Arcane Era-Chapter 74: Royal Burden (Part 2)

’If only we exported more specialized goods like Ranial’s marine products, or if our agricultural produce had the bulk, diversity, and quality comparable to Ariel, then...’ Nimrod knew it was useless contemplating these things, but he had no choice.

It felt like the life of his Nation was flashing before his eyes.

’The Great Nations won’t help us, and our allied Nations are turning a blind eye, clearly because they’re looking for ways to benefit from this situation. I won’t even be surprised if they’re somehow helping the Revolutionary Army in secret...’

Then, there were the smaller settlements surrounding Sarvos—ones that weren’t officially Nations. Their military might was relatively low, but if they banded together to help Sarvos, the Civil War would already be over.

However... they didn’t!

The reason was very obvious to Nimrod, and even the High Chancellor before him.

’Those rat-faced bastards want Sarvos to fall so they can take our place and become officially recognized as Nations.’ He loudly growled, unable to stand the seething anger that rattled even his bones.

Only 15 Nations existed in the Mainland, and out of those, 4 were recognized as Great Nations.

Other civilizations and communities existed, some even as large as official Nations. However, they weren’t given the recognition of a Nation, since they weren’t affiliated with a Great Nation.

’All the surrounding nations offer practically the same thing as Sarvos, so if we fall, they can become affiliated with Roehel and Yabamiah. They have no incentive to help us, especially since we’ve been using our elevated position to oppress them all this time...’

Now that they were in trouble, it was the turn of these surrounding tribes to laugh at them.

’I can’t even blame them.’ Nimrod sighed, his anger finally dissipating. ’Our Sarvos Nation used the same method to rise to prominence, after all...’

In the end, such was the brutality of life and the essence of politics.

"Due to the increasing recession, our Nation has been unable to meet up with the export quotas we established with the Great Nations, and they’ve already threatened to cut us off if we keep defaulting." The moment the High Chancellor said this, Nimrod’s face paled.

"C-cut us off... as in, just their products or our affiliation?"

"Both, your Majesty."

"BOTH?!" Nimrod almost fainted.

Even though the Great Nations were practically useless when it came to helping Sarvos with their Civil War, their name was still indispensable.

Why?

Because being affiliated with not just one, but two Great Nations brought recognition and influence. As a Nation under the two Great Nations, Sarvos was allowed several privileges, and it was also protected from many threats.

’Even without considering the benefits we’d lose... how are we going to protect ourselves from external aggressors once they cut us off?’

At the moment, the only problem Sarvos faced was the Civil War.

But—

’If we lose the affiliation with Roehel and Yabamiah... all the surrounding tribes and Nations will make a move on us and could even swallow us up.’

All of the territory that Sarvos had acquired over the years would be consumed, and they could even vanish from the face of the Mainland. Nimrod was an incredibly selfish ruler, but he still cared about the legacy of his ancestors.

He didn’t want Sarvos to perish—at least, not under his rule.

Not in his time!

"The situation is too precarious..." His voice was hoarse as his previously puffed-up body rested deflated on his throne.

It was possible that in an attempt to get rid of rats, they were letting in wolves.

"You don’t need to worry, your Majesty." The High Chancellor said in encouragement. "I’ll be sure to keep watch on the Ak’ashi Guild, ensuring they don’t do anything to harm our Nation."

"Can we stop them?"

"We’ve only requested for a single team. No matter how competent they are, they can’t possibly match the might of our Nation. Plus, if we have probable cause and eliminate them, they won’t dare to retaliate once we make this known to the Great Nations."

"Hmm... I see." Nimrod stroked his beards. "Yeah, that could work."

The Great Nations would refuse to help Sarvos, but if the latter could prove the Ak’ashi Guild’s involvement in their crisis, and showed proof of the Guild’s wrongdoings, their political overlords would strike back against them.

After all, the Great Nations were strongly against the Ak’ashi Guild having any sort of influence in the Mainland. It wasn’t a Nation, and it existed out in the Central Oceans, so it didn’t have any right to exert its power over the continent.

If it tried, the Great Nations would see it as encroachment and treat the Ak’ashi Guild as hostile.

’That’s why we have to find evidence of their crime!’

"Do I have the permission to use the Omega Squad if need be?" The High Chancellor asked with a tone of servitude, his head still bowed.

"You have permission."

"Thank you, your Majesty."

Nimrod still cursed under his breath after his, his grumbles incessant like that of a pratling child.

"This whole thing should just be resolved quickly already. Once this rebellion is quelled and the threat to my throne is squashed, everything will return to normal." A small smile formed on his face as he began to think of ways to punish the surrounding tribes for their impudence.

’As for the Ak’ashi Guild, we’ll deal with them once this is all over.’

If they were, in fact, the ones responsible for the destruction of the fortress, then all hell was soon going to break loose in the Mainland. After all, the only reason the Ak’ashi Guild was so powerful was the existence of Shen Ak’ashi.

But so what?

All the other Great Nations of the Mainland also had their Supreme Lords.

’No matter how strong he is, there’s no way he can take on all four Supreme Lords of Trae’h.’ Nimrod’s grin was wider now, as his eyes flashed with gleaming delight.

’Shen Ak’ashi... your downfall is near!’

************

[Central Oceans, The Ak’ashi Guild]

"You’re all on time... I like that." Kamara’s arms were folded as she looked at the four youths who stood before her.

She was much taller than all of them, and her smile was also the brightest. As her dark hair danced to the smooth rhythm of the breeze, her slightly baggy shirt flapped incessantly. With a sweet voice and gentle demeanor, she calmly welcomed her team members: Theo, Liyah, Arlet, and Kaycee.

"On this day, the 5th of Ogriv, we’ll be traveling to Sarvos."

Everyone nodded, prepared for their journey. Gleams of curiosity flashed in the eyes of a few people, most especially Theo’s, and the latter was even about to raise his hand, but Kamara gestured him to keep it down.

"We leave in the evening, so there’s still some time before departure. In the meantime, it has come to my notice that you four are yet to receive new Armaments for passing the Combat Exams."

The curiosity in Theo’s eyes quickly died down once he heard this.

He was going to ask if she didn’t mention it.

"Since you’re all members of a team specially created by Lord Shen Ak’ashi, it is only fair that we make yet another exception for you. So, instead of picking one Standard Grade Armament each... you’ll be allowed something far more impressive." The surprise revealed by her charming voice elicited excitement in her audience.

Everyone impatiently waited to hear the details of their reward.

What was it going to be? Two Standard Grade Armaments? Three?

Or, maybe—?

"One Regal Grade Armament each.... Now, let’s go to the Inventory so you can have your pick."