The interdimensional teleportation magic circle costs an absurd amount of resources with each use.
Which essentially means every time someone uses it, thousands of taxpayer dollars vanish into thin air.
The Empire is currently at war – a war larger in scale than any seen before. Even they, the mighty Empire, must be looking to cut unnecessary expenses wherever possible.
Yet, through this costly teleportation circle, an important visitor from the Empire has arrived. A clear sign that whatever business they have is extremely vital and core to the Empire’s operations. So vital in fact, that despite less than ten people arriving, the Kingdom of Ross Tannika celebrated their arrival with grand fanfare.
“Welcome to Ross Tannika, Chief of the Imperial Staff!” the King greeted warmly.
For someone not of royal bl**d to be personally welcomed by the King of Ross Tannika speaks volumes of how deeply indebted they are to the Empire. A clear indication that the supply-support bill has been at least partially successful in alleviating their struggles.
“I, Kael Klauwitz, Chief of the Imperial Staff, present myself before the noble ruler of Ross Tannika.”
“Tut tut! No need for such stiffness. I’ve already heard all about you. It was you who passionately advocated for the supply-support bill for our fair Ross Tannika, was it not!”
At this news, everyone in Ross Tannika must have felt the same way. Regardless of rank, they were all eager to warmly welcome Kael Klauwitz. How could one forget someone who came to their aid in such desperate times?
“You, my friend, are truly a divine messenger. The Emperor of the Empire must envy me for having someone like you around. If only someone of your caliber existed in our little Ross Tannika, those Dedolant punks wouldn’t have stood a chance!”
“Too kind of you to say. But Ross Tannika is also filled with its own heroes. Look how your brave resistance has consistently held back the vile Dedolant horde. If I may say so, every single soldier here in Ross Tannika is a far greater asset than me.”
“HAHAHAHA!”
The king broke into an even broader smile. Whether this compliment was heartfelt or merely polite, it didn’t matter. Kael Klauwitz, one of the most powerful figures in the Empire, was giving such glowing praise to Ross Tannika. This was a clear boost to the king’s pride and, as the ruler of these lands, it was only natural that his mood should soar.
With a jovial atmosphere maintained, the king led Kael to the banquet hall, where all the princes and princesses of Ross Tannika were present.
“Behold, our crown prince has shown great interest in meeting the esteemed Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“Greetings, Your Excellency.”
“Ah, how impressive. What an honor it is to meet you, Your Highness.”
“HAHAHA! Now that I meet you in person, I must confess I feel rather starstruck. But as the saying goes, ‘a man’s fiery heart knows no bounds.’ How could I not be impressed by the person who personally dealt that mighty defeat to Dedolant’s unbeatable Prince Georg himself!!”
The atmosphere at the banquet grew even warmer. Kael, stepping into the spotlight, first offered his respects to the King of Ross Tannika, and then continued.
“Esteemed dignitaries of Ross Tannika, this is just the beginning. The Empire has yet to fully unleash its wrath. I boldly declare here today – all Dedolant will face is defeat, defeat, and nothing but more defeats.”
“And you, as steadfast allies of the Empire and brothers-in-arms, will share in this glory. In the new era of enduring peace that lies ahead, you will flourish without fear.”
If this were just any ordinary envoy from the Empire making such a speech, perhaps there would have been polite applause and nothing more. But the man standing in the middle of the banquet hall was far from just any envoy.
He was one of the Empire’s key strategists, the mastermind behind every single victory in the wars the Empire had waged thus far – a man who had never once tasted defeat, possessing an almost superhuman level of skill.
Such a man, standing there with undeniable confidence, promising the Empire’s support. Could anyone merely clap their hands and call it a day after hearing such a guarantee? This was no less than divine assurance of Ross Tannika’s victory!
The crown prince and all royal family members enthusiastically applauded and cheered. In the face of such unwavering confidence, any notions of authority or dignity faded away. Everyone in that hall became ardent supporters of the Empire and, by extension, Kael personally.
—
“Alright. I think we’ve accomplished what we’ve come for.”
