135 - The Land of Beginnings
The army of the Laurel Kingdom would not attack immediately. That was clear from the reconnaissance reports, but that was exactly why Sieg and the others were so busy. They would do as much as they could before the next battle began. And there was a mountain of things they could do.
First and foremost, they had to increase Anfang's defensive capabilities. Construction of the defensive walls had been underway for some time, but they were far from complete. They had to bring them to some semblance of a finished state.
"...The materials and manpower needed to proceed with the construction. The question is how we procure them."
Princess Ekaterina was also participating in this meeting. Sieg and the others fought to protect Princess Ekaterina. She had a responsibility to participate in the meeting.
"Until now, we have procured them from the surrounding noble houses. But as for whether we can continue to rely on them from here on..."
Princess Ekaterina and her companions were in a position of hostility toward the Laurel Kingdom. There were likely no nobles who would side with them. In fact, they had to be wary of being attacked.
"The death of His Majesty is still... is the information regarding the recent battle known?"
The fact that a battle had taken place in Anfang should have reached the surrounding nobles. As well as the fact that the opponent was a force under King Neil's orders. Baldos had marched without hiding his advance specifically so that this would be the case.
"Support from the noble houses... will likely be difficult at this stage."
"Do you believe it will be possible eventually?"
Princess Ekaterina had deliberately said, "at this stage." That was how Sieg interpreted it.
"...If we impeach Neil and deny the legitimacy of his claim to the throne, there may be noble houses that will support us."
"I see... in that case, would the Princess...?"
Since they were denying Neil's legitimacy, they would have to establish another king. If that were the case, it would be Princess Ekaterina.
"That is only if such a time comes."
However, Princess Ekaterina did not desire that. If it came to that, she did not know what she should do about Rainheart.
"...Eventually, you will need to make that resolve."
Sieg desired that. If they could deny Neil's legitimacy, the feeling of betraying the Laurel Kingdom would fade. That was true for him, and it was true for the knights and soldiers who followed him. They did not yet feel as though they had raised a flag of rebellion against the kingdom.
"Even if I make that resolve, can we win? I cannot bring myself to force everyone into a futile death."
If she stood up, the conflict would intensify. It would be one thing if they could win, but Princess Ekaterina could not bring herself to involve people in a battle where defeat was inevitable.
"I cannot make that judgment at this moment. It will depend on how many allies we can gain."
"...I suppose so."
First, Princess Ekaterina had to make her resolve. Otherwise, nothing would begin.
"...About Lord Rainheart, though."
Princess Ekaterina's concern was Rainheart. Geel had an opinion on the matter.
"Do you have some idea?"
"The Princess might get angry at me for this... but why not just make him your child?"
"...Huh?"
It was a completely unexpected idea. Sieg could not comprehend what Geel had just said.
"I mean, if you make him your child, there will be no need to hide him."
"...A-Are you an idiot? Do you think such a thing would be permitted?"
"Even if you ask if it's permitted, it's a lie. Besides, I'm not saying you have to become the husband."
"T-That may be true, but..."
Even knowing it was a lie to deceive those around them, Sieg's heart could not accept it. Even if it were a lie, he felt it was not something that could be permitted.
"...Lord Geel. Why did you think of such a thing?"
Princess Ekaterina was calmer than Sieg. On the surface. Internally, she was irritated, considering a certain possibility.
"Everyone will inevitably want to know who the father is. When that happens, the most reassuring person would be the General of Ten Thousand Sieg."
"Reassuring, you say?"
"Even if it's a lie, he becomes the father officially. It would be bad if it were someone who might sprout strange ambitions because of it, wouldn't it?"
"That is true."
In that regard, Geel thought Sieg was reassuring. Being a warrior to the core, Sieg would not seek actual power in national administration. His loyalty would not allow him to do so.
"Furthermore, it must be someone the surroundings can accept. In that regard, I'm out. If it were my child, some would doubt Lord Rainheart's qualities."
"...Setting aside how it would be with Lord Geel, Lord Sieg would indeed be suitable."
"Don't you think he's the optimal person?"
"Did you think of that, Lord Geel?"
This was what concerned Princess Ekaterina the most. She suspected that someone else had suggested this to him.
"No, the ones who thought of it were the soldiers."
