The Beginning of a Silent Battle
A year and a half has passed since the expiration of the Iliad Treaty. No country has taken any action, just listening to the movements of other countries.
Every country knows that if they make the first move, they will be used as an excuse, and on the contrary, will invite invasion from other countries. The smaller countries were afraid of this and were unable to make a move. And the major powers, who were not afraid of this, were also in a situation where they could not move immediately.
The audience chamber in the royal castle of the Luine Kingdom. Yuya, dressed in shining armor, kneels with his helmet under his arm while the courtiers on either side of him look on.
"Hero Yuya. You have done your duty well. I commend you."
"Ha, thank you for the compliment."
Yuya responded reverently to the words of praise from the top of the throne.
More than three years have passed since he came to the Luine Kingdom. As expected, Yuya seems to have come to understand his position. However, this is only in front of the King of Luine, the direct master of the pledge.
"We'll have a separate celebration. You must be tired from the battle. First of all, you should take a good rest."
"Ha. Thank you for your consideration."
"You're dismissed."
"Ha"
He stood up and made a knight's bow facing the king. Yuya backed away from the king.
"Is it okay to think that he's grown up?"
The King of Luine muttered when Yuya disappeared.
"Some part of him."
It was the Prime Minister, Otto Holdings, who responded to the King's mutterings. The Prime Minister knows that Yuya's reverent attitude is only in front of the King.
"I see. What is that certain part?"
"Even though he is in a slave-like position, it is all right as long as he is given what he wants. He seems to think so."
"You mean that kind of divisiveness has made him an adult?"
"Actually, it seems to have been that kind of nature from the beginning."
"From the beginning. But I heard that he was quite upset when he found out the truth of the contract?"
"Yes. But as soon as he realized that the treatment was what he was promised, he stopped complaining."
"Did he take fruit over name?"
"I believe that he is not aware of being tied down. That is a person who cannot do anything with his freedom. It can only do as it is commanded."
"I see. He's the hero."
"Yes. I now understand why only one person has earned the title of hero."
The meaning of a hero is a strong man who does as he is commanded by his superiors. That is how most of the administrators in this world see it. The word [hero] is almost a derogatory term.
"He is also a man of great ability. The selection of our country was correct."
"Yes. Once the turmoil in the country has calmed down with this subjugation, it's finally time to start conquering the continent."
"Yes"
"I hope it settles down."
Prince Albert interrupted the conversation between the king and the prime minister.
"......You think it will not settle down?"
"Do you two think it will settle down?"
"First, answer my question."
"......Yes. Let me tell you what I think. This is already the third domestic insurrection, albeit a small one."
"Isn't it a bit exaggerated to call it an insurrection?"
"It is not the people who are in uproar, but the lords who have started it. Shouldn't it be considered a rebellion, even if it is small in scale?"
"...Well, you can call it whatever you want. Tell me why you feel it will not settle."
"In all three cases, the ringleaders have not been caught. How can you say you've suppressed it?"
"Are you saying that those who escaped will strike again?"
"I don't know. To start a rebellion, you need military power. I don't believe that those who fled will be able to regain the strength they lost."
"Then the turmoil will subside, won't it?"
"Three times in the past year. How do you know the fourth or fifth will not occur?"
"...Are you criticizing my administration?"
If there are frequent rebellions, it means that there are many people who are dissatisfied with the current government. However, it is a little too far to regard it as criticism of the administration as the king says it.
"No, it's not."
"Then what?"
"I'm saying that there may be someone who is inciting a rebellion."
"...You mean there's someone behind?"
"Yes. I think it's quite possible."
"If that’s the case, it must be the work of Lemberg or Izrim."
"No"
"Where else?"
"Nord Federation"
"That again? Why are you, the crown prince of the Luine Kingdom, obsessed with a small country in the north?"
The King's frown deepened as soon as he heard the words [Nord Federation]. He's tired of it. He is consciously expressing these feelings.
