Falanya recalled studying the history of Eastern Levetia with her tutor, Claudius.
“As the name suggests, Eastern Levetia is a denomination mostly based in the Eastern continent.”
“Let us go back one century. Princess Falanya, what important event affected Natra at the time?”
“The Circulous Law, right?”
Claudius nodded, satisfied.
A century ago, Levetia announced an official reinterpretation of the established pilgrimage. Previously, the route circled the whole continent, and many traveled east each year to retrace the footsteps of Levetia’s founder.
However, the Circulous Law redefined the scriptures and declared the western half of the pilgrimage more than sufficient. This decree was supposedly born from the era’s Holy Elites, who feared the death and injury of pilgrims trekking to the pagan East—but the truth told otherwise.
In reality, returnees were introducing Eastern culture and values to the West, and the Holy Elites loathed the idea of threats to their vested interests.
“The new pilgrimage route established by the Circulous Law excluded Natra and sabotaged our trade with traveling believers, right?”
Inevitably, these results led Natra to turn farther east and accept the Flahm.
“An excellent answer, Princess Falanya. However, the Circulous Law did not devastate Natra alone.”
“So if it impacted us in the north, then what about the Falcasso Kingdom to the south?”
Three main roads connected the East and West. The northern route led to Natra, while the southern one went to the Falcasso Kingdom.
“Falcasso wasn’t included in the pilgrimage either, but since it was on friendly terms with Levetia and successfully fortified its position as a breakwater to the East, the Circulous Law did not leave much of a negative impact.”
“Hmph, how unfair.” After spurning a nation she knew little about, Falanya tilted her head.
“But then, who did suffer?”
“The answer is Levetia’s followers in the East.”
“Ah!” Falanya exclaimed. It hadn’t occurred to her before, but it was reasonable that some believers set off on religious journeys to convert the East.
“At the time, the Holy Elite were criticized for twisting the scriptures to fit their political narrative. It’s also said they made this decision secretly and sprang the news on the East like a bolt from the blue.”
“The backlash must have been considerable.”
“Indeed. Needless to say, the Holy Elite were members of Levetia as well as distinguished royals and nobles. They refused to listen to anyone, instead treating the East like a land of savages. Ultimately, enraged believers split from Levetia to formed Eastern Levetia.”
“That’s no surprise.” Falanya sighed. She’d heard of Eastern Levetia before but never knew of its complex history. Natra had been entangled as well, but the princess now understood the widespread impact of the Circulous Law with fresh clarity.
“Eastern Levetia came to the fledgling Earthworld Empire in search of an ally and established friendly relations. From there, it expanded alongside the developing Empire, and it is presently the main religion of the East.”
“Did it become the state religion?”
“No, it didn’t go that far. The Empire didn’t want a deity to rob their emperor of his authority, and Eastern Levetia was wary of entering politics since it was fickle world leaders who had inspired the movement in the first place,” Claudius explained. “However, there is no denying Eastern Levetia holds great power. It is always searching for opportunities to advance into the West. Should you meet its followers, please be careful. Such beasts will do anything to get ahead in these troubled times…”
And now, let us return to the present.
An Eastern Levetia man stood before Falanya and Zenovia.
Levetia and Eastern Levetia don’t accept each other… They’re openly hostile. What’s a missionary doing in Delunio?
Zenovia also knew about Eastern Levetia to a certain degree. It was far more widely accepted in the East than its precursor. That’s why she recognized the oddness of this situation. This was the West. Yuan should have avoided coming here at all costs.
“There’s no need to worry,” Mullein said as if perceiving Zenovia’s tension. “Although indeed a follower of Eastern Levetia, he has begun to harbor doubts. This admirable man came here in search of the true Teachings of Levetia.”
Yuan nodded. “Embarrassingly, I devoted my life to a single religion only to reach a dead end. I journeyed west with similar-minded comrades to find enlightenment, and Sir Mullein kindly took me under his wing.”
The young, mild-mannered Yuan had a voice befitting a missionary. Anyone in town would have gladly lent him an ear. Nonetheless, Zenovia knew the dangers of opening up to such people in a political setting.
A servant rushed up to Mullein. “Your Excellency, might I have a word…?”
