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As reinforcements from various Crusader countries were steadily arriving, Fritz Ronie was in a completely different place.

The royal capital of the Kururuan Dragon Empire, Ashleya, was located inland, a little away from the Mediterranean Sea. Near its center was the royal palace known as the Dragon Palace (Ryukyu).

The Dragon Palace was described in several travelogues as ‘the most beautiful building in this world”. The building structure was adorned with a fantastical geometric pattern created by assembling bricks with one glazed side.

The palace, with its deep and light blues, along with touches of gold and white, exuded an atmosphere reminiscent of the sea god’s abode beneath the sea, despite being in a land of hot sands. At a glance, it did not appear to be an ordinary building. Rather than expressing its majesty through height or carvings, the palace displays the Dragon Emperor’s residence through sheer beauty. Accompanied by a guide sent by the Dragon Emperor and a few guards, Fritz Ronie was once again, and for the second time in his life, captivated by the beauty of the Dragon Palace.

Ashleya was a city with deep historical significance for the Kururuan people, built by their founding father, Ananta I. Therefore, it was regarded as the one and only royal capital, but informally it was often called the “Eastern Capital”. The counterpart to this was the “Western Capital,” referring to Teryumul, located at the exit of the Black Sea, facing Galilianin.

Naturally, Fritz often interacted with Teryumul, with which he had closer geographical ties. In Ashleya, there were few high-ranking officials he could call acquaintances. Nonetheless, Fritz had accumulated extensive knowledge about the Dragon Emperor’s family residing in Ashleya, those involved in governance, and the great merchants who frequented the Dragon Palace over the generations.

Urged by the guide, Fritz passed through the areas accessible to the general public and ventured further inside. The last time he visited, it was merely to be granted an audience as a promising politician. But this time was different. He had come to fulfill his duties as the Consul.

—

“Long time no see. Your Majesty, Aknar III, and Halifa-sama as well.” (Fritz)

Fritz, who was guided to the Dragon Palace’s Garden (Paradise), greeted in Arn language, first kneeling and paying his respects. Normally, it was problematic for only one party to show respect in dialogues between heads of state, but in the case of the Kururuan Dragon Empire, the situation is somewhat different.

The Dragon Empire was an ancient country, and its economic scale was different. Also, the Dragon Emperor’s position held the dual role of Emperor and protector of the Cocolulu faith, which meant that it was similar to showing respect to someone who was a combination of an Emperor and a Pope. As one would expect, as he represented a country, he would not bow by touching his head to the ground, but he would have to at least kneel in order to save face for the other person.

“This is very kind of you. Please raise your head and take a seat here.”  (Halifa)

This was said by the Prime Minister, Halifa.

Aknar III was fortunately not incompetent, but in a hereditary nation, the ruler was not always capable. The role of Prime Minister, which compensated for this, always carried a heavy responsibility in the structure of the nation. Even if the Emperor was mediocre, if the Prime Minister was excellent, the country often remained stable. Conversely, if both the Emperor and the Prime Minister were incompetent, or if an incompetent Emperor distanced the Prime Minister, the country could quickly fall into ruin.

In fact, the Kururuan Dragon Empire had experienced such situations twice. Though the country name “Dragon Empire” and the title “Dragon Emperor” remained unchanged, Aknar III was not a direct descendant of Ananta I.

“Well then, if you’ll excuse me…” (Fritz)

Fritz stood up, adjusted his hat, and took a seat. In the Cocolulu religious sphere, although it was not dictated by doctrine, there was a cultural norm of always wearing a hat or turban, possibly due to the vast desert regions.

The chairs were the same for Aknar III, Halifa, and Fritz. Fritz sat in the chair placed opposite Aknar III at a slightly large round table facing the garden. Halifa sat right next to Aknar III.

“Ah… This garden is beautiful as always. I feel at ease just being here.” (Fritz)

Fritz began by complimenting the garden. There was no master who wouldn’t be pleased by praise of their garden.

“Indeed.” (Aknar)

Aknar III responded, seemingly pleased.

Fritz wasn’t lying. The garden was genuinely remarkable. The Dragon Palace Garden had many water features, which were valuable in the harsh, dust-filled land where greenery and water were rare. The absence of dust was pleasing, and the sight of trees that could only be seen here made the garden visually enjoyable.

While there were different styles of gardens, such as the Flusha and Peninsula styles, the Dragon Palace Garden felt more human with various trees planted in a seemingly random arrangement. Unlike the Flusha style, which preferred the removal of gardeners during the visit of dignitaries, this garden had visible gardeners tending to it.

“Perhaps because I live in a coastal town, I find the presence of water here quite comforting.” (Fritz)

“Is that so? Oh, but first… Congratulations on your appointment as Consul.” (Halifa)

Halifa said.

“Thank you.” (Fritz)

“It is indeed a cause for celebration. Given that Orasem recognized your talent, it is only natural.” (Aknar)

This wasn’t just a polite comment. Orasem had met with Aknar III three times. While they might not be close friends, they were certainly acquaintances.

