123 – 127
Is it because she’s the heroine after all?
She’s undeniably beautiful.
With deep golden hair and emerald eyes.
On top of that, her magical abilities are exceptional like a heroine in a novel.
The Kingdom of Sardonia gained independence from the Empire several centuries ago.
And that kingdom has made magic its national pride, improving magic and inviting magicians from all over the continent, making it one of the strongest individual kingdoms on the continent, with a number of magicians slightly less than the Empire.
That’s why I tried to extend a hand this time.
I didn’t expect Eia, who insulted me last time, to show up here like this.
In a difficult situation, Emmanuel speaks up.
“Yes, Your Grace, have you come for a matter?”
To which I reply.
“I would like to borrow a unit of magicians for my return.”
At my words, Emmanuel and Eia blink at each other, then lock eyes.
And Emmanuel, with a troubled expression, wipes his sweat with a handkerchief and says.
“Well… Your Grace, I am truly sorry, but we cannot lend you a unit of magicians.”
“I understand. But I believe you are aware of the situation.”
Ambassadors visit to strengthen ties with the host country.
Of course, that’s just the reason on the surface, but in reality, they are nothing but spies.
Whether knowingly or unknowingly, they are gathering information about the Empire.
Of course, the Empire is aware of it, but that doesn’t mean they arrest or punish them.
It is the duty of the ambassador to also play the role of a legal spy.
“Let’s not beat around the bush and speak the truth, let’s press on,” Emmanuel cautiously says with a serious expression.
“So the rumors were true. Today at the Imperial Council, it was said that King Ioannes of Nicaea has been declared an enemy of the state.”
“That rumor is true. And Ioannes has even pulled troops from the eastern borders of the Empire to attack Duval.”
Emmanuel closes his eyes and ponders while tapping the table with his fingers anxiously.
– Tap… Tap.
Emmanuel continues to tap the table for a long time, hesitating.
I patiently wait for his response.
“No matter what, we cannot easily lend the Mage Division. As Your Highness knows, we only lend the Mage Division when the Demon King resurrects.”
For centuries, the Empire has been preventing the Demon King’s army from resurrecting each time he does.
It is a matter of the fate of the continent.
At that moment, all nations come together to support the Empire.
Of course, there are fierce diplomatic battles behind the scenes, but ultimately, the Pope steps forward, encouraging all countries on the continent to participate and demanding their support.
“But the Demon King has not resurrected yet. It is difficult for us to intervene.”
I say coldly in response.
“Is that really the reason?”
Emmanuel frowns at my words.
“What do you mean by that? Your Highness?”
“I am aware that the Kingdom of Sardina and the Kingdom of Nicaea have a close relationship. Could there be another reason for this?”
Emmanuel furrows his brows, seeming displeased.
“We strive for neutrality. And please do not involve us in matters within the Empire.”
I slam my hand on the table and say, “Neutrality… Neutrality, indeed. Is it really neutrality? As far as I know, you have constantly supported the Empire with the help of the Allied Kingdom. Is that really neutrality?”
Emmanuel becomes angry at my words.
“What nonsense is this? While we do receive financial support from the Allied Kingdom, it is only natural for us to contain the Empire’s expansion policy, isn’t it?”
The Allied Kingdom, where my stepfather the king reigns, has long feared the Empire’s expansion by sea.
Therefore, for centuries, they have supported various countries to contain the Empire.
Among them, the Kingdom of Sardina and the Kingdom of Navarra are supported in the west, while the Kingdom of Suasong fears the Empire and allies with the Allied Kingdom.
This is the current state of affairs on the continent since the discovery of the New Continent.
“So if the Empire, which was pursuing an expansion policy, is now in turmoil, isn’t it likely that neighboring countries would take the opportunity to attack our borders?”
It is not uncommon for neighboring countries to attack the Empire’s border regions during times of confusion within the Empire.
So my suspicion is quite valid.
There are two main reasons for my intention to borrow the Mage Division.
First, to minimize casualties in the Empire.
The Babylon Empire’s mercenary army has sided with Ioannes.
From the perspective of someone familiar with the original novel, the Babylon Empire has not long since ended a war internally.
