Vol 11 Chapter 6 (2/2)

There was, for argument’s sake, Kayness Plutos, whom he trusted as an outstanding warrior, but the ones he had waged long years of war against were mainly the nomads and their sporadic raids. They were enemies who excelled at tactics involving surprise attacks, but they did not use intricate strategies.

In other words, neither Kayness nor his pupil, Eric, had any experience with information warfare.

Furthermore, at the time, Eric was missing another important piece of information, albeit one of a slightly different nature: a little while earlier, a messenger from Crown Prince Gil Mephius had arrived in Safia offering to send reinforcements. Because of a delay in reacting to it however, the news had yet to reach Eric himself.

The capital was still reeling from the rapid succession of events involving the Grand Duke’s demise and Jeremie’s flight, but it also proved the lack of coordination between Eric – the future ruler – and his retainers.

Actually, when Eric made his decision to launch himself from Dairan, Gil had finished making arrangements with the chief retainers who were in Safia at the time, and had already arrived in Ende. If he had known of that beforehand, Eric’s actions might have been very different…

Be that as it may, Eric organised his forces in a great hurry. He would lead a thousand; any more than that, and the enemy might suspect something.

First, he would pretend to be going on patrol and leave with a troop of three hundred and so sent word to Kayness Plutos to “Have them open the gate.” This was in case enemy spies were still lurking nearby and to prevent them from realising that they were embarking on military manoeuvres.

They then met up with a force led by Belmor, which had previously left Dairan under the pretext of going to train. A unit of riflemen subsequently left through the gates and caught up with them.

Late that night, they crossed the River Daivim, which formed the border. They had previously sent over several small-sized air carriers, with deliberately long intervals between each, so that horses and weapons were waiting for them on the other side.

At the silent riverside, under the starlit sky, Eric mounted his horse. They were not so far away from their native land, but for some reason, simply for having crossed the border, the cold seemed to pierce his skin.

While fixing his long-handled halberd to his saddle and his sword to his waist, Eric peered intently towards the darkness before them. Once the soldiers were all a.s.sembled, he calmly gave the order to advance.

Part 3

At around the same time as Prince Eric of Ende was leaving Dairan behind him, Gil Mephius was heading north to that very land.

Also around the same period, Mephius’ capital, Solon, was about to be rocked by a disturbance for the nth time that year. That day, Ineli Mephius had invited her close friends, as well as those she was planning on becoming close with from here on, to take tea with her. A stack of presents had already piled up.

“Princess, given your position, I’m sure you know how much I have always dedicated myself for His Imperial Highness, the crown prince.”

“When that despicable Zaat rose in rebellion and I watched how His Highness bravely chased him down, I became convinced that he was indeed the one worthy of carrying Mephius into its next era.”

“Ha ha, you only realised it that late? As for me, I’ve thought since before even his brilliant first campaign that he has, after all, fully inherited the blood of the imperial family, and that he is greatly different from the norm.”

“Oh my, is that so? But when you saw His Highness going out to have fun with his friends, you whispered to me that he was truly deplorable.”

“T-That’s not what I meant, Princess. That is… That wasn’t…”

Surrounded by her entourage, Ineli was at the peak of her glory.

“Now, now, everyone. If you all talk like this at once, I won’t know who said what, or what messages I should be transmitting to His Highness.”

All around, people were laughing merrily while they pushed others out of the way so as to get even just one step closer to her and hopefully impress themselves on the imperial princess’ memory.

The tea party was taking place in the gardens of a mansion belonging to a lady whom Ineli had long been friendly with. However, if there had been any sharp-eyed people among those present, they might have noticed that among the serving boys waiting at the table, among the slaves busy maintaining the gardens, and amid the master gardeners pruning the various trees, there were a number of men who clearly seemed different from the rest. Their eyes were sharp within their suntanned faces, and they kept a surrept.i.tious watch on the movements of the n.o.bles who crowded around Ineli.

“Princess, did His Highness… did His Highness, Crown Prince Gil, not say anything about me?”

“Hmm, well now, did he…” Ineli placed a finger to her plump lips. “You see, Brother has a very strong sense of duty and never forgets those who have helped him. Just look at how he appointed the gladiators who protected him in Seirin Valley to the position of Imperial Guards.”

