344 - Final Chapter: Epilogue (Part One)
――The beginning of the Great Empire passed down to future generations.
It was recounted in history books and songs alike.
There was once a vast nation.
It is said that due to long-term rule, politics became corrupt and the nobles grew arrogant. In fact, many records from that time have been discovered that make it seem as if they did not care for the people at all. Forced conscription, and the procurement of food.
The oppression of lords who voiced opposition to the great power. It is recorded that millions died on the continent in just a few years. Considering secondary damage, many historians calculate that the death toll reached the tens of millions.
The one who stood against that great power was the legitimate heir of the Walt family, who was a powerful noble at the time. Cast out from his home, he drifted to Beime, where he accumulated power, and organized an allied army by reaching out to surrounding nations to defeat the great power.
That was the first emperor, the Divine Emperor Lariel.
It is told that he was loved by the Goddess and that he defeated the Goddess, and based on records from the time, it is speculated that he possessed a quite unconventional personality.
The first emperor lived out the phrase "heroes love beauty," and it was said that he had twenty-five concubines by the time he ascended the imperial throne.
Since he traveled the continent from a young age, many songs remain, perhaps because he encountered women wherever he went. Due to such unconventionality, many voice the opinion that this is why he was kicked out of his home.
Many of these stories of the first emperor changed their names and became staples of heroic ballads.
A crybaby noble heir who rose up to save the woman he loved.
A holy knight who rescued a Saintess.
An adventurer who stood against an army of monsters.
All of these are stories created from the anecdotes of the first emperor.
The reason they spread while changing names is thought to be because a trend had formed where "heroic ballads" meant "songs of the first emperor."
Additionally, since the first emperor took a popular elven singer of the time as a concubine, it is also thought to be a policy carried out to spread his own prestige.
The reason the name of the first emperor of the Great Empire appears so frequently is that, unusually for the time, a vast amount of material remains. This is because it has high historical value and is easy to research――and because it serves as material for the era of warring states where numerous lords vie for power, which begins with the collapse of the Great Empire and is highly popular among historians.
It was a common story for the ancestors of heroes active in the warring states period to be the first emperor or his relatives, and some even faked being descendants of the first emperor Lariel for the sake of establishing authority.
It is said to have been an era where the first emperor's name carried that much weight.
And that is because the first emperor――despite his unconventional personality, had thought about future governance. Or perhaps there was someone who advised him, as he created a flow where even the emperor was part of a system regarding rule.
Many materials remain showing that he was preparing to entrust things to the next generation, providing a glimpse into his excellence as a ruler.
However, it is also a fact that because of this, it became harder for subsequent emperors to leave a name like the first emperor did.
The reason Lariel's name appears frequently even in the subsequent warring states period is likely because the successive emperors of the Great Empire were less conspicuous in this way.
While many materials remain, it is an era often called mythological because many records are unrealistic, but it is an undeniable fact that the Great Empire ruled the continent――.
"I'm not going to make it in timeeeee!!"
While those around me were moving frantically, I was checking with people around me while holding the blueprints. The development of the new capital, which had been planned, was delayed, and moreover, in the plan it was spring. No, before summer. No, no, it's already autumn! It was a sloppy situation where things had been delayed over and over.
This was because the foundation work for the construction of the new capital was carried out meticulously. Naturally, my castle as the emperor would be built in the new capital.
Plans were proceeding to make it something unlike anything seen before. In fact, the foundation work for the castle was finished. No, the foundation work itself was finished.
However, the streetscape and zoning.
Considering future development plans and the current situation... opinions were split to the extreme.
Monica was wearing a helmet, standing by my side. No one reprimanded her for wearing her maid outfit as if to flaunt it at a site where she would get dirty.
It seemed everyone just thought it couldn't be helped because it was Monica.
Novem, letting out a sigh.
"Even though the castle has a design unlike any before, it wouldn't be interesting if the streetscape remained the same as always. At the very least, I want them to align it with the castle to some extent."
