Chapter 152: Interlude – Converging Forces

The Kalmarian Federation.

True to its name as a federation, this northern powerhouse ruled by a monarch who unified powerful lords through a kind of treaty. It was renowned as the central base for mages across the continent.

And now… within the Kalmarian Federation, a heated debate was unfolding regarding the heretical rebellion in the Holy Imperium, which had become a major issue on the continent.

“This is the perfect opportunity. What more are you hesitating about? Surely you are all aware of the division within that great Holy Imperium? If we play our cards right, we can completely bring the northern regions of the Holy Imperium under our control!”

With an inherently unfavorable climate, they had for generations attempted a continuous southward advance to conquer the warmer southern regions. As a result, they currently held sway over parts of the Holy Imperium’s northern territories.

For them, the Holy Imperium’s division presented an opportune chance to expand their sphere of influence and further their policy of southern expansion. Some major nobles were urging swift alliance with the heretical forces to march southward.

“We’ve even received overtures from the Heretical Alliance itself, Your Majesty. If we let this chance slip away, you will certainly come to deeply regret it!”

“Hmm…”

As the hesitant king pondered, the nobles persisted in urging him on.

At the center of the faction advocating aggressive southern expansion was the ruler of the Mark region bordering the Holy Imperium – the great noble Chris IV, who forcefully voiced his opinion alongside his supporters.

At a glance, it seemed a scene of an eager vassal pressing an indecisive monarch.

However… those privy to the true undercurrents knew the situation was not so simple.

“Your assertion certainly holds merit. However… I do not believe the time is ripe yet. While the Holy Imperium’s affairs are of interest, we must first resolve the unfinished business with the Polandian Kingdom. Opening two fronts would overextend our national strength.”

Certainly, the Holy Imperium’s crisis was a matter of great interest to the Kalmarian Federation.

Yet regardless, Kalmaria’s current circumstances made it difficult to actively intervene in that crisis.

The Polandian Kingdom, once a loosely allied neighbor with whom they maintained reasonable relations.

However, recent incidents had considerably deepened the rift between the two countries, resulting in ongoing border skirmishes.

Though not an all-out mobilization of their full national might, both sides remained poised to attack should the other show signs of weakness.

In such a volatile situation, carelessly involving themselves in the Holy Imperium’s affairs could expose vulnerabilities. Thus, the king and over half the nobles were currently averse to intervention.

“Certainly, we must remain wary of Polandia. However, to let such a heaven-sent opportunity slip away would undoubtedly lead to profound regret. I urge you to reconsider, Your Majesty.”

Nevertheless…

Chris IV persisted in pressing his case.

Not out of dismissiveness toward the Polandian threat, but because he was fully aware of how the king would respond.

And what he himself could gain from it…

“Regrettably, I have made my decision and have no intention of retracting it. You may withdraw.”

“…I understand. Then I shall take it that I cannot rely on Your Majesty’s aid in this matter. I shall take my leave…”

With those words, Chris IV bowed and withdrew.

However… contrary to his outward appearance of a vassal whose counsel was rejected, in that moment he had obtained what he truly desired.

Justification.

Irrespective of the king’s stance, he could now independently spearhead this endeavor with full justification…

And reap the entire fruits for himself alone.

Unlike conventional nations, the Kalmarian Federation was a union of nobles ruling their respective regions, true to its federal nature.

As such, the regional rulers held greater authority than typical local lords, including the prerogative to unilaterally wage war.

Especially the Mark region, relatively prosperous compared to other Federation territories, possessed sufficient might to wage war without the king’s support.

‘Moreover, I now have formidable allies. Though forging a treaty with the great Heretical Alliance exceeds my authority as a mere regional ruler, no one can interfere with my hiring of mercenaries.’

With such thoughts, Chris IV began pinning his hopes on the powerful force he had recently employed.

A formidable mercenary band that, despite one defeat, had independently rampaged through the heart of the Holy Imperium as if it were their backyard.

The force led by Mansfelt and his comrade Christiane, now mustering troops under Chris IV’s command, awaited the coming march.

‘While the king is preoccupied with Polandia, I shall march southward. With Mark’s support, Mansfelt’s military prowess, and the supreme archmage from Kaarlon I’ve contracted – Frank Pfeiffer – the Holy Imperium’s forces can be easily overwhelmed.’

Though a foolhardy campaign given the disparity in their territorial holdings, Chris IV remained confident.

Having witnessed firsthand the might of his Mansfelt-enhanced forces and the 11th-rank archmage Frank Pfeiffer.

With such power, exploiting the Holy Imperium’s vulnerabilities as it treaded carefully around the Heretical Alliance was wholly feasible.

‘If this endeavor succeeds, I may rise above being a mere Kalmarian noble. If all goes well… I, Chris IV, could ascend to the throne.’

In the Holy Imperium’s capital, Vienna…

There, Emperor Sigismund Ferdinand gazed down with satisfaction upon those kneeling before him.

“It brings me joy that in these trying times, a loyal subject such as yourself has come forward on my behalf.”

“Your words are too kind, Your Majesty. I am but a humble servant of God’s will. I shall devote myself wholly to expelling those wicked heretical demons and upholding divine justice.”

The man declared his resolve with sincere tones.

Observing this, Emperor Sigismund nodded and addressed him:

“Your loyalty gladdens me, Count Valenstein. In the name of the Emperor, I vow to spare no support for your cause.”

“You honor me beyond words, Your Majesty.”

As the man named Valenstein Alfred bowed his head, the Emperor, giving him a smile, turned his gaze toward the two individuals standing behind him.

“However… Count Valenstein, who are those two behind you? I do not recall seeing them during your previous visit.”

The two exuded an unmistakable aura, piquing the Emperor’s mild curiosity.

Valenstein introduced them with a smile:

“Yes, Your Majesty. They are my closest aides, whom I have brought to present to you today. This is Otto Kaiser, who possesses the greatest martial prowess of any Holy Knight I know.”

“It is a profound honor to stand before you, Your Majesty. I, Otto Kaiser, pledge my fealty to you.”

“Indeed…”

The Holy Knight’s formidable presence was evident at a glance.

Clad in brilliant white armor, exuding a faint aura akin to radiating skin, his bearing elicited the Emperor’s inward admiration.

And beside him stood another figure.

A disheveled blonde with chilling green eyes.

As Valenstein continued the introductions, the Emperor momentarily felt a chill:

“And this is… one whom I would assert possesses the greatest arcane might of any mage I have encountered. Her name is…”

“…A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Hestia… Hestia Pflaume.”

The woman’s chilling tones sent a shudder through the Emperor, though he nodded in acknowledgment.