Chapter 206: Factional Struggles Over Key Appointments.

"Factional struggles."

"Even when everyone agrees on a course of action, those who get sent to complete it will always lead to a factional struggle."

"Whether it is in a neighbourhood, town, city or nation...."

"Factions will always form."

"It is an inevitability."

"They are always over interests or due to conflicts of resource allocation, whether for yourself or someone else."

"A ruler needs to learn to balance factions because the moment that the courtiers or ministers are united and no longer competing with each other for power and profit is usually when they are pointing their swords not at each other...."

"But at the ruler themselves."

Reginald Coulan, creator and head of House Aurellion in Dynasties Online.

.....

"Father, I believe that we should send an envoy to the Iravian Confederacy to make an alliance or at the very least remain neutral, otherwise we will find our supply lines and rear attacked!"

"If they side with the Chavarians with an attack from both air and land, even the defences of Nartook Fortress may not be able to be held!"

"We can also send envoys to the nations surrounding Nathia to attack them while a large portion of the Chavarian army sieges Nartook Fortress, which will divert any reinforcements they may send to support their war effort."

"If any can break through, it will lead to the Chavarians retreating."

Crown Prince Kodji’s Kendari finished his proposal.

"Your majesty, I believe that the crown prince’s plan can be adopted."

The Prime Minister of Nathia, Winston Landwood, said his support for the plan settled the matter, as not only was it a good plan, but Winston also wielded a profound influence over the Nathian royal court.

All that remained was to decide who would be sent as envoys to the various nations to secure their support.

"Who do you think would best serve as the envoy to the Iravians?"

King Luther asked the court to wait and see who the ministers would nominate before he made a final decision.

Watching how Luther held court, Baron Flander Florent found that he was more competent than he thought. However, the fact that he could establish a crown prince and appoint an heir to the throne showed that he was at least not a muddleheaded ruler and understood how much the position’s legitimacy would matter when the Nathian succession crisis hit.

After all, with two powerful factions in the court, both supporting two different princes, a succession crisis and war for the throne was inevitable, as even if one wanted to give way to the other, their supporters would not let them.

"Father, I wish to nominate myself to be the envoy to the Iravians!"

Crown Prince Kodjis said, bowing respectfully.

"Your majesty, you cannot send the crown prince!"

"The crown prince is heir to the throne of Nathia and cannot be risked! What if he is assassinated on the way or taken hostage by the Iravians to be used as leverage against the kingdom?"

"I implore your majesty to choose someone else lest a disaster befalls Nathia and puts the succession in dispute!"

The vice minister for justice, Rober Rounten, said righteously as if he were not one of the key people who was against Prince Kodjis’ succession making Flander sigh silently in his heart at the man’s shamelessness while taking it as a lesson because politics is just like this one day you say one thing saying ’the prince is wise’ while the next you stab him in the back and curse him for being tyrannical.

As a member of Prince Rahlans faction, the last thing Duke Robar wanted was to see the crown prince earn merit and further consolidate his position, so he concocted an excuse to prevent Kodjis from gaining more influence and political resources by potentially succeeding in a crucial diplomatic position.

This was mainly because while some nobles had already taken sides, either supporting the crown prince Kodjis Kendari or the second prince Rahlan, there were still quite a few that were neutral, and their support for either side could tilt the balance of power between the two factions.

While Baron Flander believed that even with some of the neutral nobles joining the crown prince, the second prince would still have the upper hand, it still did not stop Robar from trying to strip as many allies as he could from Kodjis to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

Flander also knew that the balance of power, which had originally been only slightly in the second prince’s favour, had shifted much more in Prince Rahlan’s favour, though not decisively enough to give Prince Rahlan a greater chance of victory, but not decisively enough for him to guarantee that he has the power and enough support to take the throne from a appointed heir.

The reason for this was simple.

Almost all the powerful players in the Kingdom of Nathia had decided to help Prince Rahlan to the throne because it would help them to gain power and influence more quickly.

And how did Baron Flander know this?

Because he was the one who brokered this alliance, after the Stator rebellion, the players not only found out that they would need to deeply infiltrate the various NPC kingdoms to be able to overthrow them and establish their own independent domains, but also realised that at times they all needed to work together to achieve goals for the good of all players.

Only when conflicts of interest are irreconcilable will organisations take different sides in the upcoming succession crisis, hoping that, once their side wins, they can not only gain more influence and power but also, more importantly, suppress or eliminate their rivals.

