---

The Crown Princess surveyed the current situation with several experts accompanying her.

“The three kingdoms of the East: Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand. All have suffered severe flooding. Among them, Burgai is undoubtedly in the most critical state.”

“They say that the most urgent needs are food and medical supplies. Additionally, the unrest is escalating, and law enforcement is required as well.”

“…It would be wise to prepare clean water first.”

This is often an overlooked aspect when disaster strikes.

What’s most needed isn’t a cozy home, dry clothes, a warm fire, or food to fill hungry bellies.

The priority should always be clean drinking water. It’s essential to secure water that is safe for consumption first.

When a flood occurs, all water turns to murky sludge, causing sickness if ingested.

Moreover, it’s filled with debris from unknown origins, making it even worse.

Even water sources that are normally reliable can completely fail after a flood.

“Before helping Burgai, let me confirm the situation in the Empire once more. Is it truly that the Empire’s East needs no further assistance?”

This is a crucial point. Just because it rained heavily in the east doesn’t mean the Empire’s East is clear of any trouble.

One shouldn’t be dousing someone else’s house with water while their own is on fire.

At the Crown Princess’s inquiry, a representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs bowed his head and spoke.

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess. The East of the Empire has also experienced significant rainfall, causing some flooding, but measures were already taken, so there should be no major issues with supporting the three kingdoms.”

“It must remain that way. If we neglect our own country while helping others, there will surely be much talk about it. The Kingdom People will only hold resentment and anger towards those in need.”

“I will ensure that is never the case and will take thorough precautions, Your Highness.”

A while later, the Crown Princess crossed the border and entered Burgai’s territory.

Just half a year ago, this land had been a battlefield between enemies.

But now, there were those who sought help and those who responded.

This relationship would greatly influence the new order to come.

The Crown Princess was confident her predictions were correct.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess, I greet you.”

It was the Crown Prince of Burgai, who had come to the Empire to declare their surrender previously.

This time, he appeared near the border to welcome the Crown Princess.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Crown Prince.”

Normally, manners would dictate otherwise, but the Crown Princess chose not to abide by them.

In such times, it was essential to establish who held the upper hand more firmly.

Mercy should be extended just once. It was they who humbled themselves to seek assistance.

Therefore, they must endure this. Show that they can bow for the sake of their Kingdom People.

Otherwise, we might just arrive with swords and spears instead of gifts.

“First, I would like to express my gratitude for the Emperor’s mercy, akin to the grace of the heavens. His Majesty the King also praises this kindness.”

“What is the King doing at this moment?”

“He is assessing the damage in the regions heavily affected by the flooding.”

If even a king were to engage in such actions, it seems quite serious indeed.

Otherwise, there would be no need to venture out, or perhaps he has excused himself from the gathering.

“She may have handed the matter to the Crown Prince instead, so as not to bow my head.”

Would he not bend his last shred of pride, then?

A hollow chuckle escaped her, but soon the Crown Princess wore a smile as if to say it did not matter.

In any case, no matter how much they twisted and turned, the current situation would remain unchanged.

“The first batch of relief supplies is set to cross the border soon, Crown Prince.”

“Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Princess. It will truly be a great help.”

“Furthermore, to be prepared for any emergencies, two legions will set up temporary camps near and beyond the Empire’s borders. There are no military intentions whatsoever. It’s merely to ensure the relief supplies are distributed correctly.”

Deploying legions so close to the border and even within their territory would surely provoke concern in Burgai, as they had recently been stripped by the Empire.

However, given the circumstances, the Crown Prince had no choice but to accept this reality.

Having sustained heavy losses from battles against the Empire, Burgai’s army could not hope to resist.

In fact, the remaining soldiers were wielding shovels instead of swords to combat this chaos.

Even if the Empire marched in with an army, it would be impossible for them to stand against it.

Contrarily, the Kingdom People might even wish to be under the Empire’s banner.

Life under the Empire would likely be better than beneath Burgai.

……

Of course, there was a difference between rational acceptance and emotional acceptance.

Though he tried to appear nonchalant, was it truly easy for a prince to bear?

Especially one who had to personally bear the humiliating burden of requesting surrender.

“I might need to ease the atmosphere a bit.”

The Crown Princess slowed her pace, subtly pulling on the reins.

