Altina the Sword Princess Vol 9 Chapter 1

The capital of Versailles.

Franziska tilted her head.

—— Do Belgarians lack the sense of feeling tension and terror?

Even though security around the palace was heavy, but the city didn’t even have a gate, and she entered disappointingly simply.

Franziska of ‘Renard Pendu’ left her light armour with her sister, and put the crossbow she was so proud of into a basket covered with a piece of cloth as she walked alone on the streets.

She was wearing a fluttery dress that befit a girl of her age.

Her pendant which was proof that she was a mercenary was hidden inside her dress.

Starting from the south gate of the city, there was a broad stone paved road that led straight into the palace. The side paths were all in a straight line, so it was easy to navigate.

—— Did they not consider the possibility that they might get invaded by other countries? Are they that confident?

The residents of this city seemed to be a hundred percent confident that ‘an enemy nation that could reach the capital of Belgaria does not exist’.

That’s why they didn’t build any walls.

Even though Franziska felt uneasy about this, in the centuries since the capital was relocated here, the Belgarian’s confidence had never been proven wrong.

The High Britannia forces advanced was right at the capital’s doorsteps, but they still retreated. This thinking still held true even now.

It was annoying how prosperous the Belgarian Empire was.

Shops lined up both sides of the streets with all sorts of wares on display. The citizens walking pa.s.s Franziska were all dressed wonderfully.

Because of the numerous battles and the recent pa.s.sing of the Emperor, there were some who wore black clothes in mourning… But no matter what, there couldn’t be so many n.o.bles. Which meant that even the commoners could spare the effort to mind their dressing.

There were also soldiers guarding the city.

Their mission wasn’t to defend against enemy nations, but to maintain public order.

It would be bad if someone who recognized Franziska’s face was here, so she covered her eyes with her fringe, and appeared less conspicuous.

Franziska was born in the northern region of the Germanian Federation. It was a poor nation closed in by constant snow, their primary industry was earning money with mercenaries.

I have never been to High Britannia, but there isn’t any country more prosperous than this Empire right?

Why would any nation pick a fight with this country?

Franziska entered an alley and after walking a while, she went into a cafeteria built from red bricks.

After browsing the shop, she saw a young woman with an extraordinary air about her, and a 10 year old girl sitting opposite each other on chairs made from oak.

They were her elder sister Jessica, and younger sister Martina.

Franziska ordered a cup of coffee from a waitress and then headed to the table they were waiting at.

“Sorry for the wait!”

“Sister is back!”

Her younger sister stood up and hugged her.

Franziska endured the power of her pounce.

“Eheehee! Sorry for making you wait, Martina!”

“I don’t feel that I am waiting at all!”

Jessica sipped her coffee as she whispered.

“... You are five minutes late.”

“Ugh… I-It can’t be helped okay? It’s not like I went there to play.”

“Sit down first.”

The waitress served her coffee.

After making Martina sit, Franziska sat too.

She placed the basket with a short bow in it at her feet, then took back her leather bag. Her luggage was rather big. She took a sip of coffee first.

Uwah, the fragrance dissipating in my mouth, the joyous bitterness on the tongue and a faint sour taste. There’s also a hint of sweetness?

“It’s really delicious!?”

When Franziska was ordering, she thought the ‘coffee doesn't earn much money, the empire will burn…’ However, luxurious sugar seemed to have been added.

This coffee had turn into another type of beverage.

Like a type of dessert.

Jessica asked quietly:

“... Well? Any results?”

“Hmmp, isn’t that a given? There are plenty of Belgarian Officers in this city who l.u.s.t after my beauty in no time. They then spilled the beans easily.”

Jessica crossed her legs the other way, and looked really elegant.

She straightened her slender waist, which accentuated the curve of her beautiful legs.

“Uwah, sister is so cool!” Martina commented with sparkling eyes.

Jessica tilted her head.

“... Is that so? Threatening them with a knife is the work of your beauty?”

“You saw it!?”

“As expected, that’s what happened.”

“Ughh… Before I bring them to the shadows of the building, it is the work of my beauty!”

She was too loud, so Jessica watched her surroundings.

—— Arara.

Even though they were conversing in Germanian, there were Belgarians who could understand too. Franziska lowered her voice quickly.

“Anyway, there is good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?”

“... Well… There’s n.o.body who would want to start with the bad news right?”

It seemed that way from the perspective of the listener.

“The good news is—— elder brother didn’t get hung. After all, executing such a famous figure would have great propaganda effects. Since there isn’t such news from the Fourth Army, he either escaped or is still alive… He is most probably employed. The Fourth Princess is pa.s.sionate about improving her forces.”

Jessica said in the past:

“If she wanted to, he would have executed him already… Since she didn’t, the Princess must be hoping to take him in as a subordinate.”

Even Franziska agreed…

“I feel that the political struggle between the Second Prince and Fourth Princess has already concluded. The Emperor pa.s.sed away right? Didn’t he already declare that he will take the throne?”

Jessica put the newspaper on the table.

It was published not long ago.

“That would be after the formal state funeral, it hasn’t reached the stage for the succession yet. He did say ‘I swear to inherit the will of my father to make the Belgarian Empire even more prosperous’.”

“Hmm?”

