Bilateral Discussion
The war situation report from Jin was promptly delivered to Mei at the headquarters of the Izrim Empire. There is no reason for Jin to delay his report. If he cannot make a decision on his own, he simply asks for the immediate judgment of someone who can. Even if such a response from Jin is insufficient for the subjects of the Lemberg Kingdom.
"......It seems there is a possibility that the Nord Empire is joining hands with the Eastern Alliance."
Mei shares the just-received information with her fellow heroes. It is not out of concern for the girls.
"No way..."
Manami is upset after hearing the report. Manami has just returned from the Nord Empire. That doesn't mean she would have been able to obtain such important information, but she still feels awkward.
"Does that mean that they moved first?"
"...I'm sorry. I don't know."
"I see. You were staying longer than I thought, so I thought you were getting a lot of information."
Obvious sarcasm. It was the first time that Mei had been this blunt with Manami.
"Because I've barely been able to talk to Ren."
"Even though you went to negotiate with him?"
"I couldn't get him to deal with me at all."
"...Then what were you doing?"
There was no negotiation at all. Then the question becomes, what was Manami doing in the Nord Empire? Even if she doesn't have any ill will toward her, it's a question she has to ask herself.
"...Talking with Kou"
"Kou... Ah, him. Come to think of it, you were good friends. So what were you talking about?"
Mei doesn't want to stop there because they are good friends. She is interested because she is a good friend of Kou.
"Umm... old stories, the current situation, and various things."
Manami is clearly upset. This honesty is unnecessary in this case. It only strengthens the other party's suspicions.
"What are the various things?"
As expected, Mei's tone became harsh.
"...He would like me to stay in the Nord Empire."
Manami confesses that she was solicited, leaving out the fact that Kou confessed to her. It was more difficult for Manami to confess that she had been confessed. In this case, too, she could have lightened the conversation by confessing that she had been confessed.
"So?"
"What do you mean by, so... I'm back."
Manami is surprised by Mei's question. To be honest, she didn't think she would be suspected.
"That's true, but... that's right. You can't do a skillful spy."
Mei also says unnecessary words. Not only did she let Manami know that she suspected she was a spy, but she also made other people listening to be aware of it.
"I won't betray everyone. That's why I came back."
Manami is teary-eyed at being treated as a spy. Seeing this, some people feel sorry for Manami. Unfortunately for Manami, not all of them do.
"Hey. Isn't that his plan to make you think that way? Isn't that why he kept Manami in his own country when he had no intention of negotiating?"
It is Maki who has defended Manami. Not only does she feel sympathy for her, but she also doesn't like the fact that Manami, who is in the same position as she is, is being viewed with suspicion.
"......That's certainly a possibility. I agree. I'm done with this story. But the report will continue, though."
It is not a good idea to say or do anything that will disrupt the relationship with her comrades. Who else would she trust if she doubted Manami and the others? With this thought in mind, Mei decided to stop pursuing Manami.
"Continuing, what are you talking about?"
"Ogawa-kun passed away."
"Eh!?" "No way!?"
"He was killed in a fight with Hayashi-kun. Hayashi-kun is probably already dead."
"……What do you mean?"
It's war. It is not surprising that two people died in the war. However, Maki still wants to know the details of the situation. She still felt a sense of camaraderie toward Ogawa and even toward Hayashi, who had turned against them.
"It was a surrender negotiation, but it looks like they couldn't come to an agreement and there was a fight. But Jin thinks it's a little strange."
"Strange?"
"Hayashi-kun was the one who requested negotiations. But at the actual negotiation, he didn't seem to have any intention to put an agreement together."
Jin has been reporting back to her about the detailed situation of the battle. Not only because of his meticulous nature, but also because he is uneasy about making decisions on his own regarding the Ren matter.
"He deceived them?"
"Probably. Hayashi-kun himself said that his purpose was to buy time, but that's also suspicious."
"... I don't understand."
"That's right. Let's move on a little further. Here's where the Nord Empire comes into play. There's a person who extended Hayashi-kun's life with recovery magic, who was about to die."
"...Ren-kun, isn't it?"
