Declaration of War
King Albert was asked by Ren about his resolve to fight the Izrim Empire. He could not give an immediate answer. He is prepared. That is all, but he was hesitant to put it into words.
If they lose, their country will be destroyed. Is he really prepared for that? Somewhere along the way, he wondered if he was convinced that he would win. Is that not confidence, but arrogance? Various thoughts were going through King Albert's mind.
In the end, what remained in his mind was Ren. How did Ren really feel when he led the Nord Empire into battle against all the other nations? King Albert was about to open his mouth to ask that question.
"What about you?"
Someone spoke up before King Albert. It was Princess Grace.
"Yes?"
Princess Grace asked suddenly. As expected, Ren did not understand the meaning of the question.
"You, like Mei Katsuragi, came from a position of no title to become an emperor. You have gained something, and you don't want to lose it, do you?"
Princess Grace is also trying to confirm Ren's feelings, although it is a little different from King Albert.
"Me? Why?"
"Why..."
Even if asked, Princess Grace would never understand. Then.
"Ren doesn't care about the status of the emperor. It's not that he wants to be the emperor, but the people around him want him to be the emperor. It's different from Mei."
Shizuku speaks proudly. She knows something they don't know. That's what it means.
"The people around him..."
It was King Albert, not Princess Grace, who was shaken by Shizuku's words. If Shizuku's words are true, then the Nord Empire has a strong loyalty to him. In a few years compared to the history of the Luine Kingdom.
"My story doesn't matter."
Seeing that reaction, Ren made a sour face. He doesn't want to be evaluated strangely by the king of the enemy country.
"Aren't you afraid of losing it?"
She was concerned about King Albert, and Princess Grace posed the question. As royalty, Princess Grace could not understand Ren's thoughts. Of course, she doesn't know Ren.
"...It's already lost."
"Eh?"
"What's important to me is already lost. What more do I have to fear?"
It is different from the atmosphere he had earlier. It is not the same as the aura he has often shown. A cold sensation shivers Princess Grace's heart.
"I apologize for my sister's rudeness. She doesn't know what is going on."
King Albert was quick to apologize. King Albert did not understand the situation either. He did not expect Grace's casual question to provoke Ren like this.
"......I don't care about anything. Is there more to talk about?"
While saying he doesn't care, Ren is trying to end the meeting. It's proof that he doesn't mean what he says.
"If you'll allow me, can I ask you one question?"
It was Harrisman who answered Ren's question.
"...I can't promise to give you an answer, but go ahead."
"Then. Is it correct to assume that what you lost was Kazuki Harumoto-dono?"
Harrisman tries to ask further about Kazuki's case which provoked Ren. He asked because of this content. He did not want Ren's anger to be directed at King Albert or Princess Grace.
"......What if that's true?"
"It was the heroes who caused her death. I do not deny that our country is indirectly responsible for summoning the heroes, including you and Kazuki-dono. But...... somehow......"
"...Do you want to ask why you guys are also hated?"
In place of the hesitant Harrisman, Ren himself spoke the words he might have wanted to ask.
"……That's how it is"
"Why do you want to ask such a thing?"
"That's... I wonder if we can build a stronger cooperative relationship with the hero as our common enemy..."
"Heh. I didn't expect those words to come out of your mouth as the Knight Commander. I thought you were ready to fight."
As a military man, Ren does not believe that Harrisman's words are those of a knight who wants King Albert to conquer the continent.
"Just because I'm a knight doesn't mean I like useless fights."
"But what if it was a fight necessary for King Albert to conquer the continent?"
"That's... but, you have no interest in conquering the continent. Isn't there a conflict on that point?"
If revenge ends with the death of the heroes, Ren has no reason to continue fighting. Harrisman thought so.
"Certainly... that the possibility has been properly considered."
"Then?"
"...Kazuki was trying to live in this world. Not as a hero, but as a normal person. Together with her precious children..."
"I see……"
Harrisman had no idea what Ren was trying to tell him. He is puzzled, but he is still trying to phase the conversation to get him to continue.
"But this world rejected Kazuki. While accepting many fools who didn't think seriously about living as people in this world, Kazuki was refused."
