Humans, generally speaking, are concerned about their own positions.
Occasionally, there are individuals who act as if they don’t care about such things, as if their own satisfaction is all that matters, regardless of those around them.
However, even such egoistic people tend to protect the position that allows them to act that way.
Relationships formed to earn money.
Environments where attention is sought.
If loneliness is disliked, then human relationships to fill that void, and various other elements shape a person’s standing.
So, what happens when this applies to a nation?
The most relevant aspect here is the position of status.
In Japan, for example, politicians, who wield the power to influence the nation’s future, are in a sense at the top.
Then, in Isal, in a nation called the Theocratic Nation Tris and the Eclair Kingdom, who holds that position?
In the former nation, the top is recognized as God.
Following that comes the Pope, and then the Archbishops.
Since priests are involved in every aspect of the nation’s operations, the country’s nature can be described as religious.
The Eclair Kingdom is a nation closely connected to Tris.
It operates under a feudal system, with the King at the top, and below him, nobles govern their own territories.
As the national religion is the same as Tris, and they are devout, these two countries have maintained their relationship over many years, even through arranged marriages.
Both nations possess vast territories; if combined, their land area would surpass that of the Empire.
However, individually, their territories do not match that of the Empire.
Furthermore, due to ideological differences incompatible with the Empire, they have spent over a century at war.
They repeat cycles of ceasefire and war.
Throughout this history, they have never formed a joint front.
Until a remarkable figure emerged onto the historical stage.
A girl who will likely be spoken of by historians.
Anri H.
Whether she will be called a hero or a witch.
That has yet to be decided, but at the very least, she has contacted the moderate factions of each nation, swiftly supported their factions, and by raising the common goal of Demon Lord subjugation, she has united the three great powers and their surrounding smaller nations into an organization and army called the Anti-Demon Lord Alliance. She has even devised plans to secure maintenance costs and invade the continent where the Demon Lord resides, thereby etching her name into history.
Some people rejoice at this.
The threat of the Demon Lord is deeply ingrained in history, and the first stain on history is buried in the past and forgotten. For the people living in modern times, demons are recognized as evil, as apostles of a malevolent deity bringing darkness named night.
Therefore, they believe she is removing that danger and bringing a warm dawn to the future.
With this understanding, utilizing this ideology, and propelled by this wish, the current alliance stands.
Only a very small number, such as the elders of the High Elves, the living treasures of the Beastkin, the artisans of the Elder Dwarves, and the ancient species of the Dragon race, beings who know the truth, see this alliance as nothing more than a farce.
Hence, the participation of these races in this alliance is extremely limited.
They are not indifferent, but they wish to remain uninvolved.
Thus, while various ideologies mingle, on the surface, the current forces of Isal are consolidated.
All nations welcome this, but dissatisfaction is found everywhere.
“Truly detestable. Why must we be ordered around by a young girl from an empire that doesn’t even believe in God?”
“Indeed.”
First, there is the Archbishop participating as the representative of Tris in the alliance.
Tris, with its strength in healing magic, boasts military power that can contend for first place among the three major nations.
However, the fact remains that the head of this alliance is Princess Anri.
Princess Anri, who has gained influence in Tris by winning over the moderate faction, and the Archbishop of Tris has virtually no influence in the Empire.
“Dissatisfaction is also mounting in the Kingdom.”
The Eclair Kingdom is in a similar position.
While they also contribute significant military strength to the alliance, ranking among the top three, they still fall short of the Empire.
These two countries are plotting to seize the leadership of the alliance, but because the moderate faction has already been swayed, Princess Anri’s influence, albeit in the form of her speaking power, has extended to the Eclair Kingdom as well.
“Count, what about that matter?”
Therefore, the leadership of this alliance is recognized as Princess Anri by both countries and the smaller nations.
This is not to their liking.
Hence, the secret meeting between the Archbishop of Tris and a high-ranking noble of the Kingdom.
Dazzlo was aware of this meeting but chose not to intervene, allowing it to proceed and leading them to believe they were undetected, gradually dulling their sense of crisis.
Thus, the two nations, who initially avoided contact at the alliance headquarters, are now meeting secretly within the base.
This is evidence of their gradually diminishing caution.
One might wonder if it’s acceptable to leave the meetings of these two nations, who are likely to hinder the alliance if not outright betray it, unchecked.
“Yes, everything is progressing without issue. Regarding material support, it is currently being transported as part of the alliance’s supplies. As for weapons, it should be fine to explain it as preparation for the upcoming war.”
“Hahaha, with this, if we take down a Demon Lord’s Army executive before them, we can use that achievement to reclaim the leadership of this alliance from that girl.”
Their conversation can be considered petty.
Dazzlo, believing their true target to be something else, maintains a low level of vigilance.
Although these two have been chosen as representatives of their respective countries in the alliance, they do not hold such high positions within their own nations.
Therefore, this alliance presents an opportunity in a dual sense.
One is, as the Archbishop stated, to increase their influence within the alliance by defeating a Demon Lord’s Army executive.
