158 - The Resolve to Transcend Good and Evil
The multinational allied forces have established their main camp in the royal capital of the Laurel Kingdom. In effect, their combat posture has been completely relaxed. The soldiers, granted rest and living expenses for the duration, are enjoying life in the royal capital.
Only the soldiers of the Kingdom of Moscow and some of those from the United Kingdom of Westerland are familiar with cities that rival the royal capital of the Laurel Kingdom. For the soldiers of other nations, the royal capital is a city of entertainment that they cannot exhaust no matter how much they play. The soldiers of the Kingdom of Moscow and the United Kingdom of Westerland likely feel the same way.
Since this respite is also intended to heal the hearts of the soldiers wounded in the battle against the Demon King's army, the high command is letting them do as they please. The money provided is nominally for living expenses, but in reality, it is money for entertainment. As long as the soldiers put up with the food, clothing, and shelter provided by the army, they have no other expenses.
However, the soldiers are the only ones getting time to rest their minds. The feelings of the allied forces' commanders only sink further upon arriving in the royal capital.
"Reinforcements from my country will not be arriving for a while."
At the military council, Prince Babel announced that reinforcements from his own country would not arrive for the time being.
"For what reason is that?"
Hansmann was the one to question Prince Babel's statement. Since the meeting was being held in the royal capital, civil officials like Hansmann were also participating.
"It seems they were attacked by the Demon King's army while on the march."
For now, this was the only information Prince Babel had received. Once further information arrived, he likely wouldn't be able to speak with such a calm demeanor. After all, the information was that his father, the King, suspected him of treason.
"...An attack by the Demon King's army?"
Hansmann's expression darkened upon hearing Prince Babel's explanation. Attacking an enemy army on the march was not an uncommon tactic. Despite that, he felt miserable that they had not considered that possibility.
"There is no need to be so depressed. The attack took place within the Kingdom of Lumeni."
"The Demon King's army is in the Kingdom of Lumeni?"
"Yes. The Kingdom of Lumeni also borders the Forest of Bewilderment. If they move through the forest, it is impossible to notice them."
"So it is believed that the Demon King's army in the Forest of Bewilderment carried out the attack?"
Hansmann did not think so. He believed that a separate unit of the Demon King's army—likely members of the Demon Race who had been in Nordende—had expanded beyond the borders of the Laurel Kingdom.
"Because it was the Undead Legion that attacked my country's reinforcements."
"No way..."
The Undead Legion was the unit led by the Demon King, Ray. The fact that the Undead Legion fought in the Kingdom of Lumeni meant that Ray had left the Forest of Bewilderment. Hansmann thought to himself.
"That depression is justified. I am also depressed that we were played so easily."
The Undead Legion had campaigned into the Kingdom of Lumeni. This was because they had seen through the fact that there would be no battle with the Main Army of the multinational allied forces for the time being. Prince Babel was shocked that their actions had been completely read by the Demon King's army.
"Do you intend to advance into the Forest of Bewilderment again now?"
"I do not. It is frustrating, but I cannot have absolute confidence right now."
As Hansmann said, even if they advanced into the Forest of Bewilderment, the Demon King's army might have read that as well. They might fall right into a trap and suffer massive casualties again. Prince Babel felt frustrated by his own cowardice.
But the others felt the same. No one spoke up about deploying.
"But if we do nothing, won't the reinforcements never come?"
"That is correct. However, the countermeasures are for my home country to consider, not me. If we can afford to wait for the time it takes to travel back and forth, then it might be worth considering."
Even if Prince Babel thought of a countermeasure, it would only waste time communicating it to his home country. By the time it reached them, there was a higher possibility that the reinforcements would have already departed. That was Prince Babel's thought. In reality, the reinforcements wouldn't come regardless of the Demon King's army's attack, but they didn't know that yet.
"...Do you believe we have no choice but to wait?"
