"Reporting, Your Highness."

Serenade arrived with a second dispatch in hand, passing it to me.

Following the news of the outbreak of war, this was the second official message.

"Operation to evacuate close relatives of Prince Lark has succeeded. All have safely escaped outside the Imperial Capital."

"Seems like Alberto and Elize have done their part. Well done."

I nodded, picturing the faces of the steward and the maid-knight. Serenade bowed gracefully and stepped back.

The plan to remove Lark’s wife and three children from the Imperial Capital had been prepared well in advance.

It was also a part I had promised to play when I met Lark a few days ago.

Having his family held hostage would restrict Lark’s actions. I wouldn’t want that.

I wanted the two brothers to clash fiercely.

That way, more opportunities would open up for me to act.

’When whales fight, it’s the shrimp’s back that gets broken.’

But for the third whale who eats the shattered shrimp, it’s an excellent opportunity.

Lucas, who had been listening to the rapidly changing imperial situation, groaned.

"Why would Prince Fernandez conspire to...?"

"Ah, the reason? Reasons can be just an excuse."

What did the reason matter? Even if there was a plausible cause, I had no interest.

What mattered was the outcome this event would bring.

The empire would be split in two, and the entire world would hold its breath, watching the direction of the civil war.

Everyone would be calculating which side to join.

"Are we then joining Prince Lark?"

Evangeline, who seemed to have the same concern, asked hastily.

As the heir to the Margrave of the Crossroad, she must be more anxious.

I answered straightforwardly.

"No."

"Then why did you evacuate the family of Prince Lark? Are you going to offer them to Prince Fernandez?"

"That’s not it either."

On the surface, it was a humanitarian action for Lark.

To be more honest, it was a safety mechanism to ensure that Lark’s army wouldn’t attack us.

If we were protecting Lark’s wife and children here, at the very least, the imperial forces under Lark wouldn’t bother us.

Also, if Fernandez’s army tried to attack us, the likelihood that Lark’s army would intervene increased.

’It almost feels like they’re hostages, but not quite.’

Well, let’s just say there’s mutual understanding. I have no intention of threatening or forcing them to stay.

"We declared our independence, remember?"

I looked around at my subordinates and made it clear once more.

"We are not joining anyone. We are taking the third path."

In the clash between the two princes, it was obvious that the winner would be closer to becoming the next emperor.

In other words, for the surrounding forces observing this, choosing the wrong side could mean the end.

Some forces would confidently support one side, but there would definitely be those who would want to hold off their choice.

To them, I approach as an alternative.

For those factions that want to show good faith to the Everblack Empire and the Imperial Family, but don’t yet know which prince to support.

The idea is to coax them into showing faith in me for now. That way, I can vouch for them once the next emperor is decided.

Not a bad offer. It might not be as effective as directly choosing a side, but at least it removes the risk of facing the empire’s blade.

’My position is really strange.’

Being a part of the royal family means I’m not entirely detached from their quarrels, but having declared independence gives me the space to distance myself.

In a close battle between two similar forces, the one I choose to support is likely to win. My worth continues to rise.

Optimization by picking up crumbs, that’s what it meant.

’Let’s make do with what we have.’

At the same time.

"While they’re busy fighting amongst themselves in the Imperial Capital, we absorb the powers in the gray areas."

Since they’d be preoccupied with fighting amongst themselves, there was an opportunity to actively recruit the ’Fallen Kings’ without worrying about the older leaders.

While the world’s attention was focused on New Terra in the Imperial Capital, I’d bring the fallen kings who were lying low in the shadows under my command.

I’d establish a safe zone where all the oppressed could safely reside, and form alliances with them.

I’d gather the largest force I could create.

’I don’t need the imperial throne. I don’t need wealth, honor, or power.’

Just to stand against the monsters and protect this world.

I would do everything I could.

’I need to organize special envoys.’

Each of the fallen kings had different persuaders.Fortunately, I had several competent individuals around me, so it seemed I could send special envoys tailored to the opponents.