“Can you not see I am entertaining our guests of honor?”
“Y-yes, but the matter is rather urgent.”
Mullein resisted the urge to click his tongue, turning to Falanya and Zenovia. “Please excuse me for one moment, ladies. Yuan, do remember your manners.”
“Of course. Thank you very much, Sir Mullein.” Yuan bowed as Mullein left, and he soon turned bashful. “Oh dear. Despite my words of assurance to Sir Mullein, I am terribly nervous in the company of such lovely ladies.”
“Is that so? You appear to be quite the charming gentleman.”
“Your words flatter me. Someone like myself is more comfortable reading scriptures than interacting with others. If only I could entertain you somehow…” A thought must have crossed Yuan’s mind, for he smiled. “Well then, as a token of our newfound friendship, I shall answer your question from earlier.”
“My question?”
“Yes, as to why there are so many merchants at this ceremony.”
Zenovia was dumbfounded. She was sure that conversation happened before Mullein approached.
“I cannot say I approve of eavesdropping on young ladies.”
“I have warned myself against it countless times, but sadly these ears are ill-bred. I beg your forgiveness.” Yuan shrugged humorously, but Falanya could bear the suspense no longer and blurted out the question burning inside her.
“Sir Yuan, why are there so many merchants attending?”
Yuan looked into Falanya’s eyes, inspecting her, yet the princess’s gaze remained steadfast. After a brief moment, he spoke as though appeased.
“The answer is simple, Princess Falanya. The merchants have invested in this ceremony.”
“They have?”
Yuan nodded. “Preparing a venue and inviting guests is costly, and Delunio cannot handle things alone in its current state. Therefore, it depends on vendors to bring everything together.”
No one could blame a country in Delunio’s predicament. However, the real question was how the nation managed to loosen the merchants’ purse strings in the first place.
“I take it Delunio promised them the opportunity to connect with Natra and Soljest?” Falanya ventured.
Yuan grinned.
I see… So that’s it.
By following the pair’s conversation, Zenovia realized what was going on. Although destitute, Delunio wished to invite representatives from Natra and Soljest under the pretext of a ceremony. The merchants, on the other hand, longed to rub elbows with two rapidly evolving countries but had little opportunity to do so. The day’s festivities served the interests of both parties.
Zenovia understood this, but Falanya was already one step ahead.
“…Sir Yuan, might I ask another question?”
“By all means, Princess Falanya.”
“I see,” she replied concisely. “You are the cardinal who brought Delunio and the merchants together, correct?”
Yuan’s expression froze. Judging by his reaction, she’d hit a bull’s-eye.
“…What makes you say that? And why do you suddenly believe I am a cardinal?”
“There are surely multiple people financing this event, but Delunio will still undoubtedly show its biggest investor special treatment. You’re the only one Sir Mullein has introduced to me personally. It would be strange if you truly were a simple missionary,” Falanya explained.
“I’ve heard the hierarchy in Eastern Levetia includes a dozen or so cardinals who govern under the pontiff. Is it reasonable to presume you, a representative of Eastern Levetia with enough authority to enter the West, are one of them?”
Yuan’s face soured as Falanya made her point in a merciless, matter-of-fact voice.
“I was also surprised to learn you were a missionary, especially in Delunio. To me, you had an oddly merchantlike air. Just like someone from Mealtars,” the princess said with a smile. Her expression radiated pure, joyous nostalgia, devoid of cynicism or scorn.
Yuan stared at the young girl, then sighed in resignation. “…My goodness. I heard there was a fearsome dragon in the far north. The rumors must be true if his younger sister is this astute. You are correct, Princess Falanya. I was born in Mealtars and currently serve as a cardinal on a vital mission for the pontiff. I organized this ceremony.”
“Why would someone from Eastern Levetia do such a thing?”
“Our aim, of course, is to make Delunio a bridgehead and spread the Teachings of Eastern Levetia to the West,” Yuan answered candidly. “Eastern Levetia has been planning to expand westward for some time. To us, those who preach the Teachings of Levetia are traitors who distort God’s Word and lead the people astray. Our mission is to purge their doctrine from the continent.”
Yuan’s tone hinted at his personal lack of such ambition.
