‘What’s this about? Well, it’s good for me anyway.’

Eugene was bewildered but satisfied. His original plan had been pretty simple. Starting with the Dukedom of Viseche, he would make sure that the other territories and countries would become indebted to him. Afterward, he would hint at the fact that Crown Prince Voltaire was behind the monster uprisings, then use them as shields to keep the Roman Empire in check.

But what was this? Eugene had never expected that one of his potential shields actually had the same thought as him. Moreover, they even went a step further and were thinking of an alliance!

“D-do you really think that something like that is possible? If His Majesty the Emperor finds out about this—N-no, in the first place, I also inherited the golden blood of the Roman Empire, so how could I…” Prince Localope muttered with a pale expression.

The Roman Empire was strong; it was known as the strongest nation after all. However, if the countries Duke Viseche had mentioned came together to form a coalition, even the Roman Empire could not ignore them. And if all the countries happened to wage a war against the empire at the same time, the empire would be stuck trying to deal with so many fronts. Even if they possessed tens of thousands of troops, the power of numbers could only truly be expressed when they were gathered together. If the soldiers had to be redirected to many different borders, it was inevitable for there to be an increase in unknown variables. And even if it didn’t necessarily result in war, if seven nations, or rather, eight including the Dukedom of Maren, united, they could inflict significant damage to the empire’s economy, which would make it extremely difficult for the empire to act against them.

“Anyway, I will pretend that I heard nothing, so—” Prince Localope spoke out in hopes of avoiding the issue.

Duke Viseche interrupted him, “The fact that I said such things to Your Highness would put you in a difficult spot, wouldn’t it?”

“W-what?” Prince Localope muttered with a dazed expression.

Duke Viseche continued with a smile, “Wouldn’t His Majesty the Emperor feel very uncomfortable if he heard that we discussed such an issue in the presence of an imperial prince? Of course, you would be placed in a rather precarious position as well, Your Highness.”

‘Precarious’ was an understatement. Prince Localope would be branded as a traitor to the empire. He would have to live under the constant threat of assassination, and he would never be able to return to his homeland.

“It was just a thought, so please don’t make that kind of an expression. Hoho…” Duke Viseche said. Prince Localope couldn’t believe the nerves of the duke to say that it was only just a thought after describing his plan in detail. Prince Localope suppressed the urge to burst out of his seat. The Duke of Viseche was a great noble with legitimacy equivalent to or greater than that of a direct descendant of the imperial family. As such, Prince Localope knew that he could never show him any disrespect.

“If the alliance is actually formed, the imperial family will express concern. However…”

“Aren’t you just trying to say that we simply need to have the empire recognize the current state of things? Perhaps it’s because you are a cautious man, but you have a habit of beating around the bush with your words,” Eugene directly said. He had no need to show consideration for the imperial family of the Roman Empire.

“…!”

Duke Viseche’s eyes widened in astonishment, but he then responded with a chuckle, “Hahaha! You are right. I am kind of like that.”

“Well, I understand your position, sir. You must have many things to consider, as your bloodline is quite complicated. Anyway…” Eugene responded.

Localope stared with his jaws agape. He couldn’t believe that Eugene had described the historical, honorable heritage of Duke Viseche as simply being ‘complicated’. Duke Viseche stared at Eugene with interest.

“In conclusion, you’re implying that I should head to the empire and stir things up? In the meanwhile, you, sir, will provide support by uniting the other nations affected by the monster uprisings. And we can decide whether to actually form an alliance or not depending on how things turn out, right?” Eugene said.

“Exactly…” Duke Viseche responded.

“And for His Highness the Prince…” Eugene muttered while turning his gaze to Prince Localope.

Prince Localope flinched.

“I guess you can watch from the side and partake in the bread,” Eugene continued.

“Hooh!”

“What do you mean by that?”

Duke Viseche exclaimed, and Prince Localope asked with a confused expression.

“Do you still not understand why Sir Viseche has included Your Highness in a discussion that could be seen as rebelling against the Roman Empire?” Eugene asked.

