Chapter 0179 Escape
-x-X-x-
"It's useless … Green Storm won't work."
Garrison Captain Meredith's report was full of bitterness.
However, Loris, the Duke of Inbury, who heard the report, could see the entire scene where all their Green Storm shots did not work.
"Start the attacks from the wall."
His order was no longer enthusiastic.
It couldn't be helped.
Under his own orders, he had killed his most elite troops.
His most trusted military commander, Knight Commander Stanley, was no longer there.
There were no more chances for a turnaround. He was made to understand that even if he didn't want to.
"Your Excellency."
One person called out to Loris from behind in a whisper.
Khulna, the chamberlain of the Duke's family.
"Please escape the city, leave the country, and restore the Duchy from abroad."
"B-but …"
It was a proposal that Loris, even in his current predicament, would hesitate to agree to, to abandon his country, abandon his people, abandon his soldiers who followed him to the very end, and live in disgrace by fleeing his country.
"As long as Your Excellency is safe, we can hope for the revival of the Duchy. But if anything happens to Your Excellency, when your vassals stand up after biding their time to build up strength, who will be able to lead them?"
Survive, despite falling to disgrace, for the people who dream of the nation's revival … those words were enough for Loris.
Flee abroad with his family.
But was it really possible?
"The escape route from this city has been prepared by Gecko. You will appear in the woods on the edge of the basin. Preparations to hide there for a while have been made. We will fake your death in the city, so it will be possible to exit the basin when the enemy's surveillance loosens."
"I see, Gecko did …"
Gecko, a merchant of the Inbury Duchy.
He brought supplies into the City of Fion, set it up as a final counterattack base, and prepared an escape route in case of emergency.
"Has Gecko already?"
"Yes, as instructed, Your Excellency and Gecko passed each other when you entered the city and he's probably laying low near the Kingdom border …"
"Gecko also has a hard time."
Loris sighed deeply.
Then he said to the chamberlain Khulna.
"OK. I will escape."
Loris, the Duke of Inbury, escaped from the City of Fion with his family and his retinue.
Two kilometers west of the City of Fion.
Loris, Duke of Inbury, was in one of the forests scattered in the Fion Plains.
He passed through a long underpass from the city, went further into the forest from the place he exited to the ground, and finally was able to take a break.
There was a fairly large cave that could shelter them from the wind and rain.
Even when the sun peaked through, the cave was difficult to see from the city so the hideout was calculated pretty elaborately.
The inside of the cave was very large, and there was enough food for 20 people to live for more than a month, showcasing Gecko's ability.
The battle in the City of Fion was still going on.
However, the gate had already been broken and the fall of the city was only a matter of time.
The smoke rising from all over the city could be seen even from this forest, two kilometers away.
And Loris, Duke of Inbury, couldn't look away from the city.
Those who sacrificed themselves to fight for him to escape.
Those who refused to accept the death of the country and fought.
And those who decided to make the city their final stand and fought to die.
He, who originally should be responsible for all of them, left the city first.
Of course, in his head, he understood that survival was his duty.
He could understand it, but he still couldn't accept it.
In addition, there were present problems.
"Will the Kingdom accept my asylum?"
Loris's mutter was so soft that no one else could hear it.
It was two hours later that the Duchy flag on the City of Fion was taken down and the Union's flag was raised instead.
That night, six shadows approached the cave where Loris, the Duke of Inbury, hid.
"Stop! Who are you!"
A sharp but quiet call, pretty skillful in the current circumstances, came from Loris's guards.
There were only five guards, but the men were completely loyal to Loris.
Even their call to identify the intruder was powerful.
"Please wait, I'm not a suspicious person. My name is Hugh McGrath, the Kingdom Adventurer's Guild guildmaster."
A man came out of the dark and exposed his face to the moonlight.
"M-McGrath? Master McGrath …?"
Hugh McGrath's fame in the Duchy is immense.
In addition, his caricatures are also sold, and it can be said that he is a celebrity with a well-known face next to the Duke of Inbury.
And the face of the man who came out of the darkness was the face familiar to the people of the Duchy.
"Yes, this is McGrath. Can I meet the Duke?"
"I am here."
When Hugh asked the guards, Loris had already come out of the cave.
"Your Excellency..."
When Hugh recognized Loris, he knelt on one knee and greeted him.
"No, Master McGrath, please raise your face. In the daytime, I received a report that you attacked Lord Aubrey's main army with a small force. Besides, I would be ashamed if you greeted me formally after I have lost my country. The fact that you came all the way to see me …"
"Yes, as you might have guessed, please consider seeking asylum in the Kingdom."
Of course, it wasn't at Hugh's discretion, but at the direction of Finley Forsythe, the Grandmaster who led the Adventurer's Guild Expeditionary Force.
Finley did not appear in person because of Hugh's fame in the Duchy, and the calculation that exposing him was less problematic.
And the calculation was about to work.
Loris nodded and replied.
"Yes, at this point, I believe I have no other option."
"There is another way."
A female voice was heard from the depths of the forest.
It was a voice that no one expected.
Even Ryo was surprised because he was keeping watch over the city with
(Even so, I didn't realize until she got so close … This isn't normal … and this reaction …)
Four men and women came out from the depths of the forest.
At the front was a beautiful woman with fiery red hair and a strong will that gave a very dignified impression.
And behind her, there was a white-haired 'That certain Fire-Attribute Magician' who Ryo will never forget … his other commonly known alias …
"Explosive Blaze Magician …"
The name came from a whisper by Rin.
"Princess Fiona, I did not expect you here. I'm Hugh McGrath, the guildmaster of the City of Rune. It's been a long time since I met you in Whitnash."
"Master McGrath, of course, I remember. Behind you, Abel and …"
She smiled there and continued.
"The Water-Attribute Magician who tried to freeze me."
(Women's smiles are scary … what an apt saying.)
"I apologize for that. Don't get me wrong, it was all caused by the Fire-Attribute Magician behind you."
Ryo apologized very politely. Although what he said was extremely disrespectful.
At first glance, Oscar Ruska, the Fire-Attribute Magician, had no change in his facial expression.
However, when observed closely, one cheek was trembling … the two adjutants, Marie and Jurgen, diagonally behind him could see it.
However, because it was night, it was completely invisible to the Kingdom adventurers.
(The other two, other than the Princess and that guy, are quite trained too … If something happens … are we even in terms of strength?)
The phrase 'A fight between equally great opponents' was going through Ryo's head.
Hero McGrath + Red Sword + Ryo vs. four from the Empire. It was going to be an epic fight.
But …
"We are not here to fight. Today, we wish to deliver a letter under the name of Emperor Rupert VI."
"His Majesty Rupert's letter?"
Loris, the Duke of Inbury, had a look of suspicion but received the letter presented by Princess Fiona and read the contents.
At that moment, his facial expression changed drastically.
A mixed expression of surprise, doubt, and skepticism.
He read the letter four times in total.
And the words leaked out like muttering.
"Is this … true?"
"Yes. It is, without a doubt, a letter from His Majesty Emperor Rupert VI of the Empire, and its contents are also true. The Empire officially decided to offer asylum to the Duke of Inbury, his family, and all his retinue."
The moment they heard those words, Hugh, Abel, and even Ryo, was surprised.
"P-please wait. Regarding asylum, even the Kingdom …"
"Has the Kingdom officially announced it?"
Hugh hurriedly chimed in, but Princess Fiona sharply rebutted.
