The Prince Wants to Retire

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Crown Prince Wants to Retire

56. The War That Is About to Begin (2)

I thought at least they would hold onto him until the war was over, but that wasn’t the case.

“Are you really telling me to hand over the reins?”

At Winston’s question, Kariel nodded slightly.

“I managed to keep things running smoothly here without any significant upheaval while I was away.”

Even while Kariel was in the East Continent, the Empire was functioning just fine. The urgency of the situation in the East was part of it, but it was also a test for potential emergencies.

But now, he could relax.

“Hmm….”

Seeing the lackluster reaction from Winston, who was supposed to be thrilled about his retirement, Kariel frowned.

“Your reaction is odd.”

“…Your Majesty, could it be…”

“Could it be what?”

“Have you already made plans for after the war?”

At Winston’s question, Kariel felt a jolt inside, but he maintained a serious expression.

“What are you talking about?”

“Planning for your retirement after the war…”

“After a war we might win? Chancellor, have you taken your meds?”

Winston cleared his throat and lowered his head at Kariel’s question.

“I think I’ve overthought this. My apologies.”

The Chancellor, who had apologized sincerely, managed to crack a small smile despite his throat clearing.

Seeing the Chancellor absorbed in his thoughts about retirement, Kariel couldn’t help but smile. If the war truly ended, he could set his retirement plans in motion.

“I’m fine with the handover, but there’s something I’d like to ask before your retirement.”

“Please, do tell.”

“The New Continent.”

At the Chancellor’s words, Kariel stared at him intently.

“Are they completely ignoring the situation?”

Sighing, Winston responded to Kariel’s comment.

The New Continent and the islands in the South had offered some assistance.

But that assistance was on a laughable level from the Empire’s perspective.

1. Lowering tariffs.
2. Supporting some old food supplies as if they were doing a favor.
3. Lifting export restrictions.

While these things were indeed helpful…

Considering the survival of humanity was at stake, it was utterly pathetic.

He didn’t expect them to send an army.

Is it too much to expect substantial material support at the very least?

“It seems the New Continent and the Southern islands don’t really grasp the seriousness of the situation…”

“Is there something you desire?”

“Shouldn’t we give them a taste of a Dark Mage?”

At Kariel’s question, the Chancellor tilted his head.

“The Demons are expanding their territory to the Frozen Tundra.”

“Perhaps…”

“Right. Don’t stop them from going to the New Continent.”

“However, Your Majesty, the New Continent might become a new danger after the war.”

At Winston’s concern, Kariel chuckled.

“Is this really the time for us to worry about the South? We can’t even predict what’s going to happen next.”

“Well…”

“I’ve already ordered the southern trade routes to remain open.”

Winston’s eyes widened at Kariel’s words.

He had left the door open for Roman’s intervention in the island nations through Sandria.

And the New Continent was left exposed to the Demons, allowing for potential intervention.

“Believing the sea will protect them indefinitely. Unless they break that belief, it’s tough to expect proactive support.”

“…Understood.”

By showcasing the Dark Mages to those who were merely observing from afar, Kariel had devised a plan that could lead to long-term support.

The issue was that, in the short term, it would be of little use.

Considering that a continental war was about to break out at any moment, it was evident Kariel was preparing for just in case.

“There’s one more thing I need you to do.”

“…Your Majesty.”

Seeing Kariel continuously make requests under the guise of retirement, Winston’s expression darkened.

“We might have to seal Giant’s Canyon again if things go awry. Since your brothers definitely won’t, you’ll have to prepare it secretly.”

“However…”

“We have to consider the possibility that we might be wiped out in the East.”

Kariel gazed intensely at the Chancellor as he spoke.

If Ignit’s main forces were wiped out, they would have to face the Army of Hell without even a single Master. They always needed to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

“…Ah, that explains why you’re being so nice all of a sudden.”

Winston sighed at the weight Kariel was lifting from his shoulders.

“Luther still lacks experience to bear such a heavy burden. He should be allowed to focus solely on his development. Isn’t it the responsibility of adults to let the young spread their wings?”

When Kariel said this with a smile, Winston sighed and bowed his head.

“I will heed Your Majesty’s command.”

At Winston’s reply, Kariel handed over a secretly drafted order and a token from his robe.

“This is the token to mobilize the Secret Guardians and the Shadows.”

After delivering the secret command, Kariel stood up, asked Winston to handle things well, and then left the office.

Having received this heavy burden, Winston stared silently at the secret command and then carefully folded it, tucking it into his robe.

*

Having attended to major matters at the Imperial Palace, Kariel decided to take a day off.

“Is this the last rest before the war?”

-You nervous?

“Of course I am. Ugh… Hell…”

At Surth’s words, Kariel clutched his racing heart and gazed out the window.

-Even if the worst happens, it won’t be like in your previous life.

“…Do you think so?”

-Yeah.

Kariel couldn’t help but smile at Surth’s confident reply.

Unlike his previous life, the Demons had come over as half-baked and considerably weaker.

Roman, too, had significantly weakened compared to his previous life.

Most importantly, he had unified the West Continent and pulled several nations from the East Continent to Ignit’s side.

From Kariel’s viewpoint, he had done everything he could.

Now, all that was left was to see the results.

After a long time back at the Imperial Palace, Kariel presided over the Grand Council Meeting for several days, swiftly dealing with issues he had previously postponed.

Once the big matters were settled, the remaining issues were handled efficiently by the bureaucrats.

