[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 416

Chapter 416

(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)

Qualification to be King

Translator : PolterGlast

A new figure was brought to the prisoner audience venue. Unlike the previous two, both his arms were bound with ropes, and not even a seat was prepared for him.

「W-What is the meaning of this! Even if you are a newly risen country, do you not even know the etiquette to treat royalty!」

The man, forced to kneel by the soldiers, raised his voice in protest while twisting his body. He looked to be in his thirties, but perhaps due to a luxurious lifestyle being ingrained in him, his body was obese and flabby.

「Unsightly... Former King of Vile, do you not understand that this is due to your own actions? Well fine, if you have something to say, I'll listen.」

「I am not a suddenly appearing newly risen country, I am a king who rules a kingdom with three hundred years of tradition and status! Therefore, even in wartime, you should treat me with courteous disposition befitting my status!」

「No matter how much of a king of a traditional country you are, there is no need to treat with courtesy someone who invaded another country without a justifiable reason, abandoned the fighting soldiers and fled when the situation worsened, and moreover exposed the disgraceful behavior of being captured. Do you not have any feeling of shame for your own actions?」

Yes, compared to the previous two, his attitude was completely different. Reaching this point, I don't have the slightest intention of treating with courtesy a man who asserts he is a king and only thinks about his own treatment.

「As long as I am safe, the kingdom will survive. The soldiers have a duty to protect me, the King, with their lives, so isn't (my escape) a matter of course!」

Yes, yes, thank you for my most hated words. He probably doesn't realize that with these words alone, I have decided to deal with him without any restraint or consideration. Perhaps misunderstanding me falling silent out of displeasure, he got carried away and continued his words further.

「To begin with, this war was undertaken upon receiving a request from the First Prince, the Next Emperor of the Empire, to suppress rebel forces within the Empire. To call that an invasion is extreme paranoia! Responding to the request from the Empire, we merely advanced into Imperial Territory with a just cause.」

「Are you trying to say that is your justifiable reason?」

(To put on the shelf that you were trying to invade not only within the Empire but even our country, and say that.)

「That's right! This is a matter between us and the Empire, it is not a place for a newcomer who doesn't even know courtesy to step in! If you too do not wish to buy the ridicule of various countries and the displeasure of the Empire in the future, you should release me immediately!」

Not knowing the facts... no, being unable to understand the times is a pitiful and sinful thing. Does this mean he too is nothing more than a clown made to dance... Since we're at it, shall I teach him the facts?

「I dare ask, who is this First Prince you were talking about?」

「W-What are you saying! Obviously it is the imperial successor, Glorious-denka!」

I mean, to begin with, he isn't even the imperial successor. He was a candidate, but the successor had been confirmed as the Third Prince since a few years ago. And now...

「Unfortunately, there is no one called the First Prince in the current Empire. If it's the fool who planned a rebellion against the Third Prince, the Next Emperor of the Empire, was suppressed as a result, stripped of even his status as a prince, and is scheduled to be executed, I happen to know of one, though.」

「W-Whaaaaaaaaat! S-Such a ridiculous story...」

「Therefore, right now you are nothing more than an invader who sympathized with a rebel faction and unjustly invaded Imperial Territory, and a war criminal captured in the process.」

The moment I said these words his complexion changed, but this time he turned to face me with a servile smile that seemed to flatter.

「T-Then I wish to demand this as a matter between the Vile Kingdom and your country. If you release my person, the King, I will pay a corresponding price, so won't you change your treatment immediately and release me?」

「Hahaha, did you miss the part where I called you 『Former King』 at the very beginning? The Vile Kingdom you said boasts three hundred years of history earlier, unfortunately, has already been destroyed, you know?」

「W... What are you saying!」

「It's no wonder you don't know, but the story is that the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy, which had already turned its army, attacked, the Royal Capital fell effortlessly, and all royalty were executed after being captured. Therefore, the country called the Vile Kingdom no longer exists now. And you are the former king of an already destroyed country, and currently a mere war criminal with no backing or authority whatsoever.」

「T... That's...」

Perhaps the shock was too great; he crumbled to the floor and began to tremble violently. Then after a while, this time with an expression full of anger, he raised his face again.

