Altina the Sword Princess

Book 13: Prologue

Negotiations with Eleanor

In the plains near the city of Wal Allen, 30 Li south of the capital Versailles.

The plains were bathed in the light of the setting sun.

A laced parasol flew into the sky.

The little girl who was just holding the parasol made a face on the verge of tears.

Ah

Eleanor patted her head.

Dont worry about it, Renoir. Are you hurt?

The little girl nodded.

Regis already investigated the background of the Tiraso Laverde house, so he knew that was the name of their third daughter.

So this girl isnt a servant, but her younger sister.

Did she brought her sister to take care of her Or was it easier to teach her all sorts of things by keeping her close.

The Tiraso Laverde Marquis house was a wealthy merchant in the south.

Regis said:

Let us help you retrieve your parasol.

Sorry about that, Regis.

Not at all Lets head into the tents. Looks like this negotiation will take some time.

She followed with a nod.

The little girl Renoir followed too.

Regis asked a soldier on standby to get the parasol.

There was a table and six chairs in the temporary tent.

Regis pulled the chairs and ushered Eleanor and her sisters to their seats.

This much courtesy was expected of the men from the Belgaria empire.

Even though they had a patricichal society, everyone was educated strictly from young to show chivalry towards women.

The only ones in the tent were Regis, Eleanor and Renoir.

Alright then, what is the current situation?

It all started after the end of the High Brittania war. When the previous emperor passed away.

Eleanor spoke with the tone of a man. This must be due to the fact that business, politics and military affairs in the Belgaria empire doesnt involve women at all, so she had to match men at least in tone.

After he passed Hmm

Regis recalled that period of time.

It was in June.

Less than 3 months had passed, but it felt like 3 years because so many things happened in between.

Emperor Latreille He was still the Field Marshal back then. He issued an order through the Ministry of Military Affairs. In short, he want us to give him money.

Taxes huh? Did he give anything as compensation?

None, this tax is levied in the name of the war with High Brittania. Compared to the west and central, the south were relatively unscathed, so they want us to provide assistance in the form of funds.

I see.

Thats not unreasonable Regis thought.

Not just war, if some other place suffer floods, droughts or plagues, it was common for other places to provide support.

Only big countries with vast lands could do that.

Eleanor sighed.

I think providing relief for places affected by the war was the right thing to do. We should do what we can to do. However, thats only if we ourselves arent affected too.

Thats a given.

Shortly after the order of the war tax came, we received the obituary of the Sixth consort Johaprecias passing.

Yes.

Johaprecia and the emperor were both assassinated by Latreille.

According to the Royal Chamberlain Beclard, the sixth consort was the one who started this. Regis speculated.

The consort hailed from the Estaburg Kingdom to the east, so the relationship between our countries plummeted.

The Belgaria empire had been at war with the Estaburg Kingdom for a long time, and we only had a peace treaty after the emperors marriage with consort Johaprecia. A battle even broke out at the borders some days ago.

Regis received the report from the Seventh Army and Black Knights at the Eastern Front.

They won the battle of Fort Hauport, and the commander there sent a thank you letter.

But even so, Regis felt guilty about it.

The commander of Fort Hauport was the granddaughter of the late commander of the Seventh Army, Lieutenant General Barguesonne.

He died in the battle of Lafressange against the High Brittania army some time ago.

Back then, Regis was watching from behind as the strategist of the Beilschmidt Border Regiment.

I did nothing to save him.

Regis was filled with self reproachment.

If he negotiated a better strategy before the battle, things would have been different. Regis still thought that way.

Such tragedy had been repeating itself from a long time ago.

His proposed strategy being rejected led to Marquis Thnezay death on the battlefield, everything started from there.

Could he have avoided sacrifices?

Minimized casualty?

Or the most basic thing, avoided pointless battle?

Regis regretted every battle he was involved in.

Eleanor asked:

And so, what does the battle with the Estaburg Kingdom in the east have to do with the south Sir Regis have you figured that out yet?

Hmm, its probably because Estaburg are linked by marriage to the Hispania empire to the south.

You actually knew, as expected of Sir Regis.

Well, this is a scene that will definitely be seen in any stage drama. After all, it would be a hassle to use the royals and nobles of Belgaria as reference, so there are many script writers who would rather use settings from other countries.

Now that you mentioned it I saw a show based on such a story before.

That must be nice

Even though Regis had seen the scripts for shows before, he had not seen a performance as a member of the audience.

