Chapter 206: Warmonger

Meanwhile, Ferda and Ureas were talking in the reception room.

Since Luri was attending to Grand Duchess Valdrova, the attendants sent by the Imperial Palace were serving Ureas instead.

"You may have already guessed, but the reason I came under the pretext of an inspection tour is because I actually have something else to discuss."

Ureas spoke with a solemn expression.

Anyone with half a brain could have figured that out.

"What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Although Ferda already knew, he pretended not to and waited for Ureas to speak.

There was always the possibility that he might bring up something unexpected.

"Since you're in the Far East, it's understandable that you wouldn't know. The Empire is currently planning to declare war on the Heinkel Kingdom."

Perhaps I should have dismissed that possibility from the start.

Thinking it might not be the obvious topic, Ferda showed a hint of surprise.

"War?"

"You know Duke Yurei, don't you? That shameless Demon Follower still refuses to admit anything."

"Is that so?"

"So we contacted the Heinkel Kingdom. We informed them that Duke Yurei was suspected of colluding with the Demon Race and that we needed to search his territory. Do you know what they said?"

"What did they say?"

"They demanded that we return Duke Yurei first. What do you think that means?"

"Are you saying they're in league with him?"

"Exactly!"

Ureas slapped his knee.

"They must have something to hide themselves, which is why they're demanding Duke Yurei's return first. If they were innocent, they would've let us conduct the search, wouldn't they?"

"That is true."

Of course, Ferda felt quite differently.

Strictly speaking, the Heinkel Kingdom was making a perfectly legitimate demand.

The one carrying out an illegal detention was the Arken Empire, and the possibility that they intended to occupy the territory under the guise of an investigation could hardly be ignored.

"Of course, there are laws, and nobles are expected to treat one another with respect. But that only applies to civilized people who participate in the Grand Ducal Council on the Cerdes Continent. How could that possibly apply when they might be allied with the Demon Race?"

"You make a valid point."

Ureas Arken.

The Empire's Second Prince.

The Grand General who placed national defense above all else.

Judging by his reputation, he seemed every bit the ideal ruler.

But that wasn't what truly drove him.

He simply wants a war.

Among the high-ranking nobles, Ureas was already infamous as a war fanatic.

If Alexander quietly crushed his opponents from the shadows, Ureas was the type to display his pressure openly.

He would crush people with the sword.

He would hold the power over the lives and deaths of the defeated.

That was the kind of authority he desired.

"So I found the situation suspicious and sent spies into the Heinkel Kingdom. Do you know what they discovered?"

"What was it?"

"They really are working together with the Demon Race!"

What kind of ridiculous nonsense is he spouting?

That was Ferda's first thought.

But he quickly calmed himself.

Ureas might be a fool, but were all of his subordinates equally foolish?

Fortunately, there was a way to verify it.

"What does Grand Duke Golt think?"

He simply had to observe Valdemar Golt's stance.

The moment he heard the question, Ureas's face darkened.

"It seems you don't trust me."

"Not at all. If the Empire intends to declare war, it needs undeniable justification. Even if Your Highness is convinced, without Grand Duke Golt's support, it would be no different from losing half of your supporters. If we're certain, then we should make absolutely certain."

"I see. It seems I misunderstood. My apologies."

Ureas answered.

"That old man must've decided he could make use of this war as well. He's already ordered General Luters to organize an army and strike them."

If that was truly his intention, then he was prepared to completely crush the Heinkel Kingdom.

"If the Heinkel Kingdom becomes part of the Empire, the economic benefits will be tremendous. Isn't the west known as the Land of Magic? If we seize the Mana Stones and rare minerals mined there, then the Arken Empire can become a first-rate nation in magic as well! You're a mage—you understand that, don't you?"

He understood perfectly.

After all, he had seen that future himself.

"Until just a year ago, I belonged to a Knight Family. Matters of that scale are somewhat beyond me..."

"Is that so? From what I've heard, you've accomplished remarkable feats. You must be exceptionally talented. In any case, this will make an enormous amount of money. I'm inviting you to join us. What do you think?"

"So... you're asking for my support."

"Naturally, there will be generous compensation."

Ureas made his proposal.

"If you support this war, I'll grant you mining rights to iron ore as well as ownership of one-fourth of the Heinkel Kingdom's territory. With land of that magnitude, you'd secure a place within the Golden Council. What do you think?"

The offer was astonishingly generous.

"And what exactly would you require from us?"

"The technology behind the Magitech Rifle."

