King Edmaris of the Kingdom of Palmas frowned upon receiving the report. Currently, a change had occurred in the trade situation surrounding the Kingdom of Palmas. Normally, it would take at least a year of long-term analysis to notice any significant changes in trade profits, but this time, the change was too abrupt.
King Palmas could be said to have a monopoly on trade with the Dwarf Kingdom due to its geographical position. The advantage of being able to trade directly without passing through dangerous sea or land routes allowed him to impose high taxes on imported goods and sell them, thus earning substantial profits. However, this was not enough to satisfy him, and he also imposed tariffs on the transportation of goods abroad, which became the starting point of the problem.
By making it mandatory to sell all imported goods domestically, the profits would increase even further, according to the advice of the minister in charge of the economy. Initially, this led to an increase in adventurers entering the country and a rise in sales. However, sales began to plummet sharply after a certain point. Within a month, the decrease in sales was evident, and he quickly ordered an investigation into the cause.
The damage was not limited to the sales of imported goods. Merchants who came to buy goods domestically and adventurers who stayed in the country also disappeared. This created a significant problem for inns and shops that benefited from the presence of adventurers.
This was not a problem that could be ignored. The report he received was shocking: "It seems a new village has been established in the Jura Great Forest, and more surprisingly, it is a village inhabited by monsters."
This was an impossible story. The activation of monsters was a concern due to the disappearance of Veldra, and the Jura Great Forest was home to a large number of monsters. While the threat from most of them was relatively low, there were also B-rank and higher monsters among them.
Building a village in such a dangerous place would require considerable power. Even the surrounding villages that had managed to escape the habitat of monsters spent a significant amount of resources on defense. Moreover, the idea of a village inhabited by monsters was unprecedented.
The story of the village being founded by monsters was hard to believe. However, it was reported that the village was inhabited by goblins and orcs that had evolved to resemble humans. According to the report, all the goblins had evolved into hobgoblins and were now speaking human languages and conducting business. The orcs had evolved into high orcs, possessing wisdom and skills, and were organizing construction teams to maintain roads.
This was an unbelievable story. Naturally occurring evolved individuals appeared only once every few years and were immediately targeted for extermination due to their exceptional abilities. There had never been a report of evolved individuals appearing in the past few hundred years.
However, it was impossible to think that the spy's report was false. The problem was not the existence of the village but the fact that a village had been established. A land route connecting the Dwarf Kingdom and the small kingdom of Brumund would be formed, running straight through the Jura Great Forest. Moreover, there was a possibility that it could become a safe trade route.
This was not a matter to be ignored. If this were allowed, the geographical advantage that the Kingdom of Palmas possessed would be lost. For a country that heavily relied on trade, this could become a matter of survival.
Due to the presence of the Dwarf Kingdom, the industrial level of the Kingdom of Palmas was low. It had no special products or resources to produce. While it had enough agricultural output to prevent its citizens from starving, it could not generate enough tax revenue to fill the national treasury. The country relied on tourism and trade to increase its revenue.
Until now, the route through the Kingdom of Palmas had been the safest and most prosperous due to the threat of Veldra. The disappearance of Veldra was expected to be a concern at least 300 years from now. Therefore, the country had not yet considered any long-term strategies.
"Now, what should we do...?"
No one responded to the king's question. This was an emergency meeting, and the same report had been distributed to everyone. The gathered individuals were high-ranking nobles involved in the administration of the country and key figures in the economy. They were well aware that the loss of trade profits with the Dwarf Kingdom would significantly weaken the country.
Everyone thought the same thing, even if they did not say it aloud. If they spoke up, they would have to take full responsibility. This prevented them from speaking.
"We should invade and destroy the village!"
The country could mobilize a maximum of 100,000 troops, but the opponent was evolved monsters. Ordinary soldiers would not be enough. Trained knights or mercenaries would be necessary. If the purpose was to defeat them, amateurs would not be considered.
To avoid increasing the number of unnecessary casualties, the king considered the number of soldiers with actual combat experience. There were about 20,000, mostly mercenaries. The number of knights under the state's jurisdiction was around 10,000, but if all the knights from the regions were mobilized, it would be around 5,000.
The number of monsters in the village was estimated to be around 10,000, but some might be working on construction or out of the village. Individually, they might not be as powerful as equipped knights, and it was assumed that some of them could fight.
Thus, it was difficult to suppress the village with only state knights. To ensure a certain victory, at least 10,000 regular troops would be needed.
If the invasion were to be announced, the lack of troops would need to be addressed, and the financial responsibility would fall on the proposer. The high-ranking nobles present did not want to lose their interests but also did not want to incur losses. Their thoughts were in agreement on this point.
The king could read the thoughts of the high-ranking nobles as clearly as the palm of his hand. The military power and funds needed for a certain victory, as well as the adventurers residing in the monster village, were significant concerns. Measures needed to be taken to make them allies.
No one would support the invasion without some benefit. However, if a benefit could be offered, the situation might change.
If the monster village were conquered and the right to govern it recognized, the surviving monsters could be enslaved, and the village could be incorporated into the kingdom. This would allow the Kingdom of Palmas to acquire new territory and the benefits of the Jura Great Forest. Additionally, the defense could be entrusted to the monsters, and the new trade route would bring in revenue. It was a win-win situation.
