Souei was, as always, serious about his work. To reassure him, I decided to share the conclusion that Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, had deduced.
"First and foremost," I said, my voice calm but carrying authority, "we must consider this from the Empire's perspective. If the Empire were to invade the Western Nations, what strategy would they choose?"
The key wasn't in their tactics alone—it lay in their motive. But that was a question for later. For now, the focus was on how they would move.
Three paths existed.
They could cross the Great Jura Forest.
They could march through the Canaat Mountains.
Or they could attempt the sea route, the old trade path used before we built Eterna's roads.
Each option carried enormous risks.
The sea route was treacherous. Distance-wise, it might bring them to the Kingdom of Blumund. Traveling along the coast could be safe—until they entered deeper waters, where rank-A or higher sea monsters hunted. Even a large fleet could not guarantee survival.
Even the so-called spear tuna was deadly. Traveling at sixty knots—thirty meters per second—it could pierce ships, creating massive holes. And it was only a third-rate monster.
A kraken, massive and territorial, might not be intelligent, but its instinct to attack intruders was lethal. A single strike from its ten-meter-long body could destroy any ship. Only merchants familiar with these waters would dare risk it.
The mountain route was no better.
The Canaat Mountains were home to a hostile region known as the Den of Dragons. A small caravan might pass unnoticed, but an army would provoke the dragons. These were not humans; negotiation was impossible. If the dragons perceived hostile intent, the invaders would be destroyed before even starting the war.
The dragon clans were led by proud Dragon Lords. Should the Empire attempt passage, half their army could die before reaching the Western Nations. And even if they survived, defeating the dragons was just the beginning. They would then face the Western Nations themselves.
Steep passes could only be crossed in summer; winter sealed the mountains with extreme snowstorms. Magic alone could not overcome the weather.
This left only the Great Jura Forest as a viable route—but even that was not simple.
I leaned back, my presence commanding the room. "I, the Demon Lord, rule the Great Jura Forest. And Veldora is there as well."
Souei nodded. "Yes. Rumors of Veldora-sama's revival have circulated. Even the Empire would hesitate now. They feared him while he was sealed; now…"
Indeed.
The news of the Farmus army being wiped out by Veldora had spread. The Empire, cautious as always, would be restrained by fear. For centuries, they had watched the West, waiting for an opening. But the thought of Veldora alone was enough to stall them.
With that in mind, Solarys concluded there was no reason for concern.
«Report. Not a conclusion—only a prediction. Situations change daily. Each new piece of information alters the calculation. Reassess constantly.»
Even Solarys worried. But his caution was valid. Relying on assumptions could lead to disaster.
"The Empire's behavior is unusual," Souei muttered. "Perhaps my Shadows were inadequate. I considered investigating myself, but…"
His Dark Shadows were deployed across the Western Nations. Only low-tier Shades could monitor the Empire—but they couldn't penetrate the Empire's barriers.
Even Souei, evolved as he was, could only send six clones at a time. Sending all his forces would leave him exposed.
Hinata's voice was calm, but respectful. "The Empire's intentions might not be as critical as some councilors suggest. They likely exaggerated the threat to justify Eterna's inclusion in the council. Still, if Souei-dono is concerned, allow us to help investigate."
Her words carried weight, measured and precise. I respected her caution.
"Very well," I said. "I accept your assistance."
«Recommendation,» Solarys' voice rang in my mind. «Request Hinata to investigate the internal affairs of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. Confirm whether military operations are feasible in their underground capital.»
Her eyes met mine, unwavering. "Understood. I will investigate."
I turned to her directly. "Hinata, one more thing. Examine the structure of the Dwarven Kingdom. Determine if the Empire could maneuver troops there."
"The Dwarven Kingdom," she said, considering. "Carved from the Canaat Mountains' caves… I understand your concern. Though you appear reckless, you are remarkably careful, Atem."
A faint smile escaped me. "You noticed."
"I will investigate the Dwarven Kingdom as well," she confirmed.
We spent the next while discussing the investigation in detail, each point precise, each question answered.
That afternoon, in the quiet corner of a secluded café, we spoke casually about matters that, under normal circumstances, could be considered state secrets. A Sound Isolation Barrier sealed our conversation from prying ears. No one outside could overhear a word.
Such a Skill was indispensable in times like these.
Hinata explained many things, and her observations went far beyond the military. Many nations and their leaders seemed eager to manipulate Eterna for their own advantage. I listened carefully, nodding where I agreed—because I understood human nature intimately, having been human myself once. Her caution mirrored my own.
"Understand this," she said firmly, eyes unwavering. "There are people scheming to take advantage of you. Do not fall into their trap."
I nodded in acknowledgment, though whether I would follow her advice was another matter entirely.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my tone carrying authority. "Are they attempting to manipulate us?"
"Yes. At least in terms of military matters. But even so, it could serve your interests, right?"
There would be conditions for joining the council. They would expect Eterna to manage the Great Jura Forest and act as a buffer against the Empire. That was the wish of every nation—they wanted us to bear responsibility for the common defense.
"No problem," I said confidently. "With the number of wild monsters decreasing, more people will come to the labyrinth. That only strengthens our position."
Hinata's gaze remained steady. "Do not be overly idealistic. The council has seen firsthand how cunning the older nations' leaders can be. They may order you to dispatch soldiers to their lands to suppress monster threats."
Foreign armies on foreign soil were normally undesirable. But monsters were a common enemy of all humans. If they sought additional military support, it was only natural they would call for it. Much like the Templar Knights of the Western Holy Church, nations would hire outside forces when needed.
«Proposal. We could use this opportunity to provide military support as a favor.»
A faint smile crossed my lips. If we acted this way, the council would recognize Eterna not only as a legitimate nation but also as a power capable of enforcing its will abroad. Any nation attempting to oppose us would quickly see the consequences.
"Ah… I see. Why not?" I said, my voice calm but laced with authority. "Let them take it. Let them try to exploit us—it will only reinforce our influence."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly at my words, but she remained silent. Benimaru and Souei immediately understood my intention. Shuna's quiet smile told me she agreed as well. No one objected.
Everything would unfold according to my will tomorrow.
"Your expression looked… formidable just now," Hinata said, a trace of awe in her tone.
I allowed a faint smirk. She seemed to see through my thoughts, yet chose not to interfere. Her restraint itself was a sign of respect.
As we prepared to leave, Hinata suddenly remembered something. "By the way… there are fools plotting mischief. Do not be careless."
Her words were a measured warning, a reminder not to act on impulse or judge the council's members hastily. I understood her concern, though it seemed almost excessive for someone like me—a Demon Lord who had faced far greater threats.
I met her gaze with calm authority. "You worry too much," I said, voice steady. Then, with a polite nod, we parted ways.
The council awaited. And I would ensure that Eterna's voice—and my will—dominated every discussion.