The day after Traunil fell, almost all of the anti-government organizations with active operations in the Blue Army-controlled area simultaneously revolted.
Strengthened by reinforcements of equipment and combat golems supplied from nowhere, armed forces wreaked havoc by assassinating key figures and blowing up infrastructure facilities.
For the Blue Army, which lost many troops in the defeat at Traunil, effective handling of the situation was difficult.
It was clear that “Fallen Kingdom of Ciel-Terra” was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Such rebellions, even if successful at first glance, were bound to be crushed in the medium to long term (whether the parties involved understood this or not), but they could still cause short-term chaos.
Meanwhile, the Blue Army couldn’t turn its swords towards the Fallen Kingdom of Ciel-Terra.
As chaos spread, the military and officials began to withdraw from the areas where the rebellion broke out.
But simultaneously, another incident was unfolding.
＊ ＊ ＊
Prime Minister Gosho burst into the audience chamber while Ryubuchi was receiving a report on the situation of the rebellion and future strategies from Hoshikan.
“Undiluted Rinmin solution?”
“Yes. Also processed potions. There have been numerous offers for sale to merchants in regions affected by the epidemic. It seems they already have supplies in the eastern coastal countries, and if there are orders, they can transport them immediately…”
Gosho seemed to understand the gravity of the situation and brought the report himself.
Upon hearing his explanation, Ryubuchi immediately grasped the situation.
“…Hahaha! Ah, I see, so that’s it! We’ve been played. We, of all people, hadn’t anticipated that! I see, they’re completely different from the Demon King’s Army. They… use… money!”
Despite being played, Ryubuchi felt a certain exhilaration and laughed as he slapped his knee.
It would be correct to see it as the re-importation of the once purchased Rinmin solution.
The hoarding of Rinmin undiluted extract, the raw material for medicinal potions, was intended to make treatment difficult by depleting supplies and effectively spread the curse epidemic… That was the belief, at least up to a certain point.
However, the Khenis Empire had purchased a large amount of Rinmin solution from the Faraiya Republic. Once it arrived, it was only a matter of time before the epidemic subsided.
So, even if the hoarded Rinmin was resold, it would only speed up the process slightly.
“Honestly, Gosho, can we impose price controls? The raw solution is a biological substance. Whether they choose to sell it at a low price or discard it, they’ll have to give up.”
“…It’s difficult to say. It would become a policy that’s already facing strong resistance… Moreover, the epidemic is spreading in areas under Blue Army control, and the society is in chaos due to the outbreak of rebellion. In some places, government functions are almost completely suspended.”
“If we can’t fully control it, then it’s not very meaningful. And the gold taken from the people as the price for the medicine will end up in the hands of the merchants… and the Kingdom of Lugarut! Furthermore, it will end up in the hands of ‘Rose Princess of Hellrage’ through Lugarut!”
Ryubuchi clenched his fist.
The populace, terrified of the epidemic, would have no choice but to buy, even if it’s a shady deal. And once they enter the rebellion areas as a ‘backdoor’, controlling their distribution becomes extremely difficult.
If control is imposed halfway, it might even become a source of funds for the rebel forces.
So, it would be more advantageous for the Empire as a whole to turn a blind eye to the imports. Rather than waiting for the Rinmin solution to arrive from the Republic, it’s certain that the epidemic will be brought under control sooner.
As a result, the ‘Rose Princess of Hellrage’ would make a huge profit.
“They’ll probably sell it at twice the price they bought it for when they purchased the Rinmin solution. Even though they plan to import it from the Faraiya Republic, it will take some time for it to arrive.”
“Are you calculating to shoot down many with one arrow? The spread of the epidemic was not only to create demand for Rinmin solution but also to earn profits. And what remains in our country are debts and Republic-made Rinmin solution that has lost its usefulness.”
Ryubuchi exhaled a breath that was somewhere between a deep breath and a sigh.
Then he commanded sharply.
“Lower the front lines to a sustainable range, Hoshikan.”
“Yes…”
“If we had hit ‘Rose Princess of Hellrage’ with full force from the beginning, this kind of disgrace wouldn’t have been possible. The reason we couldn’t do that was because we were distracted by stabilizing the occupied territories and acquiring new ones. It’s time for our country to consolidate its position. We had intended to acquire everything we could, but… now is the time. Entrust the unruly territories to the rebels for a while. Soon, we will reclaim them completely and break their fangs. And…”
For a moment, Ryubuchi hesitated about retracting the next command.
Was it really worth going that far?
But Ryubuchi reconsidered and made the decision after all.
Underestimating the enemy is the first step to defeat.
Just recalling the battles so far made it clear.
This empire was currently facing a threat to humanity.
“Hoshikan. Establish a ‘Rose Princess of Hellrage’ Countermeasure Office under your command. For now, treat it as a sub-office of the Demon King’s Army Research Institute.”
“What? Yes! As you wish!”
“If you can’t win with a side effort, then win with the whole nation. If we can’t win now, we’ll win in ten years. That should be fine.”
As if urged by something, Ryubuchi stood up.
Ryubuchi was exhilarated.
The more difficult the battle, the fiercer Ryubuchi became, and defeating such a formidable enemy was the ultimate pleasure.
The ‘Fallen Kingdom of Ciel-Terra’, despite its small forces, not only defeated the Blue Army but also stirred up trouble politically. It was an interesting enemy that amused Ryubuchi.
“Let today’s victory be given to ‘Rose Princess of Hellrage’. But… Does she truly understand? The difference in the real power. We just need to win in the end.”
The pond surrounding the audience chamber rippled like a stormy sea.
The ‘Fallen Kingdom of Ciel-Terra’ seemed to have understood the difference in power between it and the Khenis Empire and did what it could within its limits to snatch victory.
However, even so.
Could it be that they think they’re only losing because of ‘numbers’?
“We won’t allow a little girl like her to interfere with our 400-year-old aspiration. If she truly is a chosen one, then no one but us should destroy her. Corner her like a trapped animal, and when she loses everything, with my power…”
The surface of the water churned and surged upward.
It was as if a dragon had soared from the depths of the water, but it was just the water flowing upward directionally toward the sky.
With a roar, pillars of water like geysers rose up in the audience chamber, and the water, raised into the air, turned into a sudden downpour, raining down on the imperial capital from the clear sky.
Both Hoshikan and Gosho stood still, as if struck by awe.
“…Crush her! Hahahaha!”
