Chapter 0380 Ryo, fight
-x-X-x-
Then Ryo appeared.
It almost seemed like he teleported…
"Merlin, sorry I'm late."
"It seems like my 'voice' managed to reach you. Even though I've lived this long, that was the first time I tried sending my voice. I'm glad it succeeded."
This was the reason why Ryo took a day to go to the Western Dungeon before going to the Republic.
It was because of this situation.
Merlin was also forced to practice something he had never done before, 'sending his voice'…
Even if you do well in practice, you may not be successful during actual performance.
This time, the actual attempt was also successful.
It's something to celebrate for!
"That said, Fairy King's Favorite, I managed to buy some time but… unfortunately I'm running low on my magical power.''
The priest-like man across from them lost his smile and frowned as he spoke.
"That overflowing amount of 'Fairy factor'… you're Ryo, right?"
"I don't know an Akuma like you!"
"Yeah, you probably don't know me. Leonor told me not to fight you… She… she just woke up, so I'm still stronger than her, but she'll soon be stronger than me… once that happens, it'll be so bothersome… I'm sure she'll keep complaining about it forever.''
The Akuma answered Ryo's words while shaking his head slightly. The second half was said so quietly that it was in whispers…
"Ah, Leonor… Well, she did want to kill me."
Ryo also nodded.
"But, it can't be helped if it happens like this. It's not my fault. It's your fault for sticking your head out. Yes, this was an unavoidable, force majeure situation. Leonor would also understand… nah, she'll never understand, but it can't be helped. It's not my fault."
The Akuma smiled again, repeating over and over again that it was not his fault.
"No, it'll be for everyone's benefit if you just leave."
"Well, that everyone does not include me."
At Ryo's murmuring, the Akuma's smile turned extremely gruesome as he answered.
Thus, the battle between Ryo and the Akuma began.
"
Ryo's countless icicle lances attacked the Akuma.
It was not just a single icicle lance, but a shower from the beginning.
However, the Akuma used instantaneous movement to avoid the shower.
"＜Ice Bahn＞＜Icicle Lance Shower＞"
Ice Bahn that turns the ground into ice.
Even a teleporting Akuma has to touch the ground…
"Uohh"
The Akuma couldn't help but let out a sound.
Countless icicle lances attacked him then.
Not just from one direction, but from all directions.
"
The magic that cut through Merlin's
It sliced through Ryo's icicle lances in an instant and obliterated them.
"…Dimension? Dimensional Slash? Such high fantasy…"
Ryo was surprised and couldn't help but exclaim in excitement.
"Tch. I can't believe I would use Dimension Slash against a human… I can see why Leonor likes you."
The Akuma clicked his tongue. While smiling. Such skillful mastery of facial expressions.
"Also, didn't she say that close combat was fun?"
The Akuma muttered as if he had just remembered, and then he took a sword out of nowhere.
But that's not all.
"
The moment he chanted it, the number of Akumas increased by seven.
"What the hell…"
Niels couldn't help but whisper.
"It's my first time seeing it too."
Merlin, who had moved to the side of the six, also seemed surprised.
The Akuma was looking proud.
However, there was one person who was not surprised.
"It's achieved by using continuous dimension generation phenomenon."
Ryo explained.
"How do you know…"
The Akuma's smile crumbled in shock.
"You… to what extent do you understand the truth of this world?"
"There's nothing to be surprised about, Akuma. To begin with, humans are seekers of truth."
Ryo said proudly.
Of course, Ryo didn't know what the continuous dimension generation phenomenon was.
However, when Leonor showed him that
Since it sounded so cool.
And he succeeded in his plot to break a little of the composure of the Akuma in front of him.
Breaking your opponent's composure is the first step in combat.
And…
"Oh naïve Akuma, watch this.
Murasame's sheath glowed just slightly and Ryo's clones appeared… seven of them.
"Impossible!"
The Akuma screamed involuntarily.
"Today's water magicians are capable of at least forming clones."
"Incredible… water attribute magicians…"
Ryo claimed, and the Akuma didn't retort Ryo's words.
As expected, he didn't know Ryo as well as Abel and Leonor.
"No, this makes it interesting…"
However, the Akuma smiled again.
He was quick to regain his composure.
"Now, let's fight!"
And so, the sword fight between the eight Akuma and the eight Ryo began.
The Akuma created by
However, the true bodies were stronger than the Akuma and Ryo that were created.
"Hmm… the clone's strength is supposed to be the same as mine, but is it a difference in swordfighting experience?"
"I guess in actual combat, being flexible is also important."
Both the Akuma and Ryo seemed to still be dissatisfied with the movement of the clones they created and continued the sword fight while muttering regrets.
And at the same time, they finished defeating all of their opponent's clones.
"I have identified the problem, thank you very much."
"I think I'll be able to create something even better next time."
Ryo and the Akuma grinned at each other.
In the end, both of them may just be battle fanatics.
And then a one-on-one sword fight began.
The Akuma's downward slash and sideways mow, his coordination between the two attacks was surprisingly fast.
However, Ryo dodged them with his footwork.
Then, he countered by bringing down his sword on the Akuma's raised hand.
That's usually the end of a fight.
However, the Akuma evaded with instantaneous movement.
Taking it as an opportunity, the Akuma began to make frequent use of instantaneous movement.
Even Ryo would be in trouble if he appeared right behind him instantly.
(This is amazing… Just like how Sera perfectly uses wind attribute magic, this Akuma uses instantaneous movement. Leonor doesn't use it, but… after all, there are different types of Akumas. That's right. Just like how there are many different types of humans…)
Although Ryo was in trouble, he still had time to think about such things.
It would be a problem if he couldn't afford to. Because…
(He should have at least one more trick up his sleeve.)
"
"＜Ice Wall 20 Layers＞"
"
"
"
"
Akuma's attack, Ryo's defense.
Ultra close-range magic battle in parallel with sword fighting.
As expected, even Ryo was experiencing that for the first time…
"What's with your speed of magic formation…?"
"This is the result of daily steadfast training."
Ryo said with a blank look on his face in response to the Akuma's words.
Then, their swords collided and they locked swords.
"
"Uohh"
While they locked swords, Ryo cast a shock wave of water using Murasame as the launching pad.
Even the Akuma couldn't block the complete zero-range bombardment and was blown away.
"
He caught up to the blown-away Akuma before he could land.
And slash.
But it cut through the air.
The Akuma dodged it by instantaneous movement in the air.
"Zero distance magic while locking swords… that is Leonor's technique!"
"That's right. Leonor used it previously and she called it 'Duet'. There's no way to avoid it when in close contact, so I tried to imitate it."
"Oh… it's not something that can be easily imitated."
The Akuma was taken aback by Ryo's explanation.
In the first place, things like ultra close-range magic battles don't usually work.
That is because, at such close range, there would be too many gaps to exploit in sword fights if you cast magic.
However, if you can generate magic and control magic at the same level as Ryo and Akuma, it will become possible.
On top of that, there's even zero-distance magic combat.
Magic while in contact with something like a sword… Naturally, the opponent would know that the opponent is trying to cast magic, so they can take advantage of the gap before that magic is cast.
Normally.
But Leonor had succeeded in doing it before.
Moreover, she was in a state of close contact with Ryo.
This time, Ryo tried to imitate it.
"Kukuku, but it's interesting."
The Akuma laughed and appeared in front of Ryo again using instantaneous movement and slashed.
A moment after Ryo received the blow, he moved right behind Ryo.
An attack that has caused Ryo to suffer many times.
