131 - Calamity
The death of the King has been known only to a very limited few within the Laurel Kingdom. Currently, they are in the midst of an overseas expedition. One reason for this is the consideration that they cannot afford to unsettle the soldiers on the front lines. However, the larger reason is the unthinkable fact that the intelligence organization directly under the King's control had staged a rebellion. Even if they weren't on an expedition, such a revelation would cause chaos within the country, and thus it could not be easily publicized.
That is the official reason. Even the upper echelons of the Laurel Kingdom who are keeping the information secret truly believe it to be so. They do not know the truth.
While they haven't definitively concluded that the intelligence organization—the very body that should be conducting the investigation—is the perpetrator, they cannot use its investigative capabilities. Even if they tried to investigate using another organization, they are forbidden from entering the depths of the castle, the residential quarters of the royal family, which is the scene of the crime. Furthermore, many of the witnesses are Royal Guards under Baldos's influence. These are the reasons why they cannot reach the truth.
"...That is why I am asking when I will be able to meet with the Crown Prince!"
Of course, the Prime Minister does not approve of the situation where the investigation is stalled. In particular, the Prime Minister strongly desires to do something about this situation.
"As I have already told you, I am unable to obtain an answer from the Crown Prince."
Pressed by the Prime Minister, the Captain of the Royal Guard looks troubled. Currently, the only person who can see Crown Prince Neil is Chaos, the Captain of the Royal Guard. Even so, Chaos is troubled by being blamed. The Royal Guards are merely protectors.
"Why can we not receive an answer? I am simply requesting that he participate in the meeting."
The Prime Minister intends to persuade Crown Prince Neil himself. But he cannot do that if he cannot meet him.
"The Crown Prince seems to harbor strong distrust due to this incident and says he does not wish to leave his quarters."
"Is it not the duty of the Royal Guard to dispel that distrust!?"
The Prime Minister raises his voice again. The one most shaken by the King's death is the Prime Minister. He takes pride in having supported the King for so long. On the other hand, he also feels that he exists because of the King. Soon, Crown Prince Neil will become King. When that happens, he will retire. He is reconciled to that being the way of things. However, his pride as Prime Minister will not allow him to hand over the next generation in a state of chaos.
"Even if you say that..."
"Protecting the Crown Prince's person is the duty of the Royal Guard. If the Royal Guard were trusted, the Crown Prince should have nothing to fear."
It is as the Prime Minister says. However, in this case, Chaos is pitiful to be told such a thing. Regardless of whether Crown Prince Neil trusts the Royal Guard, he cannot go against Baldos's will.
"That may be so, but..."
"Regardless, please continue your requests. The Crown Prince is to become King. He cannot be permitted to remain shut away in his quarters."
"I understand."
"That aside, what is the status of the investigation by the Royal Guard?"
Only the Royal Guard can enter the depths of the castle, the scene of the crime. Consequently, the investigation must be carried out by the Royal Guard.
"The sword that was thrust into the chest, which likely caused the fatal wound, appears to be the leader's. Spies apparently use shorter swords, and that sword was also shorter than usual."
"...What were the circumstances of the leader being cut down?"
"The knights who rushed to the scene after noticing something was wrong cut him down."
"At that time, His Majesty...?"
"I have heard that he had already passed away."
"...What kind of injury did His Majesty sustain that led to his death?"
The Prime Minister cannot even see the King's body. It remains placed in the depths of the castle.
"A large diagonal wound from the front, left shoulder. A stab wound in the chest. A wound that pierced through to the back; we believe this was the fatal blow."
"I see..."
The Prime Minister's expression clouds as he listens to the Captain of the Royal Guard's explanation. He feels a doubt regarding the explanation.
"Is something the matter?"
"Thinking of His Majesty's regret, I feel a bit..."
The Prime Minister has no intention of speaking that doubt to the Captain of the Royal Guard, at least for now. The Prime Minister believes it is impossible for the leader to have killed the King. He cannot think of a motive. If things are as he suspects, it means the Royal Guard, who claim the intelligence organization committed the crime, are lying. He cannot bring himself to trust their leader, Chaos.
"I see. I understand your feelings. We, who failed to protect His Majesty, also feel regret—no, regret is not enough for the remorse we feel..."
The Captain of the Royal Guard looks as if his chest is tightening. It does not look like acting, but he cannot trust him on this alone.
"Were there any casualties among the Royal Guard?"
