#211
To Make Matters Worse (3)
“Then, with this, we will bring the meeting to a close. Thank you all for your hard work.”
At last, the Second Continental Summit came to an end.
However, in the seats belonging to the Church, only two cardinals remained, with neither the Saint nor the Saintess present.
It was unavoidable, as they had to respond to the Immortal Army’s air raid that would begin immediately after the meeting ended, as though timed for that very moment.
Of course, warnings had already been delivered to the nations involved in the attacks, and they had begun taking extensive measures. Those gathered here were also planning to return to their countries as soon as the meeting concluded.
In truth, the schedule should have ended yesterday, but more time had been spent discussing countermeasures for this matter.
‘Of course, that doesn’t mean much has actually been resolved.’
Heinz II, who had said little throughout the meeting, slowly stroked his chin as he looked over the suddenly bustling conference hall.
To begin with, in a situation where no one knew when their own country might be attacked, it was difficult to readily offer aid to another nation.
Moreover, had they not already discussed the Continental Allied Forces, the very solution to that problem, until they were sick of it?
Drafting additional personnel to match the increasingly frequent offensives was simply impossible.
‘In effect, they have no choice but to deal with it on their own based on the foresight provided by Saint Heinrich.’
Powerful nations such as the Azerion Empire and the Republic of Zepia had vast territories, and accordingly possessed many strong individuals, military power, and well-established infrastructure, so they would likely manage somehow.
The same went for the Kalkos Tribal Alliance, whose ratio of combat personnel to population was abnormally high, and the small island nation of the Widget Magic Kingdom, where magic was highly developed and even the headquarters of the Magic Tower was located.
But the Four Western Kingdoms, whose national power was relatively weak even compared to their territory—now the three kingdoms, excluding Talia—were bound to face considerable problems.
‘This is a good opportunity.’
And that was also the perfect chance for Hybrid’s influence to extend beyond the country’s borders.
“You seem to be in trouble.”
The ruler of the new Kingdom of Talia, and the master of the continent’s largest vampire force.
Heinz Hybrid II curled up the corners of his mouth, exuding a chilling atmosphere.
“If necessary, we could provide assistance from our side.”
He said this while looking at the representatives of the kingdoms, who, even after the meeting had ended, were huddled together with serious expressions, whispering among themselves.
At that one sentence, those who had been deeply focused on their discussion flinched without realizing it and cautiously turned to look at him.
It was not as though he had released his aura to pressure them, yet they instinctively shrank back before the overwhelming difference in rank that emanated from his very existence.
“...Assistance, you say? We appreciate the offer, but with the Kingdom of Talia...”
However, they were people who had risen to the position of representing their respective nations.
The representative of the Kingdom of Sharoti, having instantly regained his composure, stepped forward and replied as though reluctant.
His homeland was the closest to the Kingdom of Talia and had therefore been the most active in keeping it in check, so it was only natural for him to react that way, but...
“Ahem, please wait a moment.”
“...That’s right. This is a place gathered for dialogue, so surely we can at least hear what he has to say?”
At the restraint of the other two kingdom representatives, his momentum faltered.
He was briefly flustered by the attitude of those he had expected to agree with him, but soon realized the reality of the situation and reluctantly nodded before quietly stepping back.
“Ahem! Well, simply listening to the proposal is...”
Naturally, they were in no position to be picky right now.
The presence of the Immortal King looming right before their eyes was far too threatening for them to worry about whatever schemes the vampires might devise later.
They also knew, to some extent, the potential possessed by the current Kingdom of Talia.
A clan alliance under which most of the vampires on the Ion Continent had gathered beneath a single banner.
Even when considering only their military strength, it was already beyond imagination. What kind of synergy would result from that force swallowing an entire kingdom whole?
There was no need to say more, since the very reason they had continued to keep Talia in check was because they were wary of that.
‘If we can receive help, it’s better to take it for now. If the vampires cross the line, not only the Church but the Empire and the Republic won’t stand by and watch either.’
That was the common thought floating through the minds of the kingdom representatives.
And of course, Heinz had long since grasped such thoughts of theirs.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
Naturally, he had no intention of doing volunteer work either.
‘I originally planned to intervene mainly through the Continental Allied Forces, but now that it’s come to this, it would be more efficient to start by firmly securing the surrounding countries and then expand outward.’
