Reincarnated with the Country System

Chapter 70 Crossroads of Fate

Java Castle, a luxurious building located in Port Java.

It is spread over a wide area. First, the main entrance is entered through a large gate, which leads you to the inner courtyard. This courtyard surrounds the various parts of the palace. The main building is three stories high and contains various rooms, such as the great hall, bedrooms, and guest rooms.

There is a beautiful garden behind the palace, with flowers, trees and a pond. In addition, there are some additional buildings around the palace, such as horse stables and a coffee house.

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Currently, several high-ranking nobles were talking among themselves in a luxurious room located within this castle.

...

"If the Bernard Empire can provide us with riches and advancements, then we should embrace it—no matter the cost. Also, I hope they can help us against the Latvia Kingdom. Several of their warships have been spotted in our waters recently. Their movement does not seem convenient." Marquess Aqua said. She is a noblewoman under Duke Gorge in the eastern part of the kingdom. However, she has another identity: she is also a skilled Swordmaster. She is the youngest person here.

"I heard about it too," Marquis Sam said. A man in his forties, he is one of the richest businessmen in the Britannia Kingdom. Also, He is Duke Farl's cousin. "Also, a few months ago, one of their spies was captured in my region. You may have heard about it. But the representatives of Latvia denied it."

"Haa! It's very enterprising,"

"Also," Dutches Milana added, "The Anniliess Empire has started to increase their borders. They are currently at war with the Venus Republic."

"Huh, why are these huge countries so greedy?" Aqua asked. "Even after they have so much land, they want more land. Can't they let countries like us live in peace!?"

"Power breeds ambition," Sam murmured, his tone sombre. "They see themselves as superior, and we, as obstacles."

"But the matter of the Anniliess Empire is of great concern to us," Duke Gorge asserted.

"But they are far away from us," Aqua countered, turning back to face the others "They are in the western continent. If they want to come to us, they have to cross the Blue Ocean and North Ocean. It's not that simple."

"True, the distance is a factor," Gorge conceded. "However, after the Anniliess Empire's forces capture Venus, their next target will be the Vangal kingdom. Which will not be far from them. If this happens, we will not be able to expect any help from Vangal if we ever have a fight with Latvia in the future. Also, Aurelia has declared themselves a neutral nation. I don't think they will help us. So we may have to fight against the Latvia Kingdom alone.There are also rumours that the Indiana Empire is secretly supporting Latvia."

A palpable tension settled over the room as Aqua's face paled.

"Then we must seek the Malak Dynasty's aid," she declared, her voice laced with newfound urgency. "The Indiana Empire and the Malak Dynasty are not on amicable terms."

"But do you think they would be hostile to the Indiana Empire for us?" Milana regarded her with a sceptical gaze. "This world knows nothing but self-interest. They won't fight for us."

"Well, Milana, you are right. But our army is not that weak. If we combine the Royal Navy with all the ships owned by the nobles, we can muster a fleet of several hundred galleons. We also have nearly 200,000 ground troops. If necessary, we can recruit more," Duke Gorge stated confidently.

Milana nodded her head in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "You're right. There are many strong warriors in our country. In fact, we also have an S-rank Sorceress who is renowned for her incredible power."

Duke Gorge's demeanour shifted, a scowl forming on his face. "Ah, stop talking about that old lady. I really don't want to hear about her,"

Milana's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned forward slightly. "Huh! Why not? I've heard she was your first love," she teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Gorge's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. "That was a long time ago, and it has nothing to do with our current discussion!" he retorted, trying to regain control of the conversation.

Sam chuckled softly."Duke, don't mind but it sounds like you still have a soft spot for her."

Just as Gorge was about to say something, a servant entered.

"Excuse me, milords and miladies," he said. "An official from Bernard Empire has come to meet you."

The group exchanged curious glances.

"Okay tell him to come" Milana said

The servant bowed and left, and after some time, a man dressed in white entered.

The man in white suddenly spoke,

"Okay, I will introduce myself, I am 1st Lieutenant Kira from the Bernard Empire Navy. I'm here to discuss matters concerning the security of our nation. "

Duke Gorge raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh! Is there an issue within your country? I trust there are no internal conflicts that necessitate this security briefing."

Lieutenant Kira quickly reassured him, "Do not worry, Sir. The matter at hand is not of internal strife. We consider communicable diseases a significant threat to our national security. Therefore, I am here to request permission to conduct medical checkups on your slaves."

The four nobles in the room were silent for a while, which made Kira feel uncomfortable for a moment.

Finally, Duchess Milana broke the silence. "Well, I suppose it is for security reasons. I will allow it. But let me be clear: do not harm them. Do you have any idea how costly our investments in slaves are."

Sam nodded, "Well, I agree with Duchess Milana, I would allow it as long you don't damage our property."

Aqua said, "I also allow, but take care of them carefully."

Duke Gorge, after a moment of thought, said, "I see no harm in this, but just make sure that you will handle them properly. Some of the slaves we own are quite feisty."

Lieutenant Kira nodded, grateful for their understanding. "Thank you for your cooperation. I believe that concludes our meeting. I will proceed with the checkups immediately."

With a crisp salute, Lieutenant Kira exited the room

Lieutenant Kira was having these thoughts while walking, {Hmm, I think those nobles sure hate to use the word humans with their slaves. Well, it might be because of the cultural difference here.}