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Chapter 163: Big Deal V
Chapter 163: Big Deal V
Chapter 163: Big Deal V
After the meeting with the Empress, Bahamut and Bertina stepped out.
The overall progress plan and outline of what was to come were complete, leaving only fine-tuning.
Their task was to stir dissatisfaction against the Holy Church, creating division and confusion among the nations of the Continent.
This goal could be achieved relatively easily if the Sakiel Knights, currently under the leadership of the Beden Merchant Company, along with indebted monarchs, were utilized effectively. The necessary funds would be supplied by the Dragona Empire.
‘This war revealed how difficult it is to break the continental states from the outside. That’s why this time, I’ll create a rift from within.’
As Bahamut understood the Empress’s intentions, he made his way to the inn.
Walking beside him, Bertina was lost in her thoughts as well.
‘Chaos across the Continent… If this plan unfolds smoothly, the Beden Merchant Company and Uranus will profit greatly.’
The monarchs of various nations, already burdened with astronomical debts from the last war, would face dire consequences if they failed to repay on time. This would allow the merchant companies to demand debt collection from entire countries.
Soon, little by little, they would have the power to control the economy of the Continent. In other words, Bahamut would hold wealth and power firmly in his grasp.‘Truly… It feels like the world is bending to our will. Things are flowing perfectly. If this goes according to plan…’
As these thoughts crossed Bertina’s mind, a familiar face appeared in front of her.
“Oh my goodness! Prime Minister,” she exclaimed.
“Yes? You must be…”
Bertina bowed her head, expressing her joy without hesitation. The young man before her greeted her with a bit of surprise.
“Mrs. Minerva… No, should I say Mrs. Fernandez now? It’s been quite some time. How have you been?”
“Yes, Prime Minister. Thank you for waking me up and supporting me. I’m doing well. Oh, and I believe you’ve already heard—this is my husband.”
“So, you must be the famous Bahamut.”
The man showed keen interest in Bertina’s introduction. Bahamut, recognizing the person before him, gave a polite bow.
“Yes, that’s correct. It’s an honor to meet you, Prime Minister of the Dragona Empire—Your Excellency, Duke Selibras.”
As he identified the man in front of him, Bahamut mentally sketched out his profile.
‘Selibras… The prime minister of the Dragona Empire and one of its most powerful figures. He is the Empress’s closest aide, practically like family, and can speak candidly with him in private.’
In addition to his close relationship with the Empress, Selibras was a highly skilled mage and one of the greatest nobles in the empire.
Bahamut treated Selibras with the utmost respect.
Noticing Bahamut’s courtesy, the duke spoke in his usual light tone.
“I’ve heard a bit from His Majesty. I didn’t realize the merchants visiting us were newlyweds.”
“Haha, the gift you sent was well received. I feel a little embarrassed that Your Excellency would pay attention to such details.”
“Well, it was the least I could do. I earned quite a bit of money thanks to you. Why don’t we have some tea in the annex? I have time now, so we can chat for a while.”
“Hmm…”
Bertina sensed something unusual in his words. However, since she had no real reason to refuse, she smiled and nodded.
“Sure. Today’s schedule is already complete. Shall we, honey?”
“I will,” Bahamut replied, agreeing with Bertina’s suggestion.
However, even as he accepted, his attention was fixed on Selive.
‘Selibras… Outwardly easygoing, but that’s just in daily life. In public affairs, he’s anything but carefree, having served as the prime minister for seventy years. If he’s asking to meet us, there must be something more.’
With no valid reason to decline the Prime Minister’s invitation, Bahamut decided to play along and observe the situation.
***
At the Inn
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Ophelia stared coldly at the familiar yet unwelcome face before her.
She was waiting at the inn under Bahamut’s orders. Originally, she was supposed to follow him as part of the escort, but due to the events of the last war, only Tilda and some adventurers accompanied the Empress.
Ophelia had also chosen to avoid any encounters with the White Dragon Princess, knowing how awkward things could become. Yet now, here she was—unannounced and uninvited.
‘What should I do? How do I deal with her when my master isn’t here?’
Ophelia’s mind raced with no clear answer.
The White Dragon Princess, Elios Noshelat Dragona, smiled deeply, her expression full of amusement.
“So, you’ve holed yourself up here to avoid me… As if that would work. You can’t hide that intense presence of yours.”
Her voice brimmed with joy. Ophelia instantly drew her greatsword.
“Ah, don’t misunderstand. I’m not here to fight you,” Elios said calmly.
The tension vanished, as if a stormy sky had suddenly cleared to reveal the sun.
Ophelia blinked, momentarily dazed, as the change in atmosphere caught her off guard. Meanwhile, Elios casually entered the room and took a seat.
“Come, sit. I came here today just to talk. We’ll arrange something more formal later.”
Ophelia sighed but sat down on the bed. She didn’t trust Elios, but it seemed unlikely that the princess would cause trouble in her own empire’s palace.
“What do you want to say?” Ophelia asked coldly.
Elios smiled playfully. “Nothing much. I’m just curious about your terrifying talent.”
“…It’s not that impressive,” Ophelia replied.
“Hmm, is that so?” Elios said with a sly grin, lifting her leg slightly to reveal a scar Ophelia had inflicted.
“This was a gift from you. I’ve been injured plenty on the battlefield, but this was the first time I’ve been incapacitated like that. I decided to keep the scar, even though I’ve fully healed inside.”
“I’m not interested in your strange tastes,” Ophelia said flatly.
“That’s not what I meant. You’re the only one who has fatally wounded me—in the last eighty years.”
Ophelia’s eyes widened as she realized the situation was more troublesome than she had anticipated.
Elios’s gaze sparkled with childlike excitement, as if she had just found the perfect toy.
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