#211
To make matters worse (3)
"Then, this concludes the entire meeting. Thank you all for your hard work."
The 2nd Continental Summit finally concluded.
However, there were only two cardinals in the pews on the religious side, without a saint or a saint.
It was unavoidable to respond to the Immortal Army's raid that would begin right after the meeting ended, as if they were timing it.
Of course, a warning had already been sent to the countries involved in the attack and they had taken extensive measures, and those present were also scheduled to return home as soon as the meeting was concluded.
In fact, the schedule was originally supposed to end yesterday, but it took more time to discuss responses to this issue.
'Of course, that doesn't solve much.'
Heinz II, who had not said much throughout the meeting, slowly stroked his chin as he looked at the bustling conference hall.
In the first place, it was difficult to readily help other countries in a situation where one could not know when one's own country would be attacked.
Moreover, hadn't we already had an exhausting discussion about that plan, the Continental Allied Forces?
It was simply impossible to recruit additional personnel to accommodate the more frequent attacks.
'In fact, we have no choice but to deal with it on our own based on the foresight provided by Saint Heinrich.'
The Azerion Empire and the Zephyr Republic, which can be said to be powerful countries, had a large territory, a number of strong players, and a well-established military infrastructure, so they would have been able to respond somehow.
The Kalkos Tribal Alliance, which has an abnormally high ratio of combat personnel to population, and the Widget Magic Kingdom, a small island country with advanced magic and even the headquarters of the Magic Tower, are equally less worried.
However, the four western kingdoms, whose national power was relatively weak compared to their territory…now the three kingdoms excluding Thalia were bound to cause quite a problem.
'It's a good opportunity.'
And it was also a golden opportunity to spread Hybrid's influence overseas.
"You look troubled."
The ruler of the Kingdom of New Thalia and the owner of the largest vampire force on the continent.
Heinz Hybrid II curled the corners of his mouth, giving off a cool vibe.
"If necessary, I can provide help from here?"
Looking at the representatives of the kingdom, who had put their heads together and whispered with serious expressions even after the meeting was over.
Those who were concentrating on the conversation at that one word flinched without realizing it and looked back at him cautiously.
Although they didn't exert any particular force or pressure, I was intimidated by the overwhelming difference in class that came from their very existence.
"…Help? "I appreciate the offer, but with the Kingdom of Thalia…"
However, they are also people who have risen to the position of representatives of each country.
The representative of the Kingdom of Charlotte, who regained his color in an instant, stepped forward and responded reluctantly.
His homeland was closest to the Kingdom of Thalia and was the most active in keeping it in check, so it was a natural reaction, but…
"Please wait a moment."
"…you're right. "This is a place where we gather for conversation, so wouldn't it be possible to at least listen to the story?"
The momentum faltered due to the dissuasion from the representatives of the other two kingdoms.
He was momentarily taken aback by the attitude of those who he thought would sympathize with him, but soon realized the reality and reluctantly nodded and slowly retreated.
"Hmm! Well, for now, it's just a matter of listening to the story…"
Naturally, they were in no position to judge whether it was hot or cold right now.
The presence of the Immortal King right around the corner was too threatening to worry about what the vampires would do in the future.
They also knew to some extent about the power of the current Kingdom of Thalia.
A clan alliance where most of the vampires on the Aeon continent gather under one banner.
Simply considering its power was at a level beyond imagination, but the synergy that would result from swallowing up a kingdom intact would have been amazing.
The reason they kept it in check in the first place was because they were wary of it, so there was nothing more to say.
'If you can get help, it's better to get it. If vampires cross the line, not only the Church but also the Empire and the Republic will not sit idly by.'
That was the common thought that was now on the minds of the kingdom representatives.
And of course, Heinz also understood their thoughts right away.
'Does not matter.'
Of course, he also had no intention of volunteering.
'Originally, I was planning to intervene mainly with the Continental Allied Forces, but it would be more efficient to expand by solidifying the situation in neighboring countries first.'
We were already making a secret approach to neighboring countries, but wouldn't it be a waste to throw away this opportunity to expand our influence abroad?