Franziska could speak Belgarian, but couldn’t read it. She could only make out single words. By the way, her sister Jessica was fluent in thirteen languages. According to her, the language of these nations mostly stemmed from the common tongue of an ancient Empire, so they were on the level of dialects. That ancient Empire was said to be destroyed by the Founding Emperor of Belgaria.

“... And? The bad news?”

In response to Jessica’s query, Franziska sighed.

“The Fourth Princess seemed to have left Fort Bonaire, and is returning to Fort Volks. They won’t pa.s.s through the capital.

“... I see.”

Jessica’s group traveled with Bastian in a shaky carriage. After they made a detour around the place they suspected to be the battlefield, the Fourth Army had already set off towards another direction.

When she saw how unmoved Jessica was, Franziska became anxious.

“I thought big sis could predict the location with divination!?”

“... Even without divining… The position of the Imperial Fourth Army isn’t important.”

“Why!? Big bro is there!”

“Even if we know his position, what’s the point?”

“Ughh…”

Indeed, the distance wasn’t the problem.

Even if the three of them infiltrate the Fourth Army, they wouldn’t be of any help to their brother Gilbert and his other captured companions —— that’s what Jessica divined.

Franziska felt the things Jessica see was different from what she saw.

“So, what should we do?”

“It is really easy to gather info from here to the Empire. First, let’s get in contact with the rest of ‘Renard Pendu’.”

“That’s right!”

Even though they lost the other day, that was just part of the mercenary band. There were still 700 odd mercenaries with the High Britannia First Division.

“... Well, 700 men wouldn’t be of much help in conducting a rescue operation.”

“It’s not enough!?”

Jessica looked up into the sky.

The sun was setting and the western sky was dyed a deep shade of red. It was almost time for dinner.

“... Yes… It’s not enough with just them… But we can’t ignore their will and strength. They are like the stars, sparkling in the night… Well then, at the side are Queen Margaret and his right hand man… there’s also the Second Prince and Fourth Princess… All of them are dazzling stars… Even though it is just looking up at the stars from the ground, but the capital is a very suitable place for that. After all, telling the future by astrology is my duty.”

“You mean we have to keep on collecting intelligence?”

“It will be fine. We are getting closer to elder brother.”

“Hah… Well… I will believe it since big sis says so…”

The Fourth Army was on their way back to Fort Volks. In terms of distance, they were gradually moving away from the capital.

“Sister, you are not feeling well?”

Martina looked at her worryingly.

It will be fine, Franziska said while patting her head.

“Hmm—— But what should we do? Even if we want to seek out our ‘Renard Pendu’ comrades, where are they now? With the way the situation is developing, wouldn’t High Britannia head back home? They will bring our comrades with them. Or would they dismiss them somewhere else?”

“Firstly, Oswald Coulthard isn’t that stupid to dismiss such a force.”

“That might be so, but isn’t Queen Margaret a little…?”

Franziska scratched her head.

Jessica didn’t deny.

“That’s true. Queen Margaret probably won’t withdraw. Let’s gather some information from the soldiers. They will probably pull something off with the Germanian Federation…”

“Why do you think that? Because of the stars?”

“... Before the war, they had frequent correspondence with the envoy of Langobalt Kingdom. What did you think their preparation is for, if not for such a situation?”

“Isn’t that simply preparation if they needed help to escape?”

“If Queen Margaret’s character could be seen through so simply, she wouldn’t have partic.i.p.ated in her Army’s expedition to Belgaria. The High Britannia’s main forces had never lost any battle, so their losses were minimal.”

I see…

Even though they didn’t suffer much losses, they had to retreat because their supply lines were cut off.

With this in mind, it was understandable what their next move was.

“But, wouldn’t it be fine to not retreat from Fort Bonaire? Didn’t they hold a rather huge advantage?”

“... If they made any wrong decision, the battle would have ended. If they engage the First Army and the Fourth Army show up behind them, no matter how experienced the soldiers of High Britannia are, there would be deserters.”

“Well, that’s true.”

The Empire also has reserves.

When the palace gets within their reach, there would be a good chance that enemy forces would hit them from behind.

“It wouldn’t be a victory even if they got into the capital” —— Jessica added.

Even though big sis claimed to be a diviner, she actually says strategist like things most of the time.

“Realizing they would be caught in a pincer attack, Queen Margaret led her troops away. However, if they receive resupply from Germanian Federation’s Langobalt Kingdom, things would be different… She isn’t a woman who will return home so easily.”

“Isn’t that Oswald guy the one commanding the High Britannia forces? Colonel Coulthard?”

“He is just enamoured with the Queen… His love is very pure… Even though he could see the trends of the war, he still took command of the army as he understood the wishes of the Queen.”

“He knew he would lose the battle?”

“... Franziska too, you knew that ‘Renard Pendu’ had lost, but still want to do something for elder brother right?”

“I-I am different from him!”

“... We fight wars for money, it’s something we have to do to survive.”

“That’s right!”

“... This is necessary for Queen Margaret too. In order for her to live on.”

“Why?”

Jessica shrugged. She said in a colder tone than before.

“... Probably to stave off boredom.”

Kek, Franziska gritted her teeth.

“I will blow her away, that d.a.m.n woman.”

“... That’s why, High Britannia won’t bring ‘Renard Pendu’ back with them… If we can gather intelligence in the capital swiftly, not only will we have more opportunity for communication, we will have more options if our strength increases. Let’s prepare for now… Until the chance to rescue elder brother comes up.”

