Maou No Utsuwa

It was an empire continuing diplomatic negotiations with the Artenkreutz Republic, but when it comes to its achievements, only a ceasefire agreement with the Eastern Border Lords.

Even when it comes to a truce agreement, after the Empire pulls up its troops, there's no reason to decide anything. It just ended when we agreed that the Artenkreutz Republic would not make any demands on each other as an intermediary.

It also means that war can resume at any time. For the Empire, no one on the Imperial side has judged whether that is a good thing.

I just want to rest. That was all the empire felt as it continued to fight shortly after resting from the war against the kingdom.

The most restful are the general soldiers, and the upper echelons of the empire are so busy that their eyes turn.

I'm going to report what I found out about the situation in the South.

"Yeah, please"

"The Southern unchanged, refusing to summon to the royal capital. Maybe I put in a little too much exploration. Uncle Minami seems to know what he noticed."

"Suppose it is?

"I don't think you can pull any more. The southern ambassador should consider his future response, thinking he's completely away from the empire."

"You mean crusade?

"I can't right now. The army still needs to rest, and the restructuring should not be over."

"But then"

"It is highly unlikely that the southern ambassadors will attack the imperial side. Don't worry."

"How is it unlikely?

"If the Southern Uncle does that, the Southern Border Lords Rebels will attack the Southern Uncle Territory. Uncle Minami can't leave his own territory."

"What about that southern border lord?

Oscar came up with an inquiry. What Oscar personally cares about is the southern border territory, rather than the southern uncle.

"The Southern Uncle family is in the way and doesn't get any information inside, but a significant part of it seems to be stained on the rebel side. The Ericsson family is at the centre. Serene Ericsson."

"Kamui tangled again"

The fact that Serene's name came up makes Oscar look fed up.

"Don't say it now. You know Kamui's influence over the border lords was more than we imagined, right?

"I know that. But at the heart of the periphery is everyone in the same year as the Imperial College. That's not surprising."

"You were right to be called the Golden Generation. I was just in the wrong range."

"... I'm sorry"

One of the representatives of the golden generation is Oscar. Now when I say this, it just sounds disgusting to Oscar.

"It's not like I'm despising Oscar. That's all there was to it. That's all I'm saying."

"It's a miracle."

"No, half is inevitable. It was the Oscars who drew those talented talents to that school year."

Kainel is also one of those people. I know exactly what's going on around here.

"Drop or lift"

"But the greatest misfortune for the Empire is that he was even there in Kamui. This is no good. It's a coincidence."

"Right."

This idea is a mistake. Rather than being the greatest misfortune for the Empire, mistakes have made Kamui the enemy.

Most of all, even if I know this now, it won't help.

"Enough of the old stories. Back to now. The South is looking good for a while. In circumstances that are not already under control, there can be no further aggravation. Be careful when the Southern Empire is attacked."

"Does the Southern uncle remain the Southern uncle?

The title of Count Fang was given by the Empire. If you disobeyed the Empire, Oscar thinks you should strip it.

"I thought about that. Not only the stripping of titles, but also the detachment of subordinate nobles. But if we do it now, we've decided we're just going to help the Southern Rebellion Lords."

"I see."

The southern amber is also the suppression of the southern border rebels. If that power weakens, the rebels on the southern border will be happy. It is the decision that the empire cannot afford to turn its troops to the South today.

"The West is next. I don't know about this one either. Not much information coming up from the Western Uncle's house."

"Hey, no way?

"No, I don't think so. The West is too quiet. I can't see you moving the army."

"Is the border area stable?

"Apparently so"

That's a good thing.

"Yes, but for once, I'll keep gathering information. North is next. Again, no movement. According to a report from the Northern House, there are no signs of rebellion, so nothing can move."

"Is that a good thing too?

Exactly. Oscar can't be optimistic about this. The distance between the northern border and the Republic is close. No wonder the Republic has as much influence as the East.

"Maybe it just doesn't work because the republic is negotiating. If it cracks, the North is likely to be rough"

Kainel thinks the same thing.

"Right. What about the negotiations with that republic?

"I don't think so. I don't seem willing to end the negotiations, but I don't even think I'm willing to wrap it up"

The republican side has only moved a little towards a ceasefire agreement with the eastern border lords, and the rest has not moved at all. From the Imperial view, the diplomatic attitude was the same.

"Don't you know what that intent is?

"I may intend to keep pace with the kingdom, but that alone doesn't make sense to pull the negotiations. You know we can't attack you if we end the negotiations."

"You still resent something?

"All I can think of is that you haven't changed the name of your country. I have told the Republic, but it may not be trusted until it is officially announced"

"When are we going to announce this?

"It is decided that it is time for His Majesty's reign ceremony. I'm ready for that."

"Are you lagging behind?

"In front of His Majesty..."

