episode_0086

The Crown Princess and the various experts accompanying her examined the current situation.

“The three kingdoms in the east. Burkhay, Kaden, and Forland. All of them suffered severe flood damage. Burkhay was the most severe.”

“They say the most important things right now are food and medicine. They also say that security personnel are needed because the chaos is getting worse.”

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

This is something that people surprisingly miss when a flood occurs.

What we need most is not a cozy home, dry clothes, a warm fire, or food to fill our bellies.

First of all, clean water. It is right to start with water that people can drink.

When there is a water crisis, all the water becomes muddy and you will get sick if you drink it.

This is especially true when the water is filled with floating debris of unknown origin.

Even the water sources we normally use are completely destroyed when there is a flood.

“Before helping Burkhay, let’s check the situation of the Empire again. Is it true that the eastern part of the Empire does not need any more support?”

This is the important part. It rained so much in the east, so it can’t be clear in the eastern part of the empire.

If your own house is on fire, you shouldn’t be pouring water on someone else’s house.

In response to the Crown Princess’ question, the Ministry of the Interior official bows his head and opens his mouth.

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess. The eastern part of the empire also suffered some damage due to the heavy rain, but since we took precautions in advance, there shouldn’t be any major issues with providing support to the three kingdoms.”

“It must be done. If we help other countries and leave our own country behind, there will be a lot of criticism. The people of the empire will only feel a sense of rejection and anger towards the people of that kingdom.”

“I will thoroughly prepare and keep in mind to make sure that such a thing never happens again. Your Majesty.”

After some time, the Crown Princess crossed the border and entered Burkhay’s territory.

It was a land where the two sides were enemies only half a year ago.

But now, there are those who ask for help and those who respond.

That relationship will have a huge impact on the new order going forward.

And the Crown Princess was convinced that her prediction had come true.

“Hello, Crown Princess.”

The Crown Prince of Burkhay, who had previously come to deliver the surrender notice to the Empire.

This time, he showed up near the border to greet the crown princess.

“It’s nice to meet you here, Crown Prince.”

Normally, he would have been polite, but the Crown Princess did not do so.

In times like these, it is necessary to make it clearer who has the upper hand.

Mercy only takes one time. And it’s they who put aside their pride and ask for help.

If so, then bear it. Show that you can bend for the sake of the people of the kingdom.

Otherwise, we will have no choice but to come with swords rather than gifts.

“First, I would like to express my gratitude for His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire’s kindness. His Majesty the King also praises his kindness.”

“What is His Majesty doing now?”

“We are going around the flooded area to assess the situation.”

If it’s the king and not someone else, then it must be quite serious.

Otherwise, there is no need to go out, but you may have just avoided the place.

‘Instead of bowing your head to me, it’s possible that you just left it to the crown prince.’

Are you saying that you will not bend even to the last bit of your pride?

The Crown Princess laughed inwardly, but soon smiled as if she was okay with it.

No matter how much they twist their bodies, the current situation won’t change.

“The first batch of relief supplies will soon be arriving across the border. Crown Prince.”

“Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Princess. It will really help me a lot.”

“Also, in case of an emergency, two legions will set up temporary camps near the Imperial border and beyond. There is no military purpose whatsoever. It is simply to ensure that relief supplies are distributed to the right places.”

Not only do they deploy their legions near the border, they also bring them into the territory.

For Burkhay, who had recently had his soul stolen by the Empire, this was something that could stir up a fight.

But given the circumstances, the Crown Prince had no choice but to accept it this time too.

Burkhay’s army had already suffered heavy losses in battles against the empire.

There, the worst floods struck and many of those who remained perished.

Those who barely survived are fighting this chaos with shovels instead of swords.

Even if the Empire brought an army, there was no way to stop them.

Rather, the people of the kingdom may even think of belonging to the empire in that way.

Because it would be better to live under the Empire than under the Burghhey.

“… .”

Of course, there is a difference between accepting something rationally and accepting it emotionally.

He tries hard to pretend like nothing happened, but it’s not easy for a prince of a country.

Even though he was the crown prince, he had to personally do the humiliating thing of asking for surrender.

‘I guess we need to lighten the mood a little here.’

The crown princess, who was moving ahead, gently pulled on the reins to slow down.

