From Trash to Villain Master of Card: With Harem of Evil women-Chapter 96: Diplomacy and Alliances
Grand Hall of Vestria — Formal Gala, First Hour
The hall was a spectacle of opulence.
Twenty-meter ceilings with ancient frescoes. Crystal chandeliers illuminated by a thousand candles. Polished marble floors reflected the light.
And hundreds of people.
Nobles from twelve major kingdoms. Diplomats from thirty minor ones. Wealthy merchants. Generals. Councilors.
All in elaborate attire. All evaluating everyone else.
Soft orchestral music. Conversations mingled into a constant murmur.
It was a battlefield.
Just with wine glasses instead of swords.
Kaito and the five queens entered together.
A moment of silence when they were announced.
"Lord Kaito Yukimura of Neudämmerung... and his five queens!"
All eyes turned.
Evaluating. Judging.
Then, conversations resumed.
But now with Neudämmerung as the main topic.
Adelheid leaned toward Kaito.
"We split up. As planned."
"Agreed. Meet in two hours."
The five nodded.
And strategically dispersed.
Each toward their predetermined targets.
Leaving Kaito observing.
Processing the political battlefield.
Identify potential allies. Neutralize threats. Maximize opportunities.
Everything reduced to an equation.
---
Adelheid navigated directly toward a group of generals and commanders.
She recognized some from prior intelligence.
General Henrik of Stahl. Commander Marius of Calvados. Others from minor kingdoms.
They were discussing recent tactics.
She approached with the confidence only a veteran commander possesses.
"Gentlemen. I hope I’m not interrupting."
General Henrik turned.
A man in his fifties. Visible scars. Perfect military posture.
"Lady Adelheid. Welcome."
His tone was respectful.
He had studied Neudämmerung’s battles.
He knew he was speaking with an equal.
"We were discussing defenses against coordinated invasions."
"A topic on which I have... recent experience."
She offered a slight smile.
Henrik laughed.
"Modesty. Three invasions repelled. Against superior numbers."
"How did you do it?"
Adelheid considered it.
She wouldn’t reveal everything. But enough to impress.
"A combination of factors. Defense in depth. Use of terrain. And... superior morale."
"And perfect coordination between five different commanders."
She gestured toward where the other queens were.
"Each with a unique specialization."
Commander Marius — younger, in his thirties — leaned in, interested.
"How do you coordinate five military leaders without conflicts arising?"
"Clear hierarchy. Defined specialization. Absolute trust."
"I handle overall strategy. Naporia, the shock force. Valeria, unbreakable defense. Lilith, intelligence. Aurelia, technical... innovation."
She paused.
"And we all answer to Lord Kaito. He has the final word."
Henrik nodded.
"A functional structure. But it requires... extraordinary discipline."
"And genuine loyalty. Yes."
Adelheid looked around.
Lowered her voice slightly.
"General Henrik. Stahl and Neudämmerung share a border. And common enemies."
"That’s true."
"Then, I have a proposal: a formal mutual defense agreement."
"If Stahl is attacked, Neudämmerung will send troops. And vice versa."
Henrik processed the information.
"What specific commitment are you offering?"
"Five hundred soldiers within a maximum of two weeks from the request. More, if the situation requires it."
"And you expect the same from Stahl?"
"Yes. Equality is the minimum to expect between partners."
Henrik studied her face.
Looking for deception, a hidden agenda.
He found nothing but tactical honesty.
"I need to consult with the Queen. But, personally... I support the proposal."
"Then, let’s discuss the details tomorrow."
She extended her hand.
Henrik took it.
A firm handshake. Soldier to soldier.
"Tomorrow."
First alliance, planted.
Probability of success: 75%.
Acceptable.
---
Lilith glided between groups with the grace of a serpent.
The rosary gleamed against her purple dress.
She attracted attention. Created curiosity.
She approached a circle of senior diplomats.
Lord Emeric of Calvados. Lady Seraphine of Sorenth. Others.
They were discussing trade networks.
"Forgive the interruption. I am Lady Lilith of Neudämmerung."
Lord Emeric turned.
An elegant man in his forties. Known for his political cunning.
"Lady Lilith. I’ve heard much about you."
His tone carried a double meaning.
He knew her reputation.
The reformed manipulator.
Lilith smiled.
Accepted the barb without defense.
