Shiro no Koukoku Monogatari Chapter 5

Last Edit: 19 July 16.

Part 1

At the scene of Carl who had deep wrinkles etched onto his forehead, the subordinate that came in carrying the report felt his back froze over.

He knew that his lord wasn’t like the arrogant dragon depicted in ancient history but nonetheless, his lord’s anger was similar to a misfortune for him. The spirit emitted by dragon race was already a poison to ordinary human populace.

「–A large echelon of alliance army is ama.s.sing at the western national border. Is this not a joke? 」

「Cer, certainly」

Such life-risking joke cannot be spoken.

That subordinate wouldn’t behave in a way to incur the imperial wrath of the notorious/infamous dragon race.

「Its total number exceeds 60000, and furthermore, there’s information that each country of the alliance is sending reinforcement in succession. From the information, the main force isn’t the alliance but the , though it isn’t evident yet. 」

Each country's intelligence organisations invested a large amount of effort and budget into counterespionage. Carl didn’t think it was that easy to draw out information. Even so, it was due to his prudent personality, which he thought of wanting even a little information.

However, it wasn’t characteristic of him to ask for too much. In this place, he gave up obtaining any more information.

「–Very well, how’s the report on the gathering of Imperial troops in the northern national border?」

「The southern subjugation army (征南軍) in the Imperial–it’s confirmed that a new invading force is being formed for our country. The doc.u.ments bearing the Emperor’s signature seems to have reached the northern countries. Are they in great unrest? 」

「Fun, we’ll send magical beasts and troops. The Imperial’s national policy seems troublesome1」

The successor of the old Arumada Empire (帝国) that once ruled this continent made the tundra which spread out in the north of the Empire (皇国) into his territory, and proclaimed it as the new Arumada Empire.

While it certainly had the national power to back itself as the Arumada Empire, it fell short of being overwhelming in comparison to the Empire and Confederation. If the Empire and Confederation were to unite, they could get their teeth (食らいつく) into the Imperial’s national power.

However, with an abundance of underground resources, and a domestic situation where magic technicians were scarce, development of scientific technology cannot be made light of.

The Imperial’s military strength was backed by its amount of soldiers that far outnumbered that of the Empire and Confederation and the performance of its advanced weapons.

However there was a problem; a chronic disease which existed not in other countries but the Imperial.

There was a rule where humans were the superior race since the founding of the country.

Part of the demi-human race was barely treated similarly to humans, but demons, dragons, therianthropes and any other races besides human weren’t recognized as citizens. On the contrary, they were declared in the country’s official doc.u.ments as the evil (influence) which caused the old Imperial to collapse. In short, Carl’s Empire’s people were evil beasts which ought to be destroyed for their country.

This was the reason why entering into a diplomatic relations.h.i.+p with the Imperial wasn’t successful until now.

「Even so, provoking us strongly to that extent, do those guys think of us as beasts that would remain silent while being subjugated?2」

Since there was a state of tension with a foreign country, the Empire’s northern border defence army was a local garrison comprised of the Empire army’s elites. The n.o.bles’ army also seemed to be gathering excellent talents hence, there was unlikely any threats inland, and he involuntarily laughed at the difference in experience between the navy which protected the southern marine transport routes and the southern army that acted as the main force3.

Towards the east, there was nothing but the seas, but as their national border (territorial waters) was adjacent to the (イズモ神州連合) across the sea, a navy of moderate size was a.s.sembled to act as its main force.

In any case, the Empire troops in the north couldn’t permit the Imperial’s invasion. In fact, until now, no matter how many times a battle occurred in the neighbouring border, the territory of the Empire had never been invaded once.

They were probably aiming for the time when the Emperor was absent, but if it was as it is, they would just be intercepted and crushed at the border’s vicinity like before.

「However, thinking of worst case scenario, increase the amount of information about the north for precaution sake」

「Ha」

Sending off the subordinate who had lowered his head and withdrew, Carl leaned his back against the chair and closed his eyes.

The state of affairs surrounding the Empire was still unpredictable, but if the young man of the was to be handed over to the alliance, most of the problem would be resolved. He might have spare time until the enthronement of a new Emperor, but if he could expel the domestic troubles, it is possible to earn at least that much time.

(—It’s about time to give my greetings to that young man…)

Until now, Carl deliberately avoided contact with the in consideration of his daughter’s feelings, but from the standpoint of forcing death upon him, he cannot afford not to meet him. For a White Dragon Duke to be thought as one without etiquette until he dies, that itself is a disgrace of a court n.o.ble.

