Maou No Utsuwa

Benedica, the ecclesiastical capital of the former Lenatus theocracy. Now that Lenatus theocracy had been dissolved, there was no theocracy either, but Benedica, unchanged, existed as an urban state.

The Empire is not aware of its existence, and even though the Kingdom knows of the fall of the Divine Church, it is still unable to reach out for fear of influence over the remaining people.

Carlo Modiani, president of the Congregation for the Guardianship of the Golden Cross, was gaining momentum in that former Pontifical Agency of Benedica.

"Finally, the time has come for the Congregation to do its part! I don't want to encourage you!

"Chairman, I'm tired of hearing that dialogue. We all encourage you, even if you don't say so."

Jean-Liel, the vice chairman, is responding to that with a smiley face.

"I'm sorry about Nori. The time has finally come to fulfill our mission."

"The chairman, on the contrary, Nori is too good. Didn't you change your personality?

"... well, yeah. It's heartbreaking to follow the path you believe in."

Chairman Modiani, who has escaped the constraints of the Church, lives and works, as he has in fact been rejuvenated.

"I won't deny that. It's just that the time has come to try. Will the Congregation for the Protection of the People gain the support of the people?"

"If you care about it and you're active, you don't get support or anything on the contrary. Don't worry about that, just push your way to believing."

Without flattery, just follow the path you believe in. Even if you are no longer a bishop, the words of Chairman Modiani always seem to preach.

"Well, yeah"

"Well, it's not true that the time has come. Why don't you get ready?

"The accumulation of supplies has progressed considerably. If you ask me if it's enough, I can't say anything without checking the local situation, but, well, it won't be a problem as an early activity."

"Hmm. What happens to the replenishment after that?

"Looks like we've got a purpose in dealing with the Union of Eastern Nations. Future supplies will also be purchased from the Union of Eastern Nations."

"You've reached out there"

Chairman Modiani is always threatened by the hitters of the Camuis.

"I was wondering if that's the only place but it's right. The empire and kingdom have moved large armies, and supplies are in short supply. They say it's cheaper to transport from the Union of Eastern Nations than to buy up soaring supplies"

"Don't let go of me. Is the congregation's goal of self-sufficiency at all?

Though at Kamui's place, it does not seem to rely on a particular country to become, in the true sense, a neutral and fair protectorate. Chairman Modiani's ideals are high.

"Because we are in the middle of a war. The only thing you can afford to donate is about a merchant moisturizing in the wartime economy. And for those merchants, we will be in the way. You can't count on it."

"I don't know what else to do for the moment"

"In the end, putting the activity on track and not gathering the support of those who agree with it"

"In the end, is that endorsement?

"For the Conservatives, support is donations. I'd rather not worry about it."

"The Lord is more like a merchant than a priest."

Neither can Jean speak of people in that their personality has changed.

"Words alone, people can't live"

"Potatoes"

"I understand. Sometimes words alone can save people, right?"

"Oh, that's good. Abandon your priesthood and never forget your heart."

"Yes."

Chairman Carlo does not believe that all the teaching of the Church of God is a mistake. The mistake of the Church of God is that words and deeds are too different. Then the right word is just a lie too.

"We can only rely on it for the moment. Even if I know that, it's a little distressing. It's going to be tough over there."

"I was wondering if I needed to worry too much about that"

"Why not?

"As for the Union of Eastern Nations, it also seemed convenient to go over there. There is still a lack of trust in building cooperative relations in the military sphere. It looks like we're going to start with business and deepen our relationship. He said it was a necessary expense for them."

"It's not a good idea."

"You have to apprentice. I was told that there are things that people who have and don't have can do on the same terms."

"So what's that?

Thinking.

"... is that idiot going to be a teacher too?

It is also because I am Chairman Modiani who seems like this. For Chairman Modiani, the Camuis, no matter what they were, were evil kids in their hands.

That is why the Congregation for the Protection of Civilians can aim for independence. In those who are bad, they just get comfortable with Kamui. The decision of former Pope Aurelio Fannini, whom I entrusted to Chairman Carlo, was correct.

"It may be suitable for an outing. I got a better job, though."

