Chapter 4: Gifting You With This Warmth
Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
Because the Jade Voice Broadcast was disseminated through all the Sprites within the Empire, Ikuta’s declaration of losing the war after the Kioka forces withdrawal spread to all the citizens.
They were confused at first, followed by anxiety── the army lost. What should they do? Would the Kioka forces march into the capital tomorrow!? What would happen to them? Would they get enslaved?
But as time passed, the citizens realized the situation wasn’t as bad as they imagined. They already knew that the Kioka forces had retreated. The two contradictory messages baffled them. The enemy withdrew, but the Field Marshal said the Empire lost. What was happening?
A short while later, the masses found the answer behind the contradiction. The Field Marshal intentionally lied to them about the results of the war. That wasn’t the decision of the military or the will of the Empress, but an order issued by Ikuta Solork as an individual.
The citizens felt outrage. They finally realized an unbelievable thing had happened. The army that should have brought them victory had betrayed them. They sided with the enemy, leading to the Empire’s defeat. For the citizens who believe blindly in the military, this was an extreme form of betrayal.
After experiencing something they had never felt before, what should they do? The people considered their options. Going by the normal procedures, the crimes of a soldier would be tried in military court. However, the culprit was the youngest Field Marshal in history, Ikuta Solork, the leader of the military with overwhelming talent. No one could expect him to be tried fairly in a military court.
In the past, they would have no choice but to swallow their grievances. Because the masses didn’t have the means to try a soldier outside of a military tribunal, or have the courage to bring up their complaints with the Empress. However── they had a way now. That was an institution set up at the same time as the Parliament. Unlike the Parliament set up with the hopes of making laws in the future, this was an institution to interpret and apply the law to individual cases── in short, a judicial branch of the government.
「The first civil court is in session── enter, defendant Ikuta Solork.」
The judge said in a firm but inexperienced voice. Surrounded by layers of courtside observers, the dark-haired youth was brought in with his hands tied behind him into the court.
「Sit him down there, and tie his hands in place. Don’t let him make any suspicious move.」
Because the defendant was a soldier, the judge was very careful about the defendant being tied firmly to his chair. Ikuta Solork accepted this without any complaints. He was wearing a normal officer uniform behind his cape, and shouted in admiration:
「... This is the first time, so I was worried about how it will go, but this looks better than I expected. Well, I have never seen a Kioka court session in person, so I can’t tell if there is any minor mistakes──」
「Order in the court! The defendant may only speak when spoken to!」
Ikuta said intimately as if he was visiting a friend’s new house, and was rebuked by the judge. The attendees started frowning, but they were just getting started.
「... We will now begin the trial of Defendant Ikuta Solork. Prosecutor, please read out his charges.」
On his urging, a prosecutor stood up and read the document in his hand.
「I-I will read out the charges── First, Using the Jade Voice Broadcast without the Empress’ permission and stating the term 『Lost the war』. Second, abetting the retreating defeated Kioka forces with that broadcast. Three, murdering the Chancellor because of personal grudges. Four──」
He read out all the charges against the defendant with a shrill voice. After reading all that, an attendee seated in the first row raised his hand.
「... On behalf of everyone present, I have a question, Your Honor.」
「You may speak.」
The judge granted permission according to the agreed procedure. The middle aged man said with a heavy voice:
「The defendant has admitted to the listed charges. Everything up to this point is fine. However── there is something I don’t understand. It’s simply a fact that I just can’t fathom.」
He stared right at the youth, his eyes a mixture of rage and confusion. The man chose to resolve the latter part.
「Ikuta Solork. You have the trust of Her Majesty, and was bestowed the position of the youngest Field Marshal in history── so why did you do it?」
He posed an obvious question. Ikuta shrugged and said:
「Even if you ask me why, these two things have no value to me.」
「────!」
Starting with the man who asked the question, all the attendees were in an uproar. Feeling their surprise, the youth continued:
「Everyone here already knows my background, right? Don’t you think it’s strange? In normal times, a person like me will never attain the position of Field Marshal under normal manpower deployment. Being too young is one thing, but the most important reason is my family background.」
「... Are you referring to the fact that your father Bada Sankrei died in prison?」
The man then asked. However, this seemed to run contrary to the procedures, so the judge reminded the man to sit down. He then requested permission again before asking his question. This might seem tedious, but this place would fall into chaos without any rules. They were performing fine despite their unfamiliarity with the procedures, Ikuta thought. He then answered the second question:
「Honestly, I’m not interested in the reason that led to this result. I was young back then, so I don’t really remember my parents. However── being deprived of their lives enraged me. I should be the son of a high ranking army officer, and grow up in such an environment, right? People suddenly interfered and destroyed my life, so that’s the reason why I hated the Empire.」
The youth said without any fear. Another young man raised his hand right after, and said after getting permission:
「... Your parents died because of the nobles' poor management, which are grounds for sympathy. However── Her Majesty has given you enough favour to make up for it. And now, you are rising to new heights as an unique hero of the Empire. You can get anything that you want. Am I wrong?」
The man was sincerely baffled, and his words made Ikuta smile sarcastically.
「Favour… Favour, huh.」
「... What’s wrong about that?」
The young man said disgruntledly. The youth answered loudly:
「I have enough of being the nanny of that naive blonde brat.」
The place was in an uproar once again. Before he was asked a new question, Ikuta continued speaking:
「Hear ye, hear ye. The girl puts on a facade of a tyrant, but is actually a stupidly nice person. No matter what we talked about, she would keep droning about the happiness of the masses and the obligations of a ruler, how annoying. Because of her rigid stance against corruption, it takes me a lot of effort to take some change from the treasury, which is not worth the effort I put in.」
The youth sighed exaggeratingly. The attendees were all slack jawed from shock.
「Even if I just want to indulge in carnal pleasure, her skinny figure doesn’t fit my fetish. Oh── but since I had the chance, I should have pushed myself to impregnate her, huh? Mixing my bloodline into that wretched Imperial family, just thinking about that── Ughh!」
A full thud cut him off. An attendee threw a bottle of ink at the youth, hitting his shoulder and staining his uniform black. With that, the emotions of the crowd erupted.
「Shut him up! Shut that bastard up!」「No, hang him right now!」
「Stop kidding us, you jerk!」
「The hero we have been admiring is actually such a brute...?」
The attendees started shouting and throwing things, and the youth was tied with his hands behind his back, and couldn’t even shield his body. Seeing that the place was losing control, the judge slammed his gavel and shouted:
「Order! Order in the court! Do not throw things in the court── take the Defendant away for now! We can’t have a trial like this...!」
The court staff carried out their instruction, untying him from the chair and dragged the youth away. The shouts and curses didn’t stop until he vanished from sight.
「── S-Sir...」
To prevent the Defendant from being lynched, when Ikuta was being moved, the army sent out a few escorts to keep watch. However, what Major Megu, one of the escorts, saw was the terrible sight of the youth’s uniform being covered in ink.
