The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs - Volume 13 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

The Past

A SMALL BANQUET was being held for the troops from Vordenoit’s fleet. High-ranking knights and commissioned officers were gathered inside Arcadia’s large reception hall. Finn and the other Demonic Knights were present as well.

Food and alcohol were served to raise the troops’ morale, since they’d reached the main landmass of Holfort Kingdom, and the battle would start soon. Seats weren’t provided, as people were meant to stand and mingle. The participants did just that, enjoying conversation while they drank and sampled delicacies.

Finn stood against the wall, arms crossed. He wasn’t partaking in the food or drink.

Lienhart Lua Kirchner made his way over. The young fifteen-year-old, a prodigious swordsman, had claimed the Demonic Knights’ third seat. He had gleaming red eyes and long, fiery red hair separated into dozens of rows on his head. It looked like it must’ve taken him forever to groom it into that style.

“You seem awfully gloomy and depressed, sir,” he said mockingly.

Finn remained perfectly still, only his gaze moving to Lienhart. “And you seem to be enjoying yourself.”

Lienhart had piled a bunch of food on his plate. He tossed piece after piece into his mouth merrily, grinning back at Finn. His attitude made it clear how much he enjoyed the thrill of battle. “What’s not to love about taking out powerful enemies? Rumor has it that Bartfort even gave you a run for your money. Don’t worry—I’ll kill him for you.” He was posturing, confident that he could take out Leon. However, it was also meant as a challenge, since Finn had failed to assassinate the man.

Another young man made his way over, eager to join the conversation: Laimer Lua Kirchner, Lienhart’s older brother, who held the fifth seat. He was tall, his own red hair cut short and swept back. He was also zealous and hot-tempered, which was why Finn avoided him.

“You guys talking about the Scumbag Knight?” asked Laimer. “Finn, you seriously couldn’t bring him down, even though you’ve got the first seat?” Laimer was still young at only twenty-one years old, although that was still older than Finn, despite Finn’s higher status.

“No,” Finn confirmed. “He’s strong.”

Lienhart sneered at his brother. “For the newbie in the order, you’re awfully cocky, coming over and butting into our conversation like this.” Their family relationship did nothing to convince Lienhart to show Laimer any respect.

Laimer’s forehead scrunched. He was probably seething, but he knew better than to say so; Lienhart was stronger than him and outranked him. Instead, he opted for a more innocuous response. “Is it really that big a deal for me to join the conversation?”

“Seriously? Of course it is. You’re an amateur who got the fifth seat out of pity, and you’re going to stand here and act like a full-fledged knight? You’re a prime example of why I hate people with no natural talent.” Lienhart looked down on those weaker than him, and since he perceived Laimer as lacking the talent he himself possessed, he despised his older brother. He probably found it even more infuriating that the two were related by blood.

Another man strode over to join the group. He held the fourth seat and had long black hair. His name was Hubert Luo Hein. He was particularly skilled when it came to coordinated team battles, so while his individual strength had forced him into the fourth seat, many gossiped that he would outclass even Finn in a real battle.

Hubert had a naturally relaxed air, and his voice was soft as he spoke to Lienhart. “It’d be a shame to bicker during such a nice banquet. You should let it go—you’ll only worry the other guests.”

Scanning the room, Lienhart noticed people flashing them anxious looks, wondering whether he and Laimer would break into a fight. They were all visibly relieved to see Hubert step in.

Finn noticed Hubert give him a look as if wanting to say something. “Do you need something from me?”

“I know you studied in Holfort, so I’d like to hear your opinion,” Hubert replied. “We’ve slowed our pace, per Arcadia’s strategy, but our scouts haven’t reported any movement from the opposition forces. How would you interpret that?”

Finn sighed. “There’s no point asking me. I’m not them.”

“I’m interested in what you think Archduke Bartfort is planning, rather than the kingdom as a whole,” Hubert clarified. “From what I’ve heard, he’s essentially running things, isn’t he?”

There was a long pause before Finn said, “He’s a loose cannon. No one can predict what he’s thinking.”

