It was a place where there was nothing. There was only hills, farms, and a few houses.
Inside of the Runa Empire.
Ryner and Ferris had completely ignored the prohibition sign, heading toward Rajit Village.
The sun had already set in the west, the sky was slowly darkening.
Ryner looked to the sky, using a sleepy expression like usual to say:
āAh~ Look, didnāt I say so before? I said we should go to the church. Hasnāt the sun set now? And what kind of village is this where itās so distant, it doesnāt seem as if there is anythingā¦ Can we really find somewhere to stay? Since there are signs prohibiting entry, the inns should have closed down? Anyway, some corner of this desolate village may had been cursed by the Demon?ā
His tone was unhappy, Ferris said to him:
āYes. Isnāt it because it received the Demonās curse that it became desolate?ā
Ryner hearing this, looked again at the village that did not seem to have any scenic spot, only depending on farming as their source of income, and really did not have anything outstanding.
āNo, I feel that the bad scenery, has no relation with the Demonās curseā¦ā
At this moment, they discovered that a villager had walked out from one of the houses, Ryner asked quickly:
āAh, the lady over there, please wait, we have something to ask youā¦ is there any inns in this villageā¦ā
Before he finished speaking, the female villager saw Rynerā
āWu, ahā¦?!ā
Suddenly she ran away, hiding back into the house.
Ryner seeing this, revealed a slightly surprised expression.
āWuā¦ what was that, what was going on? Why did she suddenly run away?ā
Ferris hearing that, replied with her usual bland tone:
āYes. That womanās judgment was right. At this time of night, meeting a pervert like you, it wouldnāt be strange if she escaped.ā
Here she goes againā¦
Ryner said:
āAh, if she really escaped because of me, then that would really be a shockā¦ā
āWu. I think that shouldnāt be wrong.ā
āAh, donāt rub salt on the wound. Wuā¦ā
At this moment he saw a male villager walking towards themā¦
This time, Ryner used a tone that was much gentler than previously to ask:
āAh, excuse me, the man over thereā¦ā
āWu?!ā
The person escaped againā¦
Ferris seeing this said:
āIt seems to be the case. You have reached the extent in the realm of accomplished perverts where people will know that you are a pervert just by looking at your face. Should I praise you?ā
She said with an indifferent cadence, Ryner was a little disappointedā¦
āWhat kind of face do I haveā¦ Ne, what do you think of that personās response? Itās obvious, thereās something strange about this? I deliberately used a seemingly youthful and charismatic voice to greet them, how can they escape like thisā¦ What is wrong? What happened to this village?ā
Ferris replied simply:
āSo itās said that there is a demonās curse?ā
āSo we were talking about it earlier, what kind of curse is it? I wanted to ask someone, but no one is willing to answer. Whatās going onā¦ā
At this moment, another villager appearedā¦
Ryner said upon seeing the situation:
āā¦If I appear again, itāll probably be the same response as just now. Itās never endingā¦ā
Ferris said:
āAlright. Then, let me go this time? Iāll let you see, a beauty like me who can be thought to be an angel, has a great difference compared to a perverted man like you.ā
Ryner shrugged.
āThen let me see your abilities.ā
āYes. Iām going.ā
Ferris said, then walked towards the villager.
āHey, the sir over there, please wait.ā
She used a tone that was very far away from āgood friendsā to say that.
The villager seeing the situationā
āWuā¦ā
Before the villager screamed, Ferris had already disappeared.
Actually she moved so fast that anyone would think that she had disappeared. In a moment, she actually appeared in front of the villager who had turned around to escapeā¦
She still used an unfriendly tone to say:
āI have something to askā¦ā
āAh?!ā
The villager turned around, getting ready to run.
But, Ferris blocked the villager againā¦
After that, no matter how the villager tried to escape, Ferris would always appear in front of where he was about to run toā¦
āWhat, what is going on?!ā
The villager was about to cry, yelling loudly, in extreme terror.
Ferris nodded and said:
āWu. From his terrified expression, the demonās curse is pretty scary.ā
She said thatā¦
Ryner couldnāt help but mutter in his heart.
(Thatās not right, itās because youāre scarier than the demonā¦)
Ryner thought secretly in his heart, as he walked slowly to the unmoving villager who was frozen to his original position.
āEh, it looks like youāre willing to listen to us nowā¦ I want to askā¦ what is the demonās curse? Why is entry prohibited to this village?ā
When Ryner finished asking, the villagerās face turned white immediatelyā¦
āI, I canāt answerā¦ā
His voice was trembling. It was obvious, his appearance was odd.
Ryner and Ferris seeing this, exchanged looksā¦
Ryner asked again:
āYou canāt answer? What does that mean? If you tell us, will something bad happenā¦?ā
But, the villager used a trembling voice to say:
āItās, itās the mountainā¦ weāre possessed by the demon in the mountainā¦ so, so every dayā¦ā
The villager started to say something that contradicted himself.
Ryner asked:
āThe demon in the mountain? Possessed? Thatās what we wanted to askā¦ā
In a moment.
āN, no?! I, I didnāt say anything about a mountain?! I didnāt say anything at all?! I will, will be killedā¦ killedā¦ Iā¦ Wa~ā
The villager said and escaped.
This time, Ferris didnāt chase after him. There couldnāt anything more asked from the villager right? It was obvious, there was something wrong with his mentality.
Ryner hugged his elbows when he saw thisā¦
āAbout his words earlierā¦ What do you think?ā
Ferris looked around her as she said:
āWu. They seem to be scared of something. Have you discovered it? The villagers are watching us behind the windows?ā
Ryner hearing this, looked around tooā¦
In every room of each house, there were people at the windows watching them with eyes that were so tired that they seemed deadā¦
Ryner shrugged when he saw thisā¦
āā¦Even if we beg them to let us stay for one nightā¦ it seems as if no one will heed usā¦ā
Ferris nodded her head tooā¦
āSo thatās why I hate traveling with a pervert. Even finding a place that is livable isā¦ā
āAh, donāt say it againā¦ā
At this moment Ryner stopped speaking again,
He saw a sixteen seventeen old girl, running towards them desperately from the back of the villageā¦
There were five big men chasing after her.
