The Annals of the Flame Kingdom (WN)

The light of day plunges in, the courtyard.

Among the various types of flowers that vibrantly colour the blooming gardens, a single flower dyed its colour with worry.

"Erica."

For a moment, the girl who was called out brings joy to that worried face. I immediately undone the face and looked back quietly.

"You're right, it moved. It worked the way you wanted. I wanted to, I drew, I believed this was the right shape, I danced to show it to you."

But.

"... hey, are you sure this is the right 'snail'? Does this make Terra better? Now."

- Hey, Coata.

"I 'm-- can we be happy?

Lay your eyes down on that voice, spicy.

"- If I were here, this terra would surely be unhappy. That's for sure. So."

- It's goodbye, Erica, and.

A glimmer of tears falls from Erica's eyes gently closed to Kota, who smiles a worn out smile. Staring at that figure, the sight of two nights ago came to life behind Kota's brain.

◆◇◆◇◆◇

"Your presence is what makes this Rondo de Terra unhappy, Master Demon King."

To say this old prime minister with his hips on the front - to the words of a young man for some years, Kota urges him to continue with only his eyes. Rudolph continued his words as if he had been good at the trick.

"Your handles will be huge. The terra economy has developed exponentially, and now the chambers of commerce throughout Orkena… it has also been branched out successively by the chambers of commerce, which are referred to as major players everywhere. This is an anomaly, even considering the history of the Olkena millennium."

"It's an honor to keep it as a compliment, may I say?

"Yeah. I'm really letting go of my praise for this. That arm that developed Terra to this point, which was only a rural part of the country, truly deserves the 'Demon King'. I have no idea what kind of magic I can use to do this."

"There's no magic."

"But it's too much."

To Rudolph's words, Kota stops the words.

"I'll change the story, Lord Matushiro. Do you know a nation called the Kingdom of Westria?

"A country located next to the west of the kingdom of Flame, is it?

"That's right. Traditionally, the kingdom of Flame and I are a 'in combat' country. If we tied the historical facts together, we continued to make demands that crossed degrees from the time of the Empire... well, that's hate, so to speak. The Kingdom of Flame has always forced this' virtual enemy nation 'conscious fiscal policy, and this is the amount that doesn't make it quite silly."

Kota snorts one at the words.

One of the men at the helm of Japan after the war is a Prime Minister named Mao Yoshida. He was the last person to assume the post of Prime Minister under the Constitution of the Great Japanese Empire, and the first Prime Minister under the Constitution of Japan gave way to Tetsu Kaiyama, but there is no room for debate about being one of those who supported Japan after the war, and he is an indispensable figure in the number of anecdotes. He would have been an energetic person, whether good or bad. There's something like this in the congratulations he said at his defense college graduation.

"The people and Japan are happier when you are the shaders."

The basis of the concept of military expenditure is' shade '. Speaking of polarity, without war, military spending is unnecessary, etc., but that's not why it's something you can rush to budget for in time of war.' I don't know when it will happen 'You have to put a good amount of money on your budget for the war, if you ask me, it's like insurance.

"If you have a virtual enemy, you can easily imagine military spending rising to a considerable amount."

"Isn't that right? For the sake of a war that almost certainly happens, the Kingdom of Flame accounts for a large annual budget in military expenditure. We in Larchia have also been forced to spend a lot in this war, but we still manage to keep it to a minimum with high morale"

Laugh when you think this is all the budget you get each year, you won't be upset.

"Well, that's the Flame kingdom with a high percentage of military spending as a share of the finances. Financial circumstances can never be said to be good. In addition, the country is old and has a lot of 'smudges' for it. There is no mighty power in a king when he says he is the king of a nation, and he cannot bring about drastic fiscal reform."

"Are you talking about Lord Lotte?

"No way. His Excellency Lotte is on the 'King's side'. Other than that, there is a lot of darkness in that country... and this doesn't matter. Anyway, the Kingdom of Flame is in a state of constant fiscal screaming. Let's be honest, you can say that country has it at the hands of His Excellency Lotte. Do you think it's a lie?

"Lying, I don't even think..."

"That one is horrible. Financial strength and connections of the Baumgarden Chamber of Commerce, home, immense trust from Her Majesty Queen Flame. He also has the beauty and judgment of his personal head, and the decisiveness to reinvigorate that power where it should be shaken. I have only climbed down to the Chancellor of the Kingdom of Flame while being a civilian. Even the same prime minister is more of a lad than I am, Lotte."

