Regis and Bastian
Bourgine said:
You are reliable as usual, Bastian.
I should be apologizing for being late. If I realized the commotion earlier Ehh That is!?
Bastian opened his eyes wide as he looked at Franziska who was lying on the floor.
You are Fran!?
Ugh
She lifted her head with a groan.
With only one eye opened.
... Ah? Bastian?
What are you doing here!? Ah, no, leave that for later! I will settle this right now, hang in there! Dont die on now!
He said as he removed his sunglasses.
He glared at the soldiers with his crimson eyes.
With his crimson eyes which only the royals of Belgarian possessed in plain view, he said
I am the third prince of Belgaria, Heinrich Trois Bastian de Belgaria! Why are you pointing your blades at Professeur Bourgine? And you even hurt my friend?
The black armoured troopers took one step back.
Becker roared at them:
Imbeciles! Why would a Prince appear in a place like this!? Imposter! That imposter is definitely disrupting the peace in the Empire! Kill him! Make sure he is dead! If you dont want to die, kill him!
Ah? I heard Grandpa say that the Public Security Corps is being ford. I thought it would take so ti, but they can already be deployed huh.
The soldiers were hesitant, but just like that ti with Regis just now they were pressured by Beckers words and closed in with their swords.
Bastian took a light breath.
Im sorry, but when it is ti to protect I wont hold back.
His body moved for a mont. Regis didnt understand what he was doing.
The three attacking soldiers fell at the sa ti.
Blood sprouted from the gaps of the armour at their waist.
The soldiers behind them gasped.
Bastian brushed the short sword that was stained with blood.
... Bro is faster than this. So, I have to be even faster. I need to be faster.
U-Ughh...!?
Becker kicked the back of a trembling trooper.
Why did you retreat without orders, you trash!
B-Brigade Commander!?
The soldiers wailed.
Becker was holding a handgun.
He pointed it at Bastian.
Even if you are a royal its all the sa if you are dead!
... Are you serious about that?
Ha! Beckers grin was so wide it almost tore his face in two. He glared with his bloodshot eyes.
He pulled the trigger with his right hands index finger.
Splat, a piece of at fell to the ground.
The gun remained silent.
Eh?
Becker looked down, then scread imdiately. The thing on the floor was his index finger.
Hyaaahh~~!? Fin~~~~ ger~~~!? My Finger~!?
Its better to hear your statent in court. Let say this first Dont even think of doing anything stupid. You will end up worse than that wound. If you pick up any guns or blades, I will aim for your heart next.
Ahhhh~~!?
Bastian seed to have thrown a knife with his other hand.
Regis couldnt even see his throwing motion, much less what he threw.
He only knew that a knife hit Beckers hand.
And his finger fell off.
Judging from these facts, Bastian was the one who threw it he could only conclude that.
Bastian said to the soldiers from the Public Security Corps:
I think all the problems so far have been caused by the commander. But if you want to continue to fight, I wont forgive you. What say you?
......
Clank, a black armoured soldier toss his sword onto the ground.
The other soldiers followed suit one by one.
They knelt down with their helts off, and lowered their heads.
Your Highness, forgive us! W-We
Its fine if you understand. Throw that moron into an isolation cell in the Military Affairs Ministry. Let my brother and the Minister determine his cris. Trying to murder innocent citizens is making a mockery of the law.
That That person Bourgine over there, might be a rebel
Is there any proof? Just because she is a liberal? Because she gave a speech in the plaza in front of the palace? None of this is against the law.
W-We are not sure of the details either
If you dont want the nation to fall apart, then do your own research and form your own opinions. Enough, go. I am busy here.
The soldiers bowed deeply, then carried Becker who was screaming It hurts it hurts out and left.
Franziska was placed onto the couch, and her clothes removed.
Her clothes were torn at the waist, but the chainmail under it still held.
Because she jumped to soften the impact of the blow, she managed to minimize her injury.
Regis touched Franziskas sides.
There was a large bruise stretched over it.
Her face twisted from the pain.
Ughh
Answer by nodding or shaking your head. Does it hurt when you breath? Do you feel nauseous, any ringing in your ears? Alright then, does the inside of your abdon hurts? Here? Here? What about here?
!?
Ah, looks like this is the part that hurts. Hmm Two broken ribs. You will need to see a doctor, but you will live. You puked blood because the impact hurt your stomach. You will need ti to recuperate. Just drink soup for now.
