Vol 5 Chapter 3 (1/2)
Chapter 3: Inside of Hope
After the surrender of the Divine City of Elon, the Gastark Ean its advancement to the Geihlficlant Empire
Around the same time, Ryner continued to further advance his postition
Currently Ryner, riding the carriage prepared by the Republic of Belis, continued heading north to the Geihlficlant Empire
The carriage was suprisingly spacious; riding inside including Ryner were, Toale, Kiefer, Ferris, Vois, and said to be the Vois's close aide, the female soldier in black armor Fixed to the center was a table they surrounded and yet there still was space leftover
On the table were three maps spreaded out They were prepared by Vois,the state of affairs, es, rivers, up to the naure of th
Including Vois's movement plans from hereafter, these three maps were laid out
While studying the brief th, Ryner ran over in his head the current situation of the continent that Vois infor the road
Just by exarasp almost all of the circumstances
The first is the Gastark Empire that has completely unified the northern continent
Another is the Roland Eulfed the entirety of the southern continent
And then in theall of the southern continent's combined territories, were three massive countries —
— The Geihlficlant Empire, the Republic of Ertolia, and the Remrus Empire, known as the three major countries of the middle continent
Apparently, at the mercy of thesmaller countries
Well for now, even putting aside Roland and Gastark, in a situation like this, with the three major countries so immense, the smaller countries would have to become vassal states or they will be soon crushed
So even the alleged Anti-Roland Coalition organization formed by Vois, centered in the Republic of Belis, is no exception and was backed up by a major power
By the hen the coalition was just created they originally had the Remrus Empire's backup; however at Vois's decision, they rejected their assistance and are now searching for a new lead
So now, they are continuing the negotiations with the Geihlficlant E and yet,
”Those guys fro in the way”
Vois said
In other words, the Anti-Roland Coalition arets the support of the Geihlficlant Empire
To that, Ryner faced Vois,
”So youabout the 'Azure Princess'?”
Nodding, Vois answered,
”Thats right You are acquainted with the leader of the 'Azure Princess'
”And you're keeping the identity froht? Just who is it, and why the heck wont you tell me?” asked Ryner
”It's not like I' it fros we had to do and I couldn't find the right ti to tell you,” replied Vois
Well, there was that too, nodded Ryner
Certainly there was a s to do the last teeks, and it was quite tiresome
To start with, they just couldn't keep ees from Nelpha, and would the Republic of Belis accept the about mostly because of this
Toale who just recently had his prosthetic aric still cant use it well, yet he participated in the negotiation with the leaders of the Belis Republic for several days and nights
To the point Toale became completely exhausted
Although negotiations caees were accepted into Belis as official citizens This brought up the problem of what to do with the soldiers that followed Toale up to this point
If the soldiers cannot just enter thetheir Nelphian nationality, then under which power should they go to? Would they reht with the onco Roland army? Or should they disband for now and join the Anti-Roland Coalition ar that they will not follow anyone other than Toale-sama and Major Seruesu Then where does Toale and Seruesu stand? ”If you guys treat Toale-saive you!” -kind of volatile at the soldiers
Somehow, the discussion took a further four more days
In conclusion, Toale was accepted as an executive staff of the Anti-Roland Coalition, and former Major Kazaaru Seruesu, as a direct subordinate of Toale, was given the ranking of Major General
Well, even if you say executive staff orsince it's not clear just what kind of organization the Anti-Roland Coalition is However, because Toale was received with a favorable treatave consent
And so, currently led by Major General Seruesu the soldiers, taking a different route than Ryner's group, are also heading towards Geihlficlant Incidentally, Ferris's little sister Iris, Arua, and Kuku are also traveling with that group Well, anyhow setting that aside
Facing Vois, Toale said,
”Nevertheless, no matter how ive us a proper explanation at all Although I am thankful the Anti-Roland Coalition has accepted the Nelphian soldiers and citizens, just what kind of organization are you? You call yourself Anti-Roland yet why did you send our Nelphian soldiers to Geihlficlant? Shouldn't they be fighting the Roland ar north?”