Now, only the Crown Prince’s coronation and the appointment ceremony for the Commander were left.

After the Grand Council Meeting ended, when Kariel walked over to the square, his siblings were waiting for him.

“First up, Seriel!”

“Yes! Your Majesty.”

“I hereby appoint you as the Supreme Commander of the West Continent. This position allows you to command all forces of the West. Furthermore, should anything happen to me, you are tasked with defending the empire with everything you have. Can you undertake this mission?”

“I will accomplish it with my life on the line.”

With a slight nod at Seriel’s reply, Kariel handed him a sword.

“You have a duty to think about the future after the main forces are annihilated. Raise a new Master and strengthen our army.”

In a place gathering citizens, being told to think about what would happen after his death momentarily left Seriel speechless.

Ultimately, he bowed his head slightly, expressing his silent answer. Seeing this, Kariel smiled, sent off Seriel, and looked at Rufiel.

“Since I must lead an expedition myself, I appoint a Crown Prince to stand in for me in Ignit. If I die in battle, all authority will immediately pass to the Crown Prince, who will become the new Emperor in my name, Kariel Friedrich von Blazer.”

At Kariel’s declaration, the citizens of the Empire silently bowed their heads.

In this moment, when their Emperor was prepared to face death, who could celebrate?

Even Crown Prince Rufiel shed silent tears as he bowed his head.

To him, Kariel passed on the staff and imperial regalia, saying,

“Develop Ignit further in my absence. That is your given duty. Strengthen our Empire, so we can counter threats.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty. I will surely fulfill the duty you have commanded.”

Kariel nodded at Rufiel, who knelt in response, and then addressed the citizens.

“I will depart to protect the Empire, as promised during the coronation. Remember this: I and my army risk our lives to protect this Empire… Even if I and my army perish, do not give up, but resist. This is my final command to my Empire before heading to the distant battlefield.”

At Kariel’s command, the citizens of the Empire knelt silently on one knee.

“We heed Your Majesty’s command!”

Tears flowed as the citizens replied to the final command given by their Emperor.

In preparation for the great showdown, all they could do was respond to the trust bestowed upon them by the Emperor.

Seeing this, Kariel, satisfied, patted Rufiel and Seriel on the shoulders before heading straight for the airship.

And shortly after, the wagon arrived at the airfield, and the airship carrying Kariel soared into the sky. A sight so majestic, all those gathered in the square bowed their heads deeply in prayer.

*

“Crown Prince Rufiel. Finally, the uneasy imperial throne has been sorted.”

“Supreme Commander Seriel. Reorganizing the forces of the West with immense military power.”

The two royal heirs, finally stabilized by Kariel.

Though the last remnants of unease lingered, no one was joyous.

Because their Emperor had directly conveyed how difficult this upcoming war would be.

Was it because they realized the war was so challenging that even the Emperor’s life was at stake?

The situation in the East did not seem good.

The Empire was shocked by news of the appearance of Demons and the Existence of Hell.

This shock wasn’t confined to Ignit alone.

“The Emperor, who leaped into the most dangerous battlefield. The allied nations of the Eastern Continent also hurriedly prepared for their last war.”

The first to respond were the countries on the Eastern Continent.

There had been opinions that Ignit was conserving its strength merely for its own safety.

Some even speculated that Ignit might abandon them to return to the West.

However, with Kariel’s statements, those voices were silenced.

Because the dragons who witnessed the Emperor of Ignit’s stance toward the war described it with fervor to the nations on the Eastern Continent.

The reaction was not just from the Eastern Continent.

“The Emperor’s declaration at risk of his life left the New Continent in disarray!”

“Southern islands now grasping the seriousness of the situation. ‘If the West Continent is engulfed, we’ll be next!’”

Now they were finally starting to recognize the severity of the situation.

But still, it wasn’t enough.

They wouldn’t feel it acutely until the direct danger approached them.

That’s why Winston, having received Kariel’s command, waited.

He left the trade routes open until the threats from the Demons and Roman reached them, until they personally came to Ignit.

Because that was the final order given to him by the great Emperor.

*

“Welcome.”

Upon arriving at the Giant’s Fortress, Achelio greeted him along with the Imperial Palace Knights, bowing respectfully.

“Is everything ready?”

Kariel, stepping down from the airship, saw the Southern Commander bow his head.

“It’s done. We can move at any time.”

“And Roman?”

“It seems the Emperor has already moved secretly to the desert region.”

Roman’s Emperor had indeed moved toward Sandria. Accordingly, most of the main forces had departed in that direction.

He knew the real fight would be in the East.

“Effective immediately, I dismiss all regional commanders except the Western Commander. I also appoint Lokan Versailles, the Southern Commander, as the Supreme Commander of the Eastern Army.”

Having said that, Kariel handed the sword to Lokan Versailles.

“Every army shall be led by you. From now on, the Masters will conduct operations as Detached Units with only their knights and Special Forces.”

“I heed Your Majesty’s command.”

As all the commanders bowed in unison, Kariel issued the command he had been postponing.

“We will commence the Grand War. It will not cease until the safety of the East Continent is ensured.”

“Yes! Your Majesty.”

“Lokan Versailles. Your first mission will be to occupy Roman’s Capital.”

At that moment, the first order for the Grand War had been given and the Great Army resting in the fortress stretched its limbs.

The Southern Allied Forces, having just bided their time, also began to prepare for action.