「Like I said, you don’t have to address me as Sir, Major Megu── by the way, it got more intense than I expected. They got agitated too easily, but it’s great that the attendees are passionate.」
Ikuta said contently. The soldiers didn’t know what to say and fell silent, and he picked up a fountain pen caught in the crevice of his clothes.
「Here. I don’t know who threw it, but this pen isn’t cheap. I hope you can return this to its owner.」
He said as he handed the fountain pen to a court staff. Unable to watch any longer, Major Megu blinked tears away from his eyes.
「... Why? Why are you subjected to such...!」
Facing Major Megu who was groaning with his shoulders quivering, Ikuta smiled wryly.
「This is a reasonable treatment for a traitor── Well then, can you gentlemen please escort me back to my beautiful cell? If I show my face again, I might lose my life.」
The youth said calmly before walking off. Major Megu couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but he still followed the youth to shield him from further humiliation.
Smack! The sharp sound of a slap on a cheek echoed out loud. The Empress was inside her office in one corner of the palace, and she was glaring at the admin officer girl blocking her path── Vackie.
「I will only say this again── Let me see Solork right now!」
Chamille’s voice was filled with rage. Vackie’s cheek was stinging from that slap, but she was unfazed and answered:
「I won’t lose to that and will repeat myself── I can’t let you meet Ikuta-nii. That’s what he wants, and it can’t be helped politically either. You should know why.」
Ughh, the Empress had no words. At the same time, Yorga rushed to Vackie’s side and prostrated:
「... Your Majesty, please make your decision calmly. The effect of Ikuta making the wilful declaration that we lost the war has gone beyond the scope of the military, and is still expanding. If you contact Ikuta now, it will definitely make the citizens misunderstand. They will turn their anger towards you, and the governance system will fall apart...!」
The bespectacled youth said with a pained voice. What he said made Chamille raise the corners of her eyes from anger.
「Wilful── You said wilful? Are you kidding me!? That declaration was originally──」
Her words were cut off suddenly. An index finger pressing on the Empress’ lips stopped her from speaking. Vackie stared at her from close up, then said clearly:
「『Never say the rest of that sentence』. Can you do that, Chamille?」
「──!」
These words that carried strong implications made Chamille hold her breath. Vackie leaned to her ears and whispered:
「... We are friends, so I can somewhat guess the situation. The position that Ikuta-nii and you are in, should be swapped, right?」
Chamille’s heart pounded wildly. The Empress who realized that her secret was out looked at Vackie in shock, and the white coat girl continued in a quiet voice:
「Ikuta-nii snatched away your role at the last moment… I understand that you want to hear his explanation. However, you need to consider your own circumstances. He took your role, which means you have to take his too. Are you going to see Ikuta-nii even with that in mind?」
「......!」
「For now, he will be transferred between the Judicial Court and prison. However── you won’t have much free time either. Aside from the post war issues, the territories ravaged by the war need to be repaired too… That’s the job of the Empress. You know that you can’t abandon your duties.」
When Vackie mentioned her obligations as the monarch, Chamille could no longer resist. As Chamille stood there stiffly, the girl embraced Chamille tightly.
「I’m sorry for saying all those detestable things, Chamille… I won’t let you endure that for too long. I will arrange for you to meet Ikuta-nii in the future. I promise── but please endure it for now...」
Vackie’s plea made Chamille lower her gaze. As for the matter of Ikuta── she couldn’t do anything but to believe Vackie.
At the same time, a group of serious officers were gathered in the conference room of the Central Base.
「... Looks like the main members are all here.」
General Remeon who was standing in the deepest end of the room declared. The attendees before him included his old friend Honorary Field Marshal Igsem, General Shiba, the members of the Knights Corp, Torway, Matthew and Haro, and First Lieutenant Suya Mittokarifu. The criteria of the attendees was how close they were to Ikuta Solork.
「I will ask again. Do anyone knows what he is planning?」
The jade-eyed General tried to ask in a calm voice. He took the initiative to chair this meeting because he was the least involved with Ikuta. Silence hung over the room.
「Nothing, huh… Then I will assume no one is lying.」
After that warning-like opening line, General Remeon raised a topic to push the conversation forward.
「First off, I don’t understand his intentions. Who stands to gain from insisting that a victory is a loss?」
More silence. He noticed that everyone had the same question, but the jade-eyed General continued speaking:
「Assuming── I don’t want to say this, but assuming that he is colluding with Kioka all along, and is attempting to use his position as Field Marshal to benefit the enemy nation. But, why now? For example, he could have picked the moment when Kioka won, or when the Empire is on the brink of defeat, there are better opportunities to do so effectively. But choosing to betray us after executing his detailed plans in a display of wits, I don’t get his timing.」
In response to General Remeon’s confused question, Matthew reacted for the first time:
「... He doesn't want the Empire to be destroyed. But he didn’t want the Empire to win either.」
The slightly plump youth muttered. The jade-eyed General turned his sharp eyes toward him.
「...Major Matthew, what do you mean by that?」
「I’m just saying what came to my mind. But it’s only natural to think so. Be it good or bad, that guy won’t do illogical things… He must have some goal in mind for the current situation and his declaration of defeat.」
Matthew said, basing off his impression of Ikuta. General Remeon groaned.
「He doesn't want the Empire to win? ... If that deduction is on point, then his intention is beyond that of a soldier from the very start.」
When she heard that, an image flashed suddenly across Haro’s mind.
「... Her Majesty...?」
She wasn’t trying to speak, and spoke on reflex. General Remeon turned to her stiffly.
「... What were you saying, Major Becker?」
「... Oh, no, I was just thinking── because that sound more like how Her Majesty would think...」
Haro wasn’t confident and said with a stutter. As the content was sensitive, the jade-eyed General couldn’t probe further.
「...Major, you need to be careful with your words──」
「It’s fine. Go on, Major Becker.」
Honorary Field Marshal Igsem who had been silent so far urged Haro to continue on Remeon’s behalf. General Remeon looked at his old friend in surprise, and Haro said after carefully mincing her words:
「... Well, how should I put this? Since the very beginning, Her Majesty has had a strong sense of self reproach. I don’t mean just herself, but the entire Empire’s current situation── ah, I’m sorry, I can’t explain properly with words──」
「I know the gist of what Haro-san is saying. Anyway── you don’t think winning the war against Kioka, seizing territories and expanding our borders to bring prosperity to the Empire is the wish of Her Majesty… Correct?」
Torway added as he tried to explain on behalf of Haro. When he heard what his son was saying, anxiety appeared on General Remeon’s face.
「Hold on, wait. If we follow that line of thought… It’s as if Her Majesty wants this to happen, right?」
The atmosphere suddenly turned dangerous. General Shiba said as if to warn them:
「I met Her Majesty a few hours ago… Honestly speaking, she is panicking. Unless my eyes are failing me, I don’t think that is an act.」
「I think so too. That’s why── the deduction must be half wrong.」
Torway probed deeper. He could feel something from the dark-haired youth and the Empress, and that was slowly taking shape in his mind.