"The soldiers?"
Princess Ekaterina was surprised by the unexpected answer.
"It was just idle chatter over drinks. They were imagining why Sieg abandoned the battlefield to come here, and that's how the conversation went. Apparently, there were various other theories as well."
"...I see."
"Normally, it's the kind of nonsense I'd shout at them for, but this time I thought it might be useful."
"...Was there any point of contact between Lord Sieg and me?"
Even hearing it was idle chatter over drinks, she was curious why the soldiers would think such a thing. Princess Ekaterina had no recollection of anything that would lead them to believe that.
"That doesn't matter. We can make up as many as we want. For example, Miria, the Princess's Royal Guard, has contacted Sieg several times. We just need to slightly change the purpose of those contacts."
"...Did you really think of this yourself?"
"As I said, it was the soldiers' idle chatter. Ah, the part about Miria, I thought of that. I knew she admired Sieg."
"I see..."
She wasn't entirely convinced. Princess Ekaterina felt the shadow of Ray in Geel's words.
"Anyway, this is one method. It may sound strange, but those who know the truth are extremely limited, and all of them are in Anfang. The sole exception... well, he should be fine."
The King and the Chief were dead. Geel believed that while there were actually people in the royal capital who knew the secret, for all intents and purposes, there were none.
"That exception is..."
"He cannot appear in public. Absolutely not from here on."
"...I suppose so."
She understood that. If it became known that Ray, the Demon King, was an ally, then even if she made the resolve to oppose Neil, no one would come to her aid.
But what Princess Ekaterina desired was not something so grand. She simply wanted to see him. That was all.
◇◇◇
It was a time when the night had deepened and everyone, except for the night watch, had fallen asleep. The peaceful slumber of the people was disturbed by noises coming from the vicinity of the defensive walls. The walls were at a considerable distance. It wasn't a sound loud enough to wake everyone, but it was sufficient to wake those who were sensitive to such sounds—those who did not sleep deeply out of caution for the enemy.
"Princess Ekaterina! Are you alright!"
Miria was one of them. Noticing the anomaly, she rushed into Princess Ekaterina's bedroom.
"Ah..."
Miria's movements stopped as she saw a silhouette standing in the darkness. This was not an opponent to raise an alarm about as an intruder. Miria realized this immediately.
"...Miria. Could you tell Lord Sieg and Lord Geel that there is no need for concern?"
Princess Ekaterina asked Miria to deliver a message.
"That is... um..."
Why was there no need for concern? She understood that the black silhouette was the reason.
"I'm told they are transporting supplies."
"Pardon?"
However, the reason that came from Princess Ekaterina's mouth was unexpected for Miria.
"Ah, it would be better to rotate the guards as well. Could you tell Lord Sieg that too?"
"...And that replacement guards are unnecessary?"
Even Miria was not so foolish as to not understand the meaning by this point. Those who had brought the supplies were people who did not want to be seen by the guards. She understood they were of the Demon Race.
"Yes."
"Also... shall I take Lord Rainheart?"
"...Um... could I ask you to?"
"Yes. Then."
Approaching Rainheart's bed, she picked up the boy who was fast asleep, oblivious not only to the noise but even to Miria's voice. Then, without turning her gaze toward the silhouette, Miria left the room.
"...Is the only business to tell them that you've brought supplies?"
"No. There is more."
"What is it?"
This was not the answer she had hoped for. However, if there was something else to convey, she had to hear it.
"...The Crown Prince is essentially under house arrest, and it seems he is being threatened with hostages."
"What!?"
"All orders issued in the name of the Crown Prince—no, the New King—are fakes. They were fabricated by the usurpers, or forced upon the New King to write."
"How could..."
Princess Ekaterina had thought that this matter was orchestrated because Neil still viewed her as a hindrance. She had been led to believe so.
"Naturally, he was not involved in the assassination either. The Laurel Kingdom was seized by rebels. After conveying this, I have come to hear the Princess's resolve."
"Resolve?"
"Do you have the resolve to fight to protect the Laurel Kingdom?"
"That is... that is..."
Naturally, she would fight. Yet she hesitated to utter these words. Even if she fought, in what form would she do so? If it were a battle to rescue King Neil, who was captured by the usurpers, there would be little need for hesitation. But would Ray demand resolve for something so obvious? Princess Ekaterina realized that.
