Kuro no Senki (LN)

Cecilie gazed at the horse as she advanced.

The roads are paved and lined with stone buildings.

Overall, you can appreciate the tidy city.

Palatium Duke Territory - Missolos.

It is a city inhabited by Romus Palatium, lord and current duke.

Cecilie is in the heart of the city, near the Duke's Mansion.

That's why it's not popular.

Sometimes buildings are old and look like ruins.

Of course, if you say that, you will buy anger or ridicule the shallowness of your knowledge.

Whichever response you are given, it can be justified given the historical circumstances.

Missoros is a city with nearly 400 years of history, built during the Second Emperor's time.

Naturally, I've been through some civil unrest.

To put it further, this city has no walls.

The second emperor's younger brother, the first Duke of Palatium, did not build the walls to show that there was no treason.

Nevertheless, old buildings remain.

This is amazing.

This city is a demonstration of the prestige of the Palatium Duke and the competence of the ancient lords.

Thinking about that...

"Cecilie, could you work a little harder on my lady?

"... I understand."

His brother's voice echoed from behind, and Cecilie exhaled.

Pull the rope and slow the horse down.

Then my brother quickly caught up with me.

It's pathetic to say you're the best cavalry in the Empire.

On the other hand, I am convinced that I can't beat my brother even in this state.

Whether it's an instant spear match or a race.

I'm sure my brother will technically bury the handy that the horse is exhausted.

Unfortunately, there are things in the world that cannot be filled with effort alone.

"After all, the Palatium Duke has a lot of old buildings."

"... oniisama"

Cecilie sighed as her brother murmured like the others.

No, it must be someone else.

But my brother is the lord of the Viscount of Hamar.

You should not forget your sense of upliftment even if you are not a family member.

I wonder if such feelings were conveyed.

My brother turned his eyes.

"What's going on?

"I was just stunned by oniisama's attitude. Oniisama, if you're the master, shouldn't you learn from the Duke of Palatium?

"Cecilie really looks like your mother."

"Oniisama looks just like your father."

His brother sighed, and Cecilie said back in dismay.

"So, what do you want to learn?

That's why I feel so good.

Temperament?

Looking sideways, my brother leaned his neck strangely.

Cecilie exhaled deeply.

My appreciation for my brother, who was on the rise, collapsed.

I wonder why this always happens.

I want you to do it better.

I wanted you to show me more dignity as a brother.

I wanted Cecilie to know that she was human.

Then I didn't have to feel inferior for a long time.

I didn't have to be a maid of service.

It's all because of my brother, who pretends to be an ordinary man halfway through everything.

"The old building is the prestige of the Palatium Duke and the historical lord."

"Nothing but prestige. The Duke of Palatium has allowed the enemy to infiltrate during the uprising ahead."

My brother intercepted Cecilie's words.

"Really?

"Missoros is safe, but everything else has been damaged."

"But without the walls..."

"Just because there's no wall doesn't mean there's no obstacle."

My brother blocked Cecilie's words again.

Continue with your words.

"Compared to the size of the territory, the Duke of Palatium has no streets. In short, you've limited your march route and focused on defending it. It's a luxurious strategy."

"We have reached Missolos."

Cecilie replied in dismay.

Even though they took the shade and took advantage of the path, they arrived in Missoros.

Isn't that evidence that my brother's thinking is wrong?

"Surely the people of the time could have done the same to us. But it was harder to get riders back then than it is now. I'm sure..."

"Yes, yes, I understand. My insight was shallow."

Cecilie interrupted his brother's words.

I have come to the conclusion.

It just builds stress when we keep talking.

Then you'd better cut to the chase.

Silence falls and horseshoe sounds.

My brother opened his mouth unexpectedly.

"Cecilie, I know you want me to do better, but there are things the world can and can't do."

So you sold your sister to Kurono-sama.

"I think it was a good decision."

"Where is it!?

His brother said satisfactorily, and Cecilie shouted.

What kind of good judgment is that?

"If the Imperial Army wins, you will be Lord Krono... the concubine of the Emperor. Better than finishing with the concubine of the local lord, right?

"I hope it's not bad, but...."

But?

"I feel like nothing will change."

Cecilie exhaled small.

I can't imagine myself as the emperor's concubine at all.

I can only imagine myself wearing women's clothes and serving them.

"Well, that's what it is."

"What is it!?

"It's the eyes of others that change."

"Of course, oniisama will be among them."

That's right.

……

I'm frustrated with my brother who answers.

Did you convey your feelings?

Horses speed up their pace.

My brother and his horse disappear from sight.

"Cecilie, as I said, my lady is tired."

