To make matters worse (3)
“Okay, that concludes the meeting. Thank you all for your hard work.”
Finally, the 2nd Continental Summit was concluded.
However, only two cardinals occupied the seat on the side of the church without a saint and a saint.
As if aiming for the right time, it was unavoidable in order to respond to the Immortal Army’s air raid that would begin right after the meeting.
Of course, the countries involved in the raid had already been alerted and took drastic measures, and those present here were also scheduled to return home as soon as the meeting was over.
In fact, the schedule should have ended yesterday, but it took more time to discuss the countermeasures for this issue.
‘Of course, that doesn’t solve many things.’
Heinz II, who had not said much throughout the meeting, looked at the bustling chairman of the convention and slowly stroked his chin.
In the first place, it was difficult to help other countries willingly in a situation where it was not known when their own country would be attacked.
Moreover, wasn’t it already after discussing the continental allied forces, which was the plan?
It was impossible to recruit additional personnel in line with the more frequent offensives.
‘Actually, I have no choice but to deal with it on my own based on the wisdom provided by Saint Heinrich.’
The Azerion Empire and the Republic of Zefia, which can be said to be superpowers, had a large number of strong people, military power, and infrastructure, so they would be able to respond somehow.
The Calcos Tribal Federation, which has an abnormally high ratio of combat personnel to the population, and the Widget Nation, a small island nation with developed magic and even the headquarters of the Mage Tower, are equally less concerned.
However, the 4 western kingdoms, which were relatively weak compared to their territory, and the 3 kingdoms, excluding Thalia, were inevitably a problem.
‘It’s a good opportunity.’
And it was also a great opportunity to expand the influence of hybrid abroad.
“You look troubled.”
Ruler of New Talia Kingdom and owner of the continent’s largest vampire force.
Heinz Hybrid II raised the corner of his mouth with a cool air.
“Can I help you from this side if necessary?”
Looking at the representatives of the kingdom, who put their heads together and whispered with serious expressions even after the meeting was over.
At that word, those who were concentrating on the conversation flinched involuntarily and carefully looked back at him.
It wasn’t that he exerted force and pressure, but he was involuntarily intimidated by the overwhelming difference in rank that came from his existence itself.
“…Help? I appreciate the suggestion, but with the Kingdom of Thalia…”
However, they are also those who have risen to the position of representing each country.
The representative of the kingdom of Shalotti, who recovered his face in an instant, stepped forward and replied reluctantly.
From noble mtl dot com
His homeland was the closest to the kingdom of Thalia, so he was the most active in checks, so it was a natural reaction…
“Kerham, please wait a moment.”
“···You’re right. This is a place where we gathered to have a conversation, so can we hear the story?”
At the dissuade from the representatives of the other two kingdoms, the momentum slowed down.
He was momentarily taken aback by the attitudes of those he thought would sympathize with him, but soon realized the reality and reluctantly nodded his head and stepped back.
“Kuhm! Well, it’s just about listening to the story…”
Of course, they were not in a position to cover the cold and hot water now.
The presence of the Immortal King approaching right in front of me was too threatening to worry about what the vampires would do in the future.
They also knew to some extent about the potential of the present Kingdom of Thalia.
An alliance of clans where most of the vampires of the Ion continent gathered under one flag.
It was at a level beyond imagination simply by considering its power, but how great was the synergy that would come out as it engulfed a kingdom intact.
The reason why they continued to check in the first place was because they were wary of it, so there was nothing more to say.
‘Once you can get help, it’s good to get it. If the vampires cross the line, not only the Church but also the Empire and the Republic won’t sit idly by.’
That was the common thought that now came to the heads of the representatives of the kingdom.
And, of course, Heinz was aware of their thoughts right away.
‘Does not matter.’
Of course, he had no intention of volunteering either.
‘Originally, the intention was to intervene mainly with the Continental Allied Forces, but it would be more efficient to expand by firmly establishing the neighboring countries first.’
It was already approaching neighboring countries in the dark, but isn’t it a waste to throw away an opportunity to expand its influence externally like this?
