Chapter 3 - Strang
“Fwaaah... ”
Falanya stretched across the bed in her private chambers and let out a weary sigh.
“You seem pretty beat, Falanya,” her guard Nanaki Ralei remarked as he stood nearby like a shadow.
“That’s because I am tired. Haven’t you been watching me run around lately, Nanaki?” the princess answered with a look of protest.
Her schedule had been busier than ever lately.
“Princess Falanya, about these applications...”
“I’ll look them over in a bit, so please leave everything over there.”
“I have several petitions from the citizens.”
“I’ll review them shortly.”
“There is a leader who desires an audience with Your Highness.”
“Do I have time available next week? If so, we can meet then.”
“Your Highness, your next appointment is a visit with His Majesty.”
“Please ask my father to wait just a while longer. I’ll be there soon...!”
It was an unrelenting whirlwind. Government affairs dogged the princess day and night. Despite this long-awaited yet brief reprieve in the comfort of her own bedroom, Falanya still had a mountain of work. The phrase “worked to death” had never felt more literal.
Still...
Falanya rolled on the bed once, twice, three times, staring at her hand. It was small and delicate. Such fingers belonged to a sheltered girl who’d never known any hardship. She doubted they could hold a large suitcase, let alone cany the fate of a nation.
“Are you worried?”
"..."
Falanya’s busy to-do list wasn’t the issue; if anything, she enjoyed it. Something else fueled her melancholy.
“That shady guy gave you advice, didn’t he?”
“...Yuan isn’t a bad person. I’ll admit he’s suspicious, though.”
Yuan’s wry smile popped into Falanya’s mind, but she brushed the image away.
“Hey, Nanaki.”
“Don’t ask me.”
“...But I haven’t even said anything yet.”
“I already know what you’ll ask.”
Falanya glared at him reproachfully, but Nanaki wasn’t fazed in the slightest.
“I’ll clear the way, but our direction is up to you, Falanya.”
“Sheesh...”
She threw a nearby pillow at Nanaki, who blocked the projectile with ease and threw it back into her face. As Falanya peeled the pillow away, she muttered, “...I’m not really sure what to do.”
Several years had passed since King Owen fell ill and Crown Prince Wein stepped up to lead the nation as regent. In the time since, Natra had enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and made its mark on the world stage. Everyone believed it was only a matter of time until Wein became king and ushered in a new age of stability for the nation. However, doubt had recently entered the equation, and some of Natra’s vassals viewed Wein’s antics as dangerous.
“But my brother is the reason we’ve come this far...”
Falanya spoke the truth. Wein was undeniably the main factor in Natra’s swift success. He was a rare genius and skilled negotiator brave enough to face enemies in their own territories. These qualities ferried him to outstanding results, and it was obvious to anyone that history would remember Wein as a hero.
However, Natra was simultaneously dependent on the crown prince and subject to his whims. It felt like only Wein held any value, and that was the root of the problem. Each vassal also took pride in their duties, and those feelings ballooned alongside Natra’s growth. For each of Wein’s victories, their hearts grew increasingly bitter.
Several months ago, a chasm had formed between Wein and his vassals after he arbitrarily decided to become the adopted son of a foreign leader. Convinced they could no longer allow their regent to do as he pleased, the vassals began plotting to curb his unchecked authority.
Of course, a tug-of-war between a ruler and his constituents wasn’t uncommon. Falanya understood that much. However, the plot to install her on the throne made it a different story.
“To think anyone would try to push Wein aside and make me queen...”
The ringleader of this scheme was a man named Sirgis, whom Falanya had appointed herself. Although he recognized Wein’s accomplishments, he also believed the prince threatened Natra’s future progress. Therefore, Sirgis intended to put Falanya in charge. She and everyone else were aware that her abilities couldn’t compare to Wein’s, but Sirgis said the officials and citizens would support her and help move the nation forward.
“Argh! I can’t take this!” Falanya exclaimed, pounding the pillow. “This is so typical of Wein. Everyone is already out to get him, yet he’s run off again!”
