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The Crown Princess has already headed east for over a month now.

In the meantime, I haven’t really done anything and just rested at my family’s home.

Honestly, this is how it should be. Who in their right mind would be active beyond three national borders?

And not even for several years, but merely for a little over a year.

I think I finally understand why our eminent teacher ended up working himself to death.

Even I, who am not even handling any official duties, have found this to be quite tiring.

He did all sorts of work by himself, so I can only imagine how hard that must have been.

Once again, I felt grateful for the physical training I received from a young age.

Without it, I’d definitely have been held back by my physical condition.

Seeing Alexei note that I hadn’t even had a nosebleed, he exclaimed, “Indeed, the Clausewitz family!”

Of course, it’s not that I’ve just been lying around doing absolutely nothing.

I’ve had to show my face at various banquet invitations and parties whenever they were held.

Even when there were military events, I had to be present without fail.

Now our Duke of Bertier Empire has become the center of the dukes within the Empire.

If I were to go silent there, it would cause discomfort for the other dukes to act.

Moreover, it isn’t exactly a calm situation for me to just sit quietly right now.

‘The Empire has been moving quite busily in the last two months.’

Just a few days ago, the Crown Prince headed to the southern part of the Empire.

He’ll be looking to connect with the Holy Kingdom in the south as well as other kingdoms afterward.

To create conditions to amplify the Empire’s voice even more from there.

Naturally, he would also need to negotiate for corresponding rewards.

The southern kingdoms seem to feel reassured with the Crown Prince coming, despite all.

Our Princess has done a great job soothing them, but if you think about it, she’s also a war hawk.

With the option to choose spear or sword always looming, it must be on their minds.

Conversely, the Crown Prince has been a figure calling for dialogue all along.

Though he bowed his head to the Empire, he wishes for his people to remain as just that.

For many of the smaller and medium-sized rulers, the Crown Prince must be quite welcome indeed.

‘Coincidentally, with Benito falling to a barely functioning state, there’s nothing for them to fear now.’

The situation for Benito remains the same. They lost their main force, becoming essentially an empty shell.

They may have some remaining troops, but there’s no way they can muster the same power as before.

Throw in the Dedorant Army stationed, and their momentum has dwindled even further.

‘Rumor has it that King Benito spends his days drowning in alcohol and women?’

Whether it’s true or not hasn’t been verified yet.

If it’s true, the Dedorant will have to advance with the minefield that is Benito.

If it’s false, it suggests there’s something trying to be hidden.

I sincerely hope it’s the former. Honestly, the latter worries me a bit.

Just think about it. How much would they be gnashing their teeth preparing for revenge?

It’d be far better that he’s dulled his spirits with alcohol and women, honestly!

“Young Master Kael! Here’s what you requested earlier!”

“Is it something from the Ministry of War and the Foreign Affairs Ministry?”

“Yes! They ask you to check it alone and make sure to incinerate it!”

Since the Emperor granted me the temporary position of participating in military affairs.

The most enjoyable aspect is definitely having easy access to information.

Especially since the Ministry of War and the Foreign Affairs Ministry have been regularly informing me of the current situation.

“Aren’t you supposed to be resting? You’ve been only reading documents all night since last week.”

“It would be a lie to say I’m not tired, but the situation doesn’t allow for leisure.”

I take a sip of coffee brought by Alexei and refocus on the documents.

The noisiest place right now is undoubtedly the western continent.

With the merger of Atria and support for Benito, the war between Dedorant and DeGale, which had temporarily stalled, is set for a return to a massive escalation.

As they finally got a time to catch their breath, they’re now gearing up for another grand clash.

And finally, Dedorant has broken the temporary ceasefire and resumed the war.

If DeGale loses again this time, there will be no future for them.

They’ve already lost the western territory, severing their connection with the Empire completely.

All the various strategic resources the Empire used to supply them have vanished.

And if they lose just one more time, the enemies will be at the Royal Capital’s doorstep.

DeGale is literally in a situation where they have their backs against the wall.

They’re somehow holding on with help from Ross Tanika, but they’ll surely reach their limits.

They have to settle things. In the end, a clash of souls is happening in the central region.

And the outcome is….

[ DeGale suffers a tremendous defeat. Royal Capital falls. ]

[ The Second Prince perishes. The King and the Crown Prince are respectively retreating to the eastern border and Ross Tanika’s frontier. ]

“Sigh.”

Stupid bastards. What a mess. How could you not even just once, once, hold them back?

Those DeGale folks were just boasting they were the strongest in the west, right?

Where did that amazing pride go, becoming a punching bag every time they fight?

It has been two months since Dedorant merged with Atria.

It’s true that stabilization has come quicker than expected.

However, just because it appears that way on the surface doesn’t mean it’s the same inside.

