Maou No Utsuwa

In anticipation of Princess Ulinaa's passage through the fort, Kamui returned to the national capital with those who wished to enter.

Those wishing to enter are not the only Tairaise line and Kainel. Other than that, several people who were reaching out for solicitation were visiting the fort with their families. Little by little, the Republic is also growing in talent.

However, it is the difficulty of the Republic that such people are not immediately able to take up positions in national politics. It is not enough to say that you are good, you do not have prejudice against the Demons, even if you have one, you are required to be willing to take it away.

The first thing to be given is the work in the city or village, of internal affairs, which is also quite close to the people. Kainel was given that kind of job, too.

However, in Kainel's case, among other things, it's a pretty mean job.

"There was an appeal that the amount of water flowing into the field was changed on its own. Is there any mistake in that?

The Inquisitor. The referee to the lawsuit, the role of a judge, is Cainel's job.

"There is no mistake in the matter itself. But I'm not convinced you're guilty of it."

They say it's a venue for judgment, but they don't look bad at all.

"However, the management of Watergate is under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Authority and it is not good to change it on its own"

"Well, the Inquisitor has studied well for new students."

I can even afford to make fun of Kainel.

"Naturally. It's my job to rule on rubbing in accordance with the law."

Hold on to the frustration you recruit, and Kainel is trying to calmly respond.

"That being said, I didn't do anything wrong. Now, there is a slight water shortage. It's impossible to get the determined amount of water across all the fields."

"So you think it's permissible to manipulate the water gate and adjust the amount of water?

"Exactly. I didn't do anything wrong. As it was, the harvest of all the fields was in vain"

It is better to harvest it properly, even in part, than because of the lack of water and the inability to take advantage of everything. This is what they say. It's not entirely wrong.

"It's not a good thing to do it on your own."

It is the job of the Agriculture Authority to determine that. It's not good for peasants to like.

"That waterway is what we built. What's wrong with manipulating that?

The target is a Demon, Beastman man man. The waterway was maintained by the hands of the Demons. We made it ourselves, so our stuff. This is what the man claims.

"It's decided badly. Watergate manipulation was permitted only by the local agricultural administrator delegated by the Agricultural Administration. It's against the rules to manipulate it at will."

"... so there are a lot of people who have been helped?

The harvest of some, adequately watered fields is on a year-to-year basis.

"Even so."

"Hmm. So, don't do anything and watch the crops get wasted?

"It's not. If there's a water shortage fact, you just need to let the Agriculture Bureau know about it. The Department of Agriculture will take the necessary action."

"You really want to sin against me."

I tried not to have an ear to ask Kainel, and the man's attitude changed to something dangerous.

"Not so"

"I see the Inquisitor was a newcomer from the Empire. I'm a demon. I'm prejudiced."

"... that's not what happened"

Dialogue that has been heard many times since I started doing this job.

"Do you want to give priority to the land of the people over the land of the demons?

"No, we're talking about procedure."

"I'm not convinced. Now let me speak directly to the king from the chief. That should fix it."

If you don't listen to what Kanell has to say, I can tell Kamui. This is like a threat already.

"What do we do to annoy the king?

"To this extent, the Inquisitor says, it is important for us to farm without water."

"Maybe... but still, the Agriculture Authority is talking about jurisdiction, and this is my job more than there was an allegation of mediation"

"You're gonna regret this?

"I don't ride threats like that"

Clear threats are better prepared to reject them. Kainel said resolutely.

"Hmm...... So, Inquisitor, what sins are you going to impose on me?

"One silver coin as a fine, a month of forced labour if it can't be paid"

"... too expensive?

"It's a guaranteed amount to the damaged. I don't think it's expensive."

It also included the crime of threatening Kainel, the Inquisitor, but when he mouthed this, he also kept his mouth shut because it would be troublesome.

"Hmm. That would be good. That's a piece of silver. But remember that."

"… the results of the ruling are properly recorded and sent to the national capital. You can't possibly forget."

"How long will that busy mouth last?"

"Anyway, that's the thing. Make sure the fine is properly healed by the Department of Agriculture. If the payment is not made, it will also be guilty."

