105 - A Matter of Feelings
The royal castle of the Laurel Kingdom. In a meeting room within, the King and his high officials are holding a briefing. The topic currently under discussion is the kidnapping organization that has been causing a stir in the north recently. The attendees' faces were grim, reflecting their desire not to be bothered by such domestic issues while on an overseas expedition. They did not realize that once they learned the truth, a grim face would be the least of their worries.
"They should resolve the matters of their own territory themselves. Would that not be sufficient?"
The Prime Minister spoke with a dismissive tone. The state cannot move every single time a problem arises within a noble house. Regardless of scale, bandits of some sort are almost always present in the territories of noble houses, constantly causing trouble.
"I believe they sought help because they were unable to resolve it."
The one who voiced a dissenting opinion was the Commander of the Royal Knights. This matter had been brought to the Knights. Even if they found it a nuisance, they could not simply brush it aside.
"Then can the Knights resolve it?"
"That is..."
It was difficult. Kidnapping meant hostages had been taken. It was hard to take forceful measures.
"Exactly. We should not take on problems that cannot be resolved."
If they took it on and failed, it would become a failure of the state. It was not impossible that the noble houses might harbor resentment. The Prime Minister did not want to shoulder that risk.
"But there is a shadow of demons in this incident."
"What did you say?"
The Prime Minister let out a voice of surprise at the unexpected news. The other attendees were the same. The expressions of many people instantly shifted to tension.
"I have obtained information that demons are involved in the kidnappings."
"...This is the first I have heard of such a thing?"
Why was such important information only being conveyed now? That sentiment was embedded in the Prime Minister's question.
"There was no confirmation."
Accurate information was not arriving not only from the noble houses whose hostages were taken, but also from the Nordende Garrison Force in the north. The Commander of the Royal Knights had not yet realized that this was what had delayed his report.
"In other words, you have now obtained that confirmation?"
"Well, that is about it."
"...What is the army doing?"
The war with the demons had ended. That was why they had set out on the overseas expedition. While there was an aspect of having forcibly accelerated the end to enable the expedition, it was still the army's responsibility that demon activity was being permitted.
"The Demon King's Army was defeated. However, that does not mean every single demon was annihilated."
"I am well aware of that."
"Even if kidnappings are occurring frequently, it means they are only capable of activity on that level. We are fulfilling our responsibility."
A small number of demons were merely conducting resistance on the level of harassment. A noble whose family had been kidnapped would be enraged to hear this, but the Knights, who made their living from war, viewed it in such a way.
"If it is an incident that can be called 'on that level,' then as expected, there should be no need for the state to move."
"That may be so, but..."
"Has the Commander of the Royal Knights forgotten? The nature of the orders given to the noble houses."
Collecting information on the demons scattered outside Nordende. That was the order given to the noble houses.
"However, they are the victims..."
"That is precisely why. They disregarded His Majesty's orders and neglected their information gathering. The current situation is the result. Why must the state clean up their mess?"
The Prime Minister was attempting to dismiss this as a problem solely for the noble houses. It was not out of malice. In the current situation, they could not send an army back to the north. To do so would require the resolve to stall the overseas expedition. The Prime Minister could not make such a decision.
"Then let me ask, what will you do if the situation worsens further? What do you intend to do if, by taking no action, the demons become emboldened?"
"Could we not simply deploy the Nordende Garrison Force?"
"What?"
"Is it not clear? Even if we incorporate Nordende into our territory, there is little benefit to the Kingdom. The total subjugation of the land does not matter."
Whether Nordende was fertile land or not was not yet known, but there should not be much arable land. Even if acquired, it would bring little to the Kingdom. Even if they were to carry out land reclamation, it was land inhabited by demons, how many people would be happy to do that?
"...Are you saying we should prioritize the overseas expedition?"
"Is there a need to ask that question at this late stage?"
Prioritizing the overseas expedition had been decided long ago. The Commander of the Royal Knights, who questioned it now, held feelings that others did not.
"...In what form will this be conveyed to the noble houses?"
