The King and Roa (4): A Move to Break the Deadlock

"Hey, Roa."

"Don't be absurd."

The twins' reaction was more or less what I'd expected.

Though relations with the Empire were currently in a lull, it was hardly someone the people of Rudek could readily accept.

The long war began when the Empire invaded us in the first place. The people of Rudek harbored a deep-seated aversion to the Empire.

Moreover, given the situation, I couldn't imagine the Empire agreeing to an alliance so readily.

Of course, that was if we approached them through ordinary negotiations.

"But if we don't ally with the Empire, our country will be attacked by all of them: the Empire, Lucifal, Liffrea, and Golber."

If the Empire saw that we were weakened, it would make its move in earnest. There was every chance Liffrea would egg it on, too. In the history I knew, that was exactly what happened.

"That's true, but shouldn't we first consider what to do about Lucifal, rather than the Empire?"...