"The internal affairs of the Empire are not for outsiders to meddle in, even for the neighboring knightly kingdom," the Grand Alchemist Balthasar Gelt shook his head. "No matter how the debate unfolds regarding Emmanuelle's claim to the Elector Count seat, it's not your concern. Currently, the most influential figures in the Empire, Emperor Karl Franz and White Wolf Elector Count Boris Todbringer, are supporting Emmanuelle. Coupled with the revelation that Janni is actually a woman, her odds are already strong. If you were to intervene now, it could trigger a sensitive response among the Elector Counts, potentially complicating the situation unpredictably."
Ryan nodded, acknowledging that this principle applied universally to all powers of order. The Empire's internal matters were their own, regardless of how friendly his relations were with the Empire; he remained a noble of Bretonnia.
"However, you should issue a statement acknowledging that the child Emmanuelle is carrying is yours," Gelt continued with measured calm. "This is crucial for her. Your acknowledgment will compel all the Elector Counts to seriously consider your relationship and the strength behind Emmanuelle."
"I'm already doing that," Ryan replied without hesitation. There was no dispute here. He had already ordered Baron Hex of Devon to deliver a personally signed document to the Empire.
The status of a bastard varies greatly depending on their parents, the emperor's stance, and the environment of their birth.
If the parents of the bastard are both high-ranking nobles and recognize the child, they will not be deemed lowly.
If the bastard's status can be officially acknowledged and supported by the emperor, they can legally inherit titles.
Ryan and Emilia's child would have no rival in the line of succession, as Emmanuelle was the last direct descendant of the Bernardino family. If she bore a healthy child, that child would inevitably inherit her titles, given there were no other alternatives in the line of succession.
With the emperor's agreement, Ryan only needed to state his position and refrain from interference, leaving everything to Emilia to handle.
This was Gelt's suggestion. After contemplating for a while, Ryan nodded slowly. It was a prudent and restrained approach. Despite it feeling somewhat like burying his head in the sand, with Emilia currently having the upper hand, Ryan's intervention was unnecessary, as it was ultimately an internal matter of the Empire.
As they reached a small hill, overlooking the verdant plains and foliage of Estalia, Ryan silently pondered his maid's fate, his thoughts heavy with concern.
Noticing Ryan's preoccupation, Gelt continued, "The Schrader family assumed Janni and Emilia would be willing partners in marriage. No one expected Janni to be a woman, nor did they anticipate Emilia being pregnant."
"It was an unexpected development, but I have no regrets. I will fulfill my responsibilities," Ryan declared resolutely, hands behind his back. "I've sheltered her for many years."
"The duration of your care is irrelevant," Gelt turned to face Ryan. "Do you know how many Elector families proposed marriage on the spot during the Imperial Council? The pressure on Emmanuelle is far greater than you might imagine. I simulated twelve scenarios and couldn't account for every variable, but it seems Emmanuelle is determined to see this through."
"I understand," Ryan sighed, his brow furrowing. "We'll see how things unfold."
With Emilia far away in the Imperial capital, there wasn't much Ryan could do. He pulled a banner with an eagle insignia from his coat and handed it to Gelt. "Do you recognize this?"
"The Knights of Magritta," Gelt said, taking the banner. The Grand Alchemist glanced at it briefly before handing it back to Ryan.
"You know about them?" Ryan asked as he took the banner back. The Knights of Magritta were a secret he learned about from the Holy Grail Cathedral. Given the Empire's extensive records, especially with Gelt's recent favor, they must be aware.
"The Empire knows much more than you might think," Gelt whispered. "It figures the Knights of Magritta are involved."
"Does the Empire have any stance on such a large hidden organization?" Ryan pressed further.
"The Knights of Magritta's goal is a crusade against Araby. How does this conflict with the Empire's policies? At least they fight humanity's enemies, defending borders and constantly eliminating the chaotic apostles and mutated creatures worshipped by desert bandits," Gelt's tone was cold and dismissive. "The Splintered Spear Knights from the Magritta Knights maintain Imperial security, the Eagle Knights fight Chaos forces in Kislev and the northern Empire, and the Sun Knights specialize in dealing with undead armies. Without them, how many more troops would Karl Franz's Empire lose?"
"Millions of humans have sacrificed themselves defending the Empire. I believe we don't need to concern ourselves with distant desert affairs. The Empire has twice asked the Knights of Magritta to abandon their crusade against Araby, but such commands never last," Gelt's voice remained calm. "Because the Emperor's courtiers always deem the distant overseas lands unworthy of attention."
"But I have a problem now!" Ryan whispered urgently. "The rogue knights have stolen the Sea God's Trident, a cherished artifact of the Bordeleaux family. The Knights of Magritta believe this relic will aid their crusade against Araby!"
"That is indeed a problem," Gelt acknowledged the gravity of the situation as he paced in thought. "According to you, high-ranking vampires are involved in this conspiracy—the Lahmian family… while my adversary is Baron Leopold Harken of the Blood Dragons."
"So, the theft of the Sea God's Trident involves the Empire, the Bordeleaux ducal family, myself, the rogue knights, the Lahmian vampires, the Blood Dragon vampires, the Church of Myrmidia, the Knights of Magritta, and the Estalian Merchant League," Ryan said, exasperated. "I need your help, Grand Alchemist."
"What assistance do you require?" Balthasar Gelt understood Ryan's intentions and nodded. "I'll do what I can. It is the will of the Emperor."
"The Empire can contact the Grand Master of the Knights of Magritta and the leader of the Estalian Merchant League, correct?" Ryan narrowed his eyes. "I need a meeting with them. Help me arrange it, or the vampires' plot will succeed!"
"A meeting?" Gelt pondered for a moment. "Yes, the Grand Master Enzo Moretti is in Magritta. As for Amancio Perez, the leader of the Estalian Merchant League, he is a shrewd and cunning businessman. He should be willing to meet you."
"Arrange it quickly," Ryan urged. "According to our intelligence, the Estalian merchants have hired a well-armed mercenary force to protect their transaction. If a battle ensues, the casualties will be heavy, and that's not what I want."
"I understand. I'll contact the Imperial ambassador to Estalia immediately!" Gelt couldn't refuse Ryan's request. "I can arrange the meetings, but the negotiations will be up to you. I will not participate."
"Of course," Ryan understood. Gelt held a unique position as the Empire's Grand Alchemist, representing the will of Emperor Karl Franz to some extent. He couldn't misuse his authority without risking the Emperor's trust.
"Utilizing the Empire's resources comes with a cost," Gelt's eyes, hidden behind the golden mask, gleamed with a severe intensity. "Alchemy is about equivalent exchange. One cannot gain something without sacrificing something of equal value. To gain something, one must pay a commensurate price. This is the principle of alchemical equivalent exchange."
"What does the Grand Alchemist of the Empire want in return?" Ryan knew it was time to discuss terms.
"Assist me in dealing with Blood Dragon Baron Leopold Harken!"
Ryan nodded, ready to negotiate the details.
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