NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49
“Your Majesty the Emperor. The delegation from Nobogord has arrived and is awaiting an audience.”
“Oh, yes. Yes! Let them in at once.”
Today, the Emperor’s demeanor is strikingly different from before.
His exaggerated gestures and clearly fluctuating voice are evident to everyone both inside the great hall and outside.
An ordinary person might have cocked their head at such a sudden change.
However, those gathered here are all far from ordinary.
They already know that every action of their Emperor is calculated.
Those proud members of the Demon Tribe. Nobogord sent a delegation first.
If the Empire were to show an arrogant front now, it could needlessly sour relations.
The status of the moderate faction in Nobogord, which has given its support, could easily be jeopardized.
Furthermore, this also serves as justification to consider the external gaze.
It shows that anyone wishing to ally with the Empire is welcomed.
Though they bickered not long ago, it demonstrates that they can now be received as guests.
With the iron Emperor so graciously welcoming them, who could dare to call it false?
“I greet His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire!”
The delegation from Nobogord, having entered the great hall under guidance, bows respectfully.
In the past, during the times when the Empire and Nobogord were at odds, they only showed their own etiquette.
In contrast, now they are bowing thoroughly in accordance with the Empire’s customs.
Thanks to this, even those who initially cast suspicious glances have somewhat lowered their guard.
And so, a rather pleasant atmosphere awaited the delegation.
Nobogord sent numerous gifts, congratulating the Empire on its victory.
The Emperor broke into a hearty laugh, clearly pleased with their gift barrage.
He even tossed light-hearted jokes to the delegation.
To anyone’s eyes, he appeared to be an extremely pleased ruler regarding the delegation’s visit.
However, once the official schedule wrapped up and the delegation withdrew from the great hall…
“Hmm.”
The Emperor returned to a cold demeanor as if he had never smiled.
In fact, his eyes shimmered with an even more chilling gaze than usual.
“Well then. How do you view this?”
“I did not expect Nobogord to assume such a humble stance, Your Majesty.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I thought they would simply convey their congratulations for our victory, but today’s proceedings seemed to indicate an unspoken acknowledgment of the Empire’s superiority.”
Nobogord, aptly named the Demon Tribe Alliance, boasts quite an expansive territory.
While they cannot compare to the Empire, they also hold significant military power.
Most of all, being a Demon Tribe, individual combat prowess is exceedingly high.
With these points in mind, Nobogord has long jostled for leadership over the Empire and the northern territories.
At times, it was through heavy military action, and at others, through mild diplomatic conflicts.
Though they were indeed at a disadvantage compared to the Empire, they emphasized they were not to be underestimated.
In the end, we may lose, but it was always reminded that the Empire would have to shed considerable blood as well.
Now, Nobogord seems to have completely shifted its stance.
Perhaps it’s due to the peace treaty we previously signed, but to claim that as the sole reason would be excessive.
“What are your thoughts, Minister?”
The ones directly questioned by the Emperor were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Special Affairs.
They exchanged glances briefly before presenting their pre-discussed opinions to the Emperor.
“I suspect they felt a sense of urgency regarding a swift resolution in the Eastern region.”
“A sense of urgency, you say.”
“It’s not merely a matter of early resolutions in the Eastern region, but rather that the level of threat has nearly dissipated. Thanks to this, the Empire can project a minimum of 2 legions, and at most 4, to different borders. Nobogord must be aware of this too.”
A legion consists of around 15,000 to 20,000, representing the country’s might, a true pride of the Empire.
Unless in exceptional circumstances, they are composed of volunteers, leading to high training and morale.
Just recently, wasn’t a single legion able to hold back the 30,000 troops of Burgai? (Of course, the 17th Legion did provide support from behind.)
With the Empire boasting as many as 20 such formidable legions, it’s only natural they are called a superpower.
However, the Empire’s territory is incredibly vast. It faces various kingdoms along every border.
Thus, in case of emergencies, legions must be positioned throughout the Empire’s expanse.
This is also the reason why a curious balance can be struck between the Empire and other nations.
“…From Nobogord’s perspective, not long ago they were embroiled in conflict with us. Though now the moderates dominate the council, we cannot dismiss the possibility of a sudden reversal.”
“With the legions that were stationed in the East now freed, a natural deterrence has come into play. No matter how formidable they may be, it would be impossible to confront seven legions simultaneously.”
The Emperor nodded along with the ministers’ statements, remaining silent.
Then he pointed towards the Minister of War seated opposite him.
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“How much cost has been incurred due to the deployment of the Imperial legions in the Eastern region?”
“…The cost has exceeded quadruple that of the usual deployment of 2 legions.”
Quadruple. At that word, the expressions of the ministers darkened for a moment.
To have incurred such an amount in barely two months is alarming.
At this rate, we may have to tighten our belts for a while.
