Ch.198Episode 11 – All Quiet on the Northern Front

[Prime Minister Stolypin held a press conference regarding the Empire-Demon Realm conflict, which is approaching its fifth anniversary.]

[Today, the Abas Senate proposed the “Humanitarian Aid Act” to provide relief supplies to countries suffering from conflicts, civil wars, and natural disasters.]

[In a meeting with reporters, a member of the Joint Defense Committee of the Abas Senate and House of Representatives stated that this bill was proposed not only for cooperation in defense and security of the Kiyen Empire but also with the hope for human peace and stability in the international community…]

[However, many interpret that the ongoing military confrontation and human rights abuses between the two countries will be obstacles to international support.]

[Some point out that the Empire’s Ministry of Defense is pushing for excessive military operations ahead of the Armed Forces Day celebrations scheduled for March next year…]

[Meanwhile, the Imperial Family has shown no particular reaction despite the major diplomatic and political turning point. Amid rampant speculation about the elderly Emperor’s health, experts believe the Emperor is likely not in critical condition.]

[The demon race is a monster that has invaded our homeland for hundreds and thousands of years. I firmly believe that our brave army will drive these cursed monsters beyond our borders.]

[We will liberate the suffering residents and fight resolutely without the slightest hesitation.]

[No matter what sacrifices may come.]

Episode 11 – All Quiet on the Northern Front

Even as winter’s bitter cold engulfed the continent, the international atmosphere was heating up.

This was due to Prime Minister Stolypin’s speech and the “Humanitarian Aid Act” proposed by the Abas Senate.

Though modest, the Kiyen Empire had been receiving support from the Church, Magic Towers, and friendly nations.

But suddenly, a developed country—and Abas of all places, famous for its poor relations with the Empire—stepped forward to support the Empire. They were even creating legislation for it.

Hope emerged that the stagnant Empire-Demon Realm border conflict might finally come to an end.

As this fresh news hit the airwaves, it stirred the interest of renowned politicians, scholars, and journalists worldwide.

“It’s exciting news indeed. It signals that the Empire and the Kingdom might actually join hands.”

The international community had been unsettled for some time with diplomatic expulsions and other tensions.

All the news had been gloomy—monsters breaching borders and feasting on human flesh, military coups, economies plummeting, requiring belt-tightening measures.

But now, after a long while, there’s conciliatory news about nations cooperating? And Abas and Kiyen, of all countries?

It was impossible not to get excited.

However, not everyone was painting a rosy picture of the future.

“Setting aside secondary issues like national interests and conflicts, we’re joining forces for the fate of humanity. Sounds plausible.”

“Isn’t it just superficial?”

“Isn’t it all the same anyway?”

Francesca sat on the sofa and removed her shoes.

She carelessly draped the cape she had worn for formality over the back of the sofa and unbuttoned her secretariat uniform, which had been buttoned all the way up.

Having made her uncomfortable outdoor attire somewhat more comfortable, Francesca placed her family crest hair ornament aside and settled into the sofa.

“Public opinion in the Empire isn’t entirely favorable.”

“What do you mean by ‘not favorable’ specifically?”

“I mean there aren’t many people who welcome support from foreign governments, including Abas.”

The foreign governments mentioned here referred to countries with poor diplomatic relations with the Kiyen Empire.

Various figures across the Empire viewed support from democratic governments, represented by Abas, with unfavorable eyes.

Francesca relayed to me what she had heard from the Empire’s dignitaries she had just met.

“It’s a matter of pride. They believe that no matter how bad the situation is, accepting support from Abas is unacceptable.”

Abas and Kiyen are traditional adversaries.

Like England and Russia, or Germany and France, Abas and Kiyen have been at odds for a long time, as their history proves.

The national and ethnic identities formed through history continue to influence society today. Even national crises aren’t immune to this influence.

I wrote down the thoughts of the Empire’s key political figures that Francesca had conveyed to me in my report.

“The military officials I met were generally negative about Abas’s support. Conservative government officials had similar attitudes.”

“I recall the Foreign Ministry showed a positive response. Recently, our ambassador heard from Empire government officials asking if we could provide supplies like medicine and food on humanitarian grounds.”

“Unlike the military, the Foreign Ministry is thinking positively. But there are still people with conservative tendencies there too. They think it might be seen as aid rather than support if we’re not careful.”

“I understand what you mean.”

The Kiyen Empire is an absolute monarchy. Though called an absolute monarchy, it’s essentially a dictatorship where leadership is inherited by bloodline.

Where does the power in a dictatorship come from? From the leader’s charisma.

The belief that any hardship or adversity can be overcome by following the leader, that only the leader can solve problems.

That’s how dictators maintain power.

But what happens when a dictator accepts support from a foreign government, especially one that has been an adversary for hundreds of years? What would people think?

“So you’re saying that support from the Abas government could negatively impact the Empire’s political situation?”

“Exactly. The Empire’s dignitaries believe they can overcome the current crisis with the Empire’s own strength.”

The Empire wants to drive out the demon race and stabilize the frontier region with its own power.

Push the demons beyond the borders, comfort the residents, restore the damaged infrastructure in the north.

To achieve this, the military has planned large-scale operations and intends to launch a major offensive in spring to expel the demons from the north.

That’s what I heard while contacting Empire military officials all last week.

The problem is this:

“There are rumors that the situation in the north is quite difficult, but do the Empire’s people not know this? Even if ordinary citizens don’t, surely there must be high-ranking officials among the dignitaries from various sectors?”

“I wouldn’t know. Whether they truly believe the war situation is optimistic, or they just want to believe it… How am I supposed to know what’s in those old men’s heads?”

“I understand for now.”