But…
The Akuma's slash cut through the air.
"What?"
The Akuma understood what had happened.
As soon as he processed it, he moved sideways.
Where the Akuma was, behind him… Ryo appeared.
"Hey… you're a water magician, right? There's no way you can use instantaneous movement or the likes."
"Didn't I just show it to you?"
Ryo grinned at the surprised Akuma.
"High-speed movement using water magic?"
"Damn… I can't believe you found out the trick so quickly."
It was a simple method.
By erupting from the entire surface of his body, just like a 'thruster', he used it to circle behind the Akuma.
While maintaining the same posture, he can move by simply controlling the thruster's location and angle.
Ryo has great goals in that aspect.
"Sera moves a little smoother, doesn't she?"
Even though he had made it that far, he still felt like he wasn't as smooth as Sera.
Magic in close combat.
How far away was the peak…?
"Interesting… you're interesting, Ryo. Leonor… I understand why Leonor is so devoted to you."
The Akuma said as he stepped away and laughed loudly.
And then he continued speaking.
"It makes me want to try sword fighting in earnest."
As he said that, a slightly shorter sword appeared in his left hand, different from the one he held in his right hand.
"Dual wielding…"
Ryo whispered.
"What? Is this your first time meeting someone who uses two swords, Ryo?"
The Akuma laughs. Akumaishly.
"Two swords are not necessarily better than one!"
Ryo spoke firmly.
That's a fact.
For example, even in modern Kendo, it is allowed to use two swords.
You can't until you reach high school level, but once you're beyond that, there's no issue doing so.
However, there are not many people who use two swords.
At first glance, it would seem that being able to use two swords would be an advantage in many ways.
Perhaps it's because there aren't many people who can teach that, but still…
"Then prove it to me."
"Sure."
Talk was cheap, so Ryo gave it his all.
The Akuma blocked it with the sword in his right hand.
And easily.
While blocking Ryo's blow, he took a big step forward with his left foot, twisted his hips at the same time, and slashed with the short sword in his left hand.
Ryo jumped backward.
In just one clash, even if he didn't want to admit it, he could understand how troublesome it was.
Being able to completely absorb a full-force attack with just one right hand… first of all, that's impossible.
The difficulty of using two swords is that you must receive the full force of your opponent's attacks with one hand.
That is an element that cannot be ignored by humans.
Furthermore, if you are too intent on blocking the attack, your other arm attack will be delayed.
Then there is no point in using two swords.
However, the Akuma in front of him easily caught his strike with one hand.
"Just now, he was able to take on the swords of five of us with his six arms."
"Yeah…"
He could hear the conversation between Niels and Harold.
Ryo thought.
In the case of humans, the weakness of dual-wielding is 'speed'.
That is because a sword that should normally be wielded with both hands must be wielded with only one hand… Even with a light bamboo sword, it's difficult, and with a heavy sword… you would inevitably slow down.
To counter speed, he must first attack repeatedly!
Ryo stepped in at once and entered the Akuma's space.
He just thrust.
And, thrust, thrust, thrust.
However, the Akuma's short sword in his left hand easily deflected them.
It was a sword held out at a perfect angle.
Amazing technique!
Without a doubt, he surpasses Leonor in sword skills.
Moreover…
His right-handed sword was brought down from above.
Ryo dodged by a paper-thin margin.
However, as expected, from the point where it ended, it reversed diagonally and attacked Ryo again.
Clang.
Murasame blocked the reverse strike.
As if anticipating this, the Akuma stepped forward with his left foot and stabbed with his left short sword.
Ryo twisted his body to dodge.
Just like that, he stepped back a little with just one foot to gain some distance.
"Failure…"
Ryo muttered.
He couldn't break it with consecutive attacks.
On the contrary, the sword on the right and the short sword on the left attacked Ryo in a variety of ways with surprising speed.
It's difficult to operate with one hand? … the Akuma's sword moved as if it didn't care about that restriction at all.
"That's a big problem…"
The Akuma probably didn't hear Ryo's murmur, but he spoke.
"What's wrong? Aren't you supposed to prove it to me?"
The Akuma said while smiling.
Of course, Ryo didn't fall for such provocations.
"I said I'd prove it to you, but I didn't say I would do so now!"
"What…"
Yeah… he didn't fall for the provocation…
Probably.
However, the situation remained difficult.
The disadvantage of dual-wielding swords, 'speed', was completely ignored by the Akuma.
If so, how can he overcome it…?
Let's think about it the other way around.
What is the biggest advantage of using two swords?
That is overwhelmingly high defense power.
Simply put, the opponent must evade the two swords to land an attack.
However, there are swords on both the right and left, and of course, if you attack him directly from the front, you will receive a blow with two swords.
"Defense?"
Ryo murmured and let out a short breath.
He didn't do anything else.
It was not like his stance changed.
But…
The Akuma's eyes widened.
He noticed that Ryo's atmosphere had changed.
"What…?"
He knew that his atmosphere had changed, but he didn't know what had changed.
He didn't know, but it was different from before.
The Akuma didn't know that defense was the nature of Ryo's sword…
Ryo just focused his consciousness.
To 'defense'.
The Akuma waited for the strike.
However, Ryo didn't move.
He doesn't move in the slightest.
He held the sword in front of him and kept it that way.
"Are you saying I should attack?"
The Akuma muttered.
And laughed.
"Interesting. Then, as you wish!"
He stepped forward at once from a distance further away than the distance of both swords.
As an Akuma, his speed was unimaginable to humans.
A right-handed sword thrust.
Ryo deflected it.
A left-handed short sword sideways slash aimed at the neck.
Ryo dodged.
He rotated his body clockwise and used his right hand to perform a sideways slash to the waist.
Ryo blocked it perfectly.
As if taking advantage of the force of the block, he rotated his body counterclockwise and thrust his left short sword into Ryo's chest.
Ryo arched his chest to dodge.
When Ryo dodged, his center of gravity shifted to the back, but he used the reaction to return his center of gravity to the front with a thrust forward.
The Akuma parried the thrust with his right-hand sword, stepped forward with his left foot, and stabbed with his left-hand sword.
The short sword pierced Ryo's right side!
On the contrary, it was the Akuma who was surprised.
He wondered why he didn't dodge it… But he soon realized.
He fell into a trap.
Ryo drew a circle with the tip of Murasame's sword, which was still pointing forward.
The Akuma's left arm was cut off.
However, the Akuma was prepared.
The moment he realized he had fallen into a trap, he threw away his left arm.
He still had the sword in his right hand!
The target was Ryo's head, which was in range.
It was impossible to dodge at that distance!
Ryo couldn't dodge.
He thrust his left arm from below.
Ryo's left arm flew away.
However, the Akuma's sword was deflected from his neck, and his neck was protected.
Another circle was drawn with the tip of Murasame.
The Akuma's right arm was cut off.
At the same time, the Akuma leaped backward.
The expression on his face was wide-eyed and surprised.
And the people there could hear it too.
"Are you really human…?"
The two of them faced off in a distance.
An Akuma who had lost both arms and had a shocked expression on his face.
And despite losing his left arm and bleeding from his side, Ryo held Murasame square in front with just his right hand and showed no signs of gaps in defense.
They both stood still for well over a minute, but…
The Akuma was the first to speak.
"My name is Jean-Jacques Ramon Douce. My time is almost up. Someday, I want to fight with all my might without worrying about time."
The tension of the battle was relieved by the Akuma's words.
Ryo complied, although he was still holding Murasame.
"Sorry, I'd rather not."
