Chapter 1: Super Cool
Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
The girl’s body was burning up.
Her slender figure was pressed down on the bed, handled brutishly without any tenderness. The hand grabbing her skinny wrists and shoulders threatened to crush her bones, and were gradually increasing in power.
The dark pupils staring at the girl were dyed in layers of negative emotions, culminating in extreme darkness from the youth’s lifetime of hatred. Enduring the ravages from his rage, the girl laid on her bed and panted.
However── on the other hand, there was a calm in her heart that contrasted with the painful hatred he was feeling.
Ever since she walked down the path of destruction, a distorted emotion welled up in the girl’s heart. One day, she would be judged and punished by him. He would crush and end the bloodline of the Eternal Sprite Tree that had festered and rotted over the long years, deformed beyond recognition. And she, who was the crystallization of all that would be buried along with it. She could only feel a fleeting moment of peace when she imagined her death, the only thing that granted her permission to breathe.
However── the abstract wish in the beginning had started growing more realistic with the passage of time.
She couldn’t help wondering how he would break her completely? What it would be like as he trampled and ravaged her? How did she want him to treat her? ── The girl filled in the tragic process with her imagination.
The youth’s fingers sunk deep into her skin to tear away her clothes, revealing her breasts, his canines plunging into her shoulders, grinding away at her bones. Each wave of pain made the girl writhed in agony── and she drank all this up thirstily, and craved for further torment.
His bare hands would feel better than blades── since she could feel his body warmth.
She wanted him to humiliate her until she breathed her last── so she could stay by his side longer.
And not let her off no matter how much she pleaded── Because his hatred was righteous.
As he tortured her harshly, the girl would cry out the youth’s name. To beg for forgiveness, to plead for salvation, to ask for harsher punishment. At the end of the endless struggle, when the pain melted into boundless pleasure, her consciousness would blur into white──
「── Hah──!」
The moment she reached the fatal climax, the girl opened her eyes wide.
「──Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah──!」
She sat up on her bed abruptly. She was wide awake, but the fresh sensation of being touched lingered on her skin. Her breathing was as hot as magna, and she could trace the source to her abdomen.
「......! ...」
She was rubbing her thighs unconsciously. When she realized it, shame and self-loath struck her, making her shoulders quiver. She took a few minutes to compose herself, but the fiery lust in her body lingered. She muttered:
「...... How disgraceful......」
Imperial Guard Captain Lucanti Hargunska smiled firmly as she received the girl who dressed and exited her chambers alone.
「Good Morning, Your Majesty. Did you sleep well?」
She wasn’t implying anything, but this was an awkward question for Chamille right now. The delusion she was trying to forget sprung onto her mind again, making her blush.
「... I’m fine. Walk with me, Lucanti, I want to start on today’s work.」
「Hmm? What about breakfast?」
The girl pretended to be calm as she strode forth, caught off guard by the questioning voice from behind. Chamille turned sharply, and the figure of the dark-haired youth appeared before her.
「──? S-Solork...?」
「You should eat your breakfast, today will probably be more exhausting than usual.」
Ikuta said with a gentle smile, dragging his left leg a little as he approached the Empress with his walking stick. A wave of anxiety made Chamille look up at the youth’s face timidly.
「W-When did you get here──」
「Since late last night. I spent the night in the room you arranged for me in the palace. I’m still not used to such a big room though.」
Ikuta shrugged jestingly. He noticed the slight abnormality at this moment and touched the Empress’ cheek.
「Your face is a bit red, Chamille. Is it a fever?」
「────!」
He nonchalantly leaned forth to touch his forehead to hers. The warmth from his touch made the girl’s heart throbbed. After staying this way with the stiff Chamille for a moment, the youth backed away.
「Hmm～ doesn’t seem like it. If you feel unwell, do sound it out. I will deal with the administrative works, your health is much more important.」
Ikuta declared seriously. Contrary to his concern, the girl’s heart was beating wildly, bordering on heart arrhythmias. He was different from his time being silent in the harem. When she spoke with the youth before her, he would answer and even smile at her.
「Alright, I don’t really want to, but I have to go. I have lots of work piled up at the base that I need to handle. I would love to ignore all that and spend the entire day here── but if I skip out on work too much, Brigadier General Sazarf will cry me a river.」
Ikuta took Chamille’s hand and said with his eyes locked onto hers:
「So, don’t feel lonely. I will be back in the evening, let’s have dinner together.」
「... Erm, yes...」
With happiness, sadness and guilt swirling in her chest in equal parts, the girl could only squeeze out an answer. Ikuta stared into her wavering eyes, then added with a mischievous face.
「However── just for today, you might not have the time to feel lonely.」
「... Hmm, everyone’s here, huh.」
After reluctantly bidding farewell to the youth, Chamille headed to the Governance Assembly with the mid level administrative officers, her first duty of the day.
When they saw her enter, the officials standing before their seats bowed silently. The Empress acknowledged their greetings with a nod after taking her seat.
「You may be seated.」
With the Empress’ permission, the administrative officers finally sat down. This might seem like a tedious ceremonial procedure, but this has been greatly simplified compared to the past. Striking a balance between formalities and rationality had always been a great source of trouble for those seeking to revolutionize the system.
「Duty clerk, list the agenda for today.」
On her urging, an official stood up and spoke after taking a deep breath.
「Your Majesty. Due to a drop in wheat production, a few provinces in the southern territories experienced a huge spike in wheat prices. Because of the lack of rain, these areas experienced a poor harvest──」
When she heard the zones and numbers he listed, the Empress quietly shook her head.
「I understand the cause and effect leading to a lesser wheat in the market, but considering the production rate in past years, it’s not serious enough to have such a great effect. This should be the time to open the stockpiles to makeup for the shortage, but the amount of wheat on the market is falling drastically── that means someone is hoarding the wheat.」
There was a flash of tension between the officials. No one could match the Empress in analyzing the reports to uncover the real issues.
「It is the norm for merchants to seek out profits from the trouble of others, but I won’t permit anyone to create such troubles intentionally. Immediately warn those people to sell their stocks in the name of the──」
「I object～」
A lazy voice suddenly interrupted the scene that the Empress was controlling with her authority. The officials all look down the table in shock, finding a girl in a short white coat raising her hand, proposing a counteraction rising.
