Maou No Utsuwa

Border territory of the eastern part of the Empire. The plain stretches out in front of you with colorful military flags. Seeing the sight, a knight who had solidified himself in a splendid armored helmet walked around without concealing his displeasure. It's General Falco Knoll of the Imperial Knights.

"It's late!"

"General, please calm down. We're already in formation, so we should be here soon."

"I know that. But why do we have to wait?

"Because it is His Majesty's command."

"This battle is easy without the armies of the Border Lords. It's just a waste of time waiting all the way out there to start a war."

"So, it's"

"I know!

Rebellion on the eastern border. General Knoll, who has come forward to suppress it, received a message from the Imperial Capital there. The Viscounts of Kreutz want to wait until they join us.

Naturally, that is the result of Princess Sophilia turning her hand.

As General Knoll, I am not convinced. Three thousand rebels. My own army is 10,000. It's a battle you can't possibly lose.

Moreover, the army of the Viscount Kreutz Army, which appeared late, is about three hundred, no matter what you think. It is not the number that determines the state of war.

"Oh, here we are."

From the direction the deputy pointed, two figures were walking in.

"Is that it? Silver hair fits, but it doesn't look small."

"Wasn't there a mistake in the information? Anyway, let's start the military debate right away."

"Oh, right. It's the kind of battle that doesn't even require a military council. Let's get started and get this over with."

"Ha."

When Kamui arrived, the Imperial Army military debate began. The contents are not the most likely to be military discussions. With the exception of the Viscount Kreutz, the army is only in a position to finish the formation and wait for the opening of the war.

"Finally, all armies are in place. The enemy is a third of this one. I'll kick your ass at once."

"" "Ha" "

"Proceed to envelop them from both wings. Siege your enemies and destroy them all at once!

"" "Ha" "

"Then, the battle begins."

"Um?"

"... what?

General Knoll looks grumpy when Kamui waters down the order to go out.

"What should I do with home? We have not been instructed on the position of the formation."

"Now I can't start over with the lineup. Stay where you are and fight where you are."

"Understood."

"Hmm?"

The light Kamui's acceptance made General Knorr more confused. If you don't have the will to fight, I don't know why you've been in the war.

"It's an order now, isn't it?

"Oh, yeah,"

"Then we will return immediately to our own formation. Excuse me."

This is all Kamui left the main unit with the alto he brought.

"... what the hell is that thing doing here?

"Well, isn't it good? The general wasn't even needed from the beginning."

"Is that true, too? All right, then let's go!

"" "Ooh!!

The battle began to be the first line for Kamui.

◇ ◇ ◇

A moment has passed since the beginning of the war.

As usual, General Knorr was wandering around the main unit without hiding his frustration.

"Why!? How could this happen!?

The war situation is one after another. This sounds good, but the truth is that we are struggling with a third of the army. Earlier in the war, the Imperial Army, specifically the Borderland Coalition led by General Knoll of the Imperial Knights, left wing of, was screwed in the nostrils and plunged into havoc by a massive magic attack by the rebels.

The siege operation of the Imperial Army collapsed due to the disturbance of one wing, and the further concentration of attacks by the rebels on the disturbed left wing disrupted the overall control of the Imperial Army.

When the center stops to support the left wing, the attack is now concentrated on the right wing at the perfect time, as if waiting for it.

The Imperial Army is a mixed army of several peripheral territories. Besides, he's attacking the same border territory, so he lacks the will to fight. I couldn't get my first disturbance back inside.

"I didn't know you had all those magic troops on the border."

"I didn't hear that information! What's going on!?

It is only natural that General Knoll should be irritated in this matter. Troop analysis of peripheral territories with frequent insurgencies should be fine-tuned.

"Anyway, it's about regaining control of the entire army."

"How?

"Why don't you let the Viscount Kreutz leadership, which is a guerrilla army, poke the enemy's side?

"Hmm. That's not bad. All right, give me the order immediately... Hey!? Where did the Viscount Kreutz Leaders go?!?

As he could not see the military flag where it should have been in formation, General Knorr panicked and yelled at the deputy next door.

"What... Oh, ha!? It's the front! There's a Viscount Kreutz flag in the front enemy formation!

"Hey, what?!?

Enemy formations standing on small high hills. Indeed there, there stood a silver cross flag on the black ground.

