"Dierjia has delivered a formal diplomatic note demanding that we eradicate the heretical Life Religion or share responsibility with the Life Divine Religion for the unrest in Dierjia. They also demand that we surrender their lost Holy Relic."
In Kingsbia's Royal Capital, a diplomat explained Dierjia's demands in an unsettled voice. Everyone in the Royal Palace sensed that things were taking a bad turn.
"What does Dierjia mean by this?"
"Your Majesty, they have given us an ultimatum. We have only forty-eight hours."
Everyone panicked at once.
"What? An ultimatum? Forty-eight hours?"
"They're using this as a pretext! Your Majesty, what should we do?"
The king panicked too and turned to an old man in black robes beside him.
"Archbishop, the people of Dierjia seem to have a serious grievance against the Divine Religion. Surely this is a misunderstanding? Could you go and clear it up?"
The old man in black robes sneered.
"Dierjia never intended for us to meet their conditions. And that Holy Relic has only just emerged. How could it possibly be something they lost? Prepare for war, Your Majesty."
"But how could we possibly stand against the Dilga Empire?"
"Your Majesty, Dierjia has no shortage of enemies. They can deploy four or five legions at most. We have over two hundred thousand regular troops and can conscript more at any time. The faithful of the Life Divine Religion will certainly be willing to sacrifice themselves for their country as well. If we wish, we can raise hundreds of thousands of troops at a moment's notice!"
"We all saw Dierjia's weakness in the last great war. They are no longer the mighty empire they once were. If we can hurt them badly enough, this could actually be an excellent opportunity for us!"
A young military official also