“R-Right.”

“Indeed, I see.”

“I know that everyone can’t help but be interested in Brother, but if you want to become closer to the crown prince, it’s enough to simply support him even more than before. Since he never forgets favours…”

At that moment, there was a sound like something being ferociously smashed apart, and a woman’s high-pitched scream loudly rang out.

Startled, everyone simultaneously turned their gaze towards the garden’s entrance. A serving girl had collapsed to the ground. She had been carrying a tray, and the white porcelain teapots and cups that had been on it had shattered into a thousand pieces.

It was not to her, however, that everyone’s eyes were nailed. Rather, it was the men who had probably thrust her aside, soldiers whose ferocious appearance were completely out of place in that setting. Everyone held their breath.

Leading them was Zaas Sidious.

He stepped forward, several dozen of his men following behind him.

The clear blue sky, the white s.h.i.+ne of the tea set, the sweetly blooming blossoms – they were all coated in the colour of violence as Zaas walked towards Ineli.

“What business do you have?” Although her eyes betrayed her agitation, Ineli stepped forward, brus.h.i.+ng past the n.o.bles who were poised to to start running away. “I do not recall having invited any louts such as you.”

“Nor do I recall having received any invitation,” barked Zaas, his face carrying a touch of b.e.s.t.i.a.l ferocity. “This is an order from Empress Melissa. Imperial Princess Ineli Mephius, I am to apprehend you at once.”

“From Mother?” Increasingly astonished, Ineli went pale.

Properly speaking, an empress could not arbitrarily make use of armed force. However, as the emperor was no longer appearing in public, his influence was dwindling day-by-day and the power balance in Solon had suddenly been thrown into disarray.

In a way, it was Ineli herself who had helped bring about this situation.

“It would be best if you followed us quietly. If you do not, I’ve been ordered to haul you off by force. Now then…”

Zaas stretched out his arm and caught Ineli’s slender shoulder.

“L-Let go!”

Ineli struggled but Zaas’ grip was like an iron vice as it bit into her wrist without letting go. She swept her gaze around, pleading for help; but those who moments earlier had been trying to get closer to her, now looked away, increased the distance between them, and tried to look uninvolved.

Zaas drew in his arm; Ineli looked as though she were lightly being pulled into an embrace against his chest. The princess’ scream echoed through the blue sky.

It was then that…

“Wait!”

“This is outrageous, General Sidious!”

Voices rose from all around the garden, as their owners simultaneously rushed over. These were the sharp-eyed men who had slipped into Ineli’s tea party. They were soldiers serving under Rogue Saian and Odyne Lorgo.

Currently, in Solon, Imperial Princess Ineli had turned into the leading figure of the crown prince’s faction. And it was not only her mother who considered that att.i.tude to be dangerous. When Rogue Saian had left Solon, he had left several of his men to watch over her, giving them instructions to “keep a close eye on the imperial princess.”

This had been out of concern that she might be plotting something by driving the crown prince’s faction forward, but they could not possibly have imagined a situation in which her own mother would bring out the use of force. Even so, they could not simply leave it be. Ineli was undoubtedly a problematic presence; but right now, when people were milling about in confusion over whether to follow the crown prince, Princess Ineli was also a example for them to follow.

Zaas’ glared for a second at the unexpected obstacle, but –

“Hah, the crown prince’s d.a.m.n dogs. Wretched mongrels at that, who pretend not to know even when they’re aware he’s a fake so that they get their feed!” He yelled and gave his men the order to get rid of them by force.

Since things had come to that, Rogue and Odyne’s subordinates could only prepare to put up a determined fight. They grabbed the weapons that they had concealed in various places around the garden, and all at once, it turned into a battlefield.

They were equal in numbers, but those on Zaas’ side were fully armed. The first to fall in a gush of blood was one of Rogue’s soldiers. The n.o.blemen and ladies were screaming and running around, trying to escape, and Ineli was shrieking as loudly as any of them, begging for help, but Zaas continued to drag her out from the garden.

Suddenly, there was someone standing right before him. And very close.

Irritated, Zaas swung his greatsword. The blade was stopped halfway through its movement. Zaas glared again.

“You?”

