Chapter 360 360-The Queen's Invitation
Elizabeth remarked, "This is called a policy of splendid isolation. Do you understand?"
"It's not easy for us in the Ing Empire, you know. There's a whole lot to deal with in the New World; we hardly have time to join your continental wars."
Howard responded, "Ah, splendid isolation, sounds quite ideal. If one could truly avoid the continental wars and focus solely on developing a base in the New World, that wouldn't be a bad strategy."
Elizabeth then shared her grievances about the challenges of New World colonization, speaking of the difficulties posed by the indigenous peoples and so forth.
Howard suggested, "A policy of appeasement is still necessary. We shouldn't go there to seize their living space but to bring them care and love."
Elizabeth let out a sarcastic chuckle, clearly dismissive of the idea.
Howard subtly shook his head and continued, "But I have my own share of problems back home. Recently, there were some commercial conflicts between the natives and new settlers, leading to an uproar. It was only resolved when my Finance Minister personally intervened and spent some money to settle the matter."
"How's that? Not easy to solve, right?" Elizabeth inquired.
Howard agreed, "Indeed."
Elizabeth then asked, "Howard, I've heard that your people have colonized the east coast of the New World. But according to the local legends, isn't it the northern part of the New World that is said to hold legendary wealth? Why did you choose the east coast for colonization?"
Howard, unwilling to disclose the lucrative nature of the east coast to Elizabeth for fear of arousing her envy, evaded the question.
"Oh, is that so? If I had known earlier, I might have chosen to settle there instead. I've heard that the treasures there are indeed a vast fortune."
Elizabeth continued, "We in the Ing Empire are skilled at colonization, but we don't take kindly to those who maliciously seize land."
Howard, thinking Elizabeth was referring to him and worried that she might have discovered his resource-rich territory, cautiously uttered, "Ah?"
"You think I don't know?" Elizabeth said, causing Howard a moment of panic as he feared being exposed.
However, Elizabeth quickly shifted the topic, "Lois is drooling over the idea of becoming the King of Sun, and now he's competing with us for territory in the very region we desire in our kingdom. Can you believe the audacity of that man?"
Howard felt a rollercoaster of emotions.
"Oh, I see," he replied, thinking to himself: Next time, could you please finish your thoughts all at once? I'm not that old, but I can't handle these kinds of shocks.
Elizabeth then invited Howard to join forces against Fran Kingdom, proposing they force Fran Kingdom to cede all its colonial lands in the New World to the Ing Empire.
Howard thought he had misheard.
After all, whether under the bold Charles or the current Louis, he had always been a military ally of Fran Kingdom.
To persuade an ally to attack Fran Kingdom without a solid plan seemed almost like a joke.
Elizabeth didn't seem to have thought through the proposition.
She hadn't prepared any substantial offer and seemed to be asking casually.
Amid Howard's confusion, Elizabeth added, "Well, if that's the case, never mind. But if we declare war against Fran Kingdom over colonial territories, could you refrain from supporting them?"
Howard shook his head in response, "Didn't you just advocate for splendid isolation? If I don't align with Fran Kingdom and they remember this and attack me, what should I do? Will you come to my aid?"
Elizabeth cracked a somewhat cold smile and then, mentioning she was tired, excused herself and left.
Frederick invited all the diplomats and monarchs present to a communal meal.
Representatives from the Ing Empire and Fran Kingdom had already left the scene, while those from Westia Kingdom and Porlia Kingdom observed with detached interest.
Within the empire's member states, both Kolone and Hanno left the gathering, leaving the rest to attend the feast.
The knightly duel had taken place at ten in the morning, and it was now around eleven.
Frederick, ever the thoughtful host, led everyone to the banquet hall.
The hall was a sight to behold, laden with arrays of sausages, an abundance of fine wines and cheeses – a veritable feast of plenty.
Wolfgang, the King of Bohemia, initially appeared stiff and endured some jests and sneers from various diplomats and monarchs.
However, he quickly adapted and became more sociable as the banquet progressed.
Approaching Howard, he encouraged, "Come on, eat! Everything here is for your enjoyment. Indulge to your heart's content."
Howard politely inquired, "You're King Wolfgang of Bohemia, right? I don't recall us having met before."
Wolfgang, with an air of someone accustomed to socializing, sighed and then gently guided Howard's left arm, helping him to fill his plate.
Howard picked up a sausage and, after tasting it, found it delicious.
Seeing Howard's satisfaction, Wolfgang became more talkative.
"Tastes good, doesn't it? That's right, let me tell you, sausages have a very significant place in the history of the empire's people."
"The art of sausage making has evolved greatly over time, and that's why this sausage tastes so good."
Howard, thoughtfully savoring the sausage, chose to remain silent for the moment, immersing himself in the flavors and the atmosphere of the gathering.
Wolfgang continued his intermittent conversation, shifting to the topic of his Bohemian subjects who weren't imperial citizens but mostly Czechs and other ethnicities, hence not as fond of the sausage as the imperial people were.
Howard, not dwelling much on it, grabbed another sausage to chew and mused, "Then why are there so many sausages at this banquet? Logically, since the knightly duel was held in your Bohemian territory, in Brague, the food should have been prepared by your people, right?"
Realizing he might have said too much, Wolfgang quickly excused himself and left.
The truth was, Wolfgang and Frederick had already agreed to let Phrus win the duel.
Hence, the banquet's ingredients were supplied from Phrus to cater to the imperial taste.
But Wolfgang couldn't admit that, as it would acknowledge Bohemia's submission.
Howard pondered briefly, then understood why Wolfgang had hurriedly left.
It became clear to those present that since the duel was for the imperial crown, the majority of the guests were from the empire.
And with numerous vassals within the empire, the banquet arranged by Phrus, tailored to the imperial citizens' palate, received positive reviews from most attendees.
Howard then spotted the King of Westia Kindom.
Technically, they were acquaintances, but Howard had never met him in person.
This individual was Charles V of Westia Kindom.
He held sway over a transoceanic superstate and was the most powerful in terms of colonization on the entire continent.
Charles V was a figure of significant lineage, being a member of the imperial Habsburg family.
Howard, believing in the value of direct inquiry, approached Charles V of Westia Kindom.
"Greetings, esteemed King of Westia Kindom. I've long heard of your renown. Please forgive my boldness, but I'm curious to know if you find the food at today's banquet to your liking?" Howard was intrigued about his taste preferences.
Charles V, notable for his distinctive and not unpleasant chin, exuded the energy of a vigorous monarch.
Hearing Howard's question, he replied, "Well, as a matter of fact, I usually partake in the grand feasts of Westia Kindom. However, some of the imperial regional dishes served today do align with my palate. I suppose this reflects the common logic of our continent's people in uniting against threats."
Howard didn't quite grasp the full implication of the latter part of Charles's response but understood his view on the banquet's food.
With a slight smile, Howard raised his fork, skewered with sausage, towards Charles V, saying, "May you enjoy the feast."
Charles V responded with a warm smile, lifting his beer mug in his right hand, "The same to you."
The lunch lasted nearly two hours, after which the attendees gradually began to depart.
Among them, some left directly, others returned to their residences for a long nap, while a few awaited the grander banquet scheduled for the evening.
Howard had a chance to meet with the Duke of Blunrick, and they found each other's company immensely enjoyable.
Blunrick was a duchy, and its Duke was an independent noble with diplomatic, passage, and exemption rights, essentially autonomous except for the Emperor of the Empire.
However, the current Emperor's authority paled in comparison to that of a king like the ruler of Oungria Kindom, who wielded more centralized power.
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