"I know."

Cecilie pulls the strings and speeds up his brother's horse.

When I touched the waist pouch, I found it distorted.

Because it contains a tubular parchment - a letter to the Duke of Palatium.

"If the horses were so tired, shouldn't they have been delivered to the agency?

"I thought about it at first."

My brother shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"Why did you change your mind?

"I think this one has a better chance of success."

"It's a simple job to pass on letters and success rates."

Cecilie remembered what happened on the road.

That said, I don't remember much.

To the extent that my brother can cook better than himself.

* Giggle * and moan little.

I am a maid.

I also practice cooking.

I am proud that my arms are up compared to the early days.

Even so, I lost to my brother.

Of course, Cecilie has a point.

I seldom cook outdoors.

I didn't have a chance.

No, I had a chance, but I didn't try to do it myself.

That's why, with experience, you can cook better than your brother.

That should be it.

"What's going on?

"No, it's nothing!

"Really?

Silence descends, and only the sound of horseshoes resonates.

I feel calm when I hear regular sounds.

When this battle is over...

"I thought I was jealous of my cooking skills."

"Jealous of your cooking skills? What are you talking about? In the first place, I don't think I'm just losing to oniisama. Even so, I'm a maid. I can't afford to lose to oniisama."

"... I see."

"Why do you keep a space?

"No, I wonder where your heart is."

"My heart is here."

"Oh, I see it. Palatium Palace."

Cecilie slapped her chest, but her brother looked up at the Palatium Duke's mansion in a breathtaking manner.

Grrr, moan, gaze at the Duke's residence.

Naturally speaking, it is obvious, but it is the same as when I saw it before.

It is a four-story building made of natural stone.

The exterior is a castle, but it has no defense because of the weight placed on habitability.

The high walls surrounding us can be destroyed in a single or two blows with a broken castle hammer.

Proceeding along the wall, I saw the gate.

In front of the gate are two soldiers with spears - the gatekeepers.

I'll take care of it.

"Oniisama should handle this, right?

I'll take care of it.

"... I understand."

Cecilie nodded with a sigh.

My brother handled it last time.

And yet, why do I have to deal with it?

I know you have feelings for your brother, but it's not funny.

I hate places like this for a long time.

Nevertheless, we need a lot of material to retract the foreword.

Unfortunately, there are no materials that could be used.

Exhale small and keep the horse running.

The gatekeeper moved ten meters to the gate.

Turn around and hold your spear.

You mean stop?

But Cecilie let the horse go.

Nine meters, eight meters, seven meters, six meters...

"And stop! This is the residence of the Duke of Palatium!

The doorman raised his voice and Cecilie pulled the string.

The horse stops walking.

Then the doorman exhaled.

Probably no actual combat experience.

The security was so good, but to be honest, I was disappointed.

We are now splitting into two factions.

Even though...

No, I don't think so.

Humans are an unprepared creature.

"Hey, what do you want?

"I pray you, Duke."

Hmm, Cecilie snorted.

The doorman looked at him.

Look at me again and open your mouth.

"For what?

"Why should I explain?

"Oh, we're the gatekeepers. I can't let a suspicious person through."

"Suspicious? I am Cecilie Hamar! Countess Hammar, sister of the lord and cavalry member of Her Majesty's Empress Tyria!

Cecilie inadvertently roughed up her voice.

"You shouldn't ask me because I want to see you.

The Duke is busy.

"That's right. Besides, you don't know what you're up to, and you're not going to take care of it."

"Are you idiots?

─!

Speaking of sighing, the doorman nosed.

I really hate it.

You might want to guess a little better.

"I'm here in the military, in the military. And yet, do you think you can say anything about military service?

"Well, that's...."

"Still, I don't know what to do, but I can't handle it."

One of the gatekeepers held his mouth shut, but the other said clearly.

Looks like you have some bones.

However, I only feel irritated when I put it here.

We're in a hurry.

I hope you'll let me be a little more accommodating.

"What's your name?

Isaac.

"I'll remember that."

Hmm, snorts. Then Isaac's eyes trembled.

The power comes from holding a spear.

Are you motivated?

Gently release your hands from the cord and lick your lips.

The next moment...

"Well, calm down, both of you."

My brother broke in.

It was a sufficiently breathtaking voice to think you hadn't seen what I had done before.

I'm irritated, but I can't hit you with frustration.

After all, I'm the boss.

I can't defy the darkness.

"It's such a time. I know how you don't want to be in contact with someone you don't know."

"Thank you for your understanding."

Isaac exhales and his brother looks at him.

You want me to give you the letter.

