The Prince Wants to Retire

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The Crown Prince Wants to Retire

45. The Ignit Federation Shaking the West Continent

The empire, once mocked as the dumbest nation, began to rise, causing other nations to quickly lose their luster.

Even so, the Southern Kingdoms could accept it up to this point.

Since they couldn’t prevent the empire’s rise, their own weakening was an unavoidable reality.

However, the problem lay in something they could never accept.

As the Revolutionary Forces emerged, they were attempting to dismantle their system, while criminal organizations like pirates kept gnawing at their own strength.

Despite having given up Iron to stop this, the situation was growing more serious.

Even the Intelligence Department of the Southern Kingdoms couldn’t predict what was happening.

“Mercenaries flocking to the Empire!”

“Rogue knights lost in the darkness. To advance to the next stage, they must meet the Emperor!”

Once it was proven that following the Emperor’s training was actually effective, many began to gather in the capital of the empire to meet him.

Upon receiving reports that numerous people were gathering just to see him, Kariel wore a bewildered expression.

“Is this for real?”

Kariel looked at Talion with incredulous eyes.

“That’s right.”

When Talion answered with a pleased expression, Kariel’s face scrunched up.

“Such nonsense…”

“Well, it’s not entirely nonsense, is it?”

“True, but it’s not like there are overwhelmingly great effects as rumored.”

Sighing at Talion’s words, Kariel spoke.

After seeing Glen and Duke Welch, she had genuinely hoped that she might possess extraordinary abilities.

To test Surth’s words, she had tried everything imaginable.

It all started with the Capital Defense Force.

She then tested the Central Army, the Security Brigade, and later even the mercenaries in the capital.

The conclusion was that it wasn’t as outrageous as she had hoped.

Glen and Duke Welch breaking down walls was just a matter of good timing, and it was merely the high loyalty of the Imperial Palace Knights and the Shadows that caused a psychological shift.

However, a few others had made significant changes and some had actually seen an increase in their rank.

‘Were they all individuals with fire-related abilities?’

Mages, swordmasters, those who wielded Fire Element Magic.

It was these individuals who caused meaningful changes.

Nevertheless, it was a fact that some had experienced growth after meeting Kariel, or had taken up arms again after despair.

Regardless of the probability, people only look at those who have succeeded, so it was enough for them to start rumors of hope if they visit the Emperor.

For that reason, various people began to flock—from mercenaries to wandering knights, adventurers, and beyond.

Had it been only them, the West Continent wouldn’t have been thrown into chaos.

The situation escalated when some knights from the Southern Kingdoms began to flee to the Empire.

Such happenings were occurring in all the nations of the West, but the most serious case was in Talos.

“Are they really going to the Empire believing in that ridiculous rumor?”

Marquis Altan’s expression was one of disbelief.

Individuals swayed by the absurd rumor that attending the Emperor’s training would yield some benefit.

The problem was that this led to another issue.

“Temple of Fire! Spreading from the Empire to the entire West Continent!”

A massive banner hanging prominently in the imperial plaza.

The Temple of Fire of Ignit was preparing to extend its reach beyond the Empire to foreign nations.

Since the current Emperor ascended the throne, the expansion of influence had been rapid, so they were now ready to reach out to foreign lands.

Unexpectedly, the resistance to the Temple of Fire in foreign nations was not great.

The primary reason was that they were not obsessed with Divine Power like the Holy Nations. Nor did they force anyone to worship only the fire religion.

Their demands were simple.

“Is it really only believing in fire that grants membership to the temple?”

“Yes. Fire is everywhere. It’s foolish to segregate based on Divine Power.”

Upon hearing the Fire Priest’s words, a mercenary looked at the symbol tattooed on his arm with an expression of wonder.

The mark had been engraved on his forearm, which was usually only given to priests or holy knights.

With the Blessing of Fire bestowed upon him, the mercenary soon felt the energy of fire within him.

“Unbelievable.”

The mercenary’s face lit up as he sensed the fire’s energy coursing through him.

“May the Blessing of Fire accompany your path…”

At the priest’s words, the mercenary bowed and respectfully departed. Observing this, others began to inquire whether they, too, could receive the Blessing of Fire.

Unlike their hopes, not everyone could receive the Blessing.

While the existing Imperial citizens had a higher chance of possessing the fire’s energy, it was only possible for those from foreign nations if they were born with the innate energy of fire.

Nonetheless, that was sufficient.

“The Temple of Fire does not discriminate!”

“Everyone will be offered an equal opportunity!”

Such announcements from the Temple of Fire became a beacon of hope for those tired of social hierarchies.

Although revolutionary forces had formed in the nations of the West Continent, some still disliked the radicals’ extreme actions.

However, the Temple of Fire was different.

“If you believe in fire, everyone should be guaranteed an equal opportunity.”

While the disparities in power and authority remained inevitable, many were moved by their logic that at least opportunities should be equally guaranteed.

In fact, the current Emperor, who was called a saint by the Temple of Fire, was also striving to provide as many opportunities as possible to the citizens of the Empire.

Seeing this, many began to waver.

“Your Majesty, oppression has begun in Talos.”