「... Interrupting me? You seemed more brave than your first attendance in this assembly might suggest, Third Grade Administrative Officer Vackie.」
「No, you got it backwards. I’m full of drive because this is my first time, Your Majesty.」
On Ikuta’s recommendation, the apostle of Science who was appointed as an Administrative Officer, Mairitsuuinvuakkyen Shattouiettanyerushisukattsu, answered with a smile despite her Monarch’s harsh tone.
「After all, we just want to force the greedy merchants to spit out the wheat they are hoarding, so there’s no need for Your Majesty to wave your whip. There are tons of trivial matters like this, and there will be no end if you handled them one by one.」
「No── because such situations will occur in the future, setting a harsh example is important to deter any repeats.」
「Indeed. However, you have acted in similar ways repeatedly for the past two years, right? Whenever there is a rebellion, Your Majesty will personally crush it with your troops. I think that is good enough.」
「... Hmm?」
「Because of your efforts, there aren’t many people in the Empire who dares to take you lightly. Hence, the issue of hoarding food stems from a more lowly reason. Which means── it is based on shallow expectations that something of this level won’t be notice, and that the government will leave them be.」
The officials around her listened fearfully as the young girl spoke without any reservations. They thought about stopping her, but if the Empress was listening, then they couldn’t do so. Vackie was unaware how much she was tormenting the stomachs of the Administrative Officers as she continued:
「No matter how hard Your Majesty works, you can’t eliminate this completely. Because everyone assumes they would be fine. If you insist on handling it, it might be more effective to mete out punishment without further warning. It won’t work if you add in a warning, since everyone will think it’s still fine before they receive any warning.」
「... You have a point. But the wheat shortage is a real problem we can’t ignore. Do you have an alternative plan?」
「Instead of an alternative plan, I will suggest leaving it and encouraging them to resolve it on their own.」
The unexpected answer made Chamille stare with her eyes wide open. Vackie crossed her arms with a pout.
「This issue is probably a complaint from the citizens to the local army. In the Empire, problems are typically solved by the soldiers finding a compromise between the two parties, but it’s better to stop now. It will be different if the problem is too complex, but the sudden interjection of a third party is too strange, even if it’s Your Majesty.」
The officials were all dumbstruck. One of them stood up and interrupted anxiously.
「W-Wait! If we leave this be, the citizens will starve from the shortage in wheat! If the situation doesn’t improve, then they might attack the merchant’s shop!」
「Yes, that will probably happen. People will get frustrated when they’re anxious, and they will then take action. This is only natural for humans.」
「What──!」
The room was filled with an air of shock and speechlessness. But Vackie didn’t back down because of that. With her hands on her hips, she continued at a leisurely pace:
「Let me ask you then, since ancient times, how do people act when they run into trouble? Ask the local soldiers to solve the problem? Wait for the Empress in Central to make her judgement? ─None of that is correct. The simplest answer is, they will try to resolve it themselves.」
「E-Even so──」
「But that’s...」
The girl didn’t wait for any retort and said again.
「Speaking of which, the parties involved in this issue should be the provincial citizens and merchants. This has nothing to do with the soldiers, and the link to officials in the Central like us is even weaker. People unrelated to this interjecting will just complicate matters. Let’s minimize the components of the problems and simplify the matter. That will make things clearer and also lighten the burden on Her Majesty, two birds with one stone.」
After hearing all that, Chamille crossed her arms and fell into deep thought.
「...In short, you want to draw the line between nation governance and provincial governance, right?」
「That’s right. The province will take care of it’s own affairs, and the Empress will only deal with matters only the Empress can resolve.」
Vackie said with her teeth bared. The Empress had a serious expression in stark contrast with her, and asked sharply:
「You mention the province should handle this, but who specifically will do it? We can’t order the local officials to persuade the merchants.」
「They should be busy collecting taxes on Your Majesty’s behalf, and the local governance is in the same situation as us, not directly involved with the issues. Those troubled by the wheat shortage should take action instead.」
「You are insisting that the provincial citizens have to take action?」
「Of course. Once they learn the wheat shortage is because of someone hoarding them, the provincial citizens can take some countermeasures too. The earlier mentioned ‘attacking the shop’ is one such method. It is very important for them to learn a lesson for being overly greedy in their conduct of business. If one side looks down on the other, they won’t be able to nurture a wholesome relationship.」
「... You are saying that it can’t be helped if the order is disrupted? Your logic is too extreme. Before we can nurture the wholesome relationship you speak of, that province will fall into disorder.」
「Yes, that’s right. So smashing up the shop is the final resort. Before the masses take to violence, we need to teach them what they should do── that’s the best kind of support we can offer.」
Vackie said boldly and gestured with her hands as if she was a master baiter.
「Using an analogy, the government has been fishing to feed the citizens. We should teach them how to fish, and lend them fishing rods from now on. How’s that, Your Majesty? That’s what you want to achieve, right?」
「... Hmm.」
Chamille was at a loss for words when her thoughts were seen through unexpectedly. Her intelligence could be glimpsed through her unreasonable argument. She still couldn’t decide how to evaluate the girl before her.
「Indeed, one of my goals is to raise the self governance ability of each province. However, I have no intention of using the wheat shortage to achieve this...」
「Yes, because Your Majesty is very gentle.」
All the officials stared with their eyes wide open. The Scientist girl said something they could never tell their monarch. She said it out easily as if it was a self-evident fact.
「However, I hope you can see this as a golden opportunity. This might sound heartless, but humans are more driven to take action when they are starving.」
Vackie raised the corners of her lips in a sly smile. The point she raised surprised Chamille── making use of the people’s predicament to push for revolution, was in a sense similar to Chamille’s wish to ‘purify the nation through defeat in war’.
「... The citizens’ reliance on the soldiers over the long years have led to the deterioration of provincial organizations like the labour union. If the provincial citizens are to stand up against the merchants, we have to inject new life into these organizations.」
「You should have already selected and nurtured the talents in these fields, correct? Your Majesty has taken the throne for more than two years, there’s no way you will ignore such an obvious problem all this while.」
Vackie shrugged, showing her confidence in the Empress’ capabilities. Chamille frowned in a mixture of perplexion and understanding.
