Chapter 136
Chapter 136
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 136
Chapter Title: 47. Sinister Banquet (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
King Sellion of the Free Isiria Kingdom hadn't spent a single day sober since his unconditional surrender to the Philius Empire.
The kings of the Lisbon Maritime Kingdom, Lidyus, and the Edriger Kingdom, Calvern, had wasted no time in pulling the Jeist Magic Kingdom into a new tripartite alliance, pointedly excluding Free Isiria—just as Sellion declared his surrender.
He knew pure friendship between kings was impossible... but he hadn't expected this level of betrayal.
Sellion's heart was shattered, betrayed by the two kingdoms he'd trusted under the guise of alliance and friendship.
It felt like his heart had been shredded by a sharp blade.
In a fit of rage, he'd made the unkingly choice of unconditional surrender, and though he didn't fully regret it now, doubts lingered.
From the Philius Empire, Count Rednitz had taken the lead in negotiations, intent on stripping Free Isiria of everything he could.
The formal surrender agreement hadn't even begun. They'd only exchanged initial intentions via magical communication, yet Count Rednitz was a master negotiator who left Free Isiria's Foreign Ministry speechless.
"Hoo..."
Sellion sighed as he refilled his empty glass.
When he drained it and raised his hand, his guard emerged from the shadows in the corner of the office.
"When will the Philius Empire's Emperor arrive?"
"He's already near the capital, sire."
At the guard's reply, Sellion capped the bottle.
With the Emperor so close, he needed to abstain from further drinking to receive him properly.
Fortunately, he wasn't fully intoxicated today, unlike usual.
"Inform the Foreign Ministry. Prepare a welcome within the bounds of diplomatic courtesy."
Only after speaking did Sellion realize his poor choice of words.
This was an unconditional surrender, yet they were invaders come to devour his kingdom. A "welcome" indeed. Watching his guard exit to relay the message, Sellion shook his head in frustration. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The one legion led by Raymond—six thousand Imperial Army troops and a thousand knights—arrived before the capital of Free Isiria.
The gates stood wide open, with a modest honor guard parade that avoided diplomatic offense.
Soldiers in crisp uniforms and light armor stood in formation.
Perhaps due to the recent unconditional surrender, a deep sorrow lurked behind their expressionless faces.
Since it was the king's decision, no one showed open hostility. They merely hid their grief behind masks of neutrality.
Soon, Raymond and the Imperial Army passed the honor guard and entered the city. Citizens had barred their doors and windows.
The wide boulevards were empty save for soldiers on guard duty; no civilians were in sight.
Not expecting a warm welcome after an unconditional surrender, Raymond kept his smile despite the cold reception.
"We'll escort you to the royal palace."
A high-ranking capital guard commander approached with his men to guide them.
Raymond nodded, and they set off toward the palace.
Cassius's Imperial Army would disperse to the nearest palace and inner citadel while Raymond stayed, so they accompanied him.
The boulevards were controlled, and the inner citadel gates open. It didn't take long to reach the palace.
"We've arrived at the royal palace."
Shortly after entering the inner citadel, the palace came into view. The escort commander reported in a stiff voice.
Before the open palace gates stood Sellion—still bearing the title of king—and about ten nobles, waiting for Raymond.
"Welcome to the royal palace of Free Isiria."
"Thank you for the welcome."
"The long journey must have wearied you. We've prepared comfortable quarters inside. Please rest and recover first."
Raymond nodded at Sellion's words and instructed his accompanying nobles to rest. Free Isirian maids approached to guide them.
As per Count Rednitz's request, an entire annex was reserved for the Philius Empire's dignitaries.
No sooner had they reached the second annex—now their temporary quarters for the next few days—than Imperial knights and soldiers began security checks with mages' assistance. The Royal Guard handled the Emperor's space.
Though weary from the long march, they complied without complaint; it was necessary for safety.
"Security cleared. You may enter."
Cassius relayed the report from his subordinate commanders.
The nobles, looking somewhat fatigued, headed to their assigned rooms, with a few Imperial knights shadowing them against assassination risks.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Raymond moved to his quarters with Count Rednitz. Moments after they entered, the empty air split open, revealing Count Potas in his red uniform and long mustache.
"Your Majesty. I heard you summoned me."
