Maou No Utsuwa

Conference to determine the way forward for the Republic of Artenkreutz. I told Vasily of the Ruthua Empire that I did not know when, but in fact, a week later, key members had gathered in Amphang for a meeting. Regardless of whether the Imperial Messenger was coming or not, we were planning to hold a meeting to think about dealing with the Ruthuan Empire.

The agenda of the meeting is heavy in terms of whether or not to submit to the Ruthuan Empire, but its conclusions were light.

Kamui has decided to obey. It's hard to overturn that. Precisely the condition of subordination is the great nomenclature itself on which the Republic of Artenkreutz fights. Losing it has no excuse to defy the Empire.

The subordination of many to the Ruthuan Empire, though complex in their personal emotions, was decided. After that, what are the conditions for obedience?

Just on the terms offered by the Empire, Kamui is not sweet enough to accept his subordination. We have to think of ways to make sure the Empire fulfils the conditions.

"Liberation of illegal slaves. I wonder if this can really happen."

"I doubt how many people will follow a restraining order."

Alto raises the issue and Matthias returns the answers and questions. It's the usual way of holding meetings.

"There's no way I'm gonna obey you. Illegal slavery is, as the word goes, illegal. It's still a crime."

Alto is right. We know it's against the law, and the illegal slave trade is taking place. Once again, I don't think it will be upheld just because a restraining order has been issued.

"Will we be asking for tighter controls and stricter penalties?

"That's natural. This is a loose condition."

It is only natural to strengthen control when announcing in the name of the Emperor. Even if I ask for it, they tell me I'll do it and it's over. What we need is a condition that we don't just end up with these mouths.

"... I don't think so"

How to make sure it is fulfilled. Matthias came up with one of these.

"Well, I don't think so.

"Are you thinking of picking it up in the Republic?

"Exactly."

If we don't know if the Empire will fulfill it, we can do our own picking. Because the Republic knows the way better than anywhere else.

"The financial burden increases. You demand that from the Empire, too?

"I make demands. But I'm not so worried."

"Why?"

"I have a buck called the Ruthua Empire. At the time of picking, you should borrow the number of people."

What matters to the Republic is the liberation of illegal slaves, and the picking of traffickers and buyers is second to none. You just have to leave the picking itself to the Empire.

"Then the question is, will the Empire accept it?

"I'll have it accepted. Well, there's no point in subordinating."

Alto himself is against subordination. However, I have not publicly spoken out against it, considering that it is Kamui's intention and that there has never been such an opportunity in the sense of achieving an end.

The liberation of illegitimate slaves may yet be achieved by a heterogeneous equality that we thought would not be possible in our own generation. Alto is also hard to disagree with just personal emotions.

"Well, wouldn't it start if we didn't negotiate? Then next time…, it's hard."

Race equality I thought was a long way off. And yet, it is not easy to make sure that this is fulfilled. Even if the Empire cares about it, we don't know how far the sense of equality penetrates among the people.

"I won't be able to do anything about it. It's not about solving this problem with the imperial opponent, it's about the consciousness of every human race."

Where Matthias was worried, Kamui came into the conversation.

"Even if you don't force it, you can't just hit nothing"

"First, the liberation and protection of illegal slaves. Where that has gone, I think it would be a good idea to extend the living area to countries other than the Republic. Let's start with a country you can trust."

To spread the awareness of racial equality to the world, it is not just possible for the state to acknowledge it, and it is necessary for people and demons to actually interact and recognize each other. Same thing we did at Nort Ende.

However, success in Northende was due to the forced exclusion of the highly prejudiced and the harshness of Northende's life. Elsewhere, Kamui also knows it's not going to be that easy.

"Is it the Union of Central Nations and the South?"

"I guess that's about it. But we need to be very careful."

Neither the centre nor the south can tell if the people are just saying that the rulers can be trusted. I can't feel safe.

"Speaking of which, how do we get out of the center and south?

The Republic has decided to obey. But we still do not know what the countries of the centre and south intend to do. If Vasily's words in the Ruthuan Empire were true, there would still be no messengers sent either.

"What are we going to do? I don't think we're gonna fight first."

"... shouldn't we confirm the intentions of each country?