「T-Those traitors! This grudge... I will... never forgive them!」

「Even at this point, you don't worry about the citizens or those left behind, you don't reflect on your foolish self, you just scatter your anger? Those who lost their lives on the battlefield following a lord lured by immediate greed, those who became captives, those who remained in the country and lost their lives thanks to your foolish act won't be able to rest in peace.」

Saying so, when I fixed my gaze on General Golpa, he seemed to finally notice. That two people who originally shouldn't be sitting in this place were sitting there as if they were my staff.

「Y-You bastards, what is the meaning of this! D-Don't tell me you sold out the country? Y-You cowardly, shameless people!」

「Silence, you madman, what does trash like you understand! First, they fought us by lord's order, but were equal adversaries. No matter how foolish the order was, they silently tried to fulfill their duties. Second, they fought, doing their best until the very end, and merely surrendered in response to the recommendation despite having surplus fighting strength. Third, when they surrendered, they requested that the lives of their officers and soldiers be spared and leniently treated, in exchange for offering their own heads. Can a fool like you not even understand that difference!」

「Guh...」

「A country does not exist because there is a king. A country is formed only when there are people and soldiers who look up to and support the one who has the qualification to be king. To show that qualification, a king has the duty to put his own life on the line to protect them. I do not recognize someone who cannot even understand that as a king. This is the primary reason why I am not treating you as a king.」

「With all due respect, Archduke-heika...」

I stopped General Golpa with my hand; he had slowly stood up from his seat, knelt upon hearing my words, and was trying to say something. He has lived bound by obligations for many years. Shaking that off probably won't be easy either. He surely intended to beg for the former king's life to be spared in exchange for offering his own life, but I must not let him say those words.

「General Golpa, I understand your feelings, having served for many years as a heavyweight of a nation. No matter how much of a fool he is, to you a king is a king. However, there is another place to use your life. To save the people suffering from the invasion, to put your life on the line for that. Do not forget that this is the punishment I gave you.」

Here, I deliberately called it a 『punishment』. To save his heart as well... Perhaps understanding the meaning behind my words, General Golpa broke down in tears on the spot.

「Former King of Vile, you will never understand the meaning of General Golpa's tears, why he is in such agony that he twists his body. That is why you lack the qualification to be a king.」

「Ku... what do you intend to do with me?」

「I cannot punish you on my own, after all. Through consultation with the Empire, I will have you bear corresponding crimes. I will have you take responsibility in exactly the form 『fitting for a king of a nation』 that you were talking about earlier. Until then, I will keep you as a captive with courteous treatment fitting for a king, but that is strictly as a prisoner. With this, the audience with the prisoners concludes; take him away!」

Unlike when he entered, the King of Vile, looking dejected, was led out. With this, all appearances have been arranged. And then I stood up and stared at the two who were newly given seats.

「Then, again, as the only royalty (.....) representing the new country that unites the three countries of Lute, Vile, and Cain, I wish to ask Denka Crajyu. What do you seek from us?」

Upon confirming that, the First Prince stood up, advanced before me, and knelt. Then he bowed his head deeply and began to speak with his eyes cast down.

「Ha, in order to save our homelands that have suffered an unjust invasion, I request the assistance of the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom. To save the people, with the lives of the two of us as the price, please, somehow...」

「Understood. I shall dare to issue an order to the two of you. Recruit up to ten thousand elites from among the prisoners, and prepare soldiers to recapture your homelands. However, because it is a situation where every moment counts, I will limit it strictly to those who can ride horseback. We will supply the cavalry horses and weapons here. Departure is three days from now!」

「Ha! First of all, gratitude for your assistance, I express my heartfelt gratitude. Heika's compassion towards us who committed lawless acts as invaders, even if we replace it with our lives...」

The voice of the First Prince who answered so was slightly cracking, and his splendid physique was trembling.

