Chapter 94

Today, two chapters are being updated simultaneously.

If you haven't read the previous chapter, please go back.

In the kingdom of King Dorgal, there is currently a significant source of conflict.

It is the rivalry between the second prince, Pax Dorgal, and the third prince, Ald Dorgal. The conflict has intensified since the fall of the first prince, Carlo, who was the primary heir to the throne.

Although King Dorgal is still young, the conflict has not yet come to the surface...

In this battle, the biggest victims are those who supported Prince Carlo. Their influence has significantly diminished. The main reasons are the downfall of the Brouse family, which held the largest power in the kingdom, and the fall of General Tonino, who was known as a great commander.

The noble families of the two factions attacked the Carlo supporters as if it were an opportunity. They lost territories in minor skirmishes and were stripped of their positions in the palace... It was one misfortune after another.

They harbored great dissatisfaction with the kingdom of Dorgal. The nobles belong to the kingdom to protect their own territories and positions.

In other words, if they are not protected, it is meaningless. King Dorgal is infatuated with women, and the two factions are busy expanding their own power.

It is unreasonable to seek protection from them.

A man who tried to take advantage of such sentiments was Almus As Rosais.

---

"Lord Baltor. Your proposal is truly tempting, but... I must decline."

This was the response from Lethis Brouse, the current head of the Brouse family.

Almus, through Baltor, who was stationed at the border with the kingdom of Dorgal, began to undermine the former Carlo faction, centered around the Brouse family.

As soon as the ceasefire agreement expires, it is clear that the kingdom of Dorgal will invade the kingdom of Rosais. And the two countries, Evill and Berberdil, whose relations have deteriorated due to the previous curse, will undoubtedly invade as well.

Therefore, it is necessary to take countermeasures. This is the operation.

The Carlo faction was very numerous. Even now, more than a quarter of the kingdom of Dorgal belongs to the Carlo faction. If they rise up, the kingdom of Dorgal will have no choice but to retreat.

However, the negotiations hit a snag.

"We also have grievances with King Dorgal. But... if we rise up, Prince Carlo will be executed."

Unexpectedly, the only punishment for Prince Carlo was the loss of his position as heir, and he was unexpectedly popular.

If Prince Carlo had been executed or imprisoned, it might have been different. But Prince Carlo is still alive and retains his right to the throne.

Furthermore, King Dorgal still favors Carlo's mother.

There is still a possibility... Hence, the Carlo faction refuses to betray.

"Then, shall our kingdom of Rosais support you? In the matter of Prince Carlo's succession?"

When Baltor said this, Lethis shook his head.

"That is not necessary. We have enough strength on our own."

He is not a fool to recklessly bring in the army of another country.

Baltor sighed inwardly.

"Is that so? If you change your mind, please let us know."

"Yes, Lord Baltor. Thank you for your kind offer."

The secret meeting ended that day.

---

"How did it go?"

"It didn't go well. It's impossible. It's completely hopeless. Maybe it would have worked if Carlo were dead..."

Baltor grumbled alone while drinking the wine his wife had poured for him.

"Ah, in the first place, I can't negotiate. It's a mistake to choose me."

"Perhaps you were the only one who could be trusted? Ial is in the kingdom of Zoldias."

The kingdom of Rosais has abundant talent in terms of quality, but not in quantity. Moreover, Almus has been king for only a short time and does not understand the personalities of the nobles well, so he had no choice but to rely on Baltor, who seemed the most trustworthy.

"That means you are trusted. Isn't that good?"

"Hmm... I guess it is..."

Baltor sighed. In fact, Baltor is treated the best among the nobles.

The territory he gained through the transfer is the largest among the nobles.

"Still, the right of succession is a problem in a monarchy... Can't it be resolved? Our country just got through it... But it will happen again in a few decades. I hate it."

"Is that so? It's too early to conclude. Yuria and Tera get along well. It depends on the education of the children, doesn't it?"

"Hmm... They get along now. Mothers love their children the most. Who knows what will happen. The good thing is that our king is not controlled by women. It would be laughable if the country's politics were run by a woman's mood."

Baltor shrugged. There is nothing as futile as a civil war over succession. If it can be resolved quickly and the opposing forces eliminated, there would be no complaints.

"Will the enemy attack?"

"Most likely. According to the information obtained by the sorcerers we infiltrated, they plan to act in June. The overall commander will be Pax. The goal is to give the second son a chance to succeed."

Baltor drank his wine. No matter who the enemy is, it is his duty to defeat the enemies of the Rosais royal family.

"I think we should attack before they do. The king seems to be passive."

"Of course. We won last time, but there is still a power gap between our country and the kingdom of Dorgal."

The population of the kingdom of Rosais is about 250,000. The current population of the kingdom of Dorgal is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 300,000.

Furthermore, the kingdoms of Evill and Berberdil will join the encirclement.

It is unreasonable to expect a strong stance in this situation.

"Well, if I command, we will definitely win."

"You... saying such things..."

---

"Welcome back, Anabella. How was the kingdom of Rosais?"

