Chapter 435
(Kyle Calendar Year
515: Age 22)
The Ties of Friendship
Among Five Nations
We
were guided by Sieghart to our lodgings—or rather, a place that made one
wonder, Isn't this a corner of the Inner Palace? In front of the
detached palace assigned as our lodgings, there was a garden lined with
security guards and currently unused tents.
「I apologize for any inconvenience
this may cause, but this location is adjacent to the barracks of the Royal
Guards directly subordinate to the Emperor. Tents can be pitched right in
front, and the accompanying soldiers can rush over immediately, so...」
Indeed... Firstly, no matter how much it is the Imperial Capital,
there is no lodging large enough to accommodate the five thousand accompanying
cavalry together. If that's the case, the soldiers would either have to
disperse or lodge at a distant location. If that happens, the escort becomes
meaningless, and our lives and deaths would be in their hands.
「Regarding the escort soldiers, we
have prepared tents for several hundred people in the courtyard, and as
lodgings for the rest, we have opened up the Royal Guard barracks. I believe
this will suffice for the three countries to use...」
「By the way, what about the Royal
Guards?」
「Their barracks have been vacated in
conjunction with your visit this time. Besides, they are soldiers directly
subordinate to the previous Emperor, so...」
I
see, so that's the reason? The Royal Guards are a unit directly subordinate to
the Emperor, which means the current Royal Guards are not soldiers directly
subordinate to the Third Prince, but soldiers of the previous Emperor.
Does this mean the Third Prince's camp doesn't trust the Royal Guards
either?
「The vast majority of the Royal
Guards have been incorporated into the garrison forces of the new territories.
Those with promise have been scouted as new Royal Guards and are currently out
guarding the outer perimeter of the Imperial Capital.」
Originally,
the Royal Guards are in a position to rush to the Emperor's side and protect
him in times of emergency; therefore, they are stationed near the residence
where the Emperor lives. So in this case, their barracks are located in the
most convenient position.
「Is Grat-dono okay with that? He'll
be completely exposed.」
Come
to think of it, it's a strange story. Because if we felt like it, he would be
surrounded by as many as fifteen thousand soldiers.
「Yes, it is a fact that such opinions
were raised. However, Heika said... 『I
can feel far more secure surrounded by the soldiers of the Archduke, who
is a benefactor of my life and trustworthy even on the battlefield, than by
Royal Guards of my own family whose true colors are unknown!』 He boasted as such, so...」
「......」
Hahaha,
he's an unconventional Emperor in various places, isn't he. Though, most of the
soldiers he can trust are stationed in the new southern territories. That's
understandable too.
「Then I will go confirm the
deployments and security arrangements in various places. Please relax
comfortably until dinner time, and after dinner, I would like to have Archduke-heika's time for tomorrow's meeting as
well.」
「Hahaha, sorry for the trouble. By
the way, will Sieghart-dono be on security duty the whole time?」
「Yes, there are many things I
personally wish to ask about during your stay, and for that purpose, I
voluntarily requested to be the person in charge of security for the detached
palace where Archduke-heika is
staying. Because I too have been looking forward to hearing stories from Archduke-heika for a long time.」
Saying
so, Sieghart left with a smile across his entire face. I see, so he
volunteered because he wants to satisfy his own intellectual curiosity? Well,
it's probably not just that, but I wonder what on earth he's going to ask...
With such thoughts, we unpacked our travel gear, washed off the dust of the
journey, rested, and then savored a perfectly arranged dinner. And then...
After dinner, an anticipated—no, an event exceeding expectations occurred.
※
「Takuhir-sama, Marquis Kampfer has come requesting a meeting...
what shall we do?」
After
dinner, while chatting pleasantly on the terrace of the detached palace with Miseri,
Yoltia, the Commander, and two others, Sigur came to
report in a flustered manner. Already from the first day? I suppressed the wry
smile that almost surfaced on my face and told Sigur:
「Then could you invite them here?」
「Umm... all of them? I hastily guided
them to a room downstairs where they could sit, and they are waiting, but...」
Eh?
