episode_0008

Another’s tragedy becomes my opportunity.

This is a subtly common idea in the international community.

Not only on Earth, but also in this fantasy otherworld.

If a tragedy like war or disaster happens in another country, it means you can gain diplomatic/economic advantages based on it.

The more cunning countries were aware of this principle and knew how to actively exploit it.

And the Elaine Kingdom was among the quite cunning ones.

“I’m thinking of offering some aid to the recently noisy Helvetia Republic, what do you think?”

At the words of Betelgeuse IV, the 27th King of the Elaine Kingdom, the ministers cleared their throats.

“Your Majesty, it hasn’t even been half a year since the peasant revolt was suppressed. And now you’re involving us in another war?”

“If we suddenly increase military spending, the people’s livelihoods will suffer.”

“Our kingdom’s budget isn’t very flexible either…”

It had only been a few months since they suppressed the rebellion caused by a certain demon worshiper. Because of that, the army had also suffered considerably.

(There were many phrases in the rebels’ slogans such as ‘Abolish unfair taxes’ and ‘We want to live like humans’, but the kingdom’s official position was that it was solely the work of a cult.)

Trying another military operation in this situation would be difficult to afford.

It would be difficult to cover with taxes that have designated uses, so they would have to issue national bonds or borrow money, but that’s just debt in the end.

It wouldn’t be enough to tighten their belts for a long time to pay it back.

“I’m not saying we’re going to mobilize the army right away. I’m aware that our kingdom’s situation isn’t easy.”

“Then?”

“I’m saying we should send them supplies so they can fight well.”

Betelgeuse also knew the principle, so he readily agreed to his ministers’ concerns.

If he increased spending recklessly when the treasury was empty, he would be the one suffering in the future.

“Those Helvetia guys, I don’t know what it is, but they’re full of poison. They seem ready to wage an all-out war with the Kram Empire.”

So, he wanted to play some tricks within affordable limits for now.

“They’ve enjoyed peace for a long time, so they must be short on essential war supplies. If we supplement the shortage, it will be a great help.”

“Do you want Helvetia to fight well and exhaust the power of the Kram Empire and the Navr Kingdom?”

“Exactly.”

It’s not like he has any friendly feelings or sympathy for Helvetia. Rather, the opposite.

Back when they had more territory extending to the south, the Elaine Kingdom also had a history of controlling part of the Helvetia Peninsula.

However, the reason was that their relationship with the Kram Empire was extremely bad.

Why would he hesitate to put in a little effort when he could screw over those bastards with little expense?

“I don’t know the exact inside story, but they must have judged that they had a chance of winning, so they were prepared for war. If we help them, they will definitely tear apart the Kram pigs.”

“Sounds like a pretty good plan… Is it something we can do with our current capabilities?”

“First, we need to secure a transport route to send supplies.”

“Land transport is slow and easily detected, so should we use the sea route instead?”

The ministers who heard the king’s proposal whispered among themselves.

After some discussion, the prime minister stepped forward and asked the king a question.

“However, Your Majesty. Supporting only supplies will have a limited effect. Later, Kram and Navr may pursue responsibility for inciting the war, wouldn’t they?”

“Wouldn’t it be enough to make a preemptive move before that happens?”

Betelgeuse denied the prime minister’s concerns.

Why bother worrying about the aftermath? It would be enough to strike first before it happens.

“Isn’t it already June? In just four more months, taxes will be collected again. The Helvetia guys will be able to hold out for that long.”

No matter how great the difference in national power between the parties, war in this era basically takes quite a while.

It might be different if it was a simple territorial war, but even more so if it was an all-out war between countries.

Things like a country collapsing in just six weeks don’t happen easily.

Conversely, it means that the eyes of the Kram Empire and the Navr Kingdom will be focused on one side during that long time.

“With that much leeway, our kingdom can also finish internal repairs and expand military spending.”

Unless the Helvetia Republic is really bad at fighting, it will buy enough time for the Elaine Kingdom to reorganize internally.

What happens after replenishing the depleted treasury and newly training troops? He must strike the backs of those busy with war.

He will attack the rear, taking advantage of the fact that the main military forces of Kram and Navr are concentrated on the Helvetia side in the south.

If he prepares thoroughly and launches the operation, he will be able to secure enough chances of winning.

If all goes well, he can screw over the enemy countries and expand his territory on a large scale without much effort.

“What do you think? Wouldn’t it be worth a try?”

“Hmm…..”

