A week after Hiiro set out on his journey once more, a handwritten letter from the Demon King arrived in the hands of Rudolf, the King of 【Victorias】.
After scanning it with his eyes, he made a complicated face as he left it on his desk. He was in the royal office, and with him was his trusted minister, Dennis Norman.
“Now what should I do…” (Rudolf)
“We’re already investigating the matter, but it appears that the fact the bridge was destroyed by the Demon King was true.”
“Yes… the Demon King…” (Rudolf)
“Unlike the previous king, she is lacking in both age and ideals, I believe.”
“I’ll bet. Otherwise, she would never make an appearance like this. But still, this is…” (Rudolf)
“Correct. With this, more animosity will be created between the 『Gabranth』 and 『Evila』. Though if the 『Gabranth』 were to accept their treaties, it would calm down.”
“… Yeah, that’s not happening.” (Rudolf)
“Yep, that’s impossible.”
This time, the 『Evila』’s actions equated to trampling over the pride of the 『Gabranth』 race.For the Demon Kin, her reasons may have seemed just, but the Beastmen would simply see it as a slight agains their resolve to war.
Therefore, it is currently impossible for the 『Gabranth』 to make amends with the 『Evila』.
“I understand the Demon King’s goal. If this written peace treaty means just as it says, then they must be planning to ally with us to decrease the 『Gabranth』’s motivations for war.” (Rudolf)
“That’s plausible. But with just this treaty, we do not have definite evidence. Perhaps destroying the bridge was to get rid of an obstacle, so they could focus on destroying the 『Humas』 Race. There are other possibilities.”
“… This is hard. By forming an alliance, it’s not like there are no merits for our side.” (Rudolf)
“But you don’t wish to involve yourself in those two sides’ war… right?”
“If possible. But with this, I’ll be able to learn of the internal affairs of the 『Evila』.” (Rudolf)
“But that would be the same for them.”
If they do form an alliance, and increase their interaction, they’ll be able to get a better understanding of the other’s state of affairs. I would be easier to grasp for their weaknesses. But that would be true for the 『Evila』 side as well. It was both a merit and demerit.
“What sort of conditions did they propose for scheduling a meeting?”
“As written here, they give up all rights to choose, and leave it all in our hands.” (Rudolf)
“My, My. Are they placing faith in us, or are they confident that they would be able to take whatever we can throw at them…?”
“Or perhaps both…”
“But if we can decide all the conditions ourselves, then if we play this well…”
“Fumu, eve so, it’s too early to make a decision. Even if we form an alliance in name only, there are plenty of humans who would object to it. I’ve also lost my daughter to them.” (Rudolf)
(TL: And a few more to yourself)
Rudolf’s face turns bitter.
“… How are the Heroes?” (Rudolf)
“They’re growing favorably. But according to Vale, they requested that legend, Judom Lankars to be their trainer, but have yet to receive a favorable response.”
“Judom…”
Rudolf closes his eyes, and gives a light sigh.
“That man is hard to deal with. He seems to be under the misconception that a mere Guild Master has the same authority as a king.” (Dennis)
Denis lets out words colored with anger.
“In emergencies, he is a dependable source of offensive power, and his trust lets him command large groups. The previous King agreed to give him quite a bit of power. But he’s a commoner to the end.” (Dennis)
“Dennis, it’s fine.” (Rudolf)
“… Understood.” (Dennis)
“Even so, he’s my old friend. Don’t badmouth him so much.” (Rudolf)
“I apologize.” (Dennis)
He lower his head, and apologizes.
“Most likely, Judom will learn of this meeting through his expansive information network. He’ll ask me to hold it without a doubt.” (Rudolf)
He had said something similar before. About how Rudolf should accept their invitations no matter how many times they were sent. He stormed on about how he would protect the King no matter what dangers lay in wait.
“Dennis, go call Judom over.” (Rudolf)
“… Are you sure?” (Dennis)
“Yeah, no matter what decision I make, I’ll need power. Isn’t that right… Dennis?” (Rudolf)
“… Understood.” (Dennis)
Dennis respectfully lowers his head, and leaves the room.
“It’s always best to have more pieces. The four Heroes, and Judom… For that purpose, let’s delay the meeting, and raise the Heroes.” (Rudolf)
With a stern face, he gazed out of the window.