“Dammit.”
Lately, the Minister of War had truly been cursing the world with every breath.
Why did all these trials keep piling up one after another?
Even with attending weekend prayers without fail amidst his busy schedule, was it possible he had sinned too much in his previous life?
It had all started with the Demon Race from the far-off northern lands – those hardliner bastards trying to stir up trouble.
Just when things with Nobogorod seemed to be calming down a bit, the three eastern kingdoms declared war.
By the time that situation barely settled down and things seemed to quieten, now it was the west causing chaos.
And just as he was trying to focus all efforts on the west, an unexpected calamity dropped from the sky.
“War has broken out.”
“Did Dedolant and Dugal finally start a full-scale war?”
“It’s not the west. It’s the south.”
“…What the hell?”
In a place where the Holy Kingdom’s influence still lingered heavily – the southern continent – the Kingdom of Benito, situated there, declared war on the Holy Kingdom.
Upon hearing this news, the Minister could only exhale deeply with a sigh.
‘You crazy bastards of Benito. Unafraid of excommunication, are you?’
At first, he thought the king of Benito had finally gone nuts. Even if the church didn’t hold as much power as before, it still wielded a lot of influence. In the Empire, anyone who spoke ill of Lunen, regardless of their rank, was punished. He assumed the southern kingdoms would follow this even more strictly given their proximity.
Yet, this was not the case. Instead, those most opposed to the church were further south.
Until someone stepped forward, everyone was simply watching each other. Even amidst news of the Holy Church’s defeat, there was no sign of movement.
Who would have imagined that the church’s influence had fallen this much? Given the numerous followers of light across the continent, it was assumed the Holy Kingdom would endure forever.
But that assumption was wrong, made evidently clear during this turn of events.
Many rulers found having religious leaders interfere in their authority bothersome – no, they almost hated it to that extent.
“Minister, new information has arrived from the south.”
“Bring it here immediately.”
As soon as the subordinate delivered the news, the Minister nearly snatched it away.
Please, please, nothing more insane. His mind was ready to explode just from the current western situation. Why did all these insane events keep happening during his tenure?
[Benito Army has reached near the Holy Kingdom.]
[Benito Navy attempts to block the Holy Kingdom’s coastline.]
There was no sign of movement from any of the other southern kingdoms. All that remained was Benito’s continuous string of victories as they pushed against the Holy Kingdom. Horrified by this news, the Minister of War writhed with agitation.
“Benito’s tactics aren’t bad.”
And at this news, the Emperor began his commentary.
“Your Majesty?”
“Minister of War, do you understand why the other southern kingdoms remain silent?”
“I command the ministry of war, not diplomacy, so I may speak out of turn; however, if I were to share my brief opinion…”
Somehow…
“It could be that they have long doubted the current order centered on the Holy Kingdom.”
“That’s not incorrect. Just as you said, the south has long been led by the Holy Kingdom. More precisely, by the followers of Lunen.”
“…”
“Even more precisely, by the high priests and bishops above them.”
At the Emperor’s words, the Minister agreed cautiously, knowing these points were true.
As far as he knew, priests and bishops in the south still enjoyed tax exemptions. The reasoning was that one couldn’t burden those who serve the God with worldly affairs.
And they enjoyed many other advantages, wielding great authority.
These privileged positions did not sit well with other ruling classes, certainly not these days.
In this day and age, how can even the great nobles continue living on faith alone without paying taxes? These individuals who don’t do anything apart from serving the divine, why should they hold such privileges?
“…Such doubts could be understandable.”
“All the southern kingdoms have secretly united. They no longer wish for the order dominated by the Holy Kingdom. Religion should remain as a matter of faith and must not be involved in political affairs.”
“But the south has been under the Holy Church’s influence for so long…”
“It has been for a long time, yes. However, though they thought it, they lacked certainty. Quite naturally too. Who could say that if someone were to be excommunicated, others wouldn’t turn their backs on them?”
The Emperor continued with a faint smile on his lips.
“The spark was lit by Benito.”
“What…?”
“By this point, the matter has already been decided. Instead of stepping forward themselves, all southern kingdoms will silently support Benito. If things go well, they will follow in the direction Benito leads the south. Any who resist can choose the old order.”
