Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
「It’s noisy back there… Did something happened to the Cultural Centre?」
Some distance away from the militia that was being fooled, in one corner of the rebel forces border defences, one of the soldiers felt something was wrong and looked back. Unlike the uncouth Cultural Centre militias, the soldiers here had gone through official training and were keen enough to sense something was amiss behind them.
「If they need reinforcements, they will send messengers. Alright, eyes to the front ──」
But they were engaged by the enemy forces and couldn’t spare the effort to act on their gut feeling. The crucial information that a soldier noticed was dismissed a few seconds later because of the tension of the battlefield.
「Enemy units approaching! Raise your weapons!」
The commander ordered. The presence of the enemy breaking through the obstacles grew stronger. A soldier with keen eyesight saw the weapon approaching from a slope and cried out with a distressed voice.
「Sir, it’s a Blast Cannon!」
「Don’t panic, it’s just one! This is inside the Norandot city, the Republic Army won’t bombard the roads around the capital! Their goal is to destroy the roadblock!」
This was still within expectations, so the commander wasn’t fazed. Compared to fighting in open plains without any civilians, their tactics would be very restricted in an urban setting. The rebel forces were outnumbered and had to find a way to victory by using these restrictions.
「The cannon is pointing right at us! A-Are they going to direct fire from close range...?」
「Don’t falter! Everyone spread out!」
The commander cautiously observed the movement of the cannon and ordered his men to take evasive actions. They would be helpless if there was a row of cannons on the road, but one single cannon wasn’t a threat.
The cannon spewed fire shortly after the soldiers spread out, and the projectile hit the roadblock right in the centre. A quarter of the wooden obstacle shattered, but no one got hurt. The commander rallied his men who were shocked by the loud cannon and ordered them to return fire.
「Don’t be afraid, use this chance to charge! Suppress the Blast Cannon! Don’t let them fire again!」
Loading a second round would need a lot of time, so his plan was to use this chance to suppress and seize the Blast Cannons. Realizing the intent of their superior, the soldiers climb over the obstacle and attack ── Horses suddenly galloped up to them and block their way.
「What──!」「Uwah?」
The foot soldiers were no longer protected by the obstacle and were scattered by the charging cavalry. A girl on horseback declared the end of this nightmarish scene.
「── Surrender. I will spare your live if you yield.」
Judging that the enemy forces had dwindled beyond the point of putting up any resistance, Major Miara Gin urged them to surrender. The Revival Faction commander couldn’t accept that, and his face kept cramping.
「... How is this possible? There was no signs of a cavalry unit of this scale being mobilized ──」「That’s what happens if you only watch the roads marked on a map.」
Miara answered with pride and tiredness… From the courtyards of private residence to the private roads, there were little known byroads avoided by people. She kept apologizing to the private owners when the cavalry passed through these roads. She finally made it here with the cavalry after avoiding detection by the enemy. In contrast to the extravagant result, this was a battle that required a lot of willpower. 「We have checked all the roads accessible by horses! How did you ──」
「That’s just a question of horsemanship training. More importantly, it’s the difference in our attitude towards war ── Enough talk.」
Miara stopped the conversation and aimed her Crossbow from horseback. The Revival Factionist commander admitted defeat with that and laid down his Wind Gun. After confirming that, Miara shouted.
「Suppression complete── quickly, disarm them. We will pick up the civilians after that.」
「W-Will that be fine? Walking so brazenly in the middle of the road.」
「I don’t know... But that person instructed us to do that.」
The civilians whispered as they walked down the road southwards in 4 disorderly columns. Rakkei who was leading them stopped and said.
「It seems that someone is here to fetch us.」
Anarai and Bajin behind Rakkei looked down the road. Shortly after, a platoon of cavalry approached quickly. The distance was closed quickly, and the cavalry stopped in neat ranks before the civilians.
「Thank you for waiting, everyone. Kioka Army Major Miara Gin and my 40 men will take over as escorts for the citizens.」 Miara who was at the fore of the ranks saluted from horseback. Rakkei looked at her with friendly eyes and nodded.
「I will leave them in your care. I need to turn back ── and return to my comrades running the diversion all this while.」
The conversation ended and Rakkei turned just as he said he would, to return to the Cultural Centre. When he passed by Anarai, Anarai clapped his hands once.
「── I remember now. You are that young naval officer from 『that side』, correct?」
Rakkei stopped abruptly. The sudden accusation made him stiff, and the old man recounted what he remembered.
「I remember you were called Naval Commander Kanron? I thought I saw you before, so we did meet in a Naval base before. I’m only sure after seeing your face in the light. So, you worked in espionage. Fate sure works strange for us to meet again in a different nation ──」
「──Professor. I don’t know what you are saying, please stop.」 Rakkei who can’t stand it anymore cut him off. This was humiliating for him ── his pride as a Phantom was creaking as his respect for the old man continued to grow.
「I want to ask one final thing── You really are a Wizard, aren’t you?」
「I said I’m a Scientist!」
Anarai corrected angrily. Scientists were scarier than Wizards ── The man who used to be Danmier Kanron etched that into his mind and carried on.
「Good── looks like it’s over for now.」
The messenger reported that the citizens have been liberated safely, and the white-haired officer relaxed his shoulders for the first time in a while.
「Leave the roadblock to the Second Company, Third to Fifth Company return to your posts and keep up the encirclement around the captured zone. Don’t give them any chance to resupply.」
After making the necessary arrangements, Jean turned to the girl beside him. His gentle smile subtly hinted his intention to Kasha, and her eyes lit up with glee.
