53 [1-53] Leaves are fluttering. (2/2)

Humphrey, seeing Lawrence's unusual appearance, had a hard time believing that this was the First Order Commander, a national hero.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

In fact, half of them have betrayed you. ...... Or perhaps I should say that they were not on your side to begin with.

There are a few dead from the First Order, but we're unharmed. It's no wonder you're not at peace.

The first knights were killed mercilessly in the first battle, but some of the second knights were injured, and there were no deaths even though so many undead came. Until Humphrey brought back the astonishing news, Bertil didn't know what was going on, and he thought that ...... Lawrence might suspect him of being an informer. He even thought it might be a trap.

And my fears were correct. Although Bertil did not dare to conceal the fact that René had invited him, Lawrence had suspected Bertil even before that. That's why he was so hostile.

”To be frank, I'm ...... afraid.

It's natural to hate your enemies, but there's something different about the First Knight Commander's feelings towards the ”Rose of Hell” that makes him ...... even more hostile towards the Commander. I'm not sure.

Charisma, glorious bravery, good looks and neat behavior: ......

I'm sure you'll agree with me. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

I wonder if that's why Humphrey is even more confused.

--Lawrence is a person, not a hero.

Lawrence is hardworking, kind, serious, strong, just, and charismatic. I think he's a knight worthy of the position of First Knight Commander.

But I think he's a bit out of his depth because he's excited by the fact that he can finally take a stand against the Federation, and defend his country against the Federation, even though he hates them.

He's from the East. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will help you out.

”The Federation?　I'm sure you'll agree.　I'm sure you're not the only one.

He's probably using a very broad definition of ”enemy.

The former king was pro-federation. Then she's part of the Union.

Rene is the former king's daughter. Then she's part of the Union.

”The Rose of Hell is the former king's daughter returned to life as a monster, a threat to the newly risen state. It's part of the Federation. ......

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. ...... I think you have a gift for the military.　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

I'm sure Lawrence sees shades of the Union in ”The Rose of Hell”.

For Lawrence, this is a battle against the evil Federation invasion. The fact that he is outnumbered makes him as fierce as a wounded beast.

Are you trying to classify me as an ally of the Federation?

Humphrey still looked uncomfortable when Bertil said this.

You were a good friend.

So he doesn't like you anymore?

No?　I don't want to be friends with a guy who's excited about chopping off ...... girls' heads. I do.

--Oh, I told you. I didn't want to give up on him.

Bertil closed his eyes quietly, then opened them.

Outside the window, an army of death-like figures was forming.

I'm going to be a bat. I'm going to be a bat. ...... Let's wait and see how this can all end most peacefully.

Protecting this country means protecting the people. It doesn't have to be about protecting you.

I'll overlook a coup and even sell my soul to an evil god if it means keeping as many people alive as possible.

*

”You're a bastard.

Rene said as soon as he broke off the Visioner conversation.

The place where Rene was talking was in a tent separate from the operations room in the main camp. Alastor, who was present, frowned when he heard René's words.

”You lied to me, sir.

It was of course deliberate that Humphrey was given a Visioner instead of a Caller to take with him. This way, he can use the reason of range as a reason to call up to the range of emotional perception.

In his conversations with Bertil, Rene was reading the other's emotions, checking how cooperative they were and whether they were lying.

When I mentioned Hilbert and Lawrence, they responded, so I think at least these two are listening.

Rene could sense Bertil's agitation and fear.

If we can deduce from what words he reacted to in particular, we can understand what the situation really was.

Alastor also crossed his arms and groaned.

I don't think he's going to show up at that place. That would be .......

I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to know what's going on.

I'm not sure what to make of that.　I'm not even going to sigh, because that's exactly what Bertil would do.

That's good, because we can use that to our advantage.

What kind of a man was Bertil, and what was his attitude towards the coup? Rene had heard from Alastor beforehand and had a detailed understanding.

From the whole story, I got the impression that he was a man who could not be eaten even if he was boiled or roasted. He is a man who is likely to be on the side emotionally, but he is cautious and never deviates from his role as a soldier to protect his people.

I think it is true that he wants to wait and see and decide which side to take.

Bertil was willing to talk, but not so rashly that he would bet everything on René, but he was not completely on Lawrence's side either.

I can't say he's hostile, but I get the feeling he's just waiting to see if he can outsmart them. It's like they're trying to win by themselves.

”Princess, in the conversation you just had, were you thinking of Phase 7, Pattern 3? In this situation, you'll have to go to the front yourself. ......

That's fine. We'll start the battle again on that course.

Ha!

Alastor bows respectfully.

”I understand how you feel, but I'm not going to let you get away with it, Second Order Commander. It's your fault for trying to deceive me first, and you'll pay for it.

I'm not lying, but I'm not telling the truth either. It's just the way you gods believe.