Kuro no Senki (LN)

The only person who can enjoy the happiness of coming down and springing up is someone who can believe in God without any doubt, Rio thinks.

Normally I doubt it.

I doubt if it's real, fake, something that disappears quickly, something that goes on forever.

Then it's normal to be accepted.

But some humans obstinately doubt it.

As a result, what was happy becomes a wreck.

Look down at the wreckage of happiness, curse your stupidity, regret it, and then hold a deep relief.

I can't save you.

I can't believe it.

Even with images of happiness, I can't believe I can be happy.

Happiness has nothing to do with me.

If you can easily get something like that, what has been your life so far?

I'm sure I'm just having a convenient dream.

The real misfortune is that those who don't have it get it by some mistake.

At least Rio Cairon thinks so.

"Well, I guess you call it a happy concern,"

When Rio finished his lengthy reflection, the deputy opened the box carriage door as if he had anticipated the timing.

I've known my deputy for a long time.

Originally, he served the Count Cairon family.

I don't know about my background before that, and I'm not interested, but I definitely stood on the battlefield as a knight to see what it was about having a jazz position.

He was an old type of knight, but therefore not accommodating, and badly reconciled with Rio's father.

It's just that Rio liked his unfriendly personality.

When Rio became captain of the Knights, he welcomed him as his deputy.

Without him, Rio would have been dismissed from the ranks of the Knights.

Rio gets out of the boxcarriage and stretches out his back to untie his whole body.

"... Boy, was that a good idea?

"Unlike last year, you don't have to wear it."

Rio replied to his deputy as he bit down the absenteeism.

"Still, it's been a long time since I've been to Aldemiran Palace."

Alderamine Palace on the outskirts of the Imperial capital Alfilc is a building that pursues symmetry by the time of morbidity.

Were you last here at the funeral of Ramal V.?

One way or another, the ball is more memorable, and for Rio, the Knights of Kingsguard, the impression is strong that the banquet venue takes place once or twice a year.

I wanted to skip it with the right pretext, and Rio heads to the old castle.

"Hey, can you open it?

"" Ha, Count Rio Cairon!

Did you also do it in practice, the Kingsguard knight standing by both sides of the door replied at the exact same time and opened the door in an undisturbed motion.

Through the Old Castle Hall and opening the doors of the East Hall, which is the venue for the feast, a profoundly sad tone greeted Rio.

It is what this feast should look like to eat food in the form of a standing meal, drink alcohol to the extent that it does not expose itself to ugliness, and be delayed in the conversation.

Unfortunately, reality is different.

The Commander of the Kingsguard Knights comes from a lot of historical famous families, and for that matter, a lot of smudges.

We have to maintain our relationship to such an extent that it is too obvious, but not isolated, to look for someone to marry a child.

And this feast means something else to the knights who accompany the Kingsguard Knights Commander.

It's a great opportunity for a low-ranking Kingsguard knight to sell himself into a nobleman from a famous family.

Few Kingsguard knights approach Rio even in such circumstances.

I'm pretty sure the carving and killing of a coworker is drawing tails, but it must also be affecting a lot that you're dating Chrono.

It is to say that I do not want to be ho even to sell myself in.

Besides, it can be a bad idea to be sunk by a deputy before the owner of a special preference approaches Rio.

Only a limited number of humans will be able to rub through this iron wall defense... to be the Kingsguard Knights Commander, who is equal to Rio.

First, Leonhardt of the First Kingsguard Knights.

He got eyes on Rio and came close to a straight line.

You can travel the shortest distance because the Kingsguard avoids Leonhardt.

I'd like to keep it cordial with the Palatium family in my mood, but you said it would be awkward to sell yourself into Leonhardt, known as the 'Holy Knight'.

"... didn't you wear a dress today?

Last year, Rio joined the banquet in a dress, but I guess Leonhardt is saying that.

What Rio is wearing right now is a white military uniform.

"Even so, I'm stronger."

Yeah? and Leonhardt raises one eyebrow in surprise.

"You have a lover, but you can't use your eyes on other men."