"King of the Artenkreutz Republic? I didn't know that would be the king."

"The chairman thinks so because he knows his childhood. From my point of view, of course."

"You're not losing anyway. The world of war is the perfect opportunity for the Congregation to be recognized."

"... Chairman, what's the priestly heart?

"That's it, this is not it. If recognized by the world, the range of activities will widen. We can help more people if we get wider."

"So shall we begin?

"Mm-hmm. Raoul Bamberto, head of the Guardian Knights!

"Ha!"

In response to Chairman Modiani's call, the leader of the Guardian Knights of Bamberto, who had refrained, responds with the courtesy of the Knights.

Not only the chief of the knights, but also the knights of the knights who refrain behind them, simultaneously adopted a saluting attitude with their swords on their chests.

"You kept me waiting. Finally, the time has come for the activities of the Knights"

"Ha!"

"For the Knights, a tough situation probably awaits. Are you ready for this?

"Of course you are"

"Never offend the spirit of neutrality and impartiality. That will even require patience. It might come when you have to shut up and get killed."

"I'm ready."

The beginning of the activities of the Guardian Society is also the beginning of the trials of the Guardian Knights. It's called the Church of God.

We need a spirit of martyrdom.

"... sorry. It's like pushing the Knights."

"You don't need to apologize. Whatever danger awaits, push forward to protect the people. That is the mission and pride of the Guardian Knights"

"Uhm. Then go. To save a people in war!

"Ha! Golden Cross Guardian Knights, out!

"" "Whoa!

The Knights of the Guardians, who left Benedica, eventually split into a number of units and go towards their destination. One unit goes to the eastern border territory of the Empire, and one unit goes all the way to the southern border territory.

The activities of the Knights of the Golden Cross, which provide humanitarian aid to war-stricken populations in a neutral and impartial position, will begin on this day.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Prepare to cook!

"Ha!"

"Tent it! Gather the wounded in one place!

"Ha! Immediately!

Many knights come and go through small villages within the eastern border area. The Knights of the Guardians.

"Oh, uh, what about you?

One of the villagers has questioned the knight giving instructions in horror.

"Are you the head of this village?

"Yes, I'm the head of this village. I'll see you in Pedro."

"Right. I was sent by the Golden Cross Guardian Society to be Barcus of the Guardian Knights."

"Ha."

Even if we call ourselves the Guardian Knights, no one knows now. The village chief just returns the raw reply, too.

"Can you help me gather the injured? If anyone can't move, let me know where it is and I'll be on my way."

"Um, so what?

"Cure. I can't even say everything, but some injuries should be curable"

"Can I see you as a doctor?

"No, I told you knights. Treatments are done with restorative magic."

"Theocratic Knights!?

The village chief's face is distorted. And the face of Vulcus who saw it. What were the Knights of Divinity thought of by the people? I see this end.

"Ex. I'm a Knight of the Golden Cross Guardians now."

"I can't afford to do this! The Imperial Army attacked me and took all the gold eyes!

The expression of Vulcus in the words of the village chief increasingly turns into a bitter one. We must turn this suspicion into trust. This is something the sword cannot do alone.

"I don't need a buzz. Don't worry, I won't take any money."

Again with his expression, Barcus gently explained to the village chief.

"... but"

The village chief's suspicions do not disappear easily.

"I've also prepared food. I'll give you that for free, too."

"Um, what do you want? Women were limited in small villages, and if they took them..."

"No, it's not..."

Vulcan gets even more depressed by the village chief, who won't convince him no matter how much he explains it. But when I couldn't be depressed here, I aroused my feelings.

"If you dare ask for something, I want all the villagers to make it through the war safely"

"... is that really all?

"True. I swear to the pride of the knight, I will not lie"

"Ha..."

Even if Barcus swears, the color of suspicion still doesn't disappear from the village chief's eyes.

"Anyway, I want you to believe me. Everything we offer is free of charge. It's not just money. I don't want anything."

"No, there's no such good story in the world"

"... then ask for this"

After a little thought, Vulcan decided to do every favor. Because I thought it was not a believable world such as pro bono service.

"Why are you here?

