In Gilkestan's temple, Shestal approached the throne and respectfully bowed to the tall woman seated upon it.
"Your Holiness, the cargo has arrived safely. Those fools from Britannia were completely unprepared. It seems the world's greatest power doesn't quite live up to its reputation."
His words were laced with undisguised mockery.
As a general's son who had known nothing but victory, he felt no awe toward the vast empire. That was hardly commendable. On the contrary, excessive arrogance could well bring about his own destruction.
Yet the Priestess seemed unconcerned.
A slight smile curved her lips beneath her exquisite features, expressing a ruler's approval of her subordinate.
"Well done. Bring the cargo to my palace."
She gestured to the maids around her and continued issuing orders:
"Shestal, I leave the defense of the border to you. Without concrete evidence, even Britannia won't dare launch an overt attack."
"So a few little rats will most likely sneak into our country."
"Swell, keep watch on those tourists' movements."
"Namujala Latak!"
The two men spoke in unison.
After everyone had left, the Priestess asked a maid beside her:
"Where is my younger brother, Shalio?"
"Lord Shalio is on standby at the border."
"The border? I see. He anticipated that Britannia might put diplomatic pressure on our country, so he intends to launch a surprise attack there..."
The Priestess Shamna pondered this.
Although the situation appeared to be approaching peace, the power Britannia possessed was actually far beyond anything the Chinese Federation or the United States of Japan could match.
If they gave themselves away...
That emperor would never let hostages hold him back.
From what she knew of him, that emperor was the "vengeful" type.
Threatening anyone's life would not be enough to stop him. Instead, he would decisively choose the cruelest means