133. Preparation for Counterattack (2)
"It's still too early to declare total ruin."
But for Alicia, it wasn't quite that dire. True, the Protector had gained much from this international organization reconstruction summit, but in doing so, he had turned countless others into enemies. In honest terms, it was an act of selling off their future for the sake of the present—and not just America, his greatest partner, but Asian nations as well now viewed the Protector and the Orleans Saintess as untrustworthy figures whose involvement would harm their own interests.
From here on, their actions in diplomacy outside Europe would become a massive diplomatic liability, inevitably drawing penalties both overt and subtle. Of course, they could dodge responsibility by simply abstaining from foreign affairs altogether... but.
'As if that's possible. Even our Balhut Cult needs trade to sustain civilization.'
That had only been feasible in the early apocalypse days, when no international body existed. But now, with half a reconstruction of the organization underway and all nations agreeing to it—diplomatic channels between countries somewhat activated—they couldn't just opt out of diplomacy entirely. Both Britain and France were nations heavily reliant on trade with others to maintain their civilizations, making appropriate diplomatic engagement essential. It wasn't for nothing that America recoiled in horror at their behavior. For now, perhaps, but later? It would be nothing short of self-sabotage.
"What do you mean it's not ruined?! You said the Protector got what he wanted! Then... it's over for me. That lolicon Protector will seize my throne and establish a new dynasty!"
From Alicia's perspective, utterly ignorant of these inner workings, despairing that all was lost was only natural. Bahamut's words had just confirmed the Protector's victory in the power struggle, and a winner like him taking her as spoils was all too obvious. He had failed once, but would a throne-coveter like him stop at one try? Two? Three? Dark thoughts swirled in her mind: the Protector would purge all opposition, including her, and ascend the throne.
"No, it's not that bad. Other nations won't allow it now."
"Eh? Other countries are other countries. They'll interfere in our internal affairs?"
"Before the international organization is fully formed, sure. But once it's complete, the Protector must mind external eyes. Especially after throwing down the gauntlet to America—he'll have to watch their gaze closely."
But it was Mary, the maid at Alicia's side, who countered her words. She asserted that even if the Protector tried to usurp the throne, other nations wouldn't permit it. The young Alicia blinked in confusion and asked back, prompting Bahamut to explain in detail.
In short: even a half-rebuilt international organization was still an international organization, so the Protector now had to care about the world's scrutiny. From the moment he chose hostility toward America to bolster his own prestige, America would use every means at its disposal to block his throne grab.
"Really?"
"Yes. He already attempted a naked usurpation without justification and failed amid massive internal backlash, didn't he? He's probably cornered politically, even without treason charges."
"Yes. In fact, the Liberal Party and Conservative Party refused to cooperate with his usurpation. They obstructed his administrative orders as much as possible."
Moreover, the Protector's rampage at the international body stemmed from failing to secure cooperation from London's other political factions after his throne bid flopped. The two major parties openly refused his orders, even sabotaging them—the Protector hadn't fully seized London.
"He hasn't even fully controlled the Royal Guard."
"Yes. As I mentioned before, the Guard scattered to their respective loyalties. Not pledging to a single master. Meaning the Protector hasn't gripped all of Britain."
He hadn't even dominated the entire Royal Guard, and many among them still owed loyalty to the Queen. Far more gaps in the Protector's armor than Alicia imagined in her belief of his invincibility—it wasn't premature to say she could still win.
"Your Majesty, even if it seems the Protector controls all of London, it's closer to reckless overreach by him and his collaborators. With the palace coup failed, he can't act brazenly. Still, some believe in his strength and achievements, dismissing throne rumors as gossip. He aims to bury the truth that way. But the British political elite, knowing all, apparently needed prestige to overlook his self-coup."
"S-so that's why he hosted the international reconstruction summit in London?"
Yes, the Protector needed prestige. Fame, in other words—proof of his value. Through this global summit, though somewhat coercive, he and the Orleans Saintess had led proceedings, showcasing strong leadership and sharp charisma.
"Exactly. He'd commit near-atrocities for that prestige and initiative. He won't face immediate treason punishment now... but yes. The problem is this Protector, unpredictable in his desperation to resolve the crisis before him."
Even if other nations grumbled, it wouldn't sway domestic sentiment much, nor yield quick effects. Outwardly, the Protector and Orleans Saintess were framed as the organization's reps, humanity's beacons—many would come to greatly trust him as a result.