「It would be troublesome if you replace it with your lives. You have to live, liberate your homelands, and take 『responsibility』, after all.」

「Understood. We will certainly return to make amends for our crimes. From here on, upon consultation with General Golpa, we will immediately proceed with preparations.」

Receiving that reply, I turned back to the Commander. I feel sorry for the soldiers who have finally been freed from battle, but we cannot send only them. Besides, we are thoroughly familiar with their (Imperial Kingdom's) tactics.

「Commander, I think our army of ten thousand cavalry is appropriate as reinforcements to support them, but what do you say?」

「Let me see, with three days, the Demon Territory Knights should be fine. Additionally, regarding the one thousand cavalry we brought back from the Empire, if there are volunteers, I would like to give them the opportunity. However, regarding the Special Fire Corps...」

I understand why the Commander hesitated with his words. The Special Fire Corps is entirely composed of soldiers originally from the Istoria Imperial Kingdom. If so, they would end up striking down their own compatriots.

「Excuse me for interrupting. May I submit an opinion?」

Because Alexis, who had commanded the home defense unit as the commander-in-chief and commanded the remaining two thousand Special Fire Corps, said so, I nodded silently.

「This time, the one with the highest morale along with Commander Gale's unit was the Special Fire Corps. I believe these two units strongly desire to follow the army on this expedition as well. At least regarding the Special Fire Corps that was holding the fort, your concern is unnecessary.」

「Which means?」

「They strongly desire to settle the matter of the misconduct of their former relatives with their own hands. And to clear Commander Gale's regrets, they have no hesitation in striking down the enemy army.」

I see... so that's how it is. Then is there no problem putting them in the expeditionary force?

「In that case... it would be at most twelve thousand cavalry in scale. We will probably need to leave a corresponding number of soldiers for reconstruction and the management of the remaining prisoners as well.」

That is certainly true. Originally I wanted to lead more soldiers, but exactly as the Commander pointed out, I thought about that too and made it ten thousand cavalry, you see. Originally the total number of prisoners from the northern front was 24,000; at least 14,000 prisoners will remain. Just with this, the number of prisoners will be greater than the remaining military force. We gathered soldiers from various places because it was wartime, but we cannot maintain that forever. We also need to return a portion to the territory on the former Kyle Kingdom side...

「Originally we would also like to participate in the war, but for the time being, it is possible for us to remain in Kusanagi. Because protecting the Demon Territory Dukedom is an order given to us by King-heika from the very beginning.」

I'm grateful! If the remaining unit of the Royal Capital Knights led by Legion Commander Schultz, those five thousand cavalry, will support the home defense, the situation changes greatly. Even if they want to participate in the war, their affiliation is with the soldiers of the Kyle Kingdom. Missions other than the defense of the Demon Territory Dukedom would cause political hindrances.

「Legion Commander Schultz, I thank you for your offer. Regarding continuing stationing expenses and future rewards, I would like to handle it including this point.」

When I said so and let out a sigh of relief, Alexis timidly raised his hand.

「Um... by the way, Archduke-heika, surely you are not going to say... that you will personally lead this expedition, right?」

Hm? What is Alexis talking about? Isn't that a given?

「Of course I'm going. Is there a reason for me to remain here while sending everyone off to the battlefield?」

「「「「「There is!」」」」」

No... you all didn't have to harmonize... Look, the First Prince and General Golpa are also taken aback, you see. Of course, I have a reason why I must do so.

「Because this expedition is also politically delicate, you see. It would be pointless if there wasn't a person who could take responsibility on site, right? If it's me, I can talk things through with Grat-denka, and in the unlikely event we run into the Imperial Army, if I am there, right?」

Yes, of course we will send an express messenger to report this matter to the Empire as well. However, it's possible that the Empire side might also grasp the information and move to handle it. Well, that possibility is low, though. If that were to happen, it is also necessary to prevent disputes on site.

「However... for Archduke-heika to personally take the field is too dangerous!」

「Alexis, I have made the decision regarding this matter as a King. Then it is also necessary for me to take responsibility as a King. Even more so, haven't I just now questioned the qualification to be king of a misguided person (King of Vile), and pressed one whom I decided to trust (First Prince of the Lute Kingdom) to take responsibility in place of a king? If such a me runs away from responsibility, what then?」

I understand what Alexis wants to say. Hypothetically, what if a military force of ten thousand were to betray us in enemy territory? We would be forced into total annihilation. Even more so since it's not a time of national survival right now.

