Unification of the South

by Hyougetsu

  I was exaggerating somewhat, but I wanted Shatina to feel proud. Seeing as tears were welling up in her eyes, my plan must have worked.

  “Thank you, Sir Veight. I...”

  She trailed off, at a loss for words. I could tell she was trying to say something proper and viceroy-like, so I gently patted her head.

  “It’s okay, you don’t have to force yourself to act dignified.”

  Shatina hung her head, clutched her father’s armor, and started sobbing.

  Once she’d calmed down, we worked together with the city’s garrison to complete the arduous task of rooting out all the spies hidden in Zaria. While the fake official I’d beaten up had told us everything he knew, it was possible there were other teams he hadn’t informed us of. As I’d thought, we found a few other suspicious soldiers the official hadn’t informed us about. We threw them all in jail and left interrogating them to the city’s troops. While we were running about the city, someone snuck into the official’s cell and poisoned him. My guess was one of his own comrades had killed him to keep him from spilling any more secrets. He deserved the death he got, but I wish I’d been able to interrogate him some more before he was killed.

  “That traitor! He betrayed the trust my father placed in him when he appointed him to that post! I wish I’d been able to slit his throat with my own two hands!” Shatina shouted, her eyes burning with hatred. I quietly warned her, “I suspect he was working for the Senate to begin with, so in that respect, you can’t exactly call him a traitor. Besides, you have more important matters to attend to than personally dispatching every single underling involved in your father’s death. Don’t forget, your real enemy is the Senate.”

  “Yet...”

  “If you get too heated up, you’ll only end up hurting yourself.”

  At that, my werewolves gave me an incredulous look.

  “I don’t think you’ve got any right to say that, boss...”

  “You’re the most hot-blooded soldier in the demon army.”

  “No one else charges enemy armies alone like that.”

  I turned back to Shatina with a rueful smile.

  “See what I mean? This is what I get for being too hot-blooded. I work myself to the bone for these guys and they just complain.”

  At that, Shatina chuckled. She’d been looking down since the battle ended, so I was glad she was regaining her vigor. After she got her laughter under control Shatina glared reproachfully at me.

  “Sir Veight, that was just mean.”

  “First I’m too hot-blooded, now I’m mean? I just can’t catch a break, huh? No matter, right now we need to focus on restructuring Zaria’s defenses.”

  Just as I said that, one of Zaria’s soldiers ran up to Shatina.

  “There’s another army approaching us from the east, my lord! This one’s comprised entirely of cavalry and is almost a thousand strong!”

  “A thousand!?”

  Shatina began to panic.

  “Wh-What is their affiliation!?”

  “They’re flying Meraldia’s flag, my lord!”

  Shit, are we gonna have to fight another army? Before I could give out any orders, Airia returned and clarified the situation.

  “It’s true that they’re flying Meraldia’s flags, but the soldiers are also flying Shardier and Veira’s flags as well. At least one portion of that army belongs to Shardier.”

  “I suppose that means Aram’s negotiations were a success.”

  I was thinking of sending a scout to observe the situation for a while longer just in case, but then another messenger burst into the room.

  “Veira’s viceroy and Shardier’s viceroy have sent reinforcements! Veira has sent us six hundred cavalry, while Shardier has brought two hundred horse archers!”

  Looks like I won’t have to play volleyball with another round of catapults after all.

  I welcomed the allied Veira-Shardier army into Zaria without incident. With this, we were safe for now. Shatina and Airia were currently talking to the two viceroys who’d come with the army. I waited until the customary pleasantries and condolences were likely over with, then hurried over to the audience hall.

  “My apologies for arriving late, ladies and gentlemen.”

  “It’s been a long time, Sir Veight.”

  Aram didn’t look too different from when I’d last seen him, but he had lost some weight. He must be having it rough. Veira’s viceroy appeared to be a young man in his late twenties. He was both handsome and tall, and his intricately patterned armor complimented his figure. However, when he spoke, his voice surprised me.

  “My, what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance.”

  It sounded surprisingly feminine. But at the same time, there was a depth to his voice. He seemed unconcerned by my reaction and casually introduced himself.

  “I am Forne Fom Foenheim, Viceroy of the city of beauty and craftsmanship, Veira. It is an honor to meet you.”

  There were so many fos in his name that all I heard was fofofo. Also, his speech style didn’t match his appearance at all. A little put off, I nonetheless courteously returned his greeting.

  “Nice to meet you. I am the Demon Lord Gomoviroa’s Vice-Commander, Veight.”

  Now that the demon army has begun to interact more with humans, we decided that we would make the position of Demon Lord hereditary. For that reason, we’d begun referring to the Demon Lord as Demon Lord Gomoviroa when speaking about her to other people. In doing so, we reinforced the idea that even after she retired there’d be someone else after her to inherit the title. It was a message to other humans that no matter how many Demon Lords they killed, there’d always be another to take their place.

  Fortunately, since the old Demon Lord had been quite secretive, we’d never publicly referred to him as Demon Lord Friedensrichter. Furthermore, he’d had almost no contact with humans. Thanks to that, most humans were unaware that a Demon Lord by the name of Friedensrichter had ever existed. Nor were they aware that the current Demon Lord had inherited her position. I was planning on eventually recording Friedensrichter’s name in history books, but for now his existence was being kept secret.

