The royal castle belonged to a kingdom that was neither a great power nor a minor state.
In one of its private chambers, seven kings had gathered. One was the master of the castle; the other six ruled the surrounding nations. While their relationships were not always friendly, they were all bound by blood ties. That shared lineage was the only reason they had managed to assemble at all.
Naturally, the kings were not alone. Each stood with two or three ministers flanking them as advisors.
One king spoke up, his voice echoing in the stone room. "The situation regarding the Six Dragon God Kingdom is exactly as described in the documents I provided. What is our move?"
"If those reports are accurate, picking a fight with the Six Dragon God Kingdom is out of the question," another replied. "The moment we move against them, the nearby dragons will descend upon us."
"Wait a moment. This region is supposed to be the territory of an Evil Dragon, is it not? Would they truly bother to attack on someone else's behalf?"
"The reports claim they would. And while an Evil Dragon might not care for the plight of humans, they aren't the sort to stay quiet while someone runs amok within their borders."
"Which means..."
"An Evil Dragon on a rampage. That’s even worse than the local dragons attacking. It only reinforces my point: we cannot afford to provoke the Six Dragon God Kingdom."
"But what about our covenant with the Evil Dragon? There was a decree stating they would not cause trouble in this area."
"That covenant is centuries old! How much can we actually rely on it?"
"Indeed. Even humans break their promises to one another soon enough."
"This is no laughing matter. Should we attempt to forge a new covenant with the Evil Dragon?"
"Who would do it, and how? Even the oldest archives don't list a method for that."
"Enough, enough. Set the dragon covenant aside for now. Let’s focus on the Six Dragon God Kingdom. We agree we can’t fight them directly... but what about supporting the countries that border them? Would that be seen as a provocation?"
"What’s the verdict?"
One of the ministers standing behind a king received a nod of permission and spoke. "The nations bordering the Six Dragon God Kingdom—the Fullhart Kingdom and the Galbart Kingdom—have maintained their hostile stance toward the Demon Kingdom. Therefore, it depends on the nature of the aid. Sending money or weapons would be considered a hostile act. Sending food, however, is highly likely to be overlooked."
The seven kings gave slight, solemn nods. They had gathered here specifically to decide whether to maintain their ongoing support for the Fullhart and Galbart Kingdoms. If they were to continue, they would proceed as usual; if they were to stop, they needed to make sure they all acted in lockstep.
"What is the status of the Garlet Kingdom?"
"As reported previously," the minister continued, "they have split into Pro-Demon Kingdom and Anti-Demon Kingdom factions. They are in the middle of a civil war. Consequently, all support to the Garlet Kingdom has been suspended."
"Hmph. So the rumors of the Angel Race betraying them were true after all."
"A few seem to have remained, but the vast majority have reportedly abandoned the Garlet Kingdom."
"And they headed for the Demon Kingdom, didn't they?"
"Yes. We confirmed the presence of the Angel Race during that massive military parade. Furthermore, there have been reports for some time now that Angel children have been seen at the Demon Kingdom’s royal castle. For some reason, they were apparently tied up with harnesses..."
The minister finished his report and stepped back into the shadows.
"I can't tell if the Demon Kingdom won the Angels over or if the Angels simply took the place over," one king grumbled.
"The Six Dragon God Kingdom was established like a protective wall for the Demon Kingdom right after the Angels arrived."
"And it isn't just the Post-Age of Gods Dragon Race there. People have spotted members of the Age of Gods Dragon Race—the same caliber as the Evil Dragons."
"Then we definitely can't pick a fight."
"Then we cut off the support."
"Agreed. Maintaining that aid hasn't been easy for us either. Our people's lives have only grown more impoverished. This way, we can redirect those funds back to our own subjects."
"However, we have to consider our diplomatic ties. We can't just cut them off without a word."
"But if we dither, the dragons will see us as enemies and start a massacre."
"True enough. What if we provide support in secret? That shouldn't be an issue, right?"
"Dragons have better senses than we do. We should avoid any attempt to deceive them. It will only end in disaster."
"So, do we terminate the support immediately? The neighbors are going to scream."
"That is precisely why we’ve gathered to coordinate. If we stand together, they won't be able to lift a finger against us."
"But the country bordering mine to the east is a member of the Hardline Faction for the Subjugation of the Demon Kingdom," one king lamented. "If I stop the aid, they’ll ignore all common sense and invade me!"
As he groaned, a minister behind a different king raised his hand and was granted the floor.
"Regarding that nation, the king is due to step down soon. This is more than a rumor; it's a certainty. We’ve also gathered intel that the new administration intends to move toward a peaceful resolution with the Demon Kingdom."
"Wait! I haven't heard a word of this! How does a man from a country that doesn't even share a border know something that the neighboring king doesn't?"
"My wife is the daughter of a marquis from that country. I received the information through her connections."
"Why did a minister from a distant land marry her instead of one of my own nobles?! Ah, you were planning to attack me, weren't you! You were setting up a pincer maneuver!"
"Not at all. It was purely a match made for love."
"Liar! There's no way you two could have even met!"
"Oh, quite the contrary. In my youth, before I entered politics, I was a traveler. I happened to rescue my wife—a marquis's daughter at the time—from a group of bandits. One thing led to another, and we were wed..."
"How can a romance like something out of a fairy tale actually happen?! My wife, on the other hand... My wife is..."
As the king began to weep, the king sitting next to him offered a sheepish apology. "I am truly sorry about my younger sister..."
"Ah, no... Brother-in-law, you haven't done anything wrong."