'I have no intention of keeping vampires in Thalia Kingdom forever.'
To begin with, they were scattered across the entire continent.
For now, out of necessity, we have gathered as much as possible into the small society called Thalia Kingdom, but if the period goes on, it will not be good for either side.
Of course, without thinking much about it, it would be more convenient to hide in the shadow of the continent again like before.
But is there no point in swallowing up a kingdom and setting out for the sun?
'In order for vampires to become prosperous, conditions must be created for them to proudly reveal themselves and operate outside of the world.'
Nowadays, the perception of vampires is almost on the same level as that of monsters, but originally, if you saw them often, you would get used to them.
If, in addition to external activities, work to extend influence in the shadows is carried out in parallel…
'It will naturally blend in with the outside society. Ultimately, it will be possible to trade blood in other countries just as it is done within the kingdom now.'
Heinz was lost in thought as he watched the practitioners who followed him talk with the kingdom's representatives.
-Hannibal Strauss: If you wish, we can strengthen our offensive against the western kingdoms. Wouldn't it be easier for you to do that?
-Heinz II: Thank you for your consideration, but I think it would be better to wait and see the situation a little longer.
-Hannibal Strauss: Good. However, we will intervene when we deem it necessary. Because it is beneficial.
…With Hans' unwanted help, it wouldn't be that difficult to get the job done even if the kingdom showed a lukewarm response.
'by the way.'
Heinz's gaze turned to Kayla McClair, Vice President of the Republic, who was greeting others.
Leading the rise of vampires is important, but his top priority right now is the Obypo Clan hiding in the Republic.
In fact, he still calls himself the Vampire King, but as long as the Obaipo Clan remains, it cannot be said to be a proper seat of power.
Only after he had completely defeated them would he be able to become the true vampire king of Outerica.
'It would be better to have an internal helper to avoid unnecessary troublesome situations. Should we take our time and approach cautiously, or should we just face it and see? 'What should I do…'
That was the moment when he was lost in thought.
["High Road. "I have something to report to you urgently."]
A sudden telepathic message came from Mulo, who was standing next to him.
When Heinz looked at him with a slight roll of his eyes, he hurriedly continued talking.
["This is urgent news from the east. It is said that Obaipo has made a full-fledged move."]
Not only the republic's lawmakers and the media, but also the military.
It was hard to believe that we had been holding our breath until now, and so radical changes were taking place in the hands reaching out simultaneously to all walks of life.
["In the process, most of the spies who had been planted to monitor the movements of the East were eliminated. The agent who managed to get this information also lost contact immediately afterward. … Sorry High Lord. I think it will be difficult to get additional information."]
With those words, Heinz's eyes turned to Vice President Kayla again.
She may or may not have known the current situation in the Republic, but she was about to leave without showing any sign.
'I guess it's not time to wait any longer.'
He glanced at Duke Bright, the former representative of the Kingdom of Thalia, who was next to him, and tilted his chin at her.
Even so, since he was an opponent with strong hostility toward vampires, he decided that it would be better to put up an opponent he knew first.
"hello? "Mr. Vice President, can I have a conversation with you for a moment?"
Duke Bright approached Vice President Kayla like that, but…
"Ah, Duke Bright. Sorry, as you know, I'm busy with work right now. "I have urgent business to go to quickly. Could you tell me what I need to say in writing?"
She just smiled apologetically, as if she felt truly sorry.
As expected from a politician, his expression did not show the slightest discomfort, but Duke Bright, who had been walking a tightrope for his life under a vampire for his entire life, was not so complacent.
Beyond coldness, there is an implicit sense of discomfort and disgust.
It wasn't like this when we met before, but after finding out that he had become a vampire, he seemed to be trying to keep his distance.
'I expected this much.'
However, he had prepared a magic sentence that forced him to continue the conversation.
"This story is also related to your son."
All her actions stopped at those words.
Then, the soft smile on his face disappeared, and his ice-cold eyes glared fiercely at Duke Bright.
