How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 16: Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Ambitions Resumed

Middle of the 5th month, 1552nd year, Continental Calendar

On this day, I was holding a broadcast meeting with Nine-Headed Dragon Queen Shabon. Kishun stood behind her, holding a newborn child in his arms. Their second child and eldest son, Sharon.

Now to me, that felt like a girls name. But in their country, it was the custom to tie a short name to their short surname and use both at the same time, so his name was actually Ronor Sha Ronwhich isnt so unusual at all.

Shabon had inherited the heavy responsibility of ruling from her predecessor, Sir Shana. She had struggled at first, but with Kishun as her husband and prime minister, shed definitely gained her footing by the time she gave birth to her two infants. With the love and respect of her islanders, she was now a female sovereign who was every bit as capable as Maria.

On the other side of the broadcast, Shabon said, In regards to the items you placed an order for the other day, we have already secured half of the requested amount. However, as we will need to wait for the remaining half to be produced, we must ask that you tolerate a slight delay.

I know. It was an unreasonable request on my part, I replied.

No, not at all, Shabon shook her head. It was a large order. It will be profitable for us, so we intend to handle the matter with all due sincerity.

That helps. Id like to ask you to send the half that you already have by means of the bases weve exchanged.

Understood. Um...Sir Souma. Switching into a more relaxed tone, Shabon asked, Why are we receiving such a large order?

Well, Ive got a little something in mind... I replied, changing over from negotiation mode to friendly conversation mode.

Have you heard that Fuuga has brought Mercenary State Zem under his control?

Yes. I received reports.

Shabon nodded with a serious expression. I looked down at the map on my desk.

In total, this means that the Great Tiger Kingdom is now larger than the Gran Chaos Empire. Theyre not as powerful overall, but in terms of just their land forces, its an even match. And he probably cant expand any further into the Demon Lords Domain.

Why would that be? Does the acclaim for Sir Fuuga not come from his liberation of the Demon Lords Domain?

Fuugas theory is that what we call the demon lord and the demons only exist deep inside there. Maria and I happen to agree on that. And Fuugas expansion has been careful to avoid contact with those demons. They were the ones who trounced the united forces of mankind led by the Empire, after all. So if he tries to go any further north...

I see what you mean. He wishes to avoid the risk of coming into contact then?

Precisely. Thats why the Great Tiger Kingdom is unlikely to expand any further to the north. Fuuga gathers fanatical support by making his country bigger and stronger. I dont think he can stop that. Which brings us to the question of what he does next... In Hakuyas view, hell have to attack either us or the Empire.

Huh?! So suddenly? Shabons eyes widened in surprise. You are the heads of the Mankind Declaration and Maritime Alliance. It would lead to a great war.

Yeah... And theres something Fuuga wants from us and the Empire that makes him prepared to accept that.

And what is that?

Bureaucrats and lords for the territories he controls.

Clearing my throat, I then explained it exactly as Hakuya had told it to me.

Fuugas retainers consist of commanders who served him well during the unification of the Union of Eastern Nations and people who flocked to him in the hopes of changing the current situation. That latter group is made up of refugees and others who are being treated badly under the status quo. Essentially, the vast majority of his people know nothing about how to manage a state. Thats why the Great Tiger Kingdom has lacked adequate personnel to handle its domestic affairs and be entrusted lands to rule as their personal domains.

Shabon furrowed her brow. Normally, I would think he would have to stop expanding and focus on developing members of his administration.

Right, but the Great Tiger Kingdoms expansion has been too rapid for him to be able to do that. Theres also the problem that the moment Fuuga stops walking the path to total conquest, there may be those who lose faith in him and try to break away. He doesnt have room to focus on internal politics.

Which is why he would force either the Kingdom or the Empire to submit? In order to gain a new group of retainers?

That is how Hakuya thinks it will go, yes. Weve been recruiting far and wide, and the Empire has a large population. If he can get his hands on either, his shortage of administrators will be resolved. If he cant stop advancing, then he might as well move in the direction of something he wants... Im sure Hashim will advise him as such.

