Chapter 154. The Second Meeting (2)
Cahon’s sudden declaration of war.
It was a decision that was quite different from his previous demeanor of waiting for a challenge, and I felt a pang of curiosity.
It was unlikely the reason was my having killed many of the Dwellers of the Abyss.
“Have you had a change of heart? I didn’t expect you to be the one to declare war first.”
“Isn’t it your side that’s undergone more changes?”
Reaching the 4th rank and obtaining the Dragon Crown.
Just those two were significant changes.
“It seems you’re interested in taking the Dragon Crown.”
When I probed with those words, Cahon scoffed.
“It would be a lie to say it doesn’t tempt me. Especially seeing you at ease, likely thanks to being the first to get the Dragon Crown since the Holy War.”
“So, is there another reason then?”
I was quite wary.
The most dangerous information to be leaked was that I held the black Holy Blood.
If such information got out, I’d face much more intense opposition.
“I waited for you to ripen, but some trivial competitors have intervened.”
“By trivial competitors, do you mean the princess?”
“Exactly.”
There was a tinge of irritation in Cahon’s voice.
“She said she wants to hunt you to prove she’s worthy of possessing me. You, being easily caught, is unlikely. But there’s always a chance.”
“So, you’re attacking first to prevent the competition you anticipated with me from being concluded by a third party?”
It was a reason typical of someone as involved in such matters as Cahon.
‘Was that what had been bothering him?’
I paused, thinking about how this situation could be turned to my advantage.
“You’re not suggesting we fight immediately. Should we schedule a time and place?”
“I’ll give you a month. The place is already communicated to you.”
He must have meant the piece of the map marked with the location of the Blue Dragon Crown.
“Alright. Then, let’s ask others. Is there anyone interested in participating?”
I attempted to involve others.
“If you assist me, I’ll meet your desired conditions.”
Though it wasn’t appealing, it was a necessary step in forming alliances.
It would be fortunate to secure alliances before Cahon attracted accomplices or some third party emerged to seize opportunities.
“Kid.”
The first to step forward was Beatrice.
“I owe you a debt larger than my current obligations, so I’ll act with sincerity. However…”
Beatrice alternated her gaze between Cahon and me before speaking.
“My group and I won’t be joining this war.”
Settling for a lesser evil over the worst.
Regardless of the calculations she had done, thankfully, Beatrice chose not to join as an adversary.
Her reason would be clearer soon.
“Wise choice. Had you declared your participation, you would’ve been my first target.”
“You’re an obvious man, Tib. You heard, didn’t you, kid? Despite your intentions, no priest is likely to join this war.”
Perhaps because Cahon responded sharply. Other priests similarly showed reluctance.
“Of all battles, why between those two?”
“It’s troublesome if either side grows too strong from victory.”
In this scenario, the winner might end up possessing two Dragon’s Crowns.
Although the twins seemed eager to check whoever triumphed, after discussion, they opted out.
“Cahon is strong, but facing two priests might be too much. Everyone seems passive.”
When I deliberately provoked, the twins shook their heads.
“Both are too extreme. This isn’t a good time for war.”
“Declaring participation could lead to a major conflict among the Foreign Gods. It’s risky.”
Johann, who had been silent, also spoke up.
“Are you thinking of surrendering Lyla?”
“No.”
“Then I won’t participate.”
His obsessive interest hadn’t waned.
‘That’s a relief. At least, he doesn’t seem intent on collaborating with Cahon to target Lyla.’
A priest newly involved from the 『Twisting Harbinger of Ruin』 spoke up, his appearance rough yet words surprisingly diplomatic.
“Cahon Tiburon. Would you consider withdrawing your war declaration?”
It was remarkably formal.
“I’m aware of your grievances. But it’s pitiful for you all.”
Cahon snickered as he looked around.
“The winner of this war will hold the future’s power, yet you cower and hesitate. That’s why I find you all uninteresting.”
The twins scoffed.
“Even if you seize that power, there’s a greater risk we’ll destroy ourselves first.”
“And we’re perfectly aware of your true intent.”
This impulsive and emotional declaration hinted at some unknown factor I wasn’t versed in.
“Here’s a warning, kid. Don’t assume he’s merely obsessed with the thrill of a pirate venture, declaring war just for kicks.”
Beatrice, having promised some cooperation, offered advice.
“He enjoys competition and is consumed by acquisition. But he’s never acted recklessly.”