As I thought, I sighed and scratched my chin.

’...So I’m getting involved in the outside world after all.’

Defense-battle-dungeon exploration-city administration. I wanted to infinitely loop through these three phases like in the game.

But for a more assured victory, for a bigger picture, I ended up getting involved in diplomacy, which was not part of the plan.

’If it’s necessary, I have to do it.’

Looking around at my subordinates whose eyes were shining toward me, I bitterly smiled inside.

’I have a lot of people to take responsibility for already.’

Amid the shifting political landscape, I explained the future direction of our monster front to my subordinates, listened to their opinions, and held discussions and meetings late into the night.

***

The relay meeting lasted until dawn.

Around the time everyone’s faces were becoming tired and drained, Aider and Serenade came into the reception room with hot tea and refreshments. I applauded.

"Looks like the meeting is almost over, so let’s catch our breath with a cup of tea."

While Aider served tea and refreshments to the others, Serenade came over to me with a cup and poured the tea.

The red and transparent tea swirled in the cup.

"Thank you."

As I expressed my gratitude for the cup, Serenade’s silver eyes softened.

"You’re welcome."

"Thanks not just for the tea, but also for making a big decision."

I was talking about the Silver Winter Merchant Guild.

The Silver Winter Merchant Guild had long been spreading their business out from the Imperial Capital.

Fearing what could happen in the Imperial Capital if Fernandez revolted, they decentralized their operations to surrounding cities.

The task was carried out covertly, and fortunately, it was completed just a few days ago.

It was a decision that could overturn the fate of a guild built up by three generations, but Serenade followed without any questions. I was both grateful and sorry.

"It’s also for the good of our guild."

Serenade smiled warmly, like the aroma of the tea she held.

"The life of a lowly merchant like us can turn into dew on the gallows with just one word from Empire. Yet, our guild has been too dependent on the protection of the Imperial Family."

Being close to the Imperial Family and enjoying their privileges meant that a single word from the Emperor could ruin them.

"A change in our constitution was a necessity. This was a good opportunity to catch it."

I thought back to the incident in the Imperial Capital. The guild building was set ablaze, and Serenade had almost died several times.

Serenade must have felt it then. That things couldn’t continue like this.

"I’m the one who should be thanking you, Your Highness."

Serenade took a step closer to me and whispered in my ear.

"If it weren’t for Your Highness, both I and our Merchant Guild would have been forever stuck in that narrow world."

"Uh, umm..."

It was a good and correct point, but why was she whispering so quietly in my ear?

And why did her voice sound as sweet as sugar? It felt like it would melt me.

"Gasp!"

That’s when I felt gazes staring in our direction.

Turning in surprise, I saw my party members looking at us with round eyes, their faces somehow encouraging.

Stop giving a thumbs up! And quit nodding your heads!

Especially the Godhand-Lilly couple; they were nodding with expressions like ’good for you,’ ’we had our times too,’ as if they were veterans in love.

Then, as if reminiscing old memories, they held each other’s hands tightly... what’s up with you guys, seriously?

"Ahem!"

Clearing my throat, I addressed Serenade with a serious tone.

"Still, we do need a central branch, right? The Imperial Capital branch has been compromised... where will you move it to?"

There were several nearby cities that had bustling commercial activities, not just the Imperial Capital.

Maybe I should pick one among those. I doubt anyone would refuse Silver Winter’s Merchant Guild.

"I’ve been pondering that issue as well..."

Serenade, leaning against me, gave a faint smile as she tightly held her teacup.

"I’m thinking of making a bold investment now that we’ve raised the stakes."

Raised the stakes to invest more?

...She’s not going to say something like setting up the guild headquarters in Crossroad, right?

Even though this place is a fortress city in the southern outskirts, I don’t think Serenade would be so reckless. Hmm.

"I’ll inform you once we make a decision, Your Highness."