It would be fortunate if they don’t get a stomachache from all that colossal food they’re swallowing.

They started a sprint from that point, so it’s possible they could choke anytime.

DeGale had to aim for that. If they’re not loud, they have to make sure to make some noise.

And yet, in the end, they ended up getting beaten without being able to do that. Imbeciles.

“It seems like there’s some bad news.”

“What, do you think they are some great big shots? It doesn’t appear so. The DeGale bunch has only managed to give up the Royal Capital. Dedorant is fully consuming Atria and DeGale.”

“Hmm. I wouldn’t know much about things outside the Clausewitz family.”

Alexei, with an awkward smile, continues.

“By the way, Lady Charlua will visit this afternoon. Shouldn’t we prepare?”

“It’s not like she’s coming here for a party or banquet. It’d just be a few hours of chatting, I suppose.”

Using the plan we discussed, I’ve already told her father in Nobogord.

Chairman Caland, after hearing about Charlua’s tale, immediately got to work preparing.

It seems he’s convinced it’s better to side with the Empire than to join forces with Dedorant.

‘Though it might be tough for now. It’s not only about preparations, but I need to choose people I can trust to handle the work for sure.’

Since it’s a clear ploy, I must take every possible precaution.

If by any chance this is discovered, the moderate faction in Nobogord will bear an immense political burden.

If mishandled, this could become a crucial turning point for the hardliners to rise again.

I’ll probably need to discuss that part after Charlua arrives shortly.

More thoroughly. And more discreetly. I must engage the most trusted individuals for the operation.

The Empire will likely just face some suspicion, but you folks could end up significantly divided in a fight.

Ah. By the way, I’m definitely not planning to do this all on my own.

After giving such advice to Charlua, I immediately informed the Emperor of the situation.

There’s something going on in Nobogord. We have to move swiftly, or the northern borders will shake.

I conveyed it in the form of advice to the moderate faction.

It’s just personal advice, so there’s nothing to worry about.

—As I finished speaking, the Emperor chuckled softly.

“You’ve been doing the work that the Foreign Affairs Ministry should do.”

I was worried about getting scolded for taking matters into my own hands, but thankfully I wasn’t.

Rather, the Emperor reportedly received news from the special military ministry about Nobogord.

That Atria and Dedorant have been making contact, pushing to ally with each other.

What should we do? Just when I was contemplating with the Empire’s core elders.

I could see the Emperor seeming pleased with the fact that I had sent out defenses to Nobogord through Charlua.

“Young Master!”

Suddenly entering the room, Alexei rushes in, breathless.

What? What’s going on? Why does he look like that?

“Oh, you’re here!”

“So, Lady Charlua has already arrived? There’s still some time until our appointment, isn’t there?”

“No, that’s not it! The Princess has come!”

…Huh?

*

The sight of Isabelle, now entering the Duke of Bertier Empire, was a bit different from usual.

She seemed a bit anxious. More than that, she looked shocked. There was a clear sign of something troubling her.

“I hear the meetings between Kael Clausewitz and Charlua Estania have been frequent lately.”

When the Emperor casually mentioned it during tea time, Isabelle initially didn’t give it much thought.

She simply thought Kael was up to something again.

But, as time went on, an uncomfortable feeling gradually emerged.

What that discomfort was, she had no idea.

Is it anxiety? Yes, that seems about right. Kael meeting with foreign demons.

If strange rumors spread, she could face suspicion comparable to the achievements she’s built to this point.

That’s what Isabelle thought, yet another thought began to surface.

‘Is this really all of the discomfort I feel?’

During tea time, Isabelle fidgeted, while the Emperor gazed at his daughter.

Then the Emperor revealed a truth known only to him.

“I hear there’s another meeting today.”

Upon hearing that, Isabelle couldn’t hold back any longer. She resolved to take action.

Despite not having arranged an appointment beforehand or seeking prior approval.

She committed the rudeness of barging into the Duke of Bertier Empire.

“Your Highness the Second Princess.”

Apologizing to the Duke of Bertier, who rushed out in surprise.

She mentioned coming to see Kael but without any prior appointment.

The Duke assured her it was fine and entered the family estate with her.

Well, to be precise, they were about to step in.

“Your Excellency, we have a guest.”

Coincidentally, Charlua, who had arrived earlier than usual, was the guest.

*

“….”

“….”

“….”

I seriously didn’t see this coming. Had I known, I would’ve done something!

Why is the Princess visiting our family? Why has Charlua arrived early?

And why are the two of them just sipping tea without a word?

“Ha ha ha, Young Master. I’ll just take my leave now.”

“No, Alexei—”

“I’m worried about being a bother to your conversation!”

Hey, hey! Alexei! Are you telling me you’re my attendant after doing that?!

Come back! Damn! Don’t leave me alone in this awkward situation!

 

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