Emerging Markets

Emperor Kaiser sat on this throne, he was happy to see the sniveling envoys from the Dukedom of Kro, Kingdom of Zhekid, and The Kingdom of Icer leave. At least that young emperor was humble.

'Maybe I should invest in him. Thanks to Marquis von Ballard's daily letters, my respect for the young emperor has increased.

Especially after receiving a copy of his contract. I was surprised the Marquis shared their contract with the young emperor so readily.

I would have never expected that man to be so loyal after receiving an imperial peerage. If I'd known he behave that way, I'd done it sooner.

The man seems too sincere, what's his agenda,' Emperor Kaiser wondered drumming his fingers on his throne.

"Your imperial majesty, Marquis von Ballard's letter is here. It's tied to a letter from her imperial highness Princess Melody and a spatial ring filled with exorbitant presents, luxurious gifts, including your favorite Cloud Tea," the chamberlain announced.

"Good hand me the letters and the ring," the emperor announced.

The old rough emperor secretly enjoyed exchanging letters with the Marquis.

He quickly tore open the letter and read it, the letter discussed his son's training schedule, duels with Dark Tempest highlighted his son's growth, and that he'd be trained by the Marquis and Elves' crown prince.

'How fascinating. The last emperor to speak with the elves was over 1,000 years ago. He's helping my son build allies.

Moreover, his training shall be more grueling than in the past. All my guards and tutors softened him up, he'll finally get the education he needs. Good for him, I hope he takes advantage of it,' Emperor Kaiser thought.

Next, he opened Princes Melody's letter.

'She's decided to marry that young emperor. Why does the writing seem a bit forced and sloppy?' the old tyrant thought pensively.

"Was she pushed into marriage—of course, that was his plan. He found out about her position in the assassin's guild and extorted her into marrying the young emperor. I wonder how much he knows. Did he meet the real Melody?"

"Chamberlain bring my spymaster here and announce to the empire Melody's engagement to Emperor Jacques-Louis," the emperor demanded.

"At once your imperial majesty, what level of celebration would be appropriate?" asked the chamberlain.

Emperor Kaiser looked at the gifts supposedly from the young emperor. Mostly like, that poor man wasn't even aware Will sent these gifts.

"The highest level, declare a weeklong festival. Tell nobility to send their gifts in person to Gadreel and encouraged them to purchase Rhaziesian Imperial bonds. Tell the Finance Minister to purchase 500,000 bonds," the old rough emperor decreed.

The chamberlain stood there momentarily stunned. This was out of character for the tyrant. It was common knowledge he hated festivals.

Yet, now he was throwing such an extravagant festival just before the war. Why would he do something so out of character?

Of course, his imperial majesty must want to lighten the mood to take people's minds off of war,' the old chamberlain thought pensively.

News of Princess Melody's and Emperor Jacques-Louis engagement spread like wildfire across Fermion and the Great Eastern Empire.

When the Fermion Guardian officially announced the news to the kingdom, and no one was surprised, except for Emperor Jacques-Louis.

"I'm engaged?" the surprised young emperor mumbled in shock. He and Will sat in the men's drawing room.

"Yes," Will congratulated.

"But, how?" the young emperor asked in shock.

"It happens when a young man proposes to a woman," Will explained humorously.

"But I didn't propose? Did I?" he asked unsurely.

"Consider it an arranged marriage," said Will persuasively.

"Oh, what should I gift her father?" Jacques thought out loud.

"I sent a gift on your behalf, it was quite an obscene amount," Will said supportively.

"I don't know what to do?" said Jacques.

"Do nothing, everything is already done. All that's left to see, is if Emperor Kaiser approves.

If he does, you gained a valuable ally and more funds to rebuild your empire. This is all for the best," Will advised.

"How should I behave towards Princess Melody?" the young emperor asked.

"Just follow her lead. It's what I do, and it's worked so far," Will suggested.

"Uh, huh," the young emperor nodded.

"With any luck, we'll expect an envoy today," Will said.

No sooner had Will finished than a knock came at his door.

"Earl von Mueller is here to see the emperor and his bride," Micheal announced.

"Summon everyone to the Grand Hall," Will directed.

Emperor Jacques-Louis and Princess Melody stood in front holding hands. To the imperial princesses' side stood the beaming crown prince.

Behind them stood Will, Elizabeth, their children, and Kallista.

This was the sight Envoy Christoph von Mueller and his son, saw when they walked into the grand hall and kowtowed before the imperial couple three times.

Then standing up, he summoned an imperial decree from his ring and read," His Imperial Majesty Emperor Kaiser von Wilhelm II, Grace of God, Emperor of the Great Eastern Empire, Defender of the Faith, and sovereign to the unsettling empire, bids Emperor Jacques-Louis de Caernarvon and Princess Melody von Wilhelm congratulations.

