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[Chancellor Stollipin held a press conference regarding the imperial-magic conflict approaching its fifth anniversary.]

[Today, the Abas Senate proposed the “Humanitarian Aid Act,” aimed at providing relief supplies to a nation suffering from conflict, civil war, and natural disasters.]

[A member of the Joint Defense Committee from the Abas Senate and House of Representatives stated in a meeting with journalists that this bill was proposed not only to strengthen defense and security cooperation with the Kien Empire but also to wish for global peace and stability in the international community…]

[However, many interpret that the ongoing military confrontation between the two countries and human rights violations could hinder international support.]

[Some point out that the Imperial Ministry of Defense is pushing through reckless military operations ahead of the upcoming Military Establishment Day celebrations scheduled for next March…]

[Meanwhile, despite this significant shift diplomatically and politically, the royal family has shown no notable reaction. Amid interpretations that there may be issues concerning the aged Emperor’s wellbeing, experts lean towards the possibility that the Emperor is not in critical condition.]

[The demon race has been monstrous invaders of our homeland for hundreds, even thousands of years. I firmly believe our brave army will drive these cursed monsters out beyond our borders.]

[We will liberate the suffering residents and resolutely fight without the slightest wavering.]

[No matter the sacrifices that may follow.]

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Episode 11 – No Issues on the Northern Front

Amid the continent being swallowed by the fierce cold of winter, the atmosphere in the international community heated up.

This was due to Chancellor Stollipin’s speech from the Kien Empire and the Abas Senate’s proposal for the “Humanitarian Aid Bill.”

Though meager, the Kien Empire was receiving support from various cults, magic towers, and friendly nations.

Suddenly, the advanced nation of Abas, notorious for its bad relations, stepped up to support the Empire. They even said they would create a bill.

Hope arose that the stalled Kien Empire-magic border conflict might finally come to an end.

As this fresh scoop hit the airwaves, it caught the attention of renowned politicians, scholars, and journalists from around the world.

“It’s indeed exciting news. It signals that the Empire and the Kingdom are joining forces.”

The international community had been on edge, with news of diplomat expulsions and the like making the rounds.

All that had been heard were gloomy tales of borders being breached, monsters setting up human flesh buffets, military coups, and economies plummeting to a sorry state.

But now, there was word of cooperation between nations after a long time? Even Abas and Kien?

One couldn’t help but be thrilled.

Yet not everyone was painting a rosy future.

“Setting aside secondary issues like national interests or conflicts for the fate of humanity sounds neat.”

“Isn’t it all just surface gloss?”

“Aren’t they really the same in essence?”

Francesca sat on the sofa and kicked off her shoes.

She shrugged off the cape she had draped to look formal and dumped it carelessly, while loosening the buttons of her Secretariat uniform that she had kept fastened till the end.

Now wearing more comfortable attire, Francesca pressed her body against the sofa as she set aside her hair accessory bearing her family symbol.

“The Empire’s public opinion is hardly fully favorable.”

“Specifically, how is it not favorable?”

“There are few who welcome the idea of support from foreign governments, including Abas.”

The “foreign governments” here referred to states that had poor diplomatic relations with the Kien Empire.

The Empire’s figures from various sectors looked upon the support from the democratic government represented by Abas with skepticism.

Francesca relayed the opinions of notable figures from the Empire whom she had just met.

“It seems to be a matter of pride. No matter how dire the situation, they feel they shouldn’t accept support from Abas.”

Abas and Kien are traditionally rival states.

Like the UK and Russia or Germany and France, Abas and Kien have long harbored animosity towards each other, and history bears witness to that.

The national and ethnic identities shaped by history continue to influence society today. Even national crises cannot evade these effects.

I documented the sentiments of key figures in the Empire’s government as relayed by Francesca in my report.

“The military personnel I met were generally negative about Abas’s support. The conservative government officials felt similarly.”

“I believe the Foreign Affairs Ministry showed a positive response. Not long ago, our ambassador mentioned to an Empire government official if they could not assist with supplies such as medicine and food on humanitarian grounds.”

“Unlike the military, the Foreign Affairs Ministry tends to think positively. However, they too have their share of conservatives. They worry that it might be misinterpreted as assistance rather than support.”

“I understand what you mean.”

The Kien Empire is an absolute monarchy. Though termed so, it essentially operates as a dictatorship where leadership is inherited by bloodline.

From where does the power of a dictatorship stem? It is from the charisma of the leader.

With belief in their leader, no matter the hardships faced, they feel they can overcome; the conviction that only they can solve the problems.

That’s the way dictators maintain their power.

But imagine if a dictator were to accept support from a foreign government, especially from a nation they had been at odds with for centuries. How would the people perceive that?

“Support from the Abas government could have a detrimental effect on the Empire’s internal dynamics. That’s what I take it to mean, right?”

“Exactly. The Empire’s elite believe they can overcome this crisis on their own strength.”

The Empire wants to drive the demon race out and stabilize the northern regions with its own power.

They wish to push the demons beyond their borders, soothe the residents, and restore the damaged infrastructure in the north.

To this end, the military plans to conduct large-scale military operations, set to commence a massive offensive against the demon race starting in spring.

This is the story I picked up while contacting military figures in the Empire throughout last week.

But here’s the issue.

“Is it true the situation in the north is quite dire, yet the Empire folks seem oblivious to it? Regular citizens might not know, but surely there are high-ranking officials among the notable figures…”

“I wouldn’t know about that either. I can’t tell if they genuinely believe the situation is optimistic or if they just want to believe it… How could I possibly know what’s in those old folks’ heads?”

“Got it for now.”

It seems the military maintains excellent control of information. Even notable figures seem to have no grasp on how terribly things are in the north.