The Republic was locked in snow and ice during the winter, so they couldnt act, and the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Kingdom was surrounded by the sea, making them hard to rule and unrewarding to conquer. The same went for the Spirit Kingdom now that they were a smaller power. That left only us or the Empire.

If Fuuga decides were easier to conquer than the Empire...well need to be prepared for war with the Great Tiger Kingdom. We have to do what we can now to prepare for the worst.

I see. And that is why you made such a large order from us.

You got it.

The air in the room grew heavy.

After some time, Shabon said, I do hope that your fears prove to be unfounded.

Tell me about it... I agreed with her from the bottom of my heart.

The day of Zems martial arts tournament

Fuuga was looking down at Gimbal, the fallen King of Zem.

Gimbals right hand and upper arm lay by his side, still clutching his greatsword. The light mages who had been on standby rushed in. They removed the sword from his hand, then rolled Gimbal onto his back and pressed the limb against its stump to begin healing him. Light magic worked on external wounds, so there was little doubt they could reattach the severed arm.

However, while he may retain his hand, it was unlikely to ever be as usable as before.

As they were treating him, Gimbal sensed he was finished as a fighter.

Never in all my life did I expect anyone would want to be king of this country... Challengers always desired wealth, armaments, and other superficial prizes. Although, there was one strange individual who wanted to know the truth about their father, who had been branded a rebel... Gimbal said to Fuuga. Not one person desired to become king of a country with so many restrictions.

Sounds to me like they were satisfied with your rule then, wouldnt you say?

Gimbal chuckled. King Souma said something like that too.

Fuuga narrowed his eyes slightly as if to respond, but he remained silent.

So, Sir Fuuga... Now that youve bested me, what will you do with the country youve won?

Build a new world. Thats what I need this countrys mercenaries for, Fuuga said, returning Zanganto, his rock-rending blade, to its sheath. But what will you do? Your reign as the Mercenary King is over.

Nothing... I started from nothing, and won until I rose to where I was. Now that Ive lost, Im back to where I started.

Doesnt that feel kind of...empty?

Not really, no. Im free from the weight of being kingthe responsibility to stay the strongest. Its not a bad feeling.

Gimbal must have felt like a champion whod failed to defend the title hed held for many long years. The greater the honor, the heavier the responsibility of defending it. And for a title with national consequences, the weight must have been great indeed. This defeat let him finally set down that burden.

The frustration of losing, the humiliation of falling to the ground, the sadness of knowing he was finished as a warrior, and the elation at being set free from his heavy responsibility... All these emotions came over Gimbal one after another.

If you ever have the chance to live without the burdens of ambition...youll understand how I feel too.

Heh. Maybe, Fuuga said with a laugh, seeing Gimbals satisfaction.

Gimbal had lived by the might of his sword arm, and now lay defeated. He had lived the ideal Fuuga aspired to. The only difference between the two was whether they were satisfied to rule only one country, or had their eyes set on something much higher and more distant. It would be a long time still before Fuugas ambitions began to feel like a burden to him.

Fuuga turned and left the arena.

Hashim was waiting for him in the corridor on the way to the changing room.

That was superb, Lord Fuuga.

Sure was. And now Zem belongs to me, Fuuga said, clapping a hand on Hashims shoulder as his advisor bowed to him. Now, how do we use this country?

Lets keep the nation as it is while arranging things so that we can make use of their powerful mercenaries. I believe it would be wise to appoint Moumei, the tournaments runner-up, as your viceroy and have him rule the country.

Ah... So thats why you had Moumei participate too.

Moumei Ryoku was a mountain of a man who wielded a giant hammer and rode a steppe yak into battle. He also led Fuugas infantry. And in a simple test of strength, no techniques or magic allowed, he rivaled Nata Chima for the title of strongest.

Hashim nodded.

There are those who view Sir Moumei as having nothing special beyond his strength. But he is an earnest man who will follow any mission he is given with simple honesty, and also possesses mental flexibility. I am sure hell be able to carry on ruling in the same style as Gimbal.

And now I see why you didnt have Nata participate...

Indeed. We couldnt trust him with Zem.

