Indication
The Great Treaty has expired and war is spreading across the continent. Everyone knew that there would be a battle for supremacy on the continent. What was unplanned, however, was the addition of independent heroes to that struggle for supremacy. Of the four major powers, the United Kingdom of Mercenary was destroyed early, and the Izrim Magic Kingdom and the Lemberg Empire fell into the hands of the heroes.
Three of the four kingdoms that were supposed to lead the struggle for supremacy were unexpectedly defeated. But that did not mean the end of the war on the continent. The war will continue, with slightly different central figures.
And now, the most intense fighting is taking place in the southern part of the country. Between the Izrim Magic Kingdom and its neighboring countries.
"Burn them! Burn them down!"
"Don't let them escape! Kill every last one of them!"
The people fled from the burning flames. More ruthless swords and spears attacked the people. The people who started the fire and the people who are attacking the people are the noble armies of the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"Hurry up! We don't have time to stay in a small town like this forever!"
Following Mei's orders, the noble armies invaded other countries. They are here now, one of them.
"We can't afford to fall behind other families! Hurry up!"
Just as Mei wishes, the noble families are competing and invading in order to obtain as much wealthier territory as possible than other families. The result is now. Small towns and villages that have little value as territories are being taken in this way in order to eliminate the fear of being left behind.
If possible, they want to acquire the royal capital, and if not, they want to acquire rich land close to the royal capital. This desire is pushing the noble armies to hurry.
"If we get the royal capital, we will get the position of royalty! We will be able to enjoy its benefits!"
A noble full of desire. These nobles are not special. Every one of the nobles participating in the invasion was inspired to act by their desires.
Such battles are taking place here and there, to varying degrees. On the other hand――.
"Further resistance will only make the people suffer. Please surrender."
In the royal capital, where the noble armies were heading, Manami was urging the king to surrender. She was there as a messenger.
"...We haven't lost yet."
The king refuses Manami's request.
"After you have lost, it is too late. You can still surrender on good terms."
"There are no good terms for surrender!"
"Then are you going to fight until you perish!?"
Manami cries out as loudly as the king's loud voice.
"I am prepared to do so!"
"You, but what about others! Women and children! Even now! While you refuse! People are dying!"
The sooner the surrender negotiations are concluded, the fewer people will be sacrificed. That is the reason why Manami was sent as an emissary to negotiate. To take on the role of possibly being captured or killed.
"…It is you who are doing it!"
"That is war! And you called us into this world to fight that war!"
"What?"
"I don't think our actions are right. But what right do you have to criticize us? You wanted to start a war, too. That's why you bid for a hero."
This is not necessarily Manami's true intention. She thinks it is wrong that they are blamed because they have the upper hand and they are allowed to blame them because they are on the losing side.
"...Because if we don't do that, we will be destroyed by the great powers."
"The result of that is what's happening now. Are you being protected?"
"…………"
The king is silent in response to Manami's question. The hero has not been able to protect them. This is a fact, but it was frustrating to say it.
"If you cannot protect your people with military force, you must protect them through negotiations. If you, the king, make the decision, then you can protect your people."
"So you want me to surrender?"
"That's right. If you surrender, we will guarantee your safety. We will also prepare a status as a noble. Your subjects may serve you as they are, or if they wish, we will consider promoting them to a position in the country."
A slight groan escaped from the surroundings at Manami's words. The possibility of being appointed to the Izrim Magic Kingdom is an attractive proposition for the subjects. The Izrim Magic Kingdom is a far more powerful country than their own. Of course, they would be treated well.
Of course, not everyone feels this way, and this is not all. There are those who feel humiliated by the surrender and are opposed to the Izrim Magi Kingdom.
"We will not discriminate against the citizens of the conquered country. You will be granted rights as citizens of the Izrim Magic Kingdom."
"...Son."
"Yes?"
"Make my son the companion of the Elected King..."
The King hesitantly states his request. It is not something he just thought of. It was something he had thought of before meeting Manami. The king is not completely refusing to accept the surrender. If that were the case, he would not have met with Manami.
"…I think that would be difficult. It's not about your son, but to decide on any one person right now, there's a lot of things to consider..."
"I see……"
Making the prince of the surrendered country a concubinus. For the conqueror, it is meant as a hostage, and for the conquered, by placing a blood relative in such a position, they hope to gain influence over the king.
But Mei is the queen. The question of how many men she would take as husbands was also a question for the king. Manami's answer was as expected.
"However, as a subject, I will prepare a special position for him as close to Her Majesty. You know your country better than anyone else. After you accept the surrender, we will have much to discuss."
"Fumu……"
He doesn't know how far it will go, but there is a possibility that they can maintain their influence. Not bad conditions. However, Manami's words do not guarantee the status of the king himself. Instead of selecting a prince, there is a possibility that the king will be asked to retire. This is a common condition for surrender.
