CH 1

Arc 4: The confusion in the Empire 帝国の混迷

第一話 御前会議 First chapter/episode: The Imperial Conference

link to raws: http://ncode.syosetu.com/n1136bt/64/

常闇の国、真紅帝国インペリアル・クリムゾン本国、空中庭園『虚空紅玉城』。

In the everlasting dark country, Imperial Crimson The Sky Gardens of the Serene Sky Scarlet Jade castle.

「遅れてすみません。勅命により参上しました、レヴァンですが……」

“Pardon me for being late. It’s Revan who is summoned by the imperial command…”

御前会議の名目で召喚を受けやってきたクレス自由同盟国の盟主（仮）である、獅子の獣人レヴァンは、案内された数多ある緋雪ひゆきの私室――と言っても、その規模（きぼ）及び絢爛さは地上にある国々の謁見室を遥かに凌いでいる。

Summoned under the pretense of the Imperial Conference, as the Cress’s Union Freedom Country’s leader, Revan was given a guided visit to Hiyuki’s private room — even if it is said as thus, the scale, as well as the gorgeousness of the room for audience, surpasses the countries on this land.

と言うより比較するのもおこがましい積み木のオモチャである――の入り口から室内を覗き込んだ姿勢で、広大な室内に緋雪とその腹心の四凶天王、外様代表であるアミティア共和国のコラード国王、他に数名しかいないのを見てキョトンとした顔になった。

To begin with, when you compare this to the rest, they were like toys made of wooden blocks – peeking from the entrance of the room, Hiyuki entered the wide room with her trusted Four Fiendish Heavenly Kings, and representing the outsiders, King Collard, the King of the Republic of Amitia. Seeing the others, he had blankly looked forward.

「やあ……来たね、レヴァン」

“Yaa, you’ve come, Revan.”

どことなく疲れた様子で、力なく手招きをしている緋雪――黒に赤薔薇をあしらった豪奢なワンショルダーのドレスを着ているが、本人の美貌がそれを遥かに上回るので、これでもまだ地味に思える――の姿に非常に嫌な予感を覚えながらも、室内に足を踏み入れた。

Somehow, with a tired appearance, Hiyuki who waved weakly – even while wearing a black one-shouldered dress decorated with red roses, yet her beauty exceeds it, until the dress seemed plain – while she sensed a very disagreeable premonition, she stepped into the private room.

ふわふわと雲の上を歩いているような弾力の床（絨毯ではなくて床の材質が未知のものらしい）に悪戦苦闘しながら、指定された肘掛つきの豪華な椅子――コラード国王の隣だったので、軽く挨拶をすると、どこか諦めたような顔での挨拶が返ってきた。これでさらに内心で警戒のレベルを上げつつ――に座る。

She struggled as she walked on the floor that seemed to be made of fluffy clouds (Instead of a carpet, it was made of an unknown bedding material), sitting on the designated luxurious armchair – King Collard was next to her, with a quick greeting, he returned it while wearing an expression as if he gave up at some point. With that, her vigilance level increased – she sat.

どうやらレヴァンの到着が最後だったらしい。緋雪が立ち上がり、集まった面々の顔を見回した。

Somehow it seems like Revan was the last to arrive. Hiyuki stood, and looked at the faces of those who were gathered.

「えーと、みんなに集まってもらったのは他でもなく…」

“Err, the reason why everyone was gathered …”

そこで、コラード国王が遠慮がちに手を上げた。

At this, King Collard’s and was raised thoughtfully.

「あの、よろしいでしょうか？」

“Um, may I?”

「貴様っ、姫のお言葉の途中で――！」

“You, while the princess is speaking-!”

激高する天涯てんがいを、「まあまあ、今日は非公式な場だから」と慣れた様子で緋雪がなだめ、しぶしぶ矛を収めさせる。

The enraged Tengai was here, [well, today is an informal occasion after all] as if she was used to it, she soothed him, and he reluctantly stilled his hand.

「いいでしょう、直奏を許可します。他の者も、本日、この場限りにおいては許可いたしますが、特例であることを、ゆめゆめ弁えるように」

納得しかねる様子の天涯に代わって、命都みことが凛とした声でその旨を伝達した。

“Fine, you may report directly to the princess. Anyone else too, for today, limited to this place, you will have the permission to do so, but other than special circumstances, absolutely bear it in mind.” Understanding Tengai’s reluctance, it in his place, Mikoto communicated it with a dignified voice.