That’s the most important point. Franziska nodded.

“Yes, I will definitely rescue him! He is our brother after all! Our family!”

Jessica looked to the sky. The clouds seemed to be burning because of the setting sun.

“... The star of the Second Prince Latreille is shining brightly. Seems like he had obtained incredible power.”

It’s not the hour to see stars yet right? Franziska thought as she tilted her head.

“You mean the Empire will win?”

“That is definitely so. Because the tides of the war are clear, there is no value in divination… However, it’s not clear if they will lose something… Since the war is still ongoing, that is very possible.”

“Well, you are right.”

“... I think Queen Margaret will return to High Britannia in the end… If you gain something, you will lose something else.”

“That d.a.m.n woman can still go back after creating this entire mess?”

“... However, her star in the west —— Probably her home country, there are dark clouds looming. What should we do?”

“Well, the conflict within High Britannia has nothing to do with us.”

“... That’s true.”

Clap! Martina raised both of her hands.

“Mister Bastian!”

Franziska looked up, and saw Bastian walked into the cafe.

 

He was a brown haired youth with a slender built. Just 16 years old, just like Franziska.

He was wearing sun gla.s.ses right now.

There seemed to be a reason why he was hiding his true ident.i.ty.

A blonde girl was by his side. Even though she was a bit short and frail, she seemed to be the same age as him. She was Elise.

Franziska recalled their conversation in the carriage ——

That time, Jessica asked Elise with a calm tone:

“... By the way… Why did you lie about being a student studying abroad?”

“What!?”

The atmosphere in the carriage turned tense in an instant.

Bastian straightened his back.

Franziska witnessed Bastian’s strength before, so she became nervous. If this devolved into a battle, they would definitely lose.”

Elise seemed very calm.

“... Why do you think that is a lie?”

“The capital might turn into a battle field tomorrow… It would be dangerous if the Belgarian find out that you are a High Britannian, and you might be killed by the High Britannian Army by mistake too. If you are really an overseas student, it is too dangerous for you to head for the capital.”

“I see. It’s true, this was just a simple lie.”

Elise nodded in acknowledgement.

She admitted that was a lie immediately.

She pondered for a moment then said:

“Erm… I can’t divulge the details but… I escaped from High Britannia. I would go back some time, but that would be dependent on the situation within the country. As for why I am visiting the capital, it is to accompany Bastian on his goal.”

Bastian nodded with his arms crossed.

“I am not sure what I should do too! But I think I have to return to the capital.”

Elise smiled wryly.

“Going to the capital that might turn into a battlefield for such a reason? You might think it strange, but that’s how he is.”

—— A r.e.t.a.r.d? Even though Franziska thought so, Bastian rescued her earlier, so she couldn’t said it out loud.

Jessica lowered her gaze.

“... We followed the High Britannia Army for some time before.”

Franziska’s body stiffened because her sister revealed this fact suddenly.

Bastian and Elise looked at Martina in surprise.

“This child too?”

Clap, she raised both hands.

“It’s —— true! Martina worked hard too!

“I see… It must have been hard…”

How should she explain this. Anyway, they didn’t seem to think of them as mercenaries. Franziska sighed in relief.

Jessica mixed in a lie.

“... We don’t have a home to go back to. So we want to seek refuge with an acquaintance in the capital.”

“So that’s it.”

Even though Bastian seemed agreeable, Elise didn’t look entirely convinced.

—— That was the conversation with masks they had in the carriage.

And their opponent back then, Bastian and Elise came to the table.

“Yo, sorry for the wait.”

“... Have you finished investigating the things you need?”

“There are some results. What about you? Found your acquaintance in the capital?”

Jessica looked at Martina, hesitant to speak.

She seemed to be hinting at something.

Elise seemed to realize something, and asked:

“Martina, have you eaten the cake in this shop?”

“Hmm?”

“They look delicious. Want some? I will buy them for you.”

“Really!? That’s great!”

By the way, the cake here is b.u.t.ter bread. Bread with sugar spread on top of it.

Although Franziska like that too… She decided to endure.

They left the table.

Her splendid performance impressed Franziska.

Jessica acted this way for two reasons. First was to bring away Martina who was bad at acting. Second was to draw the smart and observant Elise away from this conversation.

Right now, only Franziska, Jessica and Bastian were at the table.

Jessica lowered her head.

“... Thank you for your concern.”

“It’s nothing. There are things we don’t want kids to hear… So, what happened?”

Jessica said in a rarely seen depressed tone.

“... Regrettably, our acquaintance is gone… After asking the neighbours… The head of the family died in battle, and his widow went back to the countryside with her three children.”

That was a lie, of course.

They were mercenaries from the Germanian Federation, it was impossible for them to know anyone in the Imperial capital.

However, Bastian looked sympathetic, and showed an expression of regret.

“I see… Hmm… What are your plans now?”

“We are very troubled. Our money is running out.”

That was true.

If they were rich, they wouldn’t be mercenaries.

Even the continent’s strongest ‘Renard Pendu’ won’t possess gems like aristocratic ladies.

Even though the three sisters had the funds to return to the Germanian Federation, their objectives right now was to rescue their brother Gilbert.