The one blocking his way was a swordsman with strangely swollen cheeks. Battalion Commander Walt, who had once been in charge of Jozu Fortress. Given his physical appearance, he could not have stealthily crept into Ineli’s tea party, but then, in the first place, he was one of her officially invited guests.

His distinguis.h.i.+ng feature had been a subject of conversation since the ten-year war, besides which, he had joined Gil’s side after having fought directly against the crown prince; so his heroic life-story had caught Ineli’s interest, and she had invited him so that everyone could listen to his tales.

“d.a.m.ned dog!” Zaas’ spittle flew as he launched a second attack.

“Which one of us is the dog, General Zaas?” Retorted Walt, dodging left and right with an agility that did not seem possible with his large build. “You don’t look see anything and only act on instinct – what right do you have to call others dogs?”

Incidentally, Walt was not wearing armour but had been provided with formal wear. It had been at Ineli’s direction, as she was probably aiming for a discrepancy in his appearance. Despite the difference in their weaponry, Zaas could not bring Walt down while also holding the princess close.

Whereupon, Walt started to boldly fight back. He swiped at the arm that was holding the princess. Faced with his opponent’s unexpected move, Zaas hesitated for a second then, thrusting Ineli to the ground, he moved back. Or rather, he was forced back. Walt’s sword suddenly halted in mid-air then changed trajectory and almost smashed into Zaas’ face. “Tch!” Zaas instantly raised his own sword and struck down the attack.

Amid the shower of sparks, Ineli escaped, crawling along the ground on her hands and knees, very much like a dog. Zaas was instinctively going to chase after her, but Walt was already before him.

“d.a.m.n you!”

From Zaas’ standpoint, those like Folker, Yuriah or Walt, who had been sent, like him, from Solon to subjugate the Impostor Crown Prince, and who had then nonchalantly chosen to follow that fraud – in other words, those who had once been his comrades who shared the same goal as him – were opponents that he could never forgive.

He swung his sword with the force of a fire. Facing him, it had to be admitted that, for all that his opponent was one of the twelve generals, there was a part of Walt that was thinking – what a child.

In truth, however, Zaas was so skilled that it made Walt, who had once won the gladiatorial tournament at the country’s Founding Festival, wonder should I focus on stalling for time?

Even though his swordsmans.h.i.+p and tactics in a fight were unpolished, he compensated for it in sheer energy. If he allowed himself to be overwhelmed by that for even a second, Walt might easily lose a limb.

Still, that he could so calmly make the decision to focus on defence vividly demonstrated the current difference between Walt and Zaas.

“General!” Amidst that, Zaas’ men called out to him as they came rus.h.i.+ng up, covered in blood from their opponents and from their own injuries.

They had not come as reinforcements for him, but to persuade him that dragging things on like this was dangerous. In fact, one of the soldiers from the Silver Axe Division had already hurried from the garden to go and inform General Odyne of what was happening.

Zaas once again clicked his tongue furiously.

“I’ll remember this!” He bellowed before exiting the garden like a gust of wind, his men following behind.

Walt did not chase after them. He too had heard that General Odyne would soon be here, so he would leave the decision of what to do next to him.

“Princess, are you unharmed?”

Walt moved towards Ineli and was going to help her up, but she stood by herself. Her pale cheeks were trembling and she was quivering all over from fear.

She looked around at the attendees, who had scattered as they fled, as she would at enemies who had tried to cut her down. Not a single one could answer her gaze.

“I am going to Odyne,” she announced to Walt, as though p.r.o.nouncing a verdict against them. “Accompany me. We must punish the fools who are still trying to bring civil war to Mephius!”

Solon, which had been shaken by the dispute between the emperor and the crown prince, was this time rocked as though by a major earthquake by the crack that had appeared between the empress and the princess.

And naturally, Ineli’s rage was beyond anything that Walt and Odyne could a.s.suage. She ordered the soldiers from the inner palace to capture the empress and Zaas.

Exactly as with her mother, Ineli did not properly have the right to mobilise military forces. However, as she refused to listen to Odyne and arbitrarily decided that these were rebels against herself – and, consequently, against the crown prince – and as there were many who hoped to buy Ineli’s grat.i.tude, Odyne was worried that they might take the initiative of lending soldiers to the princess.

If she is allowed to move as she pleases… Odyne came to a decision: so as to prevent Ineli from acting recklessly and unchecked, he took his own soldiers and went to the inner palace.

