How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 15: Chapter 4

Book 15: Chapter 4

Having received a request from Gerula for military aid, Fuuga was holding a war council with his wife Mutsumi, his close friend Shuukin, and his advisor Hashim in preparation for retaking the Father Island.

So, youre sure I dont need to go along with this dispatch? Fuuga asked.

Hashim nodded, his arms crossed in front of his chest. Yes. The lands retaken from the Demon Lords Domain remain unstable. If you were away and something happened, our response would be delayed. Its unlikely you could return quickly from overseas, right?

Well, Durga does hate it...

The flying tiger would fearlessly charge into hordes of thousands or even tens of thousands of monsters, but for some reason hated the sea and wouldnt go near it. That was likely for the same reason wyverns didnt like to go so far out to sea that they couldnt see land, but as Durga was one of a kind, there was nothing more that could be said on the matter.

Come to think of it, Yurigas report said something about Souma being able to use wyverns at sea. He has this massive island-like ship...or something like that? Do you think if we built one of those and trained on it, Durga would be less afraid of the sea? Fuuga said jokingly, and Hashim shrugged.

Surely you jest. It may be rude of me to say this, but just how much manpower and resources do you intend to spend on a single tiger? And even if we wanted to build one, we couldnt. We have no technology that can move large steel ships without sea dragons to pull them.

Hrmm, I was obviously joking, but...when you look at it that way, Soumas made one hell of a thing, huh?

The skills to develop that kind of technology... Mutsumi, who had been listening, suddenly murmured. If he applied them to the military, wouldnt he have been able to destroy the Empire by now?

I agree with you, my lady. The Kingdom of Friedonia...is terrifying, Shuukin said, and Fuuga nodded.

Yeah...youre right. But for better and for worse, hes got way too little ambition. Instead of seeking greater happiness in the future, he tries to defend what he has now. If you just know how to get along with him, theres no one easier to manage, but...

And what if we dont get along with him? Mutsumi asked, and Fuuga laughed, a dangerous glint in his eye.

Therell be no one more dangerous to deal with.

I see. And thats why he worries you, darling.

I agree. At this point, he poses a greater threat than the Empire, Hashim agreed, nodding.

Shuukin cocked his head to the side. Oh? Youre wary of the Kingdom too, Sir Hashim?

They have too many capable people. This is partially my fault, but no small number of talented individuals from countries in the Union of Eastern Nations that we destroyed have drifted there. Julius of the Kingdom of Lastania, for instance.

Ohh... The guy who acted faster than you, huh? It was a shame to lose him, Fuuga said, groaning, and Hashim nodded.

I couldnt agree more. If we could have taken the Lastanian royal family into custody, we might have been able to make him submit to us, but...he was too well prepared. And now King Souma has happily taken in all of those people. They bear a grudge against Lord Fuuga, so we wont be able to win them back by offering favorable conditions. Theres no way for us to get in between them.

But didnt Juliuss father die in a war with Souma?

Lord Fuuga, which would you be angrier at? Someone who injures you, or someone who injures those you love...say, Queen Mutsumi, for instance?

Fuuga closed his eyes to think about Hashims question.

Mutsumi.

When he thought about himself being injured or killed... Well, there wasnt much to be done about it. Hed probably be able to accept that he had been capable of no better, or that he had simply been unlucky. But if anyone were to hurt or kill Mutsumi, he would never let them get away with it. Whatever they did to her, theyd pay for it several times over.

Exactly, Hashim nodded. Thats how people are.

So, the guy who killed his dad earned less of a grudge than we did for taking his wifes country?

Hashim wouldnt know this, but in Machiavellis The Prince it says Men more quickly forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.

Unlike Souma, who had to work to put those ideas into practice, Hashim came by them naturally, and was very Machiavellian (including in that sense of the word which comes from a misunderstanding of the mans work).

Yes. Thats precisely why we need this dispatch of troops to be a success. Hashim pointed to the Father Island on the map on the table. Rather than the Spirit Kingdom itself, we must stop the Father Island and Mother Island from falling into the Maritime Alliances sphere of influence. It would give the Kingdom of Friedonia a base of operations on the western coast of the continent.

But didnt we promise to give them a port?

We can take that back with our land forces at any time. Souma knows that too, so he will only build it up to the absolute minimum. However, if he were to build a base across the sea, in another country, that would be troublesome. We must bring the Father Island into our sphere of influence no matter what.

When Hashim explained that, Mutsumi brought a hand to her mouth and cocked her head to the side.

Judging from what we saw of Sir Gerulas personality...the high elves must be rather haughty. Will they so willingly submit to us?

You are precisely right. Thats why well have to take action. Hashim pointed to the Mother Island, which was the heartland of the Spirit Kingdom. As you well know, the Spirit Kingdom believes in high elf supremacy. And excessive discrimination based on race will always breed resentment. There must be those of the other oppressed races in the heartland of the Spirit Kingdom, and even high elves who are opposed to the current state of things. Once the Father Island is retaken, we will support those people, and have them create a puppet state on the island for us.