It wouldn’t be bad to hear about his final wish too.

Perhaps his daughter had already fulfilled some of his wishes, but there might be some, whilst impossible for his daughter, that he could do.

There’s also the hand of building a proxy imperial court within the castle (廟代わりに城でも建てるという手もあるな) — while thinking such, Carl sank into a seas of thoughts. (TN: I’m guessing he meant s.h.i.+fting the capital from Exceed to his territory)

Thus, two days later.

The White Dragon palace received a shock.

「A cavalry of unknown background had raided the alliance army encampment」

The Allied Forces had deemed it to be an attack from the Empire and commenced counterattack on the Origin n.o.bles army.

While Carl was in the midst of performing his duties, he heard that news from his subordinate who came running in hurriedly.

For a brief moment, he endured the shock but immediately issued instructions to some subordinates. He then headed towards the room of the young man.

There was only one remaining method for him to take now.

21st day, 2nd month of Black, the summit meeting of the Origin n.o.bles army was in disorder.

As far as anyone can see, it was obvious that a company of their army and a suitable (思わしき) cavalry unit launched a pre-emptive strike on the alliance army.

With the alliance army’s tension rising at once, it was no wonder that they began attacking the capital and the Origin n.o.bles army during this time. Iya, there was also news that part of the forces had already commenced attack on the Origin n.o.bles army in self-defence.

By barely suppressing its own army’s counterattack, the Origin n.o.bles army prevent the situation from turning into a quagmire.

Seeing such reality, 「where did that unit belonged to」 and 「who’s the commanding officer」, everything was thrown out during the n.o.bles’ meeting by the attendees who were raising angry voices.

As they were gathered in a tent which was the Origin n.o.bles’ HQ, it was quite a boisterous place.

「Have we yet to find out where they belonged to?! The envoy from the alliance army had already come several times requesting for explanation and apology for the situation, as well as extradition of the suspects! If the alliance army was to change from the now sporadic attacks to a full frontal a.s.sault, we mustn’t be taken down in silence」

Among the n.o.bles sitting at the head desk in the tent, the man sitting at the chief seat stood up and bellowed.

Within the various prominent leaders of the Origin n.o.bles army was Erubenhaito’s <エルベンハイト> Margrave who excelled the most in the art of war, Mitsudogarudo-kou <ミッドガルド 侯>, Aruberehito von Vivuru <アルブレヒト・フォン・ヴィーヴル>.

With short copper hair characteristic of the giant race, an angular face to his bear-like body, thick beard and eyebrows mingled with white hair, rather than being one of the Empire’s Origin n.o.bles as Mitsudogarudo-kou, people might even be convinced if he was called as the bandit chief that appeared within the Empire’s mountainous areas.

Born as the second son to a low grade n.o.ble who didn’t had any territory, he sought apprentices.h.i.+p at the Empire army at the age of 15, and thereafter, served out (of his apprentices.h.i.+p) as its commander for 200 years. Even though long lives species account for the majority in the Empire, those who possess 200 years of experience are almost non-existence. The army’s retirement age is aligned to races with short lifespan so looking on the whole; there are few people like him who did over 100 years of service.

Moreover, during that period of 200 years, most of the time was spent on the battlefield.

He often piled up distinguished military services in the battlefield; was bestowed with the discontinued house name of Vivuru, and received the honour of being granted with first-hand words from the Emperor of that time many times. In a way, perhaps it was a matter of course for him to be part of the Origin n.o.bles with such merits.

He was now equipped with a great sword, a reward bestowed by the Emperor. Perhaps his present social status came from the valour of wielding that sword, which was originally meant to decorate his residence as a family heirloom, on the battlefield.

He was the most knowledgeable about military affairs in this place, and it wasn’t a mistake to say that he was one of the many who managed the Origin n.o.bles army.

「–How many times do I’ve to say this, Marquis Mitsudogarudo, we’re still in the midst of investigating. At the very least, the cavalry unit which supposedly commenced attack during that time doesn’t exist on official papers. And didn’t they lead magicians? There shouldn’t be a unit comprising of cavalry and magic in our army」

A blonde hair female commander who sat in front of Marquis Mitsudogarudo informed him so, while keeping her arms crossed.

She had a slender body with fairy-like pigment, and though her blond hair lost its radiance due to being cropped until the top of her shoulders, the faint hue gave her a militaristic appearance.