"I'll lift you up for a long time, Lord Lotte. Let me tell you something, 'Lord Rudolph was praising Lord Lotte' from my mouth."

"I'd really like to ask you. If only we could buy some of his cheer."

To the words of Kota, who said with irony, Kota also rounds his eyes unexpectedly to Rudolph, who strikes back in no time. Rudolph looked amused at the trick and took over the words.

"Only two people on this continent of Orkena don't want me to turn to my enemies. My dear, only His Majesty King Larchia and Prime Minister Lotte. The former mentally, the latter physically. Now, let's get down to business, Lord Matushiro. You remitted..."

I will not be 'hostile' to His Excellency Lotte.

"... Your Excellency Lotte has already told me that."

"Hmm. That Lotte sir?

"Yeah. We've developed Terra's economy - we don't need a 'brave man' to make the people happy," he said.

"Please exit from the stage, Lord Brave."

Lotte's words echo Kota's head.

"So, Lord Rudolph. What you're saying..."

"Oh, that's not true, Lord Matushiro"

"- No?"

"Yes. Lord Lotte is talking about Lord Matushiro, 'you're' going to be unhappy. No, it may also be the way Lord Lotte spoke... but that's not what I was saying."

"What do you mean...?

"Lord Matushiro, you have certainly done an excellent job. That arm that developed Terra's economy has something to keep an eye on. But, Lord Matsushiro? Have you got something wrong with your mind?

"Misunderstood, is it?

"Yep. Fulfilling, is the performance you made 'your' thing? Or."

Is this the 'performance' of the Duke of Rondo de Terra? and.

"That, ha."

"Ask me the question. The answer is fine, because it's up to the latter. All of Terra's performance is attributable to Erica Orenfeld van Flame. I don't know anything about it inside Terra, 'externally' it's the work of His Excellency the Duke of Erica, and it's a trick. Now, let's get back to the first story here. The kingdom of Flame is a 10,000-year-old state in arrears. The economic situation is never easy. Merchants and peasants will all be unhappy without having to say it to their mouths. A life that doesn't get easier, an economy that doesn't rise, diplomacy that doesn't solve it. Everyone will think so, wanting to break the status quo if possible. So what the hell can we do to break that status quo?

You know what I mean, ask Kota.

"You can change the top."

Before Kota answers the question, give the answer yourself.

"My house is a nobleman who goes to the Larchian royal family if he goes back to his fathers. And Royal Larchia is a division of Royal Flame, so I'm going to say to myself that Alex the Founding Emperor is bleeding."

But.

"His Eminence the Duke of Erica is not. Like me, I am not a nobleman in a good neighborhood that would not go to the Flame royal family if I did not trace my father back for generations. He's the eldest son of the former king and the king's sister, and he's the heir to Alex, who went from the Flame Empire to cotton, right? Even if His Eminence Erica is" Her Majesty, "there's nothing wrong with that, is there? And if that authentic royalty was' better 'than the present king? Everyone will scream." Give His Majesty's departure, "he said," give Erica to the new king. "

……

"I think if I were His Excellency Lotte." It's a blind eye, "he said," it's troublesome. "If it's going to be a later spark, let's crush it within the present, shall we?

"So, but! Nothing. I'm not trying to start a revolt or anything!

Rudolph responds with a cool voice to Kota, who happens to scream.

"I guess so. But that's not the problem. The problem is that the revolt 'could happen'. It's still good now. Having said that, the Kingdom of Flame is at peace, and there is no imminent situation that would compel His Majesty to leave. But..."

Is it guaranteed that it won't 'happen' again? and.

"It's faster and easier to pick sprouts before they happen than it is to deal with them after they happen. And Lord Lotte is the one who can do it without any hesitation or reproach of conscience, as long as he has all the circumstantial evidence."

Talk that far, pull a smile in. Rudolph twists his neck just to think about it a little bit.

"… rather, it is so strange why His Excellency Lotte still does not do 'it'"

"Because there's no reason to be punished"

"You have the aftermath, the rubbing, the offering, everything." Dear Queen, I don't want to be the only one in the house... and I'm not the kind to do it. "

Well, I don't know what Lord Lotte thinks, but show me your shoulders.

"In the end, that's what I'm trying to say. It is no surprise that His Excellency Erica is punished by His Excellency Lotte at any time and for any reason. Instead of needing a good royalty, you're the only one in the way. And Lord Matushiro. You are a pioneer in turning His Excellency the Duke of Erica into a 'disturber', if you ask me."

