"Visitors from the All Nations Alliance and the Dragon Ember Empire...?" Cerydra remarked. "However, I would have preferred if your nations had chosen a more formal means of visiting the Northern Territory Empire, rather than sneaking in like this."
"Ah... You're right," Dio stammered, forcing a sheepish smile. "It was our mistake this time. But Your Majesty, please rest assured, the All Nations Alliance harbors no hostility toward the Northern Territory Empire. My mission was simply to investigate the recent heightened activity in the Northern Territory and assess the general situation."
No hostility? Impossible.
Though the All Nations Alliance projected an image of benevolence on the international stage—tolerance, freedom, and equality being its hallmarks—relations between nations were never so simple. Even the Alliance, despite its rhetoric, would never welcome the emergence of another empire rivaling its own power.
Moreover, the All Nations Alliance had virtually no intelligence on the Northern Territory. They were completely unaware that the Northern Territory Empire had been established. How could they possibly send a diplomat through official channels? They'd definitely send someone to scout out the situation first.
Cerydra saw through Dio's lie instantly, but she didn't dwell on it. "So," she said, "now that you've seen the general situation, what are your impressions?"
Dio pondered for a moment before replying, "Your Majesty, my impression is that you truly live up to your portrait—beautiful and majestic. And the fact that you've swiftly conquered the Falcon Clan, the Black Bear Clan, and even brutally defeated the Plague Lord of the Bottomless Abyss... you are truly a peerless empress, embodying both power and beauty throughout history!"
"In history, the Northern Territory once produced a mighty figure who nearly unified the region. But in my eyes, that man pales in comparison to you—he's simply insignificant!"
"It's a pity I don't have a suitable instrument on hand right now, or I would compose a song for you on the spot!"
Cerydra showed no reaction to Dio's lengthy speech, but the Empire Diplomat beside him was utterly stunned, his eyes widening as he stared at Dio. "You... you..."
The diplomat glanced at Cerydra ahead, unable to fathom how Dio could utter such blatant lies with a straight face.
He had always found Cerydra's portraits odd, but now it was clear: the Empress was just a little girl, barely reaching his waist!
Yet before he could fully process this revelation, Dio had already launched into full-blown flattery mode, spewing brazen falsehoods, wild exaggerations, and outrageous flattery—all basic skills for a seasoned Bard.
Cerydra gently tapped the armrest of her throne with her index finger, then turned to Dirk beside her. Dirk immediately understood, retrieved a flute, approached Dio, and presented it to him. "Since you're so inclined," he said, "compose a song for us on the spot."
Dio: "?!"
Seeing his flute returned, Dio broke out in a cold sweat. Dude, I was just saying that off the cuff! You're actually going to hold me to it?!
Seeing this, the Empire Diplomat nearly burst out laughing, but then Cerydra turned her gaze to him and asked, "If the All Nations Alliance harbors no hostility, what does the Dragon Ember Empire intend?"
"Um..." The Empire Diplomat paused, then carefully composed his words. Unlike the All Nations Alliance's slick diplomatic tactics, the Dragon Ember Empire's approach was far more assertive. He declared, "The Empire harbors neither goodwill nor ill will toward you. If a unified and powerful regime truly emerges in the Northern Territory, confine yourselves to your own territory, keep your Barbarians in check, and ensure they don't set foot within the Empire's borders."
"Otherwise, the Dragon Ember Empire will respond with overwhelming force!"
To deliver such a declaration in the heart of enemy territory, did this diplomat truly fear Cerydra's wrath—that she might simply kill him on the spot?
For this Empire Diplomat, fear was not an option. After all, behind him stood one of the world's most formidable nations. Abroad, as a diplomat, he embodied the Empire's honor and prestige. He could not afford to show even the slightest hint of cowardice.
If Cerydra were to kill him, she would undoubtedly have to consider the Dragon Ember Empire's subsequent reaction. As for the diplomat himself, sacrificing his life for his nation was hardly a disgrace; on the contrary, it would be an honor. Why should he fear death?
