Hearing the voice emerging from the device behind him, even Kashchey, who had been acting rather unrestrained, returned to a rare state of solemnity, showing ample respect to the person on the other end.
Though he did not care for the current Emperor's moderate style, it did not mean he lacked respect for the man. The composure displayed by the Emperor in the face of such danger was not something an ordinary person could possess.
"Of course, Your Majesty. However, before that, I would like to ask you a question: Do you believe in God? Do you believe there is a certain Deity above the heavens watching all of this?"
"God? Have you gone mad? Have those Sankta from Laterano brainwashed you? To think that you, an 'Evil God' yourself, would ask others if they believe in God?"
Standing silently to the side, the Emperor's Blade grumbled inwardly. Did this guy damage his brain during his last 'death'? Why has he started speaking in riddles like those Sankta?
"God? Are you referring to the legends passed down in Kjerag, or the doctrines of Laterano? Or perhaps the beings suppressed by Yan, or the Demons we utilize? There are too many creatures in this world who style themselves as gods. Are you not an 'Evil God' as well?"
Emperor Fyodor did not state his position directly; instead, he threw the question back at Kashchey. His tone carried no reverence for such beings; in his eyes, "gods" were merely powerful creatures.
"I do not mean weak creatures like us, but a truly omnipotent existence! The God that all Laterano believers follow unconditionally! Compared to Him, we are no different from mere mortals."
At this moment, Kashchey appeared extremely serious. He was telling everyone that he was not joking. Yet, this near-evangelical way of speaking made everyone feel that something was deeply wrong with him.
Kashchey then began to recount his experiences over the past three years. However, the Emperor's Blade listening to this only believed half of it. There was no helping it; this man was too adept at deception. Even several previous Leaders of the Emperor's Blades had been fooled by his lies.
"Are you saying that because the lady named Jeanne is there, that God is using this 'sword' to threaten me against acting rashly? Do I look like someone who is so easily intimidated?"
Hearing the slight trace of anger in Fyodor's voice, Kashchey expressed his full understanding. After all, no one could live lightheartedly with a sword hanging over their head, let alone the ruler of a nation. The greater the power they held, the less they could forgive an existence that threatened them. If He were a human, the Emperor would likely have the heart to see that God nailed to a cross.
However, the Emperor remained rational. He was a sensible monarch who could not joke with his life or the life of the nation. He suppressed his inner anger and sense of powerlessness, waiting for Kashchey's explanation.
"Your Majesty, do you think you would bother with warnings and demonstrations of power against an ant? Would a God capable of triggering an 'Apocalypse' that affects the entire continent truly care about the mere dignity of Ursus?"
The Black Snake discussed the topic with gravity. He believed the sword was not a threat, but merely a statement of attitude.
"You see, the other party's attitude is now clear. As long as we do not touch His true bottom line, He will not bother us for no reason. He is too busy watching over His daughter."
Kashchey's slightly teasing words lightened the mood. "Perhaps this is an opportunity? Miss Jeanne currently stands on the side of the Infected. Between us and those people, things are different; we can resolve this more moderately!"
As he spoke, Kashchey stood up and paced the room, his voice rising in pitch:
"They need massive amounts of supplies, warm cities, and stable places to live! These are all opportunities for Ursus. After all, they are still within Ursus. And you, Your Majesty, are the master of this country!"
These words woke the Emperor up. The other party had no intention of overthrowing his rule or destroying Ursus. They were not necessarily enemies. If he handled this matter correctly, it could even allow him to seize more power!
"What can they bring me? What do they need? And how am I to believe that everything you say is the truth?"
"The truth of the matter can likely be confirmed, Your Majesty. An urgent report has just reached our hands."
Number Twenty-nine, who had been playing dead for a long time, interrupted their conversation. Ursus intelligence had just reached him—a major event capable of shaking the very foundations of the state.
"According to reports from our undercover agents in Laterano and our border forces, the Laterano Gun-Lance Knights have marched to the Ursus border and are standing by. They only need a single command to attack."
"How many members of the Gun-Lance Knights did they send?"
"All of them! Even the units stationed at the Kazdel border have rushed to the junction with Ursus. According to the terrain, that is the fastest route to the tundra."
Fyodor took a deep breath. From the look of things, Laterano was prepared to fight to the death. They even withdrew the troops guarding the Kazdel border? They were going all-in against him. But weren't they afraid of someone "raiding their home" while they were away?
"It seems those fanatical believers, the Sankta of Laterano, heard their Saintess might be going to war with us and have come to support her."
These words were like a knife stabbing into the Emperor's heart. Look at the subordinates of others, then look at his own side!
This war absolutely could not be fought. It wasn't just a matter of whether they could win. If Laterano stopped caring about everything and just charged in blindly, Ursus would suffer immense damage even if they were victorious. Furthermore, the nobles would have an excuse to seize the power in his hands! He could already see the final outcome: he would be branded as incompetent and toyed with by the pro-war noble factions for the rest of his life!
"If they truly came for the Saintess, then she must also have the ability to call off this war."
The Emperor thought of the girl Kashchey believed was being watched by God. For various reasons, he now needed her help.
"Duke Kashchey, I hope you can mediate this conflict! Whatever the other party desires, as long as it is within my power to command—even if it is a city—I can satisfy them."
"It would be my honor, Your Majesty," Kashchey said with a slight bow. The goal he hoped to achieve had truly succeeded. Surely, that God would loosen the monitoring on him because of this.
"Your efforts will not be in vain. This matter will definitely change your situation. In their hands, they hold something you desperately need."
"Oh? What could be so important that even I would deem it vital?"
"Proof of those nobles selling off national resources and aiding other factions. If you can get your hands on that, many things will become much easier to handle."