"If it was, I would say so. He's a former church member. He's also a member of the Anti-Hero Alliance. The person promised something to Hayashi-kun, and Hayashi-kun fulfilled that promise. Now, what do you think he promised?"
Mei's eyes are not on Maki, but on Manami. Manami's eyes were filled with large tears.
"Manami?"
Mei is surprised at that.
"...I talked to Hayashi before I went to the Nord Empire."
"Ah, that's right."
A person has died, even though she had just met him. Even if not, when she hears that a former classmate has passed away, Manami sheds tears. She thought it was strange.
"Hayashi-kun said that deciding to live in his country is the same as deciding to die in that country."
"……That's?"
There was a deeper reason why Manami was shedding tears. At this point, Mei doesn't know what it is, though.
"I wondered if Hayashi-kun had died for his country."
"What do you mean?"
"Hayashi-kun may have asked Ren to save his comrades in exchange for his own life."
Manami sees through the facts brilliantly. But the people around her were more surprised by Hayashi's resolution than by that. Manami's idea was not suddenly accepted.
"...Can he do that?"
Mei doesn't think Hayashi has that kind of self-sacrificing mind.
"That Hayashi? Is he that kind of a man?"
Same with Maki. She suspects that is not the case, based on her impression of Hayashi when they were classmates. Neither of them knew that Hayashi had changed since they were students.
"Hayashi-kun was a very mature man when he spoke to me face to face. I'm sure he would have done that."
But Manami is different. She already knows how Hayashi grows and is amazed by it. Manami explains it to the two of them.
"I see... if Manami says so."
Despite saying so, Mei still has her doubts. If she had doubts, she would have verified Jin's report in more detail, but she did not even try to do that.
Without pursuing what the promise was, they don't even know what the circumstances of that promise are. There was no way to know that the cooperation between the Nord Empire and the Eastern Alliance was still in its infancy.
Even so, Mei thought about how to fight the Eastern Alliance. Without sufficient information to make a decision, Mei's decision is the same cautious stance as Jin's. The invasion of the Eastern Alliance is a wait-and-see situation for the time being. Priority was given to tackling other problems.
They had no idea that the Nord Empire wanted that decision.
◇◇◇
The Costa Kingdom is a country located in the northwestern part of the continent. The Palom Plain in its territory is the meeting place designated by the Nord Empire. It is in the middle of the plain with no buildings around. It is a somewhat unusual location for a meeting between the heads of state, but the Luine Kingdom has no complaints. If the location allows for a far-reaching view, there is no need to worry about ambushing soldiers, although this is not absolute against the Nord Empire. It is not a bad place from the standpoint of escort.
The Luine Kingdom is encamped on the western side of the plain. Accompanying King Albert as an escort were the Platinum Knights. The most elite knight order of the Luine Kingdom.
"...It's late"
The Knight Commander of the Platinum Knights, Harrisman, muttered to himself at the camp. He was not the only one, but he represented the feelings of almost everyone present.
"It's coming soon."
A man from the Vampire race responded to the mutterings of Commander Harrisman. It was neither Baat nor anyone under Baat's command. He is a Vampire who belongs to the Nord Empire.
His role is to guide the way to this place, a watchman by name. Likewise, a knight from the Luine Kingdom is accompanying the Nord Empire Army on its way to this location. At some point, one of these knights will appear as a harbinger. As proof that there is no strange movement in the Nord Empire Army.
"...Why do you know?"
"Because there was a signal"
"Signal?"
The Knight Commander of the Platinum Knights, Harrisman, had no clue about the signal given by the vampire man. He shouldn't have changed anything.
"It is not a signal if you can recognize it. Is it not?"
"……I see."
Harrisman's line of sight turns to Baat, who is a little further away. He thought that Baat, a fellow vampire, would have noticed, but Baat responded by shaking his head.
Of course. There was no way he would use a signal that an enemy Vampire would recognize.
"I saw"
"What?"
Hearing the man's words, the Knight Commander of Platinum Knights, Harrisman, returned his gaze forward. But all he could see was the same scenery as before.
"It seems to me that he is not a knight of your country, but a watcher apart from it."
"......That is beyond the control of our country, I suppose."
