The preparations of the Crimson Dragon Legion proceeded smoothly.

Not only the soldiers but also the horses destined for the battlefield underwent repeated training to adapt. They were conditioned not to panic or bolt at the sound of gunfire or cannon blasts.

“...We're probably the only ones who can bring something like this to the battlefield.” “I think it’s better to block their ears.” “It seems to improve their ability to hear commands clearly and reduces their tension.”

Since my orders could be heard even with their ears blocked, earplugs were distributed to the soldiers to prevent hearing loss.

“Can rifling work be done?” “It’s possible, but only on a very small scale.” “That’s good.”

Additionally, rifles with rifled barrels were provided to select elite soldiers, significantly boosting their combat effectiveness.

“Additional supplies have arrived!”

Just as the legion’s preparations were nearing completion, the additional weapons promised by the Anchester Kingdom arrived. Now, the entire Crimson Dragon Legion could be equipped with muskets.

“...Recently, there’s been some unrest in the southeastern Elven states. They seem to be importing large quantities of minerals, including iron, and foodstuffs indiscriminately, but we don’t know the precise details of their internal situation.” “Thank you for informing us. We’ll look into it on our end as well.”

The dwarves who had come to the Empire for weapon delivery did not stop there. They also shared information about the state of the Elves living along their shared borders.

This could be a sign of a potential crisis involving the Elves, perhaps something akin to the "Wrath of the Forest." But for now, it was only a hint of trouble—just the beginning. The exact circumstances would need further investigation.

“Deliver this letter to Her Majesty.” “Understood.” “And… this letter is for Grand Marshal Gerhardt.”

“Yes.”

For now, I prioritized the tasks that needed to be addressed immediately.

---

Audience Hall of the Dragonia Empire.

"How are things lately?"
"Ah, don’t even ask. The soil is so barren it’s almost an insult to call it soil. There’s hardly any place where seeds sprout properly."
"So it wasn’t just my lands. It feels like I’m putting in more than I’m earning."
"They say winters in the north are harsh, so it’ll be even worse during winter."
"Hah... I should’ve realized when I saw how few people lived there."

While the throne remained empty, the nobles gathered in small groups, talking amongst themselves as they awaited the start of the meeting.

"Shouldn’t we act now?"
"The military is consuming far too much money. It needs to be restrained."
"...Not yet, not yet."

Theodore conversed with nobles wary of the increasing influence of those from military backgrounds.

"Is it really that effective? There are still too few practical examples."
"It’s undoubtedly expensive, and maintenance requires significant effort, but it’s worth the cost."
"Hm..."

Meanwhile, Victor engaged with Gerhardt and other nobles aligned with the Emperor's faction.

"There are too many wild animals in my territory. Do those guns work well for hunting?"
"Of course."

Initially, the Emperor-aligned nobles were uneasy about Victor, an outsider who had earned the Emperor’s favor to the point of participating in victory parades.

However, as months passed and Victor focused solely on developing the Crimson Dragon Legion without vying for power or land, their concerns quickly dissipated. Moreover, Victor cooperated with existing imperialist nobles rather than challenging them.

Seeing this, they extended their hands to Victor instead of continuing to treat him as a rival.

"A marksman’s skill certainly plays a role, but even large animals like bears or wild boars can be brought down in one shot."
"Is that so?"
"While the weapons are currently hard to obtain outside the ones purchased from the Anchester Kingdom, our craftsmen are working closely with theirs to begin local production. If your situation is dire, we could send a few prototypes after testing."
"Really?!"

Victor did not reject their outreach, and before long, he was engaging confidently as one of the Emperor’s trusted figures. Even without a noble title, few dared to underestimate him as the commander of the Emperor’s personal legion.

Victor continued discussions with nobles interested in firearms and kept a close watch on Theodore and his allies.

As the time to begin the meeting approached,

"...The Emperor is late."
"Could something have happened?"
"Who knows? I can’t think of anything."

The unprecedented delay caused murmurs among the nobles.

"Presenting Her Majesty, Luise Zainburg, rightful ruler of the Dragonia Empire and heir to the bloodline of Vulcanus, the Founder Dragon!"

It wasn’t until five minutes past the scheduled time that the Emperor finally entered the audience hall.

The chamber fell silent as the herald’s announcement echoed. Moments later, the great doors opened, and Luise made her entrance.

Clad in a crimson dress with a subtle purple hue, a resplendent crown, and a cloak so long it required attendants to carry its train, she strode unhesitatingly to the throne and took her seat with an air of elegance.

Her gaze swept across the assembled nobles.

"It seems everyone is here."
"..."

Without addressing her tardiness, she gave no explanation, and the nobles dared not ask, opting instead to bow their heads or avert their gazes.

"...Let us begin today’s meeting."

Luise, clearly pleased with their reactions, smiled as she declared the meeting open.

"The first item on the agenda concerns the recent disturbances at the western border."

Her words immediately shocked the nobles with their bluntness.

