Sorry, This Isn't My Territory

When the young Frank stormed back to the inn from the city hall, his father Duke Haus House, was having a private meeting with a high-ranking official from the Black Dragon Territory.

After all, the people Ymir brought to participate in the construction of the new territory were all from the Oma Imperial Capital, and almost all the officials knew Duke Haus.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace, but your question involved confidential matters of the territory. It is my duty to not disclose them."

"It's alright, just a casual chat between old friends, no need to be so formal. By the way, Minister Simpson, haven't you ever thought about going back to Omar? I remember your family is still in the capital. Now that your talent has been recognized by everyone, I can promise you that if you're willing to go back, the 'Council of Elders' will at least bestow upon you the title of Viscount."

"Your Grace, thank you for your kindness. But when I left the capital with Her Highness the Eldest Princess, I was prepared to entrust my life to the new territory. Now that Black Dragon City needs people to develop, I have no intention of leaving. I think my family will understand."

"Oh, that's such a shame."

"."

Before coming to Black Dragon City, Grand Duke House had obtained detailed information from the territory's officials and selected a few familiar faces.

This was also a test; he wanted to see how the "former officials" who came to Black Dragon City truly viewed their Oma Empire.

Previously, such a minor official wouldn't even have been qualified to sit at the same table and talk with him.

But these were, after all, the Ymir faction members who had been expelled from the capital by the old noble families. It was already quite good that a few of them would give him face and come to meet them.

After all, their purpose in coming here was not simply to establish diplomatic relations, but to find a way to take control of the city from Ymir.

The attitude of these officials is particularly important.

Unexpectedly, things did not go smoothly.

This "Minister of Urban Construction of Black Dragon City," Simpson, was once just an unsuccessful minor official, one of those "Quasi-Baron" that were commonplace in the Oma Imperial Capital.

"Quasi-Baron" is not a formal noble title; it's merely a nominal title bestowed by high-ranking nobles upon some capable subordinates. It's like a carrot dangling in front of a donkey pushing a millstone—it's something you can never reach.

In the Oma Empire, such officials held very low status, even lower than ordinary knights.

In the past, the allure of a viscount title would have been enough to make these petty officials, who were desperate to break into the aristocratic circle, utterly devoted and loyal to the death.

Unexpectedly, in the face of the promise of a title, Grand Duke House now saw a hint of disdain in Simpson's eyes.

He became even more curious: what "benefits" did a newly established territory offer these people that made them so devoted and gave them such a strong sense of belonging?

House Spencer wasn't foolish enough to flaunt his ducal airs at this point.

He then asked, "Minister Simpson, may I ask one more question? I'd like to know what kind of person your Lord Rein is? What is his temperament like?"

When the topic came up, Simpson made no attempt to hide his admiration for Rein, saying, "Our city lord is a lord of great talent and ambition. The city's systems and strategic development direction are almost entirely Rein own creation, and even Her Highness the Eldest Princess speaks highly of him. With the city lord here, I believe the future of Black Dragon Territory will only get better and better. I have my duties to fulfill, so I will not stay any longer. Farewell."

"."

After seeing off the guests, Duke Haus's expression became very serious.

This is completely different from the information in his intelligence report.

Wasn't it said that this "Rein" was just a city lord without real power?

Why did the people I met hold this city lord, who almost never participates in government affairs, in such high esteem?

Before House could think about it further, his son Frank returned.

"Father, the method you suggested might not work. That guy named Rein might really be Ymir's man!"

Frank looked grim as he recounted what had happened at the city hall.

He went to visit them, which was also part of the Spencer Family's strategy.

They reasoned that since Black Dragon City was Ymir's territory, the best way to seize power was through marriage!

Once you marry Ymir, you won't need to resort to any schemes or tricks. Whether it's the Wyvern Legion or the control of the city, everything will be within your grasp.

So, Frank, the most handsome man in the Spencer Family and someone who had some connection with Ymir before, came.

Unexpectedly, they suffered a setback.

"That's impossible."

After listening, Grand Duke House looked somewhat puzzled and muttered to himself, "Based on my understanding of Ymir's character, she's a dreamer obsessed with 'New Deal,' completely indifferent to matters of the heart. Otherwise, with so many promising young men in the capital, if she were to be swayed, she would have done so long ago."

Suddenly, he remembered his conversation with several Black Dragon City officials, and his eyes darted around.

"Hmph! She's probably just a pretentious bitch!"

Frank was still angry and his words became vicious.

If his "rival" were other high-ranking nobles, it would be one thing, but to be a nobody was completely unacceptable to him; he even felt inexplicably humiliated.

He turned to look at his father and asked, "Father, what should we do now?"

"I think the situation might not be so bad. What you're seeing is probably just a show she's putting on for us."