āBratā¦ escapeā¦ā
āItās youā¦ what were you thinkingā¦!!ā
Because they were at a distance, they couldnāt hear clearly, but the men seemed to be shouting something.
It seemed, these men didnāt seem to be playing hide and seek with the girlā¦
Ryner seeing this said:
āEh? What are those people doingā¦ā
But, he didnāt finish speaking.
Something unbelievable was happening in front of them.
The men caught up with the girl, she was violently struck at. The girl flew out, landing on the groundā¦
āEh?! What are those people doing! It seems like they are not being merciful?ā
Ferris nodded her head when she heard this.
āYes. It seems so. It seems as if the girl is about to be killed by men who have special tastes for girls like you. Wuā¦ itās convenient.ā
āAh? Convenient? What do you meanā¦ ah, I seeā¦ā
At this moment, Ryner seemed to think of something, punching his palmā¦
āItās really convenient. Thenāā
āYes.ā
The two exchanged looksā¦
Although the girl suffered from a strong impact, sprawling on the ground, but she still tried hard to stand up, attempting to continue escaping, Ryner and Ferris rushed towards herā¦
It was at an unbelievable speed.
The men dragged the girl up, about to start hitting her againā¦
Ryner had appeared behind them suddenly, grabbing the manās arm, using his sleepy eyes to look at the manā¦
āUncle, uncle. Itās not good hitting children right?ā
āYou, who are you? Ah?! Donāt butt in, stranger!ā
The man threw off Rynerās hand, about to start hitting the girl again, Ryner grabbed him again, using a slightly tired voice to say:
āDonāt let me repeat myself. At least let me listen to the reason, the reason! Why do you treat the childā¦ā
At this moment, Ryner looked at the girl on the ground, she looked at the interaction between Ryner and the man in surpriseā¦ In a moment, he narrowed his eyes. The girl was covered with wounds. Arms, legs, faceā¦
The girl had brown hair and a cute face. Her body seemed frail and fragile, but it could be seen that she was a cute girl.
And, she was injuredā¦
āā¦ What is your reason, that you have to hit such a small child?ā
But the man replied:
āItās none of your business! If you continue to be such a busybody, weāll settle you too! You know, we, we had to suffer from what kind of treatment because of herā¦ wa?!ā
Then, the man stopped.
Ryner twisted the manās arm, saying:
āOh dear me, is it painful? Iām so sorry. And, I donāt know about the treatment that you suffered because of this child, butā¦ā
Rynerās voice turned slightly dark and soft.
āā¦ But, I believe, the wounds on that childās face is greater than your arm. Iāll ask you again, so answer me obediently. Why do you hit this child? Ah, I might as well tell youā¦ if your reason is not enough, I might accidentally break your armā¦ā
The man hearing this, glared at Ryner violently.
āDonāt speak nonsense! What do you understand!! Hey, what are you doing! Think of something to stop the mouth of this stranger!ā
He shouted to the other men, butā¦
āā¦ā
No one replied.
āHey, what is it?! I told you to beat up this guy!ā
āā¦ā
āHey, heyā¦ I say youā¦ā
Ryner grabbed the manās arm, allowing him to turn around.
āAh~ The companions you speak ofā¦ are they the ones sleeping over there?ā
There was only a pile of men collapsed on the groundā¦
And Ferris sat on the men, taking out her favorite tea set that had been prepared unknowingly, resting leisurelyā¦\nāā¦ā
Ryner looked at this half-lidedly.
āā¦I say, what are you doing?ā
Ryner hearing this, simply answered:
āEh? Do you want to drink it? But, regretfully, the dangos are not in stock.ā
āā¦Iām not talking about thatā¦ā
Ryner seemed to groan. Then, he looked at the man again.
āWu, forget itā¦ itās like this, because of this person, the situation is like thatā¦ Your companions have become the tables for the tea set, so they canāt come and help youā¦ Will you answer my questions obediently now? ā Why do you hit this child? And, what is wrong with this village? It seems a little strange?... You were talking about a demonās curse.ā
The man hearing that, suddenly started trembling.
āN, no?! I, I canātā¦ I, I will be killedā¦ā
Ryner hearing this, frowned.
āAh, here it comes again. Why are you so scared?ā
āCanāt, canāt say. If I say itā¦ I will be killedā¦ā
At this moment, Ryner karate chopped the back of the manās neck, the man stopped speaking, losing consciousness, collapsing on the ground.
Ryner looked back at Ferris.
āItās like that, there seems to be no way to interrogate these people.ā
Ferris replied:
āNo problem. Itās just as predicted.ā
Ryner spoke too:
āYes. Thenā¦ā
This time he turned back again, looking at the girl who was on the ground, looking at him with a surprised expressionā¦
The girlās line of vision met with Rynerās, revealing a slightly timid expression.
āā¦Wu, thatā¦ thank, thank you for rescuing me.ā
Ferris hearing that, poked her head out from behind Ryner and said:
āYes. We didnāt rescue you for free. If you want to repay us, youāll have to give something?ā
Ryner shrugged.
āHaving it said like that, I seem to have become a card, how annoyingā¦ā
The girl revealed an even more timid expression.
āTh, thatā¦ I also thoughtā¦ to express my gratitude, butā¦ my family is poor, so we have no moneyā¦ā
Ryner hearing this, shook his head frantically.
āAh, no no. We donāt need you to give us money or anythingā¦ we just came to this countryā¦ itās a little troublesome, we werenāt able to find anywhere to stay for the moment. So, if itās convenient, could we stay at your houseā¦ how do I say this? As long as the sky darkens, I feel like sleepingā¦ā
āEhā¦ Th, thenā¦ you arenāt Runa people?ā
Ferris nodded.
āYes. We are traveling to all the countries because of various reasons. If we could stay at your house temporarily, we would also pay youā¦ā
But the girl interrupted Ferrisās words.
āPlease, please save him?!ā
She suddenly cried, tightly grabbing Rynerās legā¦
āMy, my childhood friendā¦ is about to be killedā¦ s, so, please save him?!ā
Ryner hearing this.
āWhy did something like this suddenly happen? Does it have anything to do with the demonās curse?ā
The girl shook her head vigorously.
āNo! Arua, Arua heā¦ is not a demon! But, he was brought into the mountains by the Runa soldiersā¦ if we donāt save him, he willā¦ definitely be killedā¦ā
Saying that, the girl started crying.
Ryner hearing that, revealed a distressed expression.
āAh, wa, wait, when did this happen? You said, your childhood friendā¦ is called Arua? Taken away by the Runa soldiers? And the reason for them taking him away is because Arua is a demonā¦ā
Thenā
āI told you Arua is not a demon!!ā
The girl shouted, then started to wail.
Ryner scratched his head in distressā¦ then said:
āWuā¦ so, Arua is not a demon, but he was called a demon, and was taken away by the Runa soldiersā¦ is that it?ā
āYes.ā
By saying that he finally gained the girlās confirmation, Ryner sighed in relief, then asked:
āBut, why is that person called Arua called a demon? Can you tell us in detail?ā
So the girl said:
āEh, thatā¦ā
At this moment Ferris interrupted her.
āWait. Letās change our location? If we talk here, itās not good for the wounds on that child?ā
Ryner hearing that, revealed a surprised expression.
āAh, thatās right. Wu, this is the first time Iām seeing Ferris being concerned for others. I didnāt think you would have your strong points.ā
Ferris nodded as if it were expected.
āYes. Iām worried that she will die halfway through her explanation, that would be troubling.ā
Ryner hearing thatā¦
āā¦If you didnāt say that then it would have been fineā¦ never mind, so itās like thatā¦ then, is it fine if we go to your house?ā
Ryner asked, the girl said:
āThat, big brother is looking for a place to stay, right? I know of a good place! Follow me!ā
Saying that, the girl ran aheadā¦
āAh, heyā¦ you donāt have to runā¦ ah, reallyā¦ how troublesomeā¦ā
āUh.ā
So, Ryner and Ferris chased after herā¦
Like that, the trio left the men lying on the ground, leaving the area.
The girl bought them to a house.
It was a house that was made of wood and it was not very big.
About the interior, it could not be said to be very clean.
Evenā
āWaā¦ what is thisā¦ā
Ryner looked at the interiorā¦ he couldnāt help but exclaim.
The room could be said to be devastated.
The table was flipped over, the book shelves were toppled over, the cutleries were shattered, all on the groundā¦
A tornado seemed to have swept through the houseā¦
The girl revealed a sad expression.
āā¦Two days ago it was still neat and organizedā¦ā
āTwo days ago? That means, this is your house?ā
āā¦Yes. This is the place where Arua stayed before he was taken away. I think, if Arua came back to see that the house was so dirty, he would be upset. But every time I clean it, everyone would mess up the house againā¦ Ah, Iām really embarrassed. Iāll start to clean up now, you, you can wait for a while! As the current messy state there is no space for sleeping, rightā¦ā
The girl said, starting to clean up the houseā¦
Ryner seeing that said:
āAh, itās fine itās fine. Weāre only staying for one night, thereās no problem.ā
He quickly moved the chairs and table to the middle of the room, sitting on a chair and said:
āOn the other hand, can you explain the situation? What has happened? The house has been messed upā¦ you being hit by a group of adultsā¦ and the reactions of the villagersā¦ what has happened here? Andā¦ā
Ryner looked at the girlās face, continuing:
āAnd, I havenāt asked for your name. Ah, I might as well tell you, Iām called Ryner. And this emotionless person is called Ferris.ā
The girl politely said:
āThat, that, Iām called Kuku, Ryner-sama, Ferris-sama, please look after me.ā
She bowed her head deeply.
āYes, me too.ā
āYes. Then, the self-introductions are over, can you start to tell us now?ā
āYes.ā
So Kuku started to narrate the events.
She raised her face to look at the ceiling as if she were thinking about something, then said:
āI am Arua's neighbor . Our relationship has always been good. My parents are on good terms with Aruaās parentsā¦ Every day, every day I would play with Arua. We were on good terms with the villagersā¦ Our lives were normal, it was a good placeā¦ā
She thought back as she spoke slowly. When she spoke of Arua, Kukuās face had a happy and lonely expression.
Anyway, the Rajit village she spoke of, was originally a calm and beautiful villageā¦
But, currently this village did not resemble those times. It felt as if it had become darker, sinister and mad, it couldnāt help but make one doubt that she was speaking nonsense.
Butā¦
Rynerā¦
āā¦ā
He understood this atmosphere.
The atmosphere where people were suspicious, fearful, angry and despairing as they livedā¦
āThen why did it turn to this?ā
Ryner asked, the girlās face immediately clouded over.
āThis village has changedā¦ from that day. The villageās taxes were suddenly raisedā¦ in the past, it wasnāt easy to get by, but after the taxes were raised, no one was able to deal with itā¦ but everyone didnāt dare to go against the royal familyās edictā¦ so everyone grit their teeth and paid the taxes. Everyone worked hardā¦ they didnāt even eat. My parents didnāt even have food to eat, but every day, every day they worked until nightā¦ They were so hard working? They didnāt even relax? But, in the end our family couldnāt pay the taxes. We couldnāt pay the taxesā¦ so the royal family immediatelyā¦ the lord governing this land cameā¦ā
Ryner could see, the expression on Kukuās face, was becoming tense slowly because of fear.
