After a week of negotiation, Kara and the Kingdom of Robros failed to reach an agreement. Actually, it was not a negotiation. The Kingdom of Robros demanded unacceptable terms of peace to Kara which obviously refused to accept them. It’s just another formality before going to war against each other.
At last, the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Robros read the declaration of war on the last day of the conference. Now, the war between Kara and the Kingdom of Robros officially started.
However, I was very busy for the past week so I didn’t follow the news about their war.
Padilla found out my true identity. If she told others who I was, my life would be done here.
Of course, I didn’t have to worry about the incident which happened in the Holy Land of Divinum since Armida was on my side.
But the problem was my dad and uncle.
If they found out I was alive, they would make me the Grand Prince again no matter what. Then my happiness would be gone forever and my life would become totally miserable because I must take care of the territory of Carl’s family.
Seriously, it would be like hell.
First of all, I should sign a mountain of documents every day and inspect all the areas with the territory. Moreover, I should participate in the events regularly held in the Imperial Castle and other major territories to make acquaintances with important people. Getting involved in the politics of the Yosrahim Empire and serving as a judge in the court for major crimes would also be some of my duties.
And there was more.
I must go to battles against the Orc tribes from time to time. In other words, there could be a chance of my life taken away by Grolmogg, the Great Orc hero. Suppressing peasant rebellions was not a joke either. If a war ever erupted, I should bring my troops and fight to the death.
The worst thing was to have an ugly daughter of a powerful aristocrat as my concubine because of political reasons.
Compared to the life of the Grand Prince, my life in Kara was much better. I worked only a few hours and then spent my day mostly on training and hanging out.
I would definitely go nuts if I had to go back to the territory of Carl’s family. There would be literally no time to hang out. Also, I might have to train my swordsmanship only in my spare time. Therefore, I would never be able to reach the Mind Master level but waste my entire life on politics and other stupid matters within the territory. Obviously, my life in Kara was a thousand times better.
Sitting on a training ground, I grumbled about the fact that Padilla found out my true identity.
“What should I do now?”
Shura was sitting next to me and trying to soothe my worry.
“Master, everything will be okay.”
“I hope so…”
“Everyone says that the Emir of Kara is a thoughtful and gentle woman. She won’t do something that gets you into trouble.”
“Well, I know Padilla is a woman of few words. And she’s a kind person so she won’t do anything harmful to others.”
It was true at least eight years later although I wasn’t sure how she would act right now.
“By the way, how did she find out that you’re the Grand Prince? You’re wearing a white mask and you two had met only once until that night, right?”
“Well, maybe she’s just quick-witted.”
“Hmm… do you think so?”
At that moment, Armida came inside the training ground.
“Hey little bro, you have a visitor.”
“A visitor? Who is it?”
“He’s from the Palace of Kara and they want to meet you.”
I was really shocked.
“From the palace?”
“Yeah. They’ve even brought a carriage for you.”
I whispered to Shura.
“Do you think they’re trying to threaten me?”
“Why would they?”
“They’re going to war against the Kingdom of Robros. So they will do everything they can.”
“You’re right but…”
If Padilla decided to threaten me, there would be only one option. We must use our power and status. I couldn’t get help from Armida since she should not reveal her identity. But Shura would be okay.
Shura became the Great Saintess of Yin and Yang. Thus, her status was much higher than the Emir of Kara.
“I think you should come with me. Let’s listen to what they have to say first and then if they’re threatening me, you should help me out.”
“Sure. I got it.”
Shortly after, Shura and I headed to the Palace of Kara.
***
Once we arrived at the Palace of Kara, we were escorted to a luxurious reception room. In the middle of the spacious room, there was a golden table and two people I knew were sitting behind it.
They were Padilla and Uddin Ibrahim, the prime minister.
Uddin stood up and bowed down politely to greet us.
“Welcome, Master. I’m sorry for asking you to come here instead of visiting you personally.”
I stared at him for a while and said.
“So, you’re the one who asked me to come here?’
“Yes, sir.”
“For what reason?”