"Hmm."

Without concealing dissatisfaction, the demonic man left the scene.

This is not the first time these things have happened. The job that Kainel was given was to investigate and issue a ruling on these rubbings in the city, which did not lead to a trial.

In a way, I suddenly have quite a bit of authority, but any ruling I make is also a carefree job of being resented by one or the other.

Especially as this one, when the Demon Clan is involved, it will mostly end up with such a bad aftertaste. Honestly, Kainel was confused about this.

The Demons are as if they were nobles entrenched in a sense of privilege. As soon as I am at a disadvantage, I refrain from my relationship with Kamui, the king, and threaten him to issue a ruling in his favor.

When it doesn't work, like this one, it throws up a throwaway dialogue.

I wonder if this is what the Kamuis look like in the country they want, and Kainel gets depressed because he thinks he made the wrong choice.

The only salvation is that despite the Devil's Abandonment Dialogue, there are no notifications such as dismissals from the national capital. Nor is there any measure to overturn the outcome of the ruling.

Kamui wondered if he was aware of this fact and also thought he would file a complaint with the national capital, but so far he has not moved it into action.

But it was time for the limits to approach.

Kainel is becoming unbearable that the republic he came to be the ideal country to disappoint even though he did not see it.

File an appeal against Kamui, and if it is not accepted, let us leave the Republic. If only that were allowed.

With that in mind, before Cainel, who took a pen to write a complaint, suddenly, it appeared.

"Inquisitor Kainel"

"Become?"

Kainel raised his voice in surprise at the appearance of the black outfit that naturally appeared in front of him.

"Sorry to surprise you"

"Ki, what about you?

"I have received a message from the King."

"Ah, oh. Is that so? So what did the king say?"

"He told me to come to the national capital immediately. No need to take over the job. Get ready immediately."

"... ok"

Without taking over, I get a call to the national capital. To this fact, Kainel realized that the time had come for him to come.

◇ ◇ ◇

Kainel arrived in the national capital after a call, two weeks later.

As soon as he arrived, he became a visitor to Kamui. Place of worship is the large conference room. It was a place where many of the heavy ministers were present as well as Kamui.

"Oh, are you here?"

When I saw Kanell, Kamui called out.

"I was in a hurry when you called."

"After all, that awe-inspiring attitude is hard to talk about"

Kamui is grinning at Kainel's attitude. Seeing that look never made me feel like Kainel.

"Don't worry about this"

"Right. Well, it's quick, but I'm relieving you of your duties as Inquisitor."

"... Really?"

Sharpen as I thought. Even so, after all, Kainel's feelings are depressing. Kamui accepted the Demon Nation's appeal. This will be Kamui's special treatment of the Demon Nation.

"Oh, bad. Wrong order of speaking."

"In order?"

Seeing Kanell depressed, Kamui rushes to say words of apology, but even if they say order, Kanell doesn't know what it means.

"In the meantime, the primary exam is passed"

"Huh?"

Again, I didn't immediately understand what that meant.

"I told you I'd try everything. The exam isn't over yet."

"No, it's not, what is passing?

"Is that it? Didn't you notice? It was all about weird rulings, wasn't it?

"... is that so?"

In Kamui's explanation, Kainel finally figured out what it meant to pass. My job as an inquisitor included what Kamui called an exam.

"All the ruling results looked through. Neither the people nor the demons were given preferential treatment, which I think was a fair ruling. And my attitude toward the Demons is not a problem from what I've heard."

The Demons had reported Kamui. However, the contents, unlike what the Demons had said to Kainel, were reports of test results.

"I mean, that everything was a lie?

"Not everything. I just mixed a few things up in my real job. Could you have been angry?

"... no, I'm not angry though"

When you're not angry at all, Kainel is lying.

"Forgive me for the devil's disrespect. That's my instructions. If you have a complaint, just tell me."

"Really?"

It is an ill-willed test content. Keinel is impressed with himself now that he has been able to make a calm decision without often losing his demonic attitude.

"Are you mad after all?

