Chapter 19: The Pillars That Support the Empire 2

　At Friedrich’s order, discussions about Lute moved into full swing.

“Now then. Let’s start by asking about your impression of him, Lise. I’ve heard from the soldiers who were on the road as caretakers, but what did you think when you actually met him?”

“Yes, I know. At any rate, he was basically the same person as in the report. At first he was careful about his manners, but once his attitude broke down…I got the impression that he was a very honest person.”

　Liselotte recalls as she says this. Liselotte remembered many of Lute’s words and actions at the tea party.

　The wording towards a noble was only at the beginning. After Liselotte led him on, it suddenly collapsed. It’s not that the behavior is unbearable to see or hear. It seems that he had received an education as a member of the royal family, and even Liselotte’s aesthetic sense could barely pass his manners, and the topics he raised were not of the kind inappropriate for a tea party. Rather, it was refreshing to hear stories that you wouldn’t be able to hear in a normal social setting, partly because they were directing a loose atmosphere. ……It was really fresh in many ways.

“How can I say it…I’ve never seen someone use the words ‘I don’t like it’ and ‘I don’t know’ so clearly at a tea party.”

　It was so fresh that Liselotte could vividly picture Lute’s expression and tone of voice at that moment, even here and now.

　It is true that I explained that Lute was in a higher position at the tea party, and that is a fact that cannot be falsified. However, Lieselotte knew that at tea ceremonies, or rather social gatherings, even if one is in a higher position, one has to be careful with one’s language. The way a high ranking person behaves is to use a noble manner of speech, or to put it simply, to stab the other person in a sarcastic and pointed manner with a superior and uselessly roundabout way of speaking. I knew from the report that Lute had this kind of personality, but it was quite a shock to see it in person.

“Hahahaha! That’s the attitude of someone who has absolute confidence in their power. No matter how much you try to cover it up, you can’t hide your inner irreverence. Well, in this case, it’s not hidden.”

“Hmmm. If he can say that in front of the princess, that’s fine. It’s much better than someone who has only strength and no core.”

“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate that he showed the spirit of making things right. Even though he has supreme power, he still intends to stand up for us properly. If that is the case, I think it is quite possible for us to coexist as long as we and Lute-dono do not clash in our principles.”

　Surprisingly, Friedrich and the others liked Lute’s attitude. This was because Lute was not a “puppet egg who is swayed by the opinions of others because of his power,” nor was he “an ambitious man who, backed by his greatest power, opposes even the royal family.

　Of course, Lute’s personality was already written in the report, and it was also mentioned in the report from Azure.  However, it is important to get a firsthand impression of a person through actual contact. In addition, the information from Liselotte, who possessed certain ‘eyes’, was worth a thousand gold to Friedrich and the others. ……In addition, it is not that Azure, who made a similar report, is not trusted. She is also a child of a prestigious and famous family of martial arts, and her words are also correspondingly heavy. However, after all, she was educated as a member of the royal family, and although not as good as Klaus or Lionel, the words of Liselotte, who was called excellent, were more credible.

“What else can you tell me?”

“… Speaking of things that seem important, I asked him what he could do with magic.”

“Huh. You asked him what he could do. That’s a very bold move, Lise.”

“Of course, it’s just a small talk. I asked this question to confirm that he’s the type of person who clearly refuses, rather than playing tricks.”

　What Lieselotte did was not so serious. She was just repeating the question, “How about this or that?” Liselotte was just repeating the kind of question that would make Lute look bitter, just for the sake of mischievousness.

“Hmm. And what did he say? Did he answer in the first place?”

“… Unexpectedly. I was surprised too. Especially since he didn’t even try to hide it, it was so easy.”

For Liselotte, who had expected words like “I don’t like it”, “There’s no reason to reveal what I can do”, and “Can you say it”, it was a real surprise that Lute easily said what he could do.

“The contents include ‘creating and manipulating ice,’ ‘freezing matter regardless of distance,’ ‘stopping the movement of any object,’ and ‘freezing perception. There are other things he can do as well, but he said there is no end to what he can do.”

“Hmm. It’s all in the report. It seems to be a very versatile magic again.”

“If I remember correctly, they were making ice sculptures in the invasion army’s camp. I think this magic could be used for logistics as well. Should I list it in the discussion just in case ……?”

　Hearing Liselotte’s words, Friedrich and Lionel each began to think about the use of Lute’s magic. They both know that Lute is not a proactive person, but it is politics to consider how to negotiate with him based on that. Therefore, the two men, both of whom are great statesmen in the empire, make no compromises in this regard.

“Mm-hmm. You understand your own power very well. You should see how well you have grasped it.”

　On the other hand, Axia, the symbol of martial arts and guardian deity in the empire, was happily examining Liselotte’s words. Axia, on the other hand, seemed to be playing some kind of trick.

　Liselotte is concerned about the state of these three, especially Axia.

