Maou No Utsuwa

Truce negotiations with the Artenkreutz Republic. Though it was a national decision, even though he thought it was just a good bug offer, Oscar sent the envoy of the bargaining offer to the republican position. Unexpectedly, however, Kamui agreed that negotiations would take place.

Unfortunately, the first step is success, but Oscar doesn't feel comfortable at all. If it's a negotiation with Kamui, I know it's going to hurt my stomach before I start.

Still, Oscar has no choice but to head to the negotiating table.

It was in front of the republican position that it was designated as the venue for the negotiations. We are on the republican side, but it was the imperial side that became outside the position.

On the spot, we head for Oscar and Beck military advisers, and three messengers from the Imperial Capital. Both Oscar and Beck military advisers didn't intend to go, but seeing Kamui and Rutz show up at the negotiating table earlier, they made a quick change. In the King and the General opponent, we won't catch up without the two of us participating.

"It's Kamui Kreutz, King of the Artenkreutz Republic. Next door is our general, Lutz."

Kamui is named for his majesty as the king of a nation without making him feel anything like he is a friend of the old knowledge.

"... Oscar Fulheim, head of the Knights of the Schutz Alten Empire. In attendance is Christophe Beck, a military adviser. And this is Thomas Whitman, the diplomat."

To that Kamui attitude, Oscar returned the name, albeit slightly barometric.

"I hear a lot about you, but can you tell me what to do from there again?

"Oh, unfortunately, your country and I have been able to deal with dried gobs, but our country does not like to fight. We discussed it and wondered if we could solve this situation."

Oscar returned Kamui's request in the right words. I feel ashamed that it's a good story about bugs, so I'm desperate not to put that on my face.

"What do you want to solve when you talk about it?

"Amphang is our national territory. It is not permissible to occupy it illegally. However, if you go back in time, your country and Amphang seem to have quite a few causes. My country has room for compromise on this situation"

"... heh. That's right, the lineage of generations of knighthood chiefs. You can say these things right, can't you?

"Huh?"

Oscar is bewildered by Kamui's sudden change of attitude.

"It's just hard to understand. What's in the compromise? You mean to admit that Amphang belongs to our country?

"No, I can't give you Amphang. Instead, we will transfer the eastern part of the Northern Boreal Territory to your country"

"That east is already our territory, though?

The first to be occupied by the Republic was eastern northern Berg territory. There has also been considerable progress in domination.

"Like Amphang, it was taken illegally. He says he'll admit it."

"The premise of the discussion is wrong. The Empire of Schutz Alten, which focuses on Amphang, was originally built by the grandchildren of the Demon King to protect the Demon Nation. The present emperor, who has not inherited that mission, does not have the right to claim the North as a territory, not the emperor of Schutzarten"

The North is not already the territory of the Empire. It is Kamui's contention that it is the muscle that will become the territory of the Republic that is about to inherit the original owner's will.

"Even if that is the case with the history of statehood, the empire has lasted a thousand years as an empire. His Majesty Claudia is his rightful successor."

You can't admit Kamui's premise. Admit it, we're not talking about the North anymore.

"I am not a legitimate successor. Because I have no proof of my rightful succession."

"The Seal of the Emperor is in His Majesty's hands."

This was what Oscar came up with as a testament to the Emperor.

"I can make as many of those things as I want. It's not proof."

"So what is the proof?

"There is a name handed down from generation to generation only to the Emperor of the Schutz Alten Empire. It's the name of the Demon King, the grandfather of the Emperor's original ancestors."

Middle name Ray. This is a testament to the inheritance. It now belongs to Zigmund, the son of Therese.

"... Sure, Your Majesty doesn't have a name, but such a thing just needs to be attached now"

"You can't do that. If Claudia is the one who draws the blood of his ancestors, he cannot be named. It's happening."

Ray's name is a testament to the Covenant. It is engraved in blood. I can't name Claudia any more than she draws its blood. It's a kind of magic guide.

"Don't talk cod"

It's something Oscar doesn't understand.

"If you think it's a lie, let me see if I can name it. We'll find out soon enough."

"... there is no negotiation going on even if we are sending messengers back and forth to the Imperial Capital for that reason. I want to move on."

The Empire is in a hurry to settle the negotiations. Oscar doesn't have time for this.

"It's important. Well, okay. But even if I say we can move on, how can we move on? Your terms are not drinkable."

"So under what conditions can I drink?

"Return of all the North"

"I can't."

"Then the negotiations are broken."

Lightly Kamui declared a breakdown in the negotiations. The heart of it is unreadable to Oscar.

"Tentatively speaking, instead of ceding the North, would it be acceptable if we asked for the return of the Eastern Border Territory North?

In advance of the tentative story, Oscar uttered the most important content. Negotiations ahead are conditions that will change dramatically, whether the Republic has room for consideration or not.