Astoria-kou (アストリア), Viscount Tachiana Riato Fuin Haruze (タチアナ・リアト・フォン・ハルゼ)

Bearing the name of the Origin n.o.bles Astoria, she was the kouhai of the present Black Dragon Duke and once served in the Empire’s intelligence department.

She had a respectable career in the intelligence department which was tasked with the management of information within and outside of the country. And upon retirement, she succeeded her deceased husband’s Haruze Viscount House, where she then carried out the administration of the territory. Yet after a short while, she was requested to become part of the Emperor’s personal advisory committee.

Immediately after, due to the outbreak of a large-scale dispute with the Imperial, she was dispatched as a peace talk envoy. On top of successfully rescuing all prisoners of war with exceptional negotiation skills, she fulfilled the exploit (偉業) of lowering her head in apology to the envoy of Imperial that undertook the negotiation.

At that time, she had used merely several pieces of doc.u.ments during the negotiation; hence it wasn’t an exaggeration to say her ability was the best in the continent, much less the Empire.

While the contents of the doc.u.ments weren’t clear, it was said that she obtained Imperial’s confidential information via personal connections.

In reality, the ones who knew the contents were herself and a male confident, and thereafter only the preceding Emperor had received the report from her.

「Astoria-dono…I know that but…! 」

「Then devote your ability to break the deadlock in this situation. I’ll bear the responsibility of ascertaining what you want to know. — Are you still dissatisfied? 」

Astoria-kou replied with harsh indifference to Mitsudogarudo-kou’s groan. Nevertheless, they had a long a.s.sociation as fellow Origin n.o.bles; hence he didn’t bear any animosity towards her.

By socializing with Astoria-kou for a while, it could be understood that her manner of speaking was similar to the general populace (天下万人総て). With the exception of official places, her tone was the same even in the presence of the Emperor. This was something he knew by hearing it personally from the previous Emperor.

And he knew Astoria-kou’s love for the Empire wasn’t any different from his.

「–Understood. I’ll believe in Astoria-dono’s words」

「You’ve my grat.i.tude」

Astoria-kou lowered her small eyes to express her thanks.

While showing a bitter smile towards the att.i.tude of such colleague, Mitsudogarudo-kou *dokkari* sat down on his seat.

「The investigation of the unit in question will be entrusted to Astoria-kou and her subordinates, and I’d like to get approval as a whole for our objectives hereafter」

As of now, the alliance army demanded an apology and the handing over of suspects from the Origin n.o.bles army. In the case where their demands weren’t met, on top of linking up with their country, they’d proclaim a declaration of war on the Empire.

The Origin n.o.bles had received news that the alliance army’s reinforcement had already crossed the western national border. Approximately 60000 in numbers; taking into consideration of the troops remaining in the north against the Imperial, this amount was equivalent to half of the alliance army’s war potential for foreign campaign.

The various countries that had yet to dispatch troops to fulfil the obligation to Empire which was a friendly nation also raised voices of criticism in response to the Origin n.o.bles army’s attack on the alliance army. At this rate, if the Empire cannot take effective measures, these countries too, might advance their troops into the Empire.

If it was the Empire of the past, hostility from such a small country might not be forgiven. However, it could be said that the present Empire doesn’t have any spare power to go against the alliance army. The country was divided; rebels were occupying the capital; furthermore, the nation was advocating an autocracy system while there wasn’t a king which acts as a symbol. In general, this could be explained as the reason why the prominent major powers on the continent make light of the Empire until now.

However, for the small country that received treatment equivalent to a va.s.sal state of the Empire, there was another reason for it to bare its fangs at the suzerain state.

With the larger countries holding their grounds in this continent, the small countries had to come under their patronage to sustain their own. The question wasn’t about which country it is, but rather whether it has the power to protect them in exchange for being ruled over.

And thus the Empire was breaking away from these conditions.

Due to the effect of the deterioration of internal public order, accompanied by the slowing down of economics activities, and the absence of both military power and the Emperor which are symbols of a nation’s strength, the country became divided. Moreover, with the disaster of receiving aggression from other major powers as an impetus, there’s a possibility that the Empire itself would be lost. In such situation, to shout loudly support for Empire etc. was a suicidal act4.

Hence, it wasn’t strange to consider discarding the current sense of obligation and accept a new suzerain.

Since such conduct would somewhat drew criticism between nations, it was indisputably not an act that had to be taken. As it is, the Empire would disappear, and if the Confederation and Imperial were to expand, only destruction awaits them.

