Kuro no Senki (LN)

Tilia woke up with the sound of kacha.

Open your eyes thinly, and close your eyes with a hundred million hijacks, even though you don't think you should.

I wonder what that sounded like.

After a while I heard the sound of kacha again.

So I realize who the sound is.

It's the sound of the door opening and closing.

I shouldn't. My thoughts are dull, either because I'm awake or because I'm ill.

I don't usually realize I'm aware of it.

I have to talk to the new nobles today.

You could accidentally be swallowed up by unfavourable conditions in this state.

No, I reconsider.

I did not come to the southern border to have territorial clearance or neutrality maintained.

I'm here to get you to fight with me.

Claude said he would not be fighting the Imperial Army.

But that's only for the southern border.

It will be a tough battle for a separate task force.

We must attack the castle and defeat Alfort.

Sacrifice is inevitable.

Any demands are legitimate given that.

It would be good faith to make as many demands as possible.

Thinking about that...

Ma'am, it's morning.

"... oh"

Myra's tender voice struck her in the ear and Tilia woke up.

I should have taken enough sleep, but my body was lazy.

I still don't seem to be feeling well.

Pity, bites his lips off.

"May I open the curtain?

"Oh, and a window, if you can, please"

"Cold winds can hinder you."

"I'm in the mood for fresh air."

"Understood."

Myra humbled herself and opened the curtain.

When I gently opened the window, a cold breeze blew in.

Tilia shuddered herself and took a deep breath.

The back of my nose hurts, but I feel like my consciousness is just a little neat.

"Ma'am, may I?

"Oh, shut me down"

"Understood."

Myra quietly closed the window and placed the table on the bed.

Even so, it's a small table.

It would be for eating on the bed or doing the work.

It's elegant, but carefully crafted.

This table must have been made with great care by the craftsmen.

"This will be the table that Master Elua was using"

"Chrono's, I guess I'll be a mother"

"Yeah, I will"

Myra nodded with a tender look on her face.

Elua Frond was already deceased when Chrono came to this world.

"As soon as the pioneering is over, I'm sick."

"Right."

Tyria could only snort.

What the hell can I say?

"Ma'am, I don't care that much about Master Elua."

"Really?

"Yes, there are places to think of Empress Astrea..."

Myra punctuated the words and placed a plate on the table.

Tilia opened her eyes gently.

There was something like bread on the plate.

It's just a square.

Plus, it's thin.

"What is this?

"It's bread"

"I know that..."

"Boy, this is the bread that Master Chrono taught me to eat."

"Mm, was he still hiding something?"

Tilia moaned and glared at her face.

Too much hiding to be a long relationship.

"I've heard there's square bread in different worlds."

"I see. By the way, how did you make that?

"I baked the bread dough in a metal mould"

"Oh, you mean that. Isn't it a long time before you realize it?

If you ask me, I think so, but if you don't, I won't notice.

That's what knowledge of different worlds is - it seems like a collection of awareness.

"No, it hasn't taken that long. Just..."

"Just?"

"It took me a while to sew between jobs and go as a hobby"

Asking the parrot back, Myra smiled embarrassingly.

"Hmm, hobby?"

"Yes, it's a hobby"

"Okay, let's take it."

Tilia chopped the bread into small pieces and carried it to her mouth.

Gently open your eyes.

"What do you say?

"Delicious"

"There you go."

Myra smiled satisfactorily.

The white part is fine and moist.

On top of that, it's soft.

The outside doesn't smell burnt, although the color is changing.

I even find it fragrant.

Besides, this sweet flavor - great bread.

"I couldn't eat last night's wheat porridge, but I think I could eat this"

"Thank you"

Tilia chopped the bread and carried it to her mouth one by one.

When I finished eating the first one, the cup was offered.

Receive the cup and mouth it with horror.

Then the refreshing taste spread in my mouth.

"... is that a lemon?

"Yes, I draped lemon juice in cold water"

"Yeah, this is easy to drink"

The freshness stands out because of the juice dripping in the cold water.

"Add or subtract and drink"

"Ugh, um, okay"

Tilia gently placed the cup on the table and cheeked the bread.

