The Duke of the Bertier Empire personally saw off his guest as they exited the family estate.
“Until we meet again, Your Grace, Duke of the Empire.”
“Take care on your way, Commander.”
Though the gathering was small—embarrassingly so—it was quite an impressive turnout nonetheless.
Currently departing was none other than the regional defense commander. Other illustrious figures also graced the event, presenting their congratulations.
It’s hard to imagine what would happen if a real gala were thrown. This alone was impressive enough.
‘It was Your Majesty Emperor who made the decisive move by granting us the Neomes region.’
Not just any territory but a personally governed land by the royal family—an absolute gem of a land that was fully developed.
It bordered many other noble territories, and it was closely tied to quite a few merchant guilds with significant relations to Neomes. Swallowing up such a place whole was bound to send the family’s authority soaring.
Traditionally, among the Dukes of the Empire, there’s no explicit hierarchy of who’s higher or lower. They’re all equally the Emperor’s spear, sword, and shield. Naturally, no distinctions are made.
But in today’s world, the Duke of Bertier’s domain seems to sit at the epicenter of everything.
Even the other Dukes seem to be acknowledging that fact.
‘I’m really starting to grasp just how extraordinary Kael’s accomplishments are…’
To be honest, I had my doubts when he was younger.
For someone from House Klauwitz, Kael didn’t have that quintessentially martial air that one usually expects from a knight. As heir and eldest son to the Duke of the Empire, I worried about whether he could truly carry this weight.
And if he ever ended up overshadowed by his sister Kaya? That would’ve been a disaster.
But those concerns were all unfounded. My heir wasn’t deficient—he was simply different.
This young man would take this great domain and elevate it to heights we’ve never seen.
Just then, the steward sidled up and whispered something into the Duke’s ear.
The Duke paused for a moment in thought, then shook his head slightly.
“Just let it be. Kael knows what he’s doing.”
“It’s really alright? Especially since the last guest remaining is that person?”
If this had been an ordinary guest, the steward wouldn’t have been so concerned.
But the final guest—hailing from Nobogorod, a young and stunning woman—clearly caused anxiety that our young master might stumble into scandal.
The Duke also shared a moment of such concern. After all, she’s not just any ordinary woman of the Empire—she’s from the Demon Race. Despite the recent improvements in relations between the Empire and the Demons, only a few years ago, they were still considered potential enemies. Any lingering tensions meant caution was essential.
It’s not advisable for anyone, especially a noble, to act too familiar with another party. Too many mistakes come from thinking “this much will be fine.” That’s how one digs their own grave.
Still, Kael wouldn’t be unaware of such risks. Of course not—he’s not only someone recognized by the Emperor himself but he’s also someone truly remarkable. So trust, not worry, was the Duke’s approach.
“Surely there’s a plan behind this. Honestly, steward, don’t you agree at least half-heartedly?”
“Hmm… with Kael, sir? That seems quite likely.”
This is Kael we’re talking about—an individual who turned everything around in all imperial regions outside the west with just a single strategy. Could someone with such acumen really be acting without a plan right now? Maybe he’s plotting something more through the Demon princess Charlotte.
“Personally, it seems like Benito isn’t going to recover anytime soon.”
“Indeed. When you’ve lost your main force all at once, even the likes of Lunen couldn’t restore it overnight.”
“Even a great person like Tushin Anbar wouldn’t be able to handle it. Main forces aren’t just built through training. They’re seasoned through battle.”
Charlotte’s homeland of Nobogorod, our own Empire, and the western Dedolant all have armies they call elite—and indeed, they are. These forces are battle-tested, having fought many times and gathered real combat experience.
Benito used to send mercenaries overseas to Dedolant to gain this experience. Those mercenaries returned home, received more training, and fought against the clergy. If they had grown further during this time, they might have become a nuisance.
Good training and battlefield victories can elevate morale significantly.
“I think Dedolant’s decision to station troops in Benito was something they’d rather have avoided from their perspective. What are your thoughts, Master Kael?”
“They must feel the same way. Dedolant still has issues with Dugal, so they’re busy diverting troops elsewhere. With nearly 10,000 stationed in Benito, they must be grinding their teeth.”
Charlotte and I continued to sip our tea while analyzing the current political climate. She seemed oddly interested in military strategy for the daughter of a council chairperson.
“Though Atria has been annexed, influence hasn’t fully expanded to the regional level yet. It could take at least six months.”
“Hmm. But without force, I believe it might take only three months. They’re emphasizing shared heritage as Deo people to convince the Atrian subjects.”
