There is no rule that only bad things keep happening.

Carlos, who had been engaged in a fierce battle against the monster wave that properly erupted after 430 years, had a premonition that the subjugation was almost over.

Indeed, the number of monsters appearing noticeably decreased, and in the meantime, the Imperial Knights were gradually getting used to dealing with these new ‘demons,’ speeding up the subjugation process.

Of course, the southern region was devastated, and there was considerable bleeding in the military power and finances of the Calleta Empire. Nevertheless, the end was in sight.

And above all, Carlos felt a new power in his fingertips. The power felt beyond the extraordinary was refreshing and pure. It was not his own or even Ru’s power. Where this power came from was unknown, but one thing was clear.

‘Crazy guy.’

He was so blinded by a woman that he was willing to offer everything. Carlos smirked at the ridiculousness. Despite knowing that he would eventually harm himself, the last emperor of the Vellera Empire, under the name of Belera, was now offering even his own power to Ru.

‘I’m not that kind of person.’

He wasn’t an idiot who clung to a woman so shamelessly. There was no reason to cling to her in the first place. If she was good enough herself, she would naturally obtain him. If he could eliminate that guy soon, it would be just like that guy got Ru.

Carlos disdainfully shook his head, mocking the foolishness of the idiot who offered everything to Ru without even a trace of self-esteem.

“Your Majesty.”

In the Calleta Empire, everyone approached him cautiously, bowed their heads, and waited for his command.

“What’s going on?”

When he spoke, they could respond only after obtaining permission.

“Through the newly requested trade with Nerva, important news has arrived.”

“Why is it so important that they came all the way to report it in the south?”

“They are nobles living in the demon kingdom beyond the barrier.”

Carlos’ eyes flashed at the report, whispered discreetly inside Perecita.

“…Interesting.”

Even within the Pereseta, someone secretly contacted him, erasing the traces through another country. Anyone could see that it was a sign of allegiance to the Emperor of Pereseta. Again, there was no rule that only bad things kept happening. Carlos smiled contentedly and gestured.

“Shall we find out what kind of news they’ve brought?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Finally, the days he endured patiently with humiliation were rewarded like this.

The era of the Great Council was too long. During the absence of the emperor, the nobles, who enjoyed the joy of independence while performing the role of small kings, could no longer tolerate being subject to the signboard of the Empire externally and remained under the name of Pereseta and under the protection of Dragonlord.

They were nobles who had not experienced an emperor. Who would admit someone suddenly appearing and claiming to dominate them?

“We also received a positive response from beyond that wall.”

The Duke of Negeret and the Marquis of Svena secretly met several times a day. There was even a suggestion to include the newly appointed Duke Alanca, but after considering it, they decided not to. How could a young man who was busy with funeral ceremonies understand anything?

Moreover, above all, the Duke of Alanca, who had played the leading role in the Alsmonet Union so far, was in a broken state. Svena and Negeret wanted to take the lead this time.

“The naval power that the emperor possesses is the same as before. The problem is the army…”

“Imperial Ray and the emperor from beyond will deal with the one who came. We just need to open the way for them.”

“Then when is the time…?”

After meeting with the Marquis of Svena, verifying the finances that mostly controlled the wealth of the Pereseta Empire again, and returning, the Duke of Negeret came back. Then, as always, a few trusted members of the Pang family moved under his command to carry out faithfully, skillfully, and secretly.
“Inspecting the soldiers and clearly understanding the status of their weapons would be a good idea. Equipment inspections like this should always be done properly to avoid any shortcomings.”

Of course, the instructions from Duke Negeret were always vague. There were no specific details. However, in Lady Gordiau’s eyes, who was silently listening, everything seemed crystal clear.

“I wonder how much our assets in Chaléa are worth. It would be good to withdraw them slowly. Lady Gordiau, could you take care of that?”

“Yes, certainly.”

Due to age, Duke Negeret did not lower his voice casually, even to Lady Gordiau. She, who had managed Negeret’s shares in Chaléa well, even glancing at it occasionally, had brought in substantial profits. Therefore, Duke Negeret had considerable trust in Lady Gordiau. Of course, she now avoided taking on major responsibilities, citing her old age, but in times like these, Lady Gordiau was essential.

“Don’t make it too obvious, but slowly, steadily, and surely.”