"…………"
"It's not you guys that I hate. It's this world that rejected Kazuki. It doesn't matter what kind of people you are. You, the people who live in the order of this world, and I, the person who is trying to destroy it, are incompatible.
"…………"
"The non-war pact is temporary. You should know that. But we will keep our promises. Within the bounds of the treaty."
"……I see."
The non-aggression pact has not been nullified. Harrisman was relieved to hear that.
"We're done here. It should be dark by now. So you can wait here until the army arrives. Whether it is fit for royalty or not, you will have your own bedrooms."
"But……"
"I will send a messenger. The conditions are still to be worked out, but a promise has been made. You can rest assured that no harm will come to you. So, I'll leave you to it."
Without giving King Albert time to stop him, Ren got up from his seat and headed for the exit. Seeing his attitude, King Albert gave up. He decided that even if he continued the discussion, Ren would not show the essence of what he was looking for.
"Ah, that's right. I also had something I wanted to ask."
But as he was about to leave, Ren still had more to say.
"……What is it?"
"Do you know science?"
"Science?"
In other words, he doesn't know.
"...People from other worlds like us came to this world in the past, didn't they? Isn't the knowledge of those people used in this world?"
As far as Ren knows, he doesn't think it is being utilized. Except for one organization.
"...I don't think it's completely utilized... but I don't know what it's like."
King Albert didn't have the answer Ren sought. This is also one of the answers.
"…Are all the summoned heroes around the same age as us?"
Ren himself does not know how to make gunpowder. He doesn't even know which of his scientific knowledge he can immediately put to use. It should be much the same for the rest of his classmates.
"...I'm sorry. I don't know the details either. But since it's a hero, I don't think it's a baby or an old man."
"Really? But there must have been people like Takagi-sensei... Was there another reason why he was killed? I wonder if I asked the wrong person. And then..."
Ren broods, muttering things that no one but himself understands. King Albert and the others are perplexed by Ren's atmosphere, which changes all the time during the meeting.
"...The Luine Kingdom has a long history, doesn't it?"
"Yeah. It should be one or two among the existing countries."
"Are past history books preserved?"
"Of course. In the library of the castle, and some of the older ones in the vault."
The Luine Kingdom holds various books, not just history books. Arguably the largest number of reserves in any country in existence.
"Then, can I go take a look next time?"
"What!?" "Huh?" "Eh!?"
King Albert, Harrisman, and Shizuku raised their surprised voices at almost the same time.
"Is it really impossible?"
"...N-no, I don't mind."
It was difficult for them just to come to this meeting. If he were to go to the capital of an enemy country, even the Nord Empire's subjects would not allow it. King Albert thought so.
"Yes... but it won't be easy. It can't be helped. I'll call you when I can get there."
"Y-yeah."
"Well then, see you then"
At the end, Ren leaves the room, leaving a greeting as if he were a friend. In that case, he had no choice but to ask Shizuku, who was still here, for the answer.
"Is he serious about that?"
"It's Ren, so probably."
"...I don't know. What's in our country's history books?"
What is in the history books of their country that makes it worth the risk to venture into the capital of an enemy nation? King Albert had no idea.
"This is probably another one, but I think it's science"
"Ah, just now."
"The world we were in was far more advanced than this world. That's the science that Ren was talking about. He wants to see if it's written in a book."
"...Do you know about this science?"
"I don't know enough about it to say that I do. I don't know how to actually put it to use. Maybe Ren does too."
Even Shizuku, who had excellent grades, could not make a gun. Not only does she not know the structure of a gun, but she also does not know how to make gunpowder. Even before she knew how to make a gun, she did not know what materials were needed or how to obtain them.
"Something like that in our country's books? I don't think so."
If there was such knowledge, it would have been put to better use in their country. But Albert, the king, doesn't know anything about science either.
"He wants to know the reason why it's not. Our knowledge may not be useful, but there must have been adults like Takagi-sensei. Ren seems to be questioning that."
"......Why would he care about that? No, I know it's knowledge that could be useful."
He doesn't know why they tell them of its existence. If it were him, he would try to keep such knowledge to himself.
