The Heavenly Demon Can’t Live a Normal Life

Every decision needs a reason. Before arriving at the conclusion that he had to pursue and defeat the Kronos Empire, Roman had to confirm it first.

‘Kronos is a nation that doesn’t stop any time. What kind of choice will they make if they, who had always invaded other borders first, get attacked? If this isn’t clearly confirmed, I might not be able to bear the cost of my decision.’

Based on the history of the continent, there were three examples that could confirm it.

The first was the conflict with the Kingdoms’ Alliance. The Kingdoms’ Alliance referred to the four southern nations around Kronos, and they were not safe from the threat of Kronos just like Cairo. So they formed a coalition to protect each other.

At the times that they were attacked by Kronos, Kronos would demand a formal apology for the reason that the knights of the Kingdoms’ Alliance, who were filled with resentment, brutally slaughtered their soldiers. The conditions were always absurd. They expressed their opinion that they would go to an all-out war if the knights in question didn’t kneel down and apologize.

The other two cases were the same. The Kronos Empire obviously made a mistake first, but in the process of covering up right and wrong, the victims were made to pay.

Similar incidents happened three times in the past. It can be interpreted that the decisions of the Kronos Empire were not accidents, and they had a way to turn things in their favor.

‘The Cairo Kingdom suffered in the same manner. In return, despite their demands for an apology and their repeated aggression every year, nothing was done to punish the enemies. Fighting between nations requires a cause, but having power is more important. The Kronos Empire doesn’t need a sensible reason, and if we take proper revenge, it will cause more problems for us.’

It wasn’t a common thought. Roman Dmitry knew how Kronos would act. It was the logic of the strong. It wasn’t like they didn’t know that they were in the wrong, but what mattered to them was that the weak showed hostility towards them.

Roman also knew that because he had lived the life of a strong man. Ruling through fear was possible if the weak crossed a clear line. Even if the people criticized them, the strong could rule over them.

It was a very slow process. The moment the strong ones controlled the minds of the weak, they could no longer make normal decisions, and no matter what the strong ones did, the weaker ones would just silently endure them.

There was no turning back. Roman Dmitry knew that his decision came with a cost, but he felt compelled to attack.

‘It is something I have to deal with someday. At the crossroads of choice, in order for the Cairo Kingdom to move in the right direction, taking risks is necessary even when the result is obvious.’

Looking at Baron Noel, Roman said,

“The Kronos Empire has never made a decision resulting in the detriment of their nation, regardless of whose fault it is. It is the same this time. Even if they joined the rebellion and crossed the border first, what matters to them is the fact that a small kingdom like Cairo opened its gates and slaughtered their soldiers.”

“… then what are we supposed to do?”

Baron Noel was scared. He knew the war had just ended. However, due to an unexpected possibility, he could no longer enjoy the joy of victory.

“It is the same as before. From the moment we first chose to attack them, the one who takes a step back from this fight has no choice but to bear the full damage. Then our choice is simple.”

They had to stand up to the Kronos Empire one day if they didn’t want to be ruled by them, even if it meant their demise.

“From now on, we’ll have to fight another war at the negotiating table.”

It was as Roman had expected. Around the time the battlefield was almost settled, the Cairo royal family received a call from the Kronos Empire.

[As His Majesty’s representative, I will reveal the position of the Kronos Empire.]

The voice was from someone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was Baron Charlton. He had a stiff face as he stared at Daniel Cairo across the screen.

[The Kronos Empire participated in this war at the request of Marquis Benedict. The justification for participating in the war was given by Cairo, and we only agreed with their argument. We do not claim that our actions are right. However, when Marquis Benedict, the subject of the cause, was defeated, the troops of Kronos retreated and showed that we no longer had any plans of continuing the war. But what did Cairo do? It wasn’t enough that you opened your gates and chased after us, but you attacked us and brutally killed Count Fabio and Gustavo, the talents of the empire.]

“We were fighting a war. Is it wrong for us to punish our enemy?”

The opponent was a noble. However, given the fact that he was representing the Emperor, Daniel Cairo couldn’t treat his opponent disrespectfully.

In this negotiation, the leaders of the kingdom put their heads together for a favorable response. They intended on resolving the issue peacefully as much as possible, but the Kronos Empire’s claim shocked Cairo right from the start.

[Yes. It is wrong. Which is why we hope to be given the right compensation for it.]

“That isn’t possible. A war with Kronos was never our intention. We were attacked first, and we just opted to attack back. But you want us to pay you a fair price? If the Kronos Empire decides to act like this, we have no choice but to formally take this case to the ‘International Community.’ And Cairo was even thinking of releasing the prisoners first as a gesture of peace, but if the Kronos Empire continues to be hostile, we are left with no other options.”

He came out strong. Representing the Cairo Kingdom’s voice, he didn’t want to back down this time.

[Do whatever you want. Raising a problem with the International Community will not provide a reason for Cairo to go to war. And Kronos will not accept any bargain for the lives of the captives. Now, we will give you two options. There are no other negotiations.]

It was a one-sided conversation. The other side went silent, and the empire’s thoughts were displayed.

[We request Roman Dmitry’s punishment for brutally murdering Count Fabio. In return, we want one of his arms. If Roman Dmitry comes to the empire, offers his arm, and kneels down to apologize, and if you release all of Kronos’s prisoners, the Kronos Empire will not make this incident an issue anymore. That is your first option. If you reject that, the second option would be an all-out war against Kronos. Negotiations will not be allowed for the first ten days of the war. Make your decision now. If not, Kronos will declare war against the Cairo Kingdom.]

That was the end. Baron Charlton cut off the communication without even listening to his answer.

Tuk.

At the Cairo Royal Palace, everyone was shocked after the meeting. They were at a loss for words in response to what they had heard, and they were afraid to figure out how to accept this situation.

They were forced. The Kronos Empire forced them to make a choice even after knowing they were in the wrong.

Simon said,

“Your Majesty, Your Highness. The Kronos Empire is not making this offer to receive an apology right now. Given Roman Dmitry’s ability in the war, it is clear that they intend to eliminate any potential threats against them in advance.”

They were sure of it. Roman Dmitry was an existence beyond the fence of the kingdom. Cairo, which had always been meek and displayed an attitude befitting a small country, took a different step than before with Roman Dmitry in the front.

Other than killing Gustavo, if the testimony from the battlefield reached the Kronos Empire, they would have been wary of the force Roman Dmitry had.

He was just in his mid-20s, yet Roman Dmitry was able to kill Gustavo. He didn’t just win. It was an overwhelming victory, and no one can really fathom how powerful Roman truly was.

An apology was just an excuse in this situation. Daniel Cairo gritted his teeth at the blatant attitude of Kronos.

‘We are suffering this humiliation because we are a weak nation.’

His own father, the former King, wanted peace. As he grew up watching that kind of person, Daniel Cairo inherited his father’s benevolence, but when he faced the cruel reality, he realized how irresponsible his father was. As the King, he shouldn’t have done that.

If he faced a brutal situation against a predator like the Kronos Empire, he needed to have a strong national power to survive. The problem was that it was too late. Reality struck, and now the Kronos Empire is forcing them to make an unavoidable choice.

Everyone’s eyes were focused on Daniel Cairo. In a situation where no one could give any advice except for Simon, Daniel Cairo said with a firm expression,

“Roman Dmitry is the Hero of Cairo. He did things for Cairo, and that fact is known to all the people in Cairo, including those present here. But what would happen if we abandoned such an existence just so we could live? We might be safe now, but that is all. The Kronos Empire will use this incident as a chance to cut down on our ways to live, and no one else will be willing to sacrifice their life for us. Because when the pillar called Roman Dmitry falls, Cairo is bound to collapse.”

It was a risky choice. Kronos wasn’t the type of nation that said empty words, and they wouldn’t let go of their decision to go to war.

But in the future, in the new Cairo, there would be no fights within the nation, nor would there be any neglect of talented people dedicated to the nation.

Even if the result was their ruin, it was Daniel Cairo’s responsibility. At least as the King of the Kingdom and as the person who allowed the decision to attack the Kronos Empire, Daniel Cairo didn’t avoid the responsibility.

“Summon Roman Dmitry right now. I will discuss this matter with him directly.”

Two days later, Roman Dmitry arrived at the palace. Daniel Cairo couldn’t even greet him properly.

“… that is how things turned out. What should I do?”

He asked him honestly about Kronos’s offer. In the situation where his brain couldn’t give him the right answer, he needed someone to say something to him.

And Roman Dmitry said,

“From now on, it is time for a new game. The Kronos Empire is aware of the fact that their proposal is out of touch with common sense. Nevertheless, their reason for forcing such a ridiculous choice is to deal with my existence and set the status of their empire right. If you accept their proposal, the future in which Cairo becomes under the control of the Kronos Empire is unavoidable.”

“I don’t know what to do either. However, we can’t just ignore the ones with power and move on. Just like what you said, if Kronos wants to set the status of the empire right, they will want us to fulfill one of the options they have given.”

The first option couldn’t be considered, so they were left with the second option—an all-out war with Kronos. Even assuming that Roman Dmitry was the best on the continent, there was no way they could defeat the empire with the power of Cairo alone.

Roman Dmitry. From the moment he made the decision to attack first, he already knew the answer.

“There is a way to avoid war while taking advantage of me. Please send an envoy to the Kronos Empire. I will directly go to the empire and solve the problem.”

“I cannot allow that. The Kronos Empire wants to punish you now. And if you go there on your own, in the worst case, you could lose your life.”

Roman’s suggestion was too bold. As he said, the problem could be solved, but it was impossible for them to let Roman Dmitry go. It was an irresponsible decision that he didn’t want to make.

The responsibility for the decision should be shared, but Roman’s proposal was no different from making him take full responsibility.

It was at that moment that one of the people in the palace who was listening to their conversation stepped forward and said,

“Can I say something?”

“Yes.”

“Roman Dmitry knows how to solve the problem. And Your Majesty considers it a risky choice for Roman Dmitry to visit the Kronos Empire. Wouldn’t it be enough for someone else from Cairo to be the envoy to Kronos? If there is such a person who can perfectly implement your plan, I think it will be an optimal agreement.”

Roman Dmitry intended to execute the plan himself. Just as Daniel Cairo took responsibility for the decision, Roman also had a different opinion.

But after confirming the voice of the owner, Roman knew that his words had power, and Daniel Cairo did as well. He nodded his head to show his agreement.

“Count Fabius. Does that mean you will go as the envoy to the Kronos Empire?”

“You are right. I will represent Cairo and convey our intentions to that heinous Kronos Empire.”

The Raccoon of Cairo—he opened up a new path.