She exhibited her side-by-side position with the Crown Prince of Burgai, as if to signal to others that the positions of the Empire and Burgai were now equal.

“How are your two younger siblings doing, Crown Prince?”

“…Ah, is that so?”

“Are you worried about them?”

“Not at all. I’m well aware that the Empire treats its guests with utmost care. I’m merely worried they might cause trouble.”

With that, the Crown Princess smiled, replying that they were doing quite well.

In fact, she had met the prince and princess of Burgai, who had come as hostages to the Empire.

Being royalty, it was only proper for a member of the Imperial Family to offer some comfort.

As expected, the prince and princess were indeed receiving quite favorable treatment within the Empire.

The aim was to ensure they could become central figures once they returned to Burgai.

With such a splendid opportunity at hand, the yield could be even greater.

Having settled nearby the royal capital of Burgai, the Crown Princess promptly set her plans into action.

Sometimes she worked alongside members of the Empire; at other times, she joined the Crown Prince of Burgai.

She traversed the affected areas, broadly disseminating the Empire’s mercy.

Of course, the Crown Princess’s visit wasn’t solely to oversee relief efforts.

She was also here to remain deeply attuned to all news from the East.

Among that news were many nobles wishing to step into the Empire’s shadow as well.

She conveyed a message to everyone: the Empire was deeply interested in the East.

Unless they opposed this intention, they could expect to enjoy certain benefits.

Having realized they couldn’t win, yielding was also a mark of wisdom.

“Your Highness, do you plan to stay only in Burgai?”

One day, a guard asked this, and without a moment’s hesitation, she nodded.

Kaden and Polrand had also suffered from flooding, yet her stay was solely in Burgai.

Everyone was curious about her reasoning, but the Crown Princess chose to share none.

‘Let them figure it out themselves and misunderstand.‘

Burgai wasn’t the only one affected; both kingdoms in the East were similarly impacted.

Yet, the Crown Princess remained exclusively in Burgai.

Upon hearing this, the two kingdoms — especially Polrand — would likely become quite anxious.

They had placed their trust in the Empire to pressure Burgai, but now the atmosphere was strange.

They would probably come to believe that Burgai had completely succumbed like them.

People often don’t concern themselves with the excellence of those far away.

But when a close acquaintance starts to excel slightly, they reveal their wariness.

Polrand was experiencing this. They knew their position would shrink as Burgai grew closer to the Empire.

However, they could no longer reject the Empire’s hand and return to the past.

So what conclusion would emerge? They’d likely decide to align themselves more enthusiastically with the Empire.

If even Burgai were doing this, they could lose their position if they maintained their pride.

Nothing could be as painful and agonizing as having to regurgitate everything they had consumed until now.

Thus, Polrand would undoubtedly become more welcoming and accepting of the Empire’s order.

‘Kaden would think similarly. If Burgai and Polrand enthusiastically praised the Empire and occupied the first and second spots, they would surely find themselves adrift.’

No one wishes to come in last.

Though someone may outperform them, they cannot be the worst.

“Hohoho.”

As she sipped her tea, the Crown Princess recalled a conversation she’d had with someone before her departure.

“Prince Kael, which side do you believe we should pressure more?”

“Polrand.”

“Really? I expected you to say Burgai.”

“Burgai has already been pushed back quite a bit. When you push someone off a cliff, they have nowhere else to go but to leap.”

Kael’s lips wore a faint smile as he spoke.

The Crown Princess found that smile to be more chilling than anything else in the world.

“However. If someone keeps pushing them toward the cliff and another person reaches out to lend a hand, they are unlikely to forget that kindness for quite some time; perhaps not forever.”

“What if the one who had been pushing them gets upset?”

“Just draw a reasonable line and leave it be. It’s sufficient to intervene only before anyone falls off the cliff.”

How steadfast he was! One might think there’s an enemy lurking in the East.

Nonetheless, the Crown Princess also understood that this approach was the best option.

Still, she couldn’t help but be quite curious, so she decided to ask the reason.

“You’re putting more effort into the East than I anticipated, Prince Kael. What’s the reason for this?”

“There are quite bothersome things that have been sprouting up in the West of the Empire. You too, Your Highness, are keeping a wary eye on them, which is why you journey East.”

Kael’s response left the Crown Princess smiling silently.

 

---