How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 16: Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Crossed and Conflicting Intentions

With Fuugas sights set on the Empire and Yurigas decision to marry me in the future, our country had managed to avoid conflict with the Great Tiger Kingdom for the present. That gave us a lot of time to work with. This wouldnt have been possible without Yuriga working to realize her own desires, and Liscia and my other wives helping her because of their common interests.

The day after the meeting with Fuuga, I was with Liscia and Yuriga explaining to my other wiveswho werent at the meetingwhat had happened. That said, Yuriga had all of them in on it from the beginning, so I didnt need to explain her feelings to them as they already knew more than I did. When I told them Yuriga would be marrying into the family, they all cheered for some reason, and Roroa and Aisha even clapped.

Ya really pulled it off. Nice goin.

You bent Fuuga to your will. Even warriors would have trouble doing that.

Naden, meanwhile, stood in front of Yuriga, hands on her hips and chest thrust outwards.

Now Ive got a queen whos my junior. People have been treating me like I was younger than I am, but now everyone will see they cant treat me like a kid anymore.

Hmm... But dont you see that Yuriga is already taller than you? Juna pointed out.

Whuh? gasped Naden, and her eyes widened. Her body hadnt changed much since we met, while Yurigas figure had filled out, giving her a more womanly form.

If you asked me which of them was younger...Id have had to go with Naden too.

I-Its okay, Lady Naden! Ill show you the respect youre due as my senior! Yuriga hurriedly reassured her before she could get too depressed.

You mean it? Naden asked, eyes upturned, and Yuriga nodded vigorously.

Oh, my. But when Yuriga marries into the family, shell be a primary queen, wont she? As secondary queens, arent we the ones who have to show her the proper respect?

Nadens shoulders slumped as Juna pointed this out too.

Juna... I said, looking at her reproachfully.

Hee hee! Juna playfully stuck out her tongue.

I gave Naden a hug and a pat on the head to raise her spirits.

Yuriga wants to keep playing mage soccer, and itll probably still be a little while before the wedding. If Fuuga announces the engagement, I just plan to confirm it for now. So shes just my fiance for the time being.

If we maintained a loose relationship status, it would be possible to break things off if the situation called for it. Should Yuriga decide later that she doesnt want to marry me, I wasnt going to force her. But saying that now would trample on her determination, so I kept it to myself.

I bowed my head to all my wives.

If Yuriga does join our family, I want all of you to be good to her.

Of course, Liscia said, hugging Yuriga tight. If anything happened to her, Tomoe would cry... And, I mean, Yuriga is like a little sister to me too. I couldnt make any of my sisters cry.

L-Lady Liscia... Yuriga said, blushing.

Yeah, theyre going to be fine. As I was thinking that, Roroa suddenly crossed her arms and groaned. Whats she going to say?

Roroa glanced at Yuriga. Is it okay to assume Yurigas on our side? Is she gonna keep makin reports to the Great Tiger Kingdom?

Ah! No!

Yuriga slipped out of Liscias arms and placed her right hand over her chest.

If Im going to marry Sir Souma, I need to put this countrys interests first. My obligation to report to my brother ended with yesterdays meeting. If you tell me to send him false information, I would be hesitant to the idea, but I wont tell him any of this countrys secrets that I might learn! Because, if I do anything that hurts this country, I wont be able to beg for his life!

Hearing all this, Roroa then glanced at me. She was probably checking to see whether it was okay to trust her.

I nodded, and Roroa seemed satisfied.

Well, in that case, Im not gonna hesitate to talk. We may be fine with all this, but the problems the Empire, right? Fuuga Haans goin after the Empire, so wont you gettin engaged to his sister shock them?

Yeah, you have a point there...

Unlike us, who had been given a little extra time thanks to Yuriga, Maria and Jeannes Empire was about to face the moment of truth.

Ive got Hakuya contacting Madam Jeanne about it right now. Hell be telling her about everything, including Yuriga.

Madam Jeanne...gets along pretty well with Hakuya, right? Liscia mumbled to herself. This must be difficult for him...

Yeah... I know it was his job, but maybe Id pushed an unpleasant task onto him.

At the same time, in the room with the broadcast jewel...

I see... Sir Souma, with Sir Fuugas little sister...

Yes...