Therefore, it is reasonable to think that the Babylon Empire did not intervene, but one cannot simply rely on that.
Being complacent when there are more than a few plans gone awry.
That’s why I am considering borrowing a wizard brigade.
To stand against the massive army of the Babylon Empire, wizards are essential.
Even if the Babylon Empire gets involved, we can calmly buy time.
As the King of Locusts appears on Babylon Empire’s land, they will naturally crumble.
The second reason is in case the Kingdom of Sardenia has any second thoughts and decides to attack the empire, we must strike first.
If we issue a general mobilization order and send the imperial army to the east, the western region will be weakened.
Since no one knows if the Kingdom of Sardenia might have a change of heart, we are pressuring them in advance.
-Boom!
“Even if that’s the case, there are unresolved issues between our kingdom and the empire in certain areas. If a war breaks out, isn’t it unavoidable? Do you really think we will just sit back quietly if you intimidate us like this?!”
“P-Please calm down, both of you. Why are you acting this way?”
As my conversation with Emanuelle escalated, Eia interjected with a perplexed and worried look.
“Your Highness, our kingdom does not plan to invade other countries. So please trust us, and it seems difficult to dispatch a wizard brigade. So, please put your doubts to rest.”
Watching Eia trying to somehow lighten the tense atmosphere, I continued, hoping my turn would arrive soon.
“I don’t believe in absolutes in politics and diplomacy. So, you must choose one. One, lend the wizard brigade and receive a fair price for it, or two, engage in war with the empire.”
The Kingdom of Sardenia has many wizards but lacks knights or infantry.
With the Allied Kingdom watching our backs, the mercenary presence is overwhelmingly high, and our defense utilizing rugged mountainous terrain is excellent.
“What?! Are you confident? Behind us are the Allied Kingdom and the Kingdom of Navara, and the Kingdom of Suason, fearing the empire’s expansion policy! Even if the Allied Kingdom’s king is your uncle, they won’t turn a blind eye to the empire’s expansion policy!”
As he finished speaking, a staring contest ensued between Emanuelle and me.
His words were not wrong.
The Allied Kingdom does not wish for the empire to grow further on the continent.
So, if we invade the Kingdom of Sardenia, surely the uncle will become our enemy.
That’s why he confidently speaks that way.
“W-Why are you all like this?!”
Eia, anxious that a war might break out, at that moment—
-Knock, knock!
Hearing someone knocking, I realized that the deck I had prepared had arrived.
“What’s going on?”
As Emanuelle opened his mouth, a response came from outside the door.
[“Y-Your Grace, Ambassador Edward from the Allied Kingdom has arrived.”]
“Ambassador Edward has arrived? Please ask him to wait in the second reception room for a moment.”
[“T-There is an occasion where His Grace and the Ambassador will meet together…”]
Upon hearing this, Emanuelle made a bewildered expression.
“T-Then, bring him in.”
As the door opened, Ambassador Edward, whom I had seen before arriving here, entered the room.
A man in his fifties, appearing somewhat stout.
With a sprinkling of gray hair, the man entered with a casual smile.
“It seems everyone is here. Your Grace, and Ambassador Emanuelle. Oh~ Princess Eia is here as well. You seem to grow more beautiful with each passing day.”
Observing Edward politely greeting me, Emanuelle, and Eia, Emanuelle spoke.
“Lord Edward. It’s been a while. But what’s the matter?”
Edward responds with a worried expression, “There have been talks about the recent state of affairs within the Empire not being favorable, causing His Majesty King Leon to be displeased. I have come to discuss matters of agreement.”
Emmanuel responds with a perplexed smile, “Ha-ha! Is that so? How coincidental. We were just discussing the matter with His Grace.”
Upon hearing this, Edward smiles amicably, “That’s fortunate. I also have something to discuss with His Grace and Ambassador Emmanuel.”
Emmanuel’s expression turns puzzled, “What is it?”
“His Majesty King Leon is concerned about the sudden instability in the current continent.”
“hahahaha… We share the same concerns. His Grace made unreasonable demands, putting us in a difficult situation.”
Edward, looking clueless, asks, “Oh, may I inquire about the nature of these demands?”