As the Empire’s legions marched south, the academy eventually announced a temporary closure.
Who knows what’s going to happen? Better safe than sorry, one might say.
Thanks to this, Charlotte’s schedule was thrown off course, but she wasn’t disappointed.
Instead, she seized this opportunity to use her special talents and gather information.
For the sake of Nobogorod, she never forgot her duties.
“Word has it that all the southern legions are heading south. That’s why the academy is closed.”
“Border troubles? The Eastern Legion has already arrived to take care of that. They may not know the terrain well, but they’re more than capable of defending the border, lifting some of the burden from the Southern Legions.”
“Did you hear? Benito just declared war! Ha! Nerve of them. They probably think we’re some kind of demon-spawn from the Northern wastes.”
Information gathering from a foreign dignitary? Entirely legitimate business, thank you very much.
The Empire pretty much turned a blind eye to Charlotte’s activities, so long as she didn’t cross certain lines.
As long as the value of her as a hostage remained, they were willing to let her operate within these confines.
“Southern front, you say? Looks like you haven’t heard the news yet. A short while ago, the 4th and 15th Legions saved the Holy Kingdom.”
“Her Highness the Second Princess managed to persuade the neighboring kingdoms. Isn’t she amazing?”
“Benito? What about them? What made them think they could fight us? From what I hear, they didn’t even look back before running off!”
Really now, if they’re gonna do that, why declare war in the first place? Charlotte tilted her head, puzzled.
Could there have been some trouble between the King of Benito and his military?
…Nah. Not likely. Who would be silly enough to declare war without consulting their military? Especially after advancing quite a distance from their home base.
‘Nah, there’s no way that happened, right?’
Unless the King was an utter buffoon… which he’s not. So, impossible.
Shaking her head, Charlotte focused on the next piece of intelligence about the south.
“Hahaha! A great victory, a great victory! …What? You haven’t heard? Our Empire’s glorious legions crushed Benito’s so-called 50,000-strong army! Hahahaha!”
“The 6th and part of the 13th Legions flanked Benito from both sides, utterly destroying them. Only less than 10,000 soldiers returned. This is the end of Benito as we know it!”
The southern people were simply told that the Empire’s legions had annihilated Benito’s forces.
But Charlotte had a distinct feeling that Kael’s influence was all over this one.
Typically, an Imperial legion is around 20,000 soldiers. There might be fewer, but rarely more.
Meanwhile, Benito supposedly had over 50,000 troops, almost two to three times the Imperial count.
With losses of only around 4,000 for the Empire versus over 20,000 for Benito, plus significant captives, it was essentially a total rout.
Benito was going to need a lot of rest and recovery in the next few years.
‘Even if the Empire’s legions are known for their skill, this victory wasn’t just a result of mere strength disparity. There’s something else here. Definitely.’
Some time later, Charlotte received news from a Ministry of Foreign Affairs officer.
“Congratulations, we’ve achieved a great victory against Benito.”
“Yes, thank you, miss Charlotte. Lord Lunen himself must have been enraged by Benito’s provocations. The heroic soldiers and wise generals, assisted by a brilliant strategist, were the key to this success.”
“Brilliant strategist, you say?”
“I’m referring to Lord Kael Klauwitz, who accompanied us as a military advisor. Word is, he used an amazing strategy to completely tie up Benito’s army and then struck them down from behind.”
“Ah, truly remarkable…”
Expected. I can already picture it.
Kael Klauwitz. A terrifying man who uses his foe’s desperation as a weapon, ensnaring them whether they’re oblivious or fully aware. His tactics are so persuasive they can’t resist, no matter how much they try.
Like luring Nobogorod and crushing Burkhai in the eastern front, Kael eliminates all options but the one he desires, manipulating his enemies into his carefully laid traps.
‘I’d like to delve deeper, but that might be a bit difficult.’
After all, this Ministry person belonged to the Foreign Affairs office, not the War Department. They couldn’t offer specifics. But even with the broad strokes, the brilliance of this victory was clear.
‘It’s truly amazing how the moderates in our government seized power right on time.’
