episode_0083

Imperial Count Berthier personally escorted the guests out of the family castle.

“See you next time, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Take a look, Commander.”

It was a small place that was almost embarrassing to call a party, but it was still amazing how many people came.

The one who immediately walks away and sees him off is the commander of the defense forces.

In addition, many other people showed up to congratulate him.

It’s like this now, so I can’t even imagine what would happen if a real banquet were held.

‘His Majesty the Emperor’s gift of the Neomes region was decisive.’

It wasn’t just a territory, it was a direct imperial territory. It was even a land called Altoran that had been fully developed.

There are many other neighboring noble estates and quite a few merchants who have close ties to Neomes.

Since he ate up such a place in one go, it is only natural that his authority would skyrocket.

Basically, there is no concept of who is higher or lower among the Imperial Counts.

It is only natural, since they are all the same emperor’s spear, sword, and shield.

But these days, the world secretly sees the Imperial Hundred of Berthier as its center.

Even the other imperial lords seemed to accept that fact.

‘I’m now realizing just how great a contribution Kael has made.’

To be honest, I was a bit worried when I was young.

Because Klaus Z’s people almost didn’t feel uninhabited.

He was the eldest son and successor of the Imperial Family, but I wondered if he would be okay.

If I were to get pushed by Kaya, there would be nothing more worrying than that.

But all that was just a rumor.

His eldest son, the successor to the family line, was not lacking, he was just different.

He was the guy who would take this great place to the next level.

“Your Majesty.”

The butler, who had come closer, whispered something into the Imperial Count’s ear.

After hearing that story, Imperial Baek thought for a moment and then shook his head slightly.

“Just leave it. Kael, he must have thought of everything.”

“Are you sure it’s okay? Why is that person the last remaining guest?”

If he had been an ordinary guest, the butler would not have done this.

Of all people, she had to be from Novogord. Of all people, she had to be a young and beautiful woman.

It was clear that the little master was worried that he would become the subject of gossip.

Imperial Baek also had the same worries as the butler for a moment.

She’s not just an ordinary imperial woman, she’s a demon.

They say that relations with the empire have improved now.

In the past. No, just a few years ago, it was a potential enemy.

Fortunately, many things have come together to create our current pretty good relationship.

But. That Novogord tribe. Even the daughter of the chairman of the council is still attached to them.

It’s best not to do anything that could be suspected. That’s the natural attitude of a noble.

A fool often digs his own grave thinking, ‘This will be okay.’

However, there is no way that Kael, of all people, would not know that fact.

Of course. He is an imperial strategist recognized even by the emperor. He is my great son.

So, Imperial Baek decided to approach with trust rather than worry.

“What does it all mean? Don’t you think half of them honestly think that way, Mr. Butler?”

“… Ahem. If it’s Master Kael, then it’s certainly possible.”

Kael, who twisted everything in all regions except the western part of the empire with one scheme.

Would such a person be acting like this without any thought?

Maybe he was planning something else through the demon tribe called Charlua.

*

“I don’t think Benito will be able to do his job for a long time.”

“That’s right. The main force was blown away at once, so it would be impossible for Runen to recover it all at once.”

“Even if Tushin Anbar comes, it won’t work. Is it true that the main force only goes through training?”

Novogord, Charleroi’s homeland. Then our empire. Finally, Dedorant to the west.

The reason why the armies they possess call themselves strong and why they are called strong by others.

Because there is not only training but also actual combat. Because there is a lot of experience in fighting properly.

Benito also previously sent mercenaries to Dedorant to gain experience.

Afterwards, they came back and trained, and fought against the religious groups and had real-life experiences.

If they had grown more there, they would have been quite a nuisance.

When excellent training is combined with victory in actual combat, morale rises tremendously.

“In my opinion, Dedorant stationing troops in Benito was a choice they would have wanted to avoid. What do you think, Prince Kael?”

“Here is the same person. Dedorant still has Degalle. It will be busy sending troops there, but it will be frustrating to have to leave over 10,000 troops in Benito.”

Charlo and I continued to watch the situation unfold while sipping tea.

Oddly enough, she seemed to have a keen interest in military strategy, even though she was the daughter of the chairman of the council.

“Atria has been merged, but not all of the provinces have been included. It will probably take another half year to exert influence over each region.”

“Well, I think three months should be enough since we don’t need force to rule over there. Above all, we are persuading the people of the Atria Kingdom by emphasizing that we are the same Deo people.”

“Hmm. Is it really that easy to follow? Even though we are of the same Deo race, we have been different countries, and to be honest, I can’t say that Dedorant and Atria have always been on good terms.”

That’s true. Yes, that’s true. But even that kind of thing is a laughing matter when faced with a bigger benefit.

From Atria’s perspective, it must have been too unstable to hold on to the dying royal family.

In the midst of all this, it must have been fortunate that Dedorant, who was doing very well, reached out first.

I bet your nobles are really happy that they got a proper line?

And then Dedorant ended up biting a giant lump of flesh called Atria.