「Giving those people a title and sending them out to fan the flames── no, to be consultants. As for their positions, hmm～ a zonal inspector or something will do. With their support, the provincial citizens can form a labour union, so the citizens can fight against the merchant’s hoarding of provisions.」
「......」
「Since you already sent people over to assist, the citizens won’t have any excuse to accuse the government of neglect. The military who ignored the citizens will suffer a hit to their reputation, which can’t be helped. It will be a problem if it doesn’t fall to an adequate level. The soldiers can’t take care of the citizens every day. With the Igsem stepping down, the military keeping this act up will just create a hotbed for rebellion.」
The Empress very much agreed with her last line── Chamille could tell that Vackie might seem reckless and unreasonable on the surface, but actually have the same understanding of the Empire’s various problems, and was even more farsighted than her in some ways. Chamille looked at the Scientist girl in a new light.
「... Very well. As you have said, I have prepared the talent to support their independent governance. I was planning to observe for a while more for the chance to despatch them out, but you made a convincing point that the problem of famine faced by the provincial citizens is a great opportunity.」
「Yes, as expected of Your Majesty── just do it with a relaxed mind. There is still time, so this will be a good case study whether this fails or succeeds.」
Vackie said as if this had nothing to do with her, and her irresponsible attitude irked the Empress. Chamille glared at her with a sterner gaze than before, and gave her a strict warning.
「... I will approve your proposal. But remember this, Scientist── governance isn’t the place for you to experiment, every decision made here will impact the nation as a whole. Those who don’t understand the gravity of our actions have no rights to participate in this meeting.」
The Empress said with anger in her voice, and the officials who felt the same way cast their gazes on the cocky new recruit. In this atmosphere that would make anyone flinch, the subject bowed leisurely despite the immense pressure.
「Duly noted, Your Majesty… It’s a little stiff, but your serious attitude is your virtue. I will take your words to heart.」
By this time, Chamille couldn’t help thinking that Vackie’s fearless attitude resembled someone.
＊
「Good Morning── Hmm, everyone’s here.」
On the other hand, a youth appeared in the Central Military base where high ranking officers were seated. This scene might seem out of place, but the rank insignia on her shoulders proved that this wasn’t a joke.
The youngest Field Marshal in Empire history arrived, and the seated generals acknowledged him with their gaze.
「Hmm～ the atmosphere seems too reserved. This might be natural for a conference with General-grade officers, but you can relax more when I’m chairing the meeting.」
Ikuta walked to the head of the round table and sat down with a grumble. The military conference chaired by Solvenares Igsem in the past and Empress Chamille in recent times were suffocating to him.
「That might be difficult, Field Marshal Sir. Knowing who was occupying that seat recently, I can’t help sitting up straight.」
The first to speak was Brigadier General Senpa Sazarf, who was the most intimate with the youth. Ikuta took the title of 「youngest general」 from him, but with Sazarf’s personality, he didn’t feel vexed, and was happy instead. The youth smiled with a hint of loneliness.
「I hope you won’t be too afraid of her… Sigh, but that will take time to change. Anyways, I will be handling Military Affairs for now, so the atmosphere has to change too. I have never liked the mood to be heavy.」
Ikuta announced as he cracked his neck. On the other hand, the generals appeared quiet on the surface, but some were speaking quietly a short distance from the youth.
「... Can I ask something, General Remeon?」
「What is it, General Shiba?」
「Do you feel nostalgic?」
When he pointed that out, the jade-eyed general overlapped the face of his late friend with the dark-haired youth and curled up the corners of his lips.
「So, let’s discuss something we can smile about── the results of the Imperial Army internal investigation.」
Contrary to Ikuta’s expectations, that opening line made the place more tense. General Remeon regained the authority of a veteran general and spoke.
「... The matter about suspecting a high ranking officer being a spy, correct?」
「Yes. However, from the results, it seems none of our high ranking officers are spies.」
The youth stated the conclusion preemptively. The surprised generals focused their gazes on him, and Ikuta continued plainly:
「Regarding this situation, we should treat it as part of Kioka’s scheme to make us second guess whether there really are imposters among us. I judged that dragging the investigation on will be playing directly into Kioka’s hands.」
This conclusion that sounded too hasty made the jade-eyed general speak once again:
「... There are three points of suspicion still bothering me. First, our secret reconnaissance turned up empty. Her Majesty who saw suspicious movements amongst the Aldera devotees is incredibly keen. So, why didn’t we find anything with our reconnaissance?」
「I believe the reason lies in the choice of personnel. The unit tasked with the secret reconnaissance all lacked experience in such areas── isn’t that right, Brigadier General Sazarf?」
Sazarf, who was named, stood up with a sigh. As if his presence was solely to be a scapegoat, he nodded with resignation.
「... I know very well that my performance was unsightly this time. Investigation is completely different from fighting on the frontlines, I did my best, but I have to admit that I fell short of the mark.」
He didn’t intend to deflect responsibility, so he didn’t put up any defences. Ikuta added in to help Sazarf.
「That might be so, but it would be wrong to blame Brigadier Sazarf for this. We lack the personnel to conduct this large scale investigation── that’s the true reason for this failure. For Chamille who assigned this task to the Brigadier General, she had few options. Without any experts, she went for a trustworthy option instead… That should be the basis of her decision.」
「That means─ the method of secret reconnaissance itself is the issue?」
「That’s how I see it. As for Kioka, letting us detect the movements of the devotees is probably part of their scheme. Based on the terrain layout, they noted the places that the investigation teams would prioritize. The locals would then mislead the investigation teams to delay their probe into the crucial towns and villages.」
Hmmp… The jade-eyed general snorted. He didn’t look convinced and continued pressing the suspicious points.
「And secondly… the unit that chased after the devotees into the mountains linked up with Her Majesty, and got pincered attacked on a hill. From what I know, the enemy’s movements were too precise on every level. It will be more appropriate to assume someone leaked out the intel.」
「Is that really true? I think the biggest reason you feel that way was because of the timing the Kioka fourth fleet escapees reached the foot of the mountain, which coincided with the timing of Major Matthew’s withdrawal from the frontlines after suffering a counterattack──
However, Kioka might get this timing from sources outside of a spy. The enemy commander Jean Arkinex grasped the predicament we are facing, and that’s probably by contacting his allied unit. Considering his relative position with the fourth fleet, it might be possible to send a message on horseback or by pigeon. It’s easier for them to execute, compared to the spy whose actions is restricted.」
「... What about the final point, the suspicion of Major Yuguni? If he isn’t the spy, then someone is attempting to use him as a scapegoat── that’s the conclusion I got from the report.」
General Remeon voiced his greatest concern. His tone was calm, but it had a seriousness that could shake off any substandard excuses.
