by Hyougetsu
I guess I’m not a soldier at heart. Shrugging, I replied, “I’m not interested in wars between humans. I’m a werewolf, after all.”
“Is that how it is?”
“That’s how it is.”
I hope I managed to fool him.
Eleora left behind multiple small garrisons to ensure the safety of the towns and castles she’d conquered. It was thanks to them that we were able to reach Kinjarl Castle without fear of being assaulted on the way. The principal castle of the Doneiks family stood at the peak of a particularly precipitous mountain. All of the nearby towns were part of the Doneiks’ domain, but Eleora had long since subjugated them. After learning that Eleora was stationed at the front lines, Mao and I waded into her camp to look for her.
“It’s been a while, Lord Veight.”
The weeks of fierce fighting had turned Eleora into a hardened veteran. Her imposing demeanor created a stark contrast with her striking looks.
“I see you’ve become even more of a warrior in our short time apart, Eleora.”
I felt kind of bad for taking it easy at the rear now. However, Eleora just smiled ruefully and said, “Who do you think I have to thank for that? You’ve been racking up so many exemplary achievements in the rear that I’ve needed to become more bold just to avoid losing face.”
Really? While we were talking, the younger nobles supporting Eleora started gathering around us. The shining suits of armor they’d departed in were now covered in scrapes and dents. They looked like real soldiers now, instead of children playing pretend.
“Lord Veight, it’s been far too long!”
“Congratulations on capturing Prince Woroy!”
“We’ve been protecting Her Highness Princess Eleora with all our might!”
Everyone looks so experienced now. War brought out facets of people that would otherwise never come to the fore. Among Eleora’s supporters, there were nobles who’d defeated enemy generals in single combat, nobles who’d toppled fortresses with just their squad of personal soldiers, and nobles who’d single-handedly convinced supporters of the Doneiks family to change loyalties. Yet others had shown they were exceptionally proficient in the more mundane tasks of running an army, such as managing supply lines or governing conquered territory. All of these nobles would make for good candidates for important posts in Eleora’s new government.
“I see you’re all serving Princess Eleora well. It’s because of your efforts that I can rest easy.”
Everyone gave me dubious looks. No really, I’ve been taking it easy. The only reason I could focus on Prince Woroy was because I was confident Eleora’s army wouldn’t mess up.
“Oi, Lekomya...”
“Yeah, I know. We got ahead of ourselves.”
“Petty achievements like these aren’t nearly enough to satisfy Lord Veight.”
“We should have strove even harder.”
Things are going well guys, you don’t need to force yourselves. Eleora cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention, then said, “It seems your bad habit has reared its head again, Lord Veight?”
“What bad habit?”
Eleora took a few steps toward me and replied with a frown, “Your bad habit of downplaying your achievements and abilities. In fact, it seems to me like it’s gotten worse.”
I felt like that couldn’t be the case, but if both Woroy and Eleora were saying it, there might be a kernel of truth to their words. In retrospect, the old Demon Lord used to say that to me all the time too.
“Well...I guess I can’t deny it, if that’s what everyone says.”
“Then why not admit it? You should be proud of your achievements for once.”
Hmm... I’d only gotten this far thanks to the knowledge I’d inherited from my previous life, as well as my skills as a werewolf. Not only that, I’d been blessed with an exceptional magic teacher, and both my superiors and my subordinates were all highly competent. Given all of these advantages, anyone could accomplish what I had. None of these momentous achievements were due to my own merit. Yeah, I don’t really see what I should be proud of. Seeing my expression, Eleora sighed.
“It seems to me that you have your own standards by which you judge yourself. And that those standards are incredibly high.”
“You...might be right there.”
Eleora nodded to me, then dismissed her nobles.
“We will be holding a war council soon. Be sure that you’ve completed the tasks assigned to you by then.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Once we were alone, Eleora sighed and offered me a chair.
“I know more about you than most people here, which is why I have to ask. Are you hiding something from me?”
I gave a little start. She’s sharp. Eleora placed two teacups in front of us, then peered into my eyes.
“You were born deep in the forest and protected your village from monsters multiple times. Later, you started learning magic and joined the demon army, after which you conquered Ryunheit. Correct?”
“Yeah.”
Man, that takes me back.
“From there you convinced the city to join the demon army, and eventually brought all of southern Meraldia onto your side. I tried to rally the north to subjugate your new nation, but you defeated me, took me prisoner, and unified Meraldia.”
“That’s right.”
Most of that happened just recently, but it felt like the events of a decade ago. Eleora sighed again.
“Meaning you’ve won more battles in the span of a year than most generals do in a lifetime. Normally, people with your level of success would let it get to their head. And even if they didn’t, they’d at least be proud of what they’d achieved.”
Thinking back on it, it really was a miracle that everything worked out as well as it did. Granted, most of that was thanks to other people and not me. Before I could dwell on the past any longer, Eleora leaned close and asked, “So why is it that you keep insisting that none of these achievements are your own?”
“Please stop reading my mind.”
Yeah, she’s really sharp. More importantly, she never backed down.
“This excessive humility of yours is something that could only have been beaten into you by someone else. But from what I know of your past, that’s never happened. Something’s not adding up here.”
