The Champion's Return

by Hyougetsu

  “Why at full speed!?”

  “Because I’m in a hurry! Parker, you hurry up too! No one’s forgotten anything, right!?”

  Man, there’s only a few days until the summer solstice...

  * * * *

  —Eleora’s War Records: Conclusion—

  I continued staring at the road long after he vanished beyond the horizon. This country still faced numerous issues. Our agricultural situation hadn’t stabilized yet, the rifts between the various areas of Rolmund hadn’t healed, and there were still tons of issues with our class system and religious institutions. While I had ideas for how to resolve all of these problems, if I wasn’t careful I’d invite another rebellion.

  Up until now, even that hadn’t been a concern, because Veight had been with me. Having him around had given me a sense of security, allowing me to be confident in my decisions. But now he was gone. Still, he’d gone through all this effort to set things up for me. I couldn’t afford to let his hard work go to waste. Well, I’m sure things will work out somehow.

  Turning around I saw Borsche, Natalia, and Marsha and her sisters waiting for me. And while they weren’t here right now, Cardinal Kushmer and Bishop Zanawah were also on my side, as were Lekomya and the other nobles who’d joined my coalition early. There was also my uncle Lord Kastoniev supporting me from East Rolmund. With how many allies I had, it’d be weird if I couldn’t finish what Veight started.

  “Your Highness...I mean, Your Majesty, is something wrong?”

  “Is there a problem, Lady Eleora?”

  Natalia and Marsha both tried to peer into my face at the same time. Their foreheads bumped together, and the two of them glared at each other.

  “Don’t just lean forward like that!”

  “I could say the same to you.”

  I guess now isn’t the time for reminiscing.

  “It’s alright, you were both just worried about me. I’m fine, but I appreciate your concern.”

  The two girls turned to me with a smile.

  “I was just doing my duty as your retainer, Your Majesty.”

  “The future of Rolmund’s werewolves is resting on your shoulders, so we have to keep you safe.”

  Oh yeah. There’s a lot I need to do. I don’t have time to be worrying about whether or not I can manage without Veight.

  A few seconds later, Volka silently appeared in front of me. I’d met her once before, when the werewolves had first sworn fealty to me.

  “Oh, did that kid leave already?”

  She had a giant chunk of meat slung over her shoulder.

  “And here I smoked a bunch of deer meat to give him for the road. Guess I was too late.”

  “Well, he just left. If you run, you might still be able to catch him.”

  As I said that I flipped through the notebook he’d given me. Even at a glance, I could tell all the entries were highly technical. Theories and concepts I’d never heard about filled the pages, complete with highly detailed diagrams.

  “Hmm...”

  I’d been wondering how to cultivate grains like rice in a cold climate like Rolmund, but the knowledge contained within this notebook seemed to have answers to that as well. I had no doubt the technology Veight had left me would lead the empire to prosperity.

  Volka gave me a strange look and asked, “Don’t tell me you didn’t even try to stop him?”

  “I didn’t. He has a home to return to. I couldn’t bring myself to keep him here. Besides...” I closed the notebook and awkwardly scratched my head. “I didn’t want to do anything that would make him hate me.”

  Volka grinned at that.

  “Bahahahahaha! I see, I see.”

  Once she was done laughing she threw the hunk of meat to the three werewolf sisters.

  “Wawawah!”

  “What’re you doing, granny!?”

  “Take that with you. It’s my gift to the new empress now.” Volka turned back to me. “So who’s going to inherit the Originia Dynasty that you’ve started?”

  “I’m not sure. If my sister gets married, I suppose her children will be my heirs. But if not, I can always adopt a successor.”

  “Wouldn’t that be the end of the imperial family’s bloodline?” Volka asked, surprised. I just smiled and replied, “As long as you swear to protect the citizens from war and starvation, I wouldn’t mind even if one of your werewolves became the next emperor.”