"That's more than anything. I don't want to see the Knights of Kingsguard training fields."

Leonhardt only let his eyes swim for a moment and told him to fix it.

"If Chrono was coming, I'd dress him up and escort him."

"Unfortunately, he needs a break. Holy Argo kingdom, working for the southern border and the empire."

I do need some rest.

Chrono is too reckless for you to be weak.

I almost died this time.

I don't know how Chrono feels. But I don't.

But I want you to take care of your life a little more, I think Rio.

"Hey, what are you both talking about?

"I was thrilled about a friend of mine, Viscount Hamal."

Why would he talk to me? and Rio answered Viscount Hamal.

Viscount Brad Hamal, head of the Fifth Kingsguard Knights... a young man with a soft face, contrary to his bloody stinking name.

He is also calm in temper and difficult to imagine fighting.

The Fifth Kingsguard Knights are a battalion built primarily of cavalry.

He is expected to act as a heavy-duty cavalry in times of war, but in normal times he uses his mobility as a light cavalry and serves as a guard on the streets connecting the imperial alifilk with the group of free city states.

Brad is not good at swordsmanship, but his skill as a cavalry is the first of the Kepheus Empires.

So much so that I wonder if the word "one human horse" is for him.

"You want the Viscount to stop. I've just succeeded the housekeeper, and I haven't been able to return to the realm because of my priority for the Kingsguard Knight job. As a matter of fact, I'm the only Viscount I've ever known because my father runs my territory."

Brad said in a sigh.

"I'd like to spend some time in the territory caring for horses."

I want to work as a lord, not to mention Brad's character.

He likes horses.

The humans of the Viscount Hamal family are many attracted to horses, and the Viscount Hamal territory is famous as a region of good horses.

"It's good that your father is alive."

"Oh, yeah?

Brad answered with a subtle look.

It's the look on Rio's face because he knows his parents have a bad relationship.

"Uh, are you two friends talking about the Marquis Elakis?

"You're also my lover."

When Rio responded instantly, Brad let his eyes swim in grandeur.

Apparently, he's less driven than Leonhardt.

That's weird, I think Rio. It's a famous story about Rio dating Chrono and Leonhardt's closeness to Chrono, and Brad can't possibly know that.

"Well, I don't really care... lately, yeah, it's really recent, but there are fewer merchants passing through our territory"

Don't you know something? But as I said, Brad stared down at Rio and Leonhardt.

Oh, I see, and Rio finally understands why Brad's been talking.

Viscount Hamal territory is located east of the territory of Krono.

Brad thought that Chrono had reduced the number of merchants passing through his territory, and he came to let in his exploration.

I haven't told you the exact number of people, but I guess it's down considerably because it's enough to come all the way in to put in an exploration.

"Speaking of which... I remember hearing you were building a harbor"

"I know that, though"

I know what Brad said.

I guess you don't think the number of merchants passing through the territory will be visibly reduced as much as the port has been made.

"... I think he said something else."

"Will you remind me?

"Sure, you said something about starting a business or investing and creating a union"

I also feel like he said a lot of other things about being the first Kabushiki Geisha in this world, gunning for utilities, creating schools for the people to go to.

"As for Lord Chrono, didn't you allow anyone to use the harbor?

"Well, the merchants should jump."

If anyone can use the harbor, a profit-savvy merchant can't go all the way through Viscount Hamar's territory paying a passage tax.

Looking at his complexion, Brad's face was visibly blue.

This is what happens to any aristocrat who hears that the tax revenues of the territory are going to fall dramatically, originally, seriously about the territory.

"Even if a drop in tax revenues is inevitable, we will be able to take the next step"

"What can I do?

"Easy. We just have to abolish the traffic tax."

When Rio said, Leonhardt nodded all the time saying he was right, and Brad retreated, as he had even woken up with his eyesight.

"But it doesn't make sense if you're taxed when you leave Marquis Elakis territory."

"Because Lord Chrono is a disciplined man. If we promise not to tax each other on loads passing through each other's territory, we will protect them as best we can."