「You are really patient. Let’s go fetch your parents, Ms Kasha.」
「... Report from the front. The army’s rescue team succeeded, and have rescued all the hostages.」 The report by the clerk silenced everyone in the Committee Chambers. The accusations they prepared were now useless, and the Senators who disliked the current Administration stood up puzzledly.
「W-What about the casualties? Since they were rescued by force, there must many casualties.」
「According to the reports, the only deaths are from the rebel factions. Only a few civilians and members of the rescue team suffered light injuries. The plan of the army is to encircle the rebel forces and urge them to surrender.」
There was no information for the Senators to refute, so they could only sit in silence. The man in the dark blue suit at the window accepted this silence with his back and said quietly.
「Gentlemen, I’m glad the matter you are worried about has been resolved ── it seems I can still enjoy the scenery outside this window.」
Clang── after saying that, the sound of metal came from the man’s hand. The Senators who opposed him snapped out of it and started yelling:
「That’s right! I must criticize you for your forceful way of governance! If you keep up your reckless reforms, the same thing might happen again!」
He wasn’t targeting anything specific, so that was just hot air. Having missed the chance to back away, the other Senators who had been silent all this while spoke:
「... Senator Majia. Was that a threat?」
「──What?」
Majia’s face started to twitch. Another Senator followed up.
「Indeed. Before accusing the Prime Minister of any wrongdoing, you should worry about your own future. It seems that you have frequent contact with the Garuma faction recently.」
When that was pointed out, the Senator’s face turned pale. The others who lambasted the Prime Minister earlier didn’t defend him after he dug his own grave. Someone who wasn’t aware that the tables had turned couldn’t survive in the Kioka political scene anyway.「Criticize away, I will hear you out sincerely.」
The man who had been looking out the window all this while slowly turned towards the Senators. He had a medium built and wore a dark blue jacket and pants without any crease, with a pair of untangled link-ring puzzle. His big eyes, nose and mouth wasn’t handsome at all, but left a deep impression for some reason.
「However, I will still be here. If the citizens still wants me here, this fact won’t ever change.」
The head of state for the Kioka Republic, Prime Minister Ario Kyakushii. The face which the Kioka citizens were most familiar with had the smile of a politician completely separate from what he was actually thinking.
The temporary storm subsided, and no one could wipe his smile away.
「──The tension on the streets are weakening. Jean handled the matter splendidly.」
The buffed man Taznyado Harrah, who was leading a platoon, commented as he looked sideways at the relief on the faces of pedestrians on the streets. He was promoted to Major on the coattails of Jean, but the number of troops he could bring into the capital was limited to 40. And only because of the enhanced security around the Parliament house. This was a rare chance.
「Of course, our boss won’t screw up here!」
His petite adjutant Sergeant Major Mita Kenshi puffed her body up and declared unwaveringly. She was way shorter than him, and Harrah patted her head almost on reflex.
「That’s right. We have been relaxed the entire time because we are aware of that.」
「Like I said, don’t touch the head of a maiden so brazenly～!」
Sergeant Major Mita grabbed the hand on her head and struggled. The two of them advanced in the meantime and stopped shortly after when they came across a different platoon.
「Major Harrah? It’s almost time to change shift for guard duty, are you here to relieve us?」
「That’s it, Major Sandis.」
Harrah greeted warmly. Major Sandis, his fellow officer around his age, replied:
「I just heard news that Jean Arkinex performed magnificently again. He is really the personification of competence to resolve a hostage situation so splendidly.」
「The Garuma extremist acted stupidly too. Jean would never lose to that rag-tag bunch of militia.」
Harrah grunted and Major Sandis nodded with an awkward smile.
「That’s true── Enough chat, time to change shifts, Major Harrah.」
「It will be great if I can do that ──」
Harrah scratched his head. His warmth was completely gone as he glared at Sandis.
「── But I can’t do that, since you are going to do something stupid too.」
Harrah’s men walked forth to his sides and aimed their Wind Guns. Raising a hand to stop his subordinates from engaging in battle, Major Sandis said loudly with his expression unchanged:
「... What’s the meaning of this, Major Harrah? Do you know what it means to point your guns at a fellow soldier?」
「This is hard for me too. We know each other, and if it is possible, I would want to fight alongside you to the end.」
「Tell me, what are you suspecting me of?」
「It’s not a suspicion, our boss already saw through the revolt in the city is nothing but a big diversion for the real plan to capture the parliament house.」
Seeing that his lips trembled slightly, Harrah continued:
「When an incident like that happens in the city, the security around the parliament building will be tightened. The units that usually wouldn’t be permitted to enter the city could then walk brazenly into Norandot... I think the idea isn’t bad, and is very reasonable for a plan to capture the headquarters with a small force.」
「There should be a limit to your wild speculations. Why would I do such a thing? My ancestor is the Nomadic tribe of horsemen, Mamulan, and has nothing to do with Garuma. I have never expressed any dissent towards the establishment either. I even voted for the current Prime Minister in the last election.」
He insisted on his innocence, but Harrah just shook his head with a serious face.
「Garuma Extremist isn’t the only group dissatisfied with the current government… What you can’t accept is the policy of promoting agriculture in the former Mamulan territories, correct?」
When he pointed that out, the air around Major Sandis changed. With the pricking feeling of hostility and killing intent on his skin, Harrah continued calmly:
「With the increase in population, Kioka is in a period of development and needs to secure enough farmlands. Emphasis has been placed on the staple food, wheat. But expanding the wheat fields requires a lot of manpower. Not the tribesman riding horses on the plains, but farmers tolling the fields.」
「......」
「The government is pushing for the nomads from the former Mamulan territories to take up farming, and of course, subsidies will be provided. Ditching the horses and picking up hoes ── that’s how you see it.」
Major Sandis ground his teeth audibly. Signalling his men to ready themselves, Harrah concluded:
「There are already volunteers in some zones to settle down and farm the land. Your hometown is set to be transformed completely into farmlands… That’s unacceptable to you, Major Sandis, descendant of the plains tribesman.」
His silence was the most damning confirmation.
