My Love Debts Are Everywhere!

"So, what do you want to talk about, Arshley?" Luna asked with curiosity.

Arshley looked at her for a moment before replying, "I want to discuss the matter of the war with the rebels."

She then turned to Edward and continued, "Edward, how many active soldiers are currently ready for battle?"

Edward was momentarily taken aback by the question but quickly regained his composure.

"We currently have over five hundred thousand active soldiers, Saint," he replied respectfully. "Are you planning to make a move against them?"

Arshley took a slow breath and gave a firm nod. "Yes. I intend to confront them fully."

Until now, she had been determined not to rely on military force to deal with the rebellion—not out of fear, but because she had hoped to resolve it through peaceful means.

After all, her government was still new. She wanted to show the people that she and the new administration wouldn't resort to violence as the first solution.

But the rebels had no intention of cooperating. Instead of accepting her peaceful approach, they continued launching attacks on the southern border.

As a result, many of her soldiers had fallen—and that was something she could not forgive.

Shaking off her thoughts, Arshley issued her command without hesitation. "Send word to Albert to lead two hundred thousand troops to the southern border. I want the entire area secured within a month."

"Kill anyone who resists. But take prisoners of those who surrender."

Her gaze shifted to Lucas and Valen. "I'm entrusting the leadership to you two. Don't disappoint me."

Valen and Lucas cupped their hands in unison. "As you command, Saint!"

After a brief exchange of words, the two left the throne room, leaving Edward and Luna alone with Arshley.

"Edward," Arshley called, glancing in his direction. "How is our food supply? Is it still sufficient? And what about the people in the towns west of Holy Orthodox? Are they still suffering from famine and water shortages?"

Whether due to climate change or something else, last summer had been unlike any before.

In the past, droughts and famines were limited to only a few areas. But this year, the crisis had spread to numerous cities—even major economic and trade hubs.

Such a situation was unprecedented, and Arshley was feeling the pressure.

After all, the territory under Holy Orthodox had greatly expanded following the fall of the Holy Empire of Elysium.

Because of that, ensuring food security had become her top priority.

However, the prolonged drought had triggered a chain of problems, each more difficult than the last, leaving her feeling overwhelmed.

Edward remained calm as he replied, "Don't worry, Saint. We've resolved about eighty percent of the famine and drought issues. The rest should be resolved once Victor and the other high-level mages finish restoring the springs, rivers, and lakes."

"Excellent," Arshley said with a satisfied nod. "Thank you, Edward."

Without Edward's support, she wasn't sure she could have maintained her rule over Holy Orthodox.

Having a subordinate like him was a great blessing.

Edward smiled. "You're welcome, Saint. But there's something important I need to tell you—it concerns the extreme drought that occurred last summer."

His words immediately caught Arshley's and Luna's attention.

"Have you found the cause?" Arshley asked, her tone uncertain.

"Yes," Edward replied seriously. "The weather analysis team I assembled has identified the source. According to their report, the primary cause was a drastic rise in temperature in the Desert of Chaos."

"Temperature rise?" Luna echoed in surprise.

"That's right," Edward nodded. "It's estimated that temperatures in the Desert of Chaos rose by thirty to forty percent above the norm. And this shift appears to have had a massive impact on the world's environment."

The Desert of Chaos is the largest desert in the world, stretching across tens of thousands of kilometers—almost like a world of its own.

Countless terrifying monsters inhabited it, making it one of the most avoided places by humans, demons, and even dragons.

In past summers, the desert would experience a slight rise in temperature, typically around five to ten percent.

Even a slight increase had a noticeable impact on the surrounding regions—so a rise of thirty to forty percent would be catastrophic.

Such a drastic change would rapidly impact the entire world—just as it has already started to affect the territory of Holy Orthodox.

Arshley frowned at the explanation, falling silent as her index finger tapped lightly on the armrest of her throne.

"Do you have any idea what caused the temperature spike? There must be a reason behind it, right?"

Edward nodded. "There should be—but we haven't found it yet. It may take more time to uncover the cause."

Arshley let out a quiet sigh. Her head throbbed slightly, and a dull ache began to settle in her body.

Unresolved problems like this often led to serious consequences—either building up slowly or exploding all at once like a bomb. Whatever form it took, she had to be ready.

"The Desert of Chaos is where the Evil God was sealed... Could the temperature rise be related to him somehow?"

Luna's uncertain voice broke the silence. At once, both Arshley and Edward froze.

"...The Evil God," Arshley muttered under her breath, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Even just hearing that name sent a chill down her spine.

She had never encountered one in person, but Leon's stories were more than enough to paint a terrifying picture of the deity.

"What made you think that, Luna?" Arshley asked, studying her carefully.

"I just guessed," Luna said with a shrug. "But I'm pretty sure. Remember, Leon once mentioned that the Evil God's return would likely happen within the next five to seven years—maybe even sooner."

"So, it's not impossible that this year's summer drought is one of the signs of his awakening."

Her words carried weight—plausible enough to leave no room for argument.

"I agree with Bow Hero Luna, Saint," Edward said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We must take immediate precautions to prepare for the worst-case scenario."

Since Edward had spoken, Arshley didn't press the matter further. "In that case, reinforce the border defenses near the Desert of Chaos. Increase the number of stationed troops. Also, send a letter to the Demon Empress on my behalf regarding this matter."

"Considering the drought has also affected demon territory, she'll likely take similar steps. Together, we'll monitor the Desert of Chaos and prepare for the worst."

Edward and Luna cupped their hands respectfully. "Understood. As you command."