Chapter 95: National Integration Conference (5)

Because Wolfgang Leonhardt, whom they so desired, had come in person, the National Integration Conference could finally be prepared. 

Of course, they had to wait at least three more days.

During the wait, Wolfgang’s expression wasn’t exactly pleasant. 

However, knowing the importance of this matter, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything more.

Leifen had openly taken care of Wolfgang, and more importantly, she had something urgent to deal with right now. 

That’s why she needed their cooperation.

However, it seemed they truly didn’t know anything. 

Watching them leisurely throwing parties and enjoying themselves from afar made her feel like her insides were boiling.

Even though Wolfgang understood the importance of politics, her patience had a limit, and it was about two days. Wolfgang went to Leifen directly and said:

“How long do I have to keep watching them eat and play around?”

“Exactly. In this urgent situation, do you not understand the importance?”

Black, who had been standing by Wolfgang’s side, sensing her mood, chimed in to press Leifen as well. Leifen glared at Black and said:

“You’re chirping like a sparrow next to her.”

“Don’t change the subject.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Pfft.”

At Black’s blatant mockery, Leifen felt his blood boil with anger, but since there was nothing he could do about it immediately, he chose to focus on Wolfgang’s question.

“Although it looks like they’re just playing around, they’re actually conducting reconnaissance.”

“I know that. They’re not just idly playing around.”

“As expected of Wolfgang.”

Even if it’s rotten, it’s still a whale. 

Wolfgang was, after all, the commander of the Eastern Defense Force and a high-ranking noble. 

So, she roughly understood.

The reason they were stalling for time was simple: to slowly assess the Empire’s situation while buying time. 

The Empire had won the Winter War and all its restrictions had been lifted.

Although the recovery wasn’t complete, and there were still issues like food production and buried resources, the Empire’s military power was undeniably among the top three on the continent.

So, they were slowly observing the Empire’s situation and making judgments.

Should they restrain the Empire?

Or should they side with the Empire?

Yes, it’s a fact I already know. 

But even knowing that doesn’t make the frustration go away. 

The Wendigos have returned, and that damned winter is back.

Yet here we are, leisurely engaging in political squabbles. 

Of course, Wolfgang couldn’t help but feel infuriated. 

They should at least wait until everything is over to fight.

“This won’t do. I can’t take it anymore.”

“Are you planning to intervene?”

“Yes, if it were any other time, I might let it slide. But with the Wendigos running rampant, there’s no room for such leisure.”

“Then I won’t stop you. It’s your decision as the leader.”

Leifen didn’t try to stop her. 

He couldn’t have stopped her even if he wanted to. 

To him, the hierarchy was clear and absolute. 

She was always his superior and leader.

Of course, in official settings, Wolfgang treated Leifen with the respect due to an emperor, but that was her choice, not something Leifen had asked for.

“If there’s a good method, I recommend using Jackal.”

“Using Jackal? Are you suggesting we show them his true form?”

“Yes. Seeing something once is better than hearing about it a hundred times.”

“Rejected.”

Wolfgang rejected the idea without a second thought. 

Common sense dictated that releasing a monster in a gathering of dignitaries was closer to terrorism.

But the reason Wolfgang immediately rejected Leifen’s suggestion wasn’t just that. 

Of course, Leifen’s words had merit, but it went against Wolfgang’s principles.

“That form isn’t something Jackal chose for himself. Naturally, he wouldn’t want to show it to others.”

“He’d listen if you ordered him.”

“I have no intention of forcing my subordinates to sacrifice their will for results.”

“Those in power sometimes have to make sacrifices.”

“That’s only if the person in power is incompetent.”

With that, Wolfgang turned her head. 

She felt no need to continue the conversation. 

Leifen chuckled and nodded. 

Outwardly strict, but in reality, softer than anyone.

Our leader is.

The dignitaries at the Empire’s party appeared to be enjoying themselves, but that was only on the surface. 

Internally, they were busy assessing the Empire’s situation.

Judging by the food served, the Empire’s food situation was still dire. 

Despite their best efforts to gather high-quality ingredients, the food paled in comparison to what was served at parties in other nations.

Moreover, they had sent spies to gather information. 

To get results, they had to stall for time under the guise of the party. 

But even that didn’t last long, as a certain general burst into the party hall.

“Wolfgang Leonhardt!”

“Truly a resilient individual.”

“But what business does she have here?”

The appearance of a military figure, especially a frontline commander, at a party wasn’t exactly welcome. Especially in full military attire.

“I need to speak with you all.”

As soon as Wolfgang spoke, the cheerful atmosphere of the party instantly turned heavy. Everyone wondered if they had been found out.

“You all know that something significant has happened recently in the Kingdom, right?”

“We are aware of that.”

“It’s the winter that plagued the Empire.”

Perhaps because not much time had passed, the leaders of various nations didn’t fully grasp what it meant. So, as Wolfgang spoke, the atmosphere grew even colder.

The winter that plagued the Empire was no natural phenomenon. 

It was closer to a terrible curse, as they all knew.

When Wolfgang finished speaking, an elf with sleek silver hair and sky-blue eyes raised her hand. 

Wolfgang turned to look at her. 

The elf smiled and spoke.

“So, you’re saying the Winter War has begun again in the Kingdom?”

“That’s correct.”

“I see, that’s a big deal. But what does that have to do with us?”

She was Silian, the ruler of Yggdrasil, the nation founded by the elves. 

Her question seemed innocent, but it carried a deeper meaning.

Yes, the apocalyptic winter has returned. 

But do we really need to care about it?

“The apocalyptic winter is terrifying, but ultimately, it will seek revenge on the Empire, not us, right?”

“That’s not entirely wrong.”

“Besides, the Empire has the great hero Wolfgang Leonhardt. Surely, the apocalyptic winter won’t be too difficult to handle, right?”

“After all, those who have tasted something before enjoy it more! Haha!”

Yes, if the apocalyptic winter has returned, its primary target would naturally be the Empire. 

And the Empire is known for its powerful military and its victory in the Winter War.

So, they should be able to easily defeat the apocalyptic winter again. 

That was their logic, and Wolfgang inwardly clicked her tongue. 

They’re trying to avoid any losses.

But the situation isn’t entirely unfavorable. 

Judging by their reactions, they don’t fully understand the situation. 

In that case, a bit of bluffing and intimidation might work.

“You only know half of it.”

“……”

“The apocalyptic winter is alive and has a will. As you said, after taking over the Kingdom, it will target the Empire. But do you really think it will only target the Empire?”

In reality, it’s highly likely that the Empire will be the primary target, but there’s no need to say that here. 

They’ve used our situation to their advantage, so we’ll use theirs.

“Moreover, the apocalyptic winter has absorbed most of the Kingdom’s forces. You know better than anyone how strong the Kingdom is. You’ve even sent spies to the Empire under the guise of envoys.”

“…… You already knew.”

“I have no intention of making an issue of it. But what goes around comes around, doesn’t it?”

Now, let’s stop playing games.

Let’s get straight to the point.

Right here, right now.

Without wasting any more time.