Wish for Death
A mountainous region in the southwestern part of the Izrim Magic Kingdom. Grants is located near a river flowing from that mountainous region. It is a small town inhabited by people who depend on the blessings of the mountains and the river for their livelihood.
This small town is the hideout of the forces that oppose the Elected King, Mei. However, it has not always been like that. They just drifted here after moving from place to place.
"...I see. The Lotus family also followed the false king."
Hearing the report, Millianea shows a sad face. One of the noble families has also come out in support of Mei. Hearing a report like this, she gets depressed.
"It might be better to move to another place."
"You mean they know about this place?"
"Yes"
The Lotus family was an ally. They had been able to contact them to receive support. If they have turned against them, they must assume that they know where they are.
"...Even if it's a different place."
The forces supporting Milianea are now quite small. Recapturing the Izrim Magic Kingdom is just a dream.
"How about joining forces with the rebel forces of the Lemberg Empire?"
"Even if you say we join..."
Milianea had fled from the Lemberg Empire.
"It's a pity that there are so many fools who follow the false king."
"I can't blame them."
"Why!? They are traitors!"
Hearing Millianea's words, the retainer became enraged. In this harsh situation, for those who continue to follow Millianea, people who follow Mei are unforgivable.
Words defending them, even if they came from the mouth of Milianea, were unforgivable.
"I couldn't stop them because I didn't have the power. I'm the one who should be blamed."
"That kind of thing is……"
"Or is this what it is like to be an Elected King? When an Elected King is replaced, that family is just another family."
This definitely has an impact as well. Milianea is just the daughter of the Elected King at that time. She's not the kind of person who can gather people's loyalty based on her bloodline alone.
"I think it's too early to give up."
"I'm not giving up. I just can't think of a next move."
A way out of this situation. She doesn't think there is a way to recover from this situation. The first thing to do is to find a safe place.
"...Let's move to a safe place first. That's the top priority right now."
It's the same with the retainer who can't come up with a plan. The only thing that comes to their minds is to escape from this place before their pursuers come.
"A safe place... I can't even think of any."
Nobles are changing sides one after another. Even if they say they're an ally now, it won't be the same tomorrow. She doesn't know where the nobles she can rely on are.
"Do you still want to go to the Lemberg Empire?"
"There's no guarantee that we'll get there safely."
"But if there is even the slightest chance..."
"...That's right. That might be possible."
Milianea doesn't think it's a good thing to head to the Lemberg Empire. However, she also thinks that it is her role to act according to her subjects' wishes when she has reached this point.
It's her responsibility for getting them involved in a battle with a slim chance of winning.
"Could you please stop with such a careless thought?"
"Eh!?" "Who!?"
The sudden voice made the knights furious.
"Well, calm down. I'm not your enemy."
"……You are?"
Milianea has experienced a scene similar to this. At that time, someone from the Nord Empire suddenly appeared. Now for this time.
"Fox. I serve the Nord Emperor."
"As I thought."
After all, he is Ren's subject. It was Fox, a former guild soldier.
"Have you been reassured?"
"How can I be at ease against the Nord Empire?"
No carelessness or openings. Ren is such an existence. Even last time, considering the current situation, it's difficult to say whether it really helped.
"At least I'm not going to do you any harm right now. What about this?"
"......Yes. I'll take your word for it."
If they were willing to do harm, they would have already done so. Fox had approached them with no sign of it at all.
"Now then. What do you mean by returning after escaping from the Lemberg Empire?"
"I have nowhere else to go"
"Have you considered it enough?"
"I don't have any allies in this country that I can trust. Even if they are our allies now, they could betray us at any moment."
"I see... you thought about that much?"
Naturally, Fox knew the current state of the Izrim Magic Kingdom. Fox, who was a former guild soldier, had always worked to build an intelligence network different from that of the demons.
"Another noble has become an enemy. It's only a matter of time before this place is known. They may be on their way."
"Not likely, but there is no doubt that danger is approaching."
"...What do you know?"
"The noble families around the area are moving their armies. The purpose is to defeat the army of the Luine Kingdom that has invaded the territory."
"Luine Kingdom's Army? That's..."
Knowing that the Luine Kingdom has invaded, Milianea is upset. Before she can recapture the Izrim Magic Kingdom, she is robbed by the Luine Kingdom. That's what she thought.
"And the goal of the Luine Kingdom's Army is you."
"Eh……?"
"Rescuing you is the purpose of the Luine Kingdom"
"...Why would the Luine Kingdom help me?"
Milianea does not remember being supported by the Luine Kingdom.
"Please ask King Luine about that. If you escape in one piece, that is."
"...Are you telling me to go to the Luine Kingdom?"
