Chapter 178 For a definite ending (4)
My head is spinning.
Is this real or is it a dream.
Marquis Benedict, who had enjoyed unparalleled power just 15 days ago, looked ahead with a blank face.
“Tell me a solution!”
“Is there any solution? It’s already over. It’s no wonder that Baron Winston’s army has been utterly destroyed and Benedict’s castle has fallen at any moment. Didn’t the imperial faction suddenly cut off contact as soon as they heard the news? The only way to survive even now is to open the city gates and surrender!”
“Surrender! Does that make sense?!”
There was an uproar.
People who had never raised their voices, centered on Marquis Benedict, now blushed at each other without even noticing.
It was a truly depressing situation.
At one time, I thought that the aristocrats were the future of Cairo, but when I faced the crisis, I felt that they were more like a sandcastle than the Cairo royal family.
It was then.
Quaang!
“Everyone stop! Now is not the time for this.”
It was Viscount Owen.
The aristocratic faction swallowed their words even though they flinched at his action of hitting the table.
“As you said, we are driven to the edge of a precipice. But surrender is absolutely impossible. It has not been officially revealed, but according to information leaked from the northeast region, there is a saying that Roman Dmitri was involved in Barco’s extinction. Not only that, but even if you look at the steps you’ve shown so far, Roman Dmitri has shown that he thoroughly tramples on the forces that are hostile to him. It means that it is different from the weak and frail king. But what if you open the city gates to him? Ordinary soldiers will save their lives, but it is certain that all of our leaders will be decapitated.”
“… So what are you going to do? The mana stones to maintain the magic defense are also almost running out.”
“you’re right. Two or three days at the most. In that we need to turn things around.”
I saw Marquis Benedict.
Looking at him who was still confused, Viscount Owen spoke in a firm voice.
“Marquis Benedict. The Imperial faction is not the only force that can solve our problems. Why not skip them and work directly with the Empire?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a fight that’s over anyway. Rather than waiting for the day to die like this, it is more important to survive even if it means becoming a subject country. The Kronos Empire will never refuse our offer. Those who have always wanted to use Cairo as a bridgehead for conquest of the continent will unconditionally accept our offer of sacrifice. The situation where all the leaders of the imperial faction were dragged away. Now is your last chance to convince the Empire.”
Marquis Benedict’s eyes came to life.
yet.
The war is not over.
Now that Benedict’s Castle hadn’t collapsed, this was their last chance to sell their hand at a high price.
The trouble was short-lived.
The decision to sell the country was such a light concern.
“Contact Kronos right now. I will negotiate with them myself.”
* * *
Magic communication was immediately established.
When Baron Charlton, a member of the Kronos Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed his face, Marquis Benedict spoke straight to the point.
“I think you already know our situation. Please save the noble faction. If you help us destroy the Cairo royal family, we will pledge allegiance to Kronos from now on, claiming to be a vassal state.”
There was no pretense.
I didn’t tremble with vain arrogance when I lowered my head.
[…] … Hmm. I’m sorry, but there are already forces following the Kronos Empire in the Cairo Kingdom. Isn’t it an open fact that it was Count Gregory? If we choose a scarecrow to rule the Cairo royal family, we should consider Count Gregory for his hard work, not you, Marquis Benedict.]
“Yes, I know. But things are different now.”
It gave strength to the voice.
There was no way to prevent the invasion of Cairo’s demons unless they were persuaded.
“The Cairo royal family started a purge with Roman Dmitri at the fore. As a start, Count Gregory and Count Denver, who followed the Empire, were first captured. Do you think they will get out safely? The moment the aristocratic faction that follows me collapses, their lives are no different from the end. Roman Dmitri will surely take this opportunity to take full control of Cairo, and then the Empire will not be allowed to break through. So I’m saying let’s use each other. If Cronus shows a little mercy, the aristocratic faction will bring the Cairo royal family to their knees as agents of the empire. Later, when the Continental Conquest was declared, the Cairo Kingdom would be willing to sacrifice itself for the Cronus Empire.”
Continent Conquest.
It is a decision that requires sacrifice.
However, if Kronos remains as the victor, in fact only the soldiers will die, and the leaders will be able to maintain power.
at last.
I staked the kingdom as collateral.
For his own survival, Marquis Benedict did not hesitate at all to become a traitor.
“It is a choice that will not change much for the Kronos Empire. Gregory to Benedict. The only difference is the people who sacrifice for the Kronos Empire, and the Empire only needs to take the fruits of our business.”
[You’re really enjoying what you’re saying.]
Baron Charlton grinned.
Marquis Benedict saw the essence.
In fact, it was not so important who occupied the kingdom, which was only a bridgehead for the Cronus Empire.
when needed.
who will do what is needed.
It didn’t matter if it was Benedict and not Gregory.
[In fact, we were also very disappointed in the situation in which Count Gregory was impotently imprisoned. Although we have supported them so far, they have not been able to use their advantage at all. Say it once. What do you want Cronus to do?]
“Please attack the Western Front.”
[Kuh-kuh-kuh Are you asking us to attack your country now?]
“Yes. As always, please send a warning message to the Cairo royal family beyond just the first line of deterrence. To prove that the Kronos Empire and the aristocracy have joined forces. If you show an aggressive move on the western front, we’ll take care of the rest.”
didn’t ask for much
The mere fact that the Kronos Empire sided with the aristocrats would give Marquis Benedict a breather.
