Chapter 362 362-The Peril of Militarization
The departure of Bismarck and Riyatt, two individuals from Phrus, brought a palpable sense of relief to the tense atmosphere around the corner.
Anton, wiping the sweat from his brow, exclaimed with a lingering sense of alarm, "Phew, those people from Phrus are truly intimidating. Just standing there, they exert such immense pressure."
At this moment, Howard found himself able to smile again, reassuring Anton in a relaxed tone, "It's alright, they've already left."
The evening banquet featured a lengthy speech by Frederick, whose words and ideas startlingly echoed those of Cotler.
Given Cotler's current efforts to spread his radical ideas throughout Phrus, Howard had reason to suspect that the upper echelons of Phrus had been swayed by Cotler's rhetoric.
Howard's earlier suggestion to Bismarck to look further afield was an attempt to encourage Phrus to expand their conquests beyond the mainland's periphery.
However, after hearing Frederick's formal speech at the banquet, Howard shrugged his shoulders, realizing his words might have been in vain.
King Gustav II of Feralan Kingdom, seated beside Howard, noticed his reaction.
The astute monarch leaned in and asked, "Do you also disapprove of these developments?"
He nodded subtly towards Emperor Frederick, who was still speaking on the dais.
Howard, acknowledging his agreement, engaged in a brief conversation with King Gustav.
Learning that his conversation partner was the king of Feralan Kingdom, Howard's thoughts became complex.
According to Frederick's theory, the people of Feralan Kingdom were easily swayed.
Thus, Gustav's ability to remain composed was a rare and commendable exception.
The conclusion of Frederick's speech was met first with applause from the Count of Anhalt.
Given Anhalt's proximity to Brandenburg and the maintained amicable relations despite the eastward expansion of Brandenburg's nobility into Phrus, this gesture was not unexpected.
The Count of Anhalt, though of lower nobility, held a unique position in the current era: he was essentially independent, with only the emperor above him in rank.
Following the Count's lead, a few other nobles hesitantly joined in with mild applause.
However, the King of Bohemia, Wolfgang, could no longer contain himself and shattered his wine glass.
The sudden act drew the attention of the surrounding guests, causing a stir.
Emperor Frederick, unfazed and without a change in expression, addressed the King of Bohemia, "Oh, my good friend Wolfgang, has age made it difficult for you to hold a wine glass? Ha-ha, worry not. Next time, I shall endeavor to have my glassblower make a cup that even you can hold steadily."
His witty comment provoked laughter among the guests.
Yet, Wolfgang, standing up and addressing the envoys and monarchs present, said, "Like everyone here, I listened to the words of the emperor. However, my feelings differ from yours. We Czechs have always been a nation that has suffered greatly on this continent."
"We are called Slavs, much like the Phrus people who were annihilated by Brandenburg, disrespected as a collective and as individuals.I had hoped that upon ascending to the imperial throne, the former King of Phrus would cherish the future of all members of the empire and strive to create a better tomorrow."
"But I realize now that I was mistaken. This man, who has hastily stirred up a dangerous atmosphere upon his ascension, is an enemy to our entire empire!"
The scene descended into chaos.
Charles V cheered from the outskirts of the crowd, while Elizabeth clapped amidst the throng.
A special agent from the Fran Kingdom, Richelieu, vigorously applauded from the sidelines.
The Duke of Blunrick hesitated, his expression a mixture of doubt and concern.
The Nedolan Foreign Minister's face was a canvas of complex emotions.
The governor of the Humborg Kingdom attempted to speak, but a single glance from Emperor Frederick rendered him rigid and mute.
Unbeknownst to Howard, Bismarck had approached him amidst the turmoil.
Howard had assumed that Bismarck would be backstage supporting Frederick during such a crucial event, yet there he was, standing beside Howard.
