295. Shadow in Change (1)
295. Shadow in Change (1)
- 0 -
The early summer sun shone upon the Eastern Continent.
A peaceful landscape of warm breezes gently swaying the green fields and blue forests filled the entire continent.
But beneath it, an unprecedented wave of change was stirring.
The rise of the Grakheisen Alliance.
This had completely shaken the balance of the continent.
This alliance, which bound Hysen, Orbis, Leophere, Kiza, and Hilsa into one, had already firmly seized control of the continent's central region, and its influence was spreading ever further.
Amidst this, the demon realms of the continent had begun to move.
In times of turmoil, people naturally gathered around the strong.
In the north, Kakia.
In the south, the Norn Empire.
In the west, the Zenota United Kingdom, each was attempting to expand its influence.
And within this great shadow of change that covered the continent, another shadow, unknown to anyone, was quietly moving.
- 1 -
The warm early summer breeze tickled my cheek.
I was enjoying a peaceful time at a small outdoor cafe in downtown Hairash called 'Red Rose'.
Savoring one of the perks of being a Dungeon Lord.
'It's quite nice to feel the heat and cold less.'
My skin didn't freeze when it was cold, and I didn't sweat when it was hot.
It wasn't that I couldn't feel hot or cold at all... but still, it made a world of difference.
Dalkak.
This place, Red Rose, was known among the nobility as a secret dating spot.
The tables set under parasols decorated with flowers were nice because they blocked gazes while still allowing one to feel the vitality of the city.
"Where are we going?"
"There's a nice place. Just trust me."
A woman who looked like a sheltered maiden and a handsome noble youth courting her.
"Miss! Miss! It's that cafe over there!"
"Walk slowly. We're not late."
A young maid, seemingly beloved in her noble household and full of vivacity, walking down the street like sisters with a noble young lady.
"I'm telling you, the apples here are the best."
"Heh-heh. Thank you, kind noble sir."
Even an old woman selling fruit laid out on a stall and a noble lady.
These were scenes that naturally brought a smile to one's face.
'More than anything, I like that there are no addicts.'
The old image of Hairash, which never slept due to endless banquets and extravagance, had disappeared.
Banquets were still held here and there, but they no longer lasted all night, and the mornings and dawns were quiet.
Those among the nobles who had committed severe misdeeds had fallen from power and been sent to the provinces, and the worst of them had been driven together into a single city of pleasure they'd constructed.
Periodically, the most excessive ones were executed and purged, and it had been decided that the illegitimate children born would be taken away and raised as national talents, so...
'Going forward, crimes driven by drugs will gradually lose their way.'
As I savored the scent of pinkish black tea, I emptied my wandering thoughts out of habit.
Sometimes emptying one's mind helped with thinking.
"I apologize for being late, Master."
It was then that Saya appeared.
Brown hair, lighter than mine, close to the black typical of Easterners, and light pink eyes.
Dressed as always in traditional Hwanara-style robes, she took the seat across from me.
"It's alright, Saya. The time spent waiting for you is always enjoyable."
Her eyes sparkled shyly.
The emotions on Saya's face were always restrained, but I could read those subtle changes.
"Here..."
With those sparkling eyes, Saya took out a jewelry box and handed it to me.
I guessed what it might be immediately, but I asked her a question anyway.
"What is it?"
"Please open it."
Just as I expected. Saya smiled, her face tinged with deep shyness.
Looking at her adorable expression, I opened the box with anticipation.
"It's beautiful."
Inside was a small flower-shaped brooch.
A lily with a purple gem set in black iron.
On the leaves in the shadow of the black lily were inlaid gems of various colors, recognizable to anyone as representing someone.
I placed my hand over Saya's.
Her white skin was cold, but it gradually warmed as my touch settled on it.
"Master..."
Saya's voice was filled with excitement, and her fingers carefully intertwined with mine.
No one outside could have seen what we were doing.
"The desserts at this shop really are the best."
A moment later, I spoke.
"It seems so."
Saya answered that way, but confusion seeped from her eyes.
It was because of what had just happened.
A piece of cake, cut in half, was slowly melting inside her mouth and mine.
Her eyes were scanning the surroundings.
I gently stroked her cheek.
Even though she would know immediately what was around us thanks to her superior detection abilities, she was adorable when she fell into confusion.
"Don't worry. No one here pays us any attention. This place is used for secret meetings in the first place."
At my words, she felt a little relieved, but at the same time, grew even more tense.
