I Don’t Need a Guillotine for My Revolution

Chapter 67: Directory Government - Risk and Reward

Having returned to the capital Lumiere with Hassan and Shandra, I was briefed on the Francia Republic's magnificent diplomatic achievements.

First, the Kingdom of Alps.

The emissaries sent to the kingdom of dwarves nestled in the mountain range from southeastern Francia to the north of the Holy Theocracy initially garnered moderate interest from the dwarves.

The problem is, they don't need anything we produce.

We even took our prized wine, which we were quite proud of, but the dwarves said they didn't need that stuff and asked for beer instead.

When the dwarves actually tasted our beer, they said it was far inferior to that of Germania.

Our currency holds no value to them. Living off mining, they possess far more gold and silver than we do. Thus, the Francia Republic's first diplomatic endeavor failed spectacularly.

Second, the Eastern Empire.

The vast empire of elves that begins east of the Germania Empire.

The Germania Empire wouldn't allow passage for our emissaries, so we opted for a sea route. However, the Northern Allied Kingdoms, controlling that route, refused passage as part of their trade blockade.Consequently, we couldn't even make contact.

Well, I'm deeply moved by the Republic's outstanding diplomatic achievements.

And I, bringing the third, faced difficulties from the very beginning.

"An alliance with a nation of barbarians and heathens? What nonsense is this, Marquis?"

"Though we have turned our backs on an unworthy king, we are still nobles of the proud Francia. How can we welcome those barbarians?"

The Central Party, which should support me in the Assembly, and even the nobles who have followed me since joining the Republic, are leading the opposition.

Even Count Anjou, who usually just smiles serenely, is frowning, and I can feel why Kroxx and his men were so curious about me.

Due to the Blue Knight, I'm estranged from chivalry, and Gaston, of common birth, fares somewhat better. However, the animosity of the knights and nobles of Francia towards them seems much deeper than I thought.

"I understand your concerns. But realistically, trade with them is expected to bring significant benefits. Especially since they can supply mithril, which could enable trade with the Kingdom of Alps."

Mithril is a precious material even for dwarves, let alone ordinary gold and silver. In fact, the dwarves would likely be even more enthusiastic about it.

For Francia, which cannot trade with the Abyss Corporation, a source of weapons is desperately needed, and the weapons sold by the dwarven artisans would be of great help.

"But Marquis, isn't that only if everything goes well? Can you guarantee that the trade with those savage beasts will be maintained?"

The legislator who asks that question is full of distrust.

It's a good thing I tried to gauge the opinions first before bringing Hassan and Shandra.

"From my conversations with their king and his subordinates, our interests align, and the discussions were quite smooth. At least, it's much better than the perception we had of barbarians."

"Still, their nature..."

As the legislators remained lukewarm even after I stepped in, Christine spoke up.

"There is also the issue of maintaining the trade route. If they really occupy the Iberian Peninsula, it will significantly disrupt the maritime trade of the Holy Theocracy and the Aquitaine merchant fleet, so it is necessary to cooperate with them to facilitate access to Porto."

"But Countess Aquitaine. Wouldn't that, on the contrary, be a problem? What if those barbarians unite the Iberian Peninsula, take control of Porto, and then turn on us?"

Christine narrowed her eyes and turned her gaze to me.

It's beyond politics and economics, delving into military matters, so she can't answer.

"Therefore, to prevent such a situation, we should maintain friendly relations with them, and if the worst happens, I and the army will respond-"

"No, Marquis. Isn't there another way?"

Count Anjou, who had been listening quietly, spoke before I could finish.

"...What way are you suggesting, Count?"

"Wouldn't it be better to help Porto, strengthen our friendship with them, and subdue the barbarians?"

As soon as Count Anjou finished speaking, opinions poured out from all sides.

"Count Anjou is right. Porto has functioned as a trading port for a long time. We should help those we can trust, not those beasts."

"Just a decade ago, we fought to stop their raids at the Southern Fortress! The barbarity of those beasts is proven by hundreds of years of history!"