Grand Duke House narrowed his eyes and voiced his thoughts.

He speculated, "Ymir couldn't possibly be unaware of the significance of our visit. Both great empires are currently blockading Black Dragon City. With the support of our Spencer Family, once the Omar border is reopened, Black Dragon City's development will immediately take off. It might even develop into the Third Empire within the next few years. A shrewd person like Ymir certainly won't let this opportunity slip by."

Marriages among the elite aristocracy have always represented an exchange of interests.

For someone at his level, relationships between men and women are utterly insignificant in the face of self-interest.

Thinking this, a glint of light appeared in Grand Duke House's eyes, and he said, "Besides, even if it were true, so what? I believe that Ymir will make the right choice when it comes to the future of the territory."

Hearing this, Frank felt a little resentful, but he understood what his father meant.

He thought for a moment, then asked, "But... why did she do that? Was she doing it for me to see?"

In the upper echelons of society, chaotic private lives are not uncommon. Before marriage, which of those socialites and young ladies didn't have three or five lovers? Which of those young masters and noblemen wasn't a seasoned veteran of the pleasure quarters?

Their marriage was about transferring benefits, not about genuine, faithful love.

A glint of light flashed in Grand Duke House's eyes. "Probably just to add leverage to tomorrow's negotiations."

The following day, as the city lord, Rein received the Omar delegation.

Inside the magnificent conference hall, twenty or thirty officials from both Black Dragon City and Omar sat facing each other on either side.

Rein sat in the main seat, looking somewhat bored.

When a mission visits, there are many ceremonial procedures to follow, and after a lot of rambling, normal dialogue can finally begin.

Come to think of it, that Grand Duke House is Ymir's distant uncle. Omar sent him this time, naturally playing the familiar card.

Rein knew that Ymir had probably summoned him because of this relationship.

Initially, the meetings proceeded normally.

However, the atmosphere became less harmonious after a single sentence.

At that moment, an official from Omar's side spoke up.

"This time, we are representing the 'suzerain state' to congratulate His Ymir on the establishment of his city territory. Of course, as is customary, we have also brought His Majesty's letter of appointment, appointing Kofi Spencer as the 'Special Inspector' of the Black Dragon Territory."

Upon hearing this, the faces of the Black Dragon City officials in charge of the negotiations changed slightly, becoming somewhat gloomy.

The harmonious atmosphere in the council chamber just moments before instantly turned icy cold because of these words.

No one spoke; for a moment, you could hear a pin drop.

The suzerain state means that if Black Dragon City acknowledges this, it will be a vassal state of the Oma Empire.

Putting aside other factors, it at least lacks independent sovereignty.

For example, in addition to the lord, the Oma Royal Family would also appoint an "inspector" to participate in some of the territory's management affairs and directly represent the royal power.

If this city is Ymir's private territory, then there's nothing wrong with saying that.

To establish diplomatic relations, the other party must first acknowledge that you are a "kingdom".

Ymir was, after all, the Princess, and her territory was governed by the "rules of the kingdom." Diplomatic relations could only be established in the city if Omar recognized the legitimacy of her territory.

This is the premise.

However, Black Dragon City is not a private territory.

These words would put the atmosphere of the meeting in a tense mood, which was exactly what Duke Haus had expected.

He was also testing Ymir's bottom line to see if she still had feelings for Omar.

That's a brilliant move.

After all, Ymir is a member of the Omar royal family. Even though Black Dragon City is currently at its peak, she can't deny her bloodline!

If we acknowledge that Black Dragon Territory has become a vassal kingdom of Omar, then the role of this "Special Inspector" becomes significant.

Even if the marriage alliance fails, this move will be enough to allow them to slowly erode Black Dragon City's power.

Now that we see that the other party has nothing to say, it seems like they've tacitly agreed?

At this moment, Grand Duke Haus was already somewhat confident. He smiled and said, "Your Ymir, I have come to offer my congratulations on His Majesty's orders. His Majesty is very pleased to know that you have established a new territory in the Alkolon Mountain Range and has specifically instructed me to bring some capable officials and craftsmen to participate in the construction of the territory."

His original plan was excellent; once his group of officials and craftsmen got involved, the matter would be half accomplished.

"No"

But before he could finish speaking, Ymir interrupted him.

She said calmly, "Uncle House, I think you may have misunderstood."

House was stunned. "???"

Ymir remained calm and said indifferently, "You are mistaken. This Black Dragon Territory is not my territory."

Upon hearing this, House suddenly found himself speechless, the words he had been holding back stuck in his throat.

Moreover, Omar's side was also greatly surprised.

Are you blatantly lying?

You are clearly the highest-ranking... Prime Minister.

These officials were all brought by Omar before. You say this isn't your territory?