Black-robed Prime Minister Hakuya and Little Sister General Jeanne were talking over the Jewel Voice Broadcast. He had just finished recounting what had happened during the broadcast meeting between Souma and Fuuga yesterday.

That Yuriga girl sounds pretty competent; starting a fight with her own brother in order to get what she wants... Compared to the way weve been on the back foot against him lately, its satisfying to see that happen.

Jeanne let out a self-derisive laugh. Hakuyas expression grew concerned.

Youre on the back foot?

Yes. With the Great Tiger Kingdoms rise, the support for our own country and our vassal states after the natural disasters, the sudden abolition of slavery...our country is in a state of disarray. Now, on top of that, if we have Sir Souma getting engaged to Madam Yurigathus creating a familial bond between the Kingdom of Friedonia and the Great Tiger Kingdomthat will only breed further confusion. That man...Hashim, was it? Fuugas advisor is sure to spread word of it far and wide.

Im sorry to cause you additional trouble... Hakuya apologized, but Jeanne shook her head.

No. You did what you had to. Its only natural to put your own country first... Even if were on the back foot, in the past, my sister would still have been able to do something about it. The fact that she cant now is a failing of our country.

Is Madam Maria...the same as always? Hakuya asked hesitantly. Jeanne nodded.

As always, shes slow to act. She only responds to issues as they arise...

I see...

Honestly... I dont know what shes thinking... Jeanne muttered, a pained look on her face. She shook her head. Im speaking in a personal capacity... Please, ignore what Im about to say... To my eyes...it looks like my sister has lost the will to be Empress. I know shes been enduring the weight of responsibility all this time. But if thats true...then this country is...

Hakuya looked at her, speechless, and Jeanne let out a weak laugh.

Ah ha ha... I shouldnt be like this. The commander of the Empires armies mustnt think like this. No matter what decision my sister comes to, I will protect her.

Madam Jeanne... I...

Dont worry about it. You are the prime minister of the Kingdom of Friedonia. You should act on behalf of your own country. Dont strain yourself on our account.

Jeanne rejected him with a smile on her lips.

If the worst should happen... Sir Hakuya. Please, stay well.

There was nothing more Hakuya could say.

Step, step, step. Prime Minister Hakuya walked the halls of Parnam Castle, lost in thought. His face was as calm as ever, but in his mind he was playing out simulation after simulation, giving no attention to his surroundings. Bureaucrats greeted him, guards saluted him, but Hakuya just kept walking, unnoticing.

His mind was occupied by two things: Jeannes pained face on the other side of the broadcast as she rejected his help, and simulations of how the Kingdom of Friedonia was best to act from here on. A brilliant mind that he was, Hakuya had a firm understanding of the situation. If the Kingdom of Friedonia was going to prepare to deal with the growth of the Great Tiger Kingdom, it was in their interest for the Empire to be destroyed.

If the Great Tiger Kingdom and the Empire fight a total war, the Empire will almost undoubtedly lose, he thought. The Empires knights and nobility are torn on whether or not they support Madam Maria right now. Unless they unite as one, not even the Empire can fend off the fierce attacks of the Great Tiger Kingdom. But she still has the overwhelming support of the rest of her people.

Step, step, step.

If the people who worship Madam Maria as the Saint of the Empire have an almost religious belief in her... If Fuuga were to kill Madam Maria...the whole Empire would rage. Their massive territory would become an unstable region with frequent rebellions. When they put down one rebellion, the resentment will remain and fester once more. He wont be able to say, Today the Empire, tomorrow the Kingdom of Friedonia, and invade us next. Hell need a great deal of time and effort to solidify his position in the Empire.

Step, step, step.

Fuuga and Hashim must know this. Once their victory is assured, theyll call on Madam Maria to surrender. If they can make her submit without killing her, they can keep her believers under their control. But Madam Maria wont submit. She wouldnt make her people follow a man as bellicose as Fuuga, and would defend them as long as shes still alive to do so.

Step, step, step.

In the event that Fuuga goes to war with the Empire, he can only end the war with their total annexation. That means ruling over a vast and restive territory. During the meeting, Fuuga said that once he united the continent, he would give it to His Majesty... In a way, thats true. Once he unites the continent and amasses all the enmity that will earn him, Fuuga wont be able to maintain the unified nation.

Step, step, step.

