Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 024
Chapter Title: Engagement (2)
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Once the biggest hurdle—convincing France—had been cleared, the remaining procedures were relatively straightforward.
In truth, the other two countries were more like matters of agreement than persuasion, and I had the means to make that happen right from the start.
First up, Spain.
"...You're saying you'll buy platinum ore from us at such a bargain price? You're not about to spin some absurd tale that you're the only ones who can refine it, are you?"
"Of course not. And we have no intention of undervaluing your nation's assets. This is about moving forward in a way that benefits us both. Spain and the Habsburgs are allies now, aren't we?"
"...But the gains we get from this..."
"We'll let your country handle the brokering when we sell platinum jewelry and other goods via sea routes. Pocket the massive profits from that."
The Spanish ambassador, Guillermo Riparda, instantly straightened up and started scribbling something on a sheet of paper.
He's probably trying to run the numbers roughly. No matter how he crunches them, he won't come up with a loss.
"I figured you'd go through the Ostend Company for sure..."
"Monopolies aren't healthy. I've already told His Majesty as much. We need to build good relations with Spain since we'll be working together long-term."
Right now, only tiny amounts are being produced, but output will naturally ramp up over time.
Even so, supply will overwhelmingly lag behind demand. Brokering trade in platinum, where the sky's the limit on price, isn't just about the money—it's a guarantee of steady gains.
"Hahaha! I nearly jumped to conclusions without grasping His Highness's deep intentions. I apologize sincerely. So, shall we draw up the agreement right now...?"
An ambassador of his stature couldn't possibly miss the implications, so Riparda looked ready to sign on the spot. I nodded with a smile.
"That works for me. Here's to our nations' friendship enduring."
"Absolutely, absolutely."
I could squeeze out ways for us to monopolize the profits, but that would inevitably lead to a rift with Spain once our Gibraltar campaign fails next year.
Instead of obsessing over petty gains, it's better to share the profits and plant the idea that the Habsburgs bring value to Spain.
And the Dutch Republic was much the same.
"...You want to tap into the Netherlands' trade network for exporting Bohemian glass?"
"Yes. His Majesty will soon announce it officially, but we're planning to export Bohemian glass not just across Europe, but to other continents as well. These are products from last year, and these are recent samples. Put them side by side, and the difference is stark."
The Dutch ambassador, Vincent Somelsdijk, peered closely at the glass I'd placed on the table and nodded.
The quality gap was so obvious that even someone ignorant of glasswork could spot it.
"But why partner with us specifically? I know you've even signed a treaty with Spain to build up the Ostend Company."
"The Ostend Company's scale can't handle adding Bohemian glass to their existing shipments. Plus, your ports are right next to our territory, and above all, no one beats the Dutch Republic in finance and maritime trade."
The Dutch Republic had passed its golden age in the 17th century and was now on the decline, but in the early 18th century, its power was still not to be underestimated.
England had overtaken them in global trade share, but they were still locked in fierce competition.
Their overseas trade efficiency and financial systems outclassed Spain's by far, and were incomparable to a newcomer like Austria.
"Heh heh... Whether we're the world's best, I can't say, but our strengths certainly don't lag behind any other nation."
"Exactly. So I'd like your help exporting Bohemian glass, which is about to explode in growth."
For the Dutch, who knew they were falling behind the rising British Empire, this was an offer they couldn't refuse.
"...Very well. We have no reason to decline. Is there anything else you want in return?"
"If I want anything, it's amity between our nations. Given my position..."
Grasping my meaning, the ambassador let out a thoughtful hum and raised his eyebrows.
"Tough spot you're in. Truth be told, our country stands to lose nothing from a Lorraine-Habsburg union, so we had no plans to oppose it outright."
"That's more than enough for me to be grateful. Shall we sign, then?"
"Of course."
Now that they're both in the boat, Spain and the Netherlands can't easily cut us loose.
The bigger our platinum and Bohemian glass businesses grow, the more they profit in turn.
For now, Austria's Eastern trade is secure.
And making that "for now" permanent rests entirely on my skills.
'Phew... What a weighty responsibility.'
It's heavy, but not a burden.
Unlike my previous life, where days slipped by meaningless, this one brimmed with challenge.
The emotion stirring in me amid all this was nothing less than pure enjoyment.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Upon arriving back in Vienna, I dove straight into back-to-back meetings with ambassadors from various nations.
In just two days, hammering out agreements with France, Spain, and the Netherlands wasn't easy by any stretch.
They weren't official state treaties, but they might as well have been—everyone knew my will aligned with the Emperor's.
Objectively speaking, it was a grueling marathon that bordered on impossible.
I had to scrutinize every number, every phrase, to ensure no tricks were hidden.
Still, having wrapped everything up successfully, I returned to the palace feeling a rare peace of mind.
The palace gardens, kissed by a crisp breeze, clung to the tail end of autumn.
Over flowerbeds dyed red by the sunset, the last blooms endured the chill, scattering faint fragrances.
"...Ah! Franz-nim. Did you... have a good trip... back home?"
Theresa, whom I was meeting for the first time since the engagement announcement, seemed somehow different from her usual self.
"Yes. I tried to get back as fast as possible, but I ended up a bit late."
