Maou No Utsuwa

The castle of the Imperial Capital is located close to the College. Long enough to say it's at a straight distance between the eyes and the nose.

However, in an attempt to reach the castle, the vast premises of both the college and the castle will stand in the way and will go a long way.

Even though it is right around the corner, Kamui is new to the castle. Surrounded by deep moats, the castle had vast grounds far above the College.

Cross the sturdy bridge hanging from the moat and dive this again through the rugged castle gate. From there to the actual castle, there seems to be quite a distance.

After a good amount of time, the carriage finally stopped. What I saw right in front of me as I descended was the walls of the heavenly sky. When I was distracted by it, a voice hung from Zenlock.

"No time to relax and watch the castle, this way"

As for the aftermath of Zenlock, ahead of us, there was a small door that was different from what it had been before.

"When you go from the front, there's a lot of trouble with the process. This is the entrance through which only the royal family and Kingsguards can pass."

Upon hearing this explanation, I was worried that it would be okay at such an entrance, but as soon as I went through the door, I found out that it was worrying.

On the side stands the soldiers of the outpost, and beyond, the doors of the thick iron plaid. And beyond that. As I proceeded, I finally went out into the castle-like hallway, checking the identity of several of those doors.

If this isn't a hassle, if you go in from the front, what procedure is waiting for you? With all this in mind, we're going down the hall.

And then he hit the door with a walking post standing on both sides.

"Thank you, this man, Kamui Kreutz. He is the son of the Viscount Kreutz and a friend of Lady Claudia."

I've also heard this dialogue several times. This time, however, the other responded slightly differently.

"I'll keep your weapons here, so get them all out"

From here on out, it is forbidden to carry knives. Kamui, as he was told, gives him the sword he was carrying on his back.

"Anything else?

I'll also give you the dagger I was putting in my pocket.

"... anything else?

Give me all the short knives I had planted on both ankles.

"The guy named you..."

Zenlock looked at Kamui with a smile on his face. I've never heard of a student so cautious.

"There's no more, is there?

"None."

"Now, I'll return it to you on your way home, so please take this bill with you so you don't lose it"

"Yes."

Receive the bill with the number on it, after Zenlock, go in the back of the door.

"Don't get carried away."

Zenlock just bothered to pay attention. At the end of the door, the corridor appears to be widening in all directions, with complicated curves ahead as well. Kamui thought, whether this is also to prevent intruders.

No Zenlock, no Claudia, no way to get lost, I'm walking along. At the beginning, he was Kamui trying so hard to remember the directions, but he got ridiculous along the way and stopped. Because I realized that remembering something like this wouldn't do me any good.

He passed in front of several doors and finally reached the desired room.

"What about Master Sophilia?

Zenlock confirms to the samurai standing in front of the door. All of a sudden, it seemed like he was headed to Princess Sophilia's room.

"What about sweets?

"You remembered, right?

'Cause that's what I promised.

"I'll get it ready later. Say hello to your sister first."

"Okay.... it's a promise, right?

"... I know"

"Look, don't be grumpy. Get in. And Lady Claudia."

Zenlock, who was already inside the door, has encouraged him to come in.

"Yes."

Inside the door, unlike Kamui had imagined, he showed a qualitative standing for the price.

White painted walls and ceilings. The furniture placed everywhere belongs to a calm construction. And in the center of it is placed the same white, covered bed as the wall.

It's covered in white thin silk and doesn't look good inside.

"Hello, sister. How about an addition or a subtraction?

Claudia, who earlier proceeded beside the bed, is greeting the Empress Sophilia, who would be inside.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Also, you brought your friend, didn't you?

"Yes, I'm Kamui from the same class"

"Yes. I have to say hello. Wait a minute."

"Without imposing. If Master Sophilia would like, you can stay put. I will see you first. My name is Kamui Kreutz."

Kamui, who felt signs that Sophilia was going to stand up, took control of it and greeted him. Kamui is not insensitive enough to force someone in the hospital bed to do it.

"... Kamui? Could it be that you are the son of Lord Sophia Honfried?

"Did you know?

"Of course it is. Whatever you say, you're the one who came from my name."

"Really?"

Even so, it is not normal to remember the name of the son, who also went to adopt him. That's not what I'm getting ready for, people's qualities are, like, Deefleet and each other or something. Kamui insists that the Empress Claudia's sister is an unafraid figure.

"Come nearby and show me your face"

After confirming that Zenlock nodded lightly, Kamui proceeded to walk near the bed. From between the open thin silk, I can see Sophilia waking up her upper body.

"I can't see your face there. Need a little closer."

"Yes."

It's next to the bed already. I got up and saw clearly the face of Sophilia pointing this way.

Blue big eyes staring at Kamui.

…………

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sophilia. I'm sorry you're dressed like this."

…………

"Am I weird?

Sophilia shrugs her shoulders as she stands aside, realizing that Kamui is solidifying herself staring at her.

"No, that's not true. I'm just a little surprised."

"Oh, to what?

"It's no big deal. How about adding or subtracting?

"You don't have to worry. It's not a life-threatening illness."

- Kamui. Don't worry, Mother, you'll be fine soon. Because it is not a life-threatening disease.

The sight of my childhood brings me back to my head. That's what I said, the face of my mother who left the world. In Kamui, the figure of Sophilia in front of us now lays over it.

A young self who could do nothing but watch. The remorse stabs Kamui in the chest.

"Kamui-kun?

"Oh, excuse me. Nothing."

"Yes...... I'm sorry. Let me hang out with Crowe."

"No, at the invitation of Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia, there's no reason to refuse."

"Oh? That sounds like you didn't really want to come, huh?

"That's not true."

Many students have been brought here by Claudia. The students appeared to have risen to be invited to the castle, but Kamui's attitude differed slightly from those of the students. Besides, Sophilia found herself confused.

"... yes. Is it the same class as Klau's?

"Yes, it is"

"You're getting along, aren't you?

"... not so much. There are always many students around Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia. There's no room for me to break in."

"... you, after all, are a little different from the people you've been with?

"Come on? I don't know what other people are like."

"... yeah, that's Sophia's son, would you be rude?

Rude would be against other students. The words of Sophilia praising Kamui would deny other students.

Sophilia doesn't have a very good impression on the students Claudia has brought in so far. I was honestly putting that into words.

"No, because my mother is a respected family to me. To be said to be the son of that mother is the highest compliment."

"Speaking of which, I'm sorry to hear about the Honfleet family, huh?

"Nothing."

"But it's your family, isn't it?

"I put it the wrong way earlier. My mother is the only family in the Honfleet family."

I am not a family member except my mother. Kamui, honestly, put this thought to words. I don't like what I think of as Honfleet people.

"Yes...... You don't have many good memories, do you?

"Yeah, I fell down in childhood. Since then, I don't remember being treated like a family. Plus, I'm off the edge when I leave that kindergarten. I have absolutely nothing to do with the Honfleet family."

"Fallen?

"I can't use magic"

"Oh, so you worked harder on the sword?

"... If you can't use magic, your sword can't be very strong either"

As long as magic enhances physical function, the strength of the sword is proportional to good magic.

"So you did your best to study?

"I'm trying, but my grades aren't that good"

"But you're trying, aren't you?

"I intend to."

"So, isn't that good? I think it's hard to make an effort that doesn't come with results. That's what you're doing, so be proud of it."

"... right. Let me do that."

The Imperial family, Kamui thought, was something like this, but immediately denied it. Because Claudia, the same royal family, can't feel this kind of care.

"You were adopted by the Viscount Kreutz family, weren't you?

"Yes, I was picked up when I was in the orphanage."

"An orphanage?

"I was only nine when I left Honfleet. There's no way to live. I was raised in an orphanage."

"Yes. Wasn't the orphanage life hard?

"Because the bishop is a stern and gentle man. He's one of the people I respect. But by then, I was just pissed off, and I was always complaining."

"Oh, yeah. That was a mess, wasn't it?