"Do you have any other options? You are the one who said that there is no place for you in the Izrim Magic Kingdom."
"That's right, but……"
The Luine Kingdom is an enemy country. Milianea is reluctant to rely on it. She doesn't think the Luine Kingdom is a safe place in the first place.
"I thought they would do a little better, but I was disappointed. I didn't expect them to be destroyed by the Elected King's side so quickly."
"Was the plan unsuccessful?"
"Rather than failing in their plan, they can't help you at this rate. The Nord Empire can't break its promise. This credibility will crumble."
"...I'm sorry for that. I didn't think I would cause trouble for the Nord Empire because of my lack of power."
Is there such a thing as trust in the Nord Empire? Milianea thinks so. She can't help but know one side of the Nord Empire.
"So I will ask you to make an escape to a safe place. So this time, this one is off the hook."
"...Is the Luine Kingdom a safe place?"
"I think it's far better than here. You might get into a little trouble, but whether it's good or bad is up to you."
"What kind of trouble?"
"Wouldn't it be fun to find out?"
"……I see."
She doesn't want to talk to the other party. That much she does know.
"The Luine Kingdom's army is approaching here. As a result, it will attract the surrounding noble armies. So you should leave this place immediately."
"How did the Luine Kingdom's Army know about this place?"
"Because I told them."
"……I see."
In other words, one of the reasons why this place is in danger is because of Fox. And now that that has happened, Milianea has no choice but to leave the place.
It's not all Fox's fault, but still, Milianea feels like she's being set up.
"Shall we go then?"
"Tell me one thing. What advantage does the Nord Empire gain from this?"
"Do you think I'll tell you?"
"You won't."
"You're right. Then let's go."
As a result, the Luine Kingdom's Army, the Black Iron Knights who invaded the Izrim Magic Kingdom withdrew to their own country without engaging in any kind of battle.
And with Milianea, the leader of the rebellious forces, gone, the nobles of the Izrim Magic Kingdom are united under Mei, the Elected King.
The rebellion brought about has come to an end.
◇◇◇
The central square in the capital of the Lemberg Empire. A large number of people had gathered and were staring at the other side of the fence with complex expressions on their faces. What can be seen beyond the fence, which is much higher than the people, is a huge black blade. It is the decapitation platform on which it is built.
Finally, today, Emperor Lemberg and Princess Rosa Linde would be executed.
As the Izrim Magic Kingdom has settled down, Mei has decided to do so. Jin had been making arrangements for the executions in accordance with that decision, but he did not expect it to turn out this way. It was not something that Jin, as a person from another world, would have wished for so many people to see him kill someone.
However, even if Jin did not want to do so, the people around him would not allow it. For them, this was the norm.
Of course, they do not intend to make a spectacle of the execution. A former emperor's life is taken in public. This is a change of power, a reminder that the Lemberg Empire has fallen. It is meant to be a break.
When strongly told that this is the way it is, Jin cannot refuse it. The Izrim Magic Kingdom may have settled down, but the Lemberg Empire is still in a state of flux. He cannot do anything that would turn away the feelings of those who have pledged their vassalage. As a result, though, the day has come in the way that those around him had hoped.
"...All the resentment is on Jin. That's what it is."
Satoko is not satisfied with this situation.
"I didn't give the order."
"Yes. Katsuragi-san gave the order. But the people here don't know that. They think Jin is trying to kill the emperor."
Jin is the highest authority in this place right now. He is not aware that he is the authority, but if they say that he is the one in charge, he will admit that they are right.
"...I'm just a knight commander. Everyone knows that the order was given by Mei."
"In their heads, yes. But what is actually in front of them is Jin. I'm sure the resentment will be directed at Jin rather than at Katsuragi-san, whom they've never seen before."
"Even if that's the case, it can't be helped. I'm also the reason why this happened."
What they did to be free. As a result, Emperor Lemberg and Princess Rosa Linde will be executed. Jin doesn't think he's not responsible.
"You're a good-natured person. That's why you always draw the short end of the stick."
"Even so, I have no complaints."
"I see"
Satoko complains about Jin's naivete, and Jin, annoyed by her complaint, retorts. It's the usual exchange. But these days, no matter how much she says, Jin doesn't listen, and Satoko is a little resigned to stop pestering him.
She knows that Jin doesn't like her saying it. It is not something to say until he hates it.
"Knight Commander. It's about time."
When the conversation between the two was interrupted, he wasn't waiting for that, but his subordinate told him that preparations were complete.
"......I understand. Let's begin."
Jin's words become the order to start the execution. The surrounding people start to move in a hurry. The movement signaled the beginning of the execution to the assembled crowd.
