HOT NOVEL UPDATES



Hint: To Play after pausing the player, use this button

Chapter 5

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 amassing 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 <Shierumia Republic>, 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 documents 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 documents 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 relationship 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 nobles’ 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 <Izumo Land of the Gods Union> (イズモ神州連合) across the sea, a navy of moderate size was assembled 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 <White> 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 <White> 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 noble.

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 shifting 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 Nobles 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 <White> 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 Nobles 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 Nobles army during this time. Iya, there was also news that part of the forces had already commenced attack on the Origin Nobles army in self-defence.

By barely suppressing its own army’s counterattack, the Origin Nobles 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 nobles’ meeting by the attendees who were raising angry voices.

As they were gathered in a tent which was the Origin Nobles’ 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 assault, we mustn’t be taken down in silence」

Among the nobles 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 Nobles 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 Nobles 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 noble who didn’t had any territory, he sought apprenticeship at the Empire army at the age of 15, and thereafter, served out (of his apprenticeship) 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 Nobles 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 Nobles 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 Nobles 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 documents 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 documents 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 association as fellow Origin Nobles; 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 gratitude」

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

While showing a bitter smile towards the attitude 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 Nobles 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 Nobles 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 Nobles 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 vassal 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.

「<Maiya Grand Duchy> (マイヤー大公国), <Buraddore Duchy> (ブラッドレー公国), Liberal City <Ruruie> these countries had already dispatched troops towards our Empire. <Zakusen> and <Arumaia> too had finished convening their troops. We’re short of time but in this situation where we’re unable to secure the suspect, the extradition is impossible. Since the facts of this case is unclear, apology is inadvisable」

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, Eimerushia-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 Eimerushia-kou.

「–Seems to be so」

The old man nodded calmly.

With most of his hair being bluish-white, it indicated the old man accumulated 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, Eimerushia-kou, Haegeru tsuu Ritsutenhaimu.

He was the last Origin Noble 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, Eimerushia-kou’s complexion remained unchanged. He had surpassed 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 passed away yet the alliance army continue to remain, inviting the Empire’s crisis. That’s a heavy responsibility…!?」

Eimerushia-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 Eimerushia-kou wouldn’t sell out the Empire. However with the fact that the Empire was now in a crisis, Eimerushia-kou’s responsibility was grievous.

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

Eimerushia-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 Eimerushia-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 nobles seated at the long table gave their quiet consent towards Astoria’s question.

This responsibility was unavoidable, even so, if the merits that Eimerushia-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, Eimerushia-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 Eimerushia-kou’s speech.

Standing up with their chests straightened, the nobles 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 nobles’ armies.

The third was to suppress the revolting nobles 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 Nobles 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 Nobles’ 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-nobles and their collaborators would be dragged to court and be judged by the Origin Nobles 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 Nobles 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 Nobles army was in disarray.

◊◊◊

While the Origin Nobles 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 identity. 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 gods.

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 attitude 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 compassion.

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 gratitude 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 <White>, Lectival who wasn’t any different from an ordinary human, questioned the dragon race’s Carl who surpassed 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 attitude. 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 attitude.

「–Iya, it’s as Your Lordship (貴卿) says」

Once again, Meriela and Vilia became surprised when Carl addressed Lectival as 『Your Lordship』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 attitude 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 attitude 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 passing 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 gratitude to Carl who said so and exited the room.

◊◊◊

The destination of Lectival, Meriela, Vilia and Carl was the heart of the Holy City <Theotocos>, 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 grass picked within the temple, and when eaten, a refreshing 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 documents that he brought along, and was immersing in the work of signing those. Once Lectival was confirmed to be a <White>, 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 relationship 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 pass off the capture of Lectival who’s a war criminal as a reason for withdrawal. Even if the <White> 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 <White> 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 <White>, 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-nobles 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 Ririshia.

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 <King Sword> 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 Ririshia, this person is the new <White>」

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, Ririshia」

「–..」

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 Ririshia. 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.

「–…」

Ririshia, who understood that Lectival was looking at her, opened her mouth and as expected, soundless words came out.