Aknar III was now 74 years old, significantly older than the 32-year-old Halifa. The previous prime minister had served two emperors before passing away five years ago. Halifa had been recognized by him and educated to support the next emperor.

“So, you’ve come today for an inaugural greeting?” (Halifa)

Halifa asked.

“Don’t speak such nonsense.” (Aknar)

Aknar III scolded Halifa.

Traveling from Galilianin to Ashleya takes considerable time, even with a fast ship. Moreover, while the Galilia Union had close ties with the Dragon Empire, it was not a vassal state. Nor was it a country described as parent and child or siblings like the Entak Dragon Kingdom.

A person who was about to become the head of state would not come all this way merely for an inaugural greeting.

“You’ve come regarding the Dragon Slayer King’s forces, haven’t you?” (Aknar)

Aknar III abruptly interjected.

“Your Majesty is indeed perceptive, as always.” (Fritz)

During his previous audience, Fritz hadn’t spoken much with Aknar III, but Orasem had given him detailed insights into the Emperor’s personality. If Fritz had flattered him by saying something like “Your keen insight is truly remarkable” in response to an obvious statement, it would likely have made Aknar III displeased.

“Are you here to request reinforcements? Or have you defected to the Dragon Slayer King’s side and come to ask us to lift the blockade of Teryumul?” (Aknar)

The latter was an unexpected response for Fritz, so he had to consciously conceal the surprise that arose within him. From Fritz’s perspective, it was an unlikely scenario, but from the standpoint of the Dragon Empire, it might not be so unthinkable.

“The reinforcements, of course.” (Fritz)

“Hmm… And what benefit would our Dragon Empire gain from this?”

Since the Dragon Empire is not bound by a defense pact with the Galilean League, no matter how much the League is attacked, there is no obligation to send troops.

“We will allow unrestricted pillaging in the city-state regions. We will not intervene in those actions.” (Fritz)

“…?” (Aknar)

Aknar III looked puzzled and whispered something in Halifa’s ear.

“He’s referring to the Crusader colonies.” (Halifa)

Halifa clarified. The term “city-state regions” that Fritz used was not commonly understood in the Arn language.

“Won’t it just be barren land after the Dragon Slayer King’s army has pillaged it?” (Halifa)

Halifa continued speaking.

“They do not pillage. The Shanti reproduce slowly. Unlike humans, they do not give birth to seven or eight offspring. Therefore, rather than driving people away through pillaging, they intend to sustain them and have them continue cultivating the land as before.” (Fritz)

“Wise indeed. Taking land is meaningless without people to cultivate it.” (Halifa)

“Exactly. Thanks to that, there will be plenty left to plunder.” (Fritz)

Fritz said with the demeanor of a merchant selling his wares. However, Aknar III’s expression did not show much interest.

“Hmm… Surely, you don’t think that alone is enough to merit reinforcements. The wealth of the northern villages is no more than that of small desert settlements. No matter how much you plunder, it won’t amount to much. Human trafficking might bring in a bit more, though.” (Aknar)

“Even as you say that, I know you’re intrigued by my proposal, Your Majesty.” (Fritz)

“…What are you implying?” (Aknar)

Aknar III feigned ignorance.

“I’m referring to the next emperor, His Highness Adil. Although he is to become the next Dragon Emperor, he, unfortunately, lacks any notable military achievements.” (Fritz)

The subjects of the Kururuan Dragon Empire tend to expect their Dragon Emperor to be a conqueror. While a warlike emperor did not necessarily guarantee a prosperous life for the people, the deification of Ananta I, the first Dragon Emperor, had fostered this expectation.

Aknar III had a somewhat unique sexual history among all the Dragon Emperors. Typically, the Dragon Emperor surrounds himself with many women in the harem, but when Aknar III reached his mid-40s, he became enamored with a single female slave.

This slave was sold from the fringes of the Tyrellme God-Protected Empire and presented to the emperor. She was not only beautiful but also exceptionally intelligent and highly ambitious. She was a formidable woman in her own right. She used various means to outmaneuver her rivals, eventually being freed from slavery and now acting as if she were the empress.

Their only son was Adil.

Usually, the Dragon Emperor had many women in the harem, who bear him many children. These children were then placed in various positions within the Dragon Empire, where they competed, with the most promising one becoming the next Dragon Emperor. In reality, not every man was a paragon of virility, so even with the harem system, many Dragon Emperors did not father many children. However, Aknar III’s case was exceptional. Because one woman gained power in the harem, her son ended up becoming the next Dragon Emperor.

Aknar III had six sons, but three of them, other than Adil, had already died, and the remaining two were in exile. Given Aknar III’s old age, it was impossible for him to sire a new child and raise them to assess their suitability as a ruler. Ensuring that Adil gained a record befitting a Dragon Emperor was a matter of life and death for the Kururuan Dragon Empire.

