Chapter 1340 - 573: Laine, the Hot Commodity_3

Chapter 1340: Chapter 573: Laine, the Hot Commodity_3

"Speak now, Gailte, you know you are the one I trust the most." The Emperor nodded.

"Under Laine’s command, both the Oliver Commerce Association and the Hadrian Commerce Association have already established branches in Brunswick, Middenheim, Nuer, and Talabeheim, which doesn’t indicate signs of wanting to start a war." Gailte spoke impassively in his voice tinged with the sound of heavy metal friction: "Given the degree to which he enjoys the Lady of the Lake’s favor, he should also understand the importance of the bigger picture."

"He and his commerce associations often manage to fill the grain gap in the Midland Territory." Boris spoke roughly: "I hope we can discuss how to get a few more Half-Elf Warhorses from him; the White Wolf Knight Commanders who have ridden them say they’re excellent, but there’s too few of them."

"Now is not the time to talk about this... in a few years, he’ll be king." The Emperor clearly agreed with Gailte’s analysis, his voice carried a trace of relief: "Our early friendship with him was useful, and strengthening the relationship in the future will make acquiring the Half-Elf Warhorses not particularly difficult."

From Carl Franz’s perspective, he actually doesn’t wish for the Knight Kingdom to have a king like Laine.

He and his courtiers have analyzed the Knight’s Throne many times.

Generally speaking, how much actual power the Knight King holds and how much control he has over the entire Kingdom depends on his personal martial valor and personal prestige, whether he is respected, and whether he has garnered the trust of the dukes.

But whether the throne is stable and can be held for a long time depends on whether the king is trusted and favored by the Lake Fairy and how he relates to the Lake God Witch.

"He has already expressed goodwill to the Empire more than once, my Emperor." Gailte’s voice continued, the Great Alchemist calmly stated: "He once accompanied Tygris on a visit to the Empire, and he also has a deep relationship with Lady Emmanuelle!"

"Emmanuelle..." The Emperor nodded, smiling: "That’s a bond, but people always change. He was just a count back then; now he’s a duke, about to become king. If he appears too close to us, it might hinder his ascent to the throne."

"Only Charlemagne knows whether he would, for so-called knightly spirit and glory, attack Marinburg again? Just like Richard?" Heilberg muttered.

"People change, interests do not." Gailte shook his head, the Great Alchemist spoke straightforwardly: "I think we can send someone to engage with him. I believe we can get a satisfactory response."

"Then, what pretext shall we use?" The Emperor showed interest: "Congratulate him on becoming the Duke of Musillon?"

"No, taking a direct approach with Laine would appear sycophantic and lowly, and it would damage the Empire’s image." Gailte continued: "Considering knightly spirit and his impending kingship, Laine also cannot openly conclude any agreements with us at this time, as it would harm his prestige and reputation."

"So what should we do? Don’t keep us guessing, metal face! Just say what needs to be done!" Marshal Rick Heilberg showed some impatience, his horseshoe mustache shaking with his movements, covered with sauce: "Why can’t you just say it directly?"

"We follow the Lady’s route." Gailte glanced at Heilberg, deciding not to argue with him: "Don’t forget, his lady, Surya..."

That’s all that needed to be said.

"Excellent!" The Emperor’s eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly: "Alright, let’s proceed with that plan!"

"Prepare a generous gift for Lady Surya immediately, and dispatch our envoy to Laine Territory to congratulate him on the birth of his heir!"