“His Majesty the Emperor. A delegation from Nobogorod has arrived and awaits an audience.”
“Oh, is that so? Is that so! Bring them in immediately, then.”
Today, the emperor appeared markedly different from his usual self.
Exaggerated gestures and a voice full of clearly discernible fluctuations.
Even those outside the grand hall could tell.
An ordinary person might have tilted their head in confusion at such a change.
But those gathered here were anything but ordinary.
Everyone already knew that every action of their emperor now was carefully calculated.
That stubborn Demon Race. That Nobogorod has sent a delegation first.
If the Empire were to act arrogantly now, it could unnecessarily strain relations.
It might provide grounds for the Moderates within Nobogorod to lose their standing, which we worked so hard to bolster.
Moreover, this is also about considering others’ perspectives externally.
To show that anyone who wishes to cooperate with the Empire will be welcomed.
To demonstrate the Empire’s ability to welcome them as guests anytime, despite recent conflicts.
Who could call the actions of the Steel Emperor false when he greets them this warmly?
“I greet His Imperial Majesty the Emperor!”
Guided into the grand hall, the Nobogorod delegation bowed politely.
In the past during their confrontational days, they only showed their own formalities.
Now, they are following the Empire’s protocols meticulously, lowering themselves accordingly.
This has even led some who initially eyed them with suspicion to lower their guard.
With such a good atmosphere, the reception of the delegation proceeded smoothly.
Nobogorod brought many gifts, celebrating the Empire’s recent victory.
The Emperor laughed heartily, seemingly very satisfied with their gift-giving strategy.
He even threw light jokes at the delegation.
Anyone could see how pleased he was with their visit.
But once the official agenda ended and the delegation retreated from the grand hall…
“Hmm…”
The Emperor, who had just been smiling, now looked cold, his gaze even more frigid than usual.
“Now, what do you think?”
“The extent to which Nobogorod has lowered their stance is surprising, Your Majesty.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We thought they were merely here to celebrate victory, but today’s events suggest they tacitly acknowledge the Empire’s superiority.”
Nobogorod, as the Union of the Demon Race, covers a vast territory, though not comparable to the Empire, they do possess an impressive military.
Even more importantly, each member of their race is a formidable warrior.
Based on these factors, Nobogorod has long contested the Northern dominion with the Empire, sometimes through heavy military action, other times through diplomatic tensions.
Though they are at a disadvantage compared to the Empire, they have always emphasized their might—reminding everyone that even though they might lose eventually, it won’t come easy for the Empire either.
But now, Nobogorod seems to have completely changed their direction.
Perhaps because of the peace agreement, but it seems far too exaggerated for that alone.
“What are your thoughts, Ministers?”
This direct question came to the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Special Affairs Minister.
They exchanged a brief look and presented what seemed to be a pre-discussed opinion.
“Perhaps they’re feeling a sense of crisis due to the quick conclusion of the Eastern theater.”
“Crisis?”
“The Eastern front didn’t just finish early, the level of threat has nearly disappeared. As a result, the Empire can now deploy anywhere from two to four legions to other borders if necessary. Nobogorod knows this.”
Legions, usually comprising fifteen thousand to twenty thousand soldiers, are the crown jewels of the Empire’s national military force.
Not recruited from conscripts unless in dire situations, they are volunteer units, with high training and morale.
Isn’t it a known fact that the 7th Legion single-handedly held off a force of over thirty thousand from Burkhai? (Of course, they were supported by the 17th Legion in the back.)
With twenty such formidable legions, the Empire rightly earns the title of a superpower.
But the Empire’s territory is vast, touching different kingdoms on all its borders.
Therefore, legions are distributed around the Empire’s expanse for potential conflicts.
This is also why the delicate balance with other nations is maintained.
“From Nobogorod’s perspective, they’ve only recently conflicted with us. While the Moderates currently control the council, this could always change.”
“In light of all this, the legions stationed in the East were suddenly freed. Naturally, they must feel restrained. Even they couldn’t possibly fight seven legions at once, could they?”
The Emperor silently nodded to the two ministers’ words but remained silent.
Then, he pointed to the Minister of War seated opposite him.
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“How much have the costs mounted due to the legions deployed in the Eastern theater this time?”
“…Compared to the usual operational costs for two legions, the expenses have risen over fourfold.”
