Chapter 332
I regret to inform about the recent policies enacted in the McLain Kingdom.
I am worried that this might harm the amicable relations between our two nations…
The message conveyed by the imperial royal family was clear.
– Are you daring us? Do you truly desire conflict? If not, halt your fortification activities immediately.
The McLain royal family promptly replied.
– No, that is not the case. We are simply maintaining internal order. This will actually benefit your side. So, focus on your own affairs.
With both sides sensing the escalating tension, it felt like a game of cat and mouse.
Naturally, the Empire issued an even stronger statement.
The intention was crystal clear.
Furthermore, the notice from the Empire was not only sent to the McLain royal family but was also announced in the eastern region of the Empire.
The Empire was openly displaying its strength.
In response, requests from the nobles flooded the McLain royal palace.
– Please halt the fortification work. To avoid conflict with the Empire…
– The current Empire is at its zenith…
– A small nation must comply with the wishes of a major power…
“Small nation? Major power? Who penned this? Are they sane? Is this from the Empire?”
Logan chuckled wryly as he read one of the requests, but the faces of those in front of him were serious and tense.
Among them were Damian, the head of information; Dwain, the finance minister; and Count Roberts, the chancellor.
Also present were the sword master who had hurried over upon hearing the news, along with Luther and Commander Wicken, who had been undergoing training with him.
And now, Victor and Burdel, who had begun shadowing Logan like personal guards and secret weapons, were also in attendance.
It was a gathering of the kingdom’s influential individuals, excluding the cavalry leaders stationed in the McLain territory and the fortification endeavors.
The sword master spoke on behalf of the group.
“The 3rd and 4th Legions of the Empire are set to conduct exercises soon at the northern border. If things escalate, it might lead to war.”
However, despite his concerns, Logan remained steadfast.
“Our 2nd Legion will also train in the north. It could be interesting to practice facing the Empire’s forces.”
“Your Majesty!”
“Ah, I was only joking. Just a jest.”
“Is this truly a matter for jests at this moment!?”
The sword master raised his voice, a rare occurrence.
“Yes, it is still acceptable. Isn't that right, Damian?”
Logan kept smiling, casually shifting his gaze.
“Yes, Your Majesty. As per Senior Philip’s information, there hasn’t been any significant change in the movement of war supplies like food, weapons, or iron ore.”
“What is the implication of that…?”
“Unlike the notice, it indicates that the Empire currently has no immediate intentions of waging war.”
“Hmm… Can we draw conclusions based solely on that?”
“It is a valid basis. For a nation as vast as the Empire, our Kingdom is not easily subdued by just one or two of their legions.”
As Logan supported Damian’s statement, Damian gave a sly grin to the sword master.
“Philip put it this way: Words and written messages may deceive, but the flow of money never lies.”
*Clears throat.*
Although he was often seen as stubborn, the sword master's insight was more than mere show; he recognized the truth in Damian’s words.
However, acknowledging this raised another question.
“Your Majesty, you have mentioned that the Empire will eventually attack McLain. Wasn’t fortification one of the preparations for that?”
“That is correct.”
“Then, it seems odd that the Empire would respond so passively knowing that. Could it be that they are not considering war…?”
At these words, both Damian and Dwain looked towards the sword master.
Logan’s assertion about the Empire's invasion had become an accepted truth among the current McLain leadership, shaping all strategies accordingly.
Even if there were those with doubts about that decision, who would dare challenge Logan’s orders?
The only one who could question that assumption was the sword master himself, so the officials' curious gazes returned to Logan.
“Is there no cause for the Empire to react more aggressively? We are not preparing to invade the Empire ourselves.”
“Pardon?”
“The fortifications blocking the pass are mainly defensive. If we were to attack, it would only cause inconvenience.”
“That is true, but…”
While he somewhat agreed, the sword master still appeared puzzled.
In response, Logan continued with a wry smile.
“It seems they are still not fully prepared internally. It could be due to the crown prince’s coronation and similar events…”
“But Your Majesty, the current response…”
“Above all, the Emperor probably does not view our kingdom as a significant threat.”
“Pardon?”
“Whether they fortify or mobilize legions, they likely believe they can easily overpower us at any moment. It is more of a minor nuisance, perhaps.”
Logan's tone carried a note of certainty as he recalled the Empire's behavior from his past life, alongside the face of the current Emperor.
‘Regardless of our preparations, they might just see it as us being slightly bothersome.’
Indeed, considering the power gap from an outsider's perspective, the Emperor might think along those lines.
However, Logan believed McLain’s actual military strength to be considerably different.
Perhaps it was due to the unique aspects of the current continent's history of warfare, where the Empire had disregarded the prowess of their resistance group.
They were striving to quash rumors about various artifacts and the Liberatio.
And there were also the strictly confidential superhumans and the Grand Magic Circles.
Moreover, with new fortifications underway, there was confidence in withstanding the Empire.
‘Of course, the Empire also conceals the might of its Central Legions, so that remains a mystery.’
Thinking so, he found himself in a cycle of contemplation.
Underestimating the enemy could be fatal, yet overestimating them could lead to grave errors.
Hence,
“We must persist with our preparations. If no war ensues after all, then… Well, that would not be unfavorable.”
“…That is true. I am convinced. Don’t you agree?”
As the sword master responded in that manner and turned to look, the towering figure beside him couldn’t help but smile as he spoke in a booming voice.
“I have always trusted Your Majesty’s words.”
“I share the sentiment. You need not worry.”
Seeing Luther Kyle and Wicken Kalia nodding with smiles, Logan understood his mentor’s intentions.
In a time of heightened tensions, it was a gesture to dispel any lingering doubts between them.
Logan appreciated his mentor’s thoughtfulness and replied with a smile.
“Of course. Even if war does not erupt immediately, there will undoubtedly be precautions in place. Companies and trade entities operating within the Empire may face significant obstacles.”
“…That poses its own challenge.”
The sword master's expression turned serious once more.
“However, I have already devised a solution.”
“Already?”
“I received unexpected aid.”
At this, everyone’s attention shifted to where Logan was looking.
“Damian, how are the arrangements coming along?”
In response, Dwain, sporting a scruffy beard, smiled and continued.
“The support from the Eastern Department has been quite proactive. It appears there might be internal unrest brewing within the Empire.”
At this revelation, the sword master, unaware of the insider information, looked surprised.