What do you mean? By all of them, don't tell me... I hurriedly dashed
downstairs.
「......」
My
anxieties hit the mark splendidly, and a prominent lineup of members was
arrayed there. I mean... we've been together so much up until now, to come
visiting so soon, just how lonely are you guys!
「Fufufu, exactly as promised, we
didn't sneak out selfishly.」
Behind
Clarisse-denka, who laughed
with a smug face, stood Knight Commander Gouras, who looked entirely
troubled. You didn't sneak out selfishly, but it's obvious just from looking
that you forced your way out.
「I too followed the agreement with my
friend, and didn't sneak out just the two of us.」
That
is certainly true, but Marquis Flame also had a look of resignation...
no, he looked as if he was floating a slight expression of relief that they
didn't sneak out selfishly.
「Actually, following the requests of
the guests, we too have completed preparations to set up a venue. Because this
detached palace has such facilities as well.」
I
mean, does that mean everything was anticipated beforehand? Well, for my part,
it's reassuring in a way to be able to secure these two within my line of
sight, but. Following Sieghart's guidance, we passed through the gazebo
in the backyard of the detached palace and walked to the adjacent building. And
there, further...
「Hahaha, kept you waiting! I express
my gratitude for responding to the invitation and coming all the way to Griffin
this time, and have set up a modest welcome venue. First, let us exchange cups
with sworn allies!」
The
one waiting was the Third Prince, who will formally become Emperor at
the accession ceremony the day after tomorrow. Hahaha... it's no use being
surprised anymore. I too decided to just go with it and gave my greetings.
「I'm glad to see Grat-denka looking well too. I thought the 『formal』 greetings would be tomorrow.」
「Of course this isn't formal either,
and the strict customs of the court don't suit my nature. I wanted to converse
casually with the Archduke just like at the Big Bridge and Kusanagi,
so I had a venue set up.」
Well,
I can understand that too. Hindered by the face of the country and various ties
on both sides, we can't speak our true feelings in a formal setting either.
Right away, Krugel-heika and Clarisse-denka, who were acquaintances with the Third
Prince, finished their simple greetings and have already begun chatting
pleasantly. I somewhat feel like I've fallen into everyone's speculations, but
I decided to utilize this opportunity as well. The Commander and I are
acquaintances with everyone, but Miseri and Yoltia who were
following behind had not met everyone participating. In addition, there were
two people who were probably meeting everyone for the first time... I headed
towards the place where the three were talking, leading four people.
「Taking this opportunity, I would
like to introduce them to everyone. First, the one waiting here is my wife Miseri;
because she was mainly overseeing domestic affairs, she never went out to the
battlefield, but she is the keystone supporting the domestic affairs and
economy of our country.」
If
I recall correctly... this should be Miseri's first time speaking
face-to-face with anyone other than Clarisse-denka. Regarding Denka as well, it was only to the extent
of exchanging greetings, and at that time she wasn't in the position of
Archduchess, but a mere baron.
「I-It is my first time obtaining an
audience with both Heikas. I am Miseri, one of the Archduke's
wives. Please treat me well from here on out.」
Extremely
nervous, Miseri managed to say only that much and froze with her whole
body completely stiff.
「Hahaha, right now my friend is also
the master of a country and equal in rank to me. Since his wife is in the same
position as Clarisse-dono ,
please treat us without reserve. Besides, the one here right now is a mere
Royal Guard Division Commander. Please call me Krugel without reserve.」
「Certainly. I too am in the position
of having my life and the destiny of the Empire saved by the Archduke.
It would be appreciated if the benefactor's wife could treat us without
reserve. Could you also call me Grat?」
「A... such a thing... no, certainly.」
Although
she replied for the time being, Miseri seemed bewildered as to how she
should act. It's no wonder...
「This is why the two of you have too
little self-awareness. Even if you say that, you are the Emperor-heika and a King-heika, after all. But Miseri-san,
I am in the same position as you as an Archduchess officially, so it would help
if you could call me Clarisse without reserve. As fellow companions,
please treat me well from here on out.」
Even
being told that by a tomboy who lacks the self-awareness of a Princess... Miseri
is at a loss for a reply too.