"I felt somewhat free. So I lived on my own. I think you've annoyed the bishop a lot."

"Freedom…. I'm so proud of you."

Sophilia reacted to the word Kamui freedom.

"Freedom is an orphanage, isn't it?

Kamui doesn't know why.

"Still. Well, it's nothing. There's no freedom in life, but there's no freedom. Children in orphanages are not free to live, but they are free"

Sophilia's responsibilities as a royal family make her feel unfettered at times. I don't know what that responsibility is, Kamui, but I do know that Sophilia is mistaken for the life of an orphan.

"... only while in an orphanage. Step out and you'll have a hard life without freedom."

"Right. That was a slightly reckless remark. What is life like since you left?

"That's hard to say"

"Tell me. I have no idea."

"Many of the girls are water merchants, few become prostitutes. Men are much smaller and often dyed of crime."

In the words of Kamui, Empress Sophilia gave a stiff face. I imagined living in poverty, but I didn't think it was going to be this far.

"... sorry"

"Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia is not to be apologized for."

"No, as a member of the royal family, I am responsible. And I have to apologize for not doing anything for you."

"Dear Sofia, the Empire regularly imposes on orphans. I don't think I feel so responsible."

"Zenlock, the application will not solve anything. That means you're looking down at them. What the Empire has to do is give them the way they deserve to live."

"I'm sorry. I said shallow."

Even with his apology in his mouth, Zenlock's face is proud. I presume you are pleased with what Princess Sophilia has said.

"Even so, I haven't done anything. You're not in a position to say great, are you?

Empress Sophilia also returned the latitude to Kamui and spoke to herself in mockery.

"I appreciate how you feel about that,"

"You don't look grateful."

"When it takes shape, let me express my sincere gratitude"

"If it's just the tip of your mouth, you can say anything, right?

"Please refrain from responding."

I mean, Sophilia's right.

"That's the same answer. That's funny. I wish Klau had brought me here sooner."

A grudging glance, Sophilia sent to Claudia.

"I'm sorry."

"Just kidding. Now, can you tell me what you're wearing in those teeth? What are Kraw's drawbacks?

"Sister!?

"Also listen to the right harsh opinions. The people you've brought with you will not be good if you only hang out with such people."

"... Yes"

Claudia, who was very pleased with the snack, gets a little depressed.

"I appreciate what you're doing for me. But Kraw needs to think about himself, too, right?

"Yes!"

It was Claudia who quickly regained her energy in following Sophilia.

"Come on, Kamui-kun, now you don't have to be shy."

"But..."

Claudia is royal. Arranging its shortcomings is not usually acceptable.

"It's for Crowe. I'll forgive you."

Sophilia asks Kamui, hesitant, to speak. So far, it would be rude to refuse. Kamui decided to believe the word forgiveness.

"... that you have a narrow field of view, that you don't have eyes to see people. Are these two for the most part?

"Really, don't hesitate."

"Excuse me."

"No, that's what I asked you to do, you don't have to apologize. What do you mean your horizons are narrow?

"... I haven't seen you around. Especially how you're seen from around you."

"Be more specific"

"What did Master Claudia come to the college for, hiding her identity? Probably to fight a leading nobleman? But when we confront each other, it's years away. From now on, you don't need to reveal that will. Instead of needing it, it's only harmful."

The leading aristocrats, if they know the malice against themselves, will always strike a means of confrontation. That could make the situation worse than it is now.

"... right"

"And these are the students I'm trying to side with. Excuse me for saying this, but they are the ones who were not dealt with by that leading nobleman. There may be antagonism, but there is no power to counter it. Even with that antagonism, wouldn't it be easy to shake it if you were whispered sweet words from there?

It should be extremely partial, such as those who, on their own, have the temper to turn back the power relationship between the royal family and the aristocracy. Many must go back to sleep if they think they will be invited by a leading nobleman and bestowed on their bounty.

"... So what do you think we should do?

"Yes, what Claudia should look for are those who will never be associated with a leading nobleman. And those who have the strength."

"Is there someone like that?

"There are also many things in strength. Even if we don't have the strength now, if we have royal backgrounds, there may be those who will show strength."

"Having a background is the strength..."

Sophilia has no idea what Kamui is talking about.

"Such people want that background, too. If we work together, we can work together, right?

"How do you find it?

"It's about showing strength. That you have the power to support your surroundings, not the power to support them. In that respect, it's the opposite of what Lady Claudia is doing."

"Oh?"

"Now look at the students around you, Claudia, what do those people think? I never think I can count on you. On the contrary, it is not perceived as capable of countering a leading aristocrat."

"... yes"

To Kamui's explanation, Sophilia showed how depressed she was. I can see in this reaction that Sophilia also has the idea of regaining the power of the royal family.

"However, there are many things to be sympathetic to like Claudia"

"What could that be?

"They're too bad in the first place. Our classmates are called the Golden Generation by their teachers. Do you know why?

"I don't know."

"Dear Hildegand of the Oriental House, Dear Deefleet of the Western House, Oscar, son of the Knights of the Empire, and the Lady of the Commander of the Imperial Mages, Marie. Because there are four of them."

"... I didn't know that"

"And not only the title, but all four have the strength they deserve to be called gold. I was wondering if it's tough inside to fight this."

"That's outrageous. Yeah, Deefreet was in the same grade, wasn't he? And Hildegand."

"Yes."

I dare you, only these two reaffirm by name. Uncle Fang's house is not the only reason, and Kamui can tell.

"Most of the students are surrounded by those four, right?

"Later, Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia"

"... isn't there anything else?

"There are people who don't belong anywhere."

"For example, you."

"No, I'm a Marie. Marie, the Magic Society, is part of the chairman's research group."

I'm not lying. Apparently, this is certainly the way it is.

"You're beneath people? I can't believe it."

"He is the son of a small nobleman on the border."

"... I've never met Marie. But I'm surprised you're the daughter of the Warlock Commander and you're aggressive in factional feuds like that. And what about the other factionless?

"Of course I am."

"Who's going to be able to wrap that up?

"Come on?"

"... it's Mr. Kamui"

Where Kamui fell in love, Claudia pinched her mouth.

"Oh, I wonder what that means?

Sophilia's face breaks when she hears that. Kamui on the other hand has a bitter face.

"I have something called a Kamui class. Mr. Kamui was named for teaching the sword, but many of the people who are said to be factionless are students in that classroom."

"Oh. Instead of factionless, you had another faction, didn't you?

Sophilia, who heard Claudia explain, looks really fun.

"I'm just giving you some advice"

"No sword, no magic for you? Isn't that strange?

Kamui's suspicion has somehow been felt by Sophilia as well. I wonder if Kamui has more power than I feel in conversation.

"I'm a theorist. You can call it a theoretical fall."

"Really?

"I don't know that. But I know what started the classroom was an exercise accommodation."

Claudia, who was questioned by Sophilia, also conveys important information. Originally, I brought Kamui to Sophilia because I wanted to pass on this information.

"That accident?

"Mr. Kamui was left in the camp, but only his students fled from it. At that time, the students were treating Mr. Kamui as their commander."

I mean, with strength, they recognized you, didn't they? That's what you do. Show me the power to support you around. "

"No sword and magic. I could only command."

"As you say, many students have accompanied the son of a small aristocrat. Wouldn't that be more awesome than the four of you just now, wrapping around with the power of your title? I see. There was another gold here."

…………

Sophilia doesn't listen to Kamui's excuses properly. I'm the type of person who doesn't like Kamui.

"What are you trying to do with all those people together?

"Nothing. Make friends at school. That's all."

The bitter look I was showing, now, has disappeared beautifully. It therefore makes Sophilia feel the words of Kamui whitewashed.

"... Klau"

"Yes?"

"Why don't you give Kamui some tea?

"Ah, yes."

"Get ready, Klau, please."

"Yes......"

Somehow it doesn't fall to my heart. With that feeling in mind, as I was told, Claudia left the room. This feeling is right. Sophilia's intent is to get Claudia out of this place.

