"W-What?"
Jircniv could barely believe his ears. However, seeing Kael's calm attitude, he had no choice but to suppress his emotions. Giving up his position as Emperor—how could he possibly accept that? He did come seeking aid to save the Empire's people, but that didn't mean he was willing to sacrifice everything for it.
An Emperor was the one who held supreme power and led the nation's future. If he even gave up the throne, then what kind of Emperor was he? If he was not an Emperor, why would he come here to ask for help? Wouldn't it be better to just find a safe place in the countryside and live out his days in obscurity!
"It seems you haven't realized the situation you're in."
Kael coldly looked away from Jircniv, as if he had lost all interest. "I thought that after you had contact with Nazarick, you might broaden your horizons, but it seems you still lack."
Jircniv pondered Kael's words, but after a long while, he still couldn't understand the meaning behind them. Having no choice, he asked directly, "Your Majesty, I don't quite understand what you mean."
Kael didn't answer. Instead, he retorted, "How much do you know about Nazarick? Do you know what their current situation is?"
Jircniv frowned slightly. Although Nazarick had destroyed several cities, the time he truly came into contact with their members was only about ten minutes in the Imperial Capital of Ovental. From that dark elf's words, he could only get two pieces of information. First, the monsters from Nazarick, as rumored, didn't care about ordinary people. Even if it meant destroying the entire Empire and killing all its citizens, they would not hesitate. Second, Nazarick was extremely wary of the Church of Destiny and seemed to be actively looking for ways to counter the Church.
"You mean they are very anxious right now?"
"Exactly."
Kael heard the answer he wanted and looked back at Jircniv, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Because recently, we of the Church of Destiny have discovered their lair and even conducted an investigative raid. As a result, Nazarick is now like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bowstring."
"Under the pressure to survive, they are trying every means to increase their strength. To put it bluntly, the disaster suffered by the Kingdom and the Empire this time may even be slightly related to the Church of Destiny."
Jircniv nodded, showing his understanding. In this regard, the Empire had truly suffered an undeserved disaster. ...Since this matter was caused by the Church of Destiny, can this connection be used as a reason to demand they send troops to help the Empire?
This thought naturally came up, but was immediately extinguished. If it were the people from the Kingdom here, they might make such a request. However, he would not do something so foolish. To demand something from others in a slightly accusatory tone, one must at least be on equal footing. A rash attempt at moral blackmail would only increase the likelihood of the other party's anger. One must know that the person in front of him was also not so easy to talk to.
"So, the Empire is now facing a group of desperate individuals..." Kael glanced at Jircniv with a hint of mockery. "And unfortunately, the Empire doesn't seem to have the ability to fight back against them. In front of them, you are no different from a flock of sheep waiting to be slaughtered."
"..."
Jircniv's expression became somewhat somber. Although he was unwilling to admit it, the fact was true. Nazarick only attacked the Empire once, and it might not attack again in the future. Other citizens could comfort themselves with such naive thoughts, but not him. If it was as Kael said, Nazarick had been pushed to the brink by the Church of Destiny, then for the sake of survival, they would definitely act again against the Empire and the Kingdom. Jircniv had not forgotten that Fluder had explained to him that Nazarick destroyed the cities in the Empire to create high-level undead through magical rituals, for the sake of replenishing their strength. Putting himself in their shoes, if he were the ruler of Nazarick, and there was no other way to resist the Church of Destiny, he would definitely use this method to increase military power.
"For us of the Church of Destiny to support you, it essentially means we will act as the Empire's umbrella, facing a rabid dog-like enemy," Kael continued. "I have no objection to lending a helping hand to the people of the Empire, who are also human. In fact, the Slane Theocracy is also a target we are protecting. However... our efforts need to be sufficiently rewarded."
"The Slane Theocracy has now officially submitted to me, willing to become a vassal state. What about your Empire?"
What! The Theocracy has already surrendered!?
Upon hearing this news, Jircniv's heart leaped. He showed an expression of disbelief. One must know that the Slane Theocracy was the strongest among all human nations, and this time's disaster didn't affect them at all. How could they have suddenly surrendered to the Church of Destiny!?
"What, you don't believe it?"
"N-No!" Jircniv immediately reacted. "Of course I believe it, it's just that this news is truly too shocking."
"Making a fuss over a trivial thing." Kael glanced at Jircniv with a hint of disdain. "Go back and think carefully. Will you continue to hold on to the Emperor's throne and let the Empire be destroyed under Nazarick's attack? Or will you, like the Theocracy, wisely join the Church's faction and gain salvation for yourself and all your people? There are only these two paths before you."
After saying this, Kael gave a meaningful look to Fluder at his side. Fluder, who had been by Kael's side for a long time, immediately understood. He approached Jircniv and said, "Your Majesty, let's go back first. Do not disturb His Majesty's rest."
"...I understand."
Jircniv looked at Fluder, then respectfully bowed to Kael before leaving the training ground with his attendants. This matter concerned his future and the fate of the entire Empire. He truly needed to think it over carefully.