ALL NOVEL Chapter 214
“Whoa, Director Gothberg!”
“I’m still in your debt for that health check-up last time.”
As I entered the Union’s Conference Hall, a handshake request came in. It was the delegates from the small country.
“It’s been a while.”
General Darren of the Kingdom extended his large hand for a shake.
“You look healthy.”
“Thanks to your advice, I quit smoking. It was tough at first, but after a few months, I felt the vigor of my youth returning. I can’t start my mornings without vitamins now.”
The general flexed his bicep, showing off his health.
“Director! I missed you!”
“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”
I got to meet First Princess Persiya too. She looked much better, smiling brightly.
“I didn’t properly thank you for stopping the vampire incident. I really appreciate it. Because of you, the kingdom’s people were safe.”
“It’s okay. It was a common crisis for the Union. I’ve heard there have been movements from the Demon Race in the western part of the kingdom.”
“Yes. Reports of increased danger from demons have been coming in from several guilds at once. To prevent something like last time from happening, we’re cooperating with small countries to defend the borders.”
The Midworld’s defenses had already gone into combat position.
Since the demons have some time before crossing over, a full-blown war will probably break out in about three years.
“I trust we can count on your support in the future. The former country will not hold back on assistance, I promise.”
“That’s very reassuring. The supply of medicines has increased the front line’s sustainability by 20%. They’ve become essential items now.”
The positive effects of the open trade routes were already showing results.
“Gothberg. You’re a hospital director now.”
“Your Majesty, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Heike entered with an air of elegance. I wanted to ask about Georg, but that seemed like a tricky topic in a room with representatives from other countries, so I decided to hold off for now.
After discussing various political topics, I finally asked her the question I was most curious about.
“It seems Her Royal Highness Acella is not in attendance.”
“Well, the imperial family is in a complete decentralization system now. Acella has taken on Georg’s responsibilities as well, focusing on domestic affairs in the Empire while I take care of the Union.”
“I see.”
I thought Acella would never completely let go, but maybe more work has piled up since Georg’s absence.
She must have given up this important meeting to avoid me… though that would be a bit egotistical.
Not long after, representatives from all countries had taken their seats. The meeting began with the delegates, including myself, keeping an eye on things from the back. I had suggested that Neria, not my father, represent the former country.
“The agenda is this. We’ve noticed unusual movements from the Demon King’s army.”
Starting with the King’s statement, various topics came up. Movements from the Demon King’s forces and how to respond, whether the training of the Union’s forces is appropriate, and whether there will be enough supplies when a full-scale war breaks out, etc.
“The basic strategy has been agreed upon by all nations in the Empire. The plan is to set up a teleport gate in the Demon Realm and have the Union and a small elite force infiltrate.”
It’s a strategy that combines shop and technique. That very same strategy, which was effective in the future, was now being discussed here.
“When will the deployment of the mage troops be completed?”
“We’ll need another six months. We can organize sixty personnel, including two mages and ten elite magic squads. Is the gate production on schedule, Dwarf Kingdom?”
“We’re having some issues securing magic stones, but it’s not a problem for the deadline. Just say the word.”
“What about defensive force training?”
“The reorganization of the Empire’s knights will be finished within two months. We’ll need a list of available units from the kingdom.”
Perhaps it’s because we had suffered a major attack from demons during the martial arts conference, but the coordination was happening surprisingly smoothly.
The continent’s nations differ in races, ideologies, and religions. It also explains why they couldn’t mingle and often fought each other.
In the future, all of them would perish, leaving only parts of the Empire.
It was quite a fascinating sight.
“Now, for the most important agenda.”
Heike said, clasping her hands together.
“It’s about selecting the members for the Hero’s party to defeat the Demon King.”
Suddenly, tension filled the conference room.
Up until now, all nations had participated actively in military activities, but always with a position that strictly ensured they wouldn’t suffer losses—a perfectly natural stance for a country to take in the meeting.
It’s the essence of diplomacy, wanting to take the delicious parts without getting hurt.
Even while cooperating, subtle frictions were at play among each other.
When it comes to the Hero’s party, though, there’s no room for subtlety. If we push someone from our nation into the Hero’s party, we can show our strength.
With limited space, pretending to give way is impossible.
“I judge that six members for the party will be appropriate. As you all know, the Hero and the Saint have already been chosen.”
Heike declared. The mention of “Saint” made the Pope clench his lips tightly. He seemed still bitter that their candidates were not chosen.
With that look, they would do anything to push a healer onto the team.
“There are four remaining seats. The front-line, mage, and healer positions are absolutely necessary.”
“Front-line? Doesn’t the Hero take the front-line?”
“The Hero’s swordsmanship is unsuitable for the front line. It specializes in ambushing or individual dueling. We need a separate fighter to protect from attacks. So, I propose…”
Heike didn’t give other countries a chance to intervene and immediately presented her opinion.
