The Empror's Trap-Chapter 39: Ch - Diplomatic Contact

Pluvia maintained a composed expression.

Though it was a serious breach of diplomatic protocol for them to only present gifts to Kenji, Pluvia wasn’t a fool. These Sal people were clearly up to no good, trying to cause trouble even after losing the battle. Fortunately, Kenji handled the awkward situation well with just one comment.

Pluvia nodded at Kenji’s suggestion. Of course, she had no intention of keeping the sword - she would return it to Kenji. It’s not like she needed another sword anyway.

"Sal envoy, what important matters bring you to Camelot today?" Pluvia inquired.

"Your Majesty, King Tuwa of the Sal Kingdom sends me to apologize to Your Majesty. This was truly a misunderstanding - we had no intention of invading your country."

"A misunderstanding? Well, I’m willing to believe it was," Pluvia said with a smile. "However, this has no bearing on my reclaiming of Hanyin City. Camelot has no desire to occupy your territories, but we also cannot allow you to freely invade our borders. Your King personally swore loyalty to my late father. Now, this ’misunderstanding’ forces us to reconsider our relationship."

A vassal state that was thoroughly defeated by father’s army, now trying to act up just because a female emperor has taken the throne. Even if we forgive you, you’ll have to pay a price.

"This incident truly arose from our misjudgment. After the conflict, we immediately launched an investigation. The root cause was unclear grazing boundaries between our peoples, which led to conflict."

This princess truly deserves the position her father gave her - she can lie without even blushing.

Conflict over grazing boundaries? The border between the two sides at Hanyin City is literally the city wall. Are they suggesting the cattle and sheep crossed over the walls to graze?

"Since it was truly a misjudgment, let’s proceed accordingly," the elderly Chancellor suddenly snorted coldly. "The Sal Kingdom has prospered in recent years, surely amassing considerable wealth. I imagine you can afford necessary compensation."

The old Chancellor never went easy on the Sal Kingdom. In his younger years, he had tried reasoning with the Sal people, only to discover they had no interest in reason. Or rather, when you tried to reason with them, they would simply refuse to listen, like a stubborn turtle reciting sutras.

Even now, though they had adopted some semblance of protocol, their envoys were full of etiquette breaches and spoke without any courtesy. No wonder he couldn’t maintain a good attitude towards them.

"Thanks to Camelot’s blessing, our country has indeed prospered in recent years, with many merchants willing to do business with us," Uheya responded calmly, unfazed by the Chancellor’s discourtesy. "However, if Your Majesty wishes for compensation in the form of cattle and sheep, we can provide that. But regarding other forms of compensation, we truly cannot offer much at present."

"I naturally understand the principle of a life for a life and repaying debts, but our country truly cannot provide sufficient monetary compensation. If Your Majesty doesn’t mind, we are willing to offer cattle and sheep as tribute for the next several years..."

"Do you think I lack cattle and sheep?"

Pluvia stared at her with a terrifyingly calm voice.

Uheya fell silent for a moment.

She knew how absurd her proposal sounded. The Sal army had invaded Hanyin City, engaging in murder and plunder, yet her father had instructed her to propose such a solution.

The Sal Kingdom having no money? Only a fool would believe that. And using cattle and sheep to compensate families who lost everything in this attack... it was beyond ridiculous.

"Camelot never intended to target the Sal Kingdom. The late Emperor allowed Tuwa to unite the northern plains for border stability and peace between our peoples. Yet you have repeatedly violated our borders. Even if I forgive you, even if my ministers forgive you, the citizens you have harmed may not be so forgiving."

As she spoke, Pluvia gently tapped the armrest of her chair.

She was certain they wouldn’t dare to truly wage war against Camelot. While the Sal cavalry’s reputation spread far and wide, they were only formidable compared to other small neighboring countries. In a real war, Camelot’s only concern would be the cost of warfare, not whether they could win.

Uheya’s captivating eyes lingered on Kenji for a moment.

This gesture didn’t escape Pluvia’s notice.

She observed Uheya’s bold gaze on Kenji. It seemed this Uheya had quite an interest in him. What exactly had he done in the Sal Kingdom?

Kenji naturally noticed it too. To be honest, being eyed so provocatively by such a graceful woman was quite uncomfortable for him.

But uncomfortable or not, he had to endure it. This was a formal diplomatic occasion, with court historians present.

He imagined the historians writing: "On this day, when meeting the Sal Princess with the Emperor in the great hall, Princess Uheya tempted him with her gaze, and Duke Anos, enchanted, was lost in her beauty..."

That would be utterly humiliating.

With this thought, Kenji decisively stepped forward to demonstrate his impartiality:

"Your Majesty speaks truly. Our Camelot is prosperous - how could we need their cattle and sheep? The Sal people repeatedly violate our borders, ignoring multiple warnings. They deserve severe punishment..."

Immediately, Uheya’s gaze turned resentful.

Girly, you can’t seriously think that because we had some connection in childhood, I would speak up for you and your country now?

Kenji sighed internally. This girl was either too reckless, or perhaps... was she trying to drive a wedge between him and Pluvia?

He didn’t know, and he dared not ask.

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"Since both Your Majesty and Duke Anos feel this way, please allow us time to consider. Currently, the Sal Kingdom still hopes to maintain good relations between our countries. I will report this matter to my father for his decision."

"That would be best, as this concerns matters between our two nations. Let me tell you Camelot’s conditions now, Princess. You can relay them directly to King Tuwa for his decision."