「–?」

However, he couldn’t hear anything.

Ririshia 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 assist you in the ritual,’ so she says」

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

Lectival bowed to Ririshia hurriedly.

Ririshia 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」

Ririshia 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..」

「–!」


Ririshia’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.

<Then please allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m the Miko-hime of the Four Worlds temple, Ririshia.>

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

<I know. I’ve heard from the Four Worlds that you’ve came from a distant world.>

Lectival became interested in what was called as the Four Worlds upon hearing Ririshia’s words.

It would appear that they were the most knowledgeable about everything including this parallel world.

「It has been a while, Your Grace」

<More than anything, White Dragon Duke too seems to be healthy. Be that as it may, the disturbance this time must have pained your heart no?>

「Not at all, compared to Your Grace’s worries, it’s like brushing the scales of fish (鱗を撫で)」

As a Miko-hime, Ririshia returned a perfect reply to Carl’s greetings

Hearing that refined manner of speaking, Lectival spontaneously looked at Mireideia.

His eyes wanted to say ‘they’re sisters and yet—.’

「–It’s fine even if you slip up during the ritual you know6? Pure white brat」

「Don’t be absurd」

Yielding to the intimidating aura of Mireideia who had her eyes half-closed, Lectival quickly began to retreat.

It was fine to be thought as pathetic since a woman’s wrath was frightening. Lectival murmured in his mind to nobody in particular.

<Nee-san, aren’t you being hard on Lectival-sama?>

「I won’t apologize, I’ve to teach this greenhorn the severity of this world」

Ririshia directed a voice containing great surprise towards her older sister and a sulky Mireideia abruptly averted her gaze.

The kindness of Ririshia who was looking at him apologetically pierced his heart so he put on a pretentious air for just a little.

「Your Onee-san is probably worried about me right? She’s a good Onee-san」

〈Is that how it is…? If Lectival-sama says so…〉

Although it was said reluctantly, she seemed to have save Lectival’s face. Lectival almost cried at being shown such consideration.

◊◊◊

While on the stairs that were heading deep into underground, Lectival came to know about the history of the <King Sword>.

A Shinto priest affiliated with the Four Worlds temple’s ritual department, which knew about the <King Sword> and protected its secrecy continuously, recited its history while Lectival continued to listen quietly.

The founding Emperor stole the conceptual weapon, which was to be developed as the old Imperial’s trump card, while it was in the middle of development, and named it the <King Sword> upon completion.

There was also the matter where fellow machines which were manufactured together with the <King Sword> went amok, and obliterated the old Imperial’s capital and its peripheral areas entirely.

Presently, there was neither a country nor organization that had perfected the conceptual weapon; hence the <King Sword> was a unique one that was operational.

There were people who couldn’t endure the ritual which was meant to control its powerful strength and lost their lives before becoming the crown prince.

It was about overcoming the ritual, merging with the <King Sword>, and unable to wish for a death as an ordinary living thing.

There was no other way besides living as a weapon.

Lectival listened to everything and at the gloomy underground stairway, he chose his final option.

There, he decided to discard even the fact of giving up.

◊◊◊

A pure white light which shouldn’t exist in the deep underground filled the room.

He searched for the light source and looked up at the ceiling; it was high to the extent where it was hard to grasp the distance with his senses, making him slightly dizzy. However it could be understood that a part of the ceiling was emitting light.

Looking carefully, the pillars that were supporting the ceiling were also installed with light sources.

Although the principle behind the radiation of light wasn’t known, its brightness was to the degree where it was difficult to look straight at it.

「–So you’ve come」

Mireideia’s voice reached Lectival’s ears while he was surveying the surrounding from one end to another that was of indiscernible distance.

Although the voice reached him with a series of echoes, he could still pinpoint the location of the person who spoke.

It was because he saw the figures of several people at the centre of the vast underground.

Lectival began walking towards them.

「Have you heard about the requirements?」

It was at the centre of the figures.

A delicate magic formation was drawn on the floor which was made of something different from simple stone yet lustrous, and Mireideia stood at the heart of it.

In the vicinity were Ririshia and Shinto priests who had their faces concealed by veils.