  After all, were it not for his excessive kindness, Veight would probably make for a fine emperor too. Maybe I shouldn’t have let him go... Volka just stared at me, her jaw slack. Eventually, she managed to process my words and her lips curled back up into their usual grin.

  “Heh, I wouldn’t mind being empress, but right now I wanna see what kinda nation you’re gonna make! Feel free to work my brats as hard as you want!”

  “Thank you. I promise to make good use of them.”

  There was a mountain-load of tasks waiting for me when I got back. First, I needed to take care of the empire’s agricultural issues. Our overreliance on serfs who’d been beaten into submission was harming our productivity. Moreover, there were technical problems that needed to be tackled to increase the amount of arable land. We needed to build more irrigation ditches and properly manage our soil. Still, if I was able to revolutionize our agriculture system, revolts stemming from starvation would cease to occur.

  For better or worse, we’d lost a lot of nobles over the course of the past two rebellions, which made managing territory a lot easier. The empire was in the perfect position for a reformation. Just then, Lenkov, one of the captains of my mage corps, ran over to me.

  “Your Majesty, I bring urgent news from the capital!”

  “What happened?”

  “Prince Ashley has discovered that Marquis Toskin is planning a rebellion! It seems he wishes to take advantage of your absence to seat Prince Ashley on the throne once more!”

  “I see making a fool of himself at Nodgrad wasn’t enough. Now he wants to publicly shame himself in the capital too.”

  He probably thought that he stood a decent chance at succeeding now that Meraldia’s forces had left Rolmund and I wasn’t in the capital. I can’t believe you’d risk losing your title and territory on such a risky gamble. Sure, I might have been giving him the cold shoulder recently, but considering how badly he’d messed up at Nodgrad, treatment like that was to be expected. What an idiot.

  I wasn’t as merciful as Veight. Sighing, I put away the notebook he’d given me and took out a ledger listing all of my allies. Most of the nobles who’d recently come over to my side were opportunistic buffoons. They couldn’t be relied upon, but I doubted they’d join the enemy either. Not so long as I firmly held the reins of the empire anyway. Meaning I needed to show them what exactly happened to those who opposed me.

  “Perfect. I was running out of territory to grant Lord Lekomya. I’m sure he’ll be glad to have the opportunity to raise his rank once more. I need a trusted retainer in West Rolmund anyway.”

  I turned to my gathered retainers and drew my saber.

  “We’ll capture Marquis Toskin before he has a chance to launch his rebellion! We need to issue a proclamation that Ashley has nothing to do with this, as well! It wouldn’t do for this foolish rebellion to harm his prestige.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty!”

  Volka gave me a questioning glance and asked, “Should I get my pack?”

  “Please do. I’ll need your werewolves’ strength to stop this rebellion.”

  “You got it. See you in the capital.”

  Volka vanished before I could even say farewell. Having her werewolves on my side was quite reassuring. I’d feel even more at ease if Veight was here, but I knew I couldn’t keep relying on him forever. Besides, I had plenty of other trustworthy comrades I could rely on. Asking for more was just being greedy. I swept my cape back and jumped onto my horse.

  “If we stop him from raising an army, we’ll be able to prevent a bloodbath. Let’s go!”


  Just you watch, Veight. I’ll handle things just fine without you.

  * * * *

  —Airia at the Solstice Festival—

  I stared absently out at the night sky through my manor’s window. The evening breeze ruffled the sleeves of the uncomfortable dress I was wearing. I’d finished giving my speeches, and my official duties as viceroy were done for the night. From here on out, I could enjoy the festival as a participant. I wonder how close he is to Ryunheit now?

  Outside, the Sonnenlicht believers were singing their praises of the sun. This was the day when the sun stayed out the longest, so it was a very holy day for them. It also provided a much-needed break for the farmers who’d been working nonstop since spring. Stalls lined the streets, and the smell of exotic fruits and sizzling meat filled the air. Mondstrahl believers were out celebrating as well. Though this wasn’t a holy day for them, they didn’t mind joining in the festivals of other religions. Besides, even on the summer solstice, the moon still rose.