Adele complained to Novem. I had brought her from North Banseime, and when entrusted with the work of developing the new capital, she had become enthusiastic.
No, she had no choice but to be enthusiastic.
"I'm telling you to summarize the opinions! Why are people coming to me saying things like, 'Actually, I prefer the streetscape to be the calming kind we've had until now!' or 'If you're installing a temple, I want it to be the same as the one in Zain!' What am I supposed to do! Hey, what should I do!"
Novem directed a smile toward Adele.
"Ignore those opinions. This is the beginning of a new country. Don't we want to change the atmosphere a bit? Besides, there are no major changes to the basic building methods. You need to proceed with the plan immediately."
Maxim-san, who looked far too natural in a tank top and work tools, along with Aria and Marina-san, came to me.
Maxim-san made a proposal to me.
"Lord Lariel. No, Your Majesty... we are short on materials. Um, regarding the castle, or rather the palace, you should probably give up on it to some extent."
Then, Miranda rejected that opinion.
"No. Are you going to welcome the representatives of each country with a compromised castle? Even if we have to push ourselves, there is a meaning in showing composure to make them think the war is already over."
I understood Miranda's opinion, but we were short on materials. The foundation was finished, and a vermilion building was being built atop the stone foundation. There were many problems with the plan to begin with, but at this point, opinions were starting to split.
I said to Maxim-san and the others.
"I understand. For now, please proceed with the other zones. Ah, after taking a break."
Marina-san looked dissatisfied, but she obeyed in silence.
As for Aria.
"...Hey, isn't the way I'm being treated kind of rough? For some reason, day by day, the people around me are treating me like a site foreman rather than your concubine. But still!"
It couldn't be helped because it suited her. Besides, she had gained various experiences during her adventurer days, so Aria had become someone who could be entrusted with this kind of thing.
I said with a smile.
"Do your best."
When I said that, my shoulders were grabbed and I was shaken back and forth. How nostalgic. When we first met, I was shaken back and forth like this and lost consciousness.
In that place, Alette-san arrived together with Baldoor.
Since Baldoor was entrusted with the surrounding security, he usually didn't come to this place where work was being done. Just as I was wondering if something had happened, Baldoor had a serious look on his face.
"What's wrong?"
"Lariel-sama, a letter from Rolfis. This is the fifth one."
When I received the letter from an irritated Baldoor, Alette-san pressed the fingertips of both hands together, looking as if she felt cramped.
"I'm suffering from being caught in the middle too. I was told from above to ask my husband to push her in, even if it's just as a concubine."
The letter contained requests regarding the marriage of Princess Anneliese, the princess of Rolfis, into my household.
I said with a smile.
"Rejected! Absolutely rejected! Impossible. Absolutely impossible!"
Then, Novem, who took the letter from me, checked the contents.
"They just don't learn. Even though the number of concubines already exceeds twenty. I'm worried about Lariel-sama's body."
Miranda looked at Novem with a smile.
"It's fine if you disappear."
Novem also smiled.
"I refuse."
Baldoor said to Alette-san while irritated.
"In the first place, the Walt family has house rules that have been guarded for generations! Welcoming someone who does not fit them is unacceptable!"
――Because people like Baldoor existed, the successive heads must have struggled. Well, since it's now serving as a reason to refuse the ever-increasing number of brides, I won't deny it.
First generation, thank you. I was saved thanks to you. I thought you were a fool for leaving strange house rules, but now I can honestly say thank you.
Then, Alette-san clung to Baldoor in tears.
"Think of it as a wife's request and do something! Anneliese-sama's appearance isn't bad either! Her lineage is certain, so I think her magic will be fine too! Her skin is beautiful and she's never even been sick! Although she herself said she's suffering from love-sickness."
Then, Baldoor narrowed his eyes.
"Then, what about her head? From the impression when we met, I didn't think she reached the passing grade?"
You guys are way too strict about choosing brides. Well, regarding her head, or rather that personality, I think it's a bit of a problem. Since I've seen the moment love cools down right before my eyes, honestly, a bit...