They had to stay in the capital.

Jessica stared at the empty coffee cup on the table.

“... What… What should we do… Maybe I can write to another acquaintance for help?”

“Does he live near the capital?”

“... No. He is in the Germanian Federation. But there is no one else we can turn to. It pains me for my sister to live a hard life too.”

Hmm, Bastian crossed his arms and nodded.

Judging from his clothing, Bastian was a n.o.ble.

Not only was his clothes top quality, his sungla.s.ses was expensive too.

In short, the plan was to ‘beg’. Jessica spoke plainly. But she didn’t blatantly show her tears and sorrow to him. By doing so, it will create an air of being troubled, and the situation won’t be too unrealistic.

Franziska wasn’t good at acting, but was great in a fight.

I should have followed Martina, I want to eat cake —— Despite thinking so, she lowered her head in order to not disrupt her sister. They just wanted this n.o.bleman to spare a few days lodging fee from his dessert allowance.

“Alright, I understand.” Bastian slapped his knee.

“Just stay in my mansion. Others might talk unfavourably about this, but we are comrades who traveled and ate together. I could I abandon three girls? No, I won’t do that. Well… You won’t be treated like guests though, so how about it?”

The unexpected development made Franziska round her eyes.

“Are you for real!? Do you know who we are!?”

She asked without thinking.

Jessica kicked her under the table. Unnecessary—— that’s what she was implying.

How embarra.s.sing.

Bastian smiled awkwardly.

“I don’t know at all. I am dull and can’t tell if someone is kind or evil… I failed miserably because of that before. However, I also dislike suspecting others.”

“... You are really a strange man.”

“Is that so?”

After finishing their conversation, Marina and Elise returned.

In Martina’s hand was a wooden plate, with five pieces of cake on it.

“We bought sister’s share too!”

“Ooh!?”

Franziska couldn’t help shrieking.

How embarra.s.sing.

However, she had been on the battlefield all this while, so she hadn’t eaten any snacks for two months.

Elise asked:

“Bastian, how did the discussion go?”

“Ahh, they need to contact an acquaintance from afar instead. So I asked if they want to stay at my place for the time being.”

“What are you thinking, Bastian!?”

“What, you object?”

“Of course. Inviting young girls you just met back to your place is too shameless!”

“I-I’m not thinking about it that way!”

Bastian’s face reddened.

Franziska waved her hands.

“Ahh, not at all! No need to worry about that! We are fine with it! It will be a big help if you can let us stay! Erm, isn’t that right? Even though I am cute, that guy won’t do anything —— strange right?”

As usual, Jessica had an unreadable expression and said softly:

“... We won’t s.n.a.t.c.h him away, it will be fine.”

It was Elise’s turn to blush.

“I-I-I don’t mean that! I mean from a standpoint of a gentleman! And we are not in that kind of relationship!”

Martina ate her cake as if all these didn’t concern her.

“This is~ delicious!”

Bastian got up from his seat.

“A-Anyway! There are lots of empty room in the mansion, it will be fine! They won’t be staying in my room.”

“... I understand. I will be staying at Bastian’s place too, so I have no reason to refute other guests. My apologies.”

Franziska shook her head.

“No, not at all! It will be heavenly as long as there is a roof! Much better than camping in the rain and marching with the troops through the night!”

“... That’s true.”

“Cough, is that so!? Really!? Just like heaven!?”

Martina whose mouth was stuffed with cake raised both her hands.

There was no reason to reject.

Bastian smiled awkwardly.

“Looks like there aren’t any problems. Well then, let’s go. I have something to attend to tonight, so let’s finish this matter quickly.”

He walked out of the restaurant. Franziska and the others followed him closely.

 

The group walked along the streets under the evening sky.

Franziska pondered:

—— If I succeeded in stalling the Beilschmidt Border Regiment… That strategist Regis Auric wouldn’t have made it to the front lines, the High Britannia supply line would be fine. We will defeat the Imperial First Army and take the Imperial capital…?

She would then stroll with her brother Gilbert and her sisters along this street. Together with everyone from the mercenary band too.

Even though she took care not to show these feelings, she was still regretting in her heart, clenching her trembling fist.

There was an extravagant gate before them.

Bastian continued walking confidently.

They approached the Palace Le Brane.

Pa.s.sing through the residence of the n.o.bles, they finally reached the main gate of the palace. This gate was like an art masterpiece.

Even though they were at war, the gate was completely open. It might be a grand gate, but would be useless in a battle…

The Belgaria Empire really likes to turn things into art, Franziska thought in surprise.

In comparison, the culture of the Germanian Federation was plain and practical. At most, they would have reliefs to create unnecessary uneven surfaces.

Even though Franziska had gotten used to the plain designs back home, she still admired the grandiose of the Empire. And the palace, which stood at the peak of all these extravagancy, was before her eyes.

She sighed subconsciously.

But, what were they doing here?

Hey? Erm, why did you come to the palace? Sightseeing? Did you come to sightsee?”

“Well… How should I put this… Erm…”

Bastian scratched his head.

He then took his sungla.s.ses off.

His crimson eyes shone under the setting sun and turned brighter shade of red.

“This is my home.”

“Eh?”

Franziska couldn’t understand momentarily, and turned stiff.

Jessica didn’t look surprised at all, as she already noticed.