If the other woman is a general, I'll say it back, but the other person is Myra.

I get really carried away.

Even now, I think I had a problem with the general.

Reminds me unexpectedly of Count Cairon.

At one point, I hated her fur, and I thought she was an enemy of the uncluttered heavens.

Well, otherwise I won't try to fight again and again...

The back of his nose twisted and his vision seeped.

Myra offers a handkerchief.

"Go ahead."

I'm sorry.

"No, it's what makes me tearful when I'm feeling sick"

As Tilia wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said, Myra shook her neck small and sideways.

"But now we're new... we expose the Lords of the South Side to ugliness. Can you prescribe me a pill?

"Sorry, I can't do that"

"Why not?

"Medicines and poisons are all in one place."

Unexpectedly inquiring, Myra said quietly.

"We are only separating what works beneficially for the human body from medicine, what works harmfully from poison. So..."

"Okay. In short, you want to say your body's gonna be burdened, right?

"Exactly."

"I know what you're saying, but we can't fight this."

"That's the thing..."

Myra cut it out as a snack.

"What?"

"Wouldn't you be able to treat me on the southern border?

"I can't do that."

I know I'm sorry, but I say no clearly.

Separate teams will throw themselves into a harsh battle.

Sometimes it would break my heart to be too harsh.

At that time, with Tilia, we might be able to excite ourselves.

Of course, there's no certainty.

But that's what you should do if having Tilia reduces the chances of sacrifice.

Besides, this battle is the seed that I sowed.

I should have talked to Alcor more now if I thought about it.

That way I might have noticed betrayal.

It's only a matter of possibility, but I didn't try to talk.

How arrogant and lazy you were.

What is more, it is also a detour.

So I think we have a duty to fight and see.

"... ok"

Myra told me to exhale.

"Well, I'll give it to your wife."

"Are you sure?

"I'm the only one who can master medicine and endure tough combat."

Medicine is trendy, Myra added, as I recall.

"Are you all right?

"The time has passed for me to fight as well as my husband, but I have a disciple"

"Was it a man named Johnny?

Tilia answered as she held down her temples.

"Were you that strong?

"I call myself the best dagger on the southern border."

"You can't."

"Rest assured. Now he's one of the best daggers in the empire."

"Ho, that's amazing"

Tilia raised her voice unexpectedly.

The world seems narrow and wide with such hand-working smoking on the southern border.

"How did you raise him?

"I let him hold one knife and leave it in the Aleos Mountains. With the bondage that the Lou will come to take it if they capture their prey."

"I didn't raise you."

"No, because I've tapped into the foundation"

"... right"

Perhaps you physically tapped into it.

Tilia dropped her gaze on hand and carried the bread into her mouth in chisels.

"With me and my apprentice, I think you can protect your wife."

"Yeah, but it's..."

"... ma'am"

Myra told me to exhale.

"I don't even know how your wife feels."

"You know what I mean?

"Yeah, to the point where I assume you feel guilty."

Myra said all the time.

"If you feel guilty, you must let your wife survive. I want you to survive and rebuild the empire. That's your wife's duty to cause this civil unrest."

"Grr."

Tilia groaned.

How dare you just step into the delicate part.

But what Myra says is not wrong.

Perhaps he had abandoned himself a little.

Cut bread into large pieces and pour in with water.

"... if you say so"

"What is it?

"I was just talking. I thought you said my mother had something to think of.

"No, I said, 'I know what you think of Empress Astrea.'"

"Fine."

"Because I'm a maid"

I thought that might have nothing to do with it, but I guess that's what Myra would say.

"What's next?

"I think Master Elua was happy"

"Isn't that what Lord Claude thinks? Did Lord Elua, uh, weep at the moment?

"Did you know that much?"

"I'm still Chrono's real wife."

Myra chuckled as Tilia stretched her chest.

"... what's wrong"

"No, nothing"

Myra said in a pale tone.

"From what I've seen, Master Elua seemed happy"

"But..."

"Ma'am"

As Tilia tried to argue, Myra put her index finger up and put it on her lips.

"Master Elua wept, because it was the only untrained"

"Leaving untrained...... still, were you happy?