So...if you think about it from just this countrys perspective... Our best move is not to get involved in a conflict between the Great Tiger Kingdom and the Empire. Its not impossible that His Majesty could assume control of everything without shedding a drop of our blood. But...that means abandoning Madam Maria and Madam Jeanne...

Step, step, step.

As prime minister, I have to advise His Majesty to do that. His Majesty is a rational man, and cares deeply for his family and those who are close to him. Hell surely want to save Madam Maria and Madam Jeanne, who were our allies. I...have to stop him... Because, on the day he hired me, I swore to myself I would support him.

Oh, hey...

Urgh... I mustnt waver. Im the prime minister of this country. I need to work for the benefit of this nation without letting myself be trapped by my own personal feelings. Madam Jeanne understands that. Its why she turned me down. I mustnt let my emotions sway me from my duty. If I were to abandon my role and act on Madam Jeannes behalf, that would sadden her...

Hey, are you listening?

But... Even so! Even so...in my heart, I want to...

Hey! Hakuya!

There was a sudden pull on his shoulder, and Hakuya turned to find Souma standing there. Aisha was behind him too.

Your...Majesty? And Lady Aisha too.

Jeez, whats got you so worked up? I called out to you, but you didnt even respond.

Ah! My apologies. Ive been thinking...

Yeah, Ill bet. Your face looked scary with all those wrinkles on your forehead, Souma said with a shrug, and Hakuya turned his face away from him.

Souma sighed, patting him on the shoulder with the hand hed been using to hold it.

Lets take this conversation somewhere else. Follow me.

As you wish...

The three of them went to the governmental affairs office.

Aisha, keep people away.

Yes, sir! Understood!

Souma posted Aisha at the door to the office and went inside with Hakuya. Instead of using the desk, this time they sat down facing one another on the sofas in the reception area.

Once they had relaxed a moment, Souma said, I know why youve got that look on your face. Its Madam Jeanne, isnt it?

Hakuya was silent, but his expression spoke for itself.

Ha ha ha, youre unusually easy to read for once.

Seeing how Hakuya was shaken to have this pointed out, Souma smiled wryly.

You had a meeting with Madam Jeanne, right? War between the Empire and the Great Tiger Kingdom is inevitable at this point. You know what will become of Madam Maria and Madam Jeanne...so you offered to help, and Madam Jeanne refused... Is that about right? Or could you not even voice your desire to save her?

It was the latter. But Hakuya didnt say a word. He told himself that a prime minister must not get his personal feelings involved in his workSouma already knew, though.

Even if you want to help Madam Jeanne, the best thing for this country is to abandon the Empire... Thats what youre thinking, right? If were going to take on the Great Tiger Kingdom, its simply better for us if we do it when he has to deal with an unstable Empire thats lost Madam Maria.

You understand me well...

Weve been working together a long time, Souma casually responded.

Hakuya gave in and spoke up. What I should advise you is that...rather than let our momentary emotions get the best of us, we should stay out of the fight between the Empire and the Great Tiger Kingdom.

Even if that means abandoning Madam Maria and Madam Jeanne?

Indeed.

You think we should stay neutral?

Yes. Whether Sir Fuuga means to keep his word to you or not, he will not be able to fully capture the hearts and minds of the people of the Empire. Once they annex the Empire, the Great Tiger Kingdom will surely lose steam. Should we choose to join hands with them or fight them, it will be easier then.

Youre naive... Souma muttered.

Hakuya snapped back to his senses and looked up at him. Thats when he realized Souma was staring at him critically.

Souma told Hakuya, Your understanding is naive. Thats not like you, Hakuya.

What do you mean...?

Declaring yourself in favor of one party against the other will always be more advantageous than standing neutral. Those are the words of Machiavelli, the political thinker I always refer to when making decisions as a king.

Souma was paraphrasing the twelfth chapter of The Prince, How a Prince Should Conduct Himself So as to Gain Renown.

To explain what he means, imagine there are two countries, A and B, in conflict. If C remains neutral, the winner will view C as weak, and theyll be the next target. The loser will resent C for being heartless and not coming to their aid, so if the winner attacks C they wont be willing to help defend them. This is the harm that comes from choosing neutrality.

Hakuya listened intently to Soumas words.