... Ugh Thats my own problem
Its great that you survived. Thank you very much for protecting .
Regis held her hand tightly.
Franziska clicked her tongue. But she didnt shake away his hand.
... Is that true?
Eh?
Was I of use? Will big bro praise ?
I dont know what he thinks, but both of us are still alive. This is definitely to the rcenary Kings advantage.
... Is that so. Thats good then
It would be hard to sleep because of the pain, but still try to lie down and rest. I will get the doctor.
Yes.
Nodding lightly, she closed her eyes and clenched her teeth to endure the pain.
The shop owner called for a carriage, and Regis group left the bar.
Bourgines ho
It was a cheap two-story building in a condition that made it surprising that people actually lived here.
They went up the half broken stairs to the entrance of a small flat and, peeking inside, one could see four chairs surrounded by mountains of books.
It was already late at night, but the doctor Bourgine was acquainted with ca over, and treated Franziskas wound splendidly.
He secured her sides to a board with bandages. Her injury was just as Regis diagnosed. It would take a month or two before making a full recovery.
It wasnt clear how her internal organs were, but they should call him if she vomited blood again the doctor instructed before leaving.
After leaving Franziska to sleep in the bedroom, Regis and the others gathered in the living room.
Phew
Regis sat on the chair and exhaled.
Thank you for your hard work.
A blonde girl with blue eyes served them coffee.
She had a gentle but dignified air about her. Even Regis who paid little attention to the attractiveness of ladies was srized for a mont.
Her na was Elise Archibald, a friend of Bastian.
She wasnt too tall, and looked about 13 but she was actually 16 years old like Bastian. Fortunately, Regis didnt bring up the topic of her age.
Regis received the mug filled with brown liquid.
Thank you hmm, delicious.
Fufu, Im glad.
Aside from Regis and Elise, the house owner Bourgine, reporter Claude and Bastian were also present.
Regis bowed at Bastian and introduced himself again.
Thank you very much for your help earlier. I am Regis dAuric, the strategist of the Fourth Princess.
Ehh!?
Bastian tilted his head.
Ha, haha There is a good reason on why Im dressed like this.
Claude and Bourgine also guaranteed his identity.
Bastians face beca even more astonished.
Isnt Regis dAuric the strategist that defeated High Britannias Queens Navy?
He heard this news when he was hiding anonymously in the mansion of a noble in High Britannia.
Regis scratched his head.
... I held command as the acting Fleet Admiral back then.
Arent you the hero that led the Belgarian Empire towards victory in this war!?
... I didnt do it alone.
Such a weak looking guy!?
... Sorry about that.
I thought you would be a man as large as a bear But you are actually a woman.
No!?
This happened several tis already, so he was used to it.
Regis explained that because Latreille was after his life, he had to disguise himself like this.
Bastian looked impressed as he stared at Regis.
Indeed, now that you ntioned it, your hair is a little crooked?
Ah Well, thats because my actions were too intense. Maybe I should return to my original appearance for now.
Regis took off his wig.
But he felt even more embarrassed as he was wearing a dress, so he put it on again.
Bastian opened his eyes wide.
Ehhh!?
Anything else looks weird?
It is already weird for a man to wear wons clothings.
Ahaha thats
Hmmm, have we t before?
Huh?
It was Regis turn to stare at the other party.
Crimson pupils and brown hair.
You are the third prince of Belgaria, Heinrich Trois Bastian de Belgaria correct?
He said so himself during the fight at the bar, so thats probably right.
Yes, but thats not the problem! Inside the palaces library! Ah, maybe you can rember it this way.
Bastian put on his sunglasses.
Hmm?
You really dont rember!? You said that if I write an amazing masterpiece in the future you would read it!
... Ah Could it be, you are that kid who borrowed the Frozen Rain Sword and the Nine wings? I was surprised when you ran off without going through the loan procedures, but I still said I didnt see anything when the Minister of Ceremony ca in.
Dont worry, I returned that book to the library properly. I read it to the very last page.
Thats great. So The boy I t then was the third Prince What a surprise.
Regis looked at Bastian nostalgically.
But the other party had a bemused expression.
You are really a weird man.
Ehh? Well, others tell that often
Normal people will be polite and reserved before royals. Well, Im not good with handling a solemn atmosphere, so just stay this way. Thats even better.
You are right I spoke with other royals a lot, and got carried away My apologies.