She used a trembling voice to say:
āHe bought a large army. It was only our family who couldnāt pay the taxes, but he bought many, many soldiersā¦ In the beginning my father was killed. In front of the villagersā¦ it was only a moment. My fatherās upper body disappeared because of magicā¦ there was a lot of blood.
āAt the moment I saw that, my mind went blankā¦ā
She cried. The tears welled out from her eyesā¦
What she had often seen.
It was common, but it was a story that was hard to bear.
The past Rolandā¦
The Roland before Sion sat on the throne, these matters were common.
The nobles had greedily wished for entertainment and bullied the people, madly killing the people...
And the target of the mad nobles was Arua?
This boy was a demon, so he had to be killed.
Since the nobles had said that, then this boy was definitely a demon. The words of the nobles were absolute. Daring rebels, would be killed. No, if it was only killed it was better. Before the victim died he would bear anguishing pain, facing humiliation, then he'd killed in the end.
This country was like that.
A country that had allied with Roland in the pastā¦
A corrupted country, coupled with corrupted noblesā¦
It was said that this countryās magic was used with the power from god.
Borrowing godāsāpower.
They used this power, to kill this girlās father.
They used this power, to take the lives of people.
What kind of beautiful god was it?
āā¦How disgusting.ā
Ryner softly muttered with a voice that was unheard.
Mad nobles governing a mad country.
The girl continued speaking. Her tears continued to flowā¦
āBut, even so, things didnāt end there. I was caught nextā¦ I saw my mother crying uncontrollably. But the lord laughed. He saw my father die, he saw my mother cryingā¦ but he laughed. I donāt know what was so funny. He kept laughing, kept laughing, he said, kill that kid too, he said it would be a warning to otherā¦ the magic was right in front of meā¦ā
The ending was undescribable.
Butā¦
The girl seemed to recollect the scene then, speaking slowly:
āBut, at this momentā¦ something unbelievable happened. Aruaā¦ Aruaā¦ used magicā¦ in tha past Arua never said that he could use magicā¦ But, at that moment Arua was as if a different personā¦ everyone seemed to know that. Because, everyone looking at Arua, revealed a scared expressionā¦ a strange design appeared in Aruaās eyesā¦ā
In a moment.
With a bang, the table in front of Ryner bounced up. No, it was Ryner who had jumped up.
What did this girl say?
A design had appeared in Aruaās eyesā¦
Kuku seeing that, stared at Rynerā¦
āAh, that, I, I said something I was not allowed toā¦ā
āEh? Ah, no, no thatās not itā¦ā
At this moment Ferris interrupted:
āKuku, donāt worry, this fellow will do this sometimes, doing some strange things. Continue speaking.ā
She said that to Kuku.
Ryner frantically said:
āYes, yes. Itās like that. Perhaps itās because Iām tired lately? My arm seems to be slightly twistedā¦ Itās because my arm didnāt listen to me, it knocked the table. I interrupted you, Iām sorry. Please continueā¦ā
Although Ryner said that, but he could feel his face tensing.
How could it beā¦
Hearing this kind of matters in this kind of placeā¦
Because Ryner persuaded her to continue, Kuku nodded.
āYes, just now I had stoppedā¦ After that, the lord was very scared of Arua, he returnedā¦ it was Arua who saved me. Butā¦ mother warned me not to speak to Arua. The villagers said Arua was a demon who had killed many people, they started to avoid himā¦ After a while, the lord came again, this time, he brought more soldiers than the previous time, he took away Arua. He said he would do research on the demon in the mountains. He said that the Runa army commanded him to research on the demon, allowing to have his achievements. He laughed again. After that, the taxes in the village were raised againā¦ it was harder to liveā¦ā
Saying that, she revealed a sad expression.
āIn the beginning, there were people who wanted to escape. But, they were all killed. The lord ordered the villagers not to leave the village because he did not want the secret of the research on Arua to be leaked out. Not only that, if this matter was spread to the people visiting the village, they would be killed. Many people were killed, the taxes continued to riseā¦ Everyoneās minds became a little strange. Everyone started to push the blame to Aruaā¦ā
Ryner hearing that, narrowed his eyes.
āSo, you were hit?ā
āā¦Yes. But, Iām fine. Because, if it were not for Arua saving me, I would be dead. But, Arua andā¦ Aruaās parentsā¦ because they saved meā¦ā
Ryner hearing that, looked around the room.
Aruaās parents seemed to have been taken away.
Ryner was clearer than anyoneā¦ what kind of experiment they were carrying out in the mountains.
The strange design in the boyās eyes.
Suddenly using magic that he should not have known of.
The events happening on that boyās bodyā¦
Previously the Roland government had carried out various experiments on Rynerās body, awakened in his mindā¦
Ryner asked Kuku:
āI want to ask you, how long has it been since Arua was taken away?ā
Kuku answered:
āEh? Thatā¦ more or less eight daysā¦ā
āThen, how long has it been since Aruaās parents were taken away?ā
āAround five days ago.ā
āā¦ā
Ryner hearing that, frowned.
It was too late. It had been too long since then.
Even if he rushed over nowā¦
But, Ferris stood up.
āAlright, then, letās go?ā
Ryner hearing that, looked at her.
āButā¦ā
And, Ferris used a steady expression to look at Rynerās face, then said:
āThereās no more time, right?ā
āEhā¦ Ah, yes. Thatās right, if we donāt hurry, itāll be too late.ā
āThen go! We have to protect that boy. Itās like that, Kuku. Youāll wait here. Weāll bring person called Arua back.ā
Kuku hearing that, revealed a disbelieving expression.
āYouāre willing, willing to help me? The other party is the nobles?ā
But, Ferris answered simply:
āRuna nobles do not concern us.ā
āBut, but, they have Runa soldiersā¦ā
āNo problem. If there is something up, Iāll use this foolish man as bait, and escape myself.ā
She actually said that.
