#211
“Alright, that concludes all our meetings. Thank you, everyone for your hard work.”
Finally, the 2nd Continental Summit wrapped up.
However, in the church’s section, only two cardinals remained seated, devoid of any saints. It was a situation that couldn’t be helped due to the impending assault of the Undead Army starting right after the meeting.
Of course, warnings had already been sent to the nations involved in the attack, and everyone present was planning to leave for their home countries as soon as the conference finished.
Truth be told, this meeting was supposed to end yesterday, but it took longer due to discussions on how to address the situation at hand.
‘Not that much got resolved, though.’
Heinz II, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, slowly stroked his chin while watching the bustling conference hall.
In a scenario where they couldn’t tell when their own nation might be attacked, it was difficult for them to readily assist another country.
Moreover, they had already exchanged enough discussions on forming the Continental Alliance.
It was utterly impossible to draft additional manpower in response to the heightened offenses.
‘We have no choice but to rely on the foresight given by Saint Heinrich and manage on our own.’
The major powers, like the Azerion Empire and Zephia Republic, possessed vast territories along with numerous warriors and military strength, allowing them to cope somehow.
The Calcos Tribal Alliance, with an uncommonly high combat personnel ratio relative to its population, and the small island nation of Wiget Magic Nation, which had advanced magic and the headquarters of a Magic Tower, also had less to worry about.
But the three western kingdoms, especially the now-reduced Talia Kingdom, were quite problematic given their relatively weak national power.
‘This is a good opportunity.’
And it was indeed a golden chance to extend the influence of hybrids abroad.
“It seems troublesome.”
Heinz, the ruler of the New Talia Kingdom and master of the continent’s largest vampire faction, wore a chilling smile.
“If needed, I can offer assistance on this side as well?”
While glancing at the representatives of the kingdoms who were whispering with serious expressions even after the meeting concluded.
With just that one comment, those engaged in serious conversation instinctively flinched and cautiously turned to him.
He wasn’t exuding an imposing presence, but the overwhelming difference in their very existence made them unconsciously shrink back.
“…Assistance? We appreciate the offer, but as for the Talia Kingdom….”
Yet those present were representatives of their respective nations.
With this sudden challenge, the representative of the Sharotti Kingdom, having regained his composure, stepped forward somewhat reluctantly to respond.
Since his country was closest to Talia Kingdom, it was only natural for him to react so.
“Hmm, let’s hear him out for a moment.”
“…That’s right. This is a place gathered for dialogue, after all. We can at least listen to what he has to say, can’t we?”
The other two kingdom representatives urged him to reconsider, making him hesitate.
Realizing that the attitude of those he thought would side with him was different than expected, he eventually understood the reality and reluctantly nodded, stepping back.
“Ahem! Well, I suppose just listening won’t hurt…”
Naturally, they were not in a position to turn away such an offer.
With the menacing presence of the Undead King looming right before them, they didn’t have the luxury to worry about the vampires’ potential schemes.
They were all aware, to some extent, of the latent power the Talia Kingdom had.
The coalition of most of the continent’s vampires gathered under one banner was an unfathomable force. Just considering their battle prowess was mind-blowing, so what sort of synergy would arise when they swallowed an entire kingdom?
There was also no need to elaborate on the reasons behind their constant efforts to keep check on that power.
‘If we could receive help, we should take it. If the vampires cross the line, both the Church and the Empire won’t stand idly by.’
This was the shared thought that popped into the minds of the kingdom representatives.
And of course, Heinz had already grasped their line of thinking.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
Naturally, he had no intention of volunteering his services.
‘Originally, I planned to focus on the Continental Alliance’s interventions, but it would be more efficient to consolidate neighboring countries first and then spread out.’
He was already secretly engaging with neighboring nations, but passing up an opportunity to expand his influence on an external level would be a shame.
‘I had no plans to keep the vampires confined to just Talia Kingdom.’
Those vampires had originally spread across the entire continent.