"The Empire has already officially announced it, the Emperor's approval has been given, and even the letter has been delivered. But isn't the Kingdom going to deliberate on whether or not to offer them asylum in the Royal Capital?"
She was completely right.
The Kingdom may even refuse asylum.
The Royal Capital is by no means united.
Hugh understood it, and he knew that the Duke of Inbury, who had a strong ability to gather information, knew too.
That was why he was worried about whether the Kingdom would accept them.
However, because there was no other way, he decided to go to the Kingdom.
But now there was another path.
Seeking refuge in the Empire.
In the Empire, the Emperor's approval had already been given.
As expected, there was no reason not to choose asylum in the Empire now that it had already been set up thus far.
There was only one concern.
"I would like to ask Your Royal Highness Fiona. How do we get from the Duchy to the Empire?"
That was Loris' concern.
The Inbury Duchy and the Empire did not share a border.
Even the road to the Kingdom was very difficult. How difficult would it be to reach the Empire beyond that?
"Duke, don't worry."
Fiona said and glanced at Oscar behind her.
Oscar nodded slightly and then whispered into something he had.
Five minutes later.
Ryo noticed that the sky turned dark.
Originally it was already night, and the stars and moon in the sky were blocked by clouds, but something was floating in the sky.
According to
"No way … a flying battleship."
Like Ryo, Abel noticed it and leaked those words as he looked up at something in the sky.
"Impossible … it was said to be just a rumor …"
"It's true that it exists. But it's said that even the Empire could only build one ship … and it's right in front of us …"
Hugh was surprised while Loris knew of its existence through his powerful intelligence department.
"Yes. The Emperor has given us a special permit to safely bring the Duke and his family to the Empire. We will take you to the Empire on that ship."
Princess Fiona concluded her words with a graceful bow.
Loris, Duke of Inbury, had no reason to decline asylum in the Empire so far.
Hugh and his group were frozen in place, even after the Imperial flying battleship, with all its armor dyed black, melded into the darkness of the night.
They were completely and flawlessly outsmarted by the Empire.
The shock was unexpectedly great.
(No, maybe this is good. To put it badly, the presence of the Duke of Inbury could be a very poisonous barb. There is no policy in the current Kingdom to handle it.)
Hugh thought and convinced himself.
If the Duke of Inbury was in the Kingdom, the Union would try all means to reach him.
It is very uncertain if the Kingdom has the power to deflect those attempts.
In that case, he shouldn't be in the Kingdom at all. Somewhere far away … yes, if it's the Empire, the Union won't be able to easily reach him.
(This is good.)
Hugh thought and convinced himself in his heart.
He was convinced but …
"Will the Grandmaster get angry?"
Ryo's mutter made Hugh depressed.
"I see."
That was the only word that Grandmaster Finley Forsythe said.
He wasn't angry, he wasn't surprised, and even Hugh couldn't read anything from his unchanging expression.
Forsythe also understood the political situation at the center of his country.
He is the grandmaster in the Royal Capital. Perhaps he is closer to Kingdom politics than anyone else there.
At present, he was aware of the high risk of placing the Duke of Inbury and his family in the Kingdom.
Even though he knew it, he had no choice but to propose asylum.
But the imperial intervention removed the problem.
In fact, no one knew that he was quite relieved in his heart.
-x-X-x-
"Your Excellency, I have a few matters to report!"
Lamber's expression was dark.
There were some ill reports.
"Speak. Did you find the Duke of Inbury's corpse?"
"No… Last night, there were reports that an Imperial flying battleship was spotted near the City of Fion flying towards the Kingdom-Union border."
"What..."
Lord Aubrey couldn't help but be surprised by that.
Lord Aubrey knew that the Empire has a huge battleship that floats in the air.
He had unverified information that even the Empire could only construct one such ship because it uses a huge magic stone from an Ancient Dragon, but the fact is that it is treated as a very valuable ship even in the Empire.
If the battleship flew from the City of Fion, there could only be one possible reason.
"The Duke of Inbury sought refuge in the Empire …"
He had considered the Duke seeking asylum in the Empire.
However, he judged that it would be impossible.
The reason being the means of transportation to the Empire.
Even if he chose to seek asylum in the Empire, it would have to be after he gained asylum in the Kingdom first.
However, the situation that unfolded exceeded his expectations.
The Empire, or rather the Emperor, chose to send his valuable flying battleship to the battlefield.
Moreover, it was a battlefield that had nothing to do with the security of his empire.
"The Emperor's wisdom is truly terrifying. I accepted that I couldn't compete in politics, but … I don't think he would surpass me even on the battlefield."
The corner of his mouth raised and he muttered to himself.
"Now the Empire has an excuse to intervene in the Union at any time. It would be hard to make use of the Duke of Inbury, but with his two daughters …"
The words in the second half were not audible to Lamber.
"Ah, Lamber, I guess that isn't the only report?"
"Yes. The other report is about the adventurers of the Kingdom. They have already left the Fion Plains. Although we have not received any reports of them crossing the border yet …"
"I see. They are thorough in their actions once they deem that any further participation in the war is futile. It would be best if they leave as soon as possible. I don't wish to lose more of my soldiers by poking them unnecessarily."
The occupation policy begins now.
They must devote their strength to maintaining security.
The loss of a soldier would be one too many.
"Sigh … War is truly a foolish solution. Nobody wants to go to war."
"Eh..."
Lord Aubrey, the man called 'The Great General', denial of the war surprised Lamber as well.
"What? Did you think I started a war because I like it?"
Lord Aubrey frowned and looked at Lamber.
"No, not to that point … but, not only Your Excellency, but also the military personnel gain contribution in the war to advance in rank …"
"Well, that's true. But think about it for a moment. You're sending your subordinates who you raised by hand to death? Once they die, the time, effort, and so on that you've spent up to that point will disappear. Can you bear to see your precious subordinates die in front of you?"
Lord Aubrey asked Lamber with a straight face, not in a joking manner.
"That would certainly … hurt."
"The ones who want to go to war are the ones who have never stood on the battlefield. Bureaucrats and politicians. Well, Lamber is a bureaucrat and I'm a politician."
Lord Aubrey laughed ironically.
"Win without fighting. That's the best victory. Our Union still has not recovered from the damages ten years ago. I wish I could solve political issues without resorting to war … but it's quite difficult."
Even now, ten years later, the influence of the 'Great War' weighed heavily on the Union.
The next day.
The Handal Union declared the annexation of the Inbury Duchy to the Central Nations.
It was annexation, not colonization, and the former Inbury Duchy citizens had the same rights as Union citizens.
Moreover, they proclaimed that the former Inbury Duchy will retain its laws for the next decade and that the amount of tax paid will be the same as when it was the Duchy.
In other words, for the people who live in the Duchy, nothing had changed, only the person they paid tax to.
In addition, for aristocrats who have territories in the Duchy, if they show their intention to return within a month, the Union will recognize their territories as before. However, the taxes collected by the aristocrats will be channeled to the Union.
The now leader-less land that has been occupied by the Union was divided among the Ten-member Council according to the power they hold.
However, the Duchy capital would be under the direct control of the Union Government.
Those contents were transmitted to the entire Duchy.
The Union, which has become their new ruler, did not seem to intend to maliciously oppress the people.
That was good news for many people.
Many fled to other countries before or during the war.
However, those who were destitute or had physical disabilities could not leave the country, even though they feared for their safety.