Faced with stronger opposition than expected, I suppressed a sigh and replied.

"Realistically, we need to keep the Germania Empire and the Northern Allied Kingdoms in check.

Besides, it's a trade where we receive gold, silver, and mithril for Francia's surplus food, which will greatly stabilize the impoverished peasant economy."

This time, it was not a noble, but a capitalist legislator from the National Assembly who spoke up.

"I understand that we cannot immediately launch an expedition to the Iberian Peninsula. But Marquis. Isn't that just benefiting the peasants? Honestly, I can't shake the feeling that we're taking too great a risk just to fill the bellies of peasants."

"That's exactly what we think, Marquis. No matter what, this doesn't seem right."

Seeing Count Anjou nod vigorously makes my head hurt...

In the end, the Central Party, which is centered on nobles and wealthy individuals, is not directly affected by the collapse of the peasant economy.

Rather, their distrust and rejection of barbarians are much greater.

I finally sighed.

"...I understand the will of our party members. However, since they are the official emissaries, the proposal will be submitted to the National Assembly."

"Well, that's..."

The legislators reluctantly nodded, and with that, the meeting of the Central Party ended.

-

After the meeting, in the reception room of the Central Party Headquarters.

Christine made coffee herself and handed it to me.

"The opposition is strong."

"Thank you. ...It is. Perhaps I was too naive."

Even the aroma and taste of the high-quality coffee don't feel as sweet as they should, perhaps because of my mood.

Seeing the reaction of our party, a coalition of nobles and capitalists, I doubt there are many legislators in the Liberal Party who would welcome this either.

As I was contemplating, Christine took a sip of her own coffee and spoke.

"...Pierre, I think the Central Party members have a point, at least in this case."

"Do you?"

"Yes, I do. Merchants prioritize profit. I have to accept that maintaining Porto as it is would be more stable. The benefits you speak of from trading with them are only valid if we can trust them."

If even Christine says this, should I give up?

As I was feeling discouraged, Christine set down her coffee cup and smiled slightly.

"But it was you who talked to them directly and came to this conclusion, and assuming we can trust them, it's too good an opportunity to pass up. If we can't solve the economic problems, the credibility of the National Assembly will continue to decline."

"Yes. And they will be a valuable ally against the Abyss Corporation. We might even be able to get tax exemptions at Porto in the future. But if the members of our party, who should be the strongest supporters, are like this..."

I spoke slowly and then stopped.

Yes, the Central Party and the Liberal Party, being not very interested in the peasant economy, are unlikely to be enthusiastic about this proposal.

But what about the Revolutionary Party?

The Revolutionary Party has almost always been hostile to us, but they might be interested in a proposal that could revive the peasant economy. Peasants and workers are their core support base.

And since they advocate secularism, tolerance of a heathen nation might also have some meaning for them, who have always made concessions to religion.

Should I try proposing it to Maximilien Le Jidor?

"The Revolutionary Party might be interested in this proposal."

"...I think so. But the opposition will still be significant, and it won't look good for you, a key member of the Central Party, to go against the party's opinion and join hands with the Revolutionary Party."

Christine took another sip of coffee and spoke.

"As you know Pierre, both you and I have a solid enough position that we don't need to take unnecessary risks right now."

I thought for a moment.

As Christine and the Central Party said, we won't be critically affected if the peasant economy collapses a little.

Even though Francia's economy is shaken by the trade blockade, it is precisely because of this that Aquitaine's exclusive trade is booming like never before.

But if we are so shortsighted and only fill our own bellies, how are we different from the old regime...?

While I was lost in thought, Christine spoke again.

"And one more thing. There are suspicious movements centered around Bishop Richelieu."

"Really? I thought he had been in seclusion for a while."

"Yes, this is not confirmed, but I think there is a connection with the Northern Army."

At Christine's words, I furrowed my brow.

The Northern Army.

Raphael Valliant?

