kscans

Chapter 109 - Keeping it Quiet and a Predicament

The princess's declaration filled the populace with astonishment.

"Did you hear that? The general is the one who took down that monster."

"Are you serious? To think he could defeat a beast that huge."

"That's our general for you. I hear he's skilled not only in martial prowess but also in strategy."

"He was on the decline during the former emperor's time, but to achieve something great enough to make up for it all…"

The crowd was abuzz with shock and praise.

And it was no wonder. When the former emperor was assassinated, the general had been in the castle but had failed to defeat the invading monster. Because of this, he had fallen out of favor not only with the nobles but with the common people as well.

However, thanks to the goodwill he had built up over the years, no one spoke ill of him publicly. Furthermore, he had dedicated himself to the reconstruction of the monster-ravaged districts.

Anyone who dared to say anything against him now would likely get beaten to a pulp by the citizens.

Amidst the clamor, the princess continued.

"Silence! As I stated earlier, General Goltor, here with me, defeated the giant monster that headed for the front-line base. Of course, it was not by the general's strength alone."

"He utilized the terrain and his troops, executing an improvised plan devised on the spot to weaken the monster, before the general himself delivered the final blow. There were sacrifices in the process, but they too were warriors who entered the fray with resolve. We now offer our condolences. A moment of silence."

With those words, the princess closed her eyes.

The general prayed in the same manner.

At her words, the people also offered their prayers for those in the afterlife.

After a short while, the princess spoke again.

"In honor of this achievement, we shall bestow upon General Goltor the Hero's Medal. The award ceremony will be held tonight at the castle. And to commemorate this, we will hold a festival in the royal capital!"

"The soldiers and merchants have already begun preparations in front of the city hall. There will be numerous dishes available at the food stalls. Please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"

As she finished, an overwhelming cheer erupted from the crowd.

Cries of 'A hero is born!' and 'The savior of our country!' rose up.

The princess and the general waved with smiles on their faces.

But inside, both of their hearts were filled with emptiness.


Time rewound to the previous night.

There were four people in the medical room.

Shinsuke and Tina, and Princess Yorune and General Goltor.

After a moment of silence, the general spoke.

"I cannot accept this! Why are you announcing his achievement as my own?!"

He roared.

His anger was understandable. After the reconstruction work had settled down, he had reported to the princess and been told of the content of the public announcement. Hearing it, the general was filled with both shock and rage.

Even for royalty, to publicly announce a lie was something the honest general could not bear.

Since the princess also seemed to disagree, they had decided to hold a secret meeting in the medical room at night, when no one would be around.

In response to the general's anger, I said.

"Your anger is justified. But there is a reason. The people of this country will be more convinced if the one who defeated the giant monster was the general, not me."

To this answer, the general retorted.

"What?! Convinced?! I will not approve of telling a lie for such a reason! No matter the circumstances, the one who achieves a great deed is the one who should receive the corresponding reward and fame. Even if you dislike standing out."

To these words, the princess added.

"I agree with the general. The Empire is a meritocracy. Even an unknown person is allowed to make a name for themselves."

She gave a similar answer to the general's.

The Empire is a meritocracy. I was well aware of that.

However, I said.

"What you both say is reasonable. Under normal circumstances, I would accept. But this is not normal. That giant monster is still an unknown creature whose identity we don't understand."

"Something like that suddenly appeared and went on a rampage. The people's anxiety is considerable. In the midst of that, an unknown adventurer from another country defeated it all by himself. Do you think anyone would believe that?"

To this question, the princess replied.

"Honestly, I can't believe it. Even when I read the general's report, I was skeptical at first. But the general would not make a false report, nor does he have any reason to. It was that incredible."

The princess sighed.

The general remained silent on this matter. He knew it too—no one would believe such a report.

Not unless they saw it with their own eyes.

The general then said.

"Then, why don't we say that I and my troops fought it together, and you delivered the final blow when it was weakened?"

To this proposal, I replied.

"In that case, I think it would be better to say that you, General, were the one who delivered the final blow. It cannot be me. The people will not be convinced unless the one who saved the country from crisis is someone they know."

"Besides, even if you announce the truth with a little embellishment, they won't believe it, and some might start to think there's something shady going on. With the emperor absent, it's perfect bait for those aiming for the throne. Honestly, I want no part in being dragged into something like that."

"So, wouldn't it be better to handle this peacefully?"

At this explanation, the two of them fell silent.

It was true that no nobles were openly saying anything right now. But if they made that announcement, some would undoubtedly make a move.

Rumors that the royal family was hiding something would start to fly.

Depending on the situation, it was highly likely that some would even mention Grine's transformation into a monster, a fact that was currently under a gag order.

If that were the case, if they announced that the general had defeated it, no one would complain.

The general's family was of high nobility. No one could afford to complain.

Furthermore, no one would mention Grine's case, because if they did, they might be suspected of being involved themselves.

A powerful noble was more convenient than a powerless commoner.

In a way, the two of them were convinced.

However, the general said.

"I understand what you're trying to say. But I know the truth—that you were the one who defeated it. I would like to thank you personally at a later date. Will you accept that?"

To his words, I replied.

"As long as it doesn't make me stand out, I will accept."

I agreed.

The general also looked at Tina. She nodded her head.

And so, the secret meeting held at night came to a close.


Returning to the morning.

While the announcement was being made at the castle, Tina and I were walking through the city.

The pain in my body had disappeared this morning, and I was able to move again. I had gotten permission to take a walk around town under the pretext of relieving my fatigue. Tina was accompanying me as a chaperone and to make sure I didn't overdo it.

As far as I could see, many of the buildings were emitting steam, and though it was supposed to be a cold country, the air was slightly warm. The level of technology was so advanced that I almost suspected there was a person from Earth who had brought civilization to the Empire.

But there was no point in thinking about such things.

I could just ask the general about it later.

Amidst all this, I saw several children in front of a certain building with sad faces. Honestly, in my world, getting involved with other people's children often led to misunderstandings, like being accused of kidnapping.

Normally, I would have just walked past, but this was another world, a place that felt like the medieval era.

I thought it was unlikely that they would immediately make a fuss. Probably.

Tina and I walked over to the children.

"What's wrong? Why the long faces? Did something happen?"

To my question, a boy who seemed to be their representative answered.

"We can't think of any food to sell at the festival."

An unexpected answer came back.