「 (マイヤー大公国), (ブラッドレー公国), Liberal City these countries had already dispatched troops towards our Empire. and

To begin with, there’s the possibility that the Empire performing an attack was a deception. Whether the wire-puller was the alliance, Imperial or some other country, by using this matter, the Empire’s top could come under pressure.

In that case, it’ll be the closure for the Empire’s history.

「This concerns the Empire’s existence. Isn’t that so, Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou…! 」

Mitsudogarudo-kou glared at a single old man seated mid-way of the long desk in quiet fury.

Following his line of sight, the attendees directed their eyes to the old man named Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou.

「–Seems to be so」

The old man nodded calmly.

With most of his hair being bluish-white, it indicated the old man acc.u.mulated life. The appearance when becoming old wasn’t any different whether it was the short-life humans or other long-life races; only the process differed.

He was Eigen border official, Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou, Haegeru tsuu Ritsutenhaimu.

He was the last Origin n.o.ble in this place, and the cause of this time alliance army’s invasion.

「Everyone here knows about your transactions with the alliance army as well as you being the one who invited them into the Empire. The four Dragon Dukes probably knew about this too」

「–Naturally」

Though he received hatred-like ill will that was directed towards him from the surrounding, Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou’s complexion remained unchanged. He had surpa.s.sed the old age of seventy years, and was a man who dedicated most of his life in the Empire’s government. Hostility of this degree was like a gentle breeze.

「Then what should we do!? His Majesty, the Emperor, had pa.s.sed away yet the alliance army continue to remain, inviting the Empire’s crisis. That’s a heavy responsibility…!?」

Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou was like a comrade in arms to Mitsudogarudo-kou.

They should have been friends who supported the Empire together.

For this reason, this matter felt like an inexcusable betrayal to him.

Even now, Mitsudogarudo-kou still believed that Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou wouldn’t sell out the Empire. However with the fact that the Empire was now in a crisis, Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou’s responsibility was grievous.

「You wanted to say it must be settled with this life right?」

Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou understood what Mitsudogarudo-kou wanted to say.

However, the problem would normally be solved with one’s life. But everything was thrown in chaos by the death of the fake Emperor who tormented the Empire’s people. Furthermore, to bring forth disaster onto the Empire even after dying — he was seething with anger towards the Emperor within the depth of his heart.

He understood it was unjustified resentment through misunderstanding. If his remaining short lifespan can make up for the Empire’s future, he wouldn’t deny his responsibility for transacting with the allied countries.

However the problem was no longer about Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou’s life.

「If it was possible, you might have already done so. You being here means that you’ve already ran out of means to resolve this disturbances. Am I wrong? 」

Astoria-kou who remained quiet until now, asked with her eyes closed.

「Indeed. If that’s the case, to offer this life as the country’s cornerstone after the battle, I wish to be allowed to fight alongside with you」

「If that’s your way of picking up responsibility, very well. That’s my opinion, how about the rest? 」

The n.o.bles seated at the long table gave their quiet consent towards Astoria’s question.

This responsibility was unavoidable, even so, if the merits that Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou had done until now were to be taken into account, they might allow it in recognition as a last duty for the Empire, or so the attendees thought.

With shaking eyelids, Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou bowed deeply to his comrades’ silent forgiveness. When his face resurfaced, he looked over the various commanders seated in a row with a sharp glint in his eyes.

「Perhaps that greatest mistake was because I didn’t trust you who’re the allies of the Empire. If I had believed in you and taken care to expostulate with the Emperor, the current problem wouldn’t have arisen. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the situation is already at its worst. Nonetheless, you who have gathered here, do you’ve the resolution to sacrifice your lives for the Empire’s sake? 」

「That’s redundant to ask. I’ve dedicated this body for the country’s sake since the previous Emperor’s reign. As if I’ll turn my back on this national crisis」

As expected, Mitsudogarudo-kou replied to Eimerus.h.i.+a-kou’s speech.

Standing up with their chests straightened, the n.o.bles gathered in the tent shouted out their determination in voices like a cracked bell.

Being dragged along by the flow, voices of agreement from the attendees rose, and the last remaining Astoria-kou unfolded her arms leisurely. Slowly standing up, her once closed long-slit eyes shone sharply and she raised her voice.

「–Your determination haven certainly been heard. If so, I’d like to consolidate your views on the objective hereafter, will that be fine? 」

Voices of consent came in succession.

Nodding in satisfaction at those voices, she exchanged glance with Mitsudogarudo-kou and began the talk with her thoughts on the objective.

Firstly, to avoid any further false accusation, they’ll go on the defensive against the alliance army’ attack.