Enough, I already said I am not good with solemn atmosphere right? I am just curious. By the way, you were Argentina and Latreilles strategist, and so you are used to interacting with royals right?
Thats true, my attitude might be different if I wasnt Her Highness strategist.
Haha Leave the botherso to the palace. Please call Bastian. Regis is the teacher after all!
T-Teacher!?
You taught about books. After that, I read so many of them I am even dabbling into writing myself.
Ohh, thats wonderful!
I havent written anything satisfactory yet It is hard to co up with a cool protagonist.
I see, thats very important. The popular trends recently
Ahem.
As they were getting heated up over their story discussion, Elise interjected:
Bastian, lets talk about this later. We have more important matters to discuss right now.
Ara, right.
Haha I didnt notice
With a cough, they ended their conversation before they began their story. Bastian asked Regis to confirm:
You ntioned that Latreille is after your life?
I might have angered him by turning down his request to be his strategist.
Bro is still the sa huh.
... There were similar incidents?
As the conversation progressed, Bastian divulged his information freely. This was like doing business without stating any request.
He must be a wealthy man. He didnt really seem to want other peoples things.
Latreille He killed his own father
This rumour is already spreading in the courts.
Regis knew too right. But there isnt any proof. Just like that ti with my brother Auguste. In the end, nothing ca to light because of the grand nobles backing him.
Well who knows?
Eh?
Its true that authority can cover up the truth. But we need to tell Prince Latreille that a new era is upon us.
Oh.
Bastian was dumbfounded.
Fufufu Bourgine laughed.
What bold words to say about the Crown Prince that will be coronated in three days. This isnt so empty boasting in a bar, you are actually serious about this?
It might just be brave words But to make it co true, I hope you all can help .
If it coincides with our ideals.
Bourgine nodded.
Elise even prepared supper. She placed the sandwich onto the table.
What are you planning to do? Ah, please have one.
Thinking about it now, Regis hasnt even taken dinner.
Thank you, I will dig in now.
It cant be helped huh!? I will eat one then!
Bastian reached for the sandwich.
Muu, Elise frowned:
Its not that bad alright?
They are really close Regis started eating the sandwich with a wry smile.
If he was to express his unfiltered thoughts.
Is this rotten?
The thing that resembled this slly thing the most would be moist rubbish. Rotten vegetables, and this texture as rough as sand, was that at?
... Uwah.
Regis wanted to spit it out on reflex, but managed to hold it in.
Bastian finished his sandwich in one go.
The trick is to not breath or chew too much. Dont force yourself though? This must be hard for a noble to accept.
No no, Im a commoner. Although I was given a chevalier title recently.
Ah, right. When I t you in the library, you were wearing the military uniform for commoners.
Yes Yes
Regis drank the coffee to wash the lingering stink in his mouth.
Mada Bourgine is a famous liberal. If you are her student, then Prince Bastian is a liberal too?
You think thats strange too?
No, the Princess I am serving is against the current system too but even so, she didnt think about abolishing the aristocratic system.
Why do you think it would be better to maintain the aristocracy?:
The citizens are not capable of discussing politics yet. Without the current aristocracy, the political power will fall into the hands of the people, then swindler with the glib to incite the masses will beco dictators.
Claude raised his hand.
Sorry to interrupt What do yo an by the glib to incite the masses Can you give an example?
... Simply put, its giving the masses an easy to understand enemy. And the truth doesnt matter. For example Making speeches about the royals looking down on the citizens spreading such fictitious news.
Wouldnt the lies be refuted?
Their plan is to run after saying their piece. Because it is hard to prove such baseless things. And lies on such a level would be enough to deceive the crowd. Furthermore, the masses want an enemy. People get deceived because they want to be deceived.
... I see.
For example, saying a neighbouring country acted inappropriately That would be enough. Anything goes. Just give the masses an enemy, and tell them you want to gather everyones power to fight against the enemy, if they say that they will gradually gain more supporters. And now, the masses could be incited this simply. Thats why we cant leave politics to them.
Haha If Mr Regis is born in High Britannia, history might be different. The citizens in that nation have rights.
And they were embroiled in a reckless invasive war. The incited group will often move clumsily towards aggressive actions. Only a tragic fate awaits them.
If they defeated the Belgaria Empire, their evaluation would be No, lets stop here. Sorry for intruding.
Claude shrugged.
Regis sipped on his second cup of coffee.
No In any case, I think it is still too early to abolish the aristocracy.
