Battle Race in the Fantasy World

Battle Race in the Fantasy World – 76

EP.76 What was expected has finally come… but isn’t it too soon?

Jonathan is heading west. That was what the Emperor heard.

But the Emperor’s mind and reason couldn’t fully grasp it.

It was too sudden and completely unexpected.

“…Excuse me. What did you just say? You’re going west?”

“Yes. We intend to express our regret for the recent incident.”

Leo’s response left the Emperor speechless.

Or rather, it wasn’t that he didn’t respond; he couldn’t.

His mind was spinning so wildly that he couldn’t think of a reply.

‘Heading west. Does that mean they intend to join the battle?’

There were six legions being prepared to push back the western kingdom alliance.

The Schrelitz ducal family, which wielded significant influence in the military, would also participate directly.

Additionally, there were battle mages and support mages included.

The scale was determined by the Ministry of War, considering the forbidden acts committed by the alliance.

Even if the entire alliance used mana overdrive, they could fight on equal terms.

Of course, there would be casualties, but reserves were on standby to fill the gaps.

‘But if I compare that scale with Jonathan’s power in terms of participation….’

There was no comparison. Jonathan’s participation was far more advantageous.

Beyond the level of military strength, the crucial factor was that it would spare the lives of the Empire’s people.

Although Jonathan was under the Empire and one of its noble families,

they were notoriously difficult to control, and if they couldn’t be controlled, they couldn’t be counted as part of the military strength.

For such people to volunteer was an incredibly welcome development.

“…What is your intention?”

However, the Emperor was not foolish enough to reveal his inner thoughts.

Instead, he subtly feigned a hint of suspicion.

You’ve never cared about the Empire’s affairs before.

Why suddenly decide to join the Empire’s fight now, as if questioning their motives.

“As I said, we wish to express our regret for the unfortunate incident.”

“Is the academy incident the reason? Because of your younger sibling?”

That seemed the most likely reason. Kyle Jonathan, a direct descendant of the Jonathan family.

The young man had been exposed to the alliance’s ambush, which could explain their reaction.

Whether he was harmed or not, the fact itself could be a significant issue.

However, the response was entirely unexpected.

“Is Kyle hurt?”

At Lea’s question, the Emperor thought for a moment before shaking his head.

According to reports, none of the academy students were injured.

All the injured were knights and soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the academy.

“If he were hurt, it might be different, but if he’s fine, that wouldn’t be the reason, Your Majesty.”

“Then why is Jonathan stepping in? Why suddenly….”

“They became strong without effort.”

Leo’s following words carried a chilling aura.

“Without training, without effort, through unjust means.”

To display such killing intent in front of the Emperor could be grounds for immediate punishment.

However, the Emperor focused more on understanding the reason for their anger.

“So… because they used mana overdrive. Because they became strong without any effort….”

“Yes, Your Majesty. That is why we are stepping in.”

“….”

He had forgotten. These were Jonathan. They thought differently from ordinary people.

They were the kind who would never tolerate their core values being undermined!

“Hmm.”

Slowly nodding, the Emperor confirmed that these individuals had no hidden agenda.

He decided to let them do as they wished.

If Jonathan truly stepped in, the war would be won before it even started.

“If you step in, it would be greatly appreciated. Truly appreciated.”

For the alliance, it would be an unprecedented catastrophe, but that didn’t matter.

They started it, and they brought this disaster upon themselves.

There was no reason or capacity to worry about them.

Moreover, any ensuing criticism would likely be directed more at Jonathan than the Empire itself.

Jonathan didn’t care about such things, so it wasn’t an issue.

In fact, it would be beneficial for the Empire in terms of public sentiment management.

“However, I have one request.”

“What is it? Do you need someone to back you up?”

“That’s not it. We just want to take our youngest with us, but he’s at the academy.”

“And the academy has an important attendance system.”

The Emperor immediately understood what the Jonathan siblings were requesting.

“You want me to resolve Kyle’s attendance issue.”

“That’s correct.”

“That won’t be difficult. The academy exists to nurture the Empire’s finest talents. In such a situation, the attendance of those working for the Empire shouldn’t be an issue.”

No matter how strict the professors were, if the Emperor said, ‘Mark him present,’ that would be the end of it.