Now, if they declared themselves in favor of one party... Lets say C sides with A. If A wins, theyll share in their joys, and that will build a bond between the countries. Conversely, if A loses, A will still be grateful for the help, and if they recover at some point in the future, theyll be a reliable ally. The winner, B, will respect C for standing by their beliefsbe wary, and if possible, try to become allies with them... Or something like that.

Machiavelli served as a diplomat in the Italian Peninsula when it was divided between many scheming principalities, so you could see his distaste for ambiguous positions. In fact, the Florentine Republic, which Machiavelli served, remained neutral in the conflict between their longstanding ally France and the Holy League of Pope Julius II. As a result, the government of the republic was thrown out by the House of Medici with the backing of Spain, a member of the Holy League, once the French withdrew from the Italian Peninsula.

Souma told Hakuya, If I were going to go in the direction youve suggested, I should align myself with Fuuga outright from the start. I could even send our troops in with Fuugas vanguard and help them destroy the Empire. If we dont go that far, we wont have a say in how things are settled after the war.

But we couldnt

Yeah. I dont want to do it either. But if we arent prepared to go that far, we wont be able to survive under Fuugas rule.

Souma was thinking of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Ieyasu was renowned for his patience, having endured serving under other powerful figures. When his ally Oda Nobunaga called for reinforcements, he fought as hard as the Oda. Even when they lost to the Takeda, he was strong in his commitment to the Oda alliance, and he bowed his head to the next ruler, Hideyoshi, too.

If the Hidetsugu Incident hadnt made the Toyotomi government such a mess, Ieyasu would likely have remained a loyal ally. However, after Hideyoshis death, he had to take over to stabilize his house and the country. This is the Ieyasu who is hated by those who are fans of the commanders of the Western Forces at the Battle of Sekigaharalike Ishida Mitsunari, who died for loyalty to the Toyotomi government, or of the commanders on the Osaka side of the Siege of Osaka, like Sanada Yukimura.

He wasnt a commander Souma liked before, but now that hed become king, he was finally able to see just how great Ieyasu was. If you were to ask him if he thought he could do the same, he didnt think so.

Hakuya was looking down, a hand pressed to his forehead.

Still... I cant see it. I can find no other way.

Hakuya...

It is impossible to protect this country and maintain the Empire. If we recklessly try to defend both, it will turn into a quagmire. No matter how I think about it...I cant find the answer I want.

Hakuya hung his head. Souma was quiet for some time before opening his mouth.

Hakuyas head snapped up at what Souma had said. He looked at Souma, as if trying to check whether what he said was true.

Souma nodded. And then, rising to his feet, Souma gestured for Hakuya to follow him.

They went to the second war room, a place that was hardly ever used.

In the center of the gloomy room, which relied on candlelight because it had no windows, a number of tables had been pushed together with a huge map of the continent on top of them. Present was a distinguished group consisting of Liscia, Aisha, Juna, Roroa, Naden, National Defense Force Commander-in-Chief Excel, Vice-Commander Ludwin, and Julius the White Strategist. There was also Tomoe, Ichiha, and even Fuugas little sister Yuriga.

I dont believe I was ever told this war room was in use... Hakuya said, sounding confused.

Yeah, because you werent, Souma replied with a shrug. You were our representative in talks with the Empire, and you have feelings for Madam Jeanne too, right? Excel said it was best to hold off on telling you.

They say love makes men blind, Excel said with a chuckle, hiding her mouth behind her fan.

Hakuya felt a mixture of confusion and consternation, but he set those feelings aside for the moment and stood in front of the big map. Souma stood beside him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Now then, Hakuya. I have high regard for your intelligence... The board is ready. The pieces too. All that remains is you. In light of everything we just talked about, here are your orders.

Souma gestured broadly towards the map with his right arm.

I want you to use that head of yours to devise the optimal future for us.

Meanwhile, there was a military council being held in Fuugas camp as well...

The Great Tiger King, Fuuga Haan, sat with the Partner of the Tiger, Mutsumi Haan, seated on one side of him, while the Wisdom of the Tiger, Hashim Chima, was seated on the other.

At the seats lining the luxurious carpet that stretched out in front of Fuuga were his wise and brave commanders: the Sword of the Tiger, Shuukin Tan; the battle-crazed Battle Ax of the Tiger, Nata Chima; the veteran Shield of the Tiger, Gaifuku Kiin; the commander of the archers, the Crossbow of the Tiger, Kasen Shuri; and the gaudy Flag of the Tiger, Gaten Bahr.