āHey, why do you treat me as bait!ā
Ryner couldnāt help but yell at Ferris as usual. Ferris replied:
āYes. Looking at you, there should be no problems.ā
āEh? Youā¦ā
āThen letās go.ā
Saying that, Ferris walked out of the room, Ryner seeing that said:
āAh? I say, you say letās go, but do you know where the mountain is?ā
He asked as he chased after her. Ferris pointed at the northern mountains:
āWhen we came to this village, I saw a light there. It should be there right?ā
It was night time now, but in the deep mountains, there was a flickering light where Ferris had pointedā¦
Ryner seeing that.
āAh, canāt be mistaken, thats the placeā¦ā
At this moment Kuku said too:
āThatās right. Itās there. Arua is thereā¦ā
She said, Ryner hearing that, seemed to be depressed.
āWu, the position of the light seems to be quite high? If we climb up now, itās going to be troublesome.ā
He said as he walked forwardā¦
Ferris said:
āYes. Walking on a mountain path with a pervert, itās really a suicidal action.ā
āWho are you calling a pervert!ā
āOf course itās you.ā
The two spoke, walking towards the mountains.
Kuku seeing this.
āAh, that, me tooā¦ā
But, Ryner turned around and spoke to her:
āAh, itās not a problem. If itās the two of us we can save him, Kuku. Why donāt you clean the house for us? Ne, if Arua comes back, and sees that the house is dirty, heāll be upset right?ā
Kuku hearing that, nodded vigorously.
āThatās right! Then let me do the cleaning! Big brother you have to do your best!ā
āOh.ā
Ryner waved, then continued to walk up the mountain.
But.
Rynerās expression at that momentā¦
āā¦ā
In the darkness, several lights moved.
The mountain where the boy called a demon was imprisoned.
Ryner and Ferris walked towards the mountain, and began to scale the mountain in the dead of the night.
Changing locations, Roland castle.
Late at night.
When Sion had not slept for more than thirty hours, and was starting to get sleepy, the missive suddenly came.
There was a frantic knocking on his door.
āYour Majesty, Your Majesty! Itās not good!ā
Sion hearing that, opened his eyes slightly, saying to the door:
āWhat is it? What is the problem?ā
He said with a slightly tired voice. He had been woken when he was about to fall asleep, he felt his head start to ache.
This time there was a voice.
āPlease get out of bed, Your Majesty! There is an urgent matter.ā
The person who was shouting at the door, seemed to be Eslina. Her tone was quite urgentā¦ When Sion heard her voice, his eyes opened. Eslina had received Calneās orders, she seemed to always watch Sion, frightened that he would over work. Today after she and Calne had ate together, they saw that Sion had not rested, they were angry and they persuaded him, with much difficulty they managed to get Sion to bed.
Now, they were calling him up when Sion had not closed his eyes completely, that meantā¦
Sion raised his body up, arranging the front of his slightly loose shirt as he said:
āPlease wait. Iāll come out now. What has happened?ā
āItās like thisā¦ā
At this moment, Calneās voice spoke from beyond the door.
āClaugh senpai?! I told you now? Doctor! Let the doctor look at you first?!ā
āYouāre noisy! Let me see Sion first. What can this kind of wound count forā¦ā
āOf course it matters! If it were me, I would have fainted and died?ā
āThatās because you arenāt me!ā
āIām talking about common sense! Itās really enough, Eslina, Noa-sama, say somethingā¦ā
This conversation took place outside the doorā¦
This moment, the door was not knocked on, it was openedā¦
Claughās chest and arm were bleeding, behind him was Noa whose hair was stained with blood.
Sion narrowed his eyes. Then said:
āCalne, Eslina, call the doctor over, even if you talk a lot, Claugh most likely wouldnāt listen, let him receive treatment here.ā
Calne and Eslina received the order, chorusing: āYes.ā
Saying that they ran off quickly, Sion confirmed that they had left, then looked at Claugh again.
Thenā¦
āYou have protected Noa-sama well. As the king, I thank you, Claugh.ā
Claugh hearing that, used his sharp eyes to stare at Sion.
āHow did you know that Noa would be attacked? Unless, you already knew that this would happenā¦ā
But Sion shook his head.
āNoa-sama is covered with blood, and, you are injured, rushing into my room with a furious expressionā¦ From that, the only answer is this one right? You fought with someone outside, injuring yourself, so you came to find me?ā
āAh? How can that be?ā
āSo, it should be Noa-sama who was attackedā¦ Am I right?ā
Noa hearing that.
āYour Majesty has deep insightā¦ I admire you.ā
But, Sion shook his head, then frowned slightly.
āā¦Itās not insightā¦ When you say that, I really donāt have a stand. I could predict that this would happen, butā¦ Iām very sorry. I was too careless.ā
Saying that, Sion turned to Claugh.
āI cannot explain myself to you too, youāve helped a lot.ā
Claugh hearing that, revealed an even more enraged expression.
āAh? Could be predicted? What does that mean? Then, you knew who was the one who sent the assassins?ā
Sion couldnāt get the chance to answer when Noa had answered:
āAt the moment the only people who can benefit from killing me are only them, Klom.ā
Claugh hearing that, turned to Noa.
āThem? The āthemā youāre talking aboutā¦ the nobles?ā
Noa nodded with a grave expression.
āIf they kill me, a conflict would occur between Estabul and Roland that have been joined together with much difficulty.ā
Sion said:
āAt the present, the Estabul people had a great amount of trust in Noa-sama. Many Roland people respect your spirit too. If something happens to you, it probably would not stir up something as trivial as a conflict between two countries right? If you die now, the rebellion from Estabul would not be something unavoidable. And a meaningless conflict would weaken the country, the feelings of dissatisfaction would be towards me who was supposed to protect you. Their current methods will not benefit the country. So that I will be pulled off stage, to satisfy their personal pleasures, they will do anything.ā
Claugh hearing that, revealed an anxious expression.