There were certain requirements even to become a refugee …
By the end of the month, many people had begun to embrace the Union's rule.
It was only after crossing the border that the Kingdom adventurers on their way back from the Inbury Duchy were able to release their tension.
A field directly in front of Red Post, the city on the eastern border of the Kingdom.
"All things said and done, I didn't play an active role in the war at all."
A certain Water-Attribute Magician muttered.
"No, Ryo was unrivaled in your scouting ability."
Abel, who was next to Ryo, commented.
"No, you know, I wanted to do some very flashy magic and blast the enemies! I practiced so hard as a Magician after all."
"Y-you did?"
A mere Swordsman could not understand the wishes of a Magician after all.
However, there was a person who responded to Ryo's words.
"That's right! I understand. I understand~!"
While saying that, the one who nodded many times was Rin, the Wind-Attribute Magician.
Warren, a Shield-bearer, walked next to her.
"I want to sweep them away with magic! Or mow them down!"
Rin nodded and exclaimed.
Warren nodded silently next to her.
"Comrades!"
Ryo shook hands with them firmly.
"Ah, yeah, I see …"
Abel said as he looked away from not only Ryo but also about half of his party agreeing with Ryo.
Ryo recalled that he still had questions after Abel mentioned 'scouting'.
Ryo was able to locate the Duke of Inbury's hiding spot because of his
But that was because they were hiding near the city.
However, the princess of the Empire and that Explosive Blaze Magician appeared there as well.
How were they able to pinpoint his location after coming from the Empire?
It was a mystery to Ryo.
The City of Red Post was still full of people.
That night, like when they came by previously, they camped outside the city and the expeditionary forces would be disbanded there tomorrow.
Rewards and other matters would be paid after returning to their respective cities.
Basically, after that, the adventurers would separate into each region of the north, south, east, west, and central, but since there were parties that stopped at various towns on the way, the forces would disband there on paper.
While traveling in the former Inbury Duchy, the expeditionary force did not have time to relax.
Only by returning to the Kingdom, they were finally able to take a break.
Due to the flood of immigrants from the city, excessive drinking was prohibited to avoid trouble, but moderate drinking was allowed.
After marching through the Inbury Duchy, the expeditionary forces had a lively night, as drinking was finally permitted.
Ryo is the type who likes alcohol but cannot drink much.
In the first place, he was still a minor on Earth, so he never drank.
Therefore, the alcohols Ryo was familiar with were those from 『Phi』.
Ale is the mainstream, but beer is also increasingly common recently.
An intoxicated Ryo was drinking self-created water at a distance from the party banquet to get rid of his drunkenness.
Still, he sensed someone approaching.
And....
"It's been a long time, Ryo-san."
Appearing with a nostalgic voice was Gecko, a merchant of the former Inbury Duchy.
Ryo originally sought employment to transport the supplies until Red Post and continued traveling with the expedition forces after his supplies were consumed because he was concerned about Gecko's safety.
Needless to say, he was pleased when he appeared in front of him.
"Gecko-san. I'm glad you're safe."
The feelings of joy and relief in that voice made Gecko happy.
"It looks like I made you worry … I'm okay. As you can see, I'm full of life."
Then, for some reason, he bent his right arm at a right angle to flex his bicep.
Was that expression common on 『Phi』?
Ryo tilted his head internally but didn't show it in his expression.
"Yes. I met the kids and Sharfi on the way. They were on their way to Rune and Acre."
"I'm aware. I've been in contact with Sharfi from time to time. Those who accompanied me to this country will continue to work under Gecko Knightley trading company."
"Oh!"
Even if the country is destroyed, business must continue.
That's because he was responsible for the employees and their families who work there and the customers who are waiting for the goods and services.
However, Ryo noticed that there was a curious word in the previous explanation.
"Did you say 'Those who accompanied me to this country'?"
"Oh, yes. My older brother runs a trading company in the Handal Union. In fact, apart from that, I separated the Inbury trading company. My younger brother will set up a trading company in the Kingdom of Ju. Also, to the north of the Kingdom of Ju, my youngest brother will launch a trading company in the Emirate of Kew."
(It's like the Rothschilds …)
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the German banker Mayer Amschel Rothschild had five sons. The five were split up and sent to five cities, Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Naples, Paris and Europe, and sometimes cooperated across countries with great success.
From the nineteenth century to the twentieth century, the Rothschilds family, who are said to rule the world from the shadows, flourished in that generation of five.
In Bordeaux's first growth rating for red wine, 'Chateau Lafitte Rothschild' and 'Chateau Mouton Rothschild' are included in the five major 'Chateaus', and that 'Rothschild' is the same family.
(Yes, Mouton was my dad's favorite wine. Even though he couldn't drink a single drop of alcohol … 'Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change.' The only French phrase my dad knew.)
"First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change."
"Ryo-san?"
Ryo's mutter was too soft to reach Gecko's ears.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just recalling something, but I'm glad you're safe."
As he thought before, Ryo remembers his father when he sees Gecko.
Their appearances were completely different, but something … was it the air around them?
Maybe that was the reason he remembered Mouton's French phrase.
There, Ryo saw the two people behind Gecko.
One was Gecko's escort captain Max. He could understand that.
But the other one was…
"Cohn-san?"
Yes, the other was Cohn, the C-rank adventurer in the Inbury Duchy, who escorted His Highness Prince Willy of the Kingdom of Ju together with Ryo.
"Hey, Ryo, it's been a long time."
"Why are Cohn-san and Gecko-san together?"
They are indeed both from the former Inbury Duchy, but … they shouldn't have known each other.
Even when they passed each other in the royal castle in the Duchy, they didn't say hello …
"Oh, a lot of things happened. I got picked up."
Cohn replied, scratching his head.
"Cohn-san was also moving toward the Kingdom of Knightley, so I asked for his escort until then. The security in the eastern part of the Kingdom is not good."
Gecko explained.
That was probably the official explanation, but there seemed to be many other reasons.
However, it would be insensitive to ask such a thing.
There are many things in the world that you shouldn't ask. Ryo had also learned a lot from his social experiences.
"Are you going to conduct business mainly in the south?"
Both Rune and Acre, where the children were headed, were in the southern part of the Kingdom.
It was natural for Ryo to ask. He just said that the eastern region is unsafe.
"Well, that's my intention. Of course, I have to get the feudal lord's permission … Because both His Excellency Margrave Rune and His Excellency Heinlein, who controls Acre, are wise lords … those cities are much better than the others."
Gecko replied with a smile.
Ryo didn't know what kind of person Margrave Rune was, even though he lived in the City of Rune.
Occasionally he appeared in conversations with Sera, as she lives in the lord's manor, but from every word he could tell that Sera respects the lord.
Although she broke the future lord's shoulder and stabbed him with a sword …
"It seems that there are many difficult parts in the entire Kingdom, but it is stable in the southern region. That is the best place to set up a base."
With that as a trigger, the princess of the Empire and the Fire-Attribute Magician came to Ryo's mind.
Why were they able to appear in that place at that time?
The answer suddenly flashed in his head. He had gathered enough information.
"That was arranged by Gecko-san …"
He regretted it immediately after he said those words.
Even after thinking about it, those words were better left unspoken.
And Gecko also stood silently with his index finger in front of his mouth.
Don't say it.
And he smiled slightly.
Yes, the cave where the Duke of Inbury hid. That was not easy to prepare.