Secondly, to perform an extensive elimination of the unit that was the root of this time problem in the entire n.o.bles’ armies.

The third was to suppress the revolting n.o.bles who were holed up in the capital as rebels.

The attendees accepted the three suggestions brought up as the biggest objectives.

In particular the third clause of their objectives, that battle was a problem within the Empire and was essentially emphasized.

The fact that whether the Origin n.o.bles army commenced attack on the alliance army was still unclear at this point of time. Even so the alliance army’s reinforcement had crossed over the national border and this was publicized to ensure the safety of the friendly troops garrisoned within the Empire and the Empire’s citizens.

If an armed group of unknown background was to rampage, it would become the reason for the advancement.

As a matter of fact, to arrive at such reasoning was due to the Empire’s regular army falling into dysfunction. If the regular army’s function could be recovered, there’d be no reason to recognize the stationing of the alliance army, hence it should be possible to request for the withdrawal of their troops.

However the Empire army wouldn’t move regardless of the Origin n.o.bles’ appeals.

This was because in addition to the absence of the Emperor who originally should be the supreme commander of the Empire army, the high command organisation of the whole army obstinately refused to move the Empire army.

If the Empire army moved and the alliance army retreated, the traitorous pro-n.o.bles and their collaborators would be dragged to court and be judged by the Origin n.o.bles and the formerly replaced military upper echelons. It was enough to be considered as felony just by not moving the Empire army until now, at the very least, unless their own safety was guaranteed, the present military upper echelons wouldn’t move the army.

It was uncertain what the previous deceased Emperor was thinking when entrusting the army to them, at the very least it didn’t seem to be the ability of fulfilling the army’s original role.

The scar given to the country by merely one man was probably deeper than they imagined — though the three Origin n.o.bles similarly thought so, they couldn’t come up with a solution conclusively.

Besides reorganizing each unit and dealing with soldiers’ unrest, they had to decide on punishments in regards to comrades’ insubordination such as taking advantage of the disorder and flouting military regulations. Those gathered here without a doubt, understood that the entire Origin n.o.bles army was in disarray.

While the Origin n.o.bles army was withstanding the alliance army’s fierce onslaught, the situation began to change greatly.

Within the maelstroms of tragedies, a single man found himself on the history’s centre stage.

Hearing the door-knock, Lectival and Meriela looked at each other.

Vilia who was standing beside the door looked surprisingly towards it; hence it could be easily guessed from the spectacle that it was strange for guests to visit this room.

However, they couldn’t keep the visitor on the other side of the door waiting.

Seeing Lectival’s nod, Meriela informed with a 「please」.

Receiving those words, Vilia opened the door and bowed hurriedly upon seeing the person.

「Chichiue…!」

Meriela too expressed a voice of surprise and stood up once she realized the visitor’s ident.i.ty. The chair which she was sitting on fell with a clatter.

Not once had her father visited this room. She had always pondered about her father’s manner of showing treatment to Lectival as a 『sacrifice』.

And Lectival similarly thought so too.

The White Dragon Duke never dealt with him personally. Giving Lectival a comfortable life was the minimum courtesy Carl could do for someone that was about to die solely for their Empire’s sake.

Lectival had some knowledge of the reason for the White Dragon Duke’s visit.

The time had come for him to fulfil his only role in this world.

Lectival turned towards Meriela who knocked over the chair in surprise and got off the bed slowly before standing up.

Meriela hurriedly stopped those movements. Carl also knew he was still recuperating. Even if it was someone else, it wouldn’t come off as being impolite for an acquainted patient to reply from the bed during the visit.

However, Lectival shook his head and whispered in a voice audible only to Meriela.

「–I’m a man, and he’s someone whom I should put on an appearance for anytime」

This is also part of the promise to protect you — Meriela’s face warped at Lectival’s self-derisive tone and lent her shoulder to him. Lectival thanked her, but she stared at her father without replying.

She was declaring that she intended to do what she could do, causing her father’s eyebrows to twitch.

Lectival stood straight in front of the great man and slowly bowed his head.

「–This’s our first time meeting, I’m Lectival and was rescued by your daughter. Would you be the White Dragon Duke, Carl von Lindovorum? 」

「You stand correct. I’m Carl, Lindovorum Duke」

Carl didn’t adopt behaviour of despising ordinary humans.

However that was all that was to it.

When humans were with dragons, they couldn’t stop trembling due to the difference of overwhelming presence.

That might be instinctive fear. In the olden days even before the old Imperial era, at the time when dragons bear hostility towards humans, they were treated as existences similar to G.o.ds.