"O-oh. So that's it. Then the Protector won't target me..."
"He will."
Alicia relaxed, thinking the Protector, focused elsewhere, would ignore her—but Mary immediately denied it.
"Straight answer!? But the coup failed—he retreated! He needs prestige! America will block him!"
"If he thought normally, yes. But does the Protector think normally?"
Alicia pondered Mary's words. Recalling the Protector's actions so far, her face paled by degrees.
"He... no, right? If normal, he'd settle for regent. Yeah?"
"Precisely."
He could've seized Britain as regent alone, yet fixated on the throne, escalating to this point. Realizing he'd do anything for the crown, Alicia couldn't refute Mary. A normal person wouldn't, but the Protector would—that conviction lodged in her mind.
"From what I hear, if the Protector hasn't fully gripped London, doesn't that mean Alicia still has a shot?"
"A shot...?"
"A chance for Alicia herself to surpass the Protector and become Britain's monarch."
Conversely, if he wasn't invincible, opportunity remained for Alicia. To defend her throne against his usurpation. If all Britain fell to him, resistance would be futile—but many opposed him, and his bid had bred enmities abroad.
"Me?"
"Isn't it possible? If you make your name as his sole rival, I think it's plenty feasible."
She could exploit those gaps, seize her moment. Britain wasn't wholly his; opponents were legion. Move fastest as his arch-foe, and Alicia could amass power to challenge him.
"Apart from my queen title, I have nothing."
But Alicia claimed she had naught but her title. Her view, of course—loyalists remained, royal legacies aplenty. Used wisely, potential abounded.
"You have something now."
"What?"
"Me."
Unlike yesterday's queen, today's was an Awakener. Contracted to Dragon God Bahamut, a Dragon Priestess wielding cheat-like power. Bahamut reminded her of that, but.
"Huh?"
"Hm?"
Alicia stared blankly, clueless as to what a Dragon Priestess entailed. Bahamut met her uncomprehending gaze.
'Ah. Of course she wouldn't know. Not Gyeongju or Pohang—or even the peninsula. Britain.'
Only now did Bahamut realize his power and fame weren't known here, unlike in Gyeongju or Pohang.
"Can't be helped. Wait a moment."
Resigned, he rummaged through his luggage for something Alicia could use immediately.
"Here."
"What's this?"
Soon, Bahamut handed her a small hand mirror graspable in one palm and armor etched with size-adjustment magic.
"Armor. Size-adjustment enchantment, so it'll fit fine."
"Armor... like the one you wore when we first met?"
Alicia referenced their initial encounter; Bahamut nodded. A national-treasure suit, forged from apocalypse-top materials, handed over without hesitation. Alicia couldn't grasp its worth yet.
"Strong enough to shield against most Awakener attacks."
"Mmm! Perfect against the Protector's assassins... wait. Giving me armor means."
Ideal for Alicia against his killers. She beamed innocently at first, but realized Bahamut wouldn't gift idly—staring suspiciously.
"Now an Awakener yourself, why not charge in like the Protector?"
"Y-yes?"
He grinned, urging her to fight physically like one.
So... charge in bodily? Alicia quailed at the pain implied, but.
"And tomorrow, we must return. Sneaking meetings for advice is taxing... Yu-na."
"Yes. I'll teach you how to use the Far-Seeing Mirror."
Whether oblivious to her paling face or feigning, Bahamut called Yu-na to instruct on the mirror. Departing tomorrow, he needed periodic contact means anyway.
"F-far-seeing... mirror?"
"The Far-Seeing Mirror. Think of it as a tool for real-time talks with Lord Bahamut."
"R-really? Won't it be tapped?"
Problem: Alicia was under surveillance, vulnerable to interception.
"It evaded America's detectors. Unless the Protector's a detection-type, you're safe."
"Ooh! Secret comms! Amazing!"
It had fooled U.S. elites; viable against him, per Bahamut's guarantee. Her eyes shone admiringly; he continued.
"Yes. To the uninitiated, it's just a hand mirror or trinket. As your contractor, I'll fulfill my duty with needed counsel."
"Th-thank you."
She bowed gratefully at his contractor vow. A sense of duty shone through.
"Alicia. Ultimately, salvation comes by your own hand. I merely aid the path."
"By my own hand..."
And with that—urging self-reliance, offering guidance—Bahamut concluded.