I Became the Master of the Empress

304

While Leon III was preparing for war.

—

A letter flew into the hands of the Chancellor of the United Kingdom.

A list of nobles who have taken bribes from demon-worshippers, along with evidence to prove it.

The court of the United Kingdom was thrown into chaos over this matter.

Demon-worshippers are beings who resurrect the Demon King and lead the world to destruction.

It would be a grave issue to have so many nobles implicated in bribery from such entities.

“What is this?”

As preparations for war were underway, King Leon III felt a sense of bewilderment.

An unexpected scandal involving demon-worshippers.

It was hard to tell how many of the lower nobles constituting the United Kingdom were entangled in this.

And surely, the Holy See would dispatch people to investigate this thoroughly.

Even though it is an independent United Kingdom, there is no justification to oppose the Holy See stepping in if it is not unrelated to demon-worshippers.

From the perspective of a kingdom that has much to do in stockpiling military supplies for war, the situation is quite awkward.

If they were to engage in war with the Empire, which claims to protect the continent, the suspicions would only deepen.

King Leon III has an obligation to actively clarify this matter.

If he were to be excommunicated, the United Kingdom could very well fracture into factions.

The repercussions here hold immense power, enough to create ripples across the globe.

After all, it is a place where divine power exists, so it can only be more pronounced.

The very act of meeting with a priest is impossible, and there is a complete isolation from the divine, as one cannot even enter religious facilities.

Thus, King Leon III observes the current situation with a cool head.

“It’s as if… the demon-worshippers have stepped forward to prevent us from taking action, doesn’t it?”

‘Why have they done this? Is there some connection to Valoran?’

Yet, there is no evidence to support such a claim.

That said, it is nearly impossible to continue the war under these circumstances.

Investigating the lower nobles spread throughout the United Kingdom and the New Continent would likely take years.

There are already many nobles who are burdened by the prospect of a decisive battle with the Empire, and while they had been swayed to support the idea of sinking the Empire’s ships to secure future maritime dominance, this incident is shifting their stance towards rejecting war.

But that was not all.

From the contents of the letter.

The bribed lower nobles are those in charge of customs and trade.

It would be reasonable to assume they have taken root in the United Kingdom or the New Continent.

If that is the case, then the demon-worshippers…

When the United Kingdom goes to war, it could spark an independence war in the New World.

“Damn…!”

– Thud!

His desk shook violently.

“Losing the New World right now is out of the question.”

The mainland of the United Kingdom is not such a great land.

Only about 40% of the total area is arable land.

In such a country, the ability to withstand a great empire is entirely thanks to the New World.

“We need to root out the rats that have infiltrated the New World and the United Kingdom.”

King Leon III feels that starting a war right now is impossible.

***

Tiberius is holding a meeting with William, the Minister of Military Affairs, and the generals under him, along with the ministers of each department.

“The United Kingdom will likely impose a coastal blockade and plunder mainly coastal cities.”

As the Minister of Military Affairs spoke, William nodded in agreement.

“They lack the strength to stop our great army on land. Therefore, we should focus on the western coastline and deploy troops throughout the southern seas.”

William spreads the soldiers across the imperial map.

“However, if we position ourselves like this… if the enemy gathers to attack, won’t our defense line collapse?”

Tiberius’s words are valid.

“Yes, if they come onto land, it will be easier to fight. Their supply lines will be stretched, so they probably won’t strike hard and push deep into one point.”

“Hmm… First of all, I think the United Kingdom will prioritize targeting our ships.”

Tiberius has a keen political sense.

With strong legitimacy and extensive political experience, he excels at reading what the opponent desires.

He points to the imperial ships stationed at the harbor.

“First, shall we move the warships and navy to the Tiber River? And we will spread chains to block the enemy’s entry altogether.”

The Tiber River is connected to Roman’s harbor, and the warships that enter the Tiber harbor will be safe.

“And we must carry out negotiations.”

Neither side can deal a fatal blow to the other.

No matter how strong the United Kingdom is, they are only strong at sea.

It is nearly impossible to occupy land against the hundreds of thousands of troops of the empire.

“Your Majesty! Urgent report!”

The secretary who burst into the cabinet meeting gasped for breath, as if he were about to collapse.

“Ha… ha, it’s reported that a large number of nobles have been arrested for colluding with demon worshippers in the United Kingdom.”