His Imperial Majesty has declared a weeklong festival to celebrate your engagement and commanded imperial nobility to present their gifts in person to this address.

Furthermore, to show his satisfaction, the Imperial Treasury purchased 500,000 Rhaziesian bonds," Envoy von Mueller finished.

"In honor of your engagement, the Duke von Mueller and family present our gift. We wish you a happy long-lasting marriage," the imperial noble said with a bow.

"We graciously accept," Princess Melody said as her lady-in-waiting took the gift.

"Thank you," Emperor Jacques-Louis declared.

With the formal proceeding over, Crown Prince Lukas was the first to speak, "Father must be happy. He's never declared a weeklong celebration."

While everyone focused on Emperor Kaiser's approval, Elizabeth's attention was drawn to his decree that guests must present their gifts in person.

If imperial nobility had to follow the decree, then King Roland would demand the same for Fermion nobles.

This meant a flood of guests would arrive very shortly and if Elizabeth didn't make preparations immediately her house would be inundated with guests and woefully understaffed.

"Ms. Park immediately prepare the house for company! Hire more attendants and work with Princess Melody on the arrangements and themes," Elizabeth commanded.

"Lady von Ballard, can I leave those details to you? I just have so much on my mind," Princess Melody feigned.

"Very well leave it to me your imperial highness," Elizabeth humbly accepted the task.

She figured since Will held authority, either contractually or through blackmail over the couple, it was her responsibility to oversee their engagement.

Moreover, she'd have Camille help her, especially with that Maxwell von Mueller in her home.

Soon the house was decorated with flowers, bobbles, streamers, and various decorations.

Not since her wedding, had Elizabeth decorated her house so lavishly.

To accommodate the expected traffic, Earl von Mueller and Will rerouted airships to run solely between Gadreel and Annapolis.

After the announcement, Will and Earl von Mueller left the hustle and bustle of Gadreel, to inform the King Roland of Emperor Kaiser's decision.

Will found King Roland in the throne room holding court.

When Will walked into court, the envoys from the Dukedom of Kro, Kingdom of Zhekid, and The Kingdom of Icer were addressing the king.

The envoys like, Jacques had earlier, were selling King Roland on the positive effects associated with directly investing in the rebuilding of their kingdoms.

However, unlike Jacques, they already had investors. And promised substantial returns for investing in the kingdom early.

Will was no stranger to competition from foreign firms. Being locked out of Will's contract, they pledged donations to these three sovereignties.

"Did Emperor Kaiser invest in your sovereignties?" King Roland asked curiously as Bryson whispered something in his ear.

"No, your majesty. But we have hundreds of investors and can guarantee a return of 200% within a year after rebuilding," said the envoy from the Dukedom of Kro.

"Furthermore, your majesty, our contract is public for all to see," said the envoy from the Kingdom of Zhekid looking critically at Will.

"Are you planning to sell bonds on the FTSE?" King Roland asked suggestively.

"Yes. We have scheduled a meeting with Earl vont Ballard," the envoy from The Kingdom of Icer announced.

"I'll speak with my Finance Minister and get back to you," King Roland declared, ending the discussion.

"Thank you for your time, your majesty," the envoys bowed.

King Roland pointed to Bryson for the next item on the agenda.

"Envoy Earl Christoph von Mueller has an imperial proclamation from Emperor Kaiser von Wilhelm II," Bryson announced to the court.

Hearing Bryson's announcement sent the nobles at court to whispering. They debated the news and how this might affect the kingdom.

The court quieted when Envoy Christoph von Mueller stepped before the king and read Emperor Kaiser's proclamation.

Hearing the news, the court officials began excusing themselves slowly. The nobles knew the race was to Gadreel was on, and no one wanted to be last.

"Bryson send my official congratulations to the emperor and imperial princess. Duke Francis, I order you to purchase 250,000 in Rhaziesian bonds as an engagement gift.

Bryson, schedule an official visit to Earl vont Ballard's estate. Finally, I decree Fermion nobility likewise must present their gifts in person to the emperor and his fiancé," proclaimed King Roland.

Will listened as nobles in court marveled at Empire Kaiser purchasing half a million bonds. The amount was staggering. Surely, the Rhaziesian Empire was secure financially.

The ambassadors from Dukedom of Kro, Kingdom of Zhekid, and The Kingdom of Icer looked like they had been slapped in the face.

Compared to the Empire of Rhaziesia's financial backing, the ambassadors from Dukedom of Kro, Kingdom of Zhekid, and The Kingdom of Icer felt like ants grasping at seeds.

Without substantial funds and backing, they feared the worst. Certainly, direct foreign investment was the best enterprise to rebuild.

The ambassadors from Dukedom of Kro, Kingdom of Zhekid, and The Kingdom of Icer saw firsthand the benefit of collaborating with Earl vont Ballard.

The others in court learned today, how profitable it was to invest in emerging markets.