"Reporting, Your Highness."
Serenade arrived with a second dispatch in hand, passing it to .
Following the news of the outbreak of war, this was the second official ssage.
"Operation to evacuate close relatives of Prince Lark has succeeded. All have safely escaped outside the Imperial Capital."
"Seems like Alberto and Elize have done their part. Well done."
I nodded, picturing the faces of the steward and the maid-knight. Serenade bowed gracefully and stepped back.
The plan to remove Larks wife and three children from the Imperial Capital had been prepared well in advance.
It was also a part I had promised to play when I t Lark a few days ago.
Having his family held hostage would restrict Larks actions. I wouldnt want that.
I wanted the two brothers to clash fiercely.
That way, more opportunities would open up for to act.
When whales fight, its the shrimps back that gets broken.
But for the third whale who eats the shattered shrimp, its an excellent opportunity.
Lucas, who had been listening to the rapidly changing imperial situation, groaned.
"Why would Prince Fernandez conspire to...?"
"Ah, the reason? Reasons can be just an excuse."
What did the reason matter? Even if there was a plausible cause, I had no interest.
What mattered was the outco this event would bring.
The empire would be split in two, and the entire world would hold its breath, watching the direction of the civil war.
Everyone would be calculating which side to join.
"Are we then joining Prince Lark?"
Evangeline, who seed to have the sa concern, asked hastily.
As the heir to the Margrave of the Crossroad, she must be more anxious.
I answered straightforwardly.
"No."
"Then why did you evacuate the family of Prince Lark? Are you going to offer them to Prince Fernandez?"
"Thats not it either."
On the surface, it was a humanitarian action for Lark.
To be more honest, it was a safety chanism to ensure that Larks army wouldnt attack us.
If we were protecting Larks wife and children here, at the very least, the imperial forces under Lark wouldnt bother us.
Also, if Fernandezs army tried to attack us, the likelihood that Larks army would intervene increased.
It almost feels like theyre hostages, but not quite.
Well, lets just say theres mutual understanding. I have no intention of threatening or forcing them to stay.
"We declared our independence, rember?"
I looked around at my subordinates and made it clear once more.
"We are not joining anyone. We are taking the third path."
In the clash between the two princes, it was obvious that the winner would be closer to becoming the next emperor.
In other words, for the surrounding forces observing this, choosing the wrong side could an the end.
So forces would confidently support one side, but there would definitely be those who would want to hold off their choice.
To them, I approach as an alternative.
For those factions that want to show good faith to the Everblack Empire and the Imperial Family, but dont yet know which prince to support.
The idea is to coax them into showing faith in for now. That way, I can vouch for them once the next emperor is decided.
Not a bad offer. It might not be as effective as directly choosing a side, but at least it removes the risk of facing the empires blade.
My position is really strange.
Being a part of the royal family ans Im not entirely detached from their quarrels, but having declared independence gives the space to distance myself.
In a close battle between two similar forces, the one I choose to support is likely to win. My worth continues to rise.
Optimization by picking up crumbs, thats what it ant.
Lets make do with what we have.
At the sa ti.
"While theyre busy fighting amongst themselves in the Imperial Capital, we absorb the powers in the gray areas."
Since theyd be preoccupied with fighting amongst themselves, there was an opportunity to actively recruit the Fallen Kings without worrying about the older leaders.
While the worlds attention was focused on New Terra in the Imperial Capital, Id bring the fallen kings who were lying low in the shadows under my command.
Id establish a safe zone where all the oppressed could safely reside, and form alliances with them.
Id gather the largest force I could create.
I dont need the imperial throne. I dont need wealth, honor, or power.
Just to stand against the monsters and protect this world.
I would do everything I could.
I need to organize special envoys.
Each of the fallen kings had different persuaders.
Fortunately, I had several competent individuals around , so it seed I could send special envoys tailored to the opponents.
As I thought, I sighed and scratched my chin.
...So Im getting involved in the outside world after all.
Defense-battle-dungeon exploration-city administration. I wanted to infinitely loop through these three phases like in the ga.
But for a more assured victory, for a bigger picture, I ended up getting involved in diplomacy, which was not part of the plan.
If its necessary, I have to do it.
Looking around at my subordinates whose eyes were shining toward , I bitterly smiled inside.
I have a lot of people to take responsibility for already.
Amid the shifting political landscape, I explained the future direction of our monster front to my subordinates, listened to their opinions, and held discussions and etings late into the night.
***
The relay eting lasted until dawn.
Around the ti everyones faces were becoming tired and drained, Aider and Serenade ca into the reception room with hot tea and refreshnts. I applauded.
"Looks like the eting is almost over, so lets catch our breath with a cup of tea."
While Aider served tea and refreshnts to the others, Serenade ca over to with a cup and poured the tea.
The red and transparent tea swirled in the cup.
"Thank you."
As I expressed my gratitude for the cup, Serenades silver eyes softened.
"Youre welco."
"Thanks not just for the tea, but also for making a big decision."
I was talking about the Silver Winter rchant Guild.
The Silver Winter rchant Guild had long been spreading their business out from the Imperial Capital.
Fearing what could happen in the Imperial Capital if Fernandez revolted, they decentralized their operations to surrounding cities.
The task was carried out covertly, and fortunately, it was completed just a few days ago.
It was a decision that could overturn the fate of a guild built up by three generations, but Serenade followed without any questions. I was both grateful and sorry.
"Its also for the good of our guild."
Serenade smiled warmly, like the aroma of the tea she held.
"The life of a lowly rchant like us can turn into dew on the gallows with just one word from Empire. Yet, our guild has been too dependent on the protection of the Imperial Family."
Being close to the Imperial Family and enjoying their privileges ant that a single word from the Emperor could ruin them.