Ikuta appeared calm, but felt cold sweat going down his back── he had to fool this man with his lies.
「That’s also a part of Kioka’s scheme── I suspect the Sprite in question sneaked into Major Yuguni’s backpack on its own.」
「On its own?」
「That’s right. During that night when we were defending the tableland, there were many Fire Sprites infiltrating our camp and attempting to burn our supplies… However, that wasn’t all. Sneaking into the backpacks of Imperial soldiers, getting discovered at the right time, so the owner would get suspected of being a spy── I think a good amount of Sprites were trying to do so, and Major Yuguni fell victim to them. This is a scheme to sow discord in our camp.」
Ikuta said smoothly. He knew very well that mixing a lie into the truth is the best way to hide it.
「The situation is probably very simple. The Sprite hid in Major Yuguni’s backpack to avoid detection by our search party, and got captured during its attempt to return to the Kioka camp── this might sound rather optimistic, but it’s far more likely than suspecting that we have an imposter among us. Back then, I tightened our internal surveillance as a countermeasure against espionage. The small Sprite will be more suitable than humans in passing through the surveillance net.」
He knew this was shameless, but Ikuta still used his own capabilities as a shield. General Remeon fell into an awkward silence. He wasn’t there, so it was hard for him to pursue the matter further. More importantly, the jade-eyed general was one of Ikuta’s backers.
「By the way, are you ready for the punchline? There are anonymous whistleblowers who gave the names of the spies.」
「What?」 「Who?」
The generals were in an uproar. After piquing their interest, Ikuta slowly said a name.
「Well── first will be Ikuta Solork.」
As he expected, the conference room was engulfed in silence.
「...... Huh?」
「It’s rumoured that he is seducing the Empress on Kioka’s orders, a tumour trying to lead the Empire to its destruction. The proof is that his father is a war criminal, and his mother is from Kioka. Uwah～ What a suspicious guy～」
He said monotonously as he flipped through the documents in his hand.
「Another is Torway Remeon. He is rumoured to be colluding with Ikuta Solork in an attempt to overthrow the government. In order to regain his clan’s former glory, Matthew Tetzirich is planning a military coup. Haroma Becker has been a Kioka agent before enlisting in the army, and is still carrying out missions for them, and so forth── sigh, this is terrible, there’s spies everywhere in the Imperial Army.」
Ikuta tossed the papers aside after reading them, then planted his palms on the table and looked right at the generals.
「It should be clear to everyone, right? Just like their plans at the tableland, Kioka wants to destroy our relationships. It has been two years since Chamille built a new establishment under her reign, and the organization is stabilizing slowly. And this is also the time when noises like this are being made. Like accusing some guy of cronyism, or how they can’t stand that guy getting to do the important work, and so forth… We only need to look to the past to learn that exploiting such gaps is Kioka’s forte.」
The generals groaned with their arms crossed. They all agreed that this did match Kioka’s style. Sensing that they were being convinced by his sophistry, Ikuta pressed the attack:
「That’s the reason why I’m stopping the internal investigations. We have to make sure there is no use with all their gimmicks. Be it the cabinet or the army, we can’t allow suspicion to spread within the organization. And I urge everyone to ignore such whistleblowing that is as good as graffiti, it’s just a waste of time.」
Ikuta concluded, which made everyone hesitate on bringing this up again. No one objected to that. Because for the past few decades, they understood deeply the humiliation of being a real sucker getting played by Kioka.
「I already sent out an internal memo, but I will officially declare Major Yuguni is cleared of all espionage suspicion in the near future. I plan to revert him to his original duties, and I hope everyone will help me with that.」
Most of the generals nodded in concurment. Confirming that no one is harbouring strong suspicion, Ikuta sighed in secret and said.
「Any other opinions? ── Well then, that concludes this agenda. Onto the next topic.」
「Phew… One military conference in the afternoon, two lessons, one field exercise inspection, and a mountain of paperwork── I already knew that, but a Field Marshal sure is busy.」
The sound of his walking stick echoed through the corridor. After finishing the morning’s work, Ikuta was heading to the Officer’s Mess for a short break. He was forced to exercise strong self restraint even now. A moment of lapse, and he might head to the hammocks set up all over the base.
When he stepped into the mess, two familiar faces came to him as he expected.
「Good work, Ikuta-san. Want to have lunch together?」
「I will take you up on that. Being a Field Marshal sure is busy.」
「A Brigadier General is busy too, Sir. But I have an excellent adjutant who is a great help.」
Ikuta gratefully joined Haro and Sazarf who were dining together, then placed an order with the waiter who had walked over briskly. He then teased his former ‘greatest superior’ who was now his subordinate.
「It’s decided then. I will make personnel changes and transfer Lieutenant Colonel Melza to my office.」
「Hey～ don’t tell anyone, but I’m actually planning a military coup. If you really do that, I will really pull it off. The Holy Sazarf Imperial Army will rise up in revolt.」
The two of them jest with dangerous topics, sparks flying between their glares. The usual interaction made Ikuta relaxed, and he laid back onto his chair.
「But seriously, I want a capable adjutant to assist me with my daily duties. It will be best if I can leave it to Suya, but she is still studying in the academy.」
「I can recommend a subordinate to you, do you prefer young man or old guys?」
「I will prefer a charming older woman… That’s what I want to say, but I need to prioritize capabilities first. I will endure even if he is a buff muscle man. If possible, I hope they don’t have any strange quirks in their thinking and personality. Because I will be leaving a lot of miscellaneous matters to my adjutant.」
「That’s just a normal outstanding talent. Things will be easier for me with someone like that under me, so it will be a waste if I transfer them to you, Sir.」
「Hahaha! Brigadier General Sazarf, you think you are being polite just by adding ‘Sir’ to your sentences?」
「Pardon me for my poor manners, this is the limit of how subservient I can be. Work hard on behalf of a crude plebeian like me, youngest Field Marshal in history Sir～」
「Are you sure it’s fine to speak like that～ I have lots of work that I need the great hero of the northern unrest to handle~ You seem comfortable in your role as a general, I should promote you to Major General tomorrow～」
「Damn you! Try promoting me if you dare! I will take Lieutenant Colonel Melza in my arms and flee to the ends of the world!」
「Oh── Who are you taking in your arms when you flee, huh?」
A figure was standing behind Sazarf. That familiar voice made his face turn pale, and he turned around timidly.
