In fact, from the Empire’s perspective, if they were to wage a conquest war, it would have been relatively easy to seize a small country like the Kingdom.

However, a complex situation that made it impossible was entangled here.

The Kingdom was founded by elves, and their magical power surpassed anyone else.

Is that all?

A hundred years ago, it had participated in the continent’s conquest war under the Empire’s alliance, fought excellently, and later managed to secure a position as a neutral country.

Although small in scale, it possessed outstanding talents and abundant natural resources, making it a place not easily overlooked.

“Moreover, His Majesty the Emperor has great expectations for the Mikel Mine contract.”

The Crown Prince looked at Ambassador Heinrich, swallowing his saliva.

In the Mikel Mine, there were ores, and Mikel, in short, was a magic stone that could amplify mana.

It was said that a magician with a magic stone could unleash more than a hundred times their usual abilities.

As soon as the news of Ambassador Heinrich being invited by the Crown Prince for the Mikel Mine contract spread, the number of applicants for the position of the Empire’s court magician increased tenfold.

So, even if Ambassador Heinrich did something displeasing, it had to be endured for the time being.

Just as the Crown Prince’s face was about to contort, the carriage came to a timely stop.

“Your Highness, we have already arrived at the imperial palace.”

Exiting the carriage, Ambassador Heinrich looked around uncomfortably.

No matter how much he thought about it, he was concerned about the protest he had seen earlier.

“That protest… Those ears somehow looked pointed. Is it just my imagination?”

Among the people of the Kingdom, everyone could recognize each other.

They were different from ordinary continentals; their ears were particularly pointed due to the mixture of elven blood.

“But why would the Kingdom’s people protest in front of the Empire? It doesn’t make sense. This is strange.”

Ambassador Heinrich thought to himself with a puzzled expression.

Originally, the Kingdom was a closed place, and except for special cases, it restricted external access.

Moreover, he had no intention of flattering the Empire, especially the imperial palace.

Thinking about the maximum profit for selling the magic stones from the Mikel Mine and planning to send talents to the Empire’s academy, he put on a fake smile.

This matter was important for the Empire, but it was also a significant issue for the Kingdom.

The most crucial thing was the technological development of the Kingdom.

However, when he entered the hall of the imperial palace with the Crown Prince to celebrate, he faced an awkward situation.

The atmosphere inside the hall, where he was supposed to receive congratulations, had become strangely chilly.

It was at the moment when the ambassador, looking puzzled, glanced around the ballroom.

“Does this make any sense? Bringing a young lady from a family that hasn’t even debuted in the ballroom to the celebration!”

“It doesn’t make sense. This is truly ridiculous, Your Highness.”

“The Mirmode family wasn’t even invited to the celebration!”

Nobles clung to the wall, criticizing those standing in the middle. Moreover, the two individuals being blamed were very handsome, but the icy-looking young man and the cute little kid resembling a lovely baby bird seemed as if they would make a snapping sound if touched.

He had heard that it was a celebration opened to congratulate him as the Kingdom’s ambassador, but for some reason, the atmosphere was uncomfortably chaotic.

Ambassador Heinrich glanced sideways, then hesitated. The Crown Prince seemed to be enjoying it.

“Matthias Mirmode…”

The Crown Prince appeared to have no intention of entering the ballroom. That was all. It was an attitude of not even checking his surroundings. Seeing this, Ambassador Heinrich cleared his throat twice and drew attention.

“Is there any problem with the celebration, Your Highness?”

As if understanding the atmosphere only now, the Crown Prince changed his facial expression again and whispered.

“No, there isn’t. Please come inside, Ambassador.”

Unfortunately for the Crown Prince, the atmosphere inside the ballroom became even more awkward as he entered.

Sien and Matthias were happily laughing as if they were in their own world.

The problem was that the majority of those present were the Mirmod family, who were against the Crown Prince faction?

As it was a celebration held in the palace and, due to the Mirmod family not planning to attend, the Princess, who rarely ventured outside, stood against the wall with her face covered, looking quite awkward.

Ambassador Heinrich, leaning against the wall, tried to engage in a conversation with the Crown Prince but muttered suddenly.

“The atmosphere is a bit…”

Heinrich, who was not good at hiding his emotions for a diplomat, carefully pursed his lips and then closed them again. The Crown Prince mumbled with a faint smile.