The Imperial Headquarters wasn't the only one who noticed this. With all the armies knowing the fall of the rebel lord army's main force, the war situation leans towards the Imperial Army at once.

Rebel Lords Army retreating. Imperial army after it. Most pursuits are not so impetuous.

The Imperial Army's frontier army is out of hand.

This is also responsible for the frequent insurgency on the border. Lost in battle, many peripheral territories do not greatly damage their military capabilities. And when the time comes, there will be another revolt.

If the lord is killed, those children. If the clan had been slain, he who was under his ministry. That's how the border territories continue to defy the Empire.

Regardless of the outcome of the pursuit, the suppression of the rebellion marked the end.

"It's the body of a rebel lord. Please confirm."

In the main battalion after the battle, confirmation of the battle merit had taken place. It was Kamui who was called first. You took the rebel general for granted.

"Hmm..."

Turn the cloth that was on the body and check his face. In fact, there is no need for General Knoll to verify his identity, which has already been done by those who know his face.

What we are doing on this occasion is only formal.

"Definitely."

"Really? That's good."

"... but why did you enter the main unit without an order?

General Knoll is not in a good mood, feeling like he's been captured by the war effort.

"Without order? No, I had orders."

"No, it can't be that"

General Knoll denies Kamui's words because he thinks he's trying to delude himself into violating orders.

"Isn't it good enough, General?

"What?

"The war is over, so you don't need to imitate your allies."

"Huh? What are you going to say?

General Knoll has no idea what Kamui is trying to say.

"I don't like it. Bad rides pass. Pretend to glue the battle and ambush the main battalion at our house, which was a parade in the meantime. The general's strategy has been brilliant."

"Non's measures..."

Even with this explanation, I had no idea of General Knoll. That's right. Because this is a Kamui story.

"Just a little easier to understand next time, please. To deceive an enemy, start with an ally. I can see that, but I didn't realize what the general was up to."

"That's..."

"No, I learned. After tripling the number, further measures are taken to ensure victory. I'm going to learn more about tactics by apprenticing the general, too."

"Oh, yeah."

When you can lift it like this, it's hard to deny it anymore.

"I am grateful to the general, and to those around me, who gave me the best in battle, which is my first line. I hope you will continue to give me guidance."

"Oh, oh. Right."

General Knoll will say yes when he is lifted further. Without realizing that insignificant Kamui told you that his fighting skills are the best.

"I will also tell Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia properly about this case"

"To Her Royal Highness?

"Yes. I need to tell you that I've been given the kung fu. Oh, of course, I'll be sure to tell you that's thanks to all of you, starting with the general, so don't worry."

"Right."

General Knoll has now forged a report on the state of the war and is no longer in a position to defray his combat efforts. Apart from whether General Knoll will do it or not, only the General and his side can be present at the report in the Imperial Capital. I've never been over to keep it in tow.

"Well, I'm in the middle of confirming the war, can you forgive me for paying the formation?

"Hmm, why?

"Actually, the next battlefield is waiting. I want to give my soldiers some rest and prepare for the next battle."

"What? That's tough."

"I try to think that's all they expect."

Expectations are expected. Now the expectations are limited to some of the extreme.

"Right. Those who support the next empire's martial arts. That's what they say."

"I'm in trouble, to be honest. I just want to be a samurai who deserves to be called that now, even in fiction, one day, like a general"

"Right. I hope so."

"Thank you. Mind if I pay the line?

"Oh, I don't mind. Hurry back to your territory and prepare for the next one."

"Thank you. We also look forward to the day when we can fight under the General."

"Oh."

After being in the mood of General Knorr fully, Kamui returned to his formation. My own army is already ready to leave. Across the horses, Kamui makes the decree.

"Pull it up!

"" "Oh!!!

Led by Kamui, the troops begin to move simultaneously.

"Alexis, how long are you gonna be crying"

It was a former college classmate and son of this rebel lord who was making his horse run in tears just behind Kamui.

"Totally. If it's enough to cry, why won't you put up with it?

"I'm sorry. I couldn't stop your father no matter how. With your help, it was Ada who trained the army."

"... sorry about your father"

It was Kamui who took the father.

"Don't apologize. I know you tried to end the battle with one of your father's lives."