It is difficult to align ourselves with all the nobles who rule the territory between the group of free urban states and the Viscount of Hamar.

Even if one could reasonably have known that not taking or reducing a traffic tax would lead to protecting one's interests around, it would be over if one person betrayed him.

Compared to that, it's more realistic to make a promise to one Chrono to open up a new trading route.

"... I'll think about it for a moment"

A gift would be a horse, Brad muttered and headed towards the balcony.

"Hmm, Lord Brad's chosen horse would satisfy Lord Chrono."

"Though I think people who don't like horseback riding will have trouble being given horses."

Leonhardt opened his eyes to surprise and stared at Rio.

"... Lord Chrono..."

Chrono doesn't like horseback riding.

Brad is not only the treatment of horses, but also the eyewitness of horses is imperial.

There is no doubt that he will give the best horse, but it is possible that Chrono will not understand the horse's value.

"I'll tell Lord Brad."

"Though I don't think we need to go that far."

"It's about sex, this is"

As soon as Leonhardt starts walking toward the balcony, one girl hits the tackle with fierce momentum.

"Master Leonhardt."

"Hmm, Lord Eina."

Leonhardt took the girl...... Eina and stroked her head with a eagle.

It's not unintentional.

The only thing that can strike Leonhardt unintentionally is a full-season silent homicide (Silent Killing) Myra.

I mean, Leonhardt didn't avoid the girl knowing she was approaching.

"Oh, Aina. Mr. Leonhardt is bothering you."

A woman walks over to Leonhardt with a soft grin at a slow pace.

"Baroness Nam Corne. Long time no see."

"Yeah, it's been a while"

Tenth Kingsguard Knights Commander, Baroness Nam Cornu, tilts her neck gently to deepen her grin.

The long blonde hair up to her waist waves loosely, and the lateral hair bouncing inside edges a thin contour.

The eyes are blue close to black.

The limbs wrapped in colorless cleric clothing are fleshy, the face is either young and tends to drool.

I'm supposed to be in my late thirties, but I only look like I'm in my twenties no matter how I look at it.

It is rumored that she keeps her youthfulness because she was stripped of her 'aging' because she sympathized too deeply with God, but the authenticity is uncertain.

Baroness Num Cornu is a cleric of "Goddess who directs life in the pale" and serves as the guardian of Emperor Kai's direct jurisdiction west of the imperial capital Alphirque.

Emperor Kai's direct jurisdiction is a land of flourishing faith in the Goddess of Heaven and Lord of Life, and that would also be why she was chosen as her place of call.

The Empire does not allow the Temple to intervene in politics, but it does not prohibit it until it is used in politics.

Eina is fifteen years old, and she really has a skinny physique that I doubt is Nam's daughter.

He's cutting all his blonde hair around his shoulders, and his eyes the same color as his mother's host to innocent light.

She's not a Kingsguard knight, but she's one-sided with Leonhardt and has a frequent face on the feast.

Well, I guess there's also a mother (Nam) desire to have Aina be married to Leonhardt.

"Dear Leonhardt, next time I'd like to visit Leonhardt's mansion."

"That's a delightful offer, because when the feast is over, I have to go back to my place."

Eh, and Aina pointing her lips in dissatisfaction.

Incidentally, Leonhardt's site is in and around the castle of Justia, about a half-day's ride from the Empire City by carriage.

Aina, you mustn't be unscrupulous.

"So when can I see you?

He seems to be embarrassing his daughter, and in fact, Nam is on her side.

It is a small play that Leonhardt knew could not treat women in an evil way.

I guess it's time, and Rio walks out.

"Didn't Lord Brad have an important story to tell you?

"Master Leonhardt, is it true?

As Rio said, Aina still had a crying look on her face.

"If you want to talk about something important, you can't help it."

But Nam seems to have chosen to leave cleanly.

"... this filling, sooner or later"

I wish I could just shut up and walk away, and Rio laughed bitterly and dropped off Leonhardt.

When I break up with Leonhardt, I am finally in full solitude.

