✦ ✦ ✦
“Really? Don’t you have any female acquaintances?”
“Ah… Well, I do, but…”
“…”
Liane poked Glen’s chest standoffishly. As he contemplated a way to allay her uncomfortable protest, a knock came at the door.
“Pardon me, Captain Glen. It is almost time for your conference.”
“Understood. I’ll be there in a minute,” he answered.
After dismissing his subordinate, Glen turned back to Lianne. “I’m afraid he’s right. I wish we could talk longer, but—”
“No, your feelings are enough.” Lianne squeezed Glen’s hand. “I realize there’s not much I can do, but I will earnestly pray for your victory.”
Glen smiled and squeezed her hand back.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Yes, leave everything to me.”
“This isn’t good at all,” Lowellmina mumbled through a mouthful of pancakes topped with a mound of whipped cream.
“Is the food not to your liking?” Fyshe asked.
“No, this is absolutely delicious. I feel invigorated,” Lowellmina said with a satisfied nod between bites. “Yes, sweets are truly nature’s nectar. This manor is certainly quite comfortable, but the menu is peculiar.”
Imperial Princess Lowellmina was currently a guest in Keskinel’s manor. Needless to say, it was his duty as Prime Minister of the Empire to show the utmost hospitality. However, Lowellmina and Keskinel’s meals together almost always included insects or a whole roast of some unfamiliar beast. He insisted each was a traditional dish from lands annexed by the Empire and claimed to dine on them regularly to understand those cultures better.
You dumb liar. You’re definitely just trying to annoy me. That’s what Lowellmina thought at first, but the way Keskinel enjoyed each dish with gusto seemed to verify his sincerity. In other words, the variety of bizarre cuisine was a heartfelt display of hospitality. The princess was hardly appreciative, however.
“If I continue to eat such fare, my stomach will turn inside out. My apologies to Keskinel, but for now, I shall satiate myself with sweets,” Lowellmina declared as she stuffed her cheeks with more pancake.
“Your Highness, I thought I should mention that you have not left the mansion in quite a while,” Fyshe remarked quietly.
“Yes, what of it?”
“And you have been eating a few too many sweets…”
“…”
Lowellmina lightly poked her stomach. It jiggled.
“Y-Your Highness! I was merely suggesting that perhaps meals are not our biggest concern!”
As Fyshe hurriedly tried to skirt the topic, Lowellmina looked up from her stomach as though nothing had happened.
“The current situation is obviously our chief priority… Fyshe, how are the enemy’s numbers?”
“To be honest, they’re rising quickly,” she replied tensely while gathering documents. “I believe Bardloche’s army totals just shy of ten thousand. We, on the other hand, have yet to reach five thousand.”
“I see. This isn’t looking good at all.”
Bardloche’s forces primarily consisted of the Empire’s most elite soldiers, while Lowellmina’s troops were mostly weak and inexperienced. If he launched a direct attack, her fighters would be trampled in an instant.
“I meant to stoke the will of the people, but forcing Bardloche’s hand was a terrible misstep…” Lowellmina groaned. Admitting her error now did no good. The situation had come to a crossroads.
“There are also those among our numbers, especially the conservatives who led Prince Demetrio’s former faction, who are watching and waiting to see how the winds of fortune blow,” Fyshe said. “Of course, we could gather more soldiers if we had more time. As to whether Bardloche’s forces will wait that long…”
For the peace-loving Lowellmina to take up arms, she needed the people’s support. Unfortunately, they hadn’t rallied behind her as much as the princess had hoped, and Bardloche’s forces were already making their move. This development naturally made Lowellmina’s side uneasy.
I thought that brother of mine would hesitate a bit more, but…
Bardloche was a boar of a warrior but also surprisingly cautious. It was a weakness Lowellmina and Manfred plotted to use to their advantages. Yet this time, he’d been more decisive than expected.
According to reports from our subordinates, resources are flowing in from the West. Someone over there must be helping him.
At the current pace, Bardloche’s troops would attack the Imperial Capital before Lowellmina’s had a chance to assemble. Furthermore, the capital’s focus on authority and commerce meant it possessed minimal security. Even if Lowellmina concentrated solely on defense, it wouldn’t be nearly enough.
“Your Highness, at this rate…”
“I know… Fyshe, where is Wein’s delegation now?”
“It should be approaching the northern shore of Veijyu Lake… However, given the current predicament, the group will likely slow its pace and reschedule the meeting with Eastern Levetia’s Leader.”
“In that case, please find the delegation as soon as possible. We’ll request reinforcements from Natra,” Lowellmina said.
Fyshe frowned. “Reinforcements? But geographically…”
“They won’t make it in time. But if Natra announces its plans to send help, it will inspire our soldiers and boost our numbers. Wein isn’t likely to hand over aid for free, so please use your best judgment. Time is of the essence.”
“Understood. I will depart immediately.”
Fyshe bowed, then promptly turned on her heel and left. Afterward, Lowellmina closed her eyes.
We still have a chance at victory…which is why I’m concerned about Manfred.
Lowellmina didn’t know what Strang might try. However, that crafty four-eyes was definitely up to something. Would she withstand the onslaught or be swallowed by it? The princess fell into deeper contemplation.
When Strang returned to Manfred’s manor, he was greeted by chaos that rivaled a battlefield.
“Prince Manfred!”
“Ah. You’re back, Strang.”
Strang pushed through the bustling crowd to reach the Third Prince. Fatigue showed plainly on Manfred’s face.
“How is the situation?” he asked bluntly. Strang dropped his usual etiquette, for there was no time. The prince handed over a set of documents and proceeded to explain.
“We’ve received word that Bardloche is raising an army, and we’re presently gathering our soldiers, too. However, our faction is largely formed of provincial leaders. Assembling troops from each region will take a while.” Manfred sighed. “You predicted Bardloche would be slow to act…but it looks like you were off the mark, Strang.”
“My apologies.” Strang’s strategy had presumed the Second Prince would use discretion. He’d reported as much to his master, so a bit of chiding was deserved. “However, we are not yet beaten.”
Despite this setback, Manfred’s faction could still recover. In fact, if Strang’s current scheme played out as anticipated, victory would be assured.
“My envoy visit with Prince Wein proved invaluable. How did you fare, Your Highness?”
“We’ve managed to reach an understanding. The details will be announced shortly.”
“Excellent,” Strang replied. “Now Wein is trapped on all sides.”
“Regrettably, Natra can’t send reinforcements,” Wein explained with a grimace as Fyshe sat in wide-eyed shock across from him. He had no choice but to refuse.
You got me good, Strang…
Wein imagined his friend had to be grinning ferociously.
✦ ✦ ✦
And so the three snakes intertwined as they rapidly slithered toward a single peak. Each hungered for victory and eyed the prize greedily, but only one could reach the top. And sure enough, the serpent to emerge triumphant was…