Chapter 123: Desired Product V

Chapter 123: Desired Product V

The emperor had virtually ‘ordered’ Bahamut to answer his questions.

Though there was some complications about the method itself, Bahamut was prepared to speak about the contents.

‘The most important thing here... is to convey the inevitable future to our advantage as much as possible.’

Although he didn’t really like the bast*rd’s disposition, whether it was described in the original work or now, the man was still the emperor—a person with tremendous power who could influence the situation on the continent.

No matter how much he became a famous colossus, he was an impossible opponent for Bahamut, a mere merchant, and he had no intention of challenging him. It was only possible to sway the emperor according to Bahamut’s intentions, and that required a great deal of effort on his part.

To this end, Bahamut opened his mouth with the utmost courtesy to suit the emperor’s wishes.

“Since it is Your Majesty’s command... I will try to answer you with my limited knowledge. However, before that, I would like to ask Your Majesty a few questions, if you please?”

“What?”

At Bahamut’s words, the emperor gave an expression as if inviting him to proceed.

Regarding this, Bahamut cautiously asked his question.

“It is presumptuous of me to ask, but to Your Majesty, the countries that can be considered the greatest enemies of the Empire—how do you rate the strength of the two empires, Dragona and Tarkic?”

At the sudden question, the emperor responded with a hint of interest.

“That means... are you asking about their national power? Or something else?”

“I’m asking very simply if you think you’ll be able to win if you fight them all at once with the power of the Holy Empire.”

“Um...”

It was a direct question aimed at the emperor’s greatest concerns. Depending on the circumstances, it could have been seen as rather rude.

However, considering that advice had been requested immediately, it couldn’t be made into an issue. Furthermore, to obtain the necessary answers from the emperor, this was a question that needed to be asked.

In response, the emperor began to think about Bahamut’s question with a serious expression. Although the Holy Empire’s power was renowned as the strongest on the continent, the Tarkic Empire’s national power was not to be underestimated. In addition, the Dragona Empire, which had been pressuring the Holy Empire’s allies—the Kingdom of Roland and the Kingdom of Hangury—was a formidable force that could not be ignored.

‘I don’t know if it’s a one-on-one war with the Tarkic Empire. But dealing with the Dragona Empire at the same time... no matter how strong the Holy Empire is, it would be absolutely impossible. Besides, we must also pay attention to the rearguard, the Frank Kingdom...’

However, to say this outright could be seen as undermining the emperor’s authority. Thus, the emperor spoke to Bahamut in a voice that feigned relaxation.Rêađ latest cha/p/ters on no/v/e/l(b)in(.)c/o/m

“It will depend on the situation, but it seems we can win if we proceed with a defensive battle. However, it would be impossible for us to attack.”

“The Tarkic Empire. If they, who have only been concerned with Benessa’s business until now, decide to move, it will only be a matter of time before the shields protecting the empire are broken, and the next place to be threatened will be right here, not another city.”

Even defending against the Dragona Empire with only the strength of Hangury and Roland was a daunting task. In addition, if the Tarkic Empire, which had not been directly involved, entered the fray, Hangury and Roland would have no chance of surviving.

“According to the information I’ve obtained, most of the southern strongholds of Benessa, which have been in conflict with the Tarkics, have fallen into their hands. The islands that are not inland are defending themselves, but at this point, it can be said that the Tarkic Empire has achieved its immediate objectives. And, of course, their next target after all this will be...”

“Um...”

Bahamut revealed matters that even the emperor did not know in detail. The emperor recognized that this man’s information network was more extensive than he had imagined. The vague sense of crisis he had felt began to manifest more tangibly.

‘If the power of Benessa, which was pressing the Tarkics from the sea, weakens, it will be as if the shackles holding them back are released.’

It was not a pleasant thought for the emperor. Organizing a separate expeditionary force at a time when the empire’s financial situation was strained was a heavy burden. Just recently, it had been necessary to secure funding through Bertina. But despite these concerns, the emperor realized one undeniable truth as he listened to Bahamut’s analysis.

‘Indeed... there is no doubt that the man named Bahamut, even though he is connected to that arrogant Bertina, is someone to be recognized. Based on information that is difficult to obtain in ordinary ways, he clearly understands the situation on the continent...’

Acknowledging his opponent for the first time, the emperor asked Bahamut in a more measured tone.

“If so... from your point of view, what would you like me to do? Do you think there is a way to defend against enemy invasion while minimizing damage to the Empire?”

If the situation and the problems were understood, it might be possible to devise a solution. In particular, as Bahamut had previously resolved issues in Hangury at his own expense, the emperor began to expect that this man might provide a suitable answer to the empire’s current challenges.

“There is a way.”

“What is it? Come on, tell me.”

The emperor spoke to Bahamut with a hint of impatience.

At that moment, a smile flashed across Bahamut’s lips, though the emperor did not notice, his attention entirely focused on the answer that would soon be revealed.



HELP:

During the recent unrest in the country I am from, our family hardware store was broken into and looted by thugs. I don’t know why they did it, since my family has always been minding our own business, without bothering anyone else. I’m guessing some people are taking advantage of the current lawless and chaotic state of the country.

Anyways, the incident now leaves me as the only earning member of my family. Long time readers know that I was already dealing with a mountain of trouble (that I inherited from my father), and was already struggling. I had created a plan of action, and was steadily moving forward. But this incident destroyed whatever plans I had, again. I don’t know why bad things keep happening to me again and again. I might as well be cursed or something.

So here I am, after much hesitation, once again asking for your support. If you are reading this, please help if you are able to, I repeat, help only if you are able to. I am not asking something for free, you can become a Patron at Patreon to gain access to more chapters, or sponsor as many chapters you can from any of the novels you enjoy on Goblinslate here at BuymeaCoffee. Or if you just want to help, you can donate any amount at the Wishlist at BuymeaCoffee.

Thank you.