I honestly wasn’t close with the Empress at all, but I didn’t see the need to correct him.
“We in the noble faction have been very anxious about that,” Patriot said. “We are concerned that you will be ensnared by the imperial faction.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. At the moment, I’m neutral, not supporting either side.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear.” Patriot sighed with relief. “The imperial faction is a sinking ship. Do not make the mistake of joining them,” he said harshly. Yet the gentle smile hadn’t left his face.
“With all due respect…as a citizen of Liengard, should you really be calling the Empress’s faction a sinking ship?”
“Whoops. Perhaps I should have chosen my words more carefully. However, I pride myself on telling the truth, so I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me,” he said with a strained smile. He really seemed to have a low opinion of the imperial faction. “I’m going to be clear with you, as there’s no point hiding anything. It pains me to say this, but the imperial faction and the Liengard Empire have no future.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“First of all, the idiots in the imperial faction are operating under a huge misunderstanding. They think Liengard is a great country that serves the masses, that it is one of the self-proclaimed ‘Five Powers,’ and that together with their allies, they have the strength to oppose the Holy Empire. That is complete and utter nonsense! Their hubris knows no bounds!”
Patriot held up an index finger as he spoke of politics I didn’t understand.
“A major war will likely start within the next year. It will be the most destructive and large-scale conflict in history.”
“You’re talking about war with the Holy Ronelian Empire, right?”
“Yes. The alliance of the Liengard Empire, the Vesteria Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Polyesta, and the Republic of Ronzo will go to war against the Holy Ronelian Empire. And there’s no doubt the Holy Empire will win,” he declared without a moment’s hesitation.
“You’re very sure about that.”
“I have my reasons, of course. I’ll give you three.”
Patriot held up three fingers and spoke with increased vigor.
“First, the Holy Ronelian Empire’s formidable military strength will overwhelm the other powers on the continent! They have the Black Organization, an illegal militant group with a group of swordsmen known as the Thirteen Oracle Knights, each of whom possesses the strength of a nation. Four of them are even called Imperial Knights and are bona fide superhumans!”
I had fought a former Imperial Knight named Diehl Reinstad. The fact that there were still four swordsmen in the Holy Empire stronger than him was certainly harrowing.
“Second, they have an overwhelming advantage in scientific knowledge thanks to the genius magic artisan Rod Garf! His intelligence is a century ahead of the rest of humanity! He invented the microminiature sailplanes—the gliders—that the Holy Empire used during the last battle, as well as the black overcoats that shrink and expand to fit the wearer that the Black Organization uses as its standard combat uniform! He’s made many other amazing discoveries that defy common sense!”
Rod Garf, the magic artisan, was a name I’d heard a few times now. There was no doubt he was one of the key people responsible for the Holy Empire’s strength.
“And most importantly, the Holy Empire is ruled by the absolute monarch, Emperor Barel Ronelia! His ingenuity is deep as an abyss, his strength greater than even the Four Imperial Knights, and his matchless charisma inspires all to follow him! He is a true sovereign! No, a god among men!”
Patriot practically began to pant as he passionately praised the Holy Empire.
I’m worried about how much he seems to admire Barel Ronelia… But there was something even more pressing I needed to confirm.
“Patriot… You’re quite familiar with the internal affairs of our enemy.” He’d spoken as if he had seen the Holy Empire’s fighting strength with his own eyes.
“Why, of course. I want you to keep this between us, but…we in the noble faction are in contact with the Holy Ronelian Empire.”
“Wh—?! What?!” I exclaimed, shocked.
“It’s not what you think! I only mean that we have an independent diplomatic channel for obtaining intel!”
“Please tell me you’re not selling the Holy Empire information about Liengard.”
“We would never do such a thing. We are fiercely patriotic, virtuous citizens of Liengard.”
“…That’s good to hear.”
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like I could trust him. Even so, cutting our conversation short here would risk offending him, so I decided to stay a little longer and wait for a good time to leave.
“You’re probably right that we’re behind when it comes to scientific capability. But I don’t think the difference in fighting strength is as great as you say. After all, we have the Holy Knights Association’s very own Seven Holy Blades on our side. They’re the strongest swordfighters in the world.”
“The Seven Holy Blades… Can you be sure they’re all allies?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“This is not public knowledge, but the Seven Holy Blades are all very eccentric. I would even go so far as to call them a group of broken people. I cannot imagine they’ll all fight for justice when the hostilities begin. Von Mustang betrayed us just recently… Some of the others may do the same,” he said forebodingly.
“The Seven Holy Blades aren’t our only skilled swordfighters. Don’t forget Chair—uh, Black Fist Reia Lasnote. She’s incredibly strong and lives here in Liengard.”
“Black Fist, huh? You’re right about her strength; she’s probably as formidable in a fight as anyone in the world. But she is currently at her peak. Once she passes her prime, her strength will steadily decline until she is but a shadow of her former self.” Patriot gently shook his head. “Additionally, she’s simpleminded and known to be a decent, sensible person. That makes her predictable and easy to suppress.”