Representative of the Kalmar United States, Athena

Seeing her, Polena couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of suspicion.

‘The strongest force of the Kalmar United States, Athena… the fact that she’s here in person means she’s definitely up to something…’

Among the ‘mages’ she knew, she was the second one…

In fact, she could be said to be the strongest individual among those she had directly seen.

The 12th-grade mage, whom people say has reached the pinnacle of human capability in this world, stood right before her.

And now, as a representative of a nation, she was here, and because of this, Polena automatically thought that this monstrous being must have some schemes in mind.

“So? You wouldn’t be here just to pick a fight without reason, right? What business does the great 12th-grade mage have with me?”

Senel asked with a voice that sent cold chills down her spine.

To this, Athena replied with a light smile.

“There’s no need to be too heated. I just thought there might be some amusing entertainment during this boring meeting, and that’s why I came. Well… it seems like it’s ending quite boringly without any such thing, though.”

“…Is that so? Then I can take it as there’s no more business to discuss. After all, neither you nor I are in a position to start a fight right now.”

With those words, Polena left the garden.

Meanwhile, watching Polena leave, Athena couldn’t help but start forming a rather ominous smile.

‘It seems whatever she was planning has been canceled… but having the princess of the Dragona Empire here might be useful if handled well…’

Given the losses the Kalmar United States had suffered in this war.

Chris IV’s foolish solo actions yielded little to no success.

Instead, it dealt a huge blow to the national power of the entire United States.

Fortunately, the influence of the one harboring the treacherous thoughts had been completely crushed, which is a good thing, but even so, it wasn’t enough to balance out the national interests.

Athena had attended this meeting to fill that gap…

However, with how little share the Kalmar United States had in this meeting, it was something that left her scratching her head in multiple ways.

And…

To turn this situation around, Athena needed to shake things up as much as she could.

‘If Kalmar’s soldiers had formally entered the Sacred Empire, we could have moved things through war, but since that’s not possible now, this is the limit.’

*

In the grand conference hall of the Westphalia Lord’s Castle.

There, ambassadors from various countries were engaged in a heated battle of words, striving to seize the benefits for their own nations.

“I request that our Lorend’s independence be formally recognized at this opportunity. We have endured the unjust interference of the Sacred Empire for far too long.”

“I agree with that; our Franz Kingdom will support Lorend’s independence based on rightful justice.”

“I have no objections to that. However, before that, I would appreciate it if the territories occupied by Lorend during this war were returned. While the demand for independence may be a rightful one, I cannot condone the unjust occupation of imperial territory amidst chaos.”

Maximilian, the Lord, firmly expressed his stance against Lorend’s ambassador’s claims.

Acting on behalf of the Emperor who had been tied down by Valenshtein, one of the electors who held significant influence, he was striving to minimize the Empire’s losses by any means necessary.

“Are you unaware of the hardships that Lorend has faced? Do you think we can settle for this much in return?”

“Just because one has suffered unjustly doesn’t mean they can seek unjust gains! The Sacred Empire is, without question, a place where order and rules have been maintained for a long time. Disregarding this cannot be tolerated.”

“That’s right. Regardless of how unfair it seems, maintaining basic courtesy is a must, isn’t it? I, Georg, the Lord of Saxony, support Maximilian’s view.”

The lords of the Sacred Empire, who usually yielded under the Emperor while pocketing their profits, were now fiercely defending the Empire’s interests, adding all sorts of arguments in this unfavorable situation.

Although the Emperor, their master, had lost real power to Valenshtein, they still had some room left to articulate their claims based on what they deemed righteous.

Consequently, the lords were struggling to protect their own interests amid the power struggles.

Seeing their behavior, I couldn’t help but wrinkle my brow slightly.

‘It’s fortunate the war ended early, but I can’t help feeling somewhat disappointed that I still have to see those guys breathing and living…’

These lords, who invoked rigid rules to maintain their interests.

Originally, they should have been swept away during the prolonged war, but thanks to it ending much earlier than in the original work, they were still able to sit here, maintaining their influence.

Even as most countries were holding negotiations beneath the surface and aligning their interests, these guys were the main reason the meeting dragged on.

Thinking that I wanted to deal with them if possible, I gulped down my tea, feeling a bit parched.

At that moment…

“It seems like this discussion is dragging on too long.”

“! Umm…”

Suddenly, Valenshtein’s voice rang out.

He then spoke calmly to the lords and the Lorend ambassador.

“As other lords have mentioned, we cannot simply hand over that territory to Lorend. Regardless of the circumstances, basic rules must be upheld. How about we do this? We purchase the rightful claims to that region.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Yes, the territories occupied by Lorend will be considered lands transferred through a rightful contract with the Empire rather than illegally seized. You’ll be kind enough to offer a price that considers our dignity.”

“Hmm… Alright. If that’s the condition, I willingly agree.”

Though it is a small nation, Lorend has developed significantly economically, making it one of the notable economies on the continent, so paying an amount significant enough to please Valenshtein was not difficult for them.

Thus, Valenshtein wrapped up the matter quite simply; however, the lords, who had been vocal just moments ago, could not express any dissent, even if they were unhappy about it.

While it may have been a result of rebellion, he was indeed attending this meeting as an ‘official’ representative of the Emperor’s will.

At the same time, as someone wielding actual military power in the Empire, not even the lords, who were pushing for nominal claims, could easily speak against him.

If he was pretending to adhere to some principle, the lords had no justification to oppose him.

‘Indeed… he showed considerable talent in the original work, and it seems that hasn’t gone anywhere here.’

Aside from the fact that he ultimately rejected the rebellion against the Emperor, he was someone I found quite likable in various ways.

Watching Valenshtein neatly resolve yet another sticking point that had been dragging on, a smile crept onto my face.

*

Today again, the ladies of the Emperor in the Sacred Empire had to chew through their own interests to appease foreign countries.

Consequently, a deep dissatisfaction naturally built up in their hearts.

‘Damn… if this goes on, only Valenshtein and those heretics will end up with fortunes.’

‘I need to find a breakthrough somehow… if everything ends here, the losses to our territory will be too severe.’

Honestly, since they hadn’t accomplished much throughout the war, adhering to principles would mean that it’d be correct for the Emperor’s lords just to remain quiet here.

However, even in this situation, they couldn’t let go of their vain desires and were cautiously looking for any chance to shake things up.

At that moment…

“You seem to have plenty of worries.”

“Hm?”

“Who are you…”

A female voice reached their ears.

Immediately after, a maid dressed in blue stepped into the lords’ line of sight.