"I've explained why many times."
"They got an excellent hero. I heard about it. But the country can't manage it just by getting one hero."
"I am telling you this because it could have happened."
"If it could have happened, wouldn't that mean that all the people would have starved to death? The Saint Miriam Kingdom restricts trade that severely."
"No, that restriction is not working at all."
"How do you know that?"
"Because trade goods that seem to belong to the Nord are flowing all over the continent."
"……What?"
Since his return from the church capital, Prince Albert had been advising him to be wary of Ren and the Nord who had Ren as King. The King's face finally turned serious, as if he had been trying to pass the conversation off as a usual occurrence.
"Please ask Prime Minister Holding about the evidence. If you have done your research, you should have more information than I do."
"...Prime Minister"
"Ha. In conclusion, what His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has told is true."
"Hoh. I did not hear it."
"I am sorry. I did not believe it myself, and I thought I should tell His Majesty until I had proof."
"And you have proof of this?"
"Yes"
"Then talk. Start from the beginning."
"Ha. The reason I became suspicious of it was because of a dress that has recently become fashionable among women."
"What? A dress?"
"Yes. Didn't His Majesty also notice? Lately, dresses with a lot of exposure and unusual designs have increased."
"......Indeed. The queen complained to the Dowager Queen to do something about the recent disorder. But so what?"
"Saint's dress. It seems to be spreading as the most advanced dress of another world."
"......How did such a thing spread?"
The king was bewildered by the word [saint] who suddenly popped out. In the conversation so far, the King of Luine has no idea what's going on.
"At first, they were paintings. As anecdotes spread about the saint's role in comforting the suffering of the Nord people and guiding them, paintings depicting scenes of the saint appeared on the market."
"What's the anecdote?"
"It's a long story. And it's probably a hoax."
"Is it so?"
"Because it is a miracle or something different from Shizuru Tojo’s personality that we know."
"I see"
"The people who did not know Shizuru Tojo regarded the anecdote as a fairy tale, which, in turn, was accepted and spread as entertainment."
What the Prime Minister is explaining is a picture-story show. The show is really quite simple. It is just a story told with a few pictures. Even that level of entertainment is sufficient in this world.
"Fumu. And then?"
"I said paintings, but they are poor mass-produced paintings and have no value as paintings. They are inexpensive enough for the average person to afford."
"And that also helped to spread it."
"Yes. And the dress of the saint depicted there seems to have captured the hearts of the women, from commoner to maids, from maids to nobles."
"I understand that. But it was only the design that spread, wasn't it?"
"The dress"
"What else?"
"It's an accessory that goes well with a dress. I don't know much about dresses, but it's said that by decorating the exposed parts with accessories, you can counteract the vulgarity. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other novel designs are being introduced."
"What is their value?"
"It varies. They range from inexpensive pieces that the average person can afford to extremely expensive ones that use precious stones."
Needless to say, the source is Nord. If it spreads to the nobility, it can be considered that the sales have become substantial.
"What about arresting merchants?"
"I don’t know how it started, but right now, the merchants who are selling it are our merchants who purchased from other countries."
"…It's not just our country?"
"Yes. It's a similar trend in both the Izrim Kingdom and the Lemberg Empire."
"I understand that. But it's exporting. Even if they have gold, if they can't purchase goods, their people will starve."
"I believe they are stocking up on food as well."
"How?"
"Probably through the black market."
"Probably?"
"I'm sorry. We don't have a grip on the black market."
"...I see that too. That's why it's called black market."
If they can grasp the actual situation of the black market, naturally they will move to expose it. That's why the black market exists.
"However, we may not be able to say that."
"Why is it so?"
"According to regular merchants, there are signs that a considerable amount of goods are flowing. Salt and wheat, in particular, may affect regular prices."
"Salt and wheat?"
As traded goods, they are much more common than dresses. But if they came from Nord, it would be a different story.