「Let me say this first, there’s no point in trying to fudge things through. We allowed you to move freely all this time to draw out your collaborators, the evidence against you is already rock solid. Save your excuses for the court martial.」
Hinting that resistance was futile, Harrah urged his colleague to surrender. Forced into a corner, Major Sandis squeezed out these words:
「... Let me off, Harrah.」
「......」
「If I remember correctly, you hail from the Mamulan tribes too. Then you should understand my thinking ── There’s no way I can accept the land where my ancestors roamed being reduced to mere farmland, wiping away the pride of our tribes.」
Harrah was silent. Unable to discern if he was agreeing or not, Major Sandis grew anxious.
「But── what’s even more unforgettable to me is that most of my fellow Mamulan tribesman not feeling worried about the current situation!」 His voice drenching with hate reverberated in the air, Major Sandis’ eyes turned stern as he said to his comrade who was a head taller than him.
「I understand that multiracial harmony is the pledge of the Kioka Republic. But Harrah, do you dare say there is no deception in this pledge? As we optimize society for the progress of the nation and people, we are losing our cultures behind the scenes. The songs and legends of our heroes are written down into dry passages in history books, children learn mathematics instead of horsemanship. The bottles filled with white horse milk wine now contain black grape wine instead.
More convenient, more common, more logical ── a country built on such slogans chills me to the bone. Even if it brings us prosperity in the future.」
Harrah sighed after hearing Major Sandis’ true feelings. How sad ── he didn’t emphasize with Sandis at all.
「... I understand how you feel, but don’t make this more difficult than it has to be, Major Sandis. As a citizen of Kioka, it will be meaningless if we don’t strive to achieve greater heights than the six former nations we inherit this land from. Just like how the Kingdom Revival Faction’s goal of reviving their country is out of the question. You do understand that, right?」
「......!」
「We have to build a country that never existed anywhere in the world before, and we can never reach that goal if we are held back by our past. No matter what people like you say, I will never doubt the goal Jean wants to achieve.」
Seeing Harrah sticking firmly to his guns, Major Sandis looked disappointed.
「... I thought you were my comrade at the most fundamental level.」
「Sorry for not meeting your expectations.」
Harrah apologized with a mixture of sincerity and sarcasm. The Mamulan Tribes Federation, a nomadic people that ride horses on the plains── the difference between how fixated they were on their heritage resulted in a gulf between them.
「Because of my size, the horses dislike me when I mount them, so I never liked horse riding. After enlisting with the army, I avoided postings related to horse riding ── If I didn’t take this detour, I would never have met Jean, Miara and this person over here, Sergeant Major Mita.」
「......」
「My legacy isn’t the tribes and heritage, but right here. I hope there will be more people like me in the future. To you, someone who has the same ideas as me must look like an enemy.」
Harrah announced as he looked at Sandis in the eyes, Sergeant Major Mita beside him raised her Wind Gun and was ready to shoot── The two pairs of eyes from different elevations showed their determination.
「... So there’s no stopping the tide of the times, huh?」 Major Sandis relaxed his clenched fists and muttered vexingly. He wasn’t deranged enough to start a meaningless battle in the city that might harm the citizens.
His platoon surrendered as advised. There were no further casualties in Norandot city on that day.
Chapter 2: The Hero and the Scientist
Not limited to just the military, the management of any organization would get exponentially more complicated as it grows and would require specialized departments. One of them would be logistics ── the transportation of manpower and resources, building and maintenance of facilities, a group sneered at by the troops on the frontlines.
「Ahh～ damn it! This will exceed the budget...!」
A male soldier from the Logistics Department complained as he looked through the papers on his table. Aside from the resources needed for a garrisoned unit, he had to indent the food for every military campaign. The budget given by the government wasn’t that plentiful, so it was difficult to meet the demands of the frontlines while adhering to the budget.
「Which one? Let me take a look.」
A hand from behind took his document. He looked back and opened his eyes wide at the sight of the famous white-haired officer.
「Mum*, the estimated price of salt is too high. Tell the salt supplier that the military will take care of the transport, and bargain for a 20% discount. We can probably get an even cheaper price through negotiation but keep it to 20% here. If we slash the price too harshly, the suppliers might mix things into the salt to make up numbers.」
Jean ignored the surprised man and gave his suggestion one sidedly. The soldier finally remembered that his predecessor did teach him this trick.
「T-Thank you──」
He wanted to offer his thanks, but the figure behind him was already gone. The soldier looked around him and saw the white-haired officer giving advice to a female soldier two seats away.
「Don’t stamp it. That document says the supply point is warehouse 37, but it should have burned down 4 years ago. Investigate where the resources went, it had probably been embezzled by some despicable fool.」
「Y-Yes Sir...!」
The female soldier stopped herself from stamping the document after he reminded her.
「Alright then～」 After giving appropriate advice to several people, Jean nodded at the middle of the room.
「Everything seems fine. Sorry for disturbing your work, keep it up.」
After saying that to the surprised soldiers, he left the room. Jean then ran into his adjutant Miara who was searching for him.