Further away were newcomers like the Saint of the Tiger, Anne, sent by the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State, as well as Lombard Remus and his wife Yomi. It was a whos who of Fuugas subordinates.

The only one not present was Moumei Ryoku, the Hammer of the Tiger, who was currently serving as viceroy in Mercenary State Zem. Fuuga had determined their next target was the Empire, and now Hashim was explaining the strategy they would use against them.

We must strike quickly and decisively, Hashim said, pointing to the map of the continent in the center with a pointer. If you include our allies, we have twice as many soldiers as the Empire. However, the Empire is still a more powerful nation. If this turns into a protracted war, well likely have a hard time.

We cant maintain our supply lines? Shuukin asked, but Hashim shook his head.

That is not a major concern. Fortunately, our forces are more mobile than those of other armies. When the Kingdom of Friedonia was experiencing a food crisis, I heard that they rolled out a transportation network to bring food from places that had it to places that didnt. We can do the same. We have a lot of mounts in our forces, so well have no shortage of overland transportation options. With the current strength of our country, we can wage war for a few years. The Empire also has a transportation network, perhaps modeled after the Kingdoms. That will help us to move faster as well.

Introducing good ideas even if they were developed elsewhere... It speaks to Madam Marias broad-mindedness, Mutsumi said, sounding impressed.

Yeah, sure, Fuuga replied with a laugh. It seems the Kingdom and the Empire are more connected than we thought... Come to think of it, Souma was saying we shouldnt underestimate Maria.

Indeed. That is why we must go at this with everything we have, Hashim said with a polite bow.

The youngest member of the group, Kasen, raised his hand. Sir Hashim. If we dont have to worry about our supply lines, why do we need to strike so fast and decisively?

Its simple. We run the risk of losing our all-important momentum, Hashim said, tapping his left hand with the pointer. Lord Fuuga has expanded the country this far by winning every battle hes fought. The people supporting him believe Lord Fuuga cannot lose. Its the same for us soldiers, isnt it?

Of course, Kasen said with a nod. Hashim nodded in return.

Right now, if Fuuga says we are going to fight, the people will have no doubt victory is assured. When Lord Fuuga takes to the field, our enemies tremble. However, if we struggle against the Empire, we will lose that advantage. Once our abilities come into question, this smooth expansion weve experienced up until this point will no longer be possible.

So, basically, if we say were gonna fight, weve gotta win or were finished, Fuuga added.

Hashim nodded in response. Indeed. There is no need to occupy the entirety of the Empire; we just need to move quickly to the point where they concede. We can strike down Empress Maria and her sister Jeanne to destroy the House of Euphoria, or take the Imperial capital Valois... Perhaps make Maria surrender so that people see shes lost her authority, and impress upon them that Lord Fuuga has won.

Hmm... Youre talking about destroying the House of Euphoria, but they have that other sister, whats her name, in the Kingdom, right? Can we leave her alone?

You mean the third sister, Princess Trill. Opinion of her in the Empire is low. They talk about how she was shipped off to the Kingdom because even Maria couldnt keep her in line. Even if King Souma were to trot her out later, no one would follow her.

Hashim said this as if it were no big deal. Shuukin arched an eyebrow at that.

We owe the Kingdom and Empire for their help in suppressing Magic Bug Disease. So, I dont know about this talk of destroying them...

Hmm. Its not to your liking, Sir Shuukin?

They did save me, after all.

Seeing the pained look on Shuukins face, with cold eyes Hashim said, We must prioritize Lord Fuugas great work. Or am I wrong?

I know that... When the time comes, Ill kill my emotions and fight like a demon.

If youre not keen on it, you can leave it to me. Ill send those Imperial losers packing! Nata, the battle-crazed lunatic, said with a hearty laugh.

Men as simple as him make for easy pawns, Hashim thought, but didnt say it out loud. He pointed to the map.

What we need is speed. There are two routes from our territory for a fast attack on Valois. One heads through their former vassal states, the Kingdom of Meltonia and the Frakt Federation, in the northeast. The other heads straight west from our allied nation, the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State, and Mercenary State Zem now ruled by Sir Moumei.

