Volume 9 Chapter 1 Part 3

「If the Nords conquer the entire continent, then even if they’re a part of the Factory Alliance, the person who’ll become the Emperor Is not going to be Marine Kraische, but Eric the Ocean King instead. And Once he becomes Emperor, he’ll surely turn the whole continent into a giant Nord slave colony. 」

Juzel said with a sigh.

「If he really did that, there would be a rebellion on a continental scale. The people who had their freedom taken away from them would be the first to rise up in revolt. No matter what the reason, there’s no way you can turn the people into slaves on a whim, and no sane individual would voluntarily agree to become one. Or at least I hope so.」

Theo said with a laugh, but he was really hoping that something like that would never happen.

「If it really comes to that one day, then I’ll come to seek your aid even if it’d mean losing my title and territory, Lord Theo. 」

Juzel replied with a straight face.

「Maybe we could propose to the Fantasia Union that we will send reinforcements when the Nords land on their territories? If they’re going to go through Ismeia, then I think Lassic could be the right man for the job. 」

Siluca asked Theo for permission.

「Oh, if it’s Lord Lassic that we’re talking about, then certainly, even the Nords won’t be able to defeat him! 」

Igor said with enthusiasm.

「So you’re saying we should fight them on land? 」

Juzel asked while smiling.

「I think we have a better chance of winning that way… 」

Siluca nodded with a sour expression. She didn’t want abyone to point it out too much.

「The Nords are not suited for long-term battles, and the late Earl of Leclerc once routed Eric in a land battle where he managed to best him. 」

Although he probably did that to avoid being exhausted by fighting the mercenary groups, it was Eric’s complete loss since he was chased out of the area under his control.

「I’ll leave that to you then. However, I want to believe in Lord Alexis. His victory over Marquis Dawson was no fluke. The Lords of the Union also know that unless they stand together, they’re going to have no chances of surviving the battle against the Nords and the Factory Alliance. 」

Everyone smiled and nods at Theo’s words.

The peaceful atmosphere returned to the room once again.

Everyone was almost done eating their meal, so Irvin, Emma, and Luna began to clean up the empty plates in front of them. If this were the Fantasia Union, there would be music and dancing next, but the Artuk Treaty was culturally closer to the Factory Alliance, and although it singing and dancing were gorgeous practices, the decadent monarchical culture has not penetrated it to that extent.

However, they are hosting the Lords of three countries across the ocean, tonight they will likely have a leisurely conversation over a drink at the very least.

* * *

The Ducet family’s castle is located in the center of Palmas, the capital of Halusia. Surrounded by pure white castle walls, a well-maintained garden spreads out and luxurious buildings are lined up all around it. Because of its elegant appearance, the people of Palmas called it The Palace, even before Silvestre Ducet became the leader of the Fantasia Union.

Now, the powerful Lords who belonged to the Fantasia Union were all gathered there, because a Fantasia Union Lord’s Conference was now being held there.

However, the atmosphere inside of the castle was far from glamorous. This is because Eric the Ocean King from the Factory Alliance was finally about to invade the territories that belonged to the Union.

「Nord fleets have already appeared on the North Sea coast, attacking villages and towns along the shore. 」

「It seems that Eric the Ocean King, who had returned to Nord’s homeland, has crossed over to Bretland again. 」

「A fleet is gathering in the port city in the southern part of Bretland. There are approximately 5,000 of them. 」

「It seems that warriors have been summoned from each Nord settlement as well. The total number is said to reach 100,000 soldiers. 」

Lords from the Union took turns speaking out.

Right now, they must analyze the information that they managed to gather and decide what to do about it.

「It would be reckless to challenge the Ocean King to a naval battle. We have no choice but to attack where he lands. 」
「No, if he builds a base on the continent, it will be over for us. We must prevent him from landing at all costs. 」

Opinions among the Lords were divided over whether to fight at sea or on land.

Alexis, the current leader of the Fantasia Union, was listening to the discussion quietly. People’s words are like different instruments to him. Now they are playing a cacophony. The beautiful melody doesn’t resonate anywhere in the hall they were all sitting in. But Alexis thought that’s okay.

The current stage is to check the sound quality of each instrument and tune them accordingly if needed. It is still too early to wave the baton. E mustn’t panic simply because opinions are conflicting and interests are not aligned. That’s why they need to talk until all opinions are exhausted and all issues are going to be clearly resolved and they’ll all be able to answer these questions: Is there a solution to their current predicament? Is there a compromise they can work out?

Eventually, their minds will become exhausted and their bodies will become tired. At times like these, people’s thoughts somehow become more calm and collected.

Alexis is waiting for that exact moment.

The meeting extended all the way into the evening, with a late meal and drinks served.

「The battle with Marquis Dawson was spectacular… 」

While eating, one of the Lords brought up a topic unrelated to the meeting itself.

Most of the Lords present here had rushed to Alexis’s aid during the battle at Dawson, and under his direction, they have achieved what could be called a perfect victory.

The Lords’ faces lit up, as if remembering the exaltation of that time, and they praised each other’s achievements.

「But above all, Lord Alexis’ direction was wonderful. 」
When one of the Lords said that, everyone nodded their heads.

Alexis used flags and musical instruments to announce the advance and retreat of the army and its formation, and the armies of the Lords acted accordingly to his instructions. In the course of this, Marquis Dawson’s army was divided and defeated, seemingly self-destructing. Marquis Dawson, who surrendered and was captured, is said to have expressed regret that this was not a war, but a work of art by the Marquis of Halusia.

At that time, everyone knew that the Fantasia Union was in a critical situation. In order to survive, they had two options: to fight Marquis Dawson or to submit to Marquis Dawson. In such a situation, Alexis quickly mobilized his army. Moreover, the Lords followed him without complaining. Everyone probably thought this was their last chance.

「Lord Alexis, what do you think we should do in the face of the imminent invasion of the Nords? 」

One of the rulers asked hesitantly as all eyes turned to Alexis.

「I…… 」

Alexis stopped eating and looked around at the other Lords, and then he quietly closed his eyes. A memory of the meeting from earlier flashed in his mind.

「I don’t want the Fantasia Union’s territory to become a battlefield. 」

Alexis said after opening his eyes again.

It was not a calm judgement, but just an honest wish of his. However, the Nords don’t just plunder, they also slaughter the people of the territories they invade and take them away as slaves.

「However, challenging the Ocean King to a naval battle… 」

Someone spoke up. Alexis heard that opinion many times during various meetings, and he understood it.
「It sound like something utterly reckless, to be sure, but if we don’t accomplish this, we won’t be able to truly win the war Even if we chase away the Nord army that managed to land on our territory, they’ll just keep coming back. 」

「That’s true, but… 」

The Lords who were against the naval battle against Eric and the Nords turned sour on their faces at the Leader’s words.

「Does that mean that we don’t have a plan? 」

Julio Bellini, King of Ismeia, asked Alexis in a calm tone, but with an expectant look on his face.

Julio’s age is about forty. He has thick dark brown hair, and a carefully trimmed beard of the same color on his elongated face, and a sharp nose and chin. He was dressed in sophisticated clothing made by Elam.