"That's all I can promise you at this stage. Is there anything else from your side?"
Before they knew it, the conversation was moving in the direction of accepting the surrender. As far as Manami is concerned, she would like the matter to be decided as it is.
"I understand about the treatment. What are your demands?"
At the moment, the conditions for surrender are not bad. They are good enough to be considered good conditions. But the king thinks there is no way that this is all there is.
"There are three conditions on our side. First, we will confiscate any land under occupation at the time of surrender."
"……I see."
If this gets out, many of the noble families that are not yet occupied will demand surrender. The king thought he understood the reason for the surrender request, which he had thought was still too early. By nature, this country does not have the power to stand alone against the Izrim Magic Kingdom. If a crisis were to loom, there was a strong possibility that some of the noble families would switch sides.
"Second, the national army will be seized. Of course, as nobles, you may retain your own army to defend your lands, but you will have to organize it anew. Don't worry about the cost. We will pay for it."
"Seized… not dissolution?"
"Yes. They will serve as the national army of the Izrim Magic Kingdom."
"I see."
The military power that Mei is seeking. This is an absolute must-have. They are not worried about whether the organization as it is will follow orders. Rebellious generals are of course excluded. And the one standing at the top of the army.
"Third. This is not a request, but now that your country has surrendered, your country's hero will become the hero of the Izrim Magic Kingdom."
"...That's right"
"But we will still ask you to give us the proof of servitude. We don't want you to misuse it."
"…………"
Why was their country the first to be invaded while the Izrim Magic Kingdom was still in turmoil? The king now knows why.
The heroes are trying to unite. Should he allow it? Anxiety spreads in the king's heart.
"If anything happens to the hero of your country before this negotiation is concluded, it will be canceled at that point. Please fight to your heart’s content until the end."
Manami's words seemed to see through the king's inner thoughts. This is what she was thinking before the negotiations. Failure is not an option. Failure would result in the deaths of countless people.
"……I understand."
"Can I get an answer now? Or do you need more time?"
"......Give us some time. I'll prepare a room in the castle, so I'd like you to stay there until we come to a conclusion."
"Yes. I don't mind."
"Then... someone, please guide her."
"Ha!"
In response to the king's order, one of the knights of the royal guard came forward. He approached Manami and urged her to follow him.
Manami begins to walk. Finally, she looks at Tatsuya, the country's hero, and sees him casually giving her a thumbs-up. Manami replies to that with a smile.
Her comrade is happy with it. Knowing that, Manami felt her heart lighten.
◇◇◇
While Manami's negotiations were progressing, Mei faced a new problem in the Izrim Magic Kingdom and was thinking about it.
The most feared invasion of the Luine Kingdom. She got the report.
"So what's the situation?"
"It seems that the Black Iron Knights have invaded, judging from their banner. Their number is about 5,000."
"Five thousand? Isn't that a bit small?"
Even in the midst of a civil war, the Izrim Magic Kingdom is not the kind of kingdom that can be defeated with only five thousand. Mei thought there were other invading forces.
"Five thousand have been confirmed. That's how many they have, which is why it took us so long to find them."
This is an excuse. If the five thousand troops were moving, it should have been discovered much earlier. But it is not the responsibility of the civil official who is reporting it. It is the responsibility of the army guarding the border, but it is not the only one. A country in turmoil is to blame.
"Is there absolutely no possibility that there could be others?"
"I can't say for sure. However, if a large army had moved, there would have been a big war in the country in front of us. I haven't received such information."
"…They came to this country secretly?"
This idea is incorrect. There are even countries that allowed the passage of the Luine Kingdom's Army without a fight. But it doesn't matter.
"There is a possibility. I think the number of five thousand is a number to conceal their actions."
"Then what is their purpose?"
What are they doing here with only five thousand troops? Mei does not understand the intentions of the Luine Kingdom.
"One thing I can think of is support for rebel forces."
"……I see."
Although the threat has faded considerably, rebellious forces still exist. The forces that support Milianea, the former princess, cannot be eliminated so easily.
"The rebel forces could regain momentum."
"There is also the idea that she has brought in enemy forces in order to regain power."
"Yes?"
"Let's do that. Milianea is a traitor who sold her country to the Luine Kingdom. Tell the country so."
It would be good if Milianea's reputation fell to the ground with this. There is no harm in failing.
"...I understand. So what about the Luine Kingdom's Army?"
"Of course, we'll fight. Order the nearby nobles to defeat the invading Luine kingdom army together with the collaborator Milianea."
She is now able to issue such forceful orders, which she could not before for fear of betrayal. Although there is still discontent within the country, the consciousness of many noble families has turned to invading other countries and increasing their own territory. Mei's bitter efforts have resulted in a positive direction.
Even if it is spreading chaos outside the country.
