Chapter 211
Chapter 211
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 211
Chapter Title: Adding Insult to Injury (3)
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"With that, we will conclude the meeting. Thank you all for your hard work."
The Second Continental Summit had finally come to an end.
However, the Church's seats were guarded only by two cardinals, without the Saint or the Saintess.
It was unavoidable, as they had to respond to the Undying Army's offensive that was set to begin right after the meeting, almost as if timed perfectly.
Of course, warnings had already been sent to the nations involved in the raids, and large-scale measures were underway. Those present here also planned to return home swiftly once the meeting wrapped up.
In truth, the schedule had originally been set to end the day before, but discussions on countermeasures for this incident had dragged on longer.
'Of course, that doesn't mean much was actually resolved.'
Heinz 2nd, who had remained mostly silent throughout the meeting, slowly stroked his chin as he gazed at the bustling conference hall.
From the start, it was hard for any nation to readily aid others when they didn't know when their own country might be attacked.
Moreover, hadn't they already discussed the Continental Allied Forces to exhaustion?
Drawing additional personnel to counter the intensifying assaults was simply impossible.
'In reality, they'll have no choice but to handle it on their own, based on Saint Heinrich's prophecies.'
Major powers like the Azerion Empire and the Jephia Republic, with their vast territories, had plenty of powerhouses, military strength, and solid infrastructure, so they could manage somehow.
The same went for the Calcos Tribal Federation, where the ratio of combatants to population was abnormally high, and the tiny island nation of Wijet Magic Kingdom, with its advanced magic and the Mage Tower headquarters.
But the four western kingdoms—now three, excluding Talia—which were relatively weak in national power compared to their territories, were bound to face serious problems.
'This is a golden opportunity.'
And for the Hybrid, it was the perfect chance to extend his influence beyond the borders.
"You all look troubled."
The ruler of the New Kingdom of Talia and lord of the continent's largest vampire faction.
Heinz Hybrid 2nd curled his lips into a cool smile, exuding a chilling aura.
"If you need it, we could offer some assistance?"
He addressed the kingdom representatives who were still huddled together, whispering gravely even after the meeting ended.
At those words, those deep in conversation flinched involuntarily and turned to him cautiously.
He hadn't even unleashed any pressure, but the overwhelming disparity in presence alone made them shrink back subconsciously.
"...Assistance? We appreciate the offer, but with the Kingdom of Talia..."
Yet these were representatives who had risen to lead their nations.
The representative of Sharloti Kingdom, who had quickly regained his composure, stepped forward and responded reluctantly.
His homeland was the closest to Talia Kingdom and thus the most vigilant against them, so it was a natural reaction... but.
"Ahem, hold on a moment."
"...Indeed. This is a place gathered for dialogue, so we can at least hear you out, can't we?"
The representatives of the other two kingdoms intervened, tempering his momentum.
He blinked in surprise at their unexpected lack of support, then realized the reality and grudgingly nodded, stepping back slightly.
"Ahem! Well, hearing you out can't hurt..."
Naturally, they weren't in a position to pick and choose between cold and hot water right now.
They were too intimidated by the looming presence of the Immortal King to worry about future vampire schemes.
They also had some idea of the current Kingdom of Talia's capabilities.
A clan alliance uniting most of the continent's vampires under one banner.
Even judging by raw power alone, it was beyond imagination, and the synergy from swallowing an entire kingdom whole was incalculable.
That was precisely why they had kept up their vigilance all this time.
'If we can get aid, we should take it. If the vampires cross the line, the Church, Empire, and Republic won't stand by idly.'
That was the common thought running through the kingdom representatives' minds.
And of course, Heinz had already grasped their line of thinking.
'Doesn't matter.'
Naturally, he had no intention of volunteering for free.
'I was planning to intervene mainly through the Continental Allied Forces, but securing neighboring countries first and expanding from there might be more efficient.'
He was already making covert overtures to adjacent nations, but passing up this chance to expand influence publicly would be a shame.
'I don't plan to keep the vampires cooped up in Talia Kingdom forever.'
They were originally scattered across the continent, living in shadows.
For now, necessity had drawn them into the small society of Talia Kingdom, but prolonging that wouldn't benefit anyone.
Of course, letting them slip back into the continent's shadows like before would be easier, without overthinking it.
But then what was the point of devouring a kingdom and stepping into the light?
'For vampires to come into the open, they need conditions where they can openly reveal and operate outside as well.'
Vampires were currently seen as little better than monsters, but familiarity bred comfort with repeated exposure.
If they pursued external activities alongside shadowy expansion...
'They'll naturally blend into outside society. Ultimately, to the point where they can trade blood in other countries, just like here now.'
Heinz watched his aides negotiate with the kingdom representatives, lost in thought.
-Hannibal Strauss: If you want, we can intensify the offensive against the western kingdoms. Wouldn't that be more convenient for you? -Heinz 2nd: I appreciate the thought, but it's better to watch the situation a bit longer for now. -Hannibal Strauss: Fine. But we'll intervene the moment it's necessary. Because it's profitable. With even Hans's unwanted help like this, it wouldn't be hard to seal the deal, even if the kingdoms responded tepidly.
'That aside.'
Heinz's gaze shifted to Vice President Kayla McClair of the Republic, who was exchanging farewells with others.
Leading vampires into the open was important, but his top priority now was the Overpo Clan hiding in the Republic.
In truth, even if he called himself the Blood King now, as long as the Overpo Clan remained, it wasn't a proper throne.
