[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : END 1

END 1/3

Emperor Georg Gnos Urgos

Epilogue: Until the Day the Sky Forgets the Stars

Translator : PolterGlast

・Former Political Officer, Now Chief of Staff Puis

One's innate nature does not change until death. Just as the gods sealed in the Abyss suffered from being given false forms, an undesired role or form deeply torments the person themselves. I refuse such a life.

Those are Ashley-sama's words. He threw away a role unsuited to himself and chose the path of freedom in this world where the battle has ended.

Of course, Georg-sama and I objected to Ashley-sama. If everyone simply followed their true nature, society wouldn't function. That's unfair, Ashley! Are you intending to be the only one to become free! We said...

I suppose the world is divided into two types: free people, and people who sacrifice their freedom to serve someone... Ashley-sama is the former, and we, being overly serious, are the latter...

We are envious of that wildness of his, being able to choose freedom despite originally being in the position of a prince... Why can't we cast aside our roles and enjoy a life of travel like him? That is because if we run away from these roles, we would leave irreversible scars on this Empire, which still remains in chaos... Ashley-sama was also supposed to bear that role as a prince...

I'm sorry, my complaining went on for too long. Let me talk about what happened afterwards. As you know, the civil war ended in victory for Georg-sama and Ashley-sama.

After Ashley-sama left the battlefield to save Zirant-sama, we detained the defeated generals, disbanded the enemy army, and made them return to their proper posts and hometowns. We went up to the Imperial Capital's palace, settled things with the false emperor who did not participate in the war—that is, the Crown Prince-sama—and seized the political center of this country.

And before we knew it—two months had passed... Ashley-sama didn't even show up for Georg-sama's coronation, and finally showed his face at the palace three days later. Carrying the sweet fruit Ambrosia as a souvenir from the underground empire, and cheese from Fimbul.

「For a younger brother and the hero who saved the country to not show up to his older brother's coronation, what are you thinking, Ashley-sama! This old man doesn't remember raising you to be such an ingrate!」

「That's why I'm saying I'm sorry. The journey took a bit longer. Want to come along next time, old man?」

Old man—rather, I remember well how Gideon-san was apologizing profusely to Georg-sama.

「How many people do you think are suffering because of your wandering habit! Please do some work, work!」

「That's why I said I leave it to you. If you old folks forge my signature in my name, there would be no need for me to do paperwork.」

I suppose the people who went over there are having quite a hard time... I am worried about Gideon-san's health...

Now, to return to the topic a bit, the casualties of that great war ended up being just under 40,000. This is a fortunate number for the Empire. If the battle had dragged on any longer, the Empire would have suffered a fatal blow.

No, an even greater blow was the shortage of generals and bureaucrats. Many scattered on the battlefield, and many bureaucrats and politicians were complicit in the civil war. For that reason, the first action Georg-sama took after becoming Emperor was granting pardons. Even so, if there is a shortage of human resources, it is only natural that I get fired as the lord of Erin.

Georg-sama forcefully snatched me away from Ashley-sama and placed me in the seat of Chief of Staff. Could this perhaps be a love built on plunder or something, fufufu...

「Puis...? What are you laughing at while looking at my face...」

「Yes, if I don't engage in some delusions, I wouldn't be able to get through a life like this.」

My contact with Durin-chan and Atomina-sama has decreased significantly, but since I can look at Georg-sama's fierce profile anytime now, I'm reasonably satisfied. So busy, so incredibly busy, that I want to curse Ashley-sama...

「Why did it turn out like this... I need you to quickly build up your achievements so I can recommend you for Prime Minister. We are completely lacking in talent...」

「I decline that. Ashley-sama commanded me to assist you in exchange for handing me over to you. If I become Prime Minister, I won't be able to watch over you.」

「Haa... don't take his words at face value... Where and what is he doing right about now...」

「I heard he was going South.」

My family was on the side that lost in a political dispute in the previous era. Georg-sama—His Majesty the Emperor—probably wants to make me Prime Minister to blow a hole in past conflicts.

