Sea of Hope Upheaval

With only three days remaining until Dawn Day of the seventy-seventh year.

As the Sacred Co-Prosperity Kingdom's year-end summary conference approached, governors and Legion Commanders from every region returned to the royal capital to report on their duties, making Highland City even livelier.

Even the bitter cold could not keep the smiling pedestrians from filling the streets, weaving through brightly lit shops and buying the dazzling array of goods on display.

This festive, peaceful scene was reflected in a pair of deep eyes within the depths of the royal palace.

Standing before the window with his hands behind his back, Roland's gaze carried a faint sense of satisfaction.

By now, the Sacred Co-Prosperity Kingdom's human population had long since surpassed one hundred million. Including the Orcs, it had reached one hundred and sixty million.

They thrived across this vast land and sea, living stable and prosperous lives under his rule.

When he had first arrived in this world, he had never dared imagine that one day, the future of over a hundred million living beings would rest on his shoulders.

At that thought, Roland's eyes grew even firmer. Having reached his current position, retreat was no longer something he could choose to do.

Behind him lay a bottomless abyss. To retreat meant death. Only one road remained before him: move forward, defeat every opponent, and ascend the summit.

"Old Nob, tell me what your Supervision Department has learned."

Roland turned around, his gaze sweeping over Leslie and Reff before settling on the last man.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"However, we lost contact with the Medici Family half a month ago, so our intelligence regarding the Arcane Empire's internal military movements is not very detailed."

"I have increased our manpower and activated quite a few minor and mid-ranking nobles within the Arcane