If the Republic does not fight, neither do the countries of the centre and the south. I know this is Matthias, but some of them may want to fight the Republic, relying on Kamui. This republican decision would make hashigos feel like they've been removed for those countries.

"Right. Should I send a messenger? You know, maybe I should go talk to him, but it's not a big move."

"... right"

If Kamui were to move around in the centre and south, the Ruthua Empire could be suspicious of its workmanship. In that case, this story could be a wreck.

"I just don't intend to change the republican policy if there's not much left to do"

"... Yes"

Kamui's will is stiff. Knowing this, Matthias is slightly clouding his expression. Matthias' authenticity is the same as Alto's, and he disagrees with his subordination.

I'm not looking for a war. If this makes the continent peaceful and if racial reconciliation goes any further. I wonder how good Matthias is, too. But I don't think so.

The hearts and minds of those dissatisfied with this subordination are common.

The thought is that Kamui is under people, and that is also under Nicolai, and things can't calm down.

"The official answer to the Empire is in two months. Not since I got back from Northende."

Knowing or not the thoughts of such subordinates, Kamui moves on.

"When are you in Nort Ende?

"I'm leaving immediately. I can't afford to relax."

"Immediately? So..."

Though Matthias looked around to see who to accompany him.

"Oh, I can't take many because some tribes hate me. Me and..., Hildegand and I are going"

"... Huh?

Matthias gave a slight surprise when he heard that Kamui was going with Hildegand.

"What?"

"Ah, no. That's unusual."

Until now, there have been few opportunities for the two of them to act together. As much as Matthias remembers, I think this is the first time.

"... I'm sorry. You have no choice, do you? It would be more efficient for me and Hildegand to move separately."

Hildegand stands alongside Kamui, both in the military and in politics. It was more efficient to move in parallel, rather than having to do so because of lack of manpower.

"Are you two together..."

Matthias looks dissatisfied somewhere. By the way, this is not personal emotion.

"... is there a problem?

"I wonder if you two are leaving the country at the same time."

"Oh, I can tell you that. Crisis management is not good."

Alto has also been in tune with Matthias' opinion. Hildegand is not just a queen. If there's anything in Kamui, he's acting for you. And there is no one in the Republic who can replace Kamui and Hildegand.

"... because I'm going"

Kamui is in a grumpy mood following the opposition between the two of them.

"No, so you're telling me that's a problem, right?

"I've been scattered, I've been patient. Sometimes it's good that you and I traveled alone, right?

"A trip is a greeting to the chief, isn't it?

Soon the purpose has changed in Kamui.

"Yeah, but you two can go, right?

"... you, what are you up to?

There is something in Kamui's story that seems to be a public/private confusion somewhere. It's unusual for Kamui to always give priority to the public. That seemed suspicious to Alto.

"... nothing"

Kamui's gaze turns diagonally upwards, as if avoiding Alto's gaze.

It is a truly understandable reaction, very unlikely to be a conspirator who has disrupted other countries many times before.

"Talk to me. Uh, we'll make a majority decision."

"Me, the king, huh?

"You don't have to follow everything because I'm the king. Whose statement is this?

"... it's me"

Statements from a futile sense of equality. For the first time Kamui regretted this.

"Well, talk to me"

"... Otto looks great these days"

"... Huh?

Alto has no idea why Otto's name comes up here.

"The man had a child, and for the first time in his life, he told me when he met him."

For Otto, the fact that he is good to Kamui, who admits everything else, is that he is a senior as a father. Otto has enjoyed this sense of superiority lately here. It also means pressure on Kamui to have children quickly with Hildegand.

"... I mean, is that it? Are you going on a childmaking trip?

"Is that bad?

It was a kamui that fitted well into the Otto's measures.

"... not bad, but it doesn't have to be time to go around saying hello to the chief of anything"

"So when else do we have a chance?

"You don't have to be traveling"

"That would interrupt your work, wouldn't it? If you're traveling, no one can interrupt you and encourage you to make children all the way from morning to night. If you do that every day for two months, then definitely kids too..."

Kamui has no idea what he's talking about. The surrounding gaze gathers in its kamui. To be precise, to Hildegand, who stands behind that kamui, dyed his whole body bright red with shame.