「So you are here, Jean... So you are wreaking havoc in the Logistics Department today?」
「Wreaking havoc sounds so nasty. I’m just offering suggestions when they are stuck in their work, or anything that I seem out of the ordinary. The Logistics Department is the legs of the army, if they don’t operate properly, the entire army will get bogged down.」
「You are right, but there are some people in various departments that don’t like you, be careful not to taunt them unnecessarily.」
Miara repeated her advice that she knew he wouldn’t heed. No one could change Jean’s habit of inspecting other places when he didn’t have any work on hand.
「The Kingdom Revival Faction rebellion some time ago was resolved peacefully due to your efforts. This might seem natural given your abilities, objective speaking, you are too prominent. It will be better for you to lay low for a while. There are heaps of people in this building who are envious of your meteoric rise and want to pull you down ──」
「Hey────! Wait up──!」
When she was about to formally get into her lecture, a shrill voice got their attention. A few soldiers were chasing something in front of them and Jean said intrigued:
「Oh, what happened? Don’t run around the corridor in the base.」
「M-Major General Arkinex! And adjutant Major Gin too, my apologies for this unsightly scene.」
The soldiers who were stopped salute frantically. When Jean demanded for an explanation, one of them said awkwardly:
「Well... When we were inspecting mail for the base, we found ──」
「She’s there! We will get you this time!」
A soldier in front yelled. Jean followed the soldiers who jogged over and witnessed a surprising scene.
「Mischievous wench, you can’t get away! I will throw you out!」
「No～! Let me see Jean! I have been telling you that all this while!」
A familiar girl who was about ten years old shouted at the soldier who was grabbing her arm. When he heard his name, the white-haired officer interjected:
「──Ms Kasha? I never expected to meet you here.」
「Jean!」
The girl’s face beamed after finding her target. The soldier let her go and she ran straight for Jean, surprising everyone.
「M-Major General Arkinex, do you know her?」
「Yah*, she’s my friend. A girl who acted more bravely during an incident recently.」 Jean gave a simple explanation of what happened and acknowledged the girl as his friend. His support made Kasha puffed her chest out.
「So, what can I do for you, Ms Kasha? I’m happy to see you but hiding in cargo isn’t good. You will freak them out, you know?」
「But... When I tried to go in from the entrance, the guard chased me away. I think of many ideas to get in, and this feels like the best way.」
The girl grinned. Jean nodded and turned to the others.
「Mum*, did you hear that? She has inspired the base’s security system, so everyone has to be mentally prepared to uncover people trying to smuggle in with the cargo.」
Kasha had the advantage of being petite, but a kid infiltrating the base highlighted the problem with the security. Understanding what Jean was hinting at, the soldiers hug their head sullenly. Jean thought about how he could improve the security as he asked Kasha.
「I understand that you reached here through an amazing display of wits. So, why do you want to meet me?」
「I want to thank you! I haven’t thank you properly yet.」
The girl said with an innocent voice and smiled at Jean.
「Thank you for saving father and mother, they are both not hurt. My brother cried, but he’s fine now. It’s all thanks to you!」
Seeing her thanked him with a bright expression, Jean couldn’t spoil the mood and scold her. He squat down to her eye level with a smile and said:
「You’re welcomed. What I did is trivial compared to your efforts, but I’m happy to hear you say that.」
Jean took Kasha’s hand, signalled to Miara with his gaze before heading to the stairs.
「We shouldn’t get in the way of their work, let’s go.」
「What happened just now is what I call being prominent.」
After leaving the base, that was the first thing the exasperated Miara said. Jean nodded with an awkward smile.
「I know that, that’s why I left the base as soon as I could.」
「I want to praise you for that wise judgement, but what do you plan to do next? If you’re sending the child home, I will prepare a horse.」
Miara suggested, but Kasha grabbed Jean’s pants and shook her head.
「No～! I don’t want to go home yet～!」
「I didn’t expect you to say that... but Kasha, your family will be worried about you if you return late, right? Did you tell your parents where you are going before leaving home?」
Ughh～ the older girl understood how Kasha’s parents would feel and gave a warning, and Kasha couldn’t refute her. Miara sighed when things were just as she expected. The girl seemed to have learned to take the initiative to act in a negative sense.
「That’s no good. Okay, send a messenger to her home with this message: 『Your daughter is with the Kioka Army Major General Jean Arkinex. We will escort her home in the evening, please don’t worry.』」
When she heard what Jean said, Miara turned around in surprise.
「── You are taking that child with you? But why?」
「Mum*, it’s about that incident last time, there’s someone I want to bring her along to thank. This is a good chance.」
The white-haired officer said with a bold smile. She could tell that he had other motivations, but Miara still accepted it begrudgingly.
「Let’s go── Kasha, is this your first time riding a horse?」
「You are taking me with you?」
Kasha’s eyes shone. The three of them started their strange journey.
「Ahh～... I like the atmosphere here the most～」
Anarai muttered with a frown as he took a sip of steaming tea.
The researchers led by Bajin were moving around a messy room full of experimental equipment and ingredients. This is a Scientific Research Laboratory funded by the Kioka government, built on a hill on the outskirts of Norandot.
「I’m envious on how carefree you are, Professor… I’m really afraid that the government will make us pay for the repairs of the Cultural Centre we blew up.」
「There’s no way the government will send us the bill for that. We actively helped to resolve the incident, they should give us a reward instead?」
「That’s true. Back in the Empire, all the experiments he ran could be used against us in an inquisition trial. I still can’t forget those unhappy memories ──」
As Bajin chatted with the Professor, he focused on the petri dish before him, dripping liquid drop by drop with a glass tube. In the midst of doing so, a bell informing them of a visitor rang sharply.
「Uwah! ──Speak of the devil.」
「That’s just a visitor, calm down, Bajin── Who is it?」
The senior female researcher Nazuna answered the door. She saw two young soldiers and a little girl ── a strange trio.
