The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 108 : Thousand's Compensation

At the other end of the Palace, the Emperor was sitting in his Primary Audience Chamber. He had an important visitor, who he could not refuse to see. He hoped that Julien would be able to handle a simple matter of settling the matter between Dusk Hale and the Cartier Family. He hoped Julien would not allow his personal dislike of Cartier to cloud his judgement. If the matter could not be settled amicably, one of the oldest Noble Families in the country would soon be destroyed.

Dusk Hale was different from those generally involved with Nobility, Politics or even Business in Regis. She had strong opinions, very different from those of people he normally met. He could only hope that she would not be too stubborn and accept that she deserved to own that estate. It was a fine property, and it would enhance her position in their society.

Meanwhile, the man in front of him put down his cup and cleared his throat. He was the Deputy Prime Minister (DyPM) of Thousand Nations, Bravadia's strongest rival. He was on a 'Private Visit' to Bravadia, but put a request for audience with the Emperor.

While the necessities of Diplomacy needed them to accept the story, the Emperor did not believe the man was on any kind of Personal Visit. Why, for that matter, would the Deputy Prime Minister of Thousand Nations, ever want to be in Regis? He could not have friends here, nor would he have time to be a tourist. Willian Lidwig knew that the man had come directly from the Airport to the Imperial Palace, under protection of Imperial Security.

They sat across the coffee table, making meaningless small talk, waiting for an opportunity to come to the main purpose. On seeing that the DyPM was not accompanied by any Aide or Attendant, the Emperor had sent his secretary away.

"How was your visit, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister? I hope the purpose of your visit has been accomplish." The Emperor asked.

"Well, the purpose of my visit was to meet you." The visitor replied in uncharacteristic bluntness. "There was no other agenda. I will, however, be forced to visit some of the tourist sights of the city before I take my flight back. I will request you for a guide at that time."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow to indicate his surprise. But then, if his visitor had to pretend it was a personal visit, he had to visit some places to show it was so.

"I will arrange for the best guide we have in the city! If more people from our nations understand the culture and beauty of the other, it will enhance cooperation and peace. Please, what else can I do for you?" Emperor Willian Lidwig asked.

"Well... umm... you see, we have a bit of a problem on our hands, both of us... I am glad there is no one in the room. I assume Your Majesty works in a room that is protected from the ears of others."

Willian understood what his guest was trying to say. He nodded to assure the DyPM that there were no listening devices in that room.

"As you know... Your Crown Prince has been personally leading an investigation into a certain incident that happened a few weeks ago in a place called the Cartier Manor." The guest continued.

The Emperor's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. He was not expecting the visit to be about that matter... The matter was internal to Bravadia so far.

"Your Majesty, during some routine investigation at our end, we have come to know that there were some rogue elements in our country had sent money to the group that masterminded the plot. Please be assured that we have no hostile intention against Bravadia or its Royal Family."

"I see... And you came all the way to Regis to assure me of that? I am intrigued. Your Ambassador could have come and told me this." Willian Lidwig replied.

"Ah! Emperor! You are playing with me. We know how doggedly your grandson is following the investigation. It will be just a few days before he connects the plot to our nation. At that point, he will not believe that we were not aware or did not approve. We are trying to show our sincerity by being honest and coming to you with an information as soon as we have got it."