‘I have no intention of keeping vampires in Talia Kingdom forever.’
In the first place, they were the ones who lived scattered across the entire continent.
Right now, out of necessity, they were brought together as much as possible in the small society of Talia Kingdom, but if that period was prolonged, it would not be good for each other.
Of course, it should be more comfortable to hide in the shadow of the continent again like before without thinking deeply.
But isn’t that the point of going out to the sun by swallowing a kingdom?
‘In order to become a vampire, we need to be prepared to reveal our identities and act confidently outside.’
The perception of vampires now is almost on the same level as that of monsters, but it was a way to get used to it if you see it often.
In addition to such external activities, if the work of expanding influence in the dark is carried out at the same time…
‘It naturally blends into the outside world. Ultimately, to the extent that blood can be traded in other countries, just as it is now done within the kingdom.’
Heinz pondered as he watched the practitioners who had followed him talk with the representatives of the kingdom.
-Hannibal Strauss: If you want, I’ll intensify the offensive against the western kingdoms. Wouldn’t that be comfortable for you too?
-Heinz II: Thank you for thinking about it, but I think it’s better to keep an eye on the situation.
-Hannibal Strauss: Good. However, the moment it is deemed necessary, it will intervene. Because it is beneficial
…With Hans’ unwanted help, it wouldn’t be too difficult for the kingdom to accomplish the task even if it showed a lukewarm response.
‘By the way.’
Heinz’s gaze turned to the Vice President of the Republic, Kayla McClair, who was greeting the others.
Leading the vampire Yang Ji-hwa is also an important task, but now his top priority is the Obipo clan hiding in the Republic.
In fact, he still calls himself the Vampire King, but as long as the Oba Ipo Clan remained, it couldn’t be called a proper seat of power.
It was only after he had completely subdued them that he would be able to become the true Vampire King of Auterica.
‘It would be better to have an internal helper to avoid an annoying situation. Will you take your time and approach carefully, or will you bump into it and see? What to do…’
The moment he was in trouble.
[“High Road. I have an urgent report to you.”]
A sudden telepathic message came from Mullo, who was standing next to him.
When Heinz glanced at him, he hurriedly continued his conversation.
[“This is an urgent message from the East. It is said that Obipo has made a full-fledged move.”]
The Republic’s lawmakers, the media, the countermeasures, and even the military.
It was hard to believe that he had been holding his breath until now, and a radical change was taking place in the hands that were simultaneously extended to all walks of life.
[“In the process, most of the spies planted to monitor the dynamics of the East were eliminated. The agent who managed to bring this information was also lost contact shortly after. …Sorry, High Road. It seems difficult to obtain additional information.”]
At that, Heinz’s gaze turned back to Vice President Kayla.
Whether or not she was aware of the current situation in the Republic, she was just about to leave her seat without showing any signs.
‘It doesn’t seem like it’s time to wait any longer.’
He glanced at the Duke of Bright, the former head of her Kingdom of Thalia, at her side and nodded her chin at her.
Even if he didn’t, he had a strong hostility towards vampires, so he decided that it was better to put someone he knew first.
“Hello? Vice President, can we talk for a minute?”
That’s how Duke Bright approached Vice President Kayla…
“Ah, Duke Bright. Sorry, as you know, I’m busy right now. I have an urgent matter and I need to go quickly. Could you please tell me what I need in writing?”
She just smiled apologetically, as if she was really sorry.
Indeed, like a politician, his expression did not show any discomfort, but Duke Bright, who had been walking a tightrope at the risk of his life under a vampire for the rest of his life, was not too concerned.
Displeasure and disgust felt implicitly beyond the chilliness.
It wasn’t like this when we met before, but it seemed like he was trying to distance himself from knowing that he had become a vampire.
‘I expected this much.’
However, he had a magic sentence prepared to force the conversation to continue.
“It’s a story related to your son, too.”
At that, all of her actions stopped.
Then the soft smile on her face lifted, and her icy eyes glared fiercely at Duke Bright.
“Are you ready to talk a little now?”
