Chapter 25 : Guardian of the Empire (1)

Wolfgang wanted nothing more than to lie in bed and sleep all day upon her return to the Empire. 

Unfortunately, she had unfinished business to attend to—passing on information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Unlike other nations, the Empire had established and operated a dedicated Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

This was because diplomacy held a particularly vital role in the aftermath of the Endless Winter.

In the past, the Empire had lost much of its self-sufficiency due to the Endless Winter. 

To survive, it had to rely on importing food from other nations, and diplomacy became the key to securing such resources.

Of course, the other nations were fully aware of the Empire’s plight. 

They often raised prices exorbitantly or, worse, outright exploited the Empire as easy prey.

The emperor at the time believed that conducting diplomacy on equal footing with other nations was not enough. 

Operating on the same level would only ensure the Empire’s demise.

Thus, the Empire needed an overwhelming level of diplomatic power to overcome its disadvantageous circumstances. 

With this in mind, the massive Ministry of Foreign Affairs was created, and its legacy continued to this day.

Reflecting their competence, the ministry was already aware of Wolfgang’s considerable diplomatic achievements within the Blood Pact. 

They were eager to share in her knowledge.

As mentioned before, the Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was highly skilled. While other nations might not pose a challenge, the Blood Pact—being notoriously xenophobic—required particularly delicate handling.

Since Wolfgang’s success within the Blood Pact was undeniable, the ministry had no choice but to wait eagerly for the information she could provide. 

That was why she found herself sitting at a desk, working on documents the moment she returned.

Her expression, however, was twisted as though she had just bitten into something foul.

It wasn’t just because she had to work on a weekend, though that was part of it. 

The real problem was that she had nothing substantial to include in her report.

Sharing information wasn’t the issue. Wolfgang had no reason to object to someone else taking over the burdens of politics. The problem lay elsewhere.

“How the hell do I explain I beat up the Blood Pact leader?”

Truthfully, all Wolfgang did in the Blood Pact was beat their leader senseless. 

To be fair, she vaguely recalled her clash with the saintess, but that was more a matter of defense and tied to diplomacy with the kingdom rather than the Blood Pact.

Could she honestly include this in her report? 

If they dismissed it as nonsense, it would be a relief. 

But if they decided to mimic her actions, the consequences would be disastrous.

Ultimately, she had no choice but to fabricate plausible-sounding information for the report. 

Even that wasn’t easy, though.

The Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wasn’t staffed by fools. 

They had clawed their way to survival during the unprecedented catastrophe of the Endless Winter, securing foreign aid through sheer tenacity.

If Wolfgang and her Vendetta Corps were the ones who had led the Empire to victory during the Winter War, it was fair to say the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had sustained the Empire for the past century.

This organization was so prestigious that even imperial nobles found it difficult to enter. 

Appointments were based solely on merit, not on birthright or connections.

This meant one thing:

Half-hearted lies wouldn’t work on them.

This was why Wolfgang, scowling in frustration, sat at her desk, scribbling out her report despite herself.

She held a high position as the commander of the Eastern Defense Corps, and her reputation wasn’t inferior to that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

But there was no reason to antagonize them by delivering a sloppy report.

After two sleepless nights, Wolfgang finally completed her report. 

Granted, it was mostly a long-winded account of her encounter with the Blood Pact leader, but to her, it seemed satisfactory enough.

The next day, a noble from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived precisely on time to collect the report.

“It’s been a while, Sir Leonhardt.”

“Since the imperial hearing, I believe. Count Carnavon.”

The man was a familiar young noble with jet-black hair and eyes. 

He was Count Carnavon, whom she had last encountered during her questioning at the imperial hearing.

What? This guy works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Wolfgang was slightly surprised to learn he was more capable than she initially thought, having assumed him to be just another young noble. 

Nevertheless, she kept her surprise to herself and handed him the report.

“Thank you for your cooperation. 

I hope this helps secure a brighter future for the Empire,” Count Carnavon said.

Wolfgang offered an awkward smile in response.

It’s just a report. Why all the talk about the Empire’s bright future?

His words felt unnecessarily weighty.

The report Wolfgang handed over was surprisingly thorough. 

It included not just the geography of the Blood Pact territories but also their culture, social structure, and even political systems.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had kept the Empire afloat for over a century, had no reason not to recognize the value of the report. Diplomacy always started with understanding one’s counterpart.

It wasn’t about empathizing with or respecting the other party. 

It was about understanding their circumstances, culture, and customs to craft the blade that would pierce their heart.

Diplomacy was, ultimately, a battle of preparation. 

In most cases, the better-prepared side would win, even when dealing with seemingly brutish orcs.

Approaching from angles the other party liked, avoiding what they disliked—it was all about leveraging understanding to maximum effect. 

Thanks to Wolfgang’s report, potential friction could be minimized.

***

“Do you not remember? Your leader suffered a humiliating defeat!”

“Are you refusing to accept the outcome of the match?”

“What did you say?!”

“If that’s how you feel, we’re happy to arrange another match.”

What might be considered rude in other nations was a demonstration of honor and strength in the Blood Pact. 

Such cultural nuances made understanding one’s counterpart the cornerstone of diplomacy.

Geographically, the Empire also held an advantage. 

While the Blood Pact and the kingdom were on opposite sides of the continent, the Empire was much closer to the Blood Pact.

Although the Blood Pact wasn’t easy to deal with, the results Wolfgang achieved were undeniable.

“An alliance might be impossible, but at least we can keep the kingdom in check.”

Forging an alliance with the Blood Pact was almost unthinkable in the short term. 

While the Blood Pact leader seemed unusually friendly toward the Empire, that was as far as it went.

Still, this level of success was sufficient. 

Even keeping the Blood Pact neutral would severely limit the kingdom’s movements.

***

“I have to admit it,” Carnavon thought.

Initially, he had dismissed Wolfgang as just another powerful figure. 

While he didn’t doubt her status as a hero, power often led to corruption.

But now, seeing her dedication firsthand, he understood why she was different. 

Wolfgang cared not for power but for the Empire’s future.

“You truly are the Empire’s guardian deity.”

While younger knights had begun calling her that, Carnavon had initially thought it an overblown title.

Now, he was beginning to agree.

***

“I just want to retire…” Wolfgang muttered.

As Count Carnavon admired her, Wolfgang lay on her bed, wishing for a break.

Unfortunately, the world wasn’t ready to grant her even a moment’s rest.

The door burst open, revealing Galina in her military uniform.

“Commander, His Majesty the Emperor has summoned you.”

Wolfgang groaned internally.

Something troublesome is definitely brewing.