It was probably because of the word 'secret meeting.'
Under the table, her foot lightly touched my leg before retreating.
"Master... you must be careful. Coming to a place like this without an escort..."
"It's alright. My light-pink flower."
I whispered low.
"This land is already within my grasp."
The sound of soldiers marching through the street could be heard.
Along with the flag of Hysen, the black flag of the Grakheisen Alliance fluttered in the wind.
"The continent has begun to change."
I pulled her hand closer, and...
"And others have yet to understand what that means."
Once again, I smiled as we kissed.
She, too, smiled back with eyes full of loyalty and affection.
- 2 -
The central hall was laid with a red carpet.
The palace of the Norn Empire was as splendid as ever.
Flags depicting Norn's black sword and red griffin, along with Teyland's blue shield and white unicorn, hung alternately.
Soldiers from both nations stood at attention in ceremonial dress, and the court orchestra played both majestic national anthems.
"It is a great day of alliance. With today's signing, the two nations shall share a single destiny."
The voice of the Norn Imperial official echoed out.
Emperor Maximilian of the Empire and High King Talbart of the United Kingdom of Teyland walked side by side toward the central table.
The steps of the two rulers were heavy yet dignified.
"It has been a while, Talbart."
Emperor Maximilian was over 80 years old and frail, but his eyes alone remained sharp.
His appearance in the red ceremonial robes, embroidered with the black and red griffin crest, was as if dignity itself had been given human form.
"It has been a while, brother."
High King Talbart, on the other hand, was in his mid-fifties, with a solid build and a face that held a subtle smirk.
His appearance in the white ceremonial robes patterned with a unicorn emanating blue light seemed to embody both prudence and ambition.
"Let us do well from now on, brother. As true allies."
"Indeed, brother."
The two were on terms where they called each other brother, but of course, they were not brothers.
It was a form of address that had come about because the eldest daughter of a certain family had successfully married Maximilian, and the second daughter had married Talbart.
That family had been torn to shreds by the schemes of the two kings who had taken note of their excessive ambition, but its descendants were living peaceful lives as Imperial Princesses and Princes of the two nations.
Though, of course, it had been done without consulting their wishes.
Clap clap clap...
- Waaaaah!!
As the two rulers signed the alliance treaty, the nobles and vassals filling the hall all cheered and applauded at once.
Now Norn and Teyland had officially become a single alliance.
"With this, the official ceremony is concluded. Their Majesties of both nations and the key ministers, please proceed according to the schedule."
After the alliance establishment ceremony ended, the two rulers and their close aides moved to a smaller conference room.
At Emperor Maximilian's gesture, the doors shut firmly, and the atmosphere within the room instantly became heavy.
"What of the Holy Kingdom's reaction?"
When Talbart asked, Maximilian frowned.
"It was the worst. Our delegation was not even granted an audience. The excuse was that the Holy Emperor is ill."
"What of Rugnisah?"
"They declared neutrality. The purpose of our alliance was a defensive measure against Eligos and Astaroth... but as you know, Rugnisah is practically one body and soul with the Holy Kingdom."
Talbart let out a short sigh. His formerly jocular eyes were tinged with disappointment.
"Then, it is just the two of us."
"It is. But it is enough. We will jointly maintain our navies, protect each other's borders, and stand against the two Demon Realm Archdukes of the East Sea and the border regions."
Talbart nodded, but a question lingered in his eyes.
"I heard news that the Norn Fourth Expeditionary Force was defeated in Hilsa."
"It was an unfortunate accident. Orbis and Hilsa's rebellious alliance ambushed us."
Maximilian's lips hardened.
Anger had risen in his eyes, and when he spoke, his voice was seething.
Talbart averted his gaze.
If he tried to keep pushing this topic to maintain the vested interests of the alliance, this old griffin seemed ready to actually slap him across the face.
He decided to redirect that anger toward its original enemy.
"The momentum of the Orbis Duchy is unsettling. What of the Arilit Duchy's defenses?"
"Thorough. The current Archduke of Arilit is also a man fit for the position of Grand General, just like the previous Archdukes."
The gazes of the two rulers intertwined. On the surface, it was a friendly alliance, but underneath, it was nothing but calculations for their own interests.
Maximilian wanted to use Teyland's knight orders to guard the eastern borders, and Talbart wanted to borrow Norn's navy to secure the northwest and southeast sea routes.
The meeting continued late into the night.
The ministers of both nations discussed detailed matters concerning military deployment, intelligence sharing, and trade route protection.