"The opponent will not acknowledge the information I've provided. Those around them will not believe it unconditionally either. No matter what witnesses we produce, unless King Neil himself speaks the truth in a public forum. But the opponent will not allow that. Even if they did, the content of what King Neil speaks would be whatever is convenient for the opponent."
"You're right... then, what should I do?"
"...Deny the legitimacy of King Neil's accession and contest the throne."
"...The country would split... no, I do not have the power to split the country."
"That depends on the way you fight. Besides, there is no need to split the country suddenly. It is enough to simply make them paranoid and unable to move."
"But, if we do that..."
If they could not win the nobles over to their side, they would be overwhelmed by numbers. There were only three thousand five hundred soldiers in Anfang, and there was no prospect of a significant increase in the future.
"It depends on the way you fight. Does the Princess have the resolve to engage in that kind of battle?"
"...If I win that battle, will I be the Queen?"
"...That is likely how it will be."
If she were to achieve victory and become the king, she would no longer be able to step down from that seat. The day when the King of the Laurel Kingdom and the King of the Demons would be united would never arrive.
"...What do you think I should do?"
"I... believe the Princess should do as she desires."
"...What if I said I wanted to throw everything away... and live only with my family?"
A wish she had held in her heart for a long time. Princess Ekaterina voiced the feeling she had given up on realizing. She knew this was the last time she could say this.
"...I know that is not possible. For either of us."
Both Princess Ekaterina and Ray had things they carried on their shoulders. They could not throw everything away and walk a free life of their own. She did not have the confidence that she could do that and not regret it.
"...You're right."
"Then?"
"I will fight. To protect the Laurel Kingdom and the pride of the royal family."
"Understood."
He had confirmed Princess Ekaterina's resolve. Now, Ray only had to make his own resolve. Though, the moment he came to tell Princess Ekaterina this, his resolve had already been made.
"...And you?"
"I am not permitted to be by your side. However, I intend to do what I can for the Princess. For I am your knight."
"My knight."
The words she once used to call Ray. Princess Ekaterina had felt a special meaning in calling him a 'knight' rather than a 'kishi' (T/N: both translate to knight, but 'knight' here refers to the English loanword or a specific nuance of devotion). She slowly stepped forward, closing the distance between herself and Ray. Ray accepted it. He gently picked up Princess Ekaterina and laid her softly upon the bed.
"Hey, Ray."
"...What is it?"
"Will I end up making you suffer?"
Ray had said he would do as much as he could for her, even if he could not be by her side. She did not know what that entailed, but there was no doubt it was not a simple matter. She would be forcing Ray to overextend himself. That made Princess Ekaterina's heart ache, yet it also made her happy.
"It is not painful. Besides... it is for you."
"You're making me happy again, just like that."
"No, that is not my intention. I am saying that if it is for you, it is not painful."
"That's why those words... make me happy."
Even as they spoke, Ray's hands and mouth were gently caressing Princess Ekaterina's body. Little by little, Princess Ekaterina began to respond.
"I still cannot forget your words."
"...W-What did I say?"
"That your sins are my sins. That you would let me carry them too."
"...I haven't been able to s-support you. Ah..."
Princess Ekaterina let out a moan. Looking at her, Ray felt a sense of nostalgia and affection.
"Just knowing that such a person exists. That is enough. Even if I cannot be by your side, knowing there is someone in this world who acknowledges my sins and wishes to carry them with me. That alone is enough."
"Ray... I..."
"Words are no longer necessary. Even if they are not spoken, I understand your feelings."
"Ngh..."
Ray hugged Princess Ekaterina's body tightly. This might be the last time. He had come here today with that intention. Princess Ekaterina understood that as well. They both thought they should spend their final moments as their hearts desired.
◇◇◇
There was still a little time before dawn. Ray slipped out of the room—though he suspected she might have actually noticed—and left the town of Anfang. He passed through the gaps in the walls under construction and attempted to head further outside.
"Where do you intend to go alone?"
Someone called out to Ray. It was King Dracul.
"...This is a personal matter of mine."
Against King Dracul, he could not easily shake him off. Thinking so, Ray decided to persuade him.
"I do not think so. The thoughts of the King of the Laurel Kingdom will affect Nordende. It is clear who would be the better negotiating partner for the demons, those who would kill their own king, or Princess Ekaterina."
King Dracul had no intention of easily accepting that persuasion. It would be fair to say he had none at all.
"If I involve you all, there will be many more victims."
"It would be the same if we were to lose you here. We need you."
If Ray disappeared, a ceasefire with the Laurel Kingdom would never be established again. Even if establishment were impossible, that made Ray all the more necessary. For the battle to protect Nordende.
"...There are people who do not want to fight."
"I have no intention of forcing them. I will follow the King with only volunteers."
"Then, I'll volunteer too."
A voice suddenly interrupted. Ray knew whose it was without even looking. It was a person who should not have been here.
"Why?"
"Why? Because I chased after you. Though I couldn't catch up at all. This horse is useless."
The one who appeared was Akemi. And right behind her, staring silently at Ray, was Cecil.
"That's one thing, but why volunteer? I intend to fight the Laurel Kingdom, you know?"
"Because I have a grudge against the Laurel Kingdom."
"The one you hold a grudge against is Crown Prince Neil. He became king, but he's just being manipulated."
Baldos and Hansmann could be called people who had cleared Akemi's grudge. They were not motives to fight.
"Then, no grudge. I'll fight for your sake."
"And why that?"
"Because you're the benefactor who saved me."
"...That you went through such things was my fault."
"Eh...?"
"I used his page to whisper slanders about you. To destroy your dream of becoming the Queen. That was the result. You have no need to feel gratitude toward me."
He had trapped Akemi for the sake of revenge. Ray spoke this fact. He did not want her to think of him as a benefactor. For that reason, he did not want her to risk her life.
"...I told you. That someday, I would want to say that I am who I am now because of those events. That feeling hasn't changed."
"...Why?"
It would be natural for her to hate him. Yet Akemi would not blame him. Ray did not understand the reason.
"Why, why! Stop asking so many times! I don't know either! My head is a mess, but this much is certain! I was saved by you! I want to do something for you! That much is absolute!"
Akemi didn't understand it either. But she didn't hate her current self. That was thanks to Ray. Not Ray's fault, but thanks to him. Because she felt that, she wanted to be on Ray's side. It was not logic, but emotion that demanded it.
"I was also saved by Lord Ray."
"...Cecil-san."
"If I hadn't met you, I might have suffered the same fate as Akemi-san. But that's fine now. It's not because you're a benefactor, but because it's you that I want to be by your side. I don't think this feeling is mine alone."
The idea of it being because he was a benefactor was no longer there for Cecil. Even if it weren't, she loved Ray. She believed that. Even if she were nobody, she simply liked Ray. Even if it differed from romantic love, there were many people in Nordende who held such feelings. Cecil knew that.
"If my feelings differ from others, it is... that if, by some chance, you were to die, I wish to die on the same day, in the same place. That is my wish. Therefore, I will follow you anywhere."
"I'll follow too. Anyway, that's what I've decided."
"...You'll be a hindrance."
"If you think so, take off my collar. Only during the battle is fine. I can be of help to Ray. I'll show you."
"That's not it. With a horse like that, and such clumsy riding, you won't be able to keep up with me."
"Eh? Does that mean..."
It meant he had accepted them following him. Each was trying to participate in the battle with their own thoughts. That was fine. Ray thought it had to be that way. Because their lives belonged to them.
"I have no choice, so I'll lend you an Undead Magic Beast. As long as you don't fall off, it'll carry you to the destination automatically even if you're asleep. Convenient, right?"
"Yeah, I guess so. Then I can keep up. Anywhere. So? Where is the destination?"
"...The Forest of Bewilderment."
"Eh?"
For Akemi, it was a place name that shook her heart. Knowing that was the destination, she could not suppress her agitation.
"The land of beginnings for me. I'll start again from there. This time, it'll be a battle right from the start."
"...I like that. Those words, 'start again.' That's exactly what I want too."
A land of fate. That was exactly why it had meaning. The past does not disappear. Even knowing that, she felt as though she could start over.
"Well then, shall we go? Let's begin. Our battle."