The Shinto priests were holding staffs which easily exceeded their statures, and they silently bowed to Lectival. He was a little surprised at the Shinto priest who were clad in uniform clothing and thinned their individualities to match their figures, but he didn’t intend to go as far as asking.

「To a certain extent, from the Shinto priest-dono of the ritual department」

「To be here after hearing it, that’s enough」

Mireideia smiled.

It was a smile which seemed happy, yet at the same time, somewhat sorrowful.

Lectival could discern from her expression that Mireideia had an understanding of all of the historical facts.

「Although it’s definitely in the midst of war now, and it might be unpleasant to learn the faults of the past war but you know, it’d help to think of this as part of the ritual」

「Rather than that, I think it has become a very easy-to-understand explanation」

「Is that so?」

It was a bitter smile.

The pair floated an identical expression mutually, and laughed together just a little.

Mireideia felt genuinely relieved that Lectival came here even after knowing everything; Lectival held a sense of deep relief in having Mireideia whom he shared a secret with.

「There weren’t only glory or happiness in the 2000 years of record. Crime, sorrow and just about everything were recorded without anyone’s perspective」

As an inorganic substance, the <King Sword> recorded minutes of generations of Emperors devoid of any feelings as inorganic matter.

The generations of Emperors probably couldn’t come up with an answer in regards to the founding Emperor’s intentions for choosing records instead of memories. Although numerous generations of the entire temple’s archbishops had elapsed, doubts persisted.

Perchance, the answer might be obtained.

Mireideia held expectation in the corner of her mind.

「It isn’t only inheriting. It’s possible you might leave behind record here too」

What kind of records would this young man leave behind, and what would the next era of Emperor who inherits that think? Her interest ran deep.

「In fact, it surpasses any history books. Even if that is the world which was continuously looked on by just one person, it’s the memory of this country」

It might be a guidepost so as to not mistaken the path.

It might be a warning that advancing forward is where hell exists.

It might be a teaching that solitude is the Emperor’s true friend.

It was a unique record; therefore the inheritor was just one person of the present.

「Don’t lose, Lectival. Once this ritual is finished, you’ll obtain true solitude which is the Emperor’s position, and true brethren that is the <King Sword>. For starters, if you can’t win the final fight individually, you should be ashamed of yourself」

<–It’s as Nee-san said. I can also shoulder part of the ritual, but unless Lectival-sama overcome this trial yourself, my existence will be meaningless in the end.>

Ririshia gazed at the young man clad in white with eyes that were closed.

Perhaps her eyes hid a strong will that was surely similar to Mireideia’s — thinking so, the young man who was the focus of the ritual wanted to see those eyes.

Glittering gems which could enchant many people, and a captivating heart of similar splendour.

To call it 『desire』 would be superficial, instead, it was a feeling of deep 『interest』.

Seeking for that something which wasn’t him, it welled up in front of him.

Perhaps it was called 『longing』 by people.

「Whether this child can fulfil her Miko-hime’s role and leave from here, too depends on you」

For the girl who had to abandon her human life until now to fulfil her role as the Miko-hime, only Lectival can give her a new life.

However, what Ririshia truly desire might not be a new life.

<Nee-san, I…together with Nee-san…>

Indeed, she didn’t wish to leave the temple alone.

Both of the sisters who were separated thought that way mutually. Was that not proof that the time spent together and the feelings they held for each other weren’t all that were to their relationship?

Mireideia caressed her sister’s head and smiled kindly.

「–If Ririshia isn’t here, then most of my reasons to stay here will disappear. When both of us accomplished our roles, can you please take us along? Of course, everything will belong to you7」

‘I’m terrible,’ though thinking so, she wished for it to be definitely realized sometime.

Supposedly it was realized, she would probably be proud of herself. That was something she anticipated very much.

「–When that time comes, if Ririshia-san wish for it, then so be it」

Therefore, let’s promise.

It was a tiny little promise.

If you could smile, that is surely happiness for you.

<–I…only know this temple. Even so, is that fine?>

Lectival smiled and replied to Ririshia who looked up at him in bewilderment.