So you want to do so in the future?
In order to achieve my ideals of Pacifism, it is necessary for the citizens to have rights after all.
Bastian nodded.
I have a friend. He studied under Professeur Bourgine and wanted to bring freedom to the Belgarian Empire. I will make it co true one day his goal in the future.
Yes.
People who are born into aristocratic families can live extravagant lives, while those who are born commoners would be oppressed their entire life. Isnt that unfair.
This is a problem of freedom in choosing ones career. And also, the problem of tax burden and individual rights.
Bourgine nodded quietly. Like a teacher watching her students exchange their views, she didnt participate in this discussion.
Bastian said vexingly:
But Latreille said that it is only natural that it is unfair.
Regis was surprised montarily.
You talked to Prince Latreille about liberalism!?
Ahh, I was thinking of charging in straight but I got smashed.
What did he say?
The aristocrats learn from a young age on how to manage people, land and command troops. For commoners, only the most exceptional of the exception could do that.
Not everyone has an equal chance at education.
That is true It is impossible for all the citizens of the Empire to receive the nobles standard of education. I researched it myself too, it cant be done!
Bastian who got emotional turned sullen. Bourgine supplented the fact in a calm tone from the sideline:
I worked as a teacher in the past, and only boys from wealthy family could afford to attend school.
In the Belgarian Empire during this era, there were no public schools.
Schools funded by wealthy commoners and aristocrats required a high amount of school fees.
And schools set up by the church where classes were held after prayers, didnt charge any fee but only held one session a week.
Grand nobles would hire tutors to hoschool their children. And of course, the fees involved would be on another level.
By the way, aside from the children of nobles, teacher is a vocation many people wish to take up, and female commoner teacher were rare in this field.
Regis nodded.
Prince Latreille is right. By giving special education to the nobles, we can nurture talented people. The Belgarian Empire beca strong because of such a system.
You think bro is right?
Well, it was true in the past. But the tis have changed.
Ehh?
Bastian tilted his head.
Regis picked up the books piled on the floor.
Its books. They can change the world. It is impossible for all commoners to employ ho teachers, getting all of them to attend school is also difficult. But teaching them to read and write is still possible. After that, they can learn by themselves by reading books. Books might still be expensive, but their price will fall with the advent of technology. One day, even children will be able to afford books.
Bastian stared hard at the books.
This thing huh
Your Highness also glead more knowledge by reading books right? Books can change people and change the world, thats how I feel.
Anyone can beco like you?
Ah, no If everyone becos like , this countrys existence will be in danger. But as a commoner, I had to work hard in order to read books But if soone tightens their budget, it wont be impossible.
I dont know if such a lifestyle is a good thing But if books beco cheaper, there will be more people reading them, will we be able to change the nation then?
I think the country will definitely change.
... Is that so If there are books, his dreams will co true.
Bastians eyes turned moist, and he rubbed the corner of his eyes with his hand.
Regis realized sothing from his actions, but he didnt bring it up.
Bourgine muttered:
I think books can change the world too. People who will blindly follow the aristocrats will strive for freedom and equality after reading books and exchanging opinions Then there would be more liberals.
That is so.
But in the end, speeches were suppressed.
We almost died just now.
She then asked Regis straightforwardly:
Regis dAuric You are an outstanding strategist, well versed in politics, economics, science and good sense of ethics. Please tell your views what needs to be done to change this nation?
His words were stuck in his throat.
He knew the answer.
But, how could he say it out loud?
......
Claude leaned forward.
Well, how about this? Regis was planning to deal a huge blow to Latreille, or declare war against him right? Thats why you need Prince Bastians help. And in return for his assistance, what you can do is answer Professeur Bourgines question. What say you?
As expected of a proposal by a reporter. His livelihood involves dealing with information after all.
Bastian shrugged.
I will only help you if I think this is the right thing to do.
I cant really judge if involving stakes during an exchange of views is a good or bad thing
Regis sighed.
His ability to set up such an atmosphere was a testant of how good Claudes oral skill was. Instead of a reporter, he might be more suited to be a diplomat?
I will help you unconditionally Even if the other party says so, Regis couldnt keep his thoughts to himself.
Regis tidied the words in his mind.
... Since books can change this world, it can change this nation of course. However, even if the citizens are deeply knowledgeable, it wont be enough to change the system. They would just be oppressed Im a pacifist and detest war. I dont want to see anyone die So, even though I dont want to say this But to change this country, what the citizens need to do is an ard rebellion.
