Published: January 17, 2026
【Fiesta Kingdom】
Artillery—an existence capable of piercing even rock. Its range extended several kilometers, and just by Mondeo’s observation, there were over two hundred of them. Even the captains of various fleets, who were capable of hunting large demonic beasts, could only be at a loss in the face of such weaponry.
“...So that’s the reason the Solstice Empire became the ruler of the Central Continent,” someone murmured with tension.
Nodding, the purple-haired woman pointed to the upper part of the map.
“...It seems they come and go through this strait between the Central Continent and the Western Continent. Although there are two countries in between, eventually the Solstice Empire’s reach might extend to the Kingdom of Scuderia as well.”
“From what I hear, the Solstice Empire is the dominant force.”
“...Forming an alliance with the Kingdom of Scuderia might be premature.”
After hearing Mondeo, the atmosphere grew filled with fear towards the Solstice Empire. Tran raised a question.
“Can the Solstice Empire be trusted? If they continue invading other countries like this, eventually the Fiesta Kingdom will also...”
“...What about the Solstice Empire’s shipbuilding technology? Can they sail the open seas?”
“No, currently they only navigate some coastal areas with medium-sized ships. However, their ships are quite sturdy, and their steering is reliable. If we provide them with our magical tool, Silver Armament...”
As the discussion suddenly grew lively, Mondeo casually voiced an opinion. Some of the people narrowed their eyes sharply.
“That’s unacceptable. The magical tools applied to our ships are a secret technique of the Fiesta Kingdom. That alone could become the reason the Solstice Empire threatens our country.”
“Indeed. At most, we should establish trade relations. Even then, we must designate locations far from military bases.”
Mondeo’s suggestion was promptly rejected, and the stance that they should not recklessly approach the Solstice Empire grew stronger. Mondeo frowned in dissatisfaction.
“No, isn’t that judgment overly cowardly? On the contrary, we would gain the latest weaponry—the Solstice Empire’s artillery. Imagine it: the entire great fleet of the Fiesta Kingdom equipped with artillery, the strongest weapon! No enemy would dare to confront us; it would be an army worthy of being called the God’s legion!”
Mondeo passionately expressed his argument. Everyone exchanged glances.
“Weapons that can reach several kilometers away...”
“If it’s from the sea, then we can attack while moving.”
“That’s certainly...”
Voices like these could be heard, and Mondeo smiled at the edges of his mouth. However, a tall man intervened. The man appeared to be in his early fifties, raised one hand, and spoke.
“Is it wise to provide our greatest bargaining chip just because we want weapons? At that moment, we would indeed gain the strongest fleet... But in the long run? Our shipbuilding technology would leak to a strong nation with such vast territory. Wouldn’t that result in the Solstice Empire building a massive fleet beyond what the Fiesta Kingdom could ever possess within a few years?”
After the man spoke, Mondeo fell silent in frustration. While everyone paid attention to the man’s words, a bearded man sitting on a chair groaned.
“...My younger brother, Doga. His thoughts are correct. However, they are too passive.”
The bearded man said this and looked at Doga, who narrowed his eyes and nodded.
“My apologies. Then, what does Your Majesty think?”
Doga asked back. The man called the king lifted his face.
“First, it is certain that the Solstice Empire will continue to expand its power and eventually try to become the ruler of both continents. When that happens, our nation will also be at risk.”
The king murmured this, and Mondeo smiled as if he had found an ally and cut in.
“Exactly! That’s why it’s best to form an alliance early and ensure we are friendly nations, so we won’t be invaded! The Solstice Empire only invades countries that refuse peace before fighting. They cooperate with those who seek peace. Though some taxes and cooperation are required, many countries still exist as before!”