Chapter 330 330-You're a Genius
Howard couldn't help but be amused by the various theories and speculations.
Eventually, it seemed that Howard himself had stumbled upon the answer.
The expansive nations of Castile and Aragon were planning to merge through a strategic marriage alliance, forming a more powerful Westia Kingdom – this was the secret grand plan!
Howard discovered the true relationship between these two great nations in a book detailing the marital alliances of various royal families.
Members of their dynasties were, in fact, closely related relatives.
Reflecting on the foundation of the Porlia Kingdom, Howard pieced together the clues, leading him to deduce the formation plan of the Westia Kingdom.
That evening, filled with excitement, Howard rode to inform Bosiden to relay this vital information to Nora.
He then called for Resarite, instructing him to upgrade the military facilities of several castles in the Earldom of Nok.
Even if these upgrades couldn't be completed before the onset of war, they were in line with future trends.
Howard then decided to halt the deep inland migration in the New World, focusing instead on occupying the coastal areas.
He recognized the increasing importance of naval power in the upcoming era.
Howard was aware that due to the recent turmoil in the Iberian Peninsula, this plan was unlikely to proceed smoothly.
As Castile's pressure on Aragon intensified, the King of Aragon might declare an embargo against Castile.
This, in turn, would further agitate Castile's citizens, merchants, and benefiting nobility, potentially leading to war between the two nations.
Should Castile emerge victorious, the dynasties of the two nations would truly unite, with Aragon coming under a joint rule with Castile.
After a period of stable joint governance, both domestically and internationally, Castile would likely annex its vassal state, leading to the emergence of a superpower.
Howard was simultaneously excited and filled with a sense of martial zeal.
The prospect of the Crown Prince gaining control over the empire, or at the very least, the territories of Oli Kingdom, signaled the emergence of a superpower, a dire catastrophe for smaller nations.
Nora's position seemed increasingly precarious.
Without any direct territories of her own, relying solely on her years as a secretary to persuade a duke like Howard to help her claim the throne now appeared almost unfeasible.
Howard shared these thoughts with Catherine, who advised him against involving himself in Nora's affairs.
Her opinion was pragmatic; admitting defeat in an unwinnable war would mean losing both money and land.
However, Howard contemplated the immense benefits that having an empress as an ally could bring.
Howard once heard a joke from a merchant in the Far East about the most profitable business.
Some argued for lumber, requiring only labor without capital.
Others mentioned silk trading or selling jade.
But the wittiest response was that rebellion, or supporting someone to become the emperor of a country, was the most profitable venture.
At the time, Howard didn't understand the rationale and asked the merchant, who admitted he couldn't explain it either, having heard it from someone else.
But now, Howard was beginning to grasp the idea.
Reflecting on his past, Howard remembered when he was merely an earl under Duke Jiakai.
To further his development, he had to confront Duke Jiakai directly.
Faced with unanimous opposition from Rolf and other vassals of Duke Jiakai, Howard found his progress stifled, trapped at the earl level for a long time.
However, everything changed with a single decree from the emperor.
Howard was appointed as the head of a free city within the empire, perceived by the nobility as having gained independence from Duke Jiakai, thus becoming a ruler of his own territory.
Now, after various conquests and further imperial favor, Howard had risen from a mere Earl of Nok to the Duke of both Croatia and Lagusa.
The key to this transformation was an imperial command.
This led Howard to believe that supporting Nora's ascension to empress could bring unimaginable benefits.
As he pondered this, Catherine entered the room with a cup of coffee.
"Try this coffee," she said, "It's from the plantations in the New World, different from the ones we had before. See how you like it."
After tasting it, Howard agreed it was delicious.
He shared his thoughts with Catherine, who then sat down on the chair to his left, saying, "Opportunity and danger always coexist. I'm just a daughter of an earl, and being a duchess today is more than I ever hoped for. I don't have grand aspirations. I would rather have you spend more time with me, instead of engaging in risky ventures."
Howard gave Golan a meaningful look, signaling him to join the conversation.
Understanding the cue, Golan mustered his courage and said, "My lady, I know you are concerned about the lord's safety. But the empire is in turmoil. Without a hero like Lord Howard, wise and valiant, to lead, the empire might very well fall. "
"The Fran Kingdom and the Ing Empire are eyeing our lands with greed, and the Thoria Kingdom to the east is not to be underestimated. Even the formidable Constantinople Castle and the terrifying Osland Kingdom are preparing to strike at the empire! My lady, the empire needs Howard."
Catherine glanced at Golan, whose heart raced under the accumulated prestige of the duchess.
She responded, "Golan, reflect on how Resarite rebelled.
Wasn't it his wife who egged him on? Even if we don't assist Nora, we can still serve loyally under Charles V, the new Emperor of the empire.
We can hold off the Fran Kingdom in the west, combat the Thoria Kingdom in the east, and stand against the mighty Osland Kingdom for the sake of the continent's civilization.
A vassal's loyalty should not be determined by personal feelings but by the legitimacy of the one they serve."
Howard was taken aback by Catherine's sudden eloquence.
He wondered if her previous hesitance in front of Nora was due to intimidation by Nora's status, making her reluctant to speak her mind.
The atmosphere grew tense until Bosiden knocked on the door.
Howard invited him in.
Upon entering, Bosiden informed Howard, "My lord, Nora, along with the Governors of Milan and Venice, the Duke of Savoy, and Marquess Rolf are in the reception hall requesting an audience."
Howard replied, "Very well."
Howard and Catherine entered the reception hall, where Nora cast a displeased glance at Catherine, seemingly unhappy with her presence.
Sensing Nora's thoughts, Catherine preemptively stated, "Let me clarify upfront, the Emperor of the empire is gravely ill. If anyone here aspires to become the Emperor or Empress, you must respect our stance. I have the right to listen and express my opinions."
The Governor of Venice exchanged a knowing look with the Duke of Savoy, both glancing surreptitiously at Nora.
Nora, slightly irked, responded, "Fine, listen if you must, but this matter concerns the empire's future. It's best for those who don't understand to speak less."
Howard had the maids of the ducal residence serve tea and pastries, then inquired about the purpose of Nora's visit.
Nora revealed she had rallied the support of those present.
Most of the nobles and governors from the Iliar Kingdom had territories along the coast, making them more involved in trade through the Gibtier Strait compared to inland nobles of the empire.
Trade, occasionally, led to disputes.
Coincidentally, these individuals often faced trade conflicts with Castile, whose King, the eldest son of the Emperor, was against foreign merchants encroaching on their trade in the Gibtier Strait.
Hence, they were opposed to the idea of the King of Castile ascending to the imperial throne.
Howard, not entirely understanding, accepted this explanation.
Without delay, Howard shared the news of the formation of the Westia Kingdom with everyone present.
The Governor of Milan, after carefully considering Howard's words, suddenly exclaimed, "You're a genius!" The Governor of Venice looked at Howard with admiration, remarking, "The first time I saw you, I knew you were exceptionally talented."
The Duke of Savoy initially listened to Howard with a hint of jest, but after pondering over his words, he too conceded that Howard was right.
"It seems that Duke Jiakai's defeat at your hands wasn't unjustified," he mused.
Marquess Rolf, smiling broadly at Howard, chimed in, "Good brother, you truly are formidable."
Howard intended to clarify to the Duke of Savoy that Duke Jiakai's downfall wasn't his doing, but realizing he was indeed the greatest beneficiary, he chose to ignore the Duke's comment.
Turning to Nora, Howard asked, "What's your take on this?"
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