As expected, we are welcomed into the Great Northern Tribe with open arms.

Not only do they provide us with stellar accommodations, but they also offer to look after our thousand-plus Magivores.

Such hospitable people, really.

Naturally, the First Prince is given the most stellar room. Then, the rooms that Tyrrion and Enryndral are given are also of great quality.

Surprisingly, my room is also immaculate.

Far more than expected.

I guess they do not wish to offend any member of our entourage, all things considered.

Since I am the only Imperial Knight present to guard the entire group, they must have assumed I am very special.

I won't be surprised if they think of me as the Emperor's most loyal Knight.

Well, that wouldn't be too far off.

Right now, that is indeed the reality.

However, unlike what their overly grand image of the Emperor and his leftover forces would suggest, it's not like being the Emperor's right hand man means a lot.

Well, whatever.

I'm comfortable here, and while I have decided to remain cautious during my stay here, I doubt these people will pull anything.

After all, without the Imperial Seal and the Imperial Bloodline controlling the Seal, the Magivores in their territory will rampage and destroy everything in the vicinity—them included.

Why would they attack us and risk their own destruction, especially when benefits are within their grasp?

Exactly!

They wouldn't.

'But I can't be too sure that everyone here is sane, so I'll keep my guard up.'

After taking proper security precautions, like setting up Armament Traps and also consuming a few Potions to improve my alertness, I finally lie in bed.

I have weapons and Potions nearby, so accessibility is also covered.

I have also stepped inside the rooms of Enryndral, Tyrrion, and the First Prince, so I can use Tracing on them anytime.

The biggest concern has to do with the Magivores, though.

As Ciel said, one's Existence is most vulnerable when they sleep. Such a weakened Existence wouldn't normally be able to control so many Magivores at once.

But—

'If I command them to sleep before falling asleep myself, I can keep the connection intact. I simply have to wake up before them and order them awake.'

This is the trick I learned while experimenting with Magivores. It's also why I can travel for so long with the ones I used Existential Compulsion on.

If they're just one or two, maybe a dozen, I can still have some control of them in my sleep.

But Magivores of this scale?

No way!

'The Magivores are all asleep. I should sleep now, so I can wake up tomorrow and conclude the plan.'

With that thought in mind, I wrap myself up in a blanket and fall asleep.

********

The next day arrives and after doing a preliminary checkup on everyone, I can see that nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

Looks like these people are smart.

They didn't try anything.

Unfortunately, later in the morning, I discover a major problem.

"A-are you serious?"

"Yes…" Enryndral sighs as he stares at me with a degree of worry. "Master has fallen sick. Must be due to the stress of the journey. He isn't used to such an extended trip, so the moment he finally had a proper bed to sleep on and a stable environment around him.... well…"

'Why am I not surprised?' I nearly roll my eyes as I think of the rather unpleasant man.

Tyrrion the Visionary… Even in historical records, he wasn't the most gentlemanly fellow. But I have come to find him even more insufferable in person.

The man just keeps causing problems for me.

'Not only is he extremely rude, but he is also a picky eater and complains about almost everything like a child. He never does anything useful except it is in relation to the Great Bridgeworks, and I have seen him belittle Enryndral multiple times. Now… he is sick.' I grit my teeth, controlling my annoyance.

Tyrrion is a shut-in, so this much should be expected. The month-long journey had to be a strain on his delicate health. But he fell sick at such a terrible time.

"We have a meeting with the Central Plain Leaders and the representatives from the Western and Eastern Continents respectively. We need to present details of the plan to them." I groan in frustration.

Enryndral is the Master, as well as the architect, so naturally he is the one meant to present the schematic to everyone.

But… Sigh…

"I-I can do it…" Enryndral finally mutters aloud after gaining some courage.

"Oh? You sure?"

To be honest, if Enryndral can do it, I am up for him taking Tyrrion's place. Not only is Enryndral more articulate in speech, but his charisma and incredible disposition make him a better spokesperson in my opinion.

As long as he knows the information by heart which, according to history, he does, then it should be a perfect presentation.

"Alright. We'll have you pitch the plan."

Once this is settled, we part ways and promise to meet each other in about an hour to rehearse and go over important points.

The meeting is in two hours, after all.

And, just like that, time flies.

Enryndral did well in our rehearsals, and an hour later, he maintains his consistency.

He begins to address the audience with a detailed breakdown of The Great Bridgeworks, and they have no choice but to sit and listen in silence.