It seems the military’s information control is being maintained quite well. Even the dignitaries don’t seem to grasp how badly the north has deteriorated.

While Abas intelligence agencies haven’t yet grasped the details of the north, based on the intelligence coming in, it appears the Imperial army is struggling significantly. Especially considering they were thinking of conscripting even young children as mages.

I sipped the tea I had brewed myself, contemplating how to conclude the content of my report.

“Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Administrator.”

“You’re welcome, Military Attaché.”

*

The “Humanitarian Aid Act” proposed to the Abas Senate was quickly passed. Once the bill passes the House of Representatives, it will take effect the moment the Prime Minister signs it with the King’s approval (which is a formality).

The “Humanitarian Aid Act” contains provisions allowing the Abas government to urgently provide relief supplies to countries suffering from conflicts, civil wars, and natural disasters, but everyone knew that the Kiyen Empire was the intended recipient of this law.

Of course, the supplies entering the Empire under the “Humanitarian Aid Act” are strictly limited to relief materials—essentials for survival like medicine and food. We have no intention of providing military supplies, and the Empire has no intention of accepting them.

What’s important is that the countries eligible to receive relief supplies from the Abas government are not limited to the Empire.

And there are plenty of desperate countries in this neighborhood who want relief supplies right now.

*

In the secure communications room of the Abas Embassy in the Kiyen Empire, my superior’s voice comes through the secure line.

-“We’ve received requests from foreign governments. They want to know if there’s a way they can receive support too.”

“How did you respond?”

-“For now, our Foreign Ministry said they would consider it.”

The Abas government rejected the pleas for help.

The consideration was just a polite way of saying they didn’t want to do it.

Some might say we lack compassion or that we’re shirking our responsibilities as a developed nation, but the Abas government has no clear solution in this situation.

The election season is approaching.

-“We can justify supporting the Empire because they were invaded by demons, but other countries are a different story. There’s already been criticism about giving money to foreign countries through aid, and it’s not a good time to take such risks.”

“I agree.”

Abas, which acts as the leader of democratic nations, supports governments worldwide. The same goes for the Kiyen Empire. They sent aid to countries that maintained friendly relations with the Empire or wanted to improve relations.

But as Abas’s economy faltered, they drastically reduced foreign aid, and when the conflict with the Demon Realm erupted, Kiyen found itself needing to receive support instead.

Some countries that lost aid from both Abas and Kiyen reached a crossroads.

Either they struggled to run their ailing countries and faced coups, or they sought new governments for aid.

And there was an entity that stepped up to do just that.

-“It seems the Church is planning to promise substantial support to nations in the Moritani continent. Several countries in the East are included as well.”

The Church had strained relations with the nations of the Moritani continent due to religious issues.

They consistently clashed with indigenous religions of the Moritani continent due to differences in religious views. For roughly thousands of years.

But it seems the local governments decided that maintaining their countries was more important than the opposition from religious leaders.

The nations of the Moritani continent decided to grasp the hand extended by the Church. Even countries that had blocked entry to Church clergy with strict regulations were gradually opening their borders to clergy visiting for medical service or relief activities.

And this was something that would horrify both the Abas and Kiyen governments.

-“If relations with the governments of the Moritani continent deteriorate, things will get complicated. Why do you think we’ve been able to import vast resources from the rifts? The situation is similar for the Empire.”

“Ah… Is that perhaps why Brigadier General Leoni isn’t taking calls?”

-“That’s right. He’s currently in meetings with officials from the Royal Intelligence Service and the Foreign Ministry.”

Clevins briefly mentioned Leoni’s schedule. It seemed he was filling in for Leoni, who was away with several officials overseeing foreign intelligence.

“But can the company or competitors resolve this issue? It seems like a matter that should be resolved diplomatically…”

-“Coups could suddenly occur, toppling several governments. You never know what might happen.”

He was suggesting that the Military Intelligence Service or Royal Intelligence Service might intervene in the Moritani continent’s issues.

Of course, neither Clevins nor I know anything about this.

There might be armed assailants attacking the presidential palace of a country that eagerly grasped the Church’s hand and soured relations with Abas, or generals occupying parliament with tanks, but Clevins and I know nothing about it.

We know nothing at all.

-“Let’s leave this topic here. I understand the Empire’s response is lukewarm. I’ll report this to the Prime Minister’s residence. By the way, I hear you’re heading north soon?”

“Yes, I plan to enter the north at the earliest opportunity. I’m currently coordinating with the military government command.”

-“Are there any issues? I hear the situation there isn’t good.”

“I don’t think there will be any problems.”

-“Good. Take care of yourself.”

Clevins’ voice came through the terminal. Based on my observations over the years, he was probably sitting at his desk, nodding as he spoke.

-“The north is an area where the Counterintelligence Command is active due to counter-espionage operations, so be especially careful. And as you know, they’re not the only ones in the north.”

“Ah, I understand what you mean.”

Currently, it’s not just the Counterintelligence Command operating in the north. The Reconnaissance Command is active as well.

The aide who defected with his family the other day clearly provided intelligence that Imperial intelligence units in the north are monitoring vigilante groups composed of civilian mages. I know because I watched when the head of the military attaché’s office entered the interrogation room. I also submitted a report.

However, it seems Clevins wasn’t worried about that aspect.

-“Be careful not to get caught up in any incidents, especially with tensions running high.”

“What?”

-“Hmm?”

After I blurted out a confused response, Clevins cleared his throat and spoke.

-“Ah, I suppose you don’t know yet.”

“Know what?”

-“Never mind. Don’t worry about it.”

Clevins added in a meaningful voice.

-“You’ll find out soon enough.”