I was returning to my domain. I have accomplished all my main objectives. I delivered the news to the saintess about Lilia's progress and also secured our next meeting. I also settled the dispute with Marquise Larose on good terms. I also met the emperor and confirmed our standing, too. We could secure our neutrality. The emperor also promised not to escalate the conflict between the imperial faction and the clergy faction. It was a significant gain for us. I also obtained an unexpected harvest. I could confirm the news of the great farming and pledge that would affect us in the near future, allowing us to make adequate preparations in time. Marquise Larose also promised to supply us with medicines and alchemists in exchange for our grain. I also entered a defense pact with Duke Melbon, the ruler of the northern region, too. I agreed to provide him with full support, including provisions and humanitarian aid, should the demon king resurrect. I also planned to dispatch the subjugate squad if needed. If such an event were to occur, the North would be the battleground. I could not afford to spill the fight to the South after all. One of the reasons the South was the most prosperous region in the empire was that it was spared from being overrun by the demonic horde during the last demon king's resurrection. The West and the Central were completely overrun, and the other regions had become the main battleground. Duke Melbon, too, also understood my thought, so he made several overbearing demands.

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  I did not try to contact the clergy faction. I was still discontent with them. I thought back to my discussion with Marquise Larose. The church may have received the oracle about the famine and plague, but they did not make it public. Were they using the lives of millions of people for their personal gain? I could not bring myself to associate with them, for now. I was not confident that I could control my emotions. I thought it was thanks to the saintess's timely recovery. It was the saintess who coordinated this news for us. I might have to enter a new contract with Duke Ellon. However, I was advised by everyone, the saintess included, not to contact him for now. So, I refrained from doing so. I would reconsider it after my discussion with Rowan and Iris.

  However, it did not sit right with me. During the whole process of my negotiation with the imperial faction, I kept feeling the unfriendly gaze from all of them, save for the emperor. The chief knight also gave me an unfriendly gaze from time to time. I was not sure what made them do so. I could not help but think back to my private audience with the emperor.