“Hmm, would they really comply so easily? Though they are the same ethnic group, they were technically separate nations, and Dedolant and Atria weren’t exactly the best of friends.”
True. Still, in the face of bigger gains, such grudges often fade.
From Atria’s perspective, clinging to a dying royal family would’ve felt too insecure. So, the timely offer from Dedolant must’ve seemed fortunate. The nobles there are probably thrilled to have found such a robust alliance.
On the other hand, Dedolant has acquired a massive new territory. Though they may consider Atria inferior, they’ve still gained more than enough—nearly doubling their territory, along with substantial populations.
And most importantly, they understand the reality that Dedolant will never match the strength of the Empire. Even as the “western powerhouse,” they know their limitations if they push too far.
The reason the Empire has consistently maintained its position is simple: it doesn’t tolerate the existence of a second power.
Take Nobogorod to the north—it’s intimidating, sure, but they have no king. They operate as a council-based system, which limits their capabilities. Nations can never be great powers with brute force alone, and so the Empire chooses to manage Nobogorod through persuasion and pressure rather than conquest.
The eastern kingdoms? Meh. They keep getting into their own squabbles. Their recent attempts at unity? Gone with the first gust of wind.
Finally, there’s the south. Benito got a bit cocky, but they were quickly subdued by the Imperial Legion. As Charlotte and I discussed—it’s going to be tough for them to recover.
The Empire offers its mercy while showing no hesitation to quash any oversteps. Dedolant understands—it’s next. The Empire is currently resting, but when that ends, its wrath will fall like never before.
“Therefore, if Nobogorod wishes to share our Empire’s sacrifice, it would be good not just for them but for their future.”
“Hmm…”
“Our Empire isn’t so straightforward as to use Nobogorod as a scapegoat, making the north restless if we’re careless.”
“It’s Dedolant that’s in a more urgent situation, not the Empire. That’s your point, isn’t it, Master Kael.”
“Exactly, Lady Charlotte.”
With their sense of urgency, Dedolant will surely push Nobogorod hard. The Empire, on the other hand, just needs them to remain cooperative—it doesn’t need to impose extra sacrifices upon them.
“Phew… talking all this through, I feel energized rather than exhausted.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. Perhaps this is why meeting someone smarter and wiser than yourself is so valuable.”
Ah, a sudden compliment. Is she trying to lower my guard and lead me into something? I felt a whiff of suspicion and braced myself, though nothing concrete happened.
Perhaps this was anticipated too? Trying to make me relax my guard—clever.
“Ah, look at the time. Hard to believe it’s gotten so late.”
“Indeed. The party ended some time ago.”
“I’ve kept you too long, I’m sorry, Master Kael.”
“Not at all, Lady Charlotte. I hadn’t noticed how the time passed.”
Of course—searching for hidden motives while following the conversation kept me alert.
“Maybe I should just ask her to stay the night… see what she’s really up to.”
Not that it’d be suspicious for me, the heir of a Duke, to do so, considering the occasion was held in my honor.
“Hmm… no, that might cause a bit too much gossip. The servants might find it awkward if a guest suddenly stays.”
“That might be true.”
“No, thank you, Master Kael. The invitation is appreciated, but it’d be too presumptuous. I’m sure the staff wouldn’t be prepared for such a sudden arrangement.”
“Of course.”
Still, she’s not ordinary. Did she sense my true intent? Did she suspect my surveillance plans?
“But, could we meet again and talk like this in the future? I feel a bit isolated living here in the Empire alone and often feel bored. If I could gain knowledge like this, it’d be worth the world to me.”
“If I have available time, it’d be my pleasure to do so.”
Good for me—having the chance to keep monitoring and understanding key figures from Nobogorod. After all, they’re both our best allies and our biggest potential nuisances.
“Phew…”
Back inside her carriage, Charlotte let out a soft sigh.
Ah… I’ve made a mess of it. Got too excited, heart pounding… talked too much.
This isn’t who I am. Can’t let him think I’m some flighty woman.
But… oh, what to do? It’s Kael Klauwitz, after all.
Even now, recalling his strategies in the eastern and southern campaigns makes my skin crawl with admiration.
Today was no different. One sharp insight and everything cleared up.
What felt like fog and confusion now seems crystal clear.
“Back home, I must report to Father immediately…”
And brag to a few people. That I spent hours in deep conversation with Kael Klauwitz…
What would my acquaintances say upon hearing this?
What would they say? Oh, they’d absolutely envy me. Haha!
And it’s not just humans—Demons too have a strong inclination towards reverence and loyalty. Especially when such feelings are tied to something as radiant as divinity.