「I’m Major General Jean Arkinex from the Kioka Army, the commander for the task force against unrest in the city some days ago. My subordinates informed me that Professor Anarai Khan was of great assistance during the operation, so my adjutant and I am here to offer our thanks.」
「Oh, how kind of you ── did you bring your daughter with you?」
Nazuna said the first thing that came to her mind when she saw this trio, and Miara blushed immediately.
「N-No! This child is just a normal civilian, and he is just my superior at work ──」
Beside Miara who was panicking in an amusing way, Jean who was the same as usual said:
「She is my adjutant Miara Gin, and this child was involved in that incident. Kasha, do you know how to greet others?」
「Yes! I’m Kasha Masukusu, ten years old! I like dried apricots!」
Kasha introduced herself energetically. Her innocent appearance made Nazuna smile.
「You don’t seem to be from the inquisition── please come in, it’s a little... no, it’s very messy.」
「What! The 『Insomniac Brilliant General』?」
The old sage became agitated when he learned the identity of their guest.
「This is a rare chance, he came here by himself! Bajin, lock the door! This is the end for you, I will get all the information about the rumoured insomniac ──」
「That’s impossible. Alright, sit down and calm yourself, Professor. He made a trip here to thank us, so show him your dignity. Bajin, get them some tea.」
Nazuna restrained Anarai who went berserk, got the other researchers to tidy the room and receive the guests. In this group of socially inept researchers, she had always been the most sensible one.
Jean watched with intrigue as the lab turned clean in no time.
「Hah*── I have seen the research rooms of theological researchers, but this place is more lively. There are many apparatuses I have never seen before too. Is this where you conduct 『Science』?」
「Not just here. Any place where we can make observations and unravel mysteries will be a place to study Science.」
Anarai tried to show some dignity as directed by Nazuna and puffed out his thin chest as he said that. Jean walked right up to him and lowered his head without any hesitation.
「Excuse me, I would like to first offer my gratitude ── thanks to the Professor’s help, we manage to keep civilian casualties to a minimum and accomplish our mission. The military will send you a plague of gratitude in the near future, but let me thank you personally before that.」
「Maybe you didn’t need my help at all. The mission was only a success because of your excellent command.」
Anarai wasn’t being humble and was merely stating a fact. Thinking that they were having an adult conversation, Kasha kept looking around the room.
「Jean, can I look around here?」
The girl said, spurred by her curiosity. Nazuna answered before Jean could.
「Oh, sorry for boring the child. Please come this way.」
Jean watched as Kasha went straight to Nazuna who was waving her over. With one matter settled, the white-haired officer looked back at the old man and threw out a topic.
「My subordinate was surprised not just by the scholarly knowledge of the Professor, but your military acumen too.」
「This isn’t the first time I assisted with the military. After spending enough time with them, I will learn a cursory level of military knowledge even if I didn’t want to.」
Anarai didn’t seem proud of this and even detested it a little. Realizing this, Jean asked sharply.
「Mum*? ... Pardon me for asking, but Professor, you seem opposed to researching things for military applications?」
In response to this personal question, the old sage answered unreservedly.
「Not really. I’m just tired of researching for effective ways of harming humans for a long time now.」
His sincere and forthright answer troubled Jean who was planning to figure out Anarai’s intention through subtle conversations. As he searched for another angle of attack, Anarai continued:
「The military is just one aspect of Science. Focusing just on that will be like staring at a mountain of fruits and only eating the bananas. Am I wrong?」
It was a simple analogy── and his way of expressing his dissatisfaction. Realizing there was no point in probing each other, Jean also changed his tone and answered in a forthright manner.
「War is just one part of the world. I completely agree with you on that.」
「It seems we will get along unexpectedly well.」
Anarai grinned. Feeling the load on his shoulders lightening, Jean smiled too. He could sense a certain quality about Anarai Khan that would put anyone he met for the first time at ease.
「However── doing research requires a lot of funding. And the more turbulent the times, the more likely that other things will be sacrificed to inject more resources into war.」
The old man said with a shrug. Having lived longer than others, he witnessed such things more often.
「Anyway, in order to advance Science in this era, it’s inevitable that war will be involved. Military might just be one aspect of Science, but it is an area that will guarantee funding. Throughout history, every era is accompanied by war.」
The old man stated an inevitable conclusion. Jean had a question when he heard that and asked:
「Then... Professor, do you Scientists plan to leech off the military in the future too?」
Miara looked at him with surprise. This was too rude towards an elderly you just met and owed a favour to.
However──Jean felt he had to ask the question right now. The answer wouldn’t change even if he waited, so he should just ask clearly right from the start.
Anarai stood up silently and signalled the door to another room with his gaze.
「This way, let me show you our research.」
The two of them were taken to a room with minimal sunlight and the air was cooler. The narrow space was filled with cabinets and they had to move between them.
「So, do you know why people get sick?」
Anarai asked when he reached the deepest part of the room. Miara looked around her uneasily while Jean answered from his knowledge.
「I learned that disease is caused by miasma. Thing like rotting carcass and filth will accumulate in the ground, then miasma that reeks strongly will fester and harm the human body.」
He gave the standard theology answer, but Anarai shook his head.
「That theory is outdated. There isn’t enough study on the miasma itself and it misleads people into thinking that the reeking smell is the cause of diseases. People from the Empire and Kioka have the habit of spraying perfume in the rooms of patients, but that’s meaningless for a Scientist like me.」
He used scientific experiments to dismiss that theory. Anarai revealed his attitude through his words and actions, which sent a chill down Jean’s back. He didn’t realize it yet, but that was his excitement towards the unknown realm of Science.
