Chapter 65: Child-like Hearts

“Your Majesty, may I speak with you?”

Bridgett, the former female knight who had finished the healing, addressed the Emperor.

Beside Emperor Benedict, Fury, who was usually present, was nowhere to be seen.

“What is it?”

On the bridge of the airship.

War Emperor Benedict, with a prosthetic arm on his left side, was gazing out of the window.

His gaze was fixed far beyond the horizon.

“Regarding the retreat. Most of the seasoned commanders, including the Imperial General, were killed. All of that, by just one child.”

“Do you mean to say that my reputation is tarnished?”

“No, not that.”

“Well, I can’t blame you for thinking that. After all, the surprise attack that had been prepared for four years failed. The Senate’s assessment of the high-level magic weapons will also decrease. The budget will be cut, and mass production will be delayed by several years. Moreover, we’ve lost so much essence. Considering the internal backlash, it’s a headache.”

“If that’s the case…”

“However, there were gains beyond that.”

“…You mean the high-level magician?”

“That too. But there’s something even better.”

“Something better than that?”

Emperor Benedict remembered Lucius’s actions when he fired his trump card, the magic cannon.

While everyone’s attention was on the shield that stopped the siege weapon, the magic cannon, Emperor Benedict was the only one who focused on the sequence of actions.

In this era, there were no guns.

There were no magic artillery pieces resembling cannons either.

All of those had been buried deep underground along with the Red Age.

Only a few scholars might know of them, and a minuscule part of the Empire might have seen them in operation.

However, even before the projectile was launched, Lucius had manifested a shield.

It was a confident action that anticipated a powerful long-range attack.

If one could predict unknown weapons just because they had a keen instinct, no one would be in trouble.

“Lucius knew about the existence of artillery weapons.”

Bridgett couldn’t quite comprehend what he was saying, but her eyes widened in realization.

She understood what Emperor Benedict was implying.

“That’s… that can’t be.”

The Emperor’s expression turned into a smile.

“Yes, that boy is a reincarnated soul. And likely, a perfectly restored one.”

◆　◆　◆　◆

“I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done this time.”

Lady Lilinths herself had come to the lord’s mansion in Tact Land, Olivia’s castle, to visit.

“No, I did nothing. Everything was done by Lucius.”

“You gained Lucius as an ally. That’s your power.”

“I’m just lucky.”

A ruler doesn’t necessarily have to be skilled. They don’t have to know how to grow crops or handle flood control.

It’s enough if they’re trusted by those who can do those things.

However, in reality, that’s the most difficult part.

People who excel in one thing tend to develop strong habits because of their confidence. They also tend to look down on those who aren’t knowledgeable in their area.

Nevertheless, someone who can gather the trust of all kinds of people can become a great ruler.

“Lucius achieved great results in this war. Many nobles saw that. Not just in the East, but many including his Majesty and the other Four Great Nobles.”

“Yes, it’s a remarkable achievement. It’s not an exaggeration to say that he saved the East from destruction.”

A force of that scale, facing an unknown weapon. Even if the capital, Shanark, had fallen, it wouldn’t have been surprising.

Lady Lilinths eyes sparkled.

“…Is that all?”

“Is there more?”

“Well, you’re still young. Consider this my way of paying you back.”

“What do you mean?”

“Lucius has defeated the evil dragon in the North before, demonstrating his presence and power to the Northern nobles. He also defeated Chiyou in the East, preventing the Empire’s invasion. The Eastern people particularly admire valor. In other words, the next election many nobles from the North and East will follow Lucius’ vote and some of the Southern and Western nobles will align with them.”

Olivia widened her eyes.

“Could it be?”

“Yes. Depending on when the King passes away, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Lucius now holds a substantial portion of the nobles’ votes. And if the votes of the South and West split…”

“You mean, with Lucius’s single vote, he can win the election? But, even if you tell him…”

“He probably won’t take it seriously. For some reason, he thinks too lowly of his own evaluation, his own worth. It’s as if he were a child who didn’t receive the affection of his guardian when he was young. As far as I’ve gathered information, his father was one of the most distinguished people in the North. He was expected and loved by his parents and people; he should have grown up with those expectations.”

“I believe it’s due to the influence of the [Magic Stone].”

“The [Magic Stone]… that mysterious stone. We have a few in our treasury, but I’ve never seen one actually working. Therefore, I can’t conclude, but it’s possible.”

Lady Lilinths pondered, but she stopped herself from thinking about something with no clear answer.

“Let’s get back to the topic. Lucius is understood best by Soushi-sama and Weshite-sama. If that’s the case…”

“Assassination, threats or bribery.”

“Likely. Considering his own power, the latter is more probable. He won’t yield to money or position. But he will easily bend to people. Even a pitiable individual, once in front of him, he will surely lend a helping hand.”

“Thank you for your advice.”

Olivia deeply bowed her head.

“And what about the reconstruction?”

“The foothill town suffered catastrophic damage, but the other towns have minimal problems. We will provide full support as Tact Land to the foothill town.”

“I see. If you need assistance from the East, let me know. I’ll help anytime.”

Although Lady Lilinths said this, the response was already anticipated.

“I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Your intention is enough.”

If she accepted support from the Esta Windsor family here, she would be in their debt.

She knew that the request would be denied.

Lady Lilinths didn’t say anything in response. 

“I see… I am the head of the Esta Windsor family. I cannot give you my vote in the election.”