I get it. Youre going to break the Father Island away from the Spirit Kingdom and have them join our faction, huh?

Yes, my lord. Fuuga the Liberator needs no racist high elves among his vassals.

Its all in how you say a thing, the other three thought, but none of them said it.

If we were to sum up Hashims plan, it looked like this:

First, land forces on the monster-infested Father Island at the invitation of the Spirit Kingdom.

Second, eliminate the monsters and liberate the island.

Third, have the Spirit Kingdom launch an offensive to eliminate the monsters on the east side of the Mother Island, and when that is finished, have them cooperate in liberating the Father Island.

Fourth, have those discontented with the Spirit Kingdom declare independence on the Father Island to create a puppet state, and then effectively take control of the island with the excuse of providing them support.

When the monsters were extirpated from the Spirit Kingdom, the high elves would no doubt think of Fuugas men as their saviors. There was an opportunity to take advantage of that.

Hashims cunning plan was to team up with those high elves who were opposed to the racial supremacist policies in their country and wanted to pursue a more liberal path. He would set up a puppet state for them on the Father Island, allowing him to present himself as something other than an invader. As could be seen from the example of Merula Merlin, the people of the Spirit Kingdom were not an ideological monolith.

Furthermore, because the puppet state would create a society where people were not divided between high elf and non-high elf, instead instituting what might be called a more equal system, it would be hard for other countries to criticize. People would be hard-pressed to say that living under a regime steeped in racial supremacy was worse than having racial equality but effectively being under the control of the Great Tiger Kingdom.

Not even Maria, the head of the Mankind Declaration, could say that.

Naturally, the Spirit Kingdom would gnash their teeth at this result, but they didnt have the power to face Fuugas forces alone. Even if Fuugas men left the island, there was still the uncertainty of whether their country could survive another attack from the monsters. Theyd want to avoid finding out.

The Spirit Kingdom would have no choice but to regretfully accept the independence of the Father Island.

The reinforcements will need someone who will be able to discern who should be made to declare independence and is capable of making political decisions, Hashim said, crossing his arms and respectfully bowing his head. It pains me to say this, Lord Fuuga, but your subordinates are...

Yeah, I know. Theyre a bunch of lunkheads.

Indeed. In order to bring this plan to fruition, we will need a sensible person with the intelligence to be able to win the hearts of the local people. It would be unthinkable to send someone like my own brother, Nata, who just wants to run wild.

That means it has to be...you, Shuukin, or Moumei, huh? But you have other duties, so Id be in trouble if you took off. Moumei may look like a big oaf who swings around a giant hammer, but hes surprisingly learned and sensible. But people tend to mistake him for a barbarian based on his appearance, so hes not a good choice to win people over.

Fuuga counted on his fingers as he spoke. His camp included many great warriors, but he had a limited number of wise commanders who could make political decisions.

Gaifuku is a wizened old general, but he still hasnt healed from the injuries he took protecting me. Kasen is wise but too young, and opinion will always be divided on the showy way Gaten presents himself.

Yes, all of that sounds correct. There is also my younger sisters husband, Sir Lombard, the former King of Remus, but it has been so soon since he joined us that it would be hard for the men to follow him. I also suspect that, given his honest nature, subtlety may be beyond him. He would make a good second-in-command, however.

Which leaves...

They both turned to look at the same person.

Yeah, its gotta be me, Shuukin said, thumping his chest with one hand. Let me handle it. I will represent you to the best of my abilities, Lord Fuuga.

Sorry, Shuukin. Ill be making you do a lot of hard work.

What else is new? You have been ever since we raced across the steppes together.

Shuukin and Fuuga both smiled.

Mutsumi giggled. Male friendship is a wonderful thing.

Dont tease... So, Hashim, how many reinforcements should he take? Fuuga asked, and Hashim bowed his head.

We want to be sure this succeeds, so we should send about a third of our forces to take control in one fell swoop. Let Sir Lombard be his second-in-command. And...lets have Sir Bito, the former King of Gabi, and his men go to the Father Island as well.

Those guys, huh...? Fuugas expression grew harsh.

Bito had been the master of Gauche, who had tried to assassinate Fuuga. Hed been pardoned of that crime after switching sides at the Battle of the Sebal Plains. Hed been one of Fuugas vassals ever since, but it was hard for them to trust him.

With a sinister smile, Hashim said, Lets use up Sir Bito and his men in this battle. Once theyre gone, well be free to use the elite archers from the former Kingdom of Gabi as we please. Sir Bito must realize we dont trust him, so hell work desperately to prove himself.

Well, what goes around comes around, I guess.

This sort of dark scheme was not to Fuugas liking, but he understood that he had to do some evil for his greater purpose.

Ultimately, this strategy was how Fuugas forces decided to dispatch an army to the Spirit Kingdom. Their intervention was the start of an incident that would shake not just the Great Tiger Kingdom and the Spirit Kingdom, but the nations of the Mankind Declaration and the Maritime Alliance as well.

