Belia decisively ended the conversation.

Although Rachel had an expression of incomprehension, she eventually nodded.

“…I will follow Your Highness’s intentions.”

“If we over-prepare, even if it’s excessive, we can comfortably face the cold winter. Please think of it positively.”

Belia explained her plans for the future with a gentle smile.

This winter would be a crucial moment for determining the future.

“Let’s prepare quickly, then. Prince Raul also knows how I prepared last year, so this time, they will prepare countermeasures from their side as well.”

“Will there be an imperial intervention?”

“Of course. If the imperial family takes large-scale action, what we’ve prepared will become an imperial achievement. We need to take the lead again.”

“Preemptive action is crucial, I see.”

“Fortunately, we have already seen visible results last year. They hurriedly followed us, trying to catch up.”

So, they needed to stay ahead this time too.

“Please join us in the upcoming external events, Rachel.”

“Of course.”

Belia smiled happily, looking at Rachel, who responded reliably.

“What did you just say?”

Belia asked Asid, who had hurriedly come to deliver the message on Khalid’s orders, in a loud voice.

Had her guard against the emperor diminished due to the recent busy preparations for winter? How could she have missed such news?

With a face clearly showing her surprise, Belia asked again.

“Is everything you just said true?”

“Yes, Your Highness. This morning, His Majesty declared war on the Yakum Kingdom.”

Is the emperor mad? How could he start a war with winter imminent?

“The official reason is…”

Before Asid could finish explaining everything, Belia already had a suspicion.

“He must have concocted a conspiracy during negotiations with the Yakum Kingdom on Khalid’s return journey.”

“…Yes, that’s correct.”
The Emperor’s intention, suddenly declaring war and shifting the blame to the Yakum Kingdom after officially announcing the incident as a natural disaster, was incomprehensible.

“In Ronica, they decided to partially open Shantan Avenue. How are they planning to move the troops to the Yakum Kingdom? What did Khalid say?”

“He said that he doesn’t actually intend to go to war. However…”

Belia sighed as if she knew what Khalid had said.

“We need to think about what benefits the Emperor can gain just by declaring war.”

Asid nodded.

At the moment, Belia couldn’t think of anything.

Belia touched her forehead with her hand, feeling a headache.

“Thank you for informing me, Asid. I know you’ve been busy managing the guards lately.”

“No problem. Everything has been going smoothly, thanks to your clear instructions.”

“That’s good to hear. Is Khalid going to be late today?”

“I don’t think so. However, he mentioned that he has something to check, so he’s temporarily out. I had no choice but to deliver the message. After finishing that task, there are no further plans for Your Highness.”

“I see. Thank you.”

After sending Asid away, Belia, alone in the room, let out a deep sigh.

The war with the Yakum Kingdom had also occurred in her past life. The prolonged war continued until the current Emperor initiated it, and Raul destroyed the Ronica Kingdom.

At that time, Ronica opened Shantan Avenue, making it easy for the military to move, and they could launch attacks from a much advantageous position.

But this time, it was impossible to move through Ronica.

Belia, lost in thought, tapped the desk.

‘War declaration is too significant an act to be just for show…’

It was perplexing.

Belia shook a small bell on the desk to summon a maid.

“Your Highness, did you call me?”

“I called you because I have a favor to ask. Can you check the current atmosphere in the palace for me?”

The maids rarely received such requests from Belia, so the maid hesitated for a moment before agreeing to check and hurriedly left for the Second Prince’s residence.

Those working in the palace were very sensitive to the atmosphere and acted accordingly. Since Belia couldn’t inspect every nook and cranny of the palace herself, borrowing their eyes and ears in such situations was the right choice.

Perhaps they would notice something that Belia and others had missed.

“Hoo…”

Khalid had stated that the Emperor didn’t actually intend to go to war. Initially taken aback by the news of the war declaration, Belia couldn’t properly connect her thoughts. Still, when she calmly considered it, starting a war right now was unthinkable.

Especially for the current Emperor, who valued his reputation and glory so highly.

‘But he did mention going to war. This must be the Emperor’s unilateral decision…’

A wry smile appeared on Belia’s face.

‘Is it Raul?’

Anyway, since the Emperor had declared war, a letter from the Emperor declaring war on the Yakum Kingdom would soon be sent. They would then proceed with negotiations based on the Yakum Kingdom’s response.

The only concern was that they had mentioned taking hostages for negotiation.

Although they didn’t necessarily want war, the recent movements of the Yakum Kingdom had been aggressive.

‘Hmm?’

At that moment, Belia’s fingers, tapping the desk, came to an abrupt halt.