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[ The King of Ross Tanika offers a humble request to His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire. Currently, the West of the continent is suffering under the cruel hands of vile beings, and the land is being ravaged. In this situation, where even trusted friends are lost, our nation can only rely on the Empire… ]

Someone out there reading this, definitely not from our Empire.

They have barely made it to the Empire after all sorts of hardships from Ross Tanika.

In that situation, they are flatly bowing and begging the Empire to spare their lives.

Pride as a kingdom? They must have thrown that away a long time ago.

Right now, Ross Tanika is crying out to our Empire for a bit of mercy.

Didn’t expect those DeGale idiots to fall this quickly, huh?

‘Well, they are idiots alright. Seriously, how can you not last even a month? 4 weeks? It’s like they just fell down filming Elang Season 2.’

After losing the western territories to Dedorant, DeGale definitely had time.

Thanks to our Empire subtly warning Dedorant with, “Hey, if you keep stirring things up, it won’t be funny.”

Plus, Dedorant had to keep consuming resources to keep Benito alive.

From DeGale’s point of view, that few months of leeway allowed them to reorganize their forces.

Just ten years ago, DeGale was a strong nation known in the West.

Though they’ve taken a hit and are whining, I had no doubt they would soon cry for a bloody revenge!

Besides, with Ross Tanika backing them up from behind, they had a chance for a fierce counterattack.

But guess what? They lost? And not just lost, they got utterly wrecked?

“That was the message from the King to His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Well done. Everyone gathered here in the capital has heard of your efforts and the sincerity of Ross Tanika. And everyone knows what that sincerity means.”

“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.”

“You may step back now and rest from your long journey.”

From the southern coast of Ross Tanika, taking a boat, passing through Benito’s maritime territory, and finally reaching the Kingdom…

I could clearly picture the hardships that envoy from Ross Tanika must have faced before finally using the magic circle.

Knowing this, the Emperor would have likely said it was okay to step back and rest.

“Your Majesty.”

But the envoy bowed deeply, speaking in a somber voice.

“I apologize for bringing this up, but I wish to remain here.”

“You must be very tired.”

“With the kingdom on the brink of disaster, it’s just tough no matter where I go. So if just a ray of light could shine upon this place today, all my weariness would vanish.”

How tragic. A sight too pitiful to look at without tears.

Isn’t it just an envoy begging for their country to be saved?

Only after getting the Emperor’s permission did he retreat with a smiling face.

“…The situation on the continent is as follows.”

After scanning the room for a moment, the Emperor slowly began to speak.

“It has been a long time since the Great Emperor founded the Empire. During that time, the Empire has established order worthy of its name, and all under that order have enjoyed peace and prosperity.”

It sounded too centered on the Empire, but on second thought, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

Those who had been friendly with the Empire or planned to be were all living well.

The moderates in Nobogord, the pro-Empire faction just entering the East, and even the kingdoms in the South.

“It was not the case that we suppressed those who refused to accept that order. That is their freedom; how could we persecute them?”

Every word the Emperor uttered was the justification of the Empire.

The Empire is far more merciful than you imagine.

Look! North, East, and South—didn’t they all come to be embraced?

Statements that restrict what others can say when they reflect on the Empire.

At the same time, underlying it all is the message, “As long as you don’t cross the line, you won’t be killed.”

This means that the moment they cross the line, they better be ready to die.

And today, such a case plopped right before the Empire.

“However, if they try to break and shake this order, if there are those who wish to clash with the name of the Empire willingly, then the warm mercy should ignite like burning rage.”

They keep expanding their territory, trying to become a second Empire instead of a kingdom.

Not just to the West, but trying to exercise their influence elsewhere too.

Sure, that can be understood with a merciful heart.

However, knowing that understanding and acceptance do not come hand in hand.

Understanding is one thing; suppression must follow. I mean, seriously, a second Empire?

Whether through diplomatic relations or other means, that will be done.

However, any attempt to meddle with the Empire absolutely cannot be tolerated.

The pact with Nobogord was the tipping point.

Moreover, interfering with Benito’s affairs, stopping the Empire, played a significant role as well.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“From this moment, declare war on Dedorant and Atria, as well as all the small nations cooperating with them.”

“The Empire’s wrath will fall heavily upon them like a mace, Your Majesty.”

Finally, the Empire’s declaration of war had begun.

*

War. Not something someone starts first; it’s a blood and steel spectacle declared by our Empire.

The Foreign Affairs team left for the war, followed by other ministers vacating the room.

Those who remained were now the key personnel who needed to talk about the war.

“Currently, as per His Majesty’s order, two legions are being stationed at each border to the West.”

“The 7th and 12th Legions from the East, along with the 6th and 13th Legions from the South, have entered the West.”

“However, the two legions from the East are in need of rest due to ongoing movements.”

“The 2nd and 8th Legions from the North set out three days ago and are expected to arrive next week.”

Among the first to speak in times of war is the Ministry of War.

“The military expenses consumed in the recent Eastern and Southern campaigns have been significant. Fortunately, this time we’ve managed to increase revenues and have some supplies donated by various noble families, so there’s that…”

“Deploying 11 legions simultaneously will incur astronomical military costs.”

In the end, the military is a matter directly tied to money. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance is naturally present.

“Besides the legions to engage in combat, the reserve forces and transportation units need to be in motion as well.”