However, if it was a merchant with Gecko's influence … In fact, it wouldn't be possible to prepare without his influence.
Gecko knew that the Duke of Inbury was hiding there.
In other words, he was in a position to leak it to the Empire.
And he didn't want the Duke of Inbury to seek asylum in the Kingdom.
Because the Kingdom is unsafe … a sign of deteriorating governance.
Deteriorating governance meant less political stability … what would happen if the Duke of Inbury and his family became refugees there?
At the very least, they couldn't hope for a happy future.
Then what about the Empire?
Of course, they would be used politically.
In the future, they may be a puppet to raise the flag and invade the Union.
But at least they won't be killed.
The Emperor is not so short-sighted.
Of course, it was not the best choice. But when the country was destroyed, there was no best choice.
As such, the better choice was the final choice.
So Gecko proposed to the Empire.
He just suggested.
After all, the Duke of Inbury had the final say to choose to go to the Empire.
He chose the Empire after weighing the Kingdom and the Empire for himself and his family.
The choice could be made because of Gecko's arrangement and the Empire's quick action to accept them.
Without Gecko's arrangements, they would have no choice but to go to the Kingdom.
The death of a country also meant that many people will be unhappy.
But even after the downfall, there were still people working for the country and the people who symbolize it.
Ryo's head naturally lowered.
"No, Ryo-san. It's not like you have to bow your head."
Gecko called out with a somewhat flustered voice. And continued.
"It's been ten years since we achieved complete independence. We knew that we were being targeted by the Union. We tried to organize the nation as much as possible … but we couldn't make it in time. Of course, I am just a merchant. I can't compare to those who served selflessly in the core of the country."
Gecko said with a slightly sad expression, looking back on his memories of the past.
"I guess the people who remain in the country will have a hard time from now on."
Ryo commented with concern.
But Gecko slowly shook his head a little and said.
"The Union's Lord Aubrey is a talented man. He has strong tendencies and does not shy from any means to achieve his goals, but he is not one who will oppress the townspeople so…"
Gecko cut off his words there.
They might be able to live a better life than when they were citizens of the Inbury Duchy … it was something he didn't want to say.
Gecko's caravan would travel around several cities of the Kingdom, eventually aiming for the City of Rune and Acre.
Ryo split up from Gecko and others, with a promise of a reunion in Rune.
Ryo, who was now feeling better, tried to return to the banquet but looked back.
Gecko wasn't his only visitor that day.
"Ryo, let's have a little talk."
Standing in the moonlight was a beautiful woman with black horns and a black tail.
An opponent Ryo could never forget.
The Akuma Leonor.
Author's note:
Before writing, Ryo and his party regained the Duchy capital, expelled the Union, and the Duchy remained independent.
But when I started writing, it didn't happen.
The changed content will be connected in various ways in the future ….
-x-X-x-
"Leonor …"
"Yup. Mmm? You don't have to tense up so much. Today, I just want to talk or rather make a request … Well, if Ryo really wants to fight, I'm more than willing to do so."
"No, let's please just talk."
Before Leonor's excitement welled up, Ryo tried to dispel it by waving his hand in a hurry.
Sitting on a nearby rock, Leonor began to speak.
"As I said earlier, I actually want to request something from Ryo."
"From me …?"
The 'Akuma' who traverses space in the 'corridor', can retrieve things out of a subspace and does not die even after beheading, wanted something from Ryo …
What would an Akuma, an existence so different from humans, want …?
Ryo suddenly realized.
Inspiration came in a flash.
"You want to make a contract to obtain my soul!"
He was acting like a Dr. Faust.
"I don't really understand what a 'soul' is … what I need is the 'Fairy drops' that are overflowing from Ryo's body."
"Fairy … drops?"
Ryo asked while tilting his head.
"Yup. We call it that … I wonder if you're not aware of it. Well, it seems to not affect humans, so you may not have noticed it."
"Oh, is it that thing people like elves and spirit beasts feel?"
Ryo recalled what the elven Sera and Baba-sama, or the guardian beast in Niels' village said.
The 'something' overflowing from Ryo.
"Oh, yes, that's it. It works on elves too, that's what I need."
Leonor stepped in and praised Ryo for reaching the correct answer.
"Actually, we have to feed our elf pets … well no, when we say pets, it gives a bad impression to humans. Hmm, how do I put it …"
Leonor seemed to pause here and there, thinking of another way of saying it.
Certainly, when she said 'elf pets', he didn't get a good impression.
Making an elf, that looks almost the same as a human, a pet … it's probably because 'pet' makes you draw the image of 'deprived of freedom and servitude' and 'slave' in your mind.
However, on Earth in the 21st century, many people love their pet dogs and cats as family.
Given that, the expression 'pet' may not always be considered a bad thing.
At the very least, they are living beings and in some cases can be thought of as family.
Ryo thought so.
"Yes! We have elves who are common property, not pets."
Property … there goes the thought that they are considered living beings or family …
"Well … I somewhat understand. So what happened to the elf under the care of Leonor's group?"
Ryo managed to get his mind in order and asked Leonor.
"Well, the elf calls herself Elizabeth. Elizabeth is in a terrible state. Our healing is not very effective for those who are in the fairy lineage, such as elves."
"Fairy lineage? Races that contain fairy elements?"
"Yeah yeah. Fairy elements, the elves use that expression, now that you mention it. Is that expression easier to understand? The place where we live is by no means a good place for those who have fairy elements. So she's in a terrible state and we're troubled."
He was a little curious about where Leonor and her group lived, but he was still hesitant to know more about her private life.
"Why don't you move her to a place where people with fairy elements can live comfortably?"
"Of course, I tried that too, but she isn't in a state where she can recover naturally …"
Leonor replied, shaking her head with a bitter expression.
"I can imagine that she's in a horrible state … can I do something for an elf in that state?"
Ryo is neither a doctor nor a biologist.
Certainly, when the Akuma in front of him cut off his arm, he did something similar to a surgical operation … but it was a potion made by Kenneth that eventually connected the severed nerves.
The effect that Ryo appear to have around him seemed to extend the life of the guardian beast and cause elves to feel at ease the nearer they are to him … that's about it.
Oh, and for some reason, it seems to purify miasma. Although Ryo doesn't know what miasma is in the first place.
"Um, honestly I don't know either. A being like Ryo is rare. But if this doesn't work, we'll give up. We've tried everything we can think of. And it all failed. We, everyone, gave up at that time … including Elizabeth. So why don't you give it a try, since there is no harm in doing so?"
Leonor bowed when she said that.
It was strange that Akuma has the culture of bowing, but that was not a problem for now.
In particular, Ryo did not seem to be at risk and it could be said to be part of helping others.
He did fight against the Akuma in front of him.
But he does not hate her.
Besides, he is very much indebted to elves, especially Sera.
Elizabeth may be an elf who is hostile to Sera, but nevertheless, abandoning those who he might be able to help … was something that Ryo couldn't do.
"Okay. If I can, let's do it."
"Oh! As expected of the man I have my eyes on! As gratitude, I offer the right to fight with me …"
"No, I don't want that."
"So what should I do? If I am to go somewhere, I think I should say a word to Hugh or Abel or they'll be worried …"
"I recall Abel is Ryo's companion from that time. But don't worry. I'll bring Elizabeth here."
Leonor stretched out her right hand and muttered a word.
"Corridor"
At that moment, a pitch-black wall appeared, as if the space had been sliced out.