Something I used to enjoy wearing a dress or behaving strangely...,

"Well, I guess this is also a luxury concern"

When you know how warm people are, the spiciness of solitude is great.

Rio looks at the feast as he tilts the wine at the wall.

"... Fang Ma"

"What can I do for you?

Since when have you been, or have you been near Rio from the start, the deputy tells you with a whispering voice.

"Philip of the Knights of the Eighth Kingsguard is here to greet you."

"Naturally, you said no, didn't you?

"Yes, of course."

Rio deposits his back on the wall and turns his gaze to Count Lucas Lesato, head of the Knights of the Eighth Kingsguard.

What's there is a huge chunk of meat.

If this is a muscle, it will look good, but it is a luxurious mass of flesh.

It stinks when you're nearby, and if you talk, it sounds weird to me.

My hair is thin and always glows like wet.

Age has just counted fifty, but I feel like I'm dying of harm to my health in the near future.

It's not all about appearance, and I can't save the contents.

Count Lucas Lesato openly accepts the bribe.

So the Knights of the Eighth Kingsguard, led by Count Lucas Lesato, is credited with failing to observe discipline over weakness.

When it comes to why such a person is the Knights Commander, it is because of the bribes and the connections he has developed with them.

It's strange to say that he's been guardian of Kinza, a mining city southwest of the Imperial capital, but he hasn't caused any scandals.

"Oh, Lord Rio."

"Count El Nato, it's been a long time."

It was the big man who approached the wine glass with one hand saying Minotaur was also a jerk...... Earl of El Nato.

The Earl of El Nato, having signed a pact of conciliation with the Kingdom of Holy Argo, remains the guardian of the direct jurisdiction of Emperor Nouzi.

"Fofofofo, don't you have a greeting for Non?

"Hi, Grandpa. Are you still alive?

He laughed and said, "Count Ralph Libra had a white beard."

Skinny dwarf, head bald and long eyebrows and beard as if trying to make up for it.

Count Ralph Libra was a man who was an Imperial Army warrior during the Civil War and now heads the Seventh Kingsguard Knights.

I'm never incompetent because I don't appreciate being a military teacher, but I didn't disintegrate the Imperial Army at the time.

I am now in charge of security around the Imperial City of Alfilc.

Though powerful, it is a delicate position that there is no reason to entertain people who are not universally appreciated, nor is there any reason to scorn them.

"You've annoyed Lord Rio."

"Even so, I'm the type to do my best. Don't thank me."

Count Ernato is talking about the barbarians… Rio cooperated in the uprooting after he complimented the Lou.

I think Leonhardt and the Earl of El Nato were enough, but Rio also cooperated somewhat.

"Don't listen to the noise in the palace since His Majesty's death."

"Oh, your grandfather's ears won't go far when he's old."

I wonder if that rooting is Grandpa's indulgent wisdom.

It wasn't a big battle force, but I guess Count Ernato and Grandpa, who are in pain in the civil war, wanted to keep their anxiety elements picked.

No, he said something he hadn't even heard about the noise in the palace, so Rio narrowed his eyes wondering if he tried to clean up one problem before Gotagota really started.

"I wanted to stay stuck, but if the Empire were to make a scene, I wouldn't mind."

"Well, can Grandpa adjust his time of death?

"If it's about time, it's before breakfast."

When Rio tapped lightly, Ralph stripped his teeth out and laughed.

"And Miss Eryl hasn't come? I don't suppose the third Archena, the fourth Roy, the sixth Nege are here, either?

"Eryl's at Chrono's. I don't know about Archena and Roy, but isn't Nage in the mood?

It doesn't have to be there because they stink, and the moment Rio added in his mind, the crushing sound of the wine glass sounded.

"... you're selling me fights?

"Well, did it look like you've been selling fights to me?

The young man with the red hair upside down...... Roy, head of the Knights of the Fourth Kingsguard, said, the young man with glasses...... Archena, head of the Knights of the Third Kingsguard, gave a smile that could also be taken calmly.