Of course, since the diplomat had come under the guise of a spy rather than an official envoy, Cerydra could easily make him disappear without the Dragon Ember Empire being able to protest. But she saw no need for such measures.
Cerydra declared, "Rest assured, the Northern Territory Empire has no interest in either the Dragon Ember Empire or the All Nations Alliance."
After all, she had yet to fully unify the Northern Territory itself. How could she possibly have time to concern herself with external affairs?
Pausing briefly, she continued, "However, I believe it is time to loudly announce our existence to the world. At the end of next moon, I, Cerydra, the Imperator of the Northern Territory Empire, invite the Dragon Ember Empire, the All Nations Alliance, and the Arcane Federation to a four-nation summit."
"As for the venue, let us choose the Arcane Federation's capital city. Does that meet with your approval?"
Given the ongoing war between the Dragon Ember Empire and the All Nations Alliance, hosting the summit in either of their territories would be inappropriate. Furthermore, as the summit's initiator, it would be improper for the Northern Territory Empire to select its own lands as the venue.
Moreover, neither the Dragon Ember Empire nor the All Nations Alliance were familiar with the newly established Northern Territory Empire. If the meeting venue were chosen within the Northern Territory Empire, they might not even attend. This made the Arcane Federation—completely impartial and acting as a third party—the ideal location for the summit.
The premise, however, was that this matter had no apparent connection to the Arcane Federation, and their consent was essential.
Dio raised this very concern, but Cerydra replied with unwavering confidence, "Don't worry, the Arcane Federation will undoubtedly agree."
Since the Empress had spoken so decisively, Dio could hardly question her. He nodded in agreement, "Very well, I will report this matter to the Council immediately upon my return!"
The Empire Diplomat added, "I will convey Your Majesty's decree verbatim to the Emperor."
Cerydra nodded. "There's still plenty of time, no need to rush. You may extend your stay in the Northern Territory for a few more days. Weren't you curious about our customs? This is the perfect opportunity to observe them firsthand. Tonight is also the monthly Wolf God Rite, with plenty of delicious food and drinks for you to enjoy."
"The Wolf God Rite?" the Empire Diplomat asked, a puzzled expression on his face. Dio, however, seemed to know something about it, frowning slightly. In his mind, this was a notoriously bloody and brutal ritual.
In the end, Dio couldn't finish his song, but Cerydra didn't blame him. After returning the Empire Diplomat's Adamantine weapon, she waved her hand dismissively, dismissing the two men.
Leaving the Winter Palace, they walked side-by-side down the street in silence. After a moment, Dio spoke first: "That Empress... I have to say, she's quite adorable."
The Empire Diplomat stared at him incredulously. "Dude, we just danced with death at the gates of the Underworld! And your first thought is that?"
While Dio was more fixated on Cerydra's strikingly contrasting appearance, the Empire Diplomat was more focused on her imposing aura. "Don't let her small stature fool you," he said. "That Empress is an incredibly shrewd and ruthless tyrant."
"That kind of presence... I've only ever felt it from their Majesty, the Emperor of the Dragon Ember Empire."
-
As evening approached and the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature plummeted. Yet the Northern Territory Empire showed no signs of quieting down; instead, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
The streets were thronged with people, every Barbarian face beaming with joyous anticipation. After all, they were about to taste the exquisite wine personally brewed by the God of the Ocean!
This was a once-a-month opportunity, and each person would receive only a small cup. How could these Barbarians not be excited?
Dio and the Empire Diplomat were both of above-average build, but squeezed among Barbarians averaging two meters tall, they had to crane their necks to look up at everyone around them. It perfectly illustrated the saying: "You're only 1.7 or 1.8 meters tall? In the Northern Territory, that's practically a child!"
Finally, after exerting tremendous effort, they managed to squeeze their way to the Wolf God Rite site. Both men breathed a sigh of relief. "These people are insane!" Dio exclaimed. "What do they eat to grow so massive?"
