76 – Ugly Internal Dispute [Zamaa]

―――[Siegfried’s Perspective]

“What the hell was that…?”

Ares was clutching his head, his face pale. It was the result of witnessing Brad’s monstrous strength firsthand.

“No, that must’ve been a dream. There’s no way such an inhuman exists. Sieg, pinch my cheek.”

“Got it, I won’t hold back then.”

Damn it!

I didn’t want to admit it!

The second most handsome guy after me!

Brad? That guy’s the last one I’d ever acknowledge!

“Owowowowowow!!!”

I won’t forgