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The Crown Prince Desires to Retire

26. Dealing with the Principality

Contrary to everyone’s expectations that he would swallow the Principality whole at once, Kariel only smashed the Undead Legion and showed no intention of entering the Principality’s fortress.

Instead, he utilized the Imperial South Army to keep control over the Southern Kingdoms while the Northern Army kept an eye on the Holy Nation.

As Kariel genuinely kept his promise, supporters for him began to emerge within the Principality.

Unlike other nations, the belief that the Empire was a reliable state spread throughout the Principality, leading some nobles to claim that he was scheming to marry the princess and engulf the Principality.

In truth, that was not a baseless claim.

If Kariel were to marry the princess, he would become a Prince of the Empire, increasing the chances of later incorporation into the Empire.

However, from the perspective of a Principality that feared immediate destruction, they had no choice but to be grateful for the Empire’s intervention in blocking foreign approaches.

“Do you trust the Empire? They brought the largest army of the three nations! Come on, think a little!”

“Isn’t that guy a spy from Talos?”

“That’s right! That punk! They said he made some money trading with Talos!”

“What about the precious one who saved the Principality? This scumbag! He deserves to die!”

A quasi-noble merchant began to get beaten up by the people of the Principality he was usually friendly with.

As news spread that the Empire’s Master and Knight Order had successfully defended against the attacks from Roman and the Dark Mages, the assertions of the nobles quickly lost their ground.

“…He has become the hero of the Principality.”

The Prince muttered with a dumbfounded expression while the knights close by coughed awkwardly and looked away.

They too had played a part in making Kariel a hero.

“Hah… well, I guess it’s good that they can at least get something to eat.”

Despite the remaining uncertainties about how the Empire would act, they had managed to get through one crisis, and for the time being, they could breathe a sigh of relief.

The citizens of the Principality understood this, hence even while enduring injuries and hard labor, they could still smile.

Thanks to the Empire defending the Principality, neither the Holy Nation nor Talos could rashly invade.

The very justification was to protect the Principality, and even if they ignored that, they would need to breach the resistance of both the Empire and the Principality.

As news came that they had perfectly thwarted Roman’s invasion, a lull descended.

“We’re pulling back.”

Duke Cletta, commanding Talos, ordered a withdrawal.

They could not allow the Empire to control the entire conflict zone unchecked.

They had to return urgently to prevent the occupation of the conflict area while leaving only the Principality’s key regions behind.

On the other hand, the Holy Nation acted cleverly.

“The majesty has sent us.”

A number of clerics entered the fortress to treat the wounded of the Principality.

These clerics treated the injured without charging any cost.

Seeing this, people clicked their tongues.

Typically, receiving treatment from clerics required exorbitant fees.

Only those with money could afford such expenses, and even the potions they made were quite expensive.

But now?

Even while receiving treatment, everyone wore cold expressions.

Despite this, the clerics treated the citizens of the Principality warmly.

Continuing to treat them for free, claiming they could not charge the Principality that protected peace on the continent, the icy hearts of the citizens began to thaw little by little.

“Cunning as a fox.”

Kariel watched the Pope’s actions quietly.

Not only did he send in clerics but the Pope himself also went around the outskirts of the Principality, treating suffering people.

They were employing tactics that had not worked in the Empire.

Not only did they provide healing, but they also made sure to feed people using the rations they had brought.

War-weary and injured persons were naturally drawn towards those who healed and cared for them directly.

No matter how much the Imperial Army had achieved, the ordinary citizens of the Principality would inevitably lean towards the Holy Nation.

“Are they trying to restore the Holy Nation’s status?”

Talion, who had returned to Kariel’s side after handling orders from the capital, cautiously asked.

“That would be the case. Even if it seems the Holy Nation is incurring massive losses now, if they restore their status, the lost money will be quickly regained.”

Kariel spoke with a relaxed expression. Talion tilted his head curiously.

“Should we just let it be?”

“It doesn’t matter. If we intervene too vigorously, the Holy Nation might ally with the South. It’s better to leave at least a path to survive.”

Having answered that, Kariel looked at Talion and said, “Choose the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Palace Knights who will escort me.”

“Are you thinking of going to the Principality?”

“Now that the public opinion has settled, it’s time to go see it through.”

Talion lowered his head before disappearing at Kariel’s command.

Kariel, watching Talion’s retreating figure for a moment, turned his gaze to the clerics mingling among the areas controlled by the Imperial Army.

There was now a possibility that the status of the continent’s greatest religion, threatened by the Continental Conference, could become a reality. If they could directly intervene in the Principality, they could extend their hand back down to the South again, but the Empire had been blocking that completely.

What Kariel had accomplished in the Principality was not only to defend against Holy Nation and Talos’ intervention.

He had crushed the intentions of Talos, attempting to engulf the Principality through the Upper Tier, and the Holy Nation, trying to elevate the status of religion within the Principality.

That’s why the Holy Nation was struggling and moving so tirelessly.

‘Suffer a bit more.’

Of course, this would be completely meaningless to the citizens of the Empire, who were filled with distrust towards the Holy Nation.

Thus, both the Principality and other nations would have to be targeted.

However, that would not be easy.

Kariel would ensure it.

While the Holy Nation wastes time strategizing against the Principality, the Empire would step into the next phase.