They killed on a whim.

And tens of thousands of human troops were trampled by merely one dragon.

However, Lectival didn’t have that kind of fear with historical background.

Yet nonetheless, he understood instinctively the difference in status as a living thing.

His instinct as a living thing appealed to him that this was an existence which wouldn’t be good to go against.

「–Ku」

Soaking in sweat, a pain ran through his eyes.

In the midst of pain, Lectival realized he couldn’t lift his face before Carl.

And Carl didn’t pay any attention towards Lectival’s behaviour.

(Does he mean to say it’s insignificant…?)

Certainly, it might be thought so if his current att.i.tude was seen.

Didn’t he suppress his mind to not escape his imminent death? — He remembered so while his thoughts were barely in order.

And he wondered if he wasn’t greatly off the mark5.

(This person probably wanted to say my only value was to die…)

There was neither anger nor compa.s.sion.

Lectival understood that simply from Carl’s manner of only looking at him silently. Thus affirming Meriela who was standing beside him and Vilia who was looking at him from behind Carl just by moving his sights, he released a large breath.

It was clear that Carl reacted to that sound from the twitching of his eyebrows.

(Whatever, I won’t say that I don’t want to die.)

This body had died once anyway.

He’ll die for the world of the two people, and to go through life once more with the willpower of not backing down.

Lectival put strength into his body and rose up firmly.

He stood before Carl and looked directly into his golden eyes.

Lectival and Carl’s gazes mutually suppress and clashed against each other.

「I can’t express enough grat.i.tude for saving my life, but can I interpret your visit to mean that I’ll be moved away from here?」

「–…」

Meriela and Vilia were astonished at Lectival stead-fast voice.

With the exception of being a , Lectival who wasn’t any different from an ordinary human, questioned the dragon race’s Carl who surpa.s.sed 1000 years of age in an undaunted voice. This was something more surprising for the two of them.

It could also be said that they were shocked.

Until now, the majority of humans who came before Carl could only speak fumblingly while bowing.

Even the few exceptions of humans were people who had exceeded half their lifespans. There wasn’t a young human like Lectival who was unafraid of Carl until now.

Iya, even if he was frightened, he might not show it in his att.i.tude. Still, how many humans in the country could do the same thing?

The two turned towards Lectival with faces filled with surprise, and watched over the course of events.

「Was I wrong in my deduction?」

Lectival added on a question to Carl who sank into silence.

Carl looked down upon Lectival quietly even after hearing those words, but abruptly, he slacked his taut lips and raised the ends of his small mouth.

It was a slight smile unrecognizable by others except Carl’s parents and his late wife.

It was a smile which went unnoticed even by his daughter, Meriela.

Carl who could only view the large majority of humans as citizens, whom he ought to protect, felt refreshed and thrilled at Lectival’s att.i.tude.

「–Iya, it’s as Your Lords.h.i.+p (貴卿) says」

Once again, Meriela and Vilia became surprised when Carl addressed Lectival as 『Your Lords.h.i.+p』which was a word that carried a sign of respect.

To Carl who maintained his Duke’s deposition even during a first meeting and viewed the opposite party as a lower status, it was an unusual thing. He felt something besides a sense of respect towards the person who was heading towards death.

「When is the departure?」

He asked while facing Meriela.

He wanted to ask if it was possible to exchange farewells.

He wasn’t angry at Lectival’s att.i.tude of prioritizing his daughter over himself and shook his head.

「–It’s unfortunate but I’d like to leave. Preparations will be done this way, please follow」

「Chichiue!」

Meriela raised a voice of opposition towards Carl who was urging Lectival to leave.

Lectival who was at the heart of the matter had no reason to object, and even though Vilia had the intent to oppose, she couldn’t possibly raise her voice.

Among them, only Meriela herself voiced her opposing volition.

「Is it impossible to hold it off at least until tomorrow? Even if you depart now, you’d need to make camp immediately. Then… 」

Certainly, even if they depart now, the day was about to end.

If something was to happen to Lectival, the one to be troubled would be Carl.

However her father directed a gaze which held nothing but irritation and cut her off with a sentence.

「There’s no need to worry unnecessarily」

「Na…」

Meriela was at a loss for words towards her father’s look that conveyed ‘you don’t know anything so just keep quiet’.

That att.i.tude seemed to be unlike her father’s. Thinking up to this point, she concluded that he was being impatient.

That was it; her father was in a hurry.

