Chapter 722: Two Outsiders
Chapter 722: Two Outsiders
It seems that the Northern Kingdom must have threatened Prince Lucian or offered him some kind of promise, or perhaps both?
After observing the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Northern Kingdom for a few moments and speculating on their possible tactics, Queen Veronica did not ask a direct question. Instead, she fixed her gaze on the middle-aged man, lean and wiry, and calmly reminded him:
"Prince Lucian, this matter is of great importance to both our kingdoms. Therefore, you need not make a decision right now. You can take a few days to contact Queen Senna and see what her attitude is, and also..."
Queen Veronica slightly raised her voice after glancing at the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Northern Kingdom. Her words seemed to be directed at both Prince Lucian and all the envoys:
"The interests of the kingdom may not align perfectly with yours. But if your kingdom, due to your lack of rational decision-making, loses what it should have gained, the outcome will be something none of us would want to see."
What a swift reaction!
Queen Veronica, having guessed her private negotiation tactics after only a few seconds of silence, immediately began to counter them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Northern Kingdom couldn't help but show a hint of surprise in his eyes.
While her methods of negotiating with the envoys from various kingdoms may differ, the core strategy remained the same: to temporarily detach the 'messengers' from their respective kingdoms and then continuously escalate the importance of the matter, to a point where they cannot bear the potential consequences, thus forcing them into silence.
To resolve the current situation, most people would respond to each move, reducing the pressure on the envoys and downgrading the significance of the matter to regain the allies' support.
However, Queen Veronica not only didn't do that but also added fuel to the fire, choosing to further escalate the situation. Her seemingly mild words carried a deeper threat.
If the envoys of the allied kingdoms did not show their support, she might not be able to resist those who want a piece of the cake. But she holds the knife that cuts the cake, and she can ensure that the retreating allies only get the smallest piece."
The kingdoms that become allies are usually deeply intertwined, with complex webs of interests, making it difficult to directly break ties.
Just as she cannot take action against the allies for their lack of support, the several allied kingdoms that suffered significant losses due to their lack of support during the division of interests also find it challenging to retaliate directly.
The inheritance of the Corlock Kingdom is too vast for any kingdom to resist coveting. If it is lost due to diplomatic blunders, someone must take responsibility, and that someone...
Who else could it be but us?!
After understanding the implied meaning in Queen Veronica's words, the envoys from various kingdoms felt a tightening in their chests. They sensed a heavy responsibility, like an elephant-sized black pot hanging silently above their heads, ready to fall at any moment.
Although the kingdom's interests are not their own, if the kingdom loses a significant benefit that was within reach, they will lose more than just their interests.
"Regarding the issue of the Corlock Kingdom's refugees, I have something to say."
Soon, one of the envoys stepped forward, representing their kingdom, and spoke with a solemn expression:
"For those who have lost their homes and have just settled down, there should be no more upheavals. Maintaining the status quo is the best option."
"I second that.
"As soon as someone took the initiative, another envoy stood up and voiced their opinion,"
"Since the only survivor of the Corlock Kingdom's royal family, Princess Felicia, has acknowledged the current outcome, we should show our respect."
"That's only right!"
Following Princess Veronica's light-hearted statement, the allied envoys, who had been hesitant to speak up due to the threats from the two powerful kingdoms, now faced even greater pressure and one by one, expressed their support for Queen Veronica.
With the envoys' voices, the previously one-sided situation suddenly shifted. Despite being the weaker side in terms of numbers and influence, the envoys' eagerness to voice their opinions created an atmosphere of equal footing, if not a hint of defiance.
...
It was confirmed; politics was indeed something he couldn't comprehend.
As the arguing among the envoys grew more intense, each one wielding their words like swords and quoting ancient texts to ridicule one another, Lyon couldn't help but rub his temples in frustration. He then glanced at Queen Veronica with admiration.
If it were purely a matter of intelligence, he might not be inferior to these people and might even be slightly superior. However, these envoys were all specialized in verbal sparring, handpicked from tens of millions.
Not only were they naturally gifted, but they had also undergone national-level training and at least a decade of targeted experience. Their words often contained multiple layers of meaning, and it would take Lyon half a day to fully comprehend the subtle jabs and allusions they were making.
Among them, Queen Veronica was the youngest, yet she handled these argumentative envoys with ease. No matter how sharp the questions, she responded effortlessly, and sometimes a single remark from her would leave her opponents speechless, their faces turning white and red.
To be honest, if this wasn't a private banquet but a more formal setting like a conference room with speaking conditions and requirements, she might have single-handedly out-argued over twenty envoys. Her skills in debating...diplomatic negotiations were truly maxed out.
"Hey!"
Just as Lyon was observing the chaotic group of envoys, trying to analyze their words and hoping to learn the art of 'Diplomatic Mastery,' a familiar voice rang out from behind him.
"Burp... Want some?"
The female cleaner, her stomach slightly protruding from eating, offered Lyon a tray and commented with satisfaction, "Your wedding is a bit stingy, but the pastry chef you hired is amazing. The cream is smooth and light, and the cake's texture is excellent. It's better than any cake I've had in the Northland... Burp... Want a taste? It's really delicious!"
Huh?
Lyon took the plate she offered and glanced at the cake, feeling a sudden twinge in his heart. He turned around abruptly, holding the plate, and looked at the wedding cake that Queen Veronica had specially ordered for the banquet.
Indeed, the nine-layer cake, originally intended to be cut and served by the Armored Elder to all the important guests, had completely disappeared, leaving only the two pieces on Lyon's plate as "remnants."
щ(Д)
That cake was supposed to serve 150 people! How could you eat it all by yourself?!
(End of Chapter)
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