Maou No Utsuwa

Similar to the Republic of Arten Kreutz, changes had been made in the national political organization in the Empire. It did not radically change the organizational attitude itself. After the previous emperor had fallen into personnel misery, he merely put back into operation an organization that had become like a council system with the traditional emperor as its apex.

However, its contents had changed dramatically. From traditional hereditary assault to meritocracy. This means that the empire has a strong sense of crisis.

I see many new faces in the Supreme Council of the Imperial Presence.

"Well, let me report to you."

It is Kainel, who is still the Chancellor, who acts as the progressor of the meeting.

"As for the negotiations with the Republic, we have finally seen progress. Firstly, we attach the commitment of His Majesty to participate in the Reign Ceremony"

"So who's coming?

"Marie Costre, Director of Foreign Affairs of the Republic"

"What?"

Claudia didn't think she could hear the name she knew. Unexpected for Claudia, good report.

"We talked about not being able to send a senior minister, but it was actually Marie Costre's name that the other side told us."

"Why not?

"I don't know. Did the republican side feel the need to deepen the negotiations, or were they thinking of something?"

"Say no."

It's the ex-North Uncle who's been pinching my mouth. The former Northern uncle had left the territory and had participated in national politics as an administrative adviser.

"... can you tell us why?

"Isn't Marie Costre a traitor? We cannot allow such a person to participate in His Majesty's reign ceremony."

"I see. Is it true that this one forgives the sin? I see one reason. But if you say no, the Republic may come to refuse to participate"

"I don't mind. In the first place, why should the rebel lords join us?

"So what's ahead? Are you saying we're going to crack down on the rebellion?

The former northern uncle is steaming back what he decided a long time ago.

Kainel, in his heart, is fed up, but his opponent is a heavy town in the Empire. I can't do it without it. I'm talking about trying to convince you.

"Naturally."

"What will the kingdom do?

"We fight to get Hildegand back. You wait till it's over."

"I see, that's one way. It's just a problem."

"What?"

"Can you win?

If it's military, the person asking the question is different. I ask this to my former northern uncle because, in Kainel, the frustration is getting unhealed.

"... if we get the troops right, we can win"

"Your answer has become vague. You're not sure, are you?

If you're an opponent who can absolutely say you can win, you haven't had this hard time. It's a question that I know the answer to.

"So what are we going to do negotiating with Northende? There's no way I'm gonna give Hildegand back to you."

The former Northern uncle returned it with questions, not answering that he could not win.

"You may be able to cooperate in a rematch against the kingdom"

"... are you willing to fight the kingdom"

A weak back who is just frightened of war. The ex-North uncle needed to slightly revamp his assessment of Kainel.

"Neither the Republic nor the Kingdom can be friendly or anything like that. The point is, do not turn the enemy."

"Why don't you choose your kingdom?

"Then will the kingdom, united with the kingdom, cooperate in the fight against the republic? Assuming we can get cooperation and win the Republic, will we continue to have friendly relations after that?

"It's the same in the Republic."

"I think the Republic will keep what it promised once, at least as long as King Kamui is here."

Kamui's words and deeds attest to this. There is no such thing as conspiracy, even if there is one, to return it in good faith, in treachery.

"Promises…"

"Then he said he can beat the Republic for sure. Explain, including why."

"Different number of soldiers"

"There is only one way into the Republic. It's held back by a solid fort, and it's not a place where the big army can deploy either."

If the number of soldiers alone could have dropped the land of Northende, the Emperor would not have done any hard work earlier. The ex-North uncle, who is fighting with us, says something like this, even though he should know.

"You just have to attack the others. If we defeat the southeastern periphery, Northende's power and influence will be greatly diminished. Then you just need to tighten it up carefully."

"Sounds pretty good though."

"It's possible to control the eastern border with the Knights of the Empire, the south should mobilize the Western House of Berths. Tactically......"

So there are those who have pinched their mouths again. Former General Christophe Beck, now in the title of Military Adviser.

"I'd like to speak to the Director of Military Affairs?

With a fed up face, Kainel blocked Beck's military adviser from trying to keep talking.

