Chapter 338 338-Howard's Concerns
Howard was far from satisfied with Nora's explanation.
He knew that the rebels, firstly, were not numerous, and secondly, even if they were, they lacked morale and proper leadership, essentially forming a disorganized group that would scatter at the first sign of confrontation.
Howard, seeking a straightforward answer, finally asked Nora, "Tell me the truth, Nora. Are you really prepared to defend Oungria Kindom to the death?"
His eyes fixed intently on Nora's.
Nora closed her eyes, unable to meet Howard's gaze.
She paused on the third step, which wasn't quite level with the ground, and remained there, unable to continue her descent.
When she eventually reopened her eyes, Howard discerned from her expression that she had made a difficult decision.
Nora's response was clear: the Empire would protect its territories, but the extent of this protection depended entirely on the Empire's priorities.
The Empire belonged to its people, not to any particular feudal state.
Almost at the same moment Nora answered, Howard turned away, his expression one of deep disappointment, and left.
After Howard's departure, Maximilian sighed quietly, thinking to himself: If Nora, the Empress, couldn't even protect those she helped ascend to power, then her ability to protect other lords of the Empire was even more questionable. Was she truly capable of bearing the weight of the Empire's responsibilities?
Maximilian began to harbor doubts about Nora's leadership.
Riding away, Howard said to Resarite, who had accompanied him, "She refused. Her stance is to still wait and see how the war unfolds. Ha, perhaps it will be the same as before, dragging on for three months without engaging in battle, then simply withdrawing."
Resarite suggested, "Your Majesty, I recommend visiting Phrus Kingdom. Its ruler, King Frederick, bears the title of Emperor and is known to be a formidable leader. If we can secure an assurance of independence from Phrus Kingdom, Osland Kingdom will have to think twice before attacking us."
Howard agreed and set off for Kenisburg, the capital of Phrus Kingdom, with Resarite.
Along the way, Howard shared in detail the events of the past days.
Resarite, after listening, couldn't stop laughing, remarking, "Nora, if she wasn't almost an old friend, I'd have given her a piece of my mind. To think that she, once a mere secretary, has become the Empress of the Empire, I don't even know what to say."
Howard, speechless, was surprised to see such magnanimity in Resarite.
Upon reaching Kenisburg, Howard met with Frederick, a man hailed as a great Emperor.
He exuded an aura of majesty and iron resolve.
Frederick, upon understanding Howard's purpose, immediately agreed to his request, declaring, "Rest assured. If the Empire won't intervene, Phrus Kingdom will. I shall uphold the glory of the Empire!"
Howard was overjoyed at this commitment.
Upon Howard's return to Oungria Kindom, Catherine greeted him, asking, "How did your journey go? What did Nora say?"
Howard replied, "Nora was unreliable. I turned to Frederick instead, and he has promised that Phrus Kingdom will protect Oungria Kindom."
Catherine, puzzled, said, "Phrus Kingdom? Is that the former Brandenburg Duchy? Wasn't he just a regular elector? If the Emperor can't protect you, how can he?"
Howard responded, "Ah, you need to keep up with the news more. Who told you that the Emperor is necessarily the strongest in the Empire? I believe, in terms of warfare, Phrus Kingdom might actually be the most formidable among the imperial princes."
Catherine, covering her mouth with her hand, exclaimed, "Howard, you seem to have changed so much on this trip."
As Howard handed his scarf to a maid and entered the palace, he inquired of Bosiden, "How is the immigration project in the New World progressing?"
Bosiden bowed slightly, replying, "Everything is proceeding smoothly, Your Majesty. We received news three days ago that the immigration has been completed."
Howard beamed with joy, "Excellent."
Servants entered in two lines, carrying cheese and goat milk.
Howard paused briefly and said, "Becoming a king doesn't mean we can be extravagant. My visit to the Empire opened my eyes to those truly ancient noble families. Luxury can't bring us lasting opulence. Only frugality can lead to enduring prosperity."
Catherine gave a wry smile, "What's happened to you? What did you see in the Empire?"