“That’s a shame,” said Hubert. “But at least it tells me he’s not the conventional type. I wonder what he makes of our slow pace.” He fell deep into thought.

Laimer shrugged. “They’re probably preparing for battle or fighting among themselves. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a country out there with a fleet large enough to withstand ours.”

The empire was throwing all their military assets into this battle, but their main weapon was Arcadia. Laimer probably thought the extra ships and Armors were overkill.

“I don’t care either way,” said Lienhart. “If they don’t meet us on the field, we’ll just stomp them. If they do, we’ll cut them down. I’ll admit, I’d personally prefer the latter.”

Finn’s brows knit. “You’re being awfully laid-back about all this. Have you forgotten what we’re about to do?”

Lienhart pushed out his bottom lip, pouting. “Of course I remember. We’re going to annihilate Holfort. That is, not just the nation but all its people as well. What about it?”

“If you’re aware, then…” Finn trailed off. He was out of patience with Lienhart finding any entertainment in what they were doing. He was about to raise a fist to knock some sense into the other knight, but someone interrupted.

“Let’s leave things there,” advised Gunther Lua Sebald, the second seat and eldest member of the Demonic Knights. He’d held the first seat until Finn beat him. He was a hulking beast of a man with bulging muscles and an authoritative presence. “No sense fighting our own when we’re about to go into battle with Holfort.” He glared pointedly at Finn.

Vexed, Finn relaxed his hands back at his sides.

Gunther sniffed at him. “You don’t deserve to sit in the first seat, the way you are right now. If you can’t behave according to your status, I’ll be happy to take your position from you.”

Finn plastered a sardonic smile on his face. “That desperate to have your seat back, are you?” he retorted. “Take it whenever you want, then.”

Gunther balled his hands into fists, anger flaring. Ironically, despite coming over to prevent infighting, he seemed ready to throw a punch. He spun around, biting back his emotions.

As Gunther stomped off, Hubert smiled awkwardly. “He’s as hot-tempered as ever.”

There was no camaraderie among them, but they were each strong enough to wipe out a small country on their own. That, combined with Arcadia’s participation in the battle, put everyone in the mindset that victory was a foregone conclusion. Finn didn’t think they were taking the battle seriously enough.

His eyes wandered to Moritz, who was discussing something with his generals some distance away. Moritz’s rise to the throne had been sudden. In his hand, he held the cane that the previous emperor, Carl, had wielded. It was a symbol of authority. Moritz maintained a smile, but his face had grown noticeably gaunt in recent days.

I guess only His Imperial Majesty sees the real gravity of what we’re doing. 

He was the one calling the shots—he’d ordered this attack—and he was also responsible for assassinating the previous emperor. 

Despite his actions, Finn couldn’t blame the man. The two of us are awfully alike, he realized. Say, old fart, if you were still alive, what would you say about all this?

He and Carl had often mocked and insulted one another, but they’d been thick as thieves and held the same ideals. Not having him here was lonely.

I know what we’re doing is wrong, but I want to protect Mia’s future at all costs. Even though you’re not here anymore, old man, I swear to you I’ll protect Mia to my dying breath.

***

Since the battle was nearly upon them, the empire cut their banquet short. Moritz returned to his quarters, chasing off the servants who normally looked after him so he could have solitude.

He settled on the edge of his bed. His hand formed a tight fist around his cane—the cane that had belonged to the father he’d killed with his own two hands.

“We’ll invade Holfort soon, Father,” he said.

Moritz had once overflowed with vitality, his behavior rough and unrefined. No one could have told that by looking at him now; he’d lost his former self, becoming timid and less spirited. Yet he’d agreed to Arcadia’s proposal to annihilate their enemy, if only to secure a future for his people. He’d also betrayed and claimed the life of his father, who’d sought to ally himself with the enemy.

“If only you hadn’t turned your back on us, things would be going much more smoothly,” he said. “It’s your fault for stabbing us in the back.” 

Moritz was telling himself that, as much as anyone, trying to relieve his agonizing guilt. But no matter how much he tried to blame Carl, that guilt kept eating away at him.

“Why is this happening? If I’d known it would feel like this, I never would’ve wanted to be emperor.”

