Chapter 1453: then <translation>. We'll output exactly that

「Caesar, a letter has arrived from the Hall of the Three Fates. 」 Lord Yanshi said.

「They refused to surrender. Moreover, they said this reply will serve as our final ultimatum. 」 Lord Yin Feng added from the side.

「Hah…」 Kretudra let out a scornful laugh, 「Go. Tell the commanders that unless they receive Caesar's personal handwritten order, they must not launch an attack on their own, otherwise they will be killed without mercy. 」.

「What… what does this mean? 」.

「The priests of the Hall of the Three Fates are not soldiers, but politicians. Don't think they are blindly resisting; this dying pack of dogs and rats will exhaust their short‑sighted, impoverished thoughts to the point of being far more cunning than their enemies. 」.

Kretudra analyzed logically: 「I am inferior to them—moreover, the oracle is also their war machine, and I lack such luck. Rashly starting a war would only put us at a disadvantage; every move will be judged by all of Wulfros. 」.

「So, as usual, I will personally take the field. But this time I will go deep alone, using a secret negotiation to bring fate to our side. 」.

——

Genshin Impact.

I never expected Kretudra to be not only formidable in battle, but also skilled in politics, and even her diplomacy is this strong…

Heart of the Coral Palace, Xin Hai, murmured softly, her tone filled with a bit of bitterness and a touch of envy: 「Is her energy really limitless? 」.

She herself hides in the Coral Palace, facing mountains of documents and battle reports, constantly reviewing and weighing them; she must also remember every face of the trade delegation from Watatsumi Island, and their continual probing and bargaining over commodity prices… Thinking of these things makes her feel heavy‑headed, chest tight, her energy drops by -3.

After becoming Queen of Oushama, after becoming the ruler of a nation or city‑state, when facing the sincere gazes of her subjects, wouldn't she doubt whether she could live up to their expectations?

Such absolute confidence, a mindset that never drains itself, and the ability to handle any situation with ease… truly enviable.

「Lady Coral Palace, I think it's not a matter of energy—although Kretudra's energy is indeed abundant, but her ability to handle so many things at once, I believe the main reason is just two words. 」 Lang said from beside.

「Lang… please continue. 」 Xin Hai lay on the table, her tone somewhat listless.

「Enjoy. 」.

After receiving reader feedback for a long time in the 《Leisure Monthly》, Lang has gained ample experience in how to console others, and didn't expect to have a chance to use it today.

「Lang, you mean… Kretudra really enjoys this kind of life? 」.

「Yes, Lady Coral Palace. 」 Lang nodded, 「If one treats every administrative duty, every military council, every negotiation as a burden on one's shoulders, a person's energy will quickly be depleted, even for the Lady of the Coral Palace. 」.

「For Kretudra, this life might be somewhat like playing chess? Her subordinates—generals, politicians to win over, merchants, even the oracle itself—are her pieces… She enjoys the feeling of gradually expanding her influence, then slowly swallowing opponents, ultimately achieving victory. 」.

「Kretudra is more like someone who actively seeks confrontation with others and enjoys it…… This point is quite different from the Lady of the Coral Palace. 」.

——

「Caesar, why aren't we on the expedition roster? 」 Agraeya asked.

「This is a voyage with no return. Those who bear the oracle may not accompany you. 」 Caesar said firmly.

「If this battle is destined to fail, why must you personally lead the expedition? The Journey of Ember cannot be without a guide…」.

「Yes, if Caesar falls, the empire will be left without a leader. But remember: as long as you seize the opportunity, a chaotic situation will not become a danger. 」 Kretudra's gaze remained fixed on the distance from start to finish, without hesitation, 「My departure will become your stepping stone—once news of my fall spreads, you will finally understand this principle. 」.

「Kretudra… is our journey coming to an end? 」 Ti Bao asked softly.

「Breaking the old laws, forging new ones… within the bounds of Wulfros, my conquest has reached its end. Since the oracle has decreed, Caesar will be unable to fulfill his wish to conquer the star sea, so I will step aside now, and not think of anything else. 」.

「After that, there will still be golden heirs bearing divine authority, and more heroes will descend… Whether we seek peace or war, whether we resist tyranny or become the next Caesar—I don't care; future generations will decide. 」.

「No need to mourn for me: there are countless who could kill Caesar, but the only one who could truly destroy her is…」.

「Only Kretudra. 」.

——

Crimson Eye Slash.

「I also want to follow such a ruler. 」.

On the training ground deep within the imperial palace, watching Kretudra's resolute gaze in the sky, General Bud slowly closed his eyes.

A strong, scorching emotion surged from his chest, rising to his throat, making him clench his fists tightly.

…it was envy.

He envied that Wulfros had actually produced such a ruler.

As a warrior, as a servant, he only wished to be loyal to the emperor of the empire. However, the empire lacks Kretudra; it only has an emperor kept in the dark by his ministers, still young in age.

If Kretudra were to become emperor of the empire, that fat‑headed, big‑eared Ounest would likely be executed by her on the very first day; and those called Night Raid assassins and revolutionary army… he would be willing to serve as Kretudra's blade, clearing away all obstacles on the empire's path to glory.

Suddenly, a light laugh came from behind Bud: 「What, General Bud, are you thinking of betraying the empire? 」.

Bud did not turn; Esdeath stepped out from the shadows behind him, her boots striking the ground with a clear sound.

「When did you arrive? 」.

Esdeath crossed her arms, a half‑smile on her lips: 「When you said, 'I also want to follow such a ruler.'」.

Bud's brow twitched imperceptibly, a flash of irritation at being seen crossed his eyes, but he held back. Esdeath also didn't mind, waving her hand casually: 「Don't worry, I'll pretend I didn't hear it. 」.

「Esdeath. 」 Bud finally turned to look at her, 「I ask you, if one day I were to remove Ounest and restore the emperor to full power, could he someday become a ruler like Kretudra? 」.

Esdeath seemed to have heard something extremely funny, her gaze repeatedly scanning the before‑her minister with white‑streaked temples: 「Bud… you must already have an answer in your heart before even asking, right? 」.

Bud's gaze dimmed for a moment.

Moreover, whether he is a foolish ruler or a wise one, it has nothing to do with me... As long as I can keep fighting and enjoy myself to the fullest. aisidesi walked away without looking back toward the hunter unit's direction, "As for your question, my answer is—impossible. He could never become a king like Thus we output Thus we output Thus we output Thus we output Thus we output Thus we output keludela. aonestisite is indeed a treacherous minister, but aren't these treacherous ministers also following his own wishes?"