Alette-san had teary eyes.
"A-Ah, her head... her head... T-There must be other concubines who are no good too! L-Like Shannon-chan, she's cute! She's cute, but she's the 'no-good but cute' type!"
Then, Baldoor shook his head.
"It is Shannon-sama, who supported Lariel-sama since his struggling adventurer days. Even if there are some problems, we, the vassals, recognize Shannon-sama's entry as a concubine and are delighted."
What actually are your standards? Hey, do the Walt family's vassals actually hate the Walt family?
While Baldoor hugged the sobbing Alette-san.
"I'm sorry. But as a former knight of the Walt family, and now as the Captain of the Imperial Guard, I cannot recognize her. You understand, right, Alette?"
"Y-Yeah."
They do this often while those around them are working busily. Well, as long as Alette-san backs down, there's no problem. ...Reold-kun, Glacia's younger brother, didn't have a partner yet, right? But both are heirs. That's difficult.
Then, this time Launo arrived out of breath.
"H-Hey. I've looked into it."
"How was it!"
When I immediately rushed over to Launo, Launo was drinking water from a water bottle Monica offered.
After drinking vigorously and wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he reported.
"Nowhere is okay yet. In reality, it seems it would be tough to move immediately even after autumn passes. However, due to the current delicate situation, they are pushing themselves to avoid showing any openings. Even if called immediately, there are few who can move. H-Hey, can I go back now? I haven't even had a proper conversation with Inis lately?"
"Sorry. Your next mission is this."
Hearing that, I felt relieved. Then, I handed the next instruction sheet to Launo and entrusted him with the work. Since most of the information-related work gathered with Launo, he seemed quite busy.
"...Did I rush into entering service?"
Launo felt depressed. However, the information he looked into was beneficial. I was able to know the current state of the surrounding countries.
"But, nowhere can move. According to the messengers, the atmosphere was as if they could do it anytime."
This was because I intended to call the surrounding nations and formally ascend as emperor on a grand scale. It was a message saying, "If you have an objection, come at me." It would have been troublesome if the opponent had actually been preparing.
Launo wiped away sweat.
"In reality, the countries that joined the alliance suffered great damage. More than anything, they are afraid of Your Majesty, who won through such a battle. However, they can't show such an attitude. That's why they're acting strong. Actually, there are many who have complaints, but it seems they can't put them into words. If they move, it'll be the next generation, or beyond――"
The next generation.
When the issue of an heir appeared, Monica became restless.
"W-What! A great matter for Little Chick-sama! I understand. I, Monica, will protect Little Chick-sama, that chicken coward, from any hardship. Accordingly, give the right to educate and care for Little Chick-sama to me. To this Monica!"
The one who kicked Monica from behind was Valkyrie Unit One. She is easy to remember because she keeps her hair with a pink ribbon.
"You degenerate! We are the ones who will raise Rianne-san's Little Chick-sama! Those who break a promise have no right to hold Little Chick-sama! ...That's what you said, right?"
"But... but, Little Chick-sama is my dream!"
Monica had a frustrated look on her face. Since the usual skit had begun, I decided to return to work.
"Then, we'll negotiate and change the date of the ascension. Let's make the opponent accept it for some reason, like the date being unlucky. Even if they dislike it, they should go along with it! Adele-san!"
A teary-eyed Adele-san ran away.
"Couldn't the negotiation be done by Rianne-san! I don't want any more work than this~!"
"No, Rianne isn't here for another matter... wait, she's already not listening."
Maxim-san looked at Adele-san, who was running far away, with blushing cheeks.
"Adele-sama is so cute today too."
Kuh! Is there no one sane around me? I, who am sane, must firmly organize those around me.
"More importantly, Lariel."
Miranda was looking at me. Her expression was relatively serious.
"What?"
"Whose room are you staying in today? You've made up your mind, right? And yet, what's going on with you not coming to a room even once?"
The surroundings suddenly became silent. When I looked toward Novem while breaking into a cold sweat, she had a shy gesture.
