Chapter 438: Ashenford Visitors

Fort Zeelandia

A cold northern wind swept through Fort Zeelandia, forcing Grey to tighten his windbreaker around himself.

Standing beside him, Alonso recounted his observations from his recent visit to Brambleford.

"Overall, the prince’s domain has developed unevenly," Alonso began. "Its military industries are remarkably advanced, but its civilian industries still lag far behind those of Europe. The people of Brambleford are more open-minded than those in most other territories, yet they still fall short of European standards."

Grey frowned as he considered Alonso’s assessment.

"That prince seems to live for war. He pours enormous resources into his military while neglecting the foundations of his country." He paused before continuing. "We Dutch, on the other hand, have made the opposite mistake. We’ve invested too heavily in civilian industries and public welfare while overlooking the military threats surrounding us. Now we’re paying the price."

A wry smile appeared on Alonso’s face.

"Perhaps our strengths could complement each other."

His expression soon turned serious again.

"But are we really going to agree to withdraw our troops from Fort Zeelandia? Without a military presence there, our merchant ships will be left vulnerable."

Grey’s expression relaxed slightly after hearing Alonso’s concerns.

"You’re an excellent merchant, Alonso, but politics isn’t your strength."

Alonso raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?"

"The man we’re dealing with is no ordinary ruler. His current demands are merely a bargaining tactic. He’s testing our limits by starting with the smallest concessions he believes we might accept." Grey leaned back in his chair. "If he genuinely intended to leave us no room for negotiation, he wouldn’t have wasted his time inviting you to Brambleford in the first place."

Alonso fell silent for a moment.

As a Dutch trade representative, his ambassadorial title was largely a convenience for conducting diplomatic affairs with neighboring powers. He understood commerce far better than the complicated games played by rulers.

Nevertheless, he remained unconvinced.

"I still think the prince is unusually stubborn."

"Of course he is. The stronger party in a negotiation usually has little reason to compromise."

Grey smiled faintly.

"But I believe one final attempt is worthwhile. We’re both nobles, after all. Perhaps we can find some common ground."

He rose from his chair and adjusted his clothing.

"Let’s return to Ashenford. Our next meeting will determine whether this dispute ends peacefully or plunges both sides into war."

Alonso sighed.

"Why must we negotiate at all? Perhaps fighting would be simpler."

"No. You’re mistaken. War would cost us far more than you imagine."

Grey’s expression grew solemn.

He glanced toward Zack, who stood nearby holding a matchlock, then turned his attention back to Alonso.

"The Latin powers grow more ambitious by the day. The beast we’ve helped raise may eventually turn against us and devour its own masters."

He paused before adding, "Meanwhile, the British are expanding their influence eastward. Their naval strength is formidable, and our fleet cannot afford to confront them alone."

Grey’s gaze sharpened.

"We need an ally."

Alonso nodded slowly.

"Then may God grant us good fortune this time."

With that, he left Grey’s office and made his way into the city.

Outside, Zack approached him, impatience written across his face.

"Ambassador Alonso, what happens now? Are we finally going to war? Our men are getting restless."

His sharp eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Alonso shook his head.

"We have no intention of fighting Prince Simon at the moment. His forces are considerably stronger than we anticipated."

Zack’s expression changed.

"So you’re continuing the negotiations? That’s a foolish decision."

Alonso stopped walking and turned toward him.

"Mind your words, Zack. We pay you well to carry out your duties, not to interfere in our decisions."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Like Grey, Alonso had begun to suspect that Zack was attempting to influence Dutch policy in the East.

Behind Zack stood his leader, Scott, whose ambitions were far from those of the Dutch.

Scott wanted the Dutch and the Eldorian Empire to plunge into war, weakening both sides and creating opportunities for his own faction.

The more Alonso considered the situation, the more he understood Grey’s concerns.

Perhaps the greatest danger facing the Dutch was not Prince Simon’s growing power, but the expansionist ambitions of the Latin powers.

After two days of preparation, Grey once again led the Dutch fleet north.

Seven days later, the fleet appeared in the waters off Ashenford.

This time, Grey intended to settle the matter once and for all.

Brambleford

The New Year celebrations passed quickly, and government offices soon resumed their regular operations.

In the Eldorian Empire, the festivities rarely lasted more than three or four days. Once the celebrations ended, most people returned to their ordinary routines.

With few forms of entertainment available during the bitter winter, many preferred to remain indoors, gathering around coal stoves to escape the freezing weather.

For Simon, however, the New Year brought a rare opportunity to relax.

He spent several peaceful days accompanying Elin around Brambleford, strolling through the streets and enjoying a brief respite from the affairs of state.

Unfortunately, that peace did not last.

News arrived from Ashenford.

"Earl Grey?"

Simon repeated the name thoughtfully.

