Chapter 277: Bringing Smiles with Games (1/2)

“What kind of trouble? Like the Marsh Drake back in the Seira Marshes or laying siege on the Tigermen’s stronghold?” Edward asked nonchalantly.

As a Player, the only things he could think of that needs the help of others was certain troublesome locations or Bosses.

“No, it’s even more troublesome.”

Marni shook his head, refuting Edward’s guess. “The emperor of Valla had sent special envoys to Lancaster and the Silver Eagle Duchy… he might have sent some to other places as well, but those two are the ones we can be sure of for now.”

“And what does that have to do with me?” Edward asked, perplex.

“Valla’s emperor is not sending people just to ask after the good health of the lords of Lancaster and Tunaya, you know.”

Marni was aware that despite Edward’s ability in command, he remained the son of a village’s head and lack refinement in politics, which was why he didn’t try to put on airs and revealed his own theory. “Do you remember the war back in winter?”

“Are you talking about the Judgement War which kept displacing Lovinia’s refugees and shoving them around?”

Edward had naturally heard about it, since most Players now were left homeless and poor during that time.

“That’s right. That was a war ignited because of difference in political views between the gods, which also left the emperor of Valla absolutely humiliated since his prided military force couldn’t defeat the armies of the Grand Duchy of Rominos.” Marni nodded. “The fact is that before the war, the current emperor was already hostile against the duchies that split away in the early days of the empire, and the war against the Grand Duchy of Rominos was only the powder keg.”

“…Powder keg?” Edward frowned, knowing that things weren’t that simple.

Still, Marni didn’t ask Edward opinion and merely informed him forthrightly. “Rominos had suffered much losses and was therefore keeping to themselves to recover. On the other hand, the empire has the advantage of population even if their military suffered losses as well, which is why they don’t feel much pressure in source for troops compared to Rominos.

Marni paused for a moment before continuing. “One might even say that the imperial military managed to grow many generals and veteran soldiers thanks to the war against Rominos. And if I’m right, those envoys are sent to scout out how things are in various locations. Their blades hone, the imperial military is now raring to go-they are butchering a turkey to warn the monkeys, and force the dukes trade some of their authority in exchange for peace.”

“…Your quest description is too long. Just tell us what you want us to do, Marni.”

Edward’s brain hurt from listening, just as he wasn’t bothered to arrange whatever was being said and simply stuck to the style of the average Player. “So are we going to shoot the emperor in the head or the balls?”

“Oi. That means war!” Marni quickly stopped him—if Edward and the others really ran off to assassinate Valla’s emperor without any justification, the Church of Games would be targeted and attacked by every other human and church. “I only have a theory what we should be doing anyway. The actual solution could only be done after the lieges were finished with their negotiations…”

“Troublesome.” Edward couldn’t help sighing.

“Sir Marni… you’re not dead?”

Even as Edward considered whether he should involve himself with Marni’s ‘troublesome’ matters, Gerald finally recovered from being a broken record.

“Sadly, I did die when you saw me get killed.” Marni grinned. “Although I’ve come back to life now.”