The Prince Wants to Retire

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The Crown Prince Wants to Retire

52. Stabbing Again While Hurting! (2)

It felt very suspicious.

What was the connection between Roman and Sandria Empire?

I pondered over it.

The current Roman Emperor’s maternal family was a noble from Roman.

So, was the royal family of Roman linked to Sandria?

It wasn’t that simple.

“I suppose the royal family of Roman has something passed down, just like we do? And it’s related to hell.”

At Kariel’s inquiry, Talion and the attendant nodded.

“The connection between Sandria and Roman… What could it possibly be?”

“I’ll investigate.”

“Alright.”

With the intent to investigate, Talion stepped outside.

Then, I issued orders to the attendant.

“Tell them to keep a closer eye on Sandria. It seems that the Emperor of Roman and his tribe might be connected to hell.”

“Yes.”

Kariel smiled as he gave orders to the attendant.

If it were just a simple alliance, they would have made contact with the powerful tribes of Sandria.

But instead, they engaged with the weaker tribes in the fringes.

“Did they deliberately show this to me?”

It was clear that Roman was aware that Ignit was keeping a close watch over Sandria.

Yet despite that knowledge, moving like this was akin to willingly revealing their actions.

“What could it mean?”

I couldn’t grasp the Emperor of Roman’s intentions.

It was evident that he was looking at something I couldn’t see and seemed keen on pulling me into it.

I hadn’t yet grasped the grand picture the Roman Emperor was painting.

Yet one thing I could ascertain with certainty.

“Is he trying to use Ignit?”

Muttering this, Kariel delved deeper into thought.

What if the Roman Emperor is linked to hell?

If he has connections to the ancient tribes of Sandria, then perhaps the current situation could be somewhat explained.

Continuous probing into Sandria revealed that they didn’t particularly favor demons.

That fact was virtually assured, considering Sandria, strongly connected to hell, still wouldn’t ally with demons.

In fact, many of the tribes in Sandria were wary of the corrupting influence of the gods they worshiped.

Could there be a connection between them and the Roman Emperor?

“I’m not sure what kind of picture he’s painting, but it’s clear he wants to draw me in.”

Just as Garum was seeking the Demon Gate, the Roman Emperor or Sandria might also be searching for or preparing something.

‘If what Surth said is true, is it possible that I’m the key to finding the Demon Gate? If that’s so, then the Roman Emperor intends to use me…’

Thinking this, Kariel’s expression turned serious, but he shook his head.

If that were the case, then the horrifying beings that emerged on the continent in my previous life wouldn’t make sense.

“It doesn’t add up.”

Kariel murmured and let out a sigh.

Although no conclusions had been reached, one thing became clear from this incident.

1. The Roman Emperor harbors secrets, probably connected to hell.

2. I am needed in the grand scheme that Roman is envisioning.

3. The capital of Roman is dangerous.

While the precise nature of his grand plan remained unknown, one thing was certain: the capital of Roman likely harbored a colossal trap.

The nature of that trap was unclear, but there was no reason to fall for it.

“The day we march towards the capital of Roman will come after we have engulfed the entire territory.”

Even though the main forces of Ignit were tied up near the Giant Mountain Range, there was still much to be done.

Currently, the vulnerable spot for Roman lay in the northern regions.

The best way to inflict maximum damage on an opponent is to repeatedly strike at their weaknesses.

To achieve that, Kariel planned to continuously deploy the remaining troops to the north.

Soon after, Talion rushed back with an urgent letter from the north.

“Your Majesty! A message from the north!”

“Golan has nearly pacified the northern plains.”

“Yes.”

“Then we must reciprocate.”

With those words, Kariel revealed a grin.

By Kariel’s command, the Ignit Empire had instructed the expansion of railroads to connect to the northeastern edge, further extending toward the Church Nation.

At the same time, an order was given to construct airfields in the outer territories of the former Holy Nation.

It was time to put those to use.

It had been challenging to provide massive supplies by circumventing the southern waters.

Crossing the Giant Mountain Range was not easy either.

So, the idea was to open a path going north from the middle of the Frigid Canyon.

Though it was a tough task, the lower terrain of the Giant Mountain Range made it feasible, and now it would become a reality.

“Call the ministers.”

“Yes!”

At Kariel’s command, all the ministers were summoned to the Grand Council.

“It’s finally time to execute the secret operation we’ve established.”

At Kariel’s words, all the ministers nodded with excited expressions.

In the early days of the Human Alliance, plans had been devised after the nomadic tribes united.

Measures to support the nomadic tribes against demons.

This included strategies for transporting large amounts of supplies across the Giant Mountain Range.

And today, he intended to officially reveal that operation.

“Roman currently lacks the capability to oversee the Frigid Canyon area. The demons are in the same situation.”

Kariel looked towards a map set up in one corner of the council.

“If the nomadic tribes can keep the demons at bay, we can completely take over the Frigid Canyon. From there, we’d be able to directly provide supplies to the nomadic tribes that have come down here.”

Kariel smiled broadly.

“At the same time, our troops can also cross to establish a foothold.”

While the demons were preoccupied with the nomadic tribes, the army of Ignit would construct a fortress by crossing the canyon.

With both fortresses, they could stabilize the path through the canyon while preparing to target the Demon Gate.

Currently, both Roman and the demons seemed most concerned about the expansion of the Demon Gate.

Having the Demon King cross over was the core of it; what would happen if that core were threatened?

“Minister of Military. How will the situation progress from here?”

“It seems it will cause confusion in both Roman and the demon camps.”

“Then the likelihood of capturing the Giant’s Fortress will increase?”

After a brief contemplation, the Minister of Military lowered his head and replied.

