The Demon King Seems to Conquer the World

Chapter 10: (Self Edited) Internal Squabble

Rook, Shun and I went to the main house.

Suzuya didn’t have to come because it was an all night vigil. I was also summoned probably more or less because I was the heir of the branch family

In the tradition of this country, the first-child inheritance didn’t necessarily applied. If there were sons or daughters born after that, there was a possibility that they would take over the household. At present, I would be the next family head.

When I went over the sill of the main house again, the mood was different from the departure ceremony. I also wore a black mourning dress similar to everyone else.

But today, it wasn’t just all night vigil.  There was a possibility that the remain would come out, so the funeral would be done later.

When we arrived, we were allowed to go into one of the lavish guess room, and was offered a light meal. As Rook and I were eating the meal, Shun came.

“Rook-sama, here is the list of people who participate in the relative meeting.” (Shun)

“Thanks.” (Rook)

Rook quickly glanced through when the parchment paper was handed over. Then, he frowned.

“Rakunu-dono refused to participate in the assault of the Eagle King, so my Lady has removed it from the participants list.” (Shun)

“What? If he refuse, he can’t be a Knight. So, if he is alive…” (Rook)

“My Lady said that those who run away from their leader can’t be called Knights.” (Shun)

By the way, the Lady mentioned was probably Gouk’s wife. It was Syamu’s mother. I wondered if she had the right to speak.

“…However, was it only Rakunu-dono?” (Rook)

From the sound of it, Rook seemed to think that Rakunu and others would be the next chief of the household from the beginning. At the very least, he probably thought that Rakunu was a promising candidate.

I also knew the relative name Rakunu. It was a branch family called Ek household. If it was compared to the Edo period, it was a minister household that served a Daimyo for eternity.

In other words, it was one of the most prestigious members of the retainers. Since the household received a daughter from the Hou Household during their grandfather generation, they were considered a distant relatives. Therefore, it was certainly strange not to be called to attend this relative meeting.

“However, circumstances are circumstances. My Lady said that if Rakunu-dono is appointed to be the chief, she has to bring in a son-in-law.” (Shun)

“Does she want to have a son-in-law?” (Rook)

Rook said something that Shun didn’t expect. Perhaps, there was no concept of bringing in a son-in-law.

I also didn’t have a slightest idea to marry that Syamu. However, when I thought about it, it was a matter of course since this had been done for ages. Even in Japan, there was a trend of bringing in talented people to maintain family lineage.

Rather, this was a basic strategy.

On the contrary, rather than letting the chief position to the leftovers, it was better to bring talented people chosen among men. There was also an opinion telling that was a good idea for the future.

“I understand in general. Thank you for your hard work.” (Rook)

“Yes. Well then, please excuse me.” (Shun)

After that, Shun went out of the room.

“Well, I don’t have right to speak anyway, so just going to sit still then.” (Rook)

When Shun went out, Rook sat on a chair and calmly said that. It was an ambiguous statement. Was he talking about him or about me?

“Is that so? Since you are the younger brother of Gouk-sama, you’ll be the first on  the list.” (Yuri)

“No, the chief of the Hou Household must have the qualification of the Knight. That’s the rule.” (Rook)

‘Oh, yeah. When I think about it, that is as a matter of course.’

Rook was a member of the Hou Household, but he wasn’t a Knight. The qualification of the Knight could be obtained from a school called Knights Academy, but Rook dropped out midway because he didn’t like it.

The be a Knight was similar to obtaining certification from Japan Self Defense Force training school. If people didn’t have that, they couldn’t hold the position that lead the soldiers In other words, they weren’t military experts. It would be unreasonable to appoint civilians who knew nothing about military. There was no path for Rook to become the chief of the Household.

That was fine, but there were things that need to be asked first.

“What is the assault of the Eagle King?” (Yuri)

‘Yes, that one.’

“…Oh yes, I didn’t explain it to you.” (Rook)

“Yes. Please tell me.” (Yuri)

“…Well, this might be the time to teach you.” (Rook)

Somehow, he looked deeply moved.

‘What’s with that?’

“The assault of the Eagle King is fighting by riding on the Eagle King.” (Rook)

‘…?? Do you mean fighting in midair?’

“Does it mean that you have to fight against the enemies who ride the Eagle King in the air?” (Yuri)

“That’s not it.” Rook)

‘That’s wrong? Well, there is no gun, so how are they fighting?’

There was such a scene in the legend, but it was quite unreasonable to swing with spears.

“Of course, they are fighting the enemies on the ground.” (Rook)

“Then?” (Yuri)

Since they weren’t cavalry, it was impossible to fight while riding an eagle. They probably attacked like an eagle catching a fish in the river, and that was difficult.

