Translator: Cinder Translations
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Liszt, who had been appointed by Paul as the representative of Alden in Horns Bay, was feeling somewhat uneasy recently. The war between the Protestant army and the Protectorate Church army was raging, but the balance of victory was gradually tipping in favor of the latter.
Behind the Protectorate Church army stood the powerful Papacy, a behemoth whose accumulated strength over centuries far surpassed that of the coastal nations of Horns Bay. In terms of influence, the Papacy could theoretically summon nearly half of the continent's forces to crush this small faction in Horns Bay that dared to disrespect the gods.
The Protestant army was fortunate that, due to limitations in transportation and execution, the Papacy was unable to fully utilize its power, thus sparing the Protestant army from total annihilation.
However, even though the Papacy could only exert minimal influence in Horns Bay, once it began taking the war seriously, it quickly changed the course of the conflict.
After the failure of the Northern Army's encirclement, the Protectorate Church army shifted its strategy to a defensive position in the north and concentrated most of its forces in the south. The Papacy even sent its own troops from across the continent to join the battle.
Facing this significantly strengthened enemy, the Protestant army, which had been advancing eastward, suffered a major defeat at Melbour in Collins. Not only did they fail to organize a significant counterattack, but they were also pushed back into the lands of the Horns Bay Alliance, with the Protectorate Church army, primarily composed of Papal forces, following closely behind.
After a series of discouraging defeats, the Protectorate Church army was now only a few days away from the Alliance's capital, Niceport.
This was the reason for Liszt's unease.
Alden's leased land in Horns Bay, the Lion's Port, was not far from Niceport—only a half-day's ride on horseback. If the war reached Niceport, Lion's Port could not remain unaffected.
On the other hand, although Alden had maintained a neutral stance in the war so far, doing business with whoever paid, if the Protectorate Church army was destined to be victorious, Liszt personally could not accept this outcome.
Since Lord Grayman had dispatched a fleet to open the Horns Bay trade route, Alden had first established close ties with the coastal nations, and through large-scale trade, a mutually beneficial relationship had been formed. Most of the Alden residents in Lion's Port were emotionally inclined toward the Protectorate Church army, which was aligned with the coastal nations.
But what would the Church and the Papacy think of Lion's Port?
"The newly recruited mercenaries are almost finished training, and we'll have more than three thousand soldiers to guard the city," Liszt said.
"A fleet is also bringing us gunpowder weapons. We'll place cannons on the city walls and deploy firearms, greatly strengthening our defenses."
"The merchants have donated, so funding is not an issue."
In the city hall meeting room in Lion's Port, Liszt had gathered the administrators to discuss the current situation. Elvin, Doug, Fergus, Raja, and others were present.
"Based on your knowledge, what's the likelihood of the Protectorate Church army attacking neutral parties like us?" Liszt asked, turning to Doug, Fergus, and other locals.
Doug shook his head first. "Neutral parties? There are no true neutrals in war."
Fergus nodded and said, "This small region is too far from Alden's homeland. The Church won't hesitate to plunder us."
Raja added, "Not just the Church, Liszt. I must remind you that the Horns Bay Alliance next door is also a danger. They're barely able to protect themselves, let alone consider any loyalties to us. And the supplies in Lion's Port are exactly what they need."
A sense of pessimism filled the room, and Elvin, the military leader, had to rally the spirits. "Hmph! Any fools who dare to attack will regret it."
Liszt fell silent for a moment. "We should contact the Protectorate Church army ahead of time and let them know that protecting Alden's merchants is far more profitable than harming them."
"Alright, that's enough for today. I'll rely on all of you to manage the defense!"
After the meeting, Liszt returned to his study, sat heavily in his chair, and began to think deeply, his brow furrowed.
Before long, he heard the door open again, and light footsteps followed by a soft thud as something was placed on the desk.
Opening his eyes, Liszt saw Sevya placing a steaming cup of tea on the desk in front of him.
"Thank you, my dear," he said, a faint smile breaking through his weary expression.
The two had recently solidified their relationship, and despite the mounting pressure from the situation, Liszt found comfort in Sevya, the brown-haired sorceress, who helped ease his mind.
Sevya moved behind him and gently massaged his temples. "Are you worrying about the recent war?"
"Ah, it's hard to explain."
Sevya grumbled, "It's all the fault of those useless Protestant soldiers."
"Well, I can't say it's entirely their fault. The Papacy is simply too strong. I'm not afraid of them, but I do fear letting Lord Grayman down."
Liszt suddenly took Sevya's hand. "I'm planning to go to the Church personally to discuss matters with them."
Sevya's expression immediately turned concerned. "That's too dangerous! The situation is chaotic, and I won't allow you to meet with those beasts!"
As they argued, there was a knock on the door. "Master Liszt, a man claiming to be a representative of the Church requests to meet with you."
"The Church?" Sevya's expression soured instantly.
Liszt, on the other hand, felt a spark of hope. "They've come to us directly?" he said, then quickly grew worried. "I hope they're not bringing any troublesome demands."
A few minutes later, Liszt met the Church's envoy in the reception room.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the envoy made a difficult request.
"We request that Lion's Port cooperate with the Church's army in attacking Niceport."
"This…" Liszt's expression stiffened. "We're here to do business in Horns Bay. We've always maintained neutrality."
The Church envoy smiled slightly. "You should think carefully, Master Liszt. The Protestant Alliance is doomed."
"Uh…" Liszt hesitated.
The forces of Eaton in the north were still strong, and he had intended to refute the envoy's statement. But instead, he said, "I don't deny your claim, but what does that have to do with us?"
"The land you occupy here is leased to you by the Horns Bay Alliance. Once the Church takes full control of Horns Bay, do you really think we'll continue upholding agreements signed with your former enemies?"
Liszt realized the gravity of the situation. "Although I am Lord Grayman's representative here, I have no authority to make decisions immediately. I need to consult with the Northwest Bay."
He intended to stall.
"No need for that," the envoy said, his tone shifting to one of subtle threat. "You can decide immediately. The Papacy is powerful, and I believe even Lord Grayman, far as he is, would not oppose us."
(End of the Chapter)
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