Seeing that the emperor already knows everything, the hall manager wisely chose silence over elaboration.
That night, long after the palace lamps had been lit and the servants had begun preparing for rest, the emperor called all his courtiers into a eting.
Every high-ranking courtier received the sa concise command: to gather in a main hall.
The courtiers grumbled. Being called in the dead of night was rarely a good sign. It usually ant either war or scandal.
Still, none dared ignore the order. Regardless of their schedules or exhaustion, they put their emotions aside, quickly donned their official robes, and made haste to the eting chamber.
By the ti thirty minutes passed midnight, the hall was already half filled.
The emperor walked in and swept his gaze across the hall.
"Good, everyone is here," he said as he sat on his throne.
Without further ado, the hall manager explained the reason for the late eting.
Of course, the courtiers knew about the existence of the Ryntum kingdom.
The common people may or may not have heard of it, but the top figures in the empire know it to so extent.
Though Ryntum was not a large kingdom, it had stirred up too much attention on the continent.
A rising power.
Still, the very thought of discussing Ryntum here left an uncomfortable taste in many mouths.
Whether it is their true feeling or an act, only they know.
The Ryntum family's ascension to the throne was not honourable. Overthrowing their forr monarch in what many in this room still considered a glorified rebellion.
It was unpleasant for the reigning monarch. However, to the nobles, it may have been the most inspiring event.
After the hall manager finished reading Ryntum's proposal, the emperor looked at his courtiers for their opinions.
"Do we need to negotiate with them?" scoffed one of the courtiers, an old hawk with deep military ties.
To him, entertaining this proposal is akin to lifting Ryntum to their level.
How could he accept that?
They are the empire that has ruled for centuries. What are Ryntum? A kingdom with less than a decade of legitimacy.
"He's right!" said another. "We asked for one thing. Instead, they hand us another proposal, trying to redirect the conversation. Is this not a tactic to stall or deceive?"
Murmurs of agreent spread across the room, though not all joined in.
As so disagree, so agree as well.
From another corner, another minister spoke up.
"I believe we should not dismiss this out of pride alone. The concept of dividing the continent into spheres of influence has its benefits. We can prevent the Continental War from happening."
The cake is divided before the feast, so they do not fight over crumbs. As for when to eat the cake, that's up to their respective idea.
He added, "Everyone, it is not whether Ryntum deserves to be treated as an equal, but whether this agreent benefits the Empire in the long run. We all desire expansion, and they desire the sa. Then, why not both sides play in their own playground?"
Everyone in the hall weighed the pros and cons.
It is their ambition to expand the empire, but they are also afraid of turning everyone into their enemy.
The eting went on with heated discussion for a while before the emperor gave his ultimatum.
"I've heard enough," said the emperor. "Everyone has made their point, and they're very reasonable. Although there are so valid concerns, I believe it won't pose us too many problems in the future. Agree to Ryntum's proposal!"
"Your Majesty, with all due respect-"
But the emperor raised his hand again. There was nothing more to say.
In truth, the emperor had made up his mind long before this eting was called.
The late-night gathering was not a debate but to gauge his court's perspective and ensure no angle was overlooked.
Now that it had served its purpose, the only thing left was implentation.
"Inform them: the Empire accepts."
"As you wish, Your Majesty." The hall manager bows, then slowly retreats and disappears in the dark.
As to where he goes? Of course, to find that ssenger.
It didn't matter to the hall manager that it was the dead of night. What mattered was the emperor's order.
And that order must be fulfilled imdiately.
....
Ryntum.
"Your Majesty," Edward, the butler, called.
"What is it, Edward?"
"There's a guest."
"...," Riz looked at the clock. It's nightti. Who would co at this hour?
Receiving no response, Edward ntioned the na of the guest. "It's Mr. Paku."
Riz was slightly surprised. "Did he ntion his purpose?"
"No," Edward shook his head. "He only said it is an urgent matter."
"Is that so? Well, since he's already here, bring him in."
"As you wish."
Mr. Paku was escorted to the living room. Like a curious child, his eyes wander around the mansion, which makes Riz a little uncomfortable.
Fortunately, this is just a reception area ant to receive guests.
Upon seeing Riz, Mr. Paku smiled and greeted him, completely disregarding the fact that he had co at an inconvenient ti.
"It's good you haven't slept yet." Mr. Paku sighed with relief.
The corner of Riz's mouth twitched. Even though he hasn't slept, there are a lot of things he can do. It doesn't an anyone can co and bother him.
Riz hold back from saying it. His words may have caused a diplomatic incident.
Instead, he asked about Mr. Paku's purpose.
"I co here for this." Mr. Paku passed the scroll and continued, "His Majesty the Emperor agrees to Ryntum's proposal."
"That's truly a piece of joyful news, but I believe it can wait until the next morning."
Mr. Paku resolutely said, "The Emperor's order is to finalise this agreent as soon as possible. I wish to complete the task as soon as I can."
"Then you'll be disappointed and have to wait until the next day." Riz has no intention of using his brain power at night.
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