It was the spectacle that Hero Roman and his party once encountered with the 'artificial altar' and Ryo and his friends saw in the hidden temple of the Dark-Attribute Magician.
Leonor entered the 'Corridor'.
And came back after about 20 seconds.
She carried, in her arms in the so-called princess carry, an elf.
"Ryo, thank you for waiting. This is Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Ryo whom I talked about before."
With that, Leonor let Elizabeth down to stand on the ground.
The elf was extremely beautiful.
Elves are all beautiful men and women.
Still, some can be said to be of incredible beauty like Sera.
And Elizabeth in front of him was also an incredible beauty.
But if Sera is a 'dignified beauty', Elizabeth is a 'sweet beauty'.
Moreover, probably because of her terrible condition, her face was pallid and it seemed that she had difficulty breathing.
"You do not need to do this for me …"
Elizabeth, who seemed to have a hard time just breathing, opened her mouth and apologized.
"Oh no, it's fine. Leonor, I'll touch Elizabeth's forehead. Is that okay?"
"Okay. Please do."
With Leonor's consent, Ryo reached out with his right hand and placed his palm on Elizabeth's forehead.
Of course, he didn't know what the correct treatment was.
Perhaps Ryo would give off some effect just by standing nearby without doing anything. The guardian beast's life span was extended without Ryo touching it.
However, he somehow felt it would be more effective with touch.
Perhaps it was because he had seen Priests such as Etho and Rihya heal patients many times by touch.
At any rate, a touch shouldn't be a problem … unless it's sexual harassment!
When Ryo touched her forehead, Elizabeth quivered a little.
Then, twenty seconds later, her cheeks clearly began to redden.
In addition, he could see that her labored breathing had calmed down and she was improving at a visible rate.
Leonor kept silent, but her eyes were wide open and she watched the situation without hiding her surprise.
It was about five minutes in total.
Ryo removed his right hand from Elizabeth's forehead.
Somehow, he felt that Elizabeth's physical condition had returned to normal.
Elizabeth was aware of that too.
When she opened my eyes, which had been closed all the time, she saw Ryo and gracefully bowed.
"Thank you very much"
With Elizabeth's words as the trigger, Leonor rushed to Elizabeth at the speed of sound and hugged her.
"I'm glad … I'm glad, Elizabeth."
"Ouch, ouch, Leonor-sama. You're putting too much strength."
Leonor happily hugged Elizabeth, with a few tears in her eyes.
Elizabeth, who was hugged, smiled happily and hugged Leonor back.
Ryo watched the scene and nodded slightly many times.
He was happy that he somehow helped people(?).
After hugging each other for a while, Leonor turned to Ryo.
"Ryo, I really appreciate it."
She said and bowed deeply.
"Well, I just placed my hand on her forehead. I didn't do much."
Even though they tried to kill each other twice, she must have felt extremely grateful to bow her head so deeply.
It's an emotion he'll never experience if his opponent is a certain Fire-Attribute Magician … so strange.
"No, it was something that only Ryo could do. It is a big deal. So, as appreciation for doing this, the right to fight with me …"
"No, I don't need it."
Ryo denied her.
Leonor pursed her lips and expressed dissatisfaction.
"Is it that Leonor is the one who wants to fight?"
Elizabeth supplemented from the side.
"Um, I won't deny it."
Leonor nodded obediently.
"But Ryo also wants to fight … in the depths of his heart, or so I think. Yeah, I'm sure of it."
"No, why …"
Ryo sighed deeply.
But …
"But you were so happy when we fought…"
Leonor squeezed her lips further and pointed out with a dissatisfied look.
"There's no way …"
Ryo muttered with an astounded expression after she pointed that out.
"What, you weren't aware of it? It was a very, very nice smile, you know? Do you have a mock combat partner? Ask that person. I'm certain they would reply that you have a great smile during spars."
Leonor confidently stated.
Ryo thought of his mock battles.
Of course, his opponent is Sera.
(By the way, Sera also fights with a slight smile … Yup, now that she pointed that out. Do I do it too …?)
"But I can't accept all you've done without repaying. Ryo, do you have anything you wish for? I'll do my best to fulfill it."
It sounded like the temptations of a devil, depending on how you hear it. Something like 'I will grant your wishes'.
"Even if you ask it that way …"
"Hmm … Do you want a country? If you want one, here … the Kingdom of Knightley, I can eradicate the royal family and make the country belong to Ryo …"
"Sorry, please do not do that."
Ryo firmly rejected Leonor's ridiculous proposal … that was in a sense, a very demonic proposal.
So far, he was not at all interested in managing a country.
"Hmm … Then, a woman? Heroes like the fairer sex. I can gather beautiful women from all over the world."
"… Sorry, please don't do that either."
The reason his answer was late for a moment was that he imagined the harem contained Leonor in front of him …
Although she is an Akuma, she is certainly a beautiful woman.
But …
"Hm? You want to add me to the harem? It can't be helped, if Ryo wishes for it, about 10 years …"
"No!"
Leonor said with slightly blushed cheeks and upturned eyes … as if she had read his mind.
Ryo hurriedly denied it.
"This is troubling …"
Leonor tilted her head and pondered.
At that rate, she may make strange proposals again. With that in mind, Ryo decided.
"Then, answer my questions."
"Hm? Are you okay with just that?"
"Yes. Information is power. I have something I want to know, but I can't find any information about it."
"Hmm. It's said that wisdom is power. But … answering everything would be too much."
Leonor said after a little thought.
"I will answer only two of Ryo's questions. I may not be able to answer due to restrictions, but I will do my best."
Making a peace sign with her right hand, she showed the option of only two questions.
Two minutes passed.
However, Ryo was silent as he thought.
Only two … he had many questions to ask, but it took him some time to narrow them down to two.
Leonor was about to speak.
"Ryo …"
"I've decided!"
At that moment, Ryo finally chose the questions.
"O-okay. Ask me."
"First. What am I?"
"Ha...?"
The completely unexpected question stunned Leonor.
Elizabeth, who was watching the exchange beside her, also tilted her head.
Ryo finally narrowed down the questions, and his facial expression showed his satisfaction, and he didn't seem to think that his question would not be understood by Leonor.
For thirty seconds, time passed as no one spoke.
"… I'm sorry, Ryo. I don't understand the meaning of the question."
Ryo looked stunned when he heard it.
Leonor looked at Ryo apologetically.
"Um … well, in other words, why does 'Fairy Drops' overflow from Ryo, why do you have such … a constitution? Is that what you are asking?"
Leonor asked Ryo about her interpretation of his question.
Ryo tilted his head a little and answered.
"I was thinking more of a decisive answer that I am definitely human or not …"
"Ah, I see … I think by human definition … you are probably human."
"By human definition?"
It was a questionable answer.
"You have two legs and two arms. A head on your neck … no horns or tail like us, and don't have sharp ears like an elf. So probably human?"
"Oh, yes, I guess you're right …"
Ryo had no choice but to nod to Leonor's explanation, though he was not convinced.
"Oh, right, like Ryo, there have been people in the past who overflowed with 'fairy drops' too."
"Eh."
Ryo was surprised and opened his eyes to Leonor's sudden reply.
"Was it about 10,000 years ago … No, was it 50,000 years ago? Well, it was a long time ago."
The oldest civilization on Earth is said to be the Mesopotamian civilization, and the Sumerians were at the center of it.