"I don't know about that. It's just that lately, something doesn't seem to be adding up."
"What do you mean?"
"Regarding that..."
She can't get Ren to talk to her. Remembering her frustration, Shizuku's expression darkened.
"U-um..."
"What?"
What further stimulated Shizuku was Princess Grace.
"Why is he so concerned about Kazuki-dono?"
"You're asking me that?"
Shizuku's expression becomes even more sullen. This is too insensitive of Princess Grace.
"I'm sorry. But I'm interested too. He even became emperor to avenge Kazuki-dono. I guess that means he loved her that much, but I don't understand."
Sensing Shizuku's feelings, King Albert intervened. Not only did he want to apologize, but King Albert also wanted to hear about Kazuki, a mysterious being to them.
"...I honestly don't know the relationship between Ren and Harumoto-san. She's a special person to Ren, but I know it's not just a romantic relationship."
"...Don't you even know what's special about it?"
"I can't talk about that. I don't think I should tell people my selfish thoughts."
"I'd like to know even that selfish thought."
"...Ren and Kazuki-san are the same... No, I can't talk about it."
Kazuki was rejected by the world. Ren is angry about it. Ren was also rejected. The mother who gave birth to him denied his existence. Shizuku knows this. But she only knows the facts. Shizuku does not know how they feel about each other.
"I see……"
"More importantly, where's the gift?"
"Huh?"
"Didn't you say you were preparing a gift for me?"
What was that mysterious look on her face just a moment ago? Everyone who heard Shizuku's words was thinking this.
"...That's right. I'm sorry. I didn't bring it because we came straight to this place."
It wasn't a lie that they had prepared a gift. However, they have not brought it to this place now.
"I figured that would be it. Well, it can wait until later. Now then, there is only one thing left to do."
"What is it?"
"No matter what Ren thinks, we want Ren to continue to be the emperor. That's why we can't coexist with you."
"I suppose you're right."
King Albert knows this, even if Shizuku doesn't tell him. He knows that Ren's subjects have the same feelings for him that his subjects have for him. This time, he knew it.
"If possible, there is only one way."
"Is there?"
"You too must live in the new order that Ren will create."
"New order?"
"Ren is trying to destroy this world. If the current order is destroyed, we need a new order, right? We want Ren to create it. We believe that's the best thing to do."
"...I see. So that's how it is."
This is Shizuku's declaration of war. He does not know why Shizuku dared to say such a thing. But King Albert understood that that was the way it was.
"Personally, however, I don’t want to fight Mei and the others. So I'll leave that side to you."
"...I will fight even if you don't tell me."
"Don't just fight, but win. For that reason, I'll give you one piece of advice. This is a gift in advance."
"Advice?"
"Don't rely on Yuya. Or should I say, don't rely on the [proof of servitude]"
"……Why?"
Yuya is now with the Izrim Empire, but he has not escaped from the shackles of the [proof of servitude]. King Albert believed that if he could make contact with him, he could make him obey.
"Ren can cancel the magic of [proof of servitude]."
"W-what?"
"If Ren can do it, then Mei might be able to do it. It's only a possibility, but when it comes to magic, Mei is that good."
"...I understand. That's valuable information. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm looking forward to your gift. Bye."
After finishing what she had to say, Shizuku stood up from her seat and left the room in a flustered manner. If she takes too long, Ren will leave her behind. She is in a hurry, thinking that he has already done so.
"...Your Majesty."
"I guess it's true. We should think about it on that premise."
"……Yes."
Depending on whether Yuya is an enemy or an ally, the difference in strength will change greatly. It is only individual strength, but Yuya is the strongest.
It is a miscalculation even before the fight. King Albert does not have the heart to lament that. It was good to know before the fight. He accepts it as such. King Albert does not think it is a good thing to rely on the power of a hero.
Such is not the thought that now grips King Albert's heart.
"Grace..."
"I'm sorry. Because of me, the discussion has been ruined."
"No. If I have any complaints, it was a long time ago. It's my own responsibility."
"...What do you mean?"
