King
Chapter 692 - 692 13 Undercurrents_2

692: Chapter 13, Undercurrents_2 692: Chapter 13, Undercurrents_2 Given Caesar III’s style, he would likely choose to ally with various powers in such situations.”

Foreign Minister Hessus said solemnly.

After the war against the Orcs ended and the three major countries of the Northern Continent fell into decline, the Frank Kingdom seized their interest.

But now, if these forces unite, the situation will be different.

Many small countries may not be powerful, but that doesn’t mean they lack talented individuals.

Occasionally, there are Alchemy Masters, Magic Potioners, and Arcanists…which is very likely.

These people may not get much attention scattered amongst various powers, but once concentrated, the power they can unleash becomes extraordinary.

What if this moment becomes an opportunity for the major powers of the Northern Continent to establish a military alliance?

The entire situation on the Continent of Aslante would change.

Thinking about this, Caesar III felt some regret that he crippled the Orc Empire.

However, this regret didn’t last long.

While uniting in words is easy, it becomes incredibly difficult when it comes to actual implementation.

Once faced with the threat of the Orcs, all major powers couldn’t unite, hence it’s even less likely now.

“There’s no need to worry too much, although Caesar III’s tactics are formidable, the powers of the Northern Continent are no pushover either.

Considering the current state of the Alpha Kingdom, they don’t have the ability to unify the others.

They could briefly unite when their interests align.

But once this bond of benefit disappears, their alliance would quickly crumble.

It takes more than a day or two to create a Magical Beast Legion.

We spent decades reaching our current level.

They are already behind because they are just starting to get involved now.

At present, our real opponents are still the Clergy, and then the powerful countries of the continent such as Iberia.”

Charles III laughed.

In his view, during the time when the Orc threat was most severe, Caesar III couldn’t unite the countries of the Northern Continent, so there’s even less chance now.

The fragmented Northern Continent poses no threat to the Frank Kingdom.

A little attention is enough, there’s no need to waste too much energy on them.

“Your Majesty, the internal organization ability of the Alpha Kingdom far surpasses the other countries of the continent, so we can’t underestimate them.

At this time, it’s best to give them some trouble to deal with, so as to delay their plans as much as possible.

Considering the current international situation, we can fully let the Clergy be the bad guy.

I guess Shelter VII won’t mind being a knife for us.”

Chancellor Bergson reminded.

Any competitors must be suppressed.

Occasional alliances are just for the sake of interests.

When interests conflict, we shouldn’t hesitate to play dirty.

“Does the Chancellor mean to act on their debts?”

Charles III asked hesitantly.

The current continental situation is generally stable, and the major powers of the human race are busy with immigration and development of the plains, so it’s not easy to stir up trouble.

Merely sowing discord would not disrupt a potential northern alliance.

Even if some fools are tricked, the impact wouldn’t be significant if there are fewer participants.

The best choice is to directly attack the Alpha Kingdom and keep them busy, in order to delay their plan to create a Magical Beast Legion.

“Your Majesty, the debt problem certainly is a difficulty for the Alpha Kingdom, but it’s not enough.

If we attack on this issue, they could probably withstand the crisis, and in the end, the Moxi Duchy, which faces a more severe crisis, would be the most likely to suffer.

According to the information we have collected, Caesar III’s health has been in trouble for several years, and he even survived an assassination attempt last year, so it is likely that he is just barely hanging on now.

Under normal circumstances, he might only live another two or three years, then he’ll meet the Lord of the Dawn.

If something happens to upset him, this time may be even shorter.

For example: a problem with the successor.

The Clergy is very experienced in this area.

All we need to do is push a little in the dark, and they should handle the situation well.”

“If Caesar III were to pass away and the debt crisis were to erupt at the same time, no one would have the mind to carry on with the Magical Beast Legion plan.”

Chancellor Bergson spoke calmly.

He originally had no intention of undermining the Alpha Kingdom, yet the rapid alignment of forces across the Northern Continent revealed a potential threat.

Should an alliance led by the Alpha Kingdom form among the forces of the Northern Continent, it would add to the continent another top-tier power capable of rivaling the Frank Kingdom.

As the Chancellor of Frank Kingdom, for the sake of national interests, he had no choice but to take a heavy hand against the Alpha Kingdom.

In a stretch too far to commit regicide, infuriating Caesar III to death was instead an option free of pressure.

Especially considering that he wouldn’t have to dirty his own hands.

Simply using someone else to do the deed would see his plan fulfilled.

After a slight hesitation, Charles III nodded in agreement.

The scheme was indeed a bit despicable, but as long as no one knew it was their doing, it would suffice.

They could even extend a helping hand to the Alpha Kingdom after the fact, earning themselves a significant favor.

…

Hudson’s involvement threw an entire pot of boiling oil onto the already heated discussion, sending the atmosphere soaring to a climax.

When it came to tangible benefits, disputes were unavoidable.

Hudson, the core of this plan, should have been in a dominant position, but he opted instead to play the role of a bystander.

However, even the best drama grows tiresome after extensive exposure.

After enduring it for over ten days, Hudson, unable to bear it any longer, finally erupted.

“Gentlemen, according to my observations, Mister Maxim is already showing signs of entering his mating season.

I’m worried if a group of female beasts were to be sent over now, he could possibly mate immediately.

If we continue to delay like this, we might miss this chance.

Everyone should come up with a solution as soon as possible!”

He simply had to erupt, given the great expense of the lavish feasts held daily for the large group gathered here.

Were it not for the generous gifts bestowed upon him by everyone, Hudson suspected he may not have been able to resist downgrading the level of hospitality.

As it turns out, Hudson had found an extremely effective argument.

Upon hearing that the giant dragon was about to enter its mating season, the crowd that had been arguing incessantly instantly wore solemn expressions.

This was especially the case for representatives of more distant powers, whose faces fell even further.

Although they were prepared with female beasts ahead of time, who could assure that they would definitely catch the mating season in time?

If they missed the mating period, any female beasts sent to the dragon would merely be a snack for him.

In this regard, dragons were notoriously fickle—charming one moment, and refusing any female beast the next.

“Earl Hudson, are you certain of this news?

Is Mister Maxim really about to enter his mating season?”

The Grand Duke Newfoundland asked nervously.

Due to geographical factors, the Alpha Kingdom had the fastest progress.

Some female beasts had already been sent over, but it still wasn’t enough.

All the major powers within the kingdom had dispatched men deep into the area inhabited by magical beasts, continuously searching for female beasts suitable for mating.

The Mercenary Guild was continuously setting new records with the bounty for finding female beasts.

“Your Grace, as you know, I am a mage.

I’ve conducted a bit of research on the signs of a dragon’s mating season.

According to my observations, Mister Maxim is indeed entering his mating period.

If everyone intends to breed with him, you should act quickly.

As for the details of the dispute, we can discuss that later.

Anyway, our cooperation this time is for the long term, and it will not end after a single mating.”

Hudson answered solemnly.

This was not a lie.

Ever since his grand wedding, Maxim had been behaving differently, incessantly murmuring by his ear about finding a female dragon.

For this reason, he was often ridiculed by Belsden.

However, no matter how much he was mocked, it did not change his longing for spring.

As for this change, Hudson was more than happy to see it.

This was the red dragon entering his own state; Hudson did not use any potions.

Even if something happened later on, he would not feel guilty at all.