"In any form. If you wish, we shall convey it from our end."
The Prime Minister had no consideration for the noble houses. Even if the content was unpleasant for the recipient, he could convey it without hesitation.
"...Let us do that."
The Prime Minister's thinking was unwavering. The Commander of the Royal Knights gave up on further discussion. With this, the Commander, who could not go to the front lines, had lost the opportunity to achieve personal merit.
"Then, regarding this matter, we shall put it on hold unless the situation changes significantly. Next... Lord Geel. Shall we have your report?"
The discussion on important matters was nearly over. Thinking so, the Prime Minister called upon Geel, who was participating in this meeting as a special case, however...
"No, my report is also regarding the situation in the north. If a conclusion has been reached, there is nothing to discuss here."
"...Is that so? Well, if that is the case."
"However! I believe this is not the place to make such a request, but I would like to ask for time to speak with His Majesty directly."
"...Indeed, this is not the place to make such a request. I believe it is not something that would be permitted outside of this place either."
Geel was in a position that did not even qualify him to participate in this meeting. Unless the King desired it, a person of Geel's status would not be given the opportunity to speak directly. Geel's request was, as the Prime Minister said, quite unconventional. Of course, Geel understood that much.
"What is the nature of the talk?"
The King asked what he wanted to discuss. A subordinate had taken unconventional action. He was curious about the reason. Geel's statement was made anticipating that the King would think so.
"It remains a matter concerning demons. However... I cannot judge whether it is information that should be made public."
"...I see. So you wish it to be only for me."
"Yes."
"But I will not allow an exception. Prime Minister, you shall also be present."
The King wanted to hear the story, but in front of other subordinates, there was a problem with treating Geel specially. In that case, the King thought it best to have a trusted person, in this case, the Prime Minister, present rather than being alone.
"Yes."
The appointed Prime Minister, of course, had no complaints.
"Is that acceptable?"
"...Yes."
The Prime Minister's presence was not desirable. However, one cannot complain about what the King has decided. To do so would be more than just unconventional.
"Then, leaving the Prime Minister behind, the rest of you are dismissed. Good work."
Those ordered to dismiss had complaints. However, as expected, they could not complain about what the King had decided. Hiding their inner dissatisfaction, they left the meeting room.
"Now then, let us hear the story."
Once only the three of them remained in the meeting room, the Prime Minister requested an explanation from Geel. Even in this form, he would not allow direct interaction with the King and insisted on being the intermediary. It was the Prime Minister's own particularity.
"............"
"Lord Geel?"
"Ah... I understand. Regarding the matter of the kidnappings discussed in the meeting earlier, I believe it would be better not to think of it too lightly."
The Prime Minister's presence was bothersome, but since the King had prepared such a setting, he could not not speak. Leaving a feeling of anxiety behind, Geel began his story.
"...Why do you think so?"
His judgment had been denied. Thinking so, a look of displeasure appeared on the Prime Minister's face.
"The kidnappings... were likely Ray's doing."
"What!?"
Before the Prime Minister could react, the King raised his voice. The King's feelings toward Ray were stronger. Naturally, they were not positive emotions.
"Ray, Ray Tsukiya, is alive. Confirming that was my mission."
"W-Why did you not inform me of that!? That there was such a possibility!"
"I apologize. However, at the time, there was no evidence. It was close to a hunch. I thought that conveying such ambiguous information would only cause confusion."
"But... no... that is true. You moved to confirm if that was a fact. And you fulfilled your mission properly. It would be a mistake to be angry."
The blood that had rushed to his head receded quickly. He realized that he was letting his emotions flare not as a King, but as a father.
"No. It is a fact that the report was delayed. I knew of his survival much earlier. However, it took time to determine what he was trying to do."
There was a slight lie mixed into this. He had known from the start what Ray was trying to do. The time spent trying to stop it was the reason the report was delayed.
"And that is the kidnappings?"
"No, the kidnappings are merely a means to achieve the objective. Ray's objective is to stop the fighting."