There was much more to it Toale had left the people who followed him up to the Republic of Belis If the Roland army were to attack Belis now, the citizens would be sacrificed along with the the citizens desperately across the countries less
Obviously, it would be better for the Anti-Roland Coalition ar north Even if it's not so—
As Ryner developed his thoughts, whether Toale thought the same, he continued
”Even if it is not so, the soldiers are exhausted Attacked by the Roland troops, losing many co foward day and night to this point Despite this, without a rest the whole army advances to Geihlficlant I wont be satisfied until I receive an explanation for such recklessness”
Toale strongly exclaimed
Vois then looked towards Toale, s
””
However, he only laughed without answering
Then Toale narrowed his usually peaceful brown eyes sharply As if to yell so he opened his mouth,
But interrupting,
”Most likely”
Kiefer muttered
”Most likely we arebecause, even if left Bellis in this condition, the ainst Roland, right? However, I don't see the reason to move all the Nelphian troops to Geihlficant I understand that we are going to there to receive the backing of Geihlficant, but isn't it enough for just us to go? If Ryner is the aquaintance of the leader of that roup, the 'Azure Princess', isn't it athere to settle it? I don't understand the reason to purposely waste effort to move the tens of thousands Nelphian soldiers Unless”
She continued,
”Unless, does Vois-kun intends to have a ith the 'Azure Princess' at our destination?”
However to that question as well, Voice turned towards Kiefer,
””
Maintaining his irritating save no reply
Hearing that, Kiefer's lovely face darkened a little as she looked at Voice with distrust Toale has long since been nant expression
To that Ryner thought,
(Well, this guy's always like this you knoays aloof, and thinks of nothing but deceiving people, kind of guy I er existing Iyet Republic I thought I ought to explain this but, I stopped
Either way, as long as Voice doesn't give a proper explanation, we can't keep following him
Actually, working with this guy would be way too troublesome)
Wearily, Ryner asked,
”Well, most of the questions have been accumulated, but do you intend to answer any of them?”
Vois nodded and replied,
”Of course, but rather than that, these are all the questions right? If there is anything else you want to ask, please go ahead and speak up After all, everything is related It would be the quickest to answer all the questions in one go, right? If I answer Toale's, Kiefer's and Ryner's questions just noill everyone be satisfied?”
At that moment,
”No, that's still not enough,”
Ferris spoke
In response, Vois turned towards Ferris,
”Of course, there are tasty dango shops in Geihlficlant too”
And for soly,
”Then it's fine You understand quite well don't you”
”Don't I?”
”Umu”
Like that, the two exchanged a stupid conversation Presumably too tired, no one retorted
Eyes half-closed, Ryner stared at Ferris and then surveying his surroundings,
”So, no one has anyht?”
Everyone nodded
After confir that Ryner continued,
”Well then Vois, begin your explanation Ah, by the way, if you use those lies you're so good at, right away Ferris's sill spout flames”
Again Vois laughed, while saying so like,
”Although, I rather like being hit by Ferris”
Then Ferris nodded,
”Without getting hit, your head's gonna fly”
”Eh~♡”
And to Vois, who for some reason had a ♡ (<3) mark=””>
”You know, even though we've been ridiculously busy lately, you're still energetic eh~ I guess it's the age difference,”
Ryner sohed
”Well, for now it's about time you continue”
Vois nodded
He then looked towards his close aide, the fe besides him
According to her, as she boarded the carriage, her name is Relca Redehna
With bright brown hair, and contrasting, a pair of dark eyes A beautiful girl, with a bit loli-ish face, that Vois seems to favor
Although, sitting close by was the abnormally beautiful Ferris, and the once boasted academy's irl” Well, it's really up to preference
Contrasting her young appearance however, her eyes glinted sharply Since boarding the carriage, she remained silent With a pen, she simply continued to write on the papers she held
Facing her, Vois spoke to Relca,
”The preparations?”