「I'm begging you, Puis, put yourself in my shoes... I cannot bear the heavy responsibility of being Emperor, having only ever been in the military...」

「Then we'll have to work hard at developing human resources so that we can have it easier.」

The Empire has a mountain of problems. No, it can be said that we have made it to today while leaving problems to pile up. It is true that the previous Emperor His Majesty was excellent, but he had merely postponed the conflict between the North and South. In that era, there was probably no other choice.

「Next week, I am meeting with older brother Julius.」

「Oh... how is his condition?」

「He's a completely different person. Now, I don't even know what we were fighting for anymore...」

「Is that so... The long nightmare of the Imperial Family has finally cleared up, hasn't it...」

Prince Julius was ordered to be placed under house arrest for the crime of mass murder, having kidnapped the people of his domain and used them as materials for the Cherubim Armors. Looking solely at his actions, he is nothing but the lowest of criminals, but he is also the ringleader of the Southern nobles. As things stand, there is no choice but to have him live a life under surveillance until death, as a defeated person. However, the strange thing was that he, who should be the biggest war criminal, is rehabilitating and trying to atone for his sins.

「Sometimes I think about it. If I hadn't cut down older brother Yord at that time... Older brother might have returned to his senses too――」

「That's just dwelling on the past. No matter what the circumstances were, it doesn't change the fact that he is a sinner.」

Prince Yord was cut down by Georg-sama in the land of Ratatosk. Georg-sama appears to regret it, but if you ask me, his dying saved us a lot of trouble. Since he had absolutely no popularity or trust, the Knight Order easily accepted the death of their commander, Yord, and swore their allegiance to Georg-sama. Let's celebrate Knight Aureus's appointment as Knight Commander, who played a major part in the Southern Army's surrender. Right about now, he must be experiencing the same hardships as us in the Knight Order's territory.

◆ ◇ ◆

「Why am I the Knight Commander... Why do I have to live a life full of nothing but political affairs! Hey, call some women, at least let me work while chatting with women! ...Why not! Come on, at least women are fine, right! I'm the Knight Commander, aren't I?!」

Although he was a countryside knight, he possessed the popularity and trust that Prince Yord lacked. His sufficient ability convinced the military-oriented knights, and above all, the single point that he was, all things considered, a reliable good guy――became the decisive factor for his recommendation.

「His Majesty Georg! This Morac has come to report. Regarding prices, with the cooperation of our affiliates and the Hezu Trading Company, they are gradually stabilizing. Ah, of course, the parliament is also proceeding without a hitch――」

Morac-sama was the quickest to turn his coat. The moment he surrendered to Georg-sama, he suddenly transformed into this kind of sycophant... Personally, I'd like to put this war criminal under house arrest until he goes senile, but unfortunately, we are lacking in human resources...

「As expected of you, Uncle. Leaving it to you was the correct answer.」

「I-Is that so! Then I am glad, feel free to ask me for anything else. You are my younger brother's precious son!」

Under surveillance, it was decided to continue entrusting him with the role of Chairman. It's true that we won, but if we completely destroyed the old order from its roots, it would conversely throw the world into chaos. We are always gasping at the wall between ideals and reality.

「You've got a lot of nerve saying that, considering you kidnapped Atomina-sama back then...」

「Urgh?!! T-That matter... My bad about that day, Georg!! I was wrong, I... why did I do such a thing... I just don't understand... Thinking back on it now, it's completely absurd...」

「Uncle, please don't make such a gloomy face. Puis, didn't I tell you not to touch on that topic...」

「My apologies, Morac-sama, it just slipped out. But Georg-sama, wouldn't it be better to enforce some form of accountability?」

「Stop it, don't instigate Georg!? I said my bad, I said my bad, didn't I, hey His Majesty Emperor Georg!」

I cannot accept this... Many people died in that war. Even if I'm told that he had just gone crazy after making Ashley-sama and Carral-sama suffer, I cannot accept it. Also, Dunail-sama's position as the Chief Priest was guaranteed. I heard the stabbed fifth son has already recovered enough to be able to stand up. I heard his taste in collections suddenly changed, and a large number of his tasteless treasures flooded the market.