The meeting with His Grace Ernesto of Eastern Levetia was supposed to be held in Natra, but the location had been switched to the Empire at the last minute. Although Wein’s vassals strongly objected, Wein shot them down and headed east. He left behind instructions for Falanya and the royal officials to handle the government in his absence.
“He’s practically helping Sirgis!”
Wein wandered abroad without listening to a word his vassals said.
Falanya listened to them as she tried to lead the nation.
It was clear as day who between them would win the officials’ hearts.
Of course, Wein was still Natra’s crown prince. The people adored him, and even his staff had faith in his brilliance. Those who earnestly supported his little sister’s candidacy for the throne were few and far between.
Nonetheless...
"..."
Falanya understood that if she truly had no desire to rule, she had only to tell Wein. All involved parties, including Sirgis, would be duly sentenced. Falanya would be married off to some allied nation, and that would be the end of it. Then, Natra’s rightful king would lead the people to a new golden age.
However, something Sirgis mentioned kept Falanya from going to her brother.
“Fwaah...” Falanya flopped back on the bed and yawned.
“Sounds like you’ve got it rough.”
“You make it sound like you’re totally uninvolved!”
“I’m a bodyguard.”
“I know, but stilllll! Nghhh!"
Falanya glared at Nanaki with evident frustration. She was thankful for his consistent character, but it proved frustrating at times.
“Princess Falanya...”
There was a knock at the door.
“...It’s almost time for your usual meeting.”
The official’s voice made Falanya sit up. This meeting was something Wein would normally attend, but he was counting on his sister to act as his proxy.
Yuan had said that how Falanya overcame these trials and her actions thereafter were paramount. Was the princess ready for such challenges? Was it even right to try?
Falanya lacked an answer. She took a deep breath.
“Yes, I’m coming.”
The princess stepped forward to fulfill her duty.
“Hrmm...”
Wein groaned atop a horse as he rode at the front of his delegation.
“Is something wrong, Your Highness?”
The question came from Raklum, Wein’s guard commander. The young military officer, appointed by Wein himself, was undyingly loyal to his liege.
“Oh, I was just thinking about how bright these rays are.”
As Wein adjusted his collar to air out his clothes, he stared up at the sky in annoyance. It was early summer. With winter long gone and spring on its way out, the sun grew harsher.
“One might say it’s a natural part of the season, but it’s also proof we left Natra some time ago.”
After departing Natra, which stood at the northernmost tip of the continent, the group began the journey southeast toward the Imperial Capital. The temperature naturally rose during their travel.
As for why the group headed for the capital, it was so Wein could meet with Ernesto, the Leader of Eastern Levetia.
Damn, that Low a sure is a thorn in my side.
Ernesto was originally supposed to visit Natra, but the news of Lowellmina’s assassination forced a change.
Even Wein had been shocked by this development, which was only natural since Lowellmina was both a friend and an ally. When reports of misinformation arrived while he was issuing orders to conduct a closer investigation, Wein was relieved. Nevertheless, he suspected the situation might spark a huge shift in the Empire, and he changed his tactics. To observe matters firsthand, the crown prince elected to visit the Empire under the pretext of meeting Ernesto.
Bardloche, Manfred, and Lowa. What will their next moves be?
Wein smirked as he imagined the vortex of complex intrigue building in the Empire.
Not even that could get him to forget the unbearable heat, though.
“At times like these, I mourn the East’s ‘no carriage’ tradition.”
“They truly seem to regard royals and nobles as warriors,” Raklum replied.
Such people were the nation’s guardians, and it was their patriotic duty to fight in times of peril. The Eastern continent typically viewed blue bloods who preferred to ride in carriages as weak. The proud royals and aristocrats of the West, however, believed reckless public appearances to be in poor taste, making the carriage the preferred mode of travel. Culture took many forms.
Wein wasn’t one to hide away in a carriage, but he was northern-born and sensitive to heat. His desire to get out of the sun was understandable.
“By the way, how are you holding up, Raklum?”
“Were this enough to best me, I would be unworthy to protect you, Your Highness.”
“Dependable as always.”
The faithful retainer thumped his chest proudly, and Wein grinned lightly.
“If you are feeling uncomfortable, Your Highness, then perhaps we should take a short rest?”
“There’s no need. I can already see our stopover town.”
No sooner had Wein answered than a familiar rider approached from ahead. It was Ninym.
“Your Highness, I’ve returned.”
Ninym dismounted and respectfully bowed to Wein since they were in public.
“Good work. How’d it go, Ninym?”
“Our accommodations are prepared to receive us.”
The Imperial Capital was several days’ journey from Natra, making stops in towns along the way necessary. However, Wein’s delegation of a dozen or so meant that some inns might lack sufficient room to shelter the entire party if it arrived without warning. Ninym had ridden ahead to ensure everything was ready.
“However, Your Highness, there is one matter you should be aware of.”
“Hm? Did something happen?”
Wein threw Ninym a concerned look. The girl moved closer to whisper in his ear.
And then...
“Hey there, it’s been a while.”
Wein smiled at Strang, who’d been waiting for him in town.
“Why don’t we catch up, Wein?”
Wein, Ninym, Strang, Glen, and Lowellmina.
The five were inseparable back in their academy days, but it wasn’t like that at first. Wein and Ninym were always together, but Glen belonged to a different group. Lowellmina kept others at a distance to hide her true identity. And Strang— to be perfectly frank—was bullied by noble children.
A child of the conquered provinces versus the elite kids of the conquering Empire. This stark difference in social standing was more than enough fodder to foster discrimination among immature youngsters.
However, Strang’s miserable luck turned around when his main tormentor suddenly dropped out of the military academy.
The reason was widely disputed, but Strang was sure the lack of a clear answer was meant to hide the truth, and thus he launched his own investigation. He felt thankful to be free of his oppressor and curious about the person who’d vanquished the foe when he couldn’t. What kind of person could calmly and mercilessly eliminate a single target?
Finally, Strang learned of an incident from several days before his bully disappeared. Before his tormentor dropped out, he tried to violate a certain girl. Apparently, another boy had been present during the incident.
Feeling oddly uplifted, Strang asked that boy if he’d been the one to help him.
The boy, Wein, answered with a smile.
“Don’t be stupid. The real fun starts once his family gets involved. You want in?”
This guy was definitely the worst kind of trouble.
Strang nodded with a shudder.
In the present, that troublesome guy and Ninym...
“Man, this tastes amazing.”
“Yes, I must agree.”
...were enjoying the fried snacks Strang brought as a souvenir.
“They fry wheat dough and butter, then drizzle it with lemon syrup, right?”
“It has a perfect blend of flavors.”
“This kind of thing was a delicacy back in our academy days.”
“Yes, I never imagined it would become commonly available.”
Strang took the opportunity to speak as Wein and Ninym admired the treats.
“The Empire’s spice cultivation has improved recently. Snacks like these are now sold at an affordable price.”
Wein, Ninym, and Strang were in one of the rooms Wein’s group had booked in advance. The three had arranged this meetup after Strang said there was something he wished to discuss.
“This nation’s technological advances never cease to amaze,” Ninym remarked.
“No kidding.” Wein nodded, then he turned his attention to Strang. “Honestly, I’m surprised you came out here to meet us, Strang.”
Strang was Wein and Ninym’s old classmate, but currently, he was a member of Manfred’s faction. Wein and Ninym were Lowellmina’s allies, making them Strang’s enemies.
“Shocking you is quite an accomplishment.”
“Really? I’m always being thrown for a loop.”
“He fell out of his chair after hearing about Lowa’s assassination.”
“Yeah, I never saw that one comin’.”
“I can understand why. I would have gone wide-eyed, too, if other people hadn’t been around.”
Strang offered a wry grin. Although Manfred’s faction had failed to find any definitive evidence despite multiple inquiries, they had concluded the assassination debacle was Lowellmina’s own handiwork. The princess had openly announced her claim to the throne, but who could have guessed she’d go so far?