They're both tall, muscular yet skinny.

It's Roy, the head of the Knights of the Fourth Kingsguard, who has a similar physique but bad minutes.

Roy specializes in fighting with spears.

Of course, even bare hands are strong, but if bare hands, Archena is stronger.

I think Rio stinks because if we both see each other, you fight, you make up, you drink, and if we get along, we start beating each other up again.

"We're both having a feast today to deepen our rapport."

You finished advising Brad, Leonhardt breaks in between you two.

On a one-on-one basis, Leonhardt, on a two-on-one basis, arms will rise to Roy and Archena.

"You really like it when you pinch your mouth to each other."

"That's what Lord Leonhardt looks like. I don't know if Nong wants to make a mistake. One more favorite joins us and we'll figure it out."

Another fond and bewitched Earl of El Nato grabbed Roy and Archena's collar and lifted them gently.

"I don't even know what it feels like. I was also bloody young. But do not let the general wave his fist lightly."

When the Earl of El Nato smiles, the boulder Roy and Archena are grown-ups, too, whether they have been detoxified.

Leonhardt silently salutes the Earl of El Nato.

Sounds like a good play, I think.

"Now it feels like the Kingsguard Knights are in full swing."

"Except for Viscount Eryl Sardomerik and Count Nege Hiades. Count Pisce didn't even have one. Maybe we won't be seeing each other again."

"Eryl must be difficult."

Originally, Eryl came from a civilian.

Even if you say you succeeded the governor, the Viscount Sardomerik family has no great fortune in the family line of court scholars.

In the first place, he is more impotent to lead the 11th Kingsguard Knights even though he was never enrolled in a military school.

It was Ramal V who was passing through that impotence, and now that Ramal V has collapsed, it is only a matter of time before the Knights are dismissed.

"... I was found talented and adopted. If that's true, it's a big deal."

A little research will reveal Eryl's qualities, the more brutal that is.

Eryl was welcomed as an adopted daughter.

However, if he was welcomed as an adopted daughter and succeeded the governor, it should also be possible to take over the family.

Why don't you do it?

The answer is simple.

Eryl was sold to her family.

as experimental animals trying new sorcery.

"I was just curious to find out. Addition of artificial attributes to the virtual personality of magic control... terrible story. I can't save you any more because the person who did that is jealous of the talent of the experimental animals and turning down their lives, so I can't even look at them."

Either it was done with an experimental animal or it wasn't, so it couldn't go back to its family, Eryl lost her place to go anyway.

"... the Lord speaks happily of a man's misfortune"

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I guess Ramal V tried to protect Eryl.

It will not be extra prying if it is also the favorite of His Majesty the Emperor.

But...

"What do you really think? Perhaps His Majesty wanted it. Or you admitted it without knowing it."

My imagination won't be out of the picture much, I think Rio.

Everything is taken away and even the eleventh Kingsguard Knights rank, which was earned at that price, is lost in the near future.

All that remains is a worn bag and noble status.

"... is life just being used? You're nauseating."

"I don't think so."

"If it's the way it is, it's over."

If he's at Chrono's, he'll only be able to avoid the worst, but Rio tilts his wine glass.

But it is beyond that that that Rio is interested.

Whether you can accept the good fortune you have sprung up from coming down, deny it and break it, or try to be happy of your own free will, there is no exhaustion of interest.

"But, well, can I pray for you? Please, may that daughter have the protection of the Six Pillars God."

Rio gently raised his wine glass and placed it on the table, emptied.

The silence descends as if it were a signal.

The performance stopped.

After a slight...... apparently deliberate silence, it's a brave investigation to be able to play.

Strong, strong, strong sound to inspire morale.

Alfort, the next emperor, walks with his chest up in it.

Her mother, Farna, the Earl of Pisce, is followed by the Chief of the Imperial Army, the Treasurer, the Chief of the Scriptures and the Chief of the Palace.

But there's no sign of Chancellor Alcor.

Rio was desperate to laugh when he said he was a bad hand near the worst.

