-Your Highness, are you well? Minister Ian Hielo of the Ministry of Magic submits this report.
I just met with Minister Maxim Tweller of the Imperial Defense Department and exchanged opinions. The Minister has blocked some of the supply routes from Ruswena to Burgos, and is tracking others with shadows to identify supply bases. His composure, reflecting years of battlefield experience, has given strength to both Clifford and myself. You can rest assured by entrusting all matters related to supply routes entirely to Minister Tweller, which would help Your Highness’s well-being.
Your Highness, as you know, blocking the supply routes gives Ruswena justification. Since fractures may occur beneath Clifford’s crust, we cannot use magical power recklessly. Therefore, we are preparing for one decisive strike, and I would be grateful if you could send the maximum possible forces that can be dispatched from the Bariel imperial palace. Currently, the Burgos legion that entered Clifford remains stationary in their camp. As fierce clashes seem imminent, please dispatch troops quickly. We will try to buy as much time as possible, so I humbly request you to send our proud soldiers continuously. This is the unanimous wish of myself, Minister Tweller, and the Clifford royal family. I hope it proceeds without problems at the imperial palace.
…Your Highness, I wish to ask again if you are well. It seems many things have happened at the palace in my absence. I worry that even the slightest breeze might have wounded you. From what Minister Tweller tells me, it seems my concerns are unfounded. One thing I can say with certainty is that the Imperial Defense Department finally seems to be finding its proper place. I hope you work hard to secure Your Highness’s position in Minister Tweller’s heart.
Your Highness, Beric sends his regards. He’s rolling around in jealousy after hearing that Xiaoshi received a title. I’m not sure if this is simple envy or something else. Beric has always been difficult to understand, hasn’t he? I also wonder if Romandro is doing well.
Your Highness, I shall see you in Bariel. By then, I think you may look down. I hope you look down, and I look up at you, filling the empty time. Now, offering Bariel’s eternal glory to Crown Prince Jin, I conclude my letter.
-Submitted by Minister Ian Hielo.
Xiaoshi checked the clock. Had thirty minutes passed?
Jin read and reread the letter from Ian, engraving each word in his heart as if savoring them. Until now, only simple reports about the war had come in, so this was the first letter containing such personal greetings. Jin looked down at the letter with perfect posture, afraid to touch it lest it wear out.
“Xia.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Ian says I may now look down.”
Though he didn’t understand what it meant, it was clearly good news for Jin. The dimples in the child’s cheeks, rarely seen, had appeared deeply.
“Congratulations, Your Highness.”
“I thought I still had a long way to go, but it seems I’ve come far. Indeed I have.”
The appropriate distance needed to serve Bariel. Wasn’t that why Ian had left him, checked him, and deliberately provoked attacks?
When he was enthroned as Crown Prince, Ian had told him not to look down. But now he says it’s okay to look down, meaning Ian thinks he’s climbed quite high.
“Shall I prepare a reply?”
“Ah, yes. Also convene a meeting. The letter mentions that Minister Tweller also desires this request, so there shouldn’t be major issues, but following proper procedures is good for everyone. We will send additional troops. This time, not through the dead lands but toward the Clifford palace. The journey would be shorter, right?”
“Yes. The dead lands require passing through Clifford territory first, but their palace isn’t far from the Bariel border. It should arrive at the time Lord Ian desires, as long as we hurry.”
“Good. Gather the officials while I write my reply.”
Xiaoshi bowed deeply before leaving. Left alone, Jin continued reading Ian’s letter, not even thinking of taking out pen and paper.
When Ian returns to the imperial palace, they no longer need to be distant. With the Imperial Defense Department, Imperial Guard, and Administration all turned into Jin’s forces, his mere existence would be enough to check the Ministry of Magic.
They can return to their previous life. No one would worry if Jin visited the Ministry of Magic without ulterior motives, and no one would attack the Ministry of Magic out of concern for imbalance.
Like before, once again like before…
Swoosh.
Jin reverently picked up his pen and began writing the introduction. But seemingly dissatisfied, he crumpled several sheets of paper. The child took a deep breath and organized his thoughts.
‘If Lord Ian safely protects Clifford and returns, benefits from that alliance will follow. This is a merit that cannot be overlooked. Upon his return, I will promote his rank, and also bestow appropriate rewards to those who joined him at the front. If Beric desires, I may grant him a suitable title as well. But since he needs to be aware of the responsibilities that come with the title, I’ll leave that to Lord Ian…’
Just as Jin smiled and put pen to paper—
Knock knock.
The sudden interruption split the pen tip, causing ink to spread messily. He had thought he could write well this time. Jin frowned and told the attendant to enter.
“What is it?”
“Your Highness, the Ruswena diplomat says he wishes to return to his country.”
He had come to protest the trade suspension, but now he suddenly wants to leave?
The imperial palace had no intention of responding anyway, and he had been practically confined to a separate palace since his arrival. Now that he wants to leave, it’s highly suspicious.
But forcibly preventing him would give Ruswena an unparalleled justification. They could already make excuses about the supply route raid being because of Burgos, but this would be solely an issue between Bariel and Ruswena.
“When?”
“As soon as his luggage is packed. And we’ve also received communication from our Foreign Ministry, which seems to have escalated the problem.”
“You mean the Bariel diplomats in Ruswena?”
