Genjitsushugisha no Oukokukaizouki - Volume 19 - Chapter 9.1

Chapter 9: Bad News

—Kingdom of Friedonia, Parnam Castle

A year had passed since the war with Fuuga. The Kingdom of Friedonia and the other nations of the Maritime Alliance had begun to heal their wounds, though their hearts would still require time to fully recover. This period ushered in a time of peace. With Fuuga’s ambitions crushed, each country focused on strengthening its internal affairs. As developments in diplomacy and distribution networks brought everyone closer together, we assessed the reports from the advance parties in the northern hemisphere.

Research in the northern hemisphere was based in the Seadian city of Haalga. However, once a base was established on the other side, we would be able to send more personnel to the region. With almost all conflicts between nations having ceased, ambitious adventurers and mercenaries seeking both excitement and a change in circumstances were on the rise. If we could direct them to the new frontier in the north, the southern world could finally enjoy lasting peace.

It was fair to say that this past year had been even more peaceful than the one during which we’d all been too busy dealing with magic bug syndrome to focus on much else. The Kingdom of Friedonia was sharing in that peace as well. The only issue at hand was the situation in the northern hemisphere, but it required a long-term approach and didn’t demand immediate action. For the first time since arriving in this country, I found myself with some free time. The result of that was, well...the girl sleeping next to me.

“Is something the matter?” Maria asked, lying in bed next to me in her nightgown.

I rolled onto my back, gazing up at the ceiling with my hands behind my head. “Nah, I was just thinking about how nice it is to be able to relax like this.”

“Hee hee,” Maria chuckled. “It is, yes. I don’t think I’ve ever had the chance to take it so easy.”

“I mean, you’ve kept running around even after coming to this country. And I know you were swamped with work as an empress too... Maybe you’re a workaholic?”

“You’re really going to call me out on that, Souma? Even now, there are still nights you stay up late working, right?”

“If I didn’t have to do it, I wouldn’t.”

“I’ll bet. I felt the same way when I was an empress. But I enjoy the work I’m doing now, so I’d like to get back to it in a little while... I’ve taken about half a year off at this point.”

Since coming to this country, Maria had focused her efforts on the philanthropic work she had always wanted to pursue. Marrying me and becoming one of my queens hadn’t changed that. She often convinced Naden to fly her across the country to advocate for the disadvantaged. The people had come to call Maria the “Angel of Friedonia” out of respect. However, she had been cooped up inside the castle for about half a year now, and that was all due to the girl lying between us.

“Let’s wait until Stella is a little more settled in, okay?” I said.

Maria smiled as she gently stroked her child’s newly grown hair. Stella Euphoria—that was our daughter’s name. Maria had continued to travel across the country during her pregnancy, but once her belly became too large, she’d settled at the castle. After giving birth, she had dedicated herself to caring for her newborn.

Maria looked at me and smiled. “Of course, for the next few years, I plan to return home every day. If Stella forgets my face, even for a single day, she might start thinking one of the other queens is her real mommy.”

“Yeah, that’s a genuine concern in this household.”

My queens all got along exceptionally well. Each of them had their own responsibilities, so when they were too busy, whoever was free at the time would help care for the children alongside Carla and the maids. I’d join in whenever my work allowed it, but unfortunately, it was hard for me to find the time. Whenever I played with the kids in the day care, Liscia, Ichiha, or Tomoe would pull me back to the governmental affairs office.

Because of this, it often became unclear who was the mother of each child. Aisha and Naden struggled to conceive children of their own, so they showered affection on the others’ kids. Even Yuriga joined in, saying it was for future reference. It was as if all the queens were mothers to all of our children.

I had always imagined a royal harem would be filled with drama, but everyone seemed more focused on pursuing their work and passions than on fighting for influence. This certainly saved me a lot of trouble.

I rubbed Stella’s tummy as she slept. “Well, you can do as you like, Maria. I’ll always be here to support you.”

“Hee hee. But... I do want to be with her while I can. I know Jeanne is saying she wants to adopt her, and she’ll leave the nest someday...”

“Jeanne’s pregnant herself at this point, though. She and Hakuya are getting ahead of themselves.”

It looked like Hakuya and Jeanne of the Euphoria Kingdom were also going to be blessed with children. However, in their efforts to deal with any overscience relics, they wanted access to at least one child of my bloodline. They had been discussing the idea of adopting Maria’s child, but that wouldn’t happen until after she became an adult. By that time, the situation might have changed, so there was no guarantee it would occur.

This is why I hope she takes her time growing up. Just as I was thinking that...

“...!”

“...!!!”

A sudden commotion erupted outside the room. Aisha was standing guard, but I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening. Maria and I exchanged worried glances before carefully getting out of bed, trying not to wake Stella. Maria slipped on a cardigan to keep warm.

