National Enrichnt Arc
*Soumas Perspective*
The girl with the fox ears seed to recognize imdiately.
! Y-you!?(Kaede)
Yes, thats why I said quiet down. Good grief, I dont know how much do you understand, however if you say what you believe too much in this place, it might incur severe losses to this country.(Souma)
I-I am sorry. But, why are you in this pla-! You surely not are coming here to arrest the rebellious Hal!? Youre wrong nodesu! Hals head is weak so rebellion is(Kaede)
She took it the wrong way and then while misunderstanding the situation, began to make excuses. Where did her analytic ability that she showed before go? Kaede frantically kept on arguing vehently for Hulberts sake. It seed that she loves Hulbert.
Of course not. Since I have no interest in just one soldier.(Souma)
Th-then, what are you doing in this place?(Kaede)
Since I was suddenly asked to take a day off, I only ca to take a look at Juna-sans store.
Is-is that so?......(Kaede)
Kaede imdiately made a relieved expression.
As for Hulbert, he had been glaring in my direction for so ti.
You bastard[1], so you abruptly interrupted our conversation to threaten Kaede.(Hulbert)
U-um Hal? I wasnt threatened, you know(Kaede)
Annoying! Kaede, just be quiet!(Hulbert)
Hyau!(Kaede)
Hulbert hit the desk with a bang and rose up with a nacing look and frightened Kaede.
I think it was you who threatened her.(Souma)
I said shut up!(Hulbert)
He reached out his hand to grab my collar,
Ugh(Hulbert)
But his hand stopped en route. From my point of view, I would have seen the sight of Hulbert who was imdiately surrounded by three girls from my group.
Even though being surrounded by three beauties should have been a dreamy situation. But I didnt envy him a bit. At any rate, Liecia unsheathed her rapier from her waist and pointed its tip at Hulbert neck, Aisha (she didnt bring her great sword since its a hindrance) grabbed his face with an Iron Claw grip[2], while Juna-san stood behind him with a smile while pressing a fruit knife against his back. Whoaa the girls in my group have too high of a fighting strength.
But, why Juna-san, too?(Souma)
Because this store prohibits all kinds of violent behavior. (*smile*)(Juna)
Ah, yes..(Souma)
As expected, faced with this situation, even the highly agitated Hulbert couldnt help his sweat from gushing out. Without being able to move even a muscle he could only glare with a mortified expression from between the gaps of Aishas fingers.
You bastard Let go! Despite being a guy, you dare to hide behind a womans back(Hulbert)
Even if you said that to , it seems that my job requires to be protected. Or rather, I think it would be a problem if I went into a public space without any bodyguards.(Souma)
When I said this, the girls in my group nodded in affirmative.
If you already knew about this, I wish you wouldnt poke your head into other peoples affairs and cause trouble.(Liecia)
Liecia reprimanded without pursuing it any further. Ah yes, Im sorry. Ill be more prudent.
Hulberts irritated scowl pierced .
Bastard, who the hell are you?(Hulbert)
Fumu Then let answer you with number six of the top historical drama[3]lines that I want to say.(in Matsudaira Kens[4]voice) Hulbert, hast thou failed to recognize mine face?[5](Souma)
Wha-?(Hulbert)
Why did you suddenly act so high and mighty?(Liecia)
Liecia suddenly chopped into the conversation. Noo Let say it again.
Then Aisha was the one who spoke next instead of .
Hold your tongue! Dont you recognize who this gentleman is?!(Aisha)
Woah, that was just similar to the third top historical drama line that I want to say (by the way, the first position belongs to: if I was toldJust you alone, what can you do?, then I would turn it back withIm not alone), why did you have to say it!
You are in the presence of the most august, the 24thElfrieden King (Temporary), His Majesty Souma!(Aisha)
*Blam* I heard BGM playing, but that was just in my own imagination.
For the ti being, I lightly hit the head of this disappointing dark elf.
Your voice is too loud. Hadnt I said Im travelling incognito?(Souma)
AhFo-Forgive , Your Majesty.(Aisha)
Your Majesty?...... So, you cant possibly the King?(Hulbert)
Hulbert only just now seed to be surprised. I think that in this place, the only one who didnt know was just him, so he was quite a dolt. For now, if the rapier iron claw knife that surrounded him werent withdrawn, the talk couldnt continue, so I asked everyone to stand down. But Aisha and the rest seed to be openly displeased.