"Not so many die satisfied"

Myra said in a whispering voice.

He even looks like he's smiling somewhere.

And the untrained are not necessarily unhappy.

"Really?"

"... goodbye is a hard thing"

But Myra goes on.

"So everything never loses its meaning. For example, if the two people you loved split up..."

"Even if it's terrible"

"Even if we split up, there wouldn't have been" no time ”for the two of us to share. There must be vivid memories of happiness, even if the end is miserable and even if there is suffering by then."

Ignoring Tilia's whining, Myra said.

"So I think Elua's life is very full."

……

Tilia couldn't say anything.

I don't know anyone named Elua to say anything.

Yet I felt arrogant in deciding I was unhappy.

Ask another question instead.

"Is that a value as an elf?

"One way or another, I thought it might be a mercenary value."

"Right."

Tilia nodded and cheeked her bread.

"Lord Claude seems different, though?

"Men and women think differently."

"So is that."

Take the cup and drink the water.

Men and women think differently.

If it's the same, my distress is considerably alleviated - no, I might just deepen it extra.

Whatever it is, men and women are hard.

"... Ma'am, it's time for a meeting"

"- Huh!"

Myra's voice was heard and Tilia jumped up.

Shake your head gently.

After the meal, drowsiness struck me and I tried to follow.

No, it's not a level of euphoria.

This time I didn't notice the sound of the door opening.

I was asleep or close to it.

I should have known there was an important discussion, but it was too lax.

I get anxious if I can do my part at this rate.

"I'll be ready soon"

"Please wait"

Myra stopped me when I stepped out of bed and hung my hand on Negrije.

"What?"

"I want you to stay with the lords."

"It's Negrije, right?

Tilia looked down at herself.

Thick, qualitative negligee.

It's not what Chrono prefers, but it must be Negrije.

"If I see you dressed like this, you'll doubt your sanity."

"I am telling you that the Empress Tilia is ill."

"Nah!

Tilia was stunned.

I don't want to expose my weaknesses, but my anger comes in.

"My first name is from an ally to deceive the enemy, but please don't do it all this time. We must build trust as companions."

"... right"

Tilia answered in a few moments.

We're going to fight together.

If I was hiding something, I'd have a bad heart certificate when it was exposed.

If your life is at stake, it's even worse.

What would Chrono do at a time like this?

I'm sure you'll show your weakness and boost your tie.

I think there are many different types of people standing up there.

"Okay. But wouldn't you buy objections dressed like this?

"Rest assured, there are many old types of lords, starting with their husbands"

"What do you mean?

"I was wondering if there would be any imperfect demands on a woman who is ill."

"Is it an ex-mercenary?

"It's been more than thirty years, and humans are getting rounded up."

Asking, thinking she had survived that often, Myra replied with a smile on her face.

"Everyone, the time has come to fight."

……

I have the thought that it would be something like that, but I don't have a hand in not using it if it adds a hand to me because I'm a sick woman.

I don't even wonder what building trust is.

"Whose side are you on?

"I'm on my side"

"I mean, you think you put your interests first?

"Of course it is. Compared to humans, you might be thinking about things in a long span."

Hmm, Tilia nodded.

You mean in the short term you choose to gain even if you lose money in the end?

No, it could be a fabric stone to make you think so.

But I felt I could trust the fact that I put my interests first.

"Okay. Meet the Lords like this. But..."

"If it's a uniform jacket, here it is."

That said, Myra spread her uniform jacket.

"You're ready."

"Because I'm a maid"

"Well, fine. Give me a hand."

"Absolutely."

Tilia borrowed Myra's hand and wore a uniform jacket.

Thanks for the discomfort, but you'll get used to it soon.

"Okay, here you go"

Myra walked out on a sloppy foot and Tilia followed.

Is it also an argument?

I can even hear my voice in the hallway.

―― ――

―― ―― ――

"It's so busy."

"You must be thrilled with old stories"

Myra told him to smile bitterly, stopping in front of the heavily looking door.

"May I?

"Oh, please"

When Myra twisted the door knob, a slight sound of kacha sounded.

