Chapter 40 (1/2)

“So Chichiue, what are the plans from now on?”

I ask the man who sits before my eyes, King Mestoa, Chichiue. If this matter isn’t taken into consideration, the existence of this country will be in danger. By no means would I have thought that it would turn into something like this.

The problem occurred while I was gone subjugating the rebel army. A month ago, we subjugated the rebel army that has raised an abrupt insurrection but, due to the army of dead spirits that appeared afterwards, we suffered quite a number of casualties.

We who even while suffering casualties, somehow finished defeating the dead spirits and hurriedly returned back to the capital.

However, what awaited us was, a wrecked Royal Castle. The door was broken, the once beautiful garden has also tragically become wrecked after the battle. The traditional Royal Castle’s wall has crumbled, traces of blood were left nearby.

The General and I hurriedly ran into the castle but, the inside of the castle was still in better shape. It doesn’t look too roughed up, places that were broken were also already fixed.

However, the number of people have decreased considerably. It’s also probably due to the castle being attacked directly but, nevertheless, the civil officers, soldiers, maids, the number of people we catch sight of is few.

The General and I were led through the castle by the remaining few soldiers even as we become anxious about whether Chichiue and the others are safe. The location we were led to was the conference room and voices talking to each other can be heard from within.

I enter the room as being led by the soldier and, inside sat Chichiue and the ministers. However, all of them have long faces.

“Chichiue, I, Henrir・Mestoa, have returned”

“Henrir. I am glad you returned safely”

Chichiue who’s terribly worn out in comparison to when I was dispatched. What in the world happened in this castle? Besides

“……It looks like the number of ministers is insufficient. And where is Aneue? She partic.i.p.ates in the meeting every time”

I take a look around and the number of ministers has decreased. Moreover, the serious Aneue would have certainly partic.i.p.ated in the meeting without being absent but……

“……There are things I want to talk about, including that matter as well. First of all, take a seat. General as well”

“Understood”

“Haa”1

The General and I obey Chichiue’s instruction and took a seat, we had him tell us what happened when we were fighting with the rebel army and the dead spirits.

The contents were nothing but astonishments, to think that insurrection itself was a decoy. Moreover, to think that Aneue lost. She’s up there in this country, someone like me isn’t even a match for her, even the General can only barely win her.

Moreover, to put Aneue under slavery and so forth. The decreased number of ministers was also apparently because they were killed by the ones who invaded this castle. Furthermore, the invaders are acting as if they owned the place, apparently building a room and living underground of this castle.

I want to do something about it but, they are those who are strong enough to defeat Aneue and, they are taking Aneue and the citizens hostage. Although their numbers are few, there is apparently a manipulator of dead spirits amongst the invaders, it is safe to say that their numbers are unreliable. The dead spirits that appeared after suppressing the rebel army as well, is said to be something prepared by that invader.

After that, it returns to discussing what to do about this matter. Naturally, I understand that it’s not something that Chichiue can decide by himself. Because it involves the lives of the citizens. But still, we need to have him make a decision. As a King.

However, whatever happens, I can’t let Chichiue take responsibility for it alone, because it’s my responsibility as the Crown Prince, and as a son.

“……I understand. Let me think about it”