The Water Magician

Ryo and Oscar were unaware that events were beginning to unfold elsewhere.

"Your Majesty... we have confirmed the appearance of fifty thousand enemies in their rear."

Ilalion reported, almost slipping into an old way of addressing him.

A situation arose that even Ilalion found alarming.

Another [transference].

"All troops, assemble! A new enemy has arrived!"

In response to Abel's command, Ilalion used [voice transmission] to call for the entire army to gather.

The Southern Army, which had been observing the almost non-human battle between Ryo and Oscar, tightened their focus upon hearing that call.

However, the fifty thousand troops that had been transferred remained motionless, and only two mounted figures stepped forward.

"Could that be...?"

Even Abel was incredulous at one of the figures that emerged.

"The emperor, I presume."

Ilalion beside him nodded in affirmation.

It was Emperor Rupert the Sixth of the Debuhi Empire.

"I must go, it seems."

With those words, Abel stepped forward.

"If that is the case, I shall accompany you. Also, Rhea, tend to Ryo."

With that, Ilalion followed Abel while Rhea proceeded to attend to Ryo.

"Fiona, heal Oscar."

"Rhea, I leave Ryo in your hands."

After giving their instructions, Rupert and Abel faced each other.

"I am Emperor Rupert the Sixth of the Debuhi Empire. It is an honor to meet you, King Abel. But first, congratulations on your ascension."

"I appreciate the greeting. I am King Abel the First of the Naitorei Kingdom. I am grateful to you, Your Majesty Rupert, for your assistance in various matters."

They exchanged greetings.

"Now, did I provide any assistance?"

"You lent your strength in Raymond's rebellion, for example."

"No, no, it was because I believed the honorable Raymond to be the rightful heir to the throne that I offered my support, but it seems there have been various misunderstandings."

Rupert said this with an air of nonchalance.

"The fact that you congratulated me on my ascension just now means that you acknowledge such issues will not arise again from now on, correct?"

"Yes, that would be the case."

Abel took the opportunity to secure his words.

Understanding everything, Rupert gave his word.

It was the moment when the Empire officially recognized Abel as the King of the Naitorei Kingdom.

"Now, Your Majesty Abel. While I acknowledge your ascension to the throne, there is actually a contract that was signed between the Kingdom and the Empire before your ascension."

"A contract?"

"Indeed. It is a contract to transfer the governing rights of the Eastern Kingdom and part of the Northern territories to the Empire."

"That is unacceptable."

Abel swiftly rejected Rupert's statement.

No matter how foolish Raymond was, he would not cede territory to the Empire... he understood that once lost, it could never be regained.

If this were against a coalition, it might be uncertain...

But one must never relinquish land to an opponent that is too great, even temporarily... this applies to both nations and individuals.

"Even if you say it's unacceptable... we are not sending out our army for charity. If you cannot yield it, it will become troublesome."

"Is this a threat?"

"No, no, it’s merely advice. However, our commanding officers can be quite reckless... with fifty thousand soldiers, one never knows what could happen."

This was negotiation.

The phrase "let’s resolve this through discussion" inevitably relies on the backdrop of "power."

In domestic affairs, resolving issues through discussion is only possible because the power of the judiciary supports it.

In discussions between nations, there is no such judicial power.

The military strength held by each side becomes crucial.

On Earth, economic power backed by military power became that "strength," but ultimately, territorial disputes are never resolved.

It boils down to demands for cession backed by force or purchasing it... there are no other solutions.

And in this situation, Abel had no intention of paying.

"Ilalion, make contact."

"Understood."

Abel instructed Ilalion standing right behind him, and Ilalion called out using a magic similar to [voice transmission].