「Y... yes, Clarisse-sama, thank you very much.」
Next
I introduced Yoltia, but she has always followed the army and been by my
side, is accompanying me as the special envoy's wife to the Principality of Fearalt,
and has exchanged cups of sake with Krugel-heika. She has also
been introduced to the Third Prince at the Big Bridge and is
somewhat familiar with him, so she was able to exchange greetings flawlessly to
some extent. Though... she was tense in front of the tomboy, but I think this
can't be helped. And next, I introduced the people who were my original
objective to the three of them.
「Taking this opportunity, please let
me introduce them to everyone. The individuals who became our friends through
this turmoil: the new King of the newly reborn Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom, King Crajyu, who was the
former First Prince of the Lute Kingdom, and the prospective
Queen, Alicia-denka, the
former Third Princess of the Cain Kingdom.」
「「「!!!」」」
As
expected, even the three of them were surprised by this introduction, and froze
for just an instant. But I considered that making the Empire side
acknowledge and trust these two was the fastest post-war processing. For that
purpose, I had secretly brought along the new King and prospective Queen who
united the three countries. As a prelude to that, without us needing to
maneuver in secret, the two of them 『got together』
just as speculated after liberating the three countries. Listening to the two
of them, while there are political aspects convenient as rulers, as a major
premise, it was a result of harboring goodwill towards each other's
personalities. Even more so since Princess Alicia not only possesses the
elegance of royalty, but is also sharp-minded, and on top of that, quite a
beauty. The First Prince who was excellent but alienated as a successor,
the Third Princess who could not abandon the people and remained in the
Royal Capital participating in battle; both were heretical existences since
their days as royalty, and somehow they resemble 『a
certain couple』 that already got together, sharing
commonalities.
「First of all, to apologize for the
invasion of Imperial Territory this time, we two insolently represent
our respective countries and present ourselves before Grat-denka. The invasion this time is the
responsibility of us two, and we intend to accept any punishment, but please,
we ask that you grant lenient punishments to the soldiers and the citizens.」
Saying
so, the two of them bowed their heads deeply to the Third Prince.
「Fumu... I have already heard that
the Kings of the three countries received their retribution for invading and
were punished. As the Empire, we consider the matter settled there, so
no further apologies are necessary. It is partly because of the Archduke's
introduction, but I also understood well from your words just now that the two
of you are appropriate as rulers.」
Saying
so, the Third Prince smiled towards me. I didn't prep them, you know.
Because originally they were saying similar words to me and trying to bear the
crimes, after all.
「I will also guarantee that point.
Both are outstanding figures, and I think we can feel secure entrusting a
country to them, and rely on them as sworn allies.」
「Above all, the liberation of the
three countries is the accomplishment of the Archduke present here;
there is no room for the Empire to interject. From the start, I am
grateful to the Archduke, and intended to leave everything regarding
their treatment, including letting him take the three countries as he pleases,
entirely to him.」
「Heika, regarding this matter, even at the
accession ceremony...」
The
Third Prince, who pondered for just an instant at the words of Sieghart
beside him, then nodded deeply. And laughed mischievously.
「It is a request from me, but I would
be grateful if you could participate in the accession ceremony 『formally』 as the King uniting the former
three countries. Of course we will welcome you with the courtesy of state
guests, but if possible, could you say the words from earlier once more at that
venue?」
「Incidentally, the Principality of
Sura and the Turncoat Kingdom, with whom peace has been concluded,
have also dispatched envoys, and we plan to hold an audience prior to the
meeting to formally convey their punishments. Of course, we plan to have them
participate in the meeting venue as well.」
I
see, so that's how it is! In a way, it's a harsh response towards those two
countries. I realized anew the two meanings held by what Sieghart
proposed and advised. The first is that it will serve as major pressure on the Principality
of Sura and the Turncoat Kingdom. When the two countries hear that
the King and Queen of the former three countries, who are fellow defeated
nations, participated in the accession ceremony to apologize to the Empire,
they will likely become highly impatient. They too have sent envoys, but the 『status』 of the participants is a world of
difference. From here on, not only will they feel inferior, but they will
undoubtedly respond additionally, rushing to curry favor with the Empire.
