LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 86 (S2) : Manipulation and Intrigue; A Dangerous Diplomacy
"Indeed, Goddess-sama, I need allies to seize the throne,"
"Then if I help you take the throne, what will I get? What’s in it for me?"
Hearing the White Goddess's question made Princess Ivy think again, and a worst-case scenario emerged in her mind.
(Become a vassal state? No, no... I don’t want the Igrasian Empire, which once dominated the western continent, to become a vassal or subordinate state.)
(At the very least, I will try to establish cooperation without sacrificing my empire.)
(No matter how bad a princess or prince may be, they would never sell their own country to someone else, unless their country has already been reduced to ruins.)
An idea then popped into Princess Ivy's mind, making her smile slyly.
"What if I legalize the religion of the White Goddess and make it the only religion in the Igrasian Empire?"
Princess Ivy also occasionally glanced around her, especially at the demons and monsters. This allowed her to conclude that a collaboration between the Lunarian Goddess's religion and the White Goddess's religion was impossible. The Lunarian Theocracy often engaged in conflict with the Demon Lord, even though they were very far apart.
(In other words, I can also eliminate the influence of the Lunarian Theocracy or Lunarian religion from the Igrasian Empire.)
Thinking about this made Princess Ivy smile cunningly, as she could also use the White Goddess to rid herself of the influence of the Lunarian Goddess.
"Just a religion? I need more than just an abstract promise. Your empire needs to provide concrete evidence that you deserve to be allies. And isn't it true that in the Igrasian Empire, all religions are allowed? This is stated in the Third Vanix Charter, which was formalized in the year 478,"
Alice also recalled that before this meeting, she had gathered some information about the Igrasian Empire, certainly obtained from Marquess Ronald, Clarissa, and Boo.
"True, but the Emperor or Empress has an absolute directive that can change the contents of that charter, and of course, I will make the religion of the White Goddess-sama the only legal religion in the Igrasian Empire."
(Even though the White Goddess has everything, it seems her worshippers are still very few.)
On the other hand, Alice was quite interested in Princess Ivy's offer. The population of the Igrasian Empire is currently around 70 million, and imagining many people worshiping Alice made her even more excited.
(In other words, if I gain at least 10 million followers, I can summon four more of my Servants.)
(Hahaha… It’s not a loss that while playing the game Monsterland, I trained all my servants, and even almost spent all my time on it besides working, sleeping, and eating.)
(I’m sure if all my Servants gather, the Lunarian Goddess or any other god is not a threat.)
"An intriguing offer, but it’s still not enough for me," Alice said, her eyes glowing red.
Seeing the glowing red eyes of the White Goddess made Princess Ivy think again.
(Religion is settled... What about wealth? Ah, I have an idea!)
"Then, Goddess-sama, you can request me. I don’t know what you desire as a condition for this cooperation,"
Alice was quite pleased that Princess Ivy was allowing her to make a request. Of course, Alice would not make a request first, as this could involve her pride as a goddess.
"Oh? I agree with the first benefit, but I don’t think that’s enough, as seizing the throne is a very complex matter, and it certainly doesn’t compare to the first benefit."
"I plan—more precisely, I have already established a nation called Greater Azaroth, which encompasses the entire Abyssal Forest, and I have built the capital right in the middle of this forest. So, what other benefits can you offer?"
(I must maintain my dignity by not making requests directly.)
Hearing the White Goddess's words left Princess Ivy shocked and shivering. She hadn’t expected such power to build a nation right next to the Igrasian Empire.
(WHAT!!!????? THE WHITE GODDESS IS CREATING A COUNTRY!!!!???? CALM.... CALM......)
(I can predict this will change the geopolitical landscape and the balance of power on the Western continent, potentially shattering the dominance of several countries at once.)
"One of the requirements for a country’s establishment is recognition by other nations, so if I successfully take the throne, I will recognize Greater Azaroth as well. What do you think?"
Princess Ivy was trying desperately to calm herself as she started to panic. Her hands clenched tightly, her pale fingers trembling slightly. Her face remained calm, but a flash of anxiety crossed her eyes as she racked her brain for a way out.
(In other words, if Greater Azaroth attacks the Igrasian Empire, it would be a total disaster for the Igrasian Empire.)
(I absolutely cannot make the White Goddess an enemy; I must make her a friend or ally.)
"That's not interesting... What if I erase the Igrasian Empire from the map as proof to the world that a country that does not recognize me will be destroyed like that?"
Hearing the White Goddess's words made Princess Ivy even more certain that her current position was far lower and weaker compared to the White Goddess. Of course, the White Goddess's words frightened some nobles, but a few were also annoyed, especially those who could not distinguish between absolute power.
(This is a direct threat.)
It could be said that this was the first time Princess Ivy had received a direct threat, and it was certainly very serious and dangerous.