"... no"

"I think you can be angry, though, huh? I think it's a terrible exam inside while I do it myself"

"Even so, given my previous history, I can't complain"

A former prime minister of an enemy country. It seems natural to try to test my heart thoroughly. If you have emotions, even if there are parts that are somewhat unconvincing.

"It makes me feel a little easier if you say so"

"So what's your next exam?

"That's what I think. If you don't forget it's an exam, it won't be an exam."

"You have to be aware, even if they say so."

I don't know when, where, and what tests will be done. I found out about this one.

"Is that true, too? I just don't know what exam they're asking me, but I can't answer them. I'll call it a meeting place, so join me."

"... what's that?

"So I have trouble being asked. You may keep abreast of the current situation for a while, or you may make a statement if you have an opinion. It means do as you please."

"Yes......"

All of a sudden, it's participation in the National Council. inflating expectations and a calm mind trying to contain it. Kainel's heart is complicated.

"Well, I'll start the meeting soon. Alto, move on."

"Oh. Well, it's been a long time since we've had all these faces together. Individual agendas will be taken up later, starting with an awareness of the current situation. First of all, naturally, it's about the Empire. The negotiating delegation returned to the Imperial Capital to consider the contents of the harmony. In conclusion, the Empire has decided to accept the terms of the Kingdom."

"No way!? Are you seriously going to give me Oriental Uncle Territory?

"What!? Oh, no, excuse me."

Alto talks and Matthias returns the question. The usual way, where I thought the meeting would go, Kainel raised his voice. I couldn't help but be surprised by the content.

"Oh, first ear. Has the empire ever sent a messenger to the kingdom to negotiate a review of the terms of harmony?

Alto asked how far Kainel knew.

"I know that. That's the last meeting I attended in the Empire."

I was disappointed with the content of the meeting, which prompted Kainel to run away.

"Right. As a result of the negotiations, instead of pulling back on the matter of Master Hildegand, the Kingdom has demanded a concession of the Eastern Uncle Territory. Only in the northern part of the eastern realm. But with that in hand, the kingdom can at once extend its territory to the eye and tip of its nose in the centre of the Empire. Instead, it's a much better condition."

"Are you saying that the Empire drank such stupid terms?

Only in the act of helping the kingdom invade itself, Kainel seems. The stupidity of the Empire just frightens me.

"Surprisingly. I don't know what to say. Try other personnel. In fact, the Kingdom spread such conditions as rumors before the Empire considered them. It's like getting into Uncle Oriental's ear."

"... So how was Uncle Oriental's reaction?

The same spicy M.O., slightly shuddered, Keinel continued to ask.

I didn't think you'd accept that.

Impossible, such as the transfer of eastern uncle territory. If you have normal judgment, think like this. And Uncle Oriental has ordinary judgment.

"But the Empire accepted. Why did that happen?

Kainel couldn't really understand the Empire's decision.

"Honestly, I can't find a reason for this. However, it is conceivable that the empire's distrust of the Oriental uncle was more than expected. How dare you, Hildegand, be queen of this country. There is no chance that the Oriental House will use the handout to connect with the Republic. And if the Oriental House put it here, the Oriental force map will stain this color at once."

More than an empire, Emperor Claudia's distrust of Oriental uncle. Rather than distrust of the Oriental uncle, the sense of confrontation with Hildegand is having an impact. Until, I just can't even get Alto's thoughts.

"But if we do that, the Republic will be sandwiched, albeit partially, between the Empire and the Kingdom. Doesn't sound like a good hand, though?

Kainel's thoughts are the same as those of the Republic. Reaching out to the Eastern Uncle is bad for the Republic. If you know this, your fear of the Oriental House should fade a little, but the Empire doesn't know this.

"You usually think so. I don't know where it is. Well, half of it might be affecting you."

"Half?"

"Oh, don't you know this, too? The Oriental House broke in half. Uncle Oriental to the south and his son to the north."

"For that matter... Really? The Oriental House has decided to attach itself to the Republic?

"I'm sure it means half a dozen survivors. The Empire knows that, so maybe he made a decision."