The man discovered Baat's subordinates. Harrisman, on the other hand, is taken aback.
"Is that so? If so, there was no need to keep them alive, was there?"
"That's……"
"Since His Majesty decided to keep them alive, this is my personal opinion."
"…………"
A little harassment. He doesn't know if it was against them or against Baat, but that's what Harrisman understood.
Correct. To the Nord vampire race, Baat and the others are traitors who killed their king. Just as he said, personally, they're someone he wants to kill.
"Well, I saw the knight of your country. They will appear soon."
"It seems so."
This time, Harrisman's eyes also saw a horse running toward them through the forest. He can't feel relieved until he can clearly see that face, but it's not a problem. If there was a problem, Baat should have said something.
"They have arrived!"
A voice announcing the arrival of the knight ahead of them echoes through the camp. At about the same time, a military flag could be seen waving in front of them. At the moment, all they know is that it is a black flag, but it must be the flag of the Nord Empire.
Following it is a line of cavalry. And behind them, infantry units were following.
"......What are those troops?"
Feeling uncomfortable with the army that appeared, Harrisman asked the vampire man.
"His Majesty’s direct cavalry and the home army."
"Home army?"
"Is it easier to understand if I say the demon army?"
"What..."
In previous battles, the Nord Empire Army had not deployed the demons in earnest. Harrisman was upset by the appearance of the demon troops, and not only Harrisman but also the Royal Army of Luine Kingdom.
"Even if you're not surprised like that. Just as you care about King Luine, we also take care of His Majesty. That's all."
"But... such information..."
They haven't received any information that a demon unit is accompanying them. Without thinking about it, Harrisman said it.
"It is an insult to us to think that we are the same as the demons you have. This time, we went out of our way to show it to you."
"......I beg your pardon."
Compared to the demons of the former Demon King's army, they are one step higher in the Nord Empire. It's certainly valuable information. Even if getting it made them more anxious.
"I'm going to the meeting place."
King Albert, who had been silently listening, opened his mouth.
"But Your Majesty."
"We came here for a meeting. Not to fight. Besides, what can we do now?"
"......I understand. His Majesty is leaving! Pull the horses!"
At Harrisman's command, the surroundings began to move in a hurry. Horses are drawn for King Albert and Princess Grace. Harrisman and Baat were supposed to accompany him.
"This meeting is between our country and the Luine Kingdom. Outsiders are asked to stay out."
"...I was hired as an escort."
"Escort... do you need an escort for a peaceful meeting? His Majesty should think that a one-on-one meeting is fine."
"But――"
"Baat-dono! Stay out from this."
Harrisman stopped Baat from protesting. If the Nord Empire doesn't accept it, it can't be helped. They don't have to force themselves.
"……I understand."
Baat did not think that he had lost the opportunity to talk to Ren. Under the circumstances, he would not be taken seriously even if he accompanied them. He decided that he would have to think of another way.
The three horsemen advance, with King Albert in the lead. In fact, there was also a knight pulling Princess Grace's horse, and the four of them were heading to the place. A little later, four men from the Nord Empire side also advanced. They were to match with the Luine Kingdom.
The first to arrive at the meeting place was the side of the Luine Kingdom, which had moved first. It was not specifically designated. They chose a location near the middle of the positions of the two armies.
"……I see."
King Albert mutters to himself as he sees Ren approaching. The atmosphere of the approaching Ren is different from the one he had seen in the past. It was a sense of supremacy befitting the Emperor of the Nord Empire.
"I've kept you waiting a bit, haven't I?"
These are Ren's first words. The atmosphere he felt just now vanished in an instant.
"...No, it's no problem."
"I see. That was good. I thought it might be hard to talk with you on horseback, so I got you a chair. It seems there are some unfamiliar people over there."
When Ren told them this, the man from the beastman race who had accompanied him had begun to arrange the chairs. The Luine Kingdom is not going to refuse the offer. King Albert has no intention of refusing.
"It seems you have taken a lot of trouble for it. I will be grateful to use it."
King Albert dismounted his horse. Seeing that, Harrisman reluctantly descended to the ground. In fact, he wanted King Albert to remain on horseback so that he could escape quickly in case of emergency.
