Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 103: The Grand Duchess's Influence

The invasion has just been launched from the Citadel, headed for the gulf to then make their way into the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy without confrontation. There isn't much of a demon-kin presence between the Citadel and the gulf, especially if they take the right route. The shuttles will have to make many trips back and forth to ferry all of the golems across the gulf, which will take days. But, the very first deliveries will be an armored vehicle capable of withstanding almost anything eastern soldiers can throw at them, assuming they can get close enough to fight.

Hekate paces around the library in frustration, trying to read the book on history that Erimaya insists she read. It details history mostly from the Empire's perspective, with scholars from various allied kingdoms having contributed.

Unfortunately, the little feldrok empress is focused on the matter in the present.

"Grrah! I can't study like this! What do a bunch of dead people have to do with a battle right now!"

Erimaya watches patiently, also practicing writing magic spells under tutelage of Thymeria, who is transcribing texts from Daniel's phone while Wenlianna is working in her lab on research that doesn't need it.

Aramellianna, lounging in the library as her daughters read various books of their own choosing, remarks with amusement, "Well, your Greatness, history can help a strategist find the best solution before a battle is even planned, have an idea of how enemies might approach, and what the consequences are if failure occurs."

"I know!" whines Hekate. "But, all these names and places and things are already gone. Except the kingdoms, I guess... But, if we're strong enough, who cares about history?"

The Grand Duchess smiles, explaining gently, "A wise Empress should care about history, your Greatness. It is a collection of the most numerous lessons anyone could ever learn. How to govern, how to wage war, and how to thrive in peace. Take me for instance; I learned of otherworldly summons coming to our world, and the moment one of them happened into a position I could take advantage of, I took it. The Grand Duchy is now the wealthiest single territory on the continent. We've cornered rare gems and enhanced magic crystals in one strike, have the leading technology in water distribution and flood control, and are on the cutting edge of military technology."

"Mother," starts Yormollett. "Are you saying... you used Wenlie to snatch Daniel?"

The Grand Duchess smirks deviously. "No. I'm saying I did not hesitate to recognize my daughter's eye for talent, and I ensured they had everything they needed to benefit all of us; Wenlianna's passion, the Grand Duchy's wealth, and my own personal comforts. I won because we all won." She leans on the arm of the lounger she's seated on, feigning a distressed expression. "And now, the Grand Duchy is under invasion and to be conquered. I'm the worst Grand Duchess ever."

Everyone else chuckles uneasily, and Aramellianna sits up. "Please, laugh a little. It's funny. If you think I've made a mistake, you've learned nothing. Rikuto is out of control, and Greydald should have stepped in long ago. He barely got the economy stabilized before bankrupting the kingdom to fuel his attack. After the Fievegal trounced a joint army in a single day. Not to mention, his own fear stems from a weapon Daniel apparently knows how to build and is the only one."

Erimaya remarks, "If you had seen what this weapon could do, Grand Duchess, you would know that the knowledge is safe in no one's hands."

"And now, Rikuto has made a comparable weapon that is in the hands of dozens of people capable of replicating it."

"I feel like I should be doing something," declares Hekate. "I need to be doing something. I feel so anxious."

"That is something you must get used to, your Greatness," replies Vaergraes. "Worse than receiving reports of losses is awaiting reports. But, you can't fight every battle. I'm afraid Daniel is no better suited to leadership in this regard."