Furthermore, the former Crown Prince is currently embraced by the sweet dreams brought about by the Tears of Demiurge in his own territory. He probably won't last much longer. Sweet dreams break a person and bring them to their death. Even so, every time he wakes from a dream, he happily tells his pages that he had a fun dream. The stories transcribed into books are moving, overflowing with happiness and the ups and downs of life; I hear that numerous masterpieces are being produced at the cost of the Crown Prince's life.

The Tears of Demiurge, as long as its usage isn't mistaken, can become a parting gift to the dying, or the seed for the greatest stories. However, for us humans, it was a hidden treasure that appeared far too early, one we could never eternally master.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 412

Chapter 412

(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)

What the True Bad News Is

Translator : PolterGlast

Ever since leaving Big Bridge, our return journey had been exceedingly smooth. Part of it was because Ende and the entire southern region of the Empire were within the First Prince's sphere of influence, but supplies were stockpiled at various places along the highway, and resting places had been prepared in advance at regular intervals. Because of this, the march was so surprisingly smooth that one wouldn't think a military force totaling 26,000 cavalry was on the move. Well, this too... I believe is because while we were waiting for the time of our return at Big Bridge, Sieghart had sent word to the guards and merchants at various places along the highway and made preparations in advance. But even so...

「Just like the outward journey, being able to make such perfect arrangements for the return journey is not to be underestimated. A military force being able to move swiftly is a result of the power supporting it. Unfortunately, the Kyle Kingdom would likely not be able to make preparations to this extent.」

I also felt it was exactly as the Commander said, speaking with half admiration and half vigilance. That is exactly why we, limited to within the Demon Territory Dukedom, have established roadside stations on the main highways to serve as bases for supply and rest, taking care to make movement even a little smoother.

「Perhaps it's because the Empire, to begin with, possesses a vast national territory and has a national character of frequent foreign expeditions? Also, Sieghart-dono having a firm grip on the reins of the merchants might be a big factor.」

「At this rate, even moving as an army corps, will we be able to arrive in about 15 days?」

「That's right, this time it's a well-maintained main highway stretching straight, and we have plenty of replacement horses. It's also a blessing not having to worry about food and encampments.」

For this movement, Sieghart's adjutant, Accelerata, has gone ahead to arrange encampments at the maximum daily travel distance. Therefore, we only needed to move without thinking about anything.

※

After several days of movement, the army column split into two at a particularly large highway junction. One heading east, and the other continuing straight north...

「Takuhir-dono, once things settle down, I wish to invite our hero once more, Archduke-heika who has achieved unparalleled meritorious deeds, and the Demon Territory Knight Division to the Imperial Capital Griffin as state guests. Will you accept my invitation when that time comes?」

「Of course. It's a place I wanted to visit at least once, too. Together with the Commander, of course.」

「Gladly!」

「Then, as heralds and guides, I apologize for the small number, but I will assign 200 cavalry to you. Now then, looking forward to our reunion at a later date!」

「May Denka stay in good health as well!」

After exchanging such greetings, we led eleven thousand cavalry and once again galloped straight north. More than half the journey still remained, but the further north we went, the more eager and impatient we felt.

※

By the time we had digested more than half the journey, the war situation of the northern front began to reach us through the merchants as well. However, they were all things that made us feel anxiety rather than being good news.

「S-Sixty-five thousand, they say! Such a number... is impossible!」

I was left at a loss for words at the unexpected number we learned along the way, the total number of troops that had invaded the northern front. That was because it was 15,000 more than the worst-case scenario and maximum assumed number we had thought of beforehand. The allied residual forces that undertook the interception were 16,700 men; even adding the 8,000 men led by Viscount Durul, it was merely a total of 24,700 men. While not quite a third of the enemy army, it was a difference in fighting strength close to that. Relying on the defensive walls of Izumo for a siege battle, it was a number they could somehow endure, but...