◇◇◇
Lemberg Empire. The pacification of this side is not progressing. The fact that the Emperor and Princess Rosa Linde are being held hostage, the movement of rebellion is far less than in the Izrim Magic Kingdom, but that results in leaving the rebel forces in the dark. The dissatisfaction is smoldering and will not go away.
Jin is doing his best to persuade those, including those he considers to be rebels. In Satoko's opinion, that would be naive, but Jin refuses to listen to her. The gulf between them was gradually getting deeper and wider.
While Jin is working busily in such a situation. Yuya, on the other hand.
"Ah, it feels good."
"I see. That was good."
"I wish I could do this every day."
"Why don't you ask if it's possible?"
"Because Jin is stingy. Taking a bath every day is not a big deal."
He had Amalia wash his body in the bathroom. There is a reason why she bothers to do that.
"Yuya's treatment is too harsh. You are not a criminal, and they put shackles on you."
Yuya's limbs are restrained so that he cannot move freely. It's been like this all day.
"I'm also dissatisfied, but I have to put up with this. I don't know when the Luine Kingdom will come in contact with me."
The restraints are in preparation for when the Luine Kingdom contacts him and Yuya becomes their enemy. It should already be known that Yuya is in the capital of the Lemberg Empire. If his whereabouts are known, there are many ways to contact him. That is what Jin is wary of. This is also Mei's idea.
"Isn't it because they don't want to give Yuya a place to play an active role?"
"...I don't think Jin would think of that."
"People change. Now he holds great power in this country. It wouldn't be strange for him to be ambitious."
People change. Amalia herself attests to this. But which one is the one with the most ambitions?
"Even if that's the case, I'm okay with it. Once I'm free, I'll get the Saint Miriam Kingdom. From there, it'll be a complete turnaround."
"...That's right. That would be nice."
Amalia cannot be as optimistic as Yuya. No matter how strong Yuya is than Jin, war is a conflict between nations. Individual power alone cannot easily overturn the difference in national power. Much less the Saint Miriam Kingdom and Lemberg Empire. The difference is hopeless.
"It can be done. I will enrich my country, strengthen my army, and become the conqueror of this continent."
Yuya isn't just optimistic either. Ren has done it. He is determined not to lose to Ren.
"It's one way to get the Luine Kingdom."
It's not a trick. She just thinks that becoming king of the Luine Kingdom, which is a bigger kingdom than the Saint Miriam Kingdom, is a shorter way to conquer the continent.
Besides, the Saint Miriam Kingdom is now the territory of the Nord Empire. There was also resistance to suddenly fighting the Nord Empire.
"The Luine Kingdom, huh... when will I be free?"
A specific plan to release Yuya has not yet been clarified. He feels like he's being deceived by Mei about this.
"That's right. Then first."
"In this state, I'll only cause trouble for Amalia.."
"Don't worry about it. I have no complaints about taking care of Yuya like this."
"Amalia is kind. Can I ask you for a little help?"
"Yeah, that's fine."
Amalia lightly agreed. Even though she's been with him for a long time, she still doesn't understand Yuya. Even if she refuses, the result will not change.
"Can you wash my lower body, too?"
"Eh……?"
"It's okay if you don't like it."
"...It's fine. I'll wash it for you."
It's not like she's not ashamed anymore, but Amalia can't refuse Yuya's words.
While pouring hot water over Yuya's lower body, she rubbed it gently with her hand. The reaction was immediate. Embarrassed by that, Amalia continues to move her hand.
"Ah, good. Very good."
"…………"
Even if she was praised, unlike earlier, she can't react. She can't react with words, but her face is bright red.
"Is it clean now?"
"Y-yeah. That's right."
"Well then"
And then Yuya stood up. He just stood up.
"...Yuya?"
Amalia is puzzled because she doesn't understand what Yuya is trying to do.
"Continue."
"Ah... I understand."
While hesitating, Amalia reaches out to the lower body in front of her.
"No, I prefer your mouth."
"……Eh?"
"It is clean now, right? Then it's fine, right?"
"…………"
Amalia cannot easily respond to Yuya's request. Her whole body was dyed red and she couldn't move. Yuya couldn't stand Amalia's reaction like this. This is the reason why the flirtatious Yuya is allowing Amalia to go out with him for a long time.
"Come on."
Yuya thrusts his lower body into Amalia's face. Even so, Amalia can't move.
"Then close your eyes. Come on, hurry up."
"...I understand."
She does as she is told and closes her eyes.
"Open your mouth"
"…………"
"Open it. Can't you hear me?"
Amalia is ordered by Yuya again. She remained silent as she slowly opened her mouth. The moment she did so, Yuya's lower body was screwed into her. Even if Amalia does nothing, Yuya is moving by himself. Another one. While immersed in the satisfaction of having conquered Amalia.
Not only Amalia, who closed her eyes, but also Yuya didn't notice the existence that was staring at the two of them with cold eyes.
(Such lowly people... I feel like I'm being defiled too.)
Even these mutterings are not heard by them.
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