「はあ、ありがたき幸せにございます」

“Haa, thank you for your benevolence.”

コラード国王以下その場にいた者が一礼したので、レヴァンも慌ててあわせる。

In a situation where King Collard spoke as if he was a subordinate, Revan matched his mannerism hastily.

「それで、お聞きしたいのは本日は御前会議と伺ったのですが、集まったのは我々だけなのでしょうか？」

“As such, that which I would like to inquire the Imperial Council about today, are those who are gathered only us?”

“That is so.”

「えっ」

“Eh.”

あっさり頷いた緋雪に、思わず驚愕の声をあげると、真紅帝国インペリアル・クリムゾン側の全員から、『姫のおっしゃることになんか文句あるのか、殺すぞ！』という視線が一斉に放たれて、慌てて愛想笑いを浮かべて、レヴァンはその場に縮こまった。

At how quickly Hiyuki nod, Revan instinctively voiced his surprise, from the side of Imperial Crimson, their look released the feeling of “If you have something to say to the words of the Princess, we’ll kill you!” simultaneously. In haste, with a forced smile, Revan curled up where he was.

「……他の重臣の皆様方がいらっしゃらないようですが、宜しいのでしょうか？」

“It seems there will be other senior statesmen who will be here, will that be fine?”

重ねて問いかけるコラード国王の態度に、実は内心、初対面の時から『軟弱そうな男だな』と思っていたレヴァンだったのだが、その先入観を180度改めることにした。

At the manner of King Collard who asks once again, in actuality, Revan had thought [He seems like a weak man] when he first saw him, but now his opinion of him had taken a 180 degree turn.

さすがは一国を支える国王だけあって、たいした胆力である、と。

As expected of a King who supports an entire country, his bravery is great.

一方、聞かれた緋雪の方は、なぜか遠い目をして、

The other side, the side of Hiyuki who heard it, for some reason had looked to the distance,

「いや、一応この前、正式な御前会議は、円卓の魔将以下、列強と呼ばれる主だった実力者や、世界樹の森や基底湖の長とか集めて行ったんだけどさ。――あ、議題は『今後の真紅帝国インペリアル・クリムゾンのこの世界での位置づけについて』ね」

“No, for the time being, before the official Imperial Council meeting, the round table of those below Demonic Generals, those influential people who are said to have Great Powers, and the Chiefs of The Yggdrasil, Base of the Lake, etc should be gathered. Ah, the topic of the meeting is “The current position of Imperial Crimson in the World.”

「なるほど、興味深い議題ですね」

“I see, it is a topic of great interest.”

コラード国王同様、頷いてレヴァンも身を乗り出した。

Similar to King Collard, Revan leaned forward with a nod.

「んで、壮絶な議論（殴り合い）の末、『全部征服しちゃえば問題ないじゃん』という結論に達したわけなんだけど」

“Nn, so, at the end of the grand discussion, the conclusion is somehow said to be[It’s not a problem to dominate everything].”

ずるっと椅子に座ったまま、コラード国王とレヴァンの二人がこけた。

They had been seated in their chairs since earlier. With a slide, they both collapsed.

「私が指揮を執って全軍で侵略するのと、主要国をピンポイントで破壊するのと、全員好き勝手に暴れるのとで意見が対立してねぇ。最終的な決断が私のところに持ち込まれたわけなんだけど。――どーしたもんだろうね。そこらへん、現地の意見も取り入れたいので、君たちを呼んだわけなんだけど」

“By commanding the entire army to invade, destroying the key countries with pinpoint accuracy, everyone rioting as they like, I have no opposition for it. At this point, I would like your opinions as locals, which is why we called you.”

「……いや、あの、世界征服とか簡単におっしゃいますが、そもそも可能なのでしょうか？」

“…Uh, that, you talked about world domination as if it was simple, but is there really a possibility?”

「ん？ 可能だよ。てゆーか、破壊だけなら天涯一人でも2ヶ月もあれば可能なんじゃないかな？」

“Hm? It’s possible. Or rather, if it was simply destroying the world, Tengai alone could probably do it in 2 months.”

事もなげに答える緋雪の後を受けて、天涯が胸を張った。

At Hiyuki’s answer as if it was nothing, Tengai struck out his chest.

「左様でございますな。1月と言いたい所ですが、森羅万象根こそぎとなると、そのくらいはかかるかと」

“It is as the princess said. I would like to say I could do it in a month, but as all things in nature have their roots, it should take around that amount of time.”

