Maou No Utsuwa

The exercise area, which I felt wide enough to taste, also feels quite narrow after I found out about the Imperial Knights' training ground. It is decided on a different scale in the exercise areas used in student classes and in the real Knights' training grounds. Not only are there numbers, but there are also soldiers who need vast areas for training, such as horseback riding units.

Now that it's already after school. There are no classes taking place in the exercise area. Still, several students were carrying out workouts with swords.

There are always passionate students. This was the Oscar I thought of, but I immediately reconsidered.

This is a different time. The power of the sword is a time of war. Thinking about it like this, I don't know if there's a lot or a lot of people in the workshop right now.

I feel insufficient as the number of people who dream of being born in a world of war. But if you think ridiculously about what you're going to do when you become a knight in the imperial realm of Oblique Yang, I wonder if that's all you still have.

In the end, Oscar thought it was confusing in his head no matter what he thought.

Oscar doesn't even know why he visited this place. I wanted to be alone and think. If I had walked like this, I would have reached Imperial College by the time I realized it.

Feeling nostalgia, I crept through the gate and came straight to this place. Just think about getting stronger, in this place where I worked out repeatedly every day.

Pull out your hips sword and stand on the upper level. Concentrating his consciousness, he waved his sword down at once. From there, slash it up diagonally.

One beat late, straw collapsed for trimming.

"... with a simulated sword. I knew it was a monster."

Oscar and Kamui didn't have enough contacts to say at all. It was this place that Oscar first recognized the existence of Kamui. Hildegand and I, Oscar was stunned by Kamui's moves as he practiced his sword.

Even then, the distance from Kamui in particular has not shrunk. Still, he had the thought that somehow he was going down the same path as a samurai.

My chest trembled when I fought against the Kingdom of Ruthua. At the same time I was reminded of the difference in strength with Kamui. I was honestly jealous when the title of the next Empire Wu was crowned over Kamui.

The next generation of Imperial martial arts was told that it was for me to bear, and if so, I intended to work hard to gain strength and track record without shame.

But it was still Kamui who stood in front of the Oscars. The enemy, Kamui, was an overwhelming strongman for Oscar and an object of fear.

You can't beat Kamui. How many times have you tasted this feeling of humiliation?

"Kainel. Now I feel like I know how you feel."

I haven't had a friend's name in my mouth in a long time. A friend who has despaired of the Empire and disappeared. I regretted many times that I should have listened to you more, but now I know that I would not have been able to flirt with Kainel's feelings no matter what he said.

The Empire of Schutz Alten perishes. Surrender to the Kingdom of Ruthua in less than a single battle.

What is it that I am the chief of the Knights of the Empire for? When Claudia talked to me, this thought broke my heart. And he remembered Prime Minister Kalk's words and thought about continuing to fight after his departure.

But Claudia didn't forgive me for this either. The Empire of Schutz Alten perishes, but is reborn as a new kingdom of Dia. As the Knight Commander of that Dia kingdom, Claudia has asked Oscar to continue to support herself.

Naturally, Claudia told Oscar I was going to say no.

"It was Mr. Oscar who made me emperor. You're abandoning me now?

It was this word. It sounded like a curse to Oscar. Claudia, in a way, felt like a curse for having made the monster an emperor, tying himself up.

I can say no. If you are prepared to die.

But before fearing death, I did not allow my sense of responsibility as a knight to say no to Oscar. Claudia is the Lord who should turn his allegiance. I made that decision once. I thought we should get through to the end of it, no matter what.

In the end, it's you who's tying Oscar up.

Oscar, who took on the Knights of the Kingdom of Dia, but his depressed thoughts never go away. I left the castle to calm this feeling down a little, and I arrived here, but now it springs up to regret the past.

"Mr. Oscar?

A voice that was suddenly hung up. Looking back, there was a familiar face there.

"... are you Dr. Millia?

This is Dr. Millia, who was in charge of history classes.

"I heard an outsider was in the college, but you were there, weren't you?

"Oh, excuse me. It happens to be on the street, and I miss it."