After the banquet, King of Ross Tannika summoned Kael in private. While previously Kael had been greeted as the commander leading this great war, now he was being addressed more personally as a key player in the political landscape of Ross Tannika.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“Yes?”
“What’s the real reason you’ve come to Ross Tannika? If it’s simply to boost our war morale, I’m a bit hurt. Does this mean His Majesty the Emperor doesn’t trust me?”
After all, no less than the Imperial Chief of Staff, the right hand of the current Emperor and the commander of the entire Empire and allied forces, was sent here. This surely meant the Empire didn’t trust Ross Tannika, sending someone to prevent them from straying or plotting mischief.
“Do you want something from Ross Tannika? Secret payments, perhaps, in exchange for the supplies?”
“That’s absurd. The Empire’s position is clear: all costs for supplies to Ross Tannika will officially be settled after the war concludes.”
“…Then, are you here because you suspect we might secretly negotiate a peace treaty with Dedolant?”
“That’s also unlikely. Would the lord of this land ever make such a choice?”
Between the lines, Kael’s words implied, “Unless you’ve lost your mind, of course.”
Ross Tannika had already taken in quite a number of refugees from Dugal, given its geographical proximity. Both kingdoms had naturally shared many intersections and mutual influence over the years.
Ross Tannika had also fought several large and small battles against Dedolant during this war, suffering casualties among soldiers and civilians alike. Yet, despite these hardships, there was still hope, resilience, and the continuing support from the Empire bolstering their will. The national pride of Ross Tannika hadn’t faltered; on the contrary, the resolve to fight only grew stronger.
Would the King of Ross Taniaka really negotiate with Dedolant now, just as they were about to exact revenge? The people, the army, the nobles, and the commanders—all would rise in protest before the Empire even could.
Surely, the Imperial Foreign Ministry anticipated this situation. The Emperor would not have sent Kael here for something so straightforward. Therefore, something else must be afoot – Kael must be here for another reason.
“Speak your mind. The Kingdom of Ross Tannika is prepared to listen to whatever the Empire suggests.”
“First, His Majesty the Emperor wished to extend his thanks to Ross Tannika. Your kingdom’s valiant battles against Dedolant on this far western frontier do not go unnoticed.”
“Ah, I see.”
These were words already exchanged during the banquet. Repeating them here suggested this wasn’t the primary reason for Kael’s visit.
“Additionally, His Majesty also requested me to extend thanks to those who, though having lost their homeland, continue to fight valiantly. He wishes to encourage their burning spirits.”
“…Could you possibly mean the Dugal royal family?”
The king’s expression momentarily shifted. While he had indeed permitted the Dugal royal family to take refuge in Ross Tannika, it had been a calculated decision. The long-standing rivalry between their two kingdoms had effectively come to an end. For the next decade or so, even if Dugal were to regain its independence, it would likely avoid confrontation with Ross Tannika.
However, their presence caused plenty of nuisances. From making excessive demands to treating the Ross Tannika nobility they depended on with disdain, they were anything but perfect guests. The king had contemplated, more than once, simply kicking them out.
In the midst of this, hearing Kael mention the Dugal royal family again made the king slightly uneasy. If the Empire decided to also throw its weight behind them, the situation could become complicated.
But before the king could voice his skepticism, Kael continued.
“That is not His Majesty’s intent. Nor do I have any intention to assist the Dugal royal family. They are already under the protection of Ross Tannika, so there’s no need for the Empire to involve itself.”
Kael used the word “protection”—not resistance or struggle. Which implied the Empire’s focus wasn’t on the Dugal royal family but on those truly still fighting.
“Your Majesty.”
Kael smiled faintly as he spoke.
“I hope you can secretly assist me in crossing the border.”
“What do you mean?”
“I wish to briefly visit the Dugal territories.”
At this point, the king thought he must have misheard. Kael Klauwitz, one of the two major commanders of the Empire, the man privy to countless secrets and the future movements of the Empire, was asking to be sent into a place that was now enemy territory—territory currently occupied by Dedolant?
Before the king could respond with disbelief, Kael continued with unshakable confidence.
“I wish to inform those brave resistance fighters in the old Dugal lands that dawn is on the horizon.”