By that time however, the empress, Colyne, Zaas and several other members of the “Emperor’s faction” had already left the court. As for where to: they had headed towards the Dragon G.o.ds’ temple.

Needless to say, it was the self-same temple that the emperor had personally ordered built. Living there were the elders who were rumoured to be the pillars of his politics, and it was territory in which Odyne absolutely could not set foot.

An even bitterer pill for Odyne to swallow was the fact that Melissa’s faction had travelled to the temple with Emperor Guhl himself. Had he voluntarily gone with them or had the emperor, who was said to be in a weakened condition, been taken there against his will? Given that, a day after the tragedy at the garden, there had still been no official statement from him, it was probably the latter.

The areas in Solon surrounding the palace and the temple abruptly came under complete lockdown. Even at night, watchfires were lit in braziers around the temple and columns of armed soldiers came and went, their blades and spearheads gleaming from the flames.

Seeing the signs of another civil war, the townspeople of Solon fell into a feeling of gloom.

Last time, even though secret feuds were everywhere quietly being played out while the emperor and the crown prince fought, order was not noticeably disturbed, at least within the capital. That however was – somewhat paradoxically considering what had caused it all – thanks to the fact that the emperor was the absolute ruler in control of it.

The emperor’s presence had now become insignificant.

Disturbances broke out throughout Solon.

One such case was when, because of an increase in robbery and arson, soldiers misunderstood the situation as having been caused by those of the emperor’s faction, and moved of their own accord, escalating the amount of bloodshed. Another even larger one was when an influential n.o.ble showed a hesitant att.i.tude, and another aristocrat, perhaps seeing a chance to please the crown prince’s faction, unilaterally declared that he too must be plotting a rebellion; and so arbitrarily sent in soldiers to make the arrest, which then developed into a small-scale battle involving both families. b.l.o.o.d.y incidents occurred one after another, so that it was almost impossible to believe that this was the same land that had been rejoicing at the return of peace only a few days earlier.

A silhouette was looking down upon it.

Oubary Bilan quietly peeped out from behind a bulky, parted curtain.

He would never open that curtain in broad daylight. He seemed to believe that it was an impregnable defence that would keep at a distance the light of day, or in other words, that would keep at bay the very world which had rejected and excluded him. However, when the sun set and the world had adapted to the black of those curtains, Oubary’s feelings seemed to calm down, and he would sometimes peek through the window to the outside.

Something must have happened again somewhere as the people from the neighbourhood and the soldiers were shouting to one another as they rushed along.

He caught sight of the glow of flames appearing over the shadowy streets of Solon. Panicking, he tried to close the curtains, but his hand slipped. Having been almost falling forward in his agitation, he now instead gazed fixedly at the flames.

Oubary stopped moving.

It felt like a hot wind was blowing. As though the flames reflected in his eyes had wrapped around his body, his limbs were suddenly burning hot. Unable to endure the pain, he crouched down. Perhaps trying to block out the flames as quickly as possible, he closed his eyes.

It had the opposite effect however. With his field of vision shut down, his memories resurfaced all the more clearly, and the flames burned brighter than ever.

You too can all die in the flames.

A voice, shouting angrily, suddenly echoed piercingly through his mind. His own voice.

Then perish. You d.a.m.ned fools. When that time comes, it'll be too late to realise that I was right. It'll be too late!

Those were the words that Oubary, having been arrested for the crown prince’s a.s.sa.s.sination, had once a.s.serted before one of the emperor’s retainers.

You see, you see, you see, Oubary inwardly chanted like a curse. It’s just as I said. Isn’t Solon burning, just as I prophesised? And the fools are peris.h.i.+ng in the flames!

His entire body heaved as he trembled, sweat flying from it to the same rhythm, as...o...b..ry stood up. The muscles bulged on the huge arms he had wrapped around himself.

I was right after all. I was right.

Oubary’s eyes slowly opened. His pupils, which once more reflected the flames, were no longer ruled by the same kind of terror as earlier. He had been right – and with that conviction, the entire nightmare of the past transformed into hatred towards the demon-like man who had wrapped himself in the crown prince’s skin.

That b.a.s.t.a.r.d… The one who’ll cut that b.a.s.t.a.r.d down… Will be me.