But most players agreed that only when the kingdom allowed a mediocre ruler like Prince Rahlan to take the throne would it be easier for them to slowly erode Nathia’s foundations until they had the power and justification to rebel and establish their own nation-states.

This is why the power of Prince Rahlan’s faction has increased so much over the last few months, especially their financial power, as powerful player organisations have finally begun to establish a sufficient foundation to start meddling in Nathian politics.

The only problem was that right now, the number of player-landed nobles was pitifully small, with only a few people who had created characters before the game started having the qualifications to properly enter politics or gain substantial military power, which is why participation in this war was so important because if the players could make great achievements and turn the tide in this war then it would mean a substantial increase in their influence and power.

"Oh, if you believe that the crown prince cannot go, who do you believe has the capabilities to be our envoy?"

King Luther said, his gaze turning cold as it landed on Duke Robar. It appeared the king was less than happy about Robar’s rejection, likely because he knew the Duke of Ryre objected only to suppress the current crown prince the king wanted to see inherit the throne, and because of his subtle insinuation that the royal family could not protect its important members.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Count Zain Varndell, a vassal of Duke Vantor Estsmith of Mintoria, would make for a fine envoy."

Duke Robar said as the gaze of everyone in the room turned to Count Zain Varndell, a thirty-year-old man dressed in a silk doublet, which had his house’s sigil, a blazing sun embroidered on it, with raven black hair and chestnut brown eyes who served the court as a minister in the ministry of foreign affairs, which primarily deals with Nathia’s international relations.

The person whom Duke Robar originally wanted to recommend was Count Vladamir Blackway, a man of both civil and martial skills and the competent and loyal vassal of Duke Fredrick Fornon, the Duke of Qworf, however considering that such a nomination would likely only enrage King Luther and turn him against them even more than the old king already was, Robar instead opted for Count Zain Varndell who would at the very least do a good job while at the same time not offending his royal majesty.

"Your majesty, I second the vice minister for justice’s suggestion. Count Zain Varndell has served in the court for nearly 5 years, and over his years of service, he has helped to lower the tension we have with our ancient enemy of Rinada while also encouraging trade, helping to enrich the national treasury."

"There is no one else as suitable as Count Zain Varndell for this diplomatic mission."

One of the minor ministers under Robar immediately echoed the Duke of Ryres words, hoping to build momentum for his superior’s proposition.

"Your majesty, I believe that the Vice Minister of Justice’s suggestion is the alarmist talk of an incompetent official! Since history has begun to be recorded, not once have envoys been killed, and as for the risk of assassination, all your majesty needs to do is send competent guards, and the crown prince will be safe."

"Nothing would show our desire to make an alliance more or make our words more trustworthy than having the heir to the throne guarantee whatever agreement is made between our two great nations."

"Or does the Vice Minister of Justice want to imply that the royal family can’t protect itself?"

Flintorus Rhalun, heir to the County of Finoran and chief advisor to the crown prince, shouted coldly, his voice echoing through the courtroom, voicing his support for his close friend and ruthlessly striking at Robar’s proposal.

Duke Robar was temporarily tongue-tied, as there was almost no way to refute Flintorus; otherwise, he would be seen as doubting the power of the royal family to protect their heir to the throne in public.

Which is not what any sane man would do unless the king they serve is a complete puppet and while the nobles of Nathia enjoy much power and privilege the king still has a tremendous amount of authority especially as he is supported by the elite troops of Nartook Fortress the Royal Guards and the two Grand Dukes who have also taken the crown princes side for one reason or another.

"If that is the case, why would we bother the crown prince over this matter and not send another prince in his place? Surely, such a talented prince should be assigned to help organise the troops for the nation’s defence also, while I do not doubt the power of the Nathian royal family, we are not facing a typical kingdom whose national power is similar to ours, but the Chavarian Empire, the publicly acknowledged superpower of the southern continent."

Instead, would it not be better to send the second prince Rahlun, as not only would it show our sincerity to the Iravians, but it would also not put the crown prince in any undue danger.

"For years, their agents have been infiltrating the world. I wonder if you can guarantee the safety of the crown prince?"

After thinking for a few seconds, the talented Duke Robar replied using the almost omnipotent power of the Chavarian Empire to indicate that it was not that the Nathian was too weak, but that their opponent was too strong.

"No one can guarantee anything in this world, but I am willing to accompany the Crown Prince on his mission and die together. With the country in danger, sending the Crown Prince on this crucial diplomatic mission would only help show the kingdom the royal family’s grace and willingness to die for the people, boosting its prestige."