“Yes. They say military movements are unusual. Apparently, there’s a possibility that Queen Eripony might take the field personally. Perhaps this should be discussed in the meeting?”
If Eripony personally takes the field, Damon might do the same. Jin stared at the ink-stained letter paper before rising from his seat.
“Very well. Let’s go right away. Have all the officials gathered?”
“They are on standby at the palace, so it would be appropriate to go now. Lord Xiaoshi has sent for them.”
Damon and Eripony. Jin was certain that this was not simply a war over Clifford, but that there was an unspoken purpose beneath it.
Even if their kings came out, Bariel was an empire. It would be inappropriate and unnecessary for Jin to take the field. He was still a child, after all. Therefore, Tweller and Ian would have to face both countries on behalf of the Crown Prince.
Clatter clatter!
Creak.
“Your Highness, have you heard the news?”
“With world-changing news arriving almost daily, I’m not sure what you’re referring to, but yes, I’ve heard.”
Jin responded as he sat in the chief seat after arriving at the conference hall.
Xiaoshi keenly noticed the change in the child’s mood. Just a while ago, he had been delighted upon receiving Ian’s letter, but why had he become so subdued? Xiaoshi failed to realize that the child was lamenting his inability to take the field like other kings, even while acknowledging his own youth.
“The diplomats from Ruswena and Burgos say they’re returning. They’re packing their bags right now—what should we do about this?”
“If they’re returning to their countries, why would we stop them? Forcibly detaining them would tarnish Bariel’s reputation throughout Gaia.”
“Still, in these circumstances, letting someone who has come all the way to the imperial palace return seems questionable. Wouldn’t it be better to find some way to keep them here?”
“Not harming diplomats is an implicit agreement. Your Highness, I believe we should let that situation unfold naturally while focusing on helping Ministers Ian and Tweller.”
The officials freely expressed their opinions, heating up the meeting atmosphere. But when Jin gestured for quiet, the room instantly fell silent.
“I also think it’s wrong to lay hands on diplomats without proper justification. If any of you wish to prevent their departure, think of ‘appropriate’ justifications and submit reports to me. I’ll review their validity before giving orders. And regarding the letter from Lords Ian and Tweller requesting additional troops—”
Jin gestured, and the Vice Minister of the Imperial Defense Department lowered his head to meet his gaze.
“Given Clifford’s situation, a prolonged battle seems impossible. Release all available soldiers sequentially so they can settle it with one decisive strike.”
“Yes, understood, Your Highness.”
“And Jeirutt.”
“Yes, at your command.”
“It seems good to also select from among the Imperial Guard captains. You’re now properly three captains, aren’t you? You may go yourself, or perhaps give the new captains an opportunity to gain experience. I’ll leave this decision to you.”
“Yes, I will follow your command.”
Jeirutt wouldn’t leave the palace. He would probably send one of the other two captains. And since the Imperial Guard exists solely for the safety of the Emperor, meaning Jin, at most five or six members would be dispatched.
But they are as strong as an entire legion.
“Also, we’ve received information that the kings of Burgos and Ruswena are personally taking the field. Can we confirm if this is accurate?”
Jin set down the report lightly and looked around at the officials, hoping someone would provide a satisfying answer.
***
Clatter clatter!
Neigh!
Ruswena soldiers with yellow insignias. They pulled on their reins with all their might as they galloped toward Clifford’s barrier.
Ruswena soldiers already armed with black armor and standing in confrontation began to appear. They waved flags as signals, and the soldiers slowly reduced their speed to join them.
“Any problems?”
“None so far, but—”
“But?”
“Since yesterday, the Clifford soldiers on top of the barrier have disappeared. I thought it might only be at night, but not a single hair has been seen until now.”
“What?”
The firmly closed border gate. Normally, there should be soldiers standing guard on top, but it was empty as if abandoned. They frowned as they looked around and muttered.
“His Majesty Eripony will arrive personally in a few days.”
“What? His Majesty?”
“So it would be good to clear the path in advance. When the sun passes its zenith, break down the barrier and enter. Put those wearing black armor at the front.”
“Ah, yes, understood.”
The soldier hurriedly returned to camp to report the situation, and soon those wearing black armor began moving busily. Along with the sound of buffalo horns, a warning voice was heard.
“Clifford, listen. We’ve come after hearing that Ruswena’s military wagons were ambushed, so we request entry for investigation purposes. If you don’t comply, we will also use force, and all subsequent tragedies on your land will be your fault!”
But there was no answer. It felt like shouting at an empty place.
The soldiers threw grappling hooks at the barrier in confusion, and soon began climbing the wall using ladders.
Thud!
“Ah…”
“What is all this?”
“As I said, it’s suspicious no matter how you look at it.”
And the sight that greeted them. Mysterious branches stuck throughout the empty field, tied with colorful cloths fluttering in the breeze.
And a path opened to pass between them.
“Hey, you! Go ahead and check it out.”
“M-me?”
A path that anyone would find suspicious, and they want me to go? Damn. The soldier carefully took a step forward, and the moment he advanced—
Boom! Boom!
“Aaaagh!”
Something nearby exploded, shaking the ground. The soldiers climbed back up the barrier and muttered as they looked at the cloths and path still awaiting them.
“Ah, we’re fucked.”
When Queen Eripony arrives, they’d have to tell the troops to go through first, but it clearly looked like a trap set by mages.
They stared blankly at each other as they slowly descended the wall they had climbed.