The First Dynasty of Uruk, famous for King Gilgamesh, was built by the Sumerians in 4000 BC. Dating back 6,000 years ago from the 21st century.
One could imagine how absurdly ancient Leonor's 'about 10,000 years ago' was.
To be clear, even if he was told such a past … he would think it was just a kind of legend or myth … if he was on Earth.
However, there are various races on 『Phi』.
Ryo had never met God, but the Devil was in front of him.
Elves also seem to be long-lived, and the dragon in the Rondo Forest is probably quite long-lived too. It did say 100,000 years ago …
That is the world he is in now.
"Yeah, well, 10,000 years ago or 50,000 years ago, it's a 'very long time ago' from my point of view, so it's okay."
For the time being, Ryo seemed to be human.
And it seemed that there were people like Ryo in the past.
Of course, he didn't gain anything from knowing that they existed.
It would not change anything in the future.
However, he valued his curiosity. Ryo thought to himself.
"Then, the second question."
"I'm grateful you were satisfied with the previous answer. Ask the second question."
"Is there still a floating continent?"
"Eh..."
That may be a question that was beyond Leonor's imagination as well.
Leonor stiffened for more than a moment.
"Oh, I was surprised because it was completely different from the previous question. Is the floating continent you refer to, the land of Babylon in the sky?"
"Yes, I think that's it!"
Ryo replied with excitement.
At least, he avoided the worst answer that Leonor had never heard of it.
"I haven't seen it lately … because it's moving. I don't know its current situation…"
"When was the last time you saw it?"
Ryo interrupted Leonor's answer.
"About … two thousand years ago? It is always covered by clouds, so I didn't see the actual land … well, I believe it is still moving."
"Clouds, I knew it …"
It was just as Ryo imagined.
And it may still be floating!
Always moving meant that he may encounter it somewhere in the future.
What fantasy!
This is fantasy!
Truly fantasy!
Ryo was visibly excited.
Still, Leonor did not run away and waited for Ryo to return to normal because of her gratitude for having Elizabeth cured.
Three minutes later.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I got a little excited."
"Well, I can understand that. Well then, we will be going back. This 'Corridor' is the product of gathered energy from many of us but it seems like it's nearing its limits."
The 'Corridor' that was created when Elizabeth was brought in still existed, but it seemed that it will close soon.
"I understand. Thank you for giving me valuable information."
Only now, Ryo bowed his head properly and spoke politely.
"No, you saved Elizabeth. I really appreciate it."
Leonor bowed politely and Elizabeth bowed beside her as well.
It was a very Japanese scene of both parties bowing to each other.
And the two disappeared beyond the 'Corridor'.
Early next morning after Ryo helped a person(?).
Ryo regretted it.
Why didn't he tell Leonor, "I want you to get me a golem" when she asked what he wanted.
Abel muttered when he saw Ryo sighing while regretting that.
"He must be thinking about something that is not good for the world or the people."
Ryo was once again evaluated incorrectly.
A pitiable Magician …
This is the end of "Part 10 Inbury Duchy once again".
After this, about five episodes will be sandwiched between the Parts, and it will be "Chapter 11 Twilight Land".
This is an announcement.
This work, "Water-Attribute Magician, Volume 1 Central Nations" will end after the next Part 11 and Part 12, the "Final Chapter", following it.
The final part will be the longest part so far, so it will still be a while before it ends…
-x-X-x-
Marcdorf, the imperial capital of the Debuhi Empire.
In the office of the Imperial Castle, Emperor Rupert VI received Count Hans Kirchhof's report.
"Loris, the Duke of Inbury, his family, and his companions have safely entered the Imperial Castle. Tomorrow, we will announce their asylum to the nobility and then transfer them to the mansion."
"Good work. It's better to get them out of the Imperial Castle quickly before the foolish aristocrats start acting. They should be able to relax a little at the mansion."
Of course, Rupert didn't say that because of typical kindness.
However, he is not so devilish as to immediately try to use a person who had just lost his country.
You let them concentrate on recovering when they are weak, and work them when they are well.
(If you abuse them while they are weak, they may die before you get sufficient results. It's the same as fishing.)
Rupert thought, remembering the live bait fishing that he did long ago when he was still young.
"And Your Majesty, I have a summary of the economic situation of the whole Empire."
"Hmm. Is the economy decline continuing smoothly as planned?"
Hans nodded, even though he had terrible doubts about how to use the word 'smoothly'.
"Yes. In all fields, activity has been stagnant for over a year …"
"But?"
Rupert urged Hans by adding the last word he seemed to want to add.
"Some treasury officials have said they want to appeal to Your Majesty the Emperor …"
"Hmm. What was his name … Yes, Lorenz. Was it Lorenz Kush?"
"Exactly! Excellent guess."
Rupert grinned and Hans was very surprised.
Lorenz is still a young finance bureaucrat in his twenties, and he hasn't done anything special.
Of course, he is an excellent man who works steadily, negotiates with the public to formulate a budget, often goes outside the Imperial Castle to check the actual situation with his own eyes, and makes various proposals.
To that end, he is one of the people Hans kept an eye on and trained as a human resource who would lead the next generation.
However, Rupert is an Emperor. He bears the supreme crown of a vast and mighty empire.
To be clear, he is in a position where he cannot afford to spend time and be conscious of trivial matters.
Even though he is a good finance bureaucrat, Rupert knew the name of that young man and even speculated that he might be the proponent.
That was astonishing.
"So what is the content of his report? Is it about economic stimulation measures?"
"Yes. He reported that the economic downturn has been prolonged and the people are suffering …"
"Hmm. It may be better to explain it properly once. You should bring him tomorrow."
"Understood."
The Emperor, who has an almost murderous schedule, still chose to make time to bring him in.
Hans, though feeling ashamed, promised to bring him.
"For the time being, we will maintain the state of recession."
"Yes, that's fine. However, we will continue to provide the people with the minimum necessities of food, clothing and shelter. Yes, it was recorded on 'that'. The word 'Bubble burst'."
Rupert said in an ironic tone.
"You're referring to that 'stone slab'? The 'stone slab' that has been used by generations of Emperors, that contains a lot of knowledge, but … is useless for the administration of the country."
"Well, it can't be helped. It was written only by a citizen. Even more so when it comes to economy and policies at the national level … the previous emperor also said that it couldn't be used in that field at all."
Rupert laughed loudly.
"What was it … yes, I was really surprised when I heard about the tax called 'Consumption tax'. I wonder if there really is such a foolish country that incorporates such an aspect into the national tax collection system."
"But, 'that' said that quite a few countries had introduced it."
"I thought it was something different from the economy we perceive, but that wasn't the case. The ones involved in economic policy-making were just foolish. A tax on all consumer behavior, the more you consume, the more tax you will have to pay … taxes that curb the consumption behavior of all citizens … Of course, I could understand if tax rates are altered due to economic fluctuations, but that was not the case. It's always constant. So thoughtless."
Rupert ridiculed the system.
"But why would so many nations adopt such a foolish policy?"
"That's easy. Because the people who make the budget want to have it easy."
Rupert answered Hans's question with the expression that he shouldn't ask the obvious.
"With a 'Consumption tax' policy, it will be easier to predict tax revenue without much influence from the economy. It also means that it will be easier to make a budget. If all taxes are influenced by the economy, the budget will be terribly difficult to draft. But because it's difficult, the policymakers are respected because they can perform difficult tasks. If you abandon that, nobody will respect those who organize the budget. Take Lorenz as an example just now."