Let all be as Holy King Fuuga wills it. Hearing the name of her country, Saint Anne bowed her head.

Anne was of the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State, but had been taught to submit to the ruler she served, so she would never oppose anything Fuuga did.

Looking at those routes, Lombard cocked his head to the side.

Wouldnt the route south from the former buffer zone be shorter?

Hashim shook his head. I would prefer to avoid routes near the coast. We cant be sure that the Maritime Alliance wont intervene.

I see...

As things stood, there was no nation that could equal the Maritime Alliance in terms of naval power. Even with their incredible momentum, Fuugas forces couldnt handle even just the Kingdom on its own at sea. Thus, an inland route was of utmost importance here.

I gave him Yuriga and told him to stay put though... Fuuga said with an exasperated shrug.

Mutsumi furrowed her brow. Are you saying the Kingdom will align itself with the Empire?

Looking at how strong their connection ended up being, he might be considering protecting Maria and helping her escape... Yurigas going to be acting as Soumas queen from here on, so we cant count on her to keep him out of it. But thats why were making a strong offensive, right?

Fuuga turned to Hashim, who nodded.

Indeed. If we let her escape, all we need to do is loudly spread the word that Maria abandoned her people. Depending on how we do it, we might even be able to make it so that Souma abducted her in the confusion. If we can hurt their opinion of the Kingdom, they will reject Maria if she tries to come back with the Kingdoms support.

Harsh, Fuuga said, half appalled, then looked at the map. If we want to hit them hard and fast, dividing our forces is a bad idea. Do we choose one route and go with it?

No, we attack using both. We also make the Empire aware we will be attacking by these two routes. That will force them to spread their forces to defend them.

Oh-hoh...

However, on one route, we will only make a token effort while we focus on the other. That means we will be making a primary and secondary attack. Well break through their divided defenses all at once with our main force. However, while the secondary attack is not a serious one, we still need to act in a way that makes them think it will be the primary one.

Hmm. So, north or east? Which side do we make the main one?

This one, Hashim replied, pointing to the route through the Orthodox Papal State and Zem. If they learn we intend to attack by two routes, the Empire will assume one must be the primary invasion force. The natural thing to consider, then, is how well we can coordinate with our allies, Zem and the Orthodox Papal State. Its only natural to be suspicious of a country you havent been allied with for long. Therefore, the Empire will assume They will invade through the north, as its closer to the Great Tiger Kingdoms main force, and the east will only be a token effort from Zem and the Orthodox Papal State.

I get it. Thats how we trick them, huh?

Fuuga crossed his arms and grunted. Hashim gave an exaggerated bow.

Indeed. Even if the Empire does predict that this is the primary attack, they still need to position forces on the northern route. The mental strain of having a border with the Great Tiger Kingdom up north should be considerable for them. I think that our forces, together with those of the Orthodox Papal State and Zem, will be able to break through.

Got it.

Fuuga stood up and drew the sword at his waist, holding it backhanded as he swung it down at the Imperial capital on the map. It went through both Valois and the table.

Were going with Hashims plan. Everyone, prepare for war!

Yes, sir!

His vassals all rose from their seats and saluted him.

While Fuuga was preparing to invade the Empire...

The Empire had noticed the moves he was making. Jeanne, the commander of the Imperial forces, went to her sister Maria to ask how they should respond. She had her soldier-face on as they stood with a map of the continent between them.

The Great Tiger Kingdom is preparing to invade us. One route is from the north through the Federal Republic of Frakt, while the other is through their allies in Zem and the Orthodox Papal State to the east. His forces are large, and many of the soldiers are recently recruited, so I expect they will aim to strike fast and decisively. No matter which route they take, we can expect them to come straight for Valois.

How much greater are their forces?

With the loss of the Frakt Federation and Meltonia, our forces now amount to less than 250,000 men. If you include his allies, Fuuga has 400,000. Thats less than twice as many as us.

I see... Maria said, nodding. Then theres no chance theyll split their force perfectly in two.

Agreed. If they had double our strength, that would be one thing, but without it, they run the risk of being defeated in detail. The steep mountains of the Star Dragon Mountain Range lie between the two routes, so it will be hard for them to communicate. I cant imagine that Fuuga or his advisor Hashim would employ such an amateurish plan.