That's what I said, one sigh.

"No matter, I'm not saying which is worse. You work hard to make Terra better, and His Excellency Lotte wants the stability of the Kingdom of Flame. Neither the brave nor the demon king is talking about which is on the side of righteousness and which is the messenger of evil. It's just a matter of justice, and that's why it's troublesome."

He stares at Hota, who pushes silently, and Rudolph smiles.

"At this harmonious meeting, my Kingdom of Larchia intends to forge an all-encompassing alliance with the Lyme City State. I'll take the compensation, but I'm not going to ask for it until the territorial transfer."

"That's a long time, peaceful condition. I thought you might want to come over to one of the cities."

"It just becomes a seed of rebellion when you get it, such as a city in a country that clothes a government incompatible with the kingdom. Then you should solve it with gold and sell and put it down for grace. Besides, buying a grudge isn't much better than forming an alliance."

"... Mr. Rudolph"

"What is it?

"Earlier, they said it was an all-encompassing alliance... but that 'alliance' naturally includes military alliances, right?

"Yes, including military alliances."

Can you interpret that military alliance as involving the participation of an alliance participant in an act of combat if it is attacked by a third country?

To Kota's words, Rudolph distorts the edge of his mouth with niggardness.

"Naturally. Because it's a military alliance for that. Let us, the Kingdom of Larchia, show in good faith our obligation to rise to the disadvantage of the Alliance's signatories."

Not just in the country, but in Rudolph.

"... I see. I understand the outline of the pact."

"That's off - oh, one more thing. We do not intend to include this in the pact itself, but we intend to add another one at the conference table".

"One more thing?

"It's a staffing agreement. The dispatch of human resources among the Alliance's participating countries will deepen the ties between the Allies. Everyone wants to avoid antagonizing people who ate the same pot of rice."

"It's quite a thing. But that's it?

"Would you like to come to my kingdom of Larchia?

Like anticipating tomorrow's weather.

"Who, by?

Lord Matsushiro, of course.

Rudolph said so, as if it were nothing.

"... give me a reason"

"Broadly speaking, there are four reasons. First, one. Lord Matushiro, you are nothing but a seed of misfortune taken to this Rondo de Terra. No matter how respectful His Excellency the Duke of Erica has shown, His Excellency Lotte will always neglect your presence."

"... I do not intend to stay in Terra. Once this pageant is over, we will return to the king's capital, Larchia."

"That's the second one. Even if you return to Larchia, Your Excellency Lotte will have trouble treating you. It's easy if you just kill it… there's a good chance there's some reason why you can't kill it, considering you haven't done it before."

"It's not worth killing, I guess."

"... well, that would be good. Then, His Excellency Lotte will say that he continues to have troublesome cards at hand at all times. Insects in lions, if you can, better not. So, what if I told you I'd pick up that nasty card here? As I mentioned earlier, the pleasure of Lord Lotte is that I want to sell the" Mercy to Sell "."

"What if I don't feel thankful?

"You should just let go then. Or if you really have 'circumstances you can't let go', then you can hand it over to His Excellency Lotte... the third one. The Kingdom of Larchia is a small country, a country as poor as Terra for 10,000 years. Sometimes, if you have obtained a great transformation of Terra, can you help 'reform' our Kingdom of Larchia? I mean, I need your help purely."

"Ayano... isn't there a Virgin? She's a better person than I am. It's not the way I did it, it's a more ingenious way to reform the Kingdom of Larchia."

Quietly staring at Kouta, who laughs at herself in mockery.

"What if it's the Demon King who wants that 'Virgin' the most, wants you to be beside him, and wants you to be beside him?

This is the fourth one, I laugh.

"... Mr. Ayano has done much for us. I owe you a debt of gratitude, but it's a Lalchian fashion. And no treasure, no status, no honor can ever replace living with you."

What an enviable story to be loved so much, Rudolph.

"If you can respond to our invitation, we will provide you with life support. Only a few, but I will also provide you with a territory and a title from the kingdom's direct jurisdiction. If necessary, we are also looking at creating research institutes and academic institutions for you."

"That's... that's quite a treat, isn't it? Aren't you breaking into the eaters of lords of other countries?

"Regardless, this also includes the merits of 'The Virgin'. The territory and the title will be given to Ayano in form. You're the spouse."

"Live with your wife's accomplishments, is it? It's one of the ideals of a man."