Once again, Rupert's expression showed ridicule toward people from another world.
"But is it possible to get rid of that 'Consumption tax' after decades of being firmly incorporated into the national organization?"
"Well, what the country should do is create and maintain an economic boom, but they do not understand that foundation. If all consumption behavior is suppressed, the economy will worsen … and the 'Consumption tax' causes that. If you try to eliminate the tax, the next question will definitely be asked. 'Where will the financial resources come from?'"
"So where will the money come from?"
Hans asked with interest.
"There is no such thing."
Rupert grinned and continued.
"You're going to cut taxes to stimulate the economy? What are the alternative financial resources for the tax cuts? Are you going to raise taxes elsewhere to make up for it? Then, after all, it won't stimulate the economy. In the end, there is no alternative financial resource. That's why we issue government bonds to cover it. That's why we have to make the economy boom to increase tax revenue."
"Issuing too many government bonds will affect the country's reputation …"
When Hans said so, Rupert laughed loudly.
"The question is what is the credibility of a country based on? The credibility of a country is decided by others based on the 'power' of that country. It is never the amount of debt of the government of that country."
"Power …"
"Yes, power. Military power and economic power … Well, science and technology power including alchemy that supports them. In order not to lose such 'power', the country will make policies. In some cases, the country may even hinder competition. But what about it? Isn't it better to do so than let the people compete freely and cause the citizens misfortune? Doing so will mean a failure to properly evaluate the priorities of a country.
"Such as the domestic manufacturing subsidy provided by the Empire. A subsidy to prevent manufacturing factories from leaving the country."
"Yes. The Empire is a big country. The national salary is high. It is better to set up a factory in another country where labor costs and material costs are lower and export the products manufactured there to the Empire, providing cheaper products. It is natural that some companies would think that way. However, if something happens in the Empire, the goods will not reach the country. The people will be unhappy. That is why the country subsidizes domestic production during normal times. The country must take the initiative to make it more profitable than producing in another country. That will make the country resilient. It is related to military power, economic power, and science and technology power, the one field called domestic production."
"I agree."
"But from a different point of view, these can be said to be the nation's leeway. That's what it means to maintain the ability to respond in the event of a problem, even during peacetime. And this can be called a kind of a 'waste' of resources. It is terribly difficult to maintain a policy that looks wasteful during peacetime because people who do not know anything will always call to 'Eliminate waste!'"
"Yeah … you said it. Even the young bureaucrats say that often. But they will panic when something unforeseen happens …"
"It can't be helped because it's that kind of thing. If you don't have any experience or imagination, you can't help it. If you experience that 'waste' is what will save your life in an emergency, it changes matters but … it's difficult. Well, maybe because it's called wasteful? Perhaps change the wording? Call it redundancy? Greater redundancy … bigger? I don't know about that … but maybe it would be better to call it redundancy than wasteful?"
"Unfortunately it doesn't change much …"
Rupert joked, and Hans shook his head to answer.
"Well, back to the credibility of a country, if it is a strong country, to be clear, no matter how much government bonds are issued, the credibility of the country will not collapse."
So Rupert took a breath and then continued.
"Maintaining a country that has all of that is not an easy task. When the people involved in the operation of a country begin to take it easy, the future of that country begins to decline. The destination is always the same."
"What?"
"War or civil war. There is no other endpoint in history."
-x-X-x-
The Emperor's office in the Imperial Castle of Marcdorf, the Imperial Capital of the Debuhi Empire.
Two people were invited there.
One was Count Hans Kirchhoff, a regular of that room.
The other was a young man who was present for the first time. By all accounts, he was nervous and tense.
"Ah, you're here? I'll be done soon. Have a seat there and wait."
The owner of the room, Emperor Rupert VI, repeatedly checked and signed the documents at his office desk, urging the two who came in to sit first and wait.
That said, they couldn't sit at the table before he did.
Even Hans, a regular in the room, stood in front of a chair and waited.
The nervous young man also waited while standing beside him.
"I told you to take a seat."
Rupert came to the two with a slightly bitter smile.
At the same time, the chamberlain brought coffee for three.
When Rupert sat on the couch, they finally sat opposite him. Coffee was then served.
"Blue Mountain Coffee from Twilight Land finally arrived yesterday. Kingdom's Kona is good, but this is pretty good too."
Saying that, Rupert reached for the cup, enjoyed the scent for just one breath, and sipped.
The other two reached for their cups and brought them to their mouths too.
The aroma of coffee drifted in the air and a relaxing time passed.
A day before.
That day, Lorenz Kush was in a panic from the morning.
Yesterday evening, he was called to Count Hans Kirchhof's office and told.
"Tomorrow, we will visit His Majesty the Emperor. Please convey your thoughts to His Majesty."
"Di-directly to His Majesty …?"
"Yes. His Majesty told me to call Lorenz. He wanted to explain once. Please try not to appear rude."
He couldn't say 'I can't do it …'.
He wanted to say it from the bottom of his heart.
No, he wanted to scream from the bottom of his heart.
'I can't do it. Please allow me to report in writing.'
But all he was told was a decision.
Lorenz shouted from the bottom of his heart instead of 'I can't do it'.
'Why is this happening?'
To the general subjects of the Empire, Emperor Rupert VI gave off the image of 'dread'.
One of the reasons was that since he ascended to the throne in his twenties, he mercilessly purged and reformed many aristocrats in the Empire and annexed the small nations that existed to the west and north of the Empire.
Furthermore, high-ranking bureaucrats and ministers working in the imperial capital suffer 'damage' from being directly rebuked by the Emperor and were subject to greater 'dread' than ordinary subjects.
Of course, the rebuke is not unreasonable, so it is seen as a symbol of talented vassals like Hans …
Such a 'fear-inspiring' person was seated in front of him and he had to escalate his issues to that person.
Of course, he did ask Count Hans Kirchhoff to escalate to His Majesty the Emperor, but … it was a written report and he never intended to say it directly to the Supreme Emperor …
"Well then, Lorenz."
"Y-yes!"
Rupert smiled bitterly at Lorenz, who was visibly tense.
"I thought that drinking coffee would ease your tension a little, but … I guess it was a miscalculation."
Rupert gently said as he faced Hans.
"Because His Majesty is fear-inspiring …"
Hans shook his head and said with a bitter smile.
"Fear, huh? That is a necessary image for an Emperor, but it's a hassle in situations like these. Okay, Lorenz, I promise. No matter what you say here, I will not punish you for it."
"Ye … yes …"
Nothing changed.
"Hans, it's not working. Lorenz remains nervous."
"That appears to be the case."
There's nothing I can do about this … Hans's expression said it all.
At this point, Rupert decided to find a clear solution.
"Okay, Lorenz. Didn't you come because you are worried for the people?"
That sentence brought Lorenz back to normal.
Right, he decided to appeal for the people who complained that life was difficult in the city.
The reason for the pain is clear.
Because the economy is bad.
Of course, there isn't a daily shortage of food.
There are people in such a terrible state … but not many.
Government-supported soup kitchens are offered so there are no reports of death from starvation.
That wasn't the issue.
A bad economy deprived people of their feelings about the future.
A bad economy deprived people of the hope they have for the future.
A bad economy … disturbed people's hearts.
It was widespread in the Imperial Capital. And not only in the capital, but throughout the Empire.
