However, suggestions were just that... suggestions. The final decision rested with Damien himself.
And Damien adhered to a philosophy of not striking unless provoked.
This was precisely why Frey needed to employ a fishing strategy, casting bait to lure in the ravenous, undiscerning fish.
"Ah."
Artoria nodded. "If Master intends to proceed that way, I'll do my utmost to dissuade him."
Whether she succeeded or not was one matter.
Offering counsel was another.
At the very least, Artoria could stand by her principles, speaking for the weak even at the risk of Damien's displeasure or disdain.
"You really are…"
Frey shook her head. "Never mind. In the future, leave such matters to me to handle for you."
"Eh?"
"Rest assured, I won't put you in a difficult position."
Frey promised, "Sometimes your intentions are noble, but your words could use a touch of refinement."
"By helping Artoria like this, are you aiming to form an alliance with us?"
"You've seen right through me, Snow Empress."
Frey didn't deny it, openly sharing her intentions with the two women. "So, what do you say? Will you agree?"
"What's the reason?"
Artoria wasn't well-versed in these intricate schemes.
But she could sense Frey's sincerity... no deception, just a genuine desire to join forces for a greater cause.
"Because I don't want to be sidelined from the center of power."
Frey had her own ambitions, but they weren't malicious.
She yearned to be close to Damien, to have him recognize her efforts... a desire shared by all his retainers.
"Is that necessary?"
Artoria asked, "As the queen of the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia, don't you have greater freedom staying on the outskirts?"
"What's the point?"
Frey shook her head, dismissing the title of Sky Queen as insignificant.
Having witnessed Damien's power and received his blessings, how could Frey settle for being a mere regional ruler in some remote backwater?
Only by staying close to Damien, securing a higher place in his regard, could she realize her life's true value.
She didn't want the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia to remain isolated; she wanted her nation and its people... along with the territories of other Demon Lords... to be integrated into Damien's Monster Kingdom.
"But I never expected…"
"The opportunity would come so suddenly!"
Frey had initially sought out the two women to discuss how to earn merits in battle.
Damien wasn't one to initiate conflict.
But the humans of the Western Nations wouldn't sit idly by as Damien grew stronger.
So, as long as the enemy struck first…
"I see."
Artoria nodded. "If others attack first, even I have no objections."
"Exactly!"
Frey smiled. "Honestly, I was quite surprised that Clayman approached me for an alliance."
"As you both pointed out, that man utterly lacks self-awareness."
"But this is an excellent opportunity."
At that, Frey's gaze sharpened. "Take a look at this."
Raising her hand, a map of the Central World appeared before the three.
Frey manipulated the map, zooming in on the central and eastern regions, highlighting the Jura Forest's location and the territories of the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia, City of the Forgotten Dragon, Beast Kingdom of Eurazania, and Puppet Nation of Jistav.
"Don't you think this region has too many nations?"
Frey's intent was clear: she aimed to seize this chance to enable Damien and his Monster Kingdom to claim the territories of all four Demon Lords in one fell swoop!
"Impressive as always, Frey."
The Snow Empress remarked, "Going to such lengths to please Damien."
"You flatter me."
"It's all for Master," Frey said. "With his temperament, he won't take on such a massive undertaking without a push."
The Jura Forest, combined with the territories of the four Demon Lords, encompassed nearly a third of the Cardinal World.
Such a vast domain, for Damien, was less an honor and more a burden.
After all, managing so many people and resources was exhausting!
Hm?
The one handling affairs is Rimuru?
Well, that's fine then.
"So, what do you think?"
Frey turned to the two women again, asking, "Regarding the alliance, your thoughts…"
"You're clever, Frey."
The Snow Empress praised her foresight. "I'm in. What about you, Artoria?"
"I'm with you."
Like Frey, Artoria was a newcomer to the Monster Kingdom.
Having chosen to break free from the Throne of Heroes, she still harbored a wish to save Britannia.
But Artoria was well aware of her shortcomings.
She didn't understand the intricacies of human hearts.
At times, her good intentions led to unintended consequences.
'If I could have Frey and Snow's help…'
Artoria declared, "With this sword as my oath, I form an alliance of offense and defense with you both!"
As the girl's words resounded, Frey smiled, and the Snow Empress gave a slight nod, acknowledging their worth.
They were worthy of being her comrades!
"Good."
The Snow Empress asked, "Now, can you share the specific plan and what Artoria and I need to do?"
"No rush."
"First, take a look at this."
Frey shifted the map to the western side of the Jura Forest, highlighting nations like Blumund, Falmuth, and Ingrassia.
"The Western Nations?"
Artoria frowned slightly. "Are you saying they'll invade us?"
"From what I know, Clayman has some connection with the human nations."
"So I deduce that the first to come will likely be a human coalition."
Frey continued, "Blumund is a small nation with just 1.5 million citizens, mostly free folk (adventurers), so it's no threat."
"The real trouble lies with Falmuth and Ingrassia, which boast populations in the tens of millions."
"Especially the Kingdom of Falmuth."
"That nation has a rigid aristocratic system. Before the Jura Forest was sealed by Treyni and her sisters, Falmuth controlled the continent's key trade routes."
Such trade hub nations had long realized Damien's vision of tariffs.
Over the years, Falmuth, as a transit point, had amassed immense wealth.
The aristocratic system ensured that the nation's riches were concentrated in the hands of a select few.
"Now, with the Jura Forest sealed…"
"The first to be affected are these obscenely wealthy nobles."
Frey didn't even need to guess to know how furious these nobles, their interests infringed upon, would be.
***
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