"I want you to let me rest in the building until I'm done in this village. And if anyone visits this village, I want you to tell them what we've done."

"That's how cheap it is for you......, I get it. You're an injured man."

The village chief didn't seem convinced, but he started giving instructions to the villagers that it wasn't tasty to be too persistent and pissed off.

"That's a tough one. I didn't know they wouldn't trust me if I didn't ask for a price."

Seeing such a village chief, Vulcus sighed.

"Captain Barcus! The tent is ready!

My men come, as if I had foreseen the end of my interaction with the village chief.

"Yeah, I just asked the village chief to gather the injured. I want you to look at them in turn from the people who come."

"Ha!"

"Oh, and then when the villagers ask me about the price,"

"Huh? Wouldn't you not receive such a thing?

My men show surprise at Vulcan's words.

"Pro bono service doesn't seem to be trusted"

With a bitter laugh at that subordinate's reaction, Barcus explained the situation.

"... because this is the world"

My men are convinced.

"When you get better, help me cook, do laundry, whatever, so ask for errands. It's as light as possible."

"Yes, I understand."

Such sights will be seen in the surrounding cities and villages.

◇ ◇ ◇

Even on the battlefield, the Guardian Knights are active.

"Troop left wing! It's new!"

From the formation of the Imperial Knights' detachment, a voice is raised announcing vigilance. But I can't react to that. With the onslaught of the Eastern Border Army, the formation is already on the verge of collapse.

"... endure! Replenish the left flank!

"I can't! There are no reserves!

To the orders of the Squad Leader, too, my men return a grand refusal. The defeat of the imperial side in this battle was, without a doubt, a state of affairs.

But here comes change.

"Enemy! We're retreating!

"What!?

"Do you want to chase!?

"Form a formation first! The left wing!"

This is not a situation where you can chase. Plus the new left-wing companion is concerned about the squad leader.

"A new unit is advancing! Number!"

"How many!?

"... what is that?

To the enquiry of the Squad Leader, his men did not return an answer.

"What's up!? What's the report?

"Squad leader! Come to the avant-garde!

When the commander of the detachment pulled the soldiers forward to the call of the hundred generals, he saw about a hundred knights moving forward on the battlefield.

"What is that?

Seeing the people following behind the knight, the squad leader squeaks wonderfully, not asking anyone. There are even those who are unarmed of anything and, on the contrary, hold large baggage.

"I don't think he's a soldier"

I know this is for the Squad Leader. What you don't understand is the knights moving forward. The squad leader was flying an unknown military flag.

"Which unit is moving forward?

"It's yellow on blue land, but it's not the same pattern as the Knights of God."

"I know that. You don't know where it is?

"Yes."

"... are you willing to fight with that?

"I don't think so, but it might be a way to alarm this one"

"Right. Don't be alarmed! Make sure you can storm them at any time!

"Ha!"

To date, the Eastern Frontier Army has been surprised many times. Thanks to this, there was no longer anything called alarm under any circumstances.

"Oh, I'm coming this way for a ride"

A horseman leaving the line rushes towards the formation of the Imperial Army. It indicates that the flag placed on his back is a missionary order.

"I want to talk to the person in charge!

A decree that came to the front of the formation asked to speak.

"Who is it! Name it!"

"Fernando Baggio, Commander of the Third Battalion of the Golden Cross Guardian Knights!

"The Golden Cross Guardian Knights? What the hell is that?

"I'm a messenger, including that explanation! Take charge!

Fernando, the Guardian Knights, walks down his horse and toward the Imperial Army without waiting for a response. The sword remains on the spot to prove that there is no will to engage.

"Squad leader?

"... would be good. I'm in charge! Let's talk!

"Oh, you are. You were in the vanguard."

"Well, sort of."

I wasn't at the avant-garde to fight anything, so when they say this, the Squad Leader feels ashamed.

"We will take the people to the city of the East more than this. I'd like permission to cross."

"Take the people?

"Those who were caught in the war and burned their villages. I hope to evacuate."

I dare not tell Fernando which army. Because I believe we should refrain from making critical remarks to show that we are not enemies on either side.

"Wait, what is the Golden Cross Guardian Knights in the first place?

The Knights of the Golden Cross.