At Talion’s report, Kariel smiled faintly.

“And Rotheon?”

“Not yet. They’re still tightly controlling the information, so it’ll take more time.”

Rotheon was responding to the empire’s destabilization operation through strict control of information.

But how long could that last?

Unless they completely shut out merchants, there was bound to be a breach.

“The Holy Nation is still holding steady as well, right?”

“Yes. Their faith in the Sun God is unshakeable.”

As expected of a nation serving the Sun God, it was not easy for the Temple of Fire to gain a foothold there.

“Let’s approach it by arguing that the Sun God and the Fire God are not so different.”

“I’ll relay that to the Temple of Fire.”

Talion bowed his head and withdrew at Kariel’s orders.

“It’s advancing faster than expected.”

I had thought we could execute our plans in two to three years, but unexpected situations were accelerating the timeline.

The problem was that this wasn’t purely good news.

“The empire’s preparation is still incomplete…”

Kariel muttered, furrowing her brows.

Having solidified foundations by crumbling the Magic Tower and seizing the nobles’ rights, the groundwork had been laid.

However, it took time for people to grow. That was something money couldn’t hasten, and it required time.

Even now, technicians were rapidly gathering in the capital for swift development, but for the growth rate to satisfy Kariel, more people were still needed.

“Since it has come to this, maybe we should just go for it?”

The empire was already advancing policies favoring capable individuals.

Although the Noble Assembly was trying to stop it as much as possible, that was precisely what Kariel had intended.

Rapid transformations invariably lead to issues.

Thus, she had allowed the Noble Assembly to delay the reform, regulating the pace.

However, now Kariel was beginning to contemplate loosening those reins.

“The nobles…”

The likelihood of nobles rebelling was high.

Since many concessions had already been made, something satisfactory would have to be provided to the nobles.

Regardless of whether she could deal with the nobles, another problem remained.

They wouldn’t just sit by and watch while foreign nations snatched away their technicians.

They would try every means to prevent it, and if the trend couldn’t be stopped, there was only one answer.

“Accelerating the war is also a problem.”

Here lies the dilemma.

Should they engage in war after taking their time to prepare diligently? Or should they attack when the enemies are in a state of instability?

If they take their time and engage in war, they could minimize damage.

Conversely, advancing the war would allow for quicker intervention in the East Continent.

“Choosing between minimizing damage or hastening preparations for disaster….”

In the midst of pondering the difficult decision, Kariel urgently summoned her attendants.

“Summon the Ministers of Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Military.”

“Yes!”

Responding to Kariel’s command, the attendants hurriedly left to fetch the three ministers.

A short while later, as the ministers gathered in the office, the meeting officially commenced.

“If we bring in technicians from foreign nations, what should we offer the nobles?”

“We should loosen the bidding restrictions on national projects. For loans and several businesses, we need to steer them in a favorable direction for certain nobles.”

“Is that really enough?”

Kariel tilted her head, looking at the Minister of Internal Affairs, who shook his head.

“Some authority over the nobles will need to return to past levels.”

“Hmm… then it seems we might as well not do it…”

“However, there is room for negotiation here.”

The Minister of Internal Affairs’ remark caused Kariel to glance at the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Assuming we persuade the nobles, how long can we placate the backlash from foreign nations?”

“It will be difficult. War could break out at any moment.”

“What if we casually throw some rights as a gesture of apology?”

“…That would buy some time, but it won’t last long.”

Kariel fell deep into thought at the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ words.

“If war is brought forward, how much more damage can we expect compared to following the planned course?”

“At least 30 to 40 percent more damage would be dealt.”

Kariel swallowed hard at the Military Minister’s words.

“Should we stick to the plan after all?”

At her words, all three ministers bowed their heads.

Just then, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with shining eyes, proposed an idea.

“Your Majesty, isn’t your current concern about swiftly advancing stagnant technological development?”

“Right?”

“Then it might not be necessary to call technicians to the capital at all, correct?”

Upon hearing the Foreign Minister’s words, Kariel’s eyes widened.

“Exactly. There’s no need for that.”

“What if foreign technicians don’t necessarily need to come to the Empire?”

“Shall we use a neutral zone?”

Kariel, understanding immediately, couldn’t help but chuckle.

The Foreign Minister further elaborated his thoughts.

“If we designate the southern region of Tria as a neutral ground for the Southern Kingdoms…”

“And if we build our technicians and a Magic Tower there, gathering technicians from foreign nations?”

As an interesting picture began to form, Kariel smiled brightly.

“Sounds promising. Attendant!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Bring the Minister of Finance here right away.”

After instructing to summon the Minister of Finance, Kariel turned to the Minister of Internal Affairs.

“Craft a plan that allows nobles to partake in Tria, as they might resist.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Minister of Foreign Affairs, come up with a detailed plan based on what was just discussed. Minister of Military, calculate how much of a balanced force is needed for the truce in the neutral zone among the three nations.”

“Yes!”

Nodding at their responses, Kariel began the meeting to solidify the plans when the Minister of Finance arrived.

As the plans became increasingly concrete, Kariel grew confident.

‘Perhaps I can shake the Southern Kingdoms even more.’