It had been over a month since Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess, set off to the east.
For my part, I didn’t do much of anything and simply rested at the main family estate.
Honestly, that’s entirely appropriate. Who in their right mind would be busy galloping across three national borders every day?
Especially when we’re talking about a mere year, not several.
Now I understand why Master Gongming passed away from overwork.
If it’s exhausting just relaxing, like me, how brutal must it have been for a man handling all kinds of affairs single-handedly?
Once again, I’m grateful for the physical training I received since childhood.
If not for that, my lack of physical endurance would’ve definitely been a stumbling block.
When Alexei saw not even a single nosebleed, he remarked, “Typical Klauwitz family!”
Of course, it wasn’t like I completely rested and did nothing.
There were events; I had to make appearances at various banquets and parties.
On top of that, I also had to attend several military ceremonies.
Already, the Duke of the Bertier Empire has become central among the dukes.
If I were to go silent now, the others would find it awkward to continue their activities.
Moreover, the current situation isn’t calm enough for me to just sit idly.
“Recently, the Empire has been extremely busy.”
Just days ago, the First Prince headed to the south of the Empire.
He’s planning to liaise with the southern Holy Kingdom and other neighboring kingdoms as the situation evolves.
This is to amplify the Empire’s voice in the region, naturally accompanied by negotiations for appropriate compensation.
The southern kingdoms were said to be somewhat relieved by the First Prince’s visit.
While our Princess did well to soothe everyone, she was, after all, aligned with the war faction.
Given such uncertainty, they probably viewed the Princess as someone ready to take up arms at any moment.
Conversely, the First Prince was always known for advocating dialogue and peace, representing the pro-Empire faction.
Since many small and medium rulers have bowed to the Empire but not fully assimilated, they naturally prefer the Crown Prince to the war faction.
“With the Benito Kingdom almost crippled, they don’t need to be terrified anymore.”
The current state of Benito is the same as before; their main forces have been decimated, leaving them little more than a shell.
Even if they have some remaining troops, they can’t wield the same power as before.
To make matters worse, Dedolant forces are stationed nearby, further dampening their spirit.
“There are rumors that King Benito spends his days indulging in alcohol and women, aren’t there?”
While these rumors haven’t been confirmed yet.
If they’re true, Dedolant would continue to navigate this landmine-filled situation.
If false, it might mean they’re hiding something.
Personally, I hope it’s the former. Honestly, the thought of them plotting revenge is disconcerting.
Think about it. They could be grinding their teeth nightly, preparing for vengeance.
Far better if their spirit is broken and they’re drowning their sorrows in drink and women.
“Master Kael! This is what you requested before!”
“Is it from the War Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry?”
“Yes! They’ve asked you to review it yourself and please ensure it’s burned afterward!”
Since His Majesty bestowed on me the interim position of advisor, the most satisfying change has been easier access to information.
In particular, the War Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly provide updates.
“Weren’t you taking some time off? Lately, you’ve been staying awake all night reading documents.”
“It’d be lying to say I’m not tired, but the situation doesn’t allow for peace.”
I sip the coffee Alexei brought over and refocus on the papers.
Currently, the most tumultuous place is still the western continent.
The temporary halt in the Dedolant and Dugal war, thanks to Atria’s annexation and Benito support, has ended.
With a chance to catch their breath, they’re ready to face another large-scale conflict.
Dedolant has just broken the ceasefire and restarted the war.
If Dugal loses again, they won’t have much of a future.
Having already lost their western territory, their connection to the Empire has been severed.
All their strategic supplies from the Empire are gone.
Worse still, if they lose another battle, the enemy will arrive near their capital.
Essentially, Dugal is like a frog with a fire on its back.
Though they’re still holding out with the help of Ross Tannika, it’s reaching its limits.
A decisive battle is inevitable, and finally, in the central region, a crucial showdown occurred.
And the result?
[Complete defeat of Dugal. The capital fell.]
[The Second Prince is fallen. The King and Crown Prince have fled to the eastern border with Ross Tannika.]
“Ugh.”
You incompetent morons. How the hell couldn’t you even secure a foothold!
You Dugal bastards were bragging about being the best in the west not too long ago, right?
So, where did all that great pride go? Now, you’re just a punching bag losing every fight.
It’s been two months since Dedolant annexed Atria.
Their stable consolidation of the region was faster than expected.
However, appearances can deceive.
They might just be digesting this massive food source, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they started choking on it.