“Minister of Finance. If seven legions were to be dispatched in the direction of Nobogord, and this were to span roughly four months, how much additional tax would be required?”
“It would be inappropriate to delve into specifics as the data is quite lacking, but my estimate would suggest it could amount to the total military expenditure of the Empire for about three years all at once.”
A military is a group that produces nothing and solely consumes.
Money flows out even when idle, but if they move externally, funds will drain at an exponential rate.
Is it true that moving one legion incurs costs of 1, then seven legions would cost 7?
No. The expenditure multiplies. It looms as a tremendous burden.
“I expected as much. Nobogord has come with intentions beyond merely congratulating us.”
Finally grasping their true motives, the Emperor wore a cynical smile.
They came to scrutinize the results of the movement of five Imperial legions.
To uncover something the Empire is making efforts not to reveal and hiding away.
The delegation serves as the best approach to heighten diplomatic relations.
At the same time, it is a legitimate means to collect information.
While gaining access to key information may be impossible, others will take care of that.
After all, what they need to figure out is the general atmosphere and circumstances of the Empire.
“What shall we do, Your Majesty?”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs cautiously inquires the Emperor’s intent.
Though it was expected they might have ulterior motives, predictions and certainties differ.
—Tap tap.
After a moment of contemplation, the Emperor leaned back in his seat and opened his mouth.
“Well, Nobogord will likely expect that we’ll soon uncover their intentions anyway. Therefore, there’s no need to unnecessarily flush our faces with embarrassment. More importantly, it is indeed true that our Empire has achieved a grand victory.”
“Your Majesty’s words are indeed correct.”
“For the time being, the Foreign Affairs Ministry shall focus on the three kingdoms beyond the Eastern border. The East must move according to the Empire’s intentions to grant us freedom in our next endeavor.”
The coup that erupted beyond the western border and the rapid rise of Dedorant thereafter.
In the south, a large-scale conflict centers around the Holy Kingdom and the Kingdom of Benito.
In this pandemonium, stabilizing even one area becomes paramount.
And thus, Nobogord’s overt maneuvering is reluctantly overlooked.
After all, the Empire is also quietly gathering intelligence on Nobogord.
Such occurrences between nations have always existed, haven’t they?
In fact, sending a delegation to publicly express intentions may be the better option.
“Oh, by the way, I heard that during this delegation, the only daughter of Nobogord’s council chair accompanied them. What transpired with that?”
“If it’s Charlua Estania, special personnel have been assigned to ensure her safety.”
“Good. While she is technically a member of the delegation, she’s an esteemed guest, so we must not treat her lightly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will ensure that.”
This implied granting her some freedom of action, as long as it doesn’t bring harm to the Empire.
Upon hearing this news, Charlua was pleased and put forth a request.
The Emperor could not help but exclaim, “Huh?” in disbelief.
*
“It’s an honor to meet you. Prince Kael Clausewitz. I am Charlua Estania.”
A fair, white hand was suddenly thrust forward.
In that moment, I found myself reflecting on past prejudices—was it racial discrimination? No, perhaps it was tribal discrimination?
In any case, my past self surfaced with such thoughts.
Why, when thinking of the Demon Tribe, one would envision a pitch-black or even bluish skin as the stereotype.
With horns sprouting and tails swishing, this was my remembrance of the Demon Tribe from a previous life.
Had it not been like this for the Demon Tribe, I thought.
Yet the Demon Tribe I see now bears an uncanny resemblance to humans.
Ah, yet they still have those triangular pupils characteristic of their kind.
“…I am Kael Clausewitz. Miss Charlua.”
I extended my hand for a handshake, briefly introducing myself.
This was a rather abrupt meeting, as she requested my presence during the delegation.
She had specifically identified me and expressed a desire to meet.
At first, I wondered if someone belonging to the delegation had the liberty to act personally like this.
But upon discovering her identity, I had no choice but to nod in agreement.
“I hear you are the only daughter of Nobogord’s council chair. I look forward to working with you, Prince Kael.”
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whispered this as a favor.
She is an esteemed guest of the Empire. Hence, no room for errors is allowed.
“I understand you particularly requested to meet me.”
“Yes, I really wanted to. It was just a short while ago, right from the border.”
“The border… you say? What do you mean?”
At that, a very playful smile crept onto the Demon Tribe lady’s face.
“The Nobogord army caught completely off guard by your scheme. I was one of them.”
“…Ah.”
The incident linked to that moment and my impersonation of a certain teacher must be what she refers to.
Overcome by embarrassment, I simply nodded, but Charlua’s reaction was quite strange.
“Is it true? Does that mean it didn’t leave any impression on you?”
“…Excuse me?”
“Well, thinking back on what was recently shown in the Eastern region, you might consider it merely a tactic. At least from Prince’s perspective.”