As predicted by Acella, the meeting was urgently convened that night.
The Emperor sat solemnly in his office, reviewing documents. Behind him, Ambrosia, looking slightly fatigued, kept her eyes wide open.
Even at that late hour, all the heavyweights of the Imperial Palace had gathered.
The officials lined up in rows on either side of the Emperor. His right-hand man, the secretary, along with the minister of state, the chief judge, the treasury minister, the commander of the elite guard, the Swordmaster, and the unit leader of the Knights.
Anyone here was a significant figure that commoners might never get to see in their lifetime.
Of course, all the heirs were present as well. Heike, Lau, and Acella sat solemnly in their seats.
As the attending physician and along with Alberich, Boich, and the guards, I stood in the second row a bit further away.
When the Emperor signaled, the secretary announced the start of the meeting.
“Everything said here today must not leak outside, by order of the Emperor. Do you agree to the Geass oath?”
The court wizard activated the Geass for security. Once soundproofing magic and recording detection were completed, the Emperor began to speak.
“The Hero will arrive at the Imperial Palace the day after tomorrow.”
Although everyone kept their posture in front of the Emperor, many could be seen gulping down dry saliva.
“The only ones who know this are the people present here and the information provider, the Baron. Are you certain, Princess Acella?”
“Absolutely.”
Acella replied clearly. The Emperor nodded.
“Secretary, please continue.”
Having exhausted himself from long talking, the Emperor passed the baton. The secretary adjusted his glasses and began to read the documents.
“It is estimated that the Hero originated from a rural village in the Baron’s domain, Volpenbutter, at least a year ago. The Baron has kept her existence a secret until now.”
“Excuse me. Is it true that the Hero is a woman?”
The Swordmaster Sigmund interjected.
“Yes, she is 19 years old, a local of the Baron’s domain, and has no family.”
Nineteen, just a year younger than I am.
“There is a mark that confirms she’s a Hero. The priest’s verification is already completed. It’s certain.”
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Hero was found after the Demon King appeared, but since the Hero appeared first, such reactions were expected.
“We must prepare for war.”
The Emperor declared briefly. The secretary turned to the next page.
“All countries in the continent have a peace treaty under the name of the goddess that must be upheld. If war breaks out with the Demon Realm, a clause states that any conflicts must be temporarily suspended, and a coalition force must be formed. Violation of this clause will result in becoming an enemy country to all states after the war.”
“Even if we are to engage with the Demon Race, defeating the Demon King inevitably falls to the Hero, correct?”
“That’s right. Historically, the Hero’s unit is made up of 5 to 6 members for mobility purposes, which is referred to as the Hero party.”
“Is war absolutely necessary? The Demon Race might just behave…”
“That has never happened in history. Records from over 2000 years ago tell us that wars between humans and demons have always occurred when the Demon King and Hero were born.”
“Hmm.”
The Emperor glared. He was more serious and charismatic than ever.
“Gather all units of the Imperial Knights at once. Once the negotiations with foreign countries conclude, we will proceed with reorganization. When the Hero arrives, we will assess her abilities and seek out the best talents from across the continent to form the ultimate party.”
It felt like the Emperor was returning to the days of conquest wars. Just standing before him made my blood feel like it was evaporating from the heat.
“Each official should propose possible scenarios and responses.”
The ministers offered their opinions one by one. As leaders in their fields, they provided analysis and responses regarding economy, society, and academia, even in the face of such sudden circumstances.
“I also wish to hear opinions on the practical military operation strategy. Assuming the coalition forces are formed, is there a more effective strategic tactic we should consider?”
“I have something to say.”
Heike seized the opportunity and stepped forward.
I caught a glimpse of Acella clicking her tongue quietly.
In a sense, it was a chance to display their abilities, a small competition among the heirs.
“I believe setting the direction for operating the coalition forces is crucial in battle against the Demon Race. The most important forces on the continent right now are our Imperial Knights and the Kingdom’s army.”
“That is true.”
“The Demon King will be in the Demon King Castle, so we need an expeditionary force to accompany the Hero party there. However, if there’s no defense army to guard the human realm, the country could fall while we are subduing the Demon King, a ludicrous outcome.”
“Good point.”
“This distribution of forces is vital to securing victory. Since the Imperial Knights and the Kingdom’s army have different inclinations, we need to consider that…”
Having listened to Heike’s opinion, the Emperor nodded in understanding.
She had quickly formulated several war scenarios and countermeasures at her seat.
Her strategic intuition was certainly inherited from the Emperor in spades.
“We will need scenarios for organizing the expeditionary and defense forces. Negotiations and coordination with foreign nations should also take place. Any other additional opinions?”
“I, the girl, have something to say.”
Once Heike finished speaking, as expected, Acella stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, in the war that made the Empire great, the wizard units played a significant role.”
“That is true.”
