I Became A Black Merchant In Another World-Chapter 351: Imperialism led by Fabio (4)

"Your Majesty seems to have a hard time trusting people," I noted, recognizing the skepticism that shadowed his expression.

"If it were not so, you wouldn't ask me again why I was sent here," I continued, trying to ease the tension. "For a politician, distrust is almost an occupational hazard."

I felt a bit of pity for the man before me, and decided to elaborate with a bit more empathy. "As I mentioned in the audience chamber today, His Majesty of Toscana wishes to set aside past grievances and form an alliance with you. The idea is to join forces to bring down the malevolent Holy Empire."

"Is there no hidden meaning behind your words?" the king inquired suspiciously.

"Would I dare deceive Your Majesty?" I responded earnestly.

"Very well, I'll trust your sincerity," he conceded.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty."

I often tell white lies (concealing information, hiding criminal facts) even to our Emperor.

Some might question how I can do this without feeling guilty.

But sometimes, dark maneuvers are necessary for the advancement of the Empire and the protection of our family.

Whether it's reporting the misdeeds of those who overstep their bounds against the Rothschild family interests (with a slight bit of forgery involved) to labor inspectors, accountants, and the Supreme Court to ensure legal retribution, or spreading a slightly embellished truth to set the stage for a rival's downfall.

Elsewhere, I might engage in petty pranks on traders by manipulating stock values or unleashing a "revolution" of workers and peasants with my red demons of communism.

"My sincerity is to bring shock and awe to you," I thought with a sly grin.

"Very well, I understand the intention to form an alliance against the Holy Empire. But first, explain why we should align with your empire," the king demanded.

There’s a saying that nobles would rather die than till the fields themselves.

While it's just a saying, and many fallen nobles have turned to manual labor in desperate times, the high and mighty often don’t easily show when they’re cornered.

"But he is cornered," I thought. I didn't need to persuade him further; just a straight fact would do.

"Your Majesty, if things continue as they are, you might well find your neck on the chopping block."

That would be enough logic for him, making him desperate enough to forget his pride and seek a sustainable future.

"Indeed, the Holy Empire is currently split into factions, waging civil war among themselves. This will undoubtedly weaken them further," I explained.

"That makes sense," he acknowledged.

"When a potential enemy is weakened, striking then will yield vast territories with minimal effort. And such opportunities are rare, perhaps once in a hundred, even a thousand years. It would be a pity to miss this," I persuaded.

"Are you suggesting we split the Holy Empire between us?" he asked pointedly.

"Yes, exactly."

Ah, you won’t get a single piece of the Holy Empire’s territory.

I plan to employ the diplomatic finesse of the Great British Empire, and you, knowing nothing, will just be playing into our hands.

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

But sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

"An enticing proposition indeed. I’ll take it upon myself to persuade my council," he declared.

That phrase, in the diplomatic speak of a medieval fantasy realm, meant "I'll do as you ask."

But if he agrees to that, wouldn’t he just end up playing the same long game as us?

And if things go south, he’ll be doing us a favor at his own expense.

If we're going to die, might as well be the only one profiting from it.

"And I must offer one piece of advice, Your Majesty. Please consider it as coming personally from me, Jasper Rothschild, and not as a formal envoy."

"What would that be?"

"The anger of the populace is far more frightening than you might imagine. At present, it's merely small revolts here and there, but what if a leader were to rise among them?"

The king's face paled.

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Seeing him tremble not from a threat but from fear was somewhat amusing—not because I enjoy seeing fear, but because when fear limits someone’s thoughts, you can easily exploit them for a hefty profit.

"There's a smell of money here," I thought.

"How dare you threaten me? Do you wish to die?" he blustered.

If he's telling me to stand down, then I should give him a chance to strike, right?

But what I’ve learned here is that those who boast about taking lives rarely have the courage to actually do so.

"Try and kill me if you think you can. But are you truly prepared to deal with the consequences? If I die, the Emperor of Toscana would likely declare a war to avenge a martyr, his loyal servant."

I locked eyes with him, my smile confident.

"The soldiers of Toscana love me dearly because I’ve improved the quality of their daily meals and instilled pride in their service."

In Korea, even if you serve soldiers steaks and five-star buffet every day, it doesn't guarantee their undying loyalty.

But for Toscana's soldiers, who live in abject poverty and constant fear of famine, someone who treats them well is revered.

"If I were killed, they would likely fight in a frenzied rage."

"Can you handle a full-scale war provoked by such a situation? If so, go ahead and kill me."

"......"

"And I’m here offering a way out for both of us. You and I should be allies, not enemies."

"...... What do you want?"

"Didn't the Holy Empire send spies? And those spies would have tried to bribe your nobles."

Just like in South Vietnam during the capitalist era, or under King Gojong of Joseon, who was enamored with cars.

The downfall ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) of a nation often starts with its corrupted elite.

"And those bribed nobles would have pushed for harsher labor conditions to line their own pockets, deceiving you and your officials. Are they not vile?"

"If there are spies from the Holy Empire, that would be the case."

"We can't directly investigate as allies, so why don’t you find these traitors yourself? Cleanse them and their underlings all at once."

What I'm really saying is: pick a noble you dislike, blame him and his associates for treason, and play the victim.

"Seeing justice served, the people will direct their rage towards the Holy Empire. Then, you can unleash your righteous fury on them."

I grinned, "If you gain the people’s support, you could secure immense royal authority. Please, lead the Kingdom of Lyon to prosperity. The Toscana Empire will assist by supplying weapons, armor, and military supplies at reasonable prices."

Your war will fail. I’ll make sure of it.

And the aftermath may be hard to handle, but that's fine.

It’s not our problem, nor is it mine.