One day, the flames that were constantly burning within his memories would consume his body and soul, leaving nothing but ash that would be scattered in the wind…

Oubary Bilan suddenly felt like screaming. Unlike before, this was not, however, a fit brought about by his nightmares. Whatever the reason, he felt the urge to raise a shout worthy of a warrior and release the energy that was boiling and seething within him.

He wanted steel in his hand.

He wanted to feel the heavy weight of a sword.

At that very moment, there was a violent knock on his door. Oubary turned a sharp gaze towards it.

“What is it?” His voice was a little hoa.r.s.e, but it was already regaining its former acerbity.

“I have been sent by the empress,” the person behind the door answered in a clearly-projecting voice. “She dearly hopes for General Oubary Bilan’s a.s.sistance. The empress has sent for you in the hope that you, the general who once lost so many of his men to a foul trap laid by the Impostor Crown Prince, will surely rise to fight bravely for the emperor, even now that Solon had been engulfed in his evil influence.”

Part 4

The disturbances which had broken out in the capital, Solon, had yet to reach the trade city of Birac and today, as ever, countless numbers of s.h.i.+ps were coming and going from its port.

Every s.h.i.+p that flew into the sky, loaded with cargo, pa.s.sed another that was alighting, laden with goods. Amongst them, there was a s.h.i.+p that had come from the neighbouring country, Garbera, bearing the flag of the Kotjun House, which was fluttering in the blue heavens.

Birac had been performing trade with Garbera even before the reconciliation between the emperor and crown prince. Needless to say, when the ten-year war ended, the first s.h.i.+ps to leave Birac for Garbera were those of the ever-hungry-for-business Haman Firm. Perhaps because the Kotjun House had been equally prompt when it came to trade, the two had established ties and the heads of both now frequently sent messengers to each other’s residence.

Since the pair were extremely shrewd, rather than saying that they were on friendly terms, theirs was a relations.h.i.+p where each was on guard against the other stealing a march on them.

Immediately upon disembarking, a messenger from the Kotjun House went to see Zaj Haman, and Zaj himself then got in touch with a certain soldier.

“What, the princess!” Gowen unintentionally exclaimed, then quickly stiffled his words.

The messenger also lowered his voice. “The princess seems to have informed the Kotjun House of her desire to return to Mephius some time ago already, however, returning directly to Solon might unnecessarily complicate matters, so for now, she has come to Birac. She says that she is sure that you, Sir Gowen, will handle everything smoothly.”

Just doing whatever she wants – thought Gowen, but of course, he did not say it out loud.

Here in Birac, he was still training and organising the new recruits. Naturally, he had heard about the direct confrontation between the Emperor and the crown prince, and, just a short while ago, he had also heard that Gil had headed to Ende immediately afterwards.

Although he was, of course, glad that Orba had safely won that desperately risky contest, Gowen also knew that it was too early to give way to relief. His workload had not particularly changed since this “victory”. Or rather, as the number of volunteers wanting to join the crown prince’s forces had only increased, his hours of sleep had been whittled down to even fewer than before.

Now on top of that, with the princess’ sudden visit to Birac, he was feeling like every problem was being pushed onto him.

This is all because you just up and left!

It was the same as when Orba had left without saying anything to Hou Ran. At the time, he had harboured a considerable grudge against Orba, and the one he was nursing now was just as big. But anyway, somebody would definitely have to tell the princess. And that role had been left to him.

Gowen steeled his resolve and met the carriage sent by the Haman House. It was unmistakably Princess Vileena who alighted, borrowing the coachman’s hand to do so.

They were in the courtyard of Birac Castle. When the girl’s slender foot firmly stepped down onto the lawn, Gowen gave a bow.

“It’s been a while, Gowen. I will be causing you trouble.”

“Not at all.” Mindful of their surroundings, Gowen smiled. “This is perfectly normal, Your Royal Highness.”

“Normal indeed,” Vileena responded, her impish smile conveying that she knew there was nothing normal about it.

Gowen sighed. The princess paid it no mind.

“What is the situation in Solon?”

“Messengers come running every day from the capital. His Highness the crown prince has already led his troops out of the city and, for the present, they are headed for Idolo.”

“I see.” The princess’ expression as she nodded was entirely the same as usual.