I turned my gaze to Hulbert who seed to be relieved and began asking him.
Well then, Hulbert Magna, do you intend to attack ?(Souma)
Th-That is(Hulbert)
Hulbert averted his eyes. Hey, does this an he resigned?
Can I think of that as the consensus opinion from the Magna House?(Souma)
Wha-! My old man had nothing to do with this!(Hulbert)
Is he really unrelated? Leaving aside the soldiers that should have abide to my rules, the ones who rebel against and hold the rank of noble will be judged under the law. They even clearly showed the spirit of rebellion. In that case, it can be considered asHigh Treason[6] Its a grave cri. At the very least, all the third degree relatives will be executed.(Souma)
Wha-(Hulbert)
Hulbert beca speechless. But, I was just throwing so hard reality in his face.
That isthat is too much(Hulbert)
Even if I say this, dont have a grudge against . This is what the law of this country decided after all. I want to reform the law that punishes the even innocent babies, but alas, the current conditions have tied my hands from doing this. Maybe if the Three Dukes cooperated with , then I could make the reforms. However, since I cant revise it, then if they were judged under it, I would have no other way to express it other than that they reaped what they had sowed.(Souma)
(Hulbert)
Hulbert Magna, you were born under the distinguished noble Magna House. Thats why if you go to the Three Dukes side and the Three Dukes raise a rebellion, then if I win, I will execute all your third degree relatives. After all, thats what the law had established, so I cant do anything about it, right?(Souma)
I was emphasizing that I was just making judgnt following the letters of the law and I would not be just my personal lynching.
Machiavelli had said:
If you asked between the Nobles and the People which one was easier to gain support from, then the answer is the People. After all what the People requested were onlyProtectionfrom the NoblessOppresion. However, to protect the People ans antagonizing the Nobles, and they might turn their blade against the Ruler. Thats why a Wise King would create a judicial branch, that restrained the Nobles with law and gain the support from the People, also avoiding the enmity of the Nobles since it wasnt the ruler himself that gave out the judgnt.
(Excerpt from De Principatibus Chapter IX (first half) and Chapter XIX (last half))
It might sounds like a sophistry, but this was the Reality.
Then, lets think what would happen if the Three Dukes win.(Souma)
! Th-Thats right! If we win then there will be no problem!(Hulbert)
In that case, what will happen to this girl?(Souma)
I put my hand on Kaedes shoulder. Hulberts face then turned pale.
You dont an that you will take Kaede as a hostage?!(Hulbert)
It isnt about that you know. Its just that this girl belongs to the Royal Army. If the Three Dukes raise a rebellion, then she will be on my side and be sent to the front lines. In other words, she will beco your enemy.(Souma)
Then I looked directly at Kaede.
By the way, what is your relationship with Hulbert?(Souma)
Chi-Childhood friend nanodesu.(Kaede)
Childhood friend.is it?(Souma)
It wasnt just only childhood friend. Since the beginning, from their speech and conduct, I could see a glimpse of their mutual feelings. Well, I wasnt that insensitive to point it out loud in this place. There was also nothing to gain from it.
Well, as a childhood friend, then your affection to her is above average, right? Then if the Three Dukes side wins, what do you think will happen to her?(Souma)
What will happen Nothing will happen.(Hulbert)
We are currently talkingifthe Three Dukes side win. Lets just say that I was attacked and the one who cut off my head was you.(Souma)
Humph! Then, surely I will be promoted and beco successful.(Hulbert)
That might be true, then what do you think will happen to Kaede at that ti? Amongst the defeated soldiers, there is a cute girl. Then, what do you know about The things a victorious soldier will do.. Since you were once on active duty, you can easily imagine it, right?(Souma)
When I pointed this out, Hulberts face beca visibly paler.
Perhaps he was imagining those scenes. After the war concluded, the winner would oftentis trample the loser. Plunders, arsons, rapes, massacres To let these acts of brutalities be overlooked to such an extent, war was similar to an intoxicating narcotic.
Hulbert then shook off his hesitation and began rebutting.
Duke Carmine thoroughly led his troops! They wont do such barbarous acts!(Hulbert)
I dont really knew about the Armys internal situations, however the troops that are currently in Carmine Duchy isnt a formal Army, since there are the idiots who are raising rebellions. After I seized their assets after investigating their corruption, those fellows have nowhere to go. If they lose, what awaits them is summary execution and familial extinction. Thats why they flung away all their funds and employed a large amount of rcenaries from Zem.(Souma)
The rcenary Nation Zem.