For now, it was necessary to gather them within the relatively small society of Talia Kingdom, but dragging that out wouldn’t be beneficial in the long run.
Of course, hiding in the continent’s shadows again, like in the past, would be more convenient.
But that would mean losing the significance of swallowing a kingdom and emerging into the light.
‘For the normalization of vampires, we need the conditions to confidently reveal our identities and operate openly.’
Currently, vampires were perceived on nearly the same level as monsters, but with enough exposure, they could eventually become familiar.
If they could engage in external activities while concurrently stealthily spreading their influence…
‘They would naturally mingle with the outside world. Ultimately, we’ll reach a point where we can trade blood in other countries, just like what is taking place within the kingdom now.’
As he watched the officials following him converse with the kingdom representatives, Heinz fell deep into thought.
-Hannibal Strauss: If you want, I could intensify the offensives against the western kingdoms. Wouldn’t that make things easier for them too?
-Heinz II: I appreciate your consideration, but I think it’s better to observe the situation a bit longer.
-Hannibal Strauss: Fair enough. But when I deem it necessary, I will intervene. It’s for our benefit, after all.
… With such unwanted help from Hannibal, it shouldn’t be too hard for the kingdom’s representatives to be persuaded, regardless of their lukewarm reactions.
‘By the way.’
Heinz’s gaze shifted toward the Vice President of the Republic, Kayla McClare, who was chatting with others.
Though leading the normalization of vampires was undeniably important, his main focus right now was the Obaifo Clan lurking within the Republic.
Even though he claimed to be the Blood King, as long as the Obaifo Clan existed, that throne could hardly be deemed legitimate.
Only after firmly subjugating them would he be able to rightfully claim the title of the Blood King of Auterica.
‘Squirming through complications to avoid annoying situations is a good idea, so should I proceed cautiously or confront them directly? What should I do…’
Just then, while he was lost in thought, a sudden telepathic message came from Mulo, who was standing beside him.
[“High Lord, I have an urgent report to make.”]
As Heinz glanced toward him, the urgency in Mulo’s voice increased.
[“This just in from the East. The Obaifo Clan has made significant moves.”]
From the Republic’s congressmen and media to the military, an undeniable chaotic change was spreading through every layer of society.
[“Most of the spies we planted to monitor the situation in the East have been eliminated in the process. The agent who barely got this information has lost contact right after reporting. …I apologize, High Lord. It seems hard to gain additional intel.”]
At that, Heinz’s gaze returned to Vice President Kayla.
Whether she was aware of the Republic’s situation or not, she bore an indifferent look, just about to leave the room.
‘Guess it’s not the time to delay any longer.’
He signaled the former representative of the Talia Kingdom, Duke Bright, with a subtle nod and tilted his head toward Kayla.
Since she already had a strong hostility toward the vampires, it was wise to put forward someone she recognized.
“Excuse me, Vice President. May I have a moment to speak with you?”
As Duke Bright approached Vice President Kayla…
“Oh, Duke Bright. I’m sorry, but as you know, I am quite busy right now. There’s something urgent I must attend to, so could you please submit any necessary discussions in writing?”
She flashed a genuinely regretful smile, as if she truly felt sorry.
Politician-like, her face showed no signs of discomfort, but the Duke, who had spent his life walking the tightrope beneath the vampires, wasn’t easily fooled.
There was an edge of cold distaste and aversion emanating from her, which was more than just an icy demeanor.
This wasn’t the way she had been when they last met; she was clearly trying to distance herself upon realizing he had become a vampire.
‘This much was expected.’
However, he was ready with a magical phrase capable of forcing a conversation to continue.
“It’s concerning your son as well.”
At that, all her actions froze.
The gentle smile she wore faded into a glare glistening with coldness directed fiercely at Duke Bright.
“Now, are you ready to talk?”
“…Yes. Coincidentally, it seems that an urgent matter has just been resolved. I believe I can spare a moment now.”
So, amidst the icy atmosphere, a rather uncomfortable meeting was set to take place.