As an Imperial Knight, I simply stand in an inconspicuous corner and watch him with a smile on my face.

This is what I like to see!

'Looks like Enryndral is finally getting the recognition he deserves.'

While watching everything play out, I cast a glance at the audience. The First Prince is present, and he is seated among the Great Tribe Chief, alongside distinguished head representatives from the Eastern Sects and Western Alliance respectively.

The remaining representatives in their envoy groups sit among the Ministers in the hall.

'So those two Continents actually sent representatives before we arrived. That must mean they're getting desperate. Has Kalakuta begun to make a move on them?' I ask myself in silence.

Just how powerful is this man?

How plentiful are his forces?

The Empire has an estimate, but I would like more concrete numbers.

'If we hadn't shown up, would the Central Continent have allied themselves with those two? No, I doubt it…' My eyes narrow as I focus it on Geralt. 'If they are after the utmost benefit, they will abandon one side and let Kalakuta invade, then they will ally with the other force, so they can take down the weakened Freedom Fighters and even gain multiple territories.'

Of course, this plan is no longer viable now that we have arrived.

Not only have we redesigned the entire framework for cooperation, but their perception of the Emperor's strength has overhauled every reason they had to go through with their previous plan.

Think about it.

If the Western Alliance is attacked, Central Plains and the Eastern Sects would take down the weakened Freedom Fighters. They would then share the resources in the fallen Northern Continent and Western Continent.

But what about now?

Neither side has fallen, and now they have learned that the Northern Empire still has sizeable influence in the Northern Continent.

So where are the benefits?

Even if they exist, it would be too miniscule.

If the Western Alliance ends up being attacked and the Freedom Fighters are stopped by the combined effort of the Eastern Sects and Central Plains, would the Northern Empire simply watch as they take the benefits?

The answer is no!

Why would they let those two forces strengthen themselves?

In fact, the Northern Empire would undoubtedly want a share of the resources.

Thus, it will no longer be two Continents sharing two Continental rewards. It will be three Continents sharing one Continental reward.

Such a thing is not very profitable, especially when a crisis may occur when allocating the shares.

In the end, it is best if no Continent is destroyed and we all stand united against Kalakuta. Adopting the Great Bridgeworks will be an additional benefit.

All in all… I can already see the future.

They won't be able to resist the temptation of an alliance.

'Due to the urgency, I am certain that the Eastern and Western Nations gave their representatives the power to sign treaties that are binding on them. If we sign a treaty right now, it'll only be the Southern Kingdom that is left out. Hehe… That won't be a problem!"

A sinister smile forms on my face.

The Southern Kingdom's greatest advantage is the environment it is situated in. From what I heard, all the residents dwell in a fortress city which protects them from foreign aggressors and the Magivores that roam the land.

They lack access to Special Resources, so their military might is low, though thanks to the many dangers of their land, they are excellent fighters.

Once the Southern Kingdom finds out that everyone else has allied, they'll have no choice but to join the allianxe—especially with the advantages they get to enjoy from such a union. If they choose to be stubborn, only destruction under our combined abilities will await them.

In essence, once this deal is sealed, I basically have the Southern Kingdom in the bag as well.

Everything is progressing well.

A little too well.

'Although it started off pretty difficult, this Trial Scenario is easier than I thought. The only problem is that it's taking a lot of time to complete.' I tell myself, joining the audience to applaud Enryndral as he concludes his presentation.

Afterward, we proceed to signing the Treaty.

No issues at all.

Now this is more like it!

All that's left is to defeat Kalakuta and facilitate the birth of The Great Bridgeworks.

I can see an end in sight now.

*******

"No Man's Land is under the control of the fallen Emperor. How unexpected…"

Kalakuta murmurs as he sits inside a darkened room. His body is bound with all manner of metallic chains, all of them thick and cold.

Despite the clear discomfort, he does not move a muscle.

Instead, he frowns in the darkness.

He is displeased.

"Should I have tried harder to kill him? I never thought they would get this far. I underestimated their power."

Still, resolve flickers in his gaze.

It doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter that the remnants of the Imperial Rule still remain, or that an alliance is underway between the Great Nations.

It also doesn't matter that they can command Magivores.

Kalakuta does not have any intention to falter in his mission.

The plan remains the same as always.

'The Liberation of this world… must continue!' He silently growls before closing his eyes to rest.

'Freedom is within reach.'

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