“Delunio was crippled by the loss of its former prime minister, and last year’s famine in the West drove the country deeper into a corner. It was an excellent opportunity to seize upon.”
As a nation rooted in the Teachings of Levetia, Delunio considered Eastern Levetia a foe to be shunned at all costs. However, various obstacles left no other choice.
This is mostly Wein’s doing.
He was the main reason for Prime Minister Sirgis’s downfall and the famine. Even Wein himself couldn’t have predicted how Eastern Levetia would capitalize on this chain of events.
“Might I also correct your earlier deduction, Princess Falanya? While I was the one who brought Delunio and the merchants together, the ceremony’s largest investor is Eastern Levetia.”
“Does Eastern Levetia see that much value in working with Natra and Soljest?”
“Yes. And it appears that assumption was not made in error.” Yuan then broached new territory.
“Princess Falanya, would you care to chat with me later?”
“Are you asking me as an individual or a missionary?”
“As an individual, of course.” Yuan shrugged. “Or so I wish to say. However, the Marquess of Marden is giving me a frightful look, and I fear I may incite the wrath of Your Highness’s brother. So I shall ask you as a missionary.”
Falanya cracked a tiny smile. Yuan initially appeared like a typical believer, but his flippant nature was slowly revealing itself. However, she didn’t find him unpleasant. Never one to waste a business opportunity, Yuan was proud and refused to belittle himself. His confidence left a favorable impression on someone like Falanya, who had a soft spot for Mealtars.
“I would be honored to accept. However…” Falanya turned to Zenovia beside her. Her gaze asked what she should do, and the marquess’s eyes gave a silent answer. Caution was necessary, but Zenovia would respect Falanya’s decision. “However, are you certain I will suffice? As we discussed earlier, you have one more dance partner.”
Falanya glanced over at the crowd gathered around Tolcheila. Natra wasn’t the only star today. Soljest’s princess was also a guest of honor and an individual with whom Eastern Levetia sought relations.
“Princess Tolcheila is charming, of course. Unfortunately, she cares for little save for herself. Previous accomplishments also suggest we are better suited to each other, Princess Falanya.”
Evidently, Eastern Levetia prioritized Natra. Yes, looking at the nation’s past achievements, it—that is, Wein—was making a grand fool of Levetia. Soljest, on the other hand, was firmly under the religion’s influence. Eastern Levetia’s belief that Natra would be a more comfortable collaborator was understandable.
Natra sided more with the East despite its feigned neutrality. The West considered this a potential threat. Natra was an unbeatable eyesore. If it joined with Eastern Levetia, the West would view the union as a hostile alliance against it.
If Eastern Levetia wants to destroy Levetia’s stronghold, I suspect Soljest will do everything in its power to stop it… But maybe gaining a foothold in Natra and Delunio is part of a long-term strategy?
Declaring one’s intentions to weigh both nations and choose only one had far-reaching implications. If Yuan joined Natra, it would be that much harder for Eastern Levetia to move forward with Soljest. Regardless, did Eastern Levetia’s followers prefer Natra because the nation seemed more cooperative or because Soljest had been judged to carry no value?
I’m just going in circles by this point.
Falanya knew Eastern Levetia wanted to get close to Natra. Yuan was a pleasant person, and Falanya had an interest in Eastern Levetia, but it was a whole different story where politics were concerned. For the time being, her best option was to discuss the matter with Sirgis later.
Just as she attempted to parry Yuan’s invitation…
“…Oh?”
A commotion rose from the entrance. Falanya, Zenovia, and Yuan saw people, presumably servants, frantically rushing in and out.
Did something happen?
While Falanya and the others watched in bewilderment, one of Zenovia’s servants ran over. “Lady Zenovia! I have an urgent message from the Marden territory…!”
“Calm down. We have an audience.” Despite her call for discretion, Zenovia felt the gravity of the situation and tensed. “What’s going on?”
“It’s a coup!” the servant cried.
“The king of Soljest has been overthrown…!”
A shock wave rippled through the crowd. Unable to process this revelation all at once, the guests stood paralyzed.
Falanya saw the sole outcast among those astonished from the corner of her eye. Tolcheila smiled slightly at the news.
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