He had already been approaching neighboring countries from the shadows, but it would be a waste to throw away an opportunity to expand his influence openly like this.
‘I don’t intend to keep the vampires gathered only inside the Kingdom of Talia forever.’
They were creatures that had originally lived scattered across the entire continent.
For now, out of necessity, he had gathered as many of them as possible into the small society known as the Kingdom of Talia, but the longer that continued, the less beneficial it would be for either side.
Of course, without thinking too deeply, it would be more convenient to simply have them hide in the shadows of the continent again as they had before.
But if he did that, what would be the point of having swallowed an entire kingdom and stepped into the light?
‘For vampires to be brought into the light, conditions must be established for them to openly reveal their identities and act even outside the kingdom.’
At present, the perception of vampires was almost on the same level as monsters, but people naturally grew accustomed to things they saw often.
If, along with such external activities, they simultaneously continued the work of expanding their influence in the underworld...
‘They will naturally blend into outside society. Ultimately, to the point where blood can be traded in other countries as it is within the kingdom now.’
Heinz fell into thought as he watched the officials who had accompanied him converse with the kingdom representatives.
-Hannibal Strauss: If you wish, I can strengthen the offensive against the western kingdoms further. Wouldn’t that be more convenient for you as well?
-Heinz II: I appreciate the thought, but for now, I think it would be better to observe the situation a little longer.
-Hannibal Strauss: Very well. But the moment I judge it necessary, I will intervene. Because that will be beneficial.
...With even Hans’s unwanted help like this, it would not be too difficult to make things happen even if the kingdoms showed a lukewarm response.
‘That aside.’
Heinz’s gaze turned toward the vice president of the Republic, Kayla McClair, who was exchanging greetings with others.
Leading vampires into the light was certainly important, but his greatest concern right now was the Obaifo Clan hiding within the Republic.
In truth, he was even now calling himself the Vampire King, but as long as the Obaifo Clan remained, it could not be called a proper throne.
Only after he made even those fellows submit completely would he become the Vampire King of Auterica in both name and reality.
‘It would be best to have an internal collaborator, if only to avoid unnecessarily troublesome situations. Should I approach carefully over time, or should I simply confront her first and see what happens? What should I...’
Just as he sank into thought.
[“High Lord. I have something urgent to report.”]
A sudden telepathic message came from Mullo, who was standing beside him.
When Heinz shifted his eyes slightly to look at him, Mullo hurriedly continued.
[“It is urgent news from the east. They say Obaifo has begun moving in earnest.”]
From the Republic’s lawmakers, media, and business world, to even the military.
To a degree that made it hard to believe they had been lying low until now, radical changes were occurring simultaneously in all walks of life as their hands extended everywhere at once.
[“In the process, most of the intelligence agents we had planted to monitor the east were eliminated. The agent who barely managed to bring this information has also lost contact since then. ...My apologies, High Lord. It seems it will be difficult to obtain additional information.”]
At those words, Heinz’s gaze returned to Vice President Kayla.
Whether she knew the current situation in the Republic or not, she was showing no particular reaction and was just about to leave.
‘It seems this is no time to wait any longer.’
He gave a slight glance to Duke Bright, the former representative of the Kingdom of Talia standing nearby, then jerked his chin toward her.
Since she was someone with strong hostility toward vampires as it was, he judged it better to put forward someone she was at least acquainted with first.
“Good day, Vice President. Might we speak for a moment?”
And so Duke Bright approached Vice President Kayla, but...
“Ah, Duke Bright. I’m sorry. As you know, things are rather busy right now. I have urgent business and must be on my way quickly. If there is something you need to discuss, would you put it in writing?”
She merely smiled apologetically, as though truly regretful.
As expected of a politician, not the slightest hint of discomfort appeared on her face. However, Duke Bright, who had spent his entire life walking a deadly tightrope beneath vampires, was not so easy to fool.
Beyond coldness, there was displeasure and disgust faintly felt beneath the surface.
She had not been like this when they met before. As expected, after learning that he had become a vampire, she was trying to keep her distance.
‘I expected this much.’
However, he had prepared a magic sentence that could forcibly continue the conversation.
“It is a matter related to your son as well.”
At those words, all her movements stopped.
Then the gentle smile on her face vanished, and her eyes, cold as sheets of ice, glared fiercely at Duke Bright.
“Do you feel somewhat more inclined to talk now?”