"That being said, your sister seems to resent me, doesn't she?

My sister rides in front of Alexis. The sister did not wander, but stared at Kamui with her big green eyes even wider.

"Lucia, don't resent Kamui"

"This man is your father's enemy!

"No, Kamui wanted to save our lives and those of our knights and soldiers, so he couldn't help it."

"But I killed your father!

"Lucia!"

"Alexis, don't say you can't. I cut my father in front of her. I can't tell you not to resent that."

"Isn't that what your father was convinced of? Lucia must have heard it too."

"It's no different than killing him."

Entering the main force, Kamui preached to Alexis' father that no matter how he scratched his feet, the battle was a loss, and if so, that he would choose to die himself in order to make less sacrifices.

On top of that, Alexis' father didn't want to hurt himself, he wanted Kamui to take care of him.

"Even so, it's also Kamui who helped us. We have to figure that out. Lucia, why do you think your father brought you to the battlefield? My father didn't think he could win inside either. So he said we could do the last time together."

"Alexis, you don't have to talk about that. Was it Lucia?

"Don't call your name familiar!

"Oh, I'm sorry. If resentment builds the power to live, resent as much. And if you want to be adversarial, good luck and be strong. Enough to protect my brother and his men, all those who want to protect me."

"Oh, yeah."

Lucia got a little confused by Kamui, who has told her this with a serious look. And I look down, not withstanding Kamui's gaze at me.

"Is that it? Are you crying?

"No."

"Right...... Well, come on."

With words of encouragement in his mouth, Kamui stretches his upper body from the top of his horse and begins Lucia's head.

"Hey, get used to it, head, don't touch it"

"Oh, I'm sorry. She's cute."

"Or cute..."

Soon the clouds had changed.

Don't be afraid, Kamui. Lutz is whining behind him, but that's not audible around him as he runs his horse.

"Uh, Kamui. I don't resent your father, but I won't forgive you if you molest my sister."

"Shut up. Pretty, you just stroked your head, didn't you?

"Also, she's cute..."

"Kamui!"

◇ ◇ ◇

Meeting rooms in the Imperial City. There are lots of Sophilian imperial faces there.

"What is First Class War Kung Fu in First Platoon? It's what you do."

Zenlock, an advisor to the Kingsguard Knights, shrugged as he held a copy of the rebel crackdown's war status report in his hand. It's been a long time since Zenlock has joined us.

"Kamui lived up to his expectations beautifully. Kamui's kung fu ratings are jumping again on this one. The people of the Empire seem to be thriving on this topic."

The symbol of a new imperial martial arts - more than two years after the battle against swordsmanship against the kingdom, and completely less climbing into a man's mouth, this word is also exuberant among the people.

"But this time the rebels seemed to be inside. Our army seems to have struggled quite a bit with only a third of its strength."

"Looks like you had a powerful magician unit."

"It looks like we haven't been able to take over that. This is a problem."

"It looks like many of the knights and soldiers who took part in the rebellion have gone missing. Trouble."

"There may be another revolt somewhere."

"Right."

This is a useless worry. Many of them are now in Northende following Alexis.

Kamui has not informed Empress Sophilia of this fact. This is the result of the priority given to keeping Alexis hidden.

"Where is Kamui now?

"We must be on the way to cracking down on the rebellion in the north."

"Is it north this time? The border won't heal."

"Don't say that like a little other HR"

"Oh, I did"

A well-known advisor, for a retired state of Zenlock as a soldier, the border revolt should have something close to it, even if other personnel are overstating it. But Princess Sophilia was embarrassed, and Zenlock accepted it.

"Can you report the border?

Zenlock doesn't have to be a soldier, he's involved in a different position.

"I understand. Now, here's the status of the negotiations with the border."

"Wait a minute!

Zenlock just tried to talk it out, and Deefleet took control of it aloud.

"What's up?

"What do you mean by negotiating with the border?

"Didn't you let him know?

Zenlock turned his gaze to Empress Sophilia.

"Thought I'd surprise you when Zenlock gets back."

"... would be good. I'll talk to you first."

Knowing that Empress Sophilia was also aware of it, Deefreet once decided to rule her feelings as well. Of course, if you listen to me, your feelings will soon be high again. I just sent it forward.