Even though Martina made a surprised sound “Whoaa——!?”, she didn’t seem to completely understand.

Finally, Elise sighed.

“... Even though I wanted to tell you earlier.”

“Haha… I thought Elise already knew. Will it be strange if I introduce myself again?”

“It might feel strange, but you should still explain it clearly.”

“I see. But wouldn’t it be the same if they already understand?”

“That’s true.”

Once they started talking loudly, the guards at the gate approached them.

It was a soldier wearing top grade light silver armour.

“h.e.l.lo there! Pardon me, but who are you? What is your business here?”

A slightly intimidating voice.

Franziska’s body turned stiff when she saw the Belgarian soldier approaching them, while Bastian answered openly.

“Ahh, just nice. Can you help me notify Marquis Bergerac?”

“About what?”

“I think he should still be the Minister of Ceremony… Maybe he will be fired this time.”

The guard was confused by his words, and stared closely at him.

“... Brown hair…. Eh? Crimson eyes…? Y-You… No, Sir… Are you…!?”

Bastian looked embarra.s.sed as he brushed away his fringe.

“Well, it’s a bit embarra.s.sing to state my own name—— I am Heinrich Trois Bastian de Belgaria, Third Prince of Belgaria. My grandfather is Marquis Bergerac.”

The guard saluted loudly.

“M-My sincere apologies!! Please be lenient for our punishment!!”

“It’s fine. It’s natural for you to not know if I came back like this. But please, make haste.”

“By your command!”

The guard turned back and ran to the gate.

After he relayed the information, the other guards were stunned, and a lot of them scattered away.

Shortly after, a lot of maids rushed in briskly.

Followed by one person —— A stern elderly man with a chest full of medals and a mourning band on his arm.

“Bastian!? Is that really you!?”

“Yo Grandpa, I am back.”

“You are alive!”

“How mean…”

Before him was Marquis Bergerac. He was the Minister of the Ceremonial Ministry, father of the Third Consort, Bastian’s grandfather.

“You fool! After you ran out from that school, you went missing!”

“Ah…”

Now that he mentioned it, he didn’t contact the school again since he ran out of the cla.s.sroom to chase Elise.

“And the war started shortly right after that… I felt that…”

“Hahaha! There’s no way I would die right?”

“Did something happen in High Britannia?”

“Not really. Their soldiers hacked and shot at me for a little though… Oh right, I met Queen Margaret and dueled with her right hand man. Oswald is amazing, and unreasonably strong.”

Marquis Bergerac collapsed dizzily onto the floor.

This sparked off a commotion with the maids, who shouted "Check it!" "Check his heart!" "The a.n.a.lgesics!"

Franziska who was listening in while standing at the edge could only think ‘What the h.e.l.l is he saying!?’

If she didn’t witness Bastian’s strength first hand, she would have treated this as a joke. However, he did seem capable of facing an army head on. In terms of combat abilities, he wasn’t far off from her brother Gilbert.

The old n.o.ble glared at Bastian.

“C-Could it be that this war… is because of your mistake?”

“... Well, considering the fact that I failed to stop the war, it could be my fault. But Margaret is serious about declaring war.”

“Just listening to what you say is enough to make my heart stop.”

“That’s not good. Talking with me is enough to make you unwell, maybe you need more exercise?”

“Moron! The problem lies with the content!”

“Hahaha… it sounds that interesting? Is my creative talent seeping through even in my everyday conversations?”

“Ughh, your actions created international problems everywhere. Tell what you did to Prince Latreille if you dare. It wouldn’t be strange if he throw you into prison.”

“What? Is my brother that sensitive now?”

“The Emperor just pa.s.sed, and there is a large scale war after all. Even the Imperial Army suffered unprecedented losses.”

“I see… Can you tell me the details about that? Isn’t it strange that father died from old age? Didn’t he just take in a new wife? And he was eating meat during the New Year party right?”

“Hmm…”

The elderly n.o.bleman looked at Franziska and the others.

“Who are the ladies over there?”

Even though it was obvious that he was changing the topic, it was natural for him to ask about the unidentified guests.

How should I put it.

Bastian looked in the direction of Elise, Franziska, Jessica and Martina.

“These are my friends.”

“... Friends?”

“They came from abroad, and don’t have a place to stay. Aren’t there plenty of spare rooms in the palace? Can you let them stay for a while?”

The wrinkle between the brows of the elderly n.o.bleman became deeper.

“Ugu… What a reckless fellow.”

“You can’t?”

“This is a request from a royal to the Minister of Ceremony to ‘treat them like friends’ right? There is no reason for me to reject this. Which is the problem.”

“Hmm?”

“Hah… When the Emperor pa.s.sed and many soldiers died in battle for the Empire, the Third Prince studying abroad in High Britannia came home with four women… This would become scandalous news.”

“Well, everything I do will become news anyway right?”

“Ughh… My old heart!”

As they conversed, the elderly n.o.ble ushered Franziska and the rest in.

Le Brane Palace——

The interior design could only be described as stunning.

Even though Bastian was the same as usual, Franziska and the others couldn’t speak as if they were overwhelmed.

Unspeakable extravagance.

If she visited this palace and still insisted on waging war against the Belgarian Empire, instead of being stupid, it was more likely that Queen Margaret would be think of as being suicidal. Franziska thought.