"No, we have suffered more than ten casualties."
"All of them caused by the leader?"
The Prime Minister asks, thinking that cannot be. The leader's skill as a spy may be top-class, but he cannot believe his swordsmanship far surpasses that of the Royal Guards. He cannot imagine one man winning against ten or more knights.
"I do not know. I have heard there are many spies in the depths, so I believe it may be the work of those individuals."
"...And those spies?"
"We are continuing the crackdown. We know that quite a few people have disappeared, and we believe those who vanished are the ones."
"They escaped..."
The Prime Minister wonders if those people might know the truth. However, he has no means of finding spies whose whereabouts are unknown.
"We are tracking them by sending wanted posters to the royal capital and the surrounding towns and villages."
"It would be problematic for you to do such things on your own."
"It was an order from the Crown Prince."
"The Prince's..."
The Prime Minister considers the possibility that the mastermind is not the Royal Guard, but Crown Prince Neil. However, if that were the case, there would be nothing the Prime Minister could do. Assassinating one's father to ascend the throne is not something that can be permitted. Yet, even if it is impermissible, he cannot allow the royal line to end.
"For now, we know nothing more."
"...I will recall the Captain of the Kingdom Knights—no, Myriad General Sieg. Please convey that to the Crown Prince."
"May I ask the reason? I believe the Prince will ask me."
"Eventually, His Majesty's death will be made public. We must ensure the army does not become unsettled at that time."
This is a fact, but the reason for recalling Sieg is that he wants a trustworthy soldier in the royal capital. Even if he cannot lay a hand on Crown Prince Neil, he cannot leave a Royal Guard that would betray its master unchecked. If the truth is as he suspects, the Prime Minister believes he will need the power to eliminate the Royal Guard.
"Ah, accepting the surrender of the Lydia Kingdom is also necessary. In the worst case, let us be prepared to abandon it."
"Abandon, you say?"
"We need to shrink the front lines. Is an explanation for this necessary?"
"...No, it is fine."
In a situation where units are scattered, there is no telling what might happen if unrest spreads. To prevent that, if one wishes to gather them under a commander with leadership skills, there is no choice but to shrink the front lines. Even the Captain of the Royal Guard, who never goes on overseas expeditions, understands at least that much.
"Then please continue the investigation. The Crown Prince as well."
"Yes. Leave it to me."
◇◇◇
No matter how hard the Captain of the Royal Guard tries, he can never meet the Prime Minister's demands. The Captain of the Royal Guard has not noticed that there are traitors among his subordinates. Naturally, those traitors are the true culprits.
And above all, since the Captain's master, Crown Prince Neil, is at the beck and call of those true culprits, it is hopeless. If he could at least realize that fact, he might take action to save Crown Prince Neil from that situation, but for now, he does not even suspect it. For that to happen, the Goddess of Fortune, who smiled upon Baldos in the assassination of the King, would need to turn her smile toward Crown Prince Neil.
For example, the luck of an impossible situation occurring, such as the Captain of the Royal Guard visiting Crown Prince Neil's room at this very moment and opening the door without permission to enter.
"...What is it? Were you not more pleased before?"
"............"
Crown Prince Neil, dressed in a gown, forced onto all fours on the bed, with the gown pulled up, being tormented from behind by Baldos. If the Captain of the Royal Guard saw him like this, he would surely wonder. Though there is a possibility he would misunderstand.
"Now that you know the position of the one being tormented, has it become better?"
"............"
"Why don't you say something, Neil. Or should I call you His Majesty the King?"
"...You piece of shit."
"...Where did you learn such words? Ah, the brats from the slums. Picking them up was a mistake. Forgetting the favor of giving them a good life, they actually tried to kill me. Things that are no longer needed should be disposed of."
"............"
Killing the pages held as hostages. Crown Prince Neil falls silent at Baldos's threat.
"Come now, entertain me more. To think the day would come when I could do such a thing to a King... have you always thought about this?"
Baldos believed that when Crown Prince Neil became King, he would be able to seize the actual power of the Laurel Kingdom. He thought he could move from being a mere protector to a position where he could move the country. Baldos was not simply drowning in a lust for power. He did this out of his own feelings for the country. For that purpose, he created the organization. He believes he gathered people to change the country under Neil, once he became King.
"...Th-this... situation... won't last forever."
There is no way he can keep himself under house arrest and manipulate him like this forever. Especially if he intends to make him King, Crown Prince Neil thinks.