A ticket cost a weeks salary for a Fifth Grade Admin Officer after all, and wasnt a price poor peasants could afford.

Money wasnt an issue anymore, but he couldnt make time to watch shows leisurely now.

Eleanor continued:

That Hispania Empire openly voiced their suspicion that consort Johaprecia was actually murdered.

Oh.

Hispania didnt invade directly, but Etruria which received support from them did.

I know about that.

Because the impact of the High Brittania army seizing Grebauvar city was too stunning, this news didnt make any waves at all. The Etruria Theocracys army had already marched towards the southern strongholds back then.

Back then, I thought they would be repelled easily.

However, the sturdy fort at the frontlines was lost, and even Regis was shocked by this.

I dont really understand military matters But in the Sixth army, the knight despatched from central is more capable than the commander. But that man had been transferred back to the First Army, which might be related to their failure.

I see

He is baron Zemoruto.

Ahh!

Regis slapped his knee.

That was the new knight commander of the First Armys White Wolves Knights.

It was true that he was extremely talented in both negotiations and on the battlefield. He would be a huge help as an ally.

Sir Regis, do you know him?

I met him on the battlefield before. He is a man I dont want to make an enemy of. By the way, you mentioned that he was recalled back from the south?

Yes After he left, the Sixth Army lost in battle, and the great city of Sembione fell. That is an important trading city for us.

The topic was linked together.

The South was ordered to support the war zones, but they themselves were now affected by war too.

Explain the situation to the Ministry of Military Affairs Ah, the Ministry had been dissolved, and the First Army is taking control. Have you explained the situation to them yet?

Of course. But they think that with the vast lands our family holds in the south, just the area around Sembione being affected by the war wont be too much of a problem.

Is that true? Please tell me frankly.

If this goes on, our profits might go down by ten percent.

What an awkward number.

Its fine if that was all. However, I can foresee them upping the ante if we agree to this tax. Unless the enemy is repelled, I cant agree to this.

Hmm

Regis folded his arms in deep thought.

There was a high possibility of that being true.

Latreille wanted to expand the frontlines, and would even go as far as imposing taxes to achieve that goal.

Eleanor sighed.

They cant even defend their territory and yet they are demanding money, theyre like bandits. As the house leading the southern aristocrats, we cant accept the taxes imposed on us under such conditions but even if we held out, our private army is still limited in number. In the worst case scenario, we might be branded traitors. Their first target might not be the invading Etruria, but us.

It is prudent to exercise caution.

Renoir who had been listening quietly suddenly looked outside the tent.

Ah.

There seemed to be a commotion outside.

Regis stood up.

If it was just the soldier returning with the parasol, this was too much of a reaction.

What happened?

Hey!

With imposing footsteps, the curtains of the tent were pulled up.

A young girl with red hair entered.

She glared with her sharp red eyes.

Her limbs with snow white skin comparable to porcelain would look like an art piece if they were still. But they were waving about crudely now, and a flawless fingertip was pointing at Regis nose.

Hey! Why didnt you call me, Regis?!

Your Highness!? What is this about?!

He would usually address her as Altina, but he would use honour speech like Your Highness in the presence of outsiders.

Pfft, She puffed her cheeks.

The two of you are meeting alone!

No no, her sister is here too.

Altina finally noticed Renoir, and her expression changed.

A smile appeared on her face.

She was unexpectedly fond of kids.

However, Renoir looked scared by her imposing entrance earlier.

Eleanor shrugged.

Pardon me, she had not been educated on how to act in the presence of outsiders. Unlike Fanrine and me, she is more timid, which is a pain.

She doesnt resemble the two of you at all.

We have different mothers after all. Our personality differs too, probably because of our bloodline.

Ohh, thats true.

Altina and her siblings had different mothers too, so she accepted this explanation quickly.

Well well, Eleanor brushed her dark hair.

Im not here to headhunt Sir Regis today. Well, I will welcome it if he wants to switch careers.

Absolutely not!

Altina slapped the table with a bang.

But Sir Regis should be the one to decide right? Have you improved his benefits compared to before, Madam Gnralissime?

Ughh

Before the topic heads down a weird direction, Regis interjected:

I still have my aspirations and responsibilities, so I wont change job hop. My apologies, Princess I thought you are tired from the long expedition, thats why I neglected to inform you, and took on this negotiation alone.

Ah, yes, well Just do what you usually do

Altina was at a loss for words.

One of the reason that she was unusually on guard, was because Eleanor left her lipstick mark on Regis face during the Founding Day Festival in April.