Or maybe, she wanted this palace.

The elderly n.o.bleman and Bastian had more things to discussed, and went to another room.

After stating their accommodation request, Elise was given a single room, Franziska and the others were given a room for three.

The zone under the jurisdiction of the Ceremonial Ministry always kept several rooms prepared in case of emergencies.

Franziska entered the room a.s.signed to them and felt dazzled.

“Is this for real…”

“He is an unexpected big shot.”

“I thought big sis already noticed.”

“... The stars didn’t tell me this much.”

“Or rather, if you ask them right from the start, they probably won’t tell you.”

“... You mean the stars?”

“Yes, the stars. Hah… I thought we would need to sneak into a stables to sleep… But now, we have beds with canopy and sheets with golden threads…”

Waaahhhh, Martina pounced onto the bed.

“There isn’t any smell of straws!”

Jessica told her: “High cla.s.s mattresses are stuffed with cotton.”

Even famous mercenaries were poor. And of course, Franziska had never slept on cotton bed before.

It was too extravagant, which made her heightened emotions cool down instead.

“I will sleep on the floor.”

“... What’s the matter?”

“Even though big bro is suffering in captivity… But we are sleeping here…”

“... Don’t be stupid. If you acc.u.mulate too much fatigue, you won’t be able to use your strength during the critical moments and fail in rescuing elder brother. Don’t think of such meaningless things.”

“E-Even so…”

“If you say that, that kid will also sleep on the floor.”

“Ah…”

Looking up, she could see Martina sleeping in the middle of the bed. Even though it was just evening, she must have been very tired.

Jessica sat on a luxurious chair in the corner of the room. Embroidered cushions were placed on the chair, and its legs had beautiful patterns. It matched her unexpectedly well.

“... They said that dinner would be brought to our room, I will wake you when they come. Franziska, just rest for now.”

“What about you, sis?”

“... I have things to think about for now, so I will sleep later.”

“Then I will too! I don’t know much about thinking, but I can wield a weapon.”

“... If the maids come in with dinner… and see you with a crossbow, they will definitely scream.”

“Ughh.”

“... Alright, just sleep first. You don’t look well.”

“But I always look cute!”

Jessica smiled gently.

“... In order to protect us, you have been on edge this entire time. The stars told me that this place is safe. Take a rest for now. Thank you, Franziska.”

“I see…”

The stars and things like that couldn’t be trusted.

But she felt like sleeping when Jessica asked her to rest.

—— Is this her spell?

Franziska laid onto the bed. Her consciousness fell into deep slumber.

 

After Bastian finished talking to his grandfather, he ate his dinner quickly and returned to the back of the palace.

He changed into clothes befitting a Belgarian n.o.ble, and tidied his attire.

Elise stood beside him.

“You finished your conversation with your grandfather?”

“I already asked the necessary questions. If we talk further, he will lecture me until morning. So I ran off after apologizing.”

“... It must be hard.”

“That’s right.”

“I mean for your grandfather.”

“Eh!? Well… I didn’t get into this mess because I want to.”

“Fufu, just kidding. So, did you talk about anything that bothered you? You don’t look so good…?”

Bastian washed away the dirt of his travel with perfumed water, and wore top quality clothes and sungla.s.ses.

He looked less tired than this morning —— but was shocked that Elise noticed such a minute change.

By the way, Elise was wearing a Belgarian n.o.blewoman laced dress. The dark green dress matched her blonde hair really well.

Normally, tailor shops would send their workers to take measurements, and the clothes would only be ready after a week, and intrinsic costumes would take a month. Even the Ceremonial Minister won’t push for a dress to be fitted immediately to keep up appearances.

“You look really cute in that dress.”

“Eh!? W-What… are you saying, Bastian is really…”

His abrupt words made Elise blush.

“Alright, the heroine in my next work will wear this then.”

“... I knew it would turn out like this.”

She sighed.

Such incidents only happen because Bastian was always collecting material for his ‘future masterpiece’.

Back to topic.

Bastian scratched his combed head.

“Well, I asked about many things… But I am most concerned about my brother and father.”

“Once again, I express my condolence for the pa.s.sing of the Emperor.”

“No, it’s that… Brother is something who would do that.”

“Eh?”

Bastian checked his surroundings.

He was walking on the widest road in front of the Belgarian palace. Even though it was well lit after the sun setted, there weren’t many pedestrians due to the recent pa.s.sing of the Emperor. At least, there wasn’t anyone close enough to listen in on their conversation.

“I didn’t see it or have any proof. But, my brother entered the room of father and his newly wedded wife… And found them dead. Isn’t that strange? Also right now, brother’s heavy infantrymen are guarding the door and the only ones who could enter freely are the chamberlain, a few doctors and the maids.”

“W-Well, since that is the chambers of the Emperor and the place he pa.s.sed, unauthorized persons shouldn’t be allowed to go near…”

“There’re rumours that even the personal doctor of the wife was forbidden entry, earning the wrath of the Estaburg Kingdom and threatening war.”

“War!?”

“Well, the Belgarian Empire is always at war, so it’s normal for relations with other nations to deteriorate. We refused to send her body back to her home country nor let her doctor inspect the corpse, it’s weird right?”

“... That is very true.”

A gloomy cloud loomed over Elise’s face.