But in peacetime, not wartime, what can he do as a mere army commander?

"So, for you to push through a proposal in the Assembly that will be met with strong opposition, while bearing a political burden, is a considerable risk."

Christine looked at me, paused for a moment, and then asked.

"Despite this, do you think it's worth taking such a burden to accomplish this now?"

There is value.

War with the Germania Empire is inevitable. It is an empire that mobilized 30,000 troops even in wars that weren't their own.

How many troops will they mobilize in a war for the Empress, who is the real power?

We are in a situation where we should be normalizing the economy and preparing for it. But those legislators are still living in a dream world, thinking that as long as it doesn't affect them, it's fine.

What if we reject Kroxx's hand, and they unite the Iberian Peninsula anyway? From what I've seen of their capabilities, it might actually be possible.

How will we use Porto then? And what guarantee do we have that they, who have become hostile to us, will not covet the fertile territory of Francia during the war with the Germania Empire?

Above all, there is absolutely no benefit to letting more slaves, whether human or barbarian, fall into the hands of the Abyss Corporation, which is deliberately hostile to Francia.

But.

"...The value is sufficient. However, if there is even the slightest chance that you will be in danger, none of that matters."

Christine smiled and replied.

"You'll be in more danger than I will, won't you?"

If Christine says this, it means she's quite certain, even if there's no confirmation.

I wonder if I'm endangering not only myself but also Christine with my unnecessary greed.

As I was thinking about giving up, Christine, who had been watching my expression, spoke.

"Pierre, have you forgotten? You were indignant when I was attacked, but I did something similar, eliminating Jean Malo."

"That's different. We weren't members of the National Assembly then, and you only eliminated someone who denied our very existence without causing unnecessary civilian casualties. Now, they are threatening us, who joined at a high cost, and civilians-"

"The essence is the same, Pierre. In the end, both I and they have blood on our hands, and I can do it again if necessary. That's the kind of person I am."

"..."

"What you first asked of me was a countess who would help you with Aquitaine's influence."

Yes, I said that.

"Until now, you have been moving to avoid the miserable fate that awaits you if you remain complacent, and I have been helping you. Even if you..."

Christine seemed to choose her words carefully, and then spoke slowly.

"Even if you have come to regard me a little more... specially, that doesn't change. I'm not here to hold you back, but to help you. I'm only asking one thing, Pierre. Is it worth the risk for us to push this through?"

"...Yes."

"Good. I trust you, so I'll help you make it happen. So you do what you believe is necessary."

"...Is it possible?"

The opponent might even be Raphael Valliant.

Christine smiled deeply.

"Having already noticed, we're not incompetent enough to be caught off guard. If you allow me to do whatever it takes, even using the danger to our advantage, I can handle it."

"..."

When I was silent for a moment, Christine tilted her head slightly and asked.

"Are you disgusted by the kind of person I am?"

"...Not at all. I told you before. I trust you, so do what you think is necessary."

Christine smiled brightly.

"You don't go back on your word."

I sighed.

"I was going to avoid even the slightest chance of you being in danger."

"Anyway, protecting this country to protect Aquitaine is how I can be confident in front of Louis."

Christine said this, and after glaring at me for a moment, she spoke.

"I, too, believe that you won't put yourself in serious danger, and that's why I'm helping you. If you jump into the fire again this time, I really won't let you off the hook."

Ah, really.

"Can I kiss you?"

Christine, after glaring at me, blinked slowly, and confusion spread across her face.

As I was enjoying watching that, Christine asked bluntly.

"Were we having a conversation where that kind of question would come up?"

"Do you dislike it?"

Christine answered silently, and that was enough.

After sharing the sweet warmth, I whispered to her, feeling our breaths mingling.

"Let's do it. We were never the ones to run away from the beginning."

Facing the royal army, joining the revolutionaries, and defeating the witch.

We faced them with plans made when we chose to act. What are we going to do now, cower and play it safe?

If we have to clash once, let's face them at the moment we want, not the moment they want.