With his head propped up by his hand, Rein took in the expressions of Omar and his group, thinking to himself: These guys are definitely up to no good.

Ymir glanced at Omar and his group, then explained, "You may not be familiar with the policies of our Black Dragon Territory. This is not private territory; we have Council System. Simply put, I, as the 'Prime Minister,' am merely an official elected by everyone. In the future, our Black Dragon Territory may become a federal kingdom, but it will never be anyone's private territory."

At this point, she glanced at Rein beside her and gestured, "Furthermore, the current city lord is not me, but Lord Rein. If you are here with sincerity to establish diplomatic relations, I think you should ask the city lord for his opinion, not mine."

"This"

These words left the Spencer Family father and son speechless, as if a dead rat had been stuffed down their throats.

All the assumptions and plans were based on the premise that Ymir was the lord.

But now, she's saying she's not, but just an official?

Does that mean that the claim that Omar is a "suzerain state" is also invalid?

One sentence instantly brought the memories to a standstill.

Duke Haus paused for a moment, but reason told him that this was Ymir's scheme.

There's no point in testing them any further now that things have been said this far.

"Ymir, by seniority, you should call me uncle. As an elder, there's something I have to say, even if it's not pleasant to hear."

He frowned and said earnestly, "What you just said, don't you know it will upset His Majesty? It will disgrace the honor of the Spurglin Family? His Majesty poured a lot of resources into you, bestowing titles and entrusting you with the task of building the city. Now you've handed over the city to outsiders and don't even intend to acknowledge Omar as your suzerain state. Wouldn't our relatives and friends in the capital be heartbroken to hear this?"

"No, no, no, you've misunderstood again."

Ymir shook his head and interrupted him, saying, "For me and for everyone in Black Dragon City, Lord Rein is not an 'outsider'."

She paused, then added, "Besides, I didn't build this city. It was all thanks to Lord Rein from beginning to end."

Grand Duke House's eyelids twitched violently as he listened.

Whether true or false, this statement led the meeting into a dead end.

Omar and his group didn't know how to start the conversation.

At this moment, Ymir spoke up, but instead asked Rein, "Lord City Lord, this is the Alliance Treaty submitted by the Oma Empire. What are your thoughts?"

Rein had no interest in scheming against a bunch of conspirators.

Black Dragon City doesn't need any allies now, of course, it never did.

Glorious is the enemy; Omar and Sid have closed their borders and wish they could never see each other again.

Now that so many visitors have arrived, they're clearly up to no good.

He stated directly, "Our Black Dragon City welcomes any friendly neighbor. However, since this is an equal alliance, I believe your country should open its borders, allowing residents of both sides to travel and exchange goods, and permitting free trade."

The meeting ended in a very unpleasant atmosphere.

Naturally, no alliance or similar treaty was signed.

Unless Black Dragon City becomes a vassal territory of Omar Omar, how dare they open the border?

The plans of Omar's Established Nobles also fell through.

Their original plan was to restore the aristocratic system in Black Dragon City, which was a second City of Radiance, but the plan was never realized.

The marriage alliance failed, and the plan to send "supervisors" also fell through.

Black Dragon City's system, far ahead of its time, was something that Established Nobles like House, whose thinking was deeply ingrained, simply couldn't understand: how could a territory have no private lords?

If you're not a lord, why bother building such a large territory?

Moreover, the law stipulates that neither Ymir nor even this Rein has the right to inherit the throne.

This is also one of the reasons why Rein does not want to get involved in political affairs.

Even if you know the other party has ill intentions, you still have to argue with these guys.

From his own perspective, if a problem can be solved by taking action, then there's no need to rely on words.

After sitting in the conference room for half a day, Rein felt slightly annoyed that half a day of his cultivation had been wasted.

Just as he was about to leave the conference room, Ymir stopped him.

She looked at Rein and asked, "Want to walk with me?"

"OK."

On the rooftop of the city hall, Rein and Ymir leaned against the railing, watching the bustling crowds on the street.

The city's development is on the right track, Black Dragon City will only get better and better.

The two didn't exchange a single word for a long time, and Rein could tell that Ymir was in a bad mood.

A gentle breeze blew, and the hems of their clothes swayed in the wind.

I heard the whistling sound of a gentle breeze.

Rein glanced to the side; a gentle breeze ruffled Ymir's beautiful blonde hair, revealing her melancholy profile.

After a long while, she finally spoke.

"My elder brother is critically ill and will probably not make it through this period. They brought a message saying that my brother wants to see me one last time before he dies."

"Oh, then let's go."

I want you to come with me.

"Good."

Thanks to 'Daqingshu' for 1,500 coins, 'Ganliliang' and 'Mosanggui' for their generous support. Thank you.