"R-right, Goddess-sama could destroy the Igrasian Empire at any time. Then I can offer another benefit: the Igrasian Empire can provide food, materials, and resources at prices below market rates, and the high-ranking officials of the White Goddess-sama's religion will receive special treatment in the Igrasian Empire. How does that sound?"
"Then, the Igrasian Empire will support Greater Azaroth, both offensively and defensively, and will certainly provide diplomatic assistance in case of diplomatic conflict. How about that?"
"Even if Goddess-sama requires sacrifices, I can provide them regularly."
Princess Ivy was genuinely offering what she thought she could provide, and of course, her statement left Princess Ciel and many other nobles very shocked.
(Sister is losing her composure... Haha, this is interesting...)
(This is the first time I've seen Sister so unsettled. Ahhhh... This is fun... Goddess-sama made that happen.)
Princess Ciel was also very aware that her sister was losing her composure and was quite panicked after receiving a direct threat from the White Goddess.
The White Goddess smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming sharply. "Certainly, I will accept your support, Princess Ivy. However, remember, our cooperation must provide significant benefits—and I am not a being satisfied with small gains."
"Lastly, I want to request that all my subordinates be free to operate or move into the Igrasian Empire. They will not disturb you, and I can guarantee that."
"I agree."
Princess Ivy immediately agreed without thinking too long; at least she was getting a good deal for now.
(The longer it goes on, I am sure the price paid for cooperation with the White Goddess will become more expensive.)
(At least, this is a cheap price because I don’t have to sacrifice my empire for the ambition of seizing the throne.)
(Father... I won’t let Prince Philips take the throne.)
"Good," said Alice.
"Oh yes, before I forget, I want to ask, Goddess-sama, who is the head of state of Greater Azaroth?"
Alice also remembered that she hadn’t introduced Arina to Princess Ivy yet.
"The head of state of Greater Azaroth is not a king or queen, but someone who holds the title of Supreme Chancellor, and I would like to introduce Supreme Chancellor Arina Sirius," said Alice.
Arina then stepped forward a few steps after being introduced by Alice.
"Nice to meet you, Princess Ivy, Princess Ciel, and other nobles. I am Supreme Chancellor Arina Sirius."
(Chancellor, huh? That’s like the title of a leader of a country in the central continent or the heartland.)
(And I didn't expect that brown-haired woman to be the Supreme Chancellor.)
"Nice to meet you, Miss Supreme Chancellor," said Princess Ivy, striking a noble pose.
Briefly, after the introduction, the topic returned to the cooperation between Princess Ivy and Alice.
"So, we will work together, right?"
"Indeed, Goddess-sama,"
Alice then stood up immediately.
"HEAR THIS, ALL MY SERVANTS AND SUBORDINATES!!!! STARTING TODAY, WE ARE COOPERATING WITH PRINCESS IVY OF THE IGRASIAN EMPIRE!!! I HOPE NO ONE WILL RUIN THIS COOPERATION!!!!"
After hearing Alice's words, the Primordial Demons, Pure Primordial Demons, the 7 Demon Commanders, and all the Servants immediately knelt before Alice, bowing deeply.
"WE UNDERSTAND, ALICE-SAMA!!!!!"
Princess Ivy, Princess Ciel, and the other nobles were quite surprised by the charisma displayed by the White Goddess.
Alice then sat back down.
"I will add one more thing: I will maintain the status quo between our two nations in the future."
Alice's statement certainly made Princess Ivy and the others breathe a sigh of relief, as Alice intended to keep the status quo.
In short, the diplomacy concluded with cooperation between Alice and Princess Ivy's faction from the Igrasian Empire, aimed at helping Princess Ivy seize the throne of the Igrasian Empire. Princess Ivy's entourage decided to head back immediately, even though Alice offered them the option to stay overnight.
After they left, Alice decided to discuss matters with her Servants, feeling quite anxious about possibly making a mistake in the earlier diplomatic negotiations. While Alice could destroy the Igrasian Empire, ruling over ruins would be very disadvantageous.
"So, Arina, what do you think about the negotiation just now?"
Immediately, Arina smiled gently and looked at Alice.
"It was certainly very good! Alice-sama managed to gain a lot from this meeting," Arina said.
"Oh?"
"Not just religion, but also materials and food sold at low prices, and our freedom to operate in the Igrasian Empire. This will make it easier for us to do anything within the Igrasian Empire."
"Hmmm... What about you, Boo?"
"I am very pleased, Alice-sama! Because with this, I can further develop Dark Origins."
Not long after, Beelzebub raised his hand, and Alice certainly noticed it.
"Yes, what is it, Beelzebub?"
"Alice-sama, the Cult has attacked our 7 bases simultaneously located at the edge of Marquess Ronald's territory."
Hearing this made Alice's eyes glow red.
"BOO! I COMMAND YOU TO DESTROY THOSE CULT MEMBERS AND TURN THEM INTO FOOD FOR THE CAMEL!!"
"Understood, Alice-sama. Then I, Beelzebub, and Behemoth take our leave."