Nata was always yearning to fight tough opponents, so of course hed wanted to join the tournament, but Hashim adamantly refused. It was true that might makes right in Zem, but leaving the country to a man with might and nothing else wasnt going to work.

Hashim raised his head and looked Fuuga directly in the eyes. Now the preparations are complete. I would like you to show me where your next road leads.

So to the Kingdom or to the Empire, huh?

With the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State and Zem under his control, hed been advised he needed to attack either the Kingdom of Friedonia or the Gran Chaos Empire. In order to secure his current gains and ensure he didnt lose momentum, he required administrators with experience running a large nation. For that, he had to force either of the two great powers to submit. The Empire had a massive population, while the Kingdom of Friedonia was allied with the Republic of Turgis and the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Kingdom. Neither would be an easy opponent. However, Fuuga had no option to stop.

Call up the commanders as soon as we return to the Great Tiger Kingdom. Well discuss whats to be done at a council of war.

Understood.

Upon returning home to his country, Fuuga gathered his retainers in the meeting room in Haan Castle.

In attendance were his wife Mutsumi, the Wisdom of the Tiger; Shuukin Tan, the Sword of the Tigernow viceroy of the Father Island of the Spirit Kingdom; Nata Chima, the Battle Ax of the Tiger; Gaifuku Kiin, the Shield of the Tiger; Kasen Shuri, the Crossbow of the Tiger; and Gaten Bahr, the Flag of the Tiger. Those present were commanders whod distinguished themselves in the unification of the Union of Eastern Nations, as well as in the ongoing liberation of the Demon Lords Domain.

Also here were Saint Anne of the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State and Lombard Remusonce a king in his own rightnow administrator of a territory retaken from the Demon Lords Domain and his wife Yomi Chima.

Aside from Moumei Ryoku, the Hammer of the Tiger, who was serving as viceroy in Mercenary State Zem now, all the famous retainers were gathered together.

Looking around at each of them, Fuuga said, Mercenary State Zem is now in our hands.

Congratulations, Lord Fuuga, Mutsumi said. The assembled retainers all congratulated him, and bowed their heads as well.

Fuuga raised his hand, signaling for silence.

With this, our faction has gained enough land forces to fight anyone, even the Empire. For the past few years, weve steadily retaken land from the Demon Lords Domain while stabilizing the situation inside the country and amassing power. You could say this was the result of all that... So, that being the case...

Fuuga looked around the room once again.

We are putting a temporary pause on retaking the Demon Lords Domain from here on out.

What?! shouted Kasen, the youngest commander in the room. Havent we fought all this time with the goal of liberating the Demon Lords Domain?! Many of the people believe that you will be the one to slay the Demon Lord and retake all the stolen lands! How can we stop here...?

Now, now. Settle down, Kasen, said the easygoing commander Gaten, who was sitting beside Kasen.

Fuuga continued on, undeterred by the interruption. Its not that were stopping. Were just pausing temporarily. Hashim.

Yes, sire.

Hashim rose and went to stand in front of the map of the world that was behind him. Taking a pointer in hand, he traced the line of the Great Tiger Kingdoms current northern frontier.

We have worked all this time to liberate the Demon Lords Domain. Our efforts have led to the return of the refugees who fled south. Its a fact that positive reception towards being able to return home is part of the vocal support for Lord Fuuga.

So then why?

The lands further north are desert, and not many people lived in them to begin with. Maybe a few nomadic tribes, at best. That means that any advance north will bring us more land, but not more people. Ultimately, this would put a greater strain on our nation.

Hashim patted the palm of his hand with the pointer.

Furthermore, if we continue north, we run the risk of making contact with the demons that are said to have wiped out the combined forces of mankind led by the Empire. I wont suggest that Lord Fuuga would lose, but as they are an unfamiliar opponent, it would only delight our neighbors to see us moored in conflict with them. Thats the reason for this pause.

Is that really okay? Shuukin asked. Weve relied on inertia to expand our country as far as we have. Its because we were actively liberating the Demon Lords Domain, people gathered to our cause, and the men were motivated. Suddenly going on the defensive goes against all that. I feel like it would be a bit of a shame.

As the second wisest man in the room after Hashim, the other commanders listened to what Shuukin had to say. One of them, Lombard, raised his hand.

