Early morning the next day, there was a gathering in the council room. The delegates on Maria's side were to bear news about the civilization of Tiger and the nation's advancements. So far, Gil had liked what he heard. Tempestas seemed to be leading in many areas.
Alyyiah recounted her tour of the royal palace. "I had thought the standard of living to be a bit low for the nation of a demon emperor, yet it was clear why once I saw the castle that Lord Carrius. It was clear that most of the nation's wealth is concentrated there, for it is wildly extravagant, so much so I thought I was in another country. It makes our royal court look small and modest. Interestingly, the people of Tiger are happy with this arrangement."
Sarah nodded. "Adding on to that, we're much ahead in the technological world. I don't mean that Tiger is a backward nation, for it's actually very modern. However, that said, we are in another ballpark. Tiger has no TVs as we do; they haven't figured out how to use runestones to activate faucets either. Furthermore, it would seem that electricity was a recent discovery for their scientists. Tempestas is many years ahead in this regard."
"While true and good, Tiger's military is incredible," Nova began. "Theirs is a warmongering leader, after all. Tiger became what it is today through an aggressive expansion campaign. The army is well funded, supplied, and disciplined. The individual troops are formidable. Then there's Lord Carrius's vanguard, led by Nia, Phobos, and Leonard, whose strength challenges my own. Excluding Carrius, I still think our militia comes out on top. Our numbers are plentiful, and we have a more diverse set of soldiers. Sentinels and gargoyles are some of our strongest troops, and I think they alone will be sufficient in dealing with Lord Carrius's army. Nor do I think I have underestimated their side."
"Oh yeah, and I think they have a massive surplus of crops," Ryan commented. "Even the poorest can receive four free meals a day. I think it had to do with their farming techniques."
"Yes," Conall nodded. "I believe agriculture is the only area we are lacking in. Tiger is situated between three rivers and lush forests where rain is frequent. As a result, there is plenty of fertile soil to be utilized. Farmland comprises ten percent of the nation overall, and the farmers know how to use it. Coupled with agricultural methods I have never seen before, and the yield is extensive, enough so for me to think crops make up the bulk of Tiger's trade."
Gil nodded. "I see. Good work, everyone. I believe we should center our next delegation on their agricultural techniques. On that note, this meeting is dismissed."
"Yes, my Lords!" Everyone dropped their heads to Gil and Maria as they exited the council room, except for Alyyiah. "Lady Maria, is today not your scheduled appointment with Queen Kanetaine?"
"Indeed," Maria hopped out of her chair. "Call Holly and Andromeda. They'll be accompanying Gil and me. As for you, you'll be taking my place during my absence since you are my personal assistant."
"I understand," Alyyiah smiled. "I'll make sure this kingdom is unchanged when you return, my Lords."
"Good. Come, Gil. We need to get changed."
Gil decided to don all-black attire. He wore an outstretched leather coat over a shirt, coupled with jeans and knee-high boots. Maria wore a white satin dress that fell short of her knees. She clothed a pink shawl around her shoulders as she fitted black jelly shoes on her feet. It was raining outside, and Gil opened his umbrella. He offered his arm, and Maria gripped it with hers, wondering how Alyyiah would react to this picture. Maria leaned in closer to him, smirking when Gil kissed the silver coils on the top of her head.
Their carriage had arrived, with Holly and Andromeda stepping out and offering their Lords a seat. Once all four had settled, Volpes woofed as he began pulling the carriage through wet terrain. Gil and Maria didn't want him to get sick, so the latter had Andromeda cast a spell on the kumiho that would make him waterproof.
Holly sighed as she looked out the window. "The rainy days are often the dullest and gloomiest, right, Andromeda?"
"Yes. There's no sun out, so perhaps that's why, as well as the rather cold temperature. Don't whimper about it in the presence of our Lords, Holly, for it's rude."
"That's alright," Maria shook her head. "I've been disappointed as well. I had fun plans in mind during our stay in Dirram today. I suppose that will have to take a back seat."
"Does any one of those plans of yours involve courting Gil?" Andromeda asked. "You've asked to bring a neat sum of money with us, considering the Queen will lend us a room in her manor free of charge." Maria rested her head on Gil's chest. "I wanted the four of us to do something fun together. Aside from talks and politics, this can be considered a vacation. We hardly spend much time together, Andromeda, Holly."