“Your Majesty likely plans to appoint a capable general as his advisor and make His Highness Adil the supreme commander. If he defeats the army of the Dragon Slayer King, whose name echoed from the western to the eastern ends of the land, His Highness Adil’s reign will be unshakable.” (Fritz)

“Hmm…” (Aknar)

Aknar III stroked his beard without changing his expression.

“In the event of a victory, we will spare no effort in cooperation. We will ensure that His Highness Adil is praised for leading from the front and achieving glorious results. Surely, that would be the greatest reward for Your Majesty?” (Fritz)

“That is only to be expected.” (Halifa)

Halifa interjected.

“Sending reinforcements requires money and costs the lives of soldiers. The honor of a king is earned by protecting his subjects and territory. Your nation does not serve ours. Protecting it with our blood does not confer much honor.” (Halifa)

After saying this, he added.

“Of course, assisting an old ally is an honorable act in itself… but even then, it would be worth considering only if the number of troops were around 2,000.” (Halifa)

That number would hardly burden the Dragon Empire. It would be neither painful nor troublesome. However, 2,000 soldiers would be far from enough.

“I see… so a material reward is required?” (Fritz)

“Mere gold coins won’t suffice. It must be the most significant offering the state can provide.” (Halifa)

“In that case, we shall offer Noikilut.” (Fritz)

Fritz spoke. Noikilut was the name of a city-state, a fortress city built at the border between the Kururuan Dragon Empire and the Galilia Union, protruding into Dragon Empire territory. When Fritz mentioned the name of the city, Halifa’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that they would offer such a crucial border city.

“However, we would require an elite force of 20,000 soldiers and at least 10 Dragonewts as a condition. Additionally, if the enemy army numbers fewer than 60,000, Noikilut will not be handed over.” (Fritz)

“That is…” (Halifa)

“If we don’t set a condition on the enemy’s numbers, we might have to hand over Noikilut even if the Dragon Slayer King’s army turns out to be a mere 5,000 and flees at the sight of our forces.” (Fritz)

The proposal to offer Noikilut had been brought up in the City Council and had already been agreed upon.

“If not, the mayors of the Union City will not be satisfied—” (Fritz)

Fritz was about to continue when Aknar III raised his hand to stop him.

“I don’t like you putting into words a logic that anyone can understand. The Noikilut route will only be handed over if there is a major battle and our nation’s large army puts up a fight. So that’s what it comes down to.” (Aknar)

Aknar III said.

“…Exactly.” (Fritz)

Fritz had already determined that they couldn’t expect reinforcements from the nations within the Isus religious sphere.

The Tyrellme God-Protected Empire, which had previously contributed the most troops to the Crusades, was embroiled in a severe civil war and obviously couldn’t send reinforcements. The Euphos Federation had its major coastal port cities destroyed and was economically exhausted. The most stable nation, the Flusha Kingdom, with its vast arable land and powerful army, likely wished to conserve its forces for its own defense and would be reluctant to send troops. The only parties taking this war seriously were the Galilia Union and the Papal States.

They were merely trying to use the Galilia Union as a buffer, a shield, but at the very least, they sharde a common purpose in actively opposing Yuri Hou’s army. However, relying solely on reinforcements from the Papal States would be far too uncertain.

“So, if the conditions are not met, does that mean sending reinforcements would be a waste?” (Aknar)

“Of course, in that case, we will compensate for the war expenses. We will ensure that the Dragon Empire does not suffer any losses.” (Fritz)

“Well, in that case, we can consider it a military exercise.” (Aknar)

With those words, Aknar III suddenly averted his gaze from Fritz and leaned deeply into the backrest of his chair. He placed his elbows on the armrests and buried his hands in his beard, appearing to be deep in thought.

Halifa remained silent, neither offering advice nor interrupting. It seemed he was lost in thought as well, and disturbing him might provoke his anger. Fritz, too, did not press for an answer and simply waited.

“We shall send the Dragonewts.” (Aknar)

The Dragonewts were the most elite infantry of the Dragon Empire, directly under the royal family’s command, all armed with long rifles.

“My Emperor, if I may speak—” (Halifa)

“I understand.” (Aknar)

Aknar III interrupted Halifa’s counsel.

How far ahead was he thinking?

Fritz couldn’t see through the old emperor’s thoughts hidden behind his beard. Perhaps Aknar III had even realized that the offer to hand over Noikilut was an empty promise, with no real intention of fulfilling it. That was certainly a possibility.

“I will discuss the details with Halifa here. You may stay in the room prepared for you tonight. We will have a formal discussion tomorrow.” (Aknar)

It was clear that Aknar III wanted to speak privately with Halifa from this point on.

“Understood. I look forward to a favorable response.” (Fritz)

Having played all the cards he had prepared from the start, Fritz had managed to extract the necessary concessions. It would have been ideal to secure the promise of a large army without offering Noikilut, but he never expected things to go that smoothly from the beginning.

Given that Aknar III voluntarily brought up the Dragonewts, it was possible that he valued his heir, Adil, even more highly than Fritz had anticipated. With these thoughts in mind, Fritz stood up from his seat.

—

TLN: Dragon Slayer King is Yuri Hou.

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