Should Three Swords manage to not only protect but eliminate 90% of the combatants, their martial prowess would tower over all others. Once the kingdoms knew that they were Dylan's allies anyone on the fence would grant him their support.
Even if they did not like him, they would show support just so Hiro's battle harem do not attack them. With the support of so many kingdoms even if he did not have a lot of allies among the nobles the pressure Rhyne's side needed to deal with would be immense.
In the feudal ages, there were very few kingdoms that maintained armies. That's because any hand training would a blade would not be able to farmland.
Thus in proportion to strengthening a kingdom's army, they would lose possible produce. The battle harems solved this as they were an army that rarely needed salaries.
They fought not because of coin but devotion. Well, that was ideally the case. Battle harems for hire similar to mercenary guilds also existed as a minority.
Anyone would with half a brain would notice, if Three Swords consistently defended Dylan's allies but murdered those from Rhyne, their affiliation would become clear. Even as a mercenary or ally, most would need to be careful.
Gulping in nervousness the prince had his excitement force the blood in his body to run faster. While he made peace with rebuilding Partisan, he had yet to forget what he owed Rhyne's husband. Having their people massacred by the hundreds in one day would certainly throw a wrench in her plans.
"Can you do it?"
Hiro then smiled a wide grin as he answered. "What do you think?"
Vesna then argued out of concern. "Sir Hiro, while I appreciate such a show of force wouldn't it be harder for you all? The number of groups that would hunt for your people would be vicious. You would all be in danger! Killing just half would already be a great boon. If you take too many lives Shani would enact retribution on you."
The blonde empress of heavenly sword chuckled as she thanked Vesna. "Lady Vesna thank you for your concern for our family. But one only worries about such things if one plans to rub elbows with them. They cannot harm us, after the BHR we will be heaving to the other empires so what they do is of no consequence."
Raylene also added with vigor. "Not to mention such a resolution is required to counter that biatch's plans. If they see how strong we are, none of the kingdoms would start wars immediately. At least until they know where we are in fear of retaliation. Thus for the greater good, such as a show of force would naturally be required."
"Even if we didn't do it we would still be hunted because we are your husband's ally. Why bother trying to make peace when you would be at war either way." Declared Jei in an emotional manner.
Dylan's women suddenly grew embarrassed. What the empresses of heavenly sword said was a fact. No matter what they did they would already be targeted simply because they aligned themselves with the crown prince.
Unaccustomed to such black-and-white morality only Talvi understood Lene, Jei, and Nessa's points of view. Rather than wait to be attacked, a common tactic in psychological warfare was to beat up someone to the point that they fear even picking up a sword.
In this manner, you win not just one battle, but all future battles simultaneously. Fighting with only a single person and staying in all four matches sent only one message. "We are not on the same level."
Add to that how they plan to murder everyone else and you have the equivalent of a mind grenade. Once it went off, everyone would be wary of the flag with Three Swords.
And as they would leave the empire, anyone looking for trouble would be halted into inaction all because of fear. If they acted big only to meet Hiro's battle harem their kingdoms might be turned to dust.
The prince who knew what Rhyne intended grew amazed at Hiro's response. His plan of action aimed to defeat her at every level. From influence, mind games even continental politics. If he could capitalize on the actions of the butcher's group it would catapult him over Rhyne.
Eventually, Hiro's group ended their breakfast and prepared to head towards the BHR arenas. Alan and Xing bowed in reverence to their master. Dylan on the other hand praised and wish his ally victory in battle.
"Hiro, give 'em hell." While reaching out his hand the prince smiled at the reliable ally he found by choice.
The butcher smiled back with a goofy grin as he answered. "Stay awesome Dylan, you will have a lot of work to do once the first matches end. Enjoy this time well."
"Indeed. Stay awesome my friend."
Hiro then looked at Alan and Xing as he wondered in amusement. "I'm guessing you two would be betting on the matches as well."
The couple smiled as they nodded. The merchant couldn't help but explain in eagerness.
"The match odds are 50 to one if you guess the winner of each round. Xing and I would be putting a significant sum on all of you, so fight well or else I would go bankrupt."
In response, Tsugumi quipped in irritation. "Tsk. Mr. Alan, you are so full of shit. With the monopoly you got from the apocalyptic materials and the products Vanessa-Nee-sama put out, you are already one of the richest men in the empire. Bankrupt my foot!"
Unable to disprove her claim the merchant simply laughed in joy. Xing similarly giggled as she explained. "Please forgive him Lady Tsugumi, Alan has been in an extremely good mood due to the successful launch of the Verdant Golden Shower group. Each one of Lady Vanessa's products is revolutionary as well as simple to produce."
In line with Nessa's plans she worked with Alan to create a shell company called the Verdant Golden Shower group. Alan formed a merchant association network to distribute the products the blonde empress came up with.
Affordable Soaps, decorated scented candles, lace clothing, and ready-to-wear shirts. Each idea more revolutionary that the last. The VGS opened up shop just a month ago and in two months became an overnight sensation.
When knowledge is power, some wars do not even need to be fought with enough insight. As the one providing the know-how in business, Alan got a healthy commission for each of his contributions from Vanessa.
Due to it's success the merchant left the slavery business and now became VGS's operations manager. So much so that he started being called Midas.
The products VGS sold seemed inconsequential but everything became a profitable business under his leadership. While all his peers looked on in envy Alan knew he was just getting started.
With his insider info Alan planned to monopolize the winnings for the BHS match betting scene as much as possible. Dylan, quickly pulled out a sack of money and passed it on to Alan.
Humorously, Talvi, Leto, Vesna even Autumn gave him their wallets as well. When heavenly sword saw such a skit they all began laughing in earnest. Money was money no matter how one earned it. Choosing to now take advantage of a situation when you can is the epitome of foolishness.
Afterwards Hiro took his battle harem and reported to the Arena's like their plan each member of heavenly sword and sword dynasty reported to a different arena.
At exactly 9:00 the crowds all cheered as a girl's voice filled the skies all over the city.
"GOOOD MORRRRNINNNG PAAARTISSSANNN! This is Lola! Your BHR Mascot and Announcer! HOW ARE YOU ALL?! ARE YOU READY????! LET'S GET READY TO RUUUUMMBBBBBLLLEEEE!!!"
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