"Probation? I've never heard of that either."

"I'm from Benedica. Now you know?

"Is that the Church of God!?

You can't possibly tell. The collapse of the Divine Church has barely passed on to the Empire.

"No, there is already no Church of God. Haven't you passed it on to the Empire?

"... I don't know"

"Then let me explain. The Church of God has already been dissolved. It is the Golden Cross Guardian Society that was created in part of those who belonged to the Divine Church. Purpose, as the name suggests, Protector. An organization for the people."

"What's that congregation doing here?

"It's the support of a war-torn people. Treating the injured, providing food, and escorting people who have lost their homes like this one."

"You want me to believe that?

In two ways, the Squad Leader is incredible. One is, does such a noble organization exist? And the other thing is that the former Knights of the New Church do it.

"Fact."

"Isn't that what you said, in fact, a borderline unit?

"That's not true. The Knights of the Golden Cross do not give to any nation or force in war"

"Unbelievable."

"The other side believed me? That's why you stopped fighting until we left the battlefield."

"No way...... Is that because you're on our side?

The commander of the detachment could see why the Border Army pulled under the prevailing circumstances. But this, too, is incredible.

"I'm saying no. We don't take sides on either side. I just work for the people."

"I'm not listening. Such an organization..."

"The Imperial Guardian Society is supposed to be making a request as well. Is it reaching the eastern border and not reaching the Empire?

"Even if you tell yourself that..."

I'm just a captain for a minute. There is nothing at all related to politically oriented matters.

"Anyway, I want you to let me pass this battlefield. Can I get your permission?

"At my discretion."

"We're just going to the nearby city. Hopefully in the meantime you won't be in a fight by mistake."

"... Is the Church of God really gone?

When it becomes true that there is no will to fight, the Squad Leader is concerned about this.

"Oh."

"Why?

"I discovered that you were telling people the wrong teachings. Other than that, there were also problems that the Church did not deserve. The Golden Cross Guardians may say that they are making amends to ask God for forgiveness."

"Right..."

Fernando's explanation was satisfactory to the Squad Leader as well. Rumors of corruption in the Divine Church were so widely known.

"More than that, I managed to get a clearance. No, I'm not saying permission. I just want you to let it pass."

"... ok. Go anywhere on your own."

"Oh! I'm sorry. Thank you for your cooperation."

As soon as he got word from the Squad Leader, Fernando went back to his unit.

Eventually, the Guardian Knights' line moves slowly so as not to irritate the Imperial Army.

"Get in formation! Ignore left-wing troops!

The Squad Leader's decree echoes the Imperial Army position. Half to reassure the Guardian Knights.

"... Squad Leader"

"What?"

"Are you sure? We don't even know who he is. Let the troops through without permission."

"Never mind."

"If you find out later, you'll be punished."

"It worries me if I can live, after the battle resumes"

"... so is that"

If the battle with the Eastern Border Regiment resumes, the self-forces will undoubtedly collapse first. Until just now, that's how it was.

"Well, I was quite an enthusiastic believer."

With a sigh of relief, the Squad Leader began talking differently from the battle. There were believers in the Empire as well. The Squad Leader is one of them. It's not unusual. That is why both the Empire and the Kingdom feared the influence of the Divine Church.

"Oh, so am I."

"Right. If that word were true, I would believe the lie and act. What about that? How am I supposed to make an excuse to God?

Not everything was a lie, but this is how the Squad Leader took Fernando's explanation.

"So will you act with them to make amends?

"Don't say it lightly. It's something you can think of if you live."

"You think..."

◇ ◇ ◇

The activities of the Knights of the Golden Cross will eventually be passed on to the upper echelons of the Empire.

"Can you please stop!?

When he arrived at the occasion of the Imperial Council of Ministers, rarely did Oscar yell.

"What is it? I can't believe you yelled all of a sudden."

"What's wrong! What is the Golden Cross Guardian Knights!?

"Oh, is that so?"

Surprised by Oscar's anger, Kainel returned the words in a sober tone.

"You knew?

"Yes. I have received a letter in the name of the Golden Cross Guardian Society. The Knights obviously had something to do with the name."