“Sire, even if it were possible, though Benito might be stronger than other kingdoms, if the southern kingdoms unite…”
His words trailed off as the War Minister’s face lit up with realization. A piece of recent news came to his mind.
“Could it be? Could they have sent their troops to Dedolant and Dugal as mercenaries to prepare for this?”
“Practical battlefield experience is important. Especially in the south where there hasn’t been a significant war in a long time.”
To be honest, the military strength of the southern kingdoms wasn’t great. It wasn’t about morale or weapons quality; they just lacked experience. As long as the Holy Kingdom resolved any disputes, there was no need for them to get involved much. Their navy was relatively more developed due to the need for safe maritime trade, but their army was at best average.
About a year ago, quite a number of mercenaries from Benito went to Dedolant. Even if they claimed to be retired, they had left the military at their prime. They joined Dedolant’s army, which was fighting Dugal, under the guise of mercenaries.
In summary, the mercenaries’ contributions weren’t necessarily decisive. They were ordinary, neither too helpful nor entirely useless. But this assessment was from Dedolant’s and Dugal’s perspective. For the southern kingdoms, it was incredibly valuable practical combat experience that was hard to come by.
The number of Benito mercenaries was almost a thousand. It might seem like a small number at first glance, but not to the Minister.
“Minister, if these thousand became trainers to teach the troops, what do you think the outcome might be?”
“In some way, it will be effective. In the south, it is likely that Benito will end up with the most powerful military.”
“That’s exactly how they brought together the southern kingdoms, using it as leverage. Whether it was coercion with weapons or enticements of shared experience.”
The Emperor looked at the southern continent map spread out in front of him.
If Benito truly gained the support of all southern kingdoms—even if it meant enduring the anger and curses of all the Holy Kingdom’s followers—and managed to engulf the Holy Kingdom into their realm…
“No, this shouldn’t happen. Although it’s unpleasant that the Holy Kingdom wields faith as a tool, allowing it to become a puppet would be even worse.”
In the Emperor’s plan, the south staying exactly as it is would be the best.
Both the Holy Kingdom and the southern kingdoms. They should continue their mutual growling and checks as they are.
Only then can the order led by this Empire continue smoothly without any significant threats.
He had known everything was going well so far, but then this crazy king of Benito came along and stirred things up.
He’s fully aware the western situation isn’t simple, but the south is no less important.
The Holy Kingdom, being different from others, isn’t a secular state. Therefore, he let it be. However, if a completely secular nation swallows it up, the story changes.
He must consider the possibility of that faith being wielded as a weapon in the future.
“I’ll do as the south requested. Two legions from the ones stationed in the east will be redirected to the south. If the southern legions need to move in the future, ensure the Empire’s borders are defended.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
Once the War Minister left, the Emperor sat alone for a moment, tapping the armrest lightly with his fingertips and recalling two individuals.
“Your role has become even more critical, Belle, my daughter. You must set an example for the royal family again this time, just as you did in the east. Originally, I intended this to boost the morale of the western legions, but things have turned out this way.”
The eastern front was no easy place. Its quick conclusion was truly lucky.
But the battlefields the Empire will encounter from now on will dwarf that eastern front.
And also…
“Kael. And you too. I sent you across the western border to utilize your exceptional abilities, but given the current situation, I have no choice but to redirect you to the south.”
You’ll do well, and you must know you have to. That brilliant young man must have already realized the presence of an advance payment in his rewards. This time, too, you’ll fulfill your role—only you can perform it.
The Emperor knows what kind of person young Kael is. He isn’t a warrior who charges into battles covered in the enemy’s bl**d, nor is he a commander who endures endless sacrifices while remaining cold-blooded.
He’s simply the kind of person who pinpoints the core issues and lays out the bigger picture.
That’s why he created the position of ‘special general’ for him.
To prevent Kael from drowning under undue burden and responsibility, ensuring he has room to perform his tasks to the fullest.
Thinking this, the Emperor smiled faintly to himself.
‘The only thing I need to do for you now is to plan out your next reward, correct? My son-in-law.’
With that dim smile lingering, he turned his focus to the next agenda.