Without lifting her head from the papers, Relca answered,
”In about eight seconds”
”I see Then within that time, the debut of a dirty joke I recently saved for everyone—”
”It's completed”
”Ehh~, wasn't that too early? That was only about two seconds you know?”
At Vois's words, Relca giggled as she looked towards him
Although he did not respond to her smile, it seems Relca is not dissatisfied with Vois
Besides
””
Whatever, it's just two kid's love affair— no wait, Vois is no option right? That guy's a real pervert you know? Well, it really doesn't matter so I'll just keep quiet
Ryner thought for a bit
After placing the papers she was frantically writing in on the desk, Relca then announced,
” I have complied most of everyone's questions into this report Please speak up if the infor the report, in addition, I rite it up”
Ryner then cast his eyes down at the report spread across the desk The report ritten smoothly with tidy penanized to be understood easily
For exaanization chart of the Anti-Roland Coalition, the route they took from the establishment to the present, Voice's idea of how should the Three Major Powers and the Anti-Roland Coalition interact from now on, and so on
Within this information, Ryner found the answers to Toale and Kiefer's inquiry earlier
Why is it necessary to unreasonably press the Nelphian soldiers to the Geihlficlant E north to the Belis Republic?
Written were Toale and Kiefer's questions, and the response was as follows
1 With the current strength of the Anti-Roland Coaltion ar Roland arh power to defend continuously from this point
2 In other words, in order to crush the Roland arreater force will be needed In this case, with the backing of the Geihlficlant Empire
3 However, the Geihlficlant E to ith the northern continent's Gastark E south with tremendous momentum
4 As ain the war Seeking to increase their war gains, they intend to obtain an exclusive support contract with the Geihlficlant Empire
5 Si the support of Geihlficalnt, the Anti-Roland Coalition cannot let the ”Azure Princess” hts of Geihlficlant relations
6 Therefore it is necessary for the Anti-Roland Coalition to proceed towards the war against the Gastark E potential, the Nelphian soldiers that have recently fought against the Roland army, will need to participate
Such ritten
With his voice tre a little, Toale spoke,
” Again do you intend to ain?”
Vois responded, laughing,
”Aha, did you think there was another path for soldiers who've lost their country other than the battlefield?”
Ryner grimaced at those words and said,
”Wait, thatlately, they're exhausted The way you put it”
Glancing at his way, Voice interrupted,
”We don't have the leisure to select our words, Ryner-san Therapidly The same way as a business that loses an opportunity will not succeed, you cannot win a war if you've lost your chances of victory But we can still do it According toan overwhelth, they are a much more severe opponent than Roland Furthere of them is in this war”
At those words Ryner looked over to Vois,
”Ah~”
and said,
”Ah, so to do In other words, it's that right? You intend to use both sides, both Geihlficlant and the 'Azure Princess,' right?”
On hearing that, Vois grinned happily,
”Ah, does Ryner-san finally feel like using his brains a bit?”
and said such a thing
Ignoring him, Ryner continued,
”Even though you guys already have enough power to hold off the attacks fro all that power to the ith Gastark Noonder why? The answer is, because we can only deal with Gastark now The ti to use Geihlficlant, the 'Azure Princess,' and the Anti-Roland Coalition army, these three forces, to oppose Gastark is only now According to your predictions, unless we attack Gastark with multiple forces, we can't stop theht?”
To that question,
””
As always,
Ryner carried on, disregarding Vois
”Because their the samei You want to completely crush the opponent that uses the sahly destroy Gastark? And your conclusion was this With the ti of when Gastark attacks Geihlficlant, you'll lend a hand As for the 'Azure Princess'”
With a cheerful face, Vois spoke,
”I was the one who approached the small scaled, they hold tremendous power Moreover, they also have conducted research on the Rhule Fragether with us e collide with Gastark So, in serous, exceptwas exposed to their leader To make matters worse, they were much nastier than I expected I was already almost killed several times”
He placed his hand on his chest while saying, 'oh so scary'
Ryner gave a bitter smile as if tired
”So you thought, ah this is bad, and handedof the Anti-Roland Coalition to avoid getting killed?”
”Yeah”
”And you also picked me, because apparently I'm an acquaintance of the leader of the 'Azure Princess?'”
”That's right Well, those aren't the only reasons But let's keep it at that shall we? Leaving that aside”
Vois stretched his hand out to the desk placed in the center of the wagon He then turned over the map with the whole continent of Menoris drawn out
On that side he turned to, another map was depicted
It was a map of the entire Menoris continent dyed black, and written in the middle was ”Gastark Empire”
Looking at that,
””
Looking at the on became strained at once
After confir this, Vois spoke up
”I did not make this map as a joke As of now that wannabe hero, Riphal Edea, has that h power to obtain this whole continent It's not as if I can't continue business nothe death count in order to achieve thisit?”
Vois laughed, “Although it is generally spoken like that, but there should be several great powers checking the li is like that too If you co coame ends too And there is no way to expand because of co to stop thisin the world~! That is our situation now”
But Ryner was unable to accept this saying, although he wanted to try to accept it, but he discovered that he couldn’t accept it
“Although I roughly understand what you’re saying… but even so there are several parts that are unclear Co these three elements can push back Gastark—up till here, I understand But ill happen after that? Accept Geihlficlant’s help and push back Roland? But there is the ain Geihlficlant’s help, right? How should we handle this point…”
Vois simply answered: “There is no need to deal with it”
Ryner asked: “Ah? Then what should we do?”
Vois frowned, troubled, staring at Ryner, “That, Ryner”
“EH?”
“Relca wrote out that report with much difficulty, could you read all of it first before you proceed with questioning? Everything about that has been written, so if you have questions regarding these matters, no matter how many I will reply to then… But we don’t have the ti to war soon” Vois said
We are going to war
This matter made Ryner depressed
We are going to instigate the war—because Ryner had already decided to stop the here Roland would instigate it, so we can’t help but go and instigate another war
But…
But, he felt that there was a little strange sense of violation
“…”
At this o We have two days before we reach Geihlficlant E and negotiate with hiainst Gastark Then perhaps there will be teeks before we encounter with the Gastark arather the rest of the Anti-Roland Coalition soldiers So I will leave here first”
Ryner looked at Vois, asking: “Oh? Then what should we do?”
Vois answered: “Relca will follow you, so please listen to her instructions But the authority of the load of Geihlficlant Empire and Azure Princess will be handed to Ryner”
“That …”
Vois interrupted Ryner, “It’s expected of the king to go and handle the most troublesome matters?”
“What king! You’ve clearly been pushi+ng thefrom just now…”
But Vois ignored Ryner, opening the door to the carriage, thinking of jue
“Wait, stop Vois You, don’t talk to yourself…”
But he was ignored again
“Then Relca, everyone will be under your care”
Relca nodded, “Yes Vois-sama please take care of yourself”
“Yes yes Relca h he nearly fell when he landed, but a subordinate stationed around the carriage help him
That subordinate was also a beautiful girl, Vois s a frivolous tone to say: “Then, the rest will be left to you”
Everyone watched this scene speechlessly
Gently sighing, closing the carriage door, sitting down, Ryner crossed his are, then saying: “So we can only go and negotiate with the king of the Geihlficlant Empire”
Although it seemed to be ait
Because, it’s like that? A youngster of uncertain origins and a king of an unfa, it was an abnormal behavior no matter how you looked at it
At this moment Kiefer looked to Relca who had been left behind by Vois, “That… Vois-kun of course has already…”
Before she finished speaking, Relca nodded, “Yes Vois-sa for an audience to the king of Geihlficlant, Gulafed Abuleld”
“The reply from the other party?”
