(Charlotte was not personally present, I was muddled writing an overnight update yesterday; the end of the last chapter has been corrected.)

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Above the palace, two crowned leaders sat opposite each other.

The Northern Territory Duke, Stefan Sobieski, smiled as he looked at the young girl on the other side, seemingly waiting for her answer.

However, if one observed carefully, they would notice that Charlotte, seated upon another throne, did not look quite real.

Her body was surrounded by the brilliance of magic power, and her entire figure seemed somewhat ethereal.

Obviously, this was not her real body but some sort of magical projection.

Watching the Northern Territory Duke on the other side waiting for an answer, Charlotte smiled as well:

"Your Grace, thank you for your understanding."

"I have given careful thought to the cooperation proposal from the Northern Territory Envoy. In fact, as the Queen of Falling Star and the Lord of Castel, I am also willing to have friendly relations with the Northern Territory."

"However, all cooperation should be built on a foundation of honesty. Since the Northern Territory hopes for my support with the Grand Duchy's 'religious reform' and wants me to affirm your faith in the capacity of the 'Saintess,' as well as establish friendly relations with Falling Star Kingdom, then... I believe I too have the right to know, what exactly is your purpose?"

Listening to Charlotte's words, Duke Stefan sighed slightly and said:

"Your Majesty Charlotte, in our positions, we know more than the average person."

"I believe you are also aware of the prophecy of Holy Presence Day. As the ruler of the Northern Territory, my desires are few; I merely wish to ensure self-preservation in the face of the imminent drastic changes."

"The faith of the Northern Territory is too fragmented. Some tribes even still worship the ancient Old Gods. On Holy Presence Day, these are all hidden dangers for the fragmentation of the Northern Territory."

"To this end, as the ruler of the Northern Territory, I am willing to pay any price to eradicate these dangers!"

Charlotte looked deeply at Duke Stefan:

"Oh? Any price? Does that include cooperation with the Bloodline?"

Duke Stefan paused slightly.

He exhaleıd and said:

"Is this information you've learned from the Bloodline of Falling Star Kingdom?"

"Your Majesty Charlotte, everyone has secrets; I have mine, and you have yours, whether it be the mysterious Church or the Saintess of the Royal Court. I will not pry into your secrets excessively, and, similarly... I hope you will respect the secrets of the Northern Territory."

"I am aware that you are not a true believer of the Divine Lord, and I understand that there is likely another God standing behind you, but what the Northern Territory seeks does not conflict with your interests."

"No... on the contrary, in a certain sense, we should naturally be allies."

"You mention my cooperation with the Bloodline, but aren't you also in contact with the Bloodline of Falling Star Kingdom? We are both attempting to subvert the order of the Royal Court, the 'rebels' and 'challengers.' You are, I am, and likely even Louis V of New Moon Kingdom as well. We... are not enemies."

The 'rebels' and 'challengers' attempting to subvert the order of the Royal Court, hm...

Charlotte reflected on this.

She looked deeply at Duke Stefan and said:

"Then... what are your terms?"

"As you said, support the religious reform of my nation, recognize our existence in the capacity of a Saintess, stand with the Northern Territory when the Holy Royal Court attempts to interfere, and, furthermore... strengthen the cultural and magic-guided technology communication and exchange between us. Officially allow scholars from the Northern Territory to attend various academies in Falling Star and Castel for study."

Duke Stefan stated.

As he spoke, he looked toward the Magic Energy Crystal flickering with magical brilliance where Charlotte was seated and sighed:

"I have always held the magic-guided technology of Falling Star Kingdom in high esteem, such as the magical projection crystal you are currently using to communicate with me from a distance. If we in the Northern Territory could produce it as well, I can't imagine how much time it would save in various diplomatic activities."

Continuing, he added:

"Of course, the Northern Territory will also support the sovereignty of Falling Star over Roman and Castel when New Moon Kingdom tries to provoke war, stand with Falling Star..."

"The Northern Territory will also lift the restrictions on Transcendent trade, allowing merchants from Falling Star Kingdom to engage in trade related to Transcendent resources in the Northern Territory."

"At the same time, when the Holy Royal Court attempts to attack Falling Star Kingdom, the Northern Territory will also provide support, jointly confronting the possible Holy Legion."

"Your Majesty Charlotte, do you accept such terms?"

Charlotte pondered for a moment and then said:

"It's not enough. I don't care about other faiths in the Northern Territory, but the faith of the Free Tribe Alliance... must be preserved."

"Oh? The faith of the Free Tribe Alliance? Your Majesty Charlotte, may I know the reason? If I remember correctly, one of your followers also seems to be working for the Free Tribe Alliance. I've heard that someone in their tribes had an Awakening of Totem power recently; does this... have something to do with the God behind you?"

Duke Stefan raised his eyebrows in query.

Charlotte smiled slightly:

"Your Grace, everyone has secrets, and I hope we can respect each other."

"Of course, if you are willing to introduce me to the Transcendent Force behind you, that would be a different matter."

Duke Stefan was momentarily startled, as if he didn't expect the boomerang to come back to him.

He smiled faintly and said:

"Your Majesty Charlotte, you jest. It's just an Alliance of tribes. Since you care so much, I can agree to your terms, but similarly, I also have a condition."