Currently, the Empress of the Weyla Empire, the most powerful and powerful of the human race, was sitting in a luxurious chair.

　On the other side of her was Thoria Aiden, who was known as the 【Saint of the Light Star】.

''Kukku. You've transferred to the True Astaire religion?''

Yes, I'm here to say hello.

The Holy Republic is in trouble. The state religion can't even be shown to be a new religion.

The people are already convinced.

It's all because of your centripetal force, isn't it?　Thoria Aiden.

　Louina's keen insight turned to Soria.

　But Soria was perfectly calm.

''No way. This is also the prestige of Astaire-sama.''

'Humble, I suppose you could say. But there are few people on this continent who would sit down with me. Not even the Prime Minister of the Republic.

It's a pleasure, sir.

　The words are an acknowledgement that Soria is far superior to the Prime Minister.

　But without a second thought, Soria lets it slide. It's with the understanding that the compliment is meant to be.

'How about it. Why don't you come to our Weyla Empire?　Let's back up the True Astaire religion, too. Besides, I can set up another army for you.

　He was treated unfairly.

　He's going to appoint him as a military commander out of the blue.

　Furthermore, for the True Astaire Faith, having the Weira Empire backing them is a unique opportunity.

　However, for Soria, it was just one of the lines she had expected.

''Let's think about it.''

　There was no negotiation of any kind, just a word to add.

　It was a soft but direct refusal. Moreover, there was also an emotion that was somewhat laced with anger.

'Did I say something to put you in a bad mood?

No. I was wondering if that's how you recruited that masked man in the Stillbeats Kingdom, too.

Mm. Well, yeah. Why is this so important to you all of a sudden?

　Suddenly a question mark appeared in Ruina's mind when she was told of the events in Stillbeats.

'...... separately. However, I have witnessed the mask that that person was wearing as well. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.

　Soria's anger was there.

'Yeah. Well, I recruited him, saying I'd give him the position of emperor.

The emperor?

Yeah. Well, he says no.

　Louina said simply, and Soria looked somewhat relieved and patted her chest.

　It seems she was worried that the masked man - Jide would be taken away from her.

　Ruina coughs to fix such a detour.

'...... Well, that's fine. So you said you wanted me to allow you to operate in Imperial territory this time.

'Yes. Volunteering on the Imperial front and proselytizing the True-Astare religion. By no means is it all bad for the Weyla Empire, either.

We've already heard of examples in several countries.

　Louina interrupts Soria's words with her hand.

'It's not all good. Volunteering on the front line means that you can cross the border as you please in times of war with any other country that allows you to operate.'

......

What that means is that it's an admission of espionage. And more importantly, it means that they can bring in hostile elements.

I would never do that.

It's unprecedented. But it's dangerous. Isn't it?

　Ruina asks with eyes that resemble the cutting edge of a prey hunter, not unlike the time she was recruiting.

'But then what will you do about the damage in the frontline villages and towns?　It's inevitable that the empire will be frustrated and divided.

We try to prevent that from happening by creating mutual distrust and making people look at each other. And even if there is a rebellion, we have more than the minimum number of troops in each area. Isn't that the nice thing about being an achievement and meritocracy?

...... That may hold the country together, but it won't hold the people together.

　For Soria, those words were a bad idea.

　In fact, the Weyla Empire is united by Ruina's charisma.

　The mutual distrust of the people can be accomplished because of Ruina's presence in one place.

　However, those words angered the Second Army Chief - Iratu, who was standing behind Ruina.

'Enough!　You think you're on par with Lady Ruina just because you're allowed to sit in the same room?　The inner workings of the Weira Empire will be decided by the Imperials!

　That was an unexpected counterattack for Soria.

　Because, in fact, the Weyla Empire was shaken.

　The battle at Stillbeats was an operation that had cost the majority of the Empire. Nevertheless, they were forced to retreat.

　Louina's absolute faith in her was shaded.

'Sorry ....... I went out too far.

No, I don't care.

So, here's the message.

　The female knight, who was waiting by Soria's side, receives an earful.

　Upon hearing the news, the woman knight's eyes are opened.

I'm sorry, but I have received an urgent summons from Phil-sama. I'd like you to head to the kingdom's guild headquarters as soon as possible.

Wait. Is Phil, like, the Sword Saint Phil?　Do you intend to cancel your interview with Lady Ruina by summoning such a person?

　Iratu waits.

　Even if there was a call to arms, it was of a different class.

　The priority would be this one, Iratu argued.

　But the female knight went on to say.

''There is also the name of S-ranked Jeed-sama on the call.

I?

　Bikri, Iratu's back jumped up like a startled cat.

　Luina's cheeks twisted in a fun way.

You'll be able to find out more about this. That's good, go ahead and do it.

　As is to be expected, Iratu was unable to say anything for once.

I'm sorry, I'll have to leave then. I hope you can talk to me another time.

　Soria hurriedly rises from her seat and curtsies.

　With a loud thumping of his chest.

　I had expected to be called Soria. After all, it was supposed to be a request at a party.

　But even so, the fact that I was still called by Jide didn't stop my chest from thumping.

(Do you want to move Soria with just one voice? ...... and even suppress this place. (It's still funny.)

　Iratu shrinks at the mere mention of his name.

　Even the knights and soldiers who were present were somewhat in awe.

　Louina's cheeks looked like she was enjoying herself.