Gowen knew, of course, that she had borrowed soldiers from the emperor to turn Salamand away, and that, immediately afterwards, there had been an incident in which she had nearly lost her life. Standing close to her now, however, it was hard to believe that she had lived through such violent scenes.

I wonder what kind of mental state having a daughter like that must leave her father in? Gowen wondered inconsequentially.

He was swiftly pulled back to reality however. As already stated, there was something that he needed to tell the princess. It was for that very reason that he had not brought anyone along with him.

Once he had made sure that the carriage was leaving, he started.

“…The truth of the matter is, Princess… There is something that I must say to you.”

“Honestly, you’re so formal. I refuse to listen to any complaints about His Highness. Because really, I’m the one who wants to throw some at you.”

It was the first time the girl had spoken to him jokingly like that, but her smile faded as she listened to Gowen talk, her eyes grew wider and wider, and by the end, she had gone rigid.

“It can’t be… That…” she murmured, then, “Why?” she asked. “Why would she do such a thing?”

“We still do not know,” Gowen shook his head, his expression serious. “Although she herself has talked about various things, none of them go to the heart of the matter. Perhaps she was tricked by someone, but at present, we do not really know.”

It was about Layla. The girl who had once saved Vileena’s life in the West and whose warmth had permeated into her heart, had, here in Birac, attacked the crown prince with an a.s.sa.s.sin’s blade – hearing that, there was no way that the princess could remain calm.

“Let me see her,” the girl entreated, her body leaning forward but, unusually, Gowen firmly rejected her.

“You cannot. This is the only firm order that His Highness left. He said that once he returns, he will personally interrogate her. Until then, n.o.body is to be allowed to see her.”

Although they had tried to keep the matter with Layla quiet, there were inevitably rumours and, sooner or later, they would have reached the princess’ ears. Which was why Gowen had no choice but to deliberately inform her about it. Nevertheless, he naturally could not let Vileena meet directly with Layla, since somehow, she seemed to be aware of the crown prince’s past.

Gowen was equally unable to indefinitely hide the news of the princess’ return, and by the next day, it had already gone all around Birac. He himself had sent a messenger to the capital to inform Odyne about it. If things showed signs of calming down in Solon, Odyne would surely send to meet with her.

From that day on, the princess also suddenly threw herself into a flurry of activity. She flew airs.h.i.+ps from morning onwards, circling around the castle grounds. She also announced that she would keep the key to her own room, “for security reasons”.

Moreover, once it was known that the princess had returned, there was someone who earnestly requested to meet her in person. Actually, there were many such people in Birac, but this one she recognised.

“I’ll see him right away,” he was the only one to whom she granted that permission.

When that young man saw her, he got to his knees, looking deeply moved.

“Princess, thank goodness… Thank goodness you’re safe.”

“Please raise your head. It is rather you whose safety I am thankful for. Back then, I was not entirely conscious and I never imagined that my request would have such a terrible impact on your life. Foolish and thoughtless as I was, please forgive me.”

“What are you saying? Seeing you safe, Princess, makes it all worth… no, was worth throwing everything else away.”

The one who spoke in a trembling voice was the Imperial Guard who, after the princess had been shot at, had carried the golden medallion all the way to Birac.

“What is your name?”

“I am called Alnakk.”

The princess murmured his name and smiled with a flash of her white teeth. For Alnakk, who had climbed up from the bottom of the social ladder, having his name be remembered by such a beautiful foreign princess felt like having obtained a long-cherished dream.

Now that she knew his name, the princess, meanwhile, behaved towards him as though he was a long-time acquaintance.

“As a matter of fact, Alnakk, there is one more thing that I desperately want you to do for me,” she brazenly announced.

“Yes? Y-Yes. Anything at all.”

Vileena’s head lady’s maid, Theresia, had, in the past, held a particular thought about her mistress – she instinctively understands which are the men who cannot go against her. Vileena, who would soon turn fifteen, had an expression that contained the buds of adulthood. A little more time would be needed before the flower was in full bloom; but, even at this point, there were any number of young men from all walks of life who would yearn to see her face a little closer, and who, for that, would hope to serve as her s.h.i.+eld from a bullet or a gun.

Vileena could recognise the young men with that disposition. Espe

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