The answer wasn't about diet at all; it was purely genetic. The Barbarians of the Northern Territory all carried a trace of Giant Clan blood in their veins.
After an afternoon of investigation, the two had reached a tentative conclusion: the Northern Territory Empire currently lacked the strength of the Dragon Ember Empire and the All Nations Alliance. This was due to insufficient population and technological backwardness.
However, they couldn't deny the empire's immense potential for growth. Having developed so rapidly in less than a year, reaching the level of the Dragon Ember Empire and the All Nations Alliance would be no difficult feat if given more time.
The Empire Diplomat glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, before leaning close to Dio's ear, his lips nearly brushing the other man's lobe. He whispered, "Tell you what, when we get back, let's suggest we team up and crush this Northern Territory Empire while we still can."
Though no one was actually eavesdropping, a nearby Barbarian couldn't help but whistle at their intimate gesture. "Bold move, brothers!"
Dio: "..."
Empire Diplomat: "..."
It was hard to believe that just this morning, these two had been locked in a life-or-death struggle. Now, to onlookers, they looked practically gay.
Dio couldn't stand it any longer. He cast a telepathic spell, and the two began communicating mentally. "I'm just a diplomat," he said. "I can't comment on your proposal."
But despite his words, Dio was certain that if this proposal were actually submitted to the Council, its chances of being approved were high.
To make two warring nations suddenly shake hands and reconcile, all you had to do was create a common enemy for them.
As they discussed this topic, the festival officially began. Cerydra's magical projection appeared above everyone's heads, delivering a rather formulaic speech.
She praised everyone's hard work over the past month, declared their efforts exemplary, and briefly outlined the development plans for the coming month.
Notably, as she spoke, Cerydra cradled a small white puppy in her arms—Half—and continuously stroked it.
This gesture naturally drew many people's attention to Half. At that moment, Cerydra declared the Wolf God Rite officially open!
Simply put, since Cerydra couldn't directly declare Half the Wolf God, she decided to have him make an appearance during the Wolf God Rite to establish his presence and gradually familiarize the people with his existence.
Though the crowd wondered why the Imperator was holding a dog, no one cared much. Whatever Her Majesty did must have a deeper meaning.
Next came the standard procedure. Several Barbarians carried large fish onto the stage, and then White Wolves emerged from the Ice Plains, snatching the fish in their jaws.
Dio froze, stunned. "Is this... a manifestation of the Northern Wolf God?"
After all, wolves didn't exist in the Northern Territory. The sudden appearance of a Wolf Pack could only be the Wolf God's divine intervention.
As Dio was still pondering the Wolf God, a long, droning hum descended from the sky. He immediately looked up, his eyes widening further.
A colossal Whale was "swimming" through the air directly above the rite. "W-what is that thing?!"
A barbarian standing nearby scoffed, "That's the God of the Ocean, a manifestation of Dux Gladiorum's divine power. It's common knowledge, really. Tsk tsk tsk... Outsider, are you really this ignorant?"
Dio: "???"
Hey, buddy, is this really about my ignorance? Frankly, an ordinary person wouldn't see something like this even once in their lifetime!
Dio watched as the whale soared over everyone's heads before crashing into the distant Ice Plains with a thunderous roar that shook the ground. Yet the other barbarians barely reacted, casually grabbing nearby tankards and resuming their drinking.
Dio turned to the Empire Diplomat, paused for a moment, and said magically, "Actually, I'm starting to think your earlier proposal wasn't very reasonable after all."
Cerydra's true strength remained unknown. While rumors claimed she had defeated the Plague Lord, the truth of that remained unverified. The Wolf God's reaction earlier, while notable, didn't confirm whether it constituted part of the Northern Territory Empire's military strength.
But the whale... that was something Dio had witnessed firsthand—undeniable, god-level power!
Dio: Can't handle it, can't handle it! I'm out, I'm out!