"How many times a day in the morning and evening..."

"Kamui idiot!

Hildegand pounds the sheath of his sword into the back of Kamui's head, uttering words like Serene. After the dull sound echoed into the conference room, Kamui slowly fell.

◇ ◇ ◇

The important meeting, which can be said to determine the future of the Republic, ended with the unmistakable conclusion of the King's Stun.

Kamui brought into the room. Worried about Kamui not waking up, they were all visiting the room, but they all went back to work in response to Hildegand's saying that the administration should not be delayed.

In the room alone, Hildegand stares at Kamui's face with his eyes closed.

"... how long have you been pretending to sleep?

In response to this Hildegand voice, Kamui's eyes opened.

Did you find out?

With a child-light look on her face, Kamui wakes up her upper body.

"Of course."

"That's Hildegand."

"I didn't respond by hitting the steeple."

"... yes"

Kamui's "Exactly” doesn't mean that, but this, too, is where Hildegand is.

"Why did you pretend to have passed out?

"... to end the meeting"

"Everyone wanted to talk more."

Hildegand knows why he wants to end the meeting. And the emotions of the others.

Always, Hildegand wonders why Kamui, who discusses things better and decides, went such a forceful way.

"If we talk long enough, we get the real deal. If one speaks the truth, I'm sure everyone won't be able to shut up"

Kamui also knows that everyone is unhappy with their subordination. I know, so I pushed forward.

"I know what it's really about, and how?

"... I was worried too. We know that the Empire has brought out racial harmony to dominate the continent."

Unlike the Kamuis, who are trying to take hegemony of the continent for the purpose of racial reconciliation. If continental domination is achieved and the republic is no longer perceived as a threat, there is ample chance of breaking the promise.

"But Kamui accepted."

'Cause I thought we'd do better than we'd accomplish.

"Why?"

There is no passion for ethnic reconciliation in the Empire. That didn't seem very good to Hildegand.

"If we strive for racial reconciliation, the forces that are hostile to us will surely get in the way. But if the forces that are hostile to us do it, no one will stand in our way."

"... right"

Hildegand thought it was a kamui-like idea. Kamui is always looking for the best way to achieve his goals. If we can get the results we want, we can do anything we want.

"Ethnic reconciliation pursued by the Empire. If there's anything missing from that, we can make it up to you. I thought this was the best way."

The means to ensure that the Empire fulfils the conditions are important. That's what we were discussing earlier in the conference room. Alto, who was thinking about it, must have understood Kamui's idea.

I see this, Hildegand, a little jealous of Alto.

"Even if we do, do we have to continue to pose a threat to the Empire?

"... yes"

In the wake of Hildegand's words, Kamui is clouding his expression.

Because we feel threatened by the republic, the empire has given the conditions the republic wants. In order for the conditions to be respected, the Empire must continue to fear the Republic all the time.

This seems to Hildegand, in a way, a lot harder than hostility.

"... are you lying about making kids?

I can't think straight away of what I need to do, but I know I'll be busier than ever. Perhaps more than I can afford to be raising a child.

"I'm not lying. No matter how busy you are at work, I still don't think you can neglect Hildegand's happiness"

Kamui tells this with a little pointy mouth. You're angry at yourself for neglecting you.

"I'm still happy."

Hildegand reaches out to that Kamui cheek.

"... I want to see Hildegand's kid. I'm sure she's cute."

"I'd love to see Kamui's kid, too. Must be..., cute?

Tilt his neck slightly, with a naughty grin Hildegand staring at Kamui.

"... that's terrible"

Kamui also smiles back toward Hildegand. The grin seemed lonely and powerless to Hildegand for some reason.

"... hey"

"What?"

"Can't you call me Hilda?

Kamui has stopped calling Hildegand his nickname. Keeping promises is a sign of trust.

"... is Hilda better?

"Yeah. I'm happier with that."

"Right...... If Hilda wants to, I guess so."

Lightly Kamui accepted Hildegand's request. I threw away the promise I had always kept.

"... Hey, Kamui. Can you slow down for two months?

Indulging in the feeling that it was going to be dark, Hildegand forced a grin on his face and started talking ahead.

"Well, I'm just going to say hello."

"... you want to go see other people as well as the chief?

