Chapter 88

88.

In the large conference room, I waited for the attendees to gather while skimming through a few documents.

I carefully reviewed the history and power structure of Kalheig. It seemed that focusing on these two aspects could provide clues to easily resolving the issue.

Thus, I instructed Charles to prioritize these two topics among the various materials he gathered, and the intelligence from the Black Hawks and Central Information Agency that he promptly prepared was impressively detailed.

“…This is good.”

Many spies embedded in Kalheig had successfully infiltrated various key positions.

From the lowly street vagrants to the high-ranking officials in the palace.

These reports were filled with various internal information, ranging from the undergarments of noblewomen to the secret private lives of high officials, market trends, and the power struggles among different factions.

Some of the entries detailing the hidden disgraces or secrets unknown to outsiders clearly indicated that they had amassed a great deal of information.

At this level, it was as if they had installed transparent eyes that could see everything clearly.

I was surprised by the Central Information Agency’s capabilities, but upon asking Alberto, who was preparing for the meeting nearby, he mentioned that the Black Hawks had laid the groundwork for this.

They had exploited the foothold established by the Central Information Agency through their long-term efforts.

“I need to guide the content of the meeting in this direction.”

An ordinary form of a country might suffice, but as a young union, a far more critical approach was necessary.

Division.

As I reviewed the documents, the vague plan in my mind became much clearer. If things went smoothly, the war could be concluded in a short period with minimal casualties.

If the central nobles and officials followed the plan appropriately, the chance of failure would be minimal. Moreover, although it would be a difficult path for a weak country, Altain was more than capable.

The door of the large conference room opened, and a middle-aged nobleman appeared confidently.

Surprisingly, upon seeing Iris seated at the head of the table, he paid his respects. When his gaze met mine seated beside her, he bowed deeply in surprise.

With the middle-aged nobleman seated at the farthest spot from the head of the table, the summoned individuals began to enter and take their seats in the large conference room, one by one.

Finally, with Kierson and Barnel taking their seats, the emergency meeting began.

“First, I thank you all for responding to the sudden summons.”

As Iris’ voice echoed through the large conference room, everyone bowed their heads.

Unlike the usual administrative meeting, the conference room was relatively sparse. With only the two dukes and other top officials summoned, the seats were inevitably spread out.

Since the operation targeted a nation, confidentiality was paramount – fewer people present, the better.

While memorizing the faces of the nobles and officials, Iris’ voice cut through my thoughts.

“Given the urgency, we will skip the formalities. The topic of this meeting is Kalheig. The discussion is about addressing the situation there. Chamberlain, distribute the materials.”

It was a glimpse of the sovereign’s mannerism I witnessed in the reception hall.

Calmly, Iris directed the meeting, unlike the usual proceedings led by Alberto. Under her leadership, the meeting was progressing efficiently, which impressed the others.

‘You’re holding up well.’

A glance showed her neatly clasped hands trembling slightly. Contrary to her usual passive demeanor, this proactive stance reflected her determination and will.

With a quiet touch of my hand, Iris flinched slightly, but quickly regained her composure as she glanced around with a more relaxed air.

By the time Alberto had distributed the materials and returned to his seat, Iris spoke again.

“Though some of you may have guessed, Kalheig is challenging the Empire’s authority.”

“Hmm…”

“War…?”

While the two dukes and others who had quietly analyzed the situation were calm as they reviewed the materials,

the unexpected mention of war startled the others.

It was understandable why they were surprised.

As for myself, Iris, and the two dukes, since we were directly involved in the flow of various intelligence and information, we could predict the war based on Kalheig’s movements.

For the others, unless they had carefully scrutinized the nation, there would be no way for them to know.

As the subject of war was thrown into the room, tension settled over the large conference room.

“Now that you’ve reviewed the data, you should understand. Several circumstances have been confirmed. It’s a clear fact that Kalheig’s army will move. The timing will be at the end of summer or possibly in the fall.”