「ちなみに全軍を投入したら、グラウィオール帝国クラスでも分単位で倒せる思うよ」

“Speaking of which, if all our troops were involved, we could probably topple a ‘Gravior Empire’-class country.”

いささかの誇張もない、水が高いところから低いところへ流れるのを説明するような、緋雪の自然な口調と、当然だという周囲の雰囲気に、それがまぎれもない事実だと悟った二人――コラード国王とレヴァンが、お互いに血の気の失せた顔を見合わせる。

Without a bit of exaggeration, as if explaining how the water flow from the high spot to a low spot, Hiyuki’s natural tone, with an atmosphere as if it was a matter of course,

いやぁ、なんか一人で核のボタン握ってる気分だねぇ、はははははっ……と訳のわからない感想を付け加えて、から笑いをする緋雪。

No, somehow it felt like she’s holding the main trigger, hahahaha… with this unbelievable thought attached, Hiyuki laughed.

「まあ、不安要素と言えば、らぽっくさんを始めプレーヤー達と神様を名乗るその黒幕の存在かな？――まあ、神の定義なんて様々だけど、やってることの質の低さから見て、中身は人間だと思うけどさ」

“Well, if we’re speaking of the unstable components, from the beginning Lubbock-san had brought up the existence who calls itself God as the person behind the scenes, maybe. Even though it has been calling themself a ‘God’ from the quality of what we see the person had done, the person must be human. ”

「そのあたりを確認する意味合いを込めて、この世界に火を放てばよろしいのでは？」

空穂が事もなげに提案をする。

“To confirm the implication, is it fine to set fire to this world?” Utsuho suggested as if it wasn’t a big deal.

なんかネズミを燻り出す感覚で、世界が危機に陥っている。

It felt like throwing the world into crisis to smoke out the rat.

その事実を前に、戦慄するコラード国王とレヴァンの二人。あと、実はほかならぬ緋雪自身が、一番恐怖しているのだが、そうした感情が何周か回りすぎて、すでにメーターが壊れまくっているので、見た目には平然と笑っていうようにしか見えない。

Before this reality, King Collard and Revan both shuddered in fear. And, in reality, this is none other than Hiyuki’s personally most feared scenario, and as such her feelings about it had circled countless rounds repeatedly, to the point it had turned around, and to their eyes, she had nothing but a composed smile.

で、それを見て、円卓メンバーや列強の実力者たちは、『さすがは姫、この程度のことは笑い事であるか』と大いに感じ入って、盛大な勘違いをさらに深めたわけだったりするのだが。

And, while looking at that, the members of the roundtable and the great power holders thought, [As expected of the Princess, this degree is something she would smile at.”, feeling impressed, and this grand misunderstanding grows deeper.

「まあ、そーいうことでさ、なんか意見があれば聞きたいんだけど？」

“Maa, it’s this sort of thing, so if you have any opinions I would like to hear them.”

もう諦めた。世界征服でもなんでもすりゃいいじゃん。という投げ遣りな気分で、二人に水を向ける緋雪。

I give up. Even if it’s world domination, isn’t it fine? With such an irresponsible feeling, the two of them faced Hiyuki.

「あの、そういう直観暴力に頼るやり方以外で、平和的に解決できないでしょうか？」

“Um, rather than depending on a way of instinctive violence, how about settling it in a peaceful way?”

恐る恐る提言するコラード国王に対して、

「姫が支配する世界こそが恒久平和であろう。愚か者が」

「平和というのは戦と戦の間の準備期間でしょう」

天涯と命都が小馬鹿にしたように答える。

Towards King Collard who proposed it timidly,

“Idiots, the world will only be eternally peaceful when it is ruled by our Princess.”

“Peace is the preparation time in between battles, right?”

Tengai and Mikoto answered like fools.

他の者も概ね『平和？ なにそれ美味いの？』という反応である。

The rest of them had a general “Peace? What is that, is it delicious” sort of response.

自身の無力を悟って沈黙したコラード国王に代わって、レヴァンが手をあげた。

「あの、そもそもの疑問なのですが、なんでそんな会議を開くことになったのでしょうか？」

Instead of King Collard who was silently feeling his own powerlessness, Revan raised his hand.

“Er, to begin with, I have a question, what was the cause of this meeting?”

