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“I hear there’s someone you like…”

“I heard it from my sister. There’s been a whisper lately about something.”

“What is it?”

“They’re suggesting a political marriage for Kael with Lady Charlua.”

…Excuse me? Wait, what?

“A political marriage, you say?”

“Yes. Kael.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing before.”

“Quite likely. It’s just been a fleeting conversation.”

This is perplexing. No, even Father hasn’t uttered a single word about such matters.

He can’t possibly keep something that important from me, especially if it concerns the family.

So, according to the princess’s words, the notion of a political marriage has only recently slipped into discussion.

“This is astonishing. To think that the parties involved are unaware.”

“To be honest, it’s not something to worry about. It won’t happen anyway.”

When I asked how she was so sure, the princess replied as if it was obvious.

“Kael has recently established an overwhelming position for our Empire. Would anyone waste him on a mere political marriage? Does His Majesty really seem like the type to do such a thing? It’s utterly impossible.”

“But a political marriage with Nobogord would bring many benefits to the Empire…”

“Does Kael perhaps have feelings for Lady Charlua?”

Something feels off in our conversation. Is it just my imagination?

Why is she suddenly asking such things? Regardless, I had to answer.

“I think he would be a beneficial figure for both the Empire and Nobogord.”

“…And?”

“But in response to Your Highness’s question about whether he has feelings for her… I would say no.”

It’s certain that she’s a good demon, smart, and politically savvy.

No surprise considering she’s the daughter of the council chairman; her mind is sharp.

But do I like her? That’s still a mystery to me.

It’s not that I have no affection, but it’s not in a romantic sense either.

So, this… hmm. I suppose it’s… yeah, an affinity for someone similar to me?

We communicate well and share similar thoughts, so honestly, it’s fun to chat with her.

“I mean, so, that…”

“Just spit it out, Kael.”

“If I were to have someone I like, it would be someone like Your Highness… Ah, I mean, that’s not to say I’m referring to Your Highness directly!”

Do I really need to say this? What if the atmosphere gets weird?

But with the emperor and the current situation, I feel a push to say something.

Truthfully, when I consider it rationally, it’s impossible not to like the princess.

She’s kind, her heart is beautiful, and above all, she strives to improve herself.

She possesses all the traits that deserve positive recognition.

And it feels a bit odd to say this, but she’s beautiful, isn’t she?

“…”

“…”

Damn it. I shouldn’t have said anything. What are we going to do about this weird vibe, you fool.

Both she and I are just avoiding eye contact in silence.

I wonder how long this uncomfortable silence will last.

“…Let’s talk about something else.”

“Let’s do that, Your Highness.”

Eager to escape this atmosphere,

I passionately engaged in discussing the current situation.

“The expected troop strength sent by Nobogord is at least 30,000.”

“That’s quite a lot.”

“Yes. And the three kingdoms in the east will also send around 30,000 combined.”

“Isn’t that area suffering from floods? Are they really sending that many?”

“Perhaps they’re actually sending that many because of the floods.”

Those who’ve served in the military until now have nowhere to go after the Empire’s great victory.

And with the floods shaking their country, they can’t stay in the military.

In such a situation, if they’re drafted under the pretense of support, at least they’ll receive supplies from the Empire.

So for the eastern kingdoms, it’s a win-win: they maintain their forces and get fed.

“I hear the southern kingdom is sending reinforcements as well…”

“To be honest, it would be best not to expect much from them.”

“Looking at it rationally, yes.”

That Benito is the strongest among the southern kingdoms. That says it all.

Even if the remaining kingdoms offer troops to support the Empire, they would be less than a reserve force for us.

Still, it’s better than having none at all, so they could serve reasonably well as escort troops for the Transportation Unit.

“That brings us to a nearly 70,000-man reinforcements.”

“The important thing is that those 70,000 must be entirely under the Empire’s command.”

“I’m worried if they will actually agree to that. Command is a sensitive issue.”

“They’re likely concerned that the Empire wouldn’t drive them into a corner.”

Nobogord has clearly expressed its willingness to cooperate with the Empire.

Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand have no choice but to align with the Empire now.

The southern kingdoms, having abandoned Benito, have no other options besides the Empire.

Nevertheless, command remains a challenging issue for them to relinquish.

They have to consider their pride and the public sentiment within their countries.

Who would honestly want to hand over the command of their army to a foreign nation?

“Still, they don’t seem to be willing to give up that command.”

“Of course. Eventually, they’ve bowed to the Empire’s order. Therefore, it’s only natural that their reinforcements be under the Empire’s control.”

Nobogord, through Charlua… The east can utilize the mercy the Empire has shown thus far.

Lastly, the south can easily borrow the name of the Holy Kingdom.

Hmm. To be honest, while everything else may be important, Nobogord is absolutely essential.

Their personnel is incomparable to the reinforcements coming from the south or east.

Even compared to our Imperial Legion, they hold their own in combat.

In my past life, demons were characterized by their charge without thought, a brutal race with horns sprouting from their heads.

But the demons here are somewhat different.

Well, as for the horns on their heads, such tales exist in the Empire too.

But that’s a misunderstanding caused by the horns on the helmets they wear.

They may be combative, but they don’t charge recklessly.

In fact, they value proper armor made from high-quality iron, almost akin to the Empire’s standards.

“What should I say… Hmm. They remind me of heavily armored Vikings? Something along those lines?”

Demonkind possess inhuman physical capabilities coupled with formidable heavy infantry.

Just looking at that, it’s a troop type any military commander would covet.

Who would say no to leading such a unit?

“…Or perhaps a political marriage might really be beneficial.”

“What did you just say?”

“Ah, no! It’s nothing, Your Highness. Just talking to myself…”

“It doesn’t sound like regular self-talk.”

I quickly returned to the point under the pressure of the princess. Eventually, I had to speak.

“Well, setting other matters aside, the strength of Nobogord’s troops is clearly impressive, right? Especially their renowned Heavy Infantry, which has shown resilience against our Imperial Legion.”

“I won’t deny that. However, while losing them might be disappointing, it wouldn’t be devastating. I believe Kael is far more crucial.”

As expected. The Imperial family truly cherishes talent.

How touching. If they were heartless, they would’ve thought, ‘Oh, a political marriage is a great gain, huh?’

I was correct in my judgment. Our princess is indeed a remarkable person!

“…But if you feel disappointed, why not make a request?”

“Your Highness?”

“Lady Charlua might be inclined to fulfill Kael’s request. After all, she has received advice from him, and they’ve decided to firmly bind themselves to the Empire, so they are aware of the necessity to make some concessions.”

I almost blurted out that it sounds like a great idea!

But when the emperor’s face popped into my mind, I ended up saying something else instead.

“Well, it’s a very tempting proposal, but I don’t think there’s a reason for it.”

“Why not?”

“As you mentioned, it would probably lead to more discussions of a political marriage. Meeting with Lady Charlua alone might be seen as suspicious.”

In the social and political circles, a rumor can spread at the slightest hint.

It would be fortunate if it only spreads; it would come with all sorts of embellishments.

And people would slowly start to believe it’s true, leading to actual occurrences.

“…If Kael says that, then, well…”

The princess’s expression looks rather peculiar. She seems indifferent but might also be subtly smiling. Hmm. I can’t tell.

Knock knock—

Just as I was about to continue my conversation with the princess, the door opens, and a maid from the Ministry of the Palace speaks.

“Your Highness the Princess, and Imperial Chief of Staff, His Majesty commands you both to come to the Great Hall immediately.”

“The Emperor? What’s the matter?”

“Due to the current continental situation, His Majesty will personally declare the Empire’s intentions.”

In an instant, the princess’s and my gazes connected in the air.

The emperor intends to personally declare the Empire’s intentions at this juncture?

This makes it easy to predict what that ‘intention’ will be.

“It seems the time has finally come.”

“Yes, Your Highness. It seems we are finally preparing to wage war in the name of the Empire.”

A declaration of war. The Empire’s judgment was being offered.

 

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