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The Crown Princess of the Empire, Aria Heldenberg.

Unlike her younger sisters, who are occasionally called by their names, she has been addressed solely by that title the moment she became the Crown Princess.

It doesn’t just signify a position.

She is the next empress. Therefore, she must be more astute and more exceptional than anyone else.

At the same time, she must also know how to select the best and keep them by her side.

The title of Crown Princess was a shackle that reminded her of all these responsibilities.

Of course, she did not let herself trip over that shackle.

She overcame the pressure and acted as the destined ruler of this vast Empire.

“Your Majesty. Perhaps it would be wise to demonstrate the Empire’s mercy right now.”

“The three kingdoms of the East no longer pose a threat to the Empire. Thus, all that is left is to turn them into perfect allies. This is a splendid opportunity for that.”

So, the Crown Princess kept her mouth shut, even if she acknowledged the opinion of her brother, Gnaius.

She was eager to hear the thoughts of the man sitting over there.

Did that man share her views?

“I agree as well.”

“However, it is not yet time.”

And her waiting bore the right fruit.

“You must wait until they ask for mercy from the Empire themselves, even if the East suffers greater damage in the meantime.”

If Isabel had been present, she would have been greatly shocked.

The Kael she knew would never say such things.

The Crown Princess pondered that as she carefully observed Kael’s face.

Whenever they met, he always bore a tense expression that filled his face.

He gave off a somehow careless vibe. Yet that was not unpleasant at all.

He possessed a strangely captivating aura and an unpredictable skill.

But now, he showed no trace of that energy; all that remained was coldness.

The smile that always lingered at his lips and the comfort that used to be felt had vanished.

“Prince Kael, the three eastern kingdoms have already suffered great losses.”

“Indeed, they have suffered, but they have not made any official statements. Isn’t that so, Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

“That… is correct.”

“The Empire has already shown mercy once. They formed an alliance and declared war. Yet, they continue to live under their individual kingdoms, not the Empire. If they wish to seek our mercy again, at the very least, they must kneel.”

Even if that process results in the widespread death of the eastern kingdom’s people.

At Kael’s final words, Gnaius involuntarily flinched, his body shuddering.

It was a chilling affirmation, so starkly cold it sent shivers down his spine.

Was this truly the Kael he had known until now?

“Prince Kael, I would like to hear a bit more.”

Perhaps it was a different thought than that of the nervously tense Gnaius.

The Crown Princess looked at Kael with a face of interest.

“There is a great evil stirring in the West.”

“Are you referring to Dedorant?”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

“They are saying that they have no intention to resist the Empire.”

“For now, yes. At this moment.”

Hmm. The smile on the Crown Princess’s lips deepened.

Even the Emperor, seated at the head of the table, was nodding in agreement.

“The reason Dedorant is bowing to the Empire is because we have retreated from the South.”

“They are taking a breath.”

“Yes. With the annexation of Atria, and the territories taken from DeGale. Now they are also being forced to act as the protector of Benito. Too much has already begun. No matter how much Dedorant wishes it, opening another front in that situation is tantamount to suicide.”

At that moment, the Minister of the Palace quickly placed a map of the continent on the table.

Kael offered a slight nod in gratitude before continuing his remarks.

“Right now, Dedorant is overwhelmed just by resuming attacks on DeGale. And the Empire must replenish everything it has spent until now. But above all…”

—Tap, tap.

Kael’s hand pointed beyond the eastern borders of the Empire.

“Stability beyond the eastern borders is imperative. No, even calling it stability is a bit misleading; they must come under the Empire’s solid and unwavering influence.”

“It seems the Crown Prince is suggesting to show mercy for that purpose.”

The Emperor, who had previously remained silent, casually posed a question.

Even though he already knew the answer, he was asking it nonetheless.

Kael was well aware of what the Emperor sought.

“If goodwill continues, people will begin to think of it as a right.”

“When goodwill continues, they think of it as a right.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Empire has already shown mercy to the East. Just that alone should be a matter of gratitude for them, yet they do not recognize it. To extend our hand again here would only serve to diminish its significance.”

This time, it must not happen. This time, they must cry and plead.

They needed to be made to realize that this mercy was not given out of the Empire’s kindness.

They needed to understand that they were the ones who threw away their pride and begged.

“…”

The Emperor subtly glanced at the Crown Princess sitting beside him.

Though she was trying hard to conceal it, the corners of her mouth were twitching upward.

She was smiling. It seemed she took a great liking to the Kael standing there.

She could delegate substantial responsibilities to him since he was younger than herself.

For just a brief moment, the Emperor felt sympathy for Kael.

But he soon shook his head. After all, it was a choice he himself made.

Most importantly, to have such talent and not use it would be a crime in itself.