And then he showed himself riding alongside the Crown Prince of Burkhay.

As if to say to others, ‘The Empire and the Burghhey are on equal footing.’

“The Crown Prince’s two younger brothers are doing well.”

“… Oh. Is that so.”

“Are you worried a lot?”

“Not at all. I know very well that the Empire has never made a mistake in treating its guests. Rather, I am worried that my two younger brothers will become a burden. That is all I am worried about.”

To those words, the Crown Princess smiled and replied that she was doing well.

In fact, she had met the Prince and Princess of Burkhay, who had come to the Empire as hostages.

In any case, since he is a member of the royal family, it would be only right for him to be pampered by a member of the royal family.

As you might expect, the prince and princess are treated quite well in the empire.

So that when he returned to Burkhay later, he could become the center of the pro-imperial faction.

Since this is such a good opportunity, there will be even more crops to harvest.

The Crown Princess, who had established her residence near the royal capital of Burghhey, immediately took action.

Sometimes with imperial personnel. Other times with the crown prince of Burkhay.

He traveled around the affected areas and spread the word of the Empire’s mercy.

Of course, the Crown Princess did not personally come here to simply lead the relief effort.

She also sat down here herself and received all the news from the East.

Among them were many nobles who wanted to come under the shadow of the new empire.

A message to all: The Empire has great interests in the East.

Honey, as long as you don’t go against its will, you will enjoy its benefits.

Since you realize that you can’t win anyway, it’s wise to give in.

“Your Majesty, do you intend to stay in Burkhay forever?”

One day, when the escort asked me that question, I nodded without a second thought.

Kaden and Forland were also affected by the floods, but only Burkhay remained.

Everyone wondered why, but the Crown Princess did not say anything.

‘Then they will misunderstand on their own.’

Burkhay is not the only one affected. Two other kingdoms to the east are also affected.

But the Crown Princess of the Empire only stays in Burghai.

The two kingdoms, especially Portugal, will become quite anxious when they hear the news.

I’ve been putting pressure on Burkhay because I trusted the Empire, but the atmosphere is strange.

And then perhaps Burkhay will consider himself completely subdued, just like they were.

People are not very interested in whether someone far away is better than them.

But when I see that the person right next to me is doing a little better, I become wary.

That’s what Portugal is like. They know that if Burkhay gets closer to the Empire, their position will become narrower.

However, we cannot now shake off the hand of the empire and go back to the way things were before.

So what decision will be made? The conclusion is that we should respond more enthusiastically to the Empire.

Even Burkhay may end up losing his position to them if he tries to protect his pride in such a situation.

There is nothing more frustrating and frustrating than having to throw up everything you have ever eaten.

Therefore, it is clear that Portugal will welcome and accept the imperial order more, whether it likes it or not.

‘It’s the same for Kaden. If Burkhay and Forland passionately praise the Empire and take the positions of first and second in command respectively, they will be the only ones to be left behind.’

No one wants to be last.

He may be better than me, but I can’t be the worst.

“Hoohoohoo.”

Taking a sip of tea, the Crown Princess recalled a conversation she had with someone when she set out.

“Prince Kael. Which side do you think should be put under more pressure?”

“It’s Portugal.”

“Really? I thought you’d say Burkhay.”

“Burkhay has already been pushed back a lot. If you try to push him from the edge of the cliff, he will have no choice but to rush forward because there is no way back.”

As he spoke, a faint smile appeared on Kael’s lips.

The Crown Princess’ smile seemed more eerie than anything else in the world.

“But. If someone stops the person who keeps pushing them to the edge and extends a hand, they won’t forget the favor for a long time, even if it’s not until the very distant future.”

“Then what will you do if the one who pushed you to the cliff gets angry?”

“Just draw a reasonable line and leave it alone. You just need to intervene before someone falls off the cliff.”

It is so consistent that I wonder if there is any enemy in the East.

Of course, the Crown Princess also knows very well that doing so is the best option.

Still, I was very curious, so I decided to ask why.

“You are putting more effort into the East than I expected, Prince Kael. What is the reason?”

“There are some very troublesome things growing in the west of the empire. Isn’t Her Highness the Crown Princess also on guard against them, and is personally marching east like this?”

In response to Kael’s answer, the Crown Princess simply smiled without saying anything.