"That's certainly true. Being the lead representative to Tempestas is highly encumbering, a problem that's only compounded by your ambitions, Lady Maria."
"Perhaps you should consider taking more breaks and having fun with me," Maria stuck out her tongue. "What about you, Holly? Is being Gil's bodyguard tiring for you as well?"
"Not at all. Most are not foolish enough to attack me, Lord Gil's unbeatable knight and Lady Maria's impenetrable shield!" Gil smirked. "I suppose you're right. Oh, I almost forgot. Maria, Sarah requested to speak with you. Apparently, nobles from the Vasea Empire have plotted to overturn our trade hubs with Dirram. She received reports from Jaco that business tycoons from Vasea have offered monetary transactions to officials in Dirram's government if they at least bought more goods from them. According to Sarah, the Vasea Empire seems worried that we might overtake them as Dirram's most beneficial trading partner. Andromeda, didn't you visit Queen Kanetaine to sign another treaty on our behalf? Were you not aware of this?"
Andromeda shook her head. "No, Lord Gil. I apologize for being ignorant. This news is troubling. Last night, Euryale informed me about alleged sightings of knights from the Holy Sentinel Church on our borders recently."
"When I think about it, I'm actually amazed the Vasea Empire took so long to respond to us. After all, their Church advocates for the opposite of what we're trying to do. With their doctrines of sentinel supremacy, our goal would be considered heresy. Frankly, I thought they would declare war. Yet, they've been passive in their stance until now. Did our rapid growth as a nation disturb them? What do you think, Maria?"
"I would dare say you're right, Gil. But no nation wants to go to war with a powerful opponent with no sustainable gain. That's why Vasea has resorted to bribing foreign officials to get deals that favor them. They're trying to reduce the flow of goods and services that can enter our country and suppress us: to keep us from becoming even more powerful. Remember, Tempestas is a province of Aurora, so of course, they wouldn't want war with a demon emperor. In that regard, their fear of angering Sun may have been the most consequential in their approach to us thus far. But, as you said, the Empire has decided to become more aggressive towards us. It may not just be the fear of being overtaken as a major trade center, ideological differences, and military power. These discouraged Vasea from making bold moves against us, yet now the tables have turned. We're the ones playing a cautious defense while Vasea goes on the offensive. To me, this indicates that Vasea saw something in trying to undermine us. A reward well worth the risks, whatever it may be. Or, the Vasea Empire has what it considers enough strength to get rid of us. Either way, a key foreign policy goal we need to have in mind is to ascertain Vasea's motives before something disastrous happens to our side. Andromeda, I'll have you spearhead multiple trade deals with Dirram and other smaller nations in Eastern Tenebris. I already ordered Jaco to gather intelligence on the Vasea Empire, particularly on the rotten nobles and Church ministers in the King's court. Once we return, I'll have him brief you on what he's learned, so you're prepared, Andromeda."
"I appreciate it, Lady Maria."
The question of the Vasea Empire still lingered in Gil's mind long after the conversation had ended, and even when the group had arrived in Dirram. Until five hundred years ago, Stella had formed colonies in Tenebris. Their purpose was to give the army a lasting entry point into the demon realm. Using a warp portal to travel between worlds wasted a more manageable amount of quanta than teleporting, which only a few mages could perform. Furthermore, even they did not possess the amount of quantum needed to teleport an entire army, even if the task was broken up among mages or into smaller chunks. However, they took valuable resources to defend and ultimately halted the Stellan military's advances, chaining them to their colonies. A decision was made to abandon all but one of them, which later became the Vasea Empire.
Sentinels from the other colonies flocked into the soon-to-be Empire, but some were rejected. In the beginning, the Vasea Empire was just a stretch of land with limited resources and so only admitted into its walls soldiers, members of the Holy Sentinel Church, and essential workers, such as craftsmen. It was why sentinels sought refuge in Dirram, for it was the only nation in Tenebris that did not ask for their head as it was a neutral state.
