traitor chapter 3

“I recommend the First Prince of Tebon for the position of Royal Consort.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, seated midway down the left side of the long conference table, spoke. The Prime Minister, at the head of the left side, stiffened. He clearly had much to say, but just as he opened his mouth, the figure at the head of the table spoke first. 

“Isn’t Tebon’s First Prince the most likely candidate for their throne? Do you believe Tebon would willingly part with him?” 

It was Dianaosa, Emperor of the Empire. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, as if anticipating this very question, immediately launched into his explanation.

“Since we are offering the position of Royal Consort, not a mere concubine, Tebon will consider it an immense honor. Even a brief mention of this at the banquet left the First Prince deeply moved.”

“Is that so?” 

“Yes, Your Majesty. Not only the Prince, but the King of Tebon as well, reacted quite favorably. Moreover, the King of Tebon has been abundantly blessed with divine power. He is expected to live for at least another two hundred years, so wouldn’t he produce more heirs anyway? Relinquishing the First Prince wouldn’t be a significant loss for him.” 

“But the King of Tebon is unlikely to see another individual like the First Prince.” 

“Which is precisely why it would be advantageous to bring him into the Empire.”

Diana recalled the Prince from the Imperial Palace banquet a month prior. He was a man with hair the color of a wheat field at harvest time and a gentle expression to match. The symbol that appeared on his outstretched palm as he offered his greetings was a ripe orange clover and the number ten. 

Considering that most humans never surpass five in their lifetime, he was indeed a remarkable talent. It seemed a waste to confine him to the politically inactive position of Royal Consort. 

Someone so skilled at accumulating wealth and filling the treasury would be left managing only the household accounts of the Consort’s Palace. It was an undeniable waste of talent. However, this wasn’t a matter of mere talent allocation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ suggestion to instate a Royal Consort was a strategic move to check the growing power of Tebon, the largest of the kingdoms. 

By taking their most promising individual, they could hinder their growth and, through a marriage alliance, bring them under the Empire’s control. Given the current king’s competence, he might perceive their intentions and resist. However, he wouldn’t dare to openly antagonize the Empire. He would also understand that a marriage alliance with the Empire was hardly a losing proposition.

The Prime Minister anxiously watched the Emperor, whose silence indicated prolonged contemplation. He was about to voice his objection when another spoke first. 

“Offering the Prince the position of Royal Consort is unwise. It is highly likely to provoke other kingdoms. We must avoid escalating tensions along the borders.” 

The Minister of Defense, and Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army, seated to the Emperor’s right, firmly stated his opposition. His words heightened the tension in the room. It was none other than he who voiced concern about the border situation, causing even the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who had proudly presented his proposal, to hesitate. 

It was highly unusual for the Minister of Defense to express an opinion on matters outside of national defense. However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs couldn’t easily back down. The surrounding kingdoms were weaker than Tebon, and with peace treaties in place, there shouldn’t be any significant issues. 

Naturally, there would be reactions and expressions of discontent, but nothing that couldn’t be managed. The advantages of having Tebon’s First Prince as Royal Consort far outweighed the risks. 

“We have already conducted numerous reviews. I believe there is no cause for such concern.” 

“Premature judgment is unwise. There’s a significant difference between firsthand experience at the border and information gathered from reports while seated at a table in the palace.” 

“I trust the Minister of Foreign Affairs has thoroughly considered this proposal.” 

With the Emperor’s dismissal, the Minister of Defense immediately fell silent. His instantaneous obedience was almost unnerving, an almost excessive display of subservience. He would readily offer his own head if the Emperor commanded it. The Prime Minister, seated to her left, was usually of the same mind. But today seemed different.