I have a difficult situation telling Claudia.

"Oh, good, nothing. I don't care."

For now, in words, Claudia says: Kanell knows this is a lie, but this doesn't make it possible to talk.

"... then. It's an inviting issue. When I was first emperor, the kingdom has also responded to the invitation. This allowed guests from the Union of Eastern Nations on the other side of the kingdom, as well as envoys from countries in the south of the kingdom, to participate. But this time, whether or not to respond even if I invite you. If the kingdom does not respond, the number of foreign invitees will be considerably lower"

"Eh, terrible. Well, then I guess I'm not popular."

It's not a matter of personal popularity, it's a matter of power relations between the Empire and other countries, but for Claudia it doesn't matter why.

"I need to care...... Well, never mind this one. Let me talk to you, and you'll have fewer domestic invitees. You will rarely participate from the South. The East is also expected to decline considerably."

"... that sucks"

In the middle of a war. It's weirder to expect a lot of guests.

"but"

"What?"

"If the Artenkreutz Republic responds to the invitation, the story may change. Treating the border territory as a foreign invitee is a good idea, but the number is equal. And it could inspire us to move one step further from the truce."

"One step ahead?

"We want to eventually form a military alliance with the Eastern Border Lords. To be the shield of invasion from the kingdom. The shield is too much to say. To join forces and fight."

"Oh well."

"To do this, we need to fill the deeply carved grooves one by one. I want to use the reign formula to create that trigger."

The Eastern Border Lords leave nothing to the Republic to negotiate and do not intend to take a negotiating position. This is also a source of concern for the Empire.

I wanted to inspire Kainel to break this.

"Well, in the end, it's best to make up with Mr. Kamui."

"With King Kamui."

"It's not good. It's not official."

"Then please do it right in the official setting. So in the end, the conclusion is that after the change of country name, I want to enter into friendship with the Republic of Artenkreutz, but I can't. That's what I'm saying."

"You're in trouble..."

"Trouble."

"So, do you want to change the messenger a little?

"What's the point of that?

"Make someone closer."

"As for those who are close to King Kamui and who remain in the Empire... Oscar?"

I'm not familiar with it just because it's the same grade as the college. I'm just saying that they don't have personal malice either.

"Don't be impotent. Even if I go, I just get rolled. I'm not even close to that. Cainel had more contacts, didn't he?

'Cause I had a lot of backlash.

In the case of Kainel, it's a relationship that, rather than being close, can be described as unfriendly. That's also because Kainel is unilaterally hostile to Kamui.

"Isn't it because of that? What keeps negotiations from moving forward?"

"If you apologize for that and the negotiations come together, apologize as much as you want. But that's no use."

"Why?

"I'm not saying I don't want to apologize. King Kamui has always had one habit or an obsession"

"What's that?

"Change the way others call you, the tone, by the intimacy you have with them. It can also be called trustworthiness"

"Didn't notice"

I've always been aware of Kamui. That's why I'm aware of it. Oscar, on the other hand, was rarely in the place where Kamui was talking. I can't help but notice.

"Hildegand is Hilda. Deefleet is Dee. Serene called him like Sere and nickname. Besides, he had stopped using salutations on two of the descendants of the leading aristocracy."

"I see, are those close to you nicknamed? I'm sure I was a sarcastic salute."

"I thought so at first, too, but actually not"

"Hmm?"

"Since when has Otto become a renunciation of his real name. Raoul, Tristan, Carlos, and Alexis are among the classmates of the Border Lords. Even the children of the same border lord made a difference."

"Are all those close to King Kamui now? I mean, the most trustworthy sign of callout."

"Yes."

"You know exactly what I mean."

"At the time, as a competitor, I was quite conscious, following words and deeds."

"But I have one question. Why is Hildegand nicknamed?

"That's what I realized. I think Hildegand was trying to keep King Kamui from crossing the line. I know it was the closest thing in the sense of intimacy, but for King Kamui, Hildegand was the fiancée of the political opponent Therese."

"I see. Tsujitsu fits."

"For the record. I do not know those who remained in the Empire and were called away."

"I..., I still don't know"

"Who doesn't use respect?

Claudia has one thing in mind. I know the other two, but he's the first person I can't think of.

"Well, I guess that's pretty much it."

"I know one."

"Was such a man in the Empire?

"We both know each other well."

"... No, it is. Isn't that the opposite of being close?"

Kainel knew who Claudia was talking about. Okay, but that's not exactly who we were talking about right now.

"But sometimes, I didn't use respect."

"It's time for a bickering."

"But I think you can try it."

"Instead, I buy objections. Unlike old times, I am now the king of a nation. You can't complain about being disrespected and condemned to sin."

"I think it's good, though?

"... you don't think it's okay to do that?

"What? I think I'll make up and come back. If you're pissing me off, I can't help but punish you a little. If that makes you feel better about Mr. Kamui."