Low voices could be heard from the surroundings. Whether it was a voice of sadness, resentment, or another emotion, Jin could not tell. It was just not pleasant to listen to.
The voice became louder and louder.
Emperor Lemberg had been brought out. Emperor Lemberg is walking toward the decapitation platform. Although he is tied behind his back, he still stands tall and walks with dignity. This is his last stand.
His steps up the stairs are steady. When he comes to the decapitation platform, he kneels down and places his head on the platform.
The executioner looks at him and turns his attention to Jin. In response, Jin nodded silently. This is the signal for execution.
The next moment, an inaudible groan echoed around the area, and Emperor Lemberg's head rolled over the platform.
"...C-can I leave my seat for a moment?"
In an attempt to enhance her own position, Satoko sat next to Jin, acting as if she were a key figure in the Izrim Magic Kingdom. But it seems she could not bear the sight before her.
"Yeah. No need to overdo it."
Jin wanted to get up from his seat as well. A fresh head and a corpse that had lost its head. Blood overflowed from the severed surface. It was a cruel sight, but it did not make him sick. If it is a corpse, he has seen plenty of them on the battlefield.
The execution is not over yet. Next is Princess Rosa Linde. Even Jin, who thought that the execution of Emperor Lemberg would be inevitable, strongly resisted executing her, who was nothing more than a princess. However, regardless of Jin's thoughts, things proceed.
Princess Rosa Linde emerged from the carriage she was riding in. Like Emperor Lemberg, she is about to be executed, but she doesn't look frightened at all, and she also shows a dignified appearance.
Princess Rosa Linde slowly headed to the platform. When the people of the city saw her, their sobbing voices leaked out. Even the people who were afraid of the Izrim Magic Kingdom army and endured it became unbearable when Princess Rosa Linde was about to be executed.
Princess Rosa Linde standing in front of the decapitation platform. But unlike Emperor Lemberg, she didn't immediately fall to her knees.
"...Today, I will lose my life here! By the hands of a cowardly hero!"
Princess Rosa Linde speaks to people. The Executioner by her side is wondering whether to stop it. The Executioner is not from the Izrim Magic Kingdom. There are people who specialize in the far from an honorable profession of executing the death penalty. It's a low-ranking job that can't even be counted among civilians.
This execution was also entrusted to the person who held that position in the Lemberg Empire.
"It's because of my powerlessness! I know that!"
Princess Rosa Linde's words continue. Normally, even the executioner who would immediately stop it would feel hesitant when dealing with Princess Rosa Linde, who could not be called a sinner. She is not a sinner, she is the princess of the country to him.
"Somebody! Shut her up!"
A knight from the Izrim Magic Kingdom yells at Princess Rosa Linde to shut up. To which they replied.
"Rude! You dare to silence Her Imperial Highness! Who the hell are you!"
"Cowards! Are you guys still knights!?"
"Don’t you feel embarrassed!?"
These were the angry voices of the people of the capital.
The tension in the army of the Izrim Magic Kingdom spread at once in this situation. It was not enough to silence Princess Rosa Linde. The people might start a riot.
Of course, the preparations are sufficient and suppression is possible. However, if the blood of many people were to be shed here, a disturbing atmosphere could spread throughout the city. If that happens, the stability of the Lemberg Empire will become even more distant.
Under these tense circumstances, it was Jin who made the move.
"If there is anything you want to talk about, you can say it until the end. Whether it is a grudge or a will. Speak as you wish."
What Jin chose was not to suppress, but to show tolerance.
"...Do you think it's a loser's howl?"
"I don't think so. I think it's natural to be hated."
"Even if I admit my fault, I can't bring myself to forgive you guys. You chose the worst way."
"That may be so. You may be right, but you have chosen the worst means as well. Don't you know how much of a sin it is to force someone to obey?"
Jin also has a point. They deceived the heroes into subjugation by magic. That sin is also unforgivable.
"You who blame it are also trying to do the same."
"We want freedom! We will not enslave people!"
"You force people to obey you. How is that different from doing it with magic?"
"You have freedom of choice!"
It's different from being forced to obey with magic. The people of the Lemberg Empire have the freedom to rebel. That's what Jin wants to say.
"If we disobey, we will be killed. Is that what you call freedom of choice?"
"...You have the right to choose death."
"Then why didn't you die? Was suicide restricted to you?"
"That's……"
He doesn't know if it was restricted. Jin hasn't tried it. For he chose servitude over death.
"Seeking freedom is something a person with power can say. You have that power, the people don't."
"...Even so, we chose to fight."
It's not an action with a high chance of winning. If they had failed, they could have been in even worse shape. It is also possible that they would lose their lives.
"Yes. You fought and we lost."
"Exactly."