Sir Lombard, Hashim called on him.

I agree with Sir Shuukins opinion, but...I think it may still be fine. It will take time to stabilize the territories weve taken, and if we were to keep charging onwards as we have been, one incident could cause the whole thing to fall apart.

Yeah. Im in charge of the Father Island now too. I can understand what Sir Lombard is saying, Shuukin said, momentarily agreeing. But...

Shuukin trailed off. After collecting his thoughts, he continued.

Its easy to keep pushing a spinning wheel. But once the wheel grinds to a halt, it takes considerable power to restart movement. If we kill our inertia, it will not be easy to begin retaking the Demon Lords Domain again.

Im sure youre right, Hashim agreed. Its awkward to say this, but...the reason people idolize Lord Fuuga is, of course, in part because of his charisma. But it is also because they are fed up with the status quo. The refugees wish to be set free from their present situation, and those who find themselves disadvantaged inside the country want to become more prosperous... Their desires are in line with Lord Fuugas grand ambition, and so they push him from behind. If we give them stability now, that will weaken Fuugas ability to gather people to his cause.

It was as if Hashim was saying they mustnt let the people have peace.

I never meant to say that much though...

It seemed hard for you to say, so I said it for you.

Shuukin looked unhappy, but Hashim was unabashed. Hashim then turned his cold eyes to each of the other commanders.

Lord Fuuga has been undefeated since he first raised his flag in Malmkhitan. We had a bitter stalemate against the Dragon Knight Kingdom, but fighting to a draw with them actually served to enhance his reputation. The people are in a frenzy. They believe that under Lord Fuuga, their country can expand infinitely. That we may even unite the continent.

Is that not...overconfident? Mutsumi asked in a cautious tone.

It wasnt only the commanders who could grow overconfident and arrogant. The people of the country were also starting to think victory was assured. The soldiers and the general populace might become overconfident due to Fuugas successes.

Lord Fuuga has the blessing of Lady Lunaria. Its only a natural assumption, Saint Anne said as if it were obvious.

Her belief was everything to her, and the peoples faith in Fuugas victory was similar in nature. Mutsumi looked at Saint Anne as if she empathized with the state of mind the people must be in.

Is it that you fear what may happen once we lose our inertia, Brother? Mutsumi asked.

Precisely. We must keep winning, keep advancing, and keep leading the people. But as I just said, taking any more land from the Demon Lords Domain would bring little benefit and only increase our burden. I believe it is time for a change of direction.

Then lets take the empty land between us and the Empires border! Nata, who wasnt interested in difficult topics, said eagerly.

Hashim looked at him coldly.

The vacant lands between our border and the Empires are a buffer zone to prevent conflict. If we declare them our territory, well have a direct border with the Empire. That runs the risk of everything from skirmishes to the outbreak of total war. Did you suggest that with this sentiment in mind?

Of course I did! Weve got the strength to take on the Empire now! Im not the only one who thinks so either! Everyone in this country from the rank-and-file soldiers to the man on the street says so! The Empire has stopped moving. They arent the ones who should lead mankind nowits us, the Great Tiger Kingdom!

Natas words obviously came from a man with muscles for brains, but it was also true that the soldiers and people wanted to supplant the Empire.

Shuukin raised his hand. Hold on, Nata. If we pick a fight with the Empire, it may not be just the Empire we end up fighting against. I hear that King Souma of Friedonia and the Empires Empress Maria have been on friendly terms since the response to the Spirit Kings Curse. Its conceivable that they have some secret ties we dont know about. No matter how strong weve gotten, its not enough that we can take on both the Kingdom and Empire at once.

No. Theres no worry regarding that, Hashim contradicted Shuukin. Its true that Souma and Maria seemed close during the summit in Balm. But their personal regard for one another doesnt extend to their people. I dont know if they have secret ties, but the Empire and the Kingdom are not allies.

Well, yes, but...