「It might be a story I've said before, but I want to explicitly state it here once more. One who is called Archduke in the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom always stands on the front lines and exposes themselves to danger together with the soldiers. One who cannot do this will not have the qualification to succeed the throne as Archduke for all eternity!」

Saying so, I stood up and looked around at everyone. When I did so, the ones who reacted first were the First Prince of the Lute Kingdom and General Golpa of the Vile Kingdom.

「We shall work staking our lives in response to Archduke-heika's benevolence and trust, and intend to protect Heika's person.」

「I too feel I have just now understood why Heika's army is so strong. Even in exchange for my life!」

Saying so, they knelt and bowed their heads deeply. Following that, Marquis Gorman, who had remained silent all this time, opened his mouth.

「De aruna, it is fine for Heika to proceed on Heika's path. We shall protect the home front. Everyone, is that acceptable?」

「「「「「Yeah!」」」」」

On this day, even though they had just returned in triumph from the southern front, the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom decided on a new troop dispatch. In order to put an end to the destined battle.

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[WN] Sweet Herb Laboratory : 1

Days in the Jilgista Kingdom 1

Thank you for finding this among so many novels.

「Layla, have these documents done by tomorrow. Also, I will be reporting the results of our current research to His Highness the Second Prince tomorrow morning, so put together a brief summary for me.」

「Certainly.」

This is the medicinal herb laboratory located within the Jilgista Royal Palace. It is a small department with only three staff members, and the time is currently seven in the evening. Looks like another all-nighter today, I thought, as my stomach let out a small rumble.

The desks are arranged in a U-shape, with my boss and fiancé, Carter-sama, in the center. My desk and that of my younger sister, Aisha, are lined up facing each other on his left and right. The only difference being that my desk alone has documents piled up as high as my head.

Carter-sama walked briskly past the other side of that mountain of documents. The sudden gust of wind nearly blew the documents away, and when I hurriedly pressed them down with my hands, I was told, 「Learn a little from your sister and keep things organized.」

「Haa.」

Hearing the loud clack of the door closing, I instinctively slumped over my desk. I haven't slept properly for days now. My body feels heavy and my head aches from chronic sleep deprivation.

There are very few people researching medicinal herbs in this country.

We investigate the characteristics of various medicinal herbs and create new medicines from them, but research is not always guaranteed to succeed. Sometimes, it can take years before any results are produced.

During that time, you have to enviously watch as the colleagues who started working at the castle at the same time rapidly climb the career ladder; simply put, it's not a popular job.

The medicines completed as a result of our research here are mass-produced daily by the Pharmaceutical Department and put into circulation, so it's not as if we aren't being useful, though.

The ones who have served as the directors of this medicinal herb laboratory for generations are the family of my fiancé, the Raybeen Earl Family. Currently, the eldest son, Carter-sama, is serving as the director, and due to a manpower shortage, I, his fiancée, along with my younger sister, have been drafted to help.

The engagement between me, the Viscount's daughter Layla Wilbas, and the Earl's son Carter Raybeen, was decided four years ago, when I was fifteen and Carter-sama was twenty.

Because my grandfather once produced excellent research results at the medicinal herb laboratory, it was an engagement ordered by the King so that my family would support the Raybeen Earl Family well into the future, and I have been constantly striving to acquire knowledge to meet those expectations.

「Telling me to produce the research results by morning means pulling an all-nighter, huh.」

I have no choice but to do it. I rolled up my sleeves and headed to the adjacent testing room, but……

「What is this?」

A mountain of test tubes, beakers, and flasks were piled up in the sink. Moreover, many of them still had liquids inside. It's so hard to wash them once the sediment gets caked on!

「Aisha, you went home without washing them again, didn't you.」

I placed both hands on the sink and hung my head in dismay. Aisha abandoning her work and going home is nothing new, but a wave of exhaustion suddenly bore down on my shoulders.