For her father who drew pictures calmly to become impatient, couldn’t it be due to an abnormality arising at the capital’s war front…?

「Chi, Chichiue!」

Meriela chased after Carl’s back that began moving once more and called out to him.

Carl came to a halt and scowled at her daughter without concealing his irritation.

「–tsu! I’ve a request…! 」

For the sake of one friend, she resisted the overpowering glint in his eyes.

「Please bring me along together with him!」

It wasn’t like she could do something if she went along together, but if she let things be, she believed that she couldn’t call herself as his friend.

「Chichiue! Please let me do so! 」

Seeing her daughter bowing deeply, Carl turned towards Lectival.

It surely must be due to his daughter’s good feelings, for her to want to do this so much — Carl thought but Lectival’s expression was stiff. It was slightly surprising and irritating to Carl.

There wasn’t a cloud in Carl’s affection for his daughter, rather, this affection deepened with the pa.s.sing of years and became large.

He held anxiety for her daughter’s future when she didn’t show interest in men and dealt with military and government affairs. Yet he felt a peace of mind towards such a daughter as it made he feel that she was still his.

However, this illusion had perhaps started to shatter.

Thinking so, he became anxious as to what kind of feelings the man, whom his daughter had begun to be attached to, held in regards to her.

That might be why such words came out.

「–Very well. It’ll be good for you to come. Hastily complete your preparations and come to the roof. 」

His daughter expressed words of grat.i.tude to Carl who said so and exited the room.

The destination of Lectival, Meriela, Vilia and Carl was the heart of the Holy City , the temple with towering white walls located on the peak of Mt. Erumeire.

It was the head temple of the Four Worlds temples, the Misutoraru=harume <ミストラル＝ヘルメ> Great Temple.

Once there, Lectival met the Four Worlds temples’ archbishop, Mireideia kiru Rupusuburugu=herume <ミレイディア・キール・ルプスブルグ＝ヘルメ>.

She was delighted at Lectival’s visit and recognized his qualities as the Emperor of the next era.

That was the guide to a harsh fate.

Although Lectival was thrown into a fate of no return, he shouldered on.

「–Even if it’s dreadful or uneasy, even if I give up, I’ll not abandon myself. While I can discard the present and search for another route if I gave up, abandoning myself would mean to throw away my entire future」

While Lectival was in the midst of changing clothes, Carl and the others shared cups of tea.

The tea cakes were pastries cooked with the use of incense gra.s.s picked within the temple, and when eaten, a refres.h.i.+ng feeling will spread after a taste of sweetness.

「–Mu, these’re fairly good…」

「Vilia, can these be made even back at home?」

The two were drinking tea and eating pastries just like sisters. Carl was affirming the doc.u.ments that he brought along, and was immersing in the work of signing those. Once Lectival was confirmed to be a , his workload swelled up immediately.

However Carl handled them with vigour. Meriela and Vilia understood perfectly what kind of change was shown on his consciousness.

It was happiness. He had found a path of blessing for his country and people that he loved.

Before, he could only treat Lectival as a sacrifice, but with the opening of hostilities at the capital’s war front now, it’ll be a huge advantage for the Empire should Lectival rise up as the next Emperor, and more than anything, the biggest worry of not having an Emperor would be resolved.

For argument sake, even if Lectival was presented (to the alliance), not only would the next Emperor be lost, the country’s interests would also be whittled to improve relations.h.i.+p with the alliance. It would bring about disappointment and suspicion of the people if the next Emperor and national interest were to be sold off to the enemy nation.

If it was before Lectival’s arrival at the temple, if the alliance ask of it, if the war front continued to be in a deadlock, it’s possible to pa.s.s off the capture of Lectival who’s a war criminal as a reason for withdrawal. Even if the was lost, since he wasn’t officially the next Emperor, the Empire’s side wouldn’t suffer a serious blow. In that case, it was possible to punish Lectival as the wire-puller for the ex-Emperor’s conduct. In brief, Lectival abused his status as a and skilfully manipulated the ex-Emperor conduct with words. It might also be possible devise a setting whereby the ex-Emperor felt responsible because of that and committed suicide; hence the royal family’s honour wasn’t stained.

However, since the battle on Mira plains had started, and Lectival was now recognized as a , in order to subdue this battle such that the Empire will get off with the shallowest wound, the country will be put in order under the name of the Crown Prince. Everything would be made as the ex-Emperor’s responsibilities to preserve the country’s prestige, hence completely breaking the alliance’s fighting spirit. More accurately speaking, the best would be for the Crown Prince to destroy the pro-n.o.bles who had lost the people’s support and let the alliance army that had lost its reason to stay withdraw.