「The reinforcements of the Royal Capital Knights should have rushed over as well, so if they retreat to the Izumo defense line and fight, they should be able to defend it. However... the problem is the outside of Izumo.」

They probably had to abandon a large portion of the territory. That meant forcing a ruthless decision upon Alexis; wouldn't they have forced tremendous sacrifices on the territory residents who had gone through the trouble of settling, the new residents from the former Empire, and... the many people living in the Empire? And above all... is everyone safe? If push comes to shove, as long as they pull back to the former kingdom territory exactly as we discussed beforehand... At the gateway of Izanami, they should be able to hold out sufficiently even against sixty thousand enemies, but...

「Takuhir-sama.」

Addressed by the Commander, I suddenly realized. That I was unconsciously hastening my horse's pace, and moreover, trying to push further and further to the front of the army column.

「Commander, even if it's just a portion, increase the movement speed and get an advance unit to Kusanagi even a little faster...」

At my words, the Commander shook his head silently. And then he deliberately spoke to me slowly.

「Our feelings are the same. However... If a mere few hundred troops were to rush over, what use would they be against tens of thousands of enemies? Besides, this expedition was decided with equal resolve by everyone, both those who remained and those who went on the expedition.」

Yeah... but. I was the one who brought it up. Even though I left saying 『I'll leave it to you』, I know full well myself that it's highly hypocritical to say such things at this late stage. But...

「Originally this would be Anne-sama's role, but... I will dare to say this myself. What are you doing making a face like that as the king of a nation? If you trusted and left it to them, then trust them until the very end.」

Kuh... that is certainly true. If Anne were here right now, I'm sure she would definitely say that for me. Making the Commander say it is nothing other than my own weakness. I almost looked down, but managed to look forward and fix my eyes on the Commander's face.

「Alexis-dono once fought and won in Ishtar despite being in a harsher situation than now. For the defense of the homeland, there are battle-hardened generals who have survived bitter battles, starting with Marquis Gorman and Marquis Solis, who can be trusted with troop deployment. As well as the comrades who have survived hardships together with Archduke-heika, starting with Gale... Let us believe in them for now.」

「......」

That's certainly true... I have my role, and they have theirs. It's my duty to believe that, and isn't that exactly why I entrusted them with holding the fort while I was away?

「Commander, thank you. Please continue to support my pathetic self without change from now on. I am always lost, and sometimes I end up not knowing what was best, you see.」

If we hadn't gone south, the Third Prince's camp might have collapsed due to that situation. With the matter of the Eral Knight Kingdom as well, even if Sieghart won tactically, what about strategically? Their tactical victory only comes to life because they have the banner that is the Third Prince. And if we hadn't rushed to that Third Prince... If that had happened, even if we won the battle in the north, the First Prince, having won strategically and unified the Empire, would turn his army next and advance north. In that case, facing an overwhelmingly large Imperial Army and a First Prince driven by revenge, we would have ended up continuing a quagmire of a war. That is exactly why I believed in my comrades and made the decision at that time! There is no point agonizing over it now.

「Well, shall we... increase the marching speed just a little? Within a reasonable limit... though. Let us say I will go forward and lead the way.」

Saying so, the Commander lightly kicked his mount's flanks and disappeared toward the front of the formation.

『In the end, I can't laugh at Grat-denka either. I made the Commander 『babysit』 me too, after all.』

Muttering so in my heart, I stared at the Commander's large back and was grateful for his presence anew.

※

And the next day, as we galloped north along the highway, we conversely passed by a column of the Imperial Army that seemed to be returning to their territory from the north. Moreover, everyone was wounded and battered, looking just like a line of defeated remnants.

