Ask Ira
1046 Words
"The Hazard Principality has officially recognized that non-human races, including monsters, can become citizens, and even elves and beastmen can be part of the nobility... What do you think, Satania?"
Upon hearing Ira’s question, Satania froze for a moment. Instinctively, she cast a pleading glance toward Ira, Hilina, and Vera, but quickly realized this was a test.
If it were Vera, she would probably dismiss the question with a casual "Just use your eyes and look" and make a joke out of it.
"Hmm..." But Satania, instead, seriously pondered over it. Then she reached a conclusion and said, "The Principality lacks confidence in defeating the Empire... because they never imagined that the Empire would decisively halt the war against us."
That was indeed the case—something many people could recognize.
The Principality had initiated war against the Empire after a long period of observation. They believed the Empire was incapable of handling two battlefronts simultaneously: one against the monsters on the southeastern front and the other against the Principality in the northeast.
And indeed, that was true.
The Empire's Governors were warriors designed to exterminate monsters. Although their abilities worked on any mana-possessing creature, they were not particularly effective against the Principality's forces.
Even if monsters were destined to perish within a century, the Empire would still suffer significant losses from fighting on two fronts.
But no one had anticipated that the Empire would boldly withdraw its forces from the monster-occupied territories and redirect all its military strength toward the war against the Principality.
Even though large-scale battles had not yet erupted, the outcome was already foreseeable…
When two colossal entities clashed, both sides would suffer losses.
But the Principality would likely suffer more.
"That's correct. Now, do you think the Principality’s decision was the right one?"
Satania glanced at Ira, who sat cautiously atop his borrowed horse, gripping the reins tightly. After thinking for a moment, she responded, "Probably not... Because the various races won’t be so easily dragged into the Principality’s struggle."
"Exactly."
Struggling to balance himself on the unfamiliar horse, Ira nodded in agreement as he watched Satania skillfully ride hers.
"The Principality hopes to win support from non-human races and even seeks our (monsters') aid."
"But that’s impossible. We are still recovering from devastation, and the other races are not so easily swayed. In the end, the only ones they can truly recruit are some scattered free non-humans."
"And against non-humans, the power of the Governors is more than enough to handle them."
Satania contemplated this and nodded in agreement.
"No matter how much we recover, as long as the World Tree allows Governors to exist, we will never be a real threat."
"That’s why the Empire decisively halted its campaign against us. They gave up the chance to completely exterminate the monsters..."
Satania sighed in admiration.
"Isabella’s strategy is truly brilliant."
She still had much to learn.
But as she glanced toward Ira, she noticed that he avoided her gaze.
Understanding dawned upon her, and she said, "No... This was your plan, wasn't it, Ira?"
Indeed, Ira had proposed this strategy.
The principle of "never corner a desperate enemy" was something he deeply understood.
"There was even more to consider."
Ira continued, "The Empire needs monsters to exist."
If Isabella had truly taken his advice to heart, then there was no immediate danger of another imperial invasion.
"The monsters have already reached a dead end. Within a century, the Empire will find the perfect opportunity to turn monster-controlled territories into vassal states, gradually assimilating the monsters into their society."
As Ira spoke of his past strategy, he began to grow more comfortable on horseback.
"This was my proposal. The premise, of course, was that within a century, the Empire would need to become so prosperous and desirable that all races would envy it."
Though he felt somewhat guilty about it, he continued,
"In my plan, monsters and non-humans would replace the current imperial slaves, while the slaves would have opportunities to rise as commoners. Commoners, in turn, could earn noble status through military contributions and service."
"At the same time, noble ranks below Marquis would no longer be hereditary, ensuring that the titles gained through land acquisition would become meaningless. The royal family, in turn, would gain absolute loyalty, population growth, and land expansion, achieving the ultimate centralization of power."
As Ira explained his plan, Vera, Hilina, and Satania were left utterly speechless.
His strategy wasn’t just ruthless—it was monstrously cunning.
It perfectly accounted for human nature, monstrous instincts, and the selfishness of the nobility. It wasn’t merely a plan—it was a blueprint for the Empire’s next two hundred… no, even five hundred years.
It was openly unstoppable, crushingly effective, and completely unavoidable.
Even though Satania now understood the plan, she had no idea how to counter it.
"Ahem. So, today's question is..."
Ira smirked.
"How would you counter my strategy?"
…How?
How could she counter it?
For a moment, Satania felt like she was seated at a chessboard, staring at Ira, her opponent. But no matter how she analyzed the board, every possible move was blocked.
She had no way out.
No matter how she looked at it, the situation was completely locked down.
And then, in that fleeting moment, the image of her opponent blurred—transforming into a petite, hesitant empress, studying the board in confusion.
Meanwhile, Ira stood behind her, guiding her hand as she prepared to make a move.
The answer was clear.
"I don't know. I can't think of a way to counter this plan."
Satania admitted honestly.
As she watched Ira riding beside her, she continued, "So, I'll ask you instead... This isn’t a request—it's my answer."
"And that answer is—'Ask Ira.'"
Satania had found the only possible response.
"..."
Ira sighed, then chuckled helplessly.
"Your answer to the test is 'Ask Ira'? You’re taking advantage of a loophole..."
Shaking his head with amusement, Ira effortlessly dismounted his horse.
Then, like a knight assisting his princess, he extended his hand toward Satania, helping her down.
At the same time, he gave her his answer.
"Within a hundred years... Let’s make our nation one that even the Empire will look up to."
- Writer