"Whoa, is that what you came for? You're as selfish as ever. Well, if we don't, we won't be able to negotiate with both the kingdom and this one."

"I want to hear the possibilities"

"I'm making one mistake. Northern Eastern Uncle Territory is not our national territory. There's just civil unrest going on in your country."

"... right"

To Kamui's answer, Oscar shows a slightly depressed appearance. We have known from the beginning that there is no room for Kamui to consider the northern part of the Eastern Uncle Territory. Still, what I dare ask is not because it is the order of Emperor Claudia, but because I wanted him to say from Kamui's mouth that the northern part of the Eastern Uncle Territory is the territory of the Republic.

It's a small possibility, but if the kingdom finds out about this embarks on a battle with the Republic, the situation will improve considerably, albeit temporarily. I want to see the slightest possibility now.

"Well, that's it? If that's the case, the negotiations are over."

"I want you to think about a few more compromises. It's good to know that Amphang can't give way. But do we really need the whole North?

So far, we haven't found any room for negotiation. The negotiations themselves don't have to go well, or at least I want to explore just one end of Kamui's idea.

"This is the one who wants you to think of a compromise. My country took back Amphang and the East. But you think that's all we can do? If you think about governance, you know you can't do it."

"... although it does"

There is a distance between the northern central city of Amphang and the eastern part of northern Bertian territory. If in the meantime it remains imperial territory, Amphang will be isolated. Oscar can tell it's not good as it is. From the side of the Empire, I just want it to stay this way.

"Stop at one negotiation is also what, so take it back and consider it. We'll wait as long as we can."

"... I'm not going to make you wait so long"

When people tell me how much to wait, I don't feel like doing what I do.

"Are you okay not asking the Imperial Capital? If you get caught up in this place, you'll be turned upside down later."

"That's the situation here. I'll try not to."

"Well, I'll take care of it. Yeah, there's only one condition I want you to hear right now."

"... what?

When I hear it's a condition, tension runs to Oscar.

"Lower the army back and take your distance. I'm fine with this one, but you don't like unforeseen things, do you?

"Oh, okay"

The conditions mentioned by Kamui were commonsense. During truce negotiations, it is only natural consideration to distance ourselves from sudden clashes. Oscar returned his consent immediately.

However, it is in Kamui's way that these insignificant matters are actually important. I would have noticed if it was around Serene, but unfortunately Oscar had very little contact with Kamui, and I didn't know this.

After the negotiations, some time later, a horse rushed out of Amphang in various directions. It is an apostle's horse who tells his master of the empire's disadvantages: the offer of a truce agreement and the retreat of the Imperial Army.

Some of the horses headed far west.

◇ ◇ ◇

Nearly six months after the first meeting. The truce negotiations continue.

Most importantly, what seemed to be conditional bargaining was to stop flat at some point. This is because the situation around us has progressed much faster than the negotiations.

In the second negotiation the Empire indicated the transfer of territory in the form of a long and thin connection between the areas controlled by the Republic. It was only in the form of a proposal, which was rejected by the Republic without being debated. for the reason that the dominant areas may change.

The Empire protested that the fighting during the negotiations would not be tolerated, but the explanation from the Republic was that one of the Northern Belgian subordinate aristocrats was wishing to return to the Republic.

The imperial side, starting with the Oscars who heard this, turned bright blue.

I made the push question that there is no turning around, it is the free will of the aristocracy, but naturally, I send it forward to the next time without drawing any conclusions.

And next time, the Empire was to be asked about the turnaround of another nobleman.

The aristocracy of the North is about to flow to the Republic with a cut off from the Empire.

Having firmly recognized this fact, the Oscars decided to abandon the truce negotiation wrap-up and turn to the centre for instructions. Because it's already under the authority of the Knights Commander, and it's not a situation I can manage.

Afterwards, although we meet regularly, the contents are not negotiations, but mostly public discourse. It just became a story of personal interest, including how to train a sword and how to move an army. When it comes to Kamui and Rutz, as well as Oscar and Beck military advisers, this is all we have.

Even today, the meeting was supposed to be over after we talked about that the whole time, but Oscar has rarely brought up another topic.

"... how did this happen to the Empire?

The situation in the north implies the collapse of the empire. How did the empire, which was aimed at the hegemony of the continent, fall so far? Unexpectedly, Oscar wanted to ask. from the mouth of Kamui, who created this situation.

"... because the Empire is the only one going back while the times are about to go ahead"

"Back..."

Kamui's answer was the unexpected content of Oscar. Oscar was expecting me to tell him a more specific cause.

"Is this rude to Lord Beck?

Beck, the military advisor was from the Emperor's days.

"No, it's a fact. The Empire has failed to change generations"

Military adviser Beck replied to Kamui, who was grinning bitterly. Beck, military advisors are aware of this.

"Why did you fail?

