Abba, who holds the title of Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Bureau, not only was responding to foreign dignitariesâ visits, but also prepared drafts when the director made proposals to the Emperor. He was doing the work of an office clerk.
The reason he was summoned by the Emperor late at night must be regarding the documents he had submitted, which summarizes information about the Kruvan Holy Kingdom.
Although he was onboard a warship, the area for military personnel and the area for visitors were clearly distinguished.
Abba was walking through a gently curving corridor with soft carpet spread on the floor and delicately crafted handrails in the âGuest Area.â
As he approached his destination, Abba pulled out the long stick in his mouth and pocketed it.
When the soldier posted outside noticed Abbaâs visit, he saluted and opened the door. The door led to the Emperorâs dedicated conference room. And inside, the Emperor, the Emperorâs secretary, the director of foreign affairs, the chief of military affairs, and quite unusually, the director of the labyrinth management were present.
ăAbba, the documents you have put together are concise.ă
ăYes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your words.ă
ăHowever⊠I canât figure out how much power the âFormer Holy Kingâ holds.ă
ăI apologize.ăAbba hung his head down.
ăI am not blaming you. Itâs better than including your biased deduction. How do you see this, director?ă
ăI agree. If Abbaâs analysis is correct, I think it would be better to treat him as if he were the current Holy King, rather than as a âformerâ.ă\n
The director of the Foreign Affairs Bureau, who has advanced in age, expressly included âIf Abbaâs analysis is correctâ.
It was a magic word to shift the blame onto Abba if something goes wrong.
ăâŠâŠâŠâŠă
But of course, such an occurrence is not new, so Abba stayed silent.
ăIn other words, is Kruvan so interested in our country that theyâre sending the current Holy King? What do you think, Abba?ă
ăYes, sir. There are many mysteries surrounding the change of the throne in the Holy Kingdom, the expulsion and execution of high-ranking nobles, and a huge monster appearing in the center of the Holy City. As far as things can be confirmed, the Holy King stepped down to bear responsibility for the failure. No traces of a coup dâetat can be confirmed. The Holy Queen, the daughter of the predecessor Holy King, is on good terms with the predecessor Holy King and has no circumstances to drive him to another country. As such, we can conclude that they hold a great interest.ă
ăHmmâŠâŠă
The Emperor flipped through the pages of the report. Abba just stood still, and the directors who were in their seats simply stared at him. Only the secretary, who was behind the Emperor, was enthusiastically writing down something.
ăThe Holy Kingâs Knights Order who are accompanying the Holy King, are they strong?ăthe Emperor asked.
The director of foreign affairs nodded in consent, so Abba opened his mouth.
ăYes, sir. The knights were nurtured under the predecessor Holy King, whose name is said to instill courage and bravery in his men.ă
ăHow do they compare to our army?ă
ăTheyâre incomparable!ă
The chief of military affairs, who had been silent until then, voiced out.\năOur army is armed with magic gears! Even with skills, they wonât be able to compete with us!ă
Since he is the head of the military, he naturally looked at his men favorably.
ăHow do you see it, Abba?ăthe Emperor asked.
ăâŠI am not a military expert.ă
ăAbba.ă
The Emperor, who was smiling slightly until then, suddenly erased that smile and focused intently on Abba. Abba nervously swallowed his saliva.
ăI wouldnât say they are mighty warriors, but of course they would have higher abilities than a normal soldier. But I think the more important concern would be the cavalry numbering 10, 000. This cavalry will move under the Holy Kingâs Knights Order. However, their forte is at group battles rather than individual strengths. Even our Imperial Army cannot win in direct combat against 10,000 people.ă
ăThat⊠sounds plausible. What do you think, chief of military affairs?ă
ăâŠâŠâŠâŠă
Abba sunk back when the chief of military affairs glared daggers at him. If he doesnât answer honestly, the Emperor glares at him, and if he is honest, the chief of military affairs glares at him.
ăOur army has the sky! If we fight from the sky, the Holy Kingdomâs army is nothing to be scared of!ă
The Holy Kingdom is providing reinforcements, not an enemy. But Abba canât really refute the chief from his position as âdeputyâ director.
ăI apologize.ă
Once again, he had no choice but to hang his head.\n\nIt sounds so simple, but all of the Holy Kingdomâs actions thus far line up perfectly with that narrative.
(His Majesty is amazing. He is often compared to his predecessors who developed the nation, and is often spoken ill of â but his real power is being able to rouse people. Exactly the sort of Emperor the Empire needs in these times of crisis.)
Abba was inwardly astonished.
ăâI understand what is on Your Majestyâs mind. Tomorrowâs talks will focus on how to keep the postwar demands of the Holy Kingdom away from the airship, correct?ă
ăItâs great that you caught on quickly. But I am ready to hand over a few airships.ă
ăWhat do you mean, sir?ă
ăIt means our technology must evolve. The release of the âLabyrinth of 9 Emotionsâ. And that red crack in the sky⊠Donât you think there is something else slumbering within the depths of the labyrinths other than airship technology? That is why the labyrinth director has also been summoned here.ă
ă!ă
ăWe can always build as many airships as we like. That is, if we can steadily get our hands on the next generation of technologyâŠă
Suddenly, the Emperor seemed even greater a personage in Abbaâs eyes.
While deep in a crisis which can erase the Empireâs existence, the Emperor was aiming for its next advancement.
(He will either become the Emperor of a ruined nation or a once in a generation hero who will save the nation.)
Realizing that his own destiny was also tied to this old man, uncontrollable shivers ran down Abbaâs body.
It will not be the Emperor himself who realizes his ideals, but his closest aides, which includes Abba.
Abba finally noticed the heavy burden placed on him. A passionate flame was burning within Abba â a flame so hot and ferocious which surprised even himself â as he readied himself for tomorrowâs conference with the Holy Kingdom.