It was a fair exchange.

"Think it over carefully."

Before Ferda could even respond, Ureas spoke again.

The word carefully did not suit his expression in the slightest.

"Magitech Engineering is something that others will eventually imitate."

He wasn't wrong.

That had happened in the future Ferda remembered, and even now researchers were studying Mana Stones in hopes of reproducing the technology.

The Empire itself was actively developing similar technology.

"I've heard rumors that someone has already built a Magitech Rifle and is trying to sell it to the Empire."

He had heard about that shameless individual as well.

"How long can that mage Vernel stay ahead forever? A pioneer cannot remain the pioneer forever. Eventually, the tide always changes."

Ferda agreed with that.

"So before that happens, why not sell the technology to us first? Sell everything while it's at its highest value. Wouldn't you call that excellent business?"

From a purely economic standpoint, it certainly was.

Trading a single piece of technology for territory and long-term business rights was an outstanding deal.

"I'm sorry, but we cannot provide you with the rifle."

To Ferda, however, that wasn't what mattered.

"Why not? I believed I was offering you an excellent opportunity."

"It certainly is a good offer. But above all else, I must honor Grand Duchess Valdrova's will."

"Grand Duchess Valdrova's will? And what might that be?"

"During the Grand Ducal Council, I declared that I would conquer the Land of Demons. To accomplish that, I founded Hestia Village and am developing it into a city for adventurers. Hestia Village's Magitech Engineering exists for those who explore the Land of Demons. If my rifles are used in a war against humans, then I would be acting against Grand Duchess Valdrova's wishes."

Ureas waved his hand dismissively.

"That wouldn't be going against her wishes. We're fighting the Demon Race."

"Can you guarantee that there won't be any humans among them?"

"In war, not everyone who dies can be innocent."

"Precisely why I cannot agree."

If someone had stolen the technology and produced it independently, that would be another matter.

But Ferda himself could never hand it over.

If he granted the Magitech Rifle technology in Valdrova's name, it would make her complicit in countless deaths.

He could never face Valdrova after placing such a stain upon her name.

"Is there no way to change Grand Duchess Valdrova's mind?"

"Your Highness came here as the Emperor's representative. In that case, it is your duty to uphold the Emperor's honor."

"Indeed."

"I'm no different. I am Grand Duchess Valdrova's representative, and at the same time, the representative of the Red Dragon herself."

So don't tell me what I should or shouldn't do.

Looking troubled, Ureas stared at the floor before speaking.

"I see... So you're saying there's absolutely no support you can provide?"

I already told you.

Ferda barely managed to keep from frowning.

"Every soldier and every supply within the Grand Duchess's domain exists to prepare for emergencies. Regrettably, we cannot spare even the slightest amount."

"I see... if that's truly your decision..."

Ureas made no effort to hide his displeasure.

That was precisely why he was inferior to Alexander when it came to politics.

Yet despite his frustration, he backed down surprisingly easily.

Something about it felt suspicious.

At that moment, one of Ureas's personal attendants approached and whispered into his ear.

The voice was extremely quiet.

But Ferda's hearing was already sharp enough to catch every word.

"Your Highness, the Imperial Princess wishes to come in. What are your orders?"

"What do you mean, what are my orders? Let her in."

"Understood."

After receiving permission, the Imperial Princess entered.

Ferda already knew she had just returned from speaking with Valdrova.

Just what did they talk about?

She looked utterly exhausted.

Still, she clearly didn't want anyone to notice, so Ferda pretended not to.

"What were you two discussing?"

"We were having a conversation between men. I was talking to him about supplying war materials for the campaign against the Heinkel Kingdom, but he refused."

"Is that so?"

Olivia asked with widened eyes.

"Unfortunately, it goes against the founding principles of Hestia Village..."

"I see. I was hoping this would strengthen the relationship between the Far East and the Empire..."

She let out a disappointed sigh.

Then she subtly looked at Ferda.

Receiving the signal they had agreed upon beforehand, Ferda acted accordingly.

"Come to think of it, Your Highness seemed quite interested in the Magitech Rifle..."

"Hm? Ah, yes."

"Although I cannot provide you with the weapon itself, I can give you the opportunity to experience what the Magitech Rifle is capable of, as well as several of the other weapons currently under development. What do you think?"

"I'd love that!"

Ureas beamed like a child who had just received a new toy.

"Very well. I'll notify the castle personnel that Your Highness is on his way so they can prepare."

"Excellent. Sister, you should come as well."

Olivia answered with an awkward smile.

