The next day, Talamand's meeting room was filled with suffocating tension.
In this place where nobles and merchant guild representatives had gathered, their gazes were fixed on one spot. It was Calix, seated at the place of honor, and Odelia, kneeling respectfully before him.
"The purpose of today's gathering is clear. Talamand's trade network must not be allowed to shake the order of the Empire."
Calix's voice, ringing in the meeting room, was firm yet calm.
"The Imperial Household will impose regulations on Talamand's trade network. However, the purpose is not oppression, but to maintain balance."
The nobles exchanged glances, concealing their satisfied smiles. For this was exactly what they needed.
"I will follow Your Majesty's will."
Silence fell over the meeting room at Odelia's firm and unwavering voice.
"No, if it comes to this..."
"She looks unexpectedly docile."
The merchant representatives could not shake off their expressions of dissatisfaction, and the nobles raised their eyebrows and looked at Odelia with a slightly puzzled look.
“There is just one condition.”
Her calm yet somewhat fierce voice burst out, cutting through the confusion in the room.
"We request the Imperial Family's support for the mining of Adamant Ore."
Suddenly, the meeting room was enveloped in a frozen silence.
The nobles' eyes all turned to Odelia. Who could have imagined that she would dare to set conditions on the Emperor in return?
"Adamant...?"
Besides, Adamant. How did she know of the existence of that diamond found only in Talamand, considering that its supply was completely cut off after the Rubis clan was destroyed?
Calix on the podium was gazing at Odelia without changing his expression. On the contrary, a look of contentment flickered in his eyes.
***
After the conversation ended and before the next schedule began, the nobles gathered in small groups and whispered about the results of the meeting.
"How on earth does that woman know about the Adamant Mine?"
"She certainly had some guts. To think she would actually make a proposal in front of His Majesty..."
"No, His Majesty, why on earth did he accept that proposal?"
"Still, this statement put the bourgeoisie in check. We won't have to see the merchant guilds running wild anymore."
Giving up the flesh to gain the bone. Isn't that just how it is? They were the ones grumbling amongst themselves, rationalizing that with this, they had put the bourgeoisie, and of course Odelia, in their place.
Afterwards, Odelia personally guided them around various parts of Talamand.
"This is the recently expanded Southern Market. Trade is active here, so the market offers a wide variety of goods."
Odelia explained in a calm voice. Flags from each guild were fluttering on both sides of the long avenue, and foreign merchants were actively buying and selling goods here and there.
The nobles who had come with Calix also exchanged words one by one. Without exception, they were marveling at the fact that it had prospered this much in such a short period of time.
Calix slowly looked around the scene, and a subtle smile played on his lips.
"You must have had quite a hard time."
"This was made possible thanks to Your Majesty's interest and support."
Odelia's answer sounded somewhat perfunctory, but both of them knew that it was true to some extent.
Afterwards, the Emperor and his party completed all official engagements in Talamand and departed. The space left by the guests in the capital was once again filled with bustling activity.
***
The nobles who had visited Talamand with Calix gathered at the Imperial Palace.
It was a banquet to commemorate the Emperor's return and to share the new direction of the Empire going forward.
Fabiana appeared at the scene wearing a diamond necklace. A symbol and legacy of the empire, bestowed only upon the bearer of an heir.
It was also the necklace that Calix's mother was wearing just before she died.
The nobles immediately recognized that she was wearing it and could not take their eyes off her.
With the palace servants and ladies-in-waiting stepping back, Fabiana approached Calix. She intended to show off that she was the mistress of the imperial household right there and then, at the same time, irritate Calix.
Look. This necklace is mine now. Whether you postpone the marriage or whatever, the outcome is set in stone.
Fabiana stepped forward and bowed her head in accordance with etiquette. However, her eyes were fixed straight on him. It was because she wanted to clearly see with her own eyes the hardened expression on his face as he looked at the necklace.
May he see this necklace and become enraged, his mood twisted as he recalls his mother's death.
The necklace sparkled in the light, shining like a spear aimed at Calix.
However, there was no change in Calix's expression. He merely glanced at her for a moment, then spoke as if it were nothing.
“It suits you well.”
Fabiana froze, her face still holding a smile. What's going on? I thought he would get angry.
The Emperor sat down and raised his glass without looking any further. Fabiana sat back down at the table, feeling as if she were drinking cold wine.
The provocation she had prepared ended in such futility.
After the banquet ended, Fabiana called aside a few of the ministers who had gone to Talamandr with the Emperor.
"What did you talk about with His Majesty?"
The ministers exchanged glances. After glancing at each other to pass the answer to one another, one of them reluctantly opened his mouth.
"It was merely a speech intended to control the merchant guild, Your Majesty."
“Is that really all it is?”
"Yes. There was no further discussion beyond that."
The conversation ended there. The ministers bowed their heads and spoke no further.
Their subtle silence and glances suggested there was more, but Fabiana did not ask any further. Prying into their stories would only reveal that she was unaware of something.
There's definitely something going on. But I don't know what on earth it is...
Swallowing her anxiety and curiosity, she emptied the glass. Suddenly, the weight of the necklace felt heavy.
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