āWhat does that mean? For that, they will let Noa receive this kind of treatmentā¦ā
Sion lowered the head towards the two of them.
āBut, this timeās matter is my fault. This was clearly something that could have been prevented, I just didnāt think that the nobles would move that quicklyā¦ It was an error in my judgment. Iām sorry.ā
But Claugh said:
āItās nothing too serious. No one is blaming you, Sion. You always have to think about things that would take a few people to handle, your hard work is witnessed by many people. The ones who should take responsibility are those nobles. Noa escaped by luck this time. But, what about after today? The villians are all coming, are we going to continue to keep silent all the whileā¦ā
But, Noa said:
āNo, I think that it is ill-advised for His Majesty to take action against the nobles now.ā
āNoa, what are you saying? They have treated you like thisā¦ā
But, Noa shook her head decisively.
āIt doesnāt matter if it is me. Iām fine. What is important, is that more effort should be put into maintaining the stability of the countryās political situation. With the matters of the country taking precedence, we cannot fall into the trap of those lowly people, increasing the size of the problem just for protecting me.ā
āButā¦ā
Noa interrupted Claugh who was still clinging on to the issue, smiling warmly.
āFurthermoreā¦ in the most urgent moment, Major-General Klom will protect me like this time. The protection of the Crimson Fingered Claugh Klom, makes many people feel reassured? Or, does Major-General Klom have no confidence in protecting me from the bullying of those villains?ā
āAh, no, urghā¦ā
Claugh frowned, looking at Sion with an unhappy expression.
āAh, really, Sion you should say something!ā
Sion shrugged, then looked at Noa.
āThank you for your understanding. But, towards this matter, I am unable to immediately make a decision. Of course, I will try to think of the best method so as not to disappoint youā¦ Ne, itās late, I will send someone to help you prepare a room in the castle, and someone to prepare hot water. Rest well.ā
Noa bowed her head respectfully to express her gratitude.
āThank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.ā
Following that, Sion looked at Claugh.
āWith that, you should go down too. I will prepare a room by her room, and let you protect herā¦ but, you should go and deal with your injuries first.ā
Claugh hearing that, frowned again.
āI said that these injuries arenāt fatalā¦ā
āClaugh!ā
āAh, really, youāre so naggy. Iāll go and treat my injuries, is that fine? Reallyā¦ donāt be so angry.ā
But Sion shook his head.
āIām not angry. I only hope that you can understand. She is one of the people who definitely cannot meet any danger presently in our country.ā
āā¦Even if I am a clumsy person I know thatā¦ā
Sion interrupted Claugh.
āBut, if you forget that you are also a very important person of this country, I will be very troubled. If you werenāt here, my path to repressing the tyranny would be delayed. Not only thatā¦ if you diedā¦ā
Sion paused, smiling. That was a smile that was a little sheepish, but it was filled with confidence.
It was a smile that would attract everyoneās attention and charismatic.
Sion looked at Claugh.
āIf you die, I will cry? You had better not make me cry.ā
āYouā¦ā
When Claugh heard this, he revealed a stunned expressionā¦
At this moment.
āAh, Your Majesty Sion! I have brought the doctor. Itās already late at night, no one was willing to wake upā¦ but, I specially went to wake him up, so, Claugh senpai, you have to obediently receive treatment!!ā
Sion hearing that, waved his head, as if chasing away the peopleā¦
Claugh turned around with an unhappy expression again and said:
āAh, it canāt be helped. My friend is having difficulties sleeping alone in the middle of the night, heās so stubborn, I think I should just trouble myself, accept the treatment?ā
Sion laughed when he heard this.
āNonsense. Ne, I had the rare chance to sleep properly, but I was woken up by you, I want to sleep now. Scat now.ā
The surrounding people exchanged words in this way.
For some reason, Noa was looking at this scene happilyā¦
Then everyone left the room.
It was silentā¦
Sion slowly went back to his bed.
He tried to think about the things after today, but felt that his headache grew worse.
Assassinating Noaā¦
The nobles had moved first againā¦
First was Fiole.
Fiole was killed, as a warning to Sionā¦
And this time it was Noa.
But, the riskiness this time could not be compared to the time with Fiole. If they moved wrongly, judgement would be unavoidable. But, the nobles tried to kill Noa no matter what.
So that they could achieve their goal, they did not care about anything else.
āā¦ā¦Damn.ā
Sion muttered as if groaning.
This time Noa was luckily rescued by Claugh. If Claugh was not able to protect Noaā¦ even if it didnāt cause a direct impact, but maybe everything would have ended. At least, the internal situation of unifying the country would have stepped backā¦ this way, perhaps there would be no chance to fortify the country against the invasion?
This time Claugh had saved everything.
But next time?
What would happen next time?
He couldnāt always stay in a dangerous situationā¦ exposing the people to harm.
He had to think, think of some plan that would doā¦
As for a planā¦
At this momentā¦
Sion raised his head, carrying a mocking smile on his face.
āā¦ā¦You really appear at the most opportune timesā¦ā
So, a black shadow slowly appeared in front of Sionā¦
Froaude.
Froaude replied:
āIf I can meet Your Majestyās expectations, then it would be a great honour.ā
Saying that, he bowed his head.
Sion said to him:
āYou donāt have to be so politeā¦ and, I know what you are thinking.ā
Froaude revealed a shallow smile.
āEverything has been prepared, Your Majesty. We didnāt have to move out, the other side has already started moving. What kind of choices does Your Majesty wish for after today?ā
āā¦ā¦ The path you pointed out to me?ā
āI have mentioned it beforeāwelcoming the nobles. At the present the life of Noa Ehn-sama is being threatenedā¦ but, Your Majesty holds no unhappiness to the nobles, and you donāt chase after the issue. You have to present an image that you accept the nobles, and are willing to rule this country with the nobles. Let them suck up the honey, sate their appetites, at that moment cut down the nobles who have lowered their guard, wouldnāt that be easy?ā
Sion hearing that, revealed an empty expression.