Prior to the Empire's judgment, the Oriental uncle had contemplated dividing the territory in half. As a result theory, the Imperial judgment is no longer a complete mistake.

"... Really? Then it's not a strange decision."

Having heard that, Kainel offered a different opinion than before.

"Oh? Why?

"The northern part of the Oriental House will be a territory that will be targeted by the Republic and the Kingdom, even if left alone. No, it's better to say that the countries that have it could be attacked by two other countries. If so, as an empire, you'd better let it go"

"Is that all?

Alto, who heard this, had already thought about what Kainel had explained.

"If, on the other hand, we hold the South, the Republic and the Eastern countries will remain divided. It's partly connected, but it's a narrow place bordering the kingdom's territory. Collaboration cannot be said to be sufficient. That's why."

It's been tried. This thought is now spreading in Kainel's head.

"That's just great. More importantly, this one is holding the kingdom in exchange for the new territories of the Eastern countries. If that happens, it is clear that this one will take the northern part of the Eastern Uncle Territory. There will be some calculations that we will fight anyway."

"Do that... Then the Empire must stop the Oriental uncle himself at all costs. Only to seize the Oriental Uncle of the Oriental Central."

"I guess that's the decision you can make."

"Can you?

"You'll be able to. I divided it in half to go with both us and the Empire. Uncle Oriental will never leave the Empire."

If you're going to leave, you don't have to split it it. We will deliberately weaken the Oriental House.

"What are the chances that the kingdom will respond to the exchange of eastern territories?

The center remains the empire, the north is the republic or kingdom. It is important to know what the former eastern border territory to the east will be.

"I guess that depends on what happens to the Oriental Uncle. If the Empire offers the North, there will be no exchange. If that doesn't work, I'll bring a replacement here."

"The kingdom is taking the lead, isn't it?

And whichever way you fall, the kingdom will gain. Deep north or central. Either way, the invasion of the Empire is a favorable outcome.

"Unfortunately. The kingdom is advantageous by just waiting. And the situation can't easily collapse."

"What if it collapses?

"If we attack the Empire and expand our territory once and for all, the kingdom will be in a hurry."

"You think you can do that?

If I could, Kainel would be surprised. It also becomes a little understandable that the old men had made the Republic their enemy.

"No way. Such national power, we don't have it. We'll have to spread it gradually."

"... that's tough"

If it was the Imperial Chancellor, it would be a relief, but now Kainel is on the republican side. There have also been problems with republics that have overwhelmed the empire. One of them also looked like Kainel.

"Not about the kingdom again. It's about the Empire now. Now the deadline for the terms is ten months, but five months have passed. The Empire needs to move."

"No way, do you suddenly attack in?

"That's what the kingdom put out. I put a deadline that I wouldn't allow stretching. Besides, it's too much."

"That's right. Even kingdoms can't leave empires alone to restore their national power. I'm guessing the prospect was a civil war between the Oriental House and the Empire, but as an empire that was half done, you're lucky."

"As an army. The heart of the Empire, though half of it, is not rightly aware of the impact of trumpeting the Oriental House."

"What's that?

"Cutting off the Oriental Uncle means that the rest of the Oriental Uncle's house meets the same eye. Well, I don't know any other weak noblemen."

"When the Empire loses the nobility's credibility,"

"Definitely"

So that's what Alto does.

"... right. But why is this happening?"

Also, the same questionable words come from Kainel's mouth. Until a little while ago, even Kainel, who was at the center of it, couldn't really understand how the Empire did it.

"Come on? Is it a mistake to keep Uncle Fang back in territory? The leading members of the central aristocracy have not participated in national politics either. Nobody thinks in noble positions. That's why. Because you're not here."

"... well. But there must be a northern uncle."

"That's too much into national politics. Besides, I just think that there's a pride in being a grand aristocrat and a central aristocrat is a piece of shit. And Uncle Fang assumes that it is a pledge of allegiance to the Empire. Do you know this better?"

"Yes."

Because of that assumption, Kainel has been scattered and bitter.

