Crown Prince Sells Medicine
Chapter 88

 I Next

Diplomacy is completely foreign to Raciel. Naturally, he had never attempted it. He had never received any relevant education either. To him, diplomacy appeared as an extravagant and elusive notion.

‘Indirect exposure is all I possess.’

He had caught wind of international summits on the news, where leaders from different nations gathered and engaged in trade agreements and the like.

That was the extent of his knowledge.

Occasionally, he recalls instances like eating chicken while tuning in to breaking news about North Korea launching missiles into the East Sea. He had even dabbled in diplomatic scenarios within games like “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” or other strategy-based games. So, contemplating diplomatic discussions with Anbouaz’s ambassador? Clearly, it would be a fool’s errand.

‘Picking a fight with an expert… That’s asking for trouble.’

Indeed, this encapsulates the reality of the world.

Experts are experts for a reason. If you recklessly challenge them, you’ll be swiftly defeated. If the roles were reversed, and Anbouaz’s ambassador dared him to a duel of acupuncture, wielding a needle and puffing away, how absurd would that be? The same principle applies.

‘I must acknowledge what I lack knowledge in. I don’t even grasp the basics of diplomacy. So, attempting to face the impending Anbouaz ambassador with diplomatic schemes and rhetoric wouldn’t be wise.’

He needs to equip himself with his own strategy. He cannot participate in diplomatic negotiations on equal footing. So, what’s his next move?

‘I need to bring the ambassador into my realm of expertise.’

At the end of the lengthy corridor.

He finally reaches the conference room.

Facing it, Raciel takes a deep breath. He has settled on the attitude and strategy he will adopt upon encountering Anbouaz’s ambassador. Once again, he reviews the goal he aims to accomplish today.

‘Preventing a major war.’

For the sake of the Magentano Empire’s peace. For his comfortable life as a member of the royal family and his prosperous retirement as an unemployed individual.

With strong determination, he steps forward and enters the conference room. However, he doesn’t put on a diplomatic façade. Instead, he employs a form of self-mind control.

‘This isn’t a conference room. It’s an examination room. My first patient of the morning is waiting. I missed the subway on my way to work, and I’m just a minute late. A minor delay.’

…The mental simulation is complete. As a result, a familiar smile naturally graces his face.

“My apologies for the delay. Have you been waiting for long?”

“…”

The middle-aged man, likely the Anbouaz ambassador, Baron Vengermein, awkwardly rises from his seat. The ambassador’s surprise is barely concealed. Did Raciel’s greeting catch him off guard? Or is he astonished that it isn’t the emperor who walks into the conference room?

‘It’s likely the latter.’

The ambassador’s astonished expression disappears within half a second.

“Oh, my apologies. I am Baron Vengermein, the ambassador of Anbouaz. It’s an honor to meet the crown prince of Magentano.”

The ambassador conveys his respect smoothly. His ability to regain composure is swifter than 5G. Clearly, he’s a seasoned veteran in the diplomatic arena.

Raciel takes his seat across from the ambassador, maintaining the mental simulation he established. He gazes at the ambassador with the scrutiny of a doctor assessing a patient.

“Um, have you been experiencing sleep deprivation lately?”

“…Pardon me?”

Perhaps his question catches the ambassador off guard. The ambassador’s smile wavers momentarily. However, Raciel remains unfazed.

He mustn’t cease speaking. He mustn’t cede control to the ambassador. Allowing himself to be drawn into the diplomatic arena would tip the negotiations against him. With this in mind, Raciel continues without affording the ambassador an opportunity to take charge.

“I’ve noticed dark circles beneath your eyes. Your eyelids are drooping, there’s a slight tremor in your fingertips, and a faint staleness in your breath. Do you indulge in drinking and smoking?”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“I’m sure you wake up with a heavy head every morning. The muscles around your neck, particularly the levator scapulae, must be in a state of chronic tension. You likely experience frequent headaches accompanied by a tight sensation in your back, am I right?”

“That’s true, but how does that relate to the current situation?”

“It’s relevant.”

Raciel grinned.

“The ambassador is a cherished and esteemed guest, vested with full authority from the Kingdom of Anbouaz to represent their imperial court. One could say he’s a direct representative of the royal family of Anbouaz. But what should I do if I observe signs of potential health issues in such an esteemed guest? I can’t just ignore it, can I? No, certainly not. That would be unforgivable.”

“What exactly are you implying?”

“It means that the ambassador’s well-being matters not only to me but also to the Magentano imperial family. So, if you wouldn’t mind, may I examine your wrist?”