He nodded while stroking her soft hair.

「I am like you too, that’s why let’s have Mireideia-san guide us on various things…It’ll surely be fun」

<Ha, hai…! Definitely! >

At the figure of Ririshia smiling happily, Mireideia also floated a happy smile.

And at that sight of the pair, Lectival’s smile deepened.

It was sincere smile of the young man who will risk his life hereafter.

◊◊◊

He was fighting against the world’s strongest weapon.

It was a conceptual weapon which once broke apart the earth, divided the sea and pierced the sky.

It had yet to awaken and was in Mireideia’s hands.

Standing before it was Lectival grasping tightly onto a small sword.

Soon, the ritual began. Wrapped in the magic formation’s light, Lectival parried the <King Sword> wield by Mireideia.

It was repeated many times over and when the <King Sword> awoke, its existence was displayed before Lectival.

In the midst of the violent wind, Lectival was convinced that the <King Sword> had awakened.

Without hesitation, she thrust the awakened <King Sword> towards Lectival’s right eye.

Mireideia was then sent flying out of the magic formation.

Hence, only the pair of Lectival and Ririshia remained.

◊◊◊

(Lectival-sama!)

Ririshia grasped the hilt strongly and the <King Sword> was further thrust in deeper.

Driving forward with a loud scream simultaneously, she pushed the edge of the sword in again with her small body. If the unification of the <King Sword> and the candidate didn’t progress, the <power> held by Ririshia was meaningless.

It wasn’t actually buried within the body; nonetheless, a rejection reaction occurred from the insertion of foreign substance.

If the fusion rate exceeded a fixed value, stabilization could be done by controlling the <King Sword> with the Miko-hime’s power, but from thereafter, the fusion would be dependent on the candidate himself.

<Lectival-sama! Please persevere!>

It was uncertain if he heard it.

Even so, she could only shout.

The <King Sword> was pushed in little by little, and while his face was stained with overflowing blood, Ririshia continued shouting.

She didn’t want to hurt the person who can smile gently to such extent.

However, just this once, even if she was emotionally hurt, it had to be accomplished.

<Once this ritual has ended, let’s go out together, Lectival-sama. Although I can’t do anything, I can at least make a box lunch! If you say it’s fine to be next to you, I’ll stay by you forever!>

Why was she this concerned about the young man, even she couldn’t honestly understand it well.

Was it because he was kind or that he didn’t see her as the Miko-hime, though she thought about it repeatedly, there wasn’t an answer.

(Still, I want to be together.)

There were numerous books in the great temple’s library, but for the Ririshia who couldn’t see, it wasn’t a place she had much affinity with.

She might possibly have perceived it if she was interested in the literature of the library.

At this time, she fell in love with the young man.

That was the result of the Four Worlds’ power which occupied most of the young girl’s inside being drawn towards the young man that was the <King Sword>’s vessel.

There might be people who would called it a warped love or laughed it off as a sham, yet even so, the young girl’s love was a truth in reality.

Among the successive generations of Miko-himes, there was one who exchanged love with the candidate before the ritual. Perhaps she was in an identical situation with the Ririshia of this time, but that Miko-hime wasn’t aware of that truth throughout her life.

It was because she surely spent her days in bliss with the candidate who later became her husband.

Will Ririshia choose to be next to the Emperor as her duty? Will she hope to stand beside the Emperor as her wish?

Everything can wait until the ritual finished.

<Lectival-sama! I’m here!>

What was certain now was that the young girl called Ririshia was protecting the young man named Lectival.

And thus, the young man thought again that he wanted to see the smiling face of the young girl called Ririshia.

(Nee-san…)

To the former Mireideia Kiru, Ririshia Kiru was her only little sister; and to Ririshia, Mireideia Kiru Rupusuburugu=herume was her only elder sister.

She was an elder sister who wouldn’t be happy being someone else’s elder sister besides her.

And an elder sister who even became the archbishop for her sake.

She wanted to pass time as sisters once more with such an elder sister.

She wanted to return being family again after clearing their obligations as archbishop and Miko-hime.

(–I’m fine with being just Ririshia.)

