"Please convey my condolences to Franz I."
William II, king of the Kingdom of Kront, looked at the Sasha Alliance's envoy before him and spoke with a sincere, solemn expression.
"I am deeply saddened by Grand Duke Fernando's assassination. The Duchy of Seth's actions are utterly intolerable! We must seize this opportunity to act against the Duchy of Seth, and quickly! If war breaks out between the Sasha Alliance and the Olucci Empire, Kront will stand loyally at your side. Whatever assistance the Sasha Alliance requires, we will provide it without hesitation. You may rest assured!"
"Your promise means a great deal to us, Your Majesty."
The Sasha Alliance's envoy was excited as well. He respectfully thanked William II, then withdrew. Only then did William II return to his desk, sit down, and catch his breath.
Just then, a vigorous old man in military uniform entered, his hair and beard white.
"Your Majesty, should we begin military preparations?"
"No need."
To the old general's surprise, however, William II waved a hand, looking utterly unconcerned.
"But if the Sasha Alliance goes to war with the Duchy of Seth, the Olucci Empire-"
"The Olucci Empire wouldn't dare."
William II sneered.
"I've heard that unrest has been breaking out all over the Olucci Empire lately, to the point that even the president of Francis is going there in person to investigate. They can barely suppress the unrest. How would they have time to waste on us? As long as we make a show of firmly supporting the Sasha Alliance, the Olucci Empire will surely think twice before making a move."
"But what if-"
"We already have plans for that, don't we?"
"Yes."
Faced with William II's confidence, the old general frowned but said nothing more. Indeed, Kront's General Staff had long since prepared