Ryo refused the Akuma's, no, Jean-Jacques's offer. Fighting Akumas was exhausting.
"Kukuku, just like Leonor said, even though you refuse, you were smiling happily the whole time we were fighting. There's no need for words. You're a battle fanatic."
"Eh…"
Ryo looked extremely disgusted at Jean-Jacques' statement.
Well, of course.
There aren't many normal people who would be happy to be told things like, 'You're a battle fanatic'.
Jean-Jacques then looked at Room 10 and 11, and then at Merlin.
"Those who know about the Fallens, I'll refrain from interfering with you lot. If I do that, I'm sure Ryo will continue to fight with me from now on."
"Eh…"
Ryo was dumbfounded.
It's true… he'll have no choice but to fight for his friends…
But something felt off.
"What about a benefit for me to fight for…"
"Isn't it enough to just fight for your friends? That's really coldhearted, Ryo."
"What a cruel thing to say…"
Ryo sighed.
"Ah, that's right, Leonor mentioned it. When you treated Elizabeth, she told you what you wanted to know, right? Next time, if you defeat me, I'll tell you one thing you want to know. Is that enough?"
"…Even if you promise that."
"Also, Spellno. You should go to sleep."
"You don't have to tell me."
The Akuma said to Merlin, and Merlin replied with a sour look.
"Um, excuse me…"
There was someone who chimed in from the side. It was Etho.
"Hm? The priest who knows about Fallens? What is it? I'm feeling good right now. I'll allow you to ask a question."
Ryo was listening from the side and thought that he sounded extremely bossy.
"You said previously. What happens to 'beings' that have fallen from heaven and separated from God? What do the 'beings' do to ensure that they do not disappear? Please tell me how this relates to us."
Etho looked at Jean-Jacques and spoke clearly.
Although he had not completely recovered from his lack of magic power, his eyes were strong-willed.
"Hmm… well, I guess it's fine. I don't have much time, so I'll keep it simple, but those beings want a Fragment of God to keep themselves from disappearing."
"A Fragment of God?"
"That's right. It can be said that Fragments of God are buried in everything that God has created, but… among them, the purity of the Fragment of God that is buried within humans is incomparable to other creatures. It's surprisingly high in purity, even compared to a Dragon or the Spellno there.''
Djinn Merlin was the only one who nodded at Jean-Jacques' explanation.
Merlin may have known about the Fragments of God.
"People don't seem to know it, but this world can exist because many things keep it in balance. The Fragments of God is one of the things that maintain that balance. It's also a very important balancer. Therefore, if a large number of humans who originally lived in a certain area die in a short time, the balance will be disrupted. It will become a land where it is easier for humans to turn into wraiths or skeletons, and other creatures to turn abnormal. That's why the 'beings' who desire vast amounts of Fragments of God can't easily obtain them.''
Ryo thought… that the only ones who understood were Etho, Zeke, Merlin, and Ryo.
"In other words, since they can't touch the humans who originally lived there, they bring in many humans from other parts of the world and obtain the Fragments of God from those humans…"
Zeke said and Jean-Jacques nodded.
"The person who invited our delegation is…"
Etho's voice trembled a little. Jean-Jacques nodded again.
"So that's why she said sacrifice…"
"Hmm? Did Leonor say that?"
"Yeah, well."
"Sheesh, that woman… there no limit to how loose-lipped she can be."
In response to Ryo's words, Jean-Jacques shook his head slightly.
"Is this being who wants a large amount of Fragments of God, the new Pope?"
Everyone except Jean-Jacques looked at Merlin's question in surprise.
"Spellno, to be honest, even I don't know that. Is it the Pope… or someone behind him… sorry, even the Akuma are not omnipotent."
Jean-Jacques shrugged his shoulders as he said that.
However, they definitely learned a lot of things that they didn't know before.
"To make matters worse, it seems that the more you experience death, the higher the purity the Fragment of God becomes… I don't know the details either. That's why so many people like that came, right?"
"So it wasn't because there were so many civilians coming that a lot of military escorts and adventurers came with them…"
Etho frowned as he answered Jean-Jacques's supplement.
People who repeatedly experience the feeling of preparing for death were soldiers and adventurers on the battlefield.
"Okay, it's time for me to leave."
"So you don't have to go through something like a black square gate?"
"Ah, that's Leonor, right? My unique ability is dimensional interference. Still, there's a time limit."
After Jean-Jacques said that, he began to fade away.
The severed arms and swords also began to disappear.
And he said.
"That's all I'll teach you. Do something about it on your own."
And then he disappeared.
-x-X-x-
"Ryo, I'll treat you first."
Etho said, drinking the magic potion that Ryo had, and chanted.
"
As a result, his missing left arm was regenerated and the wound on his side was also repaired.
"Your skill in healing is still amazing no matter how many times I look at it."
Etho smiled wryly at Ryo's murmur.
When Ryo finished recovering, he turned to Merlin and bowed.
"Thank you, Merlin-san."
"Hm?"
But Merlin didn't understand why he thanked him.
"I made it thanks to Merlin-san buying me time."
"I see, it was for that. I told you that if you left, there was a possibility that the Akuma would come and mess with the six of them again. I was worried about that, and sure enough, he showed up. And once again between the West Dungeon and the Holy Capital."
"That's because…"
"The West Dungeon is where I reside. And the Akuma has always kept away from the Holy Capital."
(Is there something holy in the Holy Capital? Well… if the Pope or the person behind him is a Fallen, I don't think there would be anything holy there. Or, even if they had Fallen, there is still something… an element that the Akuma don't want to get close to?)
Ryo thought to himself.
"You're right… that Akuma, Jean-Jacques, always appears when Ryo is not around…"
Etho nodded as he remembered.
"Probably because Leonor told him not to touch me."
"The other Akuma you mentioned."
Ryo guessed and Amon nodded.
"That Leonor too… she's not protecting Ryo, right?"
"Of course not. She wants to kill me. Well, rather than just killing me, she wants to fight at full strength, defeat me, and have fun in the process of killing me, something like that."
"O-oh… I can't understand such sentiment."
Niels shook his head in response to Ryo's explanation.
Not only Niels but the other six too… even Merlin was shaking his head as well.
Of course, Ryo didn't understand either.
"Jean-Jacques gave us a lot of valuable information."
Zeke returned to the topic.
"I didn't think that our delegation would be invited for that reason…"
Harold whispered.
That said, for Harold, the situation could be called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Due to his immature actions, he contracted the 'Rupture Spirit Curse' and was given a place on the delegation to the Western Countries because his condition would lead to his death otherwise.
The Demon King's blood, which can break the Rupture Spirit Curse, was stored in the Western Church and became Harold's hope.
In the end, all of the stored Demon Lord's blood were lost, so they searched for the Demon Lord themselves, found her, had her share her blood, and the spirit curse was lifted…
In reality, the reason the delegation was invited from the Central Countries was to collect their Fragments of God…
If they came from far away, even if they were killed, the 'balance of the region' would not be disrupted.
Such an incredibly outrageous reason.
"However, there are still some mysteries that remain unsolved."
When Ryo said that, the other seven people all looked at him.
"First, the Demon King's blood that Harold was supposed to have dripped on his forehead. Apparently, it was stored in the first vault, so why did they attack all four vaults?"
"Yeah, you have a point."
Etho nodded at Ryo's words.
"Why is the Theocracy negotiating so seriously with the Central Countries if they're going to kill us all anyway?''
"I guess only very few people know of the conspiracy? to collect the Fragments of God."