First, lets review the situation in the Spirit Kingdom.

The monsters that had attacked the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan were almost entirely of the insect type. However, these bugs were all man-sized, if not larger. The insect monsters had appeared en masse during a demon wave before Souma was summoned, and crossed to the Father Island via a series of islands too small to appear on maps.

The high elves resisted, but because they lived in a land where magic was stronger, the insects were also powered up, and more ferocious as a result. The high elves fought at a disadvantage, and were finally driven from the Father Island. Then, with the island taken, the insect monsters settled there, and their numbers didnt fall even after the end of the demon wave.

Because there were a variety of types of insects, they likely fed off each other on the Father Island, creating a sort of ecology. And as the monsters fought among themselves, those driven out came to invade the Mother Island next.

The Spirit Kingdom had not only lost the Father Island, but allowed an incursion onto the Mother Island as well. For the operation to retake the islands, Shuukin would be sent to the Father Island and eliminate every last monster there. At the same time, the Spirit Kingdom would exert their full power to destroy the monsters on the Mother Island, then volunteers would go to the Father Island to assist Fuugas forces.

Fuugas camp The Father Island

Shuukin; Lombard, the former King of Remus who had been chosen as his second-in-command; and Yomi, who was Lombards wife and a capable magician, were in the main camp, discussing what they were going to do.

A messenger rushed into their tent.

I have a report! Sir Bito and his unit from the former Kingdom of Gabi have been isolated in the middle of the enemy!

What?! Why did they rush ahead?! Lombard demanded.

The messenger fell prostrate before him before responding. Sir Bito and his men were headed towards Min, which was once the most prosperous city on the Father Island, sir. Its well-suited for garrisoning troops, and they were likely hoping to take the credit for liberating it themselves.

Urgh... Was he too desperate for glory, or was he trying to atone for his past betrayals?

Lord Lom... Yomi said, looking at Lombard with concern.

He looked at Shuukin who was silent. Lord Shuukin. Should we send reinforcements?

No... Theyre too far. Well never make it in time. Shuukin quietly shook his head.

Fuugas advisor Hashim had been planning to use up Bito and his men in this operation. He might have been behind their decision to rush ahead. Hashim may have suggested, If you achieve great things on this expedition, that will demonstrate your loyalty, Lord Fuugas view of you will improve, and I am sure your former lands will be returned to you, or, If you can retake the central city of the Father Island, all other glories will pale in comparison.

In that case... Its my duty to leave him to die, Shuukin thought. He wasnt enthusiastic about being placed in this role, but they had chosen him as commander because they believed he could do it. As such, Shuukin felt he had to do it, for his lieges sake.

He gave an order to the messenger. Well withhold reinforcements to avoid increasing our losses. Ill take Sir Bitos archers under my command for now. Deliver that message to all the commanders!

Yes, sir!

Shuukin let out a sigh after watching the messenger rush out of the tent. Without knowing the reason for that sigh, Lombard tried to comfort him.

Its not your fault that Sir Bito and his men rushed ahead. Dont let it weigh on your conscience.

Thank you, Sir Lombard. Shuukin felt a little guilty over the mans kindness.

Yomi clapped her hands, as if trying to change the topic. Then, opening her collar a little, she mimed fanning herself with one hand. It sure is humid in this country. Its quite a change from my homeland.

It certainly is... Shuukin agreed with a slight smile. This kind of humidity makes me long for the dry air of the steppes and the desert.

Hrmm... Lombard groaned as he looked outside the tent. The dense foliage and the suffocating earthy smell... It really makes it painfully obvious were in a foreign land.

Yes. Were on unknown ground here. But in order to make Lord Fuugas majesty felt, we cannot afford to lose.

With Shuukins words, Lombard and Yomi nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, on the Mother Island of the Spirit Kingdom, the battle to repel the monsters from their island was in its final stages.

Hahhhhh!

Standing at the vanguard was Gerula, the younger brother of Spirit Kingdom King Garula, who had traveled around many nations, starting with the Kingdom of Friedonia, to seek assistance.

Gerula approached a massive pill bug with a carapace as hard as stone (its Magic Part Identification system name was rock pill bug), planting an upwards kick under its head then stabbing its soft underbelly with his rapier. The rock pill bug squirmed a while, then stopped moving.

When Gerula was sure his opponent had breathed its last, he casually tore his rapier free. Showing no concern for the yellowy ichor that stained his face, Gerula shook the blood from his blade and returned it to its sheath. Much like the dark elves of the Kingdom of Friedonia, the high elves specialized in fighting at long range with bows, but Gerula was the uncommon elf who preferred melee combat. Even among that rare breed, he was top class.

There was a buzzing of wings, and a swarm of bees that had a spiral shell on their abdomens (MPI name snail bee) came to attack Gerula.

He swung his hand up. In an instant, there was a whooshing sound as countless arrows flew over his head and pierced all of the snail bees.