That was her only wish.

As a candidate for the Miko-hime, not once had she considered about her future until now.

Only preparing for the coming of time while carrying out official business as the Miko-hime, her raison d’etre was to only make the inheritance ceremony a success.

And if she accomplished this role, she would be beside this young man as Ririshia this time. At that time, this young man will surely not see her as Miko-hime.

She wanted to be seen as Mireideia’s younger sister, just Ririshia.

(Lectival-sama!)

Perhaps that would be wishing for too much.

It might be impossible for her who became just Ririshia, to be at the side of the person who would be the crown prince.

(Lectival-sama…!)

Looking up at the sky, Lectival shouted while on his knees. He tore his hands off from the cracked courtesy sword, covered both hands and clenched them.

*Pikuri*, Lectival’s hands shifted and Ririshia poured in more strength upon noticing it.

「–u, a, aaaaaaaaaaah!」

The <King Sword> was released from Ririshia’s hands and slowly sank in.

That was proof of Lectival accepting the <King Sword> himself.

At the same time, golden light ran into the left eye which wasn’t pierced by the <King Sword>.

A vertically divided pupil; a golden eye of a dragon was there.

<Just a bit more, Lectival-sama!>

Ririshia clung onto Lectival’s body to withstand the gale that had further increased in power.

Stretching out her hands towards the back that was far bigger than hers, she hugged him strongly while gnawing her lips.

‘It’s warm,’ was how she felt.

「–Tsu!!」

Spilling tears of blood, he still responded to her.

Then, she’ll bet everything to help him.

<–!>

From its guard, the <King Sword> changed into particles of the light from before, and revolving around Lectival who was in the centre of the gale, slipped into Lectival’s left eye little by little. Perceiving that a crossed star, which was the crest of the Empire’s royal family, had begun to shine, Ririshia sang a Shinto ritual prayer with her non-existent voice.

<–Come, come, come forth, light of this land, star of this land, darkness of this land, moon of this land–>

One who guides.

One who follows.

A person who becomes the guidepost of this land until his life comes to an end.

I’m together with thou.

A thing that will become what thou desire.

I beseech.

<–One who illuminates light greater than the depths of darkness. Together with us–>

With me.

<–Come forth–>

A converging burst of light.

The swirling gale headed towards the centre.

Ririshia who was in that centre gnawed through her lips.

「–Tsu!」

Her face momentarily grimaced in pain and enduring that, she lifted her face.

Her lips were damp from the trickling of blood, and she twined her arms around Lectival’s neck.

<Lectival-sama, forgive my discourtesy!>

That voice might have been reprimanding her.

She forcibly suppressed part of her emotions that was hesitating, and forced her lips onto Lectival’s.

「–!!」

On the point of contact, a connection of <power> sprung forth in the space between Ririshia and Lectival.

The pupil of the golden dragon eye shrank at once.

Ririshia turned towards Lectival and after sensing her awareness drifting off, she lost consciousness.

◊◊◊

「Yo, Nii-chan」

A familiar reception hall made from stone.

Standing at the centre, Lectival faced a single man.

He had his white hair that reached his shoulder tied up in a bundle, and was dressed in a pure white appearance. Lectival knew that appearance.

「Aa, you don’t have to be so surprised, you’ll surely meet us, 『me』 once」

「–Who might you be?」

Against the man 『bearing the same appearance as himself』, Lectival put himself on guard without concealing his vigilance. Considering this situation and time, it would be strange to not be wary of him.

The man crossed his arms and groaned slightly in response to Lectival’s question, and as if he thought of something, he raised his index finger.

「Hmm, let’s see. Memories before he became the Emperor and other extras of the first Emperor I guess? 」

「Are you saying that you’re the founding Emperor?」

Lectival piled on another question.

「It’s different, the 『me』 who became the Emperor doesn’t know the 『me』 of before becoming Emperor. I do not have the ability to recollect, thus whatever was said will be mostly forgotten after a sleep」

The man shrugged his shoulders happily and grinned at Lectival.