Recruitment of the powerful. Kainel agrees strongly with this in itself. In fact, Kainel has endeavoured to recruit talented people using Royal College connections and handouts from his parents' homes.

But next to it, Claudia did the same thing in a completely different way.

There is no mistake in placing an experienced person as an adviser, but the problem is that there is no one to hold it back. As a result, the heavy towns of taste try to push their opinions beyond the position of advisors.

"Then talk and see."

"... Yes. There is no room in the present empire to mobilize all the troops. At least until we get tax revenue for next year. Still, I was wondering if it would be a long fight."

The Director of the Ministry of Military Affairs gives a negative opinion from a financial point of view.

"There's also a temporary levy."

Against that opinion, there are also those who come to lay down. He's another political adviser, former Chancellor Kalk.

"... are you asking the people to bear it?

"You just have to let the central aristocracy bear the burden. The central nobility has done nothing in the last war. There must be plenty of room in the territory."

"As a result, it is a burden on the inhabitants of the land"

In the first place, there is no room for a central nobleman. If you try to be active, you just have to go out and pay for the war.

"What's happening now?

"So if there's a rebellion in the central aristocracy, you can't even see it."

"I don't have that courage in the central nobility"

Seeing that the argument was going in their favor, the former Northern uncle came into the conversation again.

"... I'm out of that central aristocracy, but if it's an empire today, I'm pretty sure I'll do it and show it"

"Holy shit!?

Chancellor Kainel, who spoke of this, is completely cut off. I want to complain about old age. Meetings here are much the same. This is what happens to any patient person one day.

"The South remains betrayed. The East is fluid. And the West is moving strangely, too. Aren't western uncles always unanswered to this summons? If there is a massive unrest in the centre, can the Empire rule it?

"The Central Noble Army also lacks practical experience. The Imperial Knights alone are sufficiently controllable. And there's the Northern House."

"What if the kingdom, or republic, pokes you there? Regardless of the republic, the kingdom will gladly, in the name of reinforcements, attack. I don't know which reinforcements to name."

…………

It's fully possible that this is what Kainel said it would be. Until I know this, the former northern uncle is not an idiot.

"It's no use going to war now. First, we should use diplomacy to reduce the number of enemies."

Then tie it to the kingdom.

"Why?"

"Diplomacy is what you do with other countries."

Prejudice and wasted pride. This is what is blinding the former northern brethren.

"I would like you to make such a pre-construction useless. Neither the Republic of Artenkreutz nor the Eastern countries are under the Empire"

"You call it a country up to the eastern border territory..."

"It's a fact. The Eastern Border Territories have set up a country by declaring a rebirth. Calling it a borderline is an idea that ignores reality."

The former Northerners do not acknowledge this reality. All we can think about is regaining the glorious empire of our time.

"If you admit that cheaply, the Empire will be made."

"We're discussing what we're going to do with the situation."

"Formally establish harmony with the kingdom and rule the rebellion in the country. That's what I'm saying."

"... why are you so hostile to the Republic?

That's not a realistic choice, Kainel says. I don't understand this. The old Northerners, on the contrary, don't understand Kainel.

"I don't trust anyone who uses such a cowardly hand as assassination."

"... is that it after all?

The answer that came up was really crappy emotional theory, if you let Kainel tell you.

"What, how do you say that?

"Earlier, in the days of the Emperor, those who were with him were killed. You resent that, don't you?

The death of a former southern uncle. This, in the Empire, is the work of Kamui. Correct.

"Of course I resent you."

"I want you to stop bringing your personal affairs into national politics."

"What!?

"If I can assassinate King Kamui, I will gladly choose my hand."

If that's for the Empire, Kainel is ready to defile his own hands.

"... then do it"

"Then let me show you an example. I don't have the means to assassinate King Kamui."

"What?

"I'm also strong as an individual. Around it are also guarded by the strong who have jumped through. I can't do it head-on. Now, as I was saying, all those who tried to sneak us in to gather information, even if they did assassinate us, have lost track of everything."

…………

If the Kamui side is serious, they can't even get close. Assassination is not easy.

"On the other hand, he has easily snuck into the Northern Uncle's house. I don't know what I did, I don't know what I did, I don't have a clue. Different?