I have the House of Chimas spies investigating public sentiment regarding the Kingdom and Empire in each nation. When Souma first ascended the throne, the Empire was forcing the Kingdom to pay war subsidies. Whether that money was used effectively is not at issue here. Its something the people of the Kingdom were not happy about. As for the people of the Empire, they take pride in being the greatest of mankinds nations. If they had to form an alliance to counter a rising power like us, it would deal a blow to their pride. Their soldiers worship Maria. They wouldnt take it quietly.

Youre saying they cant help each other due to public sentiment?

Exactly. Not in the present moment, at least.

According to Hashims understanding, if Fuugas faction grew and the Empire and Kingdom felt imperiled, the situation might change. However, under current conditions, even if they attacked one of the two countries, the other couldnt help them.

Hearing all this, Shuukin felt uneasy. Sir Hashim, are you planning to pick a fight with either the Kingdom or the Empire?

Yes... That is what Ive advised Lord Fuuga to do.

Hashims words drew an audible gulp from all present, and they turned to look at Fuuga.

Fuuga nodded silently. Shuukin glared at Hashim.

Have you grown overconfident yourself?

Hardly. My counsel is based in reality.

Hashim related what hed told Fuuga about the domestic situation when they were in Mercenary State Zem. How the lack of administrators capable of running a large nation was holding them back, and that they could only gain them by forcing either the Kingdom or Empire to submit.

It goes without saying, we do not have to act right this moment. Both countries will be troublesome opponents if their people are united. The Empire is powerful in its own right, and the Kingdom can use its allies in the Maritime Alliance. First, we should choose our target, find an opening or create one, and prepare to strike hard and fast when the time is right.

Nata slapped his knee happily. Then lets fight the Empire!

Hashims eyes narrowed. Dare I ask your reasoning?

If were gonna fight, I wanna fight the stronger one! I saw Souma in the Duchy of Chima, and he looked weak.

Rejected. It wasnt even worth listening to.

With a pained look on his face, Shuukin said, Both countries helped us with the Spirit Kings Curse. We owe them a debt of gratitude, so I just...cant get behind the idea of preparing to attack either of them...

I understand how you feel, but we must put Lord Fuugas ambition first and foremost, Hashim told the hesitant Shuukin. Souma said it himself back then. Disease isnt a problem for one nation. Its something the whole world needs to cooperate on. Its not as though we received any favor he didnt also benefit from either. Our cooperation prevented the disease from spreading all across the continent. Im sure our people see it that way too.

I question that argument...

Shuukin, Fuuga interjected. I get where youre coming from. Its true we couldnt have contained the disease that quickly on our own. You might not have survived without their help.

Shuukin stayed silent, recalling his own battle with the Spirit Kings Curse.

But if we follow our sense of gratitude, well have nowhere to go. Those sorts of obligations are what tied up the Union of Eastern Nations, making it impossible for them to flourish. We were only able to come this far because we didnt have that stuff getting in our way. Dont forget that.

Hearing Fuugas response, Shuukin had no choice but to back down.

Okay...

In an effort to change the heavy atmosphere in the room, Kasen asked Fuuga, So, Lord Fuuga, which of the two do you think itll be easier to topple?

Yes. Id like to hear your assessment too, Mutsumi added. Of Sir Souma and Madam Maria.

Hmm... Fuuga stroked his chin. Maria is a firebird. She charms people with her almost blinding radiance, and keeps her enemies at bay with scorching heat. But...the light she emits comes at the expense of herself. Maria must be exhausted. If she keeps pushing herself to shine, eventually shell burn out, and all that will be left is ashes.

I see. And Sir Souma?

Right. Hes...a turtle, I guess?

Huh? A turtle? Mutsumi was nonplussed. Fuuga nodded.

The guy lacks ambition. He has no desire to attack anyone. He just wants to protect himself from the sparks that come falling his way. Souma doesnt have the beauty Maria has that allows her to charm people. Hes plain and grows slowly.

That makes him sound...awfully easy to beat, doesnt it? Kasen said, but Fuuga laughed.

You think so, Kasen? If hes a turtle, hes easy to beat?

Uh, yes. If hes a turtle, then

What if I told you hes a turtle thats bigger than a mountain?

Wha?

For a moment Kasen thought this might be a joke, but Fuugas face was totally serious.