Damn, she’s one step away from figuring out I’ve been reincarnated. Back in my old life I... Actually, nevermind. I don’t wanna remember it. Sweating profusely, I answered, “I don’t wish to lie to you Eleora, so please don’t ask any more probing questions.”
I could probably come up with some half-assed lie, but I doubted it’d get past Eleora anyway. Eleora gave me a sad smile and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize.”
There was no harm in telling Eleora the truth, but it would be difficult to get her to believe me. But more importantly, I just didn’t want to recall my past. Eleora silently pushed one teacup toward me. It was tea she’d brewed herself.
“Thank you,” I said with a slight nod.
I took a small sip as memories I tried not to think about whirled around my head. Noticing my glum expression, Eleora said, “You’re someone who only looks forward. Someone who has no interest in past glories and victories. The only thing on your mind is what you need to accomplish next. I’ll pretend that’s all there is to it.”
“Thank you...”
To be honest, this wasn’t really the time for painful reminiscences anyway. We were in the middle of a war.
“Incidentally, Eleora, I’d like to talk to you about what I want to accomplish next. I’d like to save Prince Ryuunie’s life.”
Eleora sighed again.
“The moment I heard you were coming, I figured that would be the case. Even if you do, it’ll be difficult to convince Ashley to spare him.”
“I know. But that was Woroy’s condition for cooperating with me. I su
ppose there are no downsides to breaking my word, but for the sake of my own conscience, as well as your honor, I’d like to keep my promise.”
Knowing what I did of Rolmund, as well as Earth’s own history, there was no precedent for sparing the life of a rebel’s son. However Prince Ryuunie wasn’t guilty of anything, nor was he responsible for stopping his father’s plots. It was simply unfair that he’d have to die for Prince Ivan’s crimes. I gulped down my tea and gave Eleora a wicked grin.
“If we manage to keep him alive, we’ll be able to plunge Rolmund into even further chaos. Don’t forget, that’s the real reason I’m here.”
With this, I had a perfect excuse to want to save Prince Ryuunie. I just had to play the part of the villainous advisor, manipulating the hapless princess into bringing further strife to the empire. I’m pretty good at acting like a bad guy, if I do say so myself. But despite my explanation, Eleora smiled.
“You really never change, do you?”
Wait, what?
“You’re always like this... Though I suppose that’s why I can trust you.”
Seriously, what are you talking about? Eleora traced the rim of her teacup with her finger and added, “If you’re serious about this, then it’s not like I can stop you anyway. So as your sworn ally, I may as well support you. I’ll gather all of the legal experts from the Originia family that I brought with me. Once you’ve saved him, I’ll argue his case for you.”
“Thank you. I’m in your debt, Eleora.”
Within Rolmund, everyone believed Eleora was my boss. So it would be a huge help to have her backing my plan. I got to my feet and said, “Once this battle is over, our battle with Prince Ashley’s faction will begin. Bringing the remnants of the Doneiks family onto our side will help us down the line.”
Though I said that, I wasn’t at all sure they’d actually be any help. If anything, they were potential sources of rebellion. Still, I’d do my best to make sure they served Eleora’s cause. I had a responsibility to Eleora, to Woroy, and to Meraldia to make sure they did. To be honest, I was drowning under so much responsibility that I really didn’t have time to be reminiscing about my past life.
The Doneiks family’s final fortress, the impregnable Kinjarl Castle, was on fire. And I was inside it.
“Impossible...Lord Veight!?”
Prince Ivan was staring at me in shock. In the short time I hadn’t seen him, he’d grown quite haggard. It seemed his health really was suffering. Though even if he hadn’t been sick, his days were still numbered.
“It has been quite some time, Prince Ivan.”
I bowed to Prince Ivan, electing not to draw my sword out of its scabbard.
“Ngh...”
Prince Ivan glanced around him, but his followers were nowhere to be seen. They had all surrendered or been killed. Turning his gaze back to me, the prince asked, “Lord Veight, how did you get in here?”
“Through your secret passage, Your Highness.”
Using Eleora’s new Dowsing Gems, we’d examined every single hollow cavity around Kinjarl Castle. After an exhaustive search, we’d finally discovered the underground passage we were searching for. Unfortunately, the passage was a baffling labyrinth. Not only had the hidden path been rife with traps, but it had even been protected by magical golems, a rare contraption. Had it not been for the enhanced strength and heightened senses my werewolf form gave me, I wouldn’t have been able to navigate it safely. Prince Ivan sighed.
“To think you even managed to discover the castle’s secret passage. Not only that, you were able to find your way through it alone. You’ve bested me, Lord Veight.”
“Oh, you flatter me.”
If I wanted to kill Prince Ivan, I could do it in two seconds if I transformed. But I hadn’t come here to assassinate him. Hell, he’d probably keel over in a few days without me having to do anything. I walked over to the commander of the opposing army and stood at his side. Without a word, I turned to the open window. Numerous flags fluttered in the courtyard down below. Most of them bore Eleora’s crest. Over the course of this ferocious northern campaign, the majority of Prince Ashley’s army had switched sides and sworn allegiance to Eleora instead. It made sense, considering Eleora’s army had a much higher survival rate.
