I ended up in the brig after my brawl with Isono.
Supposedly, I was the first Brigadier General in the history of the Empire to be thrown into lockup. It didn't make any sense... Why was Isono let off the hook? My blood pressure was rising just thinking about it.
I tried to call up the Fairy to kill some time, but the connection wouldn't go through.
Dammit! Is this to prevent me from escaping?!
I decided to do some stretches to calm my mind. As I was working through the routine, Wifey’s voice crackled over the brig's speaker.
"Kakkakka! Lord Groom, you stay in there and reflect on what you've done for a while!"
"Hey, I'm not even the one at fault here! That idiot Isono was the one who came at me!!!" I shouted back toward the microphone.
I really wasn't the one in the wrong, right?
"Ha! And yet Isono’s attack actually landed, did it not? You have clearly grown weak, Lord Groom! As a Brigadier General, it is your duty to return to your roots as a Citizen of the Gag World!"
[News Flash: Brigadier General ordered by His Majesty the Emperor himself to return to being a Citizen of the Gag World.]
"Eeeh..."
But... she had a point. I hadn't been able to sense bloodlust or predict Isono’s movements at all. Part of that was because Isono was freakishly strong, but even so, I’d taken way too many hits. If I were actually assassinated right now, I’d just straight-up die.
"You understand now! This stint in the brig is for your own protection against potential assassins! Now, be a good boy!"
"Heeeey."
I guess there was no helping it. Man, Wifey loved me way too much.
Still, if I’d been hostile with Old Man Eyens, there was a real chance I would’ve died. That old guy really was a Jester’s natural enemy. I hoped he'd passed on in peace... Hm? It’s not like he was a Disciple of Buddha, though. The Taikyoku Nation’s religion leaned more toward Immortals and Celestial Maidens. Tatiana was also supposed to be the Reincarnated Saint of the Celestial Maiden or something... I didn't really get it!
Better to stop thinking about it.
I relaxed my entire body.
Floop.
Cats and Jesters are both liquids.
Now then, maybe I’d brainstorm a plan to send the Ghouls to hell. First, I’d release a report on the biology of the Ghouls in cooperation with Latarnia. Then, I’d put out a status report on the infection levels in the Taikyoku Nation, along with potential treatments.
I’d also release the infection status of the Taikyoku Nation Imperial Family as a pointed message: 'Hey, Ghouls. I can kill you anytime.'
While I was at it, I’d wipe out the Pirates. I could have one of Old Man Eyens’ associates take over as the Pirate boss. Since this would probably lead to war with the Taikyoku Nation, I’d put out information about Shiyun as well.
After that, what happens happens. Oh, whatever will be, will be~♪
Essentially, we in the Empire were on the side of science. The Ogre God Nation could handle industry, but their productivity was stifled by unnecessary superstitions. The minor nations in the Battle Dome were still in the middle of reconstruction, so industry was out of the question for them. Latarnia could handle industry, but they’d over-adapted to finance. The Taikyoku Nation was the only one with similar tendencies to the Empire.
But I wondered what would happen to them because of the Ghouls. Maybe I should also release a forecast about how their industry would weaken. The Ogre God Nation had only grown weak because they’d been messing around with the Ghouls, after all.
Alright, I’d announce the Ghoul situation as confirmed fact rather than just a rumor. I’d make sure they were recognized as the public enemy of Taikyoku society. If the people were going to accept being ruled by them, then I’d have no choice but to destroy them.
However, it didn't seem like their reproductive rate was as freakishly high as the zombies in movies. I felt like I could break them down from that angle. Or I could break them through religion. If the local faith was all about Celestial Maidens and Immortals, there had to be a myth or two about the desecration of the dead. I could just turn that against them.
In most wars between nations, the only real issue was 'how far to go.'
I would annihilate the Ghouls. There would be no mercy. As for the Taikyoku Nation... that depended on Shiyun. For the most part, I intended to do whatever served our convenience. Besides, we didn't have the resources to engage in an invasion and manage a divided territory. Exterminating the Ghouls was the limit of our involvement.
Regardless, I would never forgive the Ghouls.
Stretching finished. Maybe I’d do some strength training next.
Just then, a voice came over the speaker again.
"U-Um, Lord Leo."
It was Shiyun.
"Hm? What's up?"
"Um..."
I wondered what it was.
"Come on, just say it!" Wifey interjected.
"What's wrong? Go ahead."
"U-Um... Lord Leo, are you going to destroy the Taikyoku Nation!?"
"I don’t want to. I wouldn't want to take responsibility for it afterwards."
Too much of a hassle. It would be better to just prune the Ghouls and get back to trading.
"See? Just like I told you. Personally, I think it would be fine for Shiyun to become the Emperor, but... I’ve already secured several other candidates. Do as you wish."
She’d already secured several people around the 10th in the Line of Imperial Succession. Some of them understood how terrifying the Ghouls were. Ruling would be easier if Shiyun took over, but there was no need to force it. After all, the high-ranking heirs had all died after being possessed.
No matter who took the throne, they would need Latarnia’s help to rebuild. And even if Latarnia simply wanted a stable neighbor, they’d definitely target the country's wealth and resources. I could only imagine how grueling it would be. If they weren't careful, the country would head straight toward becoming Latarnia’s Economic Colony. In that sense, becoming the Emperor was the ultimate booby prize. I couldn't in good conscience tell her to take it.
"...Is it really alright for me to stay here!?"
"Umu. Eyens’ intentions might have been different, but neither I nor the Lord Groom are looking in the same direction as that old man. Think it over carefully."
"For now, since all three of you in that room are in similar spots, why don’t you talk it over amongst yourselves?"
One-oh-one was the Queen of Zork, and Tatiana was regarded as a Saint from the myths of the Ogre God Nation and the Taikyoku Nation. And now they had the Third Prince (who was actually a girl) of the Taikyoku Nation. I thought putting the three of them together was a stroke of genius on my part.
"I-I understand."
"More importantly, Wifey. Let me out already! I'm bored!"
"Ah, yes, yes. Once you’re out, head straight to Katori’s place."
"Why? Why Katori-sensei?"
"She said, '[He has too much energy, which is why he's thinking about unnecessary things].'"
"Why is everyone around me such a damn muscle-head!?"
I was so over this! Fine! I'll just have to beat Katori-sensei!
And so, I embarked on yet another reckless battle.