I wanted to leave you alone, but I don't want you to think I'm a bad woman.

Breathe out with little resistance and send a letter.

My brother took the letter and gave it to Isaac.

"Now, give this letter to the Duke of Palatium."

"I understand."

Isaac received the letter respectfully.

I have a different attitude to myself.

I feel frustrated about it.

I opened my mouth to complain.

Cecilie, let's get back out of here.

That's how my brother wrapped his head around.

Cecilie closed her mouth and stared at Isaac.

I'm looking at this.

No, I'm staring.

I still want to complain.

But...

Cecilie, I'm coming back.

"... I understand."

I can't disobey my superiors' orders.

Tell yourself that, and follow my brother.

Move on silently.

"What's that gatekeeper!? I doubt good sense at all! I'm here on military duty. Military! I said... You're a soldier after all! I don't know how my naughty behavior affects the war situation!

……

Cecilie was angry, but his brother was silent.

She is slightly shrugging her shoulders.

Increases frustration.

Would it be okay if you went out with me?

"Oniisama! Are you listening!?

"I'm listening. Yeah, I'm listening."

"I don't think you're listening!

Cecilie shouted and exhaled.

"... so when are you going to come back?

"No, I'm not coming back. We're done here."

"Excuse me?

"That's why we're done."

Unexpectedly, my brother asked me to include it.

"What do you mean?

"Cecilie, what is our purpose?

"Aren't you going to shake the Duke of Palatium?

"Remember? I'm relieved."

"Oniisama, I'm not an idiot."

His brother exhaled, and Cecilie said back in dismay.

"Well, when I did write, I thought I was going to bring the Duke of Palatium into the Imperial Army...."

"... Cecilie"

"I mean, you can't help it."

Cecilie sharpened her lips when her brother told her to exhale.

Cecilie wrote the letter, but her brother thought about it.

Whatever it was, it just seemed like I was trying to get on my side.

Even if I knew it was to move Leon Hart.

"What if the Duke of Palatium were to join the Imperial Army?

"You must be the one who said the Duke of Palatium wouldn't stand in the wind of the new nobility."

"Just in case, just in case"

"I don't think there's a billion of them."

My brother exhaled small.

A tone of confidence that the Duke of Palatium will not be on his side.

I wonder why you can think like that.

On what basis?

"Isn't that strange?

Yeah, Cecilie nodded.

"You better understand yourself a little bit more."

"Know yourself?

He murmured back, but his brother only smiled bitterly.

The Duke of Palatium-Romus Palatium was reading the report in the office.

The territory of Rome is vast.

I can't manage it by myself.

That's why I have deputies everywhere to send the report.

It's a pretty fragile job.

However, I feel strangely overwhelmed when I read the report.

The sense of duty that you have to fulfill your responsibilities as a lord is rising.

Read the report and stack it on top of the bundle of reports.

I saw a letter at the applause.

Leonhalt - a letter from my son.

It arrived a little while ago, but I haven't looked through it yet.

Well, this is the time.

I have an approximate idea what the contents are.

It will be about the power struggle between Emperor Alfort and Empress Tilia.

It must have been written a long time ago that we should remain neutral until the battle trend becomes clear.

If you have an opinion, you can say it clearly.

That's how honest I feel.

However, I use a far-fetched expression to appeal that it is not a formal document using paper.

What the hell are you thinking?

No, I know you're considering Romus's honor.

But I don't understand his heart.

Well, that's not what started now.

It has been so for a long time.

At the very least, I hope you're obsessed with something that's easy to understand.

Money, power, women.

If I knew what I was obsessed with, I could understand my son.

I could think that I understood my son.

Even if it's an illusion, it must feel better now.

With that in mind, a tongue sounded.

It was a knock on the door.

"... come in"

Romus corrected his residence and allowed him to enter.

The door opens quietly.

It was Alfred, the family order, who opened the door.

My hair is pure white, but my spine is stretched.

Open your eyes lightly.

Letters - because he had a silver tray with tubular parchment.

Alfred sends his respects.

"Sir, excuse me."

"... hmm"

As Romus nodded at the hawk, Alfred stepped out.

Walk quietly and stop.

"Are you sure?

"... hmm"

Alfred quietly put the tray on his desk.

Lomus stared at the sealed wax.

The horse's crest - the family crest of the Viscount Hamar.

"What, are you here again?"

"... hah"

Alfred nodded in between.

It's a careless reply.

Others are reprimanding him, but not him.

Something must have happened.

"What happened?

"Thank you. There seems to be trouble."

"Hmm, what kind of trouble?"