“What a view, Lord Veight.”
“What a view indeed. And the only people here to see it are you and me.”
I smiled, and Prince Ivan smiled weakly back at me.
“True... But why haven’t you killed me?”
My expression became serious, and I turned to meet Prince Ivan’s gaze.
“There’s something I wanted to ask you. Why were you in such a hurry to start this rebellion?”
“Surely you’ve realized by now. I don’t have much time left. And among Rolmund’s royalty, I’m the only one who understands the crisis this empire faces. This rebellion was my only chance at steering the empire away from a course of ruin.”
Humans had a bad habit of ignoring crises until those crises were staring them in the face. Especially when those crises concerned their own futures. Ivan’s smile grew sad.
“I believed I had the troops necessary to take the crown by force. But I misjudged the Originia family’s and Eleora’s...no, your strength, Lord Veight. I never imagined you would be able to turn the tables so handily.”
Prince Ivan walked away from the window and fell into his sofa. His breathing was unsteady. He waved for me to join him, so I also sat down.
“You were planning on using blitzkrieg tactics to overwhelm Prince Ashley’s army before he could drag the war out and use his superior resources to grind you down through attrition, right? I just made sure the war did drag out.”
It was only because I’d dragged things on that Woroy had been pressured into challenging me to a one-on-one duel, resulting in his total surrender. The flames surrounding the castle had grown stronger, and wisps of smoke started coming into the room from the open window. There was enough that even a human’s nose could pick up on the burning scent. But despite the imminent danger, the two of us continued conversing calmly. Sighing, Prince Ivan brought a hand up to his forehead.
“My brother died because of how gravely I misjudged your strength. I suppose it’s at least some consolation that he fell at the hands of a famous general such as you.”
It appeared Prince Ivan didn’t know I’d taken his brother prisoner. Smiling, I shook my head.
“Fear not. Woroy is still alive.”
“Truly!?”
Prince Ivan looked up at me in shock, and I grinned at him.
“Indeed. He is formally under my protection as a guest.”
“Why would you do something so dangerous as to keep him alive?”
“Because he can be useful to me. I have a policy of not killing people with value.”
If Rolmund was just going to kill him, then I’d let him work for me in Meraldia. Rolmund’s nobles could complain all they wanted; I wasn’t Rolmundian and so didn’t have to follow their laws. Which was why I could make this promise to Prince Ivan with confidence.
“I swear on my honor as a Meraldian councilor that I, Veight Gerun Friedensrichter, will keep Woroy safe.”
“Oh...”
Tears formed in the corners of Prince Ivan’s eyes. He must have been really worried about his brother. This seemed like a good opportunity to bring up the reason I was here.
“I am also planning on saving the life of Prince Ryuunie, your son. Where is he?”
Prince Ivan gave me a sad smile.
“Moments ago, I sent him out of the castle together with Ser Barnack via an escape route. Of course, I’m certain pursuers will reach him before long. But even though I knew it was pointless, I still wanted to extend his life for as long as possible.”
I must have just missed him then. If only I hadn’t gotten lost at that one part...
“Fear not. I will rescue Prince Ryuunie. Even if it means opposing Princess Eleora.”
Surprised, Prince Ivan scr
utinized my expression.
“I’m grateful you’d go so far for my son, but why? Unlike my brother, he has no value to you.”
He had a point. I decided to answer honestly.
“It’s true that he will be of no use to me in the current war. And even in the battles to come, he will be nothing but a burden.”
The Doneiks were already ruined, and Ryuunie wouldn’t help me take down Prince Ashley at all.
“However, he will become a potent trump card much later in the future. That’s all there is to it.”
Having Ryuunie under my protection after this series of civil wars was over would give me a huge political advantage. Probably, anyway... Prince Ivan narrowed his eyes, trying to discern the veracity of my words from my expression.
“I see. But is that really all? I may be on death’s door, but I am no fool, Astral Fencer.”
He truly was the heir to the Doneiks line. His acumen was not to be underestimated. Fine, I guess I can tell you.
“Well, seeing as you’re not long for this world, I suppose I can at least give you some peace of mind by telling you the truth.” Grinning, I said plainly, “I dislike seeing children die.”
Still scrutinizing my expression, Prince Ivan asked in a confused voice, “That’s the only reason?”
“It is.”
Prince Ivan sighed.
“It’s strange. Thinking about it logically, that answer should be a lie, yet it doesn’t feel like you’re lying to me.”
That’s because I’m not. Those are my true feelings. So long as I drew breath, I refused to let any children die under my watch. Prince Ivan got to his feet.
“Thank you for being honest with me. Wait here a moment, Lord Veight. Don’t worry, I won’t run.”
I nodded to the prince, and he vanished into an adjoining room. In less than a minute, he returned. Held in his hands was an ornamental wooden knight. It had been made using the famous wooden parquetry of North Rolmund. The knight resembled a knight piece in Shougo. Though the decorative figure was clearly old, it had been crafted with exquisite skill. Prince Ivan smiled at me.