「 Your face seems to say ‘why am I here’」

「–Your good conjecture saves me the trouble」

「Haha, there’s no need for gratitude. I and the Emperors hitherto are essentially the same things. It’s probably fine to call us comrades or brethren」

The man uncrossed his arms and approached Lectival with a step.

Lectival lowered his waist and strengthened his vigilance towards the man’s movements.

「Oioi, you don’t have to be that cautious. Until now, you’re the person with the strongest sense of wariness」

「Just in case, I’ve a responsibility, that’s why」

「The responsibility to survive is it?」

In regards to that question, Lectival just slightly sneered and nodded.

「Ee (yes), if I’m to die, I will want it to be in an appropriate opportunity. It might be a different case if it was I from ago」

「An appropriate opportunity, is it? Surprisingly, there might be a lot」

「Whether there are many or little, I’ll be the one to decide」

It’s his decision to give up or not. Only he can bear responsibility for the things he had decided.

「What a difficult fellow. If you’re being too difficult, important things may slip past you someday」

「I’ll be steps ahead before it escapes. If it’s just escaping, it’s fine if I catch it again」

The man was momentarily caught off guard by Lectival’s words, thus he opened his big mouth and burst into laughter.

「Ahaha! That’s right, it’ll be fine to catch it if it’s just escaping, and that’s about it –but, 」

The man disappeared.

「–Tsu!」

The sound of metal reverberated a moment later. Before he noticed it, Lectival’s hands was gripping a wide sword with complex pattern engraved on its inner edge, and defended against the drawn out sword of the man who appeared before him with it.

「There’re things in the world that disappear if they escaped you know」

The man’s eyes were clear black.

His eyes were straightforward, without a shred of hesitation.

「I’m here to give a final advice to fellows who will become Emperors」

He pulled back his sword ad unleashed a new slash immediately.

It was considerably faster and heavier than Mireideia’s, and it was due to Lectival moving his body and consciousness at the same speed that he was able to respond.

His body and consciousness were in perfect synchronization. It was a sensation that he had never experienced before.

「Whatever, I won’t say to not let it escape. Losing something for eternity, maa, is that person’s responsibility」

Mowing down from upper left to the lower right, and from lower right to the left, his series of attacks cut apart the air and produce clouds (雲) as the man approached Lectival.

「You too, would do well to remember it」

It was a blow by raising the sword above the head. If Lectival was to receive it, his arm would become numb.

「What…」

Rebuking his numbed arm, Lectival warded off the man’s sword. The man then withdrew to his starting position in a single motion before Lectival’s counterattack reached him, causing Lectival’s sword to cut empty air.

「We’re abnormalities. Somewhere in the equivalent of our minds is strange without fail. It was made to be strange」

His figure disappeared once more, and this time, he launched a surprise attack from the sky.

Lectival leaped back from that spot, and ascertaining that the massive edge of that man’s sword had scrapped off the floor, he went towards the man and swung down a strike.

「I wonder if you’ve a sense of self-awareness」

The man decisively discarded the sword overhead and aimed at Lectival’s jaw with his fist.

Unable to kill his momentum, Lectival twisted his body to avoid it.

The pair had switched positions.

「Let’s see, that may be so」

Lectival raised his sword overhead and parried off the sword which was aiming for him while descending from above.

Sparks scattered and shone on the two men with identical faces. The sword which was repelled by Lectival returned to its owner’ hands as if possessing a will.

Brandishing the sword which had returned twice, then thrice, he faced Lectival.

「But even so, I don’t particularly care. 」

「Hou」

The pair simultaneously covered the distance between them and drew close at the same time. Moreover they unleashed their swords and stopped the blows concurrently.

「And what sort of problem is there? If abnormality, heterogeneous, heresy and different things are sins, that’s just saying the world is simply shouldering everything as sins」

There weren’t identical things which existed in this world as a pair.

The world as a whole was made up of different things.

「Sins etc., I wouldn’t say how if I’m compared to I who lost sight of myself」

Lectival faced the man and displayed a stance of thrusting, and the man too turned a posture of thrusting towards Lectival.

「I’ll live on as myself. Be it sin, retribution, responsibility and the things which I’m burdened with, I’ll carry all of them…! 」

A lunge and a sound were produced.