"Recently, the war with the Kingdom of Esperia has intensified again, and reports suggest suspicious movements from both the Kingdom of Paris and the Kingdom of San Bastian."
"...!"
"In the past, we tolerated their actions because the Kingdoms of Rus and Brotan were obstacles in our way. But now that those kingdoms have been completely subdued, I intend to dispatch Commander Victor’s Crimson Dragon Legion to show the impudent Esperia Kingdom the might of the Empire. Commander Victor will provide the details."

At her command, Victor stepped forward, accompanied by Anna, who carried a map of the Empire’s western territories.

"The Kingdom of Esperia never formally signed a truce with us, but the lack of skirmishes along the border had led many to believe the war was over. Recently, however, there have been multiple conflicts along the border, and the Kingdoms of Paris and San Bastian have also begun reinforcing their border troops."
"..."
"Our advisors interpret these movements as a coalition formed to counter the Dragonia Empire after our annexation of the Kingdom of Rus. Their actions seem to have been triggered by the news of General Josef Steiner’s campaign against the Kingdom of Rus."

Victor used a pointer to highlight key locations on the map as he explained the strategy.

"If these three kingdoms unite against us, we will have to defend against attacks from multiple fronts: here, here, and here. Such a conflict would escalate into a large-scale war. To prevent this, Her Majesty intends to strike first by defeating the Kingdom of Esperia before their plans materialize."

Gerhardt nodded approvingly at Victor, while Theodore clenched his lips, biting them repeatedly.

"Although the Kingdoms of Paris and San Bastian have bolstered their troops, significant forces remain stationed at their mutual borders. If we break the momentum of the Kingdom of Esperia—the strongest military among them—the other kingdoms will hesitate to act."

"What do you all think?"

Luise’s question prompted the nobles to consider her words.

"...We can’t act right now."
"At least wait until taxes start coming in..."

The nobles who had received lands in the former Kingdom of Rus were preoccupied with managing their territories and showed little interest in the west.

"The pirates have been persistently targeting our merchant ships—was that the Esperia Kingdom’s doing?"
"If Her Majesty sends reinforcements, there’s no reason to refuse."

In contrast, nobles with territories in the west welcomed the deployment of the Emperor’s personal legion, relieved that its focus would be directed outward rather than inward.

With dissenters dwindling, the opposition grew weaker. Even those aligned with the Emperor’s faction had no reason to object.

"If it’s Her Majesty’s will, there’s no need to argue."
"Indeed."

The Emperor’s loyalists, intent on bolstering imperial power, refrained from interfering.

"The Crimson Dragon Legion is nearly untouchable."
"Opposing this move would be..."

As the Crimson Dragon Legion was seen as an extension of the Emperor’s authority, challenging its deployment risked being perceived as defying the Emperor’s power. This silenced even Theodore’s faction.

"...Your Majesty."

Ultimately, only Theodore stepped forward, his gaze briefly filled with disdain as he looked at Victor before bowing to Luise.

"Yes, Duke of Offentstadt?"
"The Fifth Legion and Your Majesty’s Crimson Dragon Legion are indeed formidable, but the Kingdom of Esperia is a military powerhouse that employs numerous mercenaries. Their fortifications are also strong. I believe additional troops are necessary to ensure a secure victory."
"Hm, continue."
"I propose deploying more troops, including the First Legion stationed in the capital, as reinforcements."

His suggestion was clearly aimed at leveraging the influence he had over the First Legion.

"I oppose that proposal."
"Duke of Weisshilt, may I hear your reasoning?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Many of our forces are currently deployed to stabilize the occupied territories of the Kingdoms of Rus and Brotan, as well as to fortify our borders with the Kingdoms of Paris and San Bastian. Furthermore, the southeastern Elven kingdoms have been showing suspicious behavior, necessitating additional troop deployments."
"I see..."
"The Crimson Dragon Legion is equipped with advanced weaponry and, despite its size of only ten thousand men, is exceptionally powerful. With Commander Victor, who demonstrated his competence in the campaign against the Kingdom of Brotan, leading the effort, the Fifth Legion and the Crimson Dragon Legion should be sufficient to handle the Kingdom of Esperia."
"Hm. If the Empire is to assert its strength, now is the time. I also believe the Crimson Dragon Legion is best suited for this task."

Gerhardt intervened, effectively blocking Theodore’s argument.

Theodore’s hands trembled with anger.

"...Understood."

He stepped back, his face flushed with humiliation, barely suppressing his rage.

With Theodore silenced, the first agenda item progressed swiftly.

"I will dispatch the Crimson Dragon Legion to punish the Kingdom of Esperia and send reinforcements, including the First Legion, to our borders with neighboring nations. Commander Victor."

As Luise sealed the order with her imperial insignia, Victor’s deployment to the west was finalized.

The opposition remained silent, while some nobles applauded enthusiastically.

Despite receiving glances from his allies, Theodore ignored them, consumed by fury.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will engrave your might upon the Kingdom of Esperia."
"Good. I look forward to it."

As Victor accepted the order, Theodore glared at him with unrelenting envy and hatred. His mind was now devoid of reason, consumed entirely by his emotions.