"Alright, thanks. I really don’t know how I would’ve handled everything without you."

Genuine gratitude in my words made Serenade’s cheeks flush.

Her slender fingers fidgeting around the teacup, Serenade quickly turned her body to the side and gulped down her tea. Isn’t it hot?

Feeling a bit awkward, I slowly sipped my tea as well. Ahem! This tea is really good!

"Whew~"A whistle sound flew in from the other side. Damn it. Everyone’s watching. What’s with this lovey-dovey atmosphere?

I quickly downed the remaining tea in one go and stood up.

"I believe we have sufficiently shared our front-line directions and future visions."

My previously grinning subordinates all straightened up and listened as I spoke with a serious face. I nodded.

"However, regardless of how the world changes, or how this front-line shifts, never forget our original goal."

I reiterate our flag—our mission—as if I’ve said it hundreds of times before.

"To kill monsters and protect people."

Everything else is a secondary matter to this main objective.

After all, the very definition of this monster front-line is to act as an absolute defense line that protects humanity from monsters.

We must be loyal to our role as the last stronghold in this defense game.

"Let’s prepare for the next defensive battle."

The next stage is just around the corner.

It’s time to turn our eyes away from the typhoon swirling in the teacup and face the nightmares that are coming from the outside.

***

The forward base is almost fully repaired.

Waiting for the monster horde to arrive, I look at the stage information.

[Enemy Info - STAGE 13]

- Lv.?? ??? : 1 unit

- Lv.40 Troll Sorcerer ;Elite : 2 units

- Lv.40 Troll Royal Guard ;Elite : 10 units

- Lv.35 Troll Shieldbearer : 190 units

- Lv.30 Troll Foot Soldier : 344 units

The opponents for this stage were the Troll Legion, whom we’d faced during the previous free exploration.

Tanker monsters with robust regenerative abilities and well-rounded physical/magical defenses. Their attack power, however, was relatively weak.

’I shouldn’t let my guard down, but objectively speaking, the power difference is significant...’

We could easily overpower them.

’And then...’

I frowned as I opened another system window.

An unwelcome message appeared before my eyes.

[??? passes their turn.]magic

[No Dark Event will be triggered in this stage.]

Even in this stage, no Dark Event was activated.

"..."

I clenched my lips tightly.

I was slowly beginning to feel it.

My nemesis, the Demon King who has been pulling strings in the Lake Kingdom, is plotting something.

’He skipped the Dark Event three times in a row, a feature he had been consistently using?’

Unless he suddenly quit the game and left it open, it was more likely he was cooking up some nefarious scheme.

The problem was that I knew next to nothing about these Dark Events. They were elements that didn’t exist when I was just gaming, and now they’re being sprung on me since I’ve entered this world...

’I’ll have to consult with Aider about this.’

As I was thinking this,

Swoooosh!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Monsters began to surface, cutting through the lake.

It was the Troll Legion, whose faces had become familiar after beating them up throughout this season’s dungeon explorations.

I was relaxed, and so were my party members. We had been dealing with these bastards for weeks now, so everyone was familiar with them.

But then,

"Kyahahahahahah!"

A raucous laughter suddenly erupted from the Troll Legion.

Despite the distance, the laughter rang clear and resounded in our ears. The aura of malevolence emanating from this boss monster made my troops waver.

"Huh?"

Confused, I quickly lifted my telescope. Wait, was there a unit with this level of presence among the named trolls?

As soon as I looked through the telescope, I saw it immediately.

A troll of grand stature was sitting on a magic carpet, wearing a turban adorned with gems, and holding a female troll in each hand.

"Holy shit."

The apex entity of the Troll Legion and an ultra-rare monster with a presumed encounter rate below decimals in the game.

The king of the Troll Legion, whose name had been given due to his role in ruining the game—trolling—was.

"Trolling...!"

I pulled away from the telescope and shouted at the top of my lungs.

"We’re fucked!"

We stepped in it, damn this shit!

--TL Notes--

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