Of course, even in the middle of this situation…
-Hannibal Strauss: How fascinating. The East followed the Enamel Continent? I’ll have Olivia order additional investigations.
The Undead King’s nosy interference continued.
-Hannibal Strauss: There could be something useful there. If so, rather than simply slaying them all, we could efficiently accumulate karma.
Although his intentions were anything but noble.
*
‘This is odd.’
The moment Heinz II sensed a problem in the East, Harris, situated on the Enamel Continent, also realized the peculiar nature of the situation.
He had clearly felt something odd from the World Tree, yet the other High Elves hadn’t received any revelations about it.
Moreover, he himself could only grasp it in a dreamlike haze during an excessively immersive experience with nature, and it was true that he had received no clear revelation.
So he could’ve simply let it slide, but…
‘Ugh, what a bother… How did it come to this?’
Regardless, he was a High Elf, the top of the Elf society and a priest of the World Tree.
Thus, he could hardly ignore any premonition connected to the World Tree, making it only natural that the one who brought it up, Harris, became the head of the special investigation team.
‘When was it that I was still coddled as a newcomer? Is this place really safe?’
While that did play a part, the largest reason was that if the World Tree was signaling something to him, there had to be a good reason behind it.
‘Ah, the wind feels nice and cool today. I’d love to lounge under a tree and take a nap.’
However, since he had duties to fulfill, Harris, albeit grumbling internally, led his team of guards to the suspicious location.
Whoooosh—
Of course, the task of carrying his already realized convenience fell onto Pascal, the wind spirit.
*
After the summit ended, the first to return home was the delegation from the Calcos Tribal Alliance, led by the Great Mage Morgana.
After sitting grimly through the day, Morgana shot up from her seat right after the meeting concluded as if someone would catch her and left immediately through the Church’s Gate heading south without saying goodbye to anyone.
And right afterward…
An official statement from the Calcos Tribal Alliance was communicated through the only shrine located in the south to Rosellia Temple.
The significant contents of that message were soon conveyed to the representatives from various nations still remaining at the sacred place.
“…I feel like I must have misheard. So, what has Calcos done exactly?”
In the middle of the hall leading to the gate room at the shrine, Princess Riley, who had just finished her goodbyes and was preparing to leave, asked incredulously.
“It seems you haven’t misheard, Your Highness. I feel the same way.”
Isea, who had hastily conveyed the news she received from the Church, reiterated the shocking news, sounding equally perplexed.
-The Calcos Tribal Alliance has withdrawn from the Continental Alliance. All previous discussions are null and void, and they have decided to pursue an independent route going forward. From now on, any interference through the shrine is also forbidden.
Reducing all the fluff and summarizing it, that was all it amounted to.
“I mean, what kind of audacity…? Even if we all unite as one, it’s going to be difficult, and then suddenly…!”
Upon hearing those words, Princess Riley’s indignation burst forth.
It was inevitable considering that a crucial gap had just opened in their recent discussions.
Moreover, such a withdrawal would not aid the remaining unity and morale at all.
In the first place, why had this meeting been convened?
Even if there were parts that didn’t align or that they were unhappy with, wasn’t the point to find a way together through concessions and consultations?
“What on earth could they be thinking? Is there really a need to go to such lengths? Unless they’re declaring war…”
Just as she was about to voice her thought, she shut her mouth abruptly.
Discussing war-related topics was something that couldn’t easily be brought up in such a setting.
“Hoo— Let’s head back for now. We’ve already lingered too long. We must place our trust in the Church for the moment.”
Unsurprisingly, the Church wasn’t sitting idle either.
It was only natural to maintain consistent contact and dialogues over Calcos’s sudden whims.
‘If this doesn’t unfold positively, the aftermath will become troublesome…’
She shook her head adamantly and led her party back toward the gate room.
For now, it was best to tackle the immediate pile of work awaiting them; what followed was a matter for later consideration.
However…
Just as Princess Riley, Isea, and Hesperon, along with the Imperial delegation, hastily returned to the capital Jeron…
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