I was the one who solved the Demonic Disturbance
I was the one who defeated the Demons at the Western Border
I was the one who captured specimens of Demon Beasts
I was the one who gave specific details considering the situation of the Kingdom—including the existence of spies.
And now...
... I was the one who had the answers to the most pressing problem confronting the Eastern Kingdom.
It wasn't an overstatement to say that the members of the Royal Court now had no other choice but to listen to me!
'You should have all done that from the start, rather than letting me go through all this stress...'
Politics sure was annoying.
Now that I had proven my worth, it was time to venture on into the plan.
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"The Fairies are close neighbors of the Elves. They have a close relationship with each other."
While the Fairies made it a long-standing principle not to interfere with the secular matters of the world, a Demonic War was an exception.
Still, the Fairies had a deep skepticism toward almost everything. They were also very fickle and unpredictable.
That was why it was better to gain the Alliance of the Elves first, and then pressure the Fairies into an Alliance.
Of course, we would prove our worth and make it seem as though they would be the ones losing out on a deal with us.
Just like an insect would be attracted to the sweet nectar in a flower... I planned on baiting the incredibly selfish Fairies by roping them in an Alliance.
As long as they had a substantial profit, the Fairies would join us.
The major issues for concern were the final two Races—The Theiranthropes and Dwarves.
They were located in the Southern Continent, and their capabilities were the most vital when considering the conditions for war.
I definitely didn't want to engage the Demons without their support.
The Theiranthropes, also known as Beastfolk, were known to have the strongest offensive capabilities among the Five Races.
Even the Demon race feared their destructive and pure instinctive abilities.
As for Dwarves, their craftsmanship was the best among all the Races.
Weapons. Technologies. Artifacts.
No one made these things better than the Dwarves.
I wanted us to ally with them, not only for the War, but even for what would happen after.
They were instrumental in my future plans.
"Do you have a way to bring them to our side?" King Albion asked me with a skeptical look.
Even though I had convinced the Council that the Elves and Fairies could be won over, the same couldn't be said about the other two.
Even for me, it would be difficult.
However, considering the conditions, it was completely possible!
"The Beastfolk value strength and capability above anything else. If we can prove that to them, they will see merit in joining forces with us."
They were meatheads who only respected the strong.
At least, that was what my friend said about them. I considered it accurate, considering the fact that he was also a Beastfolk.
"By allying with the Elves and Fairies, we would already have enough weight to grab their attention. They won't be able to ignore us at that point."
They were advocates for 'Actions rather than Words!'
So, by having two Races on our side, they would be willing to hear us out.
"T-then, they will agree to—"
"Hearing us out and agreeing to join forces are two different matters. Ultimately, no scheming or shortcut will work when dealing with them."
That's right! It all boiled down to power!
"If we're stronger than them, they'll submit!"
It was a simple strategy, but also quite difficult. After all...
'... I don't know how strong they are now.'
Still, I was willing to bet everything on an Alliance with them! That was how valuable I considered the Beastfolk Race.
"As for the Dwarves, if I'm right, they should already have an Alliance with the Beastfolk. If we win one over, we get the other."
The reason why I chose to influence the Beastfolk, then the Dwarves in extension, and not the other way around was simple.
Dwarves were quite stubborn and stiff.
It would take too long trying to bring them over. Besides, even if we did that, it didn't change what we had to do with the Beastfolk.
In terms of efficiency, it was simply easier to deal with the Theiranthropes first.
This was the onus of the strategy I employed in unifying every Race. Sure, the excuse that would be used for our Alliance was the Demon Threat, however...
'... I plan on keeping everyone united even after!'
Smiling at the king and bowing slightly, maintaining the proper etiquette, I concluded my speech.
"I hope I have made myself understood."
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'W-who is this kid...?!' King Albion Lestrome Indiavel's mind rang in both amazement and slight fear.
Not only had he completely analyzed the situation, but he also had enough insight to proffer effective solutions to address them.
While it would take some time to completely investigate his rationale and make a decision concerning all he had said, there was no doubt in Albion's mind that Jared was right.
He gulped and controlled himself.
If he allowed himself to look flustered, it would sully his image as King.
'I came to this meeting with curiosity and intrigue, but...'
He never expected Jared to be this exceptional.
As expected of the Hero of Ainzlark!
The King spotted one of his sons who stood behind him, Fabian, and noticed the deep glare he gave Jared.
Fabian's displeasure stemmed from the fact that Jared had taken the spotlight that would have given him more of an edge in the eye of the public, during the Demonic Disturbance.
'Shouldn't he have been happy that the matter was resolved with the least amount of casualties?'
From all he had seen from the reports, King Albion highly doubted that Fabian would have been competent enough to handle the incident.
Jared's skill and capabilities from such a young age had already exceeded the most talented of his sons.
And now, after three years, he had shown more insight than the Royal Court and his Advisers.
King Albion was completely beaten. He knew that!
'For the sake of our survival... for a better Eastern Kingdom...'
There was no argument on his part.
'... We have to listen to Jared Leonard!'