“Compared to what Lowa’s been up to, I admit this little get-together doesn’t seem too far-fetched. But I gather you haven’t come merely to see our lovely faces, have you?” Wein gave a provocative grin, and Strang confirmed the prince’s suspicions.
“Naturally. You might say the revelation I have for you will rival the recent excitement with Lowa.” Strang offered a single letter.
Wein accepted it and noticed the signature belonged to Manfred himself.
“Inside is a proposal of cooperation from Prince Manfred,” Strang explained. “Wein, will you cut ties with Lowa and join us?”
The room instantaneously tensed. Wein and Ninym studied Strang.
“Of all the things to say...” Wein sensed the resolve in his friend’s every movement, and his mind raced as he spoke. “Join Manfred now? Not possible.”
Wein flat-out rejected Strang’s proposal, and no one would’ve found his refusal unreasonable. The crown prince and the Kingdom of Natra had, after a long series of events, formed a close alliance with Lowellmina. Conversely, he and Manfred made no secret of their animosity. Such history between the two dashed any chances of a partnership.
“You think so, too, right, Ninym?” Wein asked, bringing her into the conversation.
She nodded with a contemplative look from her spot beside the prince.
“Wein and Lowa’s relationship is firm in the public eye. Natra’s reputation will suffer if we cut ties. Besides, Lowa’s faction currently stands on top. I see no reason to switch sides.”
Ten out often people would have agreed with Ninym’s statement.
However...
“On the contrary, there is a reason.”
Strang’s smile revealed an unwavering confidence.
“The people aren’t rising to action as fast as we hoped?”
“Correct. My apologies, Princess Lowellmina.”
Lowellmina let out a small groan at Fyshe’s report.
“I thought this would impede my brothers, but they dealt with the issue quickly.”
If Lowellmina could incite the citizens’ wrath and convince them of the need to raise an army, it would be a threat to the two remaining princes and undoubtedly cause trouble for them. However, thanks to her accomplishments thus far, the princess had expected a more delayed response.
“...Unfortunately, the princes’ interference may not suffice.”
“What do you mean?”
“The cause has not yet been determined, but it seems that anxiety over the stability and future of the Empire outpaces anger toward your rivals. According to the spies I have planted in each region, such concerns grow by the day.”
“Anxiety...”
Lowellmina didn’t find this the least bit odd. After all, Lowellmina’s continued success guaranteed a battle with the princes. Worries over that outcome were entirely natural.
Nonetheless, she suspected there was more to it. After all, her scheme had accounted for those fears. This was beyond what Lowellmina intended. She must have overlooked some factor.
“Ah.”
A thought struck Lowellmina like a bolt of lightning.
Yes, that had to be it. However, if so...
“That must mean...I’ve miscalculated.”
Panic twisted her expression.
“First of all, nobody asked for an Empress,” Strang began. “The citizens of the Empire would have preferred one of the three princes on the throne. Still, the fact remains that Lowa came in and took center stage at a time when their three-way factional war offered no resolution. However—”
“The people initially hoped Lowa would represent their desire for a quick end to the civil war, right?” Wein concluded.
Strang nodded. “They wanted her to knock some sense into the three princes but never desired her as their ruler. Of course, Lowa knew this, acted accordingly, and earned the populace’s trust. Meanwhile, the princes continued to fight and lost their cohesive power.”
“And once First Prince Demetrio fell, Lowa announced her bid for the throne, just as she’d always hoped,” Ninym added as she recalled the events leading to that moment. She and Wein had been instrumental in Demetrio’s defeat.
“Exactly. The citizens accepted her because of their disappointment in the princes, and Lowa immediately continued down a path that led to her current position, one closer to the throne. But...” Strang paused. “Process of elimination has made Lowa the only option to the public.”
"..."
Wein and Ninym both fell silent. Once the pair understood Strang’s words couldn’t be denied or dismissed, he continued.