「I came to take a look since the Brigadier General’s lunch break seems rather long, so you are having a chat with the Field Marshal, huh? Leaving all the work piled on your desk behind and chatting away happily here. Pardon me for spoiling the mood, but what’s going on here?」
Lieutenant Colonel Melza was standing there with a scary smile. Sazarf realized that she would rend any lies he attempted to use as cover, so he abandoned his unfinished lunch and sprung up from his chair like a wind up doll.
「I will go right now. Field Marshal Sir, I will be taking my leave.」
Sazarf said without any inflexion in his voice, and walked back to his office with Lieutenant Colonel Melza beside him. His back looked like that of a collared dog, which made Ikuta sighed deeply.
「... It would be troubling if I become like him. I have to choose my adjutant carefully...」
Ikuta muttered to himself, thinking that he might suffer the same fate tomorrow. He raised his head and looked at Haro who had stayed at the table.
「Sorry for the wait. You have something to tell me right, Haro?」
「... Well yes, but actually no...」
Even if she didn’t say anything, the youth understood her intentions from the start. From the way Haro was hesitant to let others listen in, Ikuta could sense what she wanted to talk about.
「Oh, so it’s ‘she’ who wants to talk, huh? ──I get it, let’s take a walk.」
The two of them left the mess and walked to an area that wasn’t even used for field exercises anymore. When they were completely alone, Ikuta looked around him and said.
「──We have a clear view of the area here, so we don’t have to worry about any eavesdropping. Come on out, Patrenshina.」
When he called her by that name, Haro’s shoulders quivered and she looked down slightly. Tens of seconds later── the other ‘her’ with a completely different feel appeared.
「... I heard from stubbles how the morning’s military conference went.」
「That saves me the trouble of repeating myself. So, what about it?」
The youth chatted enthusiastically with Patrenshina whom he hadn’t seen for a while. She was puzzled by his unhesitant display of friendship, and got right into the main topic.
「... Your preemptive actions against the Kioka’s scheme is impressive, and you mixed in the intel about us into your ‘anonymous report’, making it look unrealistic. If Kioka made the facts public in the future, no one will believe them...」
「Because this is the simplest option available to me, I used it to settle the other matters too. For example, your old home according to the records… Sorry, but I burned it down. You lost contact with your ‘father’ and ‘mother’ for some time now, and fortunately, your ‘five younger brother’ don’t exist. It will be more of a hassle if they did.」
「That’s a setting used to stabilize Haro’s psyche, and isn’t set up for real, so it’s easy to fudge over it. My ‘father’ and ‘mother’ has probably reported back to Kioka. Agents who had been uncovered would just be a risk if they stayed in enemy territory.」
Patrenshina grunted and continued:
「In fact, it is unlikely that Kioka will make that fact public. Because that will be as good as saying they can’t control their own agents… So they will get revenge for this betrayal in secret. Poisoning my dinner, knifing my back in a crowd── it might happen tomorrow, five years later, or ten years later. But giving any rest to the traitor is the greatest retribution.」
Her tone was plain even when she talked about their eventual fate. Returning her gaze into the void back onto Ikuta, Patrenshina spoke a little more forcefully.
「Don’t misunderstand── Haro and I aren’t so weak to fear retribution. I’m curious about what you think, Ikuta Solork. Objectively speaking, permitting us to stay as comrades is an absurd decision.」
Her tone was filled with more awe than doubt. Until now, she still couldn’t get a handle on Ikuta Solork, who accepted a malicious character like her.
「That night, after you battled with me, you said many things to the Knights Corp members… but that is all sophistry, right?」
「......」
「Demanding them to place the blame on the distant past is foul play. I caused the death of many soldies, and should receive the appropriate punishment. There is a standard of merit and punishment in the army. And the fact is, many soldiers were punished based on that standard, such as Lieutenant General Safida.」
Ikuta didn’t respond, and Patrenshina continued probing── to ascertain what the youth was actually thinking.
「However, you used a different standard to gauge my crimes, a clear show of double standard and a betrayal of the values that soldiers hold dear… You know that. The best evidence is that you didn’t meet Senpa Sazarf’s eyes even once during that earlier conversation.」
The youth grit his teeth in silence. Patrenshina changed the angle and pressed on:
「Let’s talk about something more practical── how can you be sure a traitor won’t betray you again? It might not happen today, but who knows what tomorrow might bring? No, maybe I’m preparing for my next betrayal right now… Do you want to fight all your enemies with a chill on your back?」
Patrenshina questioned the youth directly. She couldn’t just ignore this. She couldn’t entrust Haro’s fate to him without completely understanding this man.
After a long silence, Ikuta slowly turned to the girl and said quietly.
「I trust you two── I think I have the right to say that.」
Patrenshina furrowed her brows unhappily. That reaction reminded him of her personality, and Ikuta added with a wry smile:
「Leaving Haro aside for now, it’s not suitable for you to use trust as a basis for your decisions. It might sound unnecessary, but let me add this── you are a persona born to protect Haro from a harsh environment, correct?」
「... That’s right.」
「Hence, you are more honest than anyone when it comes to protecting Haro. Dirtying your hands and committing crimes in her stead── you have been protecting Haro’s heart all this time. No matter how many betrayals you commit, this is the only thing you won’t compromise on.」
Ikuta looked right into her eyes as he said all that. Patrenshina couldn’t help leaning back. This man with a twisted personality would occasionally show a forthright side, which makes her waver.
「Both of us want to protect the same thing. So you don’t have any reason to betray me. Don’t you think this is a very simple logic?」
This was the reasoning he prepared just for her. Ikuta glanced at Patrenshina who was considering if she should accept that, and cast his eyes down.
「Also── regarding the other points you raised, I have nothing to say. You are right.」
The youth said with a conflicted voice, and Patrenshina looked at him with surprise.