“By enhancing our force, we can also expand our units. If we recruit wizards from the Mage Kingdom and integrate them with the Knights, we can increase our power by over 30%. Specific training…”
With Acella’s deep understanding of magic, she was able to make this proposal.
The Emperor nodded, understanding her explanation.
“Wizards, huh.”
He was well aware of the wizard units’ might.
“The enemies are the Demon Race. There’s no room for leniency. It’s about time we resurrect the Wizard unit after 18 years.”
As history went differently now with the Emperor still alive, a lot of progress was made within a single day’s meeting.
The title of War Hero was not easily gained.
“However, can we win a war with just strong forces and strategy? Great wars cannot be won through simple methods. Is there anyone who can suggest a powerful move to secure victory?”
No one answered.
It was an expected reaction.
The Emperor looked around before his gaze fixed on one spot.
“Those in the back, feel free to speak up as well.”
It was towards me.
Acella slightly turned her eyes towards me.
Is it now?
“Your Majesty, I am Gothberg, Princess Acella’s attending physician. If allowed, may I say a word?”
“Permission granted.”
“Of course, maintaining strong forces and appropriate strategies to protect the human realm while attacking the Demon realm is vital. However, to secure the ultimate goal of the war, we need to clarify one key point.”
“What do you think that key point is?”
I emphasized my words.
“When does victory get determined in a war against the Demon Realm?”
The Emperor understood my words immediately.
“When we subjugate the Demon King.”
“Exactly. As long as the Hero does not behead the Demon King with the Holy Sword, the Demon Race will not stop their momentum, and the war will continue for a hundred years. Conversely, if the Demon King is defeated, the war will end in an instant.”
“That’s true, but Gothberg, the Demon King resides in the Demon King Castle in the Demon Realm. Therefore, we need to establish strategies on how to distribute our forces for the expeditionary army.”
“There is a more efficient way. Use most of the forces for the defense army to firmly protect the Empire while also proceeding with the subjugation of the Demon King.”
The Emperor showed interest in my words.
“What is that?”
“As you well know, our Empire has swifter feet than any other nation.”
“Through the Teleport Gate, right?”
“Exactly.”
I confirmed.
“The high-ranking mages of the Mage Kingdom, we call them Mages. We will assign them as the advance unit to infiltrate the Demon Realm and establish the Teleport Gate.”
“Indeed. While the defense army protects the Empire, only the Hero party will move to the Demon King Castle to subdue the Demon King.”
The Emperor understood the strategy and nodded.
Others were surprised by the audacious operation.
Acella seemed pleased and subtly looked back at me with a smile.
Of course, you like it. This was a strategy you devised in the future, after all.
In fact, it was a method only the Empire could use, leveraging the advantage of the Teleport Gate.
However, in the future, the operation had started too late.
The advance unit had once been completely wiped out, leading to the Kingdom’s downfall, and in the process, the Empire was greatly invaded.
Perhaps Acella had some intention of dropping the Hero party away from the Empire to scheme, but…
‘Looking back, it was the right strategy.’
There was no need to strain the expeditionary army in training, and worries about leaving this area unguarded were gone.
“Gothberg.”
But it seemed Heike had doubts about my operation.
“Does this mean you’re going to use the Empire as bait?”
“Arguably, yes. However, if the Teleportation is executed timely, the war will end in less than a month.”
“That’s not guaranteed, is it?”
Well, I know well the outcome, but I can’t just assure them.
“Princess Acella.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do you think it’s possible to establish a Teleport Gate in the Demon Realm?”
Acella pretended to ponder the Emperor’s question, resting her hand on her chin.
Her acting was top-notch. She must have already reached a conclusion.
“It will depend on when the war breaks out, but if it’s two years or more away, I believe it’s quite feasible, Your Majesty.”
“Good. We will keep this as one of the viable strategies. A brilliant idea, Gothberg.”
The Emperor seemed pleased as he praised me.
“However, one prerequisite is necessary for it. It is based on the assumption that the Hero will defeat the Demon King. We need to enhance the Hero’s skills and ensure she is equipped with the optimal party.”
Then the Emperor issued an order.
“For the time being, the Hero will stay at Moonlight Palace. As she is the first to be discovered, and a Swordmaster is available for assessment of her skills. Negotiations with foreign countries and troop arrangements will be held at Mokhwi Palace.”
Heike and Acella bowed in compliance with the Emperor’s command.
Afterward, the Emperor pointed me out separately.
“Gothberg.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I will assign you a mission as well. You will directly manage and supervise the Hero’s physical condition. Work closely with the other physicians at the Inner Palace.”
“Health is paramount. I will follow your orders.”
Being the Emperor’s command, I had no right to refuse. I bowed my head.
“…No, he’s my personal physician…”
However, I could see Acella grumbling something under her breath, barely holding back her indignation and pouting her lips.
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