“Most people resist change. No, perhaps I should say it’s the inconvenience of change that they truly detest. Behind the outward excitement of fresh ventures and a new era lurk inevitable growing pains. I’m sure more than a few citizens feel that the current system is fine so long as there’s food on the table.”
Casting such feelings aside as mere complacency was too irresponsible. A heart that desired stability and a predictable way of life wasn’t weak in the slightest.
“If the Empire did crown an Empress, it would certainly be a groundbreaking moment lauded as momentous by future historians. Yet to those of us living in the present, the idea is nothing but a bother. So long as the princes act with decency, everyone would prefer to continue the tradition of a male Emperor.”
“...However, that’s not how things turned out,” Wein said in a slow, deliberate tone. “Even if it’s just because Lowellmina is their only option, there’s a good chance Earthwork! will know its first Empress. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, until recently. The failed assassination attempt has cast a shadow, though.”
“What do you mean?”
“The incident won Lowa sympathy, and the princes’ perceived cowardice stirred public outrage. But one belief looms even larger. This event proves to many that a woman can never be a leader.”
“Hold on,” Ninym cut in irritably. “That’s just an irrational opinion.”
“I completely agree,” Strang replied with a smile. “Nonetheless, it is how the people feel. Lowa tried to rouse their ire by acting the innocent victim, but the weakness she displayed sowed a seed of doubt in their hearts. They’re uncertain if someone so weak is fit to rule the Empire. It might sound harsh, but Lowa should have portrayed herself as a beautiful, strong, invincible, and flawless leader who would guide the Empire to victory in the new era.”
Ninym groaned in frustration, but she understood Strang’s point. Throughout its history, the Earthworld Empire had always been ruled by a man. There had never been an Empress. In the public eye, an Emperor was a safe, natural choice. Earthworld required enormous enthusiasm to discard such a tradition, and as Strang had pointed out, the passion for change was rapidly dimming.
“I get what you’re saying,” Wein said. “In other words, you want us to switch sides once Lowa loses because of the growing doubt?”
“Not at all. There is currently a seventy percent chance she will win,” Strang answered flatly.
Wein and Ninym threw him a look that asked what kind of game he was playing.
“Prince Bardloche and Prince Manfred have both made numerous mistakes. Despite concerns over a possible female ruler, Lowa is still a far better option.”
“In that case, what reason does Natra have to switch sides?” Ninym questioned.
“That will come into play after Lowa wins,” Strang replied.
Wein’s expression immediately twisted into a faint grimace. Strang noticed this and pressed on.
“Lowa is a woman. That alone gave people enough reason to underestimate her, yet she chose to appear weak all the same. So what do you think will happen once she becomes the Empire’s leader?”
“...It’ll be the provinces’ chance to seek independence, and the West will prepare to attack,” Wein answered.
“Exactly. New, young rulers are typically looked down upon. Prince Miroslav of the Falcasso Kingdom had to deal with the same issue. However...” Strang took a moment. “Lowa is both a woman and a leader who will cany the weight of the Empire. Our power is mighty but still vulnerable to collapse. With all of this in mind, Lowa must make her political prowess known domestically and abroad the moment she takes the throne, regardless of her territorial ambitions.”
“...And that’s where Natra comes in?”
“I would expect so.”
Wein groaned.
“What do you mean?” Ninym asked with a puzzled head tilt.
Strang faced her. “Defeating the Kingdom of Falcasso is Lowa’s best chance to make a statement. She recently defeated her brothers, and striking down the now-illustrious Prince Miroslav would produce optimal results. Lowa would outshine the princes and vastly improve her military reputation by doing so.”
“But she’s out of luck,” Wein said with a displeased look on his face. “If the Empire defeated Falcasso, the West would view it as a major threat. Plus, the West would put its full support behind Falcasso in its fight against the Empire. It’d be tough for the Empire after it’s been exhausted from civil war.”
“Breaking into the West via Mealtars would also be difficult. The merchant city sits literally in the middle of everything, after all. The moment the Empire sets foot in the West, the neighboring nations will gang up on us,” Strang explained.
Ninym finally understood what Wein and Strang were getting at.