"Why won't you tell me that!?

Oscar gets even more angry at Kainel's explanation.

"Because authenticity is not obvious. All of a sudden, an organization like the Golden Cross Guardian Society sends us a letter, and there's nothing we can do about it."

"It would be my job to manage there!?

Oscar's anger will not heal. There's a reason to be so angry.

"Is it affecting you in any way?

Guess what, Kainel has asked. Slightly late. It's unusual for Oscar to get angry, so I should have asked him right away.

"All over the battlefield, troops are encountering the Guardian Knights. Sometimes they appear in battle."

"Are you fighting?

"In some cases"

"What's the damage?

"No harm done."

"So why are you angry?

I was in a hurry to see if there was a serious problem with Oscar's sword screen, but when I heard the explanation, I didn't know what it meant.

"Most of the time, I don't resist"

"Huh?"

The Knights of the Guardians, even if they set up a battle, won't come at all just to escape.

"... so you have nothing to worry about?

Increasingly, Kainel could no longer see why Oscar would be angry. In what I'm hearing, I just think it's harmless.

"That's the problem. If you read that writ from the Golden Cross Guardian Society, you know what I mean.

"No way......, was that true?

"I don't know if they say that."

"It has nothing to do with either. They're just working to support the people, so they want freedom of movement."

Even Kainel, who is supposed to be the pinnacle of the Empire's politics, sees the neutral impartiality of the Congregation for the Protection, free service, as bullshit.

That's all, it's an overly sublime idea, but in Kainel's position, it's just bullshit and it doesn't taste good.

"Exactly. They support a war-torn people. And the Knights of the Empire put up battles against them, and against them who were irresistible, and killed many."

"... Shit"

When I realized the seriousness of the matter, I changed Kainel's complexion at once.

"The Imperial Knights are resented by the people supported by the Guardian Knights. If the story spreads, it will extend to the entire eastern border"

"What about the Eastern Border Lords?

"It's thorough. You can pull a soldier when you're in battle and you see a win. From the mouth of the people who watched it, the difference with the Knights of the Empire would also be widespread."

"Why did you do that?

I can't even think of Kanell asking for Kamui. Too much information is available. Even though it is the Kamui who make them do so.

"Know what? Anyway, give the whole Imperial Army a circular telling the Golden Cross Kingsguards not to lay a hand on it."

"It is...... Is it not possible that it is a measure?

"Even if it's a measure, it's already in place. It's not just the Knights' reputation."

"Anything else?

"There are as many zealous followers of divinity as there are knights and soldiers. The Knights of the Golden Cross are former Knights of Divinity. And many believe that they are giving up their lives to serve the people to make amends for their mistakes."

"No way......"

"If the Knights of the Empire seem to repeat too much outrage, there will be those who will turn their backs."

…………

influence that the Church of God had. Compared to that, it's small, but that's the kind of power that has been created for the Conservatives. This was not aimed at either Kamui or the Conservative Society.

In harsh reality, some flee evil, while others are righteous. The latter is the one who intends to grant it to the Congregation for the Protection of the People.

"You know what I mean? It's too late for that. In order not to make any more wounds, the Knights of the Golden Cross will be officially recognized as an empire."

"Okay. Make a circular statement immediately.... Your Majesty?

File an official written statement. I have permission from Claudia, the emperor.

"Oh, yeah, so please"

"Yes."

Really simple permission, but that concludes the trial.

"But is it still a solution?

Claudia raises a question.

"Do you care?

"A little. It would be awesome if it were true to sacrifice your allies and set up measures."

The person who is saying this is sacrificing Theresa, who has been on her side since she was young, but this awareness is not in Claudia.

"Right."

"It's a measure. Exactly. This time I can tell for myself."

Oscar affirmed. It's unusual for Oscar to say things clearly in these matters.

"What makes you think that?

"Golden Cross. What is someone's flag somewhere?

"... Oh, Kamui's?

"That's right. Kamui's flag is a silver cross. That may be a coincidence, but the culmination of the organization of the Golden Cross Conservationist Society seemed to be the chairman, whose chairman was the former director of the orphanage in the Imperial Capital. It's an orphanage where the Kamuis were."