「This is what Her Majesty wanted. However── a mistake resulted in a decisive difference, and Her Majesty couldn’t correct it with her power… If that is correct, that will explain why Her Majesty is in such a panic. That’s my opinion on this.」
The reasons behind their present situation was both the youth and the Empress, not just one of them── Torway was certain of that, which even surprised himself… However, at this stage, his opinion lacked solid evidence. General Remeon calmly said:
「...That’s enough speculation. I don’t think adding assumptions on top of assumptions will bring us closer to the truth. Anyway, we need to focus on getting him back from the judicial court.」
「I concur, but it’s not that simple… From his attitude during the trial, he had no intention of backing out of the trial.」
General Shiba said bitterly. They all knew that Ikuta’s actions during the first day of the trial made the masses absolutely loathe him. Torway said after deep contemplation:
「... Can’t we get him back by using more forceful means? Ik-kun is a soldier, so I think it stands to reason that he should be tried by military tribunal instead of the judicial court.」
「That is normally the case, but he is a Field Marshal. A special case who was appointed at a very young age, who even became the mental support of the Imperial army. Nobody thinks that the military tribunal will try him in an impartial manner. If we demand them to hand him over, that is as good as showing our intentions to cover up his crimes.」
Torway fell silent at General Shiba’s answer. Matthew beside him proposed immediately:
「... What about Her Majesty? The judicial court itself didn’t even exist a few years ago? Having the Supreme Court try political criminals was the norm back then. If Her Majesty ask for that guy back──」
「Isn’t Her Majesty the one who dissolved the Supreme Court infested by the corrupt nobles, and handed the authority to try criminals to the judicial court? … The Parliament and Judicial court are the symbol of Her Majesty’s impartialness and just character. If she took a criminal away by force, the people’s trust in Her Majesty would crumble. Insisting for just Ikuta Solork to be tried in a Supreme Court is just a pipe dream. That’s as good as declaring he is guilty and letting him get away scot free.」
General Shiba’s words made Matthew speechless. Getting Ikuta back from the judicial court might seem simple, but the more he considered it, the harder it was to pull it off. They had realized by now that even this situation was part of the youth’s scheme. He intentionally put himself outside
「......」
「── Hey wait, Suya-san? Where are you going?」
Seeing the results of their discussion, Suya turned and walked off with an unsteady gait. When Haro called out to her, she stopped stiffly.
「... Go where? Yes, where was I going?」
She said in a stutter as she turned to Haro and the others. Her face was shaking with a mixture of complicated emotions.
「I’m not sure either. More importantly── I will get into trouble if I keep going.」
At that moment, the others realized how dangerous she was. General Remeon immediately gave an order:
「Major Becker, restrain her!」
「Y-Yes!」
Responding to that order, Haro grabbed Suya from behind. Suya didn’t struggle, but it was clear from her trembling body that her self restraint was at her limits. General Remeon looked down with a pained face at Suya who was breathing raggedly.
「... It can’t be helped. She trusted him more than anyone else, and came so far under his guidance. Regardless of rank, there are many people who took things as hard as First Lieutenant Mittokarifu… The truth of the matter aside, he had the responsibility of explaining things. We have to start by asking him what he really thinks… Who’s going?」
The jade-eyed General asked solemnly. That question made everyone look at each other with heavy eyes.
＊
As the Empire descended into further confusion because of that youth, something was happening in the Kioka Republic Capital Norandot far to the east. In a general hospital to the north of the capital, a youth woke up from his long slumber in one of the rooms.
「...... Mmm...... Mmm......」
He opened his eyes a little, and saw a white ceiling. Just from that, he knew this place had the peace and cleanliness impossible on the battlefield. He turned his gaze, and saw a familiar woman pouring water into a vase by the window.
「...... Miara, what are you doing...…?」
「──── Huh?」
Miara suddenly froze. She hesitated, wondering if she was hearing things, then turned timidly towards Jean a few seconds later. Her bespectacled eyes met with Jean──
「── Uwah?」
The next moment, Jean’s body was locked in her tight embrace. Ignoring his surprise, Miara put more strength into her arms, as if to say she would never let go.
「... I’m so glad...! I-I thought it’s really over...!」
「Huh? Ehh──?」
「I will get the doctor! Stay right there!」
He thought she would never let go, and the next moment, she rushed out of his room. Jean watched her go with a stupefied face.
「... Sorry, I remember now.」
The doctor came to check on him after getting news that he had woken up. After confirming that Jean was more or less in good health, Jean had more or less realized the condition his body was in.
「I have memories, but I’m not sure whether they are dreams or reality. Can you explain, Miara?」
「Of course… So please have a good rest.」
Miara said in an urgent tone. He nodded, and she started to explain:
「The war has stopped for now. When you lost consciousness, we had to abandon our plans to invade the Empire because of many factors including the Navy’s defeat, which meant having no reinforcements, and withdrew all forces back to Kioka. This is a special room in a general hospital in Norandot. After collapsing in headquarters, you have slept for over a month.」
Jean gritted his teeth at Miara’s words. He had a gut feeling, but hearing about these facts still dealt a big blow to him.
「As expected, huh? ...I lost the most important war?」
The sense of reality welled up a bit later. However── without waiting for him to blame himself, Miara cut him off and continued:
「It’s true that we are just one step away from reaching the capital, but stopped just short… However, this isn’t Jean’s responsibility alone.」
The white-haired officer looked at her in a daze. Miara’s eyes were wavering from sadness.
「I realized that the war was lost when you collapsed. We couldn’t recover after losing the path to victory… That was how most of the officers felt. And the proof is, aside from me taking temporary command as your adjutant, no one had the initiative to take over command.」
「......」
「We pushed too many things for you to handle. Be it formulating strategy, frontline command and mental support── we focus all that on you alone, so when you collapse, everything fell apart… We should have divided the work and cooperated more. If we let the people on the grounds make the judgement call, or cut down the Sprite communication by half, you wouldn’t have collapsed.」
From her tone, Jean could tell that she had regretted and reflected on things over and over again. And right now, he didn’t have the words to refute her.
「... Yes. That’s the reason behind our loss.」
「──Jean.」
「I thought I could fight til the end. That I could command the entire Kioka army perfectly. And then, I wouldn’t lose… However, I hit the limit of my abilities before I realized it. I couldn’t handle the large numbers of troops moving around in multiple battlefields with my brain alone, and the battle became more complicated in the latter half of the war. I forced myself to do so, and ended up losing the war… It’s as you say, Miara.」
Jean’s clenched fist quivered on his knee. However── after troubling over it for a while, Miara shook her head.
