The old capital of Nalthia was sacred land to the Empire. Excluding the area along the shores of Veijyu Lake, which saw lots of maritime transportation, it was normally a solemn, quiet city. However, it was presently engulfed in a storm of anarchy.
“Hold your positions! Bardloche’s army is closing in!”
Defensive units scrambled while shouts sounded from every direction. If the endless metallic clattering of soldiers outfitted in armor had somehow become the rattle of coins, the sum would bury the city in riches. Amid all this, a young woman ran to and fro, checking on the fortification progress. It was Ninym.
“Our southern defense is fine, and the western front is almost ready. The east is slightly behind schedule. I’ll check in on their statuses again later… For now, I should visit the supply point.”
A man ran up to Ninym while she mumbled to herself.
“There you are, Lady Ninym.”
“Oh, Captain Raklum,” Ninym replied upon noticing him. “Have we established a defensive chain of command?”
Raklum shook his head. “Both sides are still arguing. The guards already stationed here and the soldiers who serve Demetrio can’t seem to come to an agreement. And we lack the numbers to meddle…”
“I suppose that’s to be expected… I’ll speak with Prince Wein and Prince Demetrio to see if they can intervene.”
“That would be much appreciated. Even if both sides have been caught off guard, I shudder to think of what might happen if we went into battle without proper leadership.”
“I agree. We must be prepared for anything… What about the escape route?”
Raklum gave Ninym a firm nod. “An oarsman and boat are waiting in a storehouse to the north. If necessary, please use them to see the prince to safety. We’ll buy you enough time.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“That will depend on the other party,” Raklum replied before adopting a somewhat optimistic expression. “His Highness’s approach never fails to astound. I never imagined we’d get embroiled in something like this when we departed from Natra.”
“Yes, I didn’t expect us to interfere in such a manner either,” Ninym replied with slight exasperation. “And if we’re surprised, I can only imagine their astonishment…”
“Our scouts have returned. As we suspected, there is no question that Prince Demetrio and his men have occupied Nalthia…!”
“Ngh…”
Back at his main camp, Bardloche, sensing something odd about Nalthia, temporarily halted on the outskirts of the city and sent soldiers to investigate. Their findings confirmed the banner adorning Nalthia’s ramparts was unmistakably authentic.
“…What kind of manpower does Demetrio have?”
“We’ve received several verbal testimonies that between three to five thousand soldiers have entered the city,” one subordinate answered.
“It would come as no surprise to find fresh traces of men and horses in the surrounding area,” replied another.
An estimated five thousand soldiers.
Bardloche had been under the impression that Nalthia’s defenses were subpar, making this an unwelcome surprise. His victory was still guaranteed, but that added protection meant it wouldn’t be so easy.
“Your Highness, whatever Prince Demetrio’s motives, he is clearly only an obstacle! We should storm Nalthia immediately!”
“…”
His subordinate was right; they had very few options left. However, Bardloche also knew such actions posed an immense risk. Enough that their entire army could be wiped out if things went south.
What should I do?
Bardloche fell deeper into dismay, but his troubles weren’t over yet.
“Um, there is one other report.”
“What?! You mean there’s more…?!”
“Yes. Our investigation is still in progress, but from what we’ve heard…”
“Demetrio and Prince Wein are in Nalthia…?!”
Manfred couldn’t suppress the hoarse exclamation after hearing the news from a subordinate.
“Yes. It appears they’re working together…”
News of the First Prince’s militia occupying Nalthia had reached Manfred’s ears just as it had Bardloche’s. Worse yet, Wein had been spotted in the city as well. The Third Prince normally kept his emotions in check, but even he failed to contain his surprise over this development.
“Strang, what’s going on?!”
“I’d heard Prince Demetrio retired to the countryside, and I doubt his actions here are spontaneous. Thus, there can only be one answer.”
Wein had forced Demetrio out of isolation; Strang was certain of it. Despite the meticulous stage Strang had set, Wein had elected to stay and interfere. The man was a total eccentric, but Strang wouldn’t lose on this point either.
However, that meant the real challenge would be dealing with Wein and Demetrio.
What in the world are they after…? And how do they justify occupying Nalthia?
While Strang’s mind raced, a messenger came running.
“Pardon me! An envoy from Prince Demetrio has just arrived!”
“An envoy? What for?”
“Yes, well…”
“‘Our neighboring ally, Crown Prince Wein, and Ernesto, the Leader of Eastern Levetia, are scheduled to meet in Nalthia. Naturally, the Empire should offer its support as the host. I can’t believe you two insist on dragging out this pointless war. I’d already given up playing your game, but chose to return to make this conference happen. You’re welcome, my idiot brothers.’” Demetrio stopped and smiled. “My messengers should be delivering these very words to those fools right about now.”