"That's why I lead the wrong decision. What I've come to understand is that earlier generations have been said to be like the golden years of the Empire, but that was something that had the excellence of the Emperor earlier, wasn't it?

The Empire became the largest dominant region in the history of the Empire in earlier generations. It was precisely the time that laid the foundations for continental domination. But the foundation is brittle and crumbly.

There is no emperor but a great black pillar. Just by that.

"Excellent as a limb, but without brains, I suppose. I noticed that, too. Besides, they don't try to listen to the younger ones because they're not aware of it"

"Yeah, it's convenient for us."

"For an enemy nation. I mean, it's also convenient for the kingdom."

The kingdom is making good use of it to create the present situation. This is also due to the fact that support on the part of the Republic has passed.

"That's the problem. The kingdom is empowered by the imperial mess. Well, then, this one's in trouble. The Empire's mistakes help us."

"... from the front with the Empire?

"That's the former Imperial Chancellor. That's a good guess. I intend to."

Until now, the Kamuis have implemented various measures to sharpen the power of the Empire. But the power lost by the Empire has not been taken away by the Republic, but, for the most part, has been transferred to kingdoms and peripheral territories.

From now on, that means no. This means that the republican consciousness has moved from empire to kingdom.

The Republic needs strength in order not to lose the battle against the Kingdom.

"Is it war?

"And war. Use all means available. That's the same as before."

"... right"

That, I can't read every means, and Kainel's been hit. Even now, I can hardly imagine what Alto is going to do.

"But let's start with the military. Formation of the Expeditionary Army into two units. One is the support unit of the Oriental House."

"What?"

It was Matthias who raised his surprise. Matthias had already heard of the policy of abandoning the Oriental House.

Alto's current words are contrary to its policy.

"What's up?

"Do you support the Oriental House?

"I will. If they take it away easily, I'll be in trouble."

"But if we do that, the Empire will, of course, show hostility to the Kingdom"

We must avoid contending with the two kingdoms, the Empire and the Kingdom. This was the reason for abandoning the Eastern Uncle Territory.

"If it's hostile, I'm pointing it all the way. That said, it's troublesome to get your hands on the two countries, so support will be done unnoticed with the republican army"

"I mean, the support units are us, the former Oriental uncles."

If you're going to get mixed up in the Oriental House, the former Oriental House is the best. Their home is still a subordinate nobility of the Oriental House.

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, but that's not everything, and the main force isn't you guys."

"What?"

"The main force is the left army of Ignaz. Your role is to coordinate with Uncle Oriental's army."

"Right..."

I know a lot of people in the Oriental House, but they have families. Thought he couldn't help it directly, Matthias showed a depressed bareback.

"Don't be depressed. I'm telling you, Matthias is in charge of internal affairs."

"... it was"

The foreign affairs are headed by Alto, the left prime minister, and Matthias, the right prime minister, the interior affairs. This is the system of the Republic.

"I'll take charge of backward support. Well, with the exception of the Left Army, backward support is the job."

"Are you up to something again?

"What I'm thinking is an operation. About that, after the organization is consolidated. Now the Oriental House, albeit only the North, is the candidate for an apostle to it. Ask Gilberto for this."

"What!? More than me."

Suddenly nominated Gilberto has already turned his face bright blue. It's the first time I've been entrusted with all my work as a soldier.

"Because Master Hildegand can't get it out. So is Matthias, the right prime minister. You may find out what we're involved in, but don't let them grab the evidence. Less conspicuous, and then the Oriental House will have a limited face."

Except Gilberto, who is here, shall be Nicholas or Matthew. Nicholas is one of a kind, because the messenger is unsuitable for character.

"... I see"

"Don't worry, I'll have it written naturally."

"Okay."

"Well, that's another unit. Organize in all the rest of the Expeditionary Army. Leading, naturally, is Kamui, the king. And the place to attack is the northern realm."

What surprises me about this is that on this occasion it's about Kainel. If you were to go outside, from the north. This has been decided for a long time.

The reason for doing so is in the Republic of Artenkreutz, not in Nordt Ende.

Finally, the time has come for the Artenkreutz Republic to seriously strike out.