Moreover, he had received information from his subordinate before heading for this temple. ‘Part of the alliance army is exerting its influence to escalate the dispute with the Imperial’, if he make use of this information skilfully, he could advance negotiations with the alliance army from a superior position.

Carl greatly desired for strategies and schemes. Thereupon, it didn’t matter if he were to take the blame if things could proceed smoothly. Compared to the previous days which were filled with bitterness, this might be considered as a drab paradise.

Miko-hime Riris.h.i.+a.

If the Archbishop has the highest authority in practical business (実務) of the Four Worlds temples, then the Miko-hime is the symbol of the Four Worlds temples.

She’s the mediator between the next Emperor and the and an existence who supports the succession.

That’s all that was required of that existence.

Part 2

*Pachipachipachi*, a small applause could be heard.

Drawn by the sound, the eyes of the five people fell upon young lady who wore a long robe with designs different from that of Mireideia’s.

Approximately fourteen or fifteen years old, she wore light silk layered garments that gave the viewer an ephemeral impression and had pale jade-coloured hair which flowed until the floor. Her eyes were closed but a smile was on her face.

「–…」

Her mouth opened and closed several times.

Although it was clearly understood from that action that words were being spoken, not a single sound was heard.

However, it seemed that Mireideia could hear her voice.

「Ah, that’s right Riris.h.i.+a, this person is the new 」

Mireideia placed her hands on both of Lectival’s shoulders and pushed him to the front of the young lady.

Lectival was slightly hesitant but he floated an awkward smile and somehow managed to give his greeting.

「White Dragon Duke and the others know her, she’s the Miko-hime of the Four Worlds temple as well as my imouto, Riris.h.i.+a」

「–..」

She raised the hems of her clothes and bowed.

Lectival leaked his voice upon seeing that graceful gesture.

「Since the Miko-hime doesn’t has a name (呼び名) besides her given name (名前) until she married, please do call her Riris.h.i.+a. And I think you may have noticed it but this child, in her 『role』 of the Miko-hime, she can neither speak nor see. However, she can understand the surrounding situation via intuition, hence it’ll be fine to treat her similarly to people who can see」

It meant that the Miko-hime’s spatial perception was beyond ordinary people’s standard.

It was known within the temple that by committing to that 『role』, a special ability was conferred. However, since the exact reason wasn’t revealed to anyone besides the Miko-hime herself and her-would-be partner, Mireideia didn’t seem to know it well either.

「–…」

Riris.h.i.+a, who understood that Lectival was looking at her, opened her mouth and as expected, soundless words came out.

「–?」

However, he couldn’t hear anything.

Riris.h.i.+a knew from Lectival’s movement that her voice wasn’t heard and her expression became just slightly clouded.

Mireideia hurriedly interpreted it verbally for Lectival.

「’Please allow me to a.s.sist you in the ritual,’ so she says」

「Ah, so it was that…?! I too, pleased to be in your care」

Lectival bowed to Riris.h.i.+a hurriedly.

Riris.h.i.+a received the bow with a smile which had slight traces of bitterness remaining on it.

「I believe you should hear it soon …But there could also be the problem of affinity…」

*Bosoboso* Mireideia muttered from behind Lectival.

Based on her experience, unless both sides accept the connection, the time when they could hear either side’s thoughts telepathically wouldn’t arrive.

If she couldn’t get them to hear one another, hindrances would appear during the ritual—and Mireideia began to consider postponing the ritual.

「–…」

「–Ah」

Riris.h.i.+a accosted Lectival thrice.

When Mireideia thought ‘unless I interpret again’ and opened her mouth, Lectival let out a foolish sound.

She was momentarily doubtful but immediately realized the reason.

Finally, Mireideia released a sigh of relief.

「Can you hear it?」

Mireideia confirmed with Lectival just to be sure.

Lectival nodded.

「I didn’t hear it clearly but she seems to be asking about my physical condition..」

「–!」

Riris.h.i.+a’s facial expression suddenly brightened up at Lectival’s words.

He seemed to be right.

<–i’m glad…="" you’ve="" heard="" it="" properly…="">

「Ah, I can hear it clearly now」

Compared to before, the voice reached his mind clearly.

Lectival felt that the young lady’s limpid voice was fascinating enough even without the air as a medium.

「Thank you for your kindness, I’m Lectival」

Lectival became interested in what was called as the Four Worlds upon hearing Riris.h.i.+a’s words.