While nobles might interfere, the Emperor’s involvement was an entirely different matter.

There would be no need for explanations; they would simply comply with an ‘Understood.’ That’s the imperial decree.

“Is that all then? Is there truly nothing else you desire?”

“That’s correct.”

“Really? You might have to fight on behalf of the Empire.”

“If there’s no battle, Jonathan has no reason to step in.”

Leo’s response made the Emperor chuckle at his own redundant question.

Of course, if there were no battle, they wouldn’t have come forward.

They must have sensed something, which is why they appeared.

And not just any members, but direct descendants of the family head, and two of them at that.

“Understood. When do you plan for Jonathan’s forces to depart? Timing is crucial as they need to join forces with you. I should send a messenger to the north in advance….”

“Oh. By the way, our people from home won’t be moving.”

“…What?”

The Emperor thought he had misheard. After all, they had said Jonathan would step in.

They had said they would personally confront the alliance to express their regret.

But now, suddenly, they were saying their people wouldn’t be moving?

Were they playing some childish word game in front of the Emperor?

“We are going. My sister, my youngest brother, and I. Just the three of us.”

“What…?”

“Three will be enough, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor considered the total strength of the alliance.

Even though they had been pushed west and were remnants of a bygone era,

there was a reason they had persisted for so long. They had their strengths.

They still had many troops, knights, and mages at their disposal.

While fewer than the Empire, they were not to be underestimated.

Even with the use of mana overdrive demonstrated so readily, the situation leaves the Empire unable to be complacent.

‘That’s why six legions, the mage battalion, and even the Schrelitz ducal family were mobilized….’

Yet, it’s not the entirety of Jonathan moving, but merely three young individuals proposing to go.

The Emperor’s reason was almost outraged, thinking this must be some kind of joke.

‘But why… why does my intuition, the Emperor’s intuition, whisper that it’s possible…’

“If Your Majesty doubts our capability, you don’t have to accept Jonathan’s participation.”

“The decision ultimately rests with Your Majesty.”

Sensing the Emperor’s dilemma, the siblings left the decision to him.

Jonathan would move, but it would only be the three direct descendants.

So, if there’s any unease, they suggested not to permit Jonathan’s participation and let the Empire proceed.

They would quietly comply with whatever the Emperor decides.

“….”

The Emperor looked at the siblings intently, internally chuckling in disbelief.

‘They say that, but they’re determined to head west and hold someone accountable.’

It was the Emperor himself who had proposed peace with Jonathan.

Thus, he knew them well. Too well, to the point of concern.

To chase after those who gained strength through unjust means and became powerful? They would be the first to pursue.

Whether to beat them down, split them in two, or bury them alive.

If such individuals say the Emperor shouldn’t intervene, would he really not?

Impossible. They would definitely intervene. They would go west and do whatever it takes.

Trying to stop them here would only diminish the Emperor’s prestige.

Yet, to judge Jonathan for insolence could invite judgment in return.

Above all, the conditions Jonathan offered were too generous. They themselves offered to intervene.

They even proposed to act under imperial command.

The offer was too generous, an offer the Emperor couldn’t possibly refuse.

‘I thought they were merely seekers of strength, lovers of the process alone.’

Now it seems they also know how to play their cards right.

This makes the Emperor of the Empire even more uneasy, yet there’s no clear way to refuse them.

And to actually refuse them, there seems to be too much to lose.

“Let the people of Jonathan hear this.”

As the imperial decree was issued, Leo and Lea stood up from their seats.

“I permit you to head west with your younger sibling. All actions taken henceforth will be under my command, and no one in the Empire shall interfere with you. Chief Steward.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Prepare accommodations for them for one night and contact the Ministry of the Interior to issue them the authority to execute the imperial decree.”

This arrangement allowed the Emperor to publicly demonstrate his handling of Jonathan.

For Jonathan, it provided a legitimate visit and the ability to act under imperial sanction.

In reality, the Emperor had no intention of truly managing Jonathan, so Jonathan stood to gain more.

“I wish you success in your endeavors and a safe return home.”

“We will always remember Your Majesty’s grace. We will convey the Empire’s will to the west.”

“That’s right. That’s why I’m sending you.”

For today, the Emperor genuinely, truly felt pity for the alliance.