"You know I can't even stand the sight of bladed weapons. Why don't you go by yourself?"

"Very well. Then the two of you can chat while I'm gone."

He tried to leave with dignity, but he couldn't hide the spring in his step.

Like an excited child rushing toward a toy store, Ureas disappeared.

Olivia cleared her throat.

"Now then... shall we have a conversation of our own?"

She smiled seductively.

"Did your conversation with Grand Duchess Valdrova go well?"

Ferda asked about her meeting first.

"Yes. There were a few rather surprising moments, but overall it went well."

She answered casually.

Yet it was obvious she had no intention of talking about it.

Instead, Ferda asked another question.

"I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Hehe. I'm flattered that you're curious about me."

"What exactly is your relationship with Storeus?"

When Storeus had encountered Ferda, he had told him to help Olivia.

Contrary to Ferda's expectation that her smile would disappear, she remained perfectly composed.

"It's simple. A pet and its owner? No... that isn't quite right."

She smiled.

"It's more like a circus monkey and the audience. When the monkey performs tricks, the audience applauds and tosses it an apple."

"And the support you receive?"

"A power I borrow when it truly matters."

She smiled faintly.

"The power to kill the Emperor."

It was difficult to understand.

"Even if the Arken Empire is powerful, surely it is nothing before a dragon."

"A dragon can destroy an entire kingdom without batting an eye. Yet even dragons cannot interfere with the Arken Dynasty. Isn't that rather strange?"

He couldn't deny it.

"Storeus began helping me three years ago. He approached me, saying he already knew I intended to kill the Emperor."

"He offered to cooperate?"

"Cooperate? Do you think someone that arrogant even knows the meaning of cooperation? I already told you—he sees us as a monkey and an audience. He said he was merely watching us. At the time, he offered no explanation."

She paused.

"But after the Monster Extermination Campaign, he came to me again and finally explained."

She raised three fingers.

"He said that the Arken Imperial bloodline had made secret pacts with three dragons."

Storeus had called it...

"...A debt."

Three dragons.

Two had already moved.

Silverwind.

And Storeus.

"Who is the third?"

"The Bronze Dragon, Frontesis."

Fortunately, it had nothing to do with Valdrova.

Frontesis was famous as the Dragon Smith.

Legendary weapons and armor were said to have all passed through his hands.

Yet he could never remain in one place for long.

According to the bards, other dragons eventually seized every one of those legendary creations from him.

As though legends were nothing more than legends.

"Alexander used that debt to command both Silverwind and Storeus. Otherwise, it would've been impossible."

"Does Alexander know about this debt?"

If it could be exploited, Ferda intended to uncover everything.

"Unfortunately, no. It's an oral secret."

She smiled.

"Only those destined to become Emperor are allowed to know it."

"Then how do you know?"

Olivia merely smiled with her eyes and remained silent.

Understanding that she would never answer, Ferda dropped the subject.

This woman truly attracts everyone's attention.

Among humans, there was Valdemar.

In Hell, the Great Demon Sitri.

And now, even the dragon Storeus.

He finally understood why she was compared to a priceless jewel placed upon an auction stage.

"Life must be exhausting when you're that beautiful."

"It certainly is."

Olivia looked directly at Ferda.

Her long eyelashes hung like eaves, and her clear eyes resembled a lake beneath a cloudless sky.

Smiling alluringly, she answered,

"Still... I think it's much better than it used to be."

"Please don't smile like that."

"Oh? Why not? I've always smiled this way."

She tilted her head.

"Or... are you becoming conscious of me?"

"Not at all."

"Hehe. Very well. I'll stop teasing you."

She smiled softly.

"Do you have any other questions?"

"Ureas is rather clever."

Ferda looked directly into Olivia's eyes.

"It's almost as though I were looking at another version of you."

"What an outrageous joke."

She laughed.

"My dear brother Ureas isn't even half as capable as I am."

"Then should I assume that proposal was actually your idea?"

"Of course."

She nodded.

"I wrote the entire scenario from the beginning."

"So... should I have accepted your goodwill back there?"

Olivia shook her head.

"No."

"I expected you to refuse."

"If you had accepted, it would've been far more troublesome."

"My position requires me to stop the war the Empire is trying to start."

Her gaze sharpened.

"And to do that..."

She looked directly at Ferda.

"...I need your help, Regent Ferda."

"What exactly do you need from me?"

She answered without hesitation.

"The key to this war is Duke Yurei."

"We have to smuggle him out."