NOVEL NEXT Chapter 60
“Damn it.”
Lately, the Minister of War was seriously cursing the world.
Why on earth are these trials stacking up one after another? Didn’t I even make it to the weekend prayers despite being busy? Did I commit too many sins in my past life?
It all started with the demons from that far northern land. Those hardline idiots were trying to stir things up.
Just when I thought Nobogord was calming down, the three kingdoms to the east declared war.
Once that settled down, now trouble was brewing in the west.
Right when I was about to focus all our efforts on the west, then bam!
“War has broken out.”
“Is it true that Dedorant and DeGale have finally started an all-out war?”
“It’s not the west. It’s the south.”
“…What the hell?”
The influence of the Holy Kingdom still looms heavily there. The southern part of the continent.
There, King Benito of the Kingdom of Benito declared war on the Holy Kingdom.
Upon hearing that news, the Minister let out a deep sigh.
‘Crazy Benito, aren’t you afraid of being excommunicated?’
At first, I thought the King of Benito had finally gone insane.
Though their power isn’t what it used to be, religion still wields considerable influence.
In the Empire, anyone who carelessly speaks ill of Runen is subject to punishment, regardless of rank.
I presumed that the other kingdoms to the south would be even more stringent in such matters…
[ Southern Kingdoms. No military movements despite news of King Benito’s excommunication ]
[ Criticism of Benito remains limited to dialogue and attempts at reconciliation ]
[ Benito’s Army. Victorious over the Holy Kingdom’s knights and militia ]
It was the opposite. In fact, those most opposed to the Holy Kingdom were in the south.
Until someone made a move, they were merely keeping an eye on things.
Even as news of the Holy Kingdom’s defeat spread, there was no indication of movement.
I never imagined the Holy Kingdom’s authority could fall this low.
With so many followers of the light on the continent, I thought the Holy Kingdom would endure eternally.
But it was a delusion. This time, it became glaringly obvious.
Many politicians were unsettled by the interference of religious leaders in their authority.
No, it had nearly reached the level of hatred.
“Minister, we have fresh news from the south.”
“Spit it out.”
As the subordinate brought the news, the Minister snatched it almost violently.
Please, please, let it not be more anxiety-inducing nonsense.
With all that’s happening in the west, I feel like my head is about to explode!
Why is this nonsense happening throughout my term!
[ Benito’s Army has reached near the Holy Kingdom ]
[ Benito’s Navy attempts to blockade the Holy Kingdom’s coast ]
Nowhere was there any indication that the other southern kingdoms were taking action.
All I got was that Benito was applying pressure on the Holy Kingdom with consecutive victories.
At this terrible news, the Minister of War had to twist his body in frustration.
“Benito’s cunning is quite impressive.”
And upon hearing this, the Emperor began to express his thoughts.
“Your Majesty?”
“Minister, do you know why the other southern kingdoms remain silent?”
“…I lead the Ministry of War, and I might misstep in diplomacy. But if I may offer a brief opinion…”
It seems…
“Perhaps they are questioning the long-standing southern order centered around the Holy Kingdom.”
“That’s not wrong. As you said, the south has been led for far too long by the Holy Kingdom. More precisely, it was the followers of Runen who were in control.”
“….”
“Ah, more accurately, it would be the high priests and bishops who stood above those followers.”
The Minister nodded cautiously, agreeing that this too was correct.
As far as he knew, the priests and bishops in the south were still enjoying tax exemptions.
The reason being that it would be an affront to expect any worldly demands of those who serve the divine.
Along with various other privileges, they wielded considerable authority.
Surely, those would not sit well with the other ruling classes.
What era are we in? How can they still enjoy such privileges relying solely on faith?
Even the nobles wouldn’t dare to avoid taxes.
Why then should those who do nothing but serve the divine?
‘…If they had such doubts, I would understand.’
“All the southern kingdoms are secretly uniting. They will no longer allow the Holy Kingdom-centric order. Religion should remain a matter of faith, not a political force.”
“But the south has been under that influence for so long…”
“Yes, they have been under the Holy Kingdom’s influence for an extended period. Thus, they may have thought it but lacked ‘certainty.’ Naturally so. Even if they express dissatisfaction outwardly, who knows how many would turn their backs if one was excommunicated?”
The Emperor smiled faintly as he continued speaking.
“What ignited the flames was Benito.”