"If you feel like it...... Are you sure about this?

Even Cainel, who can't read Claudia's mind, has the ability to understand the meaning of hidden words. As you can understand, thanks to Claudia stepping in and talking.

"Of course. I want to make up with Mr. Kamui."

"Okay. I'm having trouble getting you to make weird promises, so are you sure you're in the shape of an informal messenger of friendship?

"Right. There's no diplomacy."

"I'll arrange it right away. As for the republic, so be it."

I don't think Kainel will succeed either, but I have some expectations if it inspires me to move the glue state. That's all we're stuck negotiating with the Republic.

"Next up is the military. First, Oscar."

"Oh, the restructuring of the Knights of the Empire is still underway. As planned, we formed an elite force of knights with extensive experience in action"

Against the Republican Army, that's also a demonic troop-conscious force. Oscar, who saw the Republican Army in the East, was at the forefront of the formation of this unit.

"Can we fight?

"I just collected it yet. It's time to work out. It's just a big problem with the rest of the unit. I've put in quite a few new recruits who haven't even finished their new knight training and early integration from the knight school, so I'm totally useless."

"It would be the role of the Knights Commander to use it"

"I'm putting the elite troops behind me and doing it. But the troops don't grow that easily. After basic training, the bandit opponent's fight in action. Even after that, after that."

"... when that happens, don't want a revolt in the west or north. That's the only place you can get into action."

"Can't we go south?

Oscar also wants a place in action. We know that the actual battle will grow the army.

"Just like I said. If you weaken the Southern Uncle, the Southern Border Rebels immediately. Is that consistent practice?

Little information is available on the Southern Border Rebels, but the Border Territorial officials who were closest to Kamui, the rebels Serene can't possibly be weak to assemble.

"I'm sorry. That's the worst category in action, as well as in practice. The troops we've formed will collapse."

"That's the thing. Let the central aristocracy start a rebellion?

"Don't be drastic. Can you do it in the first place?

"I can make it happen. But I'm not sure I can rule."

"You can't do that."

"Well, yeah. You'll be what you are for a while. You're not even in a state where you need practice in the first place, are you?

"Oh."

"Then the Knights have been. The Mages are next. Michael."

There are more problems with the Order than the Knights. That's a pretty serious problem too.

"Not good"

"I know that. In what way? Can't you take control, or, at heart?

"Both. The meritocracy of the Order of Mages has been a tradition for many years. It's not that easy to change your mind."

"Explain that in more depth. Guess there's no renegade, huh?

"What does that mean?

"Don't be dazed! I'm asking if anyone has turned to Marie from the Empire!

Kainel's indulgence bag was cut by Michael, who tried to hide the failure. The exodus of a sorcerer, that's not like that of a knight.

Michael doesn't get it, though he's the head of the Mage Corps.

"... be there"

"Why don't you report it!? You think I don't get this one!?

"I'm sorry. But that's not my fault."

"So what's the fault?

"Exploratory."

"What's that?

"There are demons and elves in the Republic. Neither knowledge of the magic guide extends beyond our research. Few people see it as a great opportunity to learn it with dignity."

"... the other one"

The biggest problem with the exodus of a sorcerer is the exodus of magical guidance technology. But if you think about it, as Michael explains, the exorcism of the Republic is above the Empire.

That's not why we can allow asylum, but for now, Kainel decided to move on.

"In conclusion, it's impossible to achieve magical fusion."

"Aren't the Border Lords actually doing it?

"They were doing research before I instructed them to. The conclusion of that study is that magic fusion is impossible."

"It's not an explanation. Then why is the Border Lord's Army in place?

"It's a little hard to explain."

"I don't mind."

"Magic has its attributes. Each attribute may rebel, but it will not merge. Think of it like putting water and oil in a container and mixing it up and eventually separating it."

"So."

"To merge two things of different nature, we will need not only those two but also mediating objects. That mediation can't produce."

"Why?

"Mediation must not have attributes. Because if you have attributes, you rebel and you don't serve as a mediator in the first place. And nothing magically doesn't have attributes."

"It hasn't explained yet"

"It's a hypothesis from here. If there's magic that doesn't have attributes, it's magic that the Demons have. It's called Dark Magic. It's a magic without. In other words, magic fusion cannot be achieved without demons who can use it."

"Actually, the Demons were unleashing magic, too?

"I don't think the Demons are accompanying all of the Border Army. I think it might be the use of magic props. It doesn't have to be so massive, it just seems like we need to induce a little fusion. It's just a hypothesis, too."

"I see."

Sounds like a magician's research, something that's really logical and doesn't feel contradictory. But for one thing, Kainel has forgotten Michael, who reported this.

Marie's influence is quite pervasive in the Taoists, and where is Marie now?

"Realization requires the cooperation of the Republic. We're back."