"Well, I don't know the etiquette for this. What should we start with?"
"It's not the first time we've met, but let me say hello again. I'm Albert Phillips Luine, King of the Luine Kingdom."
"Emperor of the Nord Empire, Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz"
The meeting began with the introduction of each other's names.
"Thank you for accepting my offer of a meeting."
"I just accepted it because I also needed it. I don't think you should be thanking me."
"Hoh. Is it okay to think that we can have a positive conversation?"
There is something on the side of the Nord Empire that demands a meeting. Ren's words indicate that. For King Albert, it is good information, though not optimistic.
"I guess it depends on what you mean by positive. In this case, do you want to hear what we want first?"
"This is the meeting I proposed. I should do it."
"Then let me ask you for that."
"I want to form an alliance with your country."
"Impossible."
Far from being a positive discussion, Ren showed his rejection of the alliance in one word.
"Reason?"
On the other hand, King Albert remained calm. From the beginning, he didn't think it would be easy to come to a conclusion.
"Because there is no need for an alliance here. An alliance only brings one-sided benefits to you."
"What do you think about the Izrim Empire?"
The purpose of the alliance was to jointly attack the Izrim Empire. King Albert doesn't think the Nord Empire has any benefits at all.
"As a country? Or as an individual?"
"...As an individual"
This is the place to negotiate alliances between countries. Even so, King Albert asked for Ren's thoughts. Emperor Ren's idea is the same as the idea of the Nord Empire. This is not the only reason. He wanted to know Ren's thoughts as an individual, not as an emperor.
"I see. That's right."
"I can’t allow the violent acts of the heroes of the Izrim Empire. I will stop them at all costs. That is my idea."
Moreover, King Albert stated his thoughts first. By doing so, he is trying to get Ren to speak his mind.
"The cause of the violence is also in the Luine Kingdom. Don't you think so?"
"I think so. That's why I can't leave the situation as it is. Believe it or not, it's up to you, but the fight against the Izrim Empire is different from conquering the continent. That's what I think."
Many people are suffering from the hero's rampage. It is their responsibility to invite that hero into this world and try to use it. That's why they have to stop them themselves. King Albert thinks so.
"If that were the case, there would be no need for alliances. We can do what we want without worrying about others."
"Yes. And you do."
Ren is acting to fulfill his own purpose. No matter who he makes enemies with, he has pushed through with it. But King Albert cannot do that. He doesn't fear defeat. His defeat is for those who don't want death.
"...Not so much these days."
"Is it so?"
"Don't you think it's a pain in the ass when other people expect you to do things?"
People are gathering around Ren. The expectations of those people bothered Ren.
The fact that he came to think that way shows the change in Ren's mind. The feeling that it is annoying is not the same as ignoring it.
"......No, I believe that the desire to meet those expectations is what makes me grow."
"Seriously. As expected of the king of the great power Luine Kingdom?"
"Now that sounds like sarcasm to me."
He was proud to be a member of the royal family of the Luine Kingdom, the crown prince. He has not lost it now, but his feelings are a little different than they once were.
"I didn't mean to, but?"
"In this turmoil, I have not been able to do anything. Before the war began, I thought that our country was the center of it..."
"In a country that was called a great power, only the Luine Kingdom remains unchanged even now. I think it's a better one."
"...I don't feel like I'm being comforted."
"That's right. I'm not trying to comfort you."
Ren has no reason to comfort King Albert. He was just stating a fact.
"...My country, no, what was I missing?"
"Eh? You're asking me that?"
"I ask people who know what I don't know. I think it's a matter of course."
"Even so, there is no obligation to tell the person being asked about their weaknesses."
"That's true."
Even if Ren accepts the alliance, the relationship between the Luine Kingdom and the Nord Empire will not change, even though a place for talks has been set up. At best, they will stop proclaiming themselves as enemies.
"But I'll tell you this time."
"Eh?"
"It's my personal opinion, and even if I tell you that, you won't be able to fix it. What is lacking is the resolve to lose everything. Is that the difference between the results we're getting now?"
"...I see. It certainly can't be fixed."