The next moment, my voice stopped perfectly.

Nine men and women - eight men and one woman - surrounded the table in that room.

There should have been eight lords on the southern border, but Tilia touched the temple and noticed that there was a big man in white military uniform.

Perhaps he is Gaul, son of Count Ernato.

When Tilia walked into the room, she heard a rattle.

Claude got up.

"Sir, please take your seats"

"But..."

"Because it comes with me"

"... ok"

To Myra's words Claude sat in the chair feeling reluctant.

"Where am I supposed to sit?

"I'll be here"

Guided by Myra, Tilia sat in an empty seat.

Patrol your gaze and check everyone's faces.

"First of all, I want to apologize for the misconduct of participating in the discussion dressed like this. Sorry."

……

Even as Tilia bowed her head, the lords said nothing.

"I'd like to ask you to introduce yourself before we start discussing..."

"I don't have a choice."

Claude scratched my head.

"The white uniform there is Taur's son and Gaul."

……

As Claude pointed his finger, Gaul bowed his head.

"It's the dragon in the black uniform."

"I'm here today in the name of the commander and father of the Southern Frontier Army."

A man in a black military uniform - the dragon bowed his head and Tilia opened her eyes lightly.

Because he was polite in what he said and lowered his head despite the murder minister's owner.

"So, the woman there is Canaan Ekron."

"It's an honor to meet you."

Canaan Eklon drooled his head as he stretched his spine.

Well, I think it was somewhere...

"Master Canaan is Sheila's sister."

"Oh, so what"

Myra struck me in the ear and finally got to the point.

Canaan looks a lot like a general.

Well, except for the chest...

"To your sister..."

"Did my sister do something!

Suddenly, Canaan raised his voice.

"No, I just wanted to say I'm being looked after"

"Really?"

Canaan exhaled in a ho.

Nevertheless, I wonder what kind of life the general lived on the southern border.

"And then there's Baron Ripaios, Baron Kagachi, Baron Beor, Baron Gennow, Baron Levy"

"... Claude"

"It's..."

"Don't be too appropriate"

"Damn, he's as boring as ever."

"Yes, yes, yes, yes."

When Claude properly introduced him, the five - Barons Ripaios, Kagachi, Beor, Gennow and Levy - looked up.

"... rest assured I will support you"

"Please."

Usually I can match my face and my name right away, but now I'm not sure.

"Then I would like to move forward with the discussion. I'm sure the southern border means cooperating with the Imperial Army."

"... Empress Tilia"

The dragon opened its mouth quietly.

"What?"

"We are in agreement with Empress Tilia and hence with the Imperial Army by cooperating. But it's not free."

Tilia put her gaze around.

No one is surprised, including Gaul.

I mean, the behavior you were showing in advance?

I would have liked you to have contacted me anyway.

"Hmm, that makes sense."

"What treatment do we - the Southern Frontier Army - promise to the Dawn, who cooperated and debated the false emperor Alfort?

Southern Frontier Army, and Tilia rolls the word in her mouth.

I would appeal to you that it was in a cooperative relationship that you deliberately used the term Southern Frontier Army.

"Let's promise honorable treatment"

"Is it an honor"

The dragon smiled bitterly.

Tilia wants to laugh, but she can't wait to laugh.

"My father cooperated with your father and was sealed in the land of the southern border. And we're going to pioneer this neighborhood."

"What are you trying to say?

"We and the royal family have a sense of recognition."

Claude and the others look just a little sinister.

Is the current dislike a dragon adder?

Or do you remember that time?

Either way, it hasn't stopped me, so I guess things are going exactly as planned in Ojo.

"I mean, be specific."

"I'm afraid you understand."

"Our aim is to discuss the false emperor Alfort and create a society that is not tied to its origins"

……

Gaul raises his hand quietly, and Claude and the others turn their gazes simultaneously.

"As for that, what exactly is a society that is not tied to its origins?

"We will elect representatives from among the civilian population to set up civic associations and get them involved in national politics. But isn't that what you want to hear?

"Ha."

Gaul nodded with a strange face.