‘Except for a few countries, I need to clean this place up.’

The powerful states from the Continental Conference included Iron in the West, the Principality in the East, the two kingdoms to the South, and the Holy Nation in the North. He intended to erase the small nations from the West Continent.

The small nations had provoked the Empire in the conflict zone by banding together, thus providing ample justification.

This perspective was based on Iron.

Since they were in an alliance, the West would be safe. This meant more troops could be mobilized, and if an alliance with the Principality were to happen, only the Holy Nation and the two kingdoms would remain.

Then, with the forces led by three Masters, they could contain these while wiping out the Union of Small Nations with the remaining troops.

The Empire was strong enough that they could easily handle the Union of Small Nations without even using the main forces led by the Counts.

“Is this the beginning of the Great Empire?”

Originally the territory of the Empire, it had, over time, become detached remnants.

It was now time to re-absorb those remnants back into the Empire’s fold.

The beginning of that would be an alliance with the Principality.

“Welcome.”

As news spread that Kariel was coming, the Prince and nobles greeted him at the fortress’s main gate.

Kariel dismounted and walked in, smiling at their warm reception.

“Good to see you.”

After exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands with the Prince, Kariel entered the fortress.

With minimal escort, Kariel began gaining the trust of the citizens of the Principality.

Without any pressure, he entered the palace alongside the Prince, where the princess, Aila, greeted him in a dress with full makeup.

“Princess Aila greets the First Prince of the Empire.”

“Delighted to meet you. It is an honor to meet the most beautiful lady of the Principality.”

Kariel lightly kissed the back of her hand, greeted with a smile, then quickly turned his gaze back to the Prince.

“It seems you’re preparing for a party, but how about addressing the major issue first?”

“Sounds good.”

Rather than remain in an awkward state, saying they should tackle the larger issue first caused the nearby nobles to tense up.

“I wish to have a one-on-one discussion with the Prince.”

This request, which might seem somewhat rude, was not an issue now, as Kariel was not just any First Prince.

Having been granted full authority by the Empire, the Prince nodded willingly and led him inside.

As a table was set, and they took their seats, a simple tea set was brought out.

Once all preparations were complete and everyone had exited, Kariel spoke bluntly.

“There’s really no need to force a Marriage Alliance.”

The Prince’s eyes flickered at Kariel’s words.

In response, Kariel chuckled softly.

“I know your daughter’s affection for you is known throughout the continent. And given that some are worried about the Principality being consumed by the Empire, there is no need to rush.”

“…Later, other nations will protest to the Empire.”

“Are you worried about the Empire?”

At Kariel’s question, the Prince sighed.

The Principality was not in a position to worry about others. Nevertheless, it seemed the Prince disliked the idea of the Empire receiving criticism after such assistance and looked at Kariel with concern.

“What the Empire desires is a strong alliance.”

“Are you desiring a stronger alliance than one with the Iron Alliance?”

“That’s right. The proof of a firm alliance between the Principality and the Empire will be this current conflict area.”

Peacefully sharing Aysarman.

It would become mutual satisfaction, as the Empire could occupy some parts of Aysarman without touching the Principality’s major area.

Surely Talos might retaliate, but this would end the conflict by offering them parts of the region occupied by the Empire.

What if they refuse?

They could use the justification of crushing the Union of Small Nations currently gathered in the conflict area.

“When did you start formulating this plan?”

Instead of answering, Kariel only smiled at the Prince’s question.

The Prince sighed slightly and then said to Kariel, “In fact, from the Principality’s perspective, your marriage to the princess wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

“Um…”

“Most importantly, the princess likes you.”

At the Prince’s words, Kariel’s eyes flickered.

“Excuse me… what did you say?”

“I said the princess likes you.”

“…Are you sure? You’re not confusing her with my younger siblings, are you?”

Seeing Kariel ask again, the Prince shook his head firmly.

Then Kariel’s expression hardened.

“Above all, it would also be better for the Principality to form a blood alliance.”

With the Prince’s answer, Kariel sighed softly.

Marrying the princess → Becoming the next Prince of the Principality. → Getting entangled in the political battles of the Empire and the Principality.

Even just that was troublesome enough, but what if those supporting Kariel insisted on reinstating him as Crown Prince?

‘This is madness.’

With that thought in mind, Kariel set a determined expression.

“Have you considered sending the princess to study in the Empire?”

“Are you intending to take her as a hostage?”

When the Prince asked seriously, Kariel shook his head adamantly.

“The princess may like me, but that could be simply because she hasn’t seen my younger siblings properly. If you want a blood alliance, I wish to let the princess meet several princes and then give her the option to choose.”

Kariel smiled as he said this, leaving the Prince looking puzzled.

“Is there really a need to rush into a blood alliance? Isn’t it better to take your time since we have plenty of it?”

“Hmm…”

The Prince pondered why Kariel had come this far.

After barely withdrawing from the position of Crown Prince, the Empire’s ministers dragged him out and assigned him even as Commander-in-Chief.

He was someone who hated power that much.

And now he openly expressed his desire to retire.

“What I desire is peace and stability.”

“I will discuss this with the nobles.”

“Good. Having resolved this most difficult issue, everything else should easily follow.”

Smiling, Kariel began discussing the remaining issues with the Prince.

 

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