A dium sized nation located west of Amidonia, north of Torgis, originally it was a country that employed a rcenary captain nad Zem. However, with his own quick wits, he overthrew the country and founded a nation of rcenaries. The country was advocating itsPermanent Neutrality, however, its chief economy revolved around dispatching rcenaries to many nations. To sum it up in other wordsIf they are demanded, they can send their whole country as rcenaries. Because those rcenaries were exceptionally strong, rather than making them into an enemy, all nations made rcenary contracts with them instead and gained them as an ally.
That cant be possible! The Royal Army also employs rcenaries amongst its ranks! So if the Three Dukes also employed rcenaries, then wont it beco friendly fire!?(Hulbert)
Ah, it wont happen. Since the Royal Army had canceled their contract of employnt quite so ti ago.(Souma)
Since this was a good opportunity, lets talk about this countrys militarys organization.
The total military force of this country was about 100,000 n strong. It was organized further into:
The Army led by Duke George Carmine[7]: 40,000
The Navy led by Duke Excel Walter[8]: 10,000
The Air Force led by Duke Castor Vargas[9]: 2,000
(However, it was said that one Wyvern Knight was equal to 100 foot soldiers.)
Although the Air Force was organized so that every soldier held a Knight peerage at the least (It was usually composed of a team of1 Wyvern 1 or 2 soldiersthat will be referred together as the singular unit ofWyvern Knight) the Army and the Navy were mostly composed of career soldier.[10]They always practice day and night in the Three Dukes territory, and they received their pay that was provided by the Three Dukes territory. It could be said that to support them, that the Three Dukes gave many privileges to them, like rights for self-autonomy or tax exemption for their field harvests.
Then, the last 40,000 belonged to the Royal Army, however their structure was complicated. The Royal Guards and the soldiers of the Royal Army under the direct command of the king were a career soldiers. Then, they were also added to the private armies of the nobles beside the Three Dukes (they didnt have privileges like the Three Dukes). Lastly the rcenary troops, which were employed from rcenary Nation Zem under the command of the Royal Army, however this contract had already been annulled.
For the Royal Army to have fewer soldiers than the Three Dukes was the result of the doctrine of this country.
This country was a nation originally born from the mingling of different races. For that reason, since the King ca from the humans that had the larger population, to protect the other races privileges, it was decided that the leader of the Army, Navy and Air Force would be selected from other races. This system was established so that if a tyrant assud the throne and began oppressing the other races, then the Three Dukes armies that surpassed the Royal Army in number could expulse him. On the contrary, it was also a system that if even one of the Three Dukes attempted to usurp the throne with just the help of one other Duke, it was possible for the King to subdue him.
Such arrangents might have worked out well if this was a peaceful era. However, currently with Demon Kings Territory making its appearance, this was the age of strife where each country looked for a chance to get at each other. For the system with such disconnected decision makers, they might not be able to make any responses to an ergency situation. In reality, in spite of the fact that I wanted to continue with my reforms, the Three Dukes opposition would give many hardships.
So, lets return to the matter of annulling the contract for the rcenaries.
Waita mont, what do you an by cancelling the rcenaries contract!?(Liecia)
Ah Now that you ntion it, it looks like I hadnt said anything about it.(Souma)
I made a wry smile at the Liecia who beca more surprised than Hulbert and yelled at .
Just like what I said. rcenaries that only live for gold couldnt be of any use.(Souma)
Machiavelli had said,You cannot depend an army mixed with rcenaries.. According to him,
Since rcenaries are connected by the profits, if they are presented with a greater profit, they might easily turn their side against you. Even if there was a battle, rather than their employer, they would guard themselves more, so you couldnt expect loyalty or the like from them in the beginning. If the rcenaries are incompetent, then there would be no aning in employing them, and if the rcenaries are competent, then they might use their wits to rob you of your position.
(Excerpt from De Principatibus Chapter XII)
In fantasy novels or RPGs, it was oftentis that the occupation of the main protagonist character was introduced asrcenary, however an actual rcenarys line of work was greatly different from those fantasy images. After all, these guys earn their living in the battlefield. It was a work where they have no loyalty to neither a nation nor a ruler, they could switch sides after calculating loss and gain. If they lost the war, they would flee imdiately, and if they won the war, they could rampage around. Although their maintenance cost may be cheaper than a standing army with sa number, but in the long term, there was nothing but a minus.[11]
We have no surplus money to pay such a useless bunch with gold, after all.(Souma)
Thats why, by contracting the rcenaries we can get the security guarantee from Zem, you know!(Liecia)
It is surely a dangerous diplomatic position. However, wasnt it Liecia who saidEven if we wager 1000 pounds of gold[12]for national defense, we wouldnt even give even one hair for tribute.? Since Zem is different from the Empire, they have no capabilities to personally invade us. So there is no aning to giving them tribute.(Souma)
Well, for this reason the rcenaries might take revenge by employing themselves to the Three Dukes side.
I then looked directly at Hulbert.
So those bloodthirsty rcenaries are in the Three Dukes camp. Do you think they are going to leave a girl, like Kaede-chan, from a defeated army alone? The rcenaries would tornt Kaede-chan, and after she had served her purpose, they would kill her. At that ti, what kind of feeling will you have I wonder(Souma)
That,(Hulbert)
Hulbert wavered. Such an indecisive attitude gradually roused my anger.
Hadnt you said that you will take my neck!? Didnt you want to sing out your victory!? Even when en route for this, you might find out that your childhood friend will tragically beco a corpse after been completely played with by several n!?(Souma)
Gugh(Hulbert)
I was shouting at him, and Hulbert collapsed and put both of his hands on the table.
He couldnt make any reply and his mouth was sewn up shut. Kaede-chan looked at his appearance with a worried look. Seeing her like this.. I more or less recovered my composure.
Hulbert Magna. The decision you choose today will only lead you to a dead end. If I win, you will be executed. If the Three Dukes win then Kaede-chan will might not et a peaceful end. This is a great gamble you can only do once in your lifeti, at least choose which table where your future is placed.(Souma)
(Hulbert)
Think about it thoroughly, before you do sothing rash. What do you really want? For what reason? For whose sake? Look around you and then think.(Souma)
For whatFor who(Hulbert)
Hulbert looked around him.
There was Kaede-chan that was looking at him with eyes full of worry. Both of them looked at each other without saying anything, but Hulbert had an expression as if an evil spirit had been exorcised from him.
What will happen next would be for them to decide personally.
Sorry Juna-san, for causing a disturbance in your business. We also need to leave.
In the end, I apologized to Juna-san for the raucousness, however she calmly shook her head.
There is no need for it. Your majestys words have already been etched inside my heart.(Juna)
Then with an elegant bow, she saw us off.
Hey Souma, I wanted to ask you sothing.(Liecia)
Hm? About what?(Souma)
Inside the coach that was returning to the Royal Castle, Liecia who was sitting beside began asking .
Aisha acted as the coachman, so inside the coach was only us two.
About the thing happened then: You was persuading Hulbert, right? It was unexpected since you said that you wont pardon those rebelling and you were sowhat serious.(Liecia)
Since he still hasnt officially rebelled against . If he still rebels after this, then there will be no forgiveness.(Souma)
You are surprisingly kind.(Liecia)
Be kind to your friend, be stern to your enemy That is a king that can be supported by the people. Thats why it doesnt an that I like to act stern. The less enemies the better.(Souma)
Like what I thought You really are kind.(Liecia)
*plop* Liecia put her head on my shoulder.
Souma, dont overwork yourself.(Liecia)
I know.(Souma)
Ahahaha, thats true(Liecia)
But, I will need to work harder for only for a little bit more.(Souma)
Yes.(Liecia)
When I arrived accompanied by Liecia and Aisha as the bodyguard at the audience room, there were three people already kneeling down. One of them, a middle aged man, was in front of the others and on his bowed head, streaks of white hair could be seen. From his figure clad in armor, it was safe to surmise that he had a long service in the military. Beside him were the two people that I had t yesterday, Kaede Foxia and Hulbert Magna. By the way, the man who bowed down his head ahead of these two people was the father of Hulbert, Glaive[13]Magna.