"... no."

"How do you deal with someone like that? I think it's still better to figure out a way to prevent assassinations than to assassinate them."

…………

The ex-North uncle couldn't say anything anymore. I wasn't willing to allow the assassination. Once again, I felt the horror on Kamui's side.

"May I move the story forward?

"Wait a minute."

When I finally thought I'd shut up my former Northern uncle, I was Calc's administrative advisor next. Kainel's frustration is even more exciting.

"Anything yet?

"To get things going, we need to be clear about something called policy"

"I know that. Who is confusing it?

"Listen calmly without being emotional. May I? The problem with the present state of the empire lies in the fact that we need Hildegand to officially establish a rapprochement with the kingdom, but we are holding it back by Northende."

"So?"

I know that. Chancellor Kainel's attitude toward former Chancellor Kalk has stopped.

"So we believe that a rematch with the kingdom is inevitable and we are in the process of negotiating with Nortoende. Nort Ende knows that, so he's trying to make us drink a lot of demands."

"I know that too."

"There is nothing good for the Empire if we keep the initiative handed over to Norte Ende and proceed with the negotiations. I think opening it is a prerequisite."

"Because I can't find a way to do that"

"We should think about removing the problem of Hildegand. Change the terms of harmony with the kingdom and make a formal harmony with something else. That's where the Empire should do it first."

Neither did Kainel. However, no new terms of harmony were found. That's not all. In the first place, Kainel wondered if the kingdom meant to make a harmony.

"... is there a condition for the kingdom to drink?

"Transfer of Eastern Border Territory"

"I just put it back. So we couldn't agree on the terms, so now it's like this."

"Again, there's nothing you shouldn't negotiate. You just have to pack it in fine."

"But"

To Kainel, former Chancellor Kalk just seems to want his failures back.

"Now it's important to move out of Nort Ende's thoughts. Until now, the Empire has been stepping backwards. From here on out, we should take the lead."

"I understand that..."

"Let's do the reign ceremony immediately. Is that what you care about?

"No."

Cainel doesn't care, such as an impromptu ceremony. Claudia is the only one who is bound by it.

"You don't have to hide it. Just because there are not many attendees does not mean that the reign formula is invalid"

"Eh! Oh no!"

Emperor Claudia, who has been silent for so long, speaks up. Interest is like saying it's the only place here.

"Your Majesty, consider the Empire in your own way."

…………

I'm not convinced. I just can't find any objections. If Claudia could think about the Empire, she would soon leave the Emperor's position.

"We will determine that you have accepted it. There is nothing wrong with the Empire in trying to prolong the negotiations with Nortoende. We can focus on negotiating with the kingdom."

"Perhaps so."

"You are too afraid of Nort Ende. Don't be alarmed, but excessive fear can lead to miscalculation."

"Underestimating can also be misjudging."

"There is no underestimation or anything. Nort Ende is a small territory on the outskirts of the border. There is no such thing as hostility to the Empire."

…………

To ear suspicious dialogue, not surprisingly, Kainel loses his words.

"Do you understand?

I was able to get Kainel in, though I thought so, Calc, the political advisor.

"No, I'm not really sure why the prime minister was here."

"Yes?"

To Kainel's insult, Kalk's advisor now doubts his ear.

"I ask you, Eastern countries are rapidly rebuilding their war-torn territories. And where is that funding coming from? Where are the southern rebels also raising war money from for this long battle?

"... you say you're out of the Republic?

"Yes, I think so"

"That's what frightens you. How can such financial resources be found in Northende?

"Please answer my question first. Where do you think Eastern and Southern funding comes from?

Kainel did not allow the deception of Counsellor Kalk. Overlay, ask for answers to questions.

"... would be good. I admit that Nort Ende's national power is more than I imagined. But there's no doubt that's not beyond the kingdom. We attack first from a weak spot. This is basic."

Though I admitted an error in my perception of Northende, the assertion is not intended to change, it is not with the Kalk administrative adviser.

"I don't care if you attack"

"Then let me explain my proposal. I will give instructions to the Oriental House to take control of Northende."

"What are you going to do if you don't listen?