While the Abas Information Agency hasn’t fully grasped the finer details of the north, the intelligence coming in suggests that the Imperial Army is indeed struggling. Especially considering they were even thinking of conscripting even young kids as magicians.

I pondered how to conclude the contents of the report while sipping the tea I had brewed myself.

“Thank you for sharing that story, Administrator.”

“Not at all, Colonel.”

*

The ‘Humanitarian Aid Act’ submitted to the Abas Senate swiftly passed. The moment it clears the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister will sign it upon receiving the royal approval, bringing it into effect.

The ‘Humanitarian Aid Act’ allows the government of Abas to urgently provide relief supplies to countries suffering from conflict, civil war, and natural disasters, but everyone was aware that the target of this act was none other than the Kien Empire.

Of course, the supplies entering the Empire through the ‘Humanitarian Aid Act’ are strictly limited to relief materials—things necessary for survival like medicine and food. There’s no thought of sending military supplies, as neither we nor the Empire have any intention of doing so.

Importantly, the countries eligible to receive relief supplies from the Abas government are not limited to just the Empire.

And right now, there are plenty of desperate nations in this region yearning for aid.

*

At the Abas Embassy in the Kien Empire, the Security Office for Wiretapping listened in on a superior’s voice over a secure line.

-“We’ve had a request from a foreign government. They want to know if there’s a way for them to receive support.”

“So, what did you say?”

-“I understand our Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied that they would consider it.”

The Abas government turned down the helping hand extended to them.

Though termed consideration, it was essentially a roundabout way of saying they didn’t want to help.

People might say they are heartless or that they are shirking the responsibilities of a developed nation, but the Abas government finds itself without a clear solution.

With election season approaching.

-“Sure, the Empire could get aid because of the demon race invasion. But for other countries, isn’t it a different story? There’s been talk for ages about how we’re just throwing money abroad whenever we provide aid; it wouldn’t be wise to take that gamble now.”

“That’s true.”

Playing the role of the chief of a democratic nation, Abas supports governments around the world. The Kien Empire does the same, extending aid to countries that maintain friendly relations with the Empire or aim to improve them.

Yet, Abas has drastically cut back on foreign aid as its economy falters, while the Kien finds itself in a position needing support due to disputes with the demon territories.

Some nations cut off from aid from Abas and Kien stand at a crossroads.

They might face a coup while struggling to keep their failing countries afloat, or seek aid by finding new governments.

And there happens to be a country eager to take that path.

-“It seems the Cult is planning to promise extensive support to the nations of the Mauritania Continent. A few countries from the East are included too.”

The Cult had maintained a strained relationship with the nations of the Mauritania Continent due to religious issues.

Their religious views have been at odds with the local religions for thousands of years.

However, it seems the local governments have determined that sustaining their nations is more important than the backlash from religious leaders.

The nations of the Mauritania Continent decided to grasp the hand extended by the Cult. Even countries that applied somewhat strict regulations against allowing the clerics to enter are reportedly gradually opening their borders for the clerics visiting for medical or relief activities.

And this was something that would astonish the governments of Abas and Kien.

-“If relations with the governments of the Mauritania Continent sour, things will get complicated. Do you know why we’ve been able to import vast resources coming from the rifts? The Empire is in a similar situation.”

“Ah… so is that why Major Leoni isn’t taking calls…?”

-“Exactly. She’s currently in a meeting with officials from the Royal Intelligence Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Clevenz briefly mentioned Leoni’s schedule and moved on. Since Leoni, who oversees overseas intelligence, and several other officials were absent, it seems he was listening to my report instead.

“But can our company or competitors resolve that issue? It seems like a matter that needs to be handled diplomatically…”

-“Isn’t it entirely possible for a coup to suddenly upend several governments? You never know what people will do.”

It was a suggestion that either the Military Intelligence Agency or the Royal Intelligence Department could get involved in the Mauritania Continent’s issues.

Of course, neither Clevenz nor I have a clue about that.

It’s entirely possible for armed thugs to raid the presidential palace of a nation that they’ve seized upon after grasping the Cult’s hand in disregard of their relations with Abas, or for a general to roll in a tank and seize the parliament, but that’s all beyond our knowledge.

In any case, we don’t know.

-“Let’s put a pin in this conversation. I’m aware that news of the Empire’s lackluster response has reached you. I’ll report it to the Prime Minister’s Residence. By the way, you’re heading north soon, right?”

“Yes. I plan to enter the northern region shortly. I’m currently coordinating with the Military Government Headquarters.”

-“Any issues on that front? I’ve heard the situation there isn’t good.”

“I think it should be fine.”

-“Alright. Take care of yourself.”

Clevenz’s voice came through the device. Based on my observations over the past few years, I assumed he would be nodding while sitting at his desk and responding.

-“The north is an area with active counterintelligence operations due to the large-scale spy operation, so be particularly cautious. And you do know that there’s more than just counterintelligence units in the north, right?”

“Ah, I understand what you mean.”

Right now, the north isn’t just under the activity of counterintelligence units. The Reconnaissance Command is also operational.

Just the other day, an advisor who defected with his family mentioned that the Empire’s intelligence units were monitoring civilian magicians forming self-defense organizations in the north. I personally witnessed it when the Colonel of the Military Affairs Office was interrogated. I’ve also submitted a report.

But it seems Clevenz isn’t worried about that part.

-“Just be extra careful and don’t get caught up in any accidents since you’re already on edge.”

“Yes?”

-“Hmm?”

I let out a bewildered sound in response, and Clevenz spoke up after a silence.

-“Oh, speaking of which, it seems you’re still unaware.”

“What do you mean?”

-“Never mind. Don’t worry about it.”

Clevenz added with a tone that hinted at something significant.

-“You’ll find out soon enough.”

 

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