「Diseases are caused by 『Bacteria』.『Bacteria』 is something smaller than a flea or an ant, miniscule creatures that can’t be seen with your eyes. We know this world is full of Bacteria, and we want to investigate the effect Bacteria has. Bread turning mouldy, mushrooms growing in dark alleys ── all these phenomenon are caused by Bacteria.」
The tiny existence that couldn’t be discerned by the naked eye. Just thinking about the world being filled by such things gave Jean the illusion that the density in this space was growing.
「We know there are many types of Bacteria. This is just a theory for now, but what if the different types of disease are caused by different Bacteria? This will open the possibility of different treatment methods, right? Identifying which harmful Bacteria is in the patient’s body and expelling them. This technique will create a new form of medical treatment.」
After saying that, Anarai took out a petri dish from the innermost cabinet. At a glance, it had unassuming green mouldy spots.
「Assuming that diseases are caused by Bacteria── the next step will be finding a medicine that can kill all Bacteria. It will be an all-purpose wonder drug.」
The old sage had a classic fearless smile. Realizing what that face meant, Jean was dumbstruck.
「This is that possibility. When this mould increases, many of the Bacteria around it stop reproducing. Do you understand? This isn’t a competition between Bacteria, but something inhibiting the growth of other Bacteria. If we can extract it ──」
When talking about the potential of their theory, Scientists would always exercise restraint. Anarai was the same and intentionally cut off the topic. He did so to remind himself that his evidence wasn’t firm enough to stand on.
「There is still research to be done. We are still groping in the world of Bacteria, so I can’t promise that all this won’t just be a ridiculous misunderstanding… But even if we approach this with the chance that this is wrong, this research will still be an inspiration.」
The old man suppressed his voice and returned to the topic. Jean was an excellent listener and could predict what he would say next.
「Since it involves the development of the medical field, this is no longer in the realm of war, correct?」
「That’s right.」
Seeing Jean leaning towards the direction he was going for made Anarai smile. After looking at the numerous petri dishes around the room, the old man continued.
「The budget for this research came from the Kioka Department of War. Because war and diseases go hand in hand, this isn’t entirely inappropriate. However, our research has far exceed the boundary of wars.」
His tone was full of arrogance again. It was Jean’s turn for self-restraint as he tells himself not to get excited over this topic. The old man looked straight at him and said firmly.
「You asked me if we will continue to leech off the military? For the time being, yes. However ── I do know of parasites that eat their host before morphing into maturity. I hope we can achieve that.」
Anarai gave a bold and arrogant answer to Jean. As Jean shivered from excitement and caution, the 「Heretic」 Anarai Khan spread his arms and looked up to the ceiling.
「──Science is right here. It will still be here after war is gone.」
「── You should avoid getting too involved with them.」
After finishing the heavy conversation and leaving the research lab, Miara said to the white-haired officer. The impression the old sage left on her was different from that of Jean.
「That old man’s thinking is too outlandish. He doesn’t have a sense of belonging to the nation, and will resort to anything to advance his Science. He might be an outstanding individual, I don’t think he should be given too much responsibilities.」
She wanted to stay away from risky elements. This was one correct way of handling things, but Jean kept thinking about his conversation with that old man.
「... He feels familiar.」
「?」
「He feels familiar. I can feel something similar from that old man that reminds me of that guy who said I’m a slave.」 He confessed painfully because he was admitting his regret all this while.
「I know it’s better not to get involved with him. You are right, Miara, but ──」
With Kasha who got tired from playing on his back, Jean could feel her every breath. If I can embrace Science with an attitude as innocent as this girl── Jean realized that he was hoping to do so.
「──For some reason, I just can’t ignore that old man’s existence.」
Two days after the Insomniac Brilliant General met the old sage for the first time, the Prime Minister Ario Kyakushii invited Jean, Miara and Harrah to the Governmental Residence.
「Pardon my intrusion, Prime Minister Sir── Army Major General Jean Arkinex’s group of three reporting as requested.」
Jean was ushered into a wide living room by Ario’s wife, which was clearly a cross cultural place. The checker wall drapes were Mamulan style, the large table was Nitagua traditional art. Ario himself was sitting in a wicker chair which was an antique from Bayoshie.
Another room was filled with Yaponiku furniture with floor mats made from vegetation fibre. A place where it was hard to differentiate politics from personal preference.
「This isn’t a summon, but an invitation. A personal invitation, so please relax. In any case, pardon me for asking you to come over on your off day.」
「No, it’s an honour to be summoned by you, Sir. I will rush here during my own wedding.」
Jean promised from the fur couch opposite Ario. The Prime Minister curled the corners of his lips in a smile.
「That sounds very reliable of you, but that joke doesn’t suit you. Do you have such plans?」
「Regrettably, no. I’m married to my work for now.」
「That’s fine. I think you are the strongest when you are single.」
Ario sounded really sure, which made Miara frown. Harrah who was seated on the other side of Jean said.
「Prime Minister Sir, do you think having a spouse will make a person weaker?」
「That depends on the person. I’m married, but I don’t think I’m weaker than before. However── Maybe that’s because I lack humanity, Harrah.」
「What do you mean...」
「It’s very simple. When my wife and the nation are placed on opposite end of a scale, I won’t even hesitate for a second.」
The representative of the Kioka citizens looked towards the kitchen where his wife was and said openly.
「I told her that right from the start. If she is taken hostage, I will rescue her with the same effort as any other citizens. Treating all citizens equally without any bias ── isn’t that the requirement for being the head of the government?」
Miara and Harrah didn’t know how to react to that logical argument. Ario stuck his tongue out at the two troubled soldiers.