"...Yeah. I'm just glad you look healthy..."
She didn't wave cheerfully like always or sip the tea her maids brought while meeting my eyes.
A strange silence—the first between us—hovered in the air.
Was the engagement announcement making her feel burdened now that it was real?
I broke the quiet first, treading carefully.
"Theresa-nim, is something wrong?"
Theresa flinched, her fingers trembling slightly around her teacup. Instead of launching into her usual lively chatter, she kept her head down, eyes darting, and murmured softly.
"No... I mean... I'm fine. I was just worried if maybe you'd taken offense..."
I couldn't miss the subtle tension in her trailing voice.
"My feelings? Why would I be upset?"
"Well, I thought you might feel like I nagged Father to make the engagement happen first. Looking back, I worried it might have burdened you..."
She glanced down, peeking at me cautiously. Her words started bold but trailed off awkwardly.
I paused, just watching her.
Ah, this is a new expression for her.
The usually confident girl peeking at me so timidly was too adorable for words, drawing an involuntary chuckle from me.
"Theresa-nim, I'm truly fine. If anything, the announcement has lightened my heart. Now, no matter what anyone says, I have the right to stand by your side."
"Really? You're not upset because of me?"
Still doubtful, Theresa leaned forward, her cheeks flushed red—she must have worried a lot.
"Of course not. I'm actually excited to start some more serious lessons now."
"More... serious lessons?"
"Yes. Since I'll be part of the imperial family someday, teaching you how to lead the Empire more in-depth won't overstep anymore."
"Can I really learn that stuff? Father still hopes the electors will have a son..."
"No need to worry. As long as I keep quiet like always, no one will know you're getting that training."
After my firm reassurances, Theresa's face finally brightened.
Then, in a flash, she was back to her vibrant self, clenching a tiny fist and swinging it in the air.
"Then since we're engaged, we should meet every day! With you always beside me, studying would be way easier."
"Mm, but my duties are piling up, so frequent lessons might be tough."
"Ehh? No way! Engagement means becoming husband and wife in the future! We should always be together!"
Theresa's face fell visibly. She pouted, puffing her cheeks in clear displeasure.
"That's not fair! I thought we'd be together every day... Lessons are fine, but I want to play with you!"
This is trouble.
It reminded me of when Antoinette—my daughter Antonia from my past life—begged me not to work and play with her instead. The same ticklish warmth stirred in my chest.
"I'm disappointed too, but duties call. Still, lessons will get harder, so steel yourself. Follow along well, and I'll reward you with doll play."
"Hmm... I think doll play should be unconditional, not tied to grades."
I chuckled lightly, brushing off her cute complaint.
"Instead, I'll teach you more exciting things. I just signed deals with the Netherlands and Spain—perfect engagement gift. A quick rundown?"
Theresa's curiosity sparked back to life.
"Deals? You negotiated them yourself?"
"Naturally. Not full treaties, but important ones."
I explained the recent pacts with Spain and the Dutch Republic in terms she'd grasp easily.
Her diligent studies showed—she lit up and shot her hand up.
"Got it! Like when you talked about spices before—we'll sell Empire goods through the Dutch to make money, right?"
"Spot on. The Spain deal's similar. They broker platinum and precious metals from South America; we get stable supply. Win-win."
Theresa pondered like she was piecing together a puzzle, then replied brightly.
"That way, even if we make more money later, they can't easily sabotage us? We're tied by shared interests! Right?"
She puffed her chest proudly, 'Did I get it?' written all over her face. I didn't hide my genuine admiration.
"Yes, exactly. This is diplomacy in action, like I mentioned before. Build this foundation step by step, and it'll serve you well in the distant future."
"Yesss~ I'll work hard. Um... but..."
Theresa beamed proudly but shifted to a subtler tone.
"Lately, I feel more people expecting things from me. It's a bit scary, honestly."
"I see. With the engagement, they might pressure you to step up."
"But with you here, it's okay. I feel like I could be a great queen with you by my side."
Her blue eyes, fixed on me, held not anxiety but conviction and trust.
I'd brought tasty pastries to soothe pre-engagement jitters—turns out it was unnecessary.
Her calm acceptance, even more composed than mine, felt so very her. I couldn't help smiling.
For the first time since reuniting with this grown girl, I gently stroked her hair.
"We can drop the formal titles now, right?"
"Huh...? Oh, yes! Of course! That's what I wanted!"
Her eyes widened briefly before she nodded eagerly, wagging her arms like a puppy.
To her—to you, who's becoming someone entirely new from your past self—I offered words from the heart.
"Theresa, life won't always be happy and easy from here. The world is colder and crueler than you think."
"...Yes."
"But no matter what, I'll always be on your side."
Everything I couldn't give you before. Everything we failed to achieve together—I'll set it all right.
"So cherish that heart of yours always."
Even when years pass and we're truly husband and wife, even if we grow into different people from our past lives.
"Become a great empress who embraces this entire Empire."
It was a promise the world could remake twice over and never erase.
"Thank you, Franz. I will—I promise!"
Hearing that pure, unclouded reply,
in the garden as night sky descended, I resolved once more to gladly bear this crown's weight.