Chapter 316: Interlude (Piata Empire 1)
“So, when will the territory recovery begin?”
As the man settled into the sofa, the first words from the elderly gentleman across from him were just that.
“Your Majesty, even if you are anxious, matters can only proceed as scheduled,” replied the diplomat from the Belerforesti Nation, who was tasked with handling affairs related to the Piata Empire, letting out a sigh.
“However…”
The man facing him was the Imperial Younger Brother of the Piata Empire, who claimed to be the Emperor of the exiled government, the brother of the Emperor who had gone missing.
The Emperor of the Piata Empire had been commanding the front lines at the defense line of the imperial capital until he lost contact, which led to his disappearance.
The monk army from the Prava Divine Nation, which they were facing, was rumored to be mercilessly slaughtering nobles and royalty, so it was likely that the Emperor was already dead.
“I have already conveyed that sending troops recklessly will not lead to the recovery of our territory, Your Majesty. Now is a time for patience. Our nation also requires time to prepare for an expedition. Sending a half-hearted military force will only secure a fraction of what we need.”
“But… it has already been six months since we arrived here. I am not a military expert, but I had heard that preparations for an expedition could be completed in three months. Surely, this is taking too long.”
This was likely referring to the mobilization of peasant soldiers within the Piata Empire. It was probably classified information, but in this situation, it was almost meaningless. The diplomat nodded without pointing it out.
“If we are to go to war with another nation, of course. Our country will also prepare swiftly.”
“Then…!”
“However, at this moment, our territory is not being invaded. As you are aware, mobilizing farmers will drastically reduce grain harvests for this year and the next. Especially now, during the busy farming season. We will certainly assist in reclaiming your territory, but we cannot afford to jeopardize our nation’s finances.”
“…Hmm. Then, when can we set out for the expedition? How long must I wait!”
This Imperial Younger Brother was not a terrible person, but he had significant issues with his capabilities. He relied entirely on others without taking action himself. Moreover, he had fled to the Belerforesti Nation at the first sign of the Piata Empire’s borders being breached, showcasing his cowardice. One could say he was quick to escape.
The nobles who followed such a coward were equally incompetent. While they had not caused major problems away from their homeland, they were reportedly venting their frustrations on their subordinates.
Already, half of those subordinates had fled to the Belerforesti Nation under the guise of seeking asylum and were in the process of naturalization.
Due to this situation, the exiled government had become a mere paper tiger, with only the legitimate bloodline of the Imperial Younger Brother remaining.
“We are currently training professional soldiers and gathering mercenaries. Please wait a little longer, Your Majesty. Once preparations are complete, we will send forth an expeditionary force with you as the Grand General. You will be able to reclaim the land as the rightful Emperor of Piata.”
“Hmm… I understand. I will rely on you.”
“Leave it to our nation. I will return with further reports.”
The diplomat deftly brushed off the Imperial Younger Brother and politely bowed before exiting the room.
“…What a bother. His Majesty is truly a handful.”
After riding in the carriage for a while, the diplomat muttered to himself.
“Isn’t the dispatch of troops imminent?”
When asked this by his attendant, the diplomat nodded.
“Yes. The Territory Recovery Army will depart in a few days. Although it is supported by the detestable Kingdom of Reputari, we have ample supplies and no issues with troop strength. The justification is as clear as day. Of course, our nation will lead the command. After all, it is our army. There is nothing more tragic than an organization led by a fool.”
“I see…”
The Belerforesti Nation was planning to advance its military into the Piata Empire, citing the presence of the exiled government within its borders. While it was true that two-thirds of the Piata Empire’s territory was occupied by the Prava Divine Nation, the nation still existed in some form.
They intended to annex it under the pretext of governance by the exiled government.
The Imperial Younger Brother of the Piata Empire was a rather unremarkable man, given his position. Although he lacked power, he could offer opinions to the Emperor as an advisor, and his livelihood was guaranteed by the imperial family. However, the imperial family had already collapsed, and he was now under the protection of the Belerforesti Nation.
Had the Imperial Younger Brother been more proactive, perhaps a different history could have been woven. In reality, he was merely an incompetent man waiting for someone else to take action. The nobles who followed him were no different. They were merely leeches, sucking the sweet nectar of power without taking any concrete actions to reclaim their territory, foolishly believing that everything would be arranged for them.
Thus, the Belerforesti Nation skillfully extracted a mandate of full authority, greedily eyeing their territory.
“If they had gathered even a little information from their surroundings, they would quickly realize that the preparations for the Territory Recovery Army are nearly complete. Their negligence in failing to do so and blindly trusting my reports is quite comical.”
The diplomat’s words were laced with sharpness, but they were indeed true. Even sending someone to the market to gather information on supply prices and gossip would have quickly revealed that a large-scale military deployment to the borders had already concluded.
The exiled government of the Piata Empire was thus regarded as an incompetent group, unable to recognize that they were being kept alive solely for the sake of a pretext. They were like birds in a cage, merely a spectacle, yet they foolishly believed that everything would go smoothly according to their wishes.
“Oh… That face, without a doubt…”
“Your Highness Niata, it is a relief to see you safe!”
This was a certain fortress within the Piata Empire. The one who appeared as the commander of the fortress was Niata, the elder sister of the Emperor of the Piata Empire.
“And you are…?”
“Forgive us. We are the Second Army of the Ruata Defense Army. Embarrassingly, we escaped with the lord’s family during the fall of Ruata and managed to make our way here. Currently, we are taking refuge with the support troops from the Kingdom of Reputari.”
The group that had arrived from the front lines was a mismatched assembly.
There were men who clearly looked like soldiers. They could easily be introduced as troops dispatched from the Kingdom of Reputari without raising any eyebrows.
However, there was another group. They distinctly set themselves apart from the soldiers.
They wore glossy black helmets that covered their heads and eyes. Their bodies were clad in armor made from a combination of soft materials and plating, with certain areas emitting a mysterious glow.
Most notably, their physiques were clearly those of young girls.
Even so, the unusual helmets and the large rifles they held exuded a formidable presence, making it clear that one should not underestimate these petite warriors.
“I am Baluda Grandis, the representative of the third support army from the Kingdom of Reputari and the Piata Empire. I am truly glad to have reunited with the imperial family. If you would permit us, we would like to join you and assist in the recovery of our territory.”
“Ah, ah… Truly… However, I must sincerely apologize, but we may not be able to provide even the bare minimum of hospitality at this fortress. We are lacking in buildings, manpower, and food supplies—everything is in short supply.”
The Imperial Sister’s face paled as she firmly conveyed this.
She seemed to have a solid grasp of the current situation and could foresee the problems that would arise from an increase in military personnel. She appeared to be an exceptionally capable woman.
“Rest assured.”
The one who responded to her was a soldier girl standing nearby.
“We have brought our own food, cooking supplies, and accommodations. As long as you provide us with a square, we will have no issues. What do you say?”
Though the interlude has increased, please forgive me as this is a pivotal moment in the story. The Paraiso is subtly extending its reach even into inland nations. Will they have any means to counter her—(they do not).