Even if the Luine Kingdom is destroyed. King Albert doesn't have that kind of resolve. He has a responsibility to protect his own country. That's what makes him the king.
"Well, how about this time?"
"This time?"
"If you lose, the Luine Kingdom will perish. Are you ready for that?"
"......Even if we don't fight, the result will be the same."
Coexistence with the Izrim Empire is not possible. There is no choice but to fight. That's what King Albert thinks.
"On the condition that the current system is maintained, it is fine to obey the Izrim Empire. Then the Luine Kingdom will remain. People will not suffer from war. Or do you still seek hegemony?"
"That's……"
King Albert is at a loss for words at Ren's question. Willing to sacrifice people for his own greed. King Albert received Ren's question like this.
"There's no way we can do that! We, the subjects, want to be ruled by His Majesty!"
Instead of King Albert, who was at a loss for words, the one who shouted loudly was the Commander of the Platinum Knights, Harrisman, who was standing behind him. Harrisman's role is an escort. Originally, he was not allowed to interfere in the talks. He himself knew that, but seeing how upset King Albert was, he couldn't help but raise his voice.
"That's what your retainer says, though."
Without blaming Harrisman for what he said, Ren continued.
"...If it's just to protect the people of our country, that might be possible."
"Your Majesty!?"
"But! I want to protect the people of the continent! I can't turn a blind eye to the people's suffering!"
The conquest of the continent is also for the betterment of the people's lives. King Albert was so shaken by Ren's words that he remembered his own forgotten aspirations.
"Yeah. From now on, you will call yourself the savior."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. I cannot accept your request. So I'll tell you what I will accept."
"…… Let's listen to it."
The story is about to reach its conclusion. For King Albert, he would like to continue the discussion, but he cannot refuse.
"A mutual non-aggression pact for one year."
"...What do you mean by non-aggression?"
Whether or not the duration is appropriate, it is what they were asking for. That is why King Albert suspects that there is something behind it.
"You're cautious. Of course. Not only military action, but also no kind of trickery that you would be wary of. Of course, this includes indirect actions. By indirect, I mean anything that would induce another country to attack, or to execute a ruse on their behalf."
"...How can you prove something indirect?"
It is not easy to know if they are actually reaching out to other countries.
"We have to believe it. Each other."
"...That's right."
The Luine Kingdom is overwhelmingly at a disadvantage when it comes to scheming. The Nord Empire's intelligence capabilities would be able to uncover any attempts to influence other countries that the Luine Kingdom would not be able to understand. Even knowing this, if they wanted to conclude negotiations, they would have no choice but to say it.
"Then, we will discuss the detailed conditions separately, but is it okay to agree to proceed with the conclusion of the treaty?"
"…Is it possible to change the period to two years, no, three years?"
A year is too short. The worst-case scenario could happen when the battle with the Izrim Empire reaches its climax, and the Nord Empire joins the war as an enemy.
"Three years... is that really necessary?"
"It's necessary. Wining the battle and be done with it. I don't think of it that way."
In fact, it could go either way, win or lose. But King Albert believes that you can lose in a year, but not win in a year. If he expands his territory just to win the battle, he will become the same as the current Izrim Empire.
"Is that so? Then in three years."
Without thinking long and hard, Ren accepted the extension of the term. He didn't think it would take a year from the beginning.
"Then, from our side――"
King Albert's gaze turns to Grace sitting next to him with a stiff expression. So Ren knew what King Albert was trying to say.
"I don't need a hostage... Ah, no, wait."
Ren interrupted him to prevent him from speaking until the end, but he said something like he changed his mind halfway through.
"No!"
The one who reacted to that was Shizuku, who was standing behind him.
"I haven't said anything yet."
"I know without you saying it. I have no intention of being a hostage."
Under the pretext of being a hostage, he is trying to get rid of Shizuku. Putting aside whether he was serious or not, that was what Ren was trying to say.
"You don't have the authority to decide that. In the first place, you shouldn't have the right to be here."
"Ara, have you forgotten? I am Ren's Royal Guard. It's only natural that I should be by your side."
"……Is that so? I thought you were the advisor?"