“Such…”
“It seems they must have held discussions beforehand. Rather than stepping forward, the kingdoms of the south implicitly support Benito. Furthermore, if all goes well, the southern order will follow Benito’s lead. Those wanting to resist can choose the old order as they please.”
“Your Majesty, is that even possible? While it is true that Benito is stronger than the other kingdoms, if the southern kingdoms unite…”
The Minister faltered, his expression shifting slightly.
One recent piece of news flitted through his mind.
“Could it be? Are they intending to send their armies as mercenaries to the fight between Dedorant and DeGale?”
“Experience in real combat is critical. Especially for the south, where there hasn’t been any significant wars.”
The military strength of the southern kingdoms is not impressive when viewed objectively.
It’s not about morale or the quality of weapons. They simply lack experience.
The Holy Kingdom’s presence ensured that when any disturbances arose, they would quell them.
The only thing they developed was their naval power, to ensure maritime trade safety.
Their army barely reaches an average level if praised.
But about a year ago, many mercenaries from Benito headed towards Dedorant.
Though they may be retirees, in reality, they were people who suddenly deserted during their prime.
They declared themselves as mercenaries and joined the Dedorant army, which was busy fighting DeGale.
To get straight to the point, these mercenaries did not have a decisive impact.
They were average, little more than a nice-to-have.
‘However, that was only from the perspective of the frontline between Dedorant and DeGale. Viewed from the southern kingdoms, their experience was an extremely valuable commodity that was hard to come by.’
The number of those who participated as mercenaries reportedly reached nearly a thousand.
At first glance, one might think ‘only?’ but that’s not how the Minister viewed it.
“Minister, if those thousand were to act as instructors and train the soldiers, what would happen?”
“…In any way, it would be effective. At least for the south, I believe Benito’s army would become the strongest military force.”
“Exactly, they must have utilized that as a weapon to unite the southern kingdoms. Whether through threats of wielding swords or persuading them by sharing experiences.”
The Emperor gazed at the map of the southern continent laid out before him.
If it’s true that Benito could gain the support of all the southern kingdoms,
Then even if it means enduring the wrath and curses of all the followers of light on the continent,
If King Benito truly devours the Holy Kingdom whole…
‘That cannot be allowed. It wouldn’t be pleasant if the Holy Kingdom once again wields faith as a weapon, but they cannot become a puppet either.’
In the Emperor’s vision, the southern kingdoms had to remain as they are.
The Holy Kingdom too. And the southern kingdoms. This situation where they snarl at each other is best.
Only then can the order led by this Empire flow unimpeded without major threats.
Until now, I thought there were no issues, yet here came this crazy King Benito throwing a wrench in the works.
I’m well aware that the west is in a precarious situation. However, the south is just as important.
The Holy Kingdom, after all, is unlike other nations, it is not a secular place.
That’s why they were left alone, but should a state that is purely secular swallow them, it changes everything.
Consider the potential for them to wield faith as a weapon moving forward.
“I will act as requested from the south. I will redirect two of the Imperial Legions stationed in the east to the south. Moreover, if the Southern Legion needs to act in the future, have them defend the border in their stead.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will do so.”
After the Minister of War took his leave, the Emperor found himself momentarily alone.
He tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips, recalling two individuals.
‘Your role has become more important, Bel. My daughter. You must show the Imperial Family’s example again, as you did in the east. Originally, the intention was to uplift the morale of the Western Legion, but things have turned out this way.’
The eastern front will be no easy place, and it’s a miracle it ended this quickly.
But the battlefields this Empire will face moving forward will be far more demanding.
And also…
‘Kael. You too. Originally, I sent you to showcase your exceptional abilities beyond the western border, but now, where else can I send you but to the south?’
You will do well. And I believe Kael himself knows he must do just that.
That clever young man must have realized that the reward has an advance payment in it.
This time too, he will fulfill his role. The very task that only he can accomplish.
The Emperor understands who the young man Kael is.
He is not a warrior who stains himself with the blood of enemies in the frontlines.
Nor is he a commander who must always remain calm while enduring countless sacrifices.
He is simply someone who pinpoints the core issues and offers a larger vision.
That is why he had arranged a position for him in the army.
So he wouldn’t drown in burdens and responsibilities.
To allow him to do what he can freely.
‘What I need to do for you now is think about the next reward, is it not? My son-in-law.’
The Emperor turned his attention to another matter while wearing a faint smile.