In the Name of Empress-Chapter 436 - 304: Sinking into the Water, Overwhelmed
Autumn and winter have come, and the New Year finally arrives amidst the swirling snow.
The first snow of the Magic New Calendar’s year 1795 arrives on the first day of the New Year, as promised.
On the small peaks outside Emre Port, there stands a newly built temporary residence.
This is where Roland and Sif enjoy the sea view and hot springs together.
As night approaches, looking at the snow-covered ground, Sif feels a bit emotional.
Unknowingly, she has known Roland for almost four years now.
From a rebellious author scribbling novels to an inseparable part of her life, Roland’s significance in her heart is wholly different.
He has become an indispensable part of her.
"The last year," Sif whispers softly, resting her head in Roland’s arms.
Wearing a furry bear-skin coat, her originally well-proportioned frame appears especially bulky, with her small head tucked in the fur collar like a doll.
It wasn’t because she feared the cold, but simply for the sake of creation through commerce.
Every time a bear-skin coat is bought, a bear falls to a hunter’s bullet.
She didn’t like bears much, for these cunning and savage wild creatures always reminded her of the terrifying enemies to the east.
So she bought five bear-skin coats, wearing them alternately.
Today’s white bear-skin coat is considered entry-level magic equipment, quite resistant to ice damage.
Apart from this coat, she also has one called "Snowman," made of white bear-skin.
It is a proper piece of magic equipment, used as an outer armor for warmth in decisive battles.
Though such practice is somewhat childish, as long as it brings Sif joy, that’s enough.
Roland held her soft little hand, speaking gently:
"It is the last year of the past, and also the first year of the future." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
According to Master Anthony’s prediction, the Sixth Return Day of 1795 is bound to arrive.
Astrology masters and prophets supported by major forces also reached similar conclusions.
As Return Day approaches, the situation on the continent becomes increasingly tense.
The Holy Alliance, led by the Vladimir Empire, the Prudon Kingdom, and the Tirol Kingdom, and the Freedom Alliance, led by the Sussex Empire and the Jin Yuan Republic, have formed two major camps.
Other countries either choose sides to fight or become battlefields, or shiver on the sidelines.
Talia and Nubia, far from the main battlefield, form a loose alliance, declaring neutrality.
Other small countries do not have the privilege of neutrality and can only choose sides.
Countries like the New Val Federation choose to join the Freedom Alliance, unable to directly contend with the enormous army of the Holy Alliance like a bear.
Besides these small countries, there are two big countries not joining any camp.
The Wende Empire seeks an alliance with Sussex and Jin Yuan but is told it will be considered only after the war ends.
What appears to be a reply is actually a refusal.
If the Wende Empire had the power to repel the Holy Alliance on its own, why would it need allies? If it had such power, Sussex would be the one seeking an alliance with it.
What Sussex does is cold-blooded but not appeasement—it’s protecting its own interests.
The Wende Empire and the Vladimir Empire compete for the legitimate status of the Rurik people, vying for the ultimate interpretation of the Faith in Light, with irreconcilable contradictions.
They can reconcile with the world but can never be friends with the Vladimir Empire.
Even without allies, they would resist to the end.
The Sussex Empire’s optimal solution is to maintain neutrality, call for peace, then supply the Wende Empire with weapons and funds, providing them the capital to continue resisting.
Using the Wende Empire’s blood to diminish the enemy’s morale.
A cold-blooded and rational choice.
As for the losses of the Wende Empire...
What’s it to me? Roland never felt obligated to take responsibility for them.
The root cause of the Wende Empire’s decline is the domestic noble class and the Imperial Family; the enemy that plunged the Wende Empire into dire straits is the Vladimir Empire.
Providing the Wende Empire with low-interest loans and military aid is already a huge generosity on his part.
Though this money has to be repaid after the war, he at least offered support.
Would other countries dare to support the Wende Empire?
Sofia has already openly declared that any support for the Wende Empire makes one the next target.
The whole world trembles at her words, with only Sussex’s fleet shuttling between Beihai and Haros Bay, providing the Wende Empire with support.
He has done his utmost.
Seeing Roland deep in thought, Sif guessed what he was worried about and softly asked:
"Are you worried about the Wende Empire?"
"I’m not worried about them, come spring, we can cut off the support," Roland said casually.
Sif was somewhat surprised. For the past six months, she invested herself entirely in touring the Empire, leaving beautiful songs and moving smiles in every province, becoming a super star.
While enjoying the treatment of a big star, her concern for internal and external affairs has lessened.
Even when intelligence was organized, she didn’t have time to look into it.
What Roland brought up is important intelligence; the rest doesn’t really matter.
After a moment of contemplation, she fully understood Roland’s choice.
The Wende Empire must resist; without resistance, the enemies would advance too quickly.
But they also cannot resist indefinitely.
Though unlikely, if they truly withstand the fierce assault of the Vladimir Empire, national pride would be awakened, and many issues troubling the nation could be effectively resolved.
At that time, the fortunes of the Wende Empire would be on the rise, potentially becoming a hegemon.
This is absolutely unacceptable.
If the Wende Empire truly withstands a direct attack, Roland would have to backstab them harshly and then confront Sofia in battle.
When did I become so cold-blooded?
Roland mocked himself with a smile, dispelling any lingering sense of useless benevolence.