"You should talk to me from the start. Non left the Imperial Capital to go around the border. To talk to the border lord."

"… continue"

Totally no longer does Deefleet hide his grumpy appearance. He keeps his back in the chair, arms around him and listens. Wrinkles remain between the eyebrows.

"Oh. I mean, Sophilia thinks about the border, and she always wants to improve that treatment in the future."

"So?"

"So he wants you to support Master Sophilia..."

Zenlock doesn't know why you're upsetting Deefleet. I don't know, but I can't help but feel uneasy when I can show my attitude so far.

"I see. So what did the Border Lords say?

"Ooh. That's what so many lords have promised their support. Not everything could have been turned around, but the border was already solidified with Sophilia-like support."

"Really? That's good. Well done, Zenlock."

"No, Noon just talked."

Upon hearing Zenlock's report, there is a full grin on Princess Sophilia's face. Deefleet, on the other hand, remains a sinister look.

"Can you tell me why you did that?

"Let me tell you about it."

This is what I've been saying, and increasingly, the look on Deefleet's face is distorted when I find out it's Cainel Stafford around Empress Claudia.

"Is that your idea?

"Well, maybe you could say that"

"Right. So, can you talk to me?

"Yeah. Gather support for the border area. I think it's a great idea, but I had one concern."

…………

"That concern is in terms of whether that support is really for Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia. I was wondering if some might be looking for interest and pretending to be gathering support."

…………

Don't wear it, Kainel cuts the words, but Deefleet doesn't react to it at all.

"Um, are you listening?

"I'm listening. Keep going."

"Yes. It is my view that keeping that and the periphery together alone would adversely affect the later reign of Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia. There is a possibility that every time there is a border, you will make an impossible request to taste this case.... Um?

"Go on."

"Yes...... So I thought we should change shape to the connection between individual border territories and Her Royal Highness the Sophilia, not the connection between the border groups and Her Royal Highness the Sophilia. By doing so, Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia's power relations with the border territory will obviously be elevated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia"

…………

While the more Cainel explains, the tougher Deefleet's expression gets.

"Um?"

"Go on."

"No, it's over"

"Yes, that's why Lord Zenlock went to negotiate with individual border lords, isn't it?

"Yes."

"I didn't ask you. I asked Lord Zenlock."

Deefleet seldom shows it, the first time those on this scene have seen it, a cold, harsh gaze pierces Cainel.

"Hey Dee. What are you so angry about? I'm sorry I kept my mouth shut. But as a result, the negotiation went well, and it wasn't a success."

"Successful negotiations?

Deefleet's attitude remains unchanged towards Princess Sophilia. Anxiety spread all at once on the chest of Princess Sophilia.

"... because many of the borderline lords promised my support"

"Lord Zenlock. What were you asked for at that price?

"No, nothing. Yeah, there was someone in there who wanted a position in the center."

"How much of the whole thing is that?

"Just a few. Border lords are less greedy, aren't they? Or is it still a big improvement in treatment?

Zenlock doesn't know what Deefleet's question means.

"What exactly has it promised to improve treatment?

"No, the specifics are after asking for a variety of opinions. It's the first negotiation."

"So the borderline lords promised to make important choices about their future without specific terms and conditions negotiations, right?

"It is...... I mean, are you trying to tell me that the promise is a lie?

If you say this so persistently, I know what Zenlock is trying to say about Deefleet, too.

"I'm not saying it's a lie. There may be those who protect them, and there may be those who change their minds. That was Kainel, wasn't it? You are a trick inside. [M] I think it's a brilliant idea."

"No, that"

Even if praised, Kainel is just confused. Deefleet's words only sound disgusting to anyone's ears.

"But if you can, I want you to use that head not to think about measures of internal division, but to think about measures to discredit the enemy."

"Hey, what does that mean?!

Princess Sophilia rushed up to a speech she would not listen to.

"Here's the purpose of his measures briefly. Negotiate individually against the contouring peripheral territory to deter it. On top of that, each condition smells different, causing suspicious ghosts between the border areas. If the border area loses its power, the power of the central aristocratic forces will increase relative"

"That's..."

This merely replaced what Kamui had previously said would happen between the nobles with peripheral territory.

"Wow, I'm not thinking about that. Just thought it was for Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia."