Niels answered Ryo with his arms crossed.
"And finally, Merlin-san."
"Hmm? Me?"
Ryo turned to Merlin and said, and Merlin asked in surprise.
"The reason why Merlin isn't sleeping."
"Ah… now that you mention it."
Ryo said and Niels nodded.
"I think it probably has a different meaning from the word 'sleep' for us humans. Jean-Jacques said earlier that the Akuma Leonor is still weak because she just woke up… am I right?''
"Well, I guess so."
Merlin answered Ryo's question with a small nod.
"We, Spellno… humans call us Djinns, but we call our race Spellno. Spellno should go to sleep at least once every thousand years. If we don't, our strength will decrease immensely.''
"Your strength will decrease…"
Zeke muttered at Merlin's explanation.
"Isn't it the same for humans that you can't show your full potential if you don't get enough sleep? Well, just think of it as something worse than that. The ideal would be to sleep for 500 years and stay awake for 500 years. I have not slept for several thousand years… so I am in a terrible state.''
Merlin said with a wry smile.
"Is the reason Merlin-san is awake all that time related to the Demon Lord's army?"
Merlin's eyes widened a little at Etho's question.
"…Well, I guess so."
It seemed to be something difficult to reveal.
"Wasn't Merlin-san's role to keep the Demon Lord's army from going too far out of control?"
Surprisingly, Amon got to the point.
"Why… do you think so?"
Merlin asked, frowning slightly.
His expression looked like it was between being troubled and smiling wryly.
"I just somewhat made a guess… The power of the Demon Lord that we hear about in legends is tremendous. Even the monsters that follow him are quite strong, such as the centaurs. If such monsters follow the Demon Lord, I feel like the Western Countries should have perished many times over."
Amon stated.
Hearing that, Merlin smiled bitterly.
"Yes, I think it was on the brink of getting destroyed many times… The thing called 'Demon Lord's Factor' is surprisingly troublesome."
The Demon Lord's Factor is something that exists naturally in many monsters, and when the Demon Lord raises an army, they are forced to follow the Demon Lord's army, something like a 'compulsion' or a 'curse'.
"Even if the Demon Lord doesn't will it, the Demon Lord's Factor can begin to take effect."
"What…"
Ryo was speechless at Merlin's explanation.
The other six people were also speechless.
"Once the Demon Lord's Factor is excited, it will remain excited for a while. Once they absorb a certain amount of God Fragments, it will then return to its base state over time…"
"God Fragments… That's why the Demon Lord's army has no choice but to collide with humans…"
Ryo nodded in response to Merlin's explanation.
"Yes. It can't be helped… it's something God intended, so there's nothing we can do about it… But from a human's point of view, they're not going to just give up their lives, right? However, monsters are also affected by the Demon Lord's Factor. They can't go against it. That's why someone has to keep the balance.''
"And that's Merlin-san."
"Yeah. We, Spellno, are not implanted with the Demon Lord's Factor. That is why we can maintain our composure even when the Demon Lord's Factor is excited."
"That's why you were always by the Demon Lord's side as a staff member. You were there to prevent the Demon Lord's army from going too far out of control and killing too many humans… I read in the records that at the end of each war, you were always there when the cease-fire treaty was signed."
Etho supplemented Merlin's explanation.
Etho and Zeke had read records on that area in the Holy Capital's specialized library.
"If I were to meet God someday, I would definitely want to ask him. Why did he create something like the Demon Lord's Factor?"
Merlin said, shaking his head over and over again.
The group parted ways with Merlin and arrived at the entrance to the Holy Capital.
"There are only 20 days left until the Pope's inauguration."
When Zeke said that, Harold and Gowan nodded.
"Let's do what we can do one at a time. In the first place, there's no guarantee that we can defeat the opponent, especially if they are strong enough to desire the Fragments of God."
"Well… in the first place, the battle just now was already beyond the scope of my understanding."
Hearing Ryo's words, Niels looked at Ryo and claimed.
Then he continued to ask.
"At the end, Ryo's left arm was sliced off. What were you planning to do if the battle had continued like that?"
"Ah… I don't know. Perhaps switch to magic battle? Or maybe I could make a left arm out of ice and continue the sword fight."
"As if that's possible!"
"Why not? I've just never attempted it?"
"Hey…"
Niels retorted Ryo's random answer.
"After all… even if I asked you to replace me, Niels, you wouldn't right?"
"Oh, of course. I would never swap in. That was far beyond my league!"
Niels even more briskly rejected Ryo's question.
Etho and Amon smiled bitterly upon hearing that.
And Ryo sighed.
"Well, I somehow managed to finish the fight without getting my head cut off. That said, I still have a long way to go in terms of combat."
"A long way to go even at that level…"
Amon muttered at Ryo's words.
"Eventually, it will become an aerial battle, a completely three-dimensional battle."
"What the heck are you training towards, Ryo…"
Niels muttered at Ryo's random prediction of the future.
What Ryo is aiming for… no one knows…
Of course, that includes Ryo too.
((And that's what happened, we went through a lot of trouble))
((Y-yeah… it looked crazy))
Ryo could sense His Majesty the King's discomposure.
((Abel, if something happened, you can always consult me, okay? I'm still the premier duke after all!))
((It's nothing… I was just watching the battle with the Akuma earlier through Soul Resonance…))
((Ah, that's why. It was an interesting sight, wasn't it?))
((How should I put it… it was an amazing battle in a realm I had not experienced))
That was Abel's honest impression.
Abel is a swordsman.
Therefore, he could be called an expert in close combat.
Even as a close combat expert… that speed was completely beyond imagination.
((Fighting in that speed range…))
((Huh? Hasn't Abel ever had a mock battle with Sera? A sword fight with Sera with her 'Wind Equip' should be in that speed range?))
((Yeah, I've never had one, and I never will…))
Abel swore to himself.
And that naturally led Ryo to think of something.
(Come to think of it, I haven't seen Sera recently.)
Forest in the west of the Kingdom.
"I'm back."
"Welcome back, Baba-sama."
Sera was the first to greet Baba when she returned from an official trip to the royal capital.
From there, she could see the training ground built in the village but found many collapsed elves.
They were probably defeated by Sera.
"Sera… shouldn't it be fine for you to deliver it to the royal capital instead of me? Officially, you are the next representative of this Western Forest. Even in the royal capital, you won't be treated roughly… I tire of traveling back and forth between here and the royal capital."
"No, I'll leave that to you, Baba-sama."
Sarah stubbornly refused.
Baba knew the reason why.
"It's probably because Ryo isn't in the royal capital anyway."
"As expected of Baba-sama, you can see through everything."
Baba said while shaking her head and Sera answered with a simple smile.
"The royal capital without Ryo is worthless."
"No, don't say that…"
Sara declared and Baba sighed.
"He joined the delegation to the Western Countries. There's nothing we can do about it."
"Ryo is also the premier duke, so he should just let his subordinates do that. Instead, it would be much more meaningful to go and visit the delicious restaurants in the royal capital."
"I don't think so…"
As expected, Baba could not agree with Sera's words and objected.
"It's something called noblesse oblige. It can't be helped, it's the responsibility of an aristocrat."
"Of course I'm joking. Ryo is very serious after all. It's great that he's fulfilling his role properly. Although I want to meet Ryo… I also wonder what kind of souvenir he'll bring back for me. I'm looking forward to it."
"How should I put it… I feel like I can understand why Ryo and Sera get along so well."
Baba sighed and murmured when Sera said those words happily.
Seeing Baba like that, Sera continued.
"Well, I think that my training of everyone here improves the Kingdom's defense capabilities, right? I think this way we can contribute more to the country. So, I'll leave the next trip to the royal capital to Baba-sama as well."
"Sigh…"
Baba found it hard to argue with Sera's words.
Since what she said wasn't wrong…
Although it wasn't right even if her argument wasn't wrong…
-x-X-x-
Chapter 0382 Intermission – A Challenge to Express Deliciousness
-x-X-x-
Pageboy Hague, assigned to the previous Emperor for the Imperial Delegation.
He was doing a completely different job until he was assigned to the delegation to the Western Countries.
His official status is Baron Hagen Venda.
Although unique in many ways, he is an established aristocrat and the head of a baronial family.
Moreover, Baron Hagen Venda's name was known to all military personnel in the Central Countries.
That's because he's always attached to the Imperial Army.
And for his unique magic.
It is a magic that only he can use, though that only applies if you consider the Central Countries.
He himself thinks it's more of a curse than magic.
However, even if it is a curse, he places a lot of importance on the pride of being an important personnel of the Imperial army.
That magic is extremely harsh and he sometimes even threads the line between life and death.
However, even that does not dampen his pride.
Although it was tough, he was happy and took pride in his work.
But…
When a delegation was to be sent to the Western Countries, he was told by the new Emperor Helmut VIII to accompany the delegation.
Of course, he could understand why.
His
For that reason, the Emperor probably wanted him to go to the Western Countries once, and then establish the possibility of teleporting back and forth.
Well, he didn't mind that.
After all, it might help the Empire and leave a better country for his children.
It was different from supplying the military, but he considered it another proud job.
However, joining the delegation as a pageboy was a different matter.
First of all, why did he need to be a pageboy?
He is a baron.
Wouldn't it be fine to just send him as a member of the delegation?
Was it because it would cause problems if people found out that Baron Hagen Venda had left the Empire?
If that was the case, why not give him a different status and make him a civilian official?
Because he has been involved in military supply for a long time, he was quite good at numbers related to food.
To the point that his capabilities in that field were comparable with the people from the Ministry of Military Affairs.
And yet…
A pageboy.
Of course, it was not like he was being treated badly by his co-workers or his boss, the head page.
They probably didn't know Hague's official status, so he was forced to work properly and legitimately.
That was not the problem.
It was about pride in his work.
That's what it's all about!
Unfortunately, Hague still does not take pride in his work as a pageboy.
Seeing his co-workers working with pride, he found it dazzling to look at.
He understood that it was a matter of his heart.
That's why it's so depressing…
While he wanted to return to a job that he could be proud of, he also hoped that he could at least be able to take pride in his work as a pageboy like his colleagues.
Hague's only joy in the Holy Capital, where his heart was always unsettled, was the cake and coffee from 'Cafe Roemer' diagonally across the Imperial Delegation's quarters.
It appeared to be a pretty high-end restaurant in the Holy Capital, but the food was delicious and worth the price.
While working for the delegation, Hague was paid as a pageboy.
Of course, as he was a pageboy belonging to the previous Emperor, his salary was quite high.
Moreover, in the Empire, in addition to the pay as a pageboy, as the special supply baron for the Imperial Army, the Venda baron family receives an extremely high salary… and collects taxes from the barony, so there is no problem even if he spent all of his salary.
Therefore, he visited Cafe Roemer once every three days.
By doing so, he managed to relieve stress… he could see the difference himself.
However, on that day, Cafe Roemer was surprisingly crowded.
"Is it okay if you share a table?"
The smiling butler-like young man asked, and Hague nodded.
Then, he was guided to a table that seated two people.
A man in his mid-thirties, about the same age as him, was sitting across from him.
The man also had a surprisingly tired look on his face…
Still, Hague was lucky.
The seat he was shown to was really the last one.
The woman who came in next was sitting on a chair at the entrance, waiting for a seat to become available…
The chairs at Cafe Romer are quite sturdy, and the table is quite spacious.
Having a large table that can be used by one person is great for a cafe!
He didn't even have to look around to see that the customers were mostly women or couples.
The only male customers were probably Hague and the man in front of him…
Of course, he didn't feel ashamed.
He felt more pity for the men of the world who didn't know about such delicious food.
When it comes to delicious food, there is no gender.
Delicious food is delicious!
Mille-feuille and coffee arrived for the man in front of him.
It was probably 'This month's Mille-feuille special'.
Hague also ate it during his visit before his previous visit.
It was surprisingly delicious and he remembered having it on his previous visit too.
But today, he chose something different.
All the cakes at Cafe Roemer are delicious!
The man in front of me gently put his fork into the Mille-feuille.
Carefully… surprisingly carefully.
Then, brought it to his mouth.
A wide smile.
Hague also understood that feeling.
Because he experienced it three days ago.
Because he experienced it six days ago.
It was also true that he regretted it a little bit, wondering if he should have done the same today.
However, one minute behind the man in front of him.
Hague also received cake and coffee.
Today's cake was the classic Mont Blanc!
Slowly insert a fork.
So that he can calm down.
As if to tell himself not to rush.
Then, bring it to his mouth.
As expected, a wide smile.
His choice was not wrong.
That relief, and the deliciousness that went beyond relief.
At that moment, it was a deliciousness that overwhelmed everything… his work as a pageboy or supply worker.
Five minutes of bliss.
After finishing the cake, he took a sip of his coffee.
Supreme bliss.
When he looked over, he saw that the man in front of him was also immersed in the afterglow of bliss.
They looked at each other and smiled a little.
You don't even know who the other person is, you've never had a conversation with them… and yet you can still communicate.
That's the power of deliciousness.
Words are not necessary.
No explanation needed.
Just eat.
That's all that is needed.
The two then left the store.
They bowed to each other and parted ways.
The two regained the vitality they had lost.
Hague began walking toward the Imperial Delegation's quarters.
From behind, he heard a voice calling the man he had just parted ways with earlier.
"Ignis-sama, there you are."
-x-X-x-
Chapter 0383 Intermission – Empire Unrest Part 1
-x-X-x-
Let's turn back the time a little.
The Duchy of Rubin has territory from the eastern to the southern part of the Empire.
During the era of the Former Emperor Rupert VI, many powerful nobles were wiped out, so the current nobles hold quite vast territories.
When the current Emperor Helmut VIII ascended the throne, it was one of the ducal houses created.
A ducal family established by the 14th child and 11th princess of the Former Emperor Rupert VI.
That is the Rubin Duke household.
The head of the family is Fiona Bornemisza, Duchess of Rubin.
The former commander of the Emperor's Magic Division.
Currently, the Emperor's Magic Division has been disbanded.
Due to Helmut's military reforms, there are only 20 armies, 10 magic armies, and the Imperial Guard Knights.
Although the Emperor's Magic Division was disbanded, its members were now members of the Rubin Duchy's Magic Division.
After it was decided that the division would be disbanded, 600 members came to Fiona, who had established a ducal household and asked for employment.
Of course, Fiona hired them all.
Some of the most elite members of the Imperial Army came to offer their services… and moreover, they were subordinates that she had taken care of and raised.
There was no reason not to hire them.
In the first place, if she opens a ducal household, she would have a duchy army anyway.
To maintain public order within the territory, military power was necessary… that can't be helped.
If so, those with it are far better than those without!
In that way, the former Emperor Magic Division became the core force of the Duchy of Rubin's army.
"Master, did you hear that Brother Konrad was accused of high treason?"