「... It’s still not clear whether we really lost.」
「... Huh?」
「I’m too sure either. We retreated without capturing the capital, which might seem like we lost… However, a strange thing happened after that. The Empire one sidedly declared they lost the war.」
After learning this unexpected fact from her, Jean opened his eyes wide in surprise.
「Lost the war...? Wait, that’s──」
He was about to state his question when frantic footsteps came from the corridor. Jean turned to look, and found a familiar buffed man opening the door.
「Ohh, you really are awake!」
Harrah shouted when he saw the youth sitting up on his bed. His adjutant who was petite in contrast leaned out from behind him. Jean was happy to see them.
「Harrah, Sergeant Major Mita...! You’re both safe!」
「I actually got hospitalized after taking a bullet to the shoulder! Speaking of which, you slept for a really long time! Are you trying to make up for not sleeping all this while!?」
Harrah said as he pointed at his bandaged left shoulder. When he heard that, Jean finally realized the change that occurred to him.
「... I see. I fell asleep?」
The youth muttered in a daze. For Jean Arkinex who was famous for being an insomniac, this was a big change. Jean wasn’t sure what to make of this and fell silent, and Sergeant Major Mita leaned forth and looked at his face.
「You look well, boss. I was surprised when I heard that you fainted, but it’s good that you had a good rest, right?」
「... You make it sound simple, but I felt really uneasy. Because the doctor wasn’t sure if the patient will ever wake up...」
Miara let out a deep sigh and grumbled. At this moment, someone knocked on the door, and everyone looked over.
「Excuse me～ you have guests from the military, may they come in...?」
The nurse asked reservedly. Miara raised a hand to stop Jean who was about to agree on reflex and answered:
「Jean just woke up, and his condition isn’t stable. Please inform them about that and send them away. If they want to leave a message, tell them to talk to Miara Gin.」
「Hmm? Miara, I’m alright──」
If it’s just speaking with visitors, I’ll be fine. When Jean was about to say that, his adjutant smiled at him, which gave him goosebumps.
「I already said I’m very worried about you. You can’t even get up from bed, and you think you’re healthy enough?」
「Ehh? Ahh, no.」
「Listen up── a patient must rest obediently.」
「──Yah*.」
Her oppressing aura made Jean nod. After that, Miara said that visiting for today was over, and chased Harrah and Sergeant Major Mita out of the room.
A few days later, Jean’s condition improved a lot, and Miara was less paranoid about visitors. And on the fifth day, the 「Great Mother of White Wings」 came to visit the youth and got to meet him.
「── I’m relieved that you’re awake. I never thought you'd sleep for a month.」
Elulufay said as she peels an apple she brought for the visit. Greg stood behind her── because he ran into Harrah who came to visit earlier, the two of them were pressuring each other silently. Leaving the quarrels between the two buff men asice, Jean bowed his head to the Great Mother in apology.
「... I’m sorry, Rear Admiral Tenerexilla. It’s all because I abandoned my command.」
「Don’t say that, I don’t have the right to complain either. If I had been the Fleet Admiral, the naval battle might have turned out differently.」
Elulufay took some responsibility for the defeat with a natural tone. To Jean, that moved him more than anything else. She handed a diced apple to him, then bit into one piece with a crunch.
「However, I don’t really understand the situation there. I heard the Imperial Army made a mysterious announcement that they lost the war, and didn’t pursue the retreating Kioka army. Thanks to that, more troops returned home safely than we expected── but what actually happened back then?」
Jean crossed his arms in deep thought alongside the baffled Elulufay. In the quiet room, the two buffed men clashed their gazes for the upteenth time.
「... Huhhh?」
「Hmmm?」
「Greg, don’t fight in the patient’s room── the Parliament is in chaos too. It is unclear whether they won or lost the war, so they can’t decide whether to praise or blame Ario. Diplomatic talks with the Empire are happening under the table, and they are evasive in their talks. They seem to have an emergency on hand.」
The Great Mother stated plainly. Miara who was listening quietly interjected:
「... Another military coup? Like the Hioredo ore mines.」
「... Probably not. The declaration was made with their Jade Voice Broadcast, and it was Solork’s voice, right?If it is a coup, that means that guy betrayed his country. However...」
At that, a piece of memory surfaced in Jean’s mind. When he abused his brain to the limit and was about to lose consciousness, he had a conversation with Ikuta. That couldn’t be reality── he knew that was a delusion created by his exhausted mind. Even so, the words from the dark-haired youth left a deep impression on him.
「... Was he bidding farewell...?」
「Hmm?」
Elulufay who was unaware of all that looked puzzlely at Jean who was talking to himself. The youth had no intention to talk about his delusion and shook his head quietly.
「... It’s nothing. To be frank, I can’t imagine what the inner workings of the Empire is right now. We can only pay attention to the progress of our diplomatic team, and strengthen our defences as soldiers. I will visit the army right now.」
「Jean, like I said, you’re not...!」
Jean looked as if he could be discharged from the hospital at any moment, and Miara shouted with a face of worry. Elulufay looked at the two of them, and tried to interject nonchalantly:
「Miara has already submitted the report, yes? Then there’s no point in you rushing back. Just like with Ario, the higher ups aren’t sure how to treat you. Right now, they don’t know whether you’re a hero that won the war, or a general of a defeated army. What kind of work do you think will be assigned to such an officer?」
「... Ughh...」
「I hope you can stay low before the assessment is clear, that should be what the top brass would want too. I suggest that you go all out and just enjoy your vacation. You have been overly invested in your work, so isn’t this a good chance?」
She used this logic to make resting a natural choice. Just like Miara, she didn’t want Jean to return to his insomniac lifestyle. As a Kioka citizen brought in by Ario Kyakushii── Elulufay secretly thought of the youth as her little brother.
「No matter how the diplomacy between us and the Empire progresses, there is one thing that is certain── there won’t be any large-scale war in the near future. Both Kioka and the Empire spent too much of their national power in this final battle. The anti-war sentiment is gaining momentum, and the Empire isn’t foolish enough to mobilize their exhausted army to launch a punitive war. The era of war is at an end── I can’t say that for sure, but at the very least, it will stop for a while.」
The Great Mother said confidently. She looked out the window and continued quietly:
「The rest will be the realm of politics… I plan to get my feet wet in that direction.」
「── Huh?」
「I will tell you when I have a concrete plan. Alright then── it will be bad if you get tired from talking so much, let’s call it a day for today. Let’s go, Greg. I did tell you not to fight, but why are you two playing thumb wrestling with such scary faces?」
She got up and tugged at Greg’s sleeve, then left the room. Jean watched them go, then pondered with his hands on his chin for some time.
＊
Neither the Empress nor the army could calm the situation down, and the capital remained stuck somewhere between war and peace. Under such circumstances, Ikuta Solork went through his fifth hearing, and the atmosphere was as tense as the first day.