"I have no intention of continuing this forever. Nor is there a need. The current situation is merely a preparation stage for us. Eventually, you will understand that too."
"............"
What more Baldos is trying to do, Crown Prince Neil does not know.
"Until then, I shall spend pleasant times with you like this. I'll have you accompany me for a long time."
"............"
Regarding his current situation, Crown Prince Neil has given up. This is the retribution for what he has done. He has those feelings. However, that is a feeling regarding himself as an individual; as a son and as the Crown Prince, he cannot bear it. His father died because of him. He does not know if his mother is safe; even if she is safe now, he does not know for how long. And he is being used to manipulate the Laurel Kingdom. How to make amends to his parents. What to do to save the Laurel Kingdom. He must think as a son and as the Crown Prince. Even if he has almost reached a conclusion.
◇◇◇
The battle between Sieg and Fumiya. To the surprise of the Laurel Kingdom army, it ended in Fumiya's victory. Sieg's command and leadership were the finest in the Laurel Kingdom. No matter how great an individual's power was, Fumiya, whose knowledge and experience as a commander did not even reach Sieg's feet, should not have been able to win a battle between armies of nearly equal size. Not only the knights and soldiers of the Laurel Kingdom, but Sieg himself thought so.
But the result was the defeat of the Laurel Kingdom army. Sieg did not intend to underestimate the battle with Fumiya. At least, within the scope of common sense. Fumiya had leaped beyond that common sense. At the sound of Fumiya's command, the morale of his allies rose to an abnormal degree. On the other hand, the enemy's morale was crushed by that momentum. The situation that occurred in the battle in the Lydia Kingdom was reproduced in this battle as well.
If a demon had seen the state of that battle, depending on the race, they might have noticed. That magic power was riding on Fumiya's voice. Magic power that acts on the opponent's mind, like the 'Charm' of the Vampio race. A magic that exerts a mental effect far larger than 'Charm'. Even if they couldn't identify it as a type of holy magic called 'Brave Heart' or 'Holy War'.
The true power of the Hero is displayed when leading a group. The fact that the Laurel Kingdom army and Sieg had not noticed this was the cause of defeat. Even if they had known, it is not certain they could have won.
"Now, you should already know the result of the battle. May I hear your thoughts?"
Fumiya had fulfilled his role. Now it was Hansmann's turn. He had won against the Laurel Kingdom army, an army led by the finest general in the Laurel Kingdom. Using this achievement, he would conduct negotiations.
"...You truly won, then."
The negotiation partner was the King of Aria. He had heard that Fumiya and the others had won against the Laurel Kingdom army. But he still could not believe it.
"There is no meaning in lying about such a thing. We won. And we will win next time. This is the fact."
"I see..."
"Will you join us, or will you side with the Laurel Kingdom? Which do you choose?"
Hansmann's goal was to obtain full cooperation from the Aria Kingdom, more than before. To draw them into their allies. Whether to accept that or not. He was seeking that decision from the King of Aria.
"...What about the Lydia Kingdom?"
"The provision of soldiers is the same as your country. However, financial provision has already been made."
Believing it to be support for the Laurel Kingdom. He does not tell the King of Aria this.
"I see..."
"There may be a decision to become the shield of the Laurel Kingdom. If you have enough loyalty toward the Laurel Kingdom to think it is acceptable to sacrifice your own country."
"Such a thing..."
There was no way. For the Aria Kingdom, the Laurel Kingdom was an invading nation. As for Fumiya and the others, it was the same. The King of Aria knew that.
"The system of the Laurel Kingdom will change greatly. Movements toward that have already begun. Would you not like to join that new system yourself?"
"A new system... and I?"
The King of Aria could not understand Hansmann's talk. He believed there was no way he, the king of another country, would be involved in the new system of the Laurel Kingdom.
"You will obtain authority not only in the Aria Kingdom, but also in the Laurel Kingdom mainland."
"...What would that mean?"
Obtaining the authority of the ruling nation. Hearing only this, it is an attractive offer.
"The new Laurel Kingdom should be operated through Tripartite Cooperation with your country and the Lydia Kingdom. Your country will not be a mere vassal state, but will claim its rights as a country constituting the Laurel Kingdom. It should be a country capable of doing that."
"...My country's rights."
"By doing so, your country and the Lydia Kingdom will develop, and as a result, the Laurel Kingdom as a whole will become a better country. Shall we create such a form of country together?"