"I hope at least half of it is true. It would be boring otherwise."
The group laughed.
Tension dissolved.
Lady Seraphine — a woman in her thirties, shrewd — spoke.
"Your kingdom is... unique. Five queens."
"Yes. A structure similar to other kingdoms’, just a bit more extensive. Others have up to two. We’ll probably have more."
"But it’s functional if you know how to execute it."
"How do you avoid internal conflicts?"
It was a loaded question.
Seeking a weakness.
Lilith answered honestly.
"We don’t avoid them. We manage them."
"We have disagreements. Different opinions. Distinct approaches."
"But we share one goal: Neudämmerung’s prosperity."
"And the love for Lord Kaito?"
She paused.
"He is... the unifying point. The reason we function."
Lord Emeric observed her rosary.
"A religious symbol. Displayed. A statement?"
"Yes. A statement of transformation."
"I was a manipulator for centuries. I used people. Destroyed lives."
"Now, I choose a different path. The rosary reminds me of what I was. What I don’t want to become again."
Silence.
Raw honesty wasn’t common in politics.
It disarmed.
Lilith continued.
"Neudämmerung seeks to establish formal communication channels."
"Diplomat exchange. Quarterly meetings. Commercial coordination."
"With kingdoms that value continental stability."
Lady Seraphine considered it.
"Sorenth is small. But it controls an important trade route to the east."
"Exactly. And Neudämmerung has textiles that are... generating interest. Plus, we’re looking for new business opportunities."
"I can see that. Those dresses..." — she looked Lilith up and down, intrigued — "are stunning."
"Designed by our fifth queen. Aurelia Nobelford."
"That’s why we’d like to establish a trade channel..."
Lilith unfolded the prepared proposal.
Numbers. Terms. Mutual benefits.
Seraphine studied it.
"This is... favorable. And very quick. Did you know we would offer it? Surprisingly."
"Because we seek partners. Not vassals."
"Equal benefits. Equal respect."
Seraphine nodded slowly.
"Let’s talk more tomorrow."
"With pleasure."
Second seed, planted.
Diplomatic channels are opening.
---
Naporia felt uncomfortable in the dress.
But when she saw a group of warriors in a corner — she recognized them by their postures, their scars, their eyes that constantly scanned — she relaxed.
Her people.
She approached.
"Warriors. I hope the Gala isn’t too boring."
The group turned.
Three men. One woman. All veterans.
Captain Roderick of Norheim — a stocky man with a beard — laughed.
"Terribly boring. I prefer the battlefield. Though in these times of peace, that’s a distant dream."
"Me too."
Naporia pointed at her dress.
"But the politicians insist on civilization."
The woman — Commander Yara of Ashmark — smiled.
"I’ve heard of you. The Crimson Empress."
"Before Neudämmerung. Yes."
"And now? A third queen?"
Her tone sought an insult.
An empress, reduced?
Naporia shook her head.
"Not reduced. Redefined. I’m not bothered by my current situation at all, to be honest. I needed it."
"Before, I conquered for power. For bloodlust."
"Now I protect out of loyalty. Out of... something deeper."
She looked toward where Kaito was conversing.
"He showed me that strength isn’t just destruction."
"It can be a shield, instead of a sword."
Roderick nodded.
"I respect that. Transformation is harder than conquest."
Yara leaned in.
"I heard you held the line against fifty men. At the battle of Kalthor."
"More or less. Numbers get exaggerated."
"Still. Impressive."
Another warrior — young, about twenty-five — spoke.
"Captain Lukas of Terravaal. I train elite forces."
"I’ve heard of your methods. The Aura of Conquest."
"A power that breaks the enemy’s will."
"Yes. Psychological projection. It makes opponents hesitate, tremble. Finally, flee."
Lukas seemed fascinated.
"Could it... be taught?"
"Not the power. That’s exclusive to the summoning."
"But the principles... perhaps."
She paused.
"Presence. Absolute confidence. Unwavering will."
"That can be learned."
Roderick interjected.
"Terravaal and Neudämmerung should exchange trainers."
"Your methods. Ours. Let’s learn from each other."
Naporia considered it.
"An interesting proposal. I need to consult with Lord Kaito."
"But, personally... I support it."
Yara added.
"And if you want a real demonstration... Ashmark has an honor arena."