"I wish you had come to the faculty room first. Long time no see, huh? Have a good day."

"No, he's still immature."

I haven't seen Dr. Miriam in a long time. I feel old enough.

"... Was it tough?

With a little hesitation, Dr. Miglia mouthed this.

"Sorry to bother you"

"No. Classes continue in the college because the knights are protecting them. Thank you very much."

"... no, I am"

Killed many allies. I couldn't even protect my country. It's all just impudent of me.

"... many of my class graduates have left the country. I'm just ashamed of it. By contrast, you are supporting the Empire and protecting us."

"... right"

Many of the E group students for which Dr. Millia was in charge have left the Empire. Kamui is at its head, and most of those who were descendants of the border lords are independent.

Oscar wonders what his students think of the situation that afflicts the Empire. I can't talk to you about it.

"Teachers strive to keep students from going the wrong way. In that sense, I may be disqualified as a teacher. But as an Imperial Teacher..., I am an Imperial..., only for..."

As if you had read Oscar's inner thoughts, suddenly, Dr. Milia spoke of herself. But along the way, I'm shaking my voice at the emotions that come in, and I can't put them into words.

"Doctor..."

I've got a lot of renegades out of my class. Oscar thought that maybe he could blame me for that.

What I'm trying so hard to sue is loyalty to the Empire. That also probably has something to do with Oscar being in the position of Knight Commander. Oscar feels a little lonely when I think of this.

"I..."

"Doctor. I still consider them alumni. We are friends who incidentally and compete with each other in this college. Even though the path ahead is different after graduation, he still says he's one of those people with the same thoughts about the sword."

Not all of this is the heart of Oscar. I can no longer look at Dr. Miriam, who seems to be suffering.

"... Mr. Oscar"

"Isn't that good? I don't think we need to be forced to hate, even if we split into enemy allies, for example. They have something to protect, too, just as we have something to protect here. We're fighting each other for a reason."

"... yeah, that's right"

This won't allay Dr. Miriam's misery. But at least now, at this moment, there's a grin on Dr. Milia's face.

"Well, it's time for me to go back. It's good to see you today."

"Yeah, me too. Keep up the good work"

"... Yes. I'll try."

Even responding to Dr. Millia's hard work words, Oscar needed to be prepared. Still, Oscar responded. I'll do my best.

Ten days after this date.

The renaming of the Empire of Schutz Alten to the Kingdom of Dia, as well as his subordination to the Ruthua Empire, was announced to the people.

◇ ◇ ◇

The Ruthua Empire is acting fast. The day after the announcement of the Kingdom of Dia, the messenger was visiting Amphang. I got ready to go around and then I started moving all at once. I was careful not to let the republic grab information.

"I am Vasily Serov of the Ruthuan Empire. His Majesty the Emperor has entrusted us with the full powers of this negotiation."

The messenger sent by the Empire is Vasily. I can see how much the Empire attaches importance to negotiations with the Republic.

"... you have full authority"

For Kamui, Vasily is a familiar opponent. This is not very desirable. Negotiating with strangers is easier.

"Well, since I'm talking about your country, I'm sure you know the purpose of my visit, but it's an official place, so let me explain it from scratch"

"Go ahead."

If it serves as a formal diplomatic venue, its words and deeds will be recorded one by one. It's hard to say it's unnecessary because I know all of a sudden.

"This time, the Kingdom of Ruthua has placed the Kingdom of Dhia under the umbrella of the Schutz Alten Empire Revision. On this occasion, the Kingdom of Ruthua has also changed its name to the Ruthua Empire as a country that integrates the kingdom, and the first emperor is the former Crown Prince of Ruthua, Nicolai Seedorf."

"Integrate kingdoms. Is that a story to come?

We know that the Ruthuan Empire intends to make all the countries of the continent obey. But I was somewhat concerned about Vasily's intention to use the word integration here and now.

"From now on, perhaps by now, the new kingdoms of the South will also be under the umbrella of the Empire"

Kamui's question is what Vasily intended. I'd like to talk about this, but it was an explanation.