Ard rebellion.
Which ans the citizens had to pick up weapons and attack the Administration.
Bourgine frowned.
Such movent happened in many other cities. And then, the army ca and many died This country still didnt change.
Well, even if the citizens pick up bows and lances, they cant defeat knights. A hundred of them might win against one knight though.
Bastian pointed with his right index finger.
What about rifles?
... Thats what I want to talk about.
Regis sighed:
I dont want this to happen for real Thats why, I hope Her Highness could beco Empress, and improve relations with neighbouring nations peacefully. And then reduce the inequality between aristocrats and commoners in stages I hope to achieve a revolution without bloodshed. But there is another way that is viable Increase the people's wisdom with books, then use rifles to start an ard rebellion
And abolish the aristocracy?
If you ask for that, the nobles will resist in full force. In order to win a war, it is not advisable to let the opponent fight with all their might. For instance, it would be realistic to propose the formation of a senate in order for the representatives of the people to participate in politics.
And that would be enough?
If they can take part in politics, they can build schools to further educate the commoners. And there would be more military commanders who are commoners. After the commoners gain more influence and rights, there would be nobles who will want to assist. The senate would be like a hole at the bottom of the aristocratic ship.
Claude stood up from his chair.
Isnt that a good idea?
Dont be daft Just like how the High Britannian troops with rifles lost to Belgarian cavalry in the end, its not so simple.
Isnt that because the strategist Regis dAuric is guiding them?
The weak points of rifles lies in their supply. If there is no ammunition, rifles cant be fired. And right now, the Empire doesnt have the facilities to produce the bullets for the new rifles. Even if they can be produced, it will be hard for them to fall into the citizens hand.
It cant be done?
Field Marshall gave his orders for the blacksmiths of Rouen city to research it But it will probably take so ti.
The Blacksmiths huh.
Hmm, Claude nodded.
Well then he squatted down before Regis.
The man called Regis dAuric There must be more than just this.
What are you trying to say?
Books can change the views of the citizens. Rifles and ammunition can greatly increase the success rate of an ard rebellion. But other people can understand this much too. Thats why rifles and bullets wont fall into the hands of commoners so easily, and the aristocrats wont open schools for the sake of commoners Is that all? You must have thought further than that.
Like I said, my goal is for the Princess to beco Empress.
No, not that. You should have more practical plan of making an ard revolution a success. Thats why you hesitated just now.
... Mr Claude, you know about it?
Im asking because I dont know. I am just a reporter who caught scent that the other party is hiding sothing.
... Hah Can you promise to keep it off the records? This is just sothing shared between Mada Bourgine, Bastian and the few of us in this room. If it is carried out, it will led to massive bloodshed.
Bastian and Elise nodded.
Bourgine said:
I am not in favour of an ard rebellion though.
It cant be helped. I wont note it down, its just a pity.
Claude placed his hand on his chest. This gesture ant he was swearing to god.
Regis nodded.
From what I heard, Prince Latreille planed to attack all neighbouring nations in the next two years. A large number of rifles would be prepared then. In that case, many commoners will be hired to manufacture rifles and ammunition. Since artillery has less prestige than knightship, the riflen would mostly be commoners.
Hmm? Hey That ans
Yes the production and usage of rifles will be entrusted to the commoners. And if the core mbers of the ard rebellion infiltrate inside
I-Indeed. If we can produce rifles, train with them and increase the numbers of our comrades
Regis shook his head.
However, people will still die. And the commoners rising in ard rebellion are unlike a disciplined army. They will partake in unnecessary violence easily. We cant allow such a tragedy to happen.
Claude returned to his seat and leaned back onto his chair.
... Thank you. I will use if for reference. As promised, I will not record it down. At most, I will use it in future topic research.
Alright.
Well, I dont think the aristocrats restrain themselves from unnecessary violence either.
... That might be so.
Bourgine nodded.
Its true that there is a high chance of success if we follow your plan. But subjugating others through martial might will just be the sa as the nobles. I dont think this will better the nation though?
Bastian nodded in agreent.
Thats right! Well, I think we need to fight if we have to, but we should consider other ways too. Citizens fighting knights with rifles should just remain a scene in stories.
Well then, next would be a more roundabout and peaceful strategy that I thought of. You want to listen?
Everyone nodded.
Reviews
All reviews (0)