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The day after Soren, the head of the København detective agency, was visited by Sophia just before leaving work and reluctantly accepted the request with a look of despair.

Rasmus Somz woke up early and left his house, heading straight to Christiansborg Palace.

In the capital city of the Kingdom of Dane, København, there were a total of five palaces: three located within the city and two in the outskirts.

Among them, Christiansborg Palace was particularly significant as it was the center of the kingdom’s political power. It housed the Folketing (the People’s Assembly), the highest administrative offices of various departments, the Chancellor’s residence, the Supreme Court, and more.

Even the royal audience chamber was located in this palace. Despite there being five palaces in København for various purposes, Christiansborg Palace was effectively the kingdom’s main palace.

The road in front of the palace was bustling with officials heading to work. Normally, Rasmus would have joined this crowd and wasted a lot of time.

However, having served as Chancellor for over 20 years, even after retirement, his bureaucratic experience was still intact.

Thanks to the messenger he had sent the night before, Rasmus Somz’s carriage was quickly guided into the palace by the royal guards without any delay.

Rasmus was led to a secluded room within Christiansborg Palace. He knew the purpose of this room well. As he stood a short distance from the door, the chamberlain who had guided him there lightly shook a bell five times and then announced:

“Former Chancellor, former Court Composer, and the kingdom’s most renowned court poet, Lord Rasmus Somz, requests an audience with the sovereign of the kingdom, the rightful protector of all Things and courts!”

A clear, tenor-like voice echoed, and soon a response came from inside the room.

“—.”

The chamberlain bowed and stepped aside, and the guards on either side of the door opened it. Rasmus Somz entered the audience chamber with a familiar gesture of respect.

Inside the audience chamber were familiar faces: King Harald Ragnar Oldenburg, commonly known as Harald IV; Countess Ida Thorildur Ingrid, who had succeeded Rasmus as Chancellor; Ture Kirk Brahe, Rasmus’s successor as Court Composer; Foreign Minister Greg Ritz Petersen; Finance Minister Claus Heinersen; Minister of Military Affairs Jon Dal Schumacher; and Chief of Security Connie del Rey Minson.

As soon as Rasmus entered, he approached within seven steps of King Harald IV and performed a flawless bow.

“Rasmus Somz of the Somz family, a humble servant, pays his respects to the sun of the kingdom.”

“Rise. If I were to neglect the pillar that has supported the kingdom, my father would surely scold me.”

“Your words are heavy, and I shall bear them.”

After receiving the king’s command, Rasmus stood up, and Harald IV spoke.

“So. I heard from the messenger the other day, but I would like to hear it again. May I ask for an explanation?”

“Though I dare not ask first, how could I take Your Majesty’s words lightly? I shall gladly do so.”

In the audience chamber, a table was already set with a map of the Baltic Sea and its surrounding countries. Harald IV and his ministers had been discussing state affairs related to the matter at hand.

Rasmus joined them with shining eyes. Countess Ida Thorildur Ingrid handed him several chess-like pieces and a pointer. Rasmus nodded lightly, took them, and began arranging the pieces on the map as he explained.

“…Thus, the Paladin of the Church Order will move as follows. Our next move will be…”

As Rasmus’s hand, holding a black bishop, moved from København to Malmö and then to Gotland, Harald IV and the ministers let out low murmurs of approval.

After hearing Rasmus’s explanation, Foreign Minister Greg Ritz Petersen spoke with a subtle expression.

“That’s an aggressive plan.”

The other ministers nodded in agreement, as if they had all come to the same conclusion.

It was inevitable. The plan, proposed by Sophia and refined by Rasmus, involved projecting the Kingdom of Dane’s diplomatic power across the strait from København to Malmö and Gotland. It was essentially a declaration that the Kingdom of Dane would now claim the Baltic Sea as its own.

For a long time, the Baltic Sea region had been isolated from the civilized world represented by the Church Order, maintaining its own unique way of life. The Kingdom of Dane, however, had chosen to reject its original identity and join the civilized world.

At first, the neighboring tribes didn’t pay much attention to the Kingdom of Dane’s choice. Although they were collectively referred to as “Northerners” by the civilized world and shared many cultural similarities, they lacked a sense of unity among themselves.

Even if they worshipped the same gods and performed the same rituals, they were still strangers to each other, living in different places and inheriting different bloodlines. Without any formal alliances or blood pacts, it was laughable to care about a neighbor choosing a slightly different path.