Oscar still wanted to know the exact cause.

"Why? Are you proud?

"Proud... Admittedly, that's it, but is that all that's gonna make it this far?

The pride of a great nation. I know so much about the existence of this that Oscar doesn't like it, but I also think it's not limited to this era.

"I wasted my talent. Without it, the Empire would have achieved continental domination in your time."

"... right"

Oscars called the Golden Generation. Right now, the only thing left in the Empire is Oscar.

"Besides, I not only wasted it, I turned it on my enemies. There's no such ridiculous story."

"You're the leader."

"Me? I'm not called the Golden Generation."

"That's because I was hiding my strength. But even if I hid it, I couldn't hide it. Around you in Imperial College, there was nature and the brilliant. Hildegand, Deefleet, Marie. Neither do the borderlands."

"They are all born empires. The Empire stripped each and every one of them."

All of that is now turning to the enemies of the Empire. People like Kamui who can dominate the continent are moving to defeat the Empire.

"... now that I think about it, I should have done what my father said"

"Were you thinking of something?

It's been a long time since Kamui remembered the former Knights Commander. It was surprising that Kamui had only a bloody impression and had taken measures.

"I was advancing your marriage to Her Royal Highness Princess Sophilia."

"... Yes?

It was surprising what the former Knight Commander had in mind.

"I heard it later, but he went to a good place."

"There can't be a marriage between the son of a borderline lord and His Royal Highness, can there?

"He was originally born in a prestigious house called Honfleet. And my adoptive father, Viscount Kreutz, was a trusted figure of the Emperor earlier. Besides, the Emperor said that to your mother."

I just didn't say I was in love.

"That... Did the former Knights Commander know that, too?

"Naturally. Besides, you have no connection to Uncle Fang's house. Apart from personal relationships."

I had enough personal relationships with Hildegand. Oscar wouldn't have known how deep it was.

"The last word is extra. I know what you're talking about, but you don't have me, right?

"Who else is there but you? Imperial martial arts. Father said this title should be crowned over the royal family."

The previous emperor had intended to weaken the power of the leading aristocracy represented in the Fang Uncle family and strengthen the power of the royal family. Kamui, who is not influenced by the Uncle Fang family, and has strong skills, is a good choice in this regard.

"Why didn't you?

This is where military adviser Beck inquired. I was listening, and I thought military adviser Beck was a good idea.

"Uncle Fang's strong rebellion is expected, and with the decision that he has no power to push it back. My father regretted the fact that he had been tattooed by the Emperor earlier."

"Your death was still too soon."

In fact, the Imperial gear has gone mad with the Emperor's premature death earlier. Earlier, against the backdrop of the emperor's glory, the emperor was supposed to strengthen the royal power and further connect it to the next generation in order to dominate the continent.

Besides, the Emperors do not know, but earlier the Emperor had recognized Therese as his successor. Claudia could never have been emperor.

"Over-reliance. That's why the Empire failed."

"... what do you mean?

"In a rude way, the Emperor's days were empires earlier. But that was just the emperor was special earlier, not the original form of the empire"

"What is the original form?

"Right...... Wait a minute."

Kamui looked around and stood up. As the surroundings look at what they do, they pick up some rolling stones on the ground and come back.

Kamui piled up the stone he had picked up on the table. There is one large stone on top of several stones.

"What's this?

"The shape of the Empire. First, the south is off."

Saying this, Kamui took up one stone and dropped it to the ground.

"You know what?"

With Kamui's actions, military adviser Beck figured out what the stone meant. The stones below are the Fanbe family, the stones above are royal, or the Empire itself.

First the southern ambassador disobeyed. One stone supporting the Empire disappeared.

"And the stones have grown smaller"

Replace one stone with a small stone. It's about Uncle Oriental.

"Another one got smaller"

Also replace the stone with a small one. I can tell from the stone position that you're referring to the Northern Uncle, the Beck military advisers.

"This still bears the critical empire"

If you look closely, there were not three but four stones lined up below. One in the middle is the central aristocracy. It became unstable compared to the first, but still the stone remained on board.

"But unfortunately..."

Kamui removed the biggest lower stone. This upset my balance and the stone on top rolled off.

"... that's, no way"

Meaning of what Kamui did. With this in mind, Beck, the voice of military adviser is trembling.

"We've been dating for almost six months now. So I'll teach you something special. Western uncle declared independence. Apparently the name Oppenheim Kingdom."

"Such an idiot..."

The departure of the Western House from the Empire. This is not all that matters. It is easy to imagine a fierce territorial battle to begin between the new country of Western uncle and the Empire, whether or not to move the army.

It's a takeover of the aristocracy.

"I suggest you return to the Imperial Capital. Naturally, abandon the North. Otherwise we lose the center and the Empire is doomed."