"Friendly duels. Technique exchange."
"When you visit, if you and your king wish."
Naporia smiled — her battle smile.
"That sounds... perfect."
"Fight without killing. Compete without destroying."
"Exactly."
Alliances forming.
Based on mutual respect between warriors.
---
Aurelia was... overwhelmed.
In a good way.
Twenty nobles surrounded her.
All asking about the dresses.
"Lady Aurelia, Lady Lilith’s design is spectacular. Do you take commissions?"
"YES! We have an established textile guild!"
"Price?"
"Depends on complexity. But the range is..."
She cited the figures Gorman had prepared.
The nobles blinked.
"That is... substantial."
"Because it’s ART! And it’s UNIQUE! You won’t find anything like it!"
Duchess Margaux of Calvados — who had initiated the original demand — spoke.
"Worth every coin. Look at my dress."
She spun, showing the design Aurelia had created weeks ago.
A fusion of styles. Impossible embroidery. A beauty that stopped conversations.
"Lady Aurelia designed it. And it is... transformative."
"It’s not just clothing. It’s a statement."
Other nobles nodded.
They wanted that same transformation.
Aurelia practically vibrated with excitement.
"I’m taking FIVE commissions NOW! And more when I return to Neudämmerung!"
"I need measurements! And preferences! And your IDEAS!"
She pulled out a pocket notebook she carried hidden.
Began frantically taking notes.
Lord Henrik — not the general, another noble — asked.
"Do you also make attire for men?"
"OF COURSE! Cultural fusion works for EVERYONE!"
"Then, I commission one as well."
More names were added to the list.
Aurelia calculated mentally.
Five commissions at premium price.
Plus ten orders from minor nobles.
Projected revenue...
Gorman is going to be HAPPY!
She continued taking orders.
With her boundless energy.
Creating a commercial empire.
One dress at a time.
---
While the queens worked, Kaito sought his primary target.
Queen Margarethe of Stahl.
A woman in her sixties. Silver hair. Sharp eyes. She was remarkably well-preserved for her age.
She ruled a strong kingdom. Wealthy. A valuable ally.
She was conversing with her councilors when Kaito approached.
"Queen Margarethe. May I steal a moment?"
She turned.
Studied him.
"Lord Kaito. Of course."
With a gesture, she indicated for her councilors to withdraw.
They were left alone — relatively, in a hall full of people.
"Your arrival was... impressive. Five queens."
"An unconventional structure. But functional."
"Clearly. Three invasions repelled."
"With help. Stahl sent two hundred soldiers."
"Which arrived late, and I apologize for that. The victory was yours."
Kaito nodded.
"But the help mattered. It demonstrated your friendship."
"And I want to formalize it."
Margarethe raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
"A trade alliance. Neudämmerung will export textiles. Stahl will export silks and dyes."
"Favorable terms for both parties."
He unfolded the proposal.
Numbers. Tariffs. Benefits.
Margarethe studied it.
"This is... generous. Why?"
"Because strong partners are more valuable than weak vassals."
"If Stahl prospers, Neudämmerung prospers."
Margarethe smiled.
"Refreshingly direct."
"Efficient processing. Politics is an equation."
"A cold perspective."
"But honest."
Margarethe considered it.
"Agreed. I will establish the trade treaty."
"And the mutual defense one? My commander is discussing it with your general."
"If Henrik recommends it, I will approve it."
She extended her hand.
"Then, we have a preliminary agreement."
Kaito took her hand.
A firm handshake.
First alliance secured.
Stahl: trade and defense.
Base established.
---
His next target: the Lord Regent of Calvados.
Theron had been their observer. He supported Neudämmerung.
But final decisions were made by Lord Regent Phillipe.
A man in his fifties. A shrewd politician.
Kaito approached.
"Lord Regent. I hope the Gala is to your liking."
Phillipe turned.
"Lord Kaito. Yes. And your presence adds... interest."
"I hope it’s a positive interest."
"For the most part, yes. Theron speaks very highly of you."
"I’m grateful his observation was fair."
"It wasn’t difficult. You impressed us."
He paused.
"What do you seek from Calvados?"
"A mutual defense treaty. Five hundred soldiers. A response time of two weeks."
"In both directions."
"Why Calvados?"
"Because of its strategic location. Its solid military strength. Its stable government."
