186 CHAPTER VIII Dukes Conference 2 (2/2)

It's finally here: ....... Please, please don't make the emperors as uncomfortable as possible, okay?

”Yes, sir. First, the kingdom is focusing on siege weapons. The idea is to make a quick hole in the wall and storm inside.

Hmm?　Who are you?

I turned around in surprise, and sure enough, it was Vals speaking seriously.

This guy can even talk in a normal way: .......

”What kind of siege weapons?

''I've invented a big magic gun that is capable of releasing advanced magic called a magic cannon. However, the amount of magic required is so great that if he had accumulated magic power for the next three years, he would only be able to fire five shots.

I've recently confirmed that the Demon Cannon that Master was talking about is incredibly fuel-efficient.

Even so, its power to drill a hole in the city wall with a single shot is terrifying.

''Well, if you're ......, we can let it run out near the border.

Yeah. That'd be nice.

If you're going to lure me in originally, I'd appreciate it if you could use a few rounds of light resistance.

Sure. Well, I'll take care of that on my own.

I can think of no one better to do this than me.

”Just the Mirdines?　Wouldn't that be reckless?

No, it was me. I'll let the cannon run out on my own.

If you want, you could reduce the number of enemies there as well.

No, that's not a good idea: ......

I'll be fine. I have a soldier in the golem that won't die.

Now, let's stock up on Red Golem for the next three years.

The materials are fine. The dragons were overharvested last time.

”I see. ...... Okay. The Empire will pay for it.

Yes, sir.

But you won't get it.

It would bankrupt the empire to pay for so much dragon stuff.

And what do you want to tell me about the brave men?

Yes, sir. Currently, our brave men are getting stronger and stronger. That's right. ...... In three years, he'll be on par with Damien-dono.

'I see. ...... So why don't you fight Leo then?　No, it's not a good idea for a commander to be on the front lines.

It's all right. My knights can be as strong as my uncle's in three years. And there's no need to fight him one-on-one.

I've been training in hell, every day. Three years and Hermann and his men can fight.

I turned to look at Hermann diagonally behind me.

Hermann was a little surprised, but he nodded vigorously.

”I see. And what about the succession issue?

Ah, that topic: ....... I should have talked about this alone with the Emperor first.

Princess Elemenane is almost certain to do so. Eighteen months from now, on her eighteenth birthday, she'll be having a big wedding with a hero.

''I see ...... then we need to send the royal family ...... Sherry as an emissary. Quite simply, I can't say no before war breaks out.

Yes, that's right: ....... Kingdom, you definitely let them get married at this time on purpose .

Is it just harassment or is there some kind of agenda ......?　As expected, even Barth didn't seem to understand that much.

If that's the case, would it be best to ...... have Lord Leons accompany you as an escort?　If something were to happen, you'll be able to come back soon after the transfer. However, there is a possibility that it could interfere with the preparations for war in Myrddin territory. ......

It's okay. I'll make it work. I can think of no one better to do it than me: ......

I can't leave Sherry to anyone else.

I'd have to go out of my way to go with her here. .......

I see. I'm sorry to put you through the ringer.

No, I hope you don't mind.

So you get a chance to find out what kind of guy he is.

And there's a lot more I can do if I go in person.

My gerbil ...... doesn't seem to be attached to Varus for some reason.

”In fact, the kingdom will want to make sure Master Leons is as strong as they say he is before the war. I'd say they're wondering if Master Leons is as strong as they say he is.

As much as I care about the brave men, the kingdom cares about me: .......

''I knew it. It's no use. I can't help but feel the kingdom made me do it. I'll leave it up to Leo to decide whether to intimidate the kingdom with a show of force or to hide his power and let them down on their guard.

Yes, sir.

I think right now we should just go with ”no plan”.

We'll think about it when we get there.

”So that's the end of our war talk. Next, let's talk about the Empire's budget: ......

And then I sat out the discussion and listened to what the other four had to say.

As expected, there was nothing I could say about the country's budget.

Just then, it was decided that thirty percent of the empire's budget for the next three years would be used to support the Myrddin territory.

It might seem like too much, but I'm grateful.