But Regis had already forgotten about that.

After all, he had experienced life and death situations several times since then, and those intense memories had buried these trivial memories.

Eleanor nodded.

Lets stop with the jokes Im requesting for assistance from the Madam Gnralissime, and will make adequate payment Anyway, please take a seat.

Right.

Altina sat down beside Regis.

She took a deep breath, showed a serious face then said something unexpectedly formal.

First off, I want to thank everyone in the Gaillarde Gardens Alliance. for their support, you have my most sincere gratitude.

Regis opened his eyes wide.

Just like a real Princess.

Hey?!

Ahh you No, I was surprised when Your Highness said something so Princess-like.

This isnt the first time I said something so formal.

Thats true

I also understand the flow of the funds. Since the Founding Day Festival, we have gone through several battles, and the Beilschmidt Border Regiment became the Fourth Army, and is now the Office of the Gnralissime During all these time, our supplies and salary had never stopped because of the support from the southern aristocrats.

Eleanor nodded.

It is wonderful that you understand us.

When the army grew in scale, the Ministry of Military Affairs should increase the level of supply as well. But the number of soldiers under Altina increased too fast, and the Ministry couldnt keep up.

And they hired plenty of local staff and mercenaries too, and they couldnt ask the country to foot the bill for these.

The Fourth Army only managed to fight for so long because of the funding support from the Southern aristocrats.

Altina lowered her head.

But even so I lost to Latreille.

Please raise your head, Princess It is true that Latreille had taken the throne, but we are still alive. It isnt over yet.

Yes, thats right.

We the Gaillarde Gardens Alliance. have no intention of blaming you. Compared to the past when we didnt have any military backing and had to give in to their one sided demands, the situation now is much better. Its all thanks to the Fourth Armys performance.

Really?

Yes Since we are supporting Your Highness, you wouldnt just turn a blind eye if we meet anything unreasonable right?

Of course.

Because of our relationship with a powerful group, our business had been going smoothly all this time. We are very grateful for to you all. Given the outstanding results produced by the Fourth Army, it is like hitting the jackpot for us investors.

Ehh? Inn-vast?

Altina had been learning about the importance of money recently, she had yet to venture into the topics of investment yet and looked lost.

It couldnt be helped, it would be a surprise if she knew.

Regis explained:

The achievements of Your Highness had stabilized the position of your supporters thats what she meant.

Ahh, is that so? Thats wonderful.

Eleanor smiled.

Im hoping that you all can keep this up in the future too.

I heard that the city in the South had fallen, how dire is the situation?

We were just discussing this that Regis said and brought the topic back on track.

The Sixth and Eighth Army didnt even hesitate to retreat in the face of the Etruria Theocracy armys invasion. Sembione city thus fell into the enemys hands. It is difficult for the Tiraso Laverde house to give their support under such circumstances, thats what she said.

Altina stood up.

And the people in the city?!

We have sent out scouts, but there isnt any detailed information yet.

Eleanor said:

The Sixth Armys Viscount Dorval announced their retreat in advance, so the evacuation was completed without any issues. However, a lot of things such as crops and livestocks were abandoned.

Is that so.

Altina was still tense, but she calmed herself and sat down.

Regis thought:

Speaking of which, Lord Eddie once served in the Sixth Army. Maybe he knows about Lieutenant General Trouvre. I will ask him later.

Their intelligence was still lacking.

The Sixth Army had garrisoned the southern frontlines for a long period of time without any outstanding battle records, so there wasnt any prominent records that draws attention.

The commander wasnt invited during the emperors coronation, which shows how the military and social world regarded him.

The problem probably lies with the existence of the Sixth Army. And Latreille seemed to have noticed that.

So what was his intention in dispatching Altinas unit there? Was it just to resolve the war in the southern front as soon as possible?

Or did he had something else in mind?

Looks like we have to continue gathering intel.

Regis muttered.

A womans voice came from outside the tent.

Pardon me Your Highness. The tea is ready.

It was Clarice.

She didnt use her usual cheerful tone, but the emotionless voice she used in front of strangers.

Thank you for bringing it here. How about chatting over tea, Eleanor?

I will be honored to join Your Highness tea party, theres no reason for me to reject.

The eyes of Renoir who had been listening quietly sparkled.

Tea party.

She said in a barely audible voice.

The thick reddish brown liquid shook in the tea cup.

It seemed that the tea leaves were of a more expensive variety today.