That is why they must take measures to recover the economy. That's why he came here!
"Your Majesty the Emperor. The people are exhausted. The economic downturn is prolonged and the human heart is hardened. We should take measures to recover the economy immediately."
He then offered the bundle of paper he brought.
A list of economic measures that could be taken immediately, the effects of each, the time and cost required, and the details were summarized.
Rupert received them and read.
He read them all with satisfaction; all of them were perfect proposals.
"Hmm, these are great."
"Th-then!"
"But at this point, I can't allow these policies to be implemented."
"Why!"
Lorenz shouted, forgetting his position and location.
However, he quickly regained himself.
In front of him was Emperor Rupert VI, who held absolute power.
Not a person to scream at.
"I had you come today to explain that."
Rupert said, drank the last of his Blue Mountain, and began to explain.
"First of all, the current recession is maintained as a policy."
"Eh..."
Lorenz doubted his ears.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
He could only say that. It was completely incomprehensible to him.
"This is because Lorenz is a finance bureaucrat … that's right, do you remember what the economy was like seven years ago?"
"Yes … It was a good period of prosperity. Not just in the Imperial Capital, but throughout the Empire …"
"That's right. Do you know why?"
With just a short pause to think, Lorenz opened his mouth.
"I suspect it was caused by the 'Great War'."
"That's correct."
Rupert nodded happily, looked at Hans and said.
"Hans, isn't he more talented than you?"
"Yes, yes, as His Majesty says."
Hans replied and shrugged.
Lorenz was the one who was uncomfortable.
"No, that's definitely not the case …"
"Lorenz, you don't have to be humble there. So Your Majesty. To be exact, what was the cause of the Great War?"
"Well, to put it simply, the Handal Union and the Kingdom of Knightley went to war. Both lost production capacity in various fields as a result of the destruction of many workshops and trading companies. Even after the war, naturally, the destroyed workshops and the raw material procurement network could not be so easily restored. Therefore, most of the supplies needed were imported from our Empire. Furthermore, the tools used for manufacturing were also imported from us. From the perspective of our merchants, a new market had suddenly emerged, so it was natural that the economy would improve by increasing production and sales."
"That is true."
Hans nodded and reached for his cup.
However, he was disappointed to find that it was already empty.
A butler appeared with refill for his coffee at the right moment.
A full face of joy appeared on Hans.
Rupert explained as he glanced sideways at Hans.
"Look Lorenz, at Hans' face. Do you think that's the face of the people in good times?"
Lorenz, who couldn't disagree with that, just replied, 'Yes' or 'You are right'.
"That's why our Empire is in recession now."
"Eh?"
"Is it possible to drive people with such happy faces, that is, people who are experiencing a good economy, to the battlefield?"
Emperor Rupert went on to say more.
"War cannot happen when the economy is good."
"Wha …"
Lorenz uttered no reply to Rupert's words.
In other words, Emperor Rupert VI was about to wage war. That's why they were in recession …?
"Let's return to the story. A new market had emerged and the economy improved, but that market will eventually end. Do you understand?"
"Yes. If both countries recover post-war and new workshops and trading companies are established, there will be no need to import from us. Our workshops, equipment, and tools that had been increased to cope with the increased export to the Union and the Kingdom, or the newly hired citizens, they will all be under-utilized …"
"That's right. What happens when the economy, experiencing such a good run, suddenly encounters decreased demand in the market? It will become a terrible recession. A certain group of people calls it 'the bubble burst'. Panic will cause the good economy to burst. But, well, that's fine too. The point is we needed to shrink the economy that had been so good before it could burst. That's why our Empire launched a big tax increase five years ago. To cool the economy that had become too hot."
"Then, even now …"
"Yes, but if we had left it to the economy without raising taxes, the current recession would have been even worse."
Rupert took in the aroma of his newly refilled Blue Mountain.
Lorenz ruminated in his head on the explanation he was just given.
"In the first place, the tax increases were not done to increase tax revenue. They were done to cool the economy. So, on the flip side, when the economy improves, I will naturally reduce the tax."
"I see..."
Lorenz nodded to Rupert's explanation.
"First of all, I have to acknowledge that perception there. The tax was raised to increase tax revenue … many incompetent politicians do that …. Even some of my Imperial aristocrats conduct such idiotic policies in their territories. It's sad."
He found it deplorable and Rupert's expression was mocking those who were doing it.
"Your Majesty, so what should one do if they wish to increase tax revenue?"
Hans asked with a grin while drinking Blue Mountain.
He knew the answer, but it was a question to move the conversation.
"Naturally. It's to improve the economy. When the economy is booming, tax revenue will increase … I hope anybody can recognize that? So if I truly want to increase tax revenue, I should just boost the economy. The fundamental part to boost an economy is the tax cut I mentioned earlier. That alone will have a reliable effect, but it will take time for it to take effect."
Rupert looked at Lorenz and asked with a chuckle.
"Lorenz, what does it mean to have a good economy and a bad economy in the first place?"
"Your Majesty … the question is too vague …"
"What happens to the circulation of money when the economy is bad?"
"That I understand. The circulation of money slows down."
Lorenz answered with confidence.
While listening to the side, Hans nodded.
"That's right. A bad economy isn't about not having money, it's about not spending money. Well, many citizens will be out of money because their income declines. So, to improve the economy, the Empire has to spend money nationwide."
"That's why Your Majesty commissions public works."
Lorenz replied with confidence again.
While listening to the side, Hans nodded even more. In his hands, of course, was Blue Mountain.
"The citizens and companies can't spend money if they are in the red. That is why the Empire takes the initiative in moving the economy with money. The Empire's balance sheet … throw those who talk about that to the civilians. Those groups who only focus on the Empire's finances. The balance sheet will be negative, but the people need it … That's why the Empire does it. If they want to have a profitable business, ask them to create a company."
Rupert shrugged his shoulders.
"Then, what if there was a country where the recession had been going on for a long time? What happened?"
Rupert looked closely at Lorenz and said.
"In other words, for some reason, they 'intentionally' extended the recession."
"Correct. As I mentioned earlier, the reason why our Empire is in a recession is to start a war. I'm sorry to the people, but various timings overlapped and it is how it is now."
"War when the economy is not good …"
"As I said earlier. The economy is bad because money isn't circulating. Many people, including the Empire, aren't spending money. That's why consumption is falling. For countries, what is the biggest expenditure?"
Lorenz tilted his head, but couldn't find the answer to that question.
Instead, Hans answered.
"It's war."
After being told, Lorenz suddenly realized.
Nation-wide mobilization increases consumption of all industries, even to the point of reducing production capacities for non-essential items.
That is war.
"Yes. Of course, the annexation of small countries in the north and west that our Empire has done so far is not war. Given the economic scale of the Empire, it is at most a conflict or skirmish. It's no different from a large-scale military exercise. It doesn't affect the economy at all."
"In other words, the opponent this time is …"
Lorenz held his tongue.
He felt that he shouldn't say any further even there.
"Well, it's still a few months away, but if the consumption behavior of 'war' is carried out … will the economy recover?"
"Your Majesty … must we really start a war?"
Lorenz couldn't help but ask even though he understood it was outside his job.
"Yes, we must. It's not just for one or two reasons. There are many other reasons that can't be solved by other methods, such as diplomatic negotiations."
The subsequent muttering of Rupert did not reach their ears.
"Sigh … the Emperor is a sinful position."