"Fiona… that method of addressing me. Well, it's fine. I read that report too. I wonder what His Majesty the Emperor is so anxious about…"
Oscar answered Fiona's question.
He is Fiona's husband.
Even so, he is sometimes called 'master'…
It seems that long-held habits are difficult to break.
"Ah, sorry, I just…. Anyway, I'm going to the Imperial Castle."
"I'll go too. I don't think anything will happen… No, if Konrad-sama was imprisoned, something might happen. Marie, tell Jurgen. While we're gone, he'll have full authority over the Duke's army."
"Understood"
Marie, Fiona's chief maid and adjutant, responded to Oscar's words.
Konrad Bornemisza, Duke of Stein.
The third son of Former Emperor Rupert VI. He is the half-brother of the current Emperor Helmut, and also Fiona's older brother.
During the attack on the Knightley Kingdom Whitnash Garden Party, he was once targeted along with Fiona.
At the same time as Helmut ascended the throne, Konrad was also converted to a noble and founded the House of Duke Stein.
Konrad was now suspected of rebellion against the Emperor and imprisoned.
That was unusual.
However, it was also a common occurrence historically in the Debuhi Empire.
Former Emperor Rupert VI himself caused the death of many of his brothers after ascending to the throne in his twenties.
There was a possibility that they would rebel, so I took the first step… that's what Rupert says, both then and now.
However, Fiona could not accept it so easily.
As soon as Fiona and Oscar arrived at the Imperial Castle, they requested an audience with the Emperor.
"I'm sorry. His Majesty is currently busy and unable to meet with you."
"That's ridiculous!"
Fiona cried out in response to Helmut VIII's consul Martina Doner's answer.
"Fiona."
Oscar called softly, deliberately speaking slowly and calmly.
With that, Fiona regained her composure.
"I understand. Please tell Brother Helmut… His Majesty that Fiona will return to her territory."
"Understood"
That was all there was to that exchange.
However, that was enough information for those who had survived many death threats.
"Helmut-niisama seriously intends to kill Konrad-niisama."
"Yeah"
"Brother Konrad's territory, the Duke of Stein, is the territory of the former Count Wallatal and Count Gemunten. In other words, it is the northwest corner of the Empire. Although it does not directly touch foreign countries…"
"Aside from the north, it is a very important territory as a check on the west. Even if His Majesty is planning to kill Konrad-sama, it is not a good time to do so now."
In the carriage returning from the Imperial Castle to the Rubin Duchy, Fiona and Oscar were discussing.
"That's right… the corridor countries that we didn't have to think about until now."
"Yeah. For the equestrian tribes, the distance from Ayteke-Bo, the easternmost corridor country, to the Imperial territory is something they can feasibly traverse."
Oscar agreed with Fiona's words.
It was different from the previous corridor countries.
A powerful king.
A mobile people.
If the neighboring Empire were to show an opening…
"Would they attack a country with as much national power as the Empire, even though they have powerful horsemen?"
Marie expressed her doubts.
"Yes, normally it would be unthinkable. However, it seems to be a public fact that King Hahn, the King of Horsemen, has a desire for revenge against the Empire. Even the ordinary people in the country of Schulz, where he lives, are aware of it. The desire for revenge should never be taken lightly. Sometimes it can outweigh reason."
"There are those who say it is foolish for a king of a country to be carried away by his emotions. However, the king's emotions are contagious to the people. The passion of the people can be an opportunity to greatly move the country. Wasn't there a king who utilized the passion of the people, led them, and reunited a divided kingdom?
"King Abel of the Knightley Kingdom…"
Marie answered Oscar's explanation and questions while swallowing her saliva.
Because it reminded her of the final stage of that war, the fierce battle between Oscar and the Kingdom's water magician.
That was an inhuman battle.
"King Hahn… from what I've heard, he's not an opponent you should ever show weakness to."
Both Fiona and Marie nodded to Oscar's words.
The Third Spire of the Imperial Castle… also known as the Prisoner's Tower.
A prison to house people of noble status.
Duke Konrad Bornemisza of Stein was imprisoned there.
Of course, it was not like he was tied up with chains or anything.
On the contrary, even his magical power was not sealed.
"Your Highness…"
"Rand, don't make that face. Well, it was more forceful than I expected, but I told you that this would happen eventually, right?"
Konrad's aide Rand said with regret, and Konrad flatly declared the complete opposite.
"Are you sure you won't try to escape?"
"Of course. What His Majesty is aiming for is for me to escape from prison. That way, he can use his authority to sentence me. To that end, he didn't seal away my magical power to make it easier for me to escape from prison. It would be a waste to fall to such tricks, wouldn't it?"
"But..."
"In the current situation, the powerful people in the Empire must understand that His Majesty is trying to eliminate me… and they are exploring how others will react. They plan to back the winning horse."
Konrad explained in a rather amused manner.
Even though his life could end at any moment.
"If this had been my father instead of Helmut-niisan… without a doubt, everyone would be on Father's side. But my brother isn't quite there yet."
There he took a sip of coffee.
Before he knew it, it became 'Helmut-niisan' instead of 'His Majesty'.
Rand, who was listening, didn't say anything.
"The reason why Helmut-niisan wanted me to join the delegation to the Western countries was to kill me on the way. However, our father came forward and I remained in the Empire. To erase me, he needs to finish everything before the envoys return. So, this timing… but, brother, you weren't the only one who was making preparations.''
The whisper at the end was so quiet that even Rand couldn't hear it.
Two days later, an emergency report arrived at the Imperial Castle.
"My apologies. I would like to report that Linus Warner, the former Viscount Kruger, has started a rebellion in the north."
"Linus Warner? Tthe son of Marquis Muesel? I heard that he fled after the marquis' family was disbanded, but… he is still alive?"
Helmut VIII frowned at the report.
The one who commanded the Imperial army's invasion of the Knightley Kingdom three years ago was Marquis Musel, and the one who planned the strategy was his son, Linus Warner, Viscount Kruger.
After losing to the royal army led by King Abel, he returned to the mainland of the Empire, but was held responsible for the defeat by the previous Emperor, Rupert VI, and had his family disbanded.
"Is there an Imperial army in the north?"
"Yes. The Empire's 15th Army is deployed there."
Consul Martina Doner answered Helmut VIII's question.
"Okay, then have the 15th army attack Linus. Eliminate them as quickly as possible."
"Understood."
At that time, everyone thought that the rebellion would be easily suppressed…
Four days later.
"Report! The Empire's 15th Army has been destroyed…"
"What…what do you mean!"
Helmut VIII couldn't help but flare up at the report.
It was natural.
Linus' rebel army numbered around 700 people.
In comparison, the 15th Army had 15,000 soldiers… and it was a regular army.
The equipment and training were top-notch.
There's no way they would lose!
But that happened?
"This is an unconfirmed report, but there was information that traitors emerged from the 15th Army…"
"Impossible…"
Helmut VIII was speechless.
Traitors emerged from the Imperial Army?
How could something so outrageous happen?
He hadn't heard anything like that in decades.
But…
Isn't it true that the Imperial armies still do not completely obey him?
Two years on the throne.
If you asked him if he has confidence that he has complete authority over the military…
It was certainly not as good as the previous Emperor.
If that's the case, traitors emerging…
No way, what about the other Imperial armies…?
That doubt gradually gnawed at Helmut's heart…
Two more days later.
"My apologies. I would like to report that a rebellion has broken out in the southwestern part of the empire, led by Rolf, the orphaned son of the former Duke Mollgrund."
"No way..."