“What did you say?”

‘Nobles colluding with demon worshippers? The timing is too coincidental…’

“Speak in detail, quickly.”

As Tiberius urged him, the secretary began to explain the situation.

“Therefore, the Vatican has decided to dispatch Cardinal Andrea urgently.”

The Vatican maintains a mechanical neutrality.

It is precisely because of this that the Vatican, which has established itself close to the imperial palace, has managed to survive until now. However, without the Vatican’s assistance, it is impossible to gather priests to set up medical facilities, and it would be difficult to gain the support of the people.

To put it bluntly, if the priests do not cooperate with the United Kingdom, it could shake the very foundations of the state.

Perhaps it is just a coincidence, but is it really a mere coincidence that such events are unfolding in the United Kingdom, on the brink of war?

Tiberius felt a twinge of doubt, but there was no evidence linking Valoran to the demon worshippers.

‘Am I overthinking this?’

The Vatican, which has been hunting demon worshippers for a long time, does not act easily without evidence.

In such a situation, it would be quite misleading for the Emperor to assert things unilaterally.

‘In any case, this means that war will not be easy for the time being.’

It would be madness for the United Kingdom, which is bound to be under close surveillance by the Vatican, to engage in war with the Empire.

Thus, Tiberius let out a sigh of relief.

***

At this time, Valoran invited the provincial governor of the Empire and the ambassador of the United Kingdom.

“I’ve heard that preparations for war are underway in the United Kingdom.”

At Valoran’s words, the governor and Alfred fell silent, waiting for what would come next.

After all, both countries were aware that they were preparing for war.

The ambassadors were not idly sitting around.

“Is it reasonable for a war to break out just because one woman has died?”

At Valoran’s words, Alfred’s expression twisted into a grimace.

“We have warned our country dozens of times before this incident occurred.”

“Indeed, but isn’t this happening because you attempted to take my successor? How is this entirely my fault?”

– Thud!

“How shameless!”

Alfred was furious.

“How can a family remain calm when you’ve already killed two of your children and now you’re trying to kill the last one?!”

In this world, the bonds of family are indeed strong.

That’s precisely why arranged marriages exist.

“It was not intentional. I am no different from a parent myself. What happened to Rohan and Roden was certainly not my intention.”

In truth, there was clear intent, but he never wished for his children to die.

He only hoped they would survive and prove that he was the great Lion.

If they died… well, he would just think of them as no longer his children.

“Ambassador Alfred, I apologize for interrupting, but if it is true that the Duke killed them intentionally, he will be punished according to imperial law. Last time, His Majesty the Emperor ordered an investigation, but no evidence was found that could suggest intent.”

Considering that Baloran was aware of this, it was only natural.

“Even so, I cannot accept abuse disguised as education.”

Seeing that their debate might drag on, Baloran got to the point.

“Very well. Then I will make a vow to the King of the United Kingdom and His Majesty the Emperor.”

Both men listened intently to Baloran’s vow.

“If Devian dies, I will also risk my life.”

At those words, Alfred stepped forward first.

“How can you expect us to believe that?”

“I am not a monster who wishes to kill my own children. Although I did accidentally kill Fulvia, she had first infringed upon my rights, and I lost my reason in that moment. It was not intentional.”

After all, the United Kingdom cannot wage war immediately.

Time is needed to dispel the suspicions of the Holy See.

Thus, Baloran’s scheme to establish a friendly relationship to prevent war from breaking out in a few years.

And in the meantime, if he could behead the Emperor and resurrect the Demon King…

Leon also thought about beating Devian to death like Fulvia, but one cannot see into the hearts of others.

“Furthermore, if Devian dies for any reason, let His Majesty take my head. If you wish, I can even provide my signature.”

If he signed like this, he would have to uphold it.

For as a noble, he would be committing the crime of mocking the dignity of the Emperor.

Alfred fell into thought before speaking.

“If that is the case, we must also make a vow to our King. If His Majesty the Emperor can vow to behead Baloran should Devian die, we will convey this matter to our homeland properly.”

Alfred has the duty to adjust the negotiation details favorably for the host country and relay them back to his homeland.

Not knowing the situation in his homeland, he thought it would be difficult for the king to accept this proposal, but nonetheless, he decided to draft the terms of the negotiation and convey them.