She realized the possibility that the truth might differ from the official report on the cause of death of Consort Johaprecia Octovia.

Which was regicide.

Elise asked with a disappointed expression.

“Why do the people in the Empire allow such violence?”

“The same reason why High Britannia couldn’t bring Queen Margaret to justice. There is no evidence. There are many suspicious points, but nothing decisive. Also, many of the ministers acknowledge that my brother is qualified to be the next Emperor.”

“... How could this be… Isn’t he a rebel?”

“Well, my father isn’t that pa.s.sionate about politics and military affairs. And High Britannia seems to be losing.”

“That’s the problem here!?”

“There isn’t any doubt that this nation is seeking a strong ruler. Even though I don’t think this is right… The nation will definitely fall if the monarch is weak.”

“So they acknowledge him…”

“The chamberlain Marquis Beclard accepted him, and the grand n.o.bles around the capital belonged to the Second Prince’s faction. Instead of facts, the focus is on which choice would yield the most benefits.”

“You think this is fine too?”

Bastian crossed his arms.

“Hmm… Instead of the facts, isn’t what he will do after becoming Emperor more important?”

“... You think the same way too…”

“Like I said, I think this is correct. After all, I promised that guy.”

He gently touched the leather pouch on his waist. The notebook of Roland, a friend he met in High Britannia was inside.

It was a book he wrote in order to spread liberalism.

There is a way for all men to pursue happiness and freedom —— That’s what he said.

Right now, there wasn’t any freedom in the Belgarian Empire. The n.o.bles indulged in luxury, the commoners were oppressed, and the unending war continued to rob countless lives and wealth.

“There need to be a change. However, I don’t think everything about the Belgarian Empire is bad. We shouldn’t destroy the Empire completely.”

“That’s true. I also feel that a dramatic revolution will bring misfortune to the ma.s.ses.”

“What should be changed, what should stay the same… I don’t understand. That’s why, I will ask someone who might know.”

“Yes.”

And so, Bastian and Elise walked down the street that night.

 

After leaving the residential zone of the n.o.bles and the central area with shops geared towards the aristocrats, they headed towards the outer region where most of the commoners lived.

Turning into an alley from the main road, they saw a bar just before they got lost.

The building was built with red bricks, and several times the size of other houses, which made it look huge.

Even though most of the buildings in the vicinity closed their windows and doors, and the streets were quiet with few people on the streets, only this shop had light shining out of its open windows. The wooden door was also half opened.

A sign hanging above the entrance had the word ‘Provenus’.

Bastian opened the door.

A lamp hung from the ceiling, and the room was brightly lit.

At the counter to the left of the entrance was a staff cleaning wine gla.s.ses. He slanted his eyes and looked Bastian’s way.

There was a screen inside the bar, and the seat behind it wasn’t visible. It divided the s.p.a.ce into another room.

In the center was a large round table, with four messy tables placed in other places. Several men with wooden mugs placed their elbows on the table.

The patrons were all adults.

About thirty odd men in total.

There wasn’t just food on the table, but newspapers and books too. It appears to be not just a simple bar.

They stopped their discussion, and looked at Bastian and Elise with sharp eyes.

In Belgaria, one was considered an adult at age 15, so Bastian and Elise were adults. There wasn’t any problem with them being here.

However, they still attracted a lot of attention.

Elise was a bit scared, and tugged on Bastian’s sleeve.

“E-Erm… Do we need to come here? Will we be fine inside?”

She whispered.

“Now that you mentioned it, you have to be 17 to be considered an adult in High Britannia. You can’t enter a bar at 16 right?”

“Because you can only drink if you are an adult.”

“But in Belgaria, you are an adult at 15.”

“... Well, it would be an issue if they conscripted kids into the army, so the law is written that way to accommodate this fact. Be it mentally or physically, those who are not 17 are not of age yet. There are even some nations who set the mark at 18 or 20.”

“Even if one is 15, they could still kill an enemy in single combat. It is only natural to treat someone who can kill others as an adult. This is also a form of respect to the enemy who are killed.”

“It is because of such thinking that makes the Belgarian Empire neglect the rights of women no matter how much time pa.s.ses… Well… Enough about that… Is the person we are looking for here?”

“It’s my first time meeting her too.”

Bastian walked into the depth of the bar.

The customers simply stared at him in silence. He was really prominent after all.

—— They seem to be wary of something?

He asked the staff behind the counter.

“Is it convenient?”

“Sorry dear customer. Our bar don’t have tea that suits the taste of a young master.”

Even though his words were polite, it was the same as saying ‘go on home you brat’.

They might be plenty of commoners who hated n.o.bles in other cities, but there weren’t many of them in the capital.

Bastian said with a smile:

“Don’t make such a scary face. I am looking for someone. Her name is Bourgine.”

The staff scowled his face when he heard that name.

The bar turned quiet.

Gaze that was filled with annoyance and wary turned into obvious hostility.

One patron —— A well built man drew his sword.

The other patrons scrambled to the wall to avoid being drag in.

Armed with a sword, the man approached.

He didn’t exert unnecessary strength on his shoulder and arm. From the numerous scars on his muscular arm sticking out of his shirt, he had the bearing of a veteran.

He was probably a soldier, or served in the past.

“Professeur Bourgine isn’t here. Go home. This is not a place for a n.o.ble brat like you to play.”

