When the mention of the Welharun Empire arose, everyone in the room couldn’t hide their shock, letting out subdued gasps. Even the Emperor, who was known for his characteristic languid and relaxed demeanor, was no exception.
This revelation made one thing clear: even the most pivotal figures in leading the Empire had not caught so much as a whiff of Welharun's schemes.
In other words, while Welharun publicly acted as Heiner's ally, maintaining a facade of friendship, they were secretly hiding their dirty plans. Unfortunately for them, their plot had been uncovered by Theo and Luke.
Theo presented the information he had gathered at the Calum branch succinctly. He described the monsters with unusual traits that could not be found within the Empire, the confession of Benji, who had been captured in Fodina, and how he had used that information to trace the conspiracy back to Welharun.
As Theo continued his explanation, the expressions of the ministers grew increasingly grim.
“So... the criminal organization Nox, which previously collaborated with Membren, has now allied with Welharun... Is this what you’re saying?”
The Finance Minister summarized, and Theo nodded without hesitation.
“More accurately, it seems Welharun chose Nox to threaten Heiner.”
“W-Wait, Commander!”
At that moment, the Foreign Minister cleared his throat, claiming the floor.
“The alliance between Welharun and our Empire has a long history. With the peace treaty firmly in place, it’s undeniable that Welharun is our ally. But now you’re accusing them like this? These are sensitive and dangerous words!”
Theo’s brow furrowed, a rare display of emotion.
“However, the findings from my investigations in the west already provide substantial evidence. I believe I’ve sufficiently explained how Welharun deployed reconnaissance monsters to acquire military and even state-level secrets.”
“L-Let’s be reasonable! Surely, you all recall the Welharun delegation that visited just a few months ago?”
The Foreign Minister referenced the biannual meetings meant to maintain the peace treaty. These gatherings were ceremonial, involving delegations from Heiner and Welharun visiting each other’s emperors to exchange courtesies and updates. Outwardly, they symbolized camaraderie, but their true purpose was mutual vigilance, ensuring neither side harbored ill intentions.
“As the Foreign Minister of Heiner, I personally received their delegation.”
From the moment they arrived until their departure, all arrangements had been managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“They behaved no differently than they have in the past. They didn’t exhibit the slightest hint of insolence or clandestine plotting!”
“That doesn’t prove Welharun’s innocence.”
Theo retorted sharply, causing the Foreign Minister to falter.
“The Commander is correct.”
The Finance Minister sided with Theo, while the Justice Minister, deep in thought, raised a hand.
“If we’re to accept what the Commander has presented, it certainly seems suspicious. However, is the primary informant, who aided in uncovering this, trustworthy?”
The Justice Minister was referring to Benji.
“You can trust the credibility of his statements.”
“Still, isn’t the informant quite young? Having been exposed to such a criminal organization his entire life, his cognitive abilities or morality could be severely compromised. It’s possible Nox brainwashed him.”
“An excellent point!”
It was not an unreasonable concern, and the Foreign Minister clapped in agreement.
Theo had considered this during Benji’s interrogation. However, it had already been confirmed that Benji wasn’t under the influence of any mind-control magic. Moreover, when Benji confessed everything about the leader who had betrayed his comrades—whom he regarded as family—he had been filled with rage. Though he didn’t seem adept at expressing anger, Theo had clearly read the burning emotions of fury, vengeance, and helplessness in the boy’s eyes.
Still, relying on unseen emotions or heartfelt claims as evidence wouldn’t work here. Theo could see the two ministers who had supported him beginning to waver under the Justice Minister’s questioning.
“The informant didn’t cooperate with us out of sheer goodwill. As I’ve explained, he’s a warlock captured during the Membren war who collaborated with us at the cost of his comrades’ lives. If he had been brainwashed, he wouldn’t have been capable of making such a decision.”
“Even so, Commander, that alone isn’t enough to firmly conclude that Welharun has breached the treaty.”
“We traced the magic within the crystal orb the informant possessed and confirmed that the leader of Nox is residing in Welharun. That is irrefutable evidence.”
It was also already proven that they had deployed reconnaissance monsters using Benji.
“B-But couldn’t all this be part of someone else’s ploy...?”
The Foreign Minister glanced around nervously. At that moment, the Chancellor spoke cautiously.
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“Could it be that a third party is intervening to sabotage our alliance with Welharun? If so, targeting Welharun might be premature...”
“Oh, the Chancellor’s suggestion seems most plausible!”
Sensing the shifting mood, the Foreign Minister was nearly dancing with excitement. Theo suppressed a sigh that rose from deep within.
The ministers surrounding Theo were all veterans of the Empire’s history, seasoned by countless affairs of state. With such experience, they had naturally become conservative in their thinking.
Theo suddenly remembered a day when Luke had disparagingly referred to them as "old fogies," prompting an argument. Why was that memory surfacing now? For once, he felt inclined to agree with Luke entirely.
“I understand all your points. They’re valid concerns.”
The Foreign Minister sneered at Theo as he spoke.
“However, the facts I uncovered in Calum are also undeniable.”
To someone like Theo, a soldier through and through, it was incomprehensible why they were so reluctant to act when all the evidence pointed in the same direction.
“At the very least, I believe we must confirm the truth and address it accordingly. Surely, we won’t let such a critical issue slide simply out of diplomatic caution.”
Theo directed his gaze squarely at the Foreign Minister, who flinched under the sharp stare and coughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
“Hmm...”
The Emperor’s murmur cut through the tension, silencing the room. Everyone, including Theo, watched as the Emperor furrowed his brow in thought.
“Y-Your Majesty.”
The Foreign Minister cleared his throat and spoke up.
“The alliance with Welharun is of utmost importance to our Empire. If they were to learn of our meddling, it could fracture the trust between our nations. Moreover, the current Emperor of Welharun is known to detest conflict and warfare. How could such baseless suspicions...”
The Foreign Minister glanced at Theo, but Theo held his ground.
“However, we all know the Welharun Emperor is not in good health.”
The Emperor’s blunt remark made everyone cough awkwardly and glance around.
“Y-Your Majesty... Such language during an official meeting...”
“Haha, what of it? It’s just us here. As long as you all keep quiet.”
Cedric Roelard.
Theo knew the reputation the Emperor held in the palace. A quirky ruler who, despite his noble lineage, often stunned people with his unpredictable words and actions.
Even as a prince, he had once left behind a brief note announcing his departure, throwing the palace into chaos. Later, it was discovered he had disguised himself as a common soldier and fought in border skirmishes.
Yet, his eccentricity had not hindered his reign. In fact, the Empire had entered a new golden age under his rule. Theo knew better than to underestimate him—such people were often the most dangerous.
“The Welharun atmosphere has changed significantly since the crown prince began acting as regent. I find the Commander’s claims credible.”
“B-But Your Majesty...”
“Of course, that’s just my intuition.”
The Emperor smiled as he interrupted the Foreign Minister, who quickly bowed in apology.
“I acknowledge the Justice Minister’s concerns about insufficient evidence and the risks of harming diplomatic relations. All your points are valid.”
Theo grew wary of what conclusion the Emperor might reach.
“Am I not a wise ruler for considering everyone’s opinions?”
The Emperor laughed heartily, and the ministers, except Theo, followed with awkward chuckles.
“But attempting to uncover our Empire’s secrets cannot go unanswered.”
The Emperor’s gaze settled on Theo, his smile unwavering.
“Commander, as your Emperor, I issue you a decree.”