Hero Rebellion
The battle between the Elected King Selim and the Elected Court of the Izrim Magic Kingdom is reaching its climax. The two sides are going to settle the dispute through a magic battle, as is typical of the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
In fact, this is not what the Elected Court wants. The Elected Court's idea was to push through the battle between the armies with the superior numerical strength of its own camp.
What interfered with this was the nobles who had remained neutral. Fighting within the country would give other countries an opening to take advantage of them. Those who thought so strongly wanted to settle the dispute through a magic battle.
If they refused, the neutral nobles would stand on the side of Elected King Selim. The Elected Court would not be able to reject the proposal. If the difference in numbers was filled, the two armies would lose the chance to win the battle.
Thus, a magic battle was to be held. In the magic battle, the Elected King's side had an overwhelming advantage in numbers. But the question was who would fight first. Everyone knew that in order for the Elected Court to win, they would need to sacrifice some of their own to fight first.
"If you don't want to fight, it will be my win. Is that okay?"
Elected King Selim spits out some strong words toward those in the Elected Court who are not willing to come forward. It would be a joyous occasion for Elected King Selim if it were to end like this, but here he is showing his strength.
"I won't let you win!"
"What?"
A woman's voice came back from the side of the Elected Court, where there should have been only men. The owner of the voice was Mei, who was supposed to have gone to support Elected King Selim.
"...What do you mean?"
"I will be your opponent."
"It is not the place of someone from another country."
"Ara? Isn't the original nationality of the chosen king of the Izrim Magic Kingdom irrelevant?"
"...I see."
The Elected King of the Izrim Magic Kingdom is the one with the greatest magic ability. Even if they are from another country.
In reality, it is decided by the Elected Court, and people from another country are unlikely to be recognized as kings. But there have been exceptions in the past.
"You seem to agree. Shall we begin?"
Elected King Selim was not convinced. He just understood Mei's plan. But to come this far and refuse to fight is not something Mei can accept. This is a big gamble for Mei that will affect her life for the rest of her life.
Mei starts chanting magic. Then Elected King Selim had no choice but to respond. Their chanting voices overlapped.
"Flaming Hell Explosion!"
"Absolute Wall of Water!"
The huge flames released by Mei attacked Elected King Selim. A huge wall of water stood in front of it. The moment the two magics collided, a huge volume of steam blocked people's vision.
Furthermore, Mei's magic manifests and attacks Elected King Selim. Elected King Selim prevents it with defensive magic, but Mei's magic doesn't stop.
"...I didn't expect this."
When it comes to magic, Mei is the strongest among the heroes. Even Elected King Selim knew that. But the current situation is more than Elected King Selim thought. He was unable to find any opportunity to counterattack.
However, it's not like Mei can afford it either. She had no intention of losing in terms of magic ability, but she had to admit that she was inferior in terms of experience. Mei was trying to overcome the difference in experience and skill by brute force.
"You're stubborn. How about this!"
She can't let the attack stop. Mei unleashes her powerful magic one after another.
"...No way."
Elected King Selim wasn't the only one surprised by this. The members of the Elected Court, who have been robbed of their opponent, are as surprised or even more surprised than Elected King Selim.
"What are we going to do? What if she wins?"
Mei has declared that she wants to be the Elected King. This is unacceptable to the Elected Court.
"If it comes down to a showdown"
Even if one of them survives, if they are weak in the battle, they can defeat it themselves. They thought so.
"...In that case, who will be the Elected King?"
"What?"
An unexpected question came from behind.
"Y-you guys..."
It was Manami who was standing behind the members of the Elected Court. Not just Manami. Other members were also there.
"Are you going to kill each other?"
Manami continued her question, ignoring the upset people.
"Killing each other..."
"Then you will discuss and decide the king? Who will it be?"
"""…………"""
No one can answer Manami's question. It's something they've avoided discussing for a long time. Don't let internal divisions occur over the throne of the elected king.
"Whoever becomes the Elected King, Mei will challenge that person. You know that, right?"
"......So what?"
"To fulfill your duties as an Elected Official. Isn't that what is best for you?"
"Are you asking us to follow the hero?"
"No. I'm asking you to go through the formal procedures and follow the Elected King who has obtained the qualification."
"But……"
They did not try to completely deny Mei's appointment as king. It means that there is room for consideration. Originally, what they were looking for was not the status of an Elected King, but the privilege of being a member of the Elected Court.
"Freedom is what we want. Nothing else interests us."
Manami implied that she was willing to grant them the privilege.
"If you don't listen to what we say, we can force you to listen. There's no need to wait for Mei's fight to end."
"It's no good to be impatient. We don't need to shed blood unnecessarily."
Manami reprimands Maki for threatening the Elected Court. Maki does not have the character to make such statements. She is just acting.