Soumas a turtle of enormous staturebigger than a mountain. Hes slow going and lacks style, but once he starts to move, he can crush mountains and change the terrain itself. He has a bunch of snakes for tails too. Those snakes will whip out and attack anyone who means the turtle harmwhether he wants them to or not.

He sounds like a monster...

Damn straight he is. If we take on Souma, thats the kind of monster well be facing, Fuuga said in a matter-of-fact way. If he sets his mind to it, he can mobilize the Republic and the Archipelago Kingdom. His subordinates are all complicated and clever too. They take action for their country without Souma meaning for them to. Even Yuriga, whos lived there for years now, says she cant make heads or tails of the place. For my part...Id rather he not start moving.

The assembled commanders listened to Fuugas evaluation in silence. Souma was a man that Fuuga himself was hesitant to fight. That alone made him worthy of caution.

After some time, Mutsumi asked, So youre saying its the Empire we should make submit?

Sounds about right. If we can just make them give in, Soumall probably do what we say. If we can show him an overwhelming difference in power, hell bend the knee without any pointless resistance. Hes the type whod put the safety of the people around him before his pride as a king.

Fuugas words here decided the Great Tiger Kingdom policy. Treating the Empire as a hypothetical enemy, the Great Tiger Kingdom would work to stabilize the country, prepare their military, and watch like a hawk for any opening to attack.

In the 6th month of the 1552nd year, Continental Calendar

Fuuga sent forces into the unoccupied territory between them and the Gran Chaos Empire. It was clear to all that he was trying to claim the region as his own, and that he was prepared to accept having a direct border with the Empire.

This report disturbed the higher-ups in the Empire. Empress Marias policy had been to ensure their defenses against monster incursions from the Demon Lords Domain were ready, but she had never broken her cautious stance when it came to retaking land. Her Mankind Declaration was in line with that policy, and focused primarily on giving support to states bordering the Demon Lords Domain to prevent its expansion. However, at the same time, Fuugas Great Tiger Kingdom grew massively by liberating land from the Demon Lords Domain, taking on the mantle of protector of mankinds nations against the Demon Lord.

Marias Mankind Declaration was seen as having already outlived its purpose.

If Fuugas forces occupied the buffer zone now, the Empire would be completely blocked off from expanding to the north. Many of the Empires citizens felt threatened by that fact. They were firmly rooted in the belief that it had been their countrys efforts that had defended the nations of mankind up until nowthat theirs was the greatest country of all mankind. It was a source of pride...and of arrogance. Such people could not accept the current situation, where Saint Marias presence faded as Fuuga won all the accolades. That was why members of both the military and bureaucracy began to voice the sentiment that they should send troops into the buffer zone. Those voices grew larger by the day.

In the audience hall of Valois Castle in Imperial capital Valois, a conversation was taking place...

Your Imperial Majesty! Please, give us the order! To retake the northern lands from the Demon Lords Domain before Fuuga Haan! I speak on behalf of all our griffon riders!

Krahe...

At the bottom of the stairs to the throne, pleading with his empress, was General Krahe, the commander of the Empires air force, the griffon squadrons. As a devotee of Saint Maria, he couldnt bear to see Fuuga getting all the glory.

Restrain yourself, General Krahe! shouted Jeanne, the Little Sister General, who was standing by Marias side. Her Imperial Majesty has already made her will known! We will not be expanding north, she says! Do not trouble her by asking the same thing time and again!

No, I cannot remain silent! More and more, the knights and nobility are dissatisfied with the way Fuuga runs wild across the northern lands! You are losing your authority as a saint! Ino, we want to fight for Her Imperial Majestys glory! I would gladly be buried in the Demon Lords Domain if I could fall in a battle to retake those lands as a sword of the Saint of the Empire!

It would be unthinkable to move our forces to satisfy your intoxication with my sister! Why can you not understand her desire not to involve the soldiers and people in such a battle?!

Krahe and Jeannes argument continued back and forth. Maria watched impassively.

It wasnt that she was uninterested, but she was endeavoring, as empress, not to display any emotion.

Krahe, Maria addressed him in a quiet voice. Krahe bowed low before her.

Yes, maam!