"Those who pledge allegiance to the Empire and perform their duty shall have equal value before the Emperor"

"What if, for example, slaves were those who pledged allegiance to the Empire?

"To explain it, I have to explain the definition of slavery in my empire."

Kohon, and Tilia coughed.

"In my empire, slavery is defined as a state where rights are restricted for reasons such as debt"

Claude and the others turned.

"So when I take the throne, I will carry out a reform of slavery. Keep a record of who owed how much and became a slave. Of course, without a record, the slave contract is null and void."

"So what about interracial?

"Those who pledge allegiance to the Empire and do their duty, even among nations, are equal before the Emperor. Nevertheless, it makes no sense if talking about equality with your mouth does not involve reality. So we will set up the system so that we can work in the army, the court, and the emperor's direct jurisdiction. In the event of exceptional work, the episcopal shall also be carried out. Are you glad this is it?

"Thank you"

Gaul nodded quietly and the dragon opened its mouth.

"Princess Tilia, may I?

"Um, it was about treatment. We were talking about electing a representative from among the civilian population to set up a civic association, but we believe that the Lords deserve a lord because of the nature of the civic association"

"I'm afraid..."

"Allow to speak"

"We have no advantage if it means that nobles with territories can have seats in the House of Lords. I am not convinced by the same treatment as the old nobles"

"That makes sense. What kind of treatment do you want exactly?

"... right"

The dragon showed a bare gesture to contemplate.

"In territory?

"Territory. It is a matter of decision to solemnly honor the nobles who have bestowed upon Alfort..."

"Is there a problem?

"I don't know how much it would cost to rebuild a tilted empire."

"Oh, that's a problem"

I understand, the dragon nodded.

"So what if we do this? Solemn noble possessions shall be in the treasury, and we shall receive the land."

"What about the house layout?

"Right. I'd love to have you there if I could."

"Okay. Let's swallow the terms. Do you mind if we discuss the distribution of the land there?

"Understood."

Tilia turned her gaze around and Claude stood up.

"Okay, that's the end of the discussion. Dismissed, dismissed. The princess is ill."

"Right. Let's break it up."

"Yes, Empress Tilia needs to rest her body."

Dragon and Canaan followed Claude, and other faces nodded that they were.

"You're switching so fast. If this is..."

"We need the facts we negotiated."

"Well, I know that..."

Tilia poked her cheek wand and raised her face hah.

"Gaul! You stay!

"Ha!

As Gaul stretched his spine, Claude slapped him on the shoulder and left the room.

Less than a minute later, there were only Tyria, Myra and Gaul in the room.

"Pull over."

"Ha!

Gaul approached Tilia and poked one knee.

"What can I do for you?

Um, there's one thing I need to ask you.

"If it's something you can answer to me"

"Why, you took part in this revolt. Your house is famous. And the Earl of El Nato doesn't belong to either faction."

"I'm a friend of Chrono's. It's only natural to rush to the plight of your friends."

"Is that all?

"... blessed when I told him I had a child"

When Tyria inquired, Gaul answered with a few moments aside.

"I'm sorry about that."

"My wife is a Lou woman, my name is Lara"

"It's... tough"

Tilia caged her mouth and finally squeezed out that word.

I think all children should be born blessed.

But reality isn't.

Some children are born blessed, others are not.

Even though I have shown my condolences to the Empire, the Lou are still thought to be barbarians.

Not to mention, Gaul is from a famous family.

I know who Taur is, his father.

He would celebrate the birth of his grandson.

But I don't know who the wife is.

I don't know, but I didn't think I blessed Gaul considering he was here.

Joy when you were given a child, despair when you weren't blessed.

Just imagining that is going to crush my chest.

Poop, I heard a noise.

I felt wet at my fingertips when I rushed into my eyes.

There were no tears.

"Shh, sorry."

"Yes, no!

As Tilia wiped her eyes, Gaul shook her head.

"I will bless your children."

"Thank you, thank you"

Gaul drowned his head deeply.

My shoulders were shaking small.

Are you crying?

But you shouldn't be asking.

"I go back to my room. Myra......"

"I understand. I'll keep no one in this room for a while."

"Please."

Tilia stood up quietly.