That was her thought, but it would be troublesome if she let it show on her face. Quickly wiping the smirk from her lips, Charlotte said,
“So, it seems only the assault on Benito remains.”
Of the southern powers, the Holy Kingdom and Benito were the most well-known. The Holy Kingdom had been shattered by Benito but saved by the Empire. And Benito, the Empire’s foe, was effectively paralyzed.
With this, both the eastern and southern regions would soon fall under the Empire’s direct control.
Thinking of the hardliners back in Nobogorod, she knew their prospects were grim. Even if they regained power, facing an even stronger empire would be utter folly. With the east and south stabilized, challenging the empire would be equivalent to s*icide.
“Uh… likely not, though.”
Sipping his tea, the Foreign Affairs officer hesitantly continued.
“Eventually, the news will spread, so it’ll be fine if you know already.”
“Is there something else going on?”
After hesitating a moment longer, he took another sip of tea.
At his serious demeanor, Charlotte tensed.
“Dedolant has intervened.”
“Dedolant… as in, that kingdom rapidly expanding in the west, you mean?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But how exactly did Dedolant intervene?”
“Exactly as it sounds. They stationed troops near Benito.”
Charlotte’s mind raced.
First, Dedolant: they recently annexed Artria and had previously claimed JuGel by defeating Drugal. They were now firmly established as a powerhouse not just by land and population but by field-tested elite troops numbering well over 100,000.
But all this was measured against Western standards.
Even with the annexation of Artria and a few territories, if the Empire truly engaged, Dedolant would have to throw everything into the fight—and the odds would heavily favor the Empire. Overwhelmingly so.
“Dedolant taking over Artria, parts of Drugal and even Ross Tannika wouldn’t compare to the Empire. The gap in population and fertile land, resulting in material production, is far too vast.”
Meaning, from the Empire’s perspective, it could essentially tell Dedolant to “go figure.”
Should Dedolant puff up and challenge the Empire? The Empire could easily crush them.
“But the Empire reacted this way despite that?”
She wanted to know more, but pressing further would be risky.
A foreign agent must not overstep their boundaries. They need good judgment and situational awareness.
The officer in front of her was, after all, a messenger for higher-ups, and everything discussed here would be reported.
“Your head must be hurting.”
“You have no idea. This situation’s a mess.”
Watching the Foreign Affairs officer finish his tea, Charlotte reflected.
There’s no way Dedolant would be so foolish as to confront or provoke the Empire directly.
If they were that short-sighted, they wouldn’t have grown so fast.
Instead, they likely devised a clever plan to buy themselves some breathing room by tying down the Empire.
“Dedolant’s next move will likely involve humbly seeking the Empire’s consent.”
Charlotte had learned so much from the councils and delegates.
Though lacking raw power like other “Demon Race” members, she excelled in predicting and discussing political moves.
“The Empire must be in a bind too.”
What would happen next? Charlotte began mulling over the possibilities.
*
“Kael!”
“Your Highness.”
The moment she saw me, the princess ran up and grasped my hands.
Initially surprised, I smiled back, genuinely pleased to see her.
“You worked so hard—this was incredible!”
“Thank you, Your Highness. You also did exceptionally well.”
“Nah, I just did what you told me to.”
Smiling sheepishly, the princess continued. I shook my head in response.
Following someone else’s instructions without error is one of the hardest tasks in the world. Managing to do so flawlessly is a remarkable achievement.
“Anyway… are you feeling disappointed?”
“If it’s about the Benito operation, I’m completely fine.”
“Are you fine with that? Be honest. I’m seething at Dedolant too.”
Indeed, Dedolant was acting a bit arrogant—but they had justification. They were allies with Benito.
Still, they’re ensuring their position while politely bowing to the Empire, avoiding conflict.
Basically, they’re just ensuring they get what they can without crossing any critical lines.
‘People like that are always the scariest.’
In that sense, the Empire stepping back from the southern front is a part of the same strategy.
It’s not yielding, mercy, or compromise. Dedolant has grown too large too fast.
Attacking them like the east or south isn’t so straightforward.
So our plan is taking a breath first, then delivering the final blow later.
