?Maximilian shook his head, addressing Neplon, “So, you’re Neplon, right? I’ve heard much about your renown.”

Neplon offered no response to the man.

Observing this, Maximilian continued, “In truth, there has never been such a thing as the natural territory of the Fran Kingdom. Be it a duchy vast or a knight’s village small, there’s never been a clear demarcation of ownership. You claim those lands belong to Fran Kingdom, but I could just as easily declare them part of the Ing Empire. The matter is not complicated; it’s quite simple, really. I hope you’ll give it some thought.”

Neplon retorted, “People of the Ing Empire are wolves in sheep’s clothing, harboring ambitious designs.”

Maximilian replied, “And the people of Fran Kingdom are not necessarily the paragons of kindness and mercy.”

“You, speaking on behalf of the Empire, are inherently biased and not objective,” Neplon accused.

Maximilian burst into hearty laughter, “What a grand joke I’m hearing! Neplon, you, a Fran Kingdom native from Cursy Island, dare to speak of objectivity in matters of war between the two nations?”

Howard waved his hand, signaling both to cease their dispute.

Kaido believed the war could still be waged.

The prosperous cities in the Nedolan region had provided the soldiers with ample spoils, buoying their morale significantly.

Ness, with a sweep of his sleeve, declared, “Our journey thus far has been marked by relatively low casualties. Both in terms of morale and logistics, we are within reasonable limits. We should aim to seize further advantages.”

Bosiden glared at Ness, questioning, “How long have you been with Lord Howard? Do you even have a place to speak here?”

Undeterred, Ness retorted, “I am the Duke of Sluvensk, a major noble in our nation. Why should I not have the right to speak?”

Maximilian, with a drawn-out tone, addressed Howard, “Your Majesty, it seems your vassals are quite divided over the prospect of peace negotiations.”

Howard remained silent, his stern gaze speaking volumes.

Maximilian understood that Howard would not act according to Nora’s wishes.

For Nora’s intentions extended far beyond merely ending the war.

With a sigh, Maximilian revealed the full extent of Nora’s desires.

It turned out that Nora’s ambition was not just for Howard to reap benefits and cease hostilities.

She even harbored plans for Howard to transfer the Duchy of Hagg to her personally.

This revelation silenced the previously argumentative assembly, who then turned to Maximilian with an almost amused expression, as if to suggest he was a fool for entertaining such thoughts.

But Maximilian shrugged his shoulders, saying, “Don’t look at me like that. I would never make such a foolish decision. These are the wild and untamed decisions of Nora.”

Consequently, Howard rejected Maximilian’s proposal, stating, “When you return, tell Nora to learn what the essence of diplomacy is. Even if she truly desires Hagg, she shouldn’t reveal her hand so soon. These things must be approached gradually.”

Howard’s words carried a mix of official and personal advice, imparting diplomatic tactics to Nora.

Maximilian nodded in agreement, “I tried to convey the same to her. But despite appearing astute, she’s utterly clueless about the other party’s negotiation limits. She is neither an outstanding monarch nor a remarkable imperial emperor. She lacks the ability to lead Habsburg to greater heights.”

A chilling atmosphere enveloped everyone present, touching the very core of their beings.

Maximilian’s words were a stark disrespect towards the Empress.

Bosiden seemed inclined to speak but, after a moment’s consideration, he restrained himself.

Howard descended from his seat, addressing the Imperial Prince, “Aren’t you afraid that your words will reach Nora’s ears?”

The Prince, a middle-aged man with significant influence in the Habsburg family, replied to Howard, “Let me be frank. There are many who support me, and Nora’s abdication is imminent. I have already witnessed and lost patience with her limited ability to govern. Abdicating the throne is her wisest choice.”

“As for you, King Howard of Oungria Kingdom, I am aware that Nora bestowed your crown upon you. However, Nora lacks true talent. Assisting us in overthrowing Nora’s rule will secure your place in the future world.”

Ness, with his hand covering his mouth, mumbled indistinctly, “You’re audacious, daring to speak so bluntly.”

Maximilian, revealing his true shrewd nature, didn’t directly respond to the comment.

Instead, he ambiguously addressed Howard, “King of Oungria Kingdom, this is an opportunity for you to pledge loyalty to the new ruler, and for me to assess your allegiance to the Empire. Such a political landscape and opportunity will not arise again. If you wish to demonstrate your loyalty, the time is now.”

In his words, Maximilian showed no signs of weakness, instead, he seemed to be pressuring Howard.

Even Ness found himself unable to see through Maximilian, wondering inwardly, “Could it be that he truly has secured substantial noble support, feeling confident about this rebellion?”

Bosiden coughed twice, addressing Howard, “Your Majesty, Nora may not be an exceptional monarch. Perhaps her replacement could be beneficial.”

Vettel said to Maximilian, “If we support you, then Guzz port must be open to our Oungria Kingdom’s merchants in the future.”

Maximilian agreed.

Thus, Vettel lent his support to Maximilian.

Neplon showed no interest in these discussions, his attention solely on the map of Fran Kingdom hanging in the center, pondering over tactics and strategies.

Kaido, recalling some minor conflicts he had with Nora, also supported Maximilian.

Ness questioned, “What does the changing of your emperor have to do with our Oungria Kingdom? What you choose to do is your affair, why involve us?”

Maximilian, as if grasping Ness’s vulnerability, retorted, “Nora doesn’t hold Duke Edward in high regard. I can’t assure that she won’t declare war on him one day.”

Ness’s face paled; Duke Edward was her cousin.

Ness, being Anna’s sister and a member of the Katerina family, a branch of the Valuva family, knew that if the Valuva family fell, so would the prestige of the Katerina family.

Unsure if the Imperial Prince’s words were true or false, Ness dared not take the risk.

Slowly, Ness said to Howard, “In that case, let’s remain observers. We won’t support, nor oppose.”

Howard cleared his throat, steadying his thoughts.

He first instructed Maximilian to find a place to settle, then they would discuss other matters.

Meanwhile, the siege of Sava Castle in the Nedolan region continued unabated.

Catherine was not in the camp at this time, but if asked for her opinion, it was likely that she, harboring a strong dislike for Nora, would unhesitatingly agree.

Howard summoned Boshni and discussed Nora’s situation, seeking her perspective.

Boshni had attained her noble status after Nora had parted ways with Howard and had never worked alongside Nora.

Boshni said to Howard, “Having become a king, the next step would be emperor, wouldn’t it? Am I right, Your Majesty?”

Howard’s eyelids twitched, her words striking a chord in his heart.

“Indeed,” he admitted.

Boshni continued, “Then, in that case, if Nora remains the emperor of the empire, would you choose to contend with her?”

Howard replied, “Both morally and logically, I cannot.”

Boshni countered, “Nora is an obstacle in your path to ascendancy. To you, now a king, she stands as a barrier.”

Howard wanted to correct a few terms in Boshni’s statement but couldn’t find the right words that matched his sentiments.

He remained silent.

Seeing his reaction, Boshni understood.

She knew Howard had long harbored ambitions towards the west, but hesitated due to his relationship with Nora.

If someone like Maximilian, who had little personal connection with Howard, became emperor, Howard would act without such reservations.

She weighed her words carefully, then continued to Howard, “You initially defied many to support Nora against a powerful nation like Castile. As a result, she successfully ascended to the position of the empire’s emperor, and your role in that was indisputable. Therefore, even after acquiring Oungria Kindom, you owe Nora nothing.” 𝑖𝘳.𝒸ℴ𝑚

“Now, since Nora is unable to stabilize the internal situation of the empire, you should respect this outcome. If indeed she cannot manage the empire well, then having her return to your side as a secretary is a viable option. Your kingdom is like another home for Nora, a safe harbor.

“If she suffers and tires outside, and if she fails, she can always return here. You will always welcome her. That way, you owe nobody anything.”

Howard’s expression turned solemn as he made his decision.

“Let’s wait and see. We won’t support anyone in this matter. If Nora can resolve it herself, then we will not interfere with the empire and will focus on resisting Osland Kingdom.”

“But if Maximilian succeeds in ousting Nora and ascends to the throne, then we will also welcome Nora’s return.”

.