Very Wrong Reincarnation: Isekai with Game Nation

Vol. 3 Chapter 4

Nephritis, United Kingdoms of Valur

The war ignited by Cignus had little to no direct consequences for Valur—for now. But the atmosphere was suffocating, like walking on a sheet of thin ice. Every high-ranking vassal, official, and general had gathered in the imperial hall. Their expressions were grim, and at the center of it all sat Empress Dahlia, her gaze distant, thoughts weighing heavily.

"Oelkan Principality and Retica Kingdom have finally announced their capitulation and transfer of land to Cignus," someone spoke.

"That's it then," another followed. "The last two independent nations on the continent. Now it's just us and them."

"But I heard they’ve started expanding their navy," said one of the naval commanders. "And there are signs they’re preparing for a major operation in Antares."

"I'm grateful we didn’t side with them," said one of the ministers cautiously. "But the size of their navy... it’s now larger, more advanced than ours. Even the northern sea routes, our lifeline, could be closed off completely if they wanted to."

The room fell silent.

Valur was now boxed in. The land was surrounded, every border now led to Cignus. The sea routes to the north and east, considered safe escape or trade paths, were becoming increasingly vulnerable to interdiction. With the entire continent slowly swallowed by Cignus control, Valur’s future grew uncertain by the day.

Empress Dahlia remained silent for a moment before she finally spoke.

"We will not provoke them. But we will not bend either. I have some plans, until then, we don't worry about Cignus."

No one responded. Everyone knew the truth — if Cignus truly wanted to take Valur, the question wasn't if, but when.

Empress Dahlia rose from her seat and dismissed the room. The officials bowed and stepped back, their heavy footsteps echoing through the stone hall as she exited without another word. Her destination was the royal quarters.

Unya~

A soft cry of a baby echoed down the corridor as she approached. She stepped inside quietly.

There, in the center of the chamber, stood her daughter Mila, cradling a small infant in her arms. A near carbon copy of her mother — crimson hair, pale skin, and the dignified stature of nobility — Mila looked up as Dahlia entered.

"With that," Dahlia began, her voice even, calculating, "we can call it quits and proclaim it's his child?"

Mila gently rocked her son, taking a few moments before answering. "Yes, mother."

"His Excellency hasn't had a woman in the past seven years? You’re certain? No one?"

Mila nodded, her tone of politeness. "I've been close to him almost every day for the last six years. There's never been anyone else. No attachments, no relationships, nothing serious. He's been... devoted to his position, not romance."

Dahlia slowly eased into a chair across from her, eyes resting on the child. Her expression was emotionless as the thoughts plaguing in her mind.

"Our priority is the survival of our nation," she said, voice low. "And if—by some chance—His Excellency Oliver truly has no heir, and continues his ridiculous talk of leaving his position as their ruler... then we’ll proclaim this child his. His blood or not, the world only needs to believe it." As both knew — how gung-ho people of Cignus on wanting Oliver to have a heir.

Her gaze turned from Mila to the child in her arms. “This boy could be the key to taking control of the empire he built.”

Just another piece on the board. A grandson — not just family, but tool.