"Also, while the second prince is talented at administration, he can be too blunt, which can be seen as insulting, and lives an incredibly decadent life being generous with his wealth while this is not a problem in times of strength when we are seeking out help, we must send someone with eloquence and someone who can secure and alliance while not ceding too many of Nathia’s interests."

"Your majesty, I implore you to plan for the long term and show the bravery and grace of the Nathian royal family to the world by sending your son and heir to persuade the Iravian Confederacy to side with us."

Flintorus Rahlun said, as if his only worry were the good of the country, and not the good of the prince he supported in taking the Nathian throne who would gain more influence and respect with he military and courtiers should he succeed as when they thought about it persuading the Iravians to support Nathia would be a key turning point that would swing the war in their favour.

Luckily, Flintorus was an intelligent man and could see that the king was already inclined to side with the crown prince; he just needed the pretext to do so.

Prince Rahlan, standing just behind the crown prince and prime minister, who were the leaders of the officials, was shaking in anger and unable to hold back his indignation.

"Flintorus Rahlun! How dare you slander and insult a prince! Do you really think that I would cede too much to those filthy Iravian barbarians!"

Prince Rahlan shouted, making Duke Robar sigh as once again the young prideful prince just had to weigh in and ruin everything.

Honestly, if it were not because he and his allies could gain great power influence and benefits, creating a kingdom primarily led by its enlightened noble families instead of its king being the perfect candidate for them to turn into a puppet to rule the kingdom through, then Duke Robar would never have worked with such a fool.

Because while they had a power advantage now, the more idiotic the second prince acts, the more it hurts their cause, even if many Gods Favoured have decided to join them.

"In a time when the country is in danger, it is the duty of the royal family to protect the nation and its people. The crown prince’s willingness to go on a crucial diplomatic mission and even potentially endure assassination attempts by the tyrannical Chavarians should be a role model for princes of royal families around the world."

"I hereby appoint you as the chief envoy to the Iravian Confederacy, granting you a thousand-man royal guard commanded by Commander Thaddeus himself to ensure your safety on this crucial mission, and if you are successful, you will be granted generous rewards."

The king announced, giving a lazy look towards his fuming son, and while his face was a mask inwardly, he was happy with the end result, as only by personally going and commanding troops on the battlefield would any member of the royal family be able to gain as much from this war as the crown prince.

And this was not an opportunity that the king would give.

While this war with Chavaria was a crisis for the country that King Luther II would rather do without, he was not unaware of the potential benefits if Nathia emerged from it, winning with his chosen heir and making vital contributions.

After the announcement of the king’s chosen Envoy to the Iravians, those in the Crown Princes and Royalist faction were happy, while others, like Duke Robar, were dejected nonetheless the court session continued with the previously recommended Count Zain Varndell being sent to negotiate with the Krithan Dynasty mainly to help appease the second princes faction alongside many other diplomats who would all be sent to countries and powerful factions around Chavaria in the hopes of gaining their direct or indirect support.

As the court session was coming to an end, a man who had until then been quietly observing the court unexpectedly stepped forward, as with most of the important business decided or concluded, it was now that a low-ranking noble like him could come forward with a proposal that he had planned to present all along, just waiting for the right opportunity.

"Your majesty, may I present a memorial?"

Baron Flander said his voice calm yet respectful as he bowed towards the king.

"Approved."

The king said kindly, raising an eyebrow as it was rare that young, low-ranking nobles present memorials directly to the royal family, as their problems and concerns could be dealt with by their liege, and there were few ways for the king to interfere with how a liege governs his vassals unless a out of control major case occurred that threatened the king’s peace or the stability of the kingdom.

"Your majesty, there are many righteous individuals who wish to help your majesty fight against the tyrannical Chavarians and are willing to provide their own provisions, weapons and armour. All they wish for is for their contributions to the safety of the kingdom not to be forgotten."

As the player lord’s calm voice fell over the court, the courtiers, who had been whispering among themselves, suddenly fell silent, all shocked by the God-favoured unexpected words.

Even the king and the other powerful court ministers found themselves crinkling their foreheads in contemplation at the young baron’s words.

"And who would these righteous individuals be?"

The king asked in confusion, as it was rare for anyone to be willing to pay so much just to take part in a war, going so far as to provide their own weapons, armour, and supplies.

"They would mostly be God’s Favoured, your majesty, all wishing to contribute to Nathia’s great victory, all they want are some rewards or honours for their services to the nation!"