"Stop the fighting...?"
"To stop the conflict between the Kingdom and the demons. That is Ray's objective."
"...Explain in more detail. Why would it come to that?"
Ray had fought the Laurel Kingdom as a member of the Demon King's Army. He was the enemy who had likely caused the most damage to the Laurel Kingdom. The King could not understand at all why that Ray was trying to stop the fighting.
"After the Demon King's Army's fortress fell, the Kingdom's forces invaded Nordende. They invaded, raped women who had no power to fight, and killed children."
"Lord Geel. What is with that expression?"
The Prime Minister complained about Geel's explanation. Even in an unofficial setting, he did not want him to use expressions that made it seem as if the nation's own army was committing atrocities.
"It was a fact. If you investigate now, you will find out. There should be no small number of knights who brought captured women back to the royal capital."
"...Even so, they are demons."
"Even if they are demons, they are still women and children."
"Lord Geel?"
The Prime Minister felt bewildered by Geel's statement. Such a way of thinking was not normal. It was something that should not exist.
"I do not intend to argue the good or evil of the actions here. What I want to say is that there are victims of war among the demons as well. There are those who do not wish for war."
"No, victims or whatever..."
"Prime Minister. That is enough. As Geel says, there is no meaning in arguing that."
"...Yes."
"Continue. How does the current story connect to that man's objective?"
After silencing the Prime Minister, the King ordered Geel to continue. How demons were described was a trivial matter to the King. What he wanted to hear was about Ray.
"Ray is protecting women and children who have no power to fight. It seems it happened by chance, but I believe he is now acting proactively for that purpose."
"...And the kidnappings are one of those?"
"Yes. The noble houses' armies ignored orders and attempted to invade Nordende. I believe he is using the means of kidnapping to stop that."
"That man... why is he like this? Why does he only cause trouble?"
To the King, Ray was a troublesome existence that could not be described simply as a source of worry. Just when he thought that was finally over, this situation occurred. The King was more appalled than angry.
"There is a way to resolve this matter."
"Is there?"
"Yes. Do not invade Nordende. If that is promised, the kidnapping incidents will be resolved, and they should not happen again in the future."
"...And that is a promise to be made to that man?"
The King's brow furrowed. There was an emotional resistance to making a promise to Ray.
"Because the mastermind is Ray."
"Lord Geel. Does that not mean accepting the demands of a kidnapper?"
The Prime Minister interrupted again. What he was saying was correct.
"We are also kidnapping women."
"Therefore... no, even so, a crime is a crime."
The Prime Minister swallowed the thought that the word 'kidnapping' was inappropriate for demons in front of the King, and denied it with different words.
"Exactly. Knowing that, I am speaking of it as a way to resolve the situation. This is not about logic. It is a special judgment."
That was why Geel wanted to speak to the King directly. The only one who could make a judgment that transcends the law was the King.
"...If we do not do that, what do you think will happen?"
Understanding Geel's intention, the King sought further materials for judgment.
"I do not know. However, if we invade Nordende, there will be immense damage. This is certain."
"That is..."
The King thought that the threat of demons still remained.
"As far as I know, the Demon King's Army remains disbanded."
Geel immediately denied that thought. He feared that if it were perceived that the Demon King's Army was still active, the judgment would be flawed. But even if he denied it...
"Does that man possess that much power?"
"...To be honest, he possesses power exceeding what he had before."
"............"
The Undead Legion, which had caused the Laurel Kingdom's army immense suffering. Hearing that he possessed power exceeding that, the King fell silent. He was agonizing over how to judge the threat of Ray, rather than the demons.
"If I can obtain your permission, I will continue the persuasion. This is a matter unrelated to the demons."
Geel understood the King's agony. Ray viewed the Laurel Kingdom as an enemy. Even if concessions were made regarding the demons, that would not bring peace of mind.
"Give me time to think. For me, that man is someone I cannot judge by logic alone."
The King also held a grudge against Ray. A grudge for having his precious daughter hurt. In reality, it was a grudge for having her heart stolen.
"...I beg of you."
He was not rejected. He should be satisfied with this for now. Since there were no materials to persuade him with.
◇◇◇
Ray, who was causing the King of the Laurel Kingdom agony. That Ray was trying to resolve an event that was a source of worry not only for the King, but for himself as well. In reality, it would not lead to a resolution. Ray himself knew this. Knowing that, he was merely hoping that he could at least organize his feelings.
(...He doesn't look like me. Well, maybe that's for the best?)
A pitch-black room. Ray muttered in his heart. In his line of sight was a little boy making small breathing sounds atop a child's bed.
(...It shouldn't be a mistake, but... it doesn't feel real)
The one before him should be his own child. However, even gazing at him like this, the feeling of being a father did not arise. That was natural. He had met him for the first time today, and was merely looking at his sleeping face.
(That's why I told you to do it during the day)
Kamui complained to Ray. He was supposed to have come here to see if Princess Ekaterina had become unhappy. There was no way he could tell by looking at a sleeping child.
(During the day, I'd be noticed)
If it were known that Ray, an enemy of the Laurel Kingdom, had come to see Princess Ekaterina, her position would worsen. But more than that, Ray was concerned about being noticed by Princess Ekaterina herself. He did not want her to know that he was alive and had come to see her.
(...It's fine, isn't it)
(It's not)
He had only come to check on her. Ray intended to return to Nordende immediately. Regardless of what Princess Ekaterina thought, it would result in making her sad. The fact that he thought this expressed Ray's hope.
(You, man. At this rate, there's no point in having come here)
This was merely coming to see the child's face. Honestly, Kamui thought that even that was fine. If such visits continued.
(...If only I could ask this child)
('Are you happy?' Are you an idiot?)
(Shut up... ah?)
(What's wrong?)
Ray fell silent. There was no response even when Kamui questioned him. Still, Kamui knew what had happened. What Ray saw, Kamui could see as well. The child, who should have been sleeping, had his eyes open. He had opened his eyes and was smiling at Ray.
(...Can he see me?)
There was no way an answer would come even if he asked. There was no way the meaning of the question would be understood. And yet.
(...Tiny hand)
A hand stretched out toward him. Ray's finger, which he extended to touch, was gripped by that tiny hand. Furthermore, the child grabbed the sleeve of Ray's clothes and tried to stand up. Ray lifted the child's body and let him stand on the bed. Gripping the fall-prevention railing surrounding the bed, the child gazed at Ray happily. He couldn't possibly understand. Even though he knew that, his heart trembled.
"...Hey, are you happy? Do you think it was good that you were born?"
Ray muttered the thoughts that floated in his chest, a question to which no answer should return.
"Who is it!?"
A voice was heard from the large bed standing right next to them. Ray hid himself instinctively. He perfectly erased his presence and blended into the darkness.
"...Was it my imagination?"
Princess Ekaterina sat up from the bed and looked around. Lacking stealth abilities, she could not find Ray.
"...Oh, could it be you?"
Princess Ekaterina noticed the child was awake. She stood up from the bed where he had been sleeping and picked up the child.
"You can't talk yet, can you? Or have you become able to talk?"
While gently stroking his back, Princess Ekaterina spoke to the child.
"Once you can talk, it will become even more fun. What shall we talk about? What kind of story do you want?"
While slowly swaying her body, Princess Ekaterina continued to speak. She was trying to put the child to sleep.
"Ray. My beloved Ray♪ You are my treasure♪"
Princess Ekaterina spoke as if singing. With this, Ray thought that he and his son shared the same name. He thought about the meaning of giving them the same name. However, he was not given time to think slowly.
"Daa, daa"
Making sounds that were not yet words, the boy leaned out, as if climbing up Princess Ekaterina's shoulder. Ray was surprised to realize that the boy's gaze was clearly directed toward him.
"W-Wait, Ray! It's dangerous!"
Princess Ekaterina panicked at the child's action. Still, the child did not stop climbing. In the first place, he likely did not understand the words.
