The representatives of the various factions that had rushed over were gathered at an outdoor meeting area set up on a hill with a clear view. It was only then that they understood who had come. Seeing the faces, Ranelle nodded deeply.

“There doesn’t seem to be anyone suspicious here. Everyone is someone who has supported the Federation. Especially that person… That man is undoubtedly King Harrison of the Deika Kingdom in the western part of the Federation. King Harrison also serves as the commander of the Federation’s Second Army, and he’s someone we can trust.”

A king who is also a commander? That’s pretty impressive. With someone like him on our side, it’s reassuring—or so I thought. But Jean seemed to have a different opinion.

“That’s a strange story.”

“What’s strange about it?”

“Well, for someone maintaining army-level forces, the current military strength is far too weak.”

“True, it doesn’t seem like he’s leading an army of that size, but maybe he’s got them waiting somewhere?”

“If you think about it, it’s easy to predict that this place is likely to become a battlefield. So, what reason would there be to hold back his forces? Also, look at that—he’s got too many guards. Why would he need to be so cautious at a meeting with allies?”

Around King Harrison were about thirty heavily armored soldiers acting as his guard. It’s not unusual for a king to have guards, but admittedly, it does seem like a bit much.

“But even so, that doesn’t mean he’s definitely the enemy. He could just be a nervous royal, so let’s watch and wait until he shows his true colors.”

I think he’ll show his true colors when he tries to assassinate Ranelle. Either way, this seems like it’s going to lead to some kind of confrontation.

As the representatives of the gathered factions took turns introducing themselves to Ranelle and declaring their efforts to quell the unrest in their own countries, it was King Harrison’s turn. He appeared anything but a timid royal. His imposing presence made it clear. So, then, why the excessive guards? That question was soon answered.

“I appreciate you organizing this farcical gathering, President Ranelle—no, I suppose I should call you former president. After all, you’re about to meet a spectacular end here, aren’t you? Heh… Hahahaha! You fools who have gathered here, do you truly believe that this little girl is fit to be the head of the Federation? No, of course, she isn’t! The person truly worthy of being president of the Federation is someone with wisdom, valor, noble lineage, and the trust of the people—someone like me! Did you think Heaven would allow a mere royal from a small kingdom like Amuria to stand above me? Heaven has decreed that I shall be the president of the Amuria Federation! That’s the answer!”

The sudden statement froze the atmosphere. As murmurs spread through the crowd, Ranelle addressed King Harrison.

“Are you the mastermind behind this chaotic coup?”

“A coup, you say…? You foolish girl. It seems you can only describe the righteous hammer of justice as some filthy coup. Our actions are Heaven’s will! They are acts of the divine! The fact that you can’t comprehend that is why you are incompetent!”

I can’t even make sense of what he’s saying anymore, but isn’t this one of those situations where the villain, convinced of their overwhelming advantage, starts spilling all sorts of information? Jean seemed to realize this too, and he gestured for Amuria and the others to stay still and watch how things played out.