Then, directing the servants to leave with the food and drinks, she added, "Why not enjoy the good days we have?"
Howard, avoiding an argument, turned to Bosiden and asked, "Tell me, if I want to expand our territory, whom should we wage war against now?"
Bosiden suggested that the Pisa merchant state, having recently withdrawn from the Venice-led trade alliance, presented a significant opportunity for a victorious campaign.
Howard, finding merit in Bosiden's advice, declared war on Pisa two days later.
The campaign proceeded smoothly, and within a month of the war's commencement, Pisa fell.
After the victory, Howard instructed Bosiden to stabilize the mood among the populace in the newly conquered areas.
"If the people face any hardships, use our funds to address them.
Don't be stingy with the money we've earned from the New World; spend it on the people."
Bosiden thought to himself that this would make things much easier and bowed, saying, "I'll see to it immediately."
Later, Howard summoned Vettel and inquired about the status of several specialty projects planned earlier.
Vettel reported, "The apple orchards are thriving, and the apples are being purchased by merchant caravans. Clam meat remains a delicacy, and pearls have brought us substantial profits."
Howard nodded silently, prompting Vettel to muster the courage to ask, "Your Majesty, why the sudden interest in these old ventures today?"
Noticing a subtle change in Vettel's expression, he added, "Your Majesty, all those industries combined are just a drop in the bucket. Apart from pearls, which occasionally serve as export goods, the other two hardly seem significant anymore. We have grown much stronger, and our daily profits are immense. Surely, Your Majesty, we needn't focus on such minor matters anymore?"
Just as Howard was about to inquire about the specifics of the pearl trade, Catherine interjected, expressing her fondness for pearls and revealing that she had been exclusively enjoying the procured pearls.
She stood tall with a hint of contrition in her posture, yet seemed unwilling to completely abandon her pride.
Howard, after a moment's thought, didn't say much and simply waved his hand to acknowledge her statement.
Catherine, pleased, said, "You're always the kindest to me, Howard. My sisters also adore the pearls, and I've gifted them a few. They all praise your generosity."
Howard nodded in acknowledgment.
After lunch, he stood alone in front of an expensive glass window, gazing into the distance.
This glass, produced in Bohemia, came from a country with a high output of glass and was among the first in the continent to master the craft.
The pane was colorless, just a plain transparent glass that Howard used for windows.
Catherine embraced Howard softly asking, "What are you thinking about? You've been so preoccupied since returning from the Empire."
Howard then shared with Catherine his observations and thoughts from his time in the Empire.
Catherine seemed to lack empathy for his perspective, instead romanticizing the luxurious and noble lifestyle of the Empire's aristocrats, expressing a desire for such extravagance.
Howard turned around, staring at Catherine in shock, his expression rigid.
"Are you joking with me? I just spoke of the excessive luxury in the Empire, and now you're singing its praises?"
Catherine, startled by his reaction, quickly claimed she was only joking.
But deep down, she harbored a desire to adorn herself beautifully, preferring the more lavish and splendid, the better.
Disheartened, Howard left the palace and sought out Boshni to share his troubles.
Boshni remarked, "She's too concerned with appearances. Last time I wanted to meet you, she said my etiquette wasn't up to standard and wouldn't let me in."
Howard asked, "What kind of queen do you think she will become?"
Boshni replied sarcastically, "What does she need to become? She's already a queen who indulges in extravagance and is indifferent to the people's suffering. Ask the commoners; who has a good opinion of her?"
Filled with self-reproach, Howard said, "It's my fault for not guiding her properly."
Boshni countered, "You can't blame yourself. Her education has always been about pursuing wealth and power."
He suggested that Howard should go to the streets himself to see and ask the people's opinion.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Howard knew he had to address it.
Since returning from the Empire, his distaste for excessive luxury had grown significantly.
He understood that such opulence wouldn't help Oungria Kindom in its struggle against Osland Kingdom.
Borrowing a set of ordinary clothes from Boshni, Howard disguised himself as a common merchant and ventured onto the streets.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel