by Hyougetsu
I was surprised a pragmatist like Prince Ivan had such a romantic side to him. It truly was a shame that he’d had to die. Ryuunie went on to explain that there’d been a bunch of hubbub when the Knight Lilies around here had all suddenly turned red 30 or so years ago. The superstitious people of North Rolmund had started to fear they’d been placed under some kind of curse.
Though of course, I doubted that was the real reason. In fact, there was something about Ryuunie’s story that stuck out to me. I felt like I’d heard about flowers whose colors changed when they bloomed atop graves back on earth. What were they called again? Oh yeah, now I remember. Hydrangeas. Hydrangea flowers turned blue when the plant grew in acidic soil. As most of Japan’s soil was acidic, the hydrangeas growing naturally on the island were all blue or bluish purple. But if someone wanted red hydrangeas, all they had to do was grow the flowers in alkaline soil. At some point, I’d read a mystery novel where that was a huge plot point. Corpses changed the acidity of the soil around them when they decomposed, and the detective in that novel figured out where a corpse had been buried by noting the one spot that had different-colored hydrangeas. Ryuunie’s story about the dead knight was pretty similar to that.
Furthermore, 30 years ago had been when Lord Doneiks had completed his huge irrigation project, which massively impacted the nearby rivers. It was likely the change in geography had caused a shift in the acidity of the soil as well. On top of that, there were some crops that were better suited to acidic soil than others. For example, rice did just fine even in Japan’s highly acidic soil. On the other hand, wheat crops could not. Barley especially was weak to acid. Considering Rolmund’s staple crop was wheat, the dip in production had been caused by that. Though I couldn’t say anything for certain yet, it was possible I’d just found a solution to the problem that had tortured Prince Ivan.
“Umm, Veight? Is something wrong?”
I crouched down and met Ryuunie’s questioning gaze.
“Thanks to your story, Ryuunie, I’ve discovered something very important.”
“Huh? Y-You did?”
“It’s possible we may be able to solve the agricultural crisis your father was so worried about.”
“I don’t understand how my story helped with that, but do you really mean it!?”
“Yeah. You were a huge help. I need to go meet with Eleora right away.”
Unfortunately, I didn’t know the first thing about agricultural science. After consulting with Eleora, I’d have no choice but to leave the rest in the hands of a specialist. I ordered my werewolves to pluck a few Knight Lily samples to take back with us. We potted the flowers in soil taken from around the garden, so as not to contaminate the samples. Looks like I’ll have a nice souvenir to bring back to Eleora.
After we left, I entrusted all the documents regarding the Bolshevik family to Mao.
“Please go over these documents and analyze and organize them for me. I need to know all the dirt on the Bolsheviks.”
“Very well. I imagine a specialist like Kite would be able to go through these faster, but I suppose I’m a specialist of sorts too.”
A specialist of shady backroom deals, yeah.
“Sorry for pushing this on you, but please get it done as soon as you can.”
Thanks to her significant contributions during this civil war, Eleora’s popularity throughout the empire rose dramatically. The common people saw her as a hero. However, she was too busy dealing with the post-war cleanup to enjoy her newfound fame. Sighing, she stamped her seal onto another missive.
“I can’t believe you’re making me do all this work when I’m just a puppet following the script you laid out.”
“Come now. You’re underestimating yourself, Eleora.”
I retorted with the same phrase Eleora was so fond of using against me. Hell yeah, that was a good comeback. I skimmed over the document she’d just signed and added with a grin, “You’re capable of commanding an army of ten thousand with ease, and everything you do, you do efficiently.”
Her only flaw was that she was lacking in sociability. But after reconciling with her uncle, she’d been getting better at that too. Eleora’s army was disciplined, high in morale, and held in high regard even by the people of North Rolmund and the soldiers who’d surrendered. Unlike her invasion of Meraldia, everything was going well this time. It probably helped that it was easier for her to deal with fellow Rolmundians, especially since she was an imperial princess. Also, she’d learned much about human nature after the bitter defeat she’d suffered in Meraldia. Now she knew how to win people’s loyalty and trust.