"Others?

"Mr. Serene on Deefleet. Neither does Chairman Modiani. Oh, can we go to the Imperial Capital after the battle? I wonder what's going on in the Glades?

"... I miss you. How's the Admiral or something? Can I see you?

Swimming his gaze into the universe, Kamui is squeaking.

"... yeah, I'm sure I'll see you"

Hildegand has noticed. That the reason for accepting submissiveness is certainly convincing, but that's not all.

Kamui is tired. Every day I've been fighting.

Everyone thinks Kamui is special. Hildegand thinks so, too. But I also had to stare at Kamui as just a person. This is how the responsible Hildegand thought about it, making me feel less.

"... Hilda?

Unexpectedly, Hildegand holds his head over him and Kamui gives a bewildered voice. The tighter Hildegand embraced Kamui's head.

"... I've never traveled alone. I'm looking forward to it."

"... n"

"Let's have some fun. It's been a long time since I could relax."

"... right"

Hildegand and Kamui both know that that time is also a rest in between. That's why I wanted to take care of it. Because it's a limited time.

◇ ◇ ◇

Alts who left Kamui's room and returned to the executive branch. Nevertheless, the work was not in hand, and in the end, we gathered in the conference room and each was delayed in thinking.

It was Lutz who could no longer bear the silence first.

"You didn't look like Kamui."

Kamui today is not the usual kamui. Lutz as well as many felt the same way.

"I know a little bit."

In the wake of Rutz's words, Alto opened his mouth.

"What's that? Are you trying to tell me that you're the only one who understands how Kamui feels?

Immediately Ignaerts sticks at Alto. Originally, we're two unfriendly people, but now I'm feeling frustrated apart from that.

"I shouldn't be the only one. What a relief."

…………

Ignaerts was horrified, too. I'm not convinced by this ending, but still, I was willing to be happy that the fight would end in a corner of my mind.

"I do, too. I can't help it if Kamui's out of his mind."

We've all been busy working the same way. But what Kamui and the others at the top still carry is different. The mental pressure should be much stronger on Kamui.

"... that's why I don't know"

I don't think the bigger what Kamui is carrying, the more the empire can respond to it. Ignaz thinks it's impossible for Emperor Nikolai to stand on Kamui or something.

"Just think of it as a necessary rest for the future."

"Rest. Then you rest, too. I'm not giving up."

As for Ignauts chasing Kamui's back, I'm having trouble getting him to stop here. Ignaz has a different dream than racial reconciliation.

"You're kidding me. Dirt work is my job. Can you give it to people now?"

Put Kamui at the top of the world. Alto's dream is the same as Ignatz's.

"... a dirty job?

Ignaerts thought of Alto's intentions when he dared to say dirty work. There's only one thing I've come up with.

"You're not gonna be a hater on your own."

Maria came up with the same thing as Ignatz. Alto said they were going to drag Kamui into the war again for their own dreams. Even if that makes you resent Kamui.

"I told you. Dirty work is my job."

"Don't think about it. There's only so much you can do alone. Then nothing's gonna work."

"Yes, yes. Things don't go by just your head."

Lutz also came into the conversation following Ignaerts. Make Kamui the world's champion. This, one day, had become a common dream for the four of us. We should never have talked about it before.

And this is not limited to the four of us.

"I'm not kidding. Kamui's men aren't the only four, are they?

"Marie?"

Marie has interrupted the four people we can talk to on our own.

"Alto, you're the most kidding. I'm your what?

"... it's your wife"

"Yes. I haven't lost it in my thoughts either. If you fall, I'll fall with you."

If Kamui falls, Hildegand also goes with Kamui without getting lost. Marie has also told me that she has not lost the thought.

Marie is thinking more seriously. The wars that roll ahead will be more than ever. It will take many more lives and make many more unhappy. The alts who want to cause it, on the contrary, are going to be resented by many people.

"... Marie, you"

Marie, who has a chilled atmosphere somewhere, has said such a hot thing before many are there. Alto is surprised by that.

"... if you're traveling to make a child, please do so now"

Ignaerts hated Alto for showing off the couple's friendship while they were watching.

"... think about it"

"What!?

I was to be returned with a word of surprise by Alto.