Once there will be a reason to bring back the imperialists who have turned away from difficulties, and if they threaten the Cairo royal family based on this fact, they will not be able to continue attacking Benedict Castle.
As long as I stayed silent.
They would think that troops coming from the Western Front might capture the royal family.
It was a reasonable suggestion.
Even during the conflict with the Kingdom Alliance, attacking the Western Front was not too difficult for Cronus.
[All right. I accept your offer.]
Authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It was such an easy matter that it didn’t even require the emperor’s permission.
Baron Charlton’s answer At once, Cairo, a small country, fell into great chaos.
* * *
Only 12 hours.
Immediately after Cronus accepted the offer, the imperial army invaded the western front, causing a hell of chaos.
3 barriers.
Two of them were pierced.
Unlike usual, the movement to attack the third block line also caught fire in the Cairo royal family.
said Simon.
“… Currently, the Kronos Empire is regrouping and preparing to attack the third line of defense. If even that place is penetrated, the Kronos Empire’s army will come to Cairo’s territory. Your Majesty the King. Please give me an order. We must somehow stop the Imperial Army from the Western Front.”
this attack.
It was a sudden disaster with no justification.
It could be criticized later through the international community, but the problem was a tragedy that was happening right in front of our eyes.
It was then.
“A communication request has come in from Marquis Benedict.”
I couldn’t refuse.
empire movement.
It is highly likely that it originated from the aristocracy, so Daniel Cairo connected the communication with a cold expression.
beyond the screen.
The face of Marquis Benedict appeared.
[It’s been a while, Your Majesty the King.]
“What the hell is this? No matter how disadvantageous you are, you are bringing the Empire into trouble within the Kingdom!”
[We couldn’t help it. Roman Dmitri has put pressure on you to the point of suffocating, but shouldn’t you survive somehow? Listen carefully from now on. The noble faction joined hands with the Kronos Empire. For that reason, the Cronus Empire attacked the western front, and while the kingdom’s army was taking time with Benedict Castle in front of their eyes, the territory of Cairo would be wiped out.] It was a ferocious voice
.
The person who lowered his head showed sharp teeth with an arrogant face.
[The Kronos Empire has always coveted Cairo. We have given them a reason to intervene in civil war and it is only a matter of time before Cairo falls. What do you think would be different if Roman Dmitri took Benedict’s Castle? Finally, we will give you a chance to choose. If you promise to be satisfied with the role of the scarecrow, as you have been, I will finish this task by amputating His Majesty’s limbs. Well, I’ll save you a royal night. If you don’t be more greedy, Your Majesty the King can live a long, long life as King of Cairo. That’s my last consideration considering the affection I’ve had so far.]
The king’s seat?
It didn’t matter.
No matter who is called the king, people will think that the Marquis Benedict is the ruler of Cairo.
So it opened the way for me to live.
The offer to spare the King of Cairo, rather than push the opponent to the end and force them to fight to the death, led to an infighting with Dmitry. That was enough. While the indecisive king was unable to make a choice and was in chaos, Marquis Benedict was confident of overturning the game.
[This is a problem that has ended since the Kronos Empire began. Your Majesty the King. This is your last chance. I hope you think carefully and make a wise decision.]
Tuk.
Communication was lost.
The face of the missing Marquis Benedict.
Daniel Cairo couldn’t hide his miserable expression at this one-sided conversation.
* * *
Royal Palace Conference Room.
fell into silence
No one was quick to say anything.
If you choose a desperate fight, the royal family will be destroyed, but if you choose the opposite, forces like Dmitri who followed the royal family will be wiped out.
It was a matter of choice.
Marquis Benedict cruelly provoked infighting in the hope that he could survive.
Benedict.
He was once called my maternal uncle.
A person born of the same blood has now pushed himself to the edge of a precipice.
‘My situation is truly miserable.’
seat of the king.
Daniel Cairo never wanted to.
It was a reality he had to accept because he was born into royalty, and the power he occupied at a young age meant nothing.
Scarecrow King.
It was his reality.
With the help of Roman Dmitri, he tried to steer Cairo in the right direction, but Marquis Benedict dragged a monster he couldn’t handle.
What if I had killed him without giving him a choice?
Even if his head was blown off by Cronus, Daniel Cairo would have accepted the reality calmly.
‘If I abandon Dmitri, I can survive.’
but.
What does that mean?
Even if he maintains a modest life, as a scarecrow, he will have to live a life that moves according to what others tell him to do.
‘Even if I help Dmitri defeat the aristocrats, my power is not guaranteed. Dmitri will form a force comparable to the royal family, and maybe remain as another scarecrow. I, Daniel Cairo, was destined to live as a scarecrow. If that’s an unavoidable reality, I want to make a choice for the kingdom no matter what my life turns out to be.’
Benedict.
He is a traitor who sold his country.
Rather than surviving as his scarecrow, he wanted to at least represent Dmitri’s words about the kingdom’s future.
messy life.
Accepted reality.
Even though he did not have the ability to turn a weak country into a strong one, he trusted and followed his values in the options given to him.
“Simon.”
“yes.”
made a choice
Cairo royal family.
“Contact Roman Dmitri right away.”
Although he will remain as a weak and incompetent king, he will not be recorded in history as a traitor.