“You’re a wise and courageous commander,” Eleora sighed. “Which is precisely why you’re fit for the throne.”
She twirled her pen around her fingers. I used to do the same back in cram school in Japan. Though I never knew pen spinning was an art that crossed worlds.
“Hearing that from you just feels wrong. Besides, Ashley and Woroy are both fit for the throne too. In fact, even Ivan would have been a good emperor.”
The real tragedy was that so many talented men and women had been born into the same generation. And that they’d all had wildly different policies.
“That reminds me, Lord Veight. What are you going to do with Woroy and Ryuunie?”
“Well, for now, I’ll keep them in my custody using my official capacity as a Meraldian diplomat to shield them.”
It would have been great if I could have claimed that they’d just gone into exile, but unlike modernized countries back on Earth, Rolmund wouldn’t let that slide. Besides, it was in Meraldia’s best interests to make it public that they were under my protection. Eleora pulled open her desk drawer and said, “Incidentally, I’ve gathered all the best legalists of the Originia and Kastoniev families. I’ve also investigated past cases, old laws, and the various imperial edicts previous emperors decreed.”
Both the Originia family to which Eleora belonged and the Kastoniev family that her uncle belonged to were reliable, trustworthy allies. Landowning nobles functionally ran their territory like modern-day companies, meaning they needed lawyers and legal experts to advise them. Most nobles kept a few theologians and lawyers on staff in case they got into legal disputes with other houses. And naturally, highly influential families like the Originia family or the Kastoniev family hired only the best. As always, Eleora had met my expectations and exceeded them.
“After conferring with them, they said that this would be our best course of action,” Eleora said. She grabbed a bundle of documents from her drawer and put them on her desk. “Considering there’s no reigning emperor and the rebellion has just been put down.”
“Are you sure we can even do this?” I asked, picking up the documents and leafing through them.
Eleora snickered at the incredulous look on my face.
“Legally, there’s no reason we can’t. No matter what objections people raise, the law says we can. If they try to contest us, I’ll get both families’ lawyers to destroy them in court.”
Well that hardly sounds peaceful...
“There’s a reason they’re called ‘Guardians of the Law’ and ‘Knights of the Pen.’ They use the law like a shield and their pens like spears. In fact, they’re more battle-crazed than soldiers.”
Sounds terrifying. Though her words inspired confidence, she added one quick warning, “Of course, Ashley’s faction won’t take this lying down. They hold the most influence in Rolmund, and they’re convinced that won’t ever change, so they probably believe they’ll get their way.”
“They’re going to be a real pain to deal with.”
“But you came all the way to Rolmund precisely to deal with them, didn’t you?”
“I suppose so.”
I gave her a wry smile. Prince Ashley himself was a good man, but the nobles who supported him were largely self-serving, greedy, and indolent.
“A good chunk of Prince Ashley’s nobles will become a thorn in your side once you become empress. We might
as well identify and eliminate those nobles ahead of time.”
“Indeed. That’s something I want to get out of the way before you return home.” Eleora lowered her gaze for a second, but then looked back up at me. “It’s precisely because you’re not bound by Rolmund’s laws and traditions that you’re such a powerful ally. I’m counting on you, Lord Veight.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll do everything I can to help you. It’s the least I can do considering how much you’ve done for me.”
I bowed my head in gratitude.
“Don’t mention it, Lord Veight. I, too, don’t want to see Woroy and Ryuunie die. Woroy’s like a brother to me, and Ryuunie is still just a child.” Eleora handed me a letter as she spoke. “From the looks of it, Ashley’s of the same mind as us. He, too, wants to spare their lives. Really, he’s too kind for his own good.”
“You’re hardly one to talk.”
It was Eleora’s kindness that had led her to suffer more than anyone else, and eventually caused her to shut her heart off from others. The rest of Prince Ashley’s letter confirmed what I’d suspected. Namely that his nobles were squabbling over who’d get what land. For now, Ashley was firmly maintaining the stance that those who hadn’t contributed at all to his cause deserved nothing. But because of that, many of his supporters were calling for all members of the Doneiks family and Bolshevik family to be slaughtered. They were hoping that by reducing the number of nobles left alive, Prince Ashley would be forced to give them something. The prince sure had it rough keeping his supporters in line.
“By the way, Eleora, do you want to meet with Ryuunie?”
“I’m the woman who killed his father,” Eleora replied, her expression clouding over. “How can I possibly face him? Especially since I can’t apologize due to my position.”
She continued, “I feel like I can sympathize with the actions Lord Doneiks took, if only a little. My uncle must have had a hard time ruling too.”
In the hopes of raising Eleora’s spirits, I decided to bring up the discovery I’d made now.
“Sorry for suddenly changing the topic, but do Knight Lilies grow in East Rolmund too?”
“Hm? Oh, yeah they do. I quite like them. Their striking blue hue calms me.”
I knew it. I grinned. I placed one of the Knight Lilies I’d made bloom on the way here on her desk.
“Look at this. The Knight Lilies in North Rolmund are red. They used to be blue, but over the past thirty years they’ve all turned red.”
Surprised, Eleora picked up the flower. After staring at it for a few seconds, she turned to me.
“Well, that’s surprising.”
“Yeah, I was pretty shocked when I first discovered that as well. However, this Knight Lily is very similar to another flower I know.”
I told Eleora about hydrangeas, which changed color based on the acidity of the soil they were in. I also explained as much as I knew about crops being affected by soil acidity.
“My theory is that North Rolmund’s soil composition has changed over the years.”
“Hmmm... Could Lord Doneiks’ irrigation project have been the cause? The timing matches up.”
I’m surprised you figured that out right away.
“While I have no proof, I believe that’s the case as well. Soil’s composition is affected by water; rain, snow, and even rivers influence it.”
“I see. Hmm, this is quite fascinating. Thank you for bringing me this news.” Eleora bowed her head to me, then smiled ruefully. “It feels like every time you go off and vanish, you come back with miracles in your hands.”
“Isn’t it a bit early to be saying that? We still don’t have any proof.”
Eleora chewed over my words.
“True. Our first priority should be to gather scholars and experts and see what their opinions are. This might be a good opportunity to consolidate our agricultural systems and establish agriculture as a formal field of study, too.”
I should have known an academic would pick an approach like this. Granted, it was a good idea, so there was no reason to object. Besides, reforming the empire was Eleora’s job. I’d be leaving for home soon. I gave Eleora an encouraging smile and said, “If everything goes as planned, you might end up North Rolmund’s savior.”
Eleora returned my smile and replied, “Don’t you mean, you’ll be North Rolmund’s savior?”
“As far as the people of this empire are concerned, I’m nothing more than your vice-commander,” I said. “Meaning the credit belongs to you. Besides, you’re more fit for the role of a savior.”
If I was going to leave anyway, there was no point in letting me have the credit. Sighing, Eleora’s smile turned somewhat gentle.
“Alright, let’s give this a shot. Thanks to this revolutionary news, I might be able to stand toe-to-toe against Ashley even in the realm of agriculture, which is supposed to be his specialty.” She added, “Now then, let’s get Ryuunie’s case sorted out. Once this civil war officially comes to an end, Ashley’ll be crowned emperor, and I’ll lose my authority as a field commander.”
“Alright. In that case, I’ll formally transfer custody of Ryuunie to you for now. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can take him someplace safe.”
I got to my feet and sucked in a deep breath.
“Let’s start shaking things up, partner in crime.”
Eleora chuckled.
“I think you mean ‘Let’s start shaking things up again.’”
Why do you look like you’re enjoying this so much?