However, in every negotiation, distrust toward each other followed like a shadow.
Pudeudeuk.
In one corner of the ceiling of that conference hall.
Unknown to anyone, a single black falcon was perched there.
Those sharp raptor's eyes were taking in everything in the conference hall without missing a thing, and those memories would soon be delivered to another.
- 3 -
Despite being in the equatorial region, the conference room was very cool.
The reliefs on the walls were decorated in frost-like patterns, and the blue-tinted glass fitted into the windows seemed to hold very high artistic value as well.
This place was a space imbued with the pride of the northerners, who survived even amidst tropical deserts and jungles.
It was the capital of the great northern nation, Kakia.
"Thank you all for taking your seats."
Nicholas II Romanovsky, King of Kakia, sat at the center of the round table and raised both hands.
On his right was Chancellor Sebastian Monperra, one of the regents of Elieniessi.
On his left sat Chancellor Mikhail Andreyevich of Kakia.
Around the three were Chancellor Ultabar of Jake-Crossian, and representatives of the Mightia Kingdom, the Loipreli Duchy, and the Small Kingdom of Uland.
"Our Kakia soldiers are witnessing an increase in strange activities within the country."
King Nicholas began speaking.
"The activities of monsters have doubled compared to usual, and the concentration of mana has also become abnormally high."
"We are experiencing the same."
Chancellor Sebastian of Elieniessi added.
"Three villages in our northeastern region have been attacked by monsters, and the traces were clearly those of Astaroth's sea monsters."
"This situation demands a response."
Tang!
Nicholas struck the floor beside him with his royal scepter as he looked around at the representatives of each nation.
"Therefore, we propose a Northern Alliance. Kakia, Elieniessi, Jake-Crossian, Mightia, Loipreli, and Uland must combine our strength to protect the north."
"However... Jake-Crossian is already sufficiently strong."
Chancellor Ultabar, whose long white beard flowed down, spoke with a dissatisfied expression.
"The power of the two great chieftains, Jake and Crossian, is sufficient to guard the borders. Just as we have done until now, we will protect the borders, and you need only support us from behind. Is a formal document necessary?"
"If it is an alliance of the strong, it will surely become even more powerful."
Nicholas, who disliked battle but not warriors, answered smoothly.
"Besides, each of us has our own strengths. Kakia's heavy-armored cavalry and Elieniessi's magic squadrons have been quite helpful even to you, have they not?"
Ultabar's expression remained dissatisfied.
It was true that he was grateful for the Kakia Ironclad Cavalry, which never hesitated to sally forth whenever the warriors were in difficulty.
But the reason they could form that Ironclad Cavalry was Kakia's massive material resources, and he was always the one negotiating to extract even more of that material support.
As chancellor, he could not afford to have only favorable feelings toward Kakia.
"It seems there are no objections... Let us move on."
The meeting proceeded to the roles, responsibilities, and resource distribution plans for each nation.
It was decided that Jake-Crossian and Mightia would take military command, Elieniessi would take intelligence gathering on other alliances, nations, and demon realms, and Kakia would handle combat training and material support.
The remaining nations also took auxiliary roles according to their capabilities.
"I firmly believe that our Northern Nodengarde Alliance will be able to lead the continent in the future."
Nicholas declared in a strong tone.
"And we have common enemies in Dantalion and Astaroth. Uland is endlessly tormented by their sea monsters."
Seeing the people's gazes shift, Nicholas smiled with satisfaction.
The Northern Alliance was now under his control.
Kkeudeok.
The brief glance he exchanged with Sebastian of Elieniessi held a secret understanding.
The representatives of the small kingdoms exchanged uneasy glances. Especially the young female ambassador from the Small Kingdom of Uland, whose complexion was pale.
'Can we truly survive amidst this chaos...?'
In front of the conference room door, a guard's eyes shimmered with purple light.
He looked exactly the same as the other guards, but his inner self was an entirely different entity.
If the central nervous system was not that of a human, one could not be called human.
- 4 -
"We cannot form an alliance. What is the meaning of this!"
A roar erupted from the conference hall in Nadastada, the capital of the Zenota United Kingdom.
The King of Paren, the largest nation among those forming Zenota and the representative of the Zenota Consuls, was pounding the table with his fist.
"If you do not accept our conditions, there is no alliance, Consul Paren."
However, the King of Raindlak simply faced him with a cold smile.
Unaware that behind them, one scribe was causing his eyes to gleam.