Helmut VIII responded with a disgusted expression to the report from Consul Martina Doner.
The Linus Warner rebellion that occurred earlier was still unresolved.
The Empire's 2nd Army stationed in the capital had just been sent to suppress it…
Duke Mollgrund was the last of the great aristocrats, killed by Former Emperor Rupert for plotting a rebellion within the Empire at the end of the invasion of the Kingdom.
His territory was in the southeastern part of the Empire, and part of it is now within the Duchy of Rubin, which is ruled by Fiona.
"Which army should we send?"
"I think the 9th Army of the Empire would be appropriate…"
Martina answered Helmut's question.
In her head, the location and inner workings of the entire Empire and magic armies were recorded in detail.
"Then, send in the 9th Army."
Information about Linus's rebellion, the destruction of the 15th Army, and even Rolf of Mollgrund's rebellion had all accurately reached the captive Konrad.
"Hmm, that's not bad. If the situation becomes this unstable, he won't be able to kill me that easily."
"That's great."
Aide Rand nodded happily to Konrad's words.
Under these circumstances, if Konrad were to be executed… Konrad's territory, the Stein Duchy, would definitely rebel.
In the duchy, there are many subordinates Konrad brought up from young.
There was no way they would just obey if their beloved master was killed.
They would probably actively cooperate with Linus and Rolf's rebel forces.
As expected, Helmut VIII would want to avoid that.
No politician wants to create more problems when there are so many problems.
He probably won't mess with someone who is not making any moves, at least until the situation calms down to a certain extent.
"I'm sure that's the end of the first act. Now… how much can my brother's heart endure?"
The smile on Konrad's face was very innocent.
"Report! The 9th Army has disappeared!"
"...Hah?"
Helmut couldn't help but give a sloppy reply to the incomprehensible report.
"Disappeared?"
"Yes. The entire army scattered… there's no one left…"
"I guess it's possible…"
Helmut completely lost faith in the Imperial Army.
Traitors, vanishing…
-x-X-x-
Chapter 0384 Intermission – Empire Unrest Part 2
-x-X-x-
"The Duchy of Rubin army is now fully deployed."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Fiona briefly nodded at the report from Jurgen Bartel, Oscar's adjutant and acting commander of the Rubin Duchy's army.
"But, are you really sure this is okay? I wonder if His Majesty Helmut will comment someway if the entire territory is completely ready for war?"
Marie, Fiona's adjutant and head maid, asked.
"There's no problem. We can just say it's to prepare for Linus' rebellion and to deter a new rebellion from happening."
Oscar answered without changing his expression.
"The Empire that seemed to be on solid ground turned into something like this in just two weeks…"
Fiona whispered while shaking her head slightly.
"In this situation, it's a pain that the Emperor's Twelve Knights aren't all gathered."
"The Emperor's Twelve Knights?"
Fiona reacted to Oscar's mutterings.
The Emperor's Twelve Knights are the twelve best knights appointed by the Emperor to protect him.
Each one of them is truly a match for a thousand.
It is no exaggeration to say that it has been the dream of all people of the Empire in all eras.
"The Emperor's Twelve Knights use force to dispel the danger that approaches His Majesty the Emperor. If the current situation progresses, there will definitely be people who want to cause direct harm to His Majesty the Emperor. While those capable of protecting him.. are few."
"Father… Former Emperor Rupert's Twelve Knights were removed by tradition. All of them became nobles and formed territory. As for the newly appointed knights, I believe there are… four?"
Fiona answered while thinking of the new Emperor's Twelve Knights.
"Well, originally, this isn't something meant to be done in a hurry, he would have taken his time to appoint suitable knights once he finds them, and there would have been no problem, but… that's assuming the situation isn't this rough. Security in the Empire will deteriorate for some time, except perhaps in the east and here in the southeast."
"Eh? What do you mean…"
Fiona tilted her head at Oscar's words.
"The southeast region is dominated by the Duchy of Rubin. The eastern region is centered on our neighboring Marquis of Kurkova. If they know about Fiona's relationship with Marchioness Kurkova, they won't make a move against her."
"If they know about our relationship? I don't think the rebels would think that way, though?"
Fiona asked, still tilting her head at Oscar's explanation.
"The person pulling the strings behind this rebellion is probably Konrad-sama."
"No way!"
"Almost definitely. If that's the case, then he would avoid making Fiona his enemy. Putting aside an attack on the Duchy of Rubin, an attack against the Marquis of Kurkova would also make them Fiona's enemy, right?"
"Of course."
Fiona immediately nodded to Oscar's question.
Marchioness Kurkova is someone Fiona has admired for a long time and is also her most trusted noble in the Empire.
Fiona would do everything for her.
Moreover, the Marchioness was also someone who took care of Oscar when he was young.
He would help Fiona, not stop her.
Of course, the military power of the Marquis of Kurkova was by no means weak…
The Knights of the Marquis of Kurkova, led by Captain Norbert, a famous knight within the Empire, are known for their strength.
Perhaps because of the Marchioness' training, the knights of the marquis' territory all excel in martial arts, knowledge, and mannerisms.
It is also one of the Knight Orders that many aristocrats admire.
In addition, the Marquis of Kurkova is home to the only school in the Empire that does not require social status and even has a university, forming a kind of academic city.
It was built in the last ten years by the Marchioness with her personal funds.
The city itself is called the Academic City Sans Souci.
Three years ago, during the final stage of the invasion of the Kingdom, the neighboring Duchy of Moorgrund became the battlefield of a fierce battle between the Duchy's army and the Imperial Army led by the Emperor.
However, the Marquis of Kurkova was spared from the war.
As a result, development did not stop, and it is now the most developed territory in the eastern region of the Empire.
That exceeded even Fiona's Duchy of Rubin.
"I will absolutely protect this duchy and the Kurkova Marquis."
Marie couldn't help but agree with Fiona's firm determination.
The Third Spire of the Imperial Castle… The Prisoner's Tower.
Konrad was still in captivity.
"Your Highness, I would like to ask you something."
"What is it, Rand?"
Konrad's assistant Rand seemed to have something he didn't understand.
Since Konrad had appointed him as his aide, it's natural that he's quick-witted and capable.
But fundamentally, Rand is a good person.
For that reason, he was by no means familiar with so-called conspiracy techniques and not very good at them.
Of course, for Konrad, that was no problem at all.
He actually thought it was preferable.
The Imperial castle is where evil spirits run rampant.
Konrad's position and safety are not guaranteed even after he returns to his territory.
For Konrad, who is placed in such an environment, the good-hearted side of Rand, which in some cases could even be called 'naive', is comforting to have around him.
"Yes. The other day, there was a report that the 9th Army of the Empire had 'disappeared'… It's not that they were annihilated in battle, or that they were defeated, but that they disappeared… How did they disappear?"
"Oh, I see. It's not like they disappeared through magic or anything. I just threw a ton of money at them."
"Threw a ton of money at them?"
"Yeah. I said I would give them a lot of money if they left the army. So, everyone left the army. As a result, the 9th Army disappeared."
Konrad answered Rand's question as if it was nothing.
"I see. But the pay in the Imperial Army isn't that low, right? If they leave the army, they won't have any future income…"
"That's right. They can serve in the army and get paid until they're forty-five. That's why I gave them a certain amount of money. I believe it was 100 million Florins per person."
"1-100 million Florins…"
Incidentally, the annual salary for ordinary soldiers in the Imperial Army is 2 million florins.
For those fifty years.
"The 9th Army has 15,000 people… that is, 1.5 trillion florins…"
Rand said breathlessly.
