Chapter 264: Chapter 8: The Goal is Invasion

“…That’s exactly why they didn’t meet with the envoys we sent.”

“…”

“Your Highness? Are you listening?”

At Marilla Elkaras’s voice, Isabella snapped back from her daze and shook her head, regaining the composure expected of a king. She responded, “Apologies, please repeat that… Lady Marilla.”

Naturally, Marilla had no intention of refusing Isabella’s request. She began her report again: “As Duke Caligula’s intelligence indicated, the Duchy of Duke Hazad may have found an opportunity to exploit.”

“If the intelligence is correct, they perceive that Yila’s departure has shaken the empire’s foundation, making it susceptible to division and instigation. Hence, they’ve decided to push the war to its extreme.”

“That’s exactly why they didn’t meet with the envoys we sent.”

Isabella watched the tall female governor and asked, “So, what do you think we should do, Lady Marilla?”

Though Isabella seemed prepared, she still asked… *This was the attitude required of a king, especially the emperor. It was inevitable.*

Isabella’s true thoughts were seldom guessed by anyone… *That’s precisely why she managed to stabilize the situation after Yose’s death.*

While everyone understood that Isabella assisted by Yila was far inferior to Yose assisted by Yila, this topic was avoided by anyone within the empire.

“If it’s war, then let’s wage war.”

Marilla stated plainly, showing her stance… because she didn’t believe the duchy could defeat the mighty empire with sheer force; dirty tactics were another matter.

So…

“However, Your Highness should write a letter to the Demon King Territory and ask them to send a letter to the domestic realm… This ensures everything is foolproof.”

Marilla spoke without mentioning Yila, yet every word implied Yila; without mentioning the unstable domestic situation, yet every word hinted at the unrest among the Yila Faction.

Did Isabella understand? She certainly did…

“We’ll discuss it later…”

At Isabella’s words, Marilla shook her head helplessly, saying, “Your Highness, you are already a mature monarch and need to consider the empire’s interests more.”

“…”

Isabella simply watched her, then shook her head and reproached, “Lady Marilla, perhaps your Elkaras Family has a peculiar way of conversing? Could your advice be more sincere?”

The implication was clear: Marilla, like Yila, always insinuated things with polite verbosity… it certainly gave her face, but it was exhausting.

For instance, the earlier remark about being a “mature monarch” essentially boiled down to a simple core message — stop being so obstinate.

“This isn’t the royal court, Lady Marilla… though I know you mean well.”

Isabella sighed, feeling troubled, shaking her head as she said, “I should have confidence that Yila would compete with me fairly rather than withdrawing his people, but now… I have no confidence.”

*However, it was merely a result of my actions…*

*After the legalization of slave trade, although it did bring money, Yila seemed genuinely angry… Honestly, Isabella was a bit anxious, undoubtedly disliked now.*

*She recognized her predicament was self-inflicted.*

*”Should I write a letter asking for leniency?”*

Isabella sighed lightly, leaning on the desk with a somewhat confused expression… Her mental state didn’t seem great, not due to any major issue, just sheer fatigue.

Initially, state affairs were managed collectively by her father, mother, Yila, and the nobles. After her mother fell ill and her father’s death, all state affairs were handed over to Yila and the nobles… as before, Yila determined directions and the nobles implemented them.

Isabella hadn’t thought much about it before, but now that these matters were truly on her shoulders… she genuinely felt the enormity and complexity of the tasks needing handling.

From allocating dozens of gold coins to punishing a noble, it was all buried in the parchment that needed reviewing, piling into a terrifying mountain… taking many days to go through, during which new issues would arise.

She could sleep, though not yet accustomed to Yila’s absence…

Rather, she fell asleep immediately upon lying down.

…

“Rather than writing a letter, I might as well go personally.”

Isabella said seriously, then, seeing Marilla’s “that’s best” look, shook her head, displaying her regal authority, “I was just joking.”

After all, Isabella didn’t intend to admit defeat… at least not before the duchy had genuinely taken action, like a child seeking help after being wronged.

“Hmm, Duke Hazad? ”

Isabella laughed, resting her chin on her hand, fingers tapping the desk confidently, “Self-righteous mutts, thinking they’ve sniffed blood from a wound… quite amusing.”

“…”

For a moment, Marilla Elkaras seemed to simultaneously see silhouettes of both Yila and Yose on Isabella’s face… Yila’s calm eyes and venomous analogies; Yose’s confident smile.

So, none of the gentle and pure-hearted nature inherited from Igrain (Isabella’s mother) was passed on…

“Lady Marilla.”

At Isabella’s calm words, Marilla’s subsequent conversation was no longer light-hearted, lowering her head to show she was ready to receive orders anytime.

“Inform Sir Malenlattan, Sir Waras, Sir Vilar, and the territories near them to march to the battlefield with their soldiers… under Duke Caligula’s supervision.”

This meant… a complete offensive was to begin? Mobilizing all territories bordering the duchy?

“Furthermore, command the governors… besides you, the other eight seats will participate in the war, led by General Ulrichla Jem Goodwin; the command of the troops still lies with him.”

“…”

Marilla lifted her head in surprise… this meant all military command was handed to Ulrichla, despite his calmness in significant matters, he listened to Yila.

If…

“Lady Marilla…”

Isabella’s words interrupted Marilla’s thoughts. Wearing her crown, she solemnly announced, “The war has officially begun; our strategic goal is… expansion!”