The Prelude to Disaster
King Edomarisu of Farmas Kingdom frowned as he received his report.
Originally, the profits and losses of trade will take up to a year or even longer before it’s certain, but this time the changes are much too abrupt.
Without the need to traverse hazardous terrain, it is advantageous for direct transactions. Therefore, a great deal of profit was earned by selling the imported goods after implementing high taxes.
If the imported goods were to be solely sold within the country, withholding foreign trades, that would further increase profits, and such a decision was made after listening to the advice of the Minister of Economical Affairs.
But in a month, sales started to show signs of recession, and an investigation of the cause was immediately ordered.
Adventurers staying in the city affect the revenues of shops and inns, making this situation something that cannot be ignored.
When their report was brought forth, it was a shocking one.
“It seems like a new city has appeared in the Great Jura Forest. In addition, it’s inhabited by monsters.”
And that’s the situation. This is simply absurd.
Making a town in such a dangerous place, how much combat force is required? Even defending the surrounding villages and towns within the monster habitats requires a lot of tax money invested into it.
This is a phenomenon of monsters founding a country. Who could possibly believe this?
In the report, they’ve all evolved into the species called hobgoblins. By now, the goblins are already quite close to humans, even engaging in business while speaking the human language.
This is an absurd story no matter how one thinks about it.
News about an entire group evolving, this is something that is unheard of for centuries!
Of course, I didn’t doubt that the spies would lie.
But that’s not the problem here.
Directly through the Great Jura Forest, with a route directly connecting the Dwarven kingdom and the small country Burmund is formed.
This is something that can’t be neglected. After all, if this route is permitted, the geological advantage the Farmas kingdom possessed is lost.
Due to the neighboring Dwarven kingdom being an excellent industrial kingdom (thank you), the local level of industry is low.
The local agriculture is at a level when the people wouldn’t starve, but the tax gained wouldn’t be enough to cover the national spending.
Until now, thanks to threat Veldora posed, the trade route through the Farmas kingdom had made it prosper.
Thus, measures for the future as a country haven’t been well looked into yet.
「Now then, what happens now……」
There isn’t anyone who could answer the king.
The people gathered here are all upper class nobles involved in the management of the state, whose wealth is deeply routed to the central.
Although no one answered, there’s an answer. However, whoever says it will have to burden all the responsibility.
Adding that to the equation, this isn’t something that could be said.
“Let’s invade and destroy the city!”
Those are the words.
However, against an evolved monster, an ordinary soldier is useless.
All they want is to avoid increasing the amount of people who will die in vain.
The knight belonging to this country is 10,000 at most.
The numbers in the monster’s country seem to amount to around 10,000, but there might be some away doing construction.
TN: Dramatic Irony – there’s around 165,000.
In addition, if you consider a 1 vs 1 battle scenario, you’ll need to factor in the quality of equipment. In addition, you should also consider the female fighting force as well.
For a decisive victory, at least 10,000 experienced soldiers must be prepared.
In this place, whoever suggests the attack will have to carry the burden of the fund should the combat forces be insufficient.
The king could easily decipher the thoughts of the upper class nobles.
In addition, the adventurers staying in the monster’s city are something that can’t be neglected. He’ll need to cooperate with a friend to work this out. No one is going to support them if there aren’t any benefits……
However, what if it’s assumed there are benefits? After eliminating the monsters in the city, and recognizing their right to govern the city……
Eradicating the problematic city and enslaving the surviving monsters. In addition, the city can be incorporated into the country’s territory.
Adding to that, the defenses can also be left to the monsters. The council doesn’t allow human slavery, but they wouldn’t complain if they’re monsters.
Above all, there was something that fascinated the king.
Comparing it to Magic fiber or hemp cloths is a presumptuous act. Analysis results show that it appears to be a fabric woven from the cocoons of hell moths.
With whatever means necessary, the manufacturing method must be obtained. With the manufacturing method, this could be the country’s specialty.
Involuntarily, it’s likely the desperation of the king has distorted his face with desire.
The problem is the subjugation itself.
He had already contacted Cardinal Nicolas Spertus of the church previously.
The contents of the letter was regarding the Monster Country. The letter was written meticulously in hopes of not causing trouble to the church and persuading them to take care of the problem.
He is a shrewd man who would do anything that would give him profits as long as it doesn’t depreciate the church. Such a man usually thinks for his own benefits. Thinking from his perspective is natural.
