Chapter 151: The Lavender Barony’s Underhanded Maneuvers I
The Geisel Empire, the eastern neighboring nation, has been a long-time ally of the Aiwood Kingdom. Once, the Empire was fervently focused on external conquests, driven by an insatiable ambition to dominate the continent. However, about a century ago, the then Chancellor persuaded the Emperor of the risks associated with managing such vast territories, leading to a shift in diplomatic policy towards cooperation. The current Emperor is also a mild-mannered individual, maintaining a good alliance with the Aiwood Kingdom.
“Indeed, they were untrustworthy scoundrels after all… It seems they were scheming in the shadows during the recent civil war.”
In the easternmost part of the Aiwood Kingdom, in the border region, a man solemnly declared this within the estate of the Lavender Barony, a great noble family governing the land along the border with the Empire.
Luzer Lavender VI, aged sixty, sat in a chair within a room of the estate. He was as thin as a withered tree, relying on a cane to walk. Yet, his eyes were strikingly sharp and fierce, akin to a drawn blade. There was no hint of decline in the fighting spirit that enveloped him, as he gripped his cane tightly, his nails digging into the wood.
“That is why we said it! We could never know when an alliance would be broken! The Empire is never to be trusted… I was right! My family was right!”
Luzer shouted in a hoarse voice, his tone filled with anger, yet tinged with a mad delight.
The Lavender Barony has long served as the shield protecting the eastern border. Before the alliance with the Empire was established, they had clashed with the Imperial Army numerous times. When peace was finally brokered between the two nations, it was the Lavender Baron who opposed it most vehemently. Even after the cessation of war with the Empire, as they became allies against the Northern Barbarians, only the Lavender Baron continued to warn of the Empire’s dangers.
“Ah, yes! That is it! We were right! It was not wrong to plead against trusting the Empire. The ones who were mistaken were the others! Nuhahahaha, hahahaha!”
“…What shall we do? Shall we take the initiative and invade the Empire ourselves?”
In response to Luzer’s hoarse outburst, a young girl spoke up.
“Our troops are ready to move… The Lavender Barony has always been prepared to confront the Empire.”
The girl, with her bobbed purple hair, was small and slender, appearing no older than a child. However, she was devoid of any childish innocence or naivety. Her expression was as blank as if she wore a mask, and her well-defined features only added to her doll-like, inscrutable aura. If she were to stand in the shadows of a night road, one might mistake her for a corpse or a malevolent fairy rather than a human.
“…No. No, my granddaughter.”
Luzer lowered his voice slightly, letting out a sigh.
“…The Empire is undoubtedly allied with the Rebel Army. However… they have yet to show their fangs. Ah, yes. They have yet to reveal them… how cunning!”
Luzer struck the floor with his cane.
“If we send our troops now, we would become the rebels ourselves… That cannot be allowed. It cannot be! We, the Lavender Barony, are loyal vassals of the Royal Family. As long as the Royal Family still treats the Empire as an ally, that cannot be permitted…!”
“…………”
“My granddaughter. You who carry on the will of Lavender… the Loser. Ula Lavender.”
“Yes… Grandfather.”
In response to Luzer’s words, the girl named Ula nodded.
“I have heard that the Royal Family is gathering personnel for the development of the Demon Realm Sabnock Plains. You shall lead the Lavender family’s private army to participate in the development and gather intelligence on the central movements! If possible, persuade the other nobles of the Empire’s dangers and petition His Majesty the King for an expedition against the Empire!”
“Yes… If that is what you wish, Grandfather… I shall do as you command.”
Ula accepted her grandfather’s orders, her demeanor as still as a doll or a puppet manipulated by strings, as if she had no will of her own, her expression unchanged.
“Once preparations are complete… I will head to the capital. While participating in the development of the Demon Realm, I will prepare to confront the Empire.”
“Indeed… All in the name of ‘Luzer.'”
“In the name of ‘Luzer’…”
The girl echoed back, and Luzer smiled with satisfaction, the corners of his mouth lifting.
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Recent updates include the publication of setting maps.
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