「Instead of prosecuting my comrade openly in the light, I would rather be guilty of the same crimes as my pals── that’s the kind of person I have always been. Hence, I draw a clear line between the Knights Corp and others, and will do anything it takes to protect the people inside this boundary… Simply put, I already reached my conclusion from the start. I have never been troubled about forgiving you two, I have only been thinking about how to protect the both of you.」
When he said that, Ikuta sighed with equal parts of self mockery and shame… What did he want to protect? What is he fighting? And what was he willing to sacrifice? He kept asking himself these questions on the battlefield, and he was reflecting on that right now.
「On the other hand, I’m the Field Marshal who has control over the discipline and order of the entire Imperial Military… what a mind boggling situation. Letting such a person become the leader of the army, and revered as a hero too, this is a historical mistake. One day, the entire nation will understand that.」
Ikuta said quietly with an intense voice, and turned quiet for a moment. He spent a few seconds composing himself before raising his head with a calm expression.
「I’ve digressed, let’s get back on topic… I mean it when I say I feel guilty about not facing you properly in the past, it’s the same for Matthew and Torway. I’m also aware that using that point to forgive you is sophistry. Because we are the only ones who will accept that logic. Anyone else who hears it will just get enraged.」
「......」
「But I had to say it back then. If I use the external standard… and judge using the correct standard for rewards and punishment, then Matthew and Torway can never forgive you. No matter how much they wanted to, their deep values as soldiers would get in the way of their thinking… So I gave them a chance with my sophistry, making up a line of reasoning for them to pardon you. No matter how absurd, it was, I knew that was what they wanted the most.」
Everything he said were like the bubbles breathed out of someone drowning. Ikuta’s breathing seemed pained as he soldiered on.
「Yatori’s struggle must be more intense than theirs. If it was the old her, she would suppress her own emotions and send you for court martial. Just like how she followed her orders to subjugate me.
However── she is different now. She has merged into me, and her conclusion is...」
When he conveyed the will of Yatorishino Igsem within him, his voice would stop trembling and his tone would be firm.
「The Knights Corp is Chamille’s cradle, and we need everyone. This is absolutely necessary── when she is still a child.」
After he said that, Ikuta grabbed her shoulders and told her in a posture close to a hug:
「Haro, Patrenshina… We can accept you as our comrades, but we can’t ever absolve you in the truest sense. Because your sins is also our sins. For the soldiers who got hurt or died because of your actions, only their families who survived them have the right to judge us.」
「......!...」
「Hence, I can never puff my chest out proudly before the person I respect the most.」
Ikuta thought back── the people he had to deceive to enforce his sophistry, and the weight of the debts pressing on his shoulders. Especially the death of the soldiers under their command, the one who felt the most guilty would be the highest ranking officer on scene.
「... Brigadier General Sazarf… I can’t even ask for your forgiveness...」
The youth said the name of the person he never wanted to deceive. A few clear droplets stained the woman’s sleeve.
＊
「Your Majesty, lunch is here.」
「Enter.」
Inside her office, Chamille was facing a mountain of documents with a stamp in hand. When she heard the report of Imperial Guard Captain Lucanti who was guarding the door, she responded without taking her eyes off the papers.
「Sorry for the intrusion… Your Majesty… is this enough for today too?」
A maid pushed a meal cart in, and asked as she served the plates onto the table. Chamille glanced at her and answered coldly.
「... It’s fine. Two cornbread, stir fried meat and vegetable, an appropriate portion of yogurt and fruits, it’s all as I ordered.」
「...I-Is that so? I will take my leave then...」
The maid bowed after serving the meal, then left the office quietly. Chamille decided to eat after finishing a pile of documents and kept working. However, the voice of the Imperial Guard Captain came again.
「Your Majesty, my apologies for disturbing you, but a guest wish to meet you.」
「Meet me? Who?」
「It’s Vackie-san, she informed that her goal is to 『Have lunch together!』」
When she heard that, Chamille’s stamping went way off. Her hands finally stopped, turning her mind from her work to the guest.
「... It’s a pain, but I can’t ignore the person recommended by Solork… Let her in.」
「Yes, my liege.」
Lucanti immediately passed the instruction, and the footsteps of the attendant running to relay the message grew distant. A few minutes later, Chamille sensed a visitor approaching, and her door was abruptly opened.
「Jang jang jang~ your lunch mate is here! Is there any pitiful child eating unappetizing food here～!?」
Vackie said loudly right off the spot. Her appearance that far exceeded Chamille’s expectations made the Empress nurse her temple and groan.
「... Luckily, I haven’t touched my food yet, or I might have choked from the shock.」
「Oh, surely you jest! But that’s great, I bought lunch here too, so let’s eat together! Is this seat taken?」
Vackie found a rattan chair that was some distance away from the table, and pulled it to Chamille’s desk. She then laid out her lunch on the table, which made the Empress furrowed her brows.
「... I don’t recall summoning you to dine with me, or permitting you to sit. It might be too late to ask this, but shouldn’t you learn the minimal etiquettes when meeting the Empress?」
「Yes, Yorga taught me, but I ignored it all. I have always hated rules and protocols. Chamille, are you good with all that?」
「There’s no proficiency in protocols, it’s something as natural as breathing for a member of the imperial family… by the way, if I’m not mistaken, did you just omit the honorifics and addressed me directly by my name?」
「Yes, I called you Chamille. Ikuta-nii told me not to address you as Your Majesty in private.」
Chamille was at a loss for words. She was powerless to refute Vackie's name dropping Ikuta. After glaring at Vackie’s leisurely smile for a while, she sighed:
「... I still haven’t grasped your intentions yet, but since this is what Solork wants, I will accept it. Only in private without any outsiders, I will permit you to address me directly by my name. Although I don’t like it.」
「You dislike people calling you by your name?」
「It depends── most people won’t like being called by a stranger with a cheeky smile.」
「Yes～ you have a point.」
Vackie crossed her arms in deep thought, then said again in less than five seconds:
「But, I think Chamille is very kind, for example, the food over here.」
「...? What’s wrong with my lunch?」
「Well, it’s incredibly plain. Even the lunch of a low ranking administrative officer is more luxurious than this. There are few dishes, and even that bread isn’t made from flour, right?」
The girl pointed that out as she looked at the meal on the table. Chamille snorted.
