“You must be exhausted. It’s quite a long distance from the old capital of Lushan.”
“Yes, I suppose. This is my first visit to Natra, so the journey was unfamiliar… I’m a bit embarrassed to say so, but I’ve heard much about Natra and couldn’t wait to see it with my own eyes,” Caldmellia replied with a smile. “Such excitement has warded off any fatigue.”
“Marvelous. As Natra’s representative, I’m delighted to hear it.” Wein mirrored her smile. “Lady Caldmellia, I pray you’ll enjoy our nation to your heart’s content. However, personal experience compels me to suggest you should return home before winter.”
“Do you refer to Natra’s harsh winters, where even shadows freeze? Indeed, it’s still early fall, yet I already sense an icy chill.”
“The very same. If it were possible, Natra would catch spring with a rope and never let go.”
“Oh my. Winters must be dreadful for you to go so far.”
“Oops. Please don’t speak a word of this to anyone. I wouldn’t want the general to tease me.”
The two exchanged smiles more frigid than any Natran winter.
“Well then, perhaps we should hurry and settle a few important matters,” Caldmellia said, cutting to the chase. “Your Highness is wise. I’m certain you’ve already realized how Earthworld’s new Empress has affected our respective circumstances.”
“Of course. The citizens refuse to let this blissful spring slip away.”
“Is it spring, though?” Caldmellia asked with a mysterious smirk.
Ninym felt overwhelmed merely standing on the sidelines, yet Wein dealt with the inscrutable woman head-on. Caldmellia certainly was intense.
“The Empire is powerful. You might say too powerful. However, it, too, must be cautious.”
“Are you talking about a multi-front attack from the West?”
“No, I mean you, Wein Salema Arbalest.”
The air between the pair tensed abruptly, but Caldmellia continued undaunted.
“I am not at liberty to make an official statement due to my position, but it matters not how much personnel, time, and money the West devotes to its militia. To the Empire, victory is a simple matter of calculation. Even if the expense is astronomical, it is ready to pay. You, Prince Wein, are different.”
“…”
“You are an accomplished leader and golden child of this era. A hero whose name will be recorded in this continent’s history. Undoubtedly, people on both sides have wondered if you can beat the Empire.”
“You overestimate me,” Wein argued. “I am no magician, Lady Caldmellia. I might be a match for the Empire in some aspects, but the difference in power is too great. Natra could never win.”
“Maybe so. However, take care to remember that a considerable number of people believe otherwise,” Caldmellia insisted. “The West is bitter toward the Empire, but many within the Empire itself also share that resentment. You are much like their symbol. It will lead the Empire to think eliminating you before you gain too many allies is best.”
“Have you forgotten my alliance with Earthworld?”
“Certainly not, but the Empire will stab you in the back as soon as your guard is down. Once you’re gone, the Empire will be free to unify the continent under its banner.”
Ninym shuddered at Caldmellia’s argument. Wein had cast his lot with the Empire, yet suddenly, the West seemed like the better option. Ninym tried to brush these thoughts away but to no avail.
“What do you think, Prince Wein? Doesn’t it feel like the fangs of winter are closing in?”
The air in the room was heavy. Before anyone knew it, they’d been led straight into a deep mire.
“Whether they are or aren’t”—Wein’s voice remained steady—“Natra cannot turn against the Empire. As I’ve said already, we lack the strength.”
“Indeed, that would be true if Natra were alone,” Caldmellia challenged. “The story would surely be different with every military in the West under your command.”
“…” For the first time, Wein was left speechless. Everyone else watched with bated breath. They realized far too late that this meeting would determine the future of the continent.
“…That’s far too unrealistic.” Wein shook his head at last. “Why would the West allow a novice like me to command its forces? I lack the qualifications and status.”
“You are a heroic and highly decorated prince. Such qualifications are more than enough. As for the issue of status…” Caldmellia paused for a moment. “You can become a Holy Elite.”
A Holy Elite.
The Holy King sat atop Levetia’s hierarchy while the Holy Elites served as his executives. Since each new Holy King was chosen from the Holy Elites, one could also say they were Holy King candidates. Most were active within Levetia and the political sphere, making them the West’s indisputable spiritual and moral leaders.
Wein had been endorsed as a Holy Elite candidate once before. A lot happened, so it was never finalized, though.
“Are you serious, Lady Caldmellia?”
“I would not jest, Prince Wein.”
Ninym had to agree.
Caldmellia was on an official visit as Levetia’s emissary. Her words would naturally be recorded for posterity, so she couldn’t put on airs or make suggestions on a whim.
If taken at face value, her offer was enough to catch Wein’s ear. Perhaps the Empire’s progress truly was a threat, but…
It’d be too risky for him to blindly accept her offer, Ninym thought.
…this was Caldmellia. Not only was she an influential figure in the West, but she also easily topped the list of most unpredictable people. It was best to assume the woman had a trick or two up her sleeve.
“Have the others accepted me as a Holy Elite?” Evidently, Wein had similar concerns and spoke cautiously. Several conditions had to be met first, and his main focus was the approval of the Holy King and the majority of the Holy Elites. This plan was dead in the water if only the Holy King and his trusted confidant Caldmellia recognized Wein.
Wein assumed this sudden trip to Natra was Caldmellia’s renegade plan unauthorized by the Holy Elites. However…
“Yes, we are fine in that regard. Although not unanimous, the majority has accepted you. This document is proof.”
…her reply shattered Wein’s supposition.
Ninym shuddered. This is moving too quickly!
Caldmellia couldn’t have forged so many signatures. Had she sought out the Holy Elites’ approval immediately after hearing of Lowellmina’s ascension to Empress? Or perhaps she’d concluded that a conflict between the East and the West was inevitable no matter who ruled the Empire and had laid the groundwork to make Wein a Holy Elite beforehand. Either way, the director’s decisiveness and proactive efforts were nothing less than a marvel.
What will you do, Wein?
The table was set. If Wein accepted, his becoming the newest Holy Elite would spread across the continent. However, it would serve as an irrefutable public declaration of Natra’s solidarity with the West. Wein had assured Ninym he’d collude with the Empire, but…
“I’m honored by the Holy Elites’ goodwill,” he said. “All the same, I cannot make such a momentous decision without conferring with my vassals. I’d like some time to think it over.”