「... I want to ask the Defendant, when did you start deceiving Her Majesty?」
The attendee asked a new question. The content made the youth lift his head with a groan.
「Hmm～ this is a troubling question. When I first met her, I had always been thinking about using that girl to rake in cash, but you are asking when I started deceiving her… To be honest, I don’t know when. It’s a pain, so why don’t you guys decide instead?」
His words were a mixture of arrogance and resignation, which made him very detestable. Everyone in attendance roared with rage. People were throwing things on this day too.
「Order in the court! Do not throw things at the Defendant! ...Defendant Solork, your answer is too inciteful. Answer with sincerity. Your actions will result in a heavier sentence, and you should know that.」
「Like~ I~ said~, I’m tired of putting on an act, that’s why I’m telling you my true feelings. I shouldn’t have gone with the flow and took on the role of Field Marshal. If I got a more relaxed position, I could have held that post for a long time… Hmm? Doesn’t mean this isn’t my fault?」
Ikuta said as if he just thought that. Immediately after that, a paperweight hit him heavily in the forehead.
「... That hurts… It’s fine to throw things, but don’t use steel lumps. My hands are tied behind me, you know.」
After the hearing ended, the youth was sent back to his cell, and he said while nursing his forehead. At this moment── majestic footsteps broke the silence.
「If you really think so, then don’t say things that will make them throw things at you, Regimental Commander.」
The one speaking to him was General Kubalha Shiba, a family friend since his father’s generation. Ikuta welcomed him with exaggerated movements.
「Welcome to my beautiful cell── So you are the first one, General Shiba?」
「That’s right… We can send a member of the 『Knights Corp』 too, but the person who can talk to you calmly at this stage is me. Simply because I’m old and experienced.」
「Haha, that’s true. If it’s Matthew, he would have punched me before we even speak.」
「It’s good that you understand. The next person will be First Lieutenant Mittokarifu.」
「...... That makes me shiver.」
The youth who had a vague attitude said with a serious expression at that. General Shiba laughed softly and looked around him.
「But there's no one here. I thought this place will be under surveillance all the time.」
「On the surface, that should be the case… But when Chamille set up the Judicial Court, I was involved in the appointment of personnel. Frankly speaking, the guards are all old faces. They won’t eavesdrop on us, so don’t worry.」
Ikuta promised despite being a prisoner. General Shiba nodded, and sat down before the iron bars.
「I see… Looks like we can speak freely.」
「So we have to make things clear, huh?」
「Yes. If you are going to fudge things over with me like you did during the hearings── I will have to punch your head on behalf of Bada.」
The man said as he blew on his clenched right fist. Ikuta grabbed his head with both hands.
「Spare me, Uncle Shiba, your fist will rack my brains.」
「Then tell me everything── Hey, Ikuta, why are you doing this?」
General Shiba said in a firm tone, as if he was warning a mischievous nephew. Ikuta smiled awkwardly.
「... Any pretense is futile before you, huh.」
He said in awe, then sat up straight and turned towards Shiba. That was his way of saying that he was serious now.
「As you said, I have my reasons. However── aside from that, I can’t reveal anything else… just admitting that is a close shave for me. Don’t think too much, and if possible, don’t try to guess my reasons.」
The youth said cryptically. General Shiba stared into his eyes and said:
「── You took her role?」
Silence hung over them. Ikuta’s expression didn’t change. However, General Shiba could tell from the tone of this silence that he hit the jackpot.
「...That’s it? ...I didn’t want to guess it right… So that’s the reason?」
General Shiba accepted this with a sigh, and probed further.
「... When did you started 『this』?」
「... At the end of the first mock battle. That’s when I got involved.」
「That means she had such thoughts much earlier than that. And that’s... Oh, I see. In Kioka, huh?」
「Worse of all, a guy over there fanned the flame. Be it in the Empire or in Kioka… That child has always been targeted by troublesome people.」
Ikuta said with a bitter face. Since he had been seen through, there was no point in hiding any further. He continued:
「Sigh, this is just half the reason. The other half is that I just want to do so.」
The youth said firmly. When General Shiba heard this, he looked puzzled for the first time.
「... What do you mean?」
「I mean it literally. Saving this country isn’t my goal. More accurately speaking, I have never thought about saving this country. That’s why… this situation is what I wanted too.」
The youth said with a lonely smile. He thought about his encounter with the blonde girl── that seemed to be a lifetime away, and he thought about how he got to this stage.
「I couldn’t reject that invitation… Thinking back, I already reached my answer back then.」
Late that night, in the Central Military Base. Too impatient to wait until the next morning, the officers attempting to take Ikuta back gathered in the same conference room as last time.
「After speaking with him, I confirmed many things… With that in mind, I realized that the situation is terrible.」
General Shiba, who had met Ikuta, said to everyone. The faces of the group turned stiff, and Shiba continued:
「He plans to push this situation to the extreme. Everything he said during the trial was intentional, he wasn’t shaken, confused, or desperate. He is the same Ikuta Solork as always… That’s why, it will be extremely difficult to stop him.」
General Shiba expressed his pessimistic view. After thinking about it for a moment, Matthew asked:
「... What did he say about the defeat declaration?」
「He said he had his reasons. And that is what he wanted… It’s hard for me to tell you the specifics. Even the people here shouldn’t seek the truth with an easy heart.」
His words shook everyone. Suya was the first to rebuke:
「... Are you saying that some of us is not taking this seriously?」
She said in a low growl. Seeing that she was staring at him without even blinking, and the others who had similar faces, General Shiba realized his mistake and shook his head.
「... All of you are very serious about this, I have misspoken. Alright then── Major Becker and Lieutenant Colonel Torway made the deduction that the 『Declaration of Defeat should have been issued by Her Majesty』. That is true.」
He told everyone. At that moment, a theory had been proven. Everyone’s faces turned stiff, and Matthew said with a trembling voice:
「... Really?」
「Do not leak this out. I’m not exaggerating, this will lead to the collapse of the nation.」
General Shiba warned sternly. He delved deeper into the truth.
「Saving the country by losing the war. It’s hard to accept as a soldier, but that’s the Empres’ plan… The Empire’s old social structure, the relationship between politics, military and citizens── The Empire is certain that there is no future in all that. So she set up the Parliament, reformed all sorts of systems, and the Declaration of Defeat must be her last method. Her Majesty wants to betray the masses, and get executed by the enraged crowd to start a revolution──」
「... However── Ikuta took her role.」
Torway interjected quietly, and General Shiba nodded firmly. At this moment, General Remeon said:
「... You are saying their roles are reversed? So Her Majesty should be the one to be executed, and Ikuta Solork, the person she trusts the most will support the immature Parliament and guide the nation into the future. Even though as the Field Marshal, this is just slightly different from a Military junta── no, that is the reason why he is chosen. Her Majesty hopes the Parliament will mature into a government body while the unambitious Field Marshal is in charge.」
「The timing of the Jade Voice Broadcast decided everything. Once the declaration has been made, the other party can’t make the same move. Because that won’t leave anyone to shoulder the future of the nation.」
Honorary Field Marshal Igsem added. Haro also shared her thoughts:
「... Her Majesty probably didn’t discuss the Declaration of Defeat with Ikuta-san. Because he will stop her if she does. She has been planning in secret without letting anyone know, but Ikuta-san saw through her.」
「... After seeing through that plan, it’s easy to make the declaration ahead of her. And since he is the Field Marshal, he will be the first to learn about the war’s development. He just needed to grasp the timing of the Kioka army giving up on the invasion and retreating, Her Majesty will be a step late in getting this information...」
Matthew said through gritted teeth. Haro raised her head in shock after hearing that.
