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Chapter 132: Attack

As the name suggests, the countries called “The 7 Sphin Nations” are a collective term for the 7 countries that exist on the Sphin continent.

Each of them have a wide variety of principles and political systems. Naturally, many wars occurred throughout history. Around 80 years ago, however, when many countries were exhausted by the long period of turmoil and had lost their national power, they seem to have established this council based on the idea that “we should cooperate while keeping check on each other.”

Arto Kingdom is a multi-ethnic country, but is ruled by the human race monarchical system.

The Ibrudia Empire possesses one of the continent’s largest dungeons – the “Wislo Dungeon”, and a high level of magic tool technology such as airships.

Bukyo has protected and nurtured its own culture by restraining the introduction of cultures from other countries.

Garun, a country which was founded by gathering beastfolks a very long time ago.

Charlat, an elven country that has never fought a war with another country in its long history and has always maintained a neutral position.

Ordila, the country of resources. Most of the country is a desert and there is a large mountain range between it and other countries, so it is isolated in a way different from Bukyo. But it is rich in resources such as magic crystals and has the most fortune among these seven countries.

The Holy Nation Elfald, which is run by a cult called the “Lumis Faith” that believes in the Goddess Lumis.

Ruzark explained all this to us before the opening of the council. On a side note, the Arto Kingdom and the Ibrudia Empire are said to have been formed by the merger of many small countries.

I think Ruzark is really amazing that he can manage a council that gathers nations with such a wide variety of values.

It would be impossible for me… I would go bald from stress.

Right at 10:00 am, with Ruzark’s opening declaration, the Council of the Seven Sphin Nations started with the agenda of the Ibrudia Empire’s invasion of the Arto Kingdom. Regarding this, there was also a letter sent from the Emperor to the Arto Kingdom, in which the imperial army acknowledged its defeat, and various treaties were concluded.

In addition to the specifics of reparations and the conditions for the release of the prisoners of war, what was noteworthy was the ban on invasion of other countries for the next 10 years. If this ban is broken, the other six countries will form an allied force and carry out a counter-invasion on the invading country. It was difficult to understand the intention of this 10-year ban period, but according to Ruzark’s plan, when Princess Luna is installed as Empress after the Emperor’s assassination, it would also serve to protect the unstable Empire from other countries. In short, “Don’t invade the Empire for 10 years.”

And the problem of the lack of immediate means of communication between the leaders of each country was solved by distributing the communication-type magic tools made by Ruzark. I was really impressed that he prepared up to this point.

Regarding the treatment of the prisoners of war, they will continue to remain in the Arto Kingdom until the restoration of the royal capital is completed, and they will be released one by one as soon as the restoration is complete. In addition, it was decided that the damage suffered by the invasion and food problems would be paid in the form of reparations by the Empire, and food aid will also be provided by the other countries.

Ruzark was completely matchless up to this point.

The reason why the treaty was concluded so favorably towards the Arto Kingdom was that even though Ibrudia, an empire with enormous military power compared to other countries, started a war unilaterally, Arto managed to win while minimizing human casualties. That fact sending waves throughout the other countries and the absence of Emperor Ibrudia who should have been here to discuss it were probably the main reasons. The staff officers who attended as substitutes were not able to resist much and they were all forced down by Ruzark.

After that, as per custom, the ranks of clans from 1st to 3rd were announced by each country. Ruzark also reported that Star Supremacy achieved rank 1 in the Arto Kingdom.

The method of determining the clan rank differed from country to country, but it seems that all countries rank their clans.

The clans ranked first in each country looks like this.

・Arto Kingdom: Star Supremacy

・Ibrudia Empire: Calvados

・Beast Country Garun: Leoroa

・Elven Country Charlat: Sylphide

・Ordila: Asura Sato

・Bukyo: Four Seasons

・Holy Nation Elfald: Iglesia

I thought about having a match with all those 1st rank clans someday, but looking at the state of the council this time, that might be a little difficult.

And currently, the last topic of the day, the expansion of trade routes, was being discussed. Outside the window, the light from lighting magic tools can be seen in the dim darkness of the new moon.

It wouldn’t be strange if something happened at this moment.

The reason Ruzark decided to hold the council for two days was to limit the most dangerous and opportune time – in other words, the night of the first day. From the standpoint of conducting an attack, it would be easier to hide and move around in the darkness and all the VIPs are gathered in the same place.

While I was thinking about such things, I received a telepathic message from Drake at the same time as I heard the ground rumbling outside.

≪Bro! Monsters suddenly appeared in the city!≫

≪What are its features?≫

≪A giant dog-shaped monster with two heads!≫

Ostros!? Isn’t that an S rank! I knew that something was definitely going to happen, but I didn’t expect an S-rank monster to attack. Are they planning to destroy the whole city?

But I’m glad I had Shinku and Drake act as a guerrilla team.

≪I know it’s an S-rank monster, but you two should be able to handle it alone.≫

≪No, bro… The monsters appeared in three places at the same time. North, west, and south of the city……≫

≪Are you serious? …You two take care of the north and the west ones. We’ll take care of the one in the south.≫

≪Understood!≫

…If possible, I don’t want to weaken the defense in this room.

However, only Kinu, Zen and I can defeat S-rank monsters alone.

I’ve been hearing loud noises for a while, so we need to respond as soon as possible. But I would need to explain first in order to avoid confusion…

「Ruzark. An emergency.」

「What happened?」

「Three S-rank monsters called Ostros have appeared in this town at the same time. Shinku and Drake are responding to two of them, but the monster on the south side is roaming free.」

「It’s most likely the work of the demons. What should we do…」

Hearing that, the shogun of Bukyo stood up and approached Ruzark with his aides.

「Do you need a hand? Should we defeat the monster in the south?」

「Are you certain? Considering what would likely happen after this, being short of hands might not be wise…」

「If it’s about me, then there’s no need to worry. Hakushu, can you go?」

「If that is your order, sir.」

「Clean up in 10 minutes and come back.」

「Your will.」

The man called “Hakushu” replied expressionlessly and quietly left the conference room.

Is he really sure about this? But judging from the conversation between the two, the shogun must be stronger than his aides.

Looking at my expression, the shogun spoke as if answering the question in my mind.

「Hakushu is one of the clan members of “Four Seasons” which is ranked 1st in the clan ranking in Bukyo Kingdom. If he dares to lose to a lower S-rank monster, I will make sure to personally train him up.」

「Four Seasons……」

「It’s a general term for the four bodyguards who report directly to the shogun. The Four Seasons… four fierce warriors with the names of the four seasons are usually attached as my bodyguards. Well, this time I’ve only brought one.」

「So you are stronger than those guards, right?」

「Well, just so. Though I can’t say that I’m the strongest in Bukyo, I have considerable pride in my strength. That’s what it means to be the head of the Bukyo Kingdom.」

How amazing… In addition to combat strength, it is only possible to attain the position of “Shogun” by possessing high intellect and strong charisma. And still, he can’t claim to be the strongest in Bukyo… Just how high is the martial prowess of Bukyo?

…I am really excited to find out!