Even among European nobility, the title of Earl carried considerable prestige. Within the Dutch administration in the East, Grey was an influential figure whose arrival suggested that the negotiations had reached a critical stage.

More than a month had passed since their previous discussions.

Now Grey had personally returned to Ashenford.

Simon understood what that meant.

The Dutch were ready to make their final move.

After a moment’s consideration, he turned to the courier.

"Inform Earl Grey that I will personally travel to Ashenford to meet him. Tell him to remain there for several days while he awaits my arrival."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The courier bowed before departing.

Elin, who had been standing nearby, turned toward Simon.

"My Lord, are you leaving again?"

"Yes. These negotiations are important. If we can reach an agreement, we may prevent another war. That would be beneficial to us."

Elin nodded in understanding.

"In that case, I’ll have the servants prepare your belongings."

Simon studied her for a moment before asking, "Don’t you want to come with me?"

Elin blinked in surprise.

"Me? To Ashenford?"

"Of course. There may be several matters requiring my attention, and the negotiations could take a few days. Why not accompany me? You’ll also have an opportunity to see the Dutch for yourself."

A delighted smile immediately spread across Elin’s face.

"Yes, My Lord! I’ll prepare everything right away."

With that, she hurried back to their chambers.

Simon watched her retreating figure and shook his head with an amused smile.

Elin had been deeply influenced by the traditional values of the Eldorian Empire, which emphasized that women should remain at home while men handled affairs outside it.

Consequently, she rarely suggested accompanying him on official journeys, even when she wanted to go.

But the moment Simon invited her, her excitement was impossible to hide.

He found her reaction rather endearing.

After completing their preparations, Simon departed for Ashenford the following day.

Five thousand musketeers accompanied him as an escort, their disciplined ranks stretching along the roads leading out of Brambleford.

The journey took three days.

By the time Simon and his entourage reached Ashenford, Earl Grey had already arrived at the city government office and was waiting for their meeting.

"Your Highness, Earl Grey is waiting for you at the government office," O’Neill reported as soon as they entered Ashenford.

Simon nodded.

This time, the Dutch had no desire to demonstrate their military strength at the city gates.

Unlike their previous visits, they had brought no army into Ashenford. Only Alonso and Earl Grey had entered the city, accompanied by four soldiers.

It was a small but meaningful gesture. 𝖋𝘳ℯ

The Dutch appeared willing to approach the negotiations without openly threatening Simon with force.

Whether that willingness would translate into genuine concessions remained to be seen.

Simon turned toward the sedan chair carrying Elin.

"Why don’t you rest at our temporary residence first? I’ll meet the Dutch representatives before joining you."

"Yes, My Lord."

Elin answered softly from inside the sedan chair.

With that settled, Simon followed O’Neill toward the government office.

It had been nearly two months since his last visit to the building.

Upon entering the main hall, he immediately spotted Alonso standing beside a slightly overweight European nobleman whose dignified bearing betrayed his considerable status.

Alonso stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Your Royal Highness, Prince Simon, allow me to introduce Earl Grey, the official responsible for overseeing Dutch affairs in the East."

Simon studied the man carefully.

Grey possessed a broad face and a solid build. Although his figure was somewhat heavier than Simon had expected, his composed expression and measured movements suggested a man accustomed to exercising authority.

At the same time, Grey examined the prince standing before him.

He had heard countless reports about Simon’s military victories, industrial achievements, and expanding influence. Yet reports and firsthand impressions were two different things.

Now that they stood face-to-face, Grey understood why the Dutch had found negotiations with the prince so difficult.

Simon carried himself with the confidence of a ruler who knew the strength of his own position.

After a brief silence, Grey stepped forward and offered a courteous bow.

"It is an honor to finally meet Your Royal Highness, Prince Simon. I’ve heard much about your accomplishments."

Simon smiled faintly.

"Earl Grey, welcome to Ashenford. I trust your journey was comfortable."

Grey returned the smile, though his eyes remained watchful.

"Quite comfortable, Your Highness. However, I suspect the real challenge of this journey is only beginning."

Simon gestured toward the seats arranged in the hall.

"Then let us not waste any more time."

He took his seat and looked directly at the Dutch earl.

"We have already spent considerable time discussing our differences. Today, I hope we can determine whether the Dutch and the Eldorian Empire can reach an agreement—or whether we must prepare for the consequences of failure."

The atmosphere in the hall immediately grew serious.

Alonso exchanged a glance with Grey.

Both men understood that this was no longer an ordinary diplomatic meeting.

The outcome could determine the future of Dutch influence in the East, the security of their merchant fleets, and the balance of power across the region. 𝖋𝙧ⅇ

Grey drew a slow breath.

"Your Highness, then allow me to speak frankly."

He leaned forward slightly.

"We have come to discuss the final terms of our agreement."