When the territory flourished into a prosperous Empire, the ruling elite back in Stella agreed to have Vasea participate in demon affairs. If Vasea dominated trade routes and had monopolies on certain goods, Eastern Tenebris would be forced to make peace with them. On top of that, with Church soldiers guarding the Empire, with the famous "hero" Tressa Lee among them(rumored to have defeated a demon emperor on her own), outright invading Vasea would be foolish. As planned, the Vasea Empire gained Stella enormous influence in Tenebris on top of lucrative sources of wealth. Spies could be stationed in Vasea, gaining vital intelligence for the Empire while also being well-protected. If any nation raised complaints or threats, the Vasea Empire simply embargoed business with them, crippling said nation's economy. In war, a puppet nation with such influence over the enemy was requisite for victory. Unmistakably, it would not bode well for Stella if Vasea were to lose its usefulness before the war ended. Thousands of elite troops from both the army and the Holy Sentinel Church were designated to protect the Empire annually. The homeland provided supplies from weapons to food at no cost to ensure Vasea would expend as much capital as possible on progression and growth. However, the rise of Tempestas changed all that. Vasea had drawn the ire of many nations, who saw the Empire as nothing but a powerful tool of Stella. They only conducted business with the Empire because they had to, and they were often scammed in dealings. But they were eager to engage in commerce with Tempestas as they were always fair in their dealings and more trustworthy and a rising power. They were also not a pawn of Stella. Even though the ruler was a sentinel, he treated demons with the same kindness and respect as he did his own race. This earned him the favor of many rulers in Tenebris, most notable among them undoubtedly demon emperor Sun, who even declared Tempestas a protected province under his domain. An opportunity to finally strip Vasea of its influence had appeared, and it was promptly taken. Many nations hastily sent diplomats to Gil to approve of trade negotiations between their kingdoms while simultaneously ending the ones previously established with the Vasea Empire. All this would be meaningless if Tempestas didn't overcome Vasea in terms of trade, so foreign powers invested heavily in its markets to incentivize business in the young nation. Of course, this sat poorly with the Vasea Empire, whose aristocracy had steadily become more paranoid about Tempestas's rise.
Gil knew Vasea would be unlikely to go to war with his nation, but he knew they wouldn't be idle either. As the Holy Sentinel Church was an independent entity, it could declare war on Tempestas with no political cost to Vasea. If the soldiers from the Church were victorious, then all went well. If they lost, then Vasea would claim no responsibility, for they nor even Stella's monarch have any authority over the Church's decisions, at least on the surface. They would say that the Church is separated from the state. Although Gil was acutely aware of how blatant a falsehood this was, he could not say so, for the Stellan government had formally issued a doctrine separating religion from politics. However, this was nothing but a calculated deception meant to be a public spectacle.
Gil learned that behind closed doors, prominent statesmen held senior posts such as archbishop and even Pope in the Church's hierarchy from a covert investigation successfully managed by Jaco. The declaration of the "separation between Church and state" was meant to be used as a political instrument to implement military troops into the Church's forces and have them attack other nations or territories with impunity. If Tressa Lee was as powerful as the rumors claimed, would Tempestas be able to weather her offenses?
Gil gazed at the sky as if searching for some divination of his fate. "If anything, I'm sure Maria has thought of every possible scenario and prepared accordingly. It would be best to consult her on this matter before I decide to have Jaco go spy on Vasea again."
The commander of the Pegasus Riders, Ray, shook hands with Gil and Maria. "I'm pleased to see you've made it here alive. I will escort you to the Queen. She has much to discuss with you."
Ray opened the doors to the royal palace. Torches lit the glittery gold walls, showing hanged portraits of past monarchs. The carpet laid on the floor was made with red mulberry, the most precious silk in the world, which could only be produced with magic spells. Doors led to spacious rooms followed by more doors, with luxurious items such as jeweled furniture placed in each one. Stories of stairs spiraled in three directions, with Gil and Maria being led to the column in the middle. At the top, a fleet of men held firm to their axes as they stood in front of a door, ready to defend at a moment's notice. The fleet of guards saw Ray and bowed, stepping aside as he knocked on the door crested with Dirram's national emblem. A female voice was heard, permitting them to enter. Inside, Queen Kanetaine sat comfortably on her rhodium(a rare metal manufactured using spells derived from alchemy) throne, smiling as she saw Gil and Maria. "It's been an entire year since Tempestas has formed, and you've totally blown all my expectations out the water. Today, we will celebrate what you have accomplished and, more importantly, figure out a reasonable course of action for the future for the world you two desire so much."