āKilling them without leaving anything behind?ā
āIf there is a need.ā
āI said it before, the peopleā¦ā
āā¦ā
But, Froaude did not reply.
āI have acted according to your orders, everything has been prepared fully.ā
He only said thatā¦ Sion narrowed his eyes when he heard that.
āUnlessā¦ the one who sent the attackers after Noa-sama was youā¦ā
But, Froaude shook his head.
āRegrettably, that was not my doing. The instigation of the nobles to attack Noa-samaā¦ creating the current situation. This is only a tactic to target the scheming. If I sent out assassins, there would be no need to worry about Noa-samaās lifeā¦ but, this matter was not my doing.ā
āā¦ā¦Is that so? You can go down.ā
āYes. Then Iāll retreat now. It will probably be more busy after today. Please rest well, Your Majesty.ā
Saying that, Froaude left the room.
But, after he left, Sion still lay on the bed not speaking, in the end, that night, he was unable to sleep at all.
The next morning.
Roland entered a state of confusion that had never been seen before.
The king was announcing to everyone in the country.
Just by looking at the current situation, the contents of the order made people confusedā¦
The places of the Sionās subordinates, and the nobles who trusted and chased after Sion were raised greatly.
And the one who was raised to the highest position wasā¦
The person who was promoted from Major-General to Field Marshalā¦ that was Claugh klom who was promoted to the highest position in the army.
The people who carried the anti-king flag, almost all the current nobles were crowded out, assuming important positionsā¦
Some people celebrated, some were jealous, some felt annoyed, some felt troubled by the sudden changes in the surroundings.
Other from the large alterations in human resources, because of the overlapping that caused some jobs to be joined, this also caused Roland to enter a state of extreme confusion.
Soā¦
In the hall of the king. Many people were gathered here.
Claugh came too of course, but when he appearedā¦
āā¦What is this, Sion! I canāt accept this! Even if you didnāt graciously let me have this achievement, just by my abilities, I would have quickly ascended to the general position. But youā¦ā
He shouted angrily at Sion.
Calne followed up:
āThatās right, Your Majesty Sion! Having this happen suddenly, it would be strange if it didnāt shock us. Even if you were considering something, you should have told us firstā¦ā
Noa also raised her disagreement.
āAs of the current situation the country is in, shouldnāt you think more when choosing these measures? I know I sound rude, andā¦ This way, itās not only the nobles, probably even the people will suspect that you have finally revealed yourself as a tyrant. I can understand that Your Majesty wants to pass the matters, the feeling of allowing your trusted people to handle these matters, butā¦ the nobles hold a large amount of authority. If you ignore the reality and make this choiceā¦ it will cause troubles. If something goes wrong in the process of spreading the order, I think it would be prudent to retract the command.ā
Her expression was very serious. Yesterday she had clearly said, the affair that she was nearly assassinated was not known by the public, it would be advisable to lay low, but now her expression said that she was unable to accept this matter.
And there was Eslina, Froaude and Lord Gnule who had stood with Sion since the beginning, and other nobles who supported the king who were assembled hereā¦
Sion shrugged.
āHow troublesome. Everyone has become successful, but there are many who are unsatisfied, you lot have little ambition.ā
Lord Gnule who was aptly described as a warm and honest and sincere knight, his face stiffened when he heard that.
āWhy does Your Majesty say that? Do you really think that we are following you for success? The people who follow youā¦ no, at least the people assembled you are ones who treat fame as dirt. They are people who really think well for the country, they donāt wish to see the country continue to be shrouded in darkness like before. And, this order for the human resourcesā¦ it gives people a feeling of being betrayed. This way, Your Majesty is announcing to the peopleālet go and gain authority! Please, Your Majesty, retract the orderā¦ā
At this moment Froaude interrupted:
āNo, itās already too late. The nobles in the anti-king faction, will have definitely used His Majestyās actions to purposely buy horses and welcome soldiers, attempting to trigger a conflict. If they move, even if the order is retracted, it would be impossible to stop itā¦ā
Everyone in the hall momentarily went silent.
Yes.
It had already began.
The battle to gain the control of this countryā¦
It was happening as if too quickly.
The rebellion movement in Estabul, it had only ended not long ago. Even if that was only a faƧade of temporary peace, it should have last longer?
Everyone had a āis the king mad?ā expression.
Andā¦
After Sion breathed in deeply, he looked around the hall slowly. There were quite a lot of people, if these people were Sionāsā¦ no, if they looked out for this countryā¦ if they really thought for the safety of this country, not only working hard for the country because of his or her personal gainsā¦
This battle could possibly be won.
Sion breathed in again.
Then said:
āI understand everyoneās thoughts. But, will everyone listen to my thoughts?ā
Everyone focused their attention on Sion. When Sion confirmed that everyone was listening to himā
āMany people are surprised by my plan, right? I knew that everyone would be surprised. Perhaps many of you would think, this kind of change in the human resources is too suddenā¦ the timing is not rightā¦ this change easily attracts the rebound of the nobles who remain from the old systemā¦ but, before everyone expresses their unhappiness, please listen to me. Does everyone know of the country Gastark?ā
Most of the people in the hall tilted their heads in suspicion.
But, Sion continued:
āThen, does everyone know of the country Stohl? In the Menoris Continent, it is the only big country. That has five times our military and national power. I want to ask everyone, if Stohl invaded Roland, what kind of situation would it be then?ā
Gnule answered:
āā¦Urgh, of course we would be unable to win. We would be wiped out. But, talking about it, we and Stohlā¦ just by the geographic location of that country and Roland, wouldnāt it be too far? The chances of Stohlās invasion reaching hereā¦ā
Sion nodded.