In a trembling voice, Kainel comes to deny Deefleet and speculation. If Deefleet's opinion passes, I'll be a traitor. I can't keep quiet.

"Whether that's true or what I said is true, it doesn't change the outcome. Now the situation is five minutes. Now, the question is, how do you keep it in five minutes?"

"Dee?"

Deefreet's words indicate that things have gotten worse. It's not just a matter for Princess Sophilia.

"You should think it's already in Kamui's ear. It would seem like an excuse, but is it better than nothing? Well, you should tell the border lord through Kamui. Well..."

Ignoring Princess Sophilia's inquiry, Deefreet is whining about something.

"Hey, Dee. Explain it properly."

"Could you keep your mouth shut for a second? I'm in the middle of putting my thoughts together right now."

"... Yep"

I've never been directed like this by Deefleet. Princess Sophilia is depressed.

"It's just that, does that make me suspicious of this one's relationship with Kamui? Would you like me to enclose this letter too? You feel safer when you make it feel like you're out lousy. You need a bad guy. This..., you have no choice. Is this the place now?

"Uh... did it come together?

"Yes. Lord Zenlock. Have a list of the border lords you visited. And Lord Zenlock ran a little wild on this one. I mean, Lord Zenlock will be the bad guy."

"You're the bad guy?

Suddenly he tells me to be the bad guy, and Zenlock is confused.

"Because there's no excuse for someone not to be the bad guy. After that, Sophilia will write an apology to Kamui."

"Am I the apology?

"Yes. I need that. I will prepare a letter for Kamui. [M] How to deliver...... Direct is good. I'll prepare the messenger."

"Hey, Dee. I don't know anything. Can you explain it to me from the situation?

Princess Sophilia has not been able to follow Deefleet, who is trying to keep the conversation going. This is true not only of Empress Sophilia, but of everyone but Deefleet.

"... ok. Kamui definitely knows about this one. Connected Border Lords will be contacting you."

"Yes."

"Then Kamui thinks the same thing as I do. Master Sophilia said he was trying to cut off the border. By contrast, I don't know what Kamui will do. But because of Kamui's character, he's sure to get back at what he's done."

"Oh no..."

Finally, a sense of crisis was created in the heart of Princess Sophilia.

"What do you want to do? If Kamui kneels to His Royal Highness Prince Thales, not to Lady Sophilia the next time he visits the Imperial Capital. Where martial arts are raised and flourished, and if they do, the situation could be reversed, no, decided at once, right?

…………

Everyone on this scene, except Deefreet, loses their word. What Deefreet is saying is a story that is fully possible.

"Let me get this straight. This is a threat. Apparently, if you don't, you won't understand. Please do not put your hands on the realm of Kamui in the future. If you trust me, Kamui will live up to your expectations."

"... ok"

"Now, is there anyone who disagrees with my story?

"I'm not dissenting..."

In such a way as to fear, Kainel has spoken.

"What?"

"I don't know if we're going to let the neighborhood lords have much power, but, no, we're not going to let our own power be noble."

"Power. If that's what I think it is, you're mistaken. If Sophilia holds the throne, Kamui will not return to the center."

"" "Huh?

Surprisingly, Deefleet's face is distorted, I didn't even know this was happening. It's because of that feeling.

"Because Kamui is not interested in the position of Empire. What he cares about is his territory. And even though it has become a little bit of a territory, it is a place where we need to spend decades on good governance. We can't afford to leave Kamui without Northende."

"But what about the Imperial Wushu?

Oscar, who was just listening in silence, opened his mouth here.

"That's what you carry, Oscar, isn't it? Kamui is now spoiling the title because it will be the weapon of Sophilia's succession to the throne."

"Were you..."

"You didn't even notice Oscar?

"I'm sorry. I can't think calmly about being shown all that martial arts."

The fact that the title of Imperial Wushu is above others creates a great deal of haste for Oscars who aspire to the Knights of the Empire.

"You have no choice. Because I just said so. You carry the next empire's martial arts. With that intention."

"Okay."

"Well, that's it. You have to hit your hand before Kamui moves out, there's no room."

"Yeah," "Yes," "Oh."

If anything good happened in this one, it's that Deefleet got one step closer to Sophilia's grasp.

But Deefreet knew perfectly well that it was still a long way from being fully mastered.