“···Yes. Coincidentally, it seems like the urgent matter has just been resolved. I think we can take a moment.”
In such an atmosphere as if walking on thin ice, an uncomfortable meeting took place.
In the meantime, of course.
-Hannibal Strauss: Interesting. East after Enamel Continent? I’ll direct Olivia to investigate further.
The Immortal King’s obsessive interference continued.
-Hannibal Strauss: There might be something available there. If that’s the case, you’ll be able to supply and demand karma more efficiently than simply killing them all.
Although that was never a sound intention.
***
‘It’s strange.’
The moment Heinz II noticed the problem in the East, Harris in the Enamel Continent also realized the peculiarity of the situation.
He obviously sensed something was wrong with the World Tree, but the other high elves hadn’t been particularly informed about it.
In addition, it was also true that he also felt like a dream in the process of excessive immersion in nature, but it was also true that he had not received any significant revelations at this time.
So it was a problem that he could just skip over…
‘Oh, it’s annoying… How did it end up like this?’
After all, he is also the priest of the World Tree and the High Elf, the pinnacle of elven society.
As such, he couldn’t easily ignore his premonitions related to the World Tree, so it was natural for Harris to become the head of the special investigation team after he spoke out.
‘When are you going to wrap yourself up as a rookie? Is it safe here?’
Of course, there was a side like that, but the biggest reason was that if the world tree gave him something, there must be a good reason for it.
‘Oh, the wind is cool and nice today. I want to lie down and sleep under a tree.’
However, he was already forced to do his job, so Harris grumbled inwardly, but led a group of watchmen to an unexpected location.
Whoa-
Of course, it was up to Pascal, the spirit of the wind, to lift and carry the body, which had already realized its convenience.
***
The first to return home after the summit meeting was the delegation from the Tribal Federation, including Morna, the great sorcerer.
As soon as the meeting was over, Morna, who had a hard expression all day, got up from her seat in case someone caught her, and left without saying goodbye to the others through the gate of the church to the south.
And right after that.
The Kalkos Tribal Federation’s official statement was notified to the Great War of Roselia through the only temple located in the south.
The important information was soon conveyed to the representatives of the countries still remaining in the Holy Land.
“I think I heard something wrong. So, what about Calcos?”
In the middle of the road leading to the gate room from the lodgings of the Great Temple.
Princess Riley, who had finished greeting many people and packed her things and went outside, asked with a puzzled expression.
“I don’t think you heard it wrong, Princess. I feel the same way.”
Lee Se-ah, who had just relayed the news that had been hurriedly delivered to him by the people of the church, recited what he had heard as if he was at a loss.
-The Kalkos Tribe Federation withdrew from the Continental Union. All previous discussions were dismissed as non-existent, and we decided to go our own way in the future. From now on, all interference through the temple is prohibited.
That was all, to the point, without saying a word.
“No, with what guts…? Even if everyone sticks together with one heart and one mind, what is this in a difficult situation…!”
Hearing that again, Riley exclaimed indignantly.
It’s only natural that a hole has been pierced in the discussion over the past few days.
Also, this kind of departure did nothing to help the cohesion and morale of all who remained.
Why was this meeting held in the first place?
Even if there are parts that don’t fit well with each other and don’t like it, isn’t it opened with the intention of finding a way out together through concessions and consultations somehow?
“What are you thinking? Do I really need to do this? Unless there is a declaration of war of some sort…”
She was talking all the way to her, and she suddenly bit her mouth shut.
After all, the topic related to war was not something that could be easily brought up in a place like this.
“Whoa—let’s go back. I’ve been away for too long already. Right now, I have no choice but to believe in the church.”
Of course, the church did not let go of their hands.
It was only natural to try to keep in touch and talk with Calcos at his sudden whim.
‘If things don’t work out, things will get complicated, but…’
She shook her head excitedly and led her party back to the gate room.
First of all, it was a priority to deal with the accumulated work, so the later work was a matter of thinking later.
However.
In this way, the imperial delegation including Princess Riley, Isea, and Hesperon hurriedly returned to Jeron, the capital city.