“The Empire will send a Swordmaster. What do you think?”
“Is it that knight from the martial arts conference?”
“Hmm, if it’s a Swordmaster…”
“I’ve heard he is the Hero’s sword mentor.”
“It’s hard to consider other warriors.”
There’s no way to counter that.
I’ve intentionally kept Tanya with Lishe this whole time for this very reason.
“Our mage has demonstrated their skills at the martial arts conference.”
The Mage Kingdom had no equal in magic. Their mages had performed spectacularly in the martial arts conference.
Actually, there’s only one exception.
If we exclude Acella.
“Candidates?”
“Arwa or Sumaya. Both have reached the 5th rank as combat mages.”
Sumaya. She’s the mage from the Hero’s party I was with in the future. While she’s not otherworldly like Seymour, she’s a solid performer and can handle her role well.
Heike continued with her opinions.
“For the remaining position, it would be best to include someone who can use support skills like a thief, paladin, archer, or druid.”
“You have a keen understanding of forming adventurer parties. I thought you would find it unfamiliar in an Empire that operates solely with knights.”
The King stroked his beard, seemingly impressed.
“The Empire has excellent tacticians to handle that.”
Heike cast a sly glance at me and smiled. I returned the smile.
“Currently, we have two swordmasters and two melee fighters, so I want to organize a ranged position. An archer would be good, don’t you think?”
“An archer.”
“If it’s an archer, our kingdom has…”
“How about a spirit medium? Our nation has…”
While various opinions were exchanged, Heike cut through their chatter.
“Didn’t you all witness the legendary marksman elf at the martial arts conference?”
“That elf is from the Empire, isn’t it? Are you saying you want four spots on the Hero’s party from the Empire?”
A king from a small country protested. Heike narrowed her eyes at him as if scolding him.
“That elf is not a citizen of the Empire. They’re from a mystical forest. Above all, who cares about their origin? What matters is their competence. The future of the continent hinges on this.”
Heike’s cold analysis silenced him.
To put it simply, she meant, “If you’re upset, then just do better than us.” Her confident statement left no room for rebuttal, no matter how angry they felt.
“Those are wise words, Your Highness.”
The Pope from the Kingdom of Law agreed. His heart was likely not pure.
“Indeed, it’s reasonable to select the Hero’s party members based on skill. If we conduct final verification with the warriors who exhibited skills at the martial arts conference, that would be appropriate. For the healer position, our Kingdom of Law has deep-rooted faith with a Cardinal and High Priest ready.”
Though he dressed it nicely, it was effectively a declaration they would push one of their own into the party.
I can’t let that happen.
I immediately interrupted.
“Our former country can also prepare talent for the healer position.”
“…Heh heh.”
The Pope’s cheerful smile hid a twitch of his eyebrows. After losing the Saint, he definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on the last remaining spot.
But I felt the same way. If I can get Tanya and a healer, my plan to defeat the Demon King will be much better prepared.
After all, the Hero’s party should consist of the best fighters. Because of the political squabbling among nations, I struggled as that member in the future.
“The Gothberg former country is a nascent nation. The Kingdom of Law has a history spanning over a thousand years, serving the Goddess. Are you saying you can prepare a healer superior to us?”
“The doctors who performed at the demonstration as part of the Empire’s Moonlight Palace are presently in our former country. The victory from that demonstration was ours, not yours.”
“…Heh heh heh.”
“There’s no reason we can’t do it.”
The Pope shook his head and turned to Heike.
“Your Highness, I must say I’d be disappointed if you claim the former country is independent for this. Other than the one mage spot, it seems the Hero’s party is effectively monopolized by the Empire. What do you think, Your Majesty?”
“…Hmm.”
The King of the kingdom had plenty to say. But considering that no candidates from his kingdom had proven effective against the Empire, the justification was indeed lacking.
He knew that stepping forward might just benefit the Kingdom of Law, and since the Empire had just entered a friendly phase, it would plant seeds of conflict, making it hard for him to express an opinion.
Then I just need to provide him with a reason to oppose the Kingdom of Law.
“Let’s decide by vote.”
“A vote?”
“Yes. Our former country promises to send our best talent to the Hero’s party to surely defeat the Demon King. And…”
I pulled out a vial from my pocket.
“I’ll interpret any opposition from the nations as implying that the Kingdom of Law’s healer is adequate, meaning we’ll delay the export of medicinal supplies. Recently, we’ve been so overwhelmed with orders that we couldn’t keep up.”
At my words, the King raised his hand immediately.
“I’ll cast my vote for the former country.”
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“Ugh…!”
Cold sweat began to roll down the Pope’s forehead as he sensed his impending defeat.
I subtly looked around at the leaders of the other countries.
“Next?”