The resolute man faced half towards Gustav and half towards Howard, speaking in a low, firm voice, "Howard, don't think that just because you've changed your title, we've forgotten that you're the king of Oungria Kingdom. There's only so much land in Eastern Europe, and going further east would mean clashing with Moscow, something we cannot afford. If you want our support against Osland Kingdom next time, you need to loudly declare to all the guests here your positive attitude and views towards Phrus. And tell them that Phrus is the hope of Germany."
Howard's face showed his dilemma as he responded to Bismarck, "Prime Minister of Phrus, I don't want to argue with you right now."
He paused, then continued, "But I hope you haven't forgotten about those territories near the Black Sea, originally belonging to Osland Kingdom and claimed by Phrus. Remember, those lands still don't border your Phrus."
"A day without bordering is a day without core integration. I presume that the issue of exceeding national territory limits has been troubling Phrus lately. If you don't join me in attacking Osland Kingdom again, those distant lands might never see their roads connected and integrated."
Bismarck cast a cold glance at Howard, who met his gaze unflinchingly.
Gustav II interjected, addressing Bismarck, "His words carry some truth. A true man should conduct himself with honor in the world, not engage in petty squabbles at a mere banquet."
With that, Bismarck left, constrained by time and unwilling to prolong the conversation with Howard and Gustav.
He moved on to find his next potential ally who might speak in favor of Phrus.
The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had shifted from celebratory to one resembling a diplomatic battlefield, akin to the tension of contract negotiations.
Howard lingered for a moment before heading towards the exit, intending to leave the venue.
Elizabeth caught up with Howard, her tone laced with curiosity, "Leaving so soon?"
Howard, finding her question somewhat tedious, replied tersely, "Yes."
Charles V approached, proposing to Howard, "We plan to speak out boldly against Frederick's remarks. Would you be willing to help us?"
After a moment of hesitation, Howard responded, "As you know, I personally dislike the current mindset of Phrus."
He confided, "In fact, I can tell you that one of my former dukes, who constantly spoke such dangerous rhetoric, eventually parted ways with me, and I stripped him of his title. I have no fondness for that Phrusian approach."
Howard was about to elaborate but stopped, realizing that delving into this topic would lead to an extended discussion.
He chose to remain silent.
Charles V inquired, "Is it that person named Cotler? I've heard that Frederick and Bismarck's ideology has been influenced by this Cotler, leading to their current stance. Perhaps they were originally just keen on military and militarized policies."
Howard shrugged, "Maybe, but even if it was just their original thought, I find it dangerous. A slight misstep, or the instigation of someone like Cotler, could lead them far astray."
Howard brushed off Charles V's outstretched hand and took a couple of steps towards the door.
Elizabeth urged him to pause.
Howard hesitated, his foot hanging in the air for a brief second before touching down.
"Believe me, I would never support the ideology of Phrus. But I believe that incessant arguing solves nothing. Besides, I'm concerned that if I openly criticize Frederick now, Phrus might not join me in our campaign against Osland Kingdom next time."
Elizabeth looked at him in astonishment.
"Are you so concerned with your own interests that you would ignore the dangers facing the world? If Phrus continues its aggression, justice will be eroded." Howard replied, "Let's discuss this another time. I've indeed had my fill of verbal battles today."
At that moment, Richelieu, the regent and grand teacher of the Fran Kingdom, appeared before Howard.
With a gentle and affable demeanor, he spoke words that moved Howard, making a compelling argument.
Convinced, Howard decided to contribute his voice, turning back to join Elizabeth, Charles V, and Richelieu in their denunciation of Frederick.
The scene descended further into chaos.
This disorder, however, would only increase the new emperor's governing difficulties, thereby benefiting those opposed to Frederick.
Seeing the advantageous situation, the governor of Nedolan also came forward to criticize Phrus's ferocity and tyranny.
As over half the continent's powers made their stance clear, many previously undecided nobles understood the direction the wind was blowing and began to leave.
The event ended in a subdued atmosphere, with Frederick's face turning red with anger, his hand bleeding from crushing a glass in his grip.
Upon returning to the imperial city, Howard sat rigidly in his chair, staring blankly as if lost in thought.
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