Kanetaine hopped from her throne. Gil and Maria followed her to the right, where two glass doors were opened onto a balcony with a striking view of the kingdom of Dirram. Gil held his breath as he took in the sight of city buildings that basked in the sunlight, of people going about their daily lives, and of factories that emitted smoke. Kanetaine brought him back to reality. "I see you've become drawn to the view. But I'm afraid we do not have the time for mindless staring. Come, Gil." On the balcony was a round table. Gil and Maria sat on one side, Kanetaine on the other, who sipped a cup of tea. "Well, now that we've all settled, shall we begin? How is Tempestas blooming?"
"Most excellently," Maria began. "As predicted, we've fixed good relations with a multitude of countries after Lord Sun made us a province of Aurora. We've established trade networks, and foreign markets have invested heavily in our success. Of course, there is another reason why they're so eager to conduct business with us."
"You mean the Vasea Empire?" Gil asked. "Well, I guess they were an obvious threat. Their doctrines promote sentinel supremacy, whereas our goal is to advance equality between all races. In light of that, it's no wonder nations in Tenebris have desired to engage in commerce with Tempestas. We're not a pawn of Stella, and we don't hold such narrow and uncompromising beliefs. I suppose a nation where sentinels and demons can live happily is an attractive prospect."
"Indeed," Maria smiled. "At first, many nations thought our position to be a ruse, believing Stella was founding another colony. Of course, all such doubts were shattered once their leaders actually visited our city, as well as meeting Gil. Having backing and support from a famous demon emperor such as Sun only gives us more credibility. Now, many nations view us as the ones who will surpass the Vasea Empire. Or rather, they wish to believe, for they are tired of Vasea's high tariffs and unfair policies that disproportionally benefit them while having to rely on them for goods. Sadly, that goes for your nation too, doesn't it?"
Kanetaine nodded. "Which is why I want Tempestas to unlock its full potential. I planned on warning you about them, but it seems that wasn't necessary. Then I'll give some advice. With your nation rapidly rising through the ranks, Vasea will undoubtedly take action. The only way to halt them without starting a military struggle is to increase your power and prestige, eventually becoming a more developed nation than them with diverse allies. It will become difficult for Vasea then to impair you, for your growth will cause their decline. However, the Holy Sentinel Church labels itself an independent entity. Vasea may use the Church as a vehicle to start a new war. I would recommend increasing security across your nation's borders, as well as sending spies to Vasea to learn more on the situation."
Maria nodded. "I have already tightened border security, and Gil has sent our top spies to infiltrate Vasea multiple times. Indeed, a future incursion is conceivable and a worrying prospect."
However, a potential attack was more than just a possibility. In a discreet meeting, the King of the Vasea Empire, Edward III, had turned it into a reality.
In the thick of night, Edward III had assembled his government staff around one table. He surrounded himself with his most capable advisers, for he would need their utmost advice. The task decreed upon him was to eliminate Tempestas or severely weaken both its economy and military.
"I'm sure you're all aware of the command delivered by the blessed Rubrum Deus regarding Tempestas. However, I feel I lack sufficient information regarding that upstart. If there's any recommendation or useful knowledge you may have, please share it now." The King looked around him, nodding his head towards his minister of state, Tonderai, who was the first to raise his hand. "My King, if you decide to go to war to achieve our goals, we must use all our forces. While I can't say how much they contributed to Scylla's downfall, they did take down a Goblin Lord and his army, and this was even before they became a nation. Our spies have confirmed this much."
The King turned to Todo, his lieutenant general. "How many troops can we deploy?"
"Around twenty thousand, my liege. Of course, this is just our military. We can add another forty thousand if we use the Church, making the total sixty thousand."
"I suppose that will have to do," Edward III sighed. "Well, with the anti-quantum barriers the Church has, an army of sixty thousand may suffice, even if our foe is a bunch of powerful monsters. How about the rulers of the nation? I've heard the King is a pulsar, and the Queen is a count. Can our Holy Sword slay them both?"
To this, Tonderai gave his response. "I believe she can. The rulers of the nation are nothing but children, powerful though they may be. With them out of the way, Tressa and her elite force could massacre Tempestas's forces and occupy the nation."
"Well, Tressa is also a child, but if the pulsar and count are eliminated, we will face no serious opposition to our advance. Well, that just leaves the matter of the Church." Edward faced the archbishop, Dwight. He had come from Stella to assist Vasea. "King Edward, it will be easy to frame this as a holy cause. While I cannot verify this, gossip of a licentious vampire seducing a sentinel is the talk of the town. It's spread even to Stella. At your command, I can declare a righteous war against Stella, a war of liberation to free the suppressed sentinels in Tempestas who this vampire has forced to be her courtesans."