"Yes. If this is the work of the Nord Federation, then the Nord Federation has a wheat crop that could be exported."
"...How can that be after only three years?"
"I do not understand"
"Why aren't you investigating!?"
"Ha! I'm sorry!"
The Prime Minister is horrified by the King's anger. But that was too much to ask. The Crown Prince Albert quickly intervened.
"Your Majesty, don't you feel a little sorry for the Prime Minister?"
"...That's right. I am sorry. I was the one who said that a small country in the north could not be manned."
"That's right"
"However, if the story just now is true, there is something that we should be concerned about."
"It's true."
"But is it really possible?"
"It's not an impossible story if you think that the Nord Federation has the same power as the Nord Empire in the past."
"...Demons huh?"
"I honestly don't know how the trading goods thing can be done by utilizing the power of the demons. It was thanks to that strategy that the Nord Empire, which was a small country even then, launched an invasion of other countries and almost conquered the northern part of the country in the early stages of the war."
"Will the Nord Federation join the war?"
"Otherwise, Ren Takashiro would never become King of the Nord Federation."
"The question is to what extent the demons are cooperating. If it is the same level as the last war, we have nothing to fear."
"Is that so?"
In the last war, the Nord Empire fought against almost all nations. It was all done with the help of the demons. King Luine said that the demons were not to be feared.
"The power of our country is different now than it was then. Now, we can win even if we fight alone."
"……I see"
"What's wrong? Are you unsatisfied?"
"Was there anyone in the Nord Empire at that time equal to Ren Takashiro?"
What Prince Albert fears is not the demons, but Ren, who has obtained the power of the demons.
"That's... I don't know."
"Then we must not let our guard down. I am buying Ren Takashiro's ability as a plotter. You never know what he will do. That's why it's interesting."
"Interesting... First of all, let's check the facts. Thoroughly investigate the Nord Federation. I'm moving it up to third place on the priority list, after Izrim."
"Ha. I'll dispatch them right away."
The priority of the intelligence department was changed to third after Lemberg and Izrim. Whether this was right or wrong is a delicate question. By holding it at the third position, they could not obtain any information, or they could have minimized the damage.
None of the spies sent by the Luine Kingdom to the Nord Empire returned and disappeared.
◇◇◇
There is a country that was successfully beaten before the Luine Kingdom. That is the Lemberg Empire.
The Lemberg Empire, which is geographically close to the Nord Federation, had been more active in intelligence operations against the Nord Federation than any other country because the Lemberg Emperor had accepted Heinz's wishes as they were.
And the result.
"...I'm sorry. It may have been a trap."
At the conference table. First of all, Heinz spoke words of apology to Emperor Lemberg.
"Right. Royce, what's the damage?"
Royce, the head of the Intelligence Bureau, stood up after being called out by the emperor.
"There are ten spies we have sent in, and twenty as a back-up. All of them have not been heard from since."
"In other words, they were all killed."
"Yes"
"Is there any information you can get?"
"There are."
"Let's hear it."
"First of all, the Nord Federation has changed its name to the Nord Empire."
"Empire…… means that he has taken the name of Emperor instead of King?"
The meaning of naming an empire. That's what Emperor Lemberg thought. It wasn't just the king or emperor who was asked. There is also the meaning of giving the name of the former country that caused the war.
"Probably"
"That's ambiguous."
"I'm sorry. We have ascertained that the emperor's name was Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz. That has made things rather ambiguous."
"...Did he change his name?"
"No. Actually, there is a possibility that this is his real name."
"What do you mean?"
"I asked one of our heroes. She said she had never heard of it before, but she thought it might be possible."
"I don't understand"
"I heard that Ren Takashiro is half Japanese and half German. But Japanese and German are the names of countries."
In this world, the term [half] refers to interracial. Half-elves are a typical example. In the original world, the explanation of half would be tedious.
"So?"
"Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz seems to be a German name. And since his father is German, his real name is actually this one, and Ren Takashiro is the name he took when he came to live in Japan."
"Why would he do that?"
"It seems that the Japanese are somewhat exclusive when it comes to foreigners. Ren Takashiro was bullied because of his appearance, so he changed his hair and eye color to match that of the Japanese."
"If he changed his appearance, wouldn't it be strange if he changed his name? It's a strange idea for a member of the same race."
"I think so too"
In this world, there is no difference in appearance between different countries. There is also little difference in culture. This is largely due to the fact that the scale of the world is different from the original world in which Ren and the others were born and raised. They live in a small world.
"If that much information is available, then it is safe to assume that they are the same person. If that's the case, then he calls himself an emperor, not a king."
"I see."
"What can you think of that?"
"It is difficult to imagine, but it is possible that he became emperor by his own power and not by his contract as a hero."
"How can he be an emperor and not a king?"
"He has subdued multiple provinces. That is to say, the demons were on his side. Has the order been reversed? I believe that he had the demons on his side and used their power to create the Nord Empire."
"......I agree. I think so too."
Emperor Lemberg accepted this rather easily, but this is an inherently surprising detail. It was impossible for him to escape his oath and become emperor.
"By the time we got to this point, we lost contact with the people who were ahead of them. We've been informed that they've sent in some of their backup to search for it and gather further information."
"I see. It seems to be a complete trap."
It was an invitation to get the information. That's what Emperor Lemberg decided.
"What do you suggest we do now?"
"We cannot afford any more casualties."
"But if we do nothing..."
"Rather than that, focus our efforts on protecting the organization."
"...No way"
"I would like to think so too. But there are demons on the other side. They can make them talk, even a well-trained spy."
"I understand. We'll get ready for it soon."
"Hurry up"
Taking this as permission from Emperor Lemberg, the head of the Intelligence Bureau hurried out of the conference room. There was no mistake, in fact, and Emperor Lemberg sent it off without a word.
"I wasn't thinking straight. I should have known how terrifying he was."
Listening to the conversation so far, Heinz became more and more aware of his own shallowness.
"No one can think of daring to target spies. No, even if they think of it, they can't. They would give priority to survival. The spies are skilled at it. It is not normal to annihilate them."
"But Ren did it."
"It's because the demons are there. He has demons on his side that are far superior in ability than the spies."
"Yes"
"Apparently, we can't win in espionage warfare. They think that espionage warfare is the only way they can be superior to other countries. So they are trying to widen the gap in power even further by challenging us to a fight there."
Emperor Lemberg read Ren's intentions brilliantly. It was a little too late, but it was far better than not noticing.
"And our country has fallen for it. It is my own fault."
"No, not only our country but also other countries will probably face the same thing."
"Is that so?"
"His enemy is not just our country. Isn't it all countries?"
"Yes, that's right."
From the beginning, Emperor Lemberg never underestimated Ren. His trust in Heinz makes him do it. As a result, it backfired this time.
"If so, he would have set other countries up as well. In fact, there is evidence of it."
"That is?"
"There are rumors that Nord is using the black market to circulate a large amount of salt and wheat. They have asked us to do something about it, as it could affect the prices on the regular market."
"Even something like that?"
Market disruption. Heinz wondered if Ren was aiming for something like that, but he was wrong.
"I thought he was trying to build up his power on the black market, but it seems there is more to it than that."
"What is it?"
"It is, after all, the country that triggered the last great war. And then there is Ren, who is of great interest to those who know him. If they knew that Nord had that much power, they would be surprised and would try to find out."
"…Do you think the black market is also a trap?"
"That's right. If it were me, I would proceed with the black market trade in secret. Otherwise, it would have stopped the trade. I thought he was being naive, but it seems I was more shallow than I thought."