Mali greeted Anabella as if she were welcoming a family member back from a trip. Anabella pouted.

"It was terrible. The sorcerer found my house, and I had to escape through a muddy tunnel. Then I was chased by soldiers, eagles, dogs, and I fell into a cesspit. A cesspit! I'm a young woman in my twenties, about to get married! It was terrible."

Actually, thanks to that, she managed to escape the dogs, but Anabella didn't know that.

"Well, well, it's good that you escaped."

"That's true... I'm sorry. I couldn't manipulate anyone..."

Anabella bowed deeply to Mali, looking very dejected.

Mali spoke gently.

"Well, well. I've failed many times, which is why I am where I am now. Prince Redus is doing well, but it's only because he is a weak person who was heartbroken. I can't turn someone who is not dissatisfied."

Mali patted Anabella's shoulder, showing her expectations. Anabella, crying, hugged Mali. She smelled a bit.

"By the way, can you tell me the outline of the plan soon?"

"Sure. I'll tell you. It's not much, though."

Mali smiled and answered.

First, the kingdom of Dorgal will invade the kingdom of Rosais. This has been confirmed through intelligence, so there is no need to push it further.

Next, move Redus. Get Redus to break the alliance with the kingdom of Rosais and attack when the situation stabilizes.

Then, the kingdoms of Evill and Berberdil will undoubtedly invade the kingdom of Rosais. They have distrust due to the previous curse (false accusation).

This will complete the encirclement. It would be impossible to withstand an attack from four countries.

Then, when the kingdom of Rosais is weakened, make a proposal.

"I'll help you if you give me territory."

"Will you really help?"

"Yes. If the kingdom of Rosais falls, the kingdom of Dorgal will gain strength. We will attack the kingdom of Dorgal from behind and destroy it. In return for our help, we will take the territory of the kingdom of Rosais. That's the plan."

Then, over time, force the kingdom of Rosais to submit. Mali had no intention of killing the man named Almus. His knowledge, especially about bombs, is something Mali does not have. Mali wants to bring him under her control.

"But with this plan, Merlin will only have caused the fall of Prince Redus and gained distrust through the curse."

"Well, that's about all she can do. We don't share a border. I could do it if I had three more people. But I can't create a substantial illusion with sorcery."

Mali shrugged as if to say there was no other way.

"Well, you are the only one who can replace me. There are about three others who are barely capable. It would be a shame if my five hundred years of accumulated skills were matched by talent alone."

Mali laughed. At least in terms of talent, Anabella is far superior to Mali.

"Anyway, we've done what we needed to do. Now we just have to wait and see. Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please."

An elegant tea (green tea) party began.

---

"King Dorgal. The decision to strip Carlo of his position as heir has been made... What will you do?"

"Can we... appoint Carlo as the commander-in-chief of the next war?"

"That would be difficult."

King Dorgal sighed deeply. He is currently forty-five years old. As a politician, he is just getting started.

However, the country's politics cannot stabilize if the next king is not determined soon. King Dorgal, rubbing his enlarged belly, spoke.

"If Carlo is too strict... maybe Pax? He is the second prince, and the status of the woman who gave birth to him is not bad."

"I think Ald would be suitable. He is clever and creative. ...His weakness is that he is a bit careless, but with a competent advisor, he could rule without problems."

Currently, the kingdom of Dorgal is in a difficult situation. To the south is the ambitious young king of the kingdom of Rosais. To the north is the great kingdom of Rozel.

Both are troublesome opponents. What the kingdom needs now is not a quick runner but a king who can pass the baton to the next era.

In that sense, Carlo was the most suitable... but he failed in the southern campaign. The only reason he was stripped of his position as heir but not his right to the throne is that there is still hope for him.

"Should we take a husband like the kingdom of Rosais?"

"It would be nice if the griffin had another son."

The attendant smiled wryly. Convenient people don't come around often.

"All three of them are not doing well."

King Dorgal pressed his chest. He felt a pain rising from his abdomen.

Cold sweat broke out on King Dorgal's body.

"Are you alright!?"

"...I'm fine. It's over. It happens often lately."

King Dorgal leaned back in his throne and looked up at the ceiling.

"I've been getting tired easily lately. I get out of breath just walking up the stairs. My shoulders are also very stiff. Maybe it's my age."

"Is it because of your belly? Reduce your food and alcohol intake. And try to exercise a bit?"

The attendant pointed to King Dorgal's protruding belly. In the past, he was a warrior who could kill a deer with a single spear thrust while riding a horse.

"If I exercise, my heart will burst. It's my age. There's nothing I can do about it."

King Dorgal laughed pleasantly.

---

...A few months later, the situation in the kingdom of Dorgal changed dramatically. It was a development that even King Dorgal, King Rosais, King Rozel, and Mali did not expect.

If you experience symptoms such as "shoulder stiffness" or "shortness of breath," we recommend that you go to the hospital immediately.

Especially if you are overweight.

---

The war is scheduled for tomorrow or the day after.