The King couldn’t hide his surprise
When you think about it, whether it is conceivable for a monster town to be recognized as a threat, or……
The church’s raison d’être is the belief that that humans and monsters don’t get along well.
For the church, would there be enough justification to subjugate monsters that do no harm to humans?
I see, so that was the aim of Cardinal Nicolas, and so, King Edomarisu was convinced.
Moreover, with the support of the church, this could be a holy war!
TN: I knew it! After reading chapter 59, I knew this would happen! Holy my arse.
ED: Predictions by a bear~ Next time don’t get an octopus to predict the results of the world cup, get a bear instead!
And by leading this war, and gaining the honor of leading the holy war to victory, this is something I must grasp.
However, it is vital that there be a way to make it inexcusable for me to lead this strategy.
This meeting is a farce for that.
Looking the upper nobles one more time, confirming that none of they are trying to speak up.
I’ll strike when the time is right.
「Although I wanted to ask each lord, if the burden is too much……」
And I said that as if I wanted to discontinue my words,
「Your majesty, Pardon me for my rudeness! It seems the monster town has started business with the adventurers. And supporting this from the shadows is the Burmund Kingdom. If that’s the case, if we were to attack the city, the neighboring countries will not look kindly upon us……」
「That’s right, moreover, they have the support of the Dwarf blacksmiths, and are now polishing their own technology……
If we rallied our troops the eyes of the neighboring countries will also be watching……」
Two nobles stated their objections.
The king wanted to click his tongue but he endures,
「Hoo, then what do you propose we do? 」
Thus, I asked the two men.
However, if I tell them that here, the benefit-seeking nobles will be interested in the subjugation and will strive to lead.
The two people who were asked looked at each other,
「Why don’t we sent a messenger? If we communicate with that city, the menace of the monsters will recede. Certainly, we can have benefits from short term trades. Then, we gain tax from defending tourist locations when people from other countries come along for tourism. In addition, if the safety is even more appealed, trade with the dwarven kingdom will become even more prosperous! 」
Marquis Muller, as the representative, replied.
Certainly, there is some truth. When Veldora disappeared, we can just take over the defenses like what we’ve done at home.
But, if they’re building trade routes, the fact they snatched the interest of our country is a different story.
With these reasons, that’s probably why they were against the monster subjugation.
However, one way or another, the decision was made.
Since he’s already the king, the future is in his hands. This had already filled his head with fame and fortune.
「I understand your reasons.
In the future, if the monsters suddenly attacked, who will take responsibility?
Your dear people, their lives and properties, will you protect them all?
Think about it hard, has your thoughtlessness passed? 」
Such was asked with the intent to intimidate with oppression.
That’s natural.
The king of the other party could be a fake, signing a contract with a body double would be a bad decision.
If I sympathize with the monsters, I would be on edge about what might happen afterwards.
I knew from reading the report that the representative was a good-natured fellow, but it doesn’t seem like it’s listed anywhere in the reports.
Making sure there aren’t any more oppositions, the kings makes his move.
After the upper class nobles have left, the varlet returned accompanied by a man.
It was the messenger whom Cardinal Nicolas sent.
「As expected, you have arrived, messenger-dono. Today, we have decided to raise an army. 」
「There were some nobles who voiced their opposition, however they were quelled in the end. 」
「N, No, and I don’t have the power. For such a thing……」
After greeting one another, the King brought up the main topic.
As to raising the army of the Farmas Kingdom, the Church promised to see to reinforcement and aid.
The messenger accepted this as a formal request. The church will dispatch troops dedicated to monster subjugation.
The church knights will have magic swords as standard equipment, especially effective against monsters.
Even evolved monster groups will be reduced to nothing but a disorderly mob under their might. Although their numbers are similar, the difference in quality is like a free player compared to a paid player.
ED: was about to put console compared to PC but realized I would be pelted to death.
TN: You must be quite the gamer despite your elegant appearance Yuuka san…
King Edomarisu King is relief to have such strong combat forces.
Perhaps, the mercenaries employed will not be below 3000.
Totaling the numbers, soldiers specialized in combat has become equal or more than 12,000. If you include in the females and the monster soldiers there’s approximately 10,000 more.
Now then, when this demon subjugation crusade is all over, he can probably have his way with his fame as the Hero king.
The secret conversion between the king and the messenger continued onwards extensively.
Due to the flames of jealousy, his ambitions and desires, the brakes on his greed has ceased to work, a great evil will soon envelop Tempest.