Although it wasn’t impossible, there were so many risks, and it didn’t seem to apply in real combat. Even if they threw spears from the air, would that kill the enemies?

“Well. It means that you are going to get in the middle of enemy camp, and take out their general.” (Rook)

“…” (Yuri)

‘I was speechless. What do you mean by that? Are you telling me it is a suicide attack?’

“I didn’t tell you because I don’t like it.” (Rook)

“Is there any chance of success?” (Yuri)

I said so reflexively, and I remembered Gouk had succeeded in doing that. Indeed, he was. And now, he died.

“Well, that’s too low.” (Rook)

‘Yes, of course.’

“I see.” (Yuri)

“It is said that there are four difficulties to proceed with the assault of the Eagle King.” (Rook)

With that as an introduction, Rook began talking.

“First, you need to find the whereabouts of the general as a prerequisite. This isn’t include in the four difficulties. Based on the prerequisite, the four difficulties are the appearance, the descend, the landing point and the blocking. The difficulty of the appearance is due to body double. Even if you think that you have taken out the general, there’s no point if it was just a body double. The difficulty of descent relates to the speed. I usually descend slowly because of safety first, but if the general notices in the meantime, they will run away. Therefore, it is necessary to descend vigorously to the point it breaks the Eagle King feet. The difficulty of landing point is the difficulty of getting to a specific descent point. It would be meaningless to descend far from the general. The difficulty of the blocking is the difficulty to open the path, get close to the general until he is killed. These don’t related to how skill you are as a rider.” (Rook)

‘I see. There are various things to consider, but all of them are difficult. In short, it’s like killing an enemy general in the middle of densely packed enemies through the airborne assault. It’s too messy.’

In particular, the compatibility of descend and landing difficulties. It depended on the wind direction and the strength of the wind, but the riders must have an exceptional talent in these. For the rest, the difficulty of blocking would be the most difficult. In regards of the difficulty of appearance, they might not know the real person, and there was a possibility that the riders were going for the body double encampment instead.

In short, the Heavenly Knights had the highest talent in both operation handling and combat skills, but as a result, it was a hit or miss attack. They might kill the general or the body double, but basically, it was a method of battle once they were determined to die in the battle.

‘Whoever thought about this plan must be stupid.’

“That’s difficult.” (Yuri)

“But Brother had done it, so he is amazing.” (Rook)

While saying that, Rook had a sad face.

“Yes.” (Yuri)

Gouk did it probably because he was a top-class warrior. They didn’t know whether Gouk killed the enemy general or not, but it was a fact that the enemy forces retreated because of them.

“Actually, he had done it multiple times. Several Heavenly Knights flew away at dawn, and they ambushed the tent where the enemy general was. It would be best if the general were mixed with the officers and trampled by the Eagle King.” (Rook)

“Well, that’s true.” (Yuri)

‘It is an amazing tactic if it is thoroughly planned. What is this? Does that mean the Heavenly Knights are a suicide squad? As I expected, I don’t want to be a member of the suicide squad.’

“If I become a Heavenly Knight, do I have to do that?” (Yuri)

“No, but… To accomplish the assault of the Eagle King is the highest honor for the Heavenly Knight.” (Rook)

“So, that Rakunu is…” (Yuri)

“The assault of the Eagle King is done by own free will, so they can’t force the Knights to do it. Even if people do in a group, it depends on the will of each person at the same time.” (Rook)

“I see.” (Yuri)

This wasn’t a typical military action.

If not, no one would want to become a Heavenly Knight. Rather than due to the war progress that had reached the extreme, if people wanted to enter a suicide squad during the peacetime, it couldn’t be helped to call them suicidal people.

If there was no right to veto, people had to obey even if a foolish commander gave the order to do it at bad timing. Even if they were going to lose their lives, it was common sense that they wanted to do it under a competent and respected commanding officer. In this country, the system of aristocracy spread out, but it didn’t promote the nobles to become a commanding officer whether they were competent or not.

However, in the case of Gouk, it was probably a proper setting for that situation regardless whether it was a suicide attack or now. Therefore, Rakunu’s refusal to join was technically not something wrong, but it was probably a problem.

—

Before long, we heard a knock on the door, and a maid came in. She said that the participants had gathered, so she would guide us.

“Have fun.” (Yuri)

And I tried to send him out with a smile.

But, Rook was…

“Hmm? What are you talking about? Come quickly.” (Rook)

He said that.

“Haa? Do I have to attend?” (Yuri)

‘Give me a break. Does it make sense to let a brat to join the meeting?’

“Of course. Why do you think I brought you here?” (Rook)

“I don’t know. I guess it’s not cool not to have a companion?” (Yuri)

“…Nope. You were also invited.” (Rook)

That was the first time I heard it.