言われて目を瞬き、「あれ？」という顔で考え込む緋雪。

ややあって、ポンと手を打った。

As this was said, Hiyuki had an expression as if she was thinking “Eh?”. After a while, she placed her fist to her flat palm with a ‘pon’. (T/N: in manga, this posture is regularly made when someone realizes something)

「――思い出した。なんか最近、ヒマだからなんか暇つぶししたいねぇ、と私が言ったら、いつの間に御前会議とかなんとか大事になったんだっけ」

“-I remember now. Recently, I’ve been really free, and for me to pass some time, when was the last Imperial Conference or something like that, and it became a really important thing.”

『貴女が元凶なんですか!?』

『暇つぶしに世界征服しないでください！』

と、言いたげな表情で固まる、レヴァンとコラード国王の二人。

“You are the main cause?!”

“If you’re free please don’t take over the world to pass time!”

And their faces harden like they wanted to say these things, for both Revan and King Collard.

「――いや、他にやることはいっぱいあると思うんですが」

それをぐっと飲み込んでレヴァンは訴えかけた。

“-nah, I also thought there were many other things I wanted to do.”

Hearing that, Revan quickly pressed further.

「……例えば？」

“For example?”

訊かれてレヴァンは考え込んだ。はっきり言って国の舵取りとか問題だらけで、それこそやることは山積みなのだが、個別案件について相談しても意味がないだろう。だいたいその辺りatariの裁量sairyouは、クレスこちらに任されているわけだし。

宗主国の国主に持ち込むなら、問題はもっと根本的なところだろう。

While listening, Revan thought. If it were to be said clearly the steersman of this country is filled with problems, even so, the things that should be done was piled up but, if they were treated as individual cases to be discussed there was no meaning to it, probably. To begin with, by the neighbour’s discretion, they could depend on Cress to deal with it.

If they bring in the Suzerain state’s King/sovereign, then the problem would have been even simpler to resolve. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzerainty)

そう、一言で言うなら――

Yes, if it has to be said in one sentence, then-

「うちの国って貧乏なんですが、これってどうにかなりませんかね？」

“My country is poor but, with this, in one way or another, it is impossible isn’t it.”

実感の篭った切実な響きに、半分他人事で世界征服とか言っていた緋雪も、目が覚めたような顔で姿勢を正した。

「ああ、うん。そうだね、貧乏は嫌だねぇ」

Feelings of being confined earnestly echoed, Hiyuki who said half of someone else’s problem and then such things as world domination also corrected her attitude as if she sobered up.

“Ah, yeah. That’s right, poverty is unpleasant.”

うんうん、わかるよぉ……としみじみ言われ、予想外の好感触にレヴァンは内心首を

捻った。

「じゃあ早速、国家予算を向こう100年分くらいあげようか？」

Yup, yup, I understand… and earnestly being said, with an unexpectedly good feeling, Revan mentally tilted his neck.

“Then without delay, I’ll give a 100 years portion according to the National Budget.”

子供に飴玉でもあげる調子であっさりと言われて、レヴァンと隣のコラード国王が慌てて、さすがに今度は口に出して止める。

「いやいやいやいや！」

「やめて下さいっ。そんなことをすれば市場が大混乱になります！」

Saying it as if she was giving candy to the children, King Collard who was beside Revan panicked, as one would expect, this time he quickly tried to stop with his words, “Nonononono!”

“Please halt. If you were to do so the market will be in chaos!”

「で、できれば我々獣人族や亜人族が自立できる国家体制造りの支援をお願いしたいのですが」

“If, if it is possible, we wish that we can have support for the beastman race and demi-humans so that we can independently create a national state.”

冷や汗を流しながらのレヴァンの懇願に、緋雪は首を捻った。

「自立ねえ。――いまのままだと難しいの？」

As Revan petitioned with cold sweat flowing down, Hiyuki tilted her head.

“Independence. – As it is, it is difficult? ”

「正直言って、食うだけで精一杯ですね。それすら穀倉地帯を抱えていたケンスルーナ側が帝国に押さえられたせいで、事欠く有様です」

ふむ、確かにあの荒野ばかりでは農業も産業も育ちようがなさそうだねぇ、と思いながら思いつくままを緋雪は口に出した。

“To be honest, we’ve been doing our best to make a living. Because of Kenslunar’s side which carries out grain producing regions controlling the supply, it’s been causing a deficiency.”

Fumu, it is accurate that there are wastelands all over the place, and even if there were agricultural or industrial activities it seems like it was improbable to grow them, as she was thinking, Hiyuki said it as it is.

「クレスってなにか特産品とかないわけ？ あと鉱物資源とか」

「特産品これといってありませんね。鉱山とかは山が聖地の場所も多いので、おいそれとは掘れませんね」

“Are there any special products of Cress? Mineral resources or such.”

“Special products? There’s nothing special that we can speak of. Because the ore mountains are Holy Grounds, they can’t be mined at a moment’s notice.”

「まあ、強いて挙げるなら獣人族そのものが資源でしょうか。外貨gaikaの獲得手段としては、他国で傭兵や冒険者などをして稼ぐのが唯一くらいですので」

コラード国王がすかさず言い添える。

“Well if the beastman were to punch it strongly it would become a source of material. About the way to obtain foreign currency, to become soldiers or adventurers in a foreign country or other jobs would be another way.”

「なるほどねえ。基本的に内需も外需もほぼ壊滅kaimetsuなわけか。ねえ、コラード国王、君がここの国王だったらどうするの？」

“I see. Essentially the domestic and foreign consumption will both be pretty much settled. Hey, King Collard. What do you think you would do if you were this country’s king?”

水を向けられたコラード国王は、前もって準備していたかのようにスラスラと答えた。

「やはり農業基盤の整備しょうね。まったく水源がないわけではないので、その傍katawaraに水路等で水を引き、徐々に穀倉地帯を増やす。あとはやはり人材の育成でしょうね。国内で無理であれば、他国へ国費留学生を送るなどして、将来の国の舵取りをする人材を育てる。これは必要不可欠でしょう」

Being the one questioned, King Collard answered as if he had prepared an answer earlier.

“As I thought I would prepare the foundation for agricultural activities. It’s not as if there are no sources of water, by drawing water from nearby canals. And also the development of talented individuals. If it is impossible to bring up local talents, by sending scholarships to foreign students and granting benefits, attract and develop people who have the talents to lead the country. This is probably vital.”

「う～～ん、長期的なスパンで見ればそれがベストなんだろうけど、もっと短期的な計画とかないかな？」

“Hn~ in long term this may be the best, but do you have ideas for short-term plans?”

「……難しいですね。これといって産業も、観光になる目玉もありませんし、

地理的にも貿易の基幹はおろか中継ぎにもなりませんから」

“It is difficult. There are no specialty products or places that are tourist attraction spots, and local key industries, needless to say, there are also no agencies.”

けんもほろほろなコラード国王の言葉に、目に見えて意気消沈するレヴァン。

At the words of King Collard that were said one by one, Revan grew depressed.

“I see.”

緋雪の脳裏に描かれたビジョンには地球のドバイのような、砂漠の中で発達した国家が描かれていたのだが、あそこは観光ではなくて基本的に貿易の中継地として発達した側面が強いので、単純に人工的な（某ネズミの棲家やカジノのような）観光地を作っても、先細りするだけだろう。

In Hiyuki’s mind there was a vision depicting Dubai from Earth, in the desert there was a country depicted, and there were no sightseeing spots, only a side where there’s a strong trade centre as a stopover, even if they create a purely man-made (like a certain rat’s home or similar to Casino) sightseeing spot, it would probably dwindle.

「せめて、帝国と自由貿易でも行えれば、新たな貿易路として発展する要素もあったのですが」

“At the very least, set up free trade with the empire, even if it is essential to develop new trade roads.”

「帝国か……」

とは言え、ないものねだりをしても仕方が

“The Empire huh…”

Though, asking for too much can’t be helped.

「取りあえず、農地の拡充と人材の育成かな」

“For the time being, nurture the workforce that can expand the agricultural land.

そんな感じで、この日の御前会議は有耶無耶に終わり、結局、世界征服とかの話題が棚上げされたままだと緋雪が気付いたのは、コラード国王とレヴァンの二人が退席した後だった。

With such a feeling, the imperial conference ended vaguely…. In the end, King Collard and Revan only noticed Hiyuki placed the topic of world domination back on the shelf long after they left their seats.

Translator’s notes: Since I was the one at fault for playing Dragon Quest all day, I decided to release it as soon as I could. Sorry for the slight delay.  Will update it again once mado-senpai has checked it over for any stupid blunders. A few sentences(2 or 3?) were guessed and not 100% accurate. I leave the Japanese, feel free to point out mistakes.