“Um, Mrs.Heisenberg? I heard some disturbing words…”

“Is that so? It’s important to grasp his capabilities, isn’t it?”

“No, that may be true, but…”

　I see. Certainly it is important to understand the forces at play. In particular, the demi-gods are like the incarnation of bullshit. If we don’t have some idea of what they can do and on what scale they can do it, we can’t operate them properly. If anything, we cannot even sleep peacefully.

　Therefore, Lieselotte could not help but nod her head when she was told that this was the only way to grasp the strength of the force. Furthermore, it is reasonable that Axia, who is probably the most knowledgeable about the demi-god status in this world, should be the one to carry this out.

　However, the disturbing color mixed in with Axia’s muttering was terrifying to Liselotte. The “what if” crossed her mind, thinking that she might displease Lute.

“What, don’t worry. From what I’ve heard, that demon-god is an incarnation of rationality. If that’s really necessary, then he’s a race that will accept it with open arms. He might complain a little, though.”

“Is that so…? It’s true that Lute-sama is a rational person.”

“I can assure you. He’s in the same class as Friedrich. Otherwise, he would not have engaged in the eccentricity as described in the report.”

　Liselotte tilted her head at Axia who said that and laughed. I think that eccentricity and rationality are positioned at the opposite end of the spectrum. No, more than that, why did my father come up in the first place? She wonders if eccentricity and rationality are opposites. Or rather, she wondered why her father was mentioned in the first place.

　Seeing Liselotte like that, Axia laughed again and pointed at Friedrich.

“Okay, this is a good opportunity. Lise, learn this. What kind of man is Friedrich in your mind?”

“He is a great emperor and father.”

“Oh! What a delightful thing to say about me, Lise! My love, my love.”

“…Then, what do you think about his current stupid parental speech and behavior, or, rather, all the idiosyncrasies he does?  Do you think it’s just your personality and it can’t be helped?”

“I think his open-mindedness is also a quality of a leader. It’s a natural charm that attracts people.”

“Yes, too bad. This is not natural. That and the creepy face he’s making are all calculations.”

“……Eh?”

　Liselotte froze as those unexpected words came back to her.…… calculations? The father figure she had seen so far? The image of a great emperor who deserved the word “bold and openhearted”?

　Quickly, Liselotte turns to Friedrich. There he is still smiling deliriously and slovenly ── No.

“Uh…!!”

　In an instant, Friedrich’s expression changed. Not only his slack-jawed smile, but even the air of exuberance he had just exuded was gone. A sharp intelligence oozes out from the expression. The atmosphere that surrounds him is like a bottomless lake.

　──Is this father? Is it that father who had the atmosphere of a bar customer in the outskirts of town until just now? No, that can’t be him. I have never known a father who radiates such unfathomable horror!

　In her confused mind, Liselotte certainly heard it. She heard the voice of her father, the monster who revealed his true nature before her eyes.

“Okay, Lise. A true rationalist never stops smiling. They don’t hide their flaws. They do not try to be perfect. But they don’t act like they are rationalists because it is more rational to do so.”

　It sent a big shock to Liselotte’s head. It is true. If you act smart, the repercussions will be even greater when you make a mistake, not to mention in normal times. In that case, it would be better to show an opening on a regular basis and behave like Friedrich until a little while ago. It is rational

　Simple logic in words. However, it is easier said than done.

“I mean, the ones who know what they’re doing are somehow creating an opening. A bold man like me is more frightening than a smart, scruffy one! You’re getting smarter, Lise!”

　Before I knew it, Friedrich’s mood had returned to a familiar one. Hats off to the speed of the switch. It was as if what I had just seen had been an illusion. He is a completely different person.

　As Liselotte was admiring him like that, Axia clapped her hands once to bring consciousness back.

“Now then, Lise. Now that I’ve said all this, do you understand?”

“Does that mean that Lute-sama is also the same…”

“Yes.…Well, he may be lazy and eccentric, but his behavior is clearly that of someone who knows what he’s talking about. He regularly exposes his flaws and his eccentricities are a bit excessive. …… Well, some of it is a bit too obvious, but that’s probably because he had trouble making it look natural. He does what he has to do, but when he throws it away halfway through, it shows his natural temperament.”

“I see……”

　How can you see through that far with only paper and human information? Judging from everyone’s reactions, Liselotte was the only one who didn’t understand.

　Oh, what a distant goal! Compared to the thick pillars that support the empire, I feel how thin and unreliable I am.

“For that reason, I decided that there would be no problem even if I tried to test his demi-god personality. I have heard that there are things that can only be conveyed through the exchange of swords. If fighters try to clash with each other, their friendship may deepen, but it will not be strained!”

　Liselotte thought as she looked at Axia, who smiled reluctantly.

　Someday, I will stand side by side with the three people in front of me and the other thick pillar who will be joining us.

　The young silver princess made a vow in her heart.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter