King Andrea II of Benito was currently in a very foul mood.
He had undertaken countless behind-the-scenes efforts so far.
He couldn't fathom the immense time and money invested.
He had secretly contacted all the kingdoms in the South.
And stirred up the anger and dissatisfaction that had accumulated within them.
"How long do you plan to follow the words of those religious fanatics?"
"The master of the kingdom is the King. Not those old geezers who don't even pay taxes."
"Look at them, invoking God every time we try to do something, finding fault."
"They say God is with them, but there is nothing behind them."
Some look at the southern part of the continent and say it holds the most faithful followers of the Light.
Claiming the Holy Land where Lunen performed miracles is right nearby.
Saying the Gift others envy is right nearby.
If they heard that, perhaps many would be enraged.
That is not a Gift, but chains. It is a burden they absolutely do not want to carry.
Because of this damned religion and faith, how much had they given up?
Whenever they tried to collect a bit more Tax, the old geezers stopped them.
Not the Nobles. Not the kingdom's citizens. But those who paid no Tax at all.
Even when trying to expand the Territory slightly, they warned against breaking the peace.
While they themselves lived on land acquired without any effort.
He couldn't stand it anymore. This was not simply a ruler's desire.
If things continued like this, they would wither and die like an old tree, all because of that blasted faith.
Look at the Empire above them. Look at that immense Power.
No, it wasn't even necessary to look as far as the Empire. Even the Western kingdoms right next door were like that.
They achieved tremendous growth by fighting each other like madmen.
War is bad? Conquest is evil? Only peace matters?
How on earth do you develop that way? How long must we live in this cramped place?
He too wanted to be the king of a wider Territory, and the kingdom's citizens also needed to become wealthier.
The Holy Church. These damn old geezers. Useless religious fanatics.
Why do they dare not utter a word elsewhere, yet interfere in every single matter of the South?
Having reached this point in his thoughts, King Andrea II of Benito persuaded the other kingdoms.
We cannot remain puppets of the Pope and the Holy Church forever.
Look at the Empire and the West. They constantly fought and finally became great.
We can do it too. No, we must do it. That's how we survive.
Someday, we might point Spears and Swords at each other. Should we just give up because we fear that?
I admit our relations aren't good. But that's not just our fault.
It's also the fault of that Holy Church. They always stirred up our emotions and took everything they could gain.
They made us, who work for the kingdom, into evil Monarchs, while they became the peaceful and merciful ones.
Why do those who don't even pay taxes dare to voice opinions on the nation's affairs?
This is all the Holy Church's fault. We must root them out completely for us to live.
And many kingdoms secretly expressed their agreement with Andrea II's remarks.
It was proof that despite their forceful pretense, their anger towards the Holy Church was immense.
'There was nothing difficult after this. Wasn't it precisely for this moment that we sent our soldiers to Thedorant as mercenaries?'
The Southern kingdoms were weak because their military level was low due to the lack of major wars.
They couldn't compare to that giant Empire managing four Borders, or the Demons seasoned in Battle from the start.
Nor could they compare to the West, where taking and losing land through yearly wars was constant.
Even the Eastern kingdoms, easily defeated by the Empire, were said to be better off than the South.
Andrea II borrowed Thedorant's strength for that part.
Specifically, he sent his country's soldiers to their war to gain experience.
They didn't need to achieve great merits. They didn't need to become seasoned veterans.
They just needed to return to their Motherland with sufficient know-how.
Afterward, it would be enough if they could pass on those experiences to their own country's soldiers.
This brought about an immediate and rapid change.
The level of the Benito Army rose sharply.
As proof, they crushed the Holy Church's Knights Order and Volunteer Army with such ease.
It made one wonder if this was really the Army that barely met the average just a short while ago.
It must mean Thedorant's military level was that fierce and powerful.
Andrea II realized anew that joining hands with Thedorant was a masterstroke.
'Now, all that remained was to become the Leader of the Southern kingdoms, lead them to swallow the Holy Church, and establish a new order in the South.'
Right here, Andrea II's new anger flared up.
At first, the various kingdoms of the South had said they would follow his demands.
Whether it was through threats using the strengthened Military, or through moderate appeasement.
But as they nearly pushed the Holy Church to the brink, they suddenly displayed a different reaction.
They subtly tried to obstruct. Or their demands shifted from the initial ones.
Whether large or small, it was clear the atmosphere had changed from the beginning.
And soon enough, he found out why they had suddenly changed.
"Those Empire bastards! Do they really intend to intervene even in the South's affairs?!"
Because the Pope excommunicated me? Because a Holy War was declared? So they will uphold that will?
Are you kidding me? Wasn't the Empire the place most free from the doctrines of the Light, using its Power!
The first on the continent to extort taxes from bishop-level clergy was precisely the Empire.
The first to completely sever the connection between faith and Power was also the Empire.
So those people should absolutely never use those doctrines as an excuse.
At least concerning the affairs of the South, they have no right whatsoever to interfere!
"Your Majesty. Please compose yourself. It is said that the Empire's Legions have begun to gather near the Border."
"How many Legions are said to have gathered?"
"Initially one, then two recently. And a few days ago, it increased to three."
Typically, the Empire's grand Strategy involves two Legions moving together.
Protecting the Border is the same. Two Legions take turns guarding the Border.
One classified as a Reserve Legion either fills potential vacancies or prepares for contingencies.
Therefore, three Legions gathering signaled only one thing.
"They are intimidating Benito. Intimidating me."
The pretext had already been established. It was his excommunication, and the Holy War declared on Benito.
That's why the Empire could dare to carry out threats, brandishing Spears and Swords like that.
And yet, they were the ones who first escaped the doctrines of the Light!
—Gnash!
Andrea II gritted his teeth. A chilling sound followed.
This was an absolutely unacceptable atrocity. With what right does the Empire intervene?
All this time, while the Holy Church divided the South, they said nothing, and maintained silence.
And now that the South is finally trying to grow properly, they suddenly step forward saying they cannot stand idly by?
"The Empire sees the South merely as a Trade partner. Nothing more, nothing less."
We cannot live like this. We must take a leap forward.
To do that, we must swallow up the Holy Church and turn them into puppets.
Afterward, leading the Southern kingdoms and resisting the Empire is the only path.
But it's not enough. Even though Benito has become significantly stronger than before.
Even though morale is sky-high after winning several battles.
Against those Empire Legions, there are still many insufficient parts.
'What should I do? Should I give up now? If Benito stops futilely like this, the Holy Church will eventually run even more rampant, and those other kingdom bastards will dare to look down on me?'
If he hadn't started this whole affair, the deliberation would have been short.
He would have refined the plans further, maintained the weapons, and waited for the right time.
But now, that's not possible. The Arrow has already left the bowstring.
There's no undoing it now. Retreat means death. Only advancing remains.
The Empire's Legions are fearsome. The hostility the giant Empire directs at Benito is terrifying.
But imagining his future self kneeling in despair is just as terrifying.
The Holy Church regaining supremacy, and other kingdoms pressuring Benito, is utterly dreadful.
At some point, the question 'How can I overcome this hardship?' faded in Andrea II's mind.
In its place, only the thought 'I want to rise up somehow.' grew stronger.
As the situation continued to corner him, the backlash grew stronger.
Then one day. Astonishing news reached Andrea II.
[ Your Majesty King Andrea II of Benito. Soon, Thedorant will engage in a decisive battle with Dregali. ]
[ Barring any major unforeseen events, victory will belong to us, Thedorant. ]
A Letter was sent by Georg Systania, the 3rd Prince of Thedorant.
Inside, it contained even more remarkable content.
[ If the West and South are finally connected, I do not doubt that the relationship between our two nations will become even smoother. ]
[ Therefore, I wish to secretly propose the establishment of a firm and solid alliance between Benito and Thedorant. ]
The moment he saw the Thedorant Prince's secret Letter, Andrea II's eyes flashed open.
This was clearly a Heaven-sent opportunity. Proof that God had not abandoned him despite the excommunication.
An alliance with Thedorant. Cooperation with the strongest nation in the West.
Atria had almost fallen to them. Dregali was also staggering after losing Jugel.
Rostanica existed, but they gave a strong impression of leaning towards their navy rather than their Army.
If he could secure Thedorant's help there. If so, it's worth a try!
'If we combine Benito's forces with those of the other Southern kingdoms cooperating with us, it reaches almost 100,000. Qualitatively, however, we are no match despite similar numbers.'
Right. That's exactly why.
'Therefore, we must further draw the Empire in. Their combat power surely differs inside versus outside the Empire. If we continue luring them South, prolong the conflict, and force attrition?'
Andrea II's mind started spinning like crazy.
A rather decent idea emerged from his perspective.
'Drag out time, then finish off the Holy Church, depose the Pope, and install a new Pope. Use that puppet to withdraw the excommunication and cancel the Holy War, so the Empire loses all justification. It's good if they return then, but even if they don't, we define them as invaders of the South and fight, ensuring the Southern kingdoms will have no choice but to recognize me and Benito as the Leader.'
What if the Southern kingdoms turn away? Some might.
But Andrea II knew the nature of those Southerners well.
They are a tribe that hates having their rights taken by someone else more than death itself.
Those kings would bow their heads to the Empire, abandoning everything?
They would rather take their own lives. The kings of the South are such people.
At the same time, he intuited that this was necessary for Thedorant as well.
The Southern Legions must be tied down in the South. Only then can the Empire not touch Thedorant.
Victory is hard to guarantee with only the Western Legions. They will surely pull Legions from other regions.
If those are held back, Thedorant will grow larger. And Thedorant will then help Benito again.
If things go exactly as planned, the Empire too will no longer be able to persist in its Stubbornness and will return.
For the entire plan to work, the Empire absolutely must enter the South.
This is the prerequisite. So, there is now only one thing he must do.
"I will declare war on the Empire."
This was the reason why Benito suddenly declared war on the Empire.
*
Some time later. Thedorant Royal Castle. War Department building.
"...Wh-what is this?"
"Your Highness the Prince."
"The alliance matter was strictly for later... Why a Declaration of War on the Empire immediately after announcing the alliance domestically and internationally?"
"Please stay calm..."
"We still have two big mountains left, the annexation of Atria and the conquest of Dregali??"
Damn it. Prince Georg couldn't help but clutch the back of his neck.
If only he could undo the alliance. It took a long time to erase that thought.