137 – 141
With the cooperation of Chairman Charles, the Imperial Faction, and the Neutral Faction, the alliance treaty with the United Kingdom was passed through the council more easily than expected.
“hehehe, Your Grace. It is truly moving to see two nations that were at odds forming an alliance like this.”
Seeing Ambassador Edward of the United Kingdom tear up, I smile and say, “It is thanks to your efforts, Ambassador.”
“hahahaha, you honor me with your words. Shall we begin the signing ceremony now?”
I nod in agreement, take out a fountain pen, and sign the treaty.
– Scribble… Swoosh.
In front of the Imperial Council members and Chairman Charles, Edward and I sign, exchange documents, and sign again.
– Scribble… With determination.
With the signing ceremony concluded, the Empire and the United Kingdom officially became allies.
Edward smiles contently, saying, “Now Nicaea is like a mouse trapped in a corner. With the United Kingdom at sea and the Empire on land, who could pose a threat?”
However, the Imperial council members do not look pleased. While their military strengths may be similar, any country would defer to the Empire in terms of dignity.
Though the Empire may call it a civil war immediately, it seems they are not pleased with this treaty that appears to seek help from the United Kingdom.
I manage my expression and say, “Yes. Let us head to my office first for joint operations with the United Kingdom.”
Almost dragging a delighted Edward along, we head towards the palace.
Inside the rushing carriage.
“So, the fleet has set sail?”
Edward nods in response to my question, “Yes. They have entered the Tiberi River as reported.”
I nod in contemplation. The Adriatic Sea landing operation will begin in about two weeks.
“That’s good to hear. Roman preparations are nearly complete.”
With a conscription order near Rome, over 40,000 soldiers have gathered. In addition to the 30,000 troops stationed near Rome, including a giant battalion.
Except for the 10,000 troops, there was quite a bit to prepare for the 60,000 soldiers boarding the United Kingdom’s ships, but we are now in the final stages.
“That’s good news. hahahaha, I can imagine King Johannes’ surprise.”
“I feel the same way.”
Fortunately, the trap set for Johannes hasn’t failed yet. Or rather, William’s return to Rome has expanded our options.
Thinking about the fall of Nicaea, I discuss the details.
***
I can’t stay silent like this any longer.
Not a loyal subject, but a powerful figure, Devian.
It’s hard to deny that he is an exceptional individual for the Empire.
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But…
There is something fundamentally wrong with his actions.
The politics I grew up hearing about, where justice is crucial.
But he doesn’t care about that and is only concerned with the outcome being favorable, which drives me crazy.
The issue isn’t that he granted someone else the Emperor’s territory.
When we first got married.
It was incredibly awkward between us, I admit.
How many nights did I wish to kill Debiann at the mere thought of him?
But somehow, afterwards, we grew to love each other.
Back then, I would have had firm faith in him no matter what he said, although I might have been angry, I would have believed him.
But he kept this secret until the end.
I heard that Alexander, a member of the Nicaean council, publicly announced the engagement between the territories and Joy at the council, causing a stir that Debiann couldn’t escape.
His deception doesn’t end there.
Afterwards, to prevent any information from reaching my ears, under the guise of searching for spies, he restricted the courtiers from coming and going outside the palace, took the ones who had already left to a training camp under the pretext of protecting the nobles, and trained them in security.
I don’t know why he went to such lengths…
In the end, he never revealed the truth to me until he reached the point he desired.
As if he couldn’t trust me.
He says he loves me.
Now, I’m not sure if he truly loves me.
I think he’s just pretending to love me.
I tried to appeal to him with my love, but he never responds to it.
Even our marriage.
I heard that men, even if they don’t love, desire a beautiful woman by their side, but…
He left me alone.
I have confidence in my appearance.
It’s not just my personal opinion. I’ve even heard that I’m considered the most beautiful in the empire, so I must be beautiful in his eyes as well.
But he acts like I’m not.
For a long time.
Does he really love me?
No, if that’s the case, he wouldn’t avoid our relationship like this.
What am I to him?
I wonder… Am I just a means to maintain power in his eyes?
Internally, he despises and hates me, but to maintain power, is he pretending to be in a marriage without showing any signs?
Such thoughts bring tears to my eyes.
I begin to question whether his loving words and actions were actually lies to maintain his regime.
If that’s the case, why did he say those things to me? Why did he act that way towards me?
There’s a limit to playing with someone’s emotions.
You’re a demon… A demon who manipulates people’s hearts while laughing slyly.
I lie on the bed I used to sleep in alone, but now I share with him, closing my eyes to ponder deeply.
Honestly, I still love him, or rather, I should say there is still lingering attachment.
There is no way that the emotion called love can disappear in an instant.
Just by him looking at me, I felt excitement.
Just by him talking to me, I felt happy.
Every moment spent with him was filled with happiness.
However, even though the feeling of love didn’t fade away, another emotion was growing inside me.
The seed of hatred had taken root in my heart.
Slowly, that seed shed its shell and spread its roots within me.
I hate him.
I hate him so much.
He who doesn’t trust me.
He who doesn’t love me.