* * * *
—Prince Ryuunie’s Departure—
I tried to keep my back as straight as I could in the cold breeze. Father always told me that, “A true man stays resolute even in the face of hardship.” Right now, I was surrounded by soldiers from Eleora’s army. I needed to keep it together, or else...
Eleora and I were meeting in the town square of a small, secluded village. Every time I saw her, Eleora seemed to have a pained expression on her face, and today was no exception.
“Ryuunie. I realize this is sudden, but your sentence has been decided. Are you ready to hear it?”
“Y-Yes.”
Yesterday, while I’d been resting in the Meraldian army’s camp, one of Eleora’s soldiers came and brought me here. Uncle Barnack hadn’t been allowed to come with me. And while all of Eleora’s soldiers had treated me with kindness, I was still worried. Veight wasn’t here. I really wanted to see him again, but I hadn’t been able to meet with him since we’d returned from my mother’s mansion. Had Veight deceived me after all? But he’s not the kind of person to do that... Regardless, I needed to remain dignified no matter what the sentence was. I met Eleora’s eyes and quietly waited for the verdict. She unfurled a long scroll and declared in a loud voice, “Using my authority as temporary wartime commander, I, Eleora Kastoniev Originia Rolmund, hereby sentence Ryuunie Bolshevik Doneiks Rolmund to exile for the crime of high treason.”
Exile, huh? I expected that sentence considering Eleora had brought me to this remote village. Still, the announcement came as a shock. At least if I’d been sentenced to beheading or death by poison, I wouldn’t have had to suffer. But I had no idea how to take exile with good grace. Ignoring my shock, Eleora continued, “From this moment onwards, you are stripped of the protections Rolmund’s laws afford, as well as the mercy of Sonnenlicht. Do you understand what this means?”
“Y-Yes.”
My voice trembled. No one would come save me, and I was barred entry from any and all towns and cities. Even if someone killed me, they wouldn’t be punished for it. On the other hand, anyone who tried to save me would receive a harsh sentence. When I died, no one would bury me or build a grave for me. I was lower than even a slave, who were still at least protected by Rolmund’s laws. Father had told me all about how harsh a punishment exile was. But Eleora wasn’t done talking yet.
“As the custom of stripping the exiled of all their clothes is nothing more than a custom, we will forego
that punishment this time. Likewise, you will not be doused with cold water before being cast out.”
Is this her way of showing mercy? I was a little relieved, since it seemed I’d be able to leave the town with my dignity as a prince intact. Plus, I wasn’t good with the cold. Of course I was still scared, but as a man of the Doneiks family, I would leave with my head held high. Otherwise Father and Grandfather would be disappointed in me.
“Th-Th-Thank you for your kindness!”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop myself from tripping over my words. I was still scared, after all.
Once she finished her proclamation, Eleora’s expression softened.
“Do you have any last requests, Ryuunie?” she asked. “So long as it’s not clemency, I’ll grant any request within my power.”
I’d like another coat, I think. But while that thought flitted through my mind, I nevertheless asked for something more important.
“P-Please don’t punish my retainers or the people living on Doneiks lands! They had nothing to do with this!”
Father had taught me that no matter what happened, it was my duty to protect my people. A noble who couldn’t beg for mercy on behalf of his subjects was no noble at all. Eleora nodded.
“Very well. Your request has been granted. I hereby swear not to punish the vassals of the Doneiks family, or the serfs living on your lands.”
Thank goodness... With this, I’d fulfilled my duty. I bowed my head to Eleora.
“I-I’ll be taking my leave then.”
As solemnly as I could, I raised my head and walked away. Though I tried to maintain a dignified appearance, I was scared of the soldiers around me so I did my best not to look at them. If any of them wanted to kill me, they could do so right now and not worry about being judged. I held back my desire to break into a run and slowly passed under the gates of the small town.
A dark forest spread out in front of me. A tiny trail cut through it, but I had no idea where it led. I wanted to turn back, but I knew that I couldn’t. I had to look strong, resolute. Still, where am I supposed to go now?
