I decided not to push further for support from Rilincross and instead turned my attention to Queen Razafia.
「Then let me offer my support to the Duchy of Razafia」
「Yes. If you are willing to provide support, I would be very grateful. I humbly accept」
Queen Razafia replied with a gentle smile.
King Galastone and King Rilincross looked displeased.
Queen Farnetta stepped in to summarize.
「Then I’d like each nation to discuss the details of the support individually」
The kings agreed, and the first agenda item came to an end.
Next came discussions about securing trade routes, border issues, and cultural exchanges.
Each agenda item sparked active discussion, but no conflicts arose.
Still, I could feel the other rulers’ gazes on me.
The other four monarchs had clearly interacted for years, and I, the newcomer, was still seen as an outsider.
In particular, King Galastone, King Rilincross, and Queen Farnetta occasionally exchanged glances during conversations, as if confirming something with one another.
Two hours had passed since the start of the conference.
I figured it was time and quietly raised my voice.
「I’d like to propose an agenda of my own. May I?」
「What is it?」
Queen Farnetta asked.
「I want to discuss the current treaty system」
A quiet tension filled the chamber.
King Galastone and King Rilincross looked at each other.
Queen Razafia kept her expression unchanged and stared at me.
After a pause, Queen Farnetta replied in a cold tone.
「King Henry. That’s something we’d prefer you discuss with each country individually after this conference」
「No, I want to discuss it here. After all, I’ve signed the same treaties with every nation present. Wouldn’t it be more efficient to discuss them all together?」
I said it calmly.
If we discussed it here, it would make it clear who my allies and enemies were.
I intended to draw that line now.
I continued.
「Currently, Bernada has several treaties with your countries, but some of those treaties are clearly disadvantageous to us. I want to review those agreements and explore ways to build more mutually beneficial relationships with all of you」
Then King Galastone cut in.
「You’re talking about the treaties signed in exchange for national donations, aren’t you? Those were signed with the former King Glaston. They were concluded properly under international law」
「Yes. But the vision I have for this nation is very different from that of the previous King Glaston. That’s why I’m proposing a review」
I straightened my posture and added,
「Of course, I understand that renegotiating a treaty is difficult if the other side gains nothing. That’s why I intend to offer proposals that benefit all of you as well」
For a few seconds, the conference room fell silent.
「And what exactly are you proposing?」
Queen Farnetta asked.
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