"What, you calculated it? As expected of Rand."
Konrad laughed openly.
"Is that… money Your Highness's own…?"
"Yes, of course. I didn't touch the Duchy's money, so don't worry."
"I have been Your Highness' aide for over five years, I apologize for the insolence, but I had no idea that Your Highness had that much money."
"Well, it's part of what I invested and increased from my mother's inheritance. It's not a huge amount."
"No, no… even the duchy's annual budget is three trillion florins, you know?"
"What, it's only half of that amount? It's not a huge amount after all."
Rand commented while breaking out in a cold sweat, and Konrad responded with a laugh.
"Gold only has value when it's used. Saving it up gives you peace of mind that you can deal with it if something happens, but that's it. Money lives only when you use it. Father was very particular about that. He was very good at that… but Helmut-niisama isn't very good at it.''
Konrad said with his mouth curled up.
Whether it's an Empire or a duchy, it's important to manage it in a way that allows money to be used effectively.
The purpose is not to earn or save money.
It's okay to collect it as a tax, but the ideal is to let people and merchants use money willingly.
Rather than them reluctantly giving it away as tax, let them spend it happily.
That is the role of the ruler.
Konrad understood that.
"In that respect, Helmut-niisama doesn't have much understanding. That's why people don't like him…"
Even Rand beside him couldn't hear his murmurs.
Helmut VIII was harshly evaluated by his younger brother Konrad.
But he was by no means incompetent.
There is no way an incompetent person can ascend to the throne. And survive two years at that.
Of course, ever since he was born and before he could remember, he had thought that he would someday become emperor.
He won't deny that.
It was only natural.
Her father was Emperor Rupert VI and his mother was the Emperor's first wife.
And he was the first child. Moreover, he was the first prince.
There was no way anyone in that position wouldn't desire the throne!
Since then, he believed he had achieved as much as he had hoped for.
However, there were still some words that were always said.
"His Majesty Rupert was a great Emperor"
Yes, his father was a great Emperor. That's a fact, he'll admit it.
The problem was what lay ahead.
The people who say that continues in their heart. "His Highness Helmut is still inadequate compared to him."
Maybe it was Helmut's paranoia.
However, Helmut himself understood, even if he didn't like to.
He was nowhere near as good as his father, Former Emperor Rupert VI.
Not in which aspects.
Or in what part.
It was… everything.
Helmut is by no means incompetent.
He probably has abilities and qualities that are well above average, even compared to past Emperors.
However, the people around him were not comparing him to past Emperors.
The person that his subordinates, people, and surrounding countries compared him to was Former Emperor Rupert VI.
That was why Helmut was so anxious.
Conquering the Knightley Kingdom or seizing its territory, something even Rupert VI was unable to do.
If he could accomplish that, it can be said that he surpassed Former Emperor Rupert.
That's why he attacked King Abel.
If he could kill him, the still unstable Kingdom would be shaken.
The successor is only two years old.
The aristocrats who are meant to support the royal family have not yet fully grown up.
Even if he couldn't conquer it, he should be able to seize some territory!
Even Rupert VI was unable to seize an inch of the Kingdom's territory. If he could take it away, his evaluation of himself…
However, the attack failed.
When that happened, he started to worry about the domestic situation.
Helmut's position was also far from solid.
He feared that his rivals would incite the Imperial nobility by pointing out the failure of the attack on King Abel.
Would they rebel against me?
The strongest contender was his younger brother Konrad.
Konrad Bornemisza, Duke of Stein.
Although he is only 23 years old, he has many subordinates he raised from young.
The third son of Former Emperor Rupert VI, and like himself, the son of the first Empress.
The only other child of the first Empress is their youngest sister, Fiona.
There had been reports that Fiona told Former Emperor Rupert VI that she did not want the throne.
In the first place, he must avoid making Fiona an enemy at all costs.
Because to make an enemy of Fiona meant to make an enemy of her husband, Count Oscar Rusca.
No joke, making Oscar his enemy was more terrifying than making the entire Empire his enemy.
That's why Helmut was genuinely happy that Fiona wasn't a contender for the throne.
At that, Helmut's thought chain was interrupted.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I have an urgent report…"
Unusually, Consul Martina Doner's voice trembled slightly.
"Speak."
"At noon today, Duke Sigismund of Alant rebelled. It is said that General Ivo, commander of the Empire's 3rd Army, who was at the Duke's government office, and others were killed."
"What…"
As expected, that was a completely unexpected report for Helmut.
To be honest, he was thinking about the possibility of a new rebellion like Linus and Rolf of Moorgrund.
But… Sigismund?
That would be impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
It was more likely that Fiona would rebel than Sigismund!
"Are you sure about that information?"
Helmut asked to confirm.
Consul Martina, who was asked, also understood what Helmut was thinking when he asked such a question.
"Yes. We have verified the information with both the report from the Empire's 3rd Army and the report from Viscount Jewar who owns the neighboring territory."
Martina reported.
Sigismund, Duke of Alant.
He is the second son of Former Emperor Rupert VI. In other words, Helmut's younger brother. Konrad's older brother.
However, since his mother was the third empress and did not have a high social status, he was out of the race to be the next Emperor as soon as the third son, Konrad, was born.
Sigismund himself had no interest in politics and used his wealth and position to develop and protect culture and art.
That did not change even after he became a noble, and his Duchy of Alant in the western half of the Empire is recognized as the area with the most advanced artistic development in the Empire.
Naturally, he doesn't like fighting, and his military power is by no means large.
He is the kind of man who openly declares that he would rather spend his money on art than on military equipment.
That Sigismund, a rebel?
Moreover, he killed the commander of the 3rd Army who was visiting the government office?
No matter how he looked at it, it didn't fit the image of Sigismund.
Helmut shook his head again and again.
Although he was the Emperor… he had completely lost the ability to understand what was happening in his Empire…
"Your Highness, urgent news!"
The Third Spire of the Imperial Castle… The Prisoner's Tower.
Konrad's aide Rand hurriedly entered.
"What happened? Did Brother Helmut suddenly commit suicide?"
Konrad asked with a smile.
Of course, he knows that won't happen.
"This is not the time to joke! At noon today, Duke Sigismund of Alant rebelled by killing General Ivo, the commander of the 3rd Army, who was visiting the government office."
"What!"
Konrad was shocked by Rand's report.
Even for Konrad, Sigismund's rebellion was unexpected.
Completely unexpected.
"The most impossible things happen at the most impossible of times? That brother Sigismund rebelled? What on earth did Helmut-niisama do… or General Ivo do? No, that doesn't matter. That's not what we should be thinking about right now. This is different from Linus' and Rolf's rebellion. Although he is our half-brother, the Emperor's younger brother rebelled. The influence it has both domestically and internationally will be drastically different. Moreover, with this… my life is in danger. If I were Helmut-niisama, the first thing I would do would be to kill me while I'm imprisoned. Since it would be better if there were fewer legitimate heirs to the throne. Sigh… the situation has completely changed."
After muttering that much, Konrad turned to Rand and said.
"Rand, I will escape from the Imperial castle immediately and return to the duchy. Let's leave here quickly so that Helmut-niisama doesn't find out."
All preparations for the escape were complete.
If everything had gone as originally planned, there would have been no need to escape, and the problem would have been resolved while Konrad remained in the prisoner's tower.
However, something unexpected happened!
Of course, he prepared for an escape just in case that happened.
Konrad muttered softly in the carriage heading towards his territory.
"Nothing goes as planned."
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