āI think that there is no possibility too. Yes, Stohl probably would not invade here? So we donāt need to worry.ā
When he said that, Gnule frowned.
āIām sorry, Your Majesty. As of the current state I still do not understand your meaningā¦ Stohl would not invade here, so, we do not need to worry, I understand that. But what has that got to do with the order you gave out?ā
Sion replied:
āYes, there is a connection. Stohl may not invade us, butā¦ according to the information I received today morningā¦ two thirds of Stohlās territory has been occupied by the country called Gastark.ā
āAh?!ā
The atmosphere in the hall changed.
Sion continued:
āNot only that. Like the original impression everyone had, Gastark was a small country in the extreme north that was unknown. But, now their strength has increased. Not only Stohl, if it includes the small countries, they have already swallowed up many countriesā¦ Honestly speakingā¦ itās unknown as of now. Ah, after all they are far from usā¦ā
Gnule hearing that, seemingly to comfort himself he said:
āB, but, it is a distant country after all. There are many countries like Runa and Nelpha between Roland and Gastark. Other than that, there are four big countries that almost have the magnitude of power that Stohl had. It should be hardā¦ for them to invade hereā¦ā
But, Sion shook his head.
āGastark may not reach here. But, so as to defend against Gastark, the other countries may expand their lands, national power and military power, and start to invade each other, isnāt that true?ā
āTh, thatā¦ā
āAt the present there are reports showing that, there are people that do not belong to Nelpha who are within the Imperial Nelpha borders, secretly moving. Andā¦ even our allied country Runaā¦ā
āā¦ā
No one dared to speak.
The world was changing.
Everyone felt it. The huge war that had not occurred yet, there was a feeling of premonition that it was about to happenā¦
That was no longer those kind of small-scale military competitions between Roland and Estabul.
It was wiping out other countries, or else they would be wiped out themselvesā¦
When everyone in the hall understood this, Sion continued:
āā¦We donāt have the time anymore. We donāt have the time to leisurely continue the ugly internal conflicts in our country. So, Froaude had a solution. This solutions was: set a trap, allowing the protesting nobles to gather together, then purge them at one go.ā
Everyone looked at Froaudeā¦
Claugh glared at Froaude viciously again and said:
āPurge? Even if it is adults or children, all are to be purged? This kind of action is no different from the previous evil kingā¦ā
But Sion interrupted him.
āNo, Claugh. Froaudeās solution is not wrong. I think too, that is a viable option.
āButāI am the king of this country. I am the king of the people living in this country. Even if it is the nobles who wish to kill me, they are the people of Roland too. Even so, I think that they should be protected too. I want to save them, even if it may not be many people. I wish that under the situation where there is no violence, to unify this country. So, I would pick this intense measure.
āI want to use this opportunity, to completely wield the authority over Roland.
āIf the nobles are willing to follow me, I will not pick over their past offences, accepting them.
āBut, if they wish to rebel till the end, I will purge them. Perhaps another battle will be raised over this.
āBut, there is no more time.
āSo that I can rescue most of the citizens in this country, probably I will need many people to sacrifice themselves.
āEven so, I still want everyoneās help. I need the help of the people who are thinking for the country, if everyone was not here, I would not be able to continue.
āWe cannot let this country be destroyed.
āWill you be willing to save this country with me?ā
He said that.
He said all of that.
So that this country would be unified quickly, even if his companions increased it would not be too many.
There was no more time. If the power of those nearest to him were unable to come togetherā¦
Everything would endā¦
At this moment, Claugh put his hand over his chest, bowing his head and said:
āI will endeavor to comply to my liegeās orders.ā
Following that, Gnule, the noblesā¦ all of them bowed their head, chorusing:
āI will endeavor to comply to my liegeās orders.ā
Sion seeing this, narrowed his eyes.
The battle was about to begin.
Not only the internal war in Roland.
Roland was taking the first step to fight against the worldā¦
The atmosphere in the hall rose slowly. Everyone was intoxicated with the charisma of this king.
Froaude left the hall alone, softly saying:
āItās reallyā¦ my king. The actions that a king should have, he has performed them perfectly. Wishing to help more people, even if it is only a small portionā¦ is that it? This is a perfect kingā¦ā
A shallow trace of a smile appeared on his face.
Yes.
Even if the sacrifices that would cause would be more than the trap that I set for the nobles to jump into and purge themā¦
The king needs to progress on a tyrannical path.
Even if he has to step over many mountains of corpses to proceedā¦
A king needs to progress on a tyrannical path.
So, I will follow you.
I will follow a perfect king, although it causes heart ache, it is destined that you will take away the lives of many peopleā¦
Has His Majesty discovered his helplessly?
No, he has already helplessly discovered it, but he did not think much of it.
Is that pattern that a king goes throughā¦?
And you are troubled over this.
Even so, I have to lessen your troubles, even if is only a drop in a bucketā¦
That is my duty.
To sacrifice the least to gain a large effectā¦
All of the blood stained duties should be settled by meā¦
Froaude walked to the entrance of the hall, then turned back.
The interior of the hall was glowing.
Froaude narrowed his eyes, looking at this scene.
Then, he put his hand on his chest, bowing his head.
āI will endeavor to comply to my liegeās orders.ā
He said in a low voice, then his shadow vanished from the hall.
The darkness moved.
Froaude had started two plans.
One was to the powerful nobles. He sent out assassins, to the quarters of those who had not shown that they were supporting the king or not, or the people who were in the anti-king faction.
If they were inclined to the anti-king faction, or the more intense anti-king faction, then they would protest even more? At that time it would be inevitable that they would be killed.
If they were slightly inclined to supporting the king or neutral, then they would not be dealt with. They would be eventually swallowed by the large power of the king right?
In this way, the nobles who should be killed and the nobles who would survive, could be clearly differentiated this way.