“...Yes. As it happens, it seems that urgent matter has just been resolved. I believe I can spare a little time.”
And so, in an atmosphere like walking on thin ice, an uncomfortable meeting was arranged.
Of course, even in the midst of all that.
-Hannibal Strauss: Interesting. After the Enamel Continent, now the east? I’ll instruct Olivia to conduct an additional investigation.
The Immortal King’s meddlesome interference continued.
-Hannibal Strauss: There may be something useful there, after all. If so, I should be able to acquire karma more efficiently than by simply killing them all.
Though his intentions were by no means wholesome.
***
‘How strange.’
At the moment Heinz II noticed the problem in the east, Harris, who was on the Enamel Continent, also realized the peculiarity of the situation.
He had clearly sensed something unusual from the World Tree, yet the other High Elves had not received any particular revelation regarding it.
On top of that, he himself had only felt it like a dream while becoming excessively immersed in nature, and it was also true that he had received no clear revelation now.
So it was something he could have simply let pass, but...
‘Ah, what a pain... How did it end up like this?’
Whatever the case, he too was a priest of the World Tree and a High Elf standing at the pinnacle of elven society.
As such, he could not easily ignore a premonition related to the World Tree, and it was only natural that Harris, who had brought up the matter, became the person in charge of the special investigation team.
‘When did they stop wrapping me up like a new recruit? Is this place supposed to be safe?’
Of course, that was part of it, but the biggest reason was that if the World Tree had given only him some sort of signal, there must be a fitting reason for it.
‘Ah, the breeze is cool and nice today. I want to sleep sprawled out under a tree.’
But there was nothing to be done about a task already assigned, so while grumbling inwardly, Harris led a group of sentinels toward the suspicious location.
Whoooosh—
Of course, carrying his body, which had already discovered the convenience of travel, was the duty of Pascal, the wind spirit.
***
The first to return home after the summit ended was the delegation of the Tribal Alliance, led by Great Shaman Morna.
Morna, whose expression had been stiff all day, rose from her seat as soon as the meeting ended, as if afraid someone might stop her, and left for the south through the Church’s gate without saying farewell to anyone else.
And immediately after that.
The official statement of the Kalkos Tribal Alliance was delivered to the Great Temple of Roselia through the only temple located in the south.
Its grave contents were soon conveyed to the representatives of each nation still remaining in the holy land.
“...I think I must have heard something wrong. So, what did Kalkos do?”
In the middle of the path from the Great Temple’s lodging to the gate room.
Princess Riley, who had finished exchanging greetings with several people, packed her belongings, and stepped outside, asked back with an incredulous expression.
“I do not think you heard wrong, Your Highness. I feel the same way.”
At that, Isea, who had merely relayed the news hurriedly delivered by a member of the Church, repeated what she had heard with a troubled look.
-The Kalkos Tribal Alliance withdraws from the Continental Alliance. All previous discussions are to be considered void, and from now on, it has decided to take an independent path. From this point forward, all interference through the temple will also be disallowed.
Cutting away all the extra words and stating only the main point, that was all there was to it.
“No, how dare they...? Even if everyone united with one heart and one mind, it would still be difficult, and yet what is this...!”
Hearing those words again, Riley shouted in indignation.
It was only natural, since a hole had been blown through several days’ worth of discussions in an instant.
Moreover, this sort of withdrawal did absolutely nothing to help the unity and morale of everyone who remained.
Why had this meeting been held in the first place?
Had it not been convened with the intent that, even if there were parts that did not suit them or that they disliked, they would somehow make concessions, negotiate, and find a way forward together?
“What on earth are they thinking? Was there really any need to go this far? Unless they intend to make some sort of declaration of war...”
She suddenly pressed her lips shut as she spoke up to that point.
After all, topics related to war were not something to be brought up lightly in a place like this.
“Hoo— Let us return for now. We have already been away for too long. For now, we have no choice but to put our trust in the Church.”
Naturally, the Church was not simply sitting idle either.
It was a matter of course that they would continue attempting contact and dialogue in response to Kalkos’s sudden change of heart.
‘If things don’t go well, the situation will become complicated, but...’
She shook her head and once again led her party toward the gate room.
For now, handling the work that had piled up immediately was the priority, and the rest could be thought about later.
However.
The capital, Jeron, to which Princess Riley, Isea, Hesperon, and the rest of the imperial delegation hurriedly returned, was also.