Only after subduing them completely could he truly become the Blood King of Outerica.
'To avoid unnecessary hassle, it'd be good to have an internal collaborator. Should I approach cautiously over time, or just clash head-on? What to do...'
As he pondered, a sudden telepathy came from Mulo beside him.
["High Lord. I have urgent news to report."]
Heinz glanced at him, and Mulo hurriedly continued.
["Urgent report from the east. Overpo has begun moving in earnest."]
Not just the Republic's congressmen, media, and merchants, but even the military.
Hands extended simultaneously into every sector, causing radical changes, to the point it was hard to believe they'd been lying low until now.
["In the process, most of our spies monitoring the east were eliminated. The agent who barely brought this intel lost contact right after. ...I'm sorry, High Lord. It seems we won't get more information."]
At those words, Heinz's gaze returned to the vice president.
Unaware or not of the Republic's situation, she was about to leave without a hint of concern.
'Looks like it's time to stop waiting.'
He subtly nodded to Duke Bright, Talia's former representative beside him, and tilted his chin toward her.
Since the duke harbored strong hostility toward vampires anyway, it was better to send a familiar face first.
"Hello? Vice President, could we have a quick word?"
Thus, Duke Bright approached Vice President Kayla... but.
"Ah, Duke Bright. Sorry, as you know, I'm swamped right now. I have urgent business and must hurry—could you send any necessary discussion in writing?"
She offered only an apologetic smile, as if truly regretful.
Politician-like, her expression showed no discomfort, but Duke Bright's instincts—honed from a lifetime walking a tightrope under vampires—were sharp.
Beyond chill, there was subtle disgust and loathing.
She hadn't been like this before; now that she knew he was a vampire, she was keeping her distance.
'This much was expected.'
But he had a magic line prepared to force the conversation.
"It concerns your son as well."
At those words, all her movements froze.
The soft smile vanished from her face, replaced by an icy glare piercing Duke Bright.
"Feeling like talking now?"
"...Yes. Coincidentally, my urgent matter just resolved itself. I can spare a moment."
Thus, an uncomfortable meeting formed amid a tense, ice-thin atmosphere.
Even amid that.
-Hannibal Strauss: Interesting. The Enamel Continent and now the east? I'll have Olivia conduct further investigation. The Immortal King's meddlesome interference continued.
-Hannibal Strauss: There might be something useful there. If so, it'd be more efficient for karma farming than just slaughtering them all. It was far from wholesome intent.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 'This is weird.'
The moment Heinz 2nd noticed the eastern issue, Harris on the Enamel Continent also sensed the incident's peculiarity.
He had definitely felt something off from the World Tree, but the other high elves had received no such revelation.
Moreover, his own sense had come dreamlike during deep immersion in nature, and he currently had no clear prophecy.
It could have been dismissed as nothing... but.
'Ah, what a pain... How did it come to this?'
Regardless, he was a high elf, the World Tree's high priest and pinnacle of elven society.
He couldn't easily ignore a premonition tied to the World Tree, so it was natural for Harris, who spoke up, to become the leader of a special investigation team.
'Hoarding the newbie when it's safe. Now it's okay here?'
There was that aspect too, but the biggest reason was that if the World Tree signaled him specifically, there must be a good cause.
'Ah, the breeze is nice today. I just want to nap under a tree.'
But with the task assigned, there was no helping it. Harris grumbled inwardly but led a group of sentinels to the suspicious site.
Whoooosh—
Of course, carrying his body—now accustomed to convenience—was the job of the wind spirit, Pascal.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The first to return home after the summit was the tribal federation delegation, led by Grand Shaman Morna.
Morna, stone-faced all day, bolted from his seat the moment it ended, as if afraid someone might stop him, departing south through the Church's gate without goodbyes.
And right after.
An official statement from the Calcos Tribal Federation was delivered via the sole southern temple to the Roselia Main Temple.
Its grave contents were soon relayed to the representatives still in the holy site.
"...I must have misheard. So, what did you say Calcos did?"
Midway from the temple lodgings to the gate room.
Princess Riley, having finished farewells and grabbing her luggage to head out, asked in disbelief.
"You didn't mishear, Princess. I'm just as baffled."
Isea, who had merely relayed the urgent news from the Church, repeated it awkwardly.
-The Calcos Tribal Federation withdraws from the Continental Alliance. All prior discussions are nullified, and we will pursue an independent path henceforth. All interference via temples is henceforth prohibited.
Stripping the fluff, that was the gist.
"What nerve... Even united as one, it's a struggle, and they pull this?!"
Princess Riley cried out in outrage upon hearing it again.
Naturally, the past days' discussions now had a gaping hole.
Such defection did nothing to bolster the remaining allies' unity or morale.
Why had this summit been held?
Despite clashing views and dislikes, it was to find a way forward through compromise and dialogue.
"What are they thinking? No need to go this far unless they're declaring war or... "
She suddenly clamped her mouth shut mid-sentence.
War-related topics weren't for casual mention here.
"Sigh—let's head back first. We've been away too long. For now, we trust the Church."
The Church wasn't sitting idle, of course.
Persistent contact and dialogue with fickle Calcos was par for the course.
'If things don't go well, it'll complicate matters...'
She shook her head and led her group to the gate room.
Handling piled-up work came first; aftermath could wait.
However.
The imperial capital of Jeron, to which Princess Riley, Isea, Hesperon, and the Empire's delegation hastily returned, was also...