Maou No Utsuwa

Colorful military flags fly across the meadow. It is the flag of the nations that are members of the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest. A total of 20,000. That's split between east and west and across the street.

Eventually the sound of a copper clang in the meadows. Both the East and West armies moved simultaneously to signal the sound.

Infantry and infantry hitting each other in the center. On both wings, the horse riding squads of both armies engage in fierce strife. I can't tell which is the advantage. It's almost a mutual battle.

"Feedback first"

Almost directly next to the front line where both the East and West armies collide. There is a formation of curtains stretched far north. Deefleet, who was watching the battle between the two armies on that curtain, asked the man sitting next to him for his thoughts.

"... that's a fierce fight"

The man's perception is not what Deefleet wants. I know it's not, and the man answers.

"I'm asking you how you feel about the strength of our army. Brother."

Sitting next to Deefleet is my brother, Deethardt. He is now Prince of the Kingdom of Oppenheim.

"The battle is still at the beginning. The advantages and disadvantages are difficult to attach."

Prince Diethardt misled the answer again. I don't want to easily admit that the forces of the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest are superior.

"Now watch the game for a while. On top of that, I'll listen to you."

I don't need the answers I seek right away. I am deliberately conducting exercises to remind you of the strength of the armies of the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest. Until the exercise is separated, you should watch the game.

The visit of Prince Diethardt was requested by the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest. I did not ask for Prince Diethardt, but it is that Prince Diethardt appeared as a messenger to the demand to negotiate with the Kingdom of Oppenheim.

The intention of the Kingdom of Oppenheim, which chose Diethardt, Prince Wang, as its envoy, is clear to Diefleet. He sent in his brother, Diethardt, to facilitate the negotiations.

"... no matter how strong you are, you can't resist the union of empires and kingdoms of Dia, 160,000"

It was against the Ruthuan Empire that the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest wanted negotiations with the Kingdom of Oppenheim by its ally, Deefleet.

King Oppenheim was on board, but King Diethardt Prince has skepticism about the alliance. That's why I stood on the messenger, hoping for it myself. Hide that heart from my father, King Oppenheim.

"I don't have a hundred and sixty thousand. Quite a few armies have disobeyed the kingdom of Dia."

"It's the same even if 160,000 is 150,000."

"Neither can the Empire let the West stick its armies out forever. 150,000 eventually becomes 100,000. Could be less."

This idea is correct. It is a considerable burden for the Ruthuan Empire to be expediting as many as 120,000 troops. It doesn't have to be. The Orient, the home country, is getting thinner. It's bound to bring many troops back into the country.

"When it decreases, it doesn't mean it disappears"

Exactly. Just move to the east of the continent.

"Once you pull into the East, you need time to come out again"

I know it is and Deefleet says there is a chance.

"Not the number that can be settled in the short term"

Prince Diethardt thinks that's impossible. King Diethardt Prince who wants to stop Deefleet and somehow seek an alliance. It can't be easy for the story to progress.

"... I'm not saying we're one country, am I?

Deefreet thinks his opposite is for his own protection. When the country becomes one, he fears that he may take the throne of Prince Wang from him.

"I'm not thinking about that"

Prince Diethardt denied it. It's a denial after you know what it means to say otherwise.

"... So why, are you disagreeing?

"It's a simple reason. There's no prospect of winning."

"If our country and the Kingdom of Oppenheim unite, they will be 60,000 troops. On top of that, we will rule the West further under our umbrella."

"... the Union of Urban States?

West of the Union of Kingdoms of Sidvest, and southwest of the Kingdom of Oppenheim, there are many urban states that form the Union.

"There are other small countries as well as the Union of Urban States. All of it."

"... a small country, as I say. Ruling under an umbrella will not increase the army"

The military power of the Union of Urban States is not significant. That keeps us independent, for example, because we have a strong influence on the continental economy as a commercial state, but if we stick around, it's just to say that the old empire hadn't made a move yet.

"With the financial resources of the Union of Urban States, our country can strengthen its army more. 60,000 will be 80,000 or 90,000."

What Deefreet asks of the Union of Urban States is its financial strength. The alliance with the Kingdom of Oppenheim is actually the same financial aim. Deefleet also knows that the Royal Oppenheim Army is a weak soldier.