The second is the perception of the new Emperor within the Empire. The
three countries that caused the rebellion in response to the First Prince,
as a result, abolished the Kings who were responsible, and the new King came to
apologize. This will back the authority of the new Emperor, and also serve as a
blow to the opposition factions within the Empire. And it will also
widely make known that the northern frontier of the Empire has become
secure.
「I am grateful for your kind words.」
「Regarding the Emperor-heika's compassion, we will engrave our
feelings of gratitude in our hearts and strive to repay this favor.」
Saying
so, the two of them bowed their heads deeply once more. Each with something
shining welling up in their eyes...
「No, if it's thanks, you had better
say it to the Archduke, not me. To release those who became prisoners,
and dispatch soldiers to save the countries you were fighting until the other
day, those are things I could not possibly imitate, after all. Moreover,
liberating the three countries in the blink of an eye through a blitzkrieg;
it's obvious who the true hero is, isn't it.」
「Hahaha, what a delightful story.
There are five people in this venue whose lives and the destinies of their
countries were saved by my friend, after all. At this point, let us exchange
cups of gratitude towards the unparalleled hero, hear stories from the world's
greatest resourceful general who liberated the three countries with lightning
speed, and let discussions on strategy blossom!」
「Oh, that sounds good! I too
witnessed the Archduke's unparalleled strength in the battle of the new
territories, but I definitely wanted to hear about the skill that liberated the
three countries and stabilized their governance in just a few days.」
「Ah, Denka! That's unfair.
Because that's the story I wanted to hear the most!」
「Archduke-heika is always unfair. If you had just called out, I would have
gladly rushed over...」
Only
at Clarisse-denka's words,
Knight Commander Gouras was shaking his head side to side grandly.
Perhaps there was a dispute in Kylar when dispatching reinforcements as
well? ...It's fully possible. But you know, things like 『true
hero』 or 『unparalleled
hero』 or 『world's
greatest resourceful general』... I'm not that kind of creature,
you know. It makes the one being told embarrassed, so I want you to stop
killing me with praise, but. The ones who liberated the three countries were
the skills of the First Prince and General Golpa who led their
respective armies, and the one who perfectly pulled together the former Cain
Kingdom, which had the most difficulties in governance, was the skill of Alicia-denka, who was the Third Princess,
after all... Here I tried to change the subject.
「By the way, putting me aside... in
terms of being in an unfortunate position due to 『politics』 despite being excellent, the circumstances of Krugel-heika
and King Crajyu were similar. Also, in terms of thinking of the people,
remaining on the front lines until the very end despite being a Princess, and
fighting together with the soldiers, Clarisse-denka and Princess Alicia are also similar, aren't they.」
「Ohh!」
「My!」
The
two who were the originals of the similar individuals named by me raised their
voices happily and stared at their own companions. However, it's just a story I
heard, but although Alicia-denka
is an 『eccentric』
who takes the side of the territory residents, compared to the tomboy, she is
rational, and if anything, she excels in 『governance』
rather than 『martial arts』,
though. Well, if the respective pairs deepen their interactions utilizing this
opportunity, there's no problem.
※
On this day, the now-customary 『free-and-easy』 banquet continued late into the night, and initially tense and stiff Miseri and Yoltia who was taking a step back also opened up with the female camp, and King Crajyu who initially held back reservedly also came to participate in the conversations between masters of countries. And on this day, the setting of new national border lines between the five countries, and friendly relations that would later become the foundation of the 『Five-Country Alliance』, were unofficially concluded. Due to this, the masters of the five countries gained friends on equal footing, and pledged unchanging friendship and cooperation going forward. While mutually enjoying the intoxication of alcohol from the bottom of their hearts, embracing shoulders and raising cups...
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