"Oh well."

Claudia is convinced, but actually wrong. The measure is also a measure, the flag is the measure of Chairman Carlo, and it was the former Pope who appointed him Chairman.

"Well, it's obvious even without that information"

"Why?"

"The empire had all forgotten. Confirm the conclusion of the ceremony for the selection of brave men that took place in the Church Capital."

Finally, the Empire can know what's missing and what's important.

"Uh..."

As far as Claudia was concerned, the ceremony of selection of the brave, itself, was out of his mind.

"I forgot myself. But apparently all the rumors were true. The eastern border, close to the church capital, seemed to convey the truth early on, and I could hear a lot about it."

"Rumors…. Too many glasses..."

In Oscar's explanation, Claudia also remembered the story at the meeting. But the contents are not in my mind.

"... Really? Simply put, the chosen brave man is Kamui. Kamui became a demon king but a brave man. The Pope then decided to acknowledge his own mistakes before, dissolving the Church of God. Naturally, there were those who rebelled, but those who rebelled in the Knights of Divinity were defeated by Kamui where they tried to attack the Church capital. It was all a rumor."

…………

"I mean, is that it? Is the Empire turning the brave against the enemy?

Turning to Claudia, who lost her words, Kainel uttered the words, but Kainel also seems upset and returns to his usual tone.

"It doesn't matter if you're a demon king or a brave man. That's how great a man named Kamui Kreutz is."

"Right.... What about the kingdom?

"Naturally I know. There is no way that the kingdom adjacent to the Patriarchate does not know the information that flows to the eastern border. The kingdom is probably reconciled with Kamui somewhere. Given the kingdom's movements, there is also the possibility of before he was chosen as a brave man"

As long as we have proper information, Oscar will know this much. The Empire has yet to realize that the information has been thoroughly blocked. In Oscar's case, it wasn't just a matter of information.

"Why?

"The kingdom was gathering troops to the West without worrying about the demonic raids. That's why."

"I see.... you're kind of turning your head around a lot"

"Nothing. I'm just back to normal"

"Normal?"

"... I hate to say this now, but I haven't been normal for years. I've been jealous of Kamui since Royal College, and that went on even after graduation. And the Knights of the Empire is such a heavy responsibility. Without knowing the minute, I was just scratching my feet"

"How did you blow it off?

Kainel also knew what was going on with Oscar. I am something similar. The reason Oscar got out is that Kainel wants to know.

"It's weirder not to blow it off. Kamui, who was jealous, is a brave man. I'm not the one to hang out with. If the Knights chief's heavy pressure is so much shame, he won't have the appearance to strain anymore. I am a mediocre man. Admitting it made it easier all at once."

"... right"

I'm not going to be in the same mood. Kainel thinks of his suffering, which still goes on, and he gets depressed.

"Think fast about what to do."

"Which one?

"It's Kamui's. Pretty bad strategically. As I was saying, Kamui and the kingdom are much reconciled. What if that kingdom finds out about the founding of Kamui?

"... an alliance?

"That's right. If an alliance is formed and attacked simultaneously by both countries, it is easily broken through, for example, by the East. We'll reach the center and the Imperial Capital at once."

"… Your Majesty"

It's not an impossible story. Kainel spoke to Claudia.

…………

But Claudia remained a bonkers expression, solidified.

"Sire!"

"Oh, uh"

"Permission to convene the plenary session immediately. The agenda is about diplomacy with Kamui, no, the Republic of Artenkreutz. Recognize the founding of the country or not. If so, what kind of relationship will we build on diplomacy? That's what it is."

Things must hurry. Kainel believes that if we are moved beyond the kingdom in this matter, the empire may end.

"... my brother."

"Yes?"

But Claudia's response was different from what Kainel was looking for.

"Did my brother know? Kamui is the brave one."

"... you probably knew. Thereys consistently made remarks that contemplated building friendship with Kamui. No, you've been thinking about not turning it to your enemies, regardless of whether they're brave or not."

"Yes..."

"That doesn't matter now. Convene a meeting. Are you sure?

"Yeah......"

One fact I finally found out. But that was too late. The big gear that moves out doesn't stop so easily.