"I shouldn't have left it to you, I should have gone to the church capital from the beginning. I was late to find the best candidate because I was spoiled for it."
In fact, it is doubtful that King Albert was this aware of Ren before the selection ceremony. He brought the Nord together, became emperor, and showed amazing skills and intelligence. That's how he feels about him now.
"Harrisman"
"Ha"
"What do you think the new order will look like?"
And one more thing. The words left by Shizuku. King Albert was curious about what the continent that Ren would create would look like.
"...I don't know. But we would like His Majesty to create it."
The words he wanted to say to Shizuku. Harrisman said it now.
"Right. That's right. The Luine Kingdom can't afford to lose. Let's do everything we can to win."
"Ha!"
Was the purpose of the meeting achieved? King Albert thinks he met Ren, talked to him, and felt his true nature. On the other hand, there is also a feeling that Ren is becoming more and more difficult to understand.
Will there be another opportunity? If so, in what form? He doesn't care what form it takes. He hopes there will be a place for it. And at that time, he wants Ren to be aware of him as a competitor. King Albert thought so.
◇◇◇
Leaving the base, Ren headed straight for his country's army. It's completely dark, but that doesn't bother him. The darkness of night is Ren's ally. Even if the opponent is a demon.
"...So? What do you want?"
Ren calls out to the darkness.
"...I wanted to talk to you for a while."
The voice that answers is Baat's. The tension in his voice was due to the murderous intent being directed at him.
"Alright. I'll listen to what you have to say."
"Thank you."
The next thing that came through was the relaxed atmosphere. By allowing him to speak, Ren's murderous intent had weakened. After confirming that, Baat came out to a place where Ren could see him.
"So?"
"First of all, I want you to tell me why you are ignoring us."
"What's wrong with that?"
"It's not a problem for you. That's a big problem for us. Isn't it worth fighting us?"
Not recognized as an enemy. That hurts Baat's pride.
"If you want to fight, just attack me."
"That's……"
Baat mumbles at Ren's words. He complained about being ignored, but it was Baat and the others who left the situation alone.
"Do you think you have no chance of winning? Or is there some other reason?"
"...We were following the demon king, you know."
"So?"
"We fought you because of the Demon King's orders..."
"Don't you feel ashamed for saying that? There must have been a reason you followed the Demon King before that, and you fought for that reason, right? In other words, it was your will."
"…………"
As Ren pointed out, Baat is also ashamed of himself. He knows it's just an excuse.
"The demon king is gone, and you have lost that will. Or was it just an unplanned move from the start?"
"……No such thing"
Baat had aspirations, too, and these aspirations overlapped with those of Sed, who later became the Demon King, and together they left Nord.
"Then you should act according to that will. Don't you think so?"
"I can't lead them all."
Baat cannot be a demon king. The same goes for the others. There is no one powerful enough to convince those around them that they can break through the current situation.
That is why Baat is looking for Kamui, the demon sword that made everyone around him recognize Sed as the Demon King. He does not know that it would be meaningless if someone who is not qualified to hold it holds it.
"Do you need someone to lead?"
"You need power to do things. Numbers are power."
"Then you should start by collecting those numbers."
"For that."
They need someone to organize the people. Baat tried to continue.
"Rin started it."
"…………"
Ren's words made it impossible for him to continue.
"Throwing away being a vampire, alone. Don't tell me you didn't know that?"
"……I know."
"Rin gathered her allies. But you guys didn't go along with it. I don't mind that. If that's not where you want to go, then that's what you should do. But is that really the case? It's not just that you couldn't make up your mind."
Ren knows, and he is asking this. If they had a firm goal in mind for themselves, they would not have come forward to him. They wouldn't be complaining about being ignored.
"Princess…… I don’t think Princess' idea can be realized."
"I see. You certainly can't become a demon king. A person who gives up from the very beginning cannot possibly accomplish anything."
"…………"
"And one correction. It is wrong to call Rin a princess. Rin is a king. She is the king of the country she created, even if it is still small. If you want to call her a princess, then a demon king would be more appropriate."
"…………"
Baat is completely speechless. She had never considered the possibility that Rin would become the Demon King. If Ren was right, what would happen to them for refusing to follow Rin?