Betelgeuse speaks in a confident tone, as if proud of himself for coming up with this idea.

In response, the prime minister pondered inwardly.

Weaken the enemy with behind-the-scenes maneuvers and aim for the most vulnerable timing to gain achievements and results.

It is definitely a strategy that makes sense.

There were similar precedents in history, so the feasibility seems good.

The only concern is the religious issue.

“Your Majesty. What if the Holy See appeals to stop the war?”

“Just ignore it. When have we ever acted according to what those religious people said?”

Unlike in the old days, the authority of the clergy has decreased a lot these days, so it seemed like there was no need to pay much attention.

There are plenty of monarchs who openly ignore even the Holy See’s excommunication declarations.

In any case, the Holy See, the base of the Goddess Order, is far away from the Elaine Kingdom and has no ability to directly interfere here.

“…I understand. Then should we quickly call the envoy of the Helvetia Republic to hold a meeting?”

“Hmm. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

* * * * *

Two weeks later, a working-level meeting was held secretly between the envoy stationed in the kingdom and the prime minister.

The gist was that in exchange for reducing some of the national bonds and loans of the Elaine Kingdom held by the Helvetia Republic, they would send military supplies and military support equivalent to that amount.

It was a meeting that took place as soon as they contacted their home country and received approval.

“Then, I look forward to working with you.”

“Haha, the pleasure is all ours.”

The secret agreement was written on two identical documents.

The representatives of both countries, each with the national seal stamped and signatures left, shared one copy of the document each.

These documents were now to be kept strictly in the document vaults of both countries. So that no one would know the honeymoon relationship between the two countries.

“Oh, are these guys doing something interesting?”

…Of course, that’s only possible if they’re not caught.

* * * * *

“They want to reap the fruits of war, but they want to avoid sacrifices; that’s going to be difficult.”

The latest information was obtained from an operative working in the kingdom’s administration.

Regarding the secret agreement between Helvetia and Elaine.

“These guys have used their heads a bit… but it’s still within the expected range. They’re going to test the waters by sending only supplies at first.”

The Elaine Kingdom was trying to thoroughly pursue their own interests. It seems they were trying to incite enemies against each other and observe the situation.

It seems like they’re thinking of pulling out if they feel like it won’t work.

“The document said military support… but they were vague because it would be difficult to promise specifically later.”

“Are they saying they’ll change their words depending on the situation?”

“Yes. If the war situation worsens, they’ll probably insist that they were only talking about supplies.”

Right now, they probably have the option of actually mobilizing troops to fight.

If the war escalates and the Kram Empire and the Navr Kingdom fall into the quagmire of war, they might dispatch a large-scale expeditionary force.

But what if the Helvetia Republic gets completely destroyed or the war situation is one-sided?

They will withdraw the plan immediately. They might abandon all plans and claim they have nothing to do with it.

Of course, since there is remaining evidence, they will not be able to avoid being held responsible later, but it would be better than getting directly involved in the war and only suffering losses.

‘I can’t allow it.’

Those arrogant bastards.

I went to the trouble of setting up a stage for them to kill each other and waste their national power, but they dare to try to escape.

Naughty children who act selfishly must be given punishment, right?

“Branch Manager. Let’s spread this to Kram and Navr. Let’s let them know that there is a potential enemy country in the rear.”

“I don’t think they’ll believe it if we just make it public.”

“Just make it leak. If we leak information about where important documents are, spies will take them on their own.”

Did they say they couldn’t wage war right now because they didn’t have money due to suppressing the rebellion? I’ll make them squeeze it out somehow, even if they don’t have it.

If external enemies invade, they will have no choice but to prepare troops whether they like it or not.

“Finally, the balance of power is roughly even.”

The Kram Empire and the Navr Kingdom.

The Elaine Kingdom and the Helvetia Republic.

It’s 2 vs 2, so the numbers are the same now. In terms of national power, the latter is still slightly inferior.

Then shall we prepare a gift for Helvetia here? Since they are the most inferior force, we must give them various bonuses.

The content is so difficult for me too, so if I start preparing now, I think I can only release it in a couple of months.

“Ms. Kalia. We should start writing the next book soon.”

“…What kind of heinous knowledge are you going to reveal again?”

“I’m a little hurt when you say that. This time it’s something a little more ordinary. It’s a book about military science and strategy.”

It’s unfinished, but I’m thinking of bringing an immortal masterpiece that is considered greater than any other book on tactics in the world.