The tears flowed, and Moritz’s nose started to run as he thought about his father and the patricide he’d committed. He’d never had the chance to ask Carl what he’d been planning, why he’d tried to ally himself with Holfort.

“Father, why? Why did you do it? I never wanted to kill you!”

***

Back in the Einhorn’s hangar, I’d climbed into Arroganz’s cockpit to make some final adjustments. Luxion was inside with me to help; he was explaining the improvements he’d made.

“I added more armor plating and weapons, so those will now restrict your mobility considerably. I could only do so much in such a limited time, so to merge with Schwert, you’ll have to purge the additional plating.”

More defensive and offensive capabilities. That wasn’t bad. It fit a guy’s image of a mobile suit ideally equipped for the final battle.

“What about improvements to Schwert?” I asked.

“I merely raised its base performance, but I assure you that will make a notable difference,” said Luxion. “Would you like to conduct a test simulation?”

“I don’t think I’ll have enough time to run many simulations before we set off,” I said. As much as I wanted to do just that, it simply wasn’t in the cards. It seemed like we always did things at the last minute. Wish I’d prepared for all this sooner.

“Procrastination was always a habit of mine, even in my last life. Looks like I haven’t matured at all,” I said self-deprecatingly, exasperated with myself.

“You have matured,” Luxion replied in a rare moment of praise.

“You don’t normally serve compliments. Are you sold out of sarcasm and passive-aggressive barbs or something?” I grinned at him, hoping it at least looked more natural than it felt.

“You finally gave those five your approval,” Luxion said, unfazed by my teasing. “When I first met you, you never would have done so.”

“Nah, I’m sure I would’ve. I mean, they’re good guys. Way more capable than me,” I said.

“Those five?” Luxion shot back in disbelief.

I kept making adjustments to Arroganz. “I’ll admit I hated their guts before I met them,” I answered. “But once we met, and I talked to them, and we fought… I ended up realizing they were much kinder, better people than me. I was the jerk, not them.”

My mind wandered back to those moments I’d spent playing the game and the way I mocked Julius and the other love interests. It was only in retrospect that I realized I was the biggest idiot of all. They truly loved Marie from the bottom of their hearts. Meanwhile, I’d made Angie, Livia, and Noelle cry countless times just because I didn’t want them getting wrapped up in my problems. When Marie came forward with the truth about her past, the guys had accepted her and believed her. I was the one always whining and complaining. They were way better than me.

“I really am a failure,” I said. “I’m only now realizing how much of a fool I’ve been. I really want them to survive this battle—to find happiness with Marie after this is done.” I paused a second and mulled that over. “Okay, well, I’m not convinced happiness is what they’ll achieve. But you get what I mean.”

Call me closed-minded, but I just didn’t see how one woman and five guys could find happiness together. I didn’t envision those relationships surviving. Whether they were doomed or not, though, I wanted all of the idiot brigade to make it out of this.

“I hope Angie, Livia, and Noelle don’t die,” I continued. “Same for Dad and Mom and—I could go on forever. I don’t want anyone I know to lose their life out there. Isn’t it selfish of me to say that when we’re about to go into battle?” It was hypocritical; I was going to kill people, but I didn’t want them killing me or my loved ones. I knew it was natural to feel that way, but it was cowardly too.

“In this particular case, the empire made the first move. There is no need for you to feel any guilt about this, Master. If anything, I am the root cause,” said Luxion.

“Why would you be the root cause?”

“Because I dragged you into this war between old and new humanity.” He gazed away, his robotic voice conveying his vexation at how his presence had impacted me.

“This was probably bound to happen from the moment I claimed you,” I replied. It had been kind of shortsighted of me, really. I hadn’t thought much about the consequences of having all the power that came with Luxion; I was just eager for the security he’d give me.

“Shall we run? There is still time,” he told me.

I forced a smile. “Absolutely not.”

“You truly are stubborn.”

Finishing the first round of checks on the adjustments I’d made, I breathed a small sigh of relief. Then I glanced over my shoulder at the small pack I wore, gesturing to it with my thumb. “Enough idle chatter; I’ve got a question. You sure I can use this stuff fine?” The small bundle, only a few inches thick, sat right at my shoulder blade. Stowed inside was my trump card: a supply of powerful strength-enhancing drugs.