“...jesty is sleeping right now!” Aisha exclaimed.

“This is an emergency. I must see him at once...”

Outside the door, Aisha was arguing with Kagetora. Once Maria and I deemed ourselves presentable, we quietly opened the door and stepped out, closing it softly behind us to avoid disturbing Stella.

“Did something happen?” I asked.

Kagetora put his hands together in front of him and bowed. “Sire, we’ve received urgent news that requires your immediate attention.”

What news could possibly bring the leader of the Black Cats to see me at such a late hour? A sense of dread washed over me as I urged, “Go on.”

“There has been an insurrection in the Great Tiger Empire,” he whispered. “Fuuga Haan’s fate remains unknown.”

“Come again...?”

At first, I struggled to grasp what he was telling me. An insurrection? And Fuuga’s fate is unknown? So...we don’t even know if he’s dead or alive? The ruler of that vast empire in the north? Did he just get Honnouji-ed? Who is his Brutus? Is this just a scheme orchestrated by Hashim, or are we dealing with faulty intelligence? My thoughts spiraled in confusion; my legs felt shaky and goose bumps prickled my skin. I found it hard to calm down after hearing this news.

Observing my distress, Kagetora continued, “According to reports from our intelligence operatives within the Great Tiger Empire...”

He explained that our men had spotted flames rising from Haan Great Tiger Castle and had sent word about the insurrection. Revolts were common in the Great Tiger Empire, and they had been so focused on gathering intelligence on the rebels that they had not been sufficiently wary of those suppressing them. Meanwhile, another unit of Black Cats had encountered a lone rider fleeing south. After securing him and offering protection, they discovered he was Kasen Shuri, one of Fuuga’s subordinates. He revealed that the insurrection was led by Krahe. He was also carrying an infant as he fled. I had a strong suspicion who the parents were...

“Krahe, you’re still chasing after your fantasies...” Maria murmured.

Hearing her voice snapped me back to my senses, and I looked over to see her scowling. As my mind cleared, uncertainties began to surface about the implications of what I had just learned.

Is Fuuga really dead? Or is he out there somewhere? If he is dead, the Great Tiger Empire is bound to fracture. Even if a sudden coup like this one succeeds, Fuuga’s subordinates and supporters won’t accept it. Even without knowing which of Fuuga’s men have survived, I could be certain they would oppose Krahe. This could lead to civil war in the Great Tiger Empire.

I also couldn’t predict how the former Mercenary State of Zem or the Orthodox Papal State, both of which had been subjugated by Fuuga, would react. If the war in the north turned into a quagmire, it would result in fresh waves of refugees and a resurgence of the situation we faced when I was summoned in the 1546th year of the Continental Calendar. This had to be avoided at all costs, but more importantly...

“Damn it... What am I supposed to say to Yuriga?” I clutched my head as I stared at the ceiling.

I need to act immediately. I have to gather information, clarify the current situation, and come up with countermeasures. I’ll also need to share that information with Kuu, Shabon, and Jeanne, my allies in the Maritime Alliance. I want to discuss our future moves with Hakuya as soon as possible. But before any of that, I have to tell Yuriga about the death of her older brother, whom she loves and respects. Will I be able to remain calm while conveying this cruel reality to her?

“Souma.” I looked down at the sound of Maria’s voice.

She was staring at me. Maria took the flustered Aisha by the arm and pulled her closer. “We will go to Yuriga and support her along with Lady Liscia. You can play the role of king, doing what only you can do.”

“Th-That’s right, sire! Leave her to us!” Aisha nodded in agreement.

I should probably leave it to them. “Okay... Take care of Yuriga for me.”

““Right.””

“Kagetora, call up all the men we can muster right now. In particular, I want Julius and Ichiha to come to me immediately. I’ll contact Excel and Hakuya using the broadcast.”

“By your will.”

The peaceful atmosphere was shattered, and we rushed into action. As I headed for the room with the broadcast jewel, I paused for just a moment. In the darkness of night, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirrorlike surface of a window. My expression looked like I was ready to cry.

Fuuga... Did you really...die? The great man who was the darling of an era disappears as times change—like the end of so many tragic tales of epic heroes. Were you really unable to resist that fate...?!

I shook my head, forcibly dispelling the depressing, stagnant thoughts swirling in my mind. Then I started to walk once again.

◇ ◇ ◇

Let’s discuss what the various countries did afterwards...

First, the most significant move came from Zem, where many had fled from the Great Tiger Empire. Fuuga’s subordinate, Moumei, acting as his viceroy there, let out a wail of despair upon hearing of Krahe’s treachery. He then returned control of the people to Gimbal, the last king of the Mercenary State of Zem, who had been living in retirement. Afterwards, Moumei returned to the Great Tiger Kingdom with only his best troops.

