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Chapter 133: Lamaron’s Circumstances and the Future of Agarta
Deep within the palace of the Lamaron Empire, in the conference room, Emperor Lamaron Crow Fraince and ten ministers, along with military staff, were seated in a row. Behind the Emperor stood a woman, the Empress Dowager, Lamaron Crow Laisis.
Although she was over 60 years old, she exuded vitality, with her beautiful silver hair shining and a gentle smile on her plump face.
“Now, everyone, the reason for urgently summoning you today is none other than the matter of the country formerly known as Juka, now Agarta,” the Emperor began the meeting.
Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, everyone bowed their heads. It was the custom in Lamaron to assume this posture when listening to the Emperor’s words.
“About a month ago, Juka was invaded by the Hideita Empire. However, since changing its name to Agarta, reports indicate that the country is in disarray, with few forces and lack of internal unity. Isn’t that right, Mother?” the Emperor addressed the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager nodded gracefully.
“In that case, let us attack the country of Agarta once again. If we strike now, it should be easy to conquer,” the Emperor proposed.
“Unfortunately, please wait a moment,” spoke Madlin, the Prime Minister.
“The recent deployment of troops has left our empire with a shortage of supplies. If we mobilize the imperial forces now, we would have to tap into the stockpiles within the palace. If the Hideita Empire were to launch an attack while our forces are away, we would be unable to hold our ground. Therefore, I humbly request that you reconsider the deployment and postpone it until after the autumn harvest,” Madlin explained.
“Hmm…” a moment of silence filled the room. It was broken by the voice of the Empress Dowager.
“Is that acceptable to you, Prime Minister?”
“I’m afraid… I cannot provide any further opinions,” Madlin replied.
“Prime Minister Madlin, all you ever say is ‘can’t be done, can’t be done.’ Isn’t it the duty of a minister to make the impossible possible?” the Empress Dowager questioned.
“I understand your point. However, as the one entrusted with the nation…”
“Attack Agarta,” the Empress Dowager interrupted.
“Empress Dowager!”
“I am saying it. Attack. If we don’t, won’t the empire crumble, Prime Minister?” The Empress Dowager chuckled softly. However, her eyes behind the smile were cold and unyielding. Casting a disdainful look at the Prime Minister, she spoke again.
“Is there no loyal subject who will fulfill the Emperor’s wishes?”
“I… I’m afraid…” it was the voice of General Jizeu, the commander of the Second Legion.
“Indeed, as the Empress Dowager suggests, the lack of supplies cannot be used as an excuse. If they are not available, we must find a way to attack,” General Jizeu asserted.
The Empress Dowager nodded deeply.
“General Jizeu has a strategy. With your permission, may I entrust him with this task?” she inquired.
“Indeed, General Jizeu, you are truly dependable. The imperial forces must be so,” the Emperor added.
The Empress Dowager’s cold gaze was directed towards General Calius.
“Winning battles doesn’t merely involve mindlessly advancing troops. We should aim for victory without even mobilizing our forces,” she stated.
General Jizeu chuckled and respectfully bowed to the Empress Dowager.
Since changing the name to Agarta, we had been extremely busy.
After renaming the capital as the “Central City,” our first priority was to focus on its reconstruction. Fortunately, many craftsmen, including carpenters, migrated from the imperial capital. They, along with the city’s residents, diligently repaired the damaged houses one by one.
Additionally, I established a branch of Super Dark in the city.
We renovated an empty house in the merchant district and set up the store there. The management and operation were entrusted to Willis, a cat-person from the imperial capital who was already managing a store there. He recently became a father, so he was motivated to work hard for his wife and child.
Although the store’s sales were still far from impressive, I believed that if money circulated within the city, the supermarket’s revenue would naturally increase. I considered this a period of investment.
The funds for these ventures were provided by the empire, and what’s more, they came interest-free. I could easily ignore the debt, but it would tarnish His Majesty’s reputation, so I wanted to repay it as soon as possible.
Gon and Mei started cultivating the farmland in the city and inspected various agricultural areas. The city’s farmland had been a site littered with countless corpses, so I was concerned whether the residents would resist growing crops there. However, it turned out to be a non-issue. The inhabitants of this world seemed to be better at accepting compromises than I was.
Curiously, the earth spirit gnome, named Nome, attached itself to Mei like a stalker. Normally, spirits were called upon and contracted by mages proficient in spirit magic. However, there were rare cases where spirits would initiate the contract, and it seemed that Mei’s situation fell into that category. Nome seemed to get along well with Gon as well, and the three of them happily engaged in conversations, discussing this and that.
As for Gon, besides managing the farmland, he also provided advice on matters not only in the city but also on roads and flood control. It was truly impressive to witness his wisdom accumulated over more than 200 years of life. His instructions were accurate, drawing from past experiences, and carried great persuasiveness.
As for Rico, she reduced her work at Krumfar to one day a week and devoted herself almost entirely to the city. She received support from Ferris and Luala. Both of them had excellent memory and were becoming Rico’s right and left arms, respectively.
In the end, we rejected His Majesty’s proposal to make Rico the Prime Minister. Currently, Rico was the one taking the lead, but fortunately, the people of the city willingly helped her with her tasks. Among them, I identified individuals with potential and popularity, whom I planned to nurture as the future Prime Minister.
The city’s residents responded well to our efforts and willingly assisted us, which was truly appreciated.
As for myself, I spent most of my time in meetings with the local lords.
In reality, about two-thirds of the lords showed their willingness to follow me, but not everyone was on board. However, I accepted that fact. Those who followed me would receive my full support, while those who didn’t would be left to their own devices. Most of those who chose not to follow me were likely assessing whether I could truly govern the country. They probably believed that if I could demonstrate the prosperity of the nation, they would eventually submit.
Fortunately, the majority of the lords who owned vast farmlands, which would become the granary regions, pledged their allegiance to me. Currently, we are discussing the future administration of the country with them.
Regarding Layfence, who took on the role of the Supreme Commander of Agarta, he enthusiastically dedicated himself to his duties. Most of his personal guards also relocated to Agarta. Alongside them, Kunogen and I have been training newly hired mercenaries.
Currently, the Agarta army consists of around 2,000 soldiers. However, they are growing stronger every day.
“Can you kill enemies with such half-hearted efforts? Push harder!”
“No, loosen the reins more! The horse won’t run like that!”
“But that won’t look cool! That’s right! Women fall for that beautiful form!”
Covered in a deep tan, Layfence instructs the soldiers meticulously, step by step. The seasoned general leads the soldiers’ training every day, taking the front position. According to Kunogen, he used to be even more strict during his younger days, and he says Layfence has mellowed out quite a bit.
“When I enlisted, he was truly terrifying. I even got cut by his sword. But as soon as the training was over, he became gentle and praised us in various ways. That stark contrast was irresistible… Ah, those were the days,” Kunogen reminisced with a distant look and a smile. Perhaps he has a slight sadistic streak.
Our country has only just begun to move, and there are still many areas where we need improvement. Some may question whether I am fit to be a king, but I have no choice but to proceed in my own way. That’s the determination with which I approach each day.
However, I am still unaware that Lamaron is plotting to invade the Agarta territory.