"A change in our constitution was a necessity. This was a good opportunity to catch it."
I thought back to the incident in the Imperial Capital. The guild building was set ablaze, and Serenade had almost died several tis.
Serenade must have felt it then. That things couldnt continue like this.
"Im the one who should be thanking you, Your Highness."
Serenade took a step closer to and whispered in my ear.
"If it werent for Your Highness, both I and our rchant Guild would have been forever stuck in that narrow world."
"Uh, umm..."
It was a good and correct point, but why was she whispering so quietly in my ear?
And why did her voice sound as sweet as sugar? It felt like it would lt .
"Gasp!"
Thats when I felt gazes staring in our direction.
Turning in surprise, I saw my party mbers looking at us with round eyes, their faces sohow encouraging.
Stop giving a thumbs up! And quit nodding your heads!
Especially the Godhand-Lilly couple; they were nodding with expressions like good for you, we had our tis too, as if they were veterans in love.
Then, as if reminiscing old mories, they held each others hands tightly... whats up with you guys, seriously?
"Ahem!"
Clearing my throat, I addressed Serenade with a serious tone.
"Still, we do need a central branch, right? The Imperial Capital branch has been compromised... where will you move it to?"
There were several nearby cities that had bustling comrcial activities, not just the Imperial Capital.
Maybe I should pick one among those. I doubt anyone would refuse Silver Winters rchant Guild.
"Ive been pondering that issue as well..."
Serenade, leaning against , gave a faint smile as she tightly held her teacup.
"Im thinking of making a bold investnt now that weve raised the stakes."
Raised the stakes to invest more?
...Shes not going to say sothing like setting up the guild headquarters in Crossroad, right?
Even though this place is a fortress city in the southern outskirts, I dont think Serenade would be so reckless. Hmm.
"Ill inform you once we make a decision, Your Highness."
"Alright, thanks. I really dont know how I wouldve handled everything without you."
Genuine gratitude in my words made Serenades cheeks flush.
Her slender fingers fidgeting around the teacup, Serenade quickly turned her body to the side and gulped down her tea. Isnt it hot?
Feeling a bit awkward, I slowly sipped my tea as well. Ahem! This tea is really good!
"Whew~"
A whistle sound flew in from the other side. Damn it. Everyones watching. Whats with this lovey-dovey atmosphere?
I quickly downed the remaining tea in one go and stood up.
"I believe we have sufficiently shared our front-line directions and future visions."
My previously grinning subordinates all straightened up and listened as I spoke with a serious face. I nodded.
"However, regardless of how the world changes, or how this front-line shifts, never forget our original goal."
I reiterate our flagour missionas if Ive said it hundreds of tis before.
"To kill monsters and protect people."
Everything else is a secondary matter to this main objective.
After all, the very definition of this monster front-line is to act as an absolute defense line that protects humanity from monsters.
We must be loyal to our role as the last stronghold in this defense ga.
"Lets prepare for the next defensive battle."
The next stage is just around the corner.
Its ti to turn our eyes away from the typhoon swirling in the teacup and face the nightmares that are coming from the outside.
***
The forward base is almost fully repaired.
Waiting for the monster horde to arrive, I look at the stage information.
[Enemy Info - STAGE 13]
- Lv.?? ??? : 1 unit
- Lv.40 Troll Sorcerer : 2 units
- Lv.40 Troll Royal Guard : 10 units
- Lv.35 Troll Shieldbearer : 190 units
- Lv.30 Troll Foot Soldier : 344 units
The opponents for this stage were the Troll Legion, whom wed faced during the previous free exploration.
Tanker monsters with robust regenerative abilities and well-rounded physical/magical defenses. Their attack power, however, was relatively weak.
I shouldnt let my guard down, but objectively speaking, the power difference is significant...
We could easily overpower them.
And then...
I frowned as I opened another system window.
An unwelco ssage appeared before my eyes.
[??? passes their turn.]
[No Dark Event will be triggered in this stage.]
Even in this stage, no Dark Event was activated.
"..."
I clenched my lips tightly.
I was slowly beginning to feel it.
My nesis, the Demon King who has been pulling strings in the Lake Kingdom, is plotting sothing.
He skipped the Dark Event three tis in a row, a feature he had been consistently using?
Unless he suddenly quit the ga and left it open, it was more likely he was cooking up so nefarious sche.
The problem was that I knew next to nothing about these Dark Events. They were elents that didnt exist when I was just gaming, and now theyre being sprung on since Ive entered this world...
Ill have to consult with Aider about this.
As I was thinking this,
Swoooosh!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Monsters began to surface, cutting through the lake.
It was the Troll Legion, whose faces had beco familiar after beating them up throughout this seasons dungeon explorations.
I was relaxed, and so were my party mbers. We had been dealing with these bastards for weeks now, so everyone was familiar with them.
But then,
"Kyahahahahahah!"
A raucous laughter suddenly erupted from the Troll Legion.
Despite the distance, the laughter rang clear and resounded in our ears. The aura of malevolence emanating from this boss monster made my troops waver.
"Huh?"
Confused, I quickly lifted my telescope. Wait, was there a unit with this level of presence among the nad trolls?
As soon as I looked through the telescope, I saw it imdiately.
A troll of grand stature was sitting on a magic carpet, wearing a turban adorned with gems, and holding a female troll in each hand.
"Holy shit."
The apex entity of the Troll Legion and an ultra-rare monster with a presud encounter rate below decimals in the ga.
The king of the Troll Legion, whose na had been given due to his role in ruining the gatrollingwas.
"Trolling...!"
I pulled away from the telescope and shouted at the top of my lungs.
"Were fucked!"
We stepped in it, damn this shit!
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