Falcasso was out of the question, and entering the West through central Mealtars was risky. Which meant the sole remaining target was...
“She intends to attack Natra?!” Ninym blurted out. “But we have an alliance with the Empire!”
“You are indeed allies, but you’re neither a vassal state nor a province. Therefore, the Empire can cut ties with you or likewise be cut off at any time. On top of that, Natra’s crown prince is the continent’s foremost opportunistic weasel.”
“Hey.”
“My apologies. He is a prince of unmatched impartiality who is considered dangerous by the West. Striking at this fool who gladly woos the West despite being an ally of the Empire is the obvious choice. And far from coming to Natra’s aid, the West will applaud us."
“That’s...”
Ninym tried to argue but ultimately fell silent. Strang’s words clearly rang with truth.
“Of course, our two nations are still allies. Whatever the reason, a one-sided attack on Natra would harm the Empire’s reputation. Normally, this would give rise to protests, but now there is slander involved.”
“Slander?” Ninym questioned.
“Lowa is single. Suitors line up for her hand, but she brushes them all aside. This is mostly for political reasons, of course, but there are firmly rooted rumors that the princess has fallen for a certain opportunist.”
"..."
Wein and Ninym stared up at the ceiling. Strang smiled at their expressions. “In the minds of the Empire’s elite, Wein is an irksome love rival. It would be one thing if Lowa remained a mere princess, but the aristocracy would never allow the crown prince of a foreign nation to many the Empress. I doubt anyone would protest Lowa’s attack on Natra if doing so buried such misgivings.”
How easy it would have been to bluntly reject such a notion as ridiculous and move on. Yet the more Wein listened, the more plausible Strang’s prediction became.
What terrible twist of fate was this?
Lowa had entered the political sphere in hopes of becoming Empress.
Wein had formed close ties with the potential monarch.
How could he have known their invaluable connection might lead to such a blood-soaked destiny?
“At this rate, Lowa will take control of the Empire, and Natra will have a crisis on its hands. I apologize for being so long-winded, but this is why you should cut ties with Lowa.” Strang spoke brazenly in the face of Wein and Ninym’s misery. “What will you do? Have you decided to take our potential collaboration more seriously?”
Just as the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the group decided to end their conversation for the day.
“It was great to see you after so long,” Strang told Ninym, who came to see him off as he returned to his own lodgings. The man’s confident expression was undoubtedly due to his friends’ reactions during the earlier talk.
“I wish I could say we felt the same.”
“Does it bother you so much that I’ve suggested you break your alliance with Lowa?
You’ve always been fond of her, Ninym.”
“...That’s not true,” Ninym objected, although her voice was weak. Perhaps such a response was natural when it concerned a close female friend.
“Well, don’t be too upset. It’s not like I hate Lowa. And I’m sure Glen feels the same way. But I won’t stand a chance in the main battle if I don’t win this preliminary round.”
Ninym read between the lines and understood Strang meant a showdown with Wein.
“As usual, you both see Wein as competition.”
She let out a little sigh. This had been going on since their academy days. Strang and Glen recognized Wein’s talent and role as the leader of their group of five, but they also stubbornly refused to be beaten. That feeling hadn’t diminished after graduation and going their separate ways. Ninym didn’t know whether to be annoyed or impressed.
While she thought on this...
“What about you, Ninym?”
“Huh?”
It took her mind a moment to process the unexpected question.
“Haven’t you ever thought about challenging Wein?”
“...Never. I have absolutely no interest in the idea.”
Despite her reply, silence fell between the two. Strang pressed no further, though, instead offering an easygoing smile.
“Well, if I’m ever going to settle my rivalry with Wein, then I might as well take advantage of current events. I can play along for a while longer,” he said before waving goodbye.
Now alone, Ninym quietly mumbled “Me against Wein...”
“Sooo what now?” Wein muttered as he squirmed on the sofa after Strang had left.
"..."
“Hm? What’s up, Ninym?”
