I play a Evil God in Otome Game

Chapter 169: 168: The proclamation of the Grand Duchy and the new War of Authority

Antonio’s gaze stopped on Emily, who stood beside him, staring at him harshly. He was surrounded by dozens of officers. Feeling tense involuntarily, Antonio furrowed his brows and looked down at the agreement presented before him.

Since George was still resting, the agreement would be between Emily and Antonio. Unlike George, Emily was a rather stern woman, and she openly maintained a threatening expression as she looked at Antonio.

The officers stood with their backs straight, their gazes cold and unwavering. In such an atmosphere, the pressure on Antonio had increased inevitably.

"The terms of the agreement are clear now," Emily shifted in her chair, her piercing gaze fixed on him. "The Empire will provide military support to the Grand Duchy, and in return, the Grand Duke will swear allegiance."

Antonio nodded solemnly, acknowledging the statement. Emily continued, "The Republic will be given two weeks. Everyone who wants to join the Grand Duke will be given a chance."

"That is a short period," Antonio said. It was difficult to consider who would join him from the other side. While he was still more popular and influential, there were still significant generals who held power.

Even if some commanders chose to follow Antonio, the Republic would remain in a strong position.

With such a short time frame, convincing the opposition to side with him would be challenging.

"No excuses. Two weeks is already the longest period we can offer," Emily replied, her tone disapproving. "Besides, the Grand Duke already has up to 200,000 soldiers from the former captured Republican army under his command."

"That is still a small number for the Republic, which has a military reserve of about 420,000. Even if I gather those who would join me, it would barely reach 100,000," Antonio tried to protest, but Emily frowned. "The Empire will already provide you with up to 50,000 troops. Additionally, the Paladins will assist you. Not to mention the cannons."

"You seem to be forgetting that there are still 11 cities that remain unconquered?"

"The 11 cities are insignificant. If the capital falls, they all fall. Your job is to besiege and capture the capital," Emily stated. Antonio shot her a sarcastic look. "And then? Even if the capital falls, there will still—"

"Keep your objections to yourself," Emily leaned forward sharply. A small, mocking smile appeared on her lips as she looked at Antonio. "I believe in your abilities. You will make the enemy surrender in no time."

Antonio clenched his fists as he stared at Emily. He felt an overwhelming sense of frustration at the situation he was in. The Empire was clearly trying to weaken both sides in the Republic’s civil war.

Even if Antonio won, the Republican army would suffer from a shortage of manpower for years. If the opposition won, the Empire would attack the already weakened remnants of the Republic.

Considering that the Empire had already successfully repelled the Republic’s final offensive, Antonio was certain that, in the end, this war would conclude in the Empire’s favor.

Either outcome was disastrous for Aurelion. If the Grand Duke won, the Empire would strengthen its influence and gain a puppet. If the Grand Duke lost, the exhausted Republic would inevitably fall to the Empire.

This double-edged situation forced Antonio to accept the agreement. He remained silent. Pleased by this, Emily continued outlining the terms.

"The Empress, in her great generosity, will grant you her intelligence forces. This will allow you to stay one step ahead of the enemy," Emily stated indifferently, but Antonio took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

In reality, the Empress was merely sending a handful of spies under the Grand Duke’s command as a supposed intelligence aid. Antonio saw this as a joke but quickly understood the real intent.

Under any other circumstances, he would have felt pride in receiving this title. But to Antonio, it felt like a curse. His face twisted with disgust. At the very least, a part of him found some solace in knowing that his people would still be ruled by one of their own.

Yet, what weighed on him more was the fact that his people had been shackled by such a contract. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. As everyone eventually left the room, Antonio remained, lost in thought, staring at the floor.

Time passed quickly, and after a week, the agreement was officially enacted.

The Imperial army withdrew from the newly established Grand Duchy of Aurelion, leaving only 50,000 soldiers on the frontlines.

The Paladins, under Urien’s command, remained at the front, while George, Emily, and Simon set out on their journey back to the Empire.

The Grand Duchy was quickly recognized by the Empire, and as its surrender was accepted, the Republic was ignored, igniting a war for authority within Aurelion lands.

The Empire officially declared victory and granted the new autonomous region’s dukedom to Antonio.

Then, with a general ultimatum, the crumbling Republic was presented with an offer to join the newly legitimized Grand Duchy.

The two-week deadline had begun.

At the same time, in the Holy Mary Kingdom, Solomon and Alice continued their training. In the grand combat training grounds, Solomon’s light suddenly transformed into a spear, surging forward with incredible power toward Alice, who was clad in her battle attire.

Alice immediately raised her hand, and a brilliant golden glow appeared in front of her. Despite the immense force and the deafening roar of the attack, she managed to stop it.

"Congratulations, you are now a competent Mage, Alice," Solomon said with a small smile.

Though exhausted, Alice beamed with excitement and jumped in place. "Thank you! I’ve been waiting for this for so long! I’m the best!"

Raising her fist, Alice laughed with a triumphant grin. Solomon, though he grumbled inwardly, couldn’t help but smile as well. Alice’s power was even greater than he had expected, but in his eyes, she lacked true battle intelligence.

Strength alone was not enough—without tactical awareness, she was still weak. Solomon cursed Alice’s previous teacher. Her raw power was immense, but she had no idea how to wield it effectively.

A Saint was born with natural mana and divine light. This had been the case for every Saint in history.

"Don’t celebrate so soon, Alice. You still need to strive for further growth."

Hearing Solomon’s words, Alice nodded, her expression firm as she smiled with determination. "Don’t worry, Solomon. I will become stronger."

Seeing the resolute smile on her face, Solomon felt at least a glimmer of hope. At the very least, she wasn’t lazy—she was a Saint with unwavering resolve.

Alice then got back on her feet, and with a small smile, Solomon continued the training. For now, he had to nurture his puppet carefully—so that in the future, she would be a powerful and effective one.

With a mocking smirk on his lips, Solomon launched another attack at Alice...