Just the smell made Eleanor lavished it with praise:

As expected of Your Highness, this is top grade tea.

Is that so?

Altina took a sip.

Regis did too.

But he couldnt tell whether the tea was bad with his tongue.

Eleanor lift the cup to her eye level, and peer inside.

Princess, do you know the cost of this tea?

Ehh? Well Its not cheap. But adequate tea should be served when receiving important guest.

Ahh, Im not discussing something as uncouth as whether this is a waste. Or rather, high grade tea should be served exactly for occasions like this. I just want to point out that the price of tea had risen recently. Do you know that these tea are worth their weight in silver?

Regis spat out his tea on reflex.

Altina also frowned.

Its that expensive?!

That is only for premium grade products of course. However, the price of lower grade goods are also rising. And thats because of the Hispania Empire.

Hmm? Altina tilted her head.

Regis answered on her behalf.

Its because of pirates. Since ages ago, the Hispania Empire would disguise their navy as pirates, and attack the merchant ships around the Belgaria empire and its neighbouring countries.

These acts of piracy are becoming more frequent. Part of the reason was the boom in the High Brittania economy, which raise the values of commercial cargo. Another factor is the decrease in the number of Belgaria escort vessels.

We lost many of our ships after all.

Altina smashed her fist onto the table.

How despicable of them to rob merchant ships!

Thats the style of that country. Ambushing people like bandits.

Thats going too far!

To the foreigners. The locals sees them as a righteous charitable group of gentlemen. I had never met any Hispanian like that Maybe because Im from Belgaria.

Mmuu

Altina pouted.

Regis had such rumours before.

The steamship in Belgaria will be completed this year. Except for the steam engine, most of the structure is similar to sail ships anyway. Commerce would be tough before we amass a significant number of ships, but the situation at sea will turn stable shortly after that.

How long would that take?

Hmm It will take about three years to gather the numbers But if we increase the alert level, we can decrease the number of pirates attack. We can probably see results by the end of next year.

Hmmm its a good chance to sell the tea while its price is high. Its value will plummet after the sea trade stabilize again.

Now isnt the time for business negotiations.

No, thats not my point. I want to say that the sea is dangerous now. If our land trade routes gets blocked by the Etruria Theocracy, then it will be a serious problem.

We will take care of the land routes. Thats why we are here.

I will be looking forward to it. After all, there are some nobles aligned with the Gaillarde Gardens Alliance. proposing that we deflect to the Hispania Empire.

That will really be a handful.

That would literally be treason.

However, the enemy had the support of a neighbouring nation, so this war wouldnt be settled easily this time.

Regis asked agan:

Can you pass a message to everyone in the alliance? Gnralissime Argentina will repel the invaders from the south as soon as possible. She wont let you wait long.

I understand. Since Sir Regis says so, everyone will definitely accept it.

I hope you are placing your trust in the Princess, and not me

Fufu Well, its the same.

With the negotiations done, Eleanor relaxed and leaned onto her chair and sighed.

Regis placed his hand on his lower lip.

Theres one more thing. Regarding the tax levied by Emperor Latreille If you can going to pay, can you propose paying goods in lieu of money?

Ohh you mean using wheat as a substitute?

Use rifles. His Majesty Latreille is thinking about the mass production of rifles. And it needs to be fast and large in quantity.

Eleanor showed an intrigued smile.

And leaned forward.

I never thought that we the southern new nobles will be involved with military secrets Since Sir Regis mentioned it, it must be important. Pray tell me the details.

The new rifles of the Belgaria Empire, the Fusil 851 is a replica of High Brittania Kingdoms Snider Rifle. That isnt a secret kept under wraps.

These rifles came to the Belgaria Empire with the invading High Brittania army, and several thousands of them were seized by the Empire.

Please wait a moment. Regis said as he took out a High Brittania made rifle from his luggage.

He placed the rifle onto the table.

Its more complicated than a sword But look here. The edge of this part is distorted right? Thats because its made by pouring molten steel into a mould. If we dismantle this rifle and use clay to cast its shape, we can replicate it easily.

Eleanor studied the rifle seriously.

Hmm

If they actually took up the job of manufacturing, they should be able to get the blueprints of the Fusil 851.

Instead of paying taxes, how about building such a factory instead? The first batches of the rifles might be collected as taxes, but you would have the means to keep producing and selling more to the military.

Hmmp This is an interesting topic, but I dont think the aristocrats in central will let such a privilege slip away.