  That aside, this effeminate viceroy had quite the presence. However, it wasn’t fair to judge him based on first impressions, and regardless courtesy was a virtue.

  “It’s an honor to meet the viceroy of the famous city of craftsmen. You have my deepest gratitude for coming to Zaria’s aid.”

  Forne’s expression clouded over when I mentioned Zaria.

  “When Lord Aram told me that Lord Melgio was in peril, I rushed over as quickly as I could. However, I was unable to make it in time. You have my humblest apologies. ’Tis a shame Veira’s beautiful honor guard missed their time to shine.”

  “This is an honor guard?”

  From what I could tell, they were just regular knights. While it was true their equipment, from their armor to their harnesses, looked needlessly flashy, their weapons seemed anything but ceremonial. Furthermore, the troops looked seasoned. It was hard to believe they just stood and looked important all day. In fact, they seemed the best-equipped unit I’d seen out of any of the human armies. They were also the unit that best matched my mental image of medieval knights. Seeing my confusion, Aram smiled knowingly.

  “Veira is only officially allowed a garrison of two hundred men, but they have recruited hundreds more by claiming the rest are a ceremonial honor guard. They sometimes hire out their extra forces to cities who need them.”

  And Meraldia lets them get away with that? Forne smiled and added, “By allowing Veira’s elegant honor guard to perform parades at ceremonies, Meraldia can advertise their magnanimity. Furthermore, it is Veira which designs the Meraldian nobles’ crests, mansions, and clothes.”

  I see now, they can’t afford to anger Veira because of how important it is culturally. No wonder they let the city get away with having a few hundred extra soldiers. In the aftermath of the Meraldian Unification War, Veira opened its doors to a
ll displaced artists and craftsmen, and offered them the workshops and studios they needed to do their work. As a result, famous craftsmen from every trade migrated to Veira after the war. Once he finished explaining all that, Forne smiled.

  “While our proximity to the north means the threat of war is always looming, it also means we can attract capable personnel as well. At the very least, that was how the viceroy before last saw it.”

  Looks like Veira’s citizens are pretty hardy too. I needed to make sure Forne understood us demons weren’t just a hodgepodge of barbaric monsters.

  “While the demon army is a coalition of demons, naturally we also value human culture and art. I would be glad if we could take this opportunity to learn about each other’s customs.”

  Demon societies had plenty of culture of their own, like the canines’ silverwork. I’m sure there’s something humans can learn from our culture, too. Forne looked me over.

  “I’d heard you were a butcher of a werewolf who’d slaughtered four hundred soldiers and ripped apart the Hero with your fangs. To be honest, I was expecting someone far more... ferocious. However, you’re surprisingly agreeable, and handsome to boot.”

  Handsome? I was just a simple country boy who’d come from the forest. Forne paced around me in a circle, appraising my outfit and posture.

  “Quite handsome indeed... Leaving your looks hidden behind obscurity would be an utter shame. You should make public appearances more often, as a way of advertising the demon army.”

  Who does this guy think he is, spouting all this crap? He barely even knows me! My feelings must have shown on my face as Forne smiled apologetically and waved his hand.

  “Oh my, how rude of me. My apologies, my job is to sell works of art such as yourself, so whenever I find a worthy specimen, I tend to get ahead of myself.”

  I sarcastically bit back, “Is it also your job to tell plain-looking boring men that they’re agreeable and handsome?”

  Forne nodded with a grin.

  “Yes, yes indeed! You’ll make for a wonderful verbal sparring partner.”

  Nothing fazes this guy, huh?

  “A skilled diplomat must be capable of selling not only art, but also talented personnel. Why do you think I converse in such an exaggerated manner? As the leader of the most artistic city on the continent, I must leave a lasting impression on those I meet, no?”

  So it’s like how a comedian creates a persona. Though I had a feeling his particular persona wasn’t the best choice. Personally, when someone mentioned the words “effeminate man” I thought of those burly dudes who enjoyed cross-dressing and were far more intelligent than their appearance suggested. But in this world, it seemed no such stereotype existed. In a way, Forne seemed to have transcended gender. Either way, we were both men who were forced to create a persona because of our respective positions, so I felt a kinship with Forne.

  “As a fellow leader, I understand your struggle.”

  “Ufufu, splendid.” Forne nodded to himself a few times. “If the demon army is willing to help Veira grow and prosper, then naturally Veira is more than willing to do the same for the demon army. As the city’s viceroy, I give you my solemn vow that we will repay kindness in kind.”

  “You have my gratitude. I will do everything in my power to assist Veira’s growth and keep it and its culture safe.”

  Though, uhh, could you tone down the high-pitched laughter? I didn’t bother asking him out loud since I knew he wouldn’t though. Forne responded with a smile, but a second later his expression clouded over.

  “However, I suppose this means Veira’s art will only be appreciated by the southern half of the continent now.”

  Oh, you were worried about that?

  “Oh no, you’re free to continue exporting goods to the north even after declaring independence from Meraldia. My goal in allying with you is to protect your interests, not restrict them.”