The three of you may raise your heads.(Souma)
Yes, Your Majesty.(Kaede)(Hulbert)
Hulbert and Kaede raised their heads. But my stare was fixed on Hulberts face. After all, it was because there were so many marks from being hit on his face. His cheeks were swollen and his eyes were circled with blue. Because it wasnt there yesterday, then his injuries might have been inflicted after we parted ways with him.
I see your face has beco handsor.(Souma)
UghYes, Your Majesty!(Hulbert)
Although he had a vexed expression, he didnt show any hostile attitudes like he did yesterday. I wonder what had happened after we left. Then I called out to Glaive that still bowed down his head.
Glaive Magna, you may raise your head.(Souma)
I humbly, humbly wished for Your Majestys clency for the recklessness of my son!(Glaive)
He replied with a sorrowful tone. His forehead nailed down the floor. Although I didnt really understand the way he was sitting on the floor in a one knee up posture; maybe this was similar to a dogeza in Japan.[14]
The recklessness you ntioned, does it relate to yesterdays affairs?(Souma)
Yes, Your Majesty! I had heard the details from Kaede-dono. Nonetheless, he showed a conduct unbecoming of his professional duty, not only he had sent slander against Your Majesty repeatedly, moreover he even inexcusably asserted to participate in the Three Dukes rebellion!...... However my son is still inexperienced and he has been referred to as one with an inadequate head. If Your Majesty has taken an offence by his conducts, please redirect that anger towards who had neglected to adequately educate him!(Glaive)
Hmm What a lengthy speech. So what he said wasSince I will receive the punishnt, please spare my sons life.But in the first place, I didnt get angry at all.
Yesterday I was travelling incognito, so I had no intention to take it as serious matters. After all, from what I have seen, he had received an appropriate punishnt.(Souma)
Yes, Your Majesty! Your words are too good for .[15](Glaive)
Lord Magna apologized by prostrating. Hulbert and Kaede also hurriedly bowed down once more.
I didnt get angry or anything, so to be apologized to was a bit too much and then Glaive raised his head.
Thereupon Your Majesty, please pardon for performing another impolite action.(Glaive)
What is it?(Souma)
This is If it is possible, it would be better if the talk couldnt be heard by many people(Glaive)
So, a secret discussion? It was beyond doubt sothing similar to a historical drama.
Dismissing everyone in the room, there was only , Liecia, Aisha, Hakuya, Glaive, Hulbert and Kaede remaining. Although it seed improper to let Aisha into these secret talks, she had to stay behind as my bodyguard. If the secret talk was just a deception and the real objective was to assassinate , then it was expected that she could deal with it as well.
The number of people has decreased. So, what is this talk about?(Souma)
Yes. The subject of this talk is(Glaive)
Glaive began to talk in depth.
Then, after hearing the contents of the talk, Hulbert opened his eyes widely, Kaede hung her head down and grasped her fist tightly, Hakuya closed his eyes, Aisha was nervous seeing everyones expression...Liecia didnt say anything and was nearly expressionless while her body stiffened. It was just, that lines of tears ford down her cheeks.
Speaking of , I had a complex feeling. Anger, shock, resignation, sorrow, resentnt Inside my chest, these emotions jumbled up, but I tried not to let them overwhelm . Then as much as possible, I spoke out in a calm and even manner so that these emotions couldnt be perceived by others.
By telling this story, what do you expect from ?(Souma)
Nothing, Your Majesty. It is just I only desired for Your Majesty to be aware of it.(Glaive)
This is heavy.(Souma)
Then I stood up and gave a decree to Kaede and Hulbert.
Royal Army Affiliated Magician Kaede Foxia. Your insight is too good for just being only a magician, moreover it is dangerous. I appoint you as a staff officer under Commander Ludwin of the Royal Guard Knights.(Souma)
Eh, what, yes Your Majesty!(Kaede)
Hulbert Magna of the Army. I command you to transfer to the Royal Army.(Souma)
!? Do you an that Ill be in the Royal Army?(Hulbert)
Thats right. Support her as the adjutant to Kaede. Her position is essentially the number 2 in the Royal Army. Since she is still a young woman, she is liable to be looked down upon by her subordinates. If that happens, it is your job to keep them in line. Isnt this good for you?(Souma)
Yes, Your Majesty!(Hulbert)
Thus a new young officer joined the Royal Army.
However there was no joy in his heart at becoming a new part of the force.
Pushing his vehent emotions, from his clenched mouth he only gave three words of his true feelings.
That stupid bastard!
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