"...There was one more thing. You were supposed to have formed an alliance with the Luine Kingdom. When your allies are about to go into a tough fight, what do you need to think about what you are going to do?"
"...Should we fight together?"
"It's up to you to decide. But let me just say this. Are you going to not keep the promise of the alliance? Don't you guys have any pride as demons?"
A quiet tone. However, the atmosphere that erupted from Ren's body as he spoke about it made Baat unintentionally fall to his knees.
"...N-no, that's not true."
He managed to endure it, but he couldn't stop his voice from trembling.
"Then why not show your pride as a demon first? We'll talk after that."
"...Understood. We will show you our pride. After doing that, will you listen to what we have to say?"
"Of course."
"Until then. Excuse me."
From Baat, the frightened atmosphere from just a moment ago disappeared. He made up his mind.
Baat leaves with a dignified attitude. The few signs that have disappeared from the surroundings are the signs of Baat's companions.
And on the contrary, the approaching sign belonged to Shizuku.
"...You're coaxing people again."
"Don't say such things"
"You lend a hand to the Luine Kingdom more than I thought you would, you know?"
If the demons participate in the war in earnest as allies, they will be a considerable force for the Luine Kingdom.
"This time it just happened. Besides, isn't it strange for a different world that the heroes and the demons never fought once?"
"A strange excuse. By the way, Rin, did she become the Demon King?"
"That's the flow of the conversation. She shouldn't actually be called a demon king."
"I see. The demon king and the savior are not the best combination. Compared to that, the saint and the savior are perfect."
While saying this, Shizuku wraps hers around Ren's arm.
"As long as it's not fake. And who is the savior? You mean King Albert?"
Ren shakes it off. But Shizuku is not the kind of person who would be discouraged by that. She can't be by Ren's side if she is frustrated by this.
"I don't want that. Even if you're not the savior, I like Ren."
Once again, Shizuku grabbed Ren's arm with both hands. She looks spoiled, but she puts a lot of strength into her arms so that she won't be easily shaken off.
"So what were you doing when you stayed behind?"
"Eh? N-no way. Are you jealous?"
"Don't be silly. Don't tell me you're not talking about unnecessary things, are you?"
"What do you mean unnecessary?"
"If you don't tell me the truth, I'll tie you naked to a tree somewhere around here."
Ren could do it. Even though she thinks she won't be left for dead, she could be left for a day or two without a care in the world.
"...A-about Yuya."
Thinking that, Shizuku chose to confess.
"Which one of us is lending a hand to the Luine Kingdom?"
"But..."
"Because of you, I lost one of my plans."
"A plan? Were you trying to use Yuya as a plan?"
"If the Luine Kingdom was about to win without much damage, I intended to make him betray them and turn the tide of the battle."
The Luine Kingdom and the Izrim Empire continue to develop a war of attrition. That would be the best result for the Nord Empire. That's one of the measures.
"But there is a possibility that Mei can release him."
"Still a possibility. It's also quite unlikely."
If she could release him, she would have done so by now. The fact that Yuya has not been seen on the battlefield means that Mei can't do it yet.
To begin with, the [proof of servitude] is in the Luine Kingdom. Mei should not be able to reach that place.
"...I'm sorry. You can make love to me as an apology."
"Is that going to be an apology?"
"Because I was kind of expecting it. There's a bed in the place we just left, and there are fewer people in the way."
"You pervert..."
Even so, the king and princess of another country are in the same building. He doesn't understand Shizuku's nerve to have expectations under such circumstances.
"Apologies for disappointing you, but we're taking a walk. Just the two of us."
"Huh? Why is that?"
Despite his complaints, Shizuku eventually pushed him to walk down the road at night with her arms crossed. He seems to be treating Shizuku the same as before, but in fact, his attitude is changing little by little.
Shizuku, of course, and many others are looking for Ren. It is different from the original world. Of course, there were people who wanted him in the original world as well. But he didn't understand that at the time. He didn't try to understand.
But now. Just as the people of this world are accepting Ren, maybe Ren is beginning to accept people.
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