The First Vampire - Chapter 311
Chapter 311: 310 Offering Strategy (II)_1
Why did Colin let Vera go back to the Phoenix Palace first?
Because, he felt guilty.
The reform proposal for the Senate he just brought up would indeed substantially weaken the Governor’s influence.
But at the same time, it would also significantly harm the interests of the five Holy Knight Families.
Imagine, if an elder from one of the Holy Knight Families failed to be elected as the Governor after the reform, how awkward that would be.
This would greatly damage the prestige of that Holy Knight Family, and the interests of this family in the Senate would not be guaranteed either.
So, Colin was worried that this proposal would provoke Vera’s opposition. After all, Vera was about to become the Northern Duke, and would inevitably consider things from the St. Hilde family’s standpoint.
Of course, Colin was confident that he could persuade Vera, because as the situation stood, Governor Sebastian was a hindrance rather than a help to the St. Hilde family, or more precisely, to Vera and Colin.
However, it’s best to avoid unnecessary problems, and moreover, Colin did not want to offend the other Holy Knight families because of this.
“Prime Minister, this proposal is a gift I give to you. The only request is that when you take it to the Imperial Conference, don’t mention my name.”
“Oh? Are you sure?” Baron Heidegger’s face became even more fascinating. “I am ninety percent sure I can get this proposal passed. This is a golden opportunity to change the political situation in the empire, even history!
Viscount Angler, are you willing to just hand over such a chance for fame to me?”
Colin nonchalantly said, “It’s just a reputation after all, I don’t mind. As long as the political situation in the empire improves because of this, I would be more than satisfied.”
Baron Heidegger chuckled thoughtfully, seeming to see through Colin’s mind, but he didn’t care.
This reform proposal, to him, is an excellent opportunity to weaken the influence of the Senate.
Even ignoring his personal animosity with the Senate, from the political standpoint of the Prime Minister of the Empire, Baron Heidegger would also prefer to have less interference from the Senate.
As for offending the Holy Knight families, Baron Heidegger cared less, as his power and position all came from the Emperor. The impressions of him by the four Dukes, they didn’t matter that much.
Moreover, Baron Heidegger was confident that His Majesty the Emperor would surely support this reform proposal. After all, the Senate was set up to limit the Emperor’s power, and the Emperor would probably wish to completely remove it.
“Viscount, your integrity impresses me!
Since it is so, then I won’t stand on ceremony. I will immediately arrange for this reform proposal to be discussed at the Imperial Conference, I’m sure His Majesty the Emperor will be very interested.
However, I am still a bit uncomfortable for simply taking your wisdom as my own. If you have any requests, you may take this opportunity to raise them, I will try my best to help.”
Colin’s eyes lit up immediately, and he said, “Prime Minister, you most likely know that the North had just gone through two upheavals. The people’s livelihood is bleak, and famine is wreaking havoc. If the central empire could provide some food aid, I would be deeply grateful!”
Hearing this, Baron Heidegger immediately furrowed his brow in thought. After a moment, he shook his head with a sigh, “Viscount, I’m afraid that request might be difficult.
It’s not that I don’t want to help you. There is indeed some food storage in the national treasury. However, His Majesty the Emperor already has plans for this batch of food, so…”
Colin’s heart stirred, and he asked, “Could it be it’s intended for the Westland?”
“Yes.” Baron Heidegger nodded, and seeing the look on Colin’s face, he added, “Viscount, pardon my frankness, but Westland needs this batch of food even more. The expeditionary force crossing the Sky Breaking Mountain Range is still fighting the Orcs, and without this batch of food support, I fear there would be a big problem.
Although the North is also facing a food crisis, after all, the rebellion has been quelled. And I also know that you seem to be well prepared, and the food from the Half-Elf Kingdom, although unable to completely fulfil the needs of the North, can at least alleviate the crisis on hand.”
Colin was silent.
He knew that the Emperor’s decision to support the Westland over the North Territory was perhaps due partly to their war with the Orcs, but more so because of Duke St. Gregorian, the Holy Knight.
His existence made the Westland more appealing to win over.
Maybe in the eyes of the Emperor, elevating Vera to the position of Duchess, and making Prince Harrison a student of Colin, were already the utmost forms of winning over.
“Alright, I understand your predicament,” Colin smiled. “However, as you know, the cost of purchasing food from the Half-Elves is not a small amount, and the current financial situation of the St. Hilde family is extremely difficult. So, could the imperial central government exemption some of North Territory’s taxes?”
Baron Heidegger hesitated, “I can mention it at the Imperial Conference, but whether it will be successful, or how much relief can be given, that depends on His Majesty’s will.”
“I appreciate your effort!” Colin could only express his thanks, without pushing further.
After some thought, Baron Heidegger suddenly proposed: “Viscount Sir, if you wish to obtain more tax relief, I have a way.”
“Please speak.”
Baron Heidegger lowered his voice and said, “You can march towards the Eastland.”
Colin understood immediately what Baron Heidegger meant.
In fact, this was the real reason why Emperor Reinhardt wanted to win over the North Territory.
The Eastland’s complete alignment with the Church has long been a thorn in the side of Emperor Reinhardt. If Colin can lead his troops to cross the Angry River, even capture White Dew City, no matter how much support the North Territory requires, the Emperor would agree without hesitation.
But unfortunately, Colin was unwilling to become the Emperor’s weapon of killing.
What’s more, given the current state of the North Territory, it could not withstand another war. If forced to start a war with the Eastland, the North Territory might indeed see a human tragedy of famished bodies everywhere.
“I’ll think about it.” Colin’s expression was indifferent.
Baron Heidegger seemed to perceive Colin’s lack of enthusiasm and laughed, “In fact, you don’t have to actually ignite a war, just present an intent to march into Eastland. That way, I can plead for the North Territory in the Imperial Conference.”
Colin stroked his chin, suddenly a city’s name surfaced in his mind – Alfalfa City.
Perhaps, they could launch a surprise attack and occupy Alfalfa City when Eastland is unprepared.
Alfalfa City does not have a defense force, and can be captured by a surprise attack without dispatching a large army. However, its geographical location makes it sensitive, which could easily lead to a standoff between the two territories.
Colin could also use this as a chance to demonstrate his “loyalty” to the royal family, and incidentally “seek aid.”
“Alright, I’ll consider it.” Colin repeated his words, but his expression was more serious.
Baron Heidegger also noticed that Colin wasn’t brushing him off this time, so he simply chuckled and didn’t say any more.
The two chatted casually for a while longer, then Colin got up to take his leave.
As Baron Heidegger escorted Colin to the door, he suddenly laughed, “Viscount Sir, you have indeed done me a great favor this time. As a personal token of gratitude, I’d like to give you a gift.”
Colin’s expression stirred, he smiled, and asked, “And what might that be?”
Baron Heidegger mysteriously said, “When you return to the North Territory, if you have the time, you might want to take a small detour and visit Springs Town. You might find an unexpected surprise.”
Colin furrowed his brows, seeing that the Prime Minister had no intention of elaborating, he didn’t ask further. After agreeing casually, he said goodbye and left.