Most importantly, there was a material that captivated the king: a textile. It was said to be obtained from the village, and its texture was incomparable to any fabric he had seen before. It was made from the cocoon of the Hellmoth, a highly dangerous monster. The idea of using its cocoon was unthinkable, but the quality of the fabric was undeniable.
The king was determined to obtain the manufacturing method and make it a specialty of the country. All of this would be possible if the village were conquered.
The king was trying to suppress his desire, which was distorting his face. The problem was the conquest itself. The king had a plan.
Recently, he received a message from Cardinal Nicolaus Schupletz of the Holy Church. It was an urgent letter sent through magical communication, detailing the situation of the monster village and offering assistance.
King Edmaris knew Cardinal Nicolaus. He was a man of sound judgment and had no interest in anything that would harm the church. The fact that he initiated the conversation suggested that something was amiss.
The letter suggested sending an envoy for consultation, as he was an expert on monsters. This was surprising, as the Holy Church rarely moved without a request, especially if there was no significant threat.
Thus, King Edmaris concluded that the monster village was perceived as a threat or something else. For the Holy Church, the coexistence of humans and monsters was undesirable. The church lacked a just cause to exterminate non-hostile monsters, but if a country requested assistance, it could send an army without hesitation.
Indeed, Cardinal Nicolaus's intention was to provide support, and King Edmaris was certain of this. If the church could supplement the country's military shortcomings, the battle could be won. Moreover, it would be a holy war, and leading it to victory would bring him great honor.
This would strengthen his position and suppress the high-ranking nobles. To achieve this, he needed to create a situation where he could not be blamed for proposing the plan.
This meeting was a staged performance. He looked around at the high-ranking nobles, confirming that no one was willing to speak. This created the atmosphere that he needed to step forward.
The time had come.
"I wanted to ask for your help, but perhaps the burden is too heavy..."
As he spoke, two nobles, Duke Mura and Count Helman, who led the noble factions, opposed the idea.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, the monster village has already begun trading with adventurers. It seems the Kingdom of Brumund is backing it. If we interfere, it might be..."
"Indeed. Moreover, with the cooperation of the Dwarf Kingdom's blacksmiths, they are developing independent technology. If we mobilize our troops, the neighboring countries will not look kindly upon it..."
The king, suppressing his frustration, asked, "Then, what do you suggest?"
The eyes of the neighboring countries would not be a problem if the Holy Church provided support. However, if he revealed this, the quick-thinking nobles would volunteer. The village was intended to be under the king's direct control, and he did not want to share its wealth with the nobles.
Duke Mura and Count Helman looked at each other.
"Perhaps we should send an envoy? If we establish relations with the village, the threat of monsters would be eliminated, and it would be beneficial. While trade profits might decrease in the short term, redirecting defense funds to tourism could attract visitors from other countries. Additionally, emphasizing our safety would enhance trade with the Dwarf Kingdom."
Duke Mura spoke, and Count Helman nodded in agreement.
Their suggestion had merit. The village could replace the defense that was necessary after Veldra's disappearance. There was no reason to destroy it. However, if it established a new trade route and stole the country's profits, it would be a different matter.
Duke Mura and Count Helman, whose territories bordered the forest and had good relations with the Kingdom of Brumund, opposed the idea. They might have received bribes from Brumund, but regardless, the king had made his decision.
The king's mind was filled with the wealth and fame that would soon be his.
"I understand your concerns. However, can these monsters be trusted? Who will guarantee that they will not attack humans in the future? Are you willing to take responsibility for the lives and property of my beloved citizens? They are monsters, and we cannot predict their actions. Are your thoughts not too shallow?"
The two nobles turned pale and could not respond. It was natural. How could they trust non-humans? Even if a representative of the village's king signed a contract, it could not be trusted. If they were betrayed, it would be a disaster.
The king's words created a chilling effect. The nobles' documents did not mention the reliability of the monsters, and this was a deliberate omission to prevent opposition.
After confirming that no other high-ranking nobles opposed the idea, the king decided to lead the expedition himself. Thus, the Kingdom of Palmas decided to mobilize its troops to conquer the monster village "Tempest."
After the high-ranking nobles left, a eunuch brought in a man named Rehim, an envoy from Cardinal Nicolaus.
"You have come at a good time, envoy. We have decided to mobilize our troops."
"That is excellent news. The cardinal will be pleased!"
"There were some stubborn opponents, but I managed to persuade them."
"Of course. However, it is a lack of faith to protect monsters. Should we deal with them?"
"No, that is not necessary. More importantly..."
After the formalities, the king discussed the mobilization of the Kingdom of Palmas and the Holy Church's support and reinforcements. The envoy agreed to send 3,000 specialized monster hunters and 1,000 official knights of the Holy Church, equipped with holy swords.
These were elite forces, and even evolved monsters would not stand a chance. The king was relieved. With 5,000 of his own cavalry and 4,000 from the Holy Church, plus 3,000 mercenaries, the total would be over 12,000 specialized troops. They would not lose to 10,000 monster soldiers, including females.
With this, the king would gain the fame of a hero after the holy war. The cost to the Holy Church would be worth the wealth he would gain.
The secret discussion between the king and the envoy continued for a long time. Driven by ambition and jealousy, disaster would soon befall Tempest.