After their country's intelligence department was attacked, Emperor Lemberg has a perspective that King Luine did not. Even the same information was perceived differently. Naturally, their view is closer to the truth.
"......So that's the man."
"We must think beyond this. We can no longer prevent Nord from gaining the upper hand in intelligence. So what's next? Now that we've brought the black market to the forefront, we're willing to let it be destroyed. Then all the effort they put into the black market is for naught."
"Yes……"
"Or is the strategy to make people think so? Weaken the eyes and ears of other nations, and then what? A plot, no doubt. And against what?"
"Your Majesty..."
Heinz was surprised and deeply dismayed when he saw the emperor begin to worry. As if Ren, as a sovereign, had proven that he had the power to annoy the respected emperor.
Sensing Heinz's feelings, the emperor calls out to Heinz.
"Heinz. Don’t be left behind. This man Ren is even sharper than I had heard. No, maybe he's moved up a notch now that he's in power."
"Yes"
"It's troublesome. If we want to expand our power in the north, we'll run into the Nord Federation, no, the Nord Empire."
"I don't think we'll lose."
"But we might be wounded. Until we are strong enough to face the Luine Kingdom, we cannot afford even the smallest stumble."
"Indeed."
"Let's seriously consider it."
"…The Izrim Magic Kingdom?"
"That's right. It would be a good alliance partner. If we form an alliance, they won't be able to interfere with us even if we expand our power to the West. The Izrim Magic Kingdom will be too concerned about the Luine Kingdom to venture out into other lands."
"It can also be used as a shield."
"Yeah. But the problem is that it is too convenient for us."
From the perspective of the Lemberg Empire, which is located in the southeast of the continent, the Izrim Kingdom is to the west and the Luine Kingdom is to the northwest. The Izrim Kingdom is wary of an invasion by the Luine Kingdom to the north, and cannot devote a large number of troops to an invasion by another country. The Lemberg Empire should conquer the small countries between them and the Izrim Magic Kingdom without being disturbed.
And even if the Luine Kingdom wanted to send out an army, it would first have to fight the Izrim Kingdom.
For the Lemberg Empire, this would be a very convenient alliance, and for the Izrim Kingdom, an alliance that would only benefit the Lemberg Empire.
"Still, it is possible."
"Yes. We can't afford not to reach out to them in the first place."
"Is that so?"
"If the elected king of Izrim were not a fool, he would know the position of his country. He would not choose to be attacked by both the Luine Kingdom and our country."
"You think he may choose to tie up with the Luine Kingdom?"
"If it were only a matter of survival, he would choose the Luine Kingdom."
If you simply compare the national power of the Lemberg Empire and the Luine Kingdom, the Luine Kingdom is superior. If they obeyed someone, it would be the Luine Kingdom.
"...If they were to choose our country?"
"They may be thinking of ingratiating themselves with our country to improve their position after the war. Or."
"......What would it be?"
"They will try to use our country to weaken the Luine Kingdom. Or, perhaps it is so that they can take as much of its territory as possible for themselves. And when they gain strength, they will break the alliance."
"Considering such things..."
It is a somewhat sneaky trick. Heinz has no intention of condemning it, but he is not willing to allow it to be set up.
"The aim of the Izrim Magic Kingdom is to balance the three countries. That's going to bring the war to an end."
"...Will the war between the three countries continue after that?"
The other two countries prevent any one country from jumping through. And so the fighting goes on.
"Is the Nords aware of that... I guess they are. If that is the case, they may try to do something. I hope it doesn't get in the way of our country."
"……Yes"
Emperor Lemberg starts to explain his thoughts to Heinz as if he is teaching him. He may actually be teaching him.
Knowing Ren, Emperor Lemberg had a sense of urgency. Ren is young. If only the years would pass, he would die and Ren would remain.
Will the Lemberg Empire be able to compete with Ren at that time? That is Emperor Lemberg's confidence. And Emperor Lemberg is a great ruler who deserves that confidence.
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