"If we can't convince them, we have no choice but to do so."
"It hasn't been decided yet that they can't do it. Isn't that right?"
"...Y-yeah."
When asked by Manami, the man from the Elected Court agrees for the time being. He can't say they can't do it. If he says that, they might end up in a fight with the heroes right now. And he has no confidence that they can absolutely win.
"If you recognize Mei as the Elected King, you who have done so will still hold the same position in the Elected Office. Is that unsatisfactory?"
"...Is that true?"
"No matter how good Mei is at magic, she can't do so without the support of the organization. Don't you think it's good for both of us if you are the supporters?"
"Certainly……"
There are no supporters of Mei in the Izrim Magic Kingdom. It is only natural because she is from another country. If they became a supporter of Mei, they might be able to have more influence than ever before. Such thoughts were floating around in the minds of the Elected members of the court.
"It seems Mei’s victory is decided. The rest is up to you guys to decide. What will you do?"
While they were talking, Mei pushed through the Elected King Selim. Mei had the absolute amount of magic and far superior resilience than others. With that, she defeated the skilled Elected King Selim.
"...Is it okay?"
One of the Elected Officials, Senior Mage Watkins Hilton, asked the many faces to agree. He said that he had already reached a conclusion in his mind.
Others also agree with that. With this, the decision of the Elected Court was made.
"Mei Katsuragi! In the name of the Elected Court, I now pronounce you the newly Elected King of the Izrim Magic Kingdom!"
Senior Mage Hilton proclaimed Mei's inauguration as Elected King. His words elicited groans from the people around him. This was a completely unexpected outcome for the people.
In the midst of all this, Lang was the only one who was watching the development with cold eyes.
"Well, I never thought that the hero would be given the position of the Elected King..."
Lang was the one who triggered the rebellion in the Elected Court. Lang had hoped that this civil war would wipe out the abominable Elected Court, but the result was unforeseen.
"But will I be accepted as a result?"
Once the civil war was over, there would be no more use for this country. Lang could finally go to the Lord whom she was supposed to serve. She would only do so if Ren would accept the outcome.
"...No, this may be within His Majesty's expectations. The future will be rough, not only for this country, but also for the Lemberg Empire. Luine is...... I'm going to have to think about it slowly along the way."
Mei is now the Elected King of the Izrim Magic Kingdom. This should not be the end of the story. Mei is still supposed to be the hero of the Lemberg Empire. She must start something again to destroy that state of affairs. And other heroes, too.
The turmoil in the three countries will continue. Changing its contents.
◇◇◇
As Lang predicted, things spread to the Lemberg Empire. Not long after Mei became the Elected King.
This is for the convenience of Mei and the others. It was necessary to make a move before the Lemberg Empire learned that Mei had become the Elected King of the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
Jin made the move. On the same day that Mei was recognized as the Elected King, he left for the Lemberg Empire and is now in the audience with the Lemberg Emperor.
"...Heinz attacked the Izrim Magic Kingdom?"
Emperor Lemberg showed a surprised expression at Jin's report.
"Yes. Our country was unable to prevent the surprise attack, and the Elected King Selim is now in the hands of the enemy."
"What!?"
In addition, Jin spoke of a fact that surprised Emperor Lemberg. Hearing that story, Empress Millianea's face turned pale as she sat next to Emperor Lemberg. It was as if she had been expecting the Emperor to not ask any questions.
"If Elected King Selim is taken hostage, our country will not be able to move. I have come here to ask for your country's support."
"Even if you say support, if Elected King Selim is taken hostage, even our country..."
Emperor Lemberg's gaze turned to Empress Milianea next to him. Any action that disrespects Selim's position will cause her grief. Emperor Lemberg does not want that.
"What I would like to ask for support is for you to deal with the heroes near Heinz. If we can seize their power, we will be able to take a different course of action."
"Even if we seize the heroes, what are we going to do?"
"They will not oppose His Majesty. Am I wrong?"
"In other words, are you asking me to go to the Izrim Magic Kingdom?"
"As expected, I will not ask you to go that far. Even if it's not directly by His Majesty, you can order it as His Majesty's representative. Using the proof of servitude."
"...I see. That's true."
Emperor Lemberg is a little relieved to know that he does not have to go to the Izrim Magic Kingdom himself. He is reluctant to go to the Izrim Magic Kingdom, which Heinz is trying to control. Heinz will definitely try to kill him if he finds out about it. That is what Emperor Lemberg thinks.
"If I may be so bold, I would like to return to my country immediately. Something may happen to Elected King Selim at this very moment."
"Right. I understand. Then I will have them make preparations immediately. Who would you like me to send?"