Count Potas bowed courteously.
"Good of you to come, Count Potas."
"Answering Your Majesty's call is a minister's duty."
Raymond nodded with a satisfied smile at Potas's solemn reply.
"How goes the Central Intelligence Agency's bolstering?"
Gold had begun flowing generously from the Black Mountains.
About a month had passed since using that wealth to strengthen the Empire's administration, military, and Central Intelligence Agency.
It might seem hasty, but results were due. At Raymond's question, Potas bowed again.
"Progressing rapidly. Analysis shows capabilities 1.5 times stronger than a month ago."
They say gold solves everything. Potas was proving it through action.
Devouring vast sums, the Agency was growing swiftly.
"Not bad."
Raymond murmured softly. The Agency was no small organization before, so a 50% boost in a month was impressive.
"What of the palace movements?"
"Free Isiria's nobles are mostly obedient to the king. However, many resent the sudden surrender."
Potas answered Raymond's query. The Agency had been monitoring them recently.
Even with the king's unconditional surrender, the nobles weren't all aligned. Suspecting dissenters, Raymond had ordered surveillance.
"Do you think any will act?"
Act could mean many things, but assassination was prime.
"A few show suspicious movements. They thought themselves covert, but not from our eyes."
"Agents assigned?"
"Of course. Just give the order, and we'll silence them before they move."
Potas replied confidently. Bolstered by Raymond and the Treasury's support from Black Mountains gold, the Agency was ready.
"Count Rednitz, your thoughts?"
Raymond turned to the silent Rednitz, who spoke calmly.
"Better to wait until they act, rather than strike now."
"Why?"
"Eliminating them preemptively risks accusations of fabricated 'purges,' even with evidence. Better to punish after they move."
Rednitz had a point. Raymond nodded in agreement.
"Waiting also lets us root out all hostile forces at once. But it requires constant, thorough surveillance. Fail that, and striking now—despite purge claims—is preferable."
Raymond's gaze shifted to Potas.
"Can the Central Intelligence Agency monitor them perfectly and control information?"
"Absolutely. They won't escape our grasp."
Potas brimmed with confidence—not overconfidence, as Raymond knew from reports the Agency's growth was real.
"Good. Make surveillance airtight. Track and analyze every minor action."
"Yes, Your Majesty. We'll do our utmost."
"That's enough for today. Dismissed."
The counts bowed and left. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Three days passed. Count Potas of the Central Intelligence Agency visited Raymond again.
Emerging from a dimensional rift, he bowed politely.
"Your Majesty."
"Report."
"They've begun moving. Seems they'll act fully at the victory banquet in a few days."
"Not bad."
Raymond murmured. Amusingly, Free Isiria was hosting the banquet, so any incident could be pinned on them.
"Can you respond swiftly when they act?"
"Of course, Your Majesty. They won't succeed."
"Then assemble the Agency's agents. Prepare to shadow them discreetly until the banquet."
"We'll give our all, Your Majesty."
Exactly five days later, Free Isiria's victory banquet would occur, drawing nobles from both empires and kingdoms.
Those linked directly or indirectly to the End Society planned to assassinate King Sellion and Emperor Raymond, kill as many nobles as possible, seize Free Isiria, and inflict heavy losses on Philius.
Regrettably, the Central Intelligence Agency knew their full plan and had countermeasures ready.
Special agents assembled in secret, Shades primed to move. Finally, the banquet day arrived.
Before heading to the grand hall, Raymond summoned Potas and a Shade squad leader.
"No mistakes allowed."
With his own nobles' lives at stake, Raymond double-checked their preparations.
"We'll ensure it, Your Majesty."
"All will go as Your Majesty wills."
Potas and the Shade replied. Satisfied, Raymond nodded and proceeded to the hall.
Troops guarded the grand hall amply—mostly Philius Imperial Army.
Free Isiria's palace guards and royal knights were present but few, post-surrender. Another Rednitz demand.
Though the Agency had the rebellion list, minimizing reliance on unreliable local forces was wise. Raymond agreed.
"Lord Cassius, you remember your orders?"
Just before entering, Raymond asked Cassius, in charge of security.
"Of course, Your Majesty. At any issue, the full Imperial Army will surround the hall."