“Will the anger toward the Empire not grow, Prince Kael?”

“I am aware of the concerns you express, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Traditionally, internal chaos is quelled by having an enemy outside the country.

Once the nation is united and the mood is lifted, that is sufficient.

The power holders of Burgai would likely seek to maintain their positions through such means.

However, that only works to a certain point.

Once a certain threshold is crossed, the illusion is no longer tolerated. Kael continued.

“The eastern Empire has not suffered greatly.”

“That is because the rain concentrated beyond the borders…”

“Whether that rain fell less on the three kingdoms of the East, especially Burgai, is not what truly matters. The point is, they have suffered less than those kingdoms. That alone is paramount.”

After hearing this, Gnaius began to grasp Kael’s intentions.

“You plan to emphasize only that fact, Prince Kael.”

To sway public opinion. To declare with a very simplistic piece of information that the Empire has suffered less damage.

How? By making sure Burgai’s momentum has faded.

The only way they can ensure their survival afterward is by relying on the Empire.

Will that work? Strangely enough, it truly could.

Is there not Polrand, who has latched onto the Empire’s momentum as evidence?

Those who once thought they could never surpass Burgai are now, in turn, disregarding and attacking it!

“No more anti-Empire sentiment from the East is absolutely unacceptable. No one knows how long the fight with Dedorant will last; therefore, we must first completely quell the East before the West is settled.”

Having clearly expressed his opinion, Kael awaited the words of the Emperor and the Crown Princess.

A short while later, the Crown Princess let out a ‘huh’ before opening her mouth.

“Have you considered that this might divide the eastern regions?”

“Surely you don’t think that. I am not a prophet. I am merely offering my personal thoughts based on the situation. It just happens that fortune smiles upon my assumptions.”

“I see.”

Though her response was affirmative, the Crown Princess, Gnaius, and even the Emperor seemed to share the unspoken sentiment: no one here simply considered it ‘luck.’

“Your Majesty, I believe Prince Kael’s opinion is appropriate. Let us delay any humanitarian support to the kingdoms in the East for the time being.”

“What do you think, Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

“I believe it is correct for the benefit of the Empire.”

Indeed. The Empire. Only the Empire. Everything else is of no concern.

The way the world looks at the Empire and evaluates it—all of it is fundamentally to the Empire’s advantage.

If something contributes to the stability and benefit of the Empire, it must be done without question.

“Minister.”

“At your command.”

“Summon the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

With the Emperor’s order, the Minister of the Palace quickly contacted the Foreign Ministry.

A moment later, the face of the newly arrived Minister of Foreign Affairs flashed a look of confusion.

It was one thing to see the Crown Princess or the Crown Prince Gnaius beside the Emperor,

But the sight of Kael caused him to struggle to maintain his composure.

“I have arrived at your summons, Your Majesty.”

“From now on, remain silent until any official position from the three eastern kingdoms is received. Do not reveal any thoughts or meanings of the Empire through any means. Indicate indifference, as if you do not care what becomes of them. Understood?”

It is proper for the one in need to knock on the door, and for the thirsty to dig a well.

Having precisely grasped the Emperor’s intent, the Minister of Foreign Affairs bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty.”

“Speak, Crown Princess.”

“Following Prince Kael’s suggestion, should they kneel and beg for mercy from the Empire, at that point, I would like to lead in finding ways to assist them. Furthermore, I wish to extend a direct hand of help.”

“Hmm.”

“Sister?”

The Emperor was deep in thought; Gnaius’s voice rose in panic.

It was hardly a significant battle, and yet the Crown Princess was willing to show herself for support to a foreign nation.

He was worried it might diminish the Empire’s prestige, yet the Crown Princess seemed to have other thoughts.

“Prince Kael, what are your thoughts?”

“I understand what concerns you, Your Highness the Crown Prince. Nevertheless… if I must voice my opinion, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for Your Highness the Crown Princess to go herself. It would send a clear message from the Empire towards them.”

The very fact that the Crown Princess herself extended her hand was laden with significance.

This was the first and last opportunity. They could grasp this hand and march forward with the Empire, or…

They could stubbornly hold onto their pride and slowly wither away.

*

Ugh. I’m exhausted. It’s finally over.

The Crown Princess stood down, and soon after, the Crown Prince also rose.

Now, I too intended to obtain permission to depart from the court…

“Kael Clausewitz.”

I couldn’t stand up from my seat. No, I was unable to.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I wish to ask one more thing.”

“Please do ask. I will respond with utmost sincerity.”

“There is no dishonesty in that statement.”

Suddenly, why is he asking for such confirmation? What question does he intend to ask?

“Then I shall ask. How is your relationship with the Second Princess?”

…Excuse me?

 

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