"... when was that?

The military is not that easy to enhance. We will be able to increase the number of soldiers. But building it up and making it a fightable army takes a lot of time.

"I don't need it as much as my brother thinks. They're watching exercises to help them understand that."

Deefleet's gaze was directed at his own army, which was continuing the exercise first.

Explosive flames spread over the meadows as if timed with this. Fusion magic was unleashed by the Wizard Squad.

The groans leak from those of the Kingdom of Oppenheim who saw it. Since the Western Berg era, the Royal Oppenheim Army has not experienced much combat. This is the first time I have seen the power of the demon warrior unit in its collective operation.

"... Still, I still don't think I can win"

Prince Diethardt is also magically surprised. Still, I mouthed this.

"That's a lot more discreet, isn't it? Surprised."

Until he started negotiating, Deefreet didn't think his brother would thoroughly deny his alliance so far.

"I'm the one who's surprised. I thought you were much more discreet."

"... I think it was. But I realized I wouldn't get anything for fear of losing it."

"That's because what you want is too big"

"... I don't think so"

Prince Diethardt referred to the nature of the causes of disagreement. Deefleet wants more of himself to be feathered in this day and age. As it stands, I can't stand the fact that the world is going to harden.

On the other hand, his brother, Prince Diethardt, is perplexed that he has become in the position of Prince Wang and others. As it were, he was later king of the kingdom of Oppenheim. In these turbulent times, I am desperate because I think about how I can protect my country's subjects.

"Aside from your father's thoughts, I'm against adventuring right now"

"It's not an adventure. The ruling system of the Ruthuan Empire has not yet been established. If the Imperial Army in the West returns to their country, the world will soon be disturbed again."

"I know that"

Prince Diethardt knows that his present form was not truly accomplished by the Empire. That's why I'm opposed to Deefleet's idea.

"In that situation, if we can definitively contain the southern and western parts of the continent in both countries, we can definitely counter it even if the Empire has re-entered the West."

"... I can't agree to that"

"... I have no choice. Then give me some more information. I am also going to work for Uncle Oriental. Nor should Uncle Oriental be convinced of the current situation. Involve dissatisfied elements of the Old Empire, mainly the Oriental Uncle, and ask them to disobey the Empire"

Deefleet, who considered that he could not persuade Prince Diethardt as he was, also decided to reveal a measure that had not yet been moved.

"That's reckless. They'll crush you right away."

"It's a matter of timing. If well timed and raised simultaneously, the Empire will have to disperse its troops. Then, on the contrary, this one will destroy each of them."

"So what happens after that?

Blocking Diefleet, King Diethardt Prince asked for an explanation of the developments ahead.

"... after?

I can't read Deefleet that intention. I can't read it because I'm ignoring something and moving on.

"Then let's change the way we ask. The Artenkreutz Republic, no, how does Kamui Kreutz work?

…………

Deefleet could not speak immediately of the answer to the question of Prince Diethardt.

"... I thought if it were you, you might know, but you didn't"

This was also the reason why Prince Diethardt, as his messenger, visited the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest. He thought the Artenkreutz Republic might know what moves it would make in the future, if it were Deefleet, who was supposed to be close to Kamui.

"I don't think it'll heal like this."

"I guess so. So how does the world move and how does it heal?

"Once again, the battle begins wagering the hegemony of the continent"

"... do you want hegemony? You know what I mean, don't you? That ambition will, in some cases, turn the Artenkreutz Republic against the enemy"

I somehow didn't know in the current flow that Deefreet wanted hegemony. Still, now that it is clear that Deefleet has that much ambition, Prince Diethardt is surprised.

"I don't know that. It is clear that Kamui has no ambition about this one. If the conditions are right, you are likely to swear your devotion, just as you made it an empire"

"What if it doesn't?

"It's going to be a fight."

While showing hesitation, Deefleet spoke as he battled Kamui.

"Right. At least you're prepared to talk about it. I don't ask if I can win. There's no point in asking."

"It's..."

Diefleet didn't know what was in the word that there was no point in asking. Is it because you think you can't win, or is it that there's no point in arguing about winning or losing more than you're ready for?