“Both camps are surely in for a shock,” Wein replied with a crafty look.
The two met in a private room of a Nalthia mansion. Neither commanded the military, so they were free to relax for a bit while the generals and soldiers readied the defenses.
“I’m still surprised you pulled me back in, you know.”
“I knew I’d found the perfect pawn for the job. Besides, weren’t you just killing time in the countryside?”
The meeting with Ernesto was to be held in Nalthia.
Wein had concluded this was the only way for him to intercede. Strang had erected various safeguards to keep Wein outside the loop, but he didn’t once interfere with the prince’s plan to visit the Empire for a talk with Ernesto. Whether this was because meddling would be too much of a hassle or because Strang didn’t wish to irritate Wein further was unclear. However, Wein intended to take the utmost advantage of this conference to further his agenda.
The princes will try to take Nalthia. I should chat with Eastern Levetia and Prime Minister Keskinel and establish the city as our meetup, Wein had reasoned before meeting with Prince Demetrio.
Eastern Levetia had been easy enough to convince. A deep rift had formed between the religion and Bardloche’s faction after the former had vilified the latter. Eastern Levetia would take Lowellmina or Manfred over Bardloche any day. Wein had imagined Ernesto would happily agree to a meeting in Nalthia if it meant getting in the Second Prince’s way.
However, Wein understood that Eastern Levetia had little to offer in the way of tangible support.
His current delegation was lean, and Eastern Levetia couldn’t mobilize an immense force. Bardloche or Manfred could storm the city to cut the conference short.
Thus, Wein had coaxed Demetrio out of his seclusion. The First Prince previously suffered a political defeat, but he still held favor with the Empire’s conservatives. If Demetrio hosted this meetup, Wein could tap his supporters for assistance. To that end, he’d contacted the ousted prince and made his request.
“Hmph. I may have been defeated, but you still show tremendous insolence by daring to treat a prince of the Empire like a pawn,” Demetrio scoffed. He didn’t look too upset, though. “Very well, then. It will please me greatly to make my foolish brothers turn red with fury. Still, it’s unfortunate I can’t witness the sight firsthand.”
“Imagination is all you need. If you witnessed it directly, your sides might split.”
“Ha-ha-ha! Good point!”
Demetrio burst out laughing, and Wein threw him a sidelong glance as he pondered.
I’m kind of surprised that Keskinel agreed so easily.
Anyone else would have demanded Wein cancel the event. This was to be a banquet with a foreign guest of honor in the middle of a war zone, after all.
Of course, Wein had a more forceful second plan in case the first one didn’t pan out. Yet the key players accepted his proposal almost immediately. It was nearly unsettling.
I always knew Keskinel was a shrewd guy…but it looks like things are about to get a lot more interesting.
Although the final battle between the Imperial siblings loomed, that didn’t excuse the long list of daily tasks that demanded attention. Keskinel continued to oversee his desk work as Prime Minister while he prepared for the reports that would stream in during the upcoming battle.
“…Are you sure about this, Prime Minister?”
“What do you mean?” Keskinel asked without taking his eyes off his work. The aide proceeded to clarify.
“I am referring to this meeting between Prince Wein and His Grace Ernesto. Why would they wish to hold it in Nalthia now of all times? And with Prince Demetrio playing the host, no less.”
“I don’t see the issue,” Keskinel replied, dismissing his subordinate’s concern. “The conference between Prince Wein and His Grace was scheduled beforehand. If anything, we ought to reexamine our ineptitude if a simple visit from an esteemed foreign guest rattles us so.”
“Y-yes, but…”
“In addition, Nalthia will be the venue. It is the Empire’s symbol of authority, and the other party must show due respect. I would have preferred to oversee the meeting myself, but Prince Wein has already designated Prince Demetrio. The two share close ties, and if the First Prince has accepted, then I have no objections.”
Keskinel’s response made sense. Normally, no one would bat an eye if Demetrio oversaw a meeting between Wein and Ernesto in Nalthia. Of course, this could hardly be called “normal.”
“Prime Minister, sir, Nalthia is a literal war zone!” the subordinate exclaimed.
“The Imperial children are merely acting on their whims,” Keskinel answered bluntly. “The Empire is unrelated and must continue to work as a cohesive unit. Dissension has weakened our realm and tarnished our authority. This decision will not mar my internal neutrality in the slightest.”
Keskinel’s declaration silenced the other man. The Imperial Prime Minister gave a tiny smile.
“Of course, that isn’t to say my choice will have no effect on the fight for succession. I’m unsure how each royal will make the most of this rare opportunity, but strength is born through adversity.”
“Your Excellency…”
“Don’t worry, we still have time before the birth of a new, glorious Emperor.”
“Grahh…!”