The attendees confirmed this explanation and information with a murmured acknowledgment.

The troop reinforcements, military accumulation, unit reforms, and movements…

It was undeniable, despite any potential hasty conclusions, that the documents were accurate.

“Hmph, that barbarian is actually raising an army? Truly turning grace into enmity.”

“How dare they ignorantly declare war…!”

Interrupting the few enraged individuals, Iris’ voice cut through.

“We have maintained silence for a long period since the war with Sylvester. Therefore, we will handle Kalheig.”

Her strong voice silenced the murmuring attendees as they looked towards her.

“It’s time to demonstrate the Empire’s power. This meeting will focus primarily on how to address Kalheig. However,”

Iris paused, taking a light breath. Perhaps organizing her thoughts, she closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled deeply.

A silence fell over the large conference room.

As the tense attendees were about to speak, her eyes reopened.

“We will control the timing of the war. The time is summer. Starting now, please share your opinions on the method.”

“Summer? Summer? Do you have any idea how rushed this is?”

The cries of bewilderment were silenced as Iris raised her hand. I shot a glance at the noisy individuals, and they quickly quieted down.

In the calm atmosphere that resumed, she spoke.

“Since we must accelerate the commencement of the war, I ask for your understanding. Is there anyone who is aware of the situation on the Northern Front?”

No one could answer her question.

How could they? Central nobles or officials living in the capital wouldn’t be likely to have the necessary knowledge. The exchange between the North and the central administration had faded long ago, with the central administration focused on its internal conflicts.

Still, they were dealing with issues arising from all over the empire, and so it was somewhat natural that attention to the North had waned as the Northern Dukedom was managing itself effectively.

To the silent attendees, Iris calmly stated:

“Reports indicate that the Northern Front is precarious. You must know what it’s holding back.”

As I supplemented her explanation with a glance around the solemnly nodding individuals,

“Should we fail, there’s a risk of the entire region splitting. We have provisionally concluded that a short-term military campaign against Kalheig is necessary. Considering this point, please continue your discourse accordingly.”

“Shouldn’t we prioritize aiding the North instead?”

I shook my head at the official dressed in the Imperial Army uniform who had raised the question.

“The North is currently unreachable. Powerful snowstorms are blocking the paths, leaving us unable to intervene until the weather improves.”

“This time of year and snowstorms…?”

As I turned my gaze away from the solemn official, I looked at Iris.

It was time to delve into the actual subject. Meeting her eyes, she nodded slightly and began.

“We cannot sustain a prolonged conflict. Thus, we will initiate preparations for a short-term military campaign.”

“Hmm?”

I turned to Iris again at her definitive statement.

A short war was something I had already considered, and it was reasonable for others to consider too given the current situation. Yet, one might ponder whether we could actually control if the war was short or long.

Though it seemed like a mere thought, the calm determination in her eyes as she mentioned the short-term campaign indicated that her envisioned outcome likely wasn’t far from mine.

To confirm, I carefully inquired:

“By short-term campaign, you mean…”

“First, we will significantly weaken Kalheig’s strength and then completely annihilate them to bring the war to an end. Here’s the approach.”

With a gentle smile, she continued.

“First, we freeze their economy. Second, we will foster internal dissent.”

“Finally, we’ll use force as the finishing blow, though the Empire’s military capability is more than sufficient.”

She then went on to explain more specific methods.

Economic freeze – gradually reducing trade, not just with Altain but also blocking their interactions with other nations in order to gradually pressure Kalheig.

As for the internal dissent,

Considering Kalheig’s nature as a confederation with strong religious overtones tied to the Bright Sect and rooted in a more indigenous faith,

she proposed to exploit those divisions and execute covert operations.

It turned out her plan was similar to what I had considered.

What methods could weaken a tightly-bound nation? Just stir up things inside and out. Altain still retained that kind of influence.

As the attendees listened to her explanations, they voiced their opinions one by one.