The word “fourfold” darkened the ministers’ expressions instantly.
Considering the costs, they could be looking at a period where they tighten their belts.
“Minister of Finance. If seven legions march toward Nobogorod, with the total duration amounting to four months, how much additional tax revenue will be required?”
“While we lack sufficient data to give a detailed answer, my estimate suggests an amount equivalent to the entire military budget of the Empire for about three years.”
An army that only consumes without producing.
Just their stationary maintenance costs are significant, but once they move, the funds drain astronomically.
If moving one legion costs 1, then moving seven doesn’t just cost 7—it more than doubles. The burden becomes tremendous.
“I see. So Nobogorod isn’t merely here to celebrate.”
Finally comprehending their true intentions, the Emperor let out a cold smirk.
They’ve come to investigate more closely—the results of five of our imperial legions’ actions.
They’re trying to uncover something the Empire is carefully concealing, something the Empire is trying to hide.
Delegations are a great way to enhance diplomatic ties.
But they’re also the perfect legal means of gathering information.
While they cannot access sensitive information—that will likely be left to others—their role is to understand the Empire’s general mood and circumstances.
“What do you suggest we do, Your Majesty?”
The Foreign Affairs Minister cautiously asks the Emperor’s intentions.
While everyone suspected other reasons, expectations and certainties are different things.
“…Kn-Knock!”
After a moment’s thought, the Emperor, leaning back on his chair, spoke:
“Nobogorod would expect us to realize their true intent. So there’s no need to be overly upset. After all, the Empire’s great victory stands true.”
“Your Majesty’s wisdom is correct.”
“For the time being, the Foreign Ministry must focus on the three kingdoms beyond the Eastern borders. Securing stability there will allow us more freedom.”
With the coup happening in the west and Dedolant’s swift rise, and large-scale conflicts brewing in the south involving the Holy Kingdom and the Kingdom of Benito, it’s vital that at least one side remains calm.
Thus, we will overlook Nobogorod’s ulterior motives for now.
The Empire is also secretly gathering intelligence on Nobogorod.
Such activities between nations are normal anyway.
In fact, sending emissaries openly to declare intentions is far better.
“By the way, I hear the chairperson’s only daughter from Nobogorod’s council accompanied the delegation. What’s happened concerning that?”
“Charlotte Estania? She is under special supervision.”
“Good. Officially she’s part of the delegation team, but given her rank as a distinguished guest, carelessness is unacceptable.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Provided it doesn’t harm the Empire, granting her some freedom of action.
Upon hearing this, Charlotte expressed her gratitude with a specific request.
Which left the Emperor sighing in surprise.
*
“It’s truly an honor to meet you, Lord Kael Klauwitz. My name is Charlotte Estania.”
Unexpectedly, a pale hand protruded forward.
At the sight of it, I couldn’t help but reflect on my past, somewhat race-discriminatory, or rather, species-discriminatory thoughts.
Why? Isn’t it common knowledge that demons have dark or bluish skin, horns, and tails?
That’s what demons were supposed to look like from my past life.
I thought they’d all look that way.
But the demon standing before me now—she looks just like a human.
Ah, but it’s true, she has triangular pupils.
“Kael Klauwitz. Miss Charlotte.”
A brief introduction followed by a handshake, an unexpectedly abrupt encounter. This was the request of the demoness standing before me.
Precisely she requested to meet me personally.
At first, I wondered if a delegate could move so freely on her own, but understanding her identity, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement.
“Daughter of the chairperson of Nobogorod’s council, I see. My regards, Lord Kael.”
The person from the Foreign Ministry informed me so.
Undeniably, a distinguished guest of the Empire—no mistakes allowed.
“I heard you specifically requested this meeting.”
“Yes. I’ve wanted to meet you ever since the border…”
“Since the border…?”
Then the corner of her lips curled into a rather mischievous smile.
“Your strategy had completely engulfed the Nobogorod army. I happened to be there.”
“Ah…”
So she’s referencing that somewhat embarrassing incident with the stratagem. I couldn’t help but nod, recalling the memory.
Charlotte’s expression grew curious.
“Really? Nothing registers on you, does it?”
“Err?”
“Considering what you accomplished in the Eastern theater this time, something like that probably doesn’t even register as a strategy in your eyes—especially from your perspective.”
