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Chapter 295 part 1

「Gwandan’s speculation that Grand Duke Linosart and Princess Asteria might already be in contact with Mundus Carnus’s envoys was on target.」

「It wasn’t that Gwandan had foreseen the future or read Asteria’s mind. Rather, at Dran’s main base, a fleet of surface warships, including Vengitta and Quince, had appeared, seeking contact in anticipation of an outbreak of war.」

「Mundus Carnus, armed with equipment far surpassing the technological levels of surrounding nations and an army composed of demons superior to humans in basic performance, was an adversary not to be underestimated. Moreover, being descendants of the God of War, they were both belligerent and eager for combat.」

「Their stronghold, the Dark Wilderness, bordered not only the Arkrest Kingdom. It was certain they would also target the Romal Empire, stoking the fires of war.」

「While Bern, with our combined forces, won’t be in immediate danger, Romal, divided into three parts, faces severe challenges.」

「Especially for the forces of Grand Duke Linosart and Princess Asteria, for the southern rebels, they are a convenient shield against the Demon Lord’s army. Anyone could think of taking advantage of the gap between a battle-weary Demon Lord’s army and the Imperial Army.」

「Initially, in the Romal Empire, the three forces had been undermining each other, each awaiting the enemy’s moment of weakness. The unforeseen emergence of the Demon Lord’s Army had forcibly altered the situation.」

「Lynette, who had been listening to Gwandan, interjected. Amria seemed to be deep in thought from Gwandan’s information, prompting Lynette to add more details for consideration.」

「But it’s clear that the southern rebels aren’t united. Reducing the Empire’s power too much would mean having to fight the Demon Lord’s army, a foe with no reason for enmity, no history of discrimination, and no land disputes.」

「It wouldn’t be strange for some to choose to watch silently, using this as an excuse for the Empire and the Demon Lord’s Army to fight. Perhaps there might even be skirmishes within the rebel forces or a battle for unification.」

「So, we need to unite first before acting. Hm, Lynette’s point is valid. Considering it’s Princess Asteria, she may have already made secret non-aggression pacts with some rebel groups in exchange for independence assurances, even before the fight for the emperor’s throne began.」

「However, with the arrival of the Demon Lord’s army, these pacts might be broken, leading to a full-scale offensive by the rebel forces. Still, we’re only discussing possibilities without much certainty.」

「Gwandan sighed, not hiding his frustration with himself. Indeed, his speculations were filled with ‘maybes’ and ‘possibilities,’ lacking definitive statements.」

「While they speculated, inside Asteria’s mind, she had likely been making accurate predictions as if she had seen the future, and Gwandan was convinced that events were unfolding as she had envisioned.」

「Amria, having gathered her thoughts, spoke with a stern face, quite the opposite of her usual calm demeanor. Judging from her expression, the girl, likely as intelligent as her sister, had reached an unpleasant conclusion.」

「The Seven Fangs of Elkeney won’t make a move first. And likely, the Roaring Sun’s Majesty won’t be actively involved either. However, they might be forced to act due to pressure from the more radical factions.」

「Really?」 Yachiyo exclaimed in surprise.

「Yes, the Seven Fangs are moderate, and since they’ve regained their ancestral lands, they’re unlikely to willingly engage in further warfare. But the Roaring Sun’s Majesty too?」

「Yes. Regul is direct, impulsive, and passionate, but he understands the responsibility of his position well. Even without anticipating the Demon Lord’s army, he would instinctively sense the bait and become more cautious. His instincts are specialized in benefiting the group.」

「Really, Amria, you understood all that just from a short conversation with Regul?」

「It was a time rich in information. Gwandan, how do we communicate this to His Highness Sperion and the others?」

「Well, Asteria probably knows about those hiding in Baroldi, so we’ll have to contact those in distant cities. The challenge is how we leave Baroldi without detection. But, we don’t necessarily need to leave to make contact.」

「There are supposed to be multi-layered counter-espionage spells that interfere with magical communication, but that’s not a problem?」

「Interference or detection won’t be an issue. Asteria isn’t concerned about us making contact, and when we contact His Highness Sperion, it’s probably not a major concern to her either.」

「That’s true. Still, she must be taking steps to ensure that the Romal Empire, which she plans to hand over to me, doesn’t perish. It seems she’s indifferent to concepts like patriotism. I don’t have any particular attachment to the Romal Empire either…」

「So, you’ve resolved to ascend to the throne of a country you’re indifferent to as a means to an end?」

「Yes. At least before the war starts and in the current state, I have the shortest path to make the Romal Empire into a more salvageable country. All that remains is for me to decide and begin walking that path. Moreover, if necessary, there’s no need to preserve the Romal Empire. It’s unseemly, but the current situation and my connections are ideal for that.」

「While Yachiyo and Fuuko were surprised by Amria’s bold statement, Gwandan spoke with a touch of sadness.」

「It’s sad to see Amria’s limited freedom further narrowed by her own choices.」

「Even so, you’ve really decided to become the emperor. Your encounter with Princess Asteria was like a potent poison.」

「I see that Gwandan-sama has mixed feelings about my aspiration to become the emperor.」

「I know it’s my own bias, but I think a more peaceful life suits you better, and I couldn’t help but express it. I apologize.」

「No, I’m aware that I’m attempting something against my nature, so it’s natural for you to think so, Gwandan-sama. But, even if it’s against my nature, it’s the path I’ve chosen. I might take a break at times, but I’m determined to see it through to the end.」

「Is that so? Hmm, I see. Amria, needless to say, I, Gwandan, act to protect you. However, if you become the emperor of the Romal Empire, my presence may not be necessary.」

Yachiyo and Fuuko, realizing what Gwandan meant, involuntarily stood up, while Lynette, Gundeus, and Kyrlinne looked down with a somber expression.

「Yes. I aim for reforms that transcend ethnic and racial boundaries, so having Gwandan-sama, a Draconian, by my side would be effective. But, Gwandan-sama, as an extension of Dran-sama…」

「Ah. Once you become the emperor, I will return to Dran, at least. It seems Yachiyo and Fuuko already understand this. Lynette, Gundeus, and Kyrlinne can do as they wish.」

There were some loopholes in this conversation, but Amria and Gwandan, likely aware of them, remained silent, waiting for Lynette and the others to respond.

「Lynette holds Amria-sama in high regard. If she faces hardship, I’d like to help, even if only a little. However, I have many important things in Bern and cannot stay by your side indefinitely. I can gladly assist for a limited time, hoping for your understanding.」

「Everything Lynette wanted to say has been said, but I can’t commit to serving you for life. However, depending on the circumstances, I’m willing to help.」

「I think I’m in the same boat as my sister and Gan-chan. Also, with our growing recognition in the Arkrest Kingdom, constantly being in another country, even under illusions, would be problematic.」

Despite understanding their response, Yachiyo and Fuuko couldn’t hide their disappointment, while Amria soothed them.

「Oh no, it will be so lonely if there are few familiar faces after Amria-sama becomes emperor.」

「Amria-sama, Hachi, and I will be among the very few in the know, which is a problem. Is there no way around this?」

「Come on, Yachiyo and Fuuko, you know you’re asking too much, right? I may become an elder sister, but finding new allies will lessen the loneliness a bit.」

「I doubt we can find anyone to replace Gwandan-sama and the others. We must build a strong relationship with the Arkrest Kingdom.」

「Ninin.」

Unnoticed by Yachiyo and Fuuko, Amria, aware of a strategy to maintain friendships, smiled gently.

「Of course, the Arkrest Kingdom has always been and will continue to be my most reliable neighbor. I will strive to build a future together.」

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