“Indeed, this isn’t impossible.”

“It’s not easy, but it’s worth trying.”

“Considering this, wouldn’t they simply surrender without needing a full-scale war?”

A point that Kierson, who had been reviewing documents during the meeting, brought up. He was answered by me this time.

“This time, it’s significant to demonstrate to the entire Western Continent and Sylvester. Kalheig will surely raise the banner of war – we’ll make it so.”

“Hmm, how specifically?”

“Rumors and words can sometimes settle massive debts, or they can create enemies that can only be resolved with blood.”

This history, encompassing both the previous and current lifetimes, involves quite ruthless and troublesome actions—incitement.

Using Kalheig’s characteristics and Altain’s particular association with the Bright Sect, this was definitely feasible.

Kierson seemed to ponder for a moment before nodding.

“The economic aspect will be led by myself and the Inner Palace. Let’s all begin discussing the approach. Keep in mind that all contents of this meeting remain classified.”

As he concluded, he gathered the nobles and officials from the Inner Palace to begin discussions, at which point

“There is one issue, however.”

Breaking the prolonged silence, Barnel spoke.

“Kalheig is a country that is incredibly devout, akin to a congregation of sect followers. The sect itself has considerable ties with them, having supported them willingly.”

While investigating the flow of funds during the preparation of the Great Festival in the Inner Palace,

I had spotted a good amount of money flowing towards the Bright Sect’s main temple.

Though transported by trade guilds, tracing the source led back to Kalheig.

Expounding on this point, Barnel continued.

“This means we have to confront and oppose the sect directly. If we proceed with this plan, the response won’t be favorable.”

The Bright Sect is the largest religious entity wielding influence on the Western Continent.

Not only is it symbolized by the Sun Goddess, but it also has actual miracle-working holy maidens, making it the most powerful religious organization overall.

The Moon Goddess, a counterpart to the Sun, hasn’t seen a holy maiden appear yet.

Representatives of the Mu-Nas (shamanic priestesses) of the Human-Beast Confederation and other smaller sects existed, but none possessed the miraculous abilities of someone like Empress Myna.

According to rumors, she had brought back a man barely clinging to life at his final breath.

Engaging in war would lead to consequences that destroy the sect’s interests.

“They won’t sit idly by as their followers get swept away by the blazing steel.”

“Given the abrupt cut-off of funding, the sect will not remain quiet.”

Barnel’s statement led to discussions between the two dukes, which prompted reactions from the attendees.

“How dare a mere religion obstruct the affairs of the Empire?”

“How can you speak such disrespect… The Goddess watches over us. Be mindful of your words.”

“Hmph. What do I care? If they are so disrespectful, may she punish them. I am still alive and well.”

The previously quiet large conference room quickly turned into chaos.

Everyone began vocalizing various opinions and engaging in intricate conversations, while Iris, who was observing the situation, appeared lost in thought.

“The Bright Sect could be a roadblock.”

Ignoring them was not an option, as they were such a powerful group. After all, they had miracle workers in their midst.

However, this obstruction was something I could handle.

BANG.

“Then, let’s conclude the meeting.”

My voice striking the armrest stopped the conversations among everyone.

I gave a subtle smile to Iris, who had lifted her head and then scanned around the large conference room before speaking.

“We will proceed according to His Majesty’s plan. As this requires swift and covert actions, approach everything with careful consideration.”

“Are we ignoring the sect? If so, I think it’s not bad.”

Muttering this, Barnel nodded. Kierson gave a faint smile, too.

They seemed to hope for a direct confrontation with the sect’s intervention.

Perhaps they desired the situation where I alienated the sect, or maybe they intended to reduce the sect’s influence through this chance.

With a wry smile while exchanging glances with the two dukes, whose inner thoughts were unreadable,

“I will handle the sect issue. Focus on resolving Kalheig.”

There is a fact they’ve overlooked.

The Bright Sect will never find itself in a situation where they oppose me.