Emperor Lemberg accepts Jin's offer and immediately makes preparations. It is not for Jin's sake. But for Empress Milianea, who was worried about her father.
"If possible, I would like someone who can influence the knights that Heinz is leading. If we can persuade the knights and soldiers, it will make it easier for us to deal with the situation."
"I see."
"Would you leave it to me, Your Majesty?"
There was a man who came forward.
"...Lucas huh?"
But Emperor Lemberg looked bitter. There was a reason for that reaction. The man who spoke up was the head of the Lemberg Imperial Guard. He is Heinz's father.
"I will definitely settle the situation. Even if I kill my foolish son with my own hands."
"...I can't allow that."
"I will never betray His Majesty!"
"No. I can't let Lucas take your own son's life."
"Your Majesty..."
Emperor Lemberg is not a good ruler. But that does not make him a bad man. He has compassion for his subjects.
"Let's leave it to Kisling. Get ready to leave immediately. Lucas. I want you to organize the second group."
"Ha!"
Emperor Lemberg appointed one of the deputy commanders of the Imperial Guard. Upon receiving the order, Deputy Commander Kisling hurried out of the room together with Knight Commander Lucas. Such swiftness of action is a lesson from the former emperor.
"Now then… shall I ask you about the situation in a little more detail?"
It will take some time before the proof of servitude is brought to this place. Emperor Lemberg asked Jin for a detailed explanation of the situation in the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"When I found out what had happened, I immediately headed over here, so I don’t know the details of the situation. I'm sure we'll have more information soon."
"I see... that's a problem."
If they don't know the situation, they can't take countermeasures in advance. It is not going to be a quick solution, Emperor Lemberg thought.
"...Your Majesty. I have a few questions for this person. Is that okay?"
Until now, Empress Milianea, who had been silently listening to the conversation, opened her mouth.
"Of course. You may ask whatever you wish."
"Then. Where were you when it happened?"
"I was leading the Knights to attack the base of the Elected Court."
With a tense look on his face, Jin answered Empress Milianaea's question.
"How did you know about my father?"
"A messenger has arrived from the royal capital."
"And then?"
"I thought of rushing to the Royal Capital, but when I received a report that he had joined forces with the Elected Court, I thought it would be difficult to resist them alone, so I headed this way."
"I see……"
It's a plausible explanation. But even so, Empress Milianea's suspicions did not go away. She doesn't think Heinz would do what Jin said.
"With all due respect...... no."
"What? If you have something to say, say it."
"…Didn’t you push himself too hard?"
"That's……"
If anyone could have cornered Heinz, it was Emperor Lemberg. Empress Milianea hesitated to speak.
"Ever since he was in the Saint Miriam Kingdom, he seemed to be quite depressed."
"That doesn't mean that......"
There is no need to cause conflict in the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"Speaking of which, what about Her Imperial Highness?"
Jin asked about Rosa Linde, Heinz's wife.
"...I think she's in her room."
"Is it impossible for her to persuade him?"
"Are you asking Rosa to go to the Izrim Magic Kingdom?"
"Is it difficult... Then how about a letter?"
"That's……"
A letter of persuasion addressed to Heinz. Writing it would mean that he would have to tell Rosa Linde about the rebellion. This made Empress Milianea hesitant.
"I think we should tell her. The man betrayed Rosa Linde as well."
Emperor Lemberg does not hesitate to tell the truth. Heinz's behavior is a betrayal of his wife, Rosa Linde. That's what he thinks.
"...Then let me speak to her."
"Empress?"
"I think Her Highness Rosa Linde will be able to listen more calmly if I speak to her."
If Rosa Linde knew the truth, she might resent Emperor Lemberg for putting him in such a situation. But if it's Empress Milianea. She is a victim whose father was taken hostage. She is not someone Rosa Linde can blame.
"...That's right. Then I'll ask the Empress."
"Is the letter urgent?"
When it was decided to tell Rosa Linde the truth, Empress Milianea asked Jin a question.
"...No. It seems that the second group will be organized, so it will be fine then."
Jin's answer wasn't out of concern for Rosa Linde. He really isn't in a hurry.
"We have it... but now we'll have to wait for Kisling to return."
While they were talking, the thing they were waiting for arrived. A civil official walks in from the entrance carrying something that looks like a board. It is the proof of servitude that Jin also recognizes.
"Sorry to keep you waiting"
"Thank you for your hard work."
Emperor Lemberg received the proof of servitude from the civil official. It was then that Jin moved.
"What!?"
In an instant, Jin closed the gap with Emperor Lemberg from his kneeling posture. Unable to escape, Emperor Lemberg, who was sickly and had no training in martial arts, was put in front by Jin.
A sword was held to his throat. Emperor Lemberg was taken hostage.
"Y-you! What are you doing!?"
