, so Gary waved to them.

Gary Beaufort climbed into the official car.

"......Unexpected."

It did not feel unpleasant.

"Prime Minister. Could this not be evidence as well?"

Their aide quietly offered that meaningful remark. Gary turned to them.

"The Empire's subjects do not want war either."

"......"

After considering it carefully, Gary nodded with a faint smile.

"That may be what it means."

Just as Prozen and Hailand avoided war, the people of the Empire must feel the same way.

Shhhhk.

The official car glided along the restricted road until it reached a restaurant counted among the finest not only in the Empire, but on the entire continent.

"Lilac Vita"

The street had been emptied of people.

Behind the curtains drawn over every window stood Maximilian, the Empire's knight.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Prime Minister Gary Beaufort."

He extended a hand to the prime minister as Gary stepped from the car. Gary swallowed.

"......"

They had seen the man in photographs, but this was their first meeting in person.

Gary privately admired his handsome appearance as they took his hand.

"Does Sir Maximilian handle diplomacy as well?"

A knight was meeting the prime minister of a country. It was a question with some bite to it.

Maximilian answered with an exceptionally gentle smile.

"Knights take on quite a number of roles within the Empire."

Prosecutor, lawyer, diplomat, soldier, commander. As a knight, he could act anywhere House Ebenholtz's power reached.

"There is also an unavoidable reason. Once an interpreter gets involved, words are bound to leak out."

Gary Beaufort finally understood the source of the discomfort they had felt all along.

They were speaking in the Hail language.

Perfectly naturally, without a single hesitation.

Maximilian needed no interpreter.

"This way, please."

The Imperial knight led the prime minister of a nation.

The two sat alone in a private room in the empty restaurant.

Food that could be eaten by hand, suited for conversation, was served first.

"Please eat. I am confident in the taste."

Maximilian put an amuse-bouche into his mouth first. After waiting for Maximilian to swallow, Gary spoke.

"......Sir Maximilian. I will be direct. Does the Empire intend to speak with Bolska?"

The prime minister had come to the point.

Maximilian gazed steadily at them before beginning.

"You are remarkably polite, Prime Minister. You have flown a great distance, yet show no sign of fatigue. Not a fold in your collar or a movement of your fingertips is out of place."

The beginning of diplomacy.

Praise for Gary Beaufort.

"It is not something that can be learned. It must be a dignity that naturally became part of you."

Perhaps because Gary had been born an aristocrat.

The sort of person called a gentleman. Someone who did not redden easily, who never lost respect for others regardless of age or status, who believed courtesy toward others was their own dignity.

"When people like us, who can speak to one another, meet at a round table."

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold.

"That is, when those with guns meet those with guns at a round table."

The Empire and Hailand.

The Empire did not disregard Hailand, and Hailand did not disregard the Empire.

"Then we can have a conversation. A very proper and honest conversation."

His voice was low, and every word he chose was refined. It was hard to believe all of it was in the Hail language.

"But if an unarmed person and a person with a gun sit in the same place, it cannot truly be a conversation. There is no reason to converse."

Maximilian wiped his fingertips with a napkin.

"Furthermore, those who know how to make guns come to look down on those who do not even know what a gun is. They seek to rule them and teach them. I believe Your Excellency knows that well."

Hailand's former colonies lay before them on the table.

Gary Beaufort did not answer.

"Laws and rules. Mutual respect. Universal human values. Such things can only hold meaning when there are equal conditions."

Words spoken in the most beautiful language, with the most intelligent rhetoric.

"I do not think that is wrong."

The unavoidable logic of an imperialist.

......A knight's monologue.

"It is simply the way of the world."

Gary considered it deeply, then asked in a grave tone.

"Then what does the Empire want, wearing Sir Maximilian's face?"

At that moment, Maximilian's expression stiffened.

A faint emotion resembling anger crossed his face.

"......I cannot stand by and watch my countrymen be abused. The Empire will resolve the matter of Genson and see it through somehow. Even if it means going to war."

A man who spoke their language more perfectly than any Imperial noble, and who seemed more aristocratic than any of them.

Gary Beaufort watched him for a long time as he uttered words that made even a single bite hard to digest.

"......Personally, I can accept the principle of cession."

Gary Beaufort picked up an amuse-bouche and put it into their mouth.

They could not taste it.

"However, Hailand's Cabinet, Prozen, and Bolska all need time. I would like to ask that you refrain from military action until they are prepared."

"......"

Maximilian was silent for quite a long time.

Beaufort calmly waited for his next words.

"......I do not believe we can wait long."

At last, the knight pushed away the plate before him.

"Peace can last until this summer. I give you my word."

For the first time, he smiled.

Gary Beaufort felt that they could communicate.

Once again, they trusted their intuition.

The Empire could be appeased through words.

