More than four hundred kilometers south of Lamask Province lay another province of the Former Candel Empire-Merinda Province.
Like Lamask Province, Merinda Province had declared its separation from the Candel Empire's central government early on.
Unlike Lamask Province, however, Merinda Province had not descended into chaos amid workers' riots and been forced out of the government's control. Instead, the Merinda Province Governor's Mansion had declared of its own accord that it would no longer obey the Candel Empire's Parliament.
Although it had not formally declared independence, the meaning was much the same.
Now that Wimbledon City, the Candel Empire's capital, had fallen to the Malo Empire's army, the Candel Empire could all but be declared destroyed. Yet Merinda Province had not turned straight to the Malo Empire like the northern provinces, instead declaring itself autonomous.
Among the Candel Empire's original thirty-seven provinces, many considered Merinda Province's actions a sign of considerable loyalty to the imperial family.
However, the Merinda Province Governor's Mansion had made no further statements, so no one knew the true intentions of its former governor, Duke Weilang.
After Wimbledon City fell and Merinda Province declared autonomy, the Merinda Province Governor's Mansion had devoted itself to stabilizing conditions within the province, with little further contact with the outside world.
Thanks to Duke Weilang's efforts, conditions within Merinda Province had remained relatively stable, making it something of a peaceful haven within the Candel Empire.
On this day, a guest arrived at the Merinda Province Governor's Mansion.
"Prime Minister, it is truly a relief to see you again." Duke Weilang opened his arms and warmly embraced his visitor, his beaming smile showing his genuine pleasure at the man's arrival.
Grand Duke Rostov, the Candel Empire's Prime Minister, hugged Count Weilang firmly, an equally relieved smile on his face.
"I'm very