  “Huh!? Are you certain!?”

  “If Veira stops supplying goods to the north, one of the northern cities will inevitably rise up to take its place. If that happens, Veira’s influence over the north will wane, and that would be bad for us as well.”

  If the north began developing its own culture, it would weaken the influence of Veira’s. And that wasn’t something the demon army wanted.

  “The demon army wishes for Veira to remain the cultural center of all Meraldia. I know full well that sometimes art can be more powerful than swords.”

  Forne’s eyes lit up in excitement.

  “So you do understand! I see you are a man of culture as well! I am overjoyed that Veira’s allies have such foresight!”

  “Could you please let go of me?”

  Being hugged by such a handsome and flamboyant man made me fear for my chastity. Yep, culture’s scary, alright.

  ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

  —The Senate’s Clandestine Conversation—

  “Let us begin this top secret meeting of Senate officials. Gentlemen, take your seats.”

  “How did the Zaria operation fare?”

  “Melgio has been dealt with. I’m sure that stubborn fool is regretting his decisions in the afterlife.”

  “His daughter, Shatina, should be easy to control. Driving a wedge between her and the demon army will be no trouble at all.”

  “Pinning the assassination of Melgio onto the demon army should be an easy enough task.”

  “And if our assassins fail to effectively frame the demon army, then they simply have to erase Shatina as well. After all, it is the Senate who holds the power to appoint new viceroys. We have plenty of loyal puppets ready to take her place.”

  “However, isn’t it possible that the citizens of Zaria might revolt and join the demon army?”

  “It is, but we sent our army to the city to strengthen our hold on the city.”

  “The fortress city Vongang’s catapults should have no trouble silencing Zaria’s residents should they choose to revolt.”

  “Conquering a city that has no walls is child’s play.”

  “Permission to take the floor? I’ve received a new report from the squad that infiltrated Zaria.”

  “Splendid. What have they done with Shatina?”

  “It would appear... the demon army successfully protected her from our assassins, and she escaped with her life intact. After receiving that report, our scouts lost contact with the spies we planted in the city.”

  “What is the meaning of this!?”

  “If she escaped, that means she is aware we orchestrated the attempt on her life.”

  “But we dispatched over a hundred assassins to the city! How could our scouts have lost contact with all of them!?”

  “It’s highly unlikely that they defected to the demon army. Meaning they were all...”

  “Impossible!”

  “Do not be so quick to dismiss the notion. The diplomat the demon army sent is that infamous werewolf.”

  “His name is Veight, correct?”

  “That werewolf is a heinous monster.”

  “What are you all so afraid of? Our army has already departed for the city with catapults in tow. If Zaria has fallen into demon hands, we need simply raze it to the ground to set an example for the rest of the south.”

  “Will conquering the city truly prove so simple if that werewolf is defending it?”

  “I have already prepared countermeasures for him. I take it you gentlemen have heard of the Master Fencer Volsaav?”

  “The man who uses that massive greatsword?”

  “He was considered as one of the candidates for the Ranhart plan, was he not?”

  “Correct. I bestowed upon him the enchanted sword Werewolfsbane. He has orders to hunt down the werewolf vice-commander if he sees him on the battlefield.”

  “But Werewolfsbane is Krauhen’s viceroy’s prized heirloom. How did you convince him to loan it to you?”

  “I didn’t. I used the Senate’s authority to requisition it from him.”

  “Don’t you t
hink that might have been... somewhat rash?”

  “Whatever do you mean? Viceroys are servants of the Senate. It would not do for them to forget that fact.”

  “Hmph. Well, if things go well I suppose we can just return the sword once the battle is over. If necessary, we can confer an award onto the viceroy to smooth things over politically as well.”

  “I bear urgent news!”

  “What could possibly be so urgent that you need to interrupt this meeting!?”

  “Our army failed to capture Zaria!”

  “What!?”

  “Unbelievable! I demand an explanation!”

  “According to the report I received, a lone werewolf by the name of Veight repelled our forces. Supposedly neither catapults nor bows could harm him, and the army was forced to retreat.”

  “Ridiculous! A mere messenger like you may not be aware of this, but werewolves are hunters by nature. They shouldn’t possess the strength to face an army of two thousand in a direct confrontation!”

  “Yet...”

  “Besides, what happened to Volsaav!? A man of his caliber should have been capable of besting any werewolf in single combat!”

  “A-About that... Master Volsaav died in combat. He challenged Veight to a duel, but was slain in a single blow.”

  “Incompetent bastard! Tell me you at least managed to recover his blade!”

  “I’m afraid not. When the army retreated, they left most of their equipment behind, including the eight catapults. We believe the demon army recovered most of that equipment.”

  “What a farce! Strip the commanders of their positions!”

  “Calm yourself. Now is not the time to be punishing our allies. Our plan has splendidly backfired, and we need to formulate countermeasures.”

  “You’re right. We must reorganize the army and prepare another campaign. Do we own any more catapults in working condition?”

  “Of course not! How many decades do you think it’s been since the unification war?”

  “Then I suppose we must conscript more soldiers from the northern cities.”