Where Claudia left the room, Sophilia once again turned to Kamui.

"I won't ask you what you're trying to do. But what do you want me to hear?

"The first step is for the people to live in peace."

"Residents...... Viscount Kreutz territory, that's for sure, isn't it, Nort Ende?

"Yes."

"What's a resident?

Dare I say that Sophilia knows where Northende is.

"The people are the people. If you live in a territory and pay taxes, you're a territory."

"Right. Exactly. But it's the Empire's job, isn't it?

"You expect me to expect that from the Empire?

"Did you get a little serious?

Kamui's words are a criticism of the Empire. To Kamui, who spoke of this, and vice versa, Sophilia is, whoops.

"No, I'm going to ask you a normal question. Given the current periphery, it's not weird to ask these questions, is it?

"That bad?

"Isn't that what Counselor Zenlock asked me first? I was wondering if you knew to some extent if you were a former Knights of Kingsguard."

Kamui spoke to Zenlock. Because I thought it would be more authentic for Zenlock to speak than for himself, who is a party.

"Zenlock?"

"It's..."

"Zenlock. Are you just a sweet word whisperer, too?

To the hesitant Zenlock, Sophilia turned her harsh gaze. Kamui is a little impressed that there is such a side to it.

"… the Empire does not treat the inhabitants of the border as nationals of the Empire"

"How could you do that?

"The repeated rebellions won't make the Empire trust the border."

"Even the inhabitants of the Imperial Capital will rebel if they also have trouble eating today"

Kamui overlaps the explanation for Zenlock's remarks.

"Kamui!"

"It's true."

Zenlock, who exasperated at it, but Kamui calmly returns the word. These two attitudes made Sophilia see which one was telling the truth.

"... Really?

"The Empire is overlapping exploitation from the border. Indeed, it is not that there are no frontier areas where we have had a rebellion in our dreams of returning to our country. But many are rebellions unleashed without withstanding the treatment of the Empire."

"... Zenlock"

"Fact, sir."

In the wake of Sophilia's harsh gaze, Zenlock admitted that Kamui's words were true.

"Why is His Majesty abandoned? What about your father?"

"The nobility is too powerful."

"It's a lie"

Also, soon Kamui denies Zenlock's words.

"You!"

"Zenlock!!

Before Kamui could say it back, Sophilia scolded Zenlock.

"... sorry"

"The power of nobility is a lie. Exploitation from the border is carried out by officials of the Empire. It's also noble when it comes to nobility, but it's strange to end it with nobility doing more than being an official."

Where Zenlock grew up, Kamui gave an explanation of the situation.

"Right. Does your father know that?

"I don't know that. But I don't think we're getting all the reports."

Kamui lightly follows the Crown Prince. Because there is nothing good about denying the Crown Prince, the father of Sophilia.

"I hope so. What do you think?

"You're right about Kamui. It is difficult for His Majesty or Highness to keep abreast of each and every territory. Besides, we don't have any officials to report any inconvenience to us."

Zenlock also affirms Kamui's words. There is no alternative to affirmation in this matter, Zenlock.

"No one pointed that out, did they?

"It's lamentable, but there are many officials who are committing misconduct."

"You can't even sweep it away, can you?

"If we do that, national politics will cease to stand"

The more fraudulent officials there are to influence national politics, Zenlock says. This is not supposed to be an excuse. The politics carried out by all those rogue officials can't be good stuff.

"For that reason, it's good to leave you alone..."

"Your Highness is about to be done with it. It may take a while, but it should improve slightly."

"Will it end in a generation?

Kamui disputes Zenlock's words again.

"What are you trying to say?

"I have heard a few rumors that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is about to change his government. But that's just the beginning. Plus, the rebellion will be stronger. I don't think it's gonna be easy."

"That's true, but it's better than nothing, isn't it?

"What I'm saying is, who's going to succeed it? It's a terrible thing, but what His Royal Highness could do would be to create a basement. I believe that the next generation will be responsible for the real reform."