“Can I a.s.sume that I need to make an appointment before I can come here?”

“I already told you to scram.”

“I refuse. I have to meet that person.”

“You want to die, you n.o.ble brat!?”

The man swung his sword.

Half the people yelled ‘finish him off!’, the other shouted ‘don’t be rash!’

The sword sliced down.

But Bastian didn’t move.

Elise who was hiding behind yelped “Hya!?” softly, but that was all.

The blade flashed before his eyes.

It didn’t reach —— Bastian could already tell.

“I am not here to fight, I have some important business with Bourgine. I promised my friend.”

“I don’t know the reason… But no matter what it is, the Professeur won’t meet a n.o.ble like you!”

His opponent took a step forth.

The next swing will definitely reach.

Bastian could dodge, but he had to protect Elise behind him. To be safe, it would be better to defend with his body.

There would be no room for discussion if I draw my dagger. Aside from this bar, I don’t have any other clue in finding that person.

—— Can’t I do something unarmed?

Bastian clenched his right fist with a crack.

The man slashed down.

A sharp voice came from behind him.

“Stop!”

That man froze.

All eyes in the bar turned to the owner of that voice.

A woman holding a walking stick appeared from a seat behind the screen.

She wore a long dress, and had a scarf hanging down over her green blouse. It was the dressing of a normal citizen.

She was about 30 years old.

Her legs seemed unwell, so she had to use a walking stick.

There wasn’t anything special about her brown hair that was tied up, and hung over her chest. Her skin was pale and her limbs slender like a patient.

However, the man with the sword backed away after meeting her gaze.

“Master, you can’t come out! He might be a soldier sent by the n.o.ble faction!”

“A child like that? Without even a sword?”

“You can never be too safe.”

“Just intimidating with words would be fine, but if you really slash at him, that would be violence, not a warning. I don’t remember asking you to protect something like that.”

“I-I didn’t plan on cutting him down for real…”

The man sheathed his blade.

She asked Bastian:

“You mentioned a promise with your friend?”

“Ah, yes I did… Could you be Bourgine?”

“They call me that, but I don’t know if the Bourgine you are looking for is me.”

“Do you know Jean Roland de Tiraso Laverde?”

Her eyes slightly widened.

She then sighed.

“That child is studying abroad in High Britannia.”

“Yes, we met Roland in High Britannia.”

“Roland is looking for me?”

“Erm… Not really, but it concerns him… it will take some time to explain.”

Bastian felt pained when he thought about Roland. Elise lowered her gaze.

Bourgine pointed inside the bar.

“Can you tell me more?”

The patrons who had been observing cautiously showed surprised expressions.

“Professeur!? Is this fine!?”

“... I just want to hear what he has to say. Have I ever been afraid of anyone?”

No one refuted her.

 

There was a round table behind the screen, and besides it was a two seater couch.

Further into the bar were scattered barrels, bricks and pieces of wood.

Bastian and Elise sat down on a couch.

She introduced herself as Morgane Bourgine. She was a commoner who used to work as a teacher in a certain school in the capital, and was living in seclusion right now.

Bastian and Elise was using the alias they used in High Britannia. They did not trust the other party completely yet.

“If you are living in seclusion, does that mean someone is after your life?”

“Well, the n.o.bles are targeting me… Because I exclaimed my objection to the policies of the nation publicly.”

“What kind of objection?”

“Fufu… In the open plaza three years ago, I shouted ‘This country is rotting’.”

“Eh!?”

“The minority ruling cla.s.s are oppressing the commoners making up the majority of the population, we have to change this situation. Human should have the inalienable rights to pursue happiness.”

“The open plaza? You mean the one in front of the palace!?”

“That is the place where the most number of people gather right?”

Bourgine nodded, making Bastian break out in cold sweat.

The ideology she was propagating was known as ‘Liberalism’.

Since Roland was a liberal, then the one who taught him that ideology would be a philosopher.

But to shout it out in public…

“Isn’t that reckless?”

“But it’s not against the law.”

“True… But wouldn’t you be targeted by the n.o.bles and earn their ire?”

“I was fired by the school that day. They said that there was a problem with my working att.i.tude.”

Elise raised her brow.

“How tyrannical!”

Bastian sighed.

“That’s what happens if you go against the aristocrats in the Empire…”

“That’s right. They think that oppressing commoners and weeding out dissidents are natural. Just like reaping harvest from the field and pulling off the weeds.”

“If you knew such people would be your enemy, was there a need to make such a strong speech in the open plaza?”

She nodded.

What a strong willed woman.

“Although I lost my job, but thanks to the support of those who agree with me, the liberalism movement could go on. I have been to High Britannia several times because my mother is a native there. I shared what I experienced there with the people around me.”

“Everyone has the right to pursue happiness… huh.”

“That’s right, and as I was continuing that movement, that child visited me.”

She was talking about Roland.

When he was 13, he came to the capital with his merchant grandfather, and heard the speech Bourgine gave at the open plaza.

After that, he returned to the south and self studied for a year. In order to learn more, he used all means to sought her out.

That really suited Roland’s fanatical style, Bastian nodded.

“That child is very smart, learning tirelessly like sand absorbing water. He learned High Britannian by himself at home too. After that, he wanted to study even more in depth knowledge.”

“So