Yes, I agree... Thats why I think one of the two must be a ruse while they focus their forces on the other. And this will be their real target.

Maria pointed towards Zem and the Orthodox Papal State on the map.

Theyll attack through their allies, not closer to their homeland...is what youre saying? Jeanne asked.

Sir Fuuga trusts in his strength, while a schemer like Sir Hashim doesnt trust others very well. He wont think his allies would put up a good fight without him there to command. That said, Zemish mercenaries are experienced at acting as a diversion, and the Orthodox Papal State has a sizable military too. Without those two countries, they wouldnt have considerably more forces than we do, right?

Well...even without them, theyd still have slightly more.

Then hell want them under his control so he can use them to his advantage. To do that, he needs them to join up with the main force. Thats why hell choose this route.

Maria spoke confidently, but Jeanne was still unsure.

Its true if he takes this route, he can secure the men he needs. However, if he brings men who are not marching at the same pace with him, his advance will be slowed. Is it not entirely possible that he will use his allies as decoys while attacking from the north with a force purely of his own men?

Jeanne presented her doubts, but Maria quietly shook her head.

Im sure thats what Sir Fuuga expects us to think. Its certain that if his goal is to destroy us and become the greatest power on this continent, that plan would work. But Sir Fuuga has grander ambitions. He intends to strike into the heart of the Demon Lords Domain, and perhaps to have a showdown with the Maritime Alliance to unite the continent. Which means...

He doesnt want to use up his soldiers fighting us, Jeanne said bitterly. Were being taken lightly...

Maria didnt respond. Instead, she placed a pawn on the border with Zem.

That is why I will have you and Sir Gunther lead the majority of our forces to the east. Please, do everything you can to hold back Fuugas forces as they come in from Zem and the Orthodox Papal State.

Yes, maam! Understood.

Jeanne clicked her heels together, stood up straight, and saluted.

But what will we do about the northern route? she asked.

I have Sir Krahe defending us with his personal forces there. He will join up with the knights and nobles who have land in the north. That should be enough to deal with a decoy army.

In the north...?

Marias comments made Jeanne look hesitant.

Jeanne?

Oh, no... Sir Krahe is an odd one, but his loyalty to youor his faith, rather, is abnormally strong. Its just...Lumiere and all of them have their lands in the north.

Lumiere was the Empires young and talented top bureaucrat. And she had also repeatedly objected to Marias policies on domestic issues.

Ever since Maria rejected her advice that the Empire should take part of the buffer zone too as the Great Tiger Kingdom was seizing the territory, she had secluded herself in her own domain.

Its not just Lumiere. The northern regions were confused by your sudden abolition of slavery, so many of the knights and nobles are pushing back against that.

Jeannes comment made Maria nod sadly.

Yes... Thats why its best to have them focus on defending their own lands. Wed be in trouble if they collaborated with Fuugas forces on the front lines. Its my fault for not doing a better job of keeping them attached to us though.

Sister... Jeanne couldnt help but address her not as a soldier, but as a family member.

Maria smiled at Jeanne as she stood up and walked to the window.

Hey, Jeanne? What do the soldiers think about fighting the Great Tiger Kingdom?

Everyone is highly motivated! They want to fight for the country, and for you! Many of the knights and nobles criticize your policies as being too passive, but those of lower birth understand! They know its your politics that have protected their families!

Jeanne spoke from the heart, but Marias expression was unchanged.

Then...what of the common people?

They love you, Sister! I...never really respected you for it, but the way you sang and danced on the broadcast made a fine lorelei that everyone loved! Theyre prepared to endure any hardship for you!

I imagine they are, Maria murmured, running her fingers along the window glass. The one the people love, getting them caught up in a war... Its almost as if...Ive brought the war upon us.

No! Thats absurd!

Jeanne. Maria walked over to Jeanne, took her hand, and wrapped both her own around it. No matter what happens, I want you to survive. You are not allowed to throw your life away.

Sister...! Jeanne gritted her teeth and pulled her hand away. I will protect you, Sister! I will protect you and our country to the end!

Then, saluting, Jeanne said, Excuse me, and left the room.

Left behind, Maria dragged herself to the bed and collapsed into it. She turned onto her side, clenched the sheets, and mumbled. Sir Souma... I really...