The Empror's Trap-Chapter 36: Ch - Foreign Policy

When Kenji was summoned before Pluvia, he hadn’t fully recovered from his rest state.

However, when the Emperor personally summoned him, how could he not come? Especially since it was said that the Sal Kingdom had sent envoys.

"Sit," Pluvia said.

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Kenji naturally didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down directly - he would never disobey an imperial command.

"The Sal Kingdom has sent people over. How do you think we should respond?" Pluvia inquired.

Normally, such matters should be handled by the Chancellor, and Kenji as Grand Marshal should only manage military affairs. But now he was no longer simply just a Grand Marshal.

"The Sal Kingdom sending envoys likely means only one thing: they’re requesting a ceasefire," Kenji yawned, then continued, "Since they’re requesting peace, Your Majesty can make the decision. Whether we fight or stop, I believe the Empire has the capability to sustain either course."

"Of course I hope we can stop the war. Although the Sal Kingdom struck first this time, internal stability in Camelot is most important right now."

Pluvia was indeed very displeased with these fickle barbarians flip-flopping back and forth, but now she could only find a way to cease fire first, satisfied that they had taught them a painful lesson. After all, she hadn’t even finished dealing with internal matters - those people at home had even dared to try assassinating her. If she kept focusing on the northern border, her head might end up being kicked around like a ball.

"Yes, I understand Your Majesty’s thoughts," Kenji nodded, then smiled as he looked at Pluvia. "But to be honest, Your Majesty, if we stop the war just like this, it would be difficult to justify both domestically and internationally. Although we recaptured Hanyin City and nearly annihilated those invaders, ultimately we were only defending ourselves. They only lost their invading forces."

"However, according to previous military reports, these Sal army troops engaged in several instances of pillaging and slaughter after entering Hanyin City. If we let them off just like this, Camelot won’t be able to deter other countries."

Kenji looked at Pluvia, who was wearing her casual home attire - a nightgown that was tribute from western countries. Below the hem, her fair and delicate calves were particularly alluring, drawing one’s gaze.

However, Pluvia clearly paid no attention to this, still frowning as she pondered what attitude to take.

"Kenji, do you know? Right now the country needs all kinds of construction, the canal is being dug, and we need to stockpile grain to ensure stable food prices in the future. With all these actions, we actually don’t have much money left. We can’t afford a war that would truly teach them a lesson," Pluvia said worriedly.

The Camelot Empire was now undertaking major infrastructure projects. Pluvia had been planning these things since she first took the throne, and now these projects were all being scheduled one by one. Although their benefits would be very long-term, one fact could never be changed - right now, these projects were all very expensive.

If it weren’t for the money reserves the previous emperor had left before his death, the empire wouldn’t dare to take such big steps now. And if they had to fight a war with the Sal Kingdom, the empire would need to deploy at least 100,000 troops.

Compared to the empire’s current massive military force, 100,000 didn’t seem like much, but considering the consumption of food and supplies, death benefits, manufacturing various equipment, armor and weapons consumption - 100,000 was a scale that the current empire simply couldn’t afford. General Balinos’s 50,000 men had already caused the national treasury to bleed significantly.

"Why must we necessarily deploy troops?" Kenji sipped his sweetened tea, which was reportedly tribute from the West. This tea was meant to be drunk mixed with sugar and milk, although the tea leaves weren’t as good as Camelot’s.

"Kenji, My thought is to take this opportunity to properly weaken the Sal Kingdom."

"Your Majesty being able to think of this point, I truly admire," Kenji offered a small compliment, "However, Your Majesty, how do you plan to weaken them?"

Pluvia put down her pen and pointed to the map spread out before her: "Look, I plan to split this area away from the Sal Kingdom - I don’t plan to absorb it myself, giving this land to the surrounding small tribes would be a good choice."

Kenji stared at the map.

There, Pluvia had already drawn a circle, and the place within it was called Kalashige Plains, a flat and open area with lush grass and water. This was practically paradise for those nomadic tribes.

"Your Majesty plans to split off this piece of land?"

"This is the best location. Back then, the previous emperor was merciful for a moment and didn’t want to completely destroy Sal Kingdom, which is why this land was given to them. Now that they’ve already made a move against Camelot, there’s no need for them to keep this land in their hands," Pluvia said coldly. "I’ve already decided to bestow this land on the Sorechin tribe - didn’t you always want military privileges in the Sorechin region? This time we can exchange it for the military privileges you want. I believe the Sorechin, who are used to poverty, won’t refuse this windfall."

"Your Majesty is brilliant!"

Kenji’s words came from the heart.

Although previously Pluvia had approved funds to obtain military passage rights from Sorechin, having the capability and actually using it were two completely different things. The Sorechin tribe weren’t fools - this money was a hot potato, so they were still dragging out the deal - although they would eventually accept it.

But now, giving them Kalashige Plains was an entirely different concept.

The Sorechin tribe would gain a rich territory that could support many more of their people - they had no reason to refuse this preferential treatment. As long as the empire promised to protect them, they would certainly jump to the empire’s side.

After all, Kalashige Plains weren’t absolutely necessary for the empire, and giving it away in exchange for a relatively loyal supporter wasn’t a bad opportunity.

The northern frontier was vast, so vast that the major tribes were constantly warring with each other. The Sal Kingdom was a giant of the north, and having the ability to weaken this giant and create trouble for the Sal Kingdom was definitely a good thing.

"Very well, since you also agree with this approach, I will send people to communicate with them this way," Pluvia said, reclining in her chair. "Now, let’s talk about something else - how is your investigation of that matter I asked you to look into?"

Ah, so that’s really why she called me over.

Kenji took a deep breath, then said in a low voice:

"After day and night investigation, I have finally determined the following suspicious individuals."

He took out a piece of paper and handed it to Pluvia.

Looking at the list before her, Pluvia’s pupils suddenly constricted.

"Are you serious?"

"It has been repeatedly verified."

"Good," A trace of panic appeared on Pluvia’s face as she quickly crumpled the paper in her hand into a ball and set it aside. "Who else knows about this matter?"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. This matter was ultimately investigated by me personally, Lina does not know about the list."

When Kenji said this, Pluvia gave him a somewhat peculiar look.

"That’s good then."