“If we assume part of the Dark Mages’ forces retreat north, the Giant’s Fortress will be breached.”

“Good. And then?”

“If Roman’s forces abandon the fortress and regroup in the capital, our side can also start to actively interfere on the East Continent.”

The Minister of Military explained how the Ignit forces, after capturing the Giant’s Fortress and the Frigid Canyon, would build a large supply network exerting pressure on the western regions of Roman.

Simultaneously, if the allied forces from the East Continent gathered against Roman, it would mean the loss of all territories except the central region for Roman.

“The problem lies afterward.”

Entering Roman’s territory is beneficial.

However, if most elite forces survive, it would undoubtedly put Ignit at a disadvantage.

That’s due to the prolonged supply lines.

Moreover, it was an unknown situation about what the demons were hiding.

“Could moving hastily lead to a disaster?”

“…That’s correct.”

As always, the Minister of Military viewed strategy conservatively, considering the worst scenarios.

Other ministers appeared to feel the same.

Thinking primarily about the potential losses to our side, they found it hard to voice their opinions.

In such times, the Emperor must pave the way.

“If you had to choose between the demons and Roman, which would it be?”

At Kariel’s question, ministers, including the Minister of Military, began to express their thoughts.

From the troop’s perspective, attacking the relatively closer capital of Roman would be easier.

They could join forces with the troops from other nations.

From the perspectives of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Internal Affairs, this would also be convenient due to lower supply costs.

However, the Minister of Military preferred to strike the demons first.

“Finishing it before the expansion of the Demon Gate would be cleaner.”

Dealing with the Demon Gate before the Demon King emerges.

Several ministers and bureaucrats supported this viewpoint, while others favored swiftly pushing Roman aside with a multinational army for a single strike north.

In a situation where both sides were sharply opposed, everyone turned their attention to Kariel.

“Let’s deal with the Demon Gate first.”

Kariel raised his hand to the Minister of Military’s suggestion, making the Minister of Finance show a grim expression.

Connecting the supply lines to the northern part of Roman would require a significant amount of funds.

“While it would be wise to capture Roman’s capital, stopping the Demon King would be a more profitable endeavor. And…”

Kariel trailed off as he looked at the ministers.

“When launching an assault on the Demon Gate, I wish to personally take part.”

The ministers’ eyes widened at Kariel’s statement.

The reason he made such a decision was to ensure that there was no Demon Gate in the terrain where the demons were located.

If, with Surth’s help, it could be confirmed that there wasn’t a Demon Gate in Roman’s domain, things would become much easier.

‘At that point, I can categorize Sandria completely as an enemy.’

At that moment, a cry resonated.

“Your Majesty! No, you mustn’t!”

“Absolutely not! If anything were to happen to your Majesty, the Empire would descend into chaos immediately!”

“Your Majesty, trust the generals who are out in the field! They will handle it well!”

Words sprang forth quickly from the opposing ministers.

Even the attendant, who usually complied with Kariel’s orders, fell to his knees, opposing him.

It goes without saying, Talion vehemently opposed this.

“I will act only after ensuring my safety within the East Continent.”

“We can’t ascertain what dangers lurk.”

With Talion representing them, everyone knelt and yelled.

“Please reconsider!”

Seeing his ministers opposing his decision for his safety, Kariel took a deep, resigned sigh.

He couldn’t oppose their concern for his safety, so he could only let out a sigh as he pondered.

After a long silence, Kariel finally spoke up.

“There are things I must personally confirm. It’s difficult to verify unless I’m there.”

“…Is it related to hell?”

Kariel nodded slightly at Talion’s question.

“Even so, it’s far too dangerous.”

Once again, Talion’s opposition drew Kariel’s gaze to the ministers.

They too bowed their heads, resisting, and ultimately he couldn’t take another step forward.

“I’ll think more on my personal participation.”

With those words, Kariel adjourned that day’s Grand Council meeting.

However, the planned actions continued step by step.

Before long, the nomadic tribes had pushed near the Giant Mountain Range.

As most demons and Dark Mages moved accordingly, Ignit began mobilizing forces to take over the Frigid Canyon.

Meanwhile, the allied forces didn’t remain idle either.

When a portion of Demon Dragons and demons slipped away northward, the allied forces took that chance to launch a significant offensive.

*

“From Roman’s perspective, this must be extremely painful.”

As Southern Commander Lokan gazed upon the relatively stable Giant’s Fortress, he muttered.

Due to Ignit stabbing at the most vulnerable point, Roman’s previously sturdy defenses began to tremble.

No matter how capable Ashltar was, the situation was bound to be excruciating.

“The Dark Mages have begun to withdraw.”

As a result of the officer monitoring through magical tools reporting urgently, Lokan slightly nodded.

“Let’s prepare to move as well.”

Now that Roman had begun to wobble, there was no need to delay any longer.

Before they regained stability, the fortress must be brought down swiftly.

As the great forces of Ignit started to mobilize once more, the formation of Roman grew flustered.

“Stay calm! Prepare carefully for the enemies’ attacks!”

In this dire situation where attacks came from everywhere, veteran commanders did their utmost to protect Roman.

However, the situation was too dire.

The first cracks in their solid defenses appeared in the southern fortress.

Brighton, the King of Wingzar and a Master, smashed through the City Gate to enter inside.

“It’s breached! Everyone, enter inside!”

As the Southern Allied Forces raised their momentum and surged in, it was then.

“What is that…?”

Everyone turned to look at the red vortex that formed within the fortress at the King’s question.

And that day, a piece of news flew to the capital of Ignit via urgent dispatch.

「Defeat of the Southern Allied Forces」