The Geisel Empire, the kingdom's eastern neighbor, had been a long-standing ally.
In the past, the Empire had focused its efforts on foreign conquest, fueled by a boundless ambition to dominate the entire continent. However, about a hundred years ago, the Prime Minister of the time persuaded the Emperor of the risks involved in managing such an overextended territory, and their diplomatic policy shifted toward a cooperative path.
The current Emperor was a mild-mannered man as well, and the Empire should have maintained a favorable alliance with the Aiwood Kingdom.
"Just as I thought, they were never to be trusted... It seems they were maneuvering in the shadows during that recent rebellion."
At the eastern edge of the Aiwood Kingdom, in the border region.
Inside the estate of the high noble who ruled the lands adjacent to the Empire—the Margrave Lavender House—a man spoke with grim solemnity.
Loser Lavender VI. Sixty years old.
Seated in a chair within one of the manor's rooms, he was as thin as a withered tree and leaned on a cane when he walked. Yet his eyes were surprisingly sharp and fierce, like a pair of unsheathed blades. With a fighting spirit that showed not the slightest sign of fading, he gripped his cane so tightly his nails dug into the wood.
"That is why we warned them! One never knows when an alliance might be discarded! The Empire is never to be trusted... And we were right! Our house was right all along!"
Loser shouted in a hoarse voice. While his tone was heavy with rage, it was also tinged with a streak of manic delight.
The Margrave Lavender House had served as the shield protecting the eastern border since ancient times. Before the alliance with the Empire was ever forged, they had crossed blades with the invading Imperial Army countless times. When the peace treaty was finally signed between the two nations, it was the Margrave Lavender who had opposed it more fiercely than anyone.
Even after the wars with the Empire ceased and they became partners in defending against the Northern Barbarians, the Margrave Lavender alone continued to insist upon the Empire’s danger.
"Ah, yes. Exactly! We were right! We were not mistaken to claim that the Empire shouldn't be trusted. It was the others who were wrong! Nuhahahahahaha! Hahahahahaha!"
"...What are your orders? Shall we... take the initiative and invade the Empire ourselves?"
A single girl responded to Loser’s hoarse, angry laughter.
"The preparations to mobilize are... always ready. After all, the Margrave Lavender has been preparing... to face the Empire all this time."
The girl had purple hair cut into a bob. She was short and slight of build; by all appearances, she looked like nothing more than a child. However, she was entirely devoid of any childlike innocence or naivety.
Her face was expressionless, as if she were wearing a mask. The fact that her features were so well-proportioned only served to emphasize her uncanny, doll-like presence. Had she been standing in the shadows of a dark road, one might have mistaken her for a corpse or a malevolent, deceptive spirit rather than a human being.
"...No. No, my granddaughter," Loser said, his voice dropping an octave as he let out a sigh. "The Empire was undoubtedly aiding the rebel army. But... they have yet to show their fangs. Yes, they have hidden them... most cunningly!"
Loser struck the floor hard with his cane.
"If we send our troops in now, we would be the ones labeled traitors... That cannot be permitted. It is unacceptable. The Margrave Lavender House is a loyal vassal of the Royal Family. As long as the Crown continues to treat the Empire as an ally, such an act is forbidden...!"
"............"
"My granddaughter. The child who inherits the will of the Lavender... the will of the Loser. Ulula Lavender."
"Yes... Grandfather."
At Loser’s call, the girl named Ulula nodded.
"I hear the Royal Family is gathering personnel to develop the magical wilds of the Subnock Plain. You will lead the Lavender private forces and join the project to monitor the movements of the capital! If the opportunity arises, impress the danger of the Empire upon the other nobles and petition His Majesty the King for an Empire Subjugation!"
"Yes... if that is what you wish, Grandfather... then it shall be as your heart desires."
Ulula accepted her grandfather’s command.
Like a doll, or perhaps a puppet moved by strings—as if she possessed no will of her own—she accepted Loser’s orders without a single change in her expression.
"As soon as the preparations are complete... I will head to the capital. While participating in the development of the magical wilds... I will make ready for the war against the Empire."
"Umu... everything in the name of 'Loser'."
"In the name of 'Loser'..."
As the girl repeated the words, Loser’s lips curled into a satisfied grin.