“He has decided to meet the leader of the Anti-Roland Coalition”
Hearing this Ryner “Ahh?” cried out loud, “Wait… give me a moment But the leader of the Anti-Roland Coalition jue earlier…”
Relca interrupted hi: “Now, on the surface, the representative of the Anti-Roland Coalition is you, Your Majesty Ryner Lute You’ll understand just by reading the report that I handed in just now, Vois-saeneral and head of state”
“Eh?” Ryner turned his eyes to one of the pages of the report on the table, “But, froht? But saying that I am the leader…” At this moment, his speech stopped
After looking carefully at the anization, he discovered that there truly was a detailed explanation of the structure of the Anti-Roland Coalition
It was an organization that was larger than what Ryner had iined
It held four s all matters and armies in them
Then on this eneral or head of state that seeh it felt like Vois was the leader no matter how you looked at it, but above that, in a place that was slightly far away and did not seeoverned, and had little influence on the Anti-Roland Coalition, Ryner saw a string of words—
The king in name: Ryner Lute
“You’re teasing me!”
Relca nodded, “Yes”
“Hey hey”
“But Ryner’s job is very i like a ninja existence that would distract the enemies’ attention from Vois-sama We have also been instructed to display the proper respect towards your performance” Relca said with a serious expression
Ryner hearing that, looking around
He looked at Ferris’, Kiefer’s and Toale’s faces
“…I’ve completely been used by Vois Then, what should I do?” Ryner said
But the three people remained silent
That was natural, Vois had created this situation where they could not reject and left
Because Ryner was unable to guarantee the living quarters and rations for the tens of thousands of Nelpha refugees and army
And Vois had prepared these, then he had pushed this lousy condition of work over
So Ryner and the others couldn’t reject it
Ryner yelled, “…Ah~ dauy is troublesome~” as he picked up two or three sheets of paper fro to read it
Ryner asked Relca: “Then, for the negotiations with the king of Geihlficlant, what do I need to remember?”
Hearing this question, Relca s that so you have bowed your head to Vois-sa Ryner feel that the troublesome MODE was turned up
Then she replied: “In the two days before we reach Geihlficlant, you will have to res And first you have to correct that habit you have of slouching and cast away that i”
Hearing this, Ryner couldn’t even sigh
But in truth, he did slouch slightly, and he was unable to talk to royals politely
As he thought that, Ryner focused his attention on the report
And he discovered that there were a few things that Vois had never spoken of, but Ryner had his own suspicions when they started conversing
Like why Vois rejected the help of the Re the help of the Geihlficlant Empire? A few reasons to this question ritten
The first reason was, to stop Gastark E into the middle of the continent, they needed to combine forces with Geihlficlant Because Geihlficlant did not have a good relationshi+p with Remrus, so if they accepted Remrus’ help, they could not hold Gastark off with Geihlficlant, so Vois suddenly rejected Remrus Empire’s help
But only like this, the explanation was still not enough If they continued to accept Reht with Roland And Ree country in the middle of the continent that was near the southern areas
To Roland as expanding its territories from the south, this location made it very suitable
But Vois decided to cut short Reed to Geihlficlant
Then, as that? The real reason ritten on the report
There had been a huge political reform in Remrus Empire in half a year, from the country that was called the Holy Land of Veiohl it suddenly changed to Remrus Empire
The Holy Land of Veiohl was a country that was built on a religion called Veiohl, but half a year ago, there was a strange hero that appeared, grabbing the authority of the country
But there was no war
From another country’s point of view, they ed, there was no ruckus raised
In addition that hero’s name was Remrus Remuld Aarqued
According to this hero’s naed to the Remus Empire
The country that had Veiohl as their country’s religion changed to Reion
It was truly only using half a year’s tied the whole country made one feel horrified And when Re, the Anti-Roland Coalition cut off their ties with the Remrus Empire
Then that reason was—
“…”