Beyond the eastern reaches of the Empire lie three kingdoms.
In order of size, there’s Burkhai, Caden, and Porland.
This is what’s referred to within the Empire as the ‘Three Eastern Kingdoms.’
Average territory, average population, average resources… truthfully, they’re all pretty average.
Which is fitting, considering the name “kingdom.”
However, there is one peculiarity: their history is as old as ours.
What does that mean? They’ve got a smidgen of pride due to their storied pasts.
They’ve watched the Empire grow with wary eyes, even going so far as to engage in war.
Indeed, just a decade ago, the term “Eastern Empire” still equated to war zones rife with danger.
Had these three territories been united under a single kingdom instead of split into three, trust me, the Empire would’ve had a massive headache dealing with them.
Thing is, none of the three kingdoms liked seeing any of the others grow disproportionately powerful.
You know how it goes—your immediate neighbor’s success bothers you more than some distant realm’s. If any one of the three started to rise, the others would drag them back down.
Thanks to this, the Empire didn’t have to expend extra resources or time in the East.
But then, out of nowhere, we get this little nugget from Her Highness, the Crown Princess.
“Sis? What… A pact between the Eastern Three Kingdoms? An alliance?”
“Reports from the Special Affairs Ministry confirm it, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thinks it highly likely.”
“No kidding…”
Indeed, the Eastern Three Kingdoms are nothing special individually.
But remember, that’s only when you look at one at a time. Now, multiply that nothing-specialness by three.
No, scratch that. It’s not just three times as strong—it’s exponentially stronger thanks to synergy.
“The alliance of the Eastern Three Kingdoms. What it implies… is exactly one thing.”
“Prince Kael. What do you make of it?”
“Warfare, Your Highness Crown Princess.”
“And?”
“If it gets more extreme, we may see the fires of war flare up to the east.”
There’s no way those three kingdoms grouped together just to be pals with the Empire.
Think about it: rivals who usually kept each other down are now joining forces? Nope. It’s because they’re feeling overwhelmed alone, so they’ve decided to team up.
“They are indeed. From what I gather, they seem willing to prepare for war with our Empire.”
And that’s coming from the Crown Princess herself. So yeah, hostile actions from the Eastern Kingdoms are practically a done deal. The Empire will likely begin its own serious counteractions within two days tops.
“Sis, should we not immediately pressure the pro-Empire faction of nobles?”
“Pressure?”
“Yes. Their beloved diplomacy has just been proven to be utterly useless. Look at all the time, effort, and resources we’ve poured into the Eastern territories!”
Indeed, the pro-Empire faction had long focused on diplomacy with the East. Seeing the three kingdoms check each other would theoretically reduce any resistance towards the Empire.
That was the idea, at least, and they had supported pro-Empire factions in the kingdoms through various contacts.
But the result? The three kingdoms have now united, and are ready to point weapons at the Empire’s heart.
If we allow this, it will likely lead to unrest from neighboring kingdoms as well.
Naturally, the Empire must react. Internal housekeeping is also a top priority.
This was the argument being presented by the Princess to her big sister, the Crown Princess.
“Tsk tsk.”
But the Crown Princess wasn’t impressed. Instead, she clicked her tongue dismissively.
“Bell. You have much to learn.”
“Sis? But what…?”
Clearly flustered, the Princess looked unsure of what to say.
“Prince Kael.”
The Crown Princess turned her gaze to me before continuing.
“What do you think? Do you truly believe that this is the moment to rid the political realm of the pro-Empire faction?”
“…”
Let’s get something straight: I’m the Duke of Bertier’s eldest son. My family has a long history of service within the military branches, and I, too, have been associated with the anti-Empire side throughout my career.
In the eyes of others, I’m obviously anti-Empire.
So when the Crown Princess asks me about whether to get rid of the pro-Empire faction…
“Wait…is she an anti-Empire person too?”
No, that’s inaccurate. She’s closer to neutral—if such a thing can be defined.
Nope, that’s wrong too. She’s an absolute ruler, someone who doesn’t need to pick a side.
She appears neutral because she chooses when to align and when to disengage entirely.
So how should I respond?
What exactly do I tell her to satisfy the great and mighty Crown Princess?
The gears in my brain turned wildly, yet the answer came to me nearly instantly.
“No, Your Highness Crown Princess. In fact, I believe this is precisely the time when the pro-Empire faction should not be pushed out.”
“Prince Kael?!”
“Ho ho.”
The Crown Princess looked intrigued, while the Princess, on the other hand, gave me the sort of stare you might save for a traitor.
No no, Princess. Don’t look at me like I’m a bat eating your cake. It’s not that at all.
“I’d like to hear your reasoning. Would you care to elaborate?”
“Yes, Your Highness Crown Princess.”
Taking a brief moment to gather my thoughts, I began laying out my logic.
“Firstly, the pro-Empire faction within the Empire has not entirely failed.”
“Failed? Isn’t the current situation the exact definition of failure? The three kingdoms are united, and the Eastern front is in jeopardy!”