"... have you made your southern uncle independent"

There is a bitter laugh on Kamui's face. We knew the Empire would work on the Southern Uncle. I know, and it's a laugh of self-derision at something I couldn't prevent from doing.

"In the south, I thought your response would be delayed."

Victory over the Republic. Vasily is also floating a little on this. I get a dialogue in my mouth that I don't have to tell you.

"No response, nothing, I'm not going to do anything in the far south"

Look at the situation and judge. Kamui found out about his mistakes. The south is far away. It takes quite a few days for any demon tribe to convey information. In anticipation of that, Vasily is here before negotiations are concluded with the southern ambassador.

Instead of striking his hand, Kamui is supposed to conduct negotiations without knowing the situation of his southern uncle.

"Ex-South Uncle. I think King Graz will undoubtedly acknowledge coming under the umbrella of the Empire first. Different?

"... I guess so"

If you don't, you'll just be crushed by a coalition of empires and kingdoms of Dia, a hundred and sixty thousand great armies. Accept on the contrary and you will be king, and besides, the former empire, the northern threat, will disappear, with the support of a hundred and sixty thousand troops.

It's weirder not to accept it on this favorable condition. This brings the army under the Empire to roughly 190,000.

"We also send messengers to the Kingdom of Oppenheim. I don't know what the situation is about this. I haven't heard anything myself."

The Empire intends to exert pressure on the Kingdom of Oppenheim with 190,000 troops, including the South.

We negotiate in parallel with the Republic because we don't know how to get out of each other. When the Republic fights the Empire, the Kingdom of Oppenheim will also get lost if we know it clearly. Even if it is subordinate, it may be used as a tool for rush. However, the Kingdom of Oppenheim cannot know the trends in the Republic.

"… naturally to other countries"

Messengers should also be on their way to the central and southern countries. Kamui thought the Empire was trying to negotiate with the Republic in its favor after consolidating its surroundings.

"No, I intend to start negotiations with other countries after I have compiled them."

"... Really? Well, you better listen to me first."

More than that since the negotiations were wrapped up, it means that the Empire has the confidence to subordinate the Republic. Kamui decided to listen to the basis for that confidence.

"Now, in asking your country to be subordinate, our country has had a number of conditions. Let me explain this."

"Go ahead."

"First, the first. The governance within the territory remains unchanged. I recognize the right to autonomy."

This is not a special condition. Empires reign over nations. National governance will take place in each country. It is no different from the relationship between the Empire and the nobility.

"However, the territory of the Republic of Artenkreutz shall be a noble territory which vows to be subordinate without change to Northende and your country, and no country seeking independence and direct subordination to the Empire shall be recognized as a territory"

This is the purpose of cutting off the power of the republic in the north, under such conditions that the republic rebels.

"Go ahead. Continue."

Kamui urged Vasily, who is trying to ascertain Kamui's reaction, to continue. All of a sudden we come up with bad conditions because we decided that only favourable conditions for accepting this continued later.

"... then. The Empire, regardless of race, does not recognise illegal slavery. Whoever breaks this shall be punished with severe punishment."

"What?"

It is not a condition against the Republic. But it's the best condition to shake Kamui's heart.

"The Empire recognizes and gives equal rights to all those living in the Empire and in the countries under its umbrella, whatever their race. However, being a national is more a requirement of duty as a citizen, and those who fail to do so will be punished."

"... are you serious?

What Kamui was aiming for. I didn't expect the Ruthua Empire to bring this up as a condition.

"Of course. What are the conditions necessary to convince your country of its subordination? With this in mind, it has also been decided that His Majesty the Emperor will give his leave and that it will be announced within the Empire."

"When's the announcement?

"It will be decided in the light of the outcome of negotiations with your country"

If the Republic does not obey, it means it will be withdrawn.

"... what other terms?

"Later it's a fine point. Having the Empire pay taxes. After your territory has been finalized, you may wish to consider about five minutes of your tax revenue."

"Later?

"Military service. At the request of the Empire, you will be obliged to send out an army"

"Are you asking for more military service to pay taxes?

