The office door opened hurriedly.
The soldier who had pushed open the door without knocking entered, gasping for breath. The air in the room instantly froze with tension. The repercussions of his hurried footsteps spread throughout the office, which had been quiet just moments before.
“My lord!”
Odelia, who was just about to get up from her seat, turned her head to look at the soldier.
Under normal circumstances, it was rare for someone to open the office door and enter in this manner. Talamand's administration was orderly, and reports followed a strict sequence. However, the soldier who had just entered looked so desperate that it seemed to disregard that order.
Philip was also looking at the soldier.
"What's the matter?"
When Odelia asked, the soldier caught his breath for a moment and then spoke.
"Urgent news from the port. A fleet claiming to be a diplomatic mission is approaching on the horizon."
Odelia's eyes narrowed. The soldier continued speaking.
"The flag is the diplomatic flag of the Bernadia Empire."
Bernardia.
It was a maritime nation located in the southern part of the continent. It was a country that had grown through trade, but at the same time, it was notorious for its warship operations. In particular, rumors had been circulating for several years that military activity in the surrounding waters had become more frequent.
Philip's gaze turned toward Odelia.
Odelia didn't say anything.
The soldier continued speaking.
"At first, it looked like a diplomatic ship, but...."
He paused for a moment.
"There are warships attached behind. There are many of them."
There was still no significant change in Odelia's face.
However, as soon as the soldier finished speaking, the air grew heavy all at once.
"And... They have already landed at the port."
Philip stiffened.
“They landed?”
"Yes. A diplomatic delegation entered the port demanding negotiations, and subsequently, troops disembarked from a warship. Currently, part of the port dock is occupied."
The soldier's voice lowered slightly.
"They have captured the port workers and merchants. They are holding the people hostage."
Inside the office, enveloped in silence, only the faint sound of the wind outside could be heard.
Philip was the first to break the silence and speak.
“What are the requirements?”
"The Bernadia delegation is demanding that a meeting be arranged, stating that they wish to negotiate directly with the Lord."
"Now?"
"Yes."
The soldier lowered his head.
"They say they will blockade the port. They threaten to execute the hostages if the Lord does not come out in person."
The conversation stopped there. This was because Odelia stood up from her seat.
"What is the number of warships on Bernadia's side?"
"There are currently six confirmed ships alone."
“Troops.”
"It is estimated to be over 300."
Her movements were so composed that it was hard to believe she had been taking a nap just moments ago. After briefly adjusting her collar, Odelia picked up her gloves.
Philip looked at her.
“My lord.”
Odelia spoke briefly.
“Get the carriage ready.”
***
When Odelia arrived at the harbor, the dock had already completely lost its usual vibrancy. The suppressed murmuring within the long lines, the breathing of people standing motionless, and the metallic clanging of the equipment and the unfamiliar soldiers surrounding them weighed heavily on the air.
The laborers and merchants of Talamand were gathered on one side of the dock.
To be precise, they were not gathered together, but were in a state where they had no choice but to be. This was because Bernadia soldiers were surrounding them with spears.
The soldiers' equipment was light and practical, typical of a naval force, and the armor, short spears, and crossbows strapped to their backs were visible through the armor, showing that they were not mere bodyguards.
A ship flying a diplomatic flag was anchored at the end of the pier. However, that ship was not the only one.
If Odelia shifted her gaze just a little further toward the sea, she could see warships lined up at regular intervals in the waters outside the harbor. They had not entered deep into the port. Yet, at the same time, they were close enough. They were in a position to intervene at any moment while maintaining the pretext of diplomacy.
Odelia stepped out of the carriage and walked slowly onto the dock. Her steps were unhurried, yet without hesitation. The Talamand soldiers cleared the way, and the gazes of the captive people turned toward her one by one.
And someone stepped forward as if to block that gaze.
He was the representative of the Bernadia delegation.
He wore a decoration embroidered with the coat of arms of the Bernadia Empire on the outside of silk, and a decorative sword at his waist. Although he was not wearing armor, the soldiers standing behind him were clearly explaining who he was.
He stopped at a certain distance and bowed his head politely.
"It is an honor to meet the Lord of Talamand in person. I have come representing the diplomatic delegation of the Bernadia Empire. My name is Aldo Bernier."
The tone was perfectly diplomatic. However, behind that greeting stood soldiers holding spears and civilians held captive as hostages.
Odelia looked at him for a moment.
She, too, did not disregard diplomatic formalities. However, she did not answer exaggeratedly either. She merely nodded slightly.
"I am Odelia Rubis, Lord of Talamand. I have received reports that the delegation has arrived at the port, but this is the first time I have seen a diplomatic mission controlling the harbor accompanied by armed forces."
Aldo Bernier smiled at those words.
"The term 'control' is a bit extreme. We merely secured an order in the port to facilitate the negotiations."
He continued speaking as he slowly looked around the dock and the sea.
"The Bernadia Empire hopes to expand trade with Talamand. Talamand is an important port connecting to the continent, and our Empire is also a center of maritime trade. If both sides cooperate, significant benefits can be gained."
His speech was calm, and his sentences were as organized as diplomatic documents.
"Therefore, we have come to make a proposal. Please designate a portion of the Port of Talamand as a supply port so that Bernadia merchant ships can receive supplies during long-distance voyages. Furthermore, if a commercial zone for the Bernadia trading company is established within the port, the scale of trade will expand significantly. In return, the Bernadia Empire is willing to support the expansion of port facilities and the construction of warehouses, and we can also take responsibility for maritime security in these waters. The Bernadia fleet will protect the area to prevent pirates and raiders from approaching."
On the surface, it was a rather plausible proposal. Support for port facilities, expansion of trade, and maritime protection—conditions that an ordinary port city might be tempted by.
After listening to him to the end, Odelia slowly opened her mouth.
"Let me summarize what you said. May I understand that the Bernadia merchant ships will freely use the Port of Talamand, that a commercial zone for the Bernadia trading company will be established within the port, and that Bernadia troops will be stationed there to be garrisoned?"
Aldo Bernier tilted his head while still maintaining a smile.
"The word 'stationing' sounds quite violent. The term 'protection' would be more appropriate."
Odelia's gaze briefly turned toward the sea. The sight of the warships lined up outside the harbor and the soldiers standing aboard them, came into view.
"Yes."
She looked at the diplomat again.
"So, you are saying that the Bernadia Empire will establish its own commercial district within the Port of Talamand and station troops there under the pretext of protecting it, which will consequently affect the port's customs and public order."
A brief silence followed.
The diplomat's smile thinned strangely.
Odelia continued speaking.
"It seems quite possible that a leased territory named a commercial district, along with troops stationed there, could even lead to customs control."
Aldo Bernier did not reply. Odelia calmly reached a conclusion.
"That proposal is no different from handing over part of the Port of Talamand to the Bernadia Empire."
"It seems you are overly suspicious, Lord."
Odelia's expression did not change.
"No. I merely did the calculations."
And she added neatly.
"Talamand does not accept that proposal. Furthermore, the Bernadia forces must withdraw from the port immediately. Please also release all the captive people of Talamand."
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