  Last year, Veight had said he enjoyed seeing people of all religions come out and celebrate together. I still remembered the gentle smile he had back then. Bonfires had filled the city, driving back the darkness of the night.

  I closed the window and turned back to my table. It was set for two, but no food had been served yet.

  “Haah...” I sighed. According to the letter he’d sent to the council, Veight’s party had already crossed into Meraldia. Lady Gomoviroa had also sent a letter saying she’d gone to Krauhen to meet him. However it seemed the two had somehow passed by each other, and right now no knew where Veight was. Knowing him, he was probably running back to Ryunheit as fast as he could.

  “Hehehe...” A chuckle escaped my lips.

  Honestly, I was surprised that I didn’t feel more disappointed. It was almost scary how high my spirits were. But it wasn’t hard to figure out why. Veight may not have been here, but I knew he was desperately doing his best to keep his promise with me. Right now, I was the only person in his thoughts. When I thought of it that way, I couldn’t help but smile.

  I never knew I was such a selfish woman. It wasn’t right of me to want to monopolize Veight. He was one of the most important people in the demon army and a Meraldian councilor. I shouldn’t be tying him down with my feelings like this. I know. I know that when he comes back, I have to apologize to him. I shouldn’t have held him to such an unreasonable promise. There was no way he could have made sure to come back on time when there was still so much left for him to do, especially since unexpected roadblocks like rebellions were happening seemingly all the time.

  I should have told him from the beginning that he didn’t have to make an impossible promise like that. But I’d taken advantage of his kindness. I’d done something disgraceful as both a viceroy and a person. And yet I was smiling at the result it had brought about. Not only that, if it meant I could monopolize him, I was thinking of doing even more wicked things. I stared at my reflection in the window, surprised by the kind of woman I’d become.

  * * * *

  I reached the gates of Ryunheit the morning after the solstice festival.

  “I couldn’t make it...”

  I could see the city’s residents running around taking down stalls and putting away bonfire cages. Airia, the Demon Ambassador, was waiting for me in front of the main gates with a retinue of soldiers behind her. I didn’t think she’d come out to greet me. I wish you’d at least given me time to mentally prepare myself for this.

  “Welcome home, Lord Veight.”

  Airia walked over to me, beaming. I couldn’t sense any anger hiding behind that smile, but I was still a little worried. She gently shook my hand and said, “I’m glad you returned safe and sound. It was a dangerous mission we sent you on.”

  Since we were in public, I couldn’t exactly bring up the promise here. I did my best to look calm and nodded.

  “Thank you for coming out to greet me, Lady Airia. How did Ryunheit fare in my absence?”

  “The city has been peaceful. The solstice festival yesterday went off without a hitch...” Airia trailed off, then suddenly changed the topic. “Umm, you must be tired after your long journey. Let’s continue this conversation in my manor. I’m sure your werewolves want to rest as well. I have food and beds prepared for everyone.”

  News of my return spread through the city like wildfire, and by the time we’d reached the old district crowds had formed in the streets.

  “Welcome home, Veight!”

  “How many new legends did you create this time?”

  “Ryunheit missed you!”

  I waved to the citizens from atop my horse. The lingering excitement from last night’s festival was probably making them more boisterous than usual. Once we reached the manor I headed to Airia’s office and gave her my report.

  “...And that’s everything. Rolmund’s political situation should be stable for now. Eleora’s going to need some time to sort out domestic affairs, but I’m sure Rolmund won’t try invading Meraldia again.”

  At least, not as long as Eleora is its empress. If she came back to Meraldia, it wouldn’t be as an invader, but as a diplomat looking to build trade relations. Alright now that all that’s out of the way, it’s time to apologize.

  “By the way, Airia.”

  “Yes?”

  Airia cocked her head at me as she poured herself a new cup of tea. I bowed my head and said, “I’m terribly sorry I wasn’t able to return by the summer solstice like I promised.”