“To be honest, we want to discuss something very important with you.”
First, I tried to read Padilla’s face. But strangely, her eyes were fixed on me.
“You’re not threatening me, are you?”
“No way, sir. How possible could I?”
“Then why is the Emir of Kara here too?”
“······.”
He didn’t say anything but made an embarrassed face. It seemed he also didn’t know why Padilla was here.
Meanwhile, Padilla with her subtle eyes stared at Shura who wore a hood and stood next to me. Padilla looked very curious because she found out Shura was an elf.
“Master, is the woman next to you a Moon Elf?”
“Yes, she’s a Moon Elf.”
“I understand, sir. Is she your friend or…?”
“She’s my lover.”
Once she heard what I said, Padilla made a very disappointed face but soon she smiled brightly and walked closer to Shura. Then she gently grabbed both of Shura’s hands.
“Welcome, I am glad to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
Shura looked very puzzled. As Padilla escorted Shura, she turned around and said.
“Prime minister, I will serve refreshments to her in my room while you have a discussion with him.”
“Yes, your highness.”
Uddin courteously saw off Padilla who left the reception room with Shura. And I took my seat upon his request.
“So, what do you want to discuss with me?”
“Master, please let me serve you some tea first.”
Shortly after, a servant brought refreshments and put them on the table. I took a sip of tea. By the way, Uddin looked very serious and stared at me as if he was inspecting me.
“So, what is it?”
“To be honest, I have been thinking lately about why people go to war against each other. Why do they have to kill each other? And my answer is that it’s because of national interest. Do you agree?”
I took a hint right away that this discussion would be very serious. I felt as if I was being tested.
“Maybe. But in my opinion, it’s more about happiness. People think they will become happier or avoid adversity if they win a war.”
After hearing my answer, he opened his eyes wide. He seemed totally incomprehensible.
“Really?”
“Trust me. I am right.”
“Could you elaborate on it?”
“Humans only take actions when they try to become happier or avoid their adversity. Thus, war is just an inevitable corollary. We can’t escape from this truth.”
“But a countless number of people lose their lives in war. How can they believe they will become happier by going to war?”
I chuckled.
“Because people who actually start a war don’t fight and rather send other people into battlefields. Do you think politicians care about others? They don’t care how many people would die in war. They only pursue their self-interests.”
“I see…”
He barely seemed to understand what I said. Bad luck of other people would not necessarily bring you bad luck. That’s the way how human life worked. Although average people often had compassion and sympathy towards others, politicians didn’t have those feelings so they could start a war without a moment of hesitation.
“Is there anything else you want to discuss with me?”
“I actually have one more question, sir. What is your definition of war?”
I tilted my head on the side and then I answered his question right away.
“Well, war is something eventually resolved by hard labor which requires swords.”
“Then what is a battle, sir?”
“A form of hard labor which requires swords.”
“What about strategy, sir? What is your definition of strategy?”
“It is a form of mental labor which can make an enemy’s labor less efficient and maximize the efficiency of your labor.”
Uddin made a subtle face.
“Master, why do you think that way?”
“Do you like war?”
“No, sir.”
“Then it’s just another form of hard labor for you as well. All human activities are either play or labor. That’s it.”
“I see…”
I scowled at him seriously as he kept asking me weird questions.
Then Uddin took a bundle of documents out of his bag and handed it over to me.
“Master, please take a look at this.”
“What is it?”
“This is our military strategy plan for this war and it was made and submitted by Razal, the supreme commander. Since I am a layman when it comes to military strategy, I can’t tell this plan is good or bad. So, could you please take a look and give me some advice?”
The military strategy plan made by the supreme commander was definitely a top-secret. And he’s showing it to me who’s an outsider? There must be some secret plan.
I picked up the documents and asked.
“Do you know who is the supreme commander of the Robros army?”
“Actually, we still don’t know who he is…”
After hearing that, I tore those documents apart without even taking a look and threw them away. Sheets of papers flew in the air. And Uddin was shocked.
“Master, why did you…?”
“Don’t worry. It’s just a piece of garbage.”