It was a barrage from the elite high elven archers behind where he stood.

With a glance to the snail bees as they dropped to the ground, Gerula raised his voice to shout, Now, its time to finish the job! Well wipe these monsters from the Mother Island!

Yeahhhhhh!

The high elf soldiers seemed to be venting all their rage at having been pushed to the edge all this time. They were roused by Gerulas speech, and continued exterminating the monsters.

Not long after, the operation to wipe out the monsters on the Mother Island came to a successful end.

That night, when Gerula visited the tent in the center of the main camp, King Garula was there sitting on a camp stool, and a beautiful high elf girl wearing the breastplate of an archer was standing by, ready to serve him.

Garulas eyes narrowed when he saw his younger brother. Being twins, their faces looked exactly alike.

Gerula took his place next to the girl, putting his hands together in front of him and bowing his head.

Elder brother. The extermination of the monsters infesting the Mother Island is complete.

Well done, Gerula.

Garula rose and walked over to Gerula, moving to place a hand on his brothers shoulder to thank him for his efforts. However, Gerula stopped him just before he could.

You mustnt touch me, he seemed to say.

Seeing that, Garula and the girl next to Gerula got pained looks on their faces.

Once Garula had returned to the camp stool, Gerula bowed his head and said, Even with the monsters cleared from the Mother Island, if the Father Island is not liberated, we can expect they will come again.

I know. We will send an army to work with Fuugas forces in retaking Father Island. The commander-in-chief of that force, Elulu, will be you.

Yes, father. I will fulfill my duty even if it costs me my life.

Elulu was Elulu Garlan, daughter of Garula. She looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years of age, but as a member of a long-lived race, her true age was much older.

Gerula looked apologetically at Elulu.

Im sorry. Normally, I should have been the one to go...

No. Youve been working too hard, uncle. Please...just rest now, she responded with a sad look on her face.

Everyone here understood. This battle to drive the monsters from the Mother Island was also to be Gerulas last.

Elulu slapped her own cheeks to psyche herself up and then bowed her head to her father, the king.

Well, father, uncle, Ill be on my way.

Mm.

Elulu left the tent without turning back.

Once they had watched her go, King Garula let out a long sigh. I may not be seeing her for a long while...

Gerula looked up and offered an encouraging laugh. Were a long-lived race. Its unlikely youll never meet again.

To hear that coming from you...? I cant laugh.

Please do. I put my whole body into that joke.

Thats not funny either.

When the twins were alone, they always talked like brothers.

We may not get the Father Island back... Garula said with a sigh.

We dont know that. Gerula shook his head. But Fuuga was not so kindly as Souma of the Kingdom of Friedonia or Maria of the Gran Chaos Empire. His skills I am sure of, but his ambitions are just as great as a result. Most likely...hell try to bring our country under his sway. Thats why you sent Elulu to act as commander-in-chief, right?

Garula nodded in response.

Yeah. As an easy puppet for them. Shes progressive by this countrys standards.

Among the high elf race, which had a strong belief in their status as the chosen people, Elulu was comparatively liberal-minded. That was likely the influence of the researcher, Merula Merlin. Among the younger generation of high elves, there was a tendency to view Merula, who had questioned high elf supremacy and the closing of the country to the point that her curiosity eventually drove her to escape, as a hero.

Garula said, Theyll make a puppet state out of all those who question high elf supremacy and declare independence on the Father Island. Shes the perfect flag-bearer for that. And once theyre under his influence, Fuugas army will have to defend the island.

Even if Elulu and her faction break off with the Father Island, the Mother Island will be protected...right? Does Elulu know?

She understands well. Shes enthusiastic about it, even. Shell no longer be held down by the old ways.

You wanted to do this yourself, didnt you...? Gerula said mischievously, but Garula laughed it off.

If our father were still alive, sure. But now I have to defend my own country.

Sorry... Im putting you through a lot of work.

Dont be sorry. I mean...like Elulu was saying, youre...

Yeah. Im going to use my remaining time as I see fit. Gerula rose, then he spoke in an almost theatrical tone. O king. O brother. O Garula. I ask your permission to go on leave.

Huh?! Gerula?!

This is one last selfish request... No, I guess Ive always been selfish, havent I? Well, this is the end of that. Im sorry to leave you to handle everything...

King Garula looked Gerula in the eyes and could say nothing. They were the eyes of a man who had made up his mind.

Youre going, Gerula...

Yeah. Even if it costs my life, Ill lead this country to the best outcome.

I see...

They stared into each others eyes for a time and then nodded.

Farewell, elder brother.

Farewell, younger brother.

With that last exchange, King Garula watched Gerula turn and go.

Some time after that, there was a battle against insect monsters on the Father Island...

This island was swarming with warped insects that, despite having parts from unrelated creatures, still moved around agilely. The most common were the snail bees that had also been on the Mother Island, as well as a beetle monster with a turtle-like shell (MPI name shell beetle), and an ant monster with a conical shell on its abdomen like the snail bees (MPI was snail ant).

A large amount of smoke rose up from the forest. Not a fires, but artificial white smoke.

At the same time, there was the rumbling of many feet and the buzzing of many wings.

Fuugas commander Shuukin was watching from just outside the forest, and he gave an order to the elite archers who had once served the former King of Gabi, but were now under his command.

Theyre coming... Archers, mages, get ready!

The archers nocked their arrows and drew back their bowstrings while the mages, led by Yomi, prepared to loose their magic.

A moment later, a great many insects rushed out of the smoky forest. First the bees flew out, and then the ants crawled after them.

Shoot!

The countless arrows and spells unleashed at Shuukins command rained down on the insects, and the bee monsters dropped like flies as the attacks tore through their heads and wings.

Next the arrows rained down on the ants, lowering their numbers.

Dont stop! Keep on shooting!

The insect monsters were good at concealing themselves, and it would be trouble if they hid in the forest. That was why the plan had been to set off a smoke the insects hated in the forest, and have the archers crush them with a synchronized volley when they were smoked out.

This was the most effective and least dangerous way of fighting them.

Lord Shuukin! Somethings coming! one of the soldiers watching the forest shouted.

There was the sound of trees snapping, and a massive beetle standing maybe three meters tall emerged from the forest. It was a shell beetle.

Focus your attacks! Dont let the big one get near us!

Its no use! Our arrows do nothing!

The archers shot at the monster, but their arrows plinked harmlessly off of its turtle-like shell. It probably couldnt fly like an ordinary beetle with a shell like that, but in exchange, it seemed to have gained a powerful defense.

The massive beetle moved forward almost like a heavy tank, paying no heed to the arrows and magic raining down on it. If it charged now, it would break through their fortifications in no time, and cause mass casualties.

Shuukin gave an immediate order.

Sir Lombard, lead the infantry to hold off the snail ants.

Got it.

Cavalry, follow me. Were going to stop that shell beetle.

Yes, sir!

Shuukin mounted his temsbock and raised his sword aloft, leading a cavalry charge into the swarm of monsters. They cut down snail ants as they pressed onward, getting closer to the shell beetle.

Aim for the legs!

Shuukin circled around to the side of the beetle and lopped its leg off with his sword. While it had hard armor in the front and on top, its spindly insect legs werent so tough.

After losing two legs on one side, the beetle lost its balance and tumbled over, thudding to the ground.

Once you stop them from moving, theres no need to risk going for the kill! They cant do anything at that point! Dont forget were in the middle of the enemy!

Following Shuukins orders, his cavalry sliced the thin legs off of the shell beetle, or pulverized them with blunt weapons, one after another, stopping it dead, or at least disabled, in its tracks.

With the big ones advance stopped, Shuukin gave the next order.

Okay! Were going to break through the enemy and return to camp!

Thats when it happened...

Urgh!

The soldier next to him let out a groan of pain and fell from his horse. Looking at the man, Shuukin saw a long, thin spike that resembled a throwing spear sticking out of him. Looking up, he saw the bee monster that had no doubt launched it hovering in midair, its compound eyes watching Shuukin and his men. It had probably launched a needle (or more like a stake) out of the end of its abdomen.

Tch... They have a troublesome means of attacking us.

As he complained mentally, the bee monsters all launched spikes at them in unison. This time it was Shuukin and his mens turn to face a synchronized volley.

Incoming! Defend yourselves as you pull back!

At Shuukins orders, the cavalry raised their shields against the needles as they retreated.

Normally, after a volley, they would have used their mobility to get away, but the jungles of the Father Island were thick and had quagmires scattered about. That limited the temsbocks ability to jump, and the horses got their feet caught in the muck, preventing Fuugas forces from using their vaunted mobility.

Sir Shuukin! Damn it!

Lombard, who had been watching the cavalry, tried to take his infantry to back them up, but he couldnt abandon their camp, so was forced to watch in frustration. As the cavalry fought a hard battle, Shuukin broke into a cold sweat, worrying that they might actually be in a bit of trouble, until...

Whoosh, whoosh... Thock!

A rain of arrows coming from the opposite direction of the camp accurately shot the bees that were attacking the cavalry. Looking towards the forest the monsters had come out of, there were countless people carrying bows standing in the treetops.

One of them called out to him, Lord Shuukin! Are you all right?!

Ah! Princess Elulu?!

The voice came from Elulu, the daughter of Spirit Kingdom King Garula.

The people in the trees that she was leading were a unit of high elves called the Garlan Volunteer Force. They were nominally a group of vigorous young folks who Elulu had brought along on her own initiative to assist Fuugas forces. In reality, though, they were officially sanctioned reinforcements from the Spirit Kingdom. You could say that the harm of the Spirit Kingdoms closed-off nature was evident in the way that they had to engage in a pretense like this.

However, the Garlan Volunteer Force led by Elulu was unusually cooperative. The smoke used to drive the monsters out of the forest had been the work of her volunteers, who had been hiding in there.

With the Garlan Volunteer Armys volley having reduced the number of bee monsters, Elulu rushed to Shuukins side.

Are you okay, Lord Shuukin?!

Yeah... You saved me, Princess Elulu, Shuukin said, relieved, and Elulu puffed up her cheeks angrily.

Murgh! Dont call me princess! Please, just call me Elulu. On the battlefield, Im just another soldier.

Ah ha ha... Fair enough. You saved me there, Elulu.

Yes!

It seemed this princess was quite the tomboy. She was also so friendly it was hard to believe she was one of the high elves famed for their xenophobia. Her personality let her interact candidly with just about anyone. In some ways, she reminded Shuukin of his lieges little sister. Although Yuriga wasnt so honest with her feelings, and her tone was standoffish.

For now, we need to hurry and esc Look out!

Huh?

One of the ants had leapt at Elulu while she was distracted.

Shuukin jumped from his temsbock, pulling on Elulus arm to trade places with her, and then severing the ants thorax from its abdomen. Seeing how the ant flailed around, scattering its bodily fluids, after losing its abdomen, Shuukin cut off its head to put it out of its misery.

Elulu looked at him with eyes full of admiration.

Lord Shuukin, youre so cool!

Is this really the time...? Shuukin said with a sigh, wiping the bug juice from his sword and sheathing it.

Then, mounting his temsbock once more, he pulled Elulu up with one hand and placed her behind him. Elulu hurriedly wrapped her arms around his waist.

Hang on tight, Elulu!

Okay! she replied, squeezing him.

Looking around as he maneuvered his temsbock, Shuukin saw that the insects that were closing in on their camp had been fended off and wiped out by Lombard and Yomi. As for the bugs that were surrounding the cavalry, they had been destroyed by a coordinated attack with the Garlan Volunteer Force.

Okay! The monsters nesting in the forest have been dealt with! Everyone, head back!

With that order given, the cavalry and Garlan Volunteer Force returned to camp.

Bringing Elulu back to camp, Shuukin was greeted by Lombard and Yomi.

Good work. I was scared when you got surrounded out there.

Its a good thing you were okay.

Looking a bit relieved, Shuukin said, It was a close shave, but the Garlan Volunteer Force saved me.

He dismounted and then helped Elulu down from his temsbock.

Its only to be expected that wed come to our allies aid! Elulu said, puffing her chest out proudly, and the other three smiled wryly.

Werent you in danger yourself, Madam Elulu? Yomi pointed out, and Elulu gulped, short for words, her eyes darting around awkwardly.

W-We just let our guards down a little.

You say that, Princess, but your endgame has always been weak, one of the other high elves chided her.

Im sorry, Sir Shuukin, for making you protect our princess, another apologized.

Huh?! You people...!

Elulu turned a bright shade of red. Shuukin and Lombard watched the Garlan Volunteer Force warmly.

Shes a nice girl, isnt she? Lombard said.

Shuukin nodded. Yeah. All of the high elves she led here are good people.

Agreed. I always had the impression that high elves were arrogant and full of themselves...

There are probably misfits and dissenters no matter where you go.

Lombard watched Elulu chase the subordinates whod teased her.

Apparently, theyre the reformers and liberals, Shuukin explained. Theyre a group of relatively young high elves.

Are they? I can never tell an elfs age by looking at them...

It probably means their ideologies are more flexible. Theyre the ones who found themselves in a closed-off way of life and wanted to go beyond. They wanted to bring in things from outside, and would be willing to abolish the policies that favor their own race if it will make that possible... Elulu said shed gathered people like that who have no place in the Spirit Kingdom as it is now.

And shes the kings daughter? She must have been a handful for King Garula... Hmm? So the reason he sent these reinforcements...

Im sure part of it was getting rid of troublemakers, Shuukin said with a shrug. If they can retake the Father Island, then good. If they cant, the Spirit Kingdom can at least isolate its dissidents. Maybe hes thinking it would be best if they never returned from their mission?

Even though his own daughter is here?

That, I dont know. From what Elulu tells us, she seems to be on good terms with her father, so I dont think hes abandoned her. He may have yielded to her passion, and plans to take her back once the fighting is over. Well, we have no way of knowing the truth.

Its difficult when you have a position to consider... Lombard said, his voice full of emotion. Shuukin, however, had his mind elsewhere.

Its certainly a difficult situation for the Garlan Volunteer Force, but...you could say its convenient for us.

Shuukin was under secret orders to search for high elves who they might be able to support as a puppet regime. While he was able to make political decisions, Shuukin was too honest, and was not fond of scheming, so he hadnt been keen on the order. However, he thought Elulu might be the right person for that role. She was a reformer and a liberal with an interest in the world outside. She also got along well with other like-minded high elves. It seemed likely that she wouldnt hesitate to become the head of a puppet regime for their sake.

So long as he was careful to respond to their needs, she and her people wouldnt end up in a bad situation because of it. Elulu was someone he could support without many pangs of conscience.

Maybe Ill talk it over with her at length tonight. To see if shes willing to act as our puppet.

That night, Fuugas forces held a small victory banquet in their camp.

With the insect monsters in the forest wiped out, the surrounding area was now safe. The battle for the Father Island was still ongoing, but it wasnt good to be too tense. This was probably a good time for a break. That was what Shuukin had decided when he arranged this banquet.

Hey, you high elves! Is this enough to get you drunk?

What are you talking about, youngun? Were not even tipsy yet!

Whore you calling young? Youve got the face of a kid!

And you havent even lived a century! Youre basically a child compared to us here in the Spirit Kingdom!

The mixed races of Fuugas forces and the high elves of the Garlan Volunteer Force were all sitting shoulder to shoulder, pouring drinks for one another. Some drank, sang, or fought, while others told emotional stories. Maybe because many of the members of both forces were so approachable, it felt like they were comrades who had been fighting together on the battlefield for a long time.

Shuukin sat around the campfire with Lombard, Yomi, and Elulu, and they all poured drinks for each other. Elulu was in high spirits, and looking a little flushed as she chatted with Yomi.

Lord Shuukin was just so cool when he protected me! Elulu exclaimed, knocking back and draining a wooden mug full of wine. Have you seen his muscular arms when he swings his sword? Is there a girl alive whose heart wouldnt race seeing that?!

Elulu seemed quite taken with Shuukin, and it was awkward for him to listen to her praise him so effusively. Lombard and Yomi could only listen with wry smiles.

But arent the warriors of Garlan strong too? You all seem so reliable, Yomi said as she refilled Elulus mug with fresh wine.

Elulu held her mug tight, groaning in thought.

Sure, theyre strong, but most of them are thin. Its how our race is. Were more suited to long-range attacks. Oh! Its not that Im into, like, super buff guys! I just think that some nice, firm muscles are good and healthy.

Is this girl into muscles? the others all thought, but decided not to dig into it. It seemed like itd be an awkward question, and more importantly, they had more pressing questions.

When Shuukin signaled to the other two with his eyes, they stood up.

Im tired from todays fighting, Lombard opined. Well be going now.

Pardon us.

With that, Lombard and Yomi headed into their tent.

Whaa, youre going already? Elulu protested, her voice carrying a tinge of loneliness. Although there were other soldiers drinking and having a raucous good time around them, it was only Shuukin and Elulu left at this campfire.

Its suddenly feeling all lonely, she mumbled. I wanted to talk with the two of them some more.

Well, Sir Lombard and Madam Yomi are husband and wife. They need their alone time.

Ohh, thats why... Elulus ears perked up a bit with interest.

With a wry smile at her behavior, Shuukin moved on to the main topic. By the way, Princess Elulu?

Grr, youre calling me Princess again?

There was indignation in her eyes, but Shuukin continued.

This is a serious question. What do you plan to do after this battle?

What do you mean, what?

After the island is liberated. Will you be returning to your father?

Hrmm... I wonder about thaaat, Elulu said, the wine having left her relaxed and easygoing. Im one thing, but those hard-heads back on the Mother Island probably dont want the reformers I brought with me coming back. They probably think this volunteer force was a good way of getting rid of us, so well probably need to stay here awhile. None of the reformers are going to want to go back to the Mother Island where theyre looked at with scorn either.

Shuukins eyes widened at how easily Elulu broached such a heavy topic.

Umm...Princess Elulu, does your father treat you unkindly too, perhaps?

Hmm? My father and I get along well.

Shuukin had asked out of concern, but Elulu laughed it off.

I hear he used to be a militarist, but father has always seemed like a flexible thinker to me. Hes far easier to talk with than the old folks who are set in their ways. Even with this volunteer force, it felt less like father wanted to exile us, and more like he wanted to set us free. He even let me, his own daughter, lead it, after all.

The more he heard, the less Shuukin understood. Hed been convinced that the Garlan Volunteer Force members were driven out of their country due to policy differences. And due to this, itd make them easy to bring in. Yet, from their discussion just now, it didnt seem that simple. At the very least, Spirit Kingdom King Garula didnt view Princess Elulu with any sort of hostility.

Is it...really okay to have her join our side? Shuukin was at a loss. As a figurehead for pulling the Father Island away from the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan, there couldnt be a better candidate. However, since her relationship with her father Garula wasnt particularly bad, she might still want to return to the Spirit Kingdom.

For his own part, Shuukin was hesitant to tear father and daughter apart by pulling Elulu into his own forces. He thought over all of this, not saying a word, before finally resolving himself and downing his drink in one go. Its not like agonizing over this is going to get me an alternative plan... He wasnt like Mutsumi or Hashim. Shuukin knew better than anyone that he couldnt use trickery the same way those two did.

That was why, at the very least, he wanted to be loyal to his lord and honest with his allies. To be trusted by everyonethe easiest pawn to use. Hashim had to have known his personality when choosing him to lead this force anyway.