「Where is the commander of the Imperial Army? This is the army led by Archduke-heika, Takuhir of the Demon Territory Dukedom, who fought on the southern front as reinforcements for Grat-denka!」

The moment they saw Grat-denka's military banner fluttering at our lead, they had pulled to the left and right to make way, but at the Commander's words, they raised a cheer all at once.

「Ohh! Archduke-heika, you say? Where is Heika?」

「!!!」

My eyes were glued to a single military commander who, led by the Commander, rushed over on horseback while raising a loud voice. Could this be... his army?

「Viscount Kamin? I am right here! What on earth is this army... what is the war situation?」

「Ooooh! Archduke-heika, I am glad you are safe. From the looks of it, you have won the battle in the south as well?」

Hm? In the south 『as well』, he said? Which means!

「The northern front is also a great victory for the Demon Territory Dukedom Army! Our allies completely defeated the thirty-five thousand-strong allied army of the Kingdom of Lute, Vile, and Cain, took ten thousand militia of the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy prisoner, and pushed back twenty thousand of their regular army beyond the national border!」

「What!」 「Seriously...」

The Commander and I were left speechless, only uttering short words. That is... an incredible battle result! It's so amazing I'm shocked.

「First of all, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your assistance in our defensive battle! The expeditionary force led by Archduke-heika also supported Grat-denka's army, defeated all of the sixty thousand Principality of Sura Army, thirty thousand Turncoat Kingdom Army, and thirty thousand rebel army, and are currently on a triumphant return; Grat-denka is also returning in triumph to the Imperial Capital, and I believe there will be words of appreciation from Denka for everyone in due time!」

「「「「「Ooooh!」」」」」

In response to the Commander's words, a great cheer rose from the officers and soldiers of the Imperial Army who had opened the path as well. The armies heading in their respective directions of north and south halted for a while, raising voices of joy to each other.

「Viscount Kamin, my thanks anew. Part of it is that we were rushing our march, but from midway on, we didn't pass by a single merchant caravan heading south, and furthermore, there were no highway guard soldiers in this vicinity... I was feeling anxious, completely unaware of any information including the war situation in the north.」

When I said so, the Viscount laughed as if to say 'naturally', but... Does he have something in mind?

「Not at all, we too offer our heartfelt gratitude for your assistance in the crisis of the Empire's survival, even casting aside the safety of your own territory.」

Dismounting his horse once more and bowing deeply, the Viscount continued his words again.

「Incidentally, regarding your concern, the reason is clear. All the merchants from around here onwards are running north loaded with cargo and are devoting themselves to business in Kusanagi. Therefore, it is only natural that you wouldn't pass by them.」

「To business? What do you mean?」

「Right now, the entire northern frontier region is undergoing reconstruction with tremendous momentum, overflowing with business opportunities. In addition to that, having gained nearly twenty thousand prisoners and ten thousand new immigrants, Kusanagi is in a festive uproar with special demand for provisions and the like. The new workforce is being allocated to reconstruction and development, transforming it at a remarkable pace.」

「???」

Nearly twenty thousand prisoners? What is this about ten thousand immigrants? It feels like an incomprehensible situation is progressing, but... What does this mean?

「I have also sent the soldiers I led back to my territory once, and am currently on the way to deliver the wounded soldiers who participated from neighboring territories. After that, I intend to return leading the Bottakurina Trading Company. Letting only the merchants make a profit is a wasteful tale, so...」

Hahaha, it seems an unprecedented event exceeding even my imagination is occurring in Kusanagi right now. When I let out a sigh of relief for the time being, seeing the Viscount already keeping an eye on business, the Commander and I looked at each other and smiled wryly. Now that we've come this far, Kusanagi is just a little further! Finally... I can reunite with everyone! Such a great battle result... I won't be able to hold my head up in front of everyone for a while. Thus, I advanced the army toward Kusanagi with a bright and clear heart. Still unaware of the true bad news...

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