「... In the state of national emergency, the Field Marshal can use the Jade Voice Broadcast. I remember hearing Her Majesty and Ikuta-san discussing that. I thought that was a part of the preparation for the final battle with Kioka… Now that I think about it, that is a foreshadowing of him making the Declaration of Defeat before Her Majesty.」
Thinking back, there were many signs. But they didn’t suspect anything at that time. That showed how careful Ikuta was in hiding his plan.
「I get the gist now── so, what will happen to him?」
Suya asked for the conclusion. General Shiba answered:
「His attitude during the judicial court made things clear… From getting tried by the citizens and being executed, that is the duty of the one who made that declaration.」
His conviction was clear. The youth wouldn’t abandon the position he had taken over from the Empress.
「He has the determination to die, and is walking towards the execution grounds── That’s the decision Ikuta Solork made to let Empress Chamille live.」
「── That means, you have been hiding your ambitions from your comrades too?」
Someone asked the youth during the 8th trial. Since the focus of the participants had shifted to his relationship with 「Knights Corp」, Ikuta had to answer with caution.
「... Sigh, that’s right. I considered roping them in, but they aren’t that type of person. Really now, it’s really suffocating to be surrounded by goody two shoes.」
Ikuta stuck his tongue out. He claimed that he was only intimate with them on the surface, but had always kept his heart closed to them. Most of the attendees accepted his claims, since this didn’t contradict their impression of the youth so far.
「Even so, you are brothers in arms on the battlefield who entrust your lives to each other── don’t you feel guilty? They all look up to you, and trust you while they fought under you.」
He questioned Ikuta’s conscience. So when Ikuta answered── he played the role of someone without any conscience.
「That’s exactly why you shouldn’t trust people easily.」
Nothing was thrown at him this time. Gazes filled with hatred and conceit glared at the youth from all directions.
「... My poor conduct since my Officer Cadet days played out well. The more they investigate how I acted in the army, the stronger their impression that 『this guy might really be capable of that』.」
Ikuta muttered while he was lying on his bed in his cell── it would be easy to leave a bad impression in the trial with his glib tongue. He just needs to understand what kind of villain they wanted, and act in accordance to their expectations. He thought with a bitter smile that it suited him better than being a saint.
「Sigh, so the trial will continue in this direction── hmm?」
The youth felt a gust of wind on his cheek, and his gaze fell onto the other side of the steel bars. A few seconds later── two sets of footsteps on the stone floor echoed out loud. The ones who appeared before him── were his furious disciple and the vermillion-haired general.
「......」
「So it’s your turn huh, Suya? And I understand why Honorary Field Marshal Igsem is accompanying you.」
The two of them approached Ikuta who had a cramped smile── Suya who walked right up to the bars grabbed the youth’s collar suddenly. Ikuta back dashed in the nick of time on reflex. The right hand that failed to catch its prey was shaking before him in frustration.
「No, wait── don’t get in my face right off the bat, at least hear out my excuse.」
「After I hear you out, will that convince me to forgive you?」
「... Probably not. But your urge to punch me a hundred times might decrease to around eighty. I think that’s a significant difference── both for my face and your fists.」
Ikuta said after sensing a pressing danger to his life. Suya stared right at him, then put down her arm a while later.
「... I got the gist of what happened. You betrayed the nation in the place of Her Majesty, and ended up in jail.」
「That’s about right. However── this is also what I wanted. I hope you can respect this part.」
Ikuta said seriously, but Suya didn’t care── No matter whose wish or whom it was done for, he had already done the deed. It didn’t change the fact that he sought out death with no regard for himself.
「... What about the Rising Sun Regiment? It’s not dissolved yet, right?」
「Hmm. Well── it will be dissolved this time. With that incident with my father and what I did, the unit with these two ominous incidents won’t serve any good for anyone.」
「......」
「Rather than this, you should think about yourself. You are my beloved disciple── hmm, should I use the past tense here too?── you are in an awkward position right now. If you act rashly, you might get affected by me. So hide in the military base in the meantime.」
Ikuta advised her after considering the situation. When Suya heard that, she showed a scary smile.
「... You── are completely looking down on me.」
「......」
「Do you think I’m some bitch who will hide quietly just because you said so? It’s the opposite── if you are strongly against it, I will go all in.」
Suya made a declaration of war with a dangerous gleam in her eyes.
「Anyway, we can just start another coup with the Rising Sun Regiment. Yes, I will do that. If the truth gets out, the members of the 『Knights Corp』 and General Shiba will definitely join in. General Remeon and even Field Marshal Igsem here might help us with a little convincing. From the very start, no one wants you to die?」
「... Ugh.」
「If we rope in these people, it won’t just be a coup. The judicial coup will be abolished, and the noisy Parliament will be scrapped too, and the army will take you back within a day. Hmm── the more I think about it, the easier it is, huh? A military junta is simple and straightforward, how nice.」
Suya laughed with her head low. Her eyes glared up at Ikuta from below.
「── You are sweating a lot, Regimental Commander.」
「Yes, I’m very anxious. Because you will do what you say.」
「It’s good that you understand. Well then, I will be off for now. I will come back with an army next time, so wait──」
Suya turned to leave, but her wrist was grabbed tightly. She turned back in confusion, and looked at the youth’s hand that was grabbing her hand tightly.
「... Why are you pulling me?」
「Don’t go, let’s talk a little more.」
「What’s the use of talking? You can’t persuade me.」
「Yes, I know. We have known each other for so long after all.」
「... Then what’s the point of talking──!」
Suya was about to raise her voice, but the words got stuck in her throat. She could see the crushing pain in the youth’s eyes.
「Talking about anything is fine. I just── want to hear your voice. I want to see your every move… This will probably be the last time I will meet directly with you.」
「────!」
「I really won’t try to convince you. Because── I have no intentions of backing down. I have already decided on what to do, and just shamelessly forced you guys to go along with me after the fact. I don’t have the right to ask for your understanding… and you can’t change the inevitable results either.」
「... What is this? You think I can’t start a coup?」
「That’s right. As for the reason… First, General Shiba and General Remeon will stop you. The Declaration of Defeat had been made, so someone has to take responsibility for treason, and they understand that. On that premise… I don’t intend for anyone aside from me to shoulder the responsibility.
