Kalmar United States.
As the name suggests, it is a powerful northern kingdom ruled by a monarch who binds together potent lords through a sort of treaty, and it is referred to as the main stronghold of continent mages.
And now… within the Kalmar United States, a heated debate was unfolding regarding the news of the heretic rebellion in the Sacred Empire, which was becoming a significant issue across the continent.
“This is the perfect opportunity. What more are you hesitating about? Isn’t it obvious to everyone here that the great Sacred Empire is in disarray? If all goes well, we can completely take control of the northern region of the Sacred Empire!”
This area, which has always had a difficult climate, has been persistently trying to conquer the warm southern regions for generations. As a result, they have already stretched their hands into the northern territories of the Sacred Empire.
For them, the division of the Sacred Empire was a great chance to expand their sphere of influence and continue their southern policy. In light of this, several great nobles were actively proposing that they link up with the heretic forces and march south.
“I have heard that the Heretic Alliance has reached out to us. Your Majesty, if we miss this opportunity, we will surely regret it for a long time!”
“Hmm…”
The noblemen were continuously urging the indecisive king.
Among those advocating for an active southern advance, Chris IV, the lord governing the Mark Region that bordered the Sacred Empire, was expressing his opinion even more strongly with the support of his allied nobles.
From an outsider’s perspective, it seemed like a scene where an active minister was pushing an indecisive monarch.
However… knowing the real situation, one could see that things were not so simple.
“Your arguments certainly have merit. However… I do not believe this is the right time. While I am indeed interested in the affairs of the Sacred Empire, we must first address the unresolved matters with the Polanda Kingdom. To stretch our military across two fronts would be excessive for our nation’s strength.”
Certainly, the events in the Sacred Empire were worthy of interest from the perspective of the Kalmar United States. However, separating that fact, it was true that the current situation made it difficult for Kalmar to actively extend a hand toward the Sacred Empire.
In the past, as a loose ally, there had been reasonable exchanges with the neighboring Polanda Kingdom. However, some recent incidents had deepened the rifts between the Polanda Kingdom and the Kalmar United States, leading to ongoing skirmishes between the two neighboring countries.
While it had not escalated into a full-blown war involving national mobilization, both the Polanda Kingdom and the Kalmar United States were displaying a strong readiness to strike as soon as one side showed signs of weakness.
In such a tense situation, rashly intervening in the affairs of the Sacred Empire could risk exposing vulnerabilities, which is why more than half of the nobles, including the king, were hesitant to get involved in the affairs of the Sacred Empire for now.
“Of course, attention should be paid to the matters concerning Polanda, but if we let this opportunity given by the heavens slip away, we will undoubtedly regret it for a long time. Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”
However…
Despite this, Chris IV continued to press his point.
This wasn’t simply because he underestimated the Polanda Kingdom. No, he understood very well how the king would react to his claim. And he was also aware of what he could gain from it…
“I regret to say that I have already expressed my thoughts. I will not change my mind, so you may go.”
“… Understood. Then I will acknowledge that we will not receive your assistance in this matter. Then I shall take my leave…”
With that, Chris IV bowed his head and withdrew.
Yet… while it appeared he was a minister whose opinions had not been accepted, at this moment he had effectively gained what he wanted.
A justification.
Regardless of the king of the United States, he would have the justification to lead this matter perfectly by himself… And the benefits of the outcome would be solely his.
Unlike typical nations, the Kalmar United States was a country formed as a federation of lords governing different regions, just as its name suggested.
As a result, the power of the lords governing their respective areas was stronger compared to other regions, and this included the right to unilaterally wage war.
In particular, the Mark Region, which was relatively more peaceful compared to other areas of the United States and as a consequence, had a strong national power, was fully capable of waging war even without the king’s assistance.
‘Moreover, I have a solid support force right now. While engaging in a treaty with a massive power like the Heretic Alliance is solely the king’s prerogative, no one can interfere with my hiring of mercenaries.’
With such thoughts, Chris IV began to place his expectations on the powerful force he had recently hired.
Although they had suffered a defeat once, this strong mercenary group had been rampaging through the heart of the Sacred Empire with their independent capabilities as though it were their own backyard.
Mansfeld and his companion Christian were currently under the command of Chris IV, the lord of the Mark Region, training troops and waiting for the day of their advance.
‘I will utilize the king’s entanglement with Polanda’s situation to push southward. With the support of my Mark region and the military might of Mansfeld… and the supreme high mage from Kaalon with whom I’ve signed a contract, Frank Payfer, we can easily crush the forces of the Sacred Empire.’
Though it was an audacious fight that could not be compared in terms of territory, Chris IV nonetheless felt confident.
He was well aware of his strengthened forces under Mansfeld and the power of the 11th-grade high mage, Frank Payfer, which he had witnessed firsthand.
With this kind of strength, it was entirely possible to exploit the gaps left by the Sacred Empire, which couldn’t act hastily while keeping an eye on the Heretic Alliance.
‘If this goes well, I might be able to rise above being just a mere noble of the United States. If things go really well, this very Chris IV may ascend to the throne!’
*
In the capital of the Sacred Empire, Vienna,
There, Emperor Sijip Ferdinand looked down upon those kneeling before him with a satisfied expression.
“It brings me great joy to have a loyal subject like you step up during such difficult times.”
“What are you saying, Your Majesty? I am merely a faithful servant of the Will of God. I will do my utmost to drive out those wicked heretics and restore the Will of God.”
A man boldly declaring his resolve in a sincere voice. Witnessing this, Emperor Sijip nodded and said to him.
“I happily accept your loyalty, Count Valenshtein. I promise that, in my name as emperor, I will spare no support for you.”
“I am eternally grateful, Your Majesty.”
As the man bowed his head towards him, the emperor smiled at Alfred Valenshtein and then began to shift his gaze to the two individuals standing behind him.
“By the way, Count Valenshtein, who are those individuals behind you? I do not recall seeing them during your last visit.”
At a glance, the two appeared extraordinary.
The emperor showed light curiosity about them, and in response, Valenshtein, with a smile on his face, began to introduce them.
“Yes, Your Majesty. These are my closest subordinates, brought here today to introduce them to you. This one is Sir Otto Kaiser, the most powerful among the paladins I know.”
“It is truly an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I pledge my full loyalty to you, Sir Otto Kaiser.”
“Hmm… indeed.”
The paladin displayed a remarkable presence, wearing pure white armor and radiating an aura that could be felt on the skin, leaving the emperor unable to hide his admiration.
And then… the other person beside him.
Gazing at her with her dull golden hair and chilling green eyes, Valenshtein continued his introduction.
“And this one… I can assert is the most powerful mage I have ever encountered. Her name is…”
“… It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Hestia… Hestia Playmer.”
The woman introduced herself with a voice that felt cold. At that moment, the emperor felt a shiver run down his spine and nodded cautiously.