"Anything... the woman named Cecilie Hammar and the gatekeeper were questioned."

"Mostly, the gatekeeper must have taken a heightened attitude."

Hmm, and Lomus snorted.

The gatekeeper is an Empire soldier.

I have no command.

Even so, the doorman looked as if he was serving the Palatium family.

The same goes for the other soldiers.

I don't want to create any extra clashes, so I'm accepting the Imperial Army.

If not, I'm throwing them out and placing my own soldiers.

"No, as far as I can tell, the attitude of the messenger was really bad...."

"I can't tell from the doorman alone."

Roms took the letter and untied it.

I looked through the contents and the inside of my head became completely white.

"My lord!"

"─!"

Romus returned to me with Alfred's voice.

I looked around without thinking.

Looks like he was getting up from the chair sometime.

"What's the matter?

"... nothing"

Answer under the guise of calm and look down.

What are you going to do now?

After you forgot me and stood up.

This is a disgrace.

Lower your hips to the chair.

I just got up from the chair and sat down.

That said, I felt tired.

Was anger so tiring?

"... Milord?

Stand back.

Turn your face away from Alfred, who called out to me carefree.

"I understand."

Alfred's signs are distant.

The sound of the door closing sounded...

"Milord, please calm down...."

"─!"

The moment I opened my mouth, the door closed.

Lose the threshold of anger and chew your lips.

If this isn't the office, we're screaming or beating something up.

Romus reads the letter again.

Anger grows again.

The contents are said to be under the command of the Imperial Army.

It is equal to being put under the Chrono- the new nobility.

Who the hell do you think you are?

The Palatium is a house divided from the royal family.

The blood of the first emperor runs through this body.

Even so, they put it under someone who doesn't know where the horse's bones are.

I'm kidding.

It is precisely this that the intestines boil.

I feel so angry just because I was told to put it on the bottom.

I would have laughed if it were informal.

But this is a formal document.

It was ordered in a formal document.

Even more elegant brushstrokes and a sense of upbringing provoke anger.

I don't know who will be on my side if you show me something like this.

The smell of iron spreads into the mouth.

My chewed lips were cut.

The taste of blood returns some calm and raises questions.

I wonder if this content should be swallowed.

It is strange to think calmly.

If you want the Duke of Palatium on your side, you should thank him.

Why did you imitate it in such a way as to provoke anger?

Isn't it an end in itself to make you angry?

I feel that way.

Last time I saw Count Hammar, Lomus pushed me back without much talk.

But if the other person comes to explain, they will just listen to the story.

Make a joke out of it.

Nevertheless, it is true that he had lost his calm.

Fortunately, I was able to regain my coolness.

"... why did you do this?"

Roms asked himself, recalling a letter from the Imperial Capital.

Speaking of sentences, it sounds good, but the point is a letter asking for help.

At that time, I decided I shouldn't give it to Alfort.

The reason is simple. I didn't want to go out with a loser.

"... but maybe we should change our minds."

Lomus mutters small.

Both Count Hamar and the handicapped sent such a letter.

Isn't that a manifestation of your desire to attract others or, worst of all, stop them?

It is believed that the Imperial Army and the Imperial Army are fighting each other.

Roms asks himself what to do.

Present position - Perfect neutrality.

This is the least risky.

That's what my son says.

But I wonder if it is okay to follow my son's words.

Indeed, my son is capable.

Even though he is a young man, he has accomplished several battles and serves as the commander of the Knights of the Kintetsu.

Romus... No, let's stop him.

I can't help remembering more than thirty years ago.

I don't mind.

Even if the civil unrest prevented us from fighting.

In the first place, I was not even given the opportunity to fight.

I couldn't fight.

I can't help comparing myself to my son.

But is this the right choice?

Are you too risk-aware to ignore returns?

If we can contribute to the victory of the Empire, the Duke can achieve more prosperity than ever.

It is not impossible to reunite divided lineages.

Lead the army to victory over the Empire and create a new royal family.

Roms shook his head small.

It's too convenient to think too much.

Besides, what would my son think if he moved?

You must be disappointed.

"... disappointed?"

Roms stared at the letter from his son.

My son would have preferred neutrality in this case.

If we remain neutral, we can maintain the status quo.

But then we cannot hope for prosperity.

And if Empress Tilia wins, she will stand in the wind of a new nobleman.

Those barbarians stand on top of themselves.

Just imagining spreads bitter things in your mouth.

Shyness - The pride of the nobility is trampled down.

Taunted as a coward who couldn't make a decision until the end.

Maintain the status quo or leap forward.

Romus put his hands together and thought about it.

And...