“….”

The Crown Prince’s request flowed so naturally that the Anbouaz ambassador found himself momentarily speechless. He wasn’t sure how to respond or what exactly the prince was aiming at.

‘What is his intention?’

A myriad of questions raced through his mind.

In truth, when the Crown Prince initially brought up the dark circles around his eyes and other physical features, the ambassador had taken it as an unusual approach to inquiring about his welfare. A simple courtesy. How have you been? Are your children growing well? Has the property you purchased appreciated in value?

He had regarded it as an unconventional take on the usual pleasantries and had responded accordingly, without hesitation, but rather awkwardly.

However, that was a miscalculation!

Thinking it was just a standard exchange, he had acquiesced. Now, he was being drawn into a peculiar line of dialogue!

‘Wasn’t it just a regular greeting? What’s this about? What does he want?’

The ambassador’s mind raced.

Soon enough, he arrived at a conclusion.

“…I’m perfectly fine. My health is overseen by the doctor and staff who accompanied me from Anbouaz, so I appreciate your kind concern.”

The ambassador didn’t extend his wrist; instead, he tensed up. He wanted to conclude this odd conversation and transition to the familiar diplomatic discussions.

‘Today, the emperor summoned me to hold me accountable.’

The ambassador was well aware of the purpose of today’s meeting. It concerned his homeland, the renowned merchant Guines from Anbouaz.

‘He intends to protest the inadequate response he witnessed at the Cremo port. It wasn’t a mere mishap. It evolved into a significant incident involving the Crown Prince.’

What if the Crown Prince had perished that day? This meeting wouldn’t even be happening. Instead, a full-fledged war might have erupted.

‘Regardless, the emperor would have sought answers from us about that day. He would have demanded reparations.’

Substantial compensation. Or unilateral adjustments to trade tariffs. Exclusive development rights in specific border regions, and more. The ambassador had strong suspicions that the emperor would present such substantial demands. He had prepared himself for the emperor’s ultimatums.

Masterful negotiation and careful consideration of options. Dividing and sharing mutual interests, the ambassador had meticulously laid out strategies for protracted discussions with the emperor spanning several days.

But the reality?

He couldn’t even play those cards!

“No, no, that’s not accurate. You’re content with acknowledging my concern? Are you insinuating that our empire lacks divinity and ethics? Imagine if you were to fall ill or collapse—how much blame would our Magentano imperial family incur?”

“Well, uh…”

‘…Why speak in such a manner? When have you ever shown concern for my well-being?’

Though the Ambassador wished to respond sarcastically, Raciel remained composed and adept. The moment the Ambassador raised his hand in frustration, Raciel’s hand moved with equal swiftness.

With the finesse of an experienced practitioner who instinctively seizes the wrists of numerous young patients at an Oriental medicine clinic, Raciel showcased his skill.

Clutch.

As if the North and South poles of a magnet were aligning, Raciel deftly grasped the Ambassador’s wrist. There was hardly any room for the Ambassador to react. Raciel swiftly took the Ambassador’s pulse and employed palpation skill. Then, he purposefully adopted a sympathetic expression.

“Hmm, just as I suspected. You’ve been indulging in excessive drinking and smoking. Naturally, it must be due to your tireless efforts for the peace and friendship between the countries of Magentano and Anbouaz.”

“No, could you please release my wrist…?”

“Well, if I might offer some bold advice, you should consider exercising. Cut back on alcohol and smoking, and dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to walking. Also, incorporating a spoonful of clean olive oil into your mornings would be beneficial. That way, you won’t replace yourself in a state similar to His Majesty the Emperor.”

“…What?”

Emperor, His Majesty?

The Ambassador’s attention was piqued. He had been curious as to why the Crown Prince was handling the negotiations in place of the Emperor.

He had been summoned by the Emperor. The abrupt presence of the Crown Prince and his behavior had raised some dissatisfaction. As a result, he had been cautiously preparing to question this diplomatic breach and regain control over the negotiations.

Yet, with the mention of the Emperor, Raciel took the initiative. The Ambassador’s eyebrows furrowed. Raciel proceeded.

“Exactly as I mentioned. His Majesty the Emperor has been feeling unwell since yesterday.”

“What’s the matter with him?”

“He’s dealing with a severe cold.”

“A cold?”

“Yes. Due to his demanding workload, he’s been under considerable stress. It’s been quite some time since he last engaged in his sword practice. Combined with heightened stress levels, he’s turned to more drinking and smoking. This may have contributed to his cold and loss of appetite.”