This atmosphere began to change when the Kingdom of Dane, having joined the civilized world, rapidly grew in power and began to exert its influence.

The geographical advantage of the Kingdom of Dane, located on the islands of Zealand and Jutland, which controlled the only strait connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, played a significant role. By adopting the wisdom of the civilized world and establishing a centralized kingdom, the Kingdom of Dane began to fully exert its influence as a territorial state, posing an undeniable threat to the traditional powers that relied on the Baltic Sea.

Eventually, the various tribes and city-states that had maintained their old societies formed a confederation in response to the Kingdom of Dane’s rise.

“In such a situation, it is clear how they will perceive our diplomatic support for a church official heading towards cities possibly infiltrated by demons, or even already occupied. Especially if those cities are Malmö and Gotland.”

It would likely be seen as an attempt to plant pro-Dane figures in Malmö and Gotland. If things went south, they might even use maintaining order as an excuse to deploy military or police forces. Frankly, it wasn’t far from the truth—in fact, it was a clear understanding of our intentions.

When a nation mobilizes for an endeavor, significant resources are inevitably consumed. A country that moves without corresponding gains cannot last long.

From the Kingdom of Dane’s perspective, having invested the nation’s strength in external projection, it was only natural to want to expand its influence over neighboring countries.

“København and Malmö occupy both sides of the Øresund Strait, facing each other. Controlling these points would allow us to regulate ships entering and exiting the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. And Gotland, though now in decline, was once one of the most important intermediate stops for ships traveling across the Baltic Sea. Minister Heinersen, if I may ask, what economic benefits could we gain from controlling these two places?”

While absentmindedly stroking his gray mustache with one hand and tapping an invisible abacus with the other, Finance Minister Claus Heinersen raised an eyebrow and adjusted his monocle before answering.

“Hmm, considering the value of these two places, even just collecting tolls could increase the kingdom’s revenue by 30%. That’s just the simple profit from tolls alone.”

“30%!”

“Indeed, if we were to more actively exercise control over the Øresund Strait, the potential power we could wield…”

At the Finance Minister’s intuitive explanation, sighs of admiration erupted from all around. Unknowingly, everyone’s minds were filled with visions of the Kingdom of Dane controlling the Baltic Sea’s access, igniting a wave of euphoria.

However, despite the surrounding reactions, the Finance Minister once again twitched his eyebrow and asked the Foreign Minister.

“However, even so, we cannot openly claim exclusive benefits, can we? Isn’t that right, Minister Petersen?”

“Of course.”

Although the Øresund Strait is the gateway from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, the narrow passage between the lands extends quite a distance even after passing through the strait.

Beyond the Kingdom of Dane’s territorial waters, which include the Storebælt and Lillebælt straits, lies the Kattegat, and beyond that, the Skagerrak.

Compared to the narrow three major straits, the Kattegat and Skagerrak are vast seas, but they are still straits in essence. If one side of the sea is under the Kingdom of Dane’s control, the opposite side belongs to the United Kingdoms of Svea and Norge.

If we were to rashly attempt to block the Øresund Strait and face retaliation from these outer seas, significant economic losses would be inevitable.

“Nevertheless, if this plan is realized, it will undoubtedly become the cornerstone of the kingdom’s prosperity.”

Listening to the Foreign Minister’s words, the ministers noticed the subtle change in his tone.

‘If the plan can be realized, it could bring prosperity to the kingdom—meaning, it’s not going to be easy.’

“Minister Petersen, is there something troubling you?”

King Harald IV, who had been quietly listening, asked, and the Foreign Minister coughed lightly before answering.

“Not exactly troubling, but there are some points to be cautious about. As you all know, Malmö is part of the United Kingdoms of Svea. Like most surrounding kingdoms, Svea’s circumstances are quite different from ours.”

“That’s true.”

“They have not embraced the Church Order, nor do they have a proper monarchy.”

At this point, what criteria do the continentals use to distinguish civilization from barbarism? There may be various opinions, but the most mainstream view is whether a nation has accepted the ‘Church Order’ and its teachings.

Nations that have accepted the Church’s teachings, whether feudal kingdoms or commercial republics, have relatively well-developed and stable political systems, allowing them to exert their national power effectively. In contrast, those that haven’t are mostly unstable, with few having properly organized political systems.