"You don't have to worry, Father, you're supposed to come to the conclusion you want. Unless you decide not to negotiate."

"... that I signed up here. There's no stopping it."

Even the last opportunity for rethinking given by Prince Diethardt did not change Diefleet's will.

"Right. So that's it for this negotiation. The rest will be discussed by practitioners"

Tell him, Prince Diethardt will try to leave the scene.

"Brother!

Deefleet accidentally hung up on that back.

"... you said you had to lose something to get something. I wonder what you'll lose?

…………

He abandoned his pride and asked his father to negotiate with him himself. I was also prepared to abandon my friendship with Kamui for the sake of grandeur. But Prince Diethardt says it's coming to lose something.

Naturally. Deefreet hasn't gotten anything yet.

Shortly thereafter, an Alliance Treaty was concluded between the Union of the Kingdom of Sidvest and the Kingdom of Oppenheim. A secret alliance that will never be made public.

◇ ◇ ◇

The headquarters of the Golden Cross Guardian Society is located in Benedica, which was the capital of the Lenatus Divine State. If we lose the influence of the Church, Benedica is just a regional city with nothing to offer. It was not worth it for the former Kingdom of Ruthua to move purposefully into takeover.

Moreover, by now, the activities of the Golden Cross Conservation Society have become widely known. Charitable activities such as support for reconstruction from the war disaster and relief and support for orphans and the poor are not an obstacle to the Ruthuan Empire, which has now become the ruler of the continent, now that the war has healed. Even if I am dissatisfied with the fact that it is only a neutral position, not under the control of the Empire.

In one of its Golden Cross Protection Society headquarters, Chairman Modiani was welcoming a rare guest.

"Totally that guy... I didn't know he was going to leave his wife alone in the library. I'm sorry."

"Chairman Modiani. It's up to me to apologize. Sorry Kamui took the liberty."

Hildegand returned his apology with a grin to Chairman Modiani, who apologized to himself as he complained about Kamui.

Hildegand is delighted with Chairman Modiani's attitude, which, after many years, does not allow him to feel like a replacement for Kamui's parents.

"So is that. So, what do you say? Are you able to settle down a little and live like a couple?

Chairman Modiani knows that Kamui and Hildegand were in the midst of the war most of the time.

Chairman Modiani was also greatly surprised by this situation, but he supports Kamui's decision in that the war will heal. It is the purpose of the Golden Cross Guardian Society to save those who suffer in war.

"When asked if they were calm, they weren't, but they spent more time together."

Kamui, as always, is flying around. However, more and more people are accompanying Hildegand like this one. I intend to make amends.

"Really? Just relax, don't you think?"

"They don't have time to stop. Speaking of Kamui, I do."

"... is there something wrong?

Chairman Modiani did not miss the slight sadness on Hildegand's face.

"No, there's nothing."

"Why don't you not hesitate to talk? I think he's too sweet for people."

"Is Kamui sweet to people?

I couldn't imagine Hildegand having a kamui that was sweet on people.

"This is how I leave my wife alone. This is also sweet. Should I say I'm sorry? He thinks he'll forgive you for doing anything he trusts."

"... I understand a little."

Kamui's demands on the Alts are unforgiving. If that's necessary, he even asks to die, and he's fine with saying it.

Chairman Modiani sweetens this point and says it with all due respect.

"He's dull with wonder and that sort of thing. So if you're dissatisfied, I think it's better to speak clearly."

"Okay. I'll be careful."

"If it's hard to say directly, it's a good idea for someone with a hard mouth to listen to. How about that? I'm still a former bishop?

It is also the bishop's job to ask people about their troubles. Chairman Modiani did think Hildegand might be fit to talk about something stuck in his chest.

"... Kamui is worried about something. But I can't get you to talk about it."

"Are you holding it by yourself? I don't know if it sounds like him."

"Yes. It's not like I've never been at all, but I feel a little different."

"What's the point?

"That's... embarrassing, what exactly"

I can't read my husband's mood as a wife. Hildegand was ashamed of this.

"Even a couple can't understand everything more than being someone else. Nothing to worry about."