They were already a great power without needing to wage a war.

* * *

After that day, official diplomats, civilian diplomats, ambassadors from various countries, and people from every kind of nation wore down the threshold of my estate just to take away a single word from me.

Again and again, they reported at length how sincerely their countries were pressuring Bolska.

Kairon took charge of every troublesome matter within the Imperial court.

As commander of the Sentinel Order, he thoroughly fulfilled his old promise that I should leave the dirty work to him.

"The continent does not want war. That is welcome news for the Empire."

I was dining with Princess Justine.

Every dish on the table came from Lilac Vita.

"Do as you wish."

Across from me, she cut her meat and put it into her mouth.

She ate truffles from Zerpha and beef. She had once refused to drink even water in front of me.

"This matter with Bolska has been entrusted to you."

It was a meaningful change.

"Both success and failure will be yours to bear."

I gave a small smile at her words.

"If I fail, let it remain my fault. If I succeed, let it be counted as Your Highness's achievement."

The princess's knife stopped.

She stared directly at me.

"It is time for Your Highness to have accomplishments as well."

"......His Majesty will not be pleased. Father would rather have war."

"After we obtain what we want without bloodshed, it will not be too late to prepare for the next step."

The princess silently listened to me, then handed me something.

"Take it."

"By delegation of His Imperial Majesty, in the name of Princess Justine."

The Imperial seal and her signature.

Yet it was a blank letter of authorization.

It meant I could borrow the Imperial family's name in any situation, at any moment, that I wished.

"Maximilian. When do you think the proper time will come?"

The princess resumed cutting her food as she asked.

"Soon...... The time will come before long."

* * *

Diplomats and ambassadors from countless countries gathered in the Empire.

The most important places were, without question, the Imperial Palace and Maximilian's estate.

"......Whew."

The reception room of Maximilian's estate was filled with people as if it were an emergency room.

Ambassadors from different countries sat as though they had drawn numbered tickets.

They stood in line just to obtain a single word from someone.

Here, one had to be careful with every word.

There were no lies, yet the truth did not wholly belong to the speaker. Even a mutter in one's native language could be discovered by Maximilian.

"......Lord Laurent. How are things on the Sun's side?"

Hailand's ambassador quietly asked the Prozen ambassador sitting beside them.

They met several times a day. They had begun to feel less like acquaintances and more like friends.

"It is certainly hotter than the Moon. The ambassadors are not here for nothing."

The Prozen ambassador's answer.

The Moon was a code word for Ebenholtz, and the Sun was a code word for the Imperial family.

The Sun was hot.

Not only in its words about Bolska, but even in its treatment of ambassadors.

"Hailand's situation is similar. The Sun trusts the Moon, so...... for now, we have no choice but to rely on the Moon."

As the two held that quiet private conversation, one of Maximilian's servants approached them.

"Is there anything you need?"

The Hailand and Prozen ambassadors simply smiled politely.

"I am fine."

"I am fine as well."

The servant smiled and withdrew.

Then, immediately after,

"Ah, yes. I would like cola, and... Those cracker-like things were delicious. Crackers with cheese on them? Could I have some, please?"

"Of course. I will prepare them for you."

A voice with no awareness of the mood asked greedily for food.

It belonged to Mekerel's ambassador.

One of the ambassadors from poor countries such as Berkina and Daneric, who waited day after day without even being summoned.

Perhaps they came for the crumbs.

Maximilian gave gifts to every ambassador who visited his estate.

"I heard Mekerel was received once as well."

At the Prozen ambassador's remark, Hailand's ambassador raised their eyebrows slightly.

If Mekerel's ambassador had faced Maximilian for even five minutes, they were certainly better treated than Bolska's ambassador.

"Oh. If they were received once, they are being treated better than that side."

Hailand's ambassador gestured toward Bolska's ambassador.

The pitiable man came here every day and sat in a corner, only to leave without meeting Maximilian even once.

"Indeed."

"I hear the Bolska government is preparing for war. It makes one wonder what there is for an ambassador to do."

The two ambassadors spoke in the Imperial language.

"Yes. It is truly unbelievable..."

Rumors were widespread that Bolska was preparing for war.

It was not an opponent they could defeat simply by preparing.

"Ambassador Laurent of Prozen?"

At that moment, Prozen's name was called from Maximilian's reception room.

Laurent rose, adjusting their clothes.

"Then I will go first."

"Please share any information."

"Of course."

Prozen's ambassador entered the reception room.

"......"

A silence so deep that even the ticking of a clock could not be heard.

Hailand's ambassador did nothing but breathe as they waited.

About an hour passed.

"Ah, it is opening over there."

"It looks like Prozen is done."

"Go. Quickly."

Creak.

Everyone focused on the slightly opened door.