"It is a valuable ally."
Phillipe nodded.
"Direct. I appreciate that."
"But Calvados already has existing alliances. Adding a new one requires... justification."
"The justification is: shared threats. Avernor is aggressive."
"If they attack Neudämmerung again, in time they will turn toward Calvados."
"It’s better to ally now."
Phillipe considered it.
"The logic is sound. But I need to consult with my council."
"Understood. Will I have a response in three days?"
"Yes."
Handshake.
Second alliance, in progress.
High probability of success.
---
Kaito was having some wine when a nervous man approached him.
The ambassador from Meridia.
The kingdom that had invaded them. That had lost. That now sought reconciliation.
"Lord Kaito. I am Ambassador Marcus of Meridia."
His voice trembled slightly.
Kaito looked at him.
Without visible emotion.
"Ambassador."
Marcus swallowed.
"I come with a formal apology. On behalf of King Aldric of Meridia."
"For the invasion. For the unjustified aggression."
"We offer reparations. And... an invitation."
"An invitation?"
"To visit Meridia. All expenses paid, a vacation. So you may get to know our kingdom."
"To demonstrate that we seek genuine peace."
"And to allow you to evaluate... the functioning of our kingdom."
Kaito processed the information.
Logically, it could be a trap.
But it was also an opportunity to gain information.
And rejecting it would be a diplomatic insult.
"The apology will only be accepted if the king apologizes in person, properly and formally."
No emotion. Mechanical.
Marcus seemed relieved, but also... disturbed by that coldness.
"I will convey that. And the invitation? Perhaps it would be easier if you accept to go."
"I will consider it. You will have an answer in a week."
"Thank you, Lord Kaito."
He bowed deeply.
And quickly withdrew.
Kaito processed the interaction.
Efficient. Direct. Objective achieved.
Why did the ambassador seem... scared?
He didn’t fully understand.
His limited emotional processing didn’t capture the impact of his own coldness.
---
After two hours of negotiations, Kaito needed... a pause.
He stepped out onto the balcony.
Found Valeria, who was already there.
Looking at the stars with her usual empty expression.
"Valeria."
She turned.
"Kaito. You also needed to escape."
"Yes. Too much... social processing."
"I understand. It’s exhausting to process constant interactions."
She stood beside him.
They looked at the city below.
A minute of silence.
Then, Valeria spoke.
"An observation. Your emotional processing now resembles mine."
Kaito looked at her.
"Yes?"
"Yes. Mechanical. Efficient. But... distant from direct emotion."
"The fifth summoning made me more... like you."
Valeria processed that information.
"That concerns you."
"It should. But, mostly... it saddens me that I’ve lost something I valued."
"The ability to feel fully. To connect emotionally without effort."
"Now everything is... processing. Calculation."
Valeria took his hand.
A gesture she had learned. It meant comfort.
"Then, I will teach you what I learned."
"What did you learn?"
"That humanity is not just feeling with intensity."
"It is choosing to care. Even when feeling is difficult."
She looked at their intertwined hands.
"I don’t feel love like Adelheid, or Lilith, or Naporia."
"But I choose to care for you. Protect you. Support you."
"That choice is also humanity."
Kaito felt something.
A small warmth, but real.
"Thank you."
"You’re welcome."
Valeria leaned against him.
A movement she had seen the others make.
She was learning intimacy through observation.
Kaito put his arm around her shoulders.
A comfortable silence.
While the Gala continued inside.
"Some nobles approached," Valeria said after a while. "They asked about my defensive methods."
"What did you tell them?"
"That I hold the lines through constant adaptation. Reading the enemy’s patterns."
"And adjusting in real time."
"Were they interested?"
"Very. Three of them requested a demonstration."
"Friendly duels. In their territories."
"If you and I accept."
Kaito processed the information.
"An opportunity to establish relationships. Show our capabilities without appearing threatening."
"Exactly. Diplomacy through controlled force."
"Do you want to do it?"
Valeria considered it.
"Yes. It would be... a useful function. And I could learn from their techniques as well."
"Then, we’ll accept. We’ll coordinate with Naporia. She’s received similar invitations."
"Efficient."
They stayed like that.
Two people who processed the world mechanically.
But who found humanity in the choice to care for each other.
While the stars shone above.
And politics continued below.