“It’s nothing. More importantly, we’ll likely suffer if Lowa wins this war.” She and Wein hadn’t expected this at all. And now that they knew, they couldn’t ignore the possibility. “Strang only gave his opinion on the future... What do you think, Wein?”
“I’d say there’s a good chance he’s right.”
The path to Empress was treacherous and steep, but the aftermath promised to be even worse. Moreover, if the Empire was already at its limit, regardless of whether that same fatigue was responsible for creating an opportunity for a female monarch in the first place, then the challenges ahead would be all the more rigorous. If Lowellmina needed to step on an ally to continue down her chosen path, the princess would not hesitate to do so, regardless of personal feelings.
“Well, I don’t think Lowa was ever really against attacking us to begin with,” Wein remarked.
“She’s probably thrilled to have an excuse,” Ninym added.
Both could vividly picture an ecstatic Lowellmina shouting, I can punch Wein? Hooray!
“Be that as it may, I don’t think we can fully trust Manfred’s faction either,” Ninym said.
“Agreed. Manfred likely believes he needs to act tough to avoid mockery.”
An army led by Falcasso’s Prince Miroslav recently dealt a major blow to Manfred’s and Bardloche’s forces. The memory was still fresh in the public’s memory. Both princes had naturally lost a great deal of support.
“Well, Strang said Manfred plans to strike Falcasso once he regains power, but...”
Falcasso was the perfect opportunity for Manfred to clear his past embarrassment. And unlike Lowellmina, Manfred’s faction had originally taken the provinces and could exert control over them.
Strang claimed that whoever seized rule would have to suppress the provinces’ wild behavior and restore the Empire to its former strength. Then they would need to prepare for the long-awaited battle with Falcasso and the West.
“He said that, on top of fighting Falcasso, it’s politically crucial for the Empire to maintain ties with Natra since we control the northern highways. It makes a lot of sense,” Wein mused.
“But how much can we actually trust him?”
Ninym remained skeptical. Considering the events thus far, her stance was reasonable, but her friendship with Lowellmina undoubtedly played a role as well. Wein offered her a dry grin.
“Well, I’m sure the other side has realized we won’t just take their word at face value. That’s why they made that offer.”
“That nothing is required of us makes it all the more suspicious,” Ninym remarked.
How can Manfred’s faction expect us to cooperate? Wem wondered.
As Ninym said, Strang hadn’t made a single demand. Wein only had to meet with the Leader of Eastern Levetia, Ernesto, and return to Natra as planned.
“If I’ve got this right, the real goal is to lock a major foreign player like me out of the Empire.”
As Strang himself admitted, Lowellmina was the frontrunner for taking control of the Empire. Disrupting the status quo demanded serious effort, but since Wein had the skill to achieve victory on his own, Strang wished to keep him at arm’s length rather than form an alliance. Nonetheless, the Crown Prince of Natra wasn’t yet sure how to single- handedly accomplish this goal.
“So,” Ninym began, bringing her face close to his, “what will you do, Wein?”
“Good question...”
If Wein wanted to support Lowellmina, his best bet was to maintain close contact with the princess and find a position that would allow him to observe the situation as it unfolded. Conversely, if he hoped to ally with Manfred, the wisest course of action was to hurry home after the meeting with Ernesto.
Perhaps the biggest annoyance was the fact that, for Wein, this conference was nothing more than a pretext to visit the Empire. Even if he decided to return home quickly, he didn’t owe Lowellmina an explanation. If anything, Wein’s swift exit would be the easiest way to make Manfred feel indebted, which seemed to be Strang’s aim.
He’s still a wihj,four-eyed sneak, Wein thought.
“Honestly, it’s a conundrum. Weighing Lowa and Manfred on a scale to figure out who has the better odds should be the best way to decide. However, there are a few details I can’t get over.”
“And those are...?” Ninym asked with a slight tilt of her head.
“Pardon me!” a flustered civil servant cried as he flew into the room. “We’ve detected movement in the Empire! Second Prince Bardloche has assembled an army!”
Ninym’s eyes shot wide with shock, while Wein smirked.
“Looks like the final piece has made his move.”
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