"... Kamui, your Lord is"

I know so far, and Kamui is trying to get Sophilia to talk. The intention finally felt a little Zenlock as well.

"Let's be honest. I didn't expect anything from the Empire. The border is the power of the border, and I thought we had to change our treatment."

"It!?

"As you can see, in some cases, even against the Empire."

"You mean rebel!?

No matter how much a student says, Zenlock can't be overheard.

However, Kamui's reaction to Zenlock shows a frightening appearance.

"Even now, if you're going to, I'm not going to talk about this"

"... what do you mean?

Seeing how Kamui was, Zenlock, too, quickly regained his composure.

"I changed my mind. Get to know the same generation of people in college. In our time, this expectation has arisen that the Empire will change. The Golden Generation is not Dade."

"... but there's no royalty there, is there?

Sophilia has quickly guessed what Kamui really wants to say.

"That's right. You know what that means, don't you?

"The Weilburg family loses the real power of the Empire"

"That's just great. I didn't think I could say the answer to that."

Even the royal family, Sophilia is one princess. Excessive, disturbing statements can be disrespectful.

"Do you think that's acceptable!?

Zenlock, who can't blame Sophilia, has complained to Kamui.

"So if the Empire is going to make the people's lives better, there's no choice?

"You!"

"If you don't like that..."

"The royal family also wants to show their readiness for the power that the rulers of the Empire deserve."

The following words were spinned by Sophilia.

"Yes, to Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia, do you intend to do so? It was said to His Royal Highness the Upper Prince that you both had problems. If that's true, you can't expect it from that person. Instead, given the order of succession, you should be Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia"

You want me to fight for inheritance? You want me to fight with my brother?

"Nothing. I just asked what you were going to do. But Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia is going to do it, isn't she?

"Right."

Claudia's real purpose is not to create a force against a leading nobleman, but to make that force Sophilia's power. I believe that power will lead Sophilia to the throne of the Crown Prince.

"But in the present state, Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia won't win no matter how hard she tries"

"In Crowe, you're short on strength, aren't you?

"No, because Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia doesn't really care about that. Just be told around you, but somehow, you're in that position. Excuse me, but it looks like it to me."

…………

The reason you can't win is you. This allegation by Kamui surprised Sophilia.

"I don't know what's going on in the palace. There is no reason to know who is right for the next Crown Prince. So I ask you. Can the royal family turn the next generation into something good?

"It's..."

Sophilia could not answer Kamui's question immediately.

"I have reviewed Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia for a moment."

"What?"

Unexpectedly, Kamui has come up with Claudia's name.

"There are many awkward places. As it is, it will also be unlikely to work. But at least Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia, has taken action. Perhaps only one of the next royal family, trying to change something"

"... right. Kamui is right."

Compared to that, I am. Words Kamui did not speak, pierce Sophilia's chest.

"It's a long story. Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia will be tired, so it's time for me to excuse you."

"Me."

I heard Princess Sophilia whining on Kamui's back trying to leave the scene.

"Yes."

"If I decide to stand up, will you help me?

"Put everything on this body"

"Well, I am"

I just wanted to say, I can't promise you that.

"Yes?"

Kamui refuses Sophilia's wish by simply burning it. To my exact reply, Sophilia is taken aback.

"What I want is not for me alone. At least you can't speak clearly unless the people you're with now acknowledge it."

"Oh, yeah. But how do I get them to admit it?

"Please meet me and talk to me. Again and again, I'm sorry, but compared to Her Royal Highness Princess Claudia, they have far more eyes on people."

"When will I see you?

"This one is anytime. I'm just a former orphan civilian. Can you go up to the castle? I can't believe I saw you with Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia."

"If you say you can't do it here, is that it? No problem, I'll meet them there. No, let me see you."

Borderline lord's attitude toward his unruly son is also unusual.

Naturally, that appears to be the preferred one for Kamui. At first sight, favoring so far is rarely the case for Kamui.

I know why. Because she is the Sophilia Empress with her mother's face. Even though I knew it, Kamui had to take action that wasn't even her own.