“Uh…” Prince Localope had no answer. Just as Eugene said, Prince Localope had no idea why he had been placed in such a difficult position. In fact, he felt like going mad because of it. Was it because they trusted him? Did they really think he was going to betray his own country just because he had been driven away by the crown prince? Were they planning to do something to him if he didn’t participate?

Numerous thoughts and ideas clashed within his brain. He wanted nothing more than to burst from his seat and escape.

“First, if the alliance mentioned by Sir Viseche is actually formed, the empire will attempt to speak with the alliance first. After all, they will need to know what the alliance wants and thinks before reacting, right?” Eugene said.

“T-that’s right,” Prince Localope responded. International affairs weren’t child’s play. Furthermore, the relationship between the Roman Empire and its neighboring nations was pretty complicated due to their shared interests, as well as the periods of peace and chaos they had shared until now. The empire could not and should not recklessly start a war. In the end, even though the empire would not welcome the formation of such an alliance, it was highly likely that they would attempt to converse. After all, there was more to be had from pummeling an opponent while knowing their intentions.

“Then, who do you think the Roman Empire will entrust with that task? Would it not be the sensible choice to pick someone who can represent the empire and the imperial family? Someone… who is reasonably knowledgeable about the alliance?” Eugene asked.

“Then that would be… Huh?! A-are you saying…” Prince Localope exclaimed in shock.

“That’s right. Don’t you think you would be the perfect pick, Your Highness? You have been with me for a long time, and you have become well acquainted with the nobles of the nations and territories affected by the monster uprising, right? Why would I even ask you to get along with those nobles without any reason?” Eugene said.

“…!!!” Prince Localope initially assumed that Eugene was simply trying to avoid the hassle of interacting with those nobles, but to think he had such a deep purpose! Prince Localope fell into a daze as if he had been struck on the head with a hammer. Of course, the truth was consistent with his original assumption, Eugene had indeed been trying to pass the bothersome work onto Prince Localope.

“And even if the empire decides to send someone else, they won’t be able to disregard your words. Eventually, you will serve as a bridge between the alliance and the Roman Empire,” Eugene said.

“…I understand. But what happens if the alliance wasn’t formed? You said you would first put on a show and see how the empire would react, right? I will certainly be considered a traitor…” Prince Localope expressed his concern.

“How frustrating. That’s when you change your position,” Eugene said.

“Change… my position?” Prince Localope asked.

“You can just say that the alliance wasn’t formed because Your Highness fiercely opposed it, right? Or rather, we can say that you, Prince Localope, expressed great concern and opposed the formation of the alliance from the very beginning. You were trying to convince us by expressing the empire’s stance,” Eugene explained.

“Ah…!” Prince Localope’s eyes widened in realization.

Eugene then continued, “Nevertheless, His Highness Localope failed to prevent the formation of the alliance. However, since he knows the intentions of the alliance better than anyone else, he is willing to step forward as a bridge of dialogue between the Roman Empire and the alliance. What do you think? I think it goes without saying that Your Highness’s presence in the empire will grow significantly after this.”

It was a matter of course. Even though he wasn’t a hero who had sacrificed himself for the country, everyone in the empire would show approval for Prince Localope. Prince Localope trembled with excitement. However, Eugene was still not done yet.

“And what if it turns out that the yellow bastard, or rather, the crown prince is really involved in the monster uprising? We could paint a picture of the younger brother struggling to clean after his older brother’s shit. And once that happens…”

Prince Localope’s eyes quivered at Eugene’s words.

Eugene then drove the final nail into the coffin with a grin. “If it were me, I might even seriously consider replacing the crown prince. Given the seriousness of the issue, wouldn’t the crown prince have to step down?”

“T-t-that’s…!” Prince Localope stuttered with a ghastly expression. Daring to discuss replacing the successor of the empire wasn’t simply scandalous. It was a felonious topic that even members of the imperial family couldn’t and shouldn’t discuss.

However, it just so happened that someone present here was one of the few people the emperor had sought opinions from before the current crown prince’s appointment.

“Creating a threat by releasing monsters in other nations—neighboring nations to be exact—is an unforgivable crime, even if it is the crown prince. If the alliance is actually formed, the truth will come to light afterward,” Duke Viseche muttered.