Moumei attempted to put down the traitorous Krahe, but his personal troops numbered only a few hundred—far fewer than the rebels supporting the traitor. Despite putting up a valiant fight, Moumei’s forces were ultimately wiped out, becoming martyrs for their loyalty to Fuuga.

Meanwhile, Gimbal spoke with the people of the former Zem, and they decided to entrust the rule of their lands to Kuu Taisei of the Republic of Turgis. It was well-known that the Republic was already effectively administering the two cities they had taken from the former Zem, which encouraged the push to swear loyalty to the Republic. The people of Zem had always praised martial prowess and sought a spirited leader, so they were drawn to Kuu’s charisma, which reminded them of Fuuga’s.

“You opened your people’s frozen hearts to the world. In the right situation, Sir Kuu, you might compete equally with Sir Fuuga or Sir Souma,” Gimbal said.

“Ookya? You’re overselling me a bit there, Old Man Gimbal,” Kuu replied.

“No, I can see from the faces of the people of the Republic that I’m not. They’re no longer depressed, as they once were; they’re envisioning a bright future. Please use your talents to lead the people of Zem who have lost their way,” Gimbal urged.

“Ookyakya... If you insist, then I’m gonna have to give it my best, huh?” Kuu accepted Gimbal’s request.

The former territories of Zem were incorporated into the Republic, expanding Turgis’s territory without any bloodshed. Zem was a mountainous land, not very fertile, but Kuu would rule it well by applying what he had learned about setting up transportation networks from the Kingdom of Friedonia.

Meanwhile, as the former Zem changed masters without turmoil, the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State, which had also been subjugated by Fuuga, was thrown into utter disarray. The faction that had upheld Fuuga as a holy king consisted of those who had won the power struggle within the church and survived numerous purges. However, with the loss of their standard-bearer, Fuuga, the faction could not maintain its authority. Those who had been suppressed as heretics regained their momentum and attacked the current establishment, sensing that the moment for vengeance had arrived. Thus, the storm of purges raged once more.

Many bishops who had supported Fuuga met bloody ends, and Saint Anne was imprisoned in a tower. She was spared execution so she could eventually be held accountable for her sins, and her death would symbolize the change in leadership for the believers. However, with the fall of Fuuga’s supporters, no one remained in the Orthodox Papal State to restore calm amid the chaos. Massacres led to further massacres, and with no one able to distinguish between orthodox believers and heretics, the blood of bishops and followers was shed indiscriminately.

The ordinary citizens, weary of the violent power struggle, yearned for someone to quell the chaos. Their hopes turned towards Bishop Souji Lester and Saint Mary of Kingdom Orthodoxy, who held authority over Lunarian Orthodoxy in the Kingdom of Friedonia. Kingdom Orthodoxy had been labeled a heretical sect by the main church, but it remained a branch of Lunarian Orthodoxy, supported by Souma, who had opposed Fuuga. There was hope that Kingdom Orthodoxy’s tolerant stance towards believers of other faiths could help restore order in the Orthodox Papal State and promote reconciliation.

While Souji was sluggish to act and showed little interest in the appeals from the people of the Orthodox Papal State, Mary was genuinely concerned for Anne’s well-being.

“Please, Your Holiness! We must extend the hand of salvation to that girl before her heart is completely broken. She’s like...another version of me, trapped alone in the darkness. If someone doesn’t offer her their hand, she’ll only sink further into it.”

“Well...fine,” he replied with a sigh.

After hearing Mary’s desperate appeals, he reluctantly took action. Souji requested support from Souma, who agreed. Souji would return to his homeland with troops from the reconstituted House of Carmine.

Having demonstrated military superiority, he proclaimed, “Lay down your swords, and I shall lay down mine as well,” assuring everyone that the Kingdom Orthodoxy wouldn’t suppress or conduct an inquisition against any other sect. This relieved the concerns of those who feared it would be a fight to the death, and the ensuing chaos began to subside.

“Anne! Pull yourself together, Anne,” Mary urged.

“Auhhh...” came Anne’s weak response.

Mary rescued Anne from the tower where she had been confined. Despite signs of malnutrition and dehydration, Anne was alive and was transferred into Mary’s care upon her release. However, the one who had been supporting Anne’s heart all this time, Fuuga, was dead. This left Anne to confront the murder and death she had long avoided, resulting in deep psychological scars. It was said that she was a complete wreck when they rescued her from the tower.

“Wah... Ahhhhh!” Anne screamed, plagued by nightmares.