「I was wondering what you want to say… The recent military campaigns dealt intense pressure on the budget, so there aren’t excess money to spent on lavish meals. This bread is made from corn── I’m expecting it to become a main crop in the future. I’m confirming how the processed corn taste personally.」
Chamille felt there wasn’t time to deal with her documents, and reached for her lunch. She tore off a small piece of cornbread, toss it in her mouth and chewed.
「... Hmm. It’s not as good as bread made from flour, but the texture has improved greatly compared to the prototype. With this standard, it’s possible for it to become a staple food...」
Chamille analyzed the taste of the bread, and suddenly noticed a passionate gaze on her. Chamille felt a little disgusted by the Scientist girl looking at her with sparkling eyes and asked:
「...... Why are you staring at me like that, Third Grade Administrative Officer Vackie?」
「Chamille-chan is super cool～」
That came out of the blue. When she heard that sudden compliment, Chamille wasn’t sure if it was sincere, and looked at her puzzledly.
「Super… Super cool?」
「Yes, you are super cool. You took the throne at such a young age, and whenever a rebellion broke out一一 you will suppress it personally. You are worried about the citizens even when you eat. For a super girl like that, there’s no other way to describe you other than super cool.」
At this point, the Empress finally grasped the core of her message, and felt self mockery and frustration rise in her heart. Chamille had a self mocking smile on her face as she looked at the Scientist girl.
「... Your judgement is in error.」
「Hmm?」
「A truely great ruler will not let a rebellion occur in the first place. A real kind monarch who cares about the people won’t let them starve. I’m not a good ruler, that’s why the nation is in chaos and the people are famished. These are the signs of an incompetent ruler.」
It was all the result of her poor leadership. For the Empress, saying that the responsibility lies with her was an obvious truth. However, Vackie tilted her head quizzingly and retorted:
「That’s a very unscienctific way of thinking. This is just the timing of your coronation which led to you shouldering the consequences of the previous ruler’s poor governance. The starting point might be bad, but it won’t affect your evaluation as an individual, right?」
You did your best in a terrible situation. This was an obvious fact to the Scientist girl. Chamille put down the bread and asked:
「Starting point? ──When do you mean?」
「Around two years ago, the moment of your coronation, right?」
When she heard this answer, Chamille understood the difference in understanding between the two of them. The Empress grunted, then said with the emotions of teaching a toddler a cruel fact.
「My starting point is more than 900 years ago.」
「──Huh?」
Even Vackie couldn’t help frowning. Chamille continued speaking nonchalantly to the baffled Vackie.
「The Imperial family is hereditary, and the Empress will take on all the accomplishments of the previous monarchs on their coronation. Hence── I’m no longer an individual. As long as this rotten and twisted tree still stands, then I’m just a branch on it named Chamille Kitra Katjvanmaninik.」
The girl said with great conviction… The wealth and sins she inherited through the eras. From the day she was born as a member of the Imperial family, she had been told that was what she was.
「The sins lies in my bloodline. So I’m a tyrant and incompetent ruler since birth… That goes without saying too. Since you will be staying in this palace, you will understand this fact with time.」
As if the conversation was over, the Empress started eating again. Vackie remained still for a moment, carefully disgusting these words. She then asked with a slightly trembling voice:
「... Are you serious about all that?」
「Don’t get so full of yourself. I have no interest in making fun of a plebian like you.」
Chamille intimidated her with a stern face, and Vackie finally hung her head in silence. So she had finally learned fear? Empress relaxed with that in mind── However...
「... You...」
「?」
「Are you retarded──────────────────────────────────────────────── ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────!」
The next moment, the girl in a voice so loud, it was hard to imagine it came from her petite body. It went through her eardrum and impacted her brain, turning Chamille stiff, the bread falling from her hand.
「── W-What...」
「You said that! That, that! That that kind of stupid statement, so of course I will call you a retard! What the hell with that theory you made up just to bully yourself!? Twisted, childish and convoluted, like some avant garde abstract art piece made by an artist who smoked weed! Right or wrong aside, what good will this theory do for anyone? Hey, who will it benefit~?」
Not satisfied with just shouting, Vackie leaned over the table right into the Empress’ face and scolded her from point blank:
「Listen up, Shamy! The palace and Imperial family is just a part of the whole world! Not just that, the entire Katjvarna Empire is just a corner of the wide world! What I’m saying is, aside from the narrow values constraining you, there are as many ways of thoughts as there are stars in the sky! You are so smart, so don’t get stuck in a deadend, damn it～!」
The girl ruffled her hair as if she was losing patience. Chamille stared blankly as the girl went wild, and couldn’t even understand a tenth of what she was saying. But Vackie wasn’t fazed and continued:
「So I will say this as many times as it takes, Chamille-chan is super cool! It doesn’t matter what you think~ This is an absolute fact protected by the holy realm of ‘subjectivity, so you can’t refute it! If you can’t stand it, then act like a bad girl that will make me sick! You can’t do it anyway, since you are a good girl! Hmmp～!」
Vackie stuck her tongue out at the Empress. Her taunting actions made Chamille fumed for unknown reasons. She clenched her fist on the table:
「... There’s a limit to my patience, Third Grade Administrative Officer Vackie. Shut up and get out of my sight! Or else──」
「Or else what? You will draw your sword? Or summon your bodyguard? Uwah~ so lame~ gutless~ is the natural born tyrant and despot Empress Chamille a coward who can’t even quarrel with another girl of her age～?」
「...…!」
「Oh, what I just said angered you for real. Wonderful~ just wonderful~ how can we quarrel if you act all calm and mature? I’m taunting you and refuting the values you think so highly of. There’s nothing more infuriating than that, right? There’s no way you can stay quiet after that!」
Creak! Something in Chamille’s heart snapped. She couldn’t understand what made her angry, and responded to the taunt on reflex.
「── Alright then, Scientist, sit down! Just lopping your head off won’t appease me! Watch me humiliate you with my words, and make you regret your rash actions!」
「Oh my～big words right from the start! I will take you on with my full power! Oh, really now~ Chamille-chan is super cool!」
Vackie retorted, and the two of them argued intensely with the table between them. Lucanti who charged in when she heard the first shout could only stand there as she watched the two of them hurl insults at each other.
To anyone watching, this was just a squabble between kids── and that’s why there was no way for outsiders to butt in.
＊
That evening, Ikuta finished his work on base and returned to the palace. Walking briskly in the passageway leading to the Empress’ chambers.
「Phew… I made it back before dusk. Looks like I made it in time for dinner.」
The youth looked out at the orange sky outside the window and said with a smile. Spending as much time with Chamille as possible was a goal that he prioritized more than his duty as a Field Marshal.
「Good evening, Field Marshal Sir.」
After passing right through the martial officers guarding the junction within the restricted zone, Ikuta greeted the Imperial Guard Captain that has become a close acquaintance.
「Good evening, Captain Lucanti, thank you for your hard work. Take me to her room.」
She nodded and walked alongside Ikuta. But when they almost reached the Empress’ chambers, lucanti quietly told the youth:
「── Lord Solork, pardon my insolence, but a word of advice.」
「Hmm?」
「Please brace yourself, Her Majesty is incredibly displeased right now.」
Ikuta was shocked when he received such advice for the first time. Chamille wasn’t a girl who showed her displeasure on her face. If she was showing it, then her mood must be extremely bad.
「Your Majesty, Lord Solork has returned.」
「...... Let him in.」
His speculation was confirmed by her depressed voice behind the door. Finished with her duty as a guide, Lucanti wished him good luck and returned to her post. Ikuta who stood alone before the door had a strong ominous feeling as he quietly opened the door and entered.
「... Chamille, I’m back. I’m a little late, did you eat dinner──」
The moment the youth entered, the girl approached him with large steps. Ikuta stopped, and she walked right up to him and took a deep breath.
「What’s the hell is with that woman ───────────────────────────────────!」
Chamille shouted at the top of her lungs at the youth she had been waiting for anxiously. Ikuta who was expecting this a little felt a little disorientated by that shout, but still chose his words carefully.
「... Are you referring to Malvackie?」
「Who else can it be? I feel silly just counting the number of reckless actions she made today! She has no regard for ceremony, is clueless about saying the wrong things, and is shameless when she speaks! If you aren’t the one who recommended her, I would have fired her a hundred times already!」
「Well, I know what you mean. I can imagine the gists of the interaction between you two. You are right to be angry. So don’t hold back, vent it out on me for the historical mistake of introducing such a dangerous thing into civil service.」
「I’m not blaming you, I just want to lash out at that woman so much! That Mairitsuuinvuakkyen Shattouiettanyerushisukattsu! What kind of environment and education is needed to nurture such a personality? Compared to her, the characters in a comedy theatre are more civilized and sensible!」
「You actually said her full name without biting your tongue...」
「She refuted me publicly in a meeting with no regards for my other vassals! If it’s just that, I will think of her as being bold, but she runs up to me whenever she wants and says whatever is on her mind! Can you imagine how troubled I am when she barged into my office without an appointment with a lunchbox in hand? If you go by the proper procedures, she will need to wait for a few months before dining with the Empress, but that woman did it as if she was eating lunch with a classmate!」
「Hmm… Because she is stupid...」
「After acting so impudently, she dare call me Chamille with a cheeky face! Because she has permission from you, she didn’t care no matter how hard I tried to draw the line between master and vassal! It’s useless to treat her coldly, and she will even taunt me directly! S-She called me a coward who can’t even quarrel with her!」
The girl hung her head with her shoulders trembling. It was the first time Ikuta saw Chamille reacting like this.
「Taking a step back── No, taking ten thousand steps back! I can pretend to be a magnanimous ruler and ignore all that as trivialities! But── the most aggravating thing is!」
「Mmhmm...」
「I keep overlapping her demeanour with yours! You when we just met! This frustrates, aggravates and is more unforgivable than anything else── I-I──!」
Her emotional outburst was beyond words, and the girl couldn’t say anything more. At that moment, Ikuta spread his arms and held Chamille tight.
「... Both of us got to know each other when our personalities were edgy and sharp, so that girl’s personality got influenced by me in both a negative and positive way. Sorry, Chamille. Her carefree nature must have made you so angry.」
「...... Ughh────...!」
The girl in his arms couldn’t control her feelings and pounded on the youth’s chest. Ikuta accepted those cute punches and whispered into her ears:
「Vent all the frustrations of your quarrels with her all on me. You can shout all you want, hit, scratch or pinch me too. Don’t worry, I will be here until you have vented it all out.」
If the girl wanted to vent, the youth would accept it all. The person in his arms wasn’t the Empress, but the child Chamille.
In the end, she used up all her stamina at 10 pm.
「... She’s so tired from her anger that she fell asleep?」
The girl laid on the bed, snoring away with her head on his lap. As he watched the innocent face that befitted her age, Ikuta gently brushed her hair.
「... In the few hours since noon, her anger directed outside herself and the Imperial house filled her mind. Even this girl with extraordinary self control can’t handle this fury, and she had to vent it out on me.」
This fact moved Ikuta, and he muttered.
「Well done, Vackie── This is exactly why I invited you here.」
＊
「I’m back～」
At the same time, in the bureaucrat dormitory in a corner of the palace. Vackie barged into Third Grade Administrative Officer Yorga Daimudaritsu’s room on the first floor. Yorga who was sitting before his desk and working on his budget cutting proposal frowned.
「... No, what do you mean that you are back? This isn’t your room. Isn’t it weird for you to take off your coat and sit on the bed?」
「Ehh～ it’s fine to let me stay here~ I spent a lot of energy today, so it’s a pain to walk back to my room~ Let me sleep here～」
The girl said and laid face down heavily onto the bed. Yorga left his seat frantically.
「If you hog the only bed, then where do I sleep? Get up! If you don’t, I will carry you to your room!」
「That sounds easy, so it’s all good~ I’m counting on you～」
Vackie decided to not even move a finger, letting her old Scientist friend have his way with her. Yorga was about to carry her with a face of resignation when he noticed something amiss and opened his eyes wide.
「...? What’s wrong with your cheek?」
He pointed at Vackie’s face and asked. More specifically, he was pointing at the bright red palm shaped mark on her cheek.
She giggled at that question, and announced proudly:
「Can’t you tell? ── This is the greatest achievement of my day.」
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