"Do you feel like having a little conversation now?"
"…yes. Coincidentally, it seems like an urgent matter has just been resolved. "I think I can take some time."
An uncomfortable meeting took place in an atmosphere that felt like walking on thin ice.
Of course, in the meantime.
-Hannibal Strauss: Interesting. Enamel Continent and then the East? I'll have Olivia investigate further.
The Immortal King's foolish interference continued.
-Hannibal Strauss: There might be something you can use there. If that's the case, then we can collect karma more efficiently than simply killing them all.
Although that was never a healthy intention.
***
'That's strange.'
The moment Heinz II became aware of the problem in the East, Harris on the Enamel Continent also realized the uniqueness of the situation.
He clearly felt something was wrong with the World Tree, but the other high elves had not received any particular revelation about it.
In addition, it was true that he also felt like a dream while being overly immersed in nature, and that he had not received any significant revelation at the moment.
So it was a problem that could have been overlooked, but…
'Oh, it's annoying… How did this happen?'
Regardless, he is also a high elf, the priest of the World Tree and the pinnacle of elf society.
As such, the premonitions related to the World Tree could not be easily ignored, so it was a natural progression for Harris, who spoke up, to become the head of the special investigation team.
'Whenever you get wrapped up in it just because you're new. 'Is this place safe?'
Of course, there was that aspect, but the biggest reason was that if the World Tree had given him a signal, there would have been a good reason.
'Ah, the wind is cool and nice today. 'I want to sleep stretched out under a tree.'
However, since the job he had already been assigned was unavoidable, Harris led a group of watchmen to an unknown location even though he was grumbling inwardly.
Huuuung—
Of course, it was the responsibility of Pascal, the spirit of the wind, to carry the body, which had already found its convenience.
***
After the summit, the first to return home was the delegation from the Tribal Alliance, led by the great shaman Morna.
Morna, who had a stern expression all day, immediately got up from her seat as soon as the meeting ended, fearing that someone would catch her, and left for the south through the church gate without saying goodbye to the others.
And right after that.
The official statement of the Chalcos Tribal Alliance was sent to the Great Temple of Roselia through the only temple in the south.
The important information was soon conveyed to the representatives of each country still remaining in the Holy Land.
"…I think I heard something wrong. So what happened to Calkos?"
In the middle of the road from Daejinjeon's accommodation to the gate room.
Princess Riley, who had finished saying hello to many people, gathered her luggage and headed out, asked back with a puzzled expression.
"I don't think you heard wrong, princess. "I feel the same way."
Se-Ah Lee, who was only relaying the news that had been hastily delivered to her by a member of the church, also recited what she had heard as if she was embarrassed.
-The Kalkos Tribal Federation withdrew from the Continental Alliance. It was decided that all previous discussions had not occurred and that we would take our own path going forward. From now on, any interference through the temple is prohibited.
I cut out this and that and got to the point and that was it.
"What kind of guts do you have…? "What is this when it is difficult even if everyone comes together with one mind and purpose…!"
Riley exclaimed indignantly after hearing those words again.
It was natural that a hole had been created in several days of discussion.
Also, this kind of departure did not help the cohesion and morale of everyone remaining.
Why was this meeting held in the first place?
Isn't it held with the intention of finding a way out together through concessions and consultations, even if there are parts that do not fit well and are not liked?
"What on earth are you thinking? Is it really necessary to do this? "Unless you want to declare war…"
She suddenly pursed her lips as she spoke up to that point.
Because topics related to war were not something that could easily be brought up in an event like this.
"Phew—let's go back first. "I've already been away for too long. Now, all I can do is trust the church."
Of course, the denomination did not sit idly by either.
It was natural to try to make steady contact and conversation in response to Calcos' sudden whim.
'If things don't work out, things will get complicated…'
She shook her head and led the group back to the gate room.
The priority was to deal with the work that had piled up right away, so future work was a matter to think about later.
however.
Thus, the imperial delegation, including Princess Riley and Isea Hesperon, hurriedly returned to the capital city of Jeron.