Sensing Hildegand's feelings, Chairman Modiani immediately tells the words of the follow-up. Is that what a former bishop is?

"Yes......"

Feeling the care of Chairman Modiani, Hildegand also tries to comfort his feelings.

"What, are you grieving people's wives?

Voices that have suddenly interrupted there. Kamui stood at the door at some point.

"You must be the one who's making me sad, though?

In response to that Kamui, Chairman Modiani says back: It is Kamui who is actually plaguing Hildegand.

"What, me?

"People can't tell everything, no matter how much their minds fit together. You don't understand that."

"... suddenly what? Did I do such a terrible thing?

"Your wife wants to break up with you because she loves you."

"What..."

Kamui kept his eyes wide open to Chairman Modiani's words, and it solidified.

What surprised me is that Hildegand is the same. I don't remember saying I wanted to break up with Kamui, etc.

"Um, Chairman Modiani?

"You've been confirmed to love your wife enough to react like this."

"" Huh?

"No need to hesitate. You just have to be my best too. Kamui will forgive you, just as you forgive Kamui."

"... Yes"

I didn't solve it completely. Still, Hildegand felt easier and had a natural smile on his face.

"... I have no idea. What were you talking about while I was gone?

Seeing Hildegand with a neat face, Kamui is unable to complain about being deceived.

"Talk slowly about that later. What about the Lord? Have you finished your research?

"It's not complete. It's not in the dossier, so I thought maybe you wouldn't know, so I came back."

"What?"

"Who was the patriarch who was interested in the Church of God?

"You've been looking into that?

"It was roughly a thousand years ago that the Church of God was interested. It was around the same time Ray the Demon King's grandson, or ancestor, moved to unite the people. The Church of God was born that distorts the truth at the same time that the original ancestors moved to inform the people of the truth of the Demonic Nation. You think that's a coincidence?

The Church of God had conveyed the truth of the birth of a human race. He was spreading a different teaching, knowing the truth. I'm pretty sure he was trying to distort it intentionally.

"... you've got a hell of an eye for it"

Chairman Modiani's face blued slightly. I know that the Church of God was spreading false teachings. But I never thought about that intention.

As a former bishop, I didn't want to think of it as a taboo for the Church of God.

"Who's the patriarch?

"... I don't know. Just as the original ancestors of the Empire were mysterious figures, so were the original ancestors of the Divine Church. That's all Nong knows."

"Nothing inherits the blood of the original fathers of the Church of God, like the royal family of the Empire?

"... I don't know if it's true, but some people say so."

"Where!?

When you hear about the presence of the person you are looking for, Kamui's blood phase changes.

"I hear you have embarked on a journey with Lord Fannini..."

"A former pope? You've been traveling all over the continent."

Former Pope Fannini, regretting his mistakes, travels all over the continent to inform people of the truth. Kamui thought it was going to be pretty hard to find.

"I hear Lord Fannini is dead."

"What?"

With a sinking face, Chairman Modiani has pronounced the death of former Pope Fannini. Though we split the way, he's the one we used to worship. There's something to feel about that death.

"I don't know who did it, but they killed him."

"Killed...... was accompanied, what about him?

"I don't know. He also came to tell me that the one who accompanied Lord Fannini, the one who died on purpose, apparently dissolved in disillusionment, except in part"

"... are you in a part of it?

"I don't know either."

"Right..."

Pretty disappointing looking kamui. Now Chairman Modiani wonders why, so far, Kamui wants the location of the person.

"What do we do when we see each other?

"... I was wondering if something was telling. Besides... how did the Chairman feel when he found out that the teachings of the Church of God were lies?

"Was it... was it like the world had turned upside down? All I can say is, I'm so confused that I can't remember."

Kamui obviously changed his story along the way, but Chairman Modiani answered the question without saying anything to it. Hildegand is troubled because he found out it had something to do with this matter. If so, the first thing to do is talk between Hildegand and Kamui. Here's what I thought.

"Right... right"

Hearing Chairman Modiani's answer, Kamui has a distant eye and groans.

What are you thinking in that head? Even if you think of Kamui like a son, there is no way Chairman Modiani can tell more than he is someone else.