Royal Guard is Shizuku's treatment as determined at the [Hero Selection Ceremony]. However, Shizuku's current position is that of an adviser. However, this was also something that Ren came up with on the spot, so nothing remains official. In the end, the title of saint is the only thing people recognize, but that is not a government post either.
"Since I am treated like this, I have no value as a hostage. We don't even need a hostage from your side."
Shizuku cannot accept not only that she will be driven away, but also that a new woman will come to Ren's side.
"But……"
They don't want to take Princess Grace hostage. However, King Albert believes that it is necessary to guarantee that the treaty would be honored.
"That woman is right. We don't need hostages. Whether we have hostages or not, nothing will change here."
"...Only to believe is."
"I didn't say that. I don't care if you doubt me. We won't let our guard down just because we signed a treaty."
"But then"
The treaty is meaningless. The Luine Kingdom wants to devote all of its energy to the fight against the Izrim Empire.
"The Nord Empire never breaks its promises. This is absolute."
Ren's gaze became sharper. King Albert felt as if the atmosphere he had felt when he first appeared was rising from Ren's body again.
"Our country also does not break its promises. This is absolute."
Without being overwhelmed by that atmosphere, King Albert returns the words.
"Then, there's no problem. Negotiations have been completed."
"Y-yeah."
King Albert is perplexed that Ren's atmosphere relaxed. The purpose of the meeting is not only to negotiate a non-war, but also to get to know Ren's character. However, there is nothing to understand at all. In fact, it is even more confusing.
"Um!?"
At this point, an unexpected person spoke up. It was Princess Grace with a stiff face. Her stiffened face hasn't changed at all.
"……Anything wrong?"
"Would you like to talk a little more?"
"Yes?" "No!"
Voices of doubt and rejection. The rejection is, of course, Shizuku's voice.
"There is something that Millianea-sama has also asked me to do. If the talk is settled, I would like to talk a little bit unrelated to the negotiations."
"Oh, if that's the case, I'll ask you too."
"Yes?"
In addition, King Albert also asked for the continuation of the talks. Talks that have nothing to do with negotiations.
"I have something for you. To Shizuku-dono."
"Eh? Me?"
"Yeah. I owe you an apology. I don't think a gift will make up for it, but still, I thought it was better than nothing. What do you think?"
Naturally, this is an excuse. Negotiations with Ren are not easy. Not even if it is about non-war, which is the main goal, but just to have time for a conversation. Knowing this, the Luine Kingdom thought of attacking from the back.
"Yes. Thank you very much."
"You idiot!"
"It's fine. It's rather rude to refuse."
"Then, go pick it up yourself."
"Don't worry about that. I'll bring it over here."
He won't let them do that. King Albert had prepared a gift for Ren as an excuse to keep him there.
"...What are you thinking?"
"Nothing behind your back. I just want to talk to you more. That's all. I don't know anything about you."
Looking straight into Ren's eyes, King Albert said this. There's nothing wrong with that. With that in mind.
"...Ruba."
"Ha"
The one who answered Ren's call was a beastman.
"Guide Harrisman-dono. Make sure he is safe."
"...Ha"
"It will soon be dark. If you want to continue the conversation, let's move to a different location. We'll provide the location for you, but I know you won't feel safe, so you and Ruba will go there first."
"That's……"
He knows that the conversation between Ren and Ruba was to confirm that there was no trickery. But it's not as if he's going to go ahead and be reassured by it.
"Harrisman. Be grateful for their hospitality."
Harrisman's hesitation was rendered useless by King Albert. There is no point in having doubts here.
"...Ha"
"So, are we going to continue on our way?"
"Either way. But won't the people there be worried?"
"...That's right. Go back to the camp and tell everyone. Encamp here. Wait for us to return."
King Albert asked the knight who had pulled Grace's horse to deliver the message.
"...Ha"
King Albert's message meant that he would not take any of his subjects except Harrisman. The knight was puzzled by this, but he could not express his opinion as long as Harrisman was already following his orders. As ordered, he headed for the camp of the Luine Kingdom.
"Shouldn't you go too?"
King Albert urged him to depart, as Harrisman was still there. He was expressing his intention that there was no need to make sure of his safety.
"……I understand."
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