There was a small stretch of silence before Luxion replied, “According to Cleare, they are perfectly usable, but you will only be able to administer them three times. Your athletic prowess and magical abilities will increase immediately upon your doing so, but the effects have only a ten-minute duration. After the drug wears off, I will immediately inject you with a neutralizer to mitigate the side effects. That said, I predict it will still strain your body significantly.”

“Only ten minutes, huh? There’s no way to extend that?”

These drugs were intensely effective, but their major downside was that they didn’t last for long. The neutralizer intervals between uses would make it even trickier to find the ideal time to take them.

“Your body will not withstand much more,” Luxion warned. “In truth, you should not use these at all.”

“I guess having superhero powers for ten whole minutes won’t be so bad.” At least the effects bestowed upon me—inhuman strength and speed—would be instant, albeit at an unfortunate cost to my life span.

“I recommend you not use them heedlessly,” Luxion said, displeased that I was going into this expecting to administer the drugs.

“Don’t worry; I’ll save them for when it’s absolutely necessary.”

I would have to use them, though. We were up against Arcadia and the whole Empire. If other Demonic Knights with skills like Finn’s were in the wings, I’d probably have no choice but to turn to these drugs.

“Still, it’s not exactly reassuring to know I can only use them three times,” I added.

“Please do not consider using them a third time,” Luxion warned me. “Even a single use could endanger your life. You should assume that your body will be unable to endure a second or third use. Moreover, if I deem the risk too high, I will forbid you to use them at all.”

That certainly wouldn’t work. 

“Well,” I said, “I hate to break it to you, but I don’t plan to part with my trump card. This is an order, Luxion: Don’t give me any restrictions on taking these performance enhancers.”

“Master?” he replied questioningly, a tinge of sadness in his robotic voice.

Luxion had an awful lot of emotion for an AI, I thought. The two of us had been companions for three years now, and he’d changed a lot during that time.

“Don’t stop me. Not this time,” I told him.

Realizing I wouldn’t bend on this, he seemed to resign himself. “Just this time?” he teased. “I have a hard time trusting that, considering your track record of lying.”

“There, see? You’re back to your normal self.” I grinned; that was the Luxion I knew. “If anything happens to me, I’d like you to look after everyone. I’m worried about that.”

“I refuse.”

I hadn’t expected that response; it threw me off-balance. Anger seeped into my voice as I snapped, “I’m your master. Shouldn’t you respect my wishes?”

“If anything were to happen to you, Master, that would necessarily mean I likewise no longer existed. Therefore, if you truly wish to protect everyone, your only option is to survive,” he said, sounding perfectly calm and rational.

I gawked at him, then slapped a hand over my face and burst into laughter. What nerve, claiming he wouldn’t outlive me! “What, are we making a suicide pact here or something?” I joked.

His lens moved side to side as if he were shaking his head in exasperation at me. “That is the last thing I would wish to do. However, I assure you that, if the worst comes to pass and we both perish in this battle, Cleare will take care of things in our absence.”

“Yeah? That’s reassuring, at least.” It gave me some peace of mind. “Then I guess all we need to do is take down the enemy’s cheat-tier weapon and wrap this all up. I feel bad dragging you into it, but you’ll be with me to the end on this one.”

This time, unfortunately, Luxion wouldn’t get out of the battle unscathed. The way he spoke indicated he realized that too. Realized it, and planned to follow me into battle anyway.

“Naturally,” he said. “If I weren’t with you, you couldn’t fight at your full capability.”

“Oh, come off it. Can’t you read the mood? You’re supposed to say something more suave and badass at a moment like this.”

“Being so serious does not suit you, Master,” he retorted.

“Can’t argue about that!”

It might’ve worked for Julius and the others, since they were handsome love interests, but a boring background character like me trying to act like a suave hero would come across as comedic.

I sighed, enjoying the return to our usual banter. “All that said, I’m sorry I got you caught up in this.”

“I do not mind. You are my master, after all.”