“But sir, you haven’t even read it…”
“Because I don’t have to. In a war, you need to kill your enemy who tries to kill you. If you make a plan without knowing who your enemy is, it’s completely useless. So, why do I have to waste my time reading a piece of garbage? I am a busy man.”
Then I stood up from my seat. I had no idea what his intention was but I didn’t want to waste my time any longer.
As I was about to leave, Uddin quickly followed me.
“Master, I still have a lot to ask you.”
“You don’t have to ask me anything more. You guys will lose this war no matter what. Don’t go on a wild goose chase. Just prepare for what you will do after defeat. Maybe I can help with that one.”
“Master…”
“By the way, today’s consultation fee is 20 riffs of gold. With the visitation and food expenses of two people, the total bill is 26 riffs of gold. I hope you send money as soon as possible.”
I stepped outside the door immediately. Uddin could do nothing but stand still and watch me leave. It was best for me to stay out of this war. If I got compassion for their pitiful situation, I would end up going through many troubles.
* * *
‘Why is she so late?’
While standing at the main gate, I kept looking at the palace. I already told her that we must go back home quickly but she still didn’t come out. Seriously, women were so talkative. Their typical conversations usually lasted for hours.
“Master~.”
She finally came out and Padilla saw her off to the gate of the palace.
“Hurry up. Why are you so late?”
“I am sorry, Master. I couldn’t come out early because she gave me a lot of stuff.”
She was wearing all kinds of jewelry including a necklace, earrings, a golden bracelet, and an Essence ring all of which she didn’t have when we arrived here.
On top of those, a bag full of fancy clothes was in her hand.
“What are those?”
“They are gifts from the Emir.”
I warily looked at Padilla who was still standing at the gate of the palace.
“Hey, why did you take them? It’s sort of a bribe.”
“Really?”
“I had some conversation with the prime minister and I smell something fishy.”
“What do you mean?”
“I am not quite sure about their intention but I think they want us to participate in their war.”
“Really?”
I looked at Shura and asked seriously.
“Padilla didn’t ask you some kind of favor, did she?”
She waved her hands several times.
“Not at all.”
“Any threat?”
“No, she didn’t threaten us.”
“That’s good. But you should still be careful of Padilla. Back when we were in the reception room, she was looking at me weirdly as if she wanted something from me. Perhaps she’s trying to make us participate in their war.”
Out of sudden, Shura made an odd face and stared at me.
“Master, do you really think so?”
“Do you think I am wrong?”
“Yes, I think you’re wrong.”
“Then why did she look at me like that?”
As I made a puzzled face, she sighed deeply.
“Master, have you been in a relationship with a woman before?”
“Of course. I met many women in my life. Also, there were a lot of women who were eager to get my attention.”
“I mean, have you fallen in love with anyone?”
“Yes, I have. Do you know how many women I had slept with? Seriously, I haven’t told you about them because you will feel jealous. There were thousands of them.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“I am not talking about sex. Have you ever felt nervous when you met a woman? You know, your heart keeps pounding or you can’t go to sleep because you keep thinking about her. Have you ever experienced something like that?”
I gently tapped on her shoulder.
“Hey, I am not a kid. You’re talking about true love, right?
“Yes.”
“Of course I had a woman whom I truly loved. Actually, I had my first love when I was a bit older.”
Once she heard that, Shura smiled brightly.
“So, what did you do when you met your first love? Please recall that memory.”
“Hmm… I took her as my hostage and put a sword on her neck. She got a scar but it was not too deep. It was not a big deal.”
Shura was at a loss for words and smoothed down her face. It seemed she couldn’t understand me at all.
“Forget it. You don’t understand what I am talking about.”
“What do you mean?”
“Never mind. There’s no way I can explain it to you.”
Then she quickly walked ahead and left me behind. So, I followed her to ask why she was acting weird but she only sighed deeply and didn’t clarify it.
Perhaps it’s because she received bribes from Padilla. Seriously, Shura had been acting so weird all day. No wonder Elves also loved jewelry and luxury goods.