Treviso.
This border area between the Dragona Empire and the Holy Empire was currently in a state of quiet yet intense tension. A war between the allied forces and the Tarkic Empire was said to be raging in the south. Just a few hours ago, another army from the Kingdom of Roland had passed through this area. Those guarding it were clearly aware that the current situation was highly unusual.
“Are the Tarkics and Frank’s kingdoms fighting each other fiercely by now?”
“I guess so. To think that the Holy Empire and the Kingdom of Frank, which had roared against us just a while ago, are now helping us in this way. When you think about it, it’s pretty bizarre.”
“I guess you could say we were lucky. It is said that the situation in the country isn’t great these days, but looking at the fact that not only the Kingdom of Frank but also Kalmar and other nations have gathered their strength, it’s impressive.”
Of course, the Holy Empire’s power was strong, and if fully mobilized, it could move an army comparable to that of the Tarkic Empire, but at this point, it was taking time. Meanwhile, the empire’s financial situation had not been favorable.
At a time like this, the fact that Bahamut’s Beden Merchant Company and Bertina’s Uranus Merchant Company were providing support by releasing huge funds was a small comfort. But this wasn’t a time to feel relieved.
From the Holy Empire’s perspective, this was the weakest point in time, and if the allied forces were defeated sooner than expected, it could spell an unprecedented crisis not only for the Kingdom of Hangury and Roland but also for the Holy Empire itself.
“Still, if we hold out for a few more days, we can catch our breath. That’s comforting…”
“No matter how strong the Tarkics are, the allied forces won’t be able to withstand too much. Still, all the nations on the continent have gathered their strength.”“Yeah, right. In that respect, Mr. Bahamut is truly a coveted talent.”
“…!”
“Who… who are you?”
An unfamiliar female voice was heard the next moment. As a result, the soldiers guarding the fortress began to look puzzled. What they saw was a woman in a white robe, smiling.
However, before any information about her could register in their minds…
“Gargh!”
“Kuuk!”
The two soldiers died with short, agonizing gasps. Immediately after that, she began to walk down the inside of the wall with light steps, as if taking a leisurely stroll.
And…
“I… it’s an enemy! Enemy attack!!!”
“Sa… save me! Help me! Save me…”
Screams rang out, and soldiers rushed in. But before they could arrive, a loud explosion echoed in their ears. Immediately after, a massive crowd flooded through the castle gate. All dressed in black robes, they were a mix of humans and demons, and the soldiers guarding the castle were cut down in an instant.
As she watched her army take control of the castle in mere minutes, the White Dragon Princess, Elios Noshelat Dragona, smiled coldly and spoke quietly.
“Thanks to this, I’ve had to suffer quite a bit. In return, I will personally take him. This time… that man will be mine!”
***
A large procession headed towards the Holy Empire. In front of them, Bertina spoke to Bahamut with an anxious expression on her face.
“Are you really going? You don’t have to do this…”
“We have reserved guests waiting. I can’t just leave them. And it’s a very rare guest, too.”
“Then shouldn’t I go too? This is happening in the Holy Empire, not just anywhere else. I should—”
At that moment, Bahamut gently pressed a finger to Bertina’s lips, silencing her urgent words. Then, in a quiet voice, he whispered in her ear.
“That’s not an option, and you know it best. Especially now…”
“…!”
With those words, Bahamut slowly caressed Bertina’s belly. She flushed slightly, feeling embarrassed, and her body softened as Bahamut embraced her.
“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I’ll make sure neither of you are ever lonely again. And this child, too.”
“You…”
His voice held strong determination. Bertina’s lips curled into a quiet smile.
Watching them, Isolda turned to enter the mansion again, a lonely smile on her lips, realizing her limits.
At that moment…
“Isolda.”
“…!”
Bahamut’s voice reached her ears. She slowly turned back to see him smiling gently at her. It wasn’t the cold, calculating smile of before, but one filled with warm comfort, touching her heart.
“I’ll be going. In the meantime, take care of things here.”
“Ha… Really. Every time, you leave so many troublesome tasks behind.”
Isolda smiled as if she couldn’t help it. However, there was also a joy she couldn’t hide.
“Have a good trip. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Bahamut nodded pleasantly at her words and climbed into the carriage.
Although she still felt the limits she was aware of, Isolda knew this was the best for her. For now, this was enough—more than enough. After causing so much pain to so many, this happiness was more than she deserved.
***
A wagon from the Beden Merchant Company was leaving Schwyz.
Inside, Bahamut looked seriously at the two people in front of him.
“Are you prepared?”
“Of course. This time, I will definitely repay the debt I owe.”
“The White Dragon Princess… to think we’ll meet the legendary monster whose name we’ve only heard.”
As they expressed both anticipation and tension, Bahamut nodded at Ophelia and Echid.
“We’ve already made arrangements with the Holy Empire. They’re likely preparing thoroughly on their side.”
“From that perspective, she’s really something else. I never thought she’d provoke the entire empire and us like this.”
Ophelia showed a little distaste. At her words, Bahamut smiled bitterly and nodded.
“She’s that kind of person. And she’s even more tenacious than you think, which is why I had to go to the Holy Empire myself.”
With those words, Bahamut recalled the contents of the warning letter she had sent him. The threat was clear—if he didn’t stop supporting the Alliance immediately, she would come for his life.
Considering the distance from the faraway Dragona Empire to Schwyz, it might have sounded absurd. But Bahamut, knowing the White Dragon Princess’s character, understood that these were not empty threats. In the worst-case scenario, his mansion in Schwyz and the people within could be completely destroyed. Given her abilities, it wasn’t impossible.
Bahamut had no intention of stopping what he was doing. He had left his ‘family,’ who might be in danger, safely in Schwyz and was now on his way to the Holy Empire, accompanied only by Ophelia and the members of Predator.
‘With the adventurers I’ve gathered so far, along with Tilda and the other guards from Uranus, stationed in Schwyz, there shouldn’t be any major problems if an emergency arises.’
With a strong force of mid-level or higher mana users, he felt reassured. In the south, the strongest forces of the empire, excluding the Holy Empire, were blocking the Tarkic Empire’s attacks, buying enough time.
Now, the only question was how the situation Bahamut was heading into would be resolved. Everything depended on that.
Goblin: Want to read more? Then please consider becoming a PETTV Level 1 or PETTV Level 2 Patron at Patreon to read more chapters. You can also become a Supreme Patron for $30 a month to access all the advanced chapters of all the novels on Goblinslate! You can support me by sponsoring chapters at BuymeaCoffee. Please whitelist this site in your a*dbl0cker to support the translations. A little support can help me a lot!
Check out my other projects: Flower Stealing Master, Rehabilitating the Villainess, I Picked Up an Amnesiac Witch, My Summons Are Special, Dual Cultivation with a Fox Demon, Ask the Mirror, and Immortal Divine Tribulation