「──That’s a lie of course.」
Miara frowned.
「──Hah?」
「It’s a lie, a big lie. The citizens will accept it if I treat them equally? That’s not possible, and the contrary is true. For the example I gave, people might see me as a heartless man who abandons his wife, and my approval ratings will plummet. Do you understand? Showing your impartiality to intensely will earn the citizens’ ire instead.」
The Prime Minister said with a wry smile. The head of the government used this irony to show his humour.
「The concept of equality doesn’t mesh well with humans, since people want preferential treatment. Be they weak or strong, young or old, men or women, those who seek equality are the ones without preferential treatment. Their true goal isn’t equality for all. They want all the privileges for themselves.」
With his chin resting on his interlocked fingers, Ario droned on.
「Unfortunately, Kioka’s history is too short for the citizens to understand the value of equality for all citizens. Everyone is treating equality as an inferior substitute compared to having privilege. No, this isn’t bad, just having this superficial policy of equality is a big improvement. But if they continue to think about equality through this ideological filter, it will be the biggest issue holding the nation back in the future. And that issue is the concept of racial independence.」
Ario’s wife returned to the living room at this time and served tea to everyone. The sweet fragrance of lily was said to be the preferred fermented tea of the old Garuma Royals. The metal cups and utensils were from Laos.
「Equality is important, but I’m not going for the pessimistic situation of 『no one can be saved』, but the goal of 『everyone will be saved』. Equality is shown in both situation, but the impression they give is very different, right?」
「Yah*. Which means that if there is danger, you will rescue your wife.」
「Hmm, depending on the circumstances, that might not be possible ── as you know, the bloodline of all six nations flows in my wife’s veins. Since I took such a woman as my wife, it will be a problem for me if she and my son can’t live happily.」
His wife ignored what her husband said with a calm smile. Jean was always impressed by her calm demeanour. No matter how he diced it, he couldn’t see how a normal person could stand the rigor of being Ario Kyakushii’s wife.
「Hmm── showing selflessness will have adverse effects? That’s some food for thought.」
Jean rose rapidly to his position because of his selflessness, and this philosophy that ran contrary to what he learned made him fall into deep thought. But Ario just shook his head.
「You don’t need to worry about it. This logic doesn’t work for you, Jean Arkinex.」
Stopped at just the first rung of his ladder of thought, the white-haired officer turned his gaze back to Ario.
「── Meaning?」
「I’m just the head of a government, but you are a hero and a soldier. It’s fine for your mentality to be beyond the understanding of the citizens. You don’t have to curry favour with the people, and just play the role as the strongest wielder of our forces. If you continue to rake up accomplishment that no one else can achieve, recognition will naturally follow ── That’s what I have been telling you, right?」
「... Indeed.」
「No need for sleep, rest, or a wife. A patriot who gives his life to Kioka for the prosperity of the nation. Your wish is to carve these words onto your tomb ── am I wrong?」
「── You are right, god father.」
Jean nodded with his hand on his chest and closed his eyes.
「I dedicate my life to the everlasting peace of my mother nation Kioka. Since the day that you found me, I have no objections of giving my life to lay the foundation of the future.」
「You are my pride and joy, my son.」
Ario looked at him with narrowed eyes as he sipped at the jade coloured tea.
「It might be a little late to say this, but you did great for the recent civil unrest. Ending the incident without any hostages dying is an example of the equality I mentioned earlier. The Senators were unbearably noisy, so you have been a big help.」
「It’s my honour. The results aren’t just the achievement of me and my subordinates, but also Professor Anarai Khan who also happen to be present.」
When the topic shifted, Jean immediately mentioned the old sage. Ario’s hand froze immediately before he could take a second sip.
「...I never thought I would hear that name from you. Have you met him?」
「Yes. A few days ago, I visited him unofficially. He is an extraordinary man, and he said something weird ──」
「Do not meet with him again.」
Ario demanded firmly without giving any room for negotiations.
「I will say this again, do not meet with him. Meeting Anarai Khan won’t benefit you in the slightest.」
Jean was at a loss for words at the unexpected response. When Harrah saw this reaction, he said:
「──How intriguing. I have never met the man himself, but I heard the Prime Minister is very supportive of the employment of Professor Anarai Khan. May I know the reason why our general has to keep his distance from the Professor?」
「Anarai Khan and your group are all talents Kioka needs. But there needs to be a proper time and place to use your expertise. There is nothing to gain by placing inventors and military officers together, and might even induce confusion because of the difference in thinking and positions.」
The Prime Minister gave a vague reason that was difficult to refute. Miara couldn’t accept it completely and said on reflex:
「Inventor…? Erm, the Professor call himself a Scientist...」
「Same difference. Jean, do you object to that?」
Brushing her aside, Ario turned to the white-haired officer. When those eyes he had been familiar since he was young looked right at him, Jean could only answer one way.
「... No, I have no objections. Since that is your wish ── I will follow your instructions and refrain from interacting with him.」
「I’m glad you understand.」
The man nodded with a smile and leaned back on his wicker chair.
「I know it’s pointless to ask you to rest. That’s why I want to use your rare vacation meaningfully. I just told you that you don’t need to make the citizens happy ── but this time, I want you to give a speech at an elementary school. Will you do it? This is supposed to be my job, but you are more popular with the kids.」
「Of course, I will be happy to.」
Jean accepted immediately. Since he was agreeable to that, Miara and Harrah couldn’t say anything about that.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, and Ario called out to his wife after the three soldiers left.