「It can't be helped. I guess I'll start with this for now.」

I scooped water from the water jug at the edge of the laboratory and first filled the sink. I decided to soak the ones with caked-on grime for a while. Taking the relatively clean ones in hand, I proceeded to wash them in order.

Aisha doesn't seem to have any interest in researching medicinal herbs, and her grades at the academy were at the very bottom. However, our parents laughed, saying that women are more charming and cute when they're a little foolish, treating even her bad report cards as a charm point.

Conversely, as the top student, I was apparently lacking in cuteness despite being a woman. I was even scolded with things like, 「What's the point of studying?」 and 「Having better grades than a man is shameless.」

Even so, if it means I can be of use to Carter-sama, I don't mind. With red hair, green eyes, and features as perfectly sculpted as a statue, Carter-sama is a wonderful person who is wasted on someone with my plain looks. With my brown curly hair and copper-colored eyes, I have worked hard so that at least my inner qualities would be a match for him.

If only I were at least as beautiful as Aisha.

Just because we're twins doesn't mean we look exactly alike. While I take after our father, Aisha takes after our mother. Her pink-blonde hair and ruby-red eyes are a mesmerizingly beautiful color, unlike my dull red. With her incredibly translucent skin and slender, white fingers, she possesses the appearance of a delicately crafted doll made by the gods.

……No, no, I shouldn't compare myself to others. I am me. If I thoroughly complete what I am capable of and build upon it, I'm sure Carter-sama will understand.

That was what I believed. Until this night.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 415

Chapter 415

(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)

Aligned Conditions

Translator : PolterGlast

After the general sharing meeting, we proceeded to the audience with the prisoners. Incidentally, we limited the participants in the audience to those who currently held a peerage equivalent to Viscount or higher. Therefore, in the audience venue, centered around me, Marquis Gorman, Marquis Solis, Count Falmus, and Viscount Bold sat in order on the left side, and Legion Commander Schultz (Viscount equivalent treatment), Commander Weiss (Viscount), and Viscount Solis (Alexis) sat on the right side.

「Then shall we begin the audience?」

At my words, the two surrendered generals were first guided into the venue by escorting soldiers. Although they were prisoners, they were men who had surrendered of their own will, generals whose honor should be respected and dealt with accordingly, and their treatment and guidance were also in accordance with courtesy. Then, Alexis stood up and introduced them.

「I report to Archduke-heika: the ones guided in first are Denka Crajyu, the First Prince of the Lute Kingdom, and General Golpa of the Vile Kingdom.」

The two who were introduced bowed deeply with composed demeanors. I see... They are not servile but dignified, and moreover, their countenances show they have already prepared their resolve. Both of them exuded an atmosphere that made one think they were distinguished figures just by their behavior. The First Prince of the Lute Kingdom drifted an atmosphere of a warrior endowed with a dignified and majestic presence rather than royalty, and somehow his atmosphere had something in common with Krugel-heika of the Principality of Fearalt. On the other hand, General Golpa of the Vile Kingdom, despite being at an age entering old age from his prime, had a straight back and felt exactly like a battle-hardened old general maintaining a splendid physique showing no decline yet, making one feel even a sense of majesty.

「First of all, I wish to express my gratitude to the two of you. I too am grateful that due to your courageous decisions, the officers and soldiers of your countries and mine, and many lives that would have been lost, were saved.」

Saying so, I bowed my head. Honestly speaking, surrendering while still retaining fighting strength out of consideration for the lives of one's soldiers is not something easily done.

「What!」 「No, we are...」

Of course, the two who were originally in the position of apologizing were at a loss for words, looking uniformly surprised. Well... they would be surprised, wouldn't they? The king on the victor's side suddenly bowed his head right at the beginning, after all. Of course, even though I'm a king, you could say I'm nothing more than a 『pseudo-king』, and I'm indifferent to and don't care about appearances or formalities. Besides, just looking at them, there was an atmosphere that made me think I should deal with them with courtesy.