Continuing the battle against the Republic in the North has no winning eye first. The return of the aristocracy of the North is already on its way to the Republic. If we want the Empire to survive, we have to return the army to defend the center. I don't even know if I can survive this.

"… withdraw. I just want you to hear one wish."

With this said, Oscar has turned his strong gaze to Kamui. That's it, I know what you want to say to Kamui. Before the words, the struggle has already risen from Oscar's body.

"It would be good. Don't resent me for dying, okay?

"It's the result of a squarely grand battle. I don't do that kind of thing."

"Right."

While in conversation, the two of them are taking their seats and walking out. From the meeting place, quite far away, I stopped and met him across the street.

"That's the second time you've put your swords together, isn't it?

It was when I invited the Imperial Army out in the guise of a bandit. That was Oscar's first line.

"Oh. But that one lost with the waza, didn't it?

Nestled in Kamui's measures, he gave the kingdom the opportunity to invade. It's a bitter memory for Oscar.

"Naturally. Well, I guess it's about time you satisfied my blood, huh?

"Blood?"

"Father's blood. When you meet the strong, you can't help but be belligerent."

"Right. Okay, let's give it a try."

Oscar is not in a position to only work out his sword. Instead of changing the difference in force so much compared to the time, he/she knows that it would be even more open.

But Oscar, as a knight, has never experienced a single burning battle. That's what I regret.

If I can, I want to fight Kamui, who will undoubtedly be the strongest on the continent, with all my might. Kamui responded to this Oscar thought.

"So, battle!

Swing your sword up and step in big. I waved my sword down at once where I thought Kamui was in time. But by then, Kamui will no longer be in the front.

Cut down the sword diagonally to the side. This was also avoided by Kamui simply by gently diverting his upper body.

"Is this what this is?

"Not yet!"

Continue and wave down the sword. This was also flanked. Shake it up further. Shake it down. Oscar keeps waving his sword without making room for it, but there's no sign of it reaching Kamui at all.

"... you can't do this. I can't be serious."

"Not yet!

"I don't need numbers. Just one swing. And try your best."

"All the best in one swing..."

"You must have seen an example. Remember that."

"... oh, I remember"

It's a joint class from Imperial College. To teach Hildegand, Kamui was supposed to show his surroundings a hell of a gesture. This is the first time Oscar has recognized the power of Kamui.

I haven't forgotten what happened then in years. As one ideal form as a swordsman, it burns in my eyes.

"... then"

Breathe loudly and breathe. Eliminate the wasted thoughts as much as you can and bring only the images of that time to mind.

Slowly put the sword on the upper level. Focus your feelings so that you can also feel the slightest body movements. A slight tremor in the hand with the sword. Hold it in with your feelings, not your powers.

I tried this and asked Hildegand to teach me. Think of that, one by one.

Slowly moving feet gradually accelerate to grasp the ground. Later he flashed his sword with no heart.

A tall metal noise echoed around.

"A little aside. But it's reasonably shaped. Repeated workouts later will make this many times better"

"... how many years have you graduated from college? I'm finally a student in Kamui class, too."

"Don't remind me of embarrassment. But let me give you just one piece of advice. It's up to you to decide what to do."

"Oh."

"I think Mr. Oscar is clumsy. So if you want to improve your sword, you can't do it without focusing on it. You're just like rank. Rank abandons everything and lives only by his sword. Thanks to you, I feel safe with my back."

"Right..."

The look on Oscar's face when he heard Kamui's advice clouds.

"That's not advice for the Knights of the Empire. I knew you wouldn't ask."

After seeing how Oscar was doing, Kamui hastily revoked it. Oscar is the Commander of the Knights of the Empire. I'm not in a position to live as a swordsman. Because I thought the advice would only haunt Oscar.

"No, never mind. Hey......, no, I'll remember"

Oscar reply that doesn't boil down. Oscar was not discouraged by Kamui's advice. I envied Rank. There's a rank where you can live only by your sword and tell Kamui that you can leave your back to him.

As captain of the Knights of the Empire, Oscar thought this was a word that should never be spoken.

"Well, now. It may be the last time I see you... but let me say, for once, again,"

"Oh. See ya."

Kamui was returning to the position, showing a little light in Oscar's reply. That's blurry and Oscar is staring at.

"Only now. I'll only say it once."

Military adviser Beck has spoken to such an Oscar.

"I'm done with the Empire. You're still young, don't you need to martyr to the end?

Military Advisor Beck has told me that there is no one around to talk about.

"... no. Isn't it okay to have one of those idiots? I'm clumsy."

"... well. Then let's go back to the Imperial Capital. A new battle awaits."

"Yes."

Less than a moment from now, the Imperial Army left its position and left towards the Imperial Capital.

Since then, the civil unrest in the Empire has come to an end, and things have shifted to a battle between nations.

It was the beginning of a warring age when several nations seized territory.