Beyond the northern border of the Empire lies the land of the Demon Race, Nobogorod.
Chairman of the Demon Council, Kaland Estania, was in the middle of processing some paperwork when…
“Charlotte. What did you just say?”
“I want to be included in the envoy group heading to the Empire.”
Taken aback, he momentarily lost his words at this unexpected request from his only daughter, Charlotte.
The decision to send an envoy had been made just a few hours ago, after all. But how did Charlotte, who hasn’t even officially joined the council yet, already know about it?
‘This girl… she’s already established her own network of eyes and ears within the council while I wasn’t looking.’
Though slightly flustered, he couldn’t help but feel proud. Yes, if she’s to follow in her father’s footsteps, this level of initiative is necessary.
Hiding his inner pride as best as he could, he carefully inquired, “Why do you want to join the envoy?”
“Isn’t it obvious? While the official reason is to congratulate them on their victory, the real aim is to assess the current state of affairs within the Empire, isn’t it?”
“…”
He’d anticipated Charlotte’s sharp mind would figure it out eventually, but not this quickly—within half a day of the decision being made.
Certainly, the keenness and insight worthy of the Estania bloodline.
“Given that the Empire has just triumphed over the Eastern Alliance, we must naturally offer our congratulations as their treaty partners.”
“Couldn’t we have just sent them a letter instead of making such a big fuss?”
“Sometimes it’s better to make a grand gesture, even when the need isn’t entirely evident.”
He needed to be firm. The Empire’s momentum was skyrocketing. A war expected to last half a year—or even several years—had ended in merely two months.
It would be disastrous to unnecessarily provoke the Empire at this point, especially when they had painstakingly regained control over Nobogorod from the Hardliners.
Besides, Nobogorod needed this time to recuperate. Even the Demon Race can’t keep fighting every day.
And with the large-scale whale hunt right around the corner, maintaining good relations with the Empire was essential.
The Northern Sea Whale Hunt, Nobogorod’s most significant event, consumes resources and manpower far beyond imagination. Any instability during this period could spell disaster.
Moreover, it was an opportunity for reconnaissance under the guise of diplomacy. Though not to incite conflict, but rather to understand their state.
“Surprisingly, Charlotte, I expected you to be more interested in watching the whale hunt.”
“When I was little, the sight of those massive whales being hunted was quite impressive. But now, there’s something else that has caught my attention.”
“The Empire?”
“Among other things.”
Though she didn’t elaborate, Charlotte already knew the full story. The brilliant strategies of a young tactician who played a key role in the conflicts involving Nobogorod.
Those same strategies re-emerged triumphantly in the Eastern Campaign. More refined and sharper than ever before.
Even the alliance of the three Eastern Kingdoms couldn’t withstand them. It sliced through their united front as easily as a kn*fe cuts through whale meat.
‘After hearing the details, I couldn’t eat anything all day.’
The tactics were terrifying, but also somewhat reassuring. Had this strategist been inexperienced during their earlier encounter with Nobogorod? Or perhaps he had backed off to support peace?
Regardless, Charlotte’s conclusion was clear. Had she been one of the humans allied with the Eastern Kingdoms, she would have been utterly powerless against such strategies.
The scariest part wasn’t just the brilliance of the tactics but that they were predictable. Anyone could see the intent behind them, yet no one could prevent it.
This realization of helplessness filled Charlotte with a mix of terror and awe.
“…I want to go personally and investigate.”
“Be careful. As the chairman’s daughter, you’ll naturally attract attention. We’ll ensure you’re watched over at all times.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll stay within the limits.”
With such determination, Kaland could do nothing but allow it. Soon after, a formal envoy set out from Nobogorod, carrying a congratulatory letter from the council, with Charlotte as part of the delegation.
—
Back at the family estate after a well-deserved rest, an unexpected visitor appeared, surprising me and our entire household.
“Lord Kael.”
It was none other than Her Highness Princess Isabel, the second princess, presenting herself with dignified confidence.
Such a sudden visit sent a jolt through everyone, especially my parents and the household servants. Meanwhile, Kaya’s gaze sharpened with suspicion.
Still, as Duke of the Empire, my father greeted her with utmost respect, emulating the loyalty the first head of our family showed towards the imperial household during the Great Dynasty.
When inquired about her reasons for visiting, her response was…
“Ah, well, yeah. Just passing through.”
The distance between the capital and our estate wasn’t exactly short, making her ‘just passing through’ story a bit far-fetched.
Clearly, there was a specific reason for her visit.
My father, far from being an impolite host, simply said, “Understood. Please follow me inside,” and after some time, handed me the responsibility.
“Your purpose seems to involve him. Do take care of Her Highness.”
Before I knew it, the princess had descended upon our domain, moving from the palace to our humble estate. There must be something going on.
After exchanging formalities in the reception room, I directly inquired about the purpose of her visit.
“Princess, I know you have many responsibilities. Is there an area where I might assist you? After all, we have shared the battlefield together twice.”
Underneath all the formal language, my real message was, “Spill it already! You didn’t come just to chat.”
Catching my drift, she adjusted herself and finally admitted.
“Actually, a diplomatic envoy from Nobogorod is coming. Did you know?”
“Ah, yes, I heard rumors.”
“Good, that’ll speed things along. They’re coming to congratulate the Empire on its victory but no doubt they’ll want details. The Emperor will likely call upon you, so I’ve come to fetch you in advance.”
This revelation left me quite baffled. Why would the princess, no less, come personally for such a task? Sending a messenger would have been far simpler.
Clearly, there was more to this.
As if reading my thoughts, the princess added hesitantly, “Lord Kael…”
“Yes, Princess?”
“There is another reason I came.”
Of course. I’d suspected as much. The princess wasn’t just a mere errand-runner.
“The Emperor… he asked me about you.”
“About me? Directly?”
“Yes. Simply, what do you think of him? Nothing more was asked.”
Suddenly, a cold sweat trickled down my spine. The Emperor wasn’t asking indirectly—he was being straightforward. And he chose to ask someone who’s known me closely and absolutely wouldn’t betray the royal family.
“So… what did you say?”
“I told him sincerely that you’re a talent to our Empire. Something you definitely shouldn’t worry about. I confidently assured him of that.”
“Princess!”
What madness! For her to make such a bold declaration before the Emperor himself—such a risky move. If I were anything less than loyal…
“I appreciate the concern, Princess,” I managed with a strained smile, “but I worry for your position.”
Worry indeed. If she fell, it could destabilize the fragile balance of the Moderates within the court. And it would not leave our family unscathed either.
“Don’t worry. I convinced the Emperor, and I’ll keep doing so. You just focus on doing your best for the Empire, Lord Kael.”
“Ha ha ha. For the princess’s trust, I must work even harder then.”
She made it sound so easy, but wow, this princess was something else.
With this reassurance, we continued our pleasant discussion.
Had the Crown Princess been present, she’d probably sigh and mutter, “You two…”
The Emperor’s intentions were purely diplomatic, and certainly not a matchmaking move, yet somehow these two had missed the point entirely.