Edward III shook his head. "No, that is too typical. Tonderai has told me all races are equal under the law in Tempestas, and that's also widespread knowledge. People will take note of the farce. Instead, I recommend another stance: that this vile count has dominated the poor sentinel's mind to practice her desires on him. To make him her husband, she made a nation where it was possible, one where sentinels and demons are assumed equal. But they're actually nothing more than the puppet of a lewd vampire, and we will free him and the rest of our kind from their sexual enslavement from vile demons. How's that?"
"Indeed splendid, your majesty! This will further entrench the belief of sentinel supremacy if successful! I'll mobilize the Church's forces here right away!"
"Before you do, we need an excuse to attack and fake evidence to be implanted. Send a group of individuals, preferably men, to stir trouble and sow doubt. If they could successfully accuse Tempestas's guards of assaulting them and cause a commotion, we can bring our troops in. Additionally, once they return, we'll broadcast them on TV, branding the count as a whore who tried to seduce our men against their will. If any nation still foolishly chooses to aid them, their reputation will be disintegrated. It will also wreck Aurora's, which prematurely decided to make Tempestas its province. That will get rid of the problem of having to fight multiple countries. Now, all we need is a group of men. Anyone have any suggestions as to who would be perfect for this job?"
"I do," Todo raised his hand. "They're privates in the army, so if they die, we won't lose much. Besides, they are rather weak and highly arrogant. They're a pain, and I would like to get rid of them."
"Very well," Edward nodded. "If they're that much of a bother, I suppose killing them will only help us in the long run."
Todo went to the army barracks, knocking on the door of a particular camp, numbered 023. Here lived three friends, two men, and one woman. The men were Tucker and Harry, and the woman was Morgan. "Greetings. Where are Morgan and Harry?"
"They're asleep," Tucker answered. Todo detested his crooked smile. The lad thought he was superior to everyone else in the military, even after Todo thoroughly gave him a beating with his own hands. The idiot attributed his defeat to misfortune. "If this fool ranked up in the military, we'd suffer serious losses," he thought. "Thankfully, the King has bestowed a sublime opportunity to kill him and his friends."
"Well, that's not a problem, as long as one of you is awake. Come to my office early next morning. I have a new mission for you."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. If you succeed, you and your friends will be promoted to generals on the spot."
"Ah, so you're finally acknowledging my talents?"
"As if. I'll brief you on the mission now."
Tucker knocked on the door to Harry's room. "So, our orders are to get into Tempestas and cause trouble. Nothing wrong with that, right?"
Harry laughed. "I'm looking forward to this! But are they really mobilizing an army of sixty thousand to deal with two kids?"
"They want to be careful," Tucker said. "War isn't so straightforward a matter. In any event, the kids are a pulsar and a count. They're quite powerful."
"Hah! Do you believe a mere child is a pulsar? Even we couldn't reach that high!"
"I suppose. Well, I'll take my leave now. Enjoy your night with her," Tucker walked away.
"Oh, I will," Harry snorted. Morgan lay on his bed, stark naked. He was delighted by the sight of the voluptuous body before him, its owner smiling underneath him, waiting to be pleased. Harry hastily stripped off his clothes as Morgan unbuttoned his pants and helped him out of his underwear. "I'm an impatient girl, you know," she gripped him, smirking. "Could you please hurry it up?"
"Your wish is my command," Harry grinned. He kissed every inch of her body from head to toe before returning to her thick lips. Morgan seized his hair and locked her legs around his waist as Harry inserted himself inside her. Harry brought his lips to hers again as he flipped Morgan on top of him. He pushed inside of her as quickly as he could with all his strength. Morgan screamed with each successive thrust, sexual bliss filling her face.
Harry kissed Morgan to sleep and eyed the moon out his window as he sat on his bed. Tomorrow was going to be a wonderful day. He would start a war between nations, and most of all, he would have a crack at beating that sentinel who claimed to be a pulsar. Harry wanted to break every bone in his body and show off his carcass to Todo, who would have no choice but to make a general for his deed. He would be one step closer to replacing Todo, who he saw as weak and senile, even though the opposite was true. Alas, foolish men are blinded by the truth until it is too late, as Harry was about to learn.