Hey, Elulu.

What is it?

Ive heard that the reformers and liberals are interested in the outside world, Shuukin said, looking straight into her eyes. Lord Fuuga is seeking to strengthen our country even more in order to liberate the Demon Lords Domain. Thats why he wants to incorporate the Father Island into our forces.

Im sure he does... Its why he sent us reinforcements, right? To have the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan form an alliance with him as a reward.

Yes. However, at the same time, our leaders cant trust the high elves.

Hearing this, Elulus eyes downturned.

Its said that people who hold themselves up as superior and look down on other races cant be expected to meekly submit. Of course, I now know there are relatable people like yourself and the others in the Garlan Volunteer Force. But as for whether we can trust those on the Mother Island...

...is another issue entirely, Im sure. I cant say that I blame you, Elulu answered quietly. And? What will you do, Lord Shuukin?

Let me be honest with you... Lord Fuuga has tasked me with finding high elf dissidents, and supporting their independence on the Father Island so that we can incorporate them into our forces.

So he means to set up a puppet?

That makes it sound like a bad thing, but youre welcome to see it that way. Its just that we want to see the Father Island in the hands of those we can trust, Shuukin said, cautiously gauging her reaction. She chuckled.

You cant tell a lie, can you, Lord Shuukin? Youve probably missed out on a lot of things as a result.

Its just my nature...

I find it pleasing, you know? So, have you found the person youre going to support?

I think youre the one best suited to it, Princess Elulu, Shuukin said. You arent steeped in traditional views of your own races supremacy. Youve been able to interact with a group of mixed races, like ours, without discrimination. And youre highly interested in the outside world and what mysteries it holds. I think you could serve as a bridge between the continent and the Spirit Kingdom.

Arent you overestimating me...?

We just agreed I cant tell a lie, didnt we? This is how I truly feel, Shuukin asserted. I dont think Im making you a bad offer. Not every reformer and liberal on the Mother Island has joined this volunteer force, right? If you rise up, then youll be able to take in those still left behind. From what Ive heard, they seem suffocated there. Why not invite them to the Father Island and wait for attitudes to soften across the whole of the Spirit Kingdom?

Elulu was silent for some time before finally speaking. I hear that our views on high elf supremacy were born from a sad history of oppression on the continent.

Shuukin looked straight into her eyes once more.

If were separated from the motherland, the Father Island will have little power. Will you and your people protect us during that time, Lord Shuukin? Will we find ourselves oppressed the moment we change our allegiance? Elulu asked, staring right back at him.

Shuukin crossed his arms.

I swear that I will protect you and the high elf liberals. If Lord Fuuga mistreats you, I will risk my life to chastise him for it. I will be your shield against the terrible customs of the Spirit Kingdom, political malefactors, and the threat of the Demon Lords Domain, he said sincerely, bowing his head.

Okay. I understand, Elulu answered quickly. Even Shuukin was taken aback.

Huh? That easily...?

It wasnt easy. Ive given it a lot of thought, Elulu said, chuckling. Which, of course, means I already had a similar idea of my own. It seems we can trust you, Lord Shuukin, so I thought we should go along with your plan.

R-Right...

Seeing how thrown off Shuukin was, Elulu let out a little sigh.

The situation the Spirit Kingdom finds itself in right now...is worse than it appears from the outside. When we have no ability to resolve it ourselves, closing the country to the outside is the stupidest thing we could do.

Are you talking about the monsters that landed on the Mother Island...?

Thats not all... Elulu said with a self-effacing smile.

What are you... Shuukin began, confused at her words.

I...cant say anything for certain just now. Its an issue on the Mother Island. I dont know if it affects the Father Island too at this point...

Elulu made no attempt to answer. That bothered him, but he decided that since hed accomplished his goal, there was no need to push her and provoke her to anger.

And so, as the night went on, a secret agreement was formed.

Some time later, Fuugas forces and the Garlan Volunteer Force succeeded in liberating the Father Island.

When Fuuga received a message from Shuukin saying The Father Island has declared independence under Elulu, and joined your forces, Gerula Garlan just so happened to be visiting.

So, there you have it...

Fuuga related the events to Gerula, who was kneeling before him in the audience chamber.

Once he had heard it all, Gerula glared at Fuuga.

As he did, Fuuga asked, Are you angry that things played out this way?

Of course...

Well, you went to the wrong people for help, Fuuga said dismissively. No, maybe we were the right people. Well leave the Father Island to Princess Elulu and her high elves. Shuukin asked me to, and as long as they cooperate with us, Im not going to mistreat them.

If youll excuse me... Gerula rose and left.

Fuuga didnt feel anything in particular as he watched him leave in frustration. Gerula, however, was highly irritatedangrynot at Fuuga and his men, but at himself. How pathetic... Everything Ive spent my life to protect...

It wouldnt be until a little later that theyd hear Shuukin had collapsed out on the Father Island.