"R-Ray! No!"
Princess Ekaterina felt the child lose his balance. She strengthened her grip on his body to prevent him from falling, but... Her hand did not feel the child's weight. A different hand was supporting the child.
"............"
Princess Ekaterina remained silent, her eyes wide open.
"............"
Ray also remained silent. He offered the child in his arms to Princess Ekaterina.
"...Thank you."
"...Is this something to be thanked for? I mean... he is my child as well..."
"That's true..."
She had wished for this moment for so long. This moment she had given up on, thinking it could no longer be granted. However, now that Ray was before her, Princess Ekaterina could not find any words.
"Um..."
Since he had been found, he wanted to properly confirm the things he wanted to know. Ray thought so. However, words did not easily come out. It was a pity for the two of them. The time permitted was far shorter than the two of them thought.
"Princess Ekaterina-sama! That voice from earlier!?"
Shouting Princess Ekaterina-sama's name, someone burst into the room. In that instant, Ray turned his body and leaped out the window.
"Princess Ekaterina-sama! It is dangerous! Someone! An intruder!"
A voice shouted toward Princess Ekaterina-sama as she rushed to the window. For Princess Ekaterina-sama, who knew who the intruder was, such a warning was useless. Leaning out the window, she searched for Ray's figure. However, outside the window, only the darkness of night spread.
"Ray! I'm waiting! I'll be waiting forever! So, please! Come see me again!"
Still, Princess Ekaterina-sama shouted toward the outside of the window. Believing that it would surely reach Ray's ears.
"...U-Um, Ray?"
The person who had burst into the room, Miria, was the one shaken by Princess Ekaterina-sama's shout.
"The father."
"...I thought so."
"Even though he went through the trouble of coming to see me..."
"I-I'm sorry."
Receiving Princess Ekaterina-sama's sharp gaze, Miria curled her back and became small.
"But... he was alive. He stayed alive."
Rumors about Ray had reached Princess Ekaterina-sama's ears as well. Even the rumor that he had fought on the side of the demons and died. That Ray was alive. He was alive and had come to see her. That made Princess Ekaterina-sama happy.
"...Though it must be a huge problem for the Kingdom."
Naturally, Miria knew the same information. In her case, she could not be as simply happy as Princess Ekaterina-sama. To her, Ray was an enemy who had hurt Princess Ekaterina-sama and killed many allies.
"Miria."
Princess Ekaterina-sama's harsh gaze turned toward Miria again.
"I'm sorry. But..."
"...I wonder if we can meet again? Ray, and Rainheart, would want to meet, wouldn't they?"
The child's name was not Ray, but Rainheart. Calling him Ray was not so much a nickname as it was a deliberate attempt to be confusing. Regarding Ray, who had become one of the worst enemies of the Laurel Kingdom, even Princess Ekaterina-sama hesitated to speak of him openly in front of others.
"It would be problematic if he came to visit. The Kingdom's watchful eyes have not yet closed."
"............"
At Miria's words, Princess Ekaterina-sama showed her dissatisfaction with silence. She was not angry at Miria. Princess Ekaterina-sama did not care what happened to her own position, but she wanted to avoid harm reaching the people around her. It was dissatisfaction with a feeling that could not be helped.
(...At least he doesn't think he's unhappy)
Kamui, lurking in the ceiling, read the meaning of that silence almost accurately.
(...But there's no doubt it's a nuisance)
(That can't be helped. For now, the objective of this trip was achieved. Isn't that enough?)
(I wonder?)
(It is. And as for 'so what,' we can think about that carefully. The conclusion we can reach now cannot be said to be eternally correct in the future)
(...Always postponing. That's why, I should do what I can do now, what I ought to do...)
It didn't go as far as organizing his feelings. However, as Kamui said, Ray also thought it was something that could not be helped. If they were feelings that could be easily organized, he wouldn't have been worrying from the start. Now was not yet the time to decide on the future. It was the time to resolve the things before him, the things that could be resolved, one by one. Even if it meant taking a detour.