「Forgive my loss of composure. It is we who entrust our defeated selves to Archduke-heika. Punish us as you please, but please, a lenient disposition for the soldiers.」

I had heard from Alexis beforehand, but the First Prince who said so also had an 『uncharacteristic』 feel for royalty, so to speak. In a good way, of course. I somehow feel a sense of affinity.

「It is I who should express my thanks anew. Being bestowed with excessive consideration towards us, we were able to make good parting gifts (stories) for our comrades who passed on earlier. I believe this head is insufficient, but please, a lenient disposition for the soldiers so they may stand on their own feet.」

General Golpa, smiling refreshingly, also seemed to have prepared his resolve. Both of them were capable adversaries one could respect as warriors; although the direction was different from what I once felt towards Sieghart, they were people who made me feel something despite being enemies.

『If Krugel-heika had not participated in the war, we would likely have been defeated by the tactics the two of them constructed in the final phase.』

Alexis had declared so in the preliminary meeting, and I felt I could understand that as well. Excellent generals exist in any country. Whether they are given a place to exhibit their 『possessed power』 is another story, though.

「Hahaha, I believe you have already been asked by our home defense commander-in-chief (Alexis), but such concern is unnecessary. We will deal with the two of you with the honor befitting your positions. We will have the officers and soldiers cooperate in the reconstruction, but we have no intention of oppressing them. Eventually, let us also explore paths for them to return to their home countries through prisoner repatriation and the like.」

When I said so, the two of them bowed their heads deeply once more. And when they raised their faces, for the first time, they showed refreshing smiles with no hint of flattery.

「We are endlessly grateful for Archduke-heika's compassion. Rumors of 『Matsuyama』 had reached the Lute Kingdom as well, but we too are now experiencing it firsthand with daily surprise.」

「Gratitude, I express my heartfelt gratitude. By relying on Archduke-heika's benevolence, we are prolonging our lives, but I express my thanks anew on behalf of the soldiers.」

「Then, since the greetings are over, I would like to move on to the main topic. Could you prepare seats for the two of them as well?」

「「???」」

The two of them looked surprised once again, but for me, this is where the main topic begins. How they react to the words I am about to speak will impact the 『preceding conditions』, after all. I stared anew at the two who sat in the offered seats while still bewildered.

「From here on, I must speak of something harsh to the two of you. Therefore, I want you to listen with resolve. A report has come in that the unruly army (Istoria) that incited the various countries and became the root cause of the war has now trampled the home countries of you two, and the Royal Capitals of both countries have fallen.」

「Ku...」 「To think...」

Both of them floated expressions of anguish and looked down. It seems they are desperately enduring it even if they have things they want to say.

「Regarding this, I'm sure the two of you have many thoughts as well. I could have hidden this fact, but thinking of the days to come, I dared to inform you. If you have anything you wish to speak of, please say so without reserve.」

「It is a matter too late to speak of now... but both General Golpa and I were in a position opposed to this troop dispatch that would cause turmoil in a time of peace. However, as a result, we too have invaded and trampled another country. This too must be karmic retribution.」

「It is truly a regrettable matter, but just as Denka Crajyu said, we cannot criticize them for it. However... it is a harsh matter for the soldiers, but this too must be the karma the two of us should bear going forward.」

「It's an ill-natured question, but didn't you think, 『If only we hadn't surrendered that time』?」

「To speak honestly, even if we forced a retreat, we would have suffered damages close to total annihilation, and even if we managed to retreat, no fighting strength sufficient to resist an enemy of twenty thousand would have remained; as a result, our homelands would have been trampled.」

「It is exactly as Denka Craju says. However, we, as a responsibility of those who are generals, believe we must apologize to the soldiers anew. With the heads of the two of us that Archduke-heika has kept for now...」

This is a satisfactory, no... an answer beyond what I imagined. I decided to step into the next stage with confidence.

「I believe that is splendid insight and resolve. To the two of you who spoke thus, I too wish to speak from my true feelings. Originally, events in other countries, much less enemy nations we are engaged in war with, the outcome of this time is none of our concern either. Seizing this opportunity to turn the tables, provoke a war of revenge, and invade is also contrary to the style of our country.」

This is a fact, and not a fact. Originally, it would be a matter of reaping what one sows, or a fire on the opposite shore, but when the 『Apostles of Darkness』 are involved in this, matters are not simple. We also bear a part of the responsibility, and we have a motive to sweep them away.