“I understand. If my father votes for another candidate, I won’t say a word to him for the rest of my life.”

“That’s scary. This isn’t related to the election at all, but…”

Lady Lilinths took a sip of tea.

After a breath, she broached the main topic.

“A decision has been made to station knights in this area. Subsequently, I intend to advise His Majesty to annex the neighboring Honogura region and turn it into a county. Of course, the lord of that land will become a count. I think you would be suitable for the role of Count.”

Olivia was left breathless.

The difference in activity between a count and a viscount was significant.

Naturally, it affected how they could influence the surrounding feudal lords as well.

It was equivalent to the Master recognizing Olivia’s activities as the leader of the clan.

“I appreciate it.”

Once again, she bowed deeply.

“Good. This is also Clark’s intention, and it doesn’t belong to the fallen former sergeant.”

“I agree.”

Former Lord Clark, despite being criticized as a tyrant, had only the survival of his subjects in mind.

His actions were based on the conviction that the Empire would invade beyond Mount Kuron, and in fact, they did.

However, at that time, he was already overthrown by the subordinate he trusted the most.

“And what about Clark’s daughter? I could have her serve at the palace.”

The Clark family had been dissolved and handled by the country. It was unlikely that Lauren’s claim to the inheritance would be accepted at this point.

However, Lady Lilinths also felt guilty for not fully believing in Viscount Clark’s words.

He couldn’t grant her a territory, but he intended to elevate her as a court noble. It is a small token of appreciation for one of the most trusted donors of the past.

“No matter how many times I confirm, she has no intention of becoming a noble.”

“…I see. However, she could still live in this Tact Land.”

Indeed, the Imperial Army had invaded.

However, the grudges of the people who had lost their children had not completely disappeared.

Human emotions were not so easily altered solely by the truth or falsehood of events.

“If Lucius were to take care of her in the Silver heart territory in the North…”

Olivia said somewhat discontentedly.

“…Are you implying that he’s going to marry her?”

“That’s not the intention, at least according to him.”

“I see. You’re in quite a situation. You’re getting a rival in love. If you don’t hold onto him tightly, he’ll have admirers everywhere.”

Olivia responded with a radiant smile.

“I’ll be fine. I’m going to become the queen, after all.”

Lady Lilinths just smiled without saying a word.

Still, that smile seemed to come from the heart.

“So, where is the hero who saved Tact Land, no, the East?”

“He went to Mount Kuron.”

Meanwhile, Lucius was riding on the back of the three-headed evil dragon, flying over the skies of Mount Kuron.

The black full moon that had emerged in his left had disappeared cleanly.

“There it is, over there.”

Lucius pointed to the middle of the steep rocky mountainside.

A large rock jutted out from the mountainside.

On top of the rock, a laurel tree was growing, and under its shade lay a gigantic tiger in armor.

Around the tiger, despite being out of season, lavender, violets, and irises of purple flowers were in full bloom.

The gigantic tiger was covered in wounds, but it was leisurely grooming its front paw.

Lucius brought the evil dragon closer to the vicinity of the tiger and descended onto the giant boulder.

The tiger twitched its ear.

“Are your wounds healed?”

The tiger just glanced at Lucius from the corner of its eye.

“I brought this.”

Lucius took fermented sausages out of his bag and placed them on a plate.

With a fork on the side, he approached Rikugo and gently put the plate down in front of him.

It was Yu’s favorite.

Rikugo shook his nose two or three times and stood up on his two hind legs.

Approaching the plate, he carried the sausages to his mouth with his hands instead of using the fork.

“Hey, Yu-san…”

Even though Lucius called, Rikugo didn’t respond. He was completely absorbed in his meal.

Rikugo, who looked just like Yu, had turned into a magic creature. Lucius remembered the warmth and comfort he felt when he was carried on his shoulders.

However, if he were to show any hostility, without hesitation, he would surely tear Lucius apart with his claws and great sword.

The realization hit Lucius that this was no longer Yu.

At the same time, tears welled up in his eyes for the first time.

As Rikugo was eating the sausages, he gazed intently at Lucius’s tearful face. For some reason, he offered one of the sausages to Lucius.

“Lucius, want to try it? It tastes good with salt. 』

It felt as if Yu was saying that.

“Thank you.”

Lucius accepted it with his hand and brought it to his mouth.

The strong sour and pungent taste remained, as usual. The only difference was that he could taste the salt more strongly than before.

“When you grow up, you’ll understand the taste. 』

Once again, he heard Yu’s voice.

Lucius forced whatever was in his mouth down his throat.

“…It’s true. When you grow up… it’s delicious.”

Lucius wiped away his tears and mounted the evil dragon.

As he soared into the sky, he looked back.

Then, from behind a rock, two kirin creatures appeared, sitting beside Rikugo.

Most magical creatures don’t have a distinct gender, but these two kirin creatures seemed close, like a bonded pair.

One of the kirins had a large scar on its chest, as if it had been pierced through the heart with a sword.

Around the three divine beasts, flowers swayed in the wind.

Lavender, violets, irises, and the laurel tree.

For some reason, the small, swaying pale yellow flowers reminded Lucius of a young Lauren smiling.

“Lauren… Your parents must have loved you.”

Lucius returned his gaze to the front.

He felt a tug at his heart.

However, he had already decided not to look back anymore.

Leaving behind his childish sentiments with the tiger, he soared into the cloudless sky, basking in the sunlight.

“I’ll protect Lauren… So, Yu-san, rest in peace.”

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