Sixth Hundred and Forty-Fourth Chapter: Diplomacy in the New Era

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After lunch, Roland called Barov into the bedroom.

The chief steward was visiting such a place for the first time. His movements were noticeably more restrained than usual, but the expression on his face was extremely excited.

Seeing the other party's reaction, Roland couldn't help but recall the story of a certain historical figure who rushed out to greet visiting ministers in disheveled clothes, which greatly moved the latter. He was merely being lazy, but it gave the old steward a strong sense of trust. It was an unexpected reward.

It must be said that male officials have unique advantages in enhancing loyalty, such as holding candlelit talks late into the night, or even sleeping in the same bed... If it were Edith Kant, it would probably be a different story.

He shook his head with a smile, putting those distracting thoughts aside. "During my time fighting in the Northern Lands and being unconscious, how many letters did you receive in total?"

"Sixteen in total," Barov quickly reported. "Most are letters from lords requesting trade or visits. There were also two secret letters from the Eastern Territory Guardian expressing their desire for a truce. I have replied to them all according to your previous instructions."

According to the tasks assigned during the pre-war meeting, when the king led the army on the expedition, Winter City was temporarily managed by Barov in administrative matters. Letters addressed to the king were also opened and read by him. If there was any particularly important news that exceeded the preset reply range, it would be forwarded to the front line by a flying messenger.

"Just a truce?"

"Yes... They are unwilling to relinquish their feudal rights and advise you to preserve the traditions and glory of the nobility."

"By next spring, those people will naturally understand what choices to make," Roland shrugged. "So, what letters require my personal attention? Where did they come from?"

"One is from the Astrologer's Society in Dawn City, and the other is from the Kingdom of Daybreak," Barov handed over two pieces of letter paper. "They arrived while you were asleep, and the content is somewhat... strange."

"Strange?"

Roland first unfolded the parchment with constellation patterns.

The letter was written by a scholar of stellar diffusion. The first half of the page was greetings and thanks—the astronomical telescope sent to the Observatory had already come in handy, so their gratitude was understandable. But the content that followed surprised him.

Traces of the "World-Destroying Star" were actually discovered in the starry sky?

A star that flickered with red light and remained in a fixed position?

Roland immediately thought of a synchronous orbit.

Based on his meager astronomical knowledge, only an object orbiting in a synchronous orbit could remain relatively stationary with the planet.

But if the Red Moon appeared in this orbit, it would inevitably have an impact on the planet itself. However, the observation results also indicated that its volume should be extremely small.

So, the Red Moon wasn't a natural celestial body but an artificial satellite?

After pondering for a moment, Roland rejected this guess. If it were a satellite, how could it "descend upon the world"? According to Agatha, when the Red Moon appeared, everyone on the continent could witness its existence—it was larger and brighter than the moon, and its crimson light stained the stone walls of the Holy City with a touch of blood. Even in the daytime, its silhouette could be seen.

This was completely absurd.

He was silent for quite a while before putting the letter aside. "Draft a letter for me, inviting the astrologers to Winter City."

"But they refused you last time," Barov hesitated. "I'm afraid they will again this time..."

"The situation is different now. The Astrologer's Society has found the star they've been searching for, and they just need to keep an eye on that patch of sky." Roland tapped the table lightly. "Tell them in the letter that Winter City has developed better astronomical telescopes and has also discovered some ancient books about the World-Destroying Star. I believe they will come."

"Yes."

He unfolded the second letter—or rather, a note. Like the usual secret messages, the information conveyed by flying messenger was always concise.

"The Lord of Daybreak has passed away, and his eldest son, Anpein Moya, has ascended to the throne."

"He has ordered the suppression of the church's followers, severed trade routes with the Holy City, and launched a massive witch hunt."

"As a result, rebellions have broken out in the border regions, and our trade caravans have been affected."

"The original plan may need to be temporarily suspended."

Roland frowned. Barov didn't know what the church had done in Daybreak, so it was normal for him to feel confused. After Isabella and the others evacuated, it was only a matter of time before the Lord of Daybreak, deprived of medication, died in his sleep. He simply hadn't expected Anpein to harbor such hatred for the church, hating the witches along with them.

Among these policies, suppressing the followers was manageable. Unilaterally banning trade was simply cutting off the border lords' financial lifeline, and the rebellions were bound to have the church's involvement. As for the witch hunt, it was completely contrary to his interests.

Such impulsive orders were unlikely to be the idea of the three major families. It could only be said that the new king had been blinded by hatred and wanted to avenge his father.

He had originally thought that Daybreak would be a potential ally, but it was a disappointment.

"Send a formal diplomatic letter," Roland said slowly. "First, congratulate him on his coronation as king, and then warn him not to do this—the Purity are not the same as witches. Graycastle has established an official witch organization and treating them as enemies is equivalent to making an enemy of Graycastle."

"Uh... Your Majesty," Barov wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Are you sure you want to write it like this?"

"Is there a problem?"

"The other party won't take it seriously at all and may even see your words as a threat."

Roland naturally knew that sometimes even the vassals of local lords wouldn't accept the king's orders, let alone interfere in foreign affairs. But times had changed. If the other party didn't understand, he wouldn't mind teaching them what true diplomacy was.

"This is a threat in itself," he said bluntly. "If Anpein Moya insists on his own way, when we conquer the Holy City next year, we might as well change the king of Daybreak—someone wise who is willing to stand with Graycastle and jointly fight against the Battle of Divine Will. For example, Andrea of the Quinn family would be a good choice."

The new era of diplomacy would be built on steel guns and cannons. What couldn't be obtained at the negotiating table would be achieved by the army. Not to mention interfering in other countries' internal affairs, changing heirs, supporting opposition factions, and directly sending troops to occupy were all common methods. Before the Red Moon descended, Roland didn't want any other kingdom to hold him back.

Therefore, the core message of the entire diplomatic letter was "Do not say you were not warned."

"I... understand," a complex expression appeared in Barov Mons's eyes, with surprise, excitement, and unconcealable awe... He bowed deeply. "I will convey your will to the King of Daybreak."