「However, looking ahead to the post-war period, I believe it is possible to support countries that will newly become sworn allies. To dare use disrespectful expression, it would not be a hindrance to say that the royal families of the two countries that should bear war responsibility have perished. While we are doing this, the Cain Kingdom is also probably...」

The worst-case story for us is the three countries being annexed by the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy. The only thing I absolutely want to avoid is the birth of a new, mighty enemy nation. The Empire's intentions are unclear, but the Third Prince's thoughts were clear on the southern front as well, and it is safe to assume there is no intention for the Imperial Army to counter-invade and completely annex them for the sake of punishment. Both I and the Third Prince, even if we newly annex devastated countries at this point, would be short on the surplus strength, human resources, and military force to support them.

「There are also the Empire's intentions, so it is a story on the premise of being nothing more than a verbal promise right now, but do the two of you have the intention to liberate your homelands? If you desire that, we believe it is possible for us to support you.」

「That is! Of course, but...」

「It is a story we could not even wish for, but...」

The two of them were unable to hide their bewilderment, floating expressions of disbelief because my words were too unexpected. Well... I think that's only natural, though.

「However, I must say that too is a path of thorns. First, as a premise, it is necessary that an official request for 『assistance to liberate the national territory』 be made by someone representing the country. Second, even if the national territory is successfully liberated, it will be impossible for each country to maintain their former territories due to cessions of territory and the like. Third, after the country is liberated, you will bear post-war reparations and payments for the price of the national territory's liberation.」

Yes, even to repatriate prisoners, it would become a pipe dream if a country to pay the 『price』 did not exist. Because a country liberated by our assistance would subsequently bear debts as a defeated nation.

「Even if we extend a hand, it will never be based solely on goodwill. We will support you so that you fulfill your responsibilities as a nation. It will likely take that form. But even so...」

「I understand your story well. But even so... we can save our homelands from the tyrannical rule of the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy. I believe that will happen. If you look at their methods in occupied territories, it is clearer than looking at a fire what kind of treatment the people of our homelands will receive.」

Yeah, with these words of the First Prince, it seems we've cleared the first hurdle. Then shall we move on to the topic of the second hurdle next?

「Then Denka Crajyu, as one born into royalty, do you have the resolve to bear that karma? General Golpa, do you have the resolve to continue supporting Denka as a general until the very end?」

「Archduke-heika, if such a request is permitted, could you entrust us with the temporarily captured officers and soldiers? Of course, after sweeping those bastards away, we will return as prisoners once more and make amends for our crimes.」

「I am one who has already prepared for death. With this life that does not have long left, if it is fulfilled, I wish to support Denka Crajyu and bear the karma together.」

Receiving those words, I looked out over the lined-up generals. It seemed everyone agreed with my opinion, and all of them nodded silently.

「Then the discussion is decided! We will send troops to support the two of you, and scatter the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy from the three countries! Through this, we will liberate the people suffering under them!」

「「「「「Yeah!」」」」」

At the situation developing with unexpected resoluteness and prompt decisions, the two of them looked dumbfounded, but upon returning to themselves, they knelt and continued to bow their heads deeply.

「This debt of gratitude, I will engrave upon my body for the rest of my life...」

「Gratitude, I express my deepest gratitude...」

「Then the two of you shall join the line on my right side as you are. Now then, we hold an audience with the prisoners anew! Drag him out!」

Here, I used the word prisoner for the first time. I had received a report from Alexis beforehand, but it seems the next one will be an unpleasant meeting. In order to solidify that resolve as well, I had flipped a switch within myself. Of course, the two surrendered generals floated slightly surprised expressions at the change in my words and attitude, though. We've fulfilled the necessary preconditions for ourselves, and what comes after this is nothing more than an extra for me. With my legs crossed while seated, I puffed out my chest grandly and looked down at the one being led in.

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