And the second reason. You might not realize yet── but you can’t betray Chamille’s effort either. You already know how hard she worked, and the support she gave you to enrol in the Officer Cadet School… Suya Mittokarifu can’t ignore all that.」
Ikuta said confidently. His ironic trust made Suya clenched her fists.
「... I have to give in to that child again?」
「...Suya.」
「Another time? Just like the coup, my feelings are secondary again? You want me to accept that?... Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me── Are you kidding me!?」
She screamed and reached through the bars. Ikuta didn’t dodge, and Suya grabbed his shoulders.
「Look at me! Look at Suya Mittokarifu who is right here! Other people don't matter, I don’t give a shit about the nation’s future! This is my life! I came here because I prioritize my feelings first!」
「......」
「── If I can’t start a coup, I will start a riot with my subordinates who want to support me! It’s the same thing anyway. I just need to attack this place and abduct you by force! I don’t care if I die, my feelings will live until that moment! I will do everything I can and use all that I have── I will only accept it after that! Accept the frustration in my heart! Accept the feelings stirring because of you! Or else, these emotions will keep smothering in my heart...!」
Suya poured her heart out anxiously── the fire that couldn’t be put out continued to hurt her. She screamed that she was suffering because of him. The immature feelings that couldn’t evolve into admiration or love, was mixed together with jealousy into a twisted aggressiveness. She couldn’t stop weeping from her own helplessness and despair. Because she knew that she was being true to herself, and this was something she wouldn’t back down from.
「── During meals, you’ll start with juicy fruits.」
The youth’s voice entered her ears. Her hands on his shoulders froze in place.
「If there isn’t any, you will eat the vegetable, and if there isn’t any, you will take a sip of water. You eat fast, but your dining etiquette isn't bad. You like spicy food and southern style vegetable stew, and are actually a little unhappy that others don’t appreciate the taste. You think the dishes served in the base’s mess hall aren't spicy enough. On the other hand, you like iced desserts and tea that are really sweet.」
「......」
「You have a strong attitude towards your superiors and peers, but treat your subordinates much gentler. Is your guidance on point? Are you directing them towards a better path?── You will think about that when training your men, and will take notes. You’re a little bad with small animals, but you don’t hate them. You’re just keeping your distance because you’ll grow attached to them.」
Ikuta continued like a parent watching the growth of his child.
「After we are reunited in the army again, I have been watching you with an indescribable warm emotion that I don’t even understand myself── Watching your decisions, your struggles, and your growth.
You really hate me in the start. Your personality is completely different from mine, and is hardworking and honest── that’s why when we got to know each other, I was really happy when you accepted the way I did things. Conveying my thoughts to others and letting my way of thinking continue to live on in the mind of others── for me, that’s a blissful thing.」
The youth said as he held her hands that were on her shoulders. As if to express the unbreakable bonds between them that would last forever.
「I want to correct what I said earlier, Suya── you’re still my beloved disciple. You know me well, learn from me, oppose me, won’t follow me blindly and walk your own path. I sincerely respect that side of you──」
The youth stared right at her and opened his heart to her. After hearing all that, her lips on her hung head quivered a little.
「... Who will...」
「────」
「... Who will accept that──!」
Suya shook off his hands like a kid throwing a tantrum. Ikuta smiled awkwardly, and let her go wild.
「── Uwah──」
The next moment, Suya’s body collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut. She fainted without feeling any pain. A vermillion haired general stood silently behind her, with his right hand grabbing her neck at just the right spot.
「... Sorry about that, Honorary Field Marshal Igsem.」
「I have decided to move according to your wishes.」
The man said with an unwavering voice, then turned to the youth and continued:
「However, I want you to promise me one thing── if you change your mind and want to live, do not hesitate to find me or anyone else for help.」
「... Yes, I will do that── Thank you, uncle Sol.」
Ikuta addressed him sincerely for the first time. When the man heard that── he showed a smile so faint that it could only be seen through a microscope, before reverting back to his stoic face.
「... Ughh...」
At the same time. Unable to contact Ikuta, Chamille’s anxiety started ballooning.
Her efficiency in her work fell below half of her usual self. Just suppressing her emotional outburst that would well up with a moment of lapse required extraordinary focus.
「──Your Majesty, the members of the 『Knights Corp』 are seeking an audience.」
At this moment, Lucanti’s voice came from outside. The Empress’ shoulders shuddered, and after a pause, she asked with fake calm:「The reason for their visit?」
「They said it’s not for official matters, and wished to discuss something in private.」
「... I understand, let them in.」
Chamille said after making her resolve. Matthew, Torway and Haro soon entered the room. Their serious faces made what they were thinking clear without needing to speak.
「We want to discuss the matter of rescuing Ikuta.」
Matthew skipped the formalities and got right into the heart of the matter. Chamille was about to stand and speak when Haro stopped her:
「Please wait, we know what Your Majesty will say, it’s fine to keep it in your mind. Because we have already grasped the situation.」
「... Is that so?... I already made my resolve for you to get mad at me...」
「I have a mountain of things to say, but I don’t have the time. You can’t get mad at him or anything without dragging that fool here first. You feel the same way too right, Your Majesty?」
The pudgy youth said matter of factly. Chamille felt relieved that he wasn’t overly concerned about her, and turned towards the reception area at a corner of the room.
「That’s true… Have a seat, let’s have a good, long chat.」
「... Defendant?.. Defendant Solork! Defendant Ikuta Solork!」
「── Hmm?」
The voice calling his name roused the youth out of his slumber. He could see dangerous gleams from all around him. After sensing that his hands were tied behind him to a hard chair, Ikuta finally remembered the situation he was in.
「── Oh, pardon me. I thought this will be a long session and dozed off.」
「Who will doze off in the middle of a court session!? We are trying you for your crimes, listen carefully with a serious attitude!」
「Yes～ I can continue if I have a cup of tea… Can I request for a short break?」
This was a serious suggestion, and not a taunt. However, the attendees couldn’t tell the difference and curses came from all around him. Ikuta treated them like an alarm clock, and sighed heavily.
Ikuta was sent back to prison after the day’s hearing was over. The moment he entered his cell, he collapsed face down onto his bed, and nursed his back that had turned sore from sitting so long in a hard chair. At this moment── he heard footsteps approaching.
「── It’s you today, Patrenshina?」
Ikuta sat up on his bed and said. She walked up to the iron bars, and furrowed after hearing that.
「... No, why do you know it’s me? I didn’t even say a word.」
「Your expression and the way you walk are different. Want me to point out the key points?」
「... I will lose my confidence, so forget it. You really are a scary guy.」
Patrenshina pouted. She sat down right before the bars and glared at him angrily.
