NOVEL NEXT Chapter 55
How long has it been since I returned from the East? This time, I’m headed to the West.
Upon delivering the news, my father pondered with a thoughtful “Hmm,” scratching his chin.
“Hmm… It seems the Emperor has high expectations for you, Kael.”
“I’m just worried this might be another test.”
“If it were a test, would His Majesty send even the Princess along with you?”
It was hard to find a flaw in my father’s words.
Yes, if this were for a test of loyalty, taking someone with me wouldn’t make sense.
It would make more sense if they sent me alone to ascertain my actions in secret.
As my father said, this was a signal for them to expect another heroic deed from me.
But the Emperor clearly said the Princess would handle the consolation while I was to watch the situation beyond the Western border.
There must be something he desires. There must be a reason behind this, right?
In other words, it would be the Emperor observing for his hopes and judgments.
“By the way, Kael, I heard you’re going to receive the title of Military Advisor.”
Did I stir up so much talk by going to the East without any official title?
Or perhaps it was concluded that since I had achieved something, I should be given a suitable position?
Regardless of the reason, I received both the command from the Emperor and this title of Military Advisor at once.
‘It probably means I should be prepared to serve as a military staff officer in the West.’
With this Military Advisor title bestowed by the Emperor, there’s no need to serve in any specific Legion.
I could give my opinions and provide advice anywhere, with any Legion.
My father saw this as a tremendous honor, but honestly, I felt a bit scared.
Just how much does he expect me to be of use?
It’s not like I’m attached to any Imperial Army in some region. I’m not even a staff officer in any Legion.
Isn’t it just a command to operate wherever the Emperor orders?
Just how far is the scope of the Empire’s activities expanding?
First, it was the North. Then the East. Now they are targeting the West and South?
At this rate, are they aiming for almost complete continent unification?
“So, when are we set to depart?”
“It will likely be next week. If His Majesty specifically named the Princess and me, it must mean the situation in the West is as shaky as in the East.”
“… That probability is indeed very high.”
As my father spoke, he handed me something.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed it bore the seal of the Ministry of War.
“This definitely looks like some important information.”
“It likely is.”
“Am I really allowed to see this?”
“On the contrary, Kael, it’s because it’s you that you are allowed to see it. Think about the position that His Majesty has conferred upon you.”
Ah, right. Military Advisor. That makes sense. It’s not a title appointed by a Legion Commander but granted by the Emperor himself.
With that in mind, obtaining cooperation from the Ministry of War shouldn’t be too difficult.
Looking at the information they provided me should be considered a trivial matter.
‘I wonder what kinds of contents are there.’
I checked each piece of the documents my father handed over.
Each page was crammed with writings, numbers, and tables.
I carefully read the content, memorized it in my mind, and organized it neatly.
Afterward, I returned it to my father, who also reviewed it.
“Hmm.”
“If what we read is all true, then the situation beyond the Western border could be worse than we thought, Father.”
“That’s likely the case. There’s always a delay before information reaches the Empire.”
The Ministry of War, Special Operations Division, and Foreign Affairs Ministry. Departments that excel in gathering information.
What they have discovered regarding the West is quite reliable.
Inside, there was a wealth of information about the newly rising power, the Kingdom of Dedorant.
[ Prince Georg Sistania of Dedorant Seizes All Power Within Dedorant’s Borders]
[ A multitude of excellent officers active in the military express their support for the Third Prince]
[ The King of Dedorant formally designates the Third Prince as his successor. Speculated to be due to pressure rather than free will]
[ Military expenses rising. Military power increasing. Confirmed troop numbers exceed 100,000. This is the strength that can be mobilized for pure offense, excluding forces reserved for defense.]
Last time, Father explained to me that beyond the Western border, Dedorant is rising rapidly.
At the center of this is the Third Prince, who gained immense popularity through his outstanding military achievements.
The Crown Prince has already been eliminated. In that situation, it’s only natural for the Third Prince to become the center of power.
The King of Dedorant reluctantly designating his third son as the next king is also a result of this.
I had heard this before, so even without new information, this was something I could have expected.
‘The problem is that Dedorant’s military growth is alarming.’
There are reports of over 100,000 troops, even excluding those reserved for defense.
If they were just ordinary conscripts, there would be nothing to worry about. They would merely be a horde with numbers.
But Dedorant is different. They are recognized military powers even by the Empire.
They’ve shaken the western continent several times, and this is an ongoing issue.
If that nation’s offensive troops are of that caliber, the Empire cannot afford to be relaxed.
However, if this was where things ended, it wouldn’t be the problem it is.
Indeed, the real trouble could be said to be just beginning.
[ There may be a possibility of Atria’s annexation ]
Beyond the Empire’s western border, several kingdoms have established their territories.
Among them, if we were to identify the major players in the western order, there are four.
There’s the current ruckus of Dedorant. The DeGale, who are fiercely fighting against them.
On the side, there’s Ross Tanika, watching the situation.
Finally, there’s Atria, sitting above Dedorant.
There are other states, but frankly, even though they call themselves kingdoms, half of them are just vassal states, so let’s ignore them.
In any case, the possibility of Dedorant annexing Atria has been raised.
The term “annexation,” rather than conquest or subjugation, likely arises from royal relationships.
Dedorant and Atria may be distant at the royal level, but they are certainly relatives.
Since they have many similarities, they’ve maintained a somewhat close relationship.
However, about six months ago, the Crown Prince of Atria died suddenly.
Not long after, the King also passed away.
Now, the two most crucial figures in the monarchy have vanished in an instant.
With no suitable heir, Atria plunged into chaos.
“Kael, if Dedorant truly desires annexation, what do you think Atria’s reaction would be?”
“Nobles might oppose it, but honestly, I don’t think the Kingdom People would show much resistance. After all, Dedorant has had a relatively good relationship with Atria.”
And to be frank, the nobles’ opposition? That’s something that could be swiftly dealt with.
“Additionally, Dedorant could quietly eliminate a few of Atria’s nobles and redistribute the land and wealth to the Atria Kingdom People. If that happens, they could win public sentiment instantly.”
“I think you’re right about that. They surely would do that.”
Though the three departments are only discussing possibilities based on gathered information, they too must have their expectations.
As things currently stand with uncertainty, it’s only a possibility, but looking at various circumstances, annexation seems almost determined.
However, for Dedorant, they must observe their own reactions and those of Atria and neighboring countries, so they’re likely catching their breath for now.
[ Dedorant Declares No Intention of Disrupting the Existing Order of the Empire ]
This is the problem. Is this truly sincere? Or is it just a lie for temporary relief?
Right now, what Dedorant fears the most is certainly our Empire’s intervention.
If one overly powerful nation emerges from somewhere, the order established by the Empire will be shaken.
It’s evident that they would seek to become a new Empire themselves, making it imperative to block them in advance.
That’s precisely why our Empire is maintaining a staggering force of 400,000 troops.
“When our Empire begins to project power, it will surely be beyond burden and into fear for Dedorant, which has just started to organize internally. That’s why they are bowing publicly.”
“Or it might just be pretense. Thus, I suppose His Majesty has chosen you for the task of observing Dedorant, Kael.”
Recently, you’ve accomplished the most significant feats.
At my father’s final words, I couldn’t help but let out a nervous “uhh” from my throat.
I’m not a diplomat or a spy; honestly, this is a rather difficult mission.
In the end, I can only rely on the information transmitted from beyond the border.
Will I be able to do well? Already, worries began to flood my mind.