While the exact ecology of the parasites remained a mystery, it was undeniable that they were manipulating their hosts.
That meant that as long as we could resolve the parasite issue, victory would be within our grasp.
The Empire had a long history of suffering at the hands of unknown parasites during every planetary colonization. In other words, we were exceptionally proficient at investigating them.
From identifying commonalities to developing treatments and prevention methods, we had plenty of countermeasures at our disposal.
...Honestly, was the Empire’s medical technology a bit too advanced? Then again, this was the same country that could create a Jester.
At any rate, we found a commonality.
[Children are not infected.]
This was despite the fact that children usually have weaker immune systems. I didn’t know the reason yet.
We were also able to estimate the regions with high infection rates. We ran experiments on the optimal breeding temperatures for captured mosquitoes, as well as humidity levels and egg-laying conditions. Then, we extrapolated from the weather data provided by Latarnia.
When we tested the theory on a planet owned by Latarnia, the results were mostly accurate. We shared this information with them, announcing it as a joint research project.
Apparently, there had been a bit of a stir within Latarnia. Some were shouting, "How are we supposed to pay back a debt like this?! We can't possibly repay the Empire!!!"
Maybe it had been a mistake not to demand a quid pro quo?
I spent the night thinking it over and consulted with Wifey. Eventually, we signed a [Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Academic Research Cooperation] with Latarnia.
We would conduct joint research with the Imperial University, covering both the humanities and the sciences.
It was fine. Private companies held the weapon manufacturing technology, and Latarnia wasn’t asking for it anyway, nor were they releasing their own secrets. Both nations were home to people with troublesome dispositions, so we understood that particular sense of distance.
Besides, it would make things easier for everyone if they studied our laws and culture—the Empire’s instruction manual, so to speak.
The Empire had no intention of launching a religious invasion. Even Imperial citizens only really engaged with religion during funerals, local festivals, and the New Year. The risk of a new cult religion spontaneously appearing in some unknown corner of the world was much more dangerous.
Since this was presented as a form of repayment, even the factions within Latarnia that viewed Imperial culture as a threat held their tongues. Even the group behind the idiotic campaign to ban gummy candy had quieted down.
...Admit it, you lot actually love gummy candy, don't you?
Well, it seemed we were now being positioned as a [Model Nation] within Latarnia. At most, a few foolish Onee-sans were arrested. As for the former males, there hadn't been any trouble so far. Since Latarnians were prone to trouble at night establishments anyway, it seemed our people were considered relatively well-behaved.
Now that we had succeeded in Latarnia, it was time for the Taikyoku Nation.
The Taikyoku Nation seemed to have an Emperor, just like us. Since the regional lords called themselves [Great Kings], the term was translated as [Emperor]. I wasn't sure if his role was exactly the same as Wifey's, though.
The [Taikyoku] in Taikyoku Nation apparently meant [Heaven and Earth]. I assumed they wanted it to mean the [Great Nation that Rules Heaven and Earth]. People were free to call themselves whatever they wanted; I had no intention of nitpicking over a name.
Using the weather and topographical data of the planets held by the Taikyoku Nation, I picked out high-risk locations. Then, I cross-referenced that with the data on the residences of the Imperial Family provided by Old Man Eyens.
The results pointed to the Third Prince, Prince Min, as someone with a low risk of infection.
That was what led to my previous meeting with Old Man Eyens.
"Mr. Eyens, please protect Prince Min. On our end, we will stir things up by reporting the risk of Ghoul infection. If we get a reaction, we’ll move to install Prince Min as the Emperor."
I had already consulted with Latarnia about this. If the leadership had been usurped by Ghouls, there couldn't be a more legitimate reason to intervene. We had already drafted a scenario where Old Man Eyens returned as the savior of his homeland.
"And if I should choose to exact my revenge... If I were to eliminate the Prince, what would you do?"
"I would simply change the plan. I'd demote your position among the Pirates and exclude you from the operation, then find a different Prince."
That wasn't really for me to decide anyway. International affairs usually went however they were going to go. We, the Empire, were neither gods nor Buddhas. We didn't operate under the delusion that the world would move exactly as we found convenient.
I wouldn't resent Old Man Eyens, regardless of the outcome. Failing to control his subordinates was well within the realm of possibility. I had already factored in those kinds of risks.
"There is no need to give me an answer right now. The Empire is making preparations so that we’ll be fine no matter which way the wind blows."
That was the Empire’s honest stance.
In the worst-case scenario, I felt like we could win even if it came to a full-scale war. After all, my prediction was that the leadership was riddled with infections. Could they even formulate a coherent strategy in that state? They would likely devolve into a disorganized rabble on par with the Duke Association.
I knew that because I had fought them once.
In that case, while it would be a bit of a nuisance, we could engage them in minor skirmishes to incite social unrest and trigger a Coup d'etat among the local lords. I had no intention of ruling over them, nor did I intend to take responsibility for them. I was going to do exactly as I pleased.
From there, it was just like a Competitive Real-time Simulation Game. I would use scouting and small-scale conflicts to wear the opponent down. The key was to gather every scrap of information and predict their next move. I would keep sabotaging their plans and strike when the opportunity arose.
This was the strategy I had devised after losing hundreds of times in a row to my classmates in a Strategic Simulator.
You see, I was terrible at leading large armies!
People had even told me, "Wouldn't it be fine to just leave them be as long as they have buffs?!"
"Leo-kun... why is it that you can't perform Yokozuna Sumo? You're an Archduke, aren't you?" the Fairy had asked me in exasperation.
"I don't know..."
Even I didn't know why I was like this, Kawagon.
With my talk with Old Man Eyens finished, I went to see my wives. Lately, I had been so busy with work that I hadn’t been able to give them much attention. I needed to do better!
I found Ren in the Dining Hall. She was roasting meat in the oven.
"What are you making?"
"Husband! I am making roast beef. Would you like a taste?"
"Sure."
Ren belonged to the Beast Race, so she required a high protein intake. Because of that, she often prepared meat dishes herself. She sliced some for me and served it on a plate.
The roast beef was delicious. I didn't let myself think any stray thoughts, like how this was actually more of a Churrasco than roast beef.
"It's great. Thank you!"
Ren’s ears twitched happily. She was pleased!
When I happened to glance back, I saw Melissa standing there with a plate. It looked like she was on her way back from a training session at Katori-sensei’s dojo.
"...Do you want some too?"
"Yeah!"
Ren gave her a slice with a look that said, "Oh, all right, if I must." My wives got along well enough.
Man, it was so peaceful. Hahaha!
"Ah, it’s meat!"
"Big Brother Leo, give me some!"
The hungry ones had arrived.
"Sorry, I'll cook the rest..."
Ren just giggled at the sight.