At Anos's duchy, Kenji was furiously berating the Ministry of War official in front of him.
"I've told you so many times—money isn't our problem. Is Camelot Empire short of funds? The north is crucial. We can't afford to lose it!" He crumpled the paper in his hand and threw it to the floor. "This money is to give our troops every possible advantage. The only reason the northern barbarians dared act this time is probably because of our own traitors pulling strings. Now you're telling me it's too expensive? If you're scared of spending money, then don't fight at all—just wait for them to storm our gates!"
"Grand Marshal, please calm down. It's not that I'm unwilling. It's just that, with Hanyin City practically in our hands, there might be no need to spend this much paying off those northern tribes…"
"They're small and opportunistic. Why else does the North still kowtow to the Sal Kingdom? Because these tribes don't dare cross Sal. If Hanyin City comes under attack, and Sal threatens those smaller clans, they'll start harassing our borders. That puts us in a reactive position we can't control."
Kenji took a breath, speaking more evenly now.
Camelot wasn't like the barbarians—most of its citizens farmed, even in the north. While there were nomadic groups, many had fixed settlements. If those small tribes launched raids, they might fail, but they'd still leave many innocent citizens in peril. If people panicked, the north would crumble. And Kenji was sure the local traitors were itching for that confusion.
That was why he proposed paying off the smaller northern tribes. On one hand, it kept them from troubling the empire. On the other, this money wasn't a free gift. It was a large amount for the tribes, but they understood they had to stay alive to spend it.
Once that arrangement was in place, Sal Kingdom would surely catch wind, and a few of those tribes might side with Camelot. Even if they only maintained friendly ties, it would help keep peace on the border.
He believed it was worth the money. A stable frontier was vital to Camelot. And as for the future…
There was no future for Sal.
Kenji intended to solve Camelot's northern border troubles once and for all. The Sal Kingdom had provoked them repeatedly. In the past, Camelot fended off attacks, then pursued the enemy deeper into barbarian territory, sometimes hundreds of miles in, destroying tens of thousands. Yet they still hadn't fully extinguished Sal's threat.
Now Kenji wanted permanent peace.
Camelot couldn't stand by while the Western nations, led by the Holy Country, set their sights on this empire that was still free of church influence. Kenji was sure that, before long, Camelot would face a multi-nation assault. Such a crisis meant he had to extend Camelot's power and influence as fast as possible.
Historically, emperors had used gentle assimilation with neighboring regions to prevent long-term grudges and keep stable borders. But if the Sal Kingdom refused peace, so be it—there was no need to stay polite. If they didn't want peace, they would face total defeat.
So this money was also part of a bigger strategy.
"What about these funds…?"
"Her Majesty will finance them. She knows, just like we do, what's at stake."
Kenji spoke calmly because he was certain Pluvia would pay up, however reluctant she might feel. National survival was on the line.
Relieved, the official left.
Kenji glanced at the map behind him and sighed.
Camelot had endured for a thousand years for a reason, but prosperity didn't guarantee safety. From the strategic posture of the Western Holy nations, Kenji saw how likely it was that Camelot would be dragged into more conflicts and wars.
Siyue stood nearby. She studied the map, then pointed to a smaller kingdom in the northwest. "What's that country?"
"Oh, the Sorechin Dynasty. Small, but in a vital spot."
"I think you should demand some kind of 'military passage' from them," Siyue said.
Kenji knew exactly what she was talking about. In Siyue's gaming terms, it was a request for transit rights—permission for an army to pass through.
"In this world, that's not as simple as in a game."
"It might actually be easier," Siyue said. "In games, you need a certain friendliness rating and maybe gifts. In reality, though… when the Camelot Iron Army is right outside their gates, are they really going to say no?"
"Political consequences, lil sis…" Kenji pressed a hand to his forehead. "We're a peace-loving empire. Threatening them for military passage might be too…"
"I'm looking at it strategically." Siyue tapped the spot on the map. "They're not powerful, but they've built fortress-like cities for generations. Their entire policy revolves around city defenses. That's why the Sal Kingdom never actually conquered them. Their walls are tough, and they have a huge geographical advantage. If Camelot gets military passage and pulls them into an alliance, Sal will be stuck with a border that can't be easily overrun and might open at any time for our troops."
She gave a sly grin. "Why should we be the only ones getting invaded? That's unfair. Let's give Sal a taste of its own medicine. Maybe we'll play around until Sal Kingdom ends up finished."
"We can't just force them. Maybe we can tempt them with rewards, but I'm not sure her majesty will agree. I'm already asking for a huge chunk of funds for border security. If I keep pushing…"
"You've got three hundred thousand troops. Go for it. She's not going to say no."
"…"
…
In her private chambers, Pluvia had just lain down to rest when a sudden chill wracked her body, making her sneeze hard.
A maid hurried forward to check on her, but she waved her off.
Strange… why do I feel so uneasy all of a sudden? Could it be some irritating subject plotting against me?
No, not enough to make me this anxious.
It had to be that brat duke!