SWNOVELXO Chapter 121
The teleportation magic circle consumes an incredible amount of resources each time it is used.
This means that every time one person teleports, thousands of tax contributions disappear into thin air.
The Empire is at war. It is on a larger scale than any previous conflict.
Even they must be keen to reduce unnecessary expenses.
However, a guest from the Empire has arrived through that teleportation magic circle.
It serves as proof that this is a matter of great importance and significance.
Thus, even though fewer than ten people arrived, Ross Tanika welcomed them with great pomp.
“Welcome to Ross Tanika, Imperial Chief of Staff!”
A person who is not of royal blood is personally greeted by the ‘King’ of Ross Tanika.
It clearly shows how much they are bowing to the Empire.
Thanks to the resource support bill, there’s a glimmer of hope.
“Imperial Chief of Staff Kael Clausewitz. I come to meet the ruler of Ross Tanika.”
“Ah, no need to be so stiff. I’ve already heard everything. It’s said that you strongly requested the resource support bill for our Ross Tanika!”
When news of that reached Ross Tanika, everyone must have felt the same way.
Regardless of status, they all wanted to warmly welcome Kael Clausewitz.
How could they forget someone who reached out to help during such tough times?
“You are truly a figure sent by God. It’s the first time I have seen the Emperor envious like this. If we had someone like you in Ross Tanika, we could have turned Dedorant into dust!”
“You flatter me. And Ross Tanika has many heroes as well. Those who have continued to fight valiantly against that wicked Dedorant. In my eyes, one soldier from Ross Tanika is even more remarkable than I.”
“Hahahaha!!”
The King smiled even wider than before.
Whether that is sincere or just polite words, it doesn’t matter much to me.
The man standing there is not just some bureaucrat; he is none other than the key figure among the real powers of the Empire.
He is the strategist who has led victories in every battle that the Empire has fought so far.
A person with such incredible skills has never faced a single defeat.
Who could simply clap a few times after hearing such promises delivered with confidence?
It’s as if God has ordained victory for Ross Tanika!
Starting with the Crown Prince, the royal family members erupted into applause and cheers.
Authority and dignity are drowned out by the certainty of victory.
Right now, they are just fervent supporters of the Empire and this Kael!
*
“Alright. That should be enough now.”
After the banquet concluded, the King of Ross Tanika called Kael aside.
Just moments ago, he welcomed him as the Commander leading the war.
Now, he sought to ask Kael, as someone who holds power over the political landscape of Ross Tanika, his true intentions.
“Chief of Staff.”
“Yes.”
“What is the real reason for your visit to Ross Tanika? If it is merely to encourage our fighting spirit, I would feel a bit disappointed. Doesn’t that imply that the Emperor does not trust me?”
He sent no one less than the Imperial Chief of Staff.
A man who is like an arm to the current Emperor, wielding control over the Empire and various allied forces.
If they sent someone like him, it means the Empire doesn’t completely trust Ross Tanika.
Clearly, they sent him to ensure that no other thoughts might even cross one’s mind.
“Is there something you desire from us Ross Tanika? Do you wish to discreetly obtain payment for the resource support?”
“Of course not. The Empire has made its intentions clear. All payments for resources received from Ross Tanika will be collected after the war officially ends.”
“…Then, are you worried that we might pursue peace negotiations with Dedorant?”
“Not at all. Surely the ruler of this land wouldn’t make such a choice.”
If rephrased, Kael’s words could suggest, ‘Unless you’re insane.’
Ross Tanika has already taken in quite a number of exiles from DeGale.
Being neighboring nations, they’ve inevitably had many points of contact and exchanged influences.
Moreover, in this war alone, Ross Tanika has already engaged in multiple battles, both large and small, against Dedorant.
As a result, many soldiers have died or been injured, and the suffering among the ordinary kingdom people has accumulated significantly.
But one thing is certain: the situation is far from hopeless.
Ross Tanika is still capable of fighting. Their national pride has not been broken.
With aid from the Empire, their fighting spirit has actually grown stronger than before.
In this situation, to suddenly pursue peace negotiations with King Dedorant?
Before the Empire goes berserk, the kingdom people, military, nobles, and commanders would rise in revolt.
Just when they finally had a chance to pay them back for what they’ve endured.
It is absurd to think that a cowardly king would want to sacrifice everything of Ross Tanika.
Surely the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not have overlooked such an obvious fact.
There’s no way the Emperor would have sent Kael without knowing this.
So, there must be something else at play. There is a different reason why that man came to Ross Tanika.
“Speak. We in Ross Tanika are ready to listen to whatever the Empire has to say.”
“First and foremost, His Majesty the Emperor wishes to express gratitude to Ross Tanika. For bravely engaging Dedorant from this distant western end.”
“Is that so?”
Those words were already spoken at the banquet. Yet, he repeats them.
Then, this cannot be the main purpose. The real statement will follow now.
“Additionally, although their kingdom has been taken, to those who are still fighting, His Majesty wishes to express thanks and urges them to strengthen their burning hearts.”
“…Are you referring to the DeGale Royal Family?”
In an instant, the King’s expression slightly twisted.
They did permit the DeGale Royal Family to seek asylum in Ross Tanika.
It was a decision layered with multiple factors. Thanks to this, the strange competitive dynamic between the two kingdoms has come to an end.
For the next decade or so, even if DeGale rises again, they won’t dare to act arbitrarily against Ross Tanika.
However, that also means more complicated troubles have emerged.
To ask for something so boldly while they are in exile, as if they were still the kings of their former land.
Every time he sees them treating the nobles of Ross Tanika, who are aiding them, with disdain.
The King of Ross Tanika often contemplated simply expelling them.
In such circumstances, Kael just mentioned something that appeared to pertain to the DeGale Royal Family.
If the Empire intends to support them as well, the situation would become quite complicated.
The King was about to click his tongue inwardly at that thought when—
“The Emperor’s intention is not that. Furthermore, I do not intend to assist the DeGale Royal Family either.”
“Hmm?”
“They are already under the protection of Ross Tanika, so the Empire need not extend a hand.”
He used the term ‘protection.’ Not resistance or struggle. Kael merely said ‘protection.’
Then it indicated that the true interest of the Empire lies with those who are actually fighting, not with them.
“Your Majesty.”
Kael continued with a slight smile on his lips.
“I wish for your assistance to cross the border secretly.”
“What do you mean?”
“I wish to briefly visit DeGale lands.”
At that moment, the King thought he must have misheard.
He is the Imperial Chief of Staff. One of the two leaders of the First Army.
That means he must know of immense secrets and insights into the Empire’s future movements.
But such a person is asking to be sent to DeGale’s lands, which have fallen to Dedorant?
Surely, it is absurd for him to request access to a location that can be described as enemy territory!
The King wanted to retort with words of disbelief.
But even before he could, Kael spoke with a tone filled with assurance.
“I want to let the resistors still fighting in that land know that the dawn will soon come.”