"Hmm..."
If it were truly realized, it would be a good thing for the Aria Kingdom. Instead of subordination, they could have a relationship close to equality. Furthermore, it is not impossible that eventually, a king of the Laurel Kingdom would be born from the royal family of the Aria Kingdom.
"Soon, more surprising information will arrive from the Laurel Kingdom. You have the option to wait for that and then decide, but doing so would mean falling behind the Lydia Kingdom."
"............"
He was curious about what that information was. But he did not think they would tell him. Even if they did, he would not know if it were the truth.
"What do you say?"
"...I understand. My country will side with the Hero. Let us fight together."
As a result, the King of Aria promised to be an ally. In the current situation, he cannot refuse. If he did, his own country would be attacked. Even then, it is not certain that the Laurel Kingdom would help him. If he sides with the Hero, someone else should connect with the Laurel Kingdom. Prince Louis? That would mean giving up independence. Then, what about Princess Lianna? She is by Fumiya's side. He wants to keep his second son by his side. He is the heir. Then, what should he do? The King of Aria would worry over this.
◇◇◇
Princess Lianna did not return to the capital of the Aria Kingdom, but was in another location within the country. She was acting together with the army led by Fumiya, who was attempting to pursue the Laurel Kingdom army. Naturally, this was not by her own wish. Fumiya was making her do it.
A hostage, a partner for the night. These are the reasons Fumiya keeps Princess Lianna by his side. And this time, one more reason was added.
"...It is fine."
Princess Lianna, sitting on the bed, spoke to the knight standing nervously nearby.
"N-no, that... it would be too presumptuous."
"...It is far better than being embraced by that man."
A reward for a knight who achieved military merit. This is the new value Fumiya created for Princess Lianna.
"I did not achieve military merit for such a thing."
"...Then for what?"
Through that military merit, although the work of a single knight is not everything, Fumiya obtained victory. Princess Lianna could not accept that.
"...To protect Her Highness the Princess."
"Me?"
"From now on, I will show that I can obtain enough military merit to be granted time with Her Highness. If I fail, someone else will. Again and again."
"...Was it to protect me from that man?"
On nights when she is made to partner with a knight, she does not need to partner with Fumiya. Since tonight is the first time, she cannot say it is absolute, but she does not think he would interfere with the person he gave a reward to.
"I wish there were battles every day. If that happened..."
The knight looked down, his voice choking. Military merit is only granted when there is a battle. On other days, he cannot protect Princess Lianna. That is what the knight feels regret over. Princess Lianna is happy about those feelings. But she cannot be glad about it.
"...Eh?"
The sensation of her hand being gently enveloped. A scent tickling her nose. The knight understood what was happening.
"I am very happy about those feelings. Thank you."
"N-no, it is only natural."
Princess Lianna, holding his hand and staring intently into his eyes, spoke. Looking at her up close, he could tell she was quite haggard, but even so, the knight's heart trembled at her beauty. He knows she has fallen into a situation that could be called worse than a prostitute—since it is not a job—but still, the knight thought this person was their princess.
"...I have asked this of others as well."
"Yes, please command me anything."
"Please forget about me."
"Eh?"
"Please think that a presence like Princess Lianna does not exist."
This was something she had also told former General Patterson. The thought that she is being held hostage is unnecessary. Princess Lianna wants them to cast her aside.
"...I cannot do such a thing."
"There is no need to force yourself for my sake. I want you to value your life more. And... if possible, for the sake of the country... no, I have no qualification to ask this. For I am nobody."
"Princess..."
Why should a person who is nobody have to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the country? Princess Lianna is the princess of the Aria Kingdom. She is the master he serves.
"...If you truly have no desire to embrace me."
"Of course."
"...Would it be alright if I rested a bit? It is embarrassing, but I am a little tired... I want to sleep."
"...Yes. Please rest. If someone like me is acceptable, I shall serve as Her Highness's guard while you sleep."
"...Thank you."
She was quite exhausted; as soon as Princess Lianna moved away from the knight and lay on the bed, she began to breathe the sounds of sleep. Watched over by a knight who values her, she has obtained time to sleep in peace for the first time in a long while. The knight stares intently at her from a distance that is not rude. It seems he cannot grant Princess Lianna's request. He will achieve military merit again and again, meet Princess Lianna, and one day, he will surely save her. While harboring such a determination in his heart.