It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 196

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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500 Years as Just an Extra,

The Original Story Still Won’t Begin

Episode 196

[What? The meeting contents?]

[Yes.]

[Is that okay?]

[What wouldn’t be okay about it.]

Ailesia had always been full of brilliant ideas even in the past. He was secretly looking forward to how she would interpret the contents of the state council meeting.

[With your abilities, it should be perfectly possible.]

[It would be boring if I listened for too long, so I’ll just listen for about 10 minutes.]

[Please do. A rather interesting topic is coming up.]

[Wait a moment.]

The pendant vibrated faintly and then became quiet. It seemed Ailesia had done something.

The nobles were in the middle of discussing the delegation from the Melantia Kingdom. How to handle protocol, what demands to expect, who should be the negotiation leader, and so on.

The protocol officer within the Imperial Palace naturally concluded to be the First Imperial Consort. It was only natural since the Second Imperial Consort was hardly active anyway.

The biggest issue was the negotiation leader.

Normally, it would be something for the Foreign Minister to handle, but the problem was that the delegation’s representative wasn’t an ordinary person.

“I didn’t expect the Princess of the Melantia Kingdom to come.”

“It must mean they want to show sincerity. I don’t think she’ll actually have much influence on the negotiations.”

“Still, we need to match the proper rank. The Empire holds the initiative, but there’s no reason to give them unnecessary grounds for complaint.”

At first glance, it seemed like a statement disregarding the Foreign Minister, but the person who mentioned rank was actually the Foreign Minister himself.

Count Galid, who served as Foreign Minister, was close to being moderate but was someone who didn’t belong to any faction externally.

He was someone who got along well with all nobles befitting his title, and had brought many benefits to the Empire through his brilliant diplomatic skills.

“No matter how I’m the Foreign Minister, I’m merely a count. Since royalty is coming directly, I hope someone befitting that rank will step forward as the delegation’s representative.”

“When the opponent is a defeated nation, is there really a need to be so courteous?”

“That’s exactly why someone of higher rank should step forward.”

Count Galid maintained his firm stance without yielding.

“Warmly embracing the opponent when they sincerely bow their heads is the dignity of a great power. Showing leisure by saying ‘we can accept that much readily.’ That way, not only the Melantia Kingdom but other countries will also admire the Empire’s magnanimity.”

“Would there be benefits from simply gaining emotional superiority?”

“There would be. Because we’ve already proven the Empire’s overwhelming military might in reality. Thanks to Grand Duke Retis here.”

At those words, everyone’s gaze, including the Emperor’s, focused on Termion.

Termion showed no particular reaction. He merely uncrossed his arms out of courtesy to the Emperor.

“If we show a generous attitude despite having sufficient power, other countries won’t think of getting on the Empire’s bad side either. Rather, they’ll try to bow first and gain reasonable benefits. War is a last resort, not the best option.”

“I’ve heard the Foreign Minister’s opinion well. Then, who would be suitable as the representative?”

Even if nominal, it was a weighty position responsible for diplomacy with the Melantia Kingdom.

Since the actual negotiations would be handled by Foreign Ministry officials anyway, it was like a honey pot where achievements would fall into one’s lap just by sitting still.

“I find it difficult to state that clearly as well.”

“If you don’t know, who would?”

“Because almost nothing is known about what kind of person the Princess of the Melantia Kingdom is. Since we don’t know the opponent’s characteristics, the risk is too great to definitively say who would be suitable.”

Count Galid seemed to be giving up his own achievements, but he had cleverly avoided practical responsibility.

However, the Emperor was inwardly pleased with Count Galid’s skill in using even this situation as a means to check other nobles.

“Haha, that makes sense. Your insight is truly excellent.”

“I am honored.”

In contrast to the Emperor’s admiration, the nobles exchanged glances and maintained silence. The risk had increased as much as it was tempting prey.

“It would be difficult to immediately appoint someone, but surely you have some minimum conditions in mind?”

When the Emperor, having grasped the general atmosphere, asked casually, Count Galid also provided an appropriate answer this time.

“If you’re selecting from among the nobles, at least marquis rank or higher would be good. Of course, the most ideal form would be for one of Your Highness the Princes to step forward.”

“Hmm.”

The Emperor slightly furrowed his brow, then spoke to the nobles.

“Discuss who would be most suitable with reference to the Foreign Minister’s opinion. Once a conclusion is reached, today’s meeting will end.”

It was a declaration that the meeting wouldn’t end until a representative was decided. Eventually, the nobles who had only been watching each other began to speak one by one.

“Let’s select those who meet the conditions first. We need at least a pool of candidates, don’t we?”

“It would be better to exclude those who are too elderly. There might be some who are recuperating in their territories and have difficulty moving around.”

“If the Princess of the Melantia Kingdom is coming, wouldn’t it look better if a woman went from our side too?”

While the nobles’ opinions were being exchanged, the Emperor quietly spoke to Termion, who had remained silent throughout.

“Grand Duke.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Do you have anyone suitable to recommend?”

“I don’t know much about diplomacy.”

“Even if you don’t know diplomacy, you should have an eye for people. Well, if you were to choose one of the princes, what would you think?”

“Well. Let me think about it.”

Termion slightly lowered his head, pretending to ponder.

It wasn’t that he was trying to avoid answering. It was because Ailesia, who had been just listening, sent him a message.

[This is just personal curiosity, but if you really had to choose one of the princes, who would you pick?]

[Whoever goes out would be a mess.]

[…That’s harsh.]

[This isn’t child’s play.]

Ailesia thought it was a bit unexpected but could understand him on one hand.

[I naturally thought you’d take Kalior’s side.]

[He only knows how to swing a sword, he’s far from ready. Well, at least he has manners and common sense, so he won’t be disgraced.]

[What about the First Prince or Third Prince?]

[The First Prince has too much pride to suit friendly diplomacy. I’m not sure about the Third Prince, but he’s probably similar to Kalior.]

The story might change once they actually took their positions, but without clear political activity records, all three looked the same to Termion.

If he had to choose, he’d have to select either Kalior or the Third Prince. Given the First Prince’s temperament, there was a high possibility he’d only plant displeasure in the Melantia Kingdom side.

[Then how about you going out?]

[Me?]

[You were the one who ended the war originally, right? Then wouldn’t they not dare act carelessly?]

[…That’s not wrong.]

[Is there a problem?]

[It’s bothersome. I have to prepare for Elly’s birthday banquet too, and I don’t want to spend time on matters outside the family house.]

[Oh, don’t talk so coldly.]

Was it his imagination that it sounded like she was acting cute? Termion, calming his rising spirits, asked back.

[Is there a reason?]

[Rather than that, just a feeling that it would be beneficial?]

It was far from logical reasoning, but Termion found himself strangely drawn to her suggestion.

He had never lost out by listening to Ailesia’s words so far. It wasn’t just once or twice to be mere coincidence.

‘…Maybe she’s seeing something I don’t know.’

Ailesia wasn’t someone who could be confined to just the category of mage. With deep knowledge in various fields, she was closer to what one would call a sage.

‘I can discuss the details when I get home.’

Having made his decision, he sent a message to Ailesia.

[Let’s try it.]

[Really?]

[But you have to help. Whatever it takes.]

[Hehe, alright.]

Should he say “as expected”? After hearing Ailesia’s laughter, it seemed his judgment wasn’t wrong.

Termion raised his head and looked at the Emperor with calm eyes.

“Your Majesty.”

“Oh, did you reach an answer after long consideration?”

“If you permit it, I would like to step forward myself.”

“…Y-you?”

As if it was a completely unexpected answer, the Emperor raised his voice while even stammering. Because of this, even the other nobles who had been getting heated looked this way with puzzled expressions.

Termion, who surveyed the assembly, opened his mouth with a confident expression.

“From the Kingdom of Melantia’s perspective, there would be no opponent more threatening and troublesome than me. If the atmosphere becomes intimidating, wouldn’t that be advantageous for negotiations as well?”

“Indeed, we could secure both justification and practical benefits. Foreign Minister, what do you think?”

Count Galid chimed in as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“I can only be moved by Your Highness the Grand Duke’s consideration and dedication.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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