Still, they went all-out, and their strategy could backfire.
Dugal should’ve targeted their vulnerability. If it didn’t appear, they should’ve made it happen.
But instead, they ended up taking a beating like these foolish bastards.
“Seems you have some bad news.”
“What a disappointment. I thought they were something special, but it seems they’re not. Dugal has even handed over the capital and retreated. Dedolant has effectively devoured both Atria and Dugal.”
“Uh, I don’t know much about these matters outside the Klawitz family.”
Embarrassedly smiling, Alexei continued conversationally.
“Anyway, Mademoiselle Charlotte is set to visit this afternoon. You don’t need to prepare, right?”
“It’s not a formal visit for parties or gatherings. We’ll probably just chat for a few hours.”
Following our earlier plans, we relayed everything to the father of Nobogorod.
Upon hearing Charlotte’s story, Chairman Kalande immediately began preparations.
It seems he firmly believes that allying with the Empire is better than joining Dedolant.
“Of course, it won’t be easy immediately. Besides preparations, we’ll have to carefully select people we can truly rely on.”
Given how this is an elaborate fabrication, we must be meticulous.
If discovered, the moderate faction of Nobogorod could face immense political pressure.
Worse, it could become a game-changer allowing the hardliners to dominate.
Thus, I need to discuss this thoroughly with Charlotte when she arrives later.
More thoroughly, more secretly. We must ensure the coup d’etat is performed by the most reliable individuals.
While the Empire might face some suspicion, your side could end up divided and fighting yourselves.
For reference, this is absolutely not something I’m pulling off alone.
After advising Charlotte, I immediately updated His Majesty.
A situation like this exists in Nobogorod. If they don’t move quickly, their northern border will destabilize.
Hence, I suggested to the moderates in cautionary personal terms.
They should be entirely devoid of concern.
Upon concluding this, His Majesty quietly chuckled.
“You’re handling what should be Foreign Affairs Ministry work.”
I was worried I might be reprimanded for overstepping, but, thankfully, not.
It turns out His Majesty had already received information from the Special Operations Department about Dedolant’s outreach to Nobogorod.
As they continued to discuss how to handle Dedolant and Atria, he was evidently pleased with my use of Charlotte as a means to suggest countermeasures to Nobogorod.
“Master!”
Just now, Alexei ran in looking frazzled.
What is it? What’s wrong? Why is he out of breath like this?
“Oh! She’s here!”
“Is Charlotte already here? But we still had some time before the scheduled meeting?”
“Not that! Her Royal Highness has arrived!”
…Huh?
The appearance of Isabel arriving at the Bertier Dukedom was somewhat different from usual.
She seemed more restless and surprised, with an almost vulnerable air.
“Lately, there have been reports of frequent meetings between Kael Klauwitz and Charlotte Estania.”
When the Emperor casually mentioned this during a tea time,
Isabel initially took it lightly.
“Just another scheme from Kael.”
But the more time passed, the more she felt a growing discomfort.
She couldn’t pin down the source of this unease.
Was it anxiety? Maybe. Because Kael meeting a foreign demoness could lead to rumors that might tarnish his past achievements.
Surely that’s what it was, Isabel concluded.
But then another thought crept in.
“Could this really be all that’s bothering me?”
Isabel wracked her brain during tea time, while the Emperor just silently observed his daughter.
Sensing this, the Emperor offered one fact that only he knew.
“Apparently, they are set to meet again today.”
At that, Isabel could no longer hold back. She decided to act.
Without prior arrangements or seeking permission, she abruptly turned up at the Bertier Dukedom.
“Your Highness, Princess Isabel.”
Apologies were quickly offered to the astonished Duke of Bertier.
Though it was an impromptu visit, she had come with the intent to meet Kael.
The Duke assured her it was no problem and welcomed her into the family estate.
Well, technically, she tried to enter.
“Lord Duke, there’s… a guest already here.”
Unluckily for Isabel, Charlotte had arrived earlier than usual.
“…”
“…”
“…”
Honestly, I had no idea this would happen. I would’ve done something if I’d known.
Why is the Princess here? Why was Charlotte early?
And why are they both sitting silently, just fiddling with their teacups?!
“Hahaha. Master, I’ll take my leave now.”
“What? Alexei ―”
“I fear interrupting the three of you!”
Hey, Alexei! Are you even loyal to me?
Get back here! d*mn it! Don’t leave me in this awkward situation!