I...do not desire to expand the Empire any further.

B-But you cant mean that!

There is nothing to be gained from the abandoned lands to the north. They would only tax the treasury with the cost of revitalizing them. For those in the forces of Fuuga Haan, with nothing to lose but their lives, I am sure a meager lifestyle in the liberated lands will prove more than satisfying enough. But that does not hold true for our country. Whoever was appointed lord of those lands would request financial support, and I am sure they would resent us for it if they were not given enough.

Then please, entrust the liberated lands to us! Those of the same mind as myself would rule them for you without a word of complaint!

I do not mean to say that they would request support out of their own greed. If they are truly considering the needs of the people who would be resettling those lands, it is only natural they would seek our aid. Even if the lord chooses to act stoic when he should not be, it does no good if the people are still facing hardship.

Yes... But...

With this well-reasoned explanation from Maria, not even the loquacious Krahe had any counterargument. Because Maria was the saint he worshiped, with the people always in her thoughts, he had no words with which to deny her.

The woman standing at Krahes side spoke up. A word, if I may...

She had a bit of a baby face, but was the sort of intellectual beauty who would have looked good in glasses. Although she was maybe a little over twenty years old, she stood upright with dignity and confidence.

Lumi... Jeanne murmured to herself.

The womans name was Lumiere Marcoux. Despite her youth, she was one of the top bureaucrats of this country.

Maria turned her head to face the woman. What is it, Lumiere?

With all due respect, given the power of our country, we could take possession of all the land between us and the Great Tiger Kingdom, and support it with ease. If the people of the liberated territories have a hard life, then we can simply give them aid. It would only heighten your own fame as a saint. Im in agreement with General Krahe on this.

Lumi, not you too... Jeanne was about to say something, but Lumiere held up a hand to stop her.

Jeanne. General Krahe and I are giving our opinions for the sake of this country. I know youre my friend, but please dont interrupt me.

Ngh... This time it was Jeannes turn to be silenced.

Maria looked at Lumiere with a pained expression on her face.

Its true... My country has strength left to spare, but that doesnt mean we always will. If we expand to take as much land and people as we can, we may not be able to respond in a crisis. That could very well set off the chain reaction that causes it all to fall apart.

It is our duty as your retainers to do everything within our power to prevent that from happening.

It is my job as empress as well. And it is also my duty not to make choices which can result in such risks unless I absolutely have to.

But maam

Im sorry, Lumiere. Well have to end it there for today. Maria brought the conversation to a close and dismissed the two of them.

Once they had left the audience chamber, Jeannes shoulders slumped.

Darn it, Lumi... Shes totally become part of the hawkish faction inside the bureaucracy.

Maria set aside her persona as empress and was talking to Jeanne as her elder sister.

You two were friends, right?

Yes, weve known each other since the military academy. But Lumis shoulder was shattered in a training accident, and the lingering aftereffects of that disqualified her from becoming an officer. The surgeons we have now might have been able to do something for her, but medicine wasnt so developed back then. Before Sir Souma came to this world...

I see... And thats why she joined the bureaucracy?

Shes a hard worker by nature. Once her path to becoming a military officer was cut off, she couldnt simply sit around powerless and unmotivated. She did everything she could to make the transition to the bureaucracy, and made her way up to the top.

She sounds wonderful.

I respect her. Even now, Im proud to call her a friend. But...maybe because she was originally a military person, shes hawkish even now that shes become a bureaucrat. Shes become something like the leader to the bureaucrats upset with your passive strategy.

Jeanne looked like she had bitten into something unpleasant.

Shes serious and honest to a fault. Its hard to watch... Ive asked her several times, as a friend, to try to understand your feelings...but its just never worked...

I see... Maria murmured sadly before rising from the throne.

Turning around, she looked up to the Imperial flag hanging behind it.

For all this time, Ive worked to unite the people of this country. And at some point, they started holding me up as the Saint of the Empire. I never liked the name, but if it brings our hearts together... I thought I could live with it.

Sister... Jeanne choked, a pained look on her face.

With a sad smile, Maria responded, But now our hearts seem to be drifting apart.

Jeanne could say nothing in response.