I guess it feels to the extent that I've been out of company if I try to be Alfort, but it's like I'm hustled that Prime Minister Alcor and I don't get along well.

Kingsguard knights will naturally try to get other nobles into Alfort as well.

A power struggle awaits after that.

Maybe Ramal V was really a famous man.

Ramal V had suppressed factional protests by delegating full powers to Prime Minister Alcor.

It will be difficult to maintain its current functioning if the administrative machinery becomes subject to outside influences.

Alfort had a convoluted grin as he stood in front of the Kingsguard Knights dragging his luxurious cloak.

"... I am delighted to have met the remaining Kingsguard knights who dedicate their allegiance"

I didn't swear, but Rio went into my heart.

It is only against the Empire that Rio is under oath of allegiance.

I do not intend to swear allegiance to Empress Tilia or Alfort.

"The other day, O, the rest, founded the Thirteenth Kingsguard Knights. I have appointed Marquis Elakis as Commander of the Regiment, although he is in the process of being rehabilitated in the Territory"

I get blurry.

Chrono is a new nobleman.

The title is high, but as a nobleman he is low in character.

The decision is divided between whether Alford takes a heavy use of a capable person regardless of his or her character and a dark man who decides arbitrarily.

"Pi, Count Pisce?

"Ha, my sword, my armor is for Your Highness!

Don't shake it on me! and Count Pisce shouted in such a self-abandoning manner that he could hear his heart like that.

Count Pisce is good at his ability to find weaknesses.

In other words, it means I can accurately measure my abilities.

You could smoke quite a bit of delicious juice if you give it to Alford, but you're certain to be pushed into a troublesome situation.

Count Pisce doesn't think he can handle that nasty situation himself.

Or so I said, I can't even leave Alford.

Because I don't know what I would do if I were judged to have been betrayed.

"O, the rest... I want to make the Empire a great country. Everybody, can you help me?

Though I'm sorry to be so blunt ♪, Rio poked one knee.

It's good to ruin it for Chrono, but I don't like to get caught in a child's eclampsia and die with my men.

Chrono sounds dumber, but he's persuasive, and Rio bites off a laugh.

Build a harbor, earn more, build a school based on it, gang up utilities, improve the status of the subpeople.

Your Highness, Your Highness, and Alfort were surrounded by Kingsguard knights.

I thought you'd be glad to be beaten up by those guys, but Alford looks happy.

"... are you glad you're being so cheated on?

"I hope you don't ask me that question."

Asked by Farna, Rio gently flaunted his shoulder.

"Something's going to stink."

"It doesn't smell like trouble. It smells like trouble."

Farna told me to throw up and throw up the situation as if she didn't think it was preferable.

"He's in good shape, and nobody's embarrassing him."

"Isn't that what mothers do?

"I'm really embarrassed."

Farna said slightly dissatisfied.

"What do you think?

"Though I think we should have gotten along with Chancellor Alcor."

"Right."

Alfort hit the nearest bad hand, but Chancellor Alcor has his hands left.

Bring back the Empress Tilia.

Though it will almost certainly be punished, it is the ideal course for Chancellor Alcor to use his political power to survive and remain influential, while bravely defeating.

"If there's any room, we should try."

"Of course, I'm making that effort. And Count Pisce."

Apparently, Count Pisce is looking to repair Alfort's relationship with Chancellor Alcor.

I know you can't, but Rio decides instantly.

Alfort doesn't look like he's afraid of failure even though he plays all those failures in parenting.

Perhaps the only dead soldier for Alford is a number.

So I don't really feel like I drove over 5,000 generals to death.

I don't even reflect on my failures any more than I don't feel.

"The Marquis Elakis... must resent what has been done to him."

……

Maybe Farna doesn't understand either.

Krono hates the war that ended, the people who used their men's lives for that.

No, and Rio denies it in his heart.

Chrono may be seeing his former self among Chancellor Alcor and Alfort.

That's why Chrono's hatred is harsh.

"I feel like I want to see you sexually."

……

Now it was Farna's turn to shut up.

Not yet, the feast is not going to end.