「Saram, can you get me another cup? Three spoons of sugar.」
「Yes, Hubby.」
She probably expected that request ahead of time and came out of the kitchen with the tea in less than a minute. The cup was changed from the ones served to guests to the Yaponiku traditional teacup without handles. Political expression aside, this was the cup he was most used to.
After a sip of the sweet tea, the man finally sighed in relief.
「──Phew, that made me break out in cold sweat. I was careless because their lines of work don’t intersect, but they got in contact without me realizing it. I should reconsider letting that sage roam free.」
This wasn’t something he could say to Jean who he publicly treated like his own son.
「But it’s lucky we got an early warning though. I can’t let a free man ruin the hero that I raised. Don’t you agree, Saram?」
She smiled gently without saying a word. Accepting this silence happily, Ario slowly looked up at the ceiling of his house.
「Jean Arkinex doesn't need freedom, he just needs his duty. If he has a mission that he can’t accomplish for his entire life ── Then he will be a flawless hero. He will be one when he is alive, even more so when he is dead.」
There was a new square building in a corner of Capital Norandot.
Beside that large building was a smaller one that looked just like its subordinate. This is the first sports hall in Kioka’s history, built for the physical education of the students.
「── Nice to meet you! Is everyone studying hard?」
The Fourth Norandot Public School. Six hundred children were enrolled in this education facility with a five-year curriculum, and they had a guest today. The Sports Hall could fit in the entire student body and 100 guests. The children brought their own chair in and sat down inside the hall, then focused their gazes on the hero at the lectern.
「......」
Major Miara Gin stood at one of the two entrances into the Sports Hall as she watched the crowds. She was surveying the building to make sure everything was fine both inside and outside. However, the air about her was sharper than usual. Harrah who was also on lookout duty stood before her and poked her between her brows.
「Pay attention to the wrinkles here. It will spoil your pretty face.」
「Mind your own business. I’m too old to be called cute now.」
Miara rebuked him crudely and averted her face. The buffed man scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile.
「I think you will be cute no matter how old you get, especially in front of Jean.」
Sensing that he was teasing her, Miara’s eyes turned serious. Harrah raised his hands to sooth her.
「Come on now, don’t glare. Even if you try to hide it, you must be thinking about him right now, correct?」
「......」
「Jackpot? So, 『what』is worrying you?」
Harrah didn’t back down at the sight of her unpleasant face and got right into the heart of the matter. His usual violent concern made Miara sigh, and she gave up on her stubbornness.
「... What do you mean?」
「The reason for your worries. Is it the conversation between Jean and the Prime Minister, or his talk with Professor Anarai Khan? You started acting strange after accompanying Jean out on these two occasions, right?」
Ugh, the girl’s lips trembled. At a glance, Harrah might seem rough and uncouth, but he wouldn’t miss the minute changes in his comrade’s emotions.
「... Both.」
「Then you are twice as worried── Sigh, I wasn’t there for the visit to Professor Anarai, so I can’t comment on that. But I can understand why you are worried about his exchange with the Prime Minister.」
He said as he patted Miara’s shoulder.
「Don’t be dejected. From what I know, the guys who shout the loudest about being a bachelor for life are always the easiest to get hooked up with a girl.」
「──That’s not it!」
Miara glared at Harrah with a blush. She hung her head embarrassedly, then said with a completely different tone.
「... It’s just that, from the way the Prime Minister puts it, Jean will never get happiness...」
「Hmm? What, you think Jean is stricken by misfortune right now?」 Harrah asked stiffly, and she shook her head.
「I didn’t say that. But I keep feeling that he is working too hard. Even if he doesn't need sleep, it will be fine if he has more leisure… and free time, right? With all that he has accomplished, he should have earned his rest.」
「That’s difficult. If Jean is the type to rest if you make him, he wouldn’t be a Major General at such a young age. Working is like breathing to him.」
「That’s what I thought, but...」
Miara paused here and thought of the scene some days ago.
「... When he spoke to Professor Anarai, Jean made a face I have never seen before.」
「Oh?」
「His eyes were shining and were far more innocent and pure compared to when he looked at us... Like a boy who found something interesting, with no duty or obligation weighing him down… I never thought Jean can show such a face...」
「I see. So that’s what worries you?」
「... I don’t know. When I saw Jean like that, I felt uneasy for some reason. What if he changed? What if I disappear from his sight? I keep thinking all that...」
Her voice was trembling. She had been with the white-haired officer for so long── her plans for the future which she had never doubted was wavering in her heart.
「... I hope Jean never changes. But if that is so, then won’t it be just like what the Prime Minister said a few days ago? Am I wishing for Jean to not get happiness? When I start thinking about that, I can’t stop...」
Miara’s eyes under her glasses looked conflicted for a second. Unable to watch this any further, Harrah gently patted her back.
「I understand. Forget about Jean for now, you need a break from that.」
As he thought about how to help his straight-laced colleague, the big soldier tried to say something cheerfully:
「By the way, Professor Anarai sure knows how to coax people. He manage to get Jean to show his true colours the first time they met, I want to meet him too.」 And he meant it too ── their conversation ended with a big round of applause from the Sports Hall. Jean responded from the lectern with a wave.
「── The speech is over. Is our escort mission over?」
「Seems that way ──」
Miara tried to perk herself up and focus on her mission when she suddenly stopped.
「Hmm? Why are you suddenly quiet?」
She didn’t answer immediately. After staring at the back of the rows of chairs in the Sports Hall, she pointed at a spot with her right index finger.
「... Looks like you will get that chance.」
Harrah followed with his gaze and found a white-haired old man in a white coat, who was clapping for Jean with his assistant.
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