"Regarding my country. And only regarding the reinforcements. This war was entered in response to your country's request. Shouldn't you first explain what your country intends to do?"
"We are proceeding with the replenishment of troops. However, due to the situation where we must also deal with rebel forces, it is not progressing as hoped."
"Dealing with rebel forces... I cannot imagine this is such a case."
The rebel forces Hansmann referred to were those on Queen Ekaterina's side. Even now, when the threat of the Demon King's army was increasing beyond expectations, Prince Babel could not understand why Hansmann and the others continued their internal power struggle.
"I believe I have told you before, but there is a high possibility that the Demon Race and the rebel forces are connected. We do not intend to mistake our objective."
Fighting the Queen Ekaterina faction was related to the fight against the Demon Race. This was Hansmann's claim. It wasn't a complete lie, but as Prince Babel said, this was not the current situation. Even if they fought the Queen Ekaterina faction and won, it wouldn't end the war with the Demon King's army.
"...Then, is the fight against those you call rebel forces going well?"
"It will take a little more time to reach a conclusion."
It was not going well. There was no way the Noble House Armies, who had hardly any actual combat experience and lacked proper commanders from the national army, could win against the army led by Sieg. Since the original purpose was to rob the nobles of the option to defect by forcing them to attack Queen Ekaterina, they didn't care about victory or defeat.
"...Do you have no intention of considering a reconciliation?"
"...I do not believe Her Majesty has such intentions."
"I see..."
Reconciliation was impossible. Because Hansmann and his group were the actual rebel forces. Prince Babel knew this, but he was recommending reconciliation quite seriously. Of course, if he knew they were truly in league with the Demon Race, his thinking might change.
"Prince James. How is the situation in your country?"
Since the conversation with Prince Babel was heading in an undesirable direction, Hansmann shifted the conversation to Prince James of the United Kingdom of Westerland. Even so, there was no guarantee he would hear good news.
"...Reinforcements will not be coming from my country either."
"The Demon King's army is in the west as well?"
"Yes, the Demon King's army is running rampant."
"Running rampant, you say?"
Prince James's words did not have the nuance of being attacked while on the march.
"Information has arrived that battles with the Demon Race are occurring within the territory of the United Kingdom."
"...The scale of the Demon King's army?"
"I do not know. However, I hear that some countries within the United Kingdom are demanding that their armies be returned."
"That is..."
Far from reinforcements, there was the possibility of withdrawal. Hansmann was shaken upon learning this.
"For now, this is only the first report. I do not know the detailed situation. Naturally, I cannot say what will happen from here on."
"...The Demon Race is a common threat to all of the Human Race."
"Yes, that is true. In other words, there is a possibility that this time, my country will be the one requesting support."
Hansmann's words only displeased Prince James. In return, he received words that shook him even further.
"There is no point in cutting the branches and leaves. The one to strike is the Demon King."
Surprisingly, Fumiya spoke words that seemed to follow up on Hansmann. Of course, Fumiya had no intention of helping Hansmann. He simply wanted to use the armies of other countries to help strike down Ray. Furthermore, Fumiya's words were not actually a follow-up.
"Then let me ask, where is that Demon King?"
"That is..."
Asked about Ray's location, Fumiya remembered the previous conversation about the Undead Legion fighting in another country.
"The Demon Race is a common threat to all of the Human Race. That is certainly true. Because the matter is no longer contained within your country alone."
The war with the Demon Race was spreading outside the Laurel Kingdom. If that was the case, was there any meaning in the armies of various nations staying in the Laurel Kingdom? Prince James's words denied the current state of the multinational allied forces.
"...First, let us strive to collect information on the Demon King's army. Since we do not even know where the main force of the Demon King's army is right now."
These words from Hansmann were an obvious stalling tactic. Information on the Demon King's army was not something that could be obtained so easily. They had been attempting it all along, and it hadn't worked.
The other nations knew that. Because it was the same for them. However, they would accept the stalling for now. Not only the information on the Demon King's army, but the intentions of their home countries were not yet fully grasped by each nation. Without grasping that, they could not reach a conclusion on whether to continue the war or withdraw.
◇◇◇
Where is the Demon King? The multinational allied forces seek this information, but it is almost impossible for them to obtain it. They do not understand what Ray is plotting. It's not that they aren't thinking about it, but their current range of thought has not reached the point where they can obtain the answer.
They perceive Ray as the Demon King, as a member of the Demon Race. While they know he employs tactics unlike those of typical demons, they cannot imagine that he has extended his reach to conspiracies. Though, even if they had noticed that possibility, it wouldn't necessarily mean they could prevent it.
"...Why did you find our location?"
The one asking with an expression of astonishment was the prince of the Kingdom of Aria—or perhaps it would be more accurate to say former prince, Louis. A person claiming to be the Demon King had suddenly appeared before his eyes. It was only natural to be surprised.
"Why? Because I looked for you, obviously."
"How?"
"Do you think I'll tell you that? Normally, one wouldn't, right?"
There was no way he would reveal his hand. Ray did not answer Prince Louis's question.
"...Was it my father, or..."
"Now, which one is it?"
Ray returned the question with a smile. He was pleased to find that Prince Louis seemed to be an easy person to handle.
"...There is no way he would talk."
"You'd be better off not thinking with human common sense. We have plenty of ways to make people talk. Would you like to try them too? You can experience pleasures that seem otherworldly."
"...What did you do to my father?"
From this question, it was clear that the other person Prince Louis was thinking of was a woman. It didn't mean much. The moment he suggested a possibility other than the King, it was almost certain that it was his younger sister, Princess Lianna.
"I have done nothing. There are rebel forces in the Kingdom of Aria. Based on this information, I conducted an investigation and simply reached you."
"...What business do you have with me?"
"It took a long time for that question to come up, didn't it? I thought I'd be asked at the very beginning."
"I am asking what business you have with me!?"
He was being laughed at for his agitation. Thinking so, Prince Louis raised his voice. It was a misunderstanding.
"I don't think a rebellion will succeed if you're that short-tempered."
Ray laughed at Prince Louis, whose emotions were heightened by the misunderstanding.
"...I am not short-tempered."
Sensing that, Prince Louis returned his volume to normal and denied Ray's warning.
"It doesn't matter if you're short-tempered. If we lend you our strength, you can escape from the control of the Laurel Kingdom even if you are short-tempered."
"...What?"
The Demon King had offered to lend a hand. Prince Louis was surprised by the impossible proposition.
"Don't worry. I have no intention of making you indebted to me. No matter how you act, what we do will not change."
"What do you intend to do?"
"I will wipe out the forces in the Kingdom of Aria that approve of the Laurel Kingdom's rule."
"...What do you mean by wiping out the forces?"
He understood the meaning. He simply wanted to hear from Ray's own mouth what would happen if that were executed. He hoped slightly that the content would be different from what he imagined.
"It means exactly what it sounds like. I'll have everyone disappear from the halls of government. 'Disappear from this world' would be more accurate."
"My father as well?"
"Isn't the King at the top of that list?"
"...Do you think I would allow such a thing?"
Having his father's death declared, he could not overlook it.
"I am not seeking permission. However, if you're going to say things like that, why not return to the castle right now? A rebellion cannot succeed if you have no intention of striking down the King."
It was the King who decided on subordination to the Laurel Kingdom. If one thinks of escaping that control, there is no choice but to eliminate the King, the pinnacle of the subordination faction. If that cannot be done, the national policy will not change.
"There is no need to kill him."
"...I admit that. But he cannot remain as King."
"Naturally."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"Waiting?"
"You should just put it into action immediately, yet you aren't moving. You're waiting for something, aren't you?"
The King had only accepted subordination to ensure the survival of the country. What mattered was the Kingdom of Aria. If that were the case, there was no way the rebellion would fail. That was what Ray thought, and he intended to convey that to Prince Louis.
"...My sister is being held hostage."
"Didn't that sister tell you that you should think of her existence as non-existent?"
Princess Lianna did not approve of becoming a hindrance to her older brother, Prince Louis. She had told Prince Louis through former General Patterson not to worry about her.
"Who did you hear that from?"
"That's why I said I wouldn't reveal my hand."
"...Even if I were to take the throne now, I do not believe I could resist the Laurel Kingdom."
Even if Prince Louis became King, it didn't mean he could escape the control of the Laurel Kingdom. It would be meaningless if he couldn't prevent a re-invasion by the Laurel Kingdom. That was how Prince Louis thought.
"Then when will you be able to resist? Are you perhaps waiting for us to utterly crush the Laurel Kingdom?"
"That is..."
He couldn't bring himself to say he was waiting for the demons to win. Thinking so, Prince Louis waxed vague.
"Victory in the Laurel Kingdom comes first, then. It can't be helped. Then, to make you all feel a bit more at ease, shall I give them another strike?"
"............"
Even told that, he still couldn't react. He couldn't bring himself to say words like 'Please do your best' or 'I'm expecting great things.'
"Then I'll be heading back."
Saying this, Ray turned his back on Prince Louis. He wasn't worried about being stabbed in the back. If Prince Louis tried to do so, he would simply strike him down. The possibility was low. Killing Ray, the Demon King, here would only help the Laurel Kingdom. He should think that.
Indeed, Prince Louis did nothing to Ray. He simply watched him leave.
"How did it go?"
Once away from Prince Louis, Kai asked for the result.
"...I don't think he's useful."
"Oh? That's too bad."
"Not really. I already have someone useful. A younger sister who is far more resolute than the prince or the brother. However..."
Princess Lianna had continued to taste bitterness. She had endured days that were like hell to her. Her resolve was different from Prince Louis's. But Ray felt a resistance to utilizing her.
That was exactly why he had gone out of his way to meet Prince Louis.
"You don't want to put her in danger?"
"...No, I can't afford to hesitate over that. I have comrades who I've put in even greater danger."
In the Kingdom of Moscow, and in other countries, there were comrades engaged in dangerous activities. Ray was the one who ordered them. Ray thought he couldn't afford to worry about Princess Lianna while making his comrades do such things.
"Maybe I should have been the one to woo her?"
Ray would have to make a painful decision again. That was what Kai thought. If it was going to be like this, he felt he should have done it himself. It was out of concern for Ray.
"...Kai-kun. You seem to be mistaken, but I'm not wooing her."
"Eh, really?"
"What do you mean 'really'... isn't that a bit harsh? I know that even if you try to be a good person just in that one spot, it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. But still..."
Using Charm to win over Princess Lianna and make her move as he wished—he felt a resistance to that. Even knowing that such an emotion was mere hypocrisy.
"I don't know about that. She might be happy about it. If she doesn't realize her feelings are an illusion, she'll definitely be happy."
"............"
Showing a good dream to someone who had spent her days in a nightmare was not a bad thing. Even if it remained a dream. He felt he couldn't completely deny this line of thinking.
"Well, in Ray's case, if you enter that kind of relationship, you'll probably choose to save her. Isn't that fine in its own way?"
"...Am I really that sloppy with women?"
"Not sloppy, you should use the word 'kind'."
"...I don't feel like I'm being praised."
"Yep. I'm not praising you. I think it's a virtue, but that virtue is what invites trouble."
"I can agree with that, but..."
As a result of leaving himself to the flow of events, he had become who he was now. He didn't think everything was like that, but there were many such aspects.
However, if asked if he hated his current self, the answer was no. Even knowing he was staining his hands with evil, it was the result of setting his resolve. He did not hate himself for being able to do that for the sake of others, no matter what others thought of him. Ray had become enough to think that.