Two months had passed since the Empire’s benevolence began to take serious effect beyond the eastern border.
Crown Princess (Female)
Burkhai, which had been teetering on the brink of collapse, had finally regained stability.
Of course, this did not mean it had fully regained its former might. It simply meant that it had just reached the point where basic survival was possible again.
The rulers of Burkhai were still struggling to reclaim their strength. Leaders during the unprecedented calamity were hardly seen as unscathed. Some went so far as to step on the Kingdom People to ascend for their survival. Losing the people’s support due to the war and compounded by a catastrophic flood, the situation was dire.
One might have expected the royal family to falter, with nobles behind the scenes conspiring against them. In such cases, the easiest way out is to put the blame on the highest authority — usually the king. This way, the nobles could dodge the Kingdom People’s wrath.
Indeed, some old kingdoms crumbled under this very pattern, and in worse cases, entire royal families were overturned, and nations changed hands. Considering Burkhai had even lost a war, these were very plausible outcomes.
But none of that happened in Burkhai. Instead, the nobles supported and swore loyalty to the royal family, channeling their efforts toward restoring national stability.
Had the nobles suddenly become united in loyalty to overcome this unprecedented calamity?
Nah, that would be ridiculous. Just a few months ago, they were all ready to jump ship.
There was only one reason for this — the Empire.
“The Empire seemed ready to overthrow the royal family, but it didn’t happen.”
“Instead, they’re elevating the royal family. The Crown Princess meets with the Crown Prince every few days, officially to address the calamity, but what this really means is…”
“It means full support for the current Burkhai royal family. It’s the Empire’s way of proclaiming they won’t view Burkhai as an enemy. Not only that, they’re sending a message to our nobles, and to Porland and Caden.”
The Empire has no plans to install a new royal family under its thumb in the east. Why would they when it would be unnecessary? Why anger the Kingdom People with such a change when the existing royal family could collaborate with them?
Toppling the current royal family would cost them their moral high ground. Keeping it intact while granting some unrefusable authority is a better approach.
And if they break this alliance, they would lose all they have regained.
This message could also reach Porland and Caden, reaffirming the existing order. The Empire’s message is clear: it won’t enforce puppets or destroy autonomy; it respects each kingdom’s independence while asking only for adherence to certain lines. Any disorder will be met with uncompromising punishment.
Burkhai’s royal family understood all this.
While it was somewhat humiliating, there was relief too. If the Empire’s intentions had been different, they would have fallen hard.
To say no pride was lost would be a lie. However, there was no point in clinging to pride with the Kingdom People on the brink of survival now regaining some semblance of life.
With Burkhai relatively stabilized, the Crown Princess began aiding Porland and Caden, but she remained firmly based in Burkhai, keeping the locals at ease.
Through her actions, she reminded both kingdoms that as long as they kept to the lines, they could coexist with the Empire.
“Your Highness Crown Princess. Here are the Special Affairs Division’s reports and letters from nobles cooperative with the Empire.”
“Ah, finally. Let’s see if the stories match.”
Of course, these nobles would write everything through glowing lenses. While occasionally someone may offer an objective report, they’re too few to provide proper contrast. Therefore, all reports must be compared to the always-cynical Special Affairs Division’s findings.
The Special Affairs Division, one of the Empire’s information bodies, often played a crucial role in verifying facts. Covering all possible angles and rigorously investigating, including negative sides, made them invaluable, especially in this situation.
“Everyone in the Burkhai region is now praising the Empire…”
“Even those who lost sons, husbands, and fathers in the war were deeply moved by how the remaining families were saved by the Empire…”
“Voices among the nobility suggest we should open our borders entirely to the Empire…”
As expected, all the nobles of Burkhai send nothing but good vibes. None of this is likely false — it wouldn’t pass the fact-checks. However, they could have selectively reported only the positives while ignoring dissenting opinions.
Next were the reports from the Special Affairs Division.
Her grace adjusted her breathing. She had spent nearly three months here, expending vast resources. If she had nothing to show for it, she couldn’t face the Emperor or other officials.
“Burkhai now has 182 Special Affairs Agents reporting detailed findings…”
“Anti-Empire sentiment has significantly dropped…”
“About a year has passed since the eastern war subsided, and the unprecedented flood had significant influence.”
“…Alright.”
Finally, they had achieved exactly what the Empire wanted. Not forced submission out of military defeat but heart-felt respect leading to voluntary allegiance.
Rebellion against this order will emerge eventually, drawing sympathizers and potential conflicts. But when that moment comes, the people who have long relied on the Empire for peace will stand up against it.
Thus, the moral high ground will always belong to the Empire.
This was exactly what the Empire, Emperor, and Crown Princess desired — not enforced order but willingly upheld principles. Any who rebel against it will be shunned, not by the Empire but by their own communities.
“Your Highness Crown Princess.”
Just as she was in this contented state of accomplishment…
“Word has arrived from the Foreign Affairs Division.”
A new tidbit arrived to brighten her day further.
“Apparently, there’s been an armed clash between Nobogorod and Artria.”
*
While the eastern region gradually stabilized under the Empire’s care, to the north, chaos was brewing.
“d*mn demons! We’ve given them everything they asked for! They deserve divine wrath! How dare they trample on humanity so?”
“You dirty Artrians! Laughing in our faces and stabbing us in the back! Why do you keep entering and plundering Nobogorod’s waters? Send back those thieving bastards!”
At first, things had been relatively amicable. Artria extended an olive branch, and Nobogorod, though hesitant, was negotiating. Visionary minds among both nations envisaged a brighter future.
But suddenly, everything changed, flipped upside down.
Even before these tensions, Nobogorod and Artria had long disputes over maritime boundaries. While both nations tried to suppress these issues to improve relations, news broke that tipped the scales.
“Artrian illegal fishermen escaped by outmaneuvering Nobogorod’s navy.”
“They didn’t escape; they disguised themselves as ordinary fishermen to dupe the demons, waited for them to lower their guard, then attacked violently.”
At first, these were routine incidents ignored by most. But the Moderates ruling Nobogorod’s council, perhaps advised by someone, decided not to let this pass unnoticed.
Stories ballooned, new details and fabrications added. The simple case of illegal fishing snowballed into accusations of coastal mapping and map-making. Eventually, it was alleged that Nobogorod’s navy had been targeted from the start.
Dedolant, which controlled Artria’s foreign policy, tried to defuse the situation, knowing that Nobogorod was their key to causing unrest in the northern Empire. If they could drag Nobogorod into conflict, they could force the Empire into a two-front war. With Benito also drawn in, that could escalate to a three-front nightmare.
“Nobogorod’s demons are fabricating lies!”
“We always stayed within our boundaries! Illegal fishing? Lies!”
“No coastal mapping or map-making ever happened! It’s those demon Nobogorodians lying!”
Despite Dedolant’s attempts, the sentiments among the Artrian people worsened. Dedolant had little direct connection, but Artria’s frequent clashes with Nobogorod meant no friendly terms, either. Given these tensions, it was inevitable for Artria’s Kingdom People to react strongly to Nobogorod’s accusations.
At first, this seemed like national pride showdowns, which might have calmed down with time.
But more fuel kept getting poured on the fire.
Artria plotting behind smiles, the whole situation being a Nobogorod conspiracy — precise words aimed at stoking tempers emerged.
Finally, just as the two nations seemed on the verge of exploding…
“Artria’s claims are all lies! They excel at backhanded schemes! We even have intelligence suggesting they’ve requested the Empire to unsettle Nobogorod’s northern border!”
A huge bomb was dropped, shaking the situation irreparably.