"Indeed," another king chimed in. "It’s your own fault for being predated... excuse me, captured."
"Quite. Lament your own stupidity for walking so blithely into such an obvious trap."
"I really am sorry about my sister..."
"B-Brother-in-law, please. You're not to blame. It's my fault for letting my guard down..."
"Enough. Save the family drama for later. Let's get back to business. Since the risk of invasion from the Hardline Faction is low, we agree to terminate the support."
"Yes. The question is how to go about it."
"Do we make a formal declaration?"
"Or do we phase it out gradually...?"
"The dragons are too much of a risk. We should make a public declaration."
"Now, hold on. That in itself might spook the surrounding countries. The current king of the Hardline Faction hasn't stepped down yet, has he?"
"Correct. Perhaps we should wait and declare it the moment he is replaced."
"But the dragons..."
"What if we send an envoy to the Six Dragon God Kingdom to explain our intentions? That place is essentially a neutral ground where one can actually talk to the dragons. If we communicate clearly, they shouldn't have any reason to attack us."
"That works... but who will be the envoy? I'm certainly not going."
"Don't look at me."
"Nor I."
"T-There’s no need for a king to go personally. We can just send one of the ministers..."
The seven kings turned as one to look at the ministers standing behind them. Not a single man met their eyes.
"Th-Then how about a prince or princess?"
"My daughter is only nine! Absolutely not!"
"No one's suggesting a child. What about your prince? He's nearly thirty and does nothing but play around all day. Wouldn't he be perfect?"
"Because he does nothing but play around, he's completely unfit for a diplomatic mission of this magnitude. He can't take responsibility for anything. Instead of my son, what about your First Prince? If he's the heir apparent, the prestige of negotiating with the Six Dragon God Kingdom would be a massive asset."
"If the First Prince leaves the country, the Second Prince will try to seize the throne. I can't move him."
"Can't you do something about that Second Prince of yours?"
"I can't. My country's internal affairs are barely held together by the Second Prince's faction. If I purge him, the whole nation collapses. Besides, the man standing right behind me is the representative of that very faction. Please watch your tongue."
"My apologies."
The meeting dragged on. They couldn't reach a decision on an envoy.
While the kings were deadlocked, a visitor arrived at the castle. Normally, no one would dare interrupt a summit of kings, but the fact that the meeting had been stalled for three days—and that the visitor was an Angel—worked in their favor.
The visitor’s introduction was relayed to the kings.
"I am Tiselle. I’ve come from the Six Dragon God Kingdom to see if you have any business! Is there anything we can do for you?"
Deep in the basement of a certain building, a massive round table sat in the center of a spacious chamber. Seven women were seated around it.
One of them spoke. "The plan is proceeding according to schedule."
"Splendid."
"We should be able to realize our vision by next year or the year after."
"Ooh. The time has come for us to take flight into the world."
"I do wonder if it is wise to step into the light quite so boldly..."
"To increase our comrades, we must broaden our horizons," another replied firmly.
"That is certainly true."
"But can we really maintain such a massive facility?"
"The upkeep will be handled by Village Five."
"If we do that, won't our true purpose be..."
"Once or twice a year is enough for me. I am satisfied with that much."
"I see. However, the facility is quite vast. If it’s empty, won't it feel a bit desolate?"
"I have a countermeasure for that."
"What sort?"
"We will broaden our demographic and solicit outside participants."
"No!"
"Please, reconsider! That is too dangerous!"
"Quiet. There is no need for panic. Do you think we will be buried? That our legacy will rot? Impossible."
"I-I see. By broadening the scope, we can hide our true activities in plain sight."
"Exactly. And from there, we will steadily permeate the lives of the residents."
"Wonderful!"
"But when you say broaden the scope, how far are we talking?"
"There will be no limits."
"................Are you serious?"
"If you do that, you'll be allowing filthy, impure things to be placed right next to us."
"Eek!"
"Comrades, do not fear. We shall turn even those things into our nourishment."
"Into nourishment?"
"It will be the perfect opportunity to scout for talented new writers and illustrators."
"Ooh... As expected of our leader."
"...Excuse me. It seems our time is up."
"I see. Then let us conclude today's report here. Oh, and for the time being, please refrain from any activities on the second floor of Fairy Fairy. The Village Head has issued a warning."
"But that is such a wonderful place. Only those who truly 'understand' go there."
"If we anger the Village Head, he might ban us entirely."
"True enough. We shall refrain for now... but what about buying cake?"
"As long as you aren't conducting 'activities,' it's fine."
"Thank goodness. My daughter is always begging me to bring some home."
"There are mobile sales carts as well, but they sell out so quickly."
"It really is a struggle."
The seven women dispersed, chatting as they left. A short while later, a large group of men burst into the room.
"There's no one here!"
"Did they get away!?"
"Dammit, search the area! Find any traces they left behind!"
"Curse it all! They slip through our fingers every single time! Is someone in our ranks leaking info?"
"There are no Forbidden Book worshippers among us! Do not doubt your comrades!"
"Y-You're right. We are a team forged for the sole purpose of viewing the Forbidden Books as our sworn enemy."
In reality, these were men whose wives or lovers had been thoroughly "poisoned" by the Forbidden Books.
"My apologies. For the sake of eradicating those Forbidden Books, let's give it our all!"
"Yeah! ...Wait, oh no! It's the Security Team! Run!"
Naturally, they had no legal authority to be conducting investigations, so if the Security Team caught them, they would be the ones facing arrest.