Actually, it will be hard for the aristocrats in central to interfere. After all, the iron around the capital is monopolized by the blacksmith guild in Rouen city. If they earn the ire of the guild, the first rate blacksmiths might decline to do business with them.

Both swords and armour were forged by blacksmiths, and they were needed for continued maintenance and adjustments. If their relationship with the blacksmiths soured, it would be hard for the aristocrats to maintain their private army.

Wont it be better to ask the blacksmiths to forge them?

If the grand nobles in central want a share of the profit in rifle productions, they will do just that. But if they engaged the blacksmith to do so, the unit price of the rifles will be very expensive. The quality will be very high But its not worth it.

Ohh?

Only the key components of the rifles need to be made with precision. But all first rate blacksmith have their pride as professionals, and will polish every nook and cranny of the rifle. People who dont strive for perfection cant open a workshop in Rouen.

You actually know such details.

My brother-in-law is a blacksmith in Rouen city after all.

Eleanor nodded.

Hmm which means that the blacksmiths in Rouen will craft the top quality products, and we will make money with sub-par goods?

No no no the goods have to meet a certain standard. The lives of the soldiers and citizens are depending on it after all.

Im just kidding, we will definitely make products of acceptable quality.

I will be counting on you. It will be best if it is plain without any decorations.

Thats not the style of Belgaria though.

Its a replica of High Brittania in the first place Besides, the fundamental technology was based on the Germanian Federation which focus on efficiency. Records states that it wasnt accepted by the king of the original inventor, and after a limited test quantity was used to suppress a rebellion, it was leaked to other countries

At this point, Altina said:Youre getting off topic again.

Regis got back on track and continued:

Another thing, the Fusil 851 requires rubber. Top quality rubber can only be obtained in the south. For the nobles who want to take on the manufacturing of rifles, this is a great advantage.

Indeed.

Maybe this was one of the reasons why Latreille sent Altinas unit to the south. If the supply of rubber got blocked, it would affect the production of the new rifles.

Regis concluded:

This is the proposal I thought up as a bargaining chip. I assure you that we will take back the city as quickly as possible. I would like Ms Eleanor to negotiate with Emperor Latreille on the productions of the rifle.

She showed a smile that had a subtle meaning behind it.

Securing business deals from royals and nobles is my specialty, just leave it to me but Sir Regis, you omitted the most crucial part correct?

Ehh?

What do you stand to gain from this, Sir Regis?

Oh, I see Altina made such a face. It was true that Regis had not told her that yet.

Eleanor lowered her voice.

Do you want us to sell the rifles in secret?

No, there will definitely be many inspectors keeping watch in the factory. Besides, like I mentioned earlier, its not hard to make rifles.

If he really needed rifles, he just needed to start a factory himself. Although there wasnt any point in doing that.

She fell into deep thought.

Her posture was as beautiful as a painting. As expected of a beauty.

I have some idea of what you wish to accomplish but this isnt really necessary right?

Well, just executing this plan alone is pointless after all.

Hmm so you do have something else in mind.

Thats right But if the Tiraso Laverde clan dont take the rifle production contract, I will need to use the back up plan, and fulfill other conditions

Surprisingly, Eleanor didnt pursue the matter.

Fufu its best to have less people know the plan. Just tell me the rest when I need to know.

Thank you very much for your kind understanding.

Altina looked over with a serious expression.

So Regis has not given up yet, and is still thinking about many things.

You also havent given up too, right?

Of course!

She puffed out her chest as she said that.

Eleanor stood up with a smile.

She bowed towards Altina.

Please bring peace to this land.

I will do my best! Regis is here, so it will definitely be fine!

It was a truly heavy burden, but saying that he didnt have confidence wont help the situation at all. So Regis held his peace.

He never had confidence in the first place.

However, Regis learned after experiencing many battles that having a timid attitude was pointless.

Or rather, the most important thing to do in his position was to let others trust him.

I cant fail again.

When they left the tent, Regis called out to Eleanor who was walking in front of him:

Oh right theres one more thing.

Hmm?

Actually, theres a guest I want you to meet.

Who might that be?

She is Elise Archibald, do you remember her?

Ohh so shes back.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes slightly.

Moments later, she conversed shortly with Elise...

To carry out the plan as quickly as possible, Eleanor set off for the capital immediately. Her goal was to negotiate with the new Emperor, Latreille.

The Fourth Army linked up with the unit garrisoned in the south.

They reached the consensus that it was safer for Elise to stay with them as Regis guest for now.