Chapter 43 - Tedlas Choice (1/2)

“Rulan Kingdom is attacking because it wants this country’s blessed lands. However, this country’s biggest harbor town, Manrinia, is inaccessible to people due to the taint. Apart from that, the last leg of the purification journey will be Manrinia. Do you understand so far?”

“Ahh, yes, yes. I understand.”

“Good, now to continue. When we, The Dipterous Sword, accomplish the request from the Kingdom of Rulan, we will be granted a single wish on behalf of the whole guild. That wish is to receive land in an ideal location.”

“Eh?”

“We want to make a new headquarters, you see. And, that ideal place is Manrinia.”

“Well, I never……”

Tedla, realizing what Alhart was trying to say, opened his eyes wide in disbelief.

Alhart smiles at Tedla’s reaction.

“You’re very perceptive, Second Son. Yes, we, The Dipterous Sword, have been aiming for Manrinia from the start. The guild accepted Rulan Kingdom’s request in order to obtain Manrinia.”

“Well, that’s not the only reason, though.”

“But, for it to be that easy……”

“Well, I don’t think we’ll be able to obtain Manrinia that easily, whether this country wins or Rulan Kingdom wins. But, do you think we’re just going to easily lend about half our forces to the Rulan Kingdom? Did you think that it was just a coincidence that the last destination of our trip is Manrinia?”

“No way…… then, all of this was your……”

“Yes. It was all part of the plan. Well, it’s fine if we just lent a hand to Rulan Kingdom though. But, there were some guys who were eager to get back at the people in this country who treated Sylti poorly while taking Manrinia…..no, rather, it’s the opposite. If I’m not mistaken, when we were thinking of ways to get revenge on the people who hurt Sylti, it also occurred to us to make use of Rulan Kingdom. Isn’t that right, Sylti?”

“Yes. If Jin were to make a new headquarters, then, we would not need a branch. And, if he is going to leave anyway, he was going to involve the Rulan Kingdom in his decision so he could give a blow to the Royal Family of Rulan Kingdom, who have been pushing him around so much until now.”

“Conquered by a country supposedly weaker than themselves, the largest port town, overtaken by the person they exiled and their comrades. Is there a more ridiculous story than this? This country’s citizens…… especially the Royal Family, will remember it every time they see Manrinia. The humiliation they’ve suffered. Utter defeat. Fear of the strong. Despair worse than death. For eternity, until death, and many times over. They will suffer as long as they are alive. Although, that treatment is still lukewarm for someone who has hurt our friend.”

“You’re doing all of this for the sake of one person……?”

“Exactly. Now, choose, Second Son.”

“Eh?”

“Will you side with us, or will you die for the country’s sake, of course!?”

“So, that’s what I have to choose……”

“Oh, right.”

The choice presented to him was such that there was no longer room to choose.

Sword held against his throat, it was the same as being asked, do you want to live? Or do you want to die?

“I…”

But, strangely enough, Tedla had no qualms about the choice he had to make.

Staring right at Alhart, Tedla forcefully clenched his fists.