"Today, the Lemberg Empire will perish! Even so, the grudge against you guys will not disappear! Even if I die, someone will continue to hold a grudge against you!"
"So what! We are prepared for such things! No matter who hates us, we will get our freedom! And we will spread our freedom to the world!"
Jin shouted in a voice as loud as Princess Rosa Linde's. This could be just a quarrel. Even so, he cannot lose. He cannot let them deny everything he does.
"…You say that domination by force is justice?"
"As the princess of the Lemberg Empire, you are not qualified to say that. The Lemberg Empire ruled small countries with force. I am sure there are many people in the small countries who have a grudge against the Lemberg Empire."
"…………"
Just as Jin said, the Lemberg Empire ruled the small countries with force. They tried to rule the continent by force. Even though she was not directly involved in it, as a princess, Rosa Linde is not qualified to criticize rule by force.
"Perhaps we all aimed for the same thing. But we are the winners and we will carry on. We will bring peace to the continent."
"...I'm sick of you pretending to be a good person like that."
"What?"
"You pretend to be a good person, but what you do is the exact opposite! People like you are called hypocrites!"
Princess Rosa Linde moved to a personal attack on Jin. She lost the argument, but Jin couldn't stand this personal attack.
"Hypocrite… what part of me is a hypocrite!?"
"You're a hypocrite, aren't you? You're not at fault. You always make that face. But in reality, your hands are dirty. You just don't want to admit it."
"…………"
His hands are dirty. Even Jin knows that. He knows, but when it's criticized head-on, it makes him feel indescribably frustrated.
"I hope the heroes perish! That is my last wish! I will give my life here! So, please! Let there be a divine punishment for the heroes!"
The last thing Princess Rosa Linde wanted to leave behind was a curse on the heroes. Nothing could be done, nothing could Princess Rosa Linde do. Even if it was nothing more than harassment, she could do nothing. She wanted to express the feelings that had been building up in her heart.
That was all, though.
"Divine Punishment... that's impossible."
"Eh?" "Wha?"
The one who responded to Princess Rosa Linde's curse was a childish voice.
"The heavens will not grant your wish. Even if you were to shout to the heavens, you would have to shout to the moon."
"...You are?" "You..."
Princess Rosa Linde doesn't know the girl who suddenly appeared in front of her. Jin, on the other hand, knows.
"Luna is Ren's wife."
"Ren…… the Nord Emperor!?"
Princess Rosa Linde's surprise spread all around her. The word [Nord Emperor] made the armies of the Izrim Magic Kingdom tremble, and the people of the capital wondered why the name of the Nord Emperor was mentioned here.
"What are you here for?"
Jin was surprised by Luna's appearance as well.
"What? I came here because I am curious about something."
That can't be true. There was no way that even Luna would be able to hear a conversation taking place at a distance.
"Curious about something?"
"It's about destroying the heroes."
"What!?"
"We will grant your wish. Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz, not the heavens. That's why you should ask the Nord Emperor, not the heavens."
Ignoring Jin's surprised expression, Luna spoke to Princess Rosa Linde. It's a disturbing conversation for Jin.
"…Will it come true if I make a wish?"
"From the bottom of his heart, Ren will always reach out to those who wish to throw away everything they have. The Nord Emperor, Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz, is such a person."
"...Then I'll make a wish. Please, Kaiser Ren Breitkreuz-sama, Nord Emperor! I'll give you everything I have! So please, death to the heroes! Let them perish!"
"That wish! I certainly heard it!"
Luna responds to Princess Rosa Linde's wish.
"Until that day comes, rest in peace, Rosa Linde Ruben, with your beloved husband."
"Ah……"
Rosa Linde only now learns of her husband Heinz's death.
"You'll meet soon. That's why Luna came here."
"……Yes"
Hearing Luna's words, Princess Rosa Linde smiles. A black shadow envelops her. When she thinks it spreads over her entire body, there is a strong flash of light.
People's eyes are blinded by the dazzling light. When it clears, they see a sphere of light rising into the sky.
"What in the world?"
What was Luna doing here? Jin still does not know.
"You don't know. And you don't need to know. Well then, goodbye."
Luna also disappeared with a dazzling light. For those who don't know anything about it, it just seems like a miracle.
The mention of the Nord's name naturally led some people to believe that Luna was a demon. However, just because they are demons does not mean that they can wipe out a person in an instant and disappear themselves as well. People with limited knowledge of the demons do not understand this.
What they did know was that the last person Princess Rosa Linde turned to was the Nord Emperor. Even if they did not know what that meant, those who remained loyal to Princess Rosa Linde had high expectations.
That Princess Rosa Linde's wish would be fulfilled. That the Nord Emperor would fulfill his promise.
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