"You may live a hippo life, but talk to Lady Ayano around it. Personally, I would like you to lend me that help for my Larchia. Well, the story's off the side. Taken together, you will follow us and gain your own safety and the relief of the Duke's land. We can get your 'knowledge'. His Excellency Lotte can push cards in our way. Ayano can live with his beloved Demon King."

Look, nobody's gonna lose anything, right? and.

"So, Lord Matushiro?

Go ahead, make up your mind.

As usual, Rudolph smiled and showed.

◆◇◆◇◆◇

"... you heard the story and came to me with that leg. To make me swallow this condition."

"Yes."

"Why?"

Not to blame, but Hota quietly lays her eyes on that word of Erica, who purely asks.

"A royal family with power is neglected and bequeathed by the present king. Nothing, it's not a rare story. It's a story that can be enough in any world, in any given time."

"Liz wouldn't do that."

"I'm not saying His Majesty will. There is nothing wrong with Lord Lotte. However, times will. Precisely, it could be."

Keep your eyes down, give them to me.

"- In future, this Terra territory will be placed in a more difficult position than it is now. You can say it from my mouth, but honestly, it must be 'too much'. It's not strange to be obsessed with any trivial matter. History proves that."

I should have noticed when I went to Solvania, but laughed with self-derision.

"... the time will come for this alliance to always prevail over Terra. It's unclear how far you can trust me, but at least it'll be about 'amulet'. Plus, if I leave this Terra territory, there will be no difficulty in the future - but less. Mr. Erica, the war is over. From now on, we are committed to the development of the Terra -"

"That's what I'm saying. That's enough."

Take control of the talking Kota with your hands.

"I know. Sure, we overdid it. Solvania can be seen, and even Liz and Lotte may have been distrustful. The war is over. I'm at peace. It's Lyme and Larchia, who had a problem with it. 'Come on, the war is over. Then keep your hands together.' There's no way we're going. As a lord, I have to be clever with both. I know that too."

"Erica."

"Terra's economy stagnated. Work on the harbour is not progressing as late. From now on, we have to move on with that. I'm not going to put back the time that's gone once. I'm not going to stop it. You have to keep walking, running, running."

……

"What we do now is commit ourselves to the development of this terra. I know a hundred things about that. I know, I know."

- But, and.

"... help me with that, don't you... Coata?

Talk all the way there.

"... you can't ~, me"

That's what I said, laugh at yourself and show it to me.

"Theon told me."

"Mr. Erica? What the hell..."

"Hey, Coata."

- You said you wouldn't stay with us.

"As a lord, I understand what you're saying. Less mistakes, I don't think it's a lie that it's the best decision. I'm purely glad you're thinking about this terra territory, and I think you're grateful. But"

It doesn't matter. You just don't want to be next to us? and.

"... to you. I want Coata to stay by my side."

A moment, silence.

"... Nah. Sorry, Coata, forget it."

I smile bitterly and carry on that word.

"Like Scion: 'Just as much as I wish! It's not easy to break it off. I'm sorry, Coata. Forget about that."

"Erica."

"I'll have a carriage ready for the Kingdom of Larchia as soon as I sign tomorrow's pageant. Get on with it and leave this terra."

Pick the edge of the skirt properly.

"To the development of this Rondo de Terra."

Gracefully, a toast.

"- As Lord Rondo de Terra, I wish to express my deep respect and gratitude. Lord Courta Matussillo."

Put a smile on your raised face.

"... If you don't like Larchia, come home at any time. It's okay, because Terra is developing more and more without you!

Have a cheerful smile.

"... Really?"

"Yes, it is! If that happens... well, now I'll welcome you as a guest! Because I will also prepare a delicious meal for you. So."

- Please, be well.

"... Erica too"

"Yeah, with each other's breathing disaster"

Bow deeply again to show, 'cause then I have work to do', and drop off Erica leaving the courtyard until she bends down the hallway and can no longer see.

"... Phew"

Kota, for this man, rarely fell asleep with a big letter on the ground. The pale scent of grasshoppers stirs Kota's nostrils, sucking its youthful scent all over his chest.

"... haha"

Even though it's not strange, laughter leaks unexpectedly at the emotions that come out of your chest.

"... oh, no. That's funny, I am."

I didn't do anything wrong.

You did the right thing.

Think and act about this Terra, and believe it's for Terra's sake.

"I wanted you to stop, I can't believe... how feminine you are, me"

Still unable to reconcile himself with the desire to be 'needed,' Kota once again inhaled that blue-smelling air of grasshoppers all over his chest.