Combat Maid Harem

His wording made it seem like a trivial matter.

"What is your name?" Lawrend asked.

"I'm called Koen Larget," the minister replied.

"How did you think of such a brilliant trap?" Lawrend excitedly asked.

He was looking at a wise old man. He would be a great help in the future if he was really as great as he seemed to be.

"Isn't that natural? If you give them slightly different information, you would be able to pinpoint who leaked that information," Koen answered.

"Alright. I appoint you the Head of Undrasil Intelligence," Lawrend said.

He still had some doubts about his capabilities, but he was willing to bet on him. He would surely be indispensable when it comes to his future conquest.

"Y-Your Majesty!?"

Koen was so shocked that his eyes almost popped out of his eye sockets. He was very humble all his life. The only thing he wanted was to grow some plants. He was a devoted botanist.

The reason he became the Minister of Agriculture was because of his expertise in the subject. Otherwise, no one would want an old man like him. There was only a small chance that he would become an Arch Mage in the future due to his age.

"This new division will be responsible for collecting news all over the kingdom and compiling it. You would also be responsible for planting spies in the neighboring territories."

"This… this is too much! I don't deserve to head such a powerful division!"

Koen was in disbelief. He was just a humble old man that luckily became the minister of agriculture. He was so scared of dying that he schemed against the clans of the kingdom.

He didn't expect that it would catch the eye of the Combat Maid Harem King. Everyone knew his strength and talent.

If he declared that he was the most talented human in the world, no one would disagree. He only took several months to become an Arch Mage while having the power of a Grand Mage. Not only that, the minister could sense that he was much much stronger at the moment.

He would not return if he didn't become stronger. That logic rang through the minister's head the moment he heard the news of his return. He became fearful of such a ruthless man.

He heard what happened to the Minister of Justice. At that time he only showed a tiny sign of treason, but that was enough for the king to kill him.

Even if Koen had bigger guts, he would never ever oppose Lawrend. He may be weak today, but he could take revenge in the future. The empire dug itself a grave the moment they decided to coerce him into joining them.

"I trust that you won't let me down, right?" Lawrend asked with a slight smile on his face.

"Y-Yes!" Koen nodded his head repeatedly.

That smile was like the smile of the devil. Talent, Women, Strength. He only lacked Wealth to make him the most accomplished man in the world. Countless other men would desire to be in his place.

"Fufufufu."

Seeing the state of Koen, Aezel chuckled. She was aware of her Master's changes. It was gradual, but it was shocking now that she thought about it.

He was daring, willing to sacrifice himself, confident, and talented. He fitted her perfect description of a husband.

He was afraid of her back then, but now, nothing scares him.

"Ahh~"

Aezel's eyes were filled with love. She wanted to devote her everything to him and make countless little monkeys.

"You can coordinate with Aleshia. She knows a lot about intelligence gathering. You are dismissed," Lawrend said.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After that, Koen swiftly left. He was still afraid, but he became determined as he realized that the king placed a lot of trust in him. He can't let him down.

"Verkoli, what did the Trunden Empire say?" Lawrend asked.

Now that that was settled, he asked about the Trunden Empire. It could be their ally or their enemy in the future. Nothing was certain as it was an empire with high ambitions.

"They wanted three port cities in exchange for three Earth Mages helping us push back the Blumin Empire," Verkoli replied.

"I see…"

Lawrend looked away in a daze. He thought about that offer. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't worth it at the same time.

The port cities of the Undrasil Empire only amounted to three. That meant that they would pay with all of their port cities. It would be hard for them to develop afterward.

Ships were the go-to trade choice of all the merchants on the continent. It was much faster, and there was no danger of monsters as long as they didn't go too far from the continent. It's not hard to imagine how much wealth the port cities bring the kingdom.

"What does your Majesty think?" Verkoli asked.

He thought that they were basically ripping them off. The three port cities were indispensable for the kingdom.

"Communicate with them. Tell them that we are willing to give them the north part of the Blumin Empire for four Earth Mages!" Lawrend declared.

Verkoli, his attendant, and Aezel all widened their eyes in shock. His words meant one thing. He was going to attack the Blumin Empire!

"Your Majesty, you can't possibly be thinking of…"

Verkoli didn't dare to say it. There were a lot of Earth Mages in the Blumin Empire. Not to mention, they also had 80 Grand Mages. The Undrasil Kingdom might have a lot of Arch Mages, but they were nothing in front of the empire.

"I will kill the Blumin Emperor soon. You all don't need to worry. I won't fight without being confident in myself," Lawrend calmly replied.

Seeing the Pillar Heaven Mage gave him a chance to peek into the peak of magic. He didn't need to fumble his way forward anymore. He could already feel that he would become an Earth Mage soon.