"It's fine with both. What we need to do about the Oriental House is to make the flag clear. We don't know if he's an enemy or an ally. So we can't move this one either."

"If it's an enemy?

"In fact, I'm not worried about that. Uncle Oriental is thick in loyalty to the Empire. You will not run into personal affection and betray the Empire. You just won't be able to grasp the trigger right now. I'm going to make you one."

Hearing this, Kainel also wondered why the prime minister had served.

Counsellor Kalk is an excellent clerk, but not one who produces something out of nothing. That's why he was Prime Minister. What a brilliant first emperor needed for everything was a person who took shape without dimensioning his ideas.

"... shouldn't we think about the worst case scenario?

"Worst of all, what about that, even if Uncle Oriental had a rebellion? The East is nestled between the Empire and the Kingdom. You just have to attack from both sides."

…………

Kainel loses his word here. Too convenient thinking. The story now is a premise that a rapprochement with the kingdom has already been reached.

"Next is the South. Send a Messenger of Respect to the Southern Uncle. Probably the limit already. It's time to reach out to him. Unlike the ex-South Uncle, my son is a trinket. Give them the safety and a little luxury they can afford and they will surrender easily."

"So? Do you fight the South?

"It will. I'll have the Western Uncle move."

So the western uncle...

"That's where you move it. Isn't everything good? You just have to give it anything in the territory. Connect with that for a while, and if you can afford to move the Knights of the Empire, it's Eastern or Nort-Ende domination. It depends on the Oriental House, but, well, it must be the East."

"It's a painting."

"You're overstating pictorial affairs. This is just a big policy. All you have to do is get the details done in each department. Now is the time to change the situation dramatically. And the Empire regains its former glory. Under His Majesty Emperor Claudia. How about that? Sire, with such a policy."

"Oh, yeah"

Claudia, questioned by Calc's administrative advisor, at her usual pace, fits in with her opponent. I had completely forgotten my position.

"Your Majesty!?

In a hurry, Kainel raised his voice, but it's too late. At least, Counsellor Kalk is going to make it too late.

"Your Majesty the Emperor has given his leave. Now, make specific plans in each department."

"You have no authority to do that!

"I'm not the one who gave you permission, Your Majesty, am I?

"Your Majesty!?

"Oh, yeah."

Though Claudia understood her mistakes on Kainel's sword screen.

"Your Majesty. Those who stand on top do not easily flip the foreword. That's the emperor."

"Ugh, yeah. Right."

The man named Emperor Claudia was a great man to manipulate. However, if there are more than one side of manipulation, it becomes a source of confusion.

"Come on, Chancellor Kainel, you, as your lord, should do all you can to make what His Majesty thinks possible."

"... remember"

Spit out the throw up dialogue and leave the conference room, Kainel.

Without the need for the Kamuis to do anything, the Empire will take the liberty of fighting for the right of initiative and destroy itself.

◇ ◇ ◇

Oscar was chasing Kainel, who jumped out of the conference room. What we got to was a room that wasn't in use now.

"I didn't know you were coming here...... You're seriously ill."

This is the room the Empress Sophilia used to taste.

"Kainel, we're in."

Without hearing back, Oscar opened the door and entered the room. What I saw in that eye was Kainel's back looking out the window in the room.

"Are you all right?

"Are you okay? Nothing to worry about."

"Well said. The last word is not like you. I know it's on your mind, but you should have done a little better."

"I know. But I can't stand it anymore."

"Well, the old folks."

That fortitude is impressive. Without that thickness, Oscar wondered if he could do national politics or something.

"No, I am who I am now."

"Hey?"

But Kainel's answer was not what he had in mind.

"I really wanted to change the empire. Worried about the Empire and wanted to do something about it."

"I know that very well"

I've known Oscar for a long time, and I know this. I can't stand this kind of hardship if I'm looking to be born.

"I thought I could manage. I thought that was all I had."

"You're working hard."

"No. Those thoughts have disappeared a long time ago. When I found out about the Kamuis."

"Right..."

"Beat by a sense of defeat, lose confidence"

"It's..., I can't help it"

This experience was the same for Oscar. But there's just a slight difference between Kainel and Oscar's experience.

"Still had fun"

"Become?"