Prozen's ambassador, who emerged after briefly bidding farewell to Maximilian, looked remarkably pleased.

Several people crowded around Laurent.

"Ambassador, perhaps a hint..."

"What did you discuss..."

"It is confidential. All of you, move aside!"

Laurent of Prozen drove away all the ambassadors from weaker countries with a stern expression, then signaled to Hailand's ambassador.

Hailand's ambassador quietly rose and approached Laurent.

"Lord Laurent. How did it go?"

"......I told him specifically how Prozen and Hailand are heavily pressuring Bolska, and that clear progress is being made, even explaining the methods."

Laurent whispered into the ambassador's ear.

"Then that's a relief."

That was what Maximilian had said.

Hailand's ambassador's eyes widened.

"......Really? 'A relief'?"

"Yes. I have never heard him use a word like that before."

The word relief.

Hailand's ambassador hid a smile for a moment.

Prozen's ambassador composed their expression as well.

After nodding to each other, the two hurried out to send the news to their home countries.

The news soon spread through Hailand and Prozen.

No, the stock markets rose before it could spread.

The next morning, the parliaments of Hailand and Prozen announced the Empire's "relief."

* * *

[ Debating "Relief"... Hopes of avoiding war rise ]

[ What does Bolska want? They remain motionless ]

[ Hailand stock market rises across the board... Common Hall relieved by a word from the Empire ]

[ Prozen considers lifting part of its reserve call-up ]

[ Hailand editorial: We do not even know where Genson is, so why should we be pushed around by them? ]

Every word I spoke spread across the world.

A single word, relief, became the front-page headline in two countries and affected stock markets and policy.

A thought suddenly came to me.

I had risen to a place I had never considered, a place I had never imagined.

Everything I said and did remained as a record, was interpreted, and was traded.

It was frightening, yet strangely intoxicating.

Had the Emperor felt this way since the day he was born?

Pitter patter.

Rain fell in the Sentinel Order's park.

"You seem to have many worries these days."

As I sat calmly, organizing my thoughts, a man approached and asked.

"Is something wrong?"

Yulian Askar.

"......I am tired from preparing for the Imperial Grand Ceremony."

The greatest national ceremony to be newly established in the Empire.

A grand military parade and the Night of Light, to be held before the Emperor. A stage meant to display the Empire's majesty within and beyond its borders.

Ambassadors from every country on the continent would sit in the front rows before that stage.

"How are you, Sir Knight?"

Julian looked up at the sky, then sat at the opposite end of the bench.

"It feels like I am chasing something I cannot see."

Julian, Hanna, Royce, and Dare Tan had formed a team.

To strike at the Veil behind the Revolutionary Faction, the Sentinel Order was providing them with nearly unlimited funds.

"You must be hoping for results."

I gave a bitter smile.

The rain streamed down from the sky.

As I blankly watched raindrops gather on the leaves,

"Next week."

I spoke to Julian.

"You do not need to attend the Imperial Grand Ceremony."

Julian turned toward me.

He was someone who disliked and struggled to endure such events.

I did not want to burden him more than necessary.

"Would that be all right?"

"Yes. I will say that you are in the middle of an important mission."

"......"

Julian fell silent.

For a long time, he sat beside me without saying anything.

That was how he expressed his thanks.

......

As Bolska and Genson faced pressure from the entire continent, the Imperial Grand Ceremony had been prepared.

The ceremonial grounds built outside the capital.

A granite plaza stretching wide across the horizon, enclosed by stone spectator stands.

A vessel large enough to hold hundreds of thousands of people.

At the end of the plaza stood the Emperor's dais, shrouded in veils. Behind it, more than a hundred flagpoles pierced the sky.

It would be a place for Imperial citizens and representatives from every country to gather.

The Hall of Light, which had illuminated the Prozen World Expo, would be recreated here once more.

All diplomats, ambassadors, and correspondents would witness the Empire's scale beneath that light.

"Ah, Sir Knight!"

At the back of the grounds, I met again with the people who had worked with me at the Expo.

The lighting technicians and designers who had somehow become experts in this field.

"Are the preparations complete?"

"Of course!"

"His Majesty will likely come as well."

The Emperor was coming here.

And for the first time in her life, his daughter Justine would reveal herself at an official public event, as though promoting her own image.

"......I am aware."

"All right. I look forward to it."

"Yes, sir!"

The people in charge returned to their work.

Lenny, the film director, approached while holding a camera and asked after me.

Nameplates were placed at the seats of ambassadors from every country. The loudspeakers briefly played the Imperial anthem for a test broadcast, then stopped.

Flags rose on every flagpole.

At the end of the plaza, the floodlights raised their heads toward the sky, still unlit.

Yaken patrolled as guards, and citizens gradually began to gather.

"......"

In that vast plaza...

I felt an unfamiliar tension.

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