“We have provisionally completed the inspection of the Western road network, but with so many personnel coming and going, there will inevitably be some damage.”

The Ministries of Internal Affairs and Land are also involved.

“According to current intelligence from the West, it seems Dedorant and Atria are strengthening their western borders. Additionally, the elite troops mobilized for the DeGale attack are also said to be moving westward.”

Everyone nodded at the statement from the Special Forces dealing with foreign intelligence.

Normally, this lineup would have sufficed.

However, there’s a new department established by the Empire this time.

“What is most important right now is to train the different legions gathered from various regions to operate more organically.”

“Our current situation isn’t very relaxed, so it’s the result of the staff meeting that we should start immediately.”

Under the Emperor’s orders, the newly established staff appeared.

As those belonging to it began to speak, the Minister of War nodded in agreement.

“I believe the Ministry of War shares this sentiment. The Imperial Legions are undoubtedly strong; however, gathering so many legions is unprecedented. Usually, only two legions would mobilize at a time.”

That’s a valid point. Just look at the recent Eastern and Southern campaigns.

While it’s claimed that four or five legions were mobilized each time, when fighting together, it has always been just two legions.

That’s how they were originally organized; it’s only natural.

“After all, until now, we’ve been able to sufficiently deal with rival nations with just two legions.”

But it’s different now. The opponents are Dedorant and Atria.

Just those two easily exceed 150,000 forces. Their numbers have only grown recently.

Including Benito (admittedly, he’s practically incapacitated, but still has some resources).

In other words, the number of enemies the Empire needs to face is almost 200,000.

Mobilizing with the current setup of two legions seems inadequate given the overwhelming enemy numbers.

That’s why the staff is advocating for a flexible motion of an entire army instead of legion-level movements.

“It seems the Minister of War and the Chief of Staff share the same thoughts.”

At the Emperor’s words, both men lowered their heads to show their agreement.

“Imperial Chief of Staff.”

This time, the Emperor’s gaze directed towards me.

“What are your thoughts?”

As the Emperor’s question fell, all eyes in the hall turned to me.

Ministry of War, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Land, and Special Forces—all key figures from each.

Especially, the gaze from those in the newly established staff seemed particularly intense.

Rumor has it that I might at least be a Commander or Deputy Commander-level figure.

“…I share my agreement with all the opinions presented thus far, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm.”

“However, I would like to add a few more points.”

“More points to add?”

There’s an old saying. Those who have a lot don’t need to adjust to their opponents.

When performing rock-paper-scissors, if you can show all your hands, you should.

“Beyond the two legions already conscripted, I think it would be better to declare mobilization orders to reinforce the reserves and transportation units, and call up more legions stationed at the borders in case of emergencies.”

“Won’t that make each border too unstable?”

“Considering the current situation, I believe we can assign just one legion to guard the borders for the time being.”

In fact, aside from the West, all other regions are quite depleted.

For now, Nobogord has assured to send reinforcements with their elite.

If they send a force of 30,000, that’s almost half their troops leaving.

In the North, even just two legions left behind would suffice to manage Nobogord’s remaining forces.

The three kingdoms in the East are highly afflicted by floods and are at death’s door.

No matter how much you want to catch possibilities, they cannot muster an army.

Even sending reinforcements is difficult for them, as they can’t afford to manage their own.

Lastly, as for the kingdoms in the South… frankly speaking, they are child’s play.

If their military is weaker than Benito’s, not exaggerating at all, one Imperial legion can cover it all.

The area of defense may be broad, but with the Empire ahead in intelligence, there’s no cause for concern.

“If we combine them all, we’d almost have a great army of 400,000. Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“Yes, Minister of War.”

“Indeed, the numerical advantage is one we cannot overlook, but…”

Just then, a man from the staff quietly raised his hand.

“I oppose the Imperial Chief of Staff’s opinion. Right now, what’s important is that we train the assembled legions and hone our strategies. We cannot afford to dawdle now that we have declared war. Especially since Ross Tanika is waiting on the Empire with bated breath.”

“Hmm.”

“War is looming over us. This great army of over 200,000 we have gathered is already overwhelming. These individuals have undergone immense training and multiple real battles; Dedorant and Atria are no match for them.”

Several options are being proposed, and the man firmly asserts that an active offense should come first.

He’s a face I’ve never seen before. Probably someone who worked with the Western Legion.

As I watched, the Princess quietly approached me.

“He’s the Commander Mesok assigned to the staff. I’ve heard he’s the fifth son of the Marquis of Consloker, with a background in the Western Legion.”

“I see.”

“And there are rumors that he’s burning with competitive spirit against you, Kael.”

“…”

Nodding at the Princess’s words, I looked at Mesok fervently presenting his argument.

It’s clear that both the Ministry of War and the staff agree with his stance.

If things proceed my way, it would naturally mean waiting several more months.

They seem eager to show the Empire’s might to the audacious Dedorant right away.

The Ministry of Finance, Internal Affairs, and Land share similar feelings.

Additionally, issuing mobilization orders while drafting more legions would lead to financial and manpower issues.

They seem to believe that as it stands, they can start a war and win it.

‘After all, the Empire has been on a winning streak lately. So, it’s not too hard to believe.’

…For some reason, I feel an ominous vibe. Is it just a fleeting fear?

 

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