Even though feudal kingdoms have a degree of decentralization due to bilateral contracts, they still operate under clear principles of obligation and authority distribution, making them relatively centralized compared to fragmented kingdoms.

“For this reason, our approach to the United Kingdoms of Svea has always been different from dealing with ordinary kingdoms or republics. This time is no exception.”

“In short?”

“We must separately approach the power distribution within their court and the influential figures around Malmö. Naturally, the manpower and budget required for foreign affairs must also be calculated separately. And let’s not even think about saving on the budget. After all, diplomacy is fundamentally about exchanging gifts.”

While speaking in a calm tone, Foreign Minister Greg Ritz Petersen inwardly cursed the backwardness of the Baltic coastal states. Due to the political weakness of the opposing countries, we would have to invest twice the manpower and resources.

Well, it couldn’t be helped. The Kingdom of Dane’s dominance in the Baltic Sea was due to its geopolitical advantage and relative systemic superiority. This time, it was just a return to the original state, so there was no reason to feel aggrieved.

In fact, even if the other side had multiple mouths, at least our side had a unified voice, which was a better situation.

As the Foreign Minister spoke, the ministers sighed, and King Harald IV turned his gaze to Finance Minister Claus Heinersen.

“Hmm. Finance Minister, if we were to engage in gift diplomacy with their influential figures as the Foreign Minister suggested, how much budget would we need?”

At Harald IV’s question, the Finance Minister finally stopped twisting his mustache and immediately answered.

“Thanks to the kingdom’s solid financial management, we should be able to cover the costs.”

At the Finance Minister’s answer, sighs of relief erupted from all around.

“Oh, that’s excellent!”

“Indeed, I always thought Minister Heinersen was a miser, always singing about money, but it seems he was preparing for such a situation. I apologize for my misunderstanding.”

Although someone made a slightly inappropriate comment, the Finance Minister didn’t point it out. He just glanced in the direction of the speaker and then continued.

“However!”

With a strong emphasis, the Finance Minister regained the room’s attention and continued.

“The treasury’s funds must be preserved for emergencies. We already have significant expenditures planned for next year’s domestic affairs. Considering additional expenditures to intervene in another country’s issues, especially when the potential benefits are still uncertain…”

“But it’s something we must do.”

The one who responded to Finance Minister Claus Heinersen’s concern was none other than Chief of Security Connie del Rey. He had visibly stiffened after hearing Rasmus’s report, specifically about the port of København being occupied by monsters.

As the person responsible for the kingdom’s security, he was deeply shocked that such a critical facility near the capital had been compromised without his knowledge.

“While fact-checking is necessary, we can’t afford to delay when even a Paladin has arrived. The kingdom’s capital must be protected. Regardless of the circumstances, we must quickly begin the port’s cleanup.”

Despite the Security Chief’s self-reproach and sense of responsibility, Finance Minister Claus Heinersen coldly retorted.

“But is it necessary to extend this cleanup to another country?”

The port of København was the logistics hub of the Kingdom of Dane, a crucial point that couldn’t be left in an unstable state. While the immediate cleanup of the port couldn’t be delayed, the Finance Minister was uncomfortable with the idea of spending the budget on uncertain gains.

Finance Minister Heinersen’s opinion represented the conservative stance typical of managerial finance officials. Managing risks at a manageable level and ensuring clear, albeit modest, returns. As the Finance Minister of a nation, this was a reasonable position, but a nation’s survival isn’t maintained solely by its own stability.

The current Chancellor, Countess Ida Thorildur Ingrid, who had to receive and organize comprehensive reports on state affairs and present them to the king, had a slightly different perspective.

“No, at least we need to intervene in Malmö.”

Countess Ida Thorildur Ingrid, known as ‘Ida of Ingrid,’ was a remarkable figure who had risen to the position of Chancellor in her early forties. However, no one in the Danish court underestimated her due to her youth, thanks to her achievements and character.

Her innate broad perspective, sociable nature, and insight honed from her early days under Rasmus’s guidance naturally allowed her to excel in addressing the many challenges that arose during the Kingdom of Dane’s growth. Her accumulated achievements made it impossible for anyone to deny her as Rasmus Somz’s successor.

Given Countess Ida’s words, the room fell silent, and everyone focused on her next words. Even Finance Minister Claus Heinersen, who had expressed partial skepticism earlier, was no exception.