“It may look like that now, but not entirely.”
Of course, if they had truly failed, things wouldn’t have moved so dramatically.
“There’s a clear reason for such sudden action by the three kingdoms. It’s likely an attempt to suppress the rising pro-Empire faction within their own walls. They’ve likely come to see them as a threat.”
“Desperate anti-Empire factions have banded together and pushed through a unified treaty?”
“Given that the anti-Empire factions are still stronger in those kingdoms, that’s not too far-fetched.”
I’ve seen this pattern enough in my past: the easiest way to knock off your political rivals is to create a common enemy.
Then, claim a supposed alliance between your rivals and the supposed enemy. Bam. People turn against your rivals within the blink of an eye, fracturing and weakening entire systems.
“To start a war with the Empire all over again simply to eliminate the fledgling pro-Empire factions… Hmm, Prince Kael, are you not assuming the rulers of those kingdoms are rather dimwitted?”
“Well, I’d rather be wrong, and I hope their leaders are cleverer than I assume.”
“Why?”
“Because those in power value maintaining their position far more than the survival of their nations. Even if they foresee their country’s future, they may fear alienating public opinion in the present.”
The Crown Princess nodded silently, tapping her fingers gently on the table.
“And… there’s another reason the pro-Empire faction within the Empire should remain for future considerations.”
“For future considerations?”
“Even in situations like this, having a faction that pushes for dialogue over war can give an impression to other kingdoms that ‘the Empire always leaves room for peaceful solutions.’ This, if handled right, could be beneficial to the Empire in a variety of ways.”
“Additionally, we get the justification of leaving open the possibility of dialogue with the Eastern Three Kingdoms.”
The Crown Princess chuckled.
“Truly sharp. You’ve got it all covered, don’t you? Impressive.”
She was sharper still, clearly understanding and building on everything I had suggested.
“Yes, Your Highness Crown Princess.”
“Isn’t it fascinating? You’re supposedly only twenty-one? Truly, it doesn’t feel like it looking at you.”
At this rate, we should remember Her Highness is only twenty-four herself. She’s witnessing the same things I am but without any of my past-life knowledge or experience. Truly terrifying.
My response? Just random musings meant to smooth over the situation.
“A-a…”
It was at this point that the Princess, who’d been sitting quietly, sighed softly and bowed her head deeply before the Crown Princess.
“I’m sorry, sister. Forgive me, Your Highness Crown Princess! I didn’t know what a grand kingdom means due to my own shortcomings…”
“Don’t be. It’s only natural, Bell. In fact, the man beside you is exceptionally gifted, almost unreal. Looks like you’ve snagged a big fish there. Hehe.”
“?”
What fish? Big fish? What the heck is she talking about?
“Alright, shall we move to the next matter?”
The Crown Princess signaled, and servants promptly cleared the table. The whole process happened so fast that we barely realized what happened. Truly, palace servants could double as guards if needed!
“Look at this, Prince Kael. Can you recognize it?”
“It seems to me…a map of the eastern borders of the Empire and regions adjacent to the three kingdoms.”
“Correct. This is a detailed topographic map of the area.”
Of course, this Empire isn’t playing around—a map so precise it could rival something from my old life!
“Their confidence in irritating us stems from the simple fact that while there are many ways to reach the Empire, there are only limited routes for us to access them. If just one of those routes is cut, it’s game over.”
The Crown Princess pointed at a spot on the map.
“This is what we call ‘Pavilion,’ a key area where we plan to station our elite troops to hold the line. Military plans should be forthcoming soon.”
“Yes.”
“And I would like you to accompany me there, Prince Kael.”
“Me, Your Highness?”
Not an ordinary assignment, that’s for sure. And now, at the direct request—or command—of the Crown Princess no less!
“I wish to borrow your talents once more. Can I count on you?”
“Your Highness, the Bertier family is always prepared to serve the Empire. However…”
“No one will nitpick about your age or lack of experience. I promise.”
Blast. This is a poisoned chalice of trust. The second-in-command to the Emperor’s trust, no less.
Succeed, and things are great. Mess up slightly, and it’s more than just tarnishing our family’s good name.
“I’ll do my very best, Your Highness.”
Of course, running away screaming ‘no’ isn’t an option. It’s the Crown Princess’ order.
If I succeed, our family will soar to great heights.
“Indeed. Moving on, if you were on the field, how would you operate?”
“If I were there…”
The choke points for the Imperial Army, key positions we absolutely need to secure.
The relatively easy routes are flanked by mountains on either side.
“Mountains. Let’s talk about these mountains.”
Having made my decision, I pointed to a particular zone on the map.
“I’d like to use this area, Your Highness Crown Princess.”
The range of mountains adjacent to the key choke points. The Crown Princess gave an odd look.
She likely expected me to focus on the choke points themselves, a no-brainer choice even for beginners in military tactics. Choosing this option must’ve come as a surprise.
But don’t worry, Your Highness Crown Princess.
I’m not some guy who only knows how to climb one mountain, I assure you!