"It was fun. When we were discussing all sorts of things around Sophilia in this room to do something about the Empire. Let's cross the Kamui one day. Help yourself, Master Sophilia. I was burning with such passion back then."

"... not because of passion, but because of Sophilia."

Oscar also knew why Kainel would miss the old days.

"Don't tell me. It's a thought you shouldn't talk about."

"... right"

"How about that? Instead of changing, the Empire is back to the times of previous generations. No, it's good if you go back. They are nothing more than old age, clinging to their former glory and not trying to see reality. The government is swayed by such an old man, and I'm part of such an imperial government. Now I feel like I know what it's like to be acting for Prince Therese and Chancellor Theon."

"Kainel, you mustn't say that. Don't think about it..."

Oscar can't put words ahead either. If you put it into words, that becomes reality. Oscar, who has such fears, is one who is anxious about the empire today.

"I know. Even if I know, I can't hold it off now. I'm going to apologize to Sophilia, and I'm going to apologize."

"... Kainel. If you give up, that's it."

"I know you're comforting me, but that's not the same"

"Right. How was it different?

"I'm going to lose sight of my purpose. I have a goal. That's so teethy."

"Goals?"

"Depending on your strength, a country where you can demonstrate your abilities regardless of your patriarchy. A country for all its citizens, not for some privileged classes. That's the country I was after."

"You just have to keep going"

Oscar Knights chief trying so hard to comfort Kainel, but that doesn't make sense. It's just that as a knight, Oscar, who was looking for the height of the martial arts, is not what he sees in Kainel.

"Okay, Oscar. What am I supposed to do if that's right in front of you? And how do I convince myself that I'm trying to break it? Why don't you tell me?

"... you, that's"

It's clear where Kainel is referring as the ideal country. It's the Republic of Arten Kreutz.

"Isn't that what it is? The Kamuis are orphans, this is still good. One party of the Hildegands would have taken its rightful place. This is still good too. There are also former Knights of the Divine Knights over there. They are also in a position commensurate with their abilities, beyond their former benevolence"

"Right..."

"You know what? Many civilians of the same age at the Royal College are now flowing into the Republic"

"What?

"Just as this one is trying to recruit new talent, so is the Republic. In the end, while nobles are the only ones who can be hired, regardless of their status, we have talented people."

"Did you?"

"The quality of human resources opens up the difference. In the end, with the battle against the former demon clan. Empires can only be fought in numbers."

"Still, I was taking advantage of fighting that demon clan"

"That's because the Demons didn't fight for real"

"Such an idiot!? Weren't the Demons in danger of annihilation while decreasing their numbers!

"The reason for that..., no, just can't you say that? It's something you shouldn't know."

"Hey? What are you talking about? What did you find out?

"Soon the time will come to know. Gradually, the story is spreading."

All I don't know is the Empire. In it, Kainel, from that standpoint, became acquainted as soon as possible with a certain teaching, which is spreading around the kingdom.

"What's that supposed to mean?

"You can't say it out of my mouth. If you really want to know that, explore the rumors of former Pope Aurelio Fannini. Then you'll know the approximation."

"Former Pope..."

"I can only say one thing: the Church of God was hiding the truth. And the Empire has forgotten the truth"

"What's that?

"Oscar. You'll get mad at me for saying this, but I'll still tell you"

"What?"

"As it is now, the Empire will perish. It's time to figure out how to end up not tormenting the people."

"You..."

"The Empire made a mistake. And so am I."

"You, you're not going to die!?

"Don't be silly. If you give up, it's over. That's what you said earlier, isn't it?

"Oh well."

"I'm not giving up. Return the purpose you once had in your chest"

"Right."

Unfortunately, Kainel's sincerity didn't make sense to Oscar. We're two people who think we're friends with each other, but even so, we don't know everything.

"... I'm sorry to bother you. It's all right now."

"Are you sure you're okay?

"Oh. But a little more, I'm going to chill my head here. Soaking up memories. I'm sorry, but leave me alone."

"... oh"

I should have listened a little more deeply. Later, Oscar said that he would regret the events of the day.

This was the last day Oscar saw Kainel. The Empire has also lost talent.