“Ah, so that’s why the Crown Prince is representing him at the negotiations?”

“Indeed. You’ve hit the nail on the head, Ambassador. It’s with a sense of regret that I convey this news, and I’ve been entrusted to relay the Emperor’s message, which includes an invitation to a banquet by way of apology.”

“…”

The Ambassador was momentarily speechless.

A cold? That’s the reason for his absence at the negotiations?

‘I didn’t expect such transparency.’

Furthermore, a direct apology. Offering a banquet as a form of apology.

‘This puts me in an awkward position.’

The Ambassador silently voiced his frustration.

He couldn’t decide if the Crown Prince was naively straightforward or cunningly strategic. In the world of diplomacy, issuing an apology is generally avoided and almost considered a taboo.

‘The moment you vocalize such words, you relinquish all justifications and cede the upper hand to the other party. From that point forward, your position to contest unreasonable demands weakens, and you replace yourself in an exceptionally disadvantageous position during diplomatic negotiations.’

Consequently, uttering an apology is considered taboo. At most, one might express regret—a moderate, neutral stance. Yet, just now, the Crown Prince, while conveying the Emperor’s message, apologized outright.

‘But it’s… so forthright that it’s hard to replace fault with.’

Ambassador Anbouaz swallowed his resentment.

The Emperor is unwell. His absence is due to illness. Instead, the Crown Prince is present, extending goodwill. He approaches the situation with an attitude of open disclosure.

But what if this is questioned? Why didn’t the Emperor attend? Could it be seen as a breach of diplomatic protocol? What if there’s a protest?

‘It would make us appear petty, crossing a line. Huh!’

They’d be relinquishing the moral high ground. Ambassador Anbouaz sighed, foreseeing the clear trajectory of events.

‘Is he effectively nullifying one of my strategies like this…’

This Crown Prince isn’t an ordinary adversary.

Inwardly grinding his teeth, the ambassador sighed in secret frustration.

However, as for Raciel, he paid no mind to the ambassador’s internal calculations. In fact, he hadn’t predicted the extent to which his candid apology would stir the ambassador’s inner sentiments.

‘I’m not here for diplomatic negotiations.’

Negotiating isn’t his forte. He had no intention of facing off against the skilled negotiator, the ambassador. So, today, in this setting, he would…?

‘I should only present one-sided requests.’

All he needed to do was make the demands indisputable. He had confidence in that. He possessed the means. Raciel held unwavering faith in his judgement and voiced his thoughts.

“Regardless, I hope you’ll take better care of your health moving forward. Now, I’d like to delve into the primary topic of today’s gathering. I believe both you, Ambassador, and the Anbouaz royal family are well-informed about the incident that transpired at the Cremo port.”

“Indeed.”

“Yes, and so I have something to communicate. No, it’s more of a request.”

“What would the Magentano imperial family like to propose?”

“We request that Princess Adeline Boarne Anbouaz, the heir to the Anbouaz throne, reside within the Magentano capital for the upcoming six months.”

“…Pardon me?”

The ambassador’s shoulders twitched. What was he implying? He couldn’t possibly be serious.

“Our princess? Why?”

Was it an attempt to take her as a hostage? To demean the Anbouaz royal family? It simply didn’t add up.

‘…Is he contemplating war?’

The ambassador’s gaze turned icy as he regarded Raciel. This request bordered on being a direct insult. It lacked tangible advantages or rationale; it was a degrading demand.

Had it been a plea to abolish trade tariffs or surrender a portion of the border territory, his reaction wouldn’t have been as intense.

Yet, Raciel’s lips curved into a smile as he began to speak.

“You probably believe my request is absurd. However, there’s a valid motive behind it. A logical reason that stands to benefit both the Magentano imperial family and the Anbouaz royal family.”

“What is this reasoning?”

“Of course.”

Raciel nodded. Absolutely. They needed to avert the looming conflict. Hence, Princess Anbouaz couldn’t come to harm. She needed to be brought to the capital for half a year.

Only then could they stave off war. All could experience tranquility. His royal life and retirement would remain secure.

With unwavering resolve, Raciel moistened his lips. He laid a brilliant falsehood upon his tongue. A concealed card was affixed to his lie. Indeed, he had been reserving this deception for occasions like this.

Ding dong!

[You have used 1 Deception Authorization Ticket.]

[Designated target: Ambassador of Anbouaz will unquestioningly and eternally place trust in one of your lies.]

(To be Continued)

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