Chapter 38 [Machinations - Part 1: Selection of Targets]
Within the cave, I convened yet another council of my followers. Alongside the cave residents, members from Crevas, and this time, through telepathy, even the Elder of the Spirit Tree, Romulus, and Remus participated.
The theme for this meeting was "security."
"What specifically do you mean by 'security'?"
"Well, reluctantly, we've caused disturbances in Moro, Silva's Forest, and Barren. However, all of these incidents have been concentrated in the relatively narrow area of the northern part of the kingdom. If someone starts suspecting a connection between these three disturbances, naturally, investigations will focus on this region. Edgetown might even be implicated if we're not careful."
"In that case, newcomers like us would be the primary suspects."
"Exactly as the Elder says. To remain inconspicuous and quietly hide, we need to create a significant disturbance somewhere else. However, we want to avoid involving innocent people. It would be great if there's someone else like that annoying Baron."
"Well, I'm here for that. The ringleader of subhuman persecution is the Vazari Count."
"The leader of the Yalta Church... the High Priest?"
"Yes, and also the Vazari Count, who handles the slave trade of subhumans, fattening his pockets. He's a supporter of the Yalta Church as well."
The Yalta Church, a faction promoting human supremacy, has expanded its influence in the central and southern parts of the kingdom. They assert that only humans have received the grace of the gods and, therefore, humans have a duty to guide non-blessed subhumans through the pretext of teaching. It seems they justify the persecution and extermination of rebellious subhumans as enemies of the gods. They have gained support from capitalists in need of slave labor. Additionally, the term "subhumans" itself is said to be a creation of the Yalta Church based on their human supremacy views. The Elder seems to use the term without concern... is that okay?
"If that's the case, we don't need to hold back. Where is their main base?"
"Unfortunately, the Yalta Church's main base is in the capital, Illustraria. Targeting them this time might be a bit challenging."
"The Vazari Count's territory is on the southwestern outskirts of the kingdom. His capital, Vazari, is a crucial trade hub with neighboring nations. They also conduct slave trading there."
Alright, the target is set.
"Master... targeting Vazari so suddenly... isn't it a bit abrupt?"
"Hmm, true. Strangling the Vazari Count out of nowhere might seem too staged. It's not amusing even if they suspect it's a diversion for us. While implying a connection with the previous incidents, we need to make it appear that these disturbances were diversions for the Vazari attack. But..."
"What about the relationship or commonality between the annoying Baron and Vazari... aside from both being unpleasant?"
"There shouldn't be a direct connection, but both of them are supporters of the Yalta Church. And, by the way, the one who appointed that idiotic hero was the High Priest of the Yalta Church."
"I see. Then, making it appear as if the entire series of incidents is a diversion for an anti-Yalta Church resistance is possible. While it might be inconvenient for an actual resistance, we'll try to gain their understanding by diminishing the power of the Yalta Church."
"What about the specific... strategic actions?"
"Although we hinted at the possibility of anti-Yalta Church activities in previous operations, we need to make it clear that all these attacks were diversions for the Vazari attack—meaning, it's just to attract the attention of the kingdom's army. To do that, we need another diversion elsewhere to draw attention away and make it seem like all these operations were diversions for attacking Vazari."
"Somewhere else?"
"Yes, if the diversion against the south is the attack on the north. We'll target Norland's checkpoint, the kingdom's northernmost crucial point. This way, it will appear that the disturbances around here were diversions for the Norland conquest."
"Master, as always, discussions like this make you shine like a fish in water."
"Your strategic and tactical insight, Crow-sama, is valuable for us as well. This time, we'll learn thoroughly."
"Indeed, dark schemes are your specialty."
Enough with the noise.