"The breadth of magic, knowledge, is still not extended to the devil tribe. It has been concluded that the Imperial Demon Leaders will never beat the Republican Demon Leaders."

"So will there be a magician who moves to the Republic? I see."

"Did you get that?

"Oh, I get it. Thank you very much."

"Oh."

Michael showing relief, but this was a little early.

"Quit being the leader of the Enchantress."

"What!?

"I don't want those who give up because they can't win to lead the Mages. If magic fusion is impossible, why not explore another way?

"But"

"After all, you are not far from Marie. Marie doesn't have to use magic fusion to wear magic close to it."

"That talent is special."

Michael is incompetent where he ends up with talent. Without talent, with effort and ingenuity. The magic of the periphery spread by Kamui was not created from the superior power of the Demonic Nation, but from this idea.

"Look for what you can do if you can't. That's the role of those who stand on top."

"Oh no..."

"Your dismissal has already gained His Majesty's understanding. Thank you very much."

"To, Your Majesty?

"I'm sorry. Looks like Mr. Michael had a little load on him. I think it should be easier now."

As always, Claudia speaks to Michael in an atmosphere that makes him feel young. But there's no way Michael could be deluded into such an attitude in this situation.

"... Have you used it yet when you become emperor?

"What?"

"Michael! My mouth is too much!

In a hurry, Kainel puts up with Michael. But that doesn't cure Michael's feelings.

"Isn't it! Originally, you knew I had no magic talent or desire! You just wanted a majority vote to push me like that to head the Enchantress Corps!

"My mouth is too much!

"I was doing my part! Whatever stupid thing you think it is, you've agreed to it all!

"Get out! You'll be guilty of disrespect no more!

"... the Empire is over. Such a stupid emperor."

"Shut up! Shut up and leave the room!

Kainel is not mad at Michael. Anyway, I want Michael out of here. But unfortunately, I can't help but think of Kainel.

"Mr. Michael. I'm an emperor, aren't I?

"So what!?

"Is disrespect for the Emperor a sin? It's pathetic, Mr. Cainel, but Michael needs punishment."

"... ok. Guards!"

If I can be blamed for my disrespect from Claudia's mouth, that has to be officially punished already.

"Ha!"

"Take Lord Michael into custody and put him under house arrest. Punishment follows."

How much later can you lighten up your sins? This is not something I can do right now.

"Ha! Okay, Lord Michael, over here."

The guards took him, and Michael left the conference room. The heart of Kanell and Oscar dropping it off is complicated. You two know what Michael said is true.

And I knew Claudia was someone who could trump the merit.

"We will decide on the succession by recommendation from the Magic Division. You should choose someone who is recognized for their abilities."

"Right. That's fine."

"So that concludes today's meeting"

◇ ◇ ◇

Even looking at the beautiful dress on the wall, Theresa's feelings remain sinking.

My heart was shaking all the time between the misfortune of marrying under a man who had never seen his face and the expectation that he might gain happiness in the crowd.

Marriage has been decided and its preparation is steadily progressing. The dress on the wall was the dress to be worn at the ceremony.

It was Theresa's small resistance that chose the bright red dress, not the pure white dress.

I am far from being pure. I was going to remind them if they were still going to marry me.

But that's also more regrettable now.

"After all, do they hate you? We're getting married, so you better get liked."

Every time I look at a dress, I'm whining about this.

Even so, we are cutting a month to the ceremony. There wasn't enough time to make a dress that elaborate.

"I hope you're a kind person who doesn't care. All right, let's bet it is."

And force yourself to convince yourself. It has been repeated many times.

Theresa doesn't realize that even the whining dialogue is already exactly the same.

"Okay. It's okay."

After the ritual, I heard a knock on the door as I tried to leave the room.

"What?"

Ma'am, we have a letter from the castle.

"... Oh, the castle?

Just asking about the castle fills Theresa's mind with anxiety.

"I'm coming in."

"Oh, oh."

I opened the door and the butler came into the room. He is a butler who has served the Hanover family, Theresa's home for a long time.

"This way, sir."

"Ugh, yeah."

I don't want to take it seriously, but that's not why. I received the letter the butler offered, cut the seal, and took out the contents.

As I proceeded to read it, there were zero tears from Theresa's eyes.

"Lady!? What's the matter, sir?

"... why"

"Lady?"

"Why not! How can you make me..., make me..., make me happy..., not give me"

Leaving an uninterrupted grunt, Theresa collapses on the spot.

"And excuse me"

The deacon who picked up the script from the castle that fell on the floor and called it also murmured, 'Oh, that's stupid,' and stood up flashly.

A few days after that day, Theresa's appearance had disappeared from the mansion. with the dress that was on the wall.

It was only a few more days after the arrival of a messenger under her fiancée who told her about the break-up of her engagement.