A rough story Estelle had heard from Santana.

The outline was as follows.

Currently, using the connections of the current Prince Friedrich, the Heretic Alliance was trying to draw in the lords of foreign countries, but fundamentally, it was clear that immense resources and funds were needed to move them.

Since they were acting for the sake of national interests, it’s obvious they would provide indirect support but wouldn’t willingly bear significant losses.

Unlike the lords of the Sacred Empire, who felt direct danger, the lords of foreign countries would only act if it made sense to them.

And for this…

Santana had asked Estelle to request something from the Emperor.

“I seem to remember that the contract you sent earlier included provisions stating that, while you wouldn’t support a large military force, you would provide substantial resources.”

“Yes, that was indeed the case.”

With a basic excuse laid out, it was evident that foreign lords wouldn’t act if it didn’t make financial sense.

The simplest way to get them to take definite action was to mitigate the inevitable losses they would incur when moving their armies.

Starting with military expenditures, we would take responsibility for their supplies like food and munitions.

If we could take on these responsibilities, especially with a solid justification laid out, there would be no reason for them not to move.

Estelle conveyed these facts, and the Emperor, showing an interesting expression while simultaneously displaying a hint of skepticism, began to respond.

“If we can indeed draw out as much military power as possible from foreign countries that way, our chances of success would increase. However… even if we provide support, I wonder if Bohemia could fully handle it.”

Despite being a powerful nation, the Dragona Empire had its limits to unconditional support.

If Bohemia could handle it wholly, there wouldn’t have been a need to consider this in the first place.

“With regards to that… I would like to make a request to Your Majesty.”

In connection with this issue, Estelle cautiously started to speak to the Emperor about the request Santana had made to her.

“About the support Your Majesty mentioned… if it’s alright, can we proceed with it in the form of a transaction rather than unconditional support?”

“A transaction… you say?”

The Emperor showed slight interest in Estelle’s unexpected words.

Feeling a heightened sense of nervousness as she saw the Emperor’s reaction, Estelle continued as calmly as possible.

“Indeed, as Your Majesty stated, even the Dragona Empire has its limits to unconditional support. Therefore… we wish to receive the support in the form of a transaction to minimize the burden on the Dragona Empire while ensuring continued assistance.”

Carefully observing the Emperor’s mood, Estelle spoke.

Hearing her words, Emperor Rozebeta nodded slowly, indicating she should continue.

He didn’t seem to show any signs of rejection.

Among the lords, there were quite a few who disliked complex discussions, but thankfully, Emperor Rozebeta seemed distant from that category.

Feeling relieved again by this fact, Estelle continued to articulate her points.

The gist was to request essential resources necessary for the impending war from the Dragona Empire…

From basic iron ore and gunpowder to various food supplies like grains.

At a glance, it didn’t seem like a grand request to refuse even after rejecting unconditional support.

However…

As the Emperor listened to the detailed intricacies, he realized that it was certainly not a simple exchange as it appeared.

“So you’re saying, Estelle, that you want us to freeze the prices of the resources requested here today for the next ten years?”

“Yes, that is correct, Your Majesty. Furthermore, to ensure solid trust, we would like to prepay at the beginning of each year. Since trust is the most important thing in such matters.”

“Hmm…”

Listening to Estelle, Emperor Rozebeta nodded slowly.

Certainly, if they provided support in this transactional form, the Dragona Empire could deliver a massive quantity of military supplies over time without the burden experienced with unconditional support.

Of course, the financial gain from such transactions would at most break even, but it was definitely better than incurring losses.

Additionally, the prepayment aspect would significantly relieve various burdens on their side, enhancing the reliability of the transaction.

However…

Despite these facts, what Emperor Rozebeta was focusing on at that moment was not this particular aspect.

‘These guys… can think on their feet like this?’

At a glance, it seems they were merely trying to pull long-term support while being considerate of their position.

However… regarding this, Emperor Rozebeta sensed that things were not so straightforward.

Although there would be no direct loss to them, depending on the situation, it could potentially trigger a tremendous bombshell for the Sacred Empire.

Recognizing this fact, a slow smile began to appear on the Emperor’s lips.

‘Impressive. I don’t know whose idea it is, but there’s definitely someone smart in the Heretic Alliance.’

With that slight admiration in mind, and deciding to watch the repercussions unfold with interest, Emperor Rozebeta slowly nodded again.

“Understood. I will proceed as you wish.”

“Th… thank you, Your Majesty.”

After a moment of contemplation, the Emperor granted approval.

Seeing this attitude, Estelle sighed in relief inside.

‘Thank goodness. Honestly, since the request was quite unique, I wasn’t sure if it would be accepted or not…’

Generally, lords with arrogant dispositions usually exhibited instinctive rejection toward matters they couldn’t comprehend.

However, Emperor Rozebeta permitted this matter, which even Estelle could not grasp the exact reasoning behind, and for that, Estelle could feel pleased for now.

‘But… why did Santana request such a complicated transaction? Of course, compared to unconditional support, the total amount of resources could be greater, but… why would he insist on prepayment?’

Although she didn’t know the specific details, Estelle was still happy to have successfully accomplished her task.

At that moment… it was Emperor Rozebeta who spoke first to her.

“Well then, let’s settle the issue of support like that… and now I would like to request something from you in return, if that’s alright.”

“Pardon? Oh… yes, of course, Your Majesty.”

While feeling bewildered at the fact that the Emperor was asking her for something, Estelle responded nonetheless.

The Emperor smiled gently as he turned slowly to the door beside him.

“Come in.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With that brief conversation, the door slowly opened.

Right after, a woman, whom Estelle had never seen before, entered the room.

She undoubtedly possessed a striking beauty that immediately caught attention.

Estelle started to feel an unexplainable sensation gazing at the woman with black hair and blue eyes.

‘Who is she? She looks unfamiliar, but… something feels off…’

The moment she saw her, Estelle couldn’t pinpoint an exact reason, but she felt an unsettling emotion growing in her heart.

It was as if two newly met predators were cautiously sizing each other up.

Feeling puzzled by this, Estelle couldn’t take her eyes off her. At that moment, the Emperor spoke to Estelle with a smile.

“This is my granddaughter, appointed as the person in charge of this matter. Though her abilities are decent, she lacks experience, so I hope Estelle can lend her some attention while she progresses.”

“Oh… yes.”

Feeling slightly awkward at the Emperor’s words, Estelle replied.

Then, the woman respectfully bowed her head and introduced herself to Estelle.

“Nice to meet you. I am Cazerose Sophia Raymond. I look forward to working with you, Estelle.”