The other is to improve their standing back in their own countries.
For these two, who seek higher and more secure positions, their current status can be said to be insufficient.
“Then that woman will be finished, too. Although she’s quite capable for a woman, her vessel is ultimately limited. Her facade will likely be exposed soon. She’s nothing more than a vixen who seduced her subordinates with her charms.”
“My word, Count, you speak quite plainly. Indeed, that woman, being an Elf, possesses exceptional beauty. It seems those distrustful moderates simply fell into her seductive trap. Truly, she is a disgrace to our nation.”
“My nation has nothing to say about yours either. When I return to my homeland with this achievement, I intend to petition the King for severe punishment.”
While these two might argue about who will ultimately become the leader, for now, they are joining hands.
“That girl hasn’t noticed our movements. She’s currently diligently working on managing the organization. Blindly believing in justice is the act of a fool.”
“Exactly. A ruler must be able to embrace both virtue and vice. Believing only in people’s good deeds is truly foolish.”
Their complaints about Princess Anri seem endless, and they continue to voice their grievances one after another, even though they haven’t been drinking.
What their dissatisfaction is, and how things should be.
Their words are entirely self-serving complaints and grievances.
There is no thought for their country or their people.
It is a conversation where they only consider what is convenient for themselves.
“…So, how is the progress in your country? It’s fine to support the Hero, but we want some assurance of success.”
However, perhaps because it hinges on the ability to defeat a Demon Lord’s Army executive, the Count abruptly halts the conversation to confirm.
“Ah, for that, there is no doubt. It is a rare opportunity to defeat a Demon Lord’s Army executive. God will provide maximum assistance. In some cases, the deployment of the Divine Sword may even be permitted. As of now, five Holy Swords stored by God and the dispatch of five Heroes have been decided.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful news. With that, defeating a Demon Lord’s Army executive is as good as done. Then all that remains is assurance of the location of that executive… which means…”
“Yes, with the item you lent us the other day, its usability is what will determine the outcome. What do you say?”
The Archbishop, wanting to coordinate this matter meticulously, lowers his voice slightly, checks around to ensure no one is listening, and begins to speak.
The Count, too, is the same; the superficial lightness he displayed while complaining earlier is gone, replaced by a serious expression filled with ambition as they continue their discussion.
“Regarding the previous specifications, considerable damage was observed. As it is an artifact of ancient civilization, repair methods are limited. However, it should be fine for one more use.”
“That’s why I advised you that it would be better for our country to keep that item. My God can restore any ancient artifact to like-new condition.”
“I do not doubt God’s omniscience, but that is our country’s secret treasure; even God cannot easily obtain it. There may be times when it is needed should something unforeseen happen.”
“Are you doubting my God?”
“I did not say that.”
The location of the Demon Lord’s Army executive is chaos.
In Isal, it is sometimes referred to as hell.
The Kingdom, not Tris, possesses the means to infiltrate such a place.
The Archbishop, in a casual negotiation, attempts to seize the rights to the item, but the Count gently refuses with a smile.
“I am speaking of when the Empire attacks.”
“…We have promised to send reinforcements in such an event, have I not?”
“If that Golem were to be sent, and reinforcements were delayed, it would be meaningless. We too want to secure a means to prevent that.”
“In that case, as we discussed initially, please consider setting up a teleportation circle. Currently, one is installed at the border, close to your country. If possible, further…”
The relationship between the Theocratic Nation Tris and the Eclair Kingdom is outwardly friendly, with an alliance in place.
However, beneath the surface, Tris is attempting to absorb the Kingdom.
Unlike Tris, which has the protection of God and, if necessary, the ultimate defense of the Angelic Army, the Kingdom, without such backing, would be in the most danger if its alliance with Tris were to dissolve and it were to become isolated.
If they were to oppose both Tris and the Empire, they would undoubtedly be destroyed.
Knowing this, there are aspects they cannot strongly object to.
The Archbishop calls it a discussion, but there is an implicit threat that various inconvenconvenient issues will arise if he refuses.
However.
“I appreciate your sentiment, but our country has its own methods. Should we not focus our attention on the Empire for now?”
“…Indeed. We shall discuss that matter at a later date. For now, should we not focus our efforts on bringing down that girl?”
The Count is not a Count for nothing.
While smiling pleasantly, he inwardly seethes, unwilling to allow such a thing.
Matters of interest.
If they cannot both gain profit, they would not normally join hands.
Even now, they are both thinking of monopolizing achievements if an opportunity arises.
With their other hands behind their backs, they conceal their true intentions.
Are they holding a knife, or perhaps a vial of poison?
At least, they do not possess the noble ideals of helping each other.
All they have is something dark lurking deep within their hearts.
They are only considering that, and this conversation is merely a pretense to hide it.
“For our glorious future.”
“For our development.”
Smiles are not to be trusted.
To break character here would be their undoing.
The two, exchanging forced smiles, engaged in discussions to realize their self-interests until the appointed time.
Today’s word:
“Station is important” is often heard.
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