She added it was clear he had a different intention when he first encouraged me to challenge him, something others felt as well.
‘There had to be more. As expected.’
I waited for Beatrice’s continued guidance.
“His declaration makes clear the situation. If any other forces join, they’d better be prepared for downfall.”
“Hm… I see.”
“Indeed. He surely has plans not only to claim victory but also to withstand the intervention of other forces.”
Cahon chuckled but didn’t refute. Considering he’s a long-lived, supreme Dweller, it likely wasn’t mere bluff.
“Understood. So, no one will join.”
Well, ultimately… no factions were joining. There wasn’t even an attempt to send subordinates to intercept. Once war was declared, even minor interventions wouldn’t differ from a full declaration.
“Come to the appointed place within the month. Otherwise, I will act.”
“Understood. I’ll visit within the month.”
Though I failed to secure allies, the outcome wasn’t the worst or even bad. Plus, a month was ample time to enhance my capabilities.
“I have another question.”
“Ask.”
“The declaration of war and scheduled timeline is good, but what if the princess attacks before that?”
“Orca won’t be able to attack you or your followers for a month. I didn’t initiate, so she must comply.”
It seems he didn’t want Orca to capture me first, despite having other schemes.
“Does my assault on the princess signal the start of the war?”
“Isn’t that obvious?”
“Understood. Let’s conclude this matter here.”
The twins whispered to each other following my words.
“Is he crazy? Accepting a declaration of war so calmly?”
“Maybe he’s lost his mind entirely.”
Ignoring them, I continued.
“With Beatrice, I’d like to address the unauthorized entry into the sanctuary of my revered Foreign God.”
“What is it you want, kid? Regrettably, I can’t offer much now that you’re facing war with Cahon.”
It was disappointing, but not worth arguing at this point.
“I demand something that belonged to Cahon Tiburon, particularly from his prime.”
“…?”
Beatrice and others looked perplexed.
“Seems like you have your own complexities, kid. Fine, I’ll prepare a couple for you.”
Not knowing about Meditation, they couldn’t grasp my objective. Even Cahon watched me with curious eyes.
‘He’s letting it slide. Not bad at all.’
I quickly made another move.
“I formally declare my faction. Any attack on them is an attack on me.”
“Hm? So… you’re saying that from now on, whoever you declare as part of your faction is off-limits?”
“It’s pretty shameless to kill others freely, yet say that.”
The twins remarked incredulously.
“If you’re curious why, it’s because I’ve never attacked first.”
I responded lightly and announced my faction.
“Eldritch and Lyla. The islands of Haghios Archipelago and my followers. Mercenaries Ender, Ansandy, and Delion.”
Finally, I added one more faction.
“And Luminaries.”
At my words, everyone fell silent, then questions began.
“Luminaries is the Church of Hayat’s knighthood. What are you talking about?”
The first to question was the priest of the 『Twisting Harbinger of Ruin』.
“A good question. Your name is?”
“Berga. Now answer.”
“Yes, Berga. It’s simple. I’ve incorporated Luminaries into my faction.”
Of course, that wasn’t entirely true.
But neither was it completely false.
‘Since Arian’s knights can be considered under my command, it’s somewhat true.’
While I couldn’t claim Arian was under me, calling it an allied faction wasn’t incorrect. The same for Ender and others.
‘By declaring, any aggression against them equates to participation in the war.’
The optimal move to protect allies.
“Kid, does mentioning Luminaries even make sense? It’s more believable you’re part of Luminaries.”
“If my declaration had issues, receiving a challenge from Sevika would’ve been it.”
As this concerns the declaration of war, by the pact, I couldn’t falsely exaggerate my forces.
The fact that Luminaries was accepted as my faction hinted Sevika either endorsed me or turned a blind eye due to favoritism.
‘I lean towards favoritism.’
Privately, I saw favoritism as more plausible. As no objections came, everyone seemed surprised but accepted.
“… He got away with it. Kid, what are you?”
“Revealing everything would spoil the fun. Don’t forget my declaration.”
This ensured that during conflict with Cahon, no other faction would attack my allies.
For a month too, the Dweller faction couldn’t attack.
“The Gray Calamity seems finished. Next, I have something official to announce.”
Berga stepped up after me.
“I’ve annihilated three other Foreign Gods’ priests and their factions.”
The words from subdued Berga were utterly unforeseen.
“I recommend Charlotte Prellati as a new member of this gathering.”