The cloud ebbed and Lectival had pierced the man.

「–Is that so? That itself might be an interesting way to live」

Looking down at the sword piecing through his chest, the man had a refreshed expression. Lectival’s body felt goose bumps at that expression.

「However, there are things which won’t go smoothly just by being interesting」

At the man’s words, seven weapons materialized in the surrounding.

There were a large sword, sabre, naginata, spear, kodachi, sharp sword and dagger.

Lectival realized they were the <King Sword>’s appearances of the past at some point of time.

And seeing those blades rushing at him all at once, he stepped back from that place in one motion.

However, the short spear and kodachi pierced his shoulder and flank.

「Guh」

The pain wasn’t due to his body being pierced by them.

Resentment and hatred which flowed from the swords ran about his body, and the pain given to he made he feel as if he was being poured with melted iron.

「What a blessing it is to be only feeling pain」

Unlike from before, the man directed a cold gaze at Lectival who was showing expression of anguish.

「Humans are living things that grow accustomed even to pain. No matter how painful that time was, they’d think nothing of it after a while」

The man took the large sword which was floating in the empty space with his hands and pierced Lectival’s abdomen.

「–Tsu!」

A soundless voice spilled out from Lectival’s mouth.

His body wasn’t trampled down simply by pain but a pure <agony>.

「Jealously, grudge and even envy will be forgotten when there’s pain」

His back was thrust by a sharp sword, his thigh by a dagger and both his legs were pinned onto the floor with the naginata and sabre.

「It’s probably painful right? Even so, people will get used to it before long」

The man murmured sadly while looking down on Lectival.

「Will people completely forget the notion called pain someday? I’ve come to think in such manner」

‘We might be the first’ — the man’s words permeated into Lectival’s body.

However, it was neither agreement nor allegiance that welled up within Lectival but repudiation and opposition.

The suffering he felt from Meriela’s hand, Vilia’s sadness from her every word, and agony from Carl’s stern look, caused him to persevere in that place.

‘This isn’t the place to give up,’ the 『him』 inside of him shouted.

「–So, how…」

Lectival invigorated his trembling body forcibly and grasped the fallen sword again.

His body temperature transferred onto the metal grip. Coincidentally, the sword pulsed once.

‘Dokun’, a pulsation shook the air.

「It’s because of getting accustomed to pain, you say…!」

His shout invoked a new pulsation, and each time the <King Sword> shook the air with a ‘dokun’, it became light one by one, going back and forth.

「If growing accustomed to pain can overcome pain, then I won’t allow the denial of it」

Accustomed or unaccustomed, the person wouldn’t forget the pain.

「It’s fine if we remember. As long as we who cannot forget remember the pain, people will not forget it」

He stood firmly on the ground, prepared his sword, arranged his breath, and seized the man before him.

「And that’s how you come about right?」

The man floated a slightly surprised face at Lectival’s question.

「I see, and there’s the fact of you coming to this place」

Thus soliloquizing, he showed a faint smile and prepared his sword.

「Then live that way」

With the man’s words as the signal, they aimed for one another in a forthright linear motion.

「–Tsu!!」

Corresponding to their breaths, the muted sound of cutting through cloth penetrated their bodies mutually.

1ふん、我らを魔物と断じて軍を発する。帝国の国是とやらも面倒なことだ

2あれだけ散々痛めつけられてもまだ、我々が黙って征伐されるだけの獣と思っているのか、あの連中は

3貴族軍も優秀な人材を集めているらしく、そのため、陸上に脅威らしい脅威がなく、南洋海上輸送路を警備している海軍が主力を担う南方方面の陸軍との練度の違いは思わず笑ってしまうほど。

4こんな状況では親皇国を声高に叫ぶなど自殺行為である。

5そして、それは大きく外れていないだろうとも思う。

6儀式中に手が滑っても良いってことなんだね

7お互い役目を果たしたら、どっか連れてって貰おうか。勿論、全部こいつ持ちでね



Share This :


COMMENTS

No Comments Yet

Post a new comment

Register or Login