“Anne! It’s okay! You’re going to be okay!” Mary reassured her, caring for her devotedly. While it was uncertain whether Anne’s heart would ever heal, it was clear that Lunarian Orthodoxy would slowly begin to change from that moment on, with Souji at its center.

The Great Tiger Empire of Haan, the center of all this turmoil, had fractured into three factions.

The first faction was the Krahe Army, led by the man who had struck down Fuuga. He advocated for the continuation of Fuuga’s expansionist policies, attracting those still under the illusion that the Great Tiger Empire was the most powerful nation on the continent of Landia. This faction grew large by absorbing rebels who harbored grudges against Fuuga, as well as mercenaries unwilling to accept the coming peace.

In opposition to them was the Resistance Army, which sought vengeance for Fuuga. This movement began when Lombard Remus and his wife, Yomi, returned to the Great Tiger Empire in a prisoner swap. They shut themselves in a castle in the former Frakt Federal Republic to express their intention to resist. Meanwhile, Shuukin and Lumiere, who had been suppressing rebels during the insurrection, gathered forces in the west of the Great Tiger Empire to defeat Krahe. Their strategy was to prepare while Lombard bought them time. However, faced with Krahe, who had amassed troops for various reasons, the Resistance Army could only rally those loyal to Fuuga or those angry at Krahe, leaving them at a significant numerical disadvantage.

The third faction, by far the largest, consisted of fence-sitters. Many within the Great Tiger Empire were not neutral; they simply felt unable to act even if they wanted to. Uncertain of who could lead the Empire without Fuuga, they sat back and waited to see how the conflict between the Krahe Army and the Resistance Army would unfold. The people of the Great Tiger Empire had grown accustomed to expanding under Fuuga’s charismatic leadership, and many had not exercised their own will for a long time. This large number of fence-sitters made it difficult for the Resistance Army to gain troops and supplies, while simultaneously bolstering the Krahe Army, which demonstrated its own resolve.

In response to these challenges, Shuukin sent a request to the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan through Princess Elulu, while Lumiere cast away her shame and apologized to Jeanne for her past transgressions in hopes of securing her support.

And so, that brought us to the present situation, as the turmoil within the Great Tiger Empire was deepening. I had received a report that Kasen, a commander in the Great Tiger Empire, had arrived at Parnam Castle carrying Fuuga’s orphaned child, Suiga. I met with him in the audience chamber, accompanied by Liscia, Yuriga, and Ichiha.

Standing beside me as I sat on the throne, Yuriga glanced at me sideways. I had been too busy to see her on the day we learned of Fuuga’s possible fate, but Maria told me that when Yuriga heard Fuuga was missing and possibly dead, she hadn’t cried herself to sleep; she simply refused to believe it.

“My brother would never die in an insurrection by his own retainers. Even if I assume this report is accurate...he must have decided it was too much effort to keep ruling and faked his death to let someone else take over... I’m sure that’s it,” she had said while reassuring Liscia and the others, who were worried about her.

Even now, with Suiga right in front of her, Yuriga might have appeared tense, but there was no anger or sadness in her expression. Even if she was putting on a brave face, I found that impressive.

While still concerned about her in the back of my mind, I opened my mouth to speak. “I’m glad you’ve come, Sir Kasen.”

“Yes, let me thank you...for taking in the young master and me,” Kasen, who was kneeling before me, said as he bowed his head deeply.

Kasen was a young warrior and a celestial like Yuriga. I had seen him a number of times before. Despite his youth, he was one of the most courageous warriors in the Great Tiger Empire. He was carrying a baby under his arm; it was akin to the story of Zhao Yun during the Battle of Changban. Perhaps he would become a similarly great warrior one day.

“This is Sir Fuuga and Madam Mutsumi’s child?” I asked.

“Yes, this is Lord Suiga. I have come to entrust him to Lady Yuriga,” Kasen replied.

“Souma...” Yuriga said, her eyes pleading.

Sensing her feelings, I nodded. Yuriga rushed to Kasen’s side. Kneeling in front of him, she looked him straight in the eyes.

“Sir Kasen... Is my brother truly dead?” she asked.

“I’m terribly sorry, Lady Yuriga... I fled early on, carrying the young master, so I couldn’t stay with Lord Fuuga until the very end. I did see Sir Gaten risking his life to allow us to escape, though...” Kasen’s words were filled with regret.

Yuriga put her hand on his shoulder and then shook her head. “You did the best you could. That’s why this child is still alive. If my brother were here, I’m sure he would praise your admirable performance.”

“Lady Yuriga...” he murmured.

“Can I hold the baby?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am. Go ahead.”

Yuriga took Suiga from Kasen and held him in her arms. As one of the queens, she had cared for Stella before and knew how to handle a baby.