He who deceives me.
I hate him to the point of madness.
But still, I love him.
I don’t even know why I’m like this.
But one thing is certain, I can’t entrust him with everything like I do now.
Because I don’t trust him either.
In a situation where I don’t know his intentions, I can’t hand over everything of the empire to him.
If he’s a devil worshipper, it might lead to the resurrection of the demon king.
So… first, I will take back all his power.
Then, if I still hate him, I will kill him, and if I still love him… I don’t know at that point.
“So, I can’t just cry like this…”
That’s how I make up my mind.
Wiping away the dried tears, I get up from the bed and head to the bathtub.
***
Yohannes, Alexander, and Sabirelli, along with many other armed men, are inside the tent.
Everyone gathered here contemplates while examining a large war map.
Each of them ponders their thoughts while looking at the map.
“The defense seems thicker than expected.”
Currently, they haven’t been able to capture a single fortress from the Eren Kingdom or the Bohemi Kingdom in the Dufol Duchy.
It’s somewhat expected.
It’s natural considering the front line deployed by pulling out troops even from the remote fields in Bohemi.
Yohannes, who is under time pressure in this situation, feels anxious.
He heard news of mercenaries departing from Babylon, but until then, he must maximize his gains. However, at present, he can’t help but waste time, making Yohannes feel frustrated.
“What should we do?”
Although he wants to target the central front line quickly, it’s difficult to break through the thickest defense.
Sabirelli, who observes the overall situation, smiles and speaks.
“Well… Your Highness Yohannes, excuse me, but where is the enemy’s supply warehouse?”
“It’s likely in Kanchu.”
Since Kanchu is the hub supplying the fortresses, it’s perhaps natural, as Sabirelli nods knowingly.
“I share the same thought. We are currently mobilizing a large army, so the supply is not smooth. Surely the enemies are in a similar situation. In this case, it seems better to surround Khancho, preventing further supply to nearby areas and blocking each major fortress.”
Alexander slightly frowned at those words.
“If we only surround Khancho, it will take too much time. Moreover, reinforcements will undoubtedly come from other fortresses. It would be better to target the weaker Valensian fortress first.”
Upon hearing this, Sabi Nelli spoke with a smile.
“It would actually be better if we foolishly send reinforcements.”
Sabi Nelli’s hand circled around the four fortresses near Khancho drawn on the map as she spoke.
“Although these places are not far apart, if we occupy these hills, we can easily detect the enemy’s movements. So, if we station troops here and reinforcements depart, we can repel them, weakening the fortress’s defense. If reinforcements do not arrive and we hastily enter, we may suffer a great loss.”
Yohannes thought Sabi Nelli’s words made sense.
‘I cannot ignore the enemy’s fortresses and enter Bohemi immediately. However, delaying the conquest of Khancho and dragging out time is risky.’
“Let’s follow Sabi Nelli’s plan this time. General Bernstein will provide you with 30,000 soldiers. Surround Khancho and let the reinforcements trying to rescue them expend themselves.”
When Yohannes gave the order to the man with blue hair, the man knelt down and said, “I will carry out the order.”
“Your Majesty, in this operation, not only General Bernstein but I also wish to go personally.”
Yohannes looked puzzled at Sabi Nelli’s words.
“Are you sure? But you are…”
Although Yohannes hesitated to send Sabi Nelli, whom he usually valued, he understood the desire to gain merit.
‘Sabi Nelli must also want to gain military merit. If I entrust an important position to her, wise and sharp as she is…’
“This is my strategy. Your Majesty, please allow me to gain merit.”
Yohannes complained as he watched Sabi Nelli stand up and bow her head.
“How can I stop you if you want to go? Accept the title of Viscount Sabi Nelli of Bernstein.”
“Yes! I will follow Your Majesty’s orders.”
Having given the command, Yohannes looked at Alexander and said, “So, any new information?”
“The current enemy’s key figure, General Agrifa, is preparing for war in the Grand Duchy and has not made any movements yet,” Sabi Nelli replied.
“That’s strange…” Alexander agreed with Sabi Nelli’s murmur.
“Yes, indeed. A general who turned the tide of the war with a single maneuver in the recent civil war is in the rear in this war… There must be something.”
‘Both Sabi Nelli and Alexander’s concerns are very valid.’
If anyone were to name the top general of the Grand Duchy, it would be reasonable to mention Agrifa.
“Then, do the spies have any information on why he is not moving?” Alexander asked, sweating slightly.
“As of now, there is no information, but… judging by the significant amount of military supplies being transported towards the port, it is possible he might be heading towards Roman, bypassing Dupol, or perhaps circling the Yoren Mountains to join the Dupol front.”
Alexander’s suggestion was a very conventional move, and seeing that no one questioned it, he cautiously continued, “Hmm… Crossing the Yoren Mountains to come with a large army will take about a month.”
The room fell silent at Alexander’s words.
They knew that was the only option.
If Bohemia is not occupied within a month… then this war might be lost.
“A month… If mercenaries cross the Yara Plain, there will be enough time to occupy Bohemia.”
Everyone nodded heavily at Yohannes’ words.