“The Kingdom of Dane is neither fertile nor a peninsula close to the empire to the south. Most of our revenue depends on ships coming and going from the sea.”

No one dared to suggest that we could simply profit from trade with the empire to the south.

Although the Kingdom of Dane was considered the most civilized nation in the Baltic Sea, that was only relative to the uncivilized surrounding nations. The empire to the south was incomparably larger and more prosperous than the Kingdom of Dane. The merchants’ expertise, infrastructure, and resources available to the empire’s merchants were on a completely different level from those of the kingdom’s merchants.

If the empire’s merchants were allowed to roam freely through the Kingdom of Dane’s territory, the result would be the rapid subjugation of the kingdom’s livelihood to the empire.

“However, Malmö, along with København, occupies both sides of the Øresund Strait. If we fail to normalize Malmö’s situation and only clean up København, we cannot guarantee the safety of the strait.”

And if that happens, it would ultimately negatively impact København’s revenue, Countess Ida concluded.

By then, the option of ‘not intervening’ had already disappeared from everyone’s minds. At least regarding Malmö, there was a consensus that intervention was necessary. And if we were to intervene anyway…

“It’s better to deal with everything at once if we have the justification and the strength. I fully support this plan. If diplomatic costs are an issue, we can reduce intermediate losses through the Skald Feliskeb (the court poets’ community).”

Court Composer Ture Kirk Brahe stepped forward to speak, exchanging glances with Countess Ida. Like the Countess, who had succeeded Rasmus as Chancellor, Ture had succeeded Rasmus as Court Composer, making them akin to brothers in their respective fields.

With the Court Composer’s support, the Countess smiled slightly and nodded in gratitude.

After listening to his ministers, King Harald IV finally spoke.

“It seems we’ve reached a conclusion. Now we must discuss the execution. First, I ask: to deal with the monsters that have dared to invade the kingdom’s heart and achieve diplomatic success in Malmö and Gotland, we cannot neglect visible actions, such as military preparations or police mobilization. Even if we leave the actual combat to the Church’s Paladins, we must consider the aftermath and deploy at least some security forces. Minister of Military Affairs and Chief of Security, can the kingdom’s forces be mobilized?”

In response to Harald IV’s question, Minister of Military Affairs Jon Dal Schumacher and Chief of Security Connie del Rey Minson answered in turn.

“Suddenly mobilizing large forces would be difficult. It would be more cost-effective to call up reserves and form new units.”

“The Security Bureau, being different in nature from the military, can deploy security personnel without much difficulty. However, without familiarity with the operational area, simply sending police officers won’t be effective. We’ll need time to prepare adequately.”

King Harald IV frowned and asked again.

“How much time do you think is needed?”

“To call up reserves, retrain them, and deploy them to the field by ship, we’ll need at least three months. We’ll also need time to gather supplies and arrange transportation…”

“We in the Security Bureau will also need at least two months for similar reasons.”

“Ugh… That’s too long.”

At Harald IV’s sigh, the Minister of Military Affairs and the Chief of Security bowed their heads in apology. Amidst this, Rasmus Somz spoke up.

“Haha, don’t be too harsh, Your Majesty. After all the effort to rebuild the kingdom’s structure, it’s only natural that sudden large movements would be difficult.”

“I know, old teacher. But I’ve heard that the Church’s Paladin is about to engage the monsters at the port. If that happens, the enemy will notice our movements. So once we move, we must act swiftly without hesitation. We can’t afford to dawdle until all preparations are complete.”

After speaking, Harald IV closed his mouth and let out a frustrated breath. After a moment of deep thought, he finally spoke.

“Alright, I’ve decided. The Foreign Ministry will move first.”

“Foreign Minister Greg Ritz Petersen, at Your Majesty’s command.”

At Harald IV’s declaration, Foreign Minister Greg Ritz Petersen acknowledged the order. The other ministers, realizing the king’s decision, prepared to await his next command.

“Since it’s come to this, we might as well act without being constrained by the readiness of our forces. Minister of Military Affairs, Chief of Security!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“You said 2-3 months earlier. Is there no way to shorten that?”

The Minister of Military Affairs and the Chief of Security exchanged troubled looks. Finally, the Minister of Military Affairs spoke.

“Full mobilization is still impossible, but…”

“Oh? So you’re saying

 

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