Eugene nodded. “That’s right. There would be no better justification.”

“…!!!”

What would happen if someone who had created an overload of monsters in numerous countries succeeded the throne of the empire? No monarch would celebrate, let alone sit still and spectate. Naturally, none of them would actually dare to oppose the empire with their lives on the line, but they could strongly protest the change. In fact, as monarchs, they were even obligated to do so. For the nations and territories that had suffered because of the monster uprising, the best way to protest against the empire was to form an alliance among them. There was nothing better than that in terms of both practicality and justification.

“Your Highness. I told you before, didn’t I? That I always keep my promise no matter what,” Eugene said.

“…” Prince Localope’s face was pale and his lips were quivering.

Eugene then continued with a grin. “Let’s go there and be confident about it. And since you’re going back there, you should take the chance and aim for a higher position.”

“I welcome the ascension of an honorable and wise man—a man capable of listening to his neighbors—rather than a man who threatens his neighbors, to the high place of the empire,” Duke Viseche took on a smile as well while looking at Prince Localope.

The high place—Prince Localope’s trembling intensified. He knew exactly what it represented. But his trembling subsided like a lie after a while. Prince Localope stared at the two with a strange fire in his eyes as he parted his lips. “Screw it. Let’s give it a shot.”

The fugitive was reborn as a coiling dragon.

***

The next day, Eugene and the expedition departed from the dukedom’s castle amid a grand farewell from Duke Viseche and the other nobles. It would have been customary for the group to have stayed for a few more days, but they were in a rush to resolve the monster uprising for the other affected nations as well. A few hours after Eugene and the expedition left through the gate, a noble and his escorting knights departed from the castle carrying a secret letter from Duke Viseche. Their destination was the Countdom of Hisain. It was a nation also afflicted by the monster uprising, similar to the Bemos territory, and it was Eugene’s next destination.

“Your Majesty. What did you write in the letter?” Baron Palo cautiously asked while standing on the spire as he watched the envoys leave.

Duke Viseche watched as the three horses grew smaller in the distance. He then turned around and answered with a smile, “Nothing much. I just said to lend a listening ear to the King of Maren if he takes care of the monster uprising.”

“What? With all due respect, that’s it? Count Hisain is…” Baron Palo muttered.

“I know. He’s a miser, and even more stubborn than the tendon of an ogre. He also hates members of the Dark Clan. Of course, he should listen to the King of Maren considering the man’s status, but in all likelihood, it will be in one ear and out the other,” Duke Viseche said.

“K-Kehem!” Baron Palo coughed at the duke’s unbefitting choice of words.

However, Duke Viseche’s smile only deepened as he continued, “But I put it on the honor of Calcht.”

“Ah…!” Baron Palo exclaimed.

Calcht—it was the name of one of Duke Viseche’s predecessors, who was also one of the previous popes. The Roman Empire respected the Duke of Viseche because of the name Rosenberg, but other nations revered him because of the name Calcht.

“The King of Maren was invited to the Holy Empire by a high priest, right? By now, the news must have reached the Countdom of Hisain as well. And I even mentioned the honor of Calcht. How do you think Lord Hisain will react?” Duke Viseche asked.

“…He will unconditionally obey the King of Maren’s words since the Hisain Countdom desires the permission of the church’s reinstitution the most,” Baron Palo responded.

“Obviously. And the way I see it, it won’t just end with them unconditionally following his words,” Duke Viseche said.

“What?”

“The King of Maren. He took what he wanted, or maybe even more, without saying many words. Am I the only one who is looking forward to how much he will take from Hisain? You should know better, sir, since you had spent much time with him,” Duke Viseche continued.

“Ah…” Baron Palo quickly took on a regretful expression. The way he saw Jan Eugene Batla was as a master of negotiations. To be a little blunt and rude, he was a master of schemes.

‘I can’t help but think that the spirit, or the golden evil spirit, must have turned out like that because she was influenced by the King of Maren. Anyway, this is the first time I have ever felt sorry for Count Hisain.’

Baron Palo made a very accurate judgment as he prayed in advance for the fate of the infamous miser Count Hisain.