Military service is one of the taxes for the people. Or as a substitute for not being able to pay taxes. Taxation and military service. Kamui is not convinced to assume both obligations.

"I'm going to think less about paying taxes for that."

"Do you have less than five minutes? So what does the Empire do with that quintile tax?

Kamui's questioning goes into the details. However, Vasily has received this for the better. This question is necessary if you are to obey. This is proof that Kamui is thinking positively.

"When it comes to acknowledging autonomy, you can't do anything at all. In order to manage the entire empire, we will need to expand our organization, and we will need to act as a coordinator with countries that we have never needed before."

"Sure. You'll need to pay for that operation."

"You'll need to pack it in more detail around here. Because it depends on how many countries come under the umbrella."

"That's right."

"Is there any condition from your country?

Receiving that Kamui was completely positive about his subordination, Vasily went in to pack the story at once.

"… Nortoende and the Republic. No, to the Republic and another new country."

"Your Majesty!

From among those who are in the line there is a voice that blocks the words of Kamui. Alto's voice.

"... what?

"If this means that the conditions presented by the Ruthuan Empire are everything, shouldn't we have a meeting with this, as soon as possible?

As soon as possible, Alto says, but the truth is the opposite. It's an excuse to stop the slightly runaway Kamui.

"Oh, right. Lord Vasily?"

"... I'm done talking about the approximate. So the meeting's on the way?

"Of course, I'll be right there. However, since there are many who remain in Nort Ende, when will the event be"

Alto has answered Vasily's question from the side.

"... could you give me some general guidelines? You have to decide if you want to stay here or if you want to pull it up."

"Because it's from Nort Ende. I think you should pull it up."

"Really? … then we will consider this as well"

Alto seeks to stretch his conclusions. I can see this. Vasily hesitated to pull up.

"Yeah. Be my guest. So, we'll be arranging a meeting soon, so for today, we're open."

"... Yep. I get it. So far today, that's it."

Considering that he was unlikely to be given any more opportunities to talk to Kamui, Vasily decided to back off very hard.

Vassily and the rest of the Empire's negotiating corps. Where the figure was completely invisible, Alto opened his mouth.

"You idiot! What, it's a conclusion!

"I haven't come to a conclusion. I was just trying to hear the terms."

"If you hear so much detail about the terms of your subordination, you'll find out that you're into it, right?

"It's important. I need to make sure."

Seriously, Kamui is going to obey.

"... are you seriously going to obey?

Alto dared to say a question that he knew the answer to.

"If the Empire delivers on its promises, our purpose will be achieved. You deserve to accept that, don't you?

"Just keep your word."

"I know that. But if you don't accept it, you can't even be sure of it."

"Well, that's true."

I understand Kamui's logic. I know, but Alto is not convinced.

"If you want to break a promise, then you can fight."

"At that time, large numbers are leaning towards the Empire. It will be a painful battle."

The Ruthua Empire will be a far more immense country than the empire it has tried. We have to fight it.

"It was a painful battle, wasn't it?

"... the one who follows is Nicolai and that Claudia"

This is what Alto is most unconvinced about. If it's an individual's ability, I can't bear to subordinate to someone I don't feel like losing no matter what I think.

"Only Emperor Nicolai. I am not obliged to obey Claudia, the Queen."

"But."

"Alto. We were going to do anything to achieve our purpose. Keep your head down. 'Cause you mean you'll do anything, right?

"... yes, I do."

If they say this, it becomes difficult to argue. Alto is gonnabe because he can't help but say he has personal feelings.

"I can't help but talk about how much right now. Get me Hildegand and Matthias."

"What about the Chiefs?

Subordination to the Empire is not just a matter for people. We need to get the agreement of every chief of the Demon Nation.

"Speak individually. Otherwise, some of you won't understand."

"Right..."

Conversely, if Kamui goes to persuade him, the chiefs will have to convince him. Kamui is an absolute demon.

Subordination to the Ruthuan Empire. For many, the Republic is about to take the helm in the exact direction.