"You insolent bastard!"
The surrounding royal guards yelled at Jin.
"Don't move! Do you want the emperor killed!?"
Jin spoke words of restraint to the guards. The guards are not going to move easily without being told. What they are looking for is an opening.
"What do you want?"
"I'm going to say that now. First, go."
What Jin ordered was not to the knights of the Lemberg Empire. The subordinate who came to the audience with him.
The subordinate who was ordered knew what to do and ran out of the room as soon as Jin told him to do so.
"Now I'll tell you what I want. Cancel the contract with the hero."
"What?"
"I am not talking to you. I am talking to the emperor."
"...Why such a request?"
Emperor Lemberg, who was named, asked why. There is no point in knowing that. It is just to buy time.
However, Jin knew that too.
"Let me tell you, buying time won't solve the situation. It will only make things worse. So cancel it quickly."
"I can't cancel the contract"
"Then I'll kill you. Not only you. I'll kill everyone who has the blood of the royal family. Then the Lemberg Empire will perish."
If the Lemberg Empire, the contract owner, perishes, the hero's contract becomes invalid. So says Jin.
"...Do you think you can cancel it with that?"
"I think so. And you will know the result when you try."
"......Empress."
Emperor Lemberg turned his gaze to Empress Milianea.
"Your Majesty..."
"Run away. Run away with Rosa Linde."
"...I will not run away without you, Your Majesty."
"Don't say such things. We cannot let the blood of the imperial family die out. We cannot let the Lemberg Empire be destroyed."
By letting Rosa Linde escape, Emperor Lemberg is trying to keep the Lemberg Empire alive. He doesn't know if that will work. Still, he didn't want Jin to do what he wanted.
"But……"
She understands how Emperor Lemberg feels. But when she knows that the emperor is ready to die, she can't bring herself to leave this place.
"My wife, the Empress, is also a member of the Lemberg royal family. Think of the imperial family as important."
"That's not how it works. If you run away, I will kill the emperor immediately. No, go get Her Imperial Highness right now!"
Jin interrupts their conversation and utters a threat.
"......I never thought that you would do such a thing. I was wrong in thinking you were sincere, wasn't I?"
Empress Milianea thought she knew about Jin. However, now, Jin, who is taking Emperor Lemberg hostage, is different from Empress Milianea's knowledge of him.
"...I'm still a hero."
"What do you mean?"
"A hero will do whatever he is commanded to do. It was you guys who made it that way!"
"...Who do you serve?"
There is no way Elected King Selim would issue such an order. The plan was not likely to succeed, and there was no way that Elected King Selim's character would allow him to carry it out.
"I am the hero of the Izrim Magic Kingdom. I serve the Elected King."
"…You mean Heinz?"
"That's right."
"Heinz gave such an order?"
Heinz should not have issued such an order either.
"I don't care about that. Cancel the contract or die. Choose quickly!"
"If you kill me, you will soon follow me."
In response to Jin's threat, Emperor Lemberg also responded with a threat. It is the best resistance he can do now.
"Don't underestimate me. I am a hero. Do you think you can defeat me with a knight of this caliber?"
Jin speaks like Yuya. As Empress Milianea thought, he was not the Jin in the past. And it is not because he is bound by the proof of servitude. He's just desperate.
"You will never know unless you try."
"If it fails, the Empress will also die."
"You're a coward."
"It's too late. I've been a coward from the start."
"Empress, run! Forget about me, run away!"
It is not for the sake of the empire. The words were uttered out of love for Empress Milianea.
"Y-Your Majesty..."
If that's the case, it's even more difficult for Empress Milianea to leave this place. She doesn't want to abandon someone who loves her.
"I'm sorry. It's too late."
"What?"
A clamorous sound was heard. The sound was getting closer and closer, and it was becoming clearer and clearer.
"Hurry! We'll overrun the castle at once!"
The voice was familiar to those who knew him. It was Yuya's voice.
"Look for Princess Rosa Linde! She's in her room, so it's deep inside the castle!"
"It doesn't matter who it is! Get anyone who knows where she is!"
It wasn't just Yuya's voice. They could see the crowd approaching.
"...Even the Luine Kingdom?"
"The Lemberg Empire has no chance of winning. Give up and at least choose to survive."
"...Run away, Empress! I don't care about the Empire! Run away! Someone! This is the last order! Let the Empress escape!"
"Shut up! Don't run away! If you run away, I'll kill you!"
Jin's words did not work. His subjects forcefully pulled the hesitant Empress Milianea along with them. When the time came to make a move, Empress Milianea was ready, and she and the subjects fled toward the back of the castle.
Is the army led by Yuya fast enough? Would Empress Milianea be able to escape? Emperor Lemberg did not know.
No comments:
Post a Comment