「Hey, come on out. If you die, Haro will cry. Aren’t you breaking your promise?」
「Even I can’t keep a promise of living forever～」
「Stupid, I’m telling you to not die before Haro does. You have to take responsibility for the people you saved.」
「... You’re right, I do have to take responsibility.」
The youth hung his head bitterly at her accusation. Patrenshina returned to her body, and Haro appeared with a calm smile in her stead.
「Good Afternoon, Ikuta-san── Actually, I laughed out loud when I heard you dozed off during the trial.」
「Ahh── no, it’s normal for me to fall asleep. I was expecting more, but the trial was more boring than I thought. The chair is hard, and they keep asking the same questions… Sigh, it’s only natural for there to be grounds for improvements, and I hope everyone can learn from Kioka in the future.」
「Fufufu… Ikuta-san is actually criticizing the contents of the trial while seated in the Defendant’s chair.」
「Should I listen carefully to their accusation, then claim that I’m reflecting on my actions, and speak about how tragic my life had been with a pained expression?」
「That’s hard for me to imagine── However, 『we want you to do that from now on』.」
Haro said with a firm tone. Sensing the change in her tone, Ikuta turned serious too.
「Disregarding what will happen in the future, we need you to avoid the death penalty for now. That is what we have concluded.」
「... So everyone has met up to discuss things, huh. Yes, I think that is a rationale goal.」
「To lighten the sentencing as much as possible, Her Majesty and us will do what we can. But the troubling thing is, there is a devious liar wasting all our efforts.」
「Oh～ I wonder who might that be? He must be a crook.」
The youth pretend to be retarded, and Haro bit her lips.
「I won’t ask you to explain── but can you just stay quiet? That will make our connections and image manipulation easier.」
「I want to do that, but it’s difficult for the glib tongue Ikuta to shut up in such a place.」
「... The death penalty isn’t necessary to achieve your goals. For example, the frustration of the masses can be vented with your imprisonment. It might be sly, but if we release reports that you are being interrogated every day and turned frail──」
「While I’m actually living a carefree live in prison?」
「That’s right. If you’re fine with it, I can be your neighbour.」
Haro might look like she was joking, but she was serious. The youth smiled happily.
「If I can read and sleep as I wish, that’s not a bad life. And it will be even better if I can chat with you── however, I have to decline.」
Ikuta refused with a firm tone. Haro bit her lower lips.
「... Is there a flaw in this plan?」
「Just one── This plan can’t protect Chamille.」
The unexpected issue made Haro dumbstruck. Ikuta sigh with self mockery, then continued:
「It’s a shame, but the plan I’m trying to execute now isn’t my first choice. I considered a better option, and if possible, I want to accomplish it without anyone dying. However── I can’t do it. I can’t fulfil the precondition.」
「... The precondition?」
「Chamille forgiving herself.」
As expected, the name of the blond girl popped up here. The youth showed a lonely smile at the confused Haro.
「For the past few years, that has been my goal. You should know that.」
「... Of course I know. However, I can’t accept that fully. Why must Ikuta-san die if Her Majesty doesn’t forgive herself?」
「It’s a little different. If I don’t die, that child will die. She will think about dying, have a reason to die, and can’t find a reason to live. When these three conditions are met, humans will inevitably seek death… Chamille already had two of these conditions in mind for a long time. She is still living because of that last point── There is a reason why she must live. To take responsibility as an Imperial for the nation’s corruption.」
「......」
「However── if I live on, she will lose that reason. Because Chamille thinks that the country will be fine if she hands things over to me. In her original plan where she declared defeat, she will get executed as a traitor, and I will take over the country… You understand, right? The Parliament and Judicial court are set up by her to govern the nation without an Empress. These are all preparations for the nation after she dies. In other words── I’m the reason why she is permitting her own death, so I have to eliminate myself. In order for that child to live on, my existence will get in the way.」
Ikuta said firmly, and Haro held her breath── she realized that too. Since the first time she met Chamille, that girl had a deeply rooted sense of self loath and self destruction.
As a medic, Haro knew that 「craving for death」 was the most serious illness in the world. It was incredibly difficult to make a suicidal person live on. The underlying issues were unique for each individual, and there wasn’t any miracle drug to cure it.
「... We will convince Her Majesty, and won’t let her kill herself. So──」
「I’m the one closest to her, and couldn’t do it after several years. I’m sorry for saying this, but I don’t think all of you working together will change things… Of course, I won’t say that it’s impossible. After five years, ten years, or even longer, she will get over this mental issue one day. But as you know, it’s all over if she dies before that… If a person has the will, they can die just by biting their own tongue, you can’t stop them no matter how carefully you keep watch over them. Just take your eyes off her slightly, and she will die.」
Haro clenched her fists. He was right── that was the most fearsome thing about suicide. As long as they harbour a craving for death, the war with that urge would continue daily, and they would need to win that battle each time to survive. In contrast, 「death」 just needs to win once. For example, even if 「live」 has a 99.9% advantage, simple statistics mean that person would die within a thousand days.
「Letting Chamille live on is the top priority for me. So I won’t hesitate in using this method… However, I’m vexed about this. Actually, I want that child to have a reason to live, instead of a reason to not die. In the times I spent with her, I have been searching for that reason… However, I couldn’t find it. I couldn’t get any result, and the time limit is up.」
His powerlessness made Ikuta clench his teeth. Haro didn’t know what to say about Ikuta’s troubles── but at this unexpected timing, another person spoke on her behalf:
「So that's what your bullshit is about? Chamille, Chamille and more Chamille?」
Ikuta looked up, surprised by the timing of this personality switch.
「...Patrenshina?」
「I’m fine, but look at Haro── Hey, who is the person before you? Don’t use the life of that child to force others to accept your demands. Haro’s feelings matter too── she wants you to live no matter what. You should understand, right? How a person can ignore everything for someone important?」
The agitated Patrenshina said all that for Haro’s sake, and Ikuta’s face frowned from regret. He was only focused on Chamille, and ignored the visitor trying to save him, and that was hopelessly foolish and cruel.
「... I will never neglect you.」
He knew that was sophistry, but what Ikuta said was his true unwavering feelings. Patrenshina’s poker face glaring at the youth switched to Haro’s calm expression.
「... Sorry. Letting that child say my true feelings is a bad habit of mine.」
「That’s not true… At least, she made me say my true feelings.」
Ikuta shook his head and said. With the troubled youth before her, Haro felt a strong sense of concern in her heart── she took a deep breath to calm herself, then slowly stood up.
「I know I can’t convince you here… However, we won’t give up till the end.」
「... Yes, I know you will say that.」
「Right, so don’t make yourself decide things alone.」
With that, Haro stuck her arms through the iron bars── Ikuta embraced her quietly in response. Both of them were saved by each other’s warmth in the past.
「This is definitely not a goodbye hug.」
Haro said as if she was making a wish. Ikuta didn’t say anything, and just held her tighter.
No comments:
Post a Comment