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Before they had time to rest from their harsh battle, they were already gathered in Castle Seyfert’s meeting room. Crim, who was still small, was in the center, surrounded by the leaders of all the various guilds who were part of the Lua Cheia United Kingdoms.

That urgent meeting’s topic was obviously enough, the fourth major power that had appeared in the continent, and was threatening them with war.

Currently there were two methods to wage war against another Union.
One was a Dominion War, which involved strict rules but allowed Unions to conquer land.
The other was an Assault War, which allowed the enemy Union to attack wherever they wanted, and pillage loot, but territory lines would remain untouched.

That latter one was closer in nature to how Player Killers acted, and if the defenses were left unattended, or players were offline, things could get really ugly. So it was best if everyone remained alert with their defenses.

…Then again, Crim’s base, Castle Seyfert, was booby trapped to hell and back, so if someone tried to attack them, it would end with everyone watching from afar and just saying, “They’re cooked.”

But that was just one location. Other members, especially ones like the S.S.S Band stationed in the Dragonbone Desert, all the way in the eastern border of the United Kingdoms, did not really have the most manpower. If anything, they were more similar to Ryunosuke who just enjoyed the sights, making Crim concerned for their safety.

“I’m really sorry. I promise we’ll do our best, but I don’t think we’ll be able to hold out alone. I’d really appreciate some help.”
“Don’t worry, as leader of the United Kingdoms I shall help. I’ll begin production of more defensive facilities in the desert.”

The leader of the S.S.S Band, a young large man named Orochi who had an eerie resemblance to a snake, and spoke in a rather effeminate manner, was talking to Crim, who nodded in response and quickly navigated through her menus.

On the other hand, in the case of a Dominion War, the date of the attack would be agreed on by both parties, and anyone of the same territory could participate.
The ones being attacked would get the right to pick the time first. That was a measure to avoid a one-sided attack while everyone was offline.
But if it took them more than three days to decide, this time the attackers would get to pick, so they had to be careful.

“Either way, we have to beat them no matter what. And then…”
“Yes, once we emerge victorious, we’ll be able to take over that fort.”

Crim agreed with Frey, looking at the map spread on the table and stabbing a knife into a spot near the desert. That was Fort Vargan.

Dominion Wars also had a system in place that allowed for counterattacks if the first attack was thwarted, so the ones being attacked could invade enemy territory and take it for themselves.

That was why Crim was already planning where to counterattack… An old area of fort ruins just at the exit of the desert, which she had been eyeing for a while.

“Our current objective will be to conquer that area and bequeath it to the Black Wolf Pack.”
“Before that, are there any objections from the Black Wolf Pack?”
“No, not at all. I guess this means I’ll become a Margrave though, so I should feel honored if anything.”

Jed, a large Wolf Warbeast, who led the Black Wolf Pack nodded as his tail wagged behind him. His guild had been largely focused on getting up the ranked ladder, and currently they were the fifth strongest guild.

They were also part of the major fighting force in the United Kingdoms, which Crim had verified herself in previous encounters.

He was also largely respected by the other guilds, who often referred to him as Big Bro Jed.
In other words, there was no one else in the United Kingdoms who was as trustworthy and capable to defend the borders as him.

Crim had been wanting to put him in charge of defending the borders for a while, but since their Union had rules of not threatening other land, and not meddling within their members’ territories, she had not been able to place him in a suitable position.

“We finally have the perfect justification to do this, so we’ll have to make the best of it, mweheheheh.”
“Hey, Crim, watch it.”

A scheming and manipulative grin took over Crim’s face as she chuckled devilishly, and Frey retorted back.

◇◇◇

“…And since that happened, we’re currently planning for war to break out soon. Luckily it hasn’t been a week since they formed their Union, so we still have time to prepare before they can begin hostilities. Still, try to stay on high alert.”

The usual tea time was playing out in Castle Seyfert’s garden.

Crim took a long sip of the black tea Rouge served her before sharing what they had decided in the meeting.

There was a restriction on declarations of war for Unions, not allowing them to do that for a week after the Union was established. *Apparently* that was a measure taken to prevent groups of people from forming trivial Unions just to harass others.

Whichever the case, that also allowed Crim and the rest to take a proper rest after the large scale raid battle, something that they really appreciated.

Everyone nodded nervously, understanding what she said…all except for one who looked like she did not care in the slightest, merely enjoying tea. And by then, Crim could no longer stand the stares from her peers, who looked at her as if saying, “You’re in charge, you should ask.”

“And… moving on. Pray tell, why art thou sipping tea so nonchalantly within my own home, Aery?!”

Yes…the odd one out at the tea table was none other than Aery, who was being served by Da’at, who looked really confused as to why their previous enemy was sitting there.

“I mean, I no longer have the duty of protecting that place, so there’s nothing wrong with doing as I please, is there?”
“I believe thou art taking a bit too much liberty with that freedom…”

Then again, Crim also did not really feel like kicking her out. Two parts because she felt sorry for the girl, and eight parts because she was afraid Aery would cause a huge mess in retaliation.

“Oh well… so what course dost thou intend to take now?”
“I’ll just wait for my power to return. If poor cute me went on the road like this, it could be very dangerous, wouldn’t it?”
“Call thyself not that again. In any case, where wilt thou spend the night?”

Crim casually posed that question, assuming that as Aery was a devil princess, she would have somewhere to go.

“…Huh?”
“…Huh?”

But Aery’s response was to tilt her head in confusion, which Crim soon mirrored.

“…Tell me thou art not truly thinking of staying here.”
“I appreciate your hospitality, Spirit of the Night.”
“…Very well, I yield, do as thou pleasest.”

Da’at was just smiling awkwardly a distance away, so at least she did not seem to be against the idea. Since she was the main person in charge of the castle’s upkeep, Crim decided to just throw her hands in the air and stop thinking about it.

***

#Afterword:#
Most of the time, NPCs that weren’t tamed or hired count as guests, and aren’t part of the castle’s firepower.