  Airia hurriedly replied, “I-It’s fine, you don’t have to apologize! If anything, I should be the one apologizing.”

  “I’m the one who broke my promise, why would you be apologizing?”

  “Well, the thing is...” Airia hung her head, her face reddening. For a few seconds she hesitated to reply, but then she said, “I shouldn’t have held you to a promise like that. I took advantage of your kindness, even though I knew you couldn’t control when your job would end...”

  “Still, a promise is a promise. As an apology for breaking my word, I’ll do any one thing you ask.”

  Those were the conditions I’d set way back when I’d made that promise. However, Airia shook her head and said, “No, I’m the one at fault here. It wouldn’t be right to ask anything more of you.”

  “I don’t mind. In fact, I’d prefer it if you made some kind of request.”

  I really wanted to make it up to Airia. Unfortunately, she seemed determined not to accept my goodwill.

  “It’s fine. Having you back safe and sound is already more than enough. Don’t worry about the promise and just rest.”

  “But...”

  You can ask for anything, you know? Of course, I couldn’t fulfill any requests that would cause trouble for the demon army or the Commonwealth Council but anything else in my power I’d do. She could ask for pretty much whatever. But Airia just changed the topic.

  “By the way, I didn’t see Parker or Mao with you. Have they not returned yet?”

  “Oh, they’re on their way. Once we reached Thuvan, me and the other werewolves transformed and ran here at top speed.”

  I’d actually wanted to jump over Ryunheit’s walls when I’d arrived at dawn, but considering my position, that would have been unseemly. Besides, I’d still come too late for the festival.

  Airia seemed to have guessed my thoughts, since she nodded and said, “Those in positions of power must always appear calm. Otherwise, those they lead will panic as well.”

  “Yeah, I know...”

  Honestly, I’d wanted to transform the moment I’d reached Krauhen. If I had, I probably would have made it on time, but people would start thinking something had happened. I hadn’t wanted the residents of Meraldia assuming there was an emergency or anything, though in the end that had resulted in me failing to keep my promise. While going slowly had been necessary considering I was a public official, I still felt guilty.

  “The fact remains that I broke my promise, so won’t you at least gi
ve me an opportunity to make it up to you?”

  “No really, it’s fine. Fufufu.”

  Why do you look so happy?

  Parker and Mao arrived around mid-afternoon.

  “Please don’t leave your attendants behind like that, Lord Veight.”

  “Sorry. But I really wanted to keep my promise to Airia.”

  “I believe I told you to give up on that since there was no way you’d make it in time.”

  I’d known that too. Some simple math had made that much clear. But still, I’d wanted to apologize as soon as possible at least.

  Mao, Parker, and Ryucco had returned with a contingent of kentauros guards, including Thuvan’s current viceroy, Firnir.

  “Hey, Vaito! So you couldn’t make it in time after all, huh?”

  “Why do you sound so happy about that?”

  “Maybe you could have made it if you’d ridden me.”

  “No way. It was practically midnight by the time we reached Thuvan.”

  I worked so hard to finish up my business in Rolmund ahead of time too...

  “If only everyone in Rolmund wasn’t so eager to start a rebellion maybe I could have finished faster...”

  “Do humans really like rebelling that much?”

  “I don’t think they’re doing it because they like it.”

  It was just hard for so many people to live together in a barren land like Rolmund. Thank god we live in Meraldia. Some time later Master teleported into the room with a twirl of her staff.

  “Good grief. I never imagined we would end up going right past each other. Were spatial magic my specialty, I could have located you and teleported to Ryunheit in time, but as it is, preparing a teleport takes up so much time...”

  “I’m pretty sure no one in Meraldia’s more skilled at teleporting than you, Master. I’m sorry I missed you, though.”

  It was only after I’d left Krauhen that I learned Master had headed there to pick me up.

  “Oh yes, I met Woroy while searching for you. He was staying in Vongang.”

  “So he’s still touring Meraldia’s cities, huh?”