There are some things that can be called an army even though they are inferior to them.

It’s not very fertile, but it’s still a good thing because the territory has nearly doubled.

Lastly, it is not a losing proposition at all since it absorbs the most important population.

“They know it too. If they can’t overcome the Empire, the losers of the West and all will eventually be subdued.”

The reason why the empire remained an empire was simple.

Because we absolutely do not tolerate the appearance of a second-in-command.

Novogord in the north. It is threatening, but for now it has no king.

This is a way to go back to the council, but this has clear limitations.

A country can never become a strong nation through force alone.

The Empire also knew this, so it controlled Novogord only through appeasement and threats, rather than conquering him.

The three kingdoms in the east were fighting amongst themselves.

They talked about a union or something a while ago, but that was shattered in an instant.

It is clear that we will never be able to bring up the letter ‘ㅇ’ in union again.

Finally, the South… well, Benito was a bit cheeky.

Then, all of his limbs were cut off by our imperial legions.

As Charlo said, it will be difficult for them to get back up again.

This is the situation. The Empire shows mercy and peace, but it does not tolerate anything more than that.

Dedorant also knows. They are next. For now, the Empire is catching its breath.

When that ends, the wrath of the Empire will come down on you, incomparable to the three border issues.

“Therefore, if Novogord sheds blood with our empire, it would be a good thing for Novogord’s future.”

“Um… .”

“Our empire is not that simple either. Do you really think that Novogord will be used as a shield? If you do that, the resentment against the empire will grow and the north will be swept away, which will be a headache.”

“What is relatively urgent is Dedorant, not the Empire. That is what you want to say, Prince Kael.”

“That’s right, Miss Charleroi.”

Dedorant is impatient and will make unreasonable demands on Novogord.

If you want to fight the empire and survive, you need to conserve your strength as much as possible.

On the contrary, the Empire, frankly speaking, could do with Novogord just being quiet.

There is no reason to feel sorry for them. There is no need to ask them to make sacrifices.

“Haa… Really. Talking like this, instead of getting tired, I feel more focused.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That’s why there’s a saying that you should meet someone who is better and wiser than you.”

Hmm. That’s a bit of a sudden flattery. Are you trying to make me let my guard down and induce me to do something?

I felt a sense of something fishy and was nervous, but nothing of note happened.

You weren’t expecting this, were you? You were just trying to lower my guard.

“Oh my gosh. It’s already this late.”

“I see. I think the party ended a while ago.”

“I’ve taken up too much of your time. I’m sorry, Prince Kael.”

“No, Miss Charlo. I didn’t realize how fast time was passing.”

Yes, I did. I was looking around to see if there was anything suspicious.

Should I talk about the topic? Should I check to see if there is something hidden?

A little. No, I was very tired, but I didn’t show it.

‘Should I just tell him to go to sleep?’

Suddenly, I had that thought. I thought I should put up surveillance and check.

But it doesn’t seem like it will be successful in just one day, let alone a few days.

“It’s a little late. Would you like to stay for a day, Miss Charlo?”

Meanwhile, my mouth was saying those words without even thinking about them.

I guess I made a mistake because I was talking too much.

“Is that okay?”

There is nothing that cannot be done. After all, I am the eldest son and successor of the Imperial Family.

Above all, the reason this party was held was thanks to me.

“… Hmm. No. I appreciate the offer, but I think it would be rude. I think the employees here would be in a lot of trouble if a guest suddenly stopped by. ”

“I think it’ll be okay.”

“No, Prince Kael. I really appreciate your words, but I think it would be better for me to just go back.”

As expected, she is no ordinary woman. Did she perhaps read my mind?

Are you anticipating that they’ll put surveillance on you to find out something?

“Instead, can we come back later and talk like this? I feel a little lonely and bored being alone in the empire. If I can learn like this, I don’t think there’s anything better than that.”

“I will do that when I have time.”

It’s good for me. I can keep an eye on the key figures in Novogord.

If the Empire is friendly with him, he is number one on the list of good things to do, but if they are enemies, he is number one on the list of annoying things to do.

*

“… Phew.”

Inside the returning carriage, Charlois let out a light sigh.

Ah. I made a mistake. I was too excited. My heart was pounding too hard. I talked too much.

This is not right. I shouldn’t look like such a frivolous woman.

What if Prince Kael thinks he is lacking?

‘But… what should I do?’

Yes, that’s right. None other than Kael Klauwitz.

I still get goosebumps when I think about those plots across the East and the South.

Today was the same. With one bit of insight and advice, I was able to move forward in an instant.

The hazy front. The road that was filled with fog could be seen so clearly.

‘When I get back, I have to contact my father right away.’

Oh, and I think I should brag to other people too.

I had a deep conversation with Kael Klauwitz for hours.

What would my acquaintances say when they heard that news?

‘What should I say? You’ll be so jealous. Haha!’

Intense admiration and fervent support for the rising divinity.

Humans are like that too, but the demons in particular are particularly enthusiastic about such things.