"Um, I am also waiting. As Lariel-sama pleases."
Hearing those words, Miranda's eyebrows moved. Then, May came drifting toward me.
"Hey, Lariel. Give me some seed soon. I want my own family soon too. My parents are rushing me. And you know, I've already decided on the name. I'll shorten Fredricks to Fress."
May joined in, saying such things in a bright manner. I looked at Aria. However, Aria let out a sigh and shook her head.
"Decide for yourself. I can't interfere."
Aria didn't interfere. Therefore, she didn't actively involve herself like this. I'm grateful, but. I'm grateful, but...
"...I had something to do."
...I started running away. Then, a thread tangled around my leg, and I fell.
"L-Let go!"
Miranda pulled the thread, and I was dragged back to everyone.
I resisted, but Maxim-san and Baldoor also participated in bringing me back.
"That's no good, Lord Lariel. If you don't do it properly, the bet won't end."
"Lord Maxim, please do not gamble using Lariel-sama. However, it is also a fact that we want an heir immediately. Lariel-sama, this is for the family. No, for the country."
Led by those two, I was brought out in front of Novem and Miranda, and Aria and May.
Stop it. There's no mood at all! I'm thinking about how I confessed in front of hundreds of thousands of people. Show some consideration for my slightly delicate feelings.
――Watching the noisy scene from a slightly distant place were Shannon and Clara.
Shannon was keeping a picture diary, which was becoming a daily routine. Clara was surprised looking at the picture.
"You're quite skilled. Are you not able to see?"
Shannon showed Clara a special brush.
"With this, I can draw and I can see. I write seriously too. Well, I'm sharing someone's vision, though."
Where she pointed with the brush was the figure of a Valkyrie looking at the scenery Shannon was drawing.
Clara looked at the picture diary, thinking it was an unexpected talent of Shannon's.
"It might become valuable material."
Shannon laughed.
"It's just a picture diary. Besides, I'm just writing what happened on that day."
Then, Eva came to the two of them. The reason she stayed away from the construction site was that she hated her throat being damaged by dust and such.
"What are you two doing? Oh, you're quite skilled. With this, you could draw the signboards for my stage. Want to try drawing?"
Clara was a bit irritated by Eva's way of speaking.
"You're misunderstanding something. What's being built first is the library necessary for the new capital, not a theater."
Eva stuck out her tongue.
"Too bad. I've already gotten a promise from Lariel. He promised that when he confesses, it'll be in the completed theater in front of a full audience!"
Clara let out a dry laugh.
"That must be a joke. You really are a simple elf. I'm appalled."
The Valkyrie watched the two arguing. Shannon added that scene to the picture diary. Because she thought it looked interesting――.
――Among the materials from the early days of the Great Empire's founding, the one considered most valuable is Shannon's Picture Diary.
It is a material that remained because it used paints rare for the time, and since the deterioration was not severe, it was beautifully preserved.
She is said to have been one of the concubines, and judging from the contents of the picture diary, she seemed very close to the first emperor Lariel. Materials from before the empire's founding also remain, and those have many clumsy drawings and letters. However, after the empire was born, they became valuable as art, and parts of Shannon's Picture Diary are still exhibited in museums.
Among them, Clara Bloomer.
Eva Nihil.
The value of the picture diary where the two are arguing is high, and it is a precious material that shows that Clara, who left vast amounts of material, and Eva, who left many stories and songs, had a bad relationship.
Shannon Sarkrai.
Her older sister was also a concubine of the first emperor, making them a rare example of sisters both entering as concubines. The first emperor's love for women was vividly expressed.
However, the regrettable part is the fact that only a part of the picture diary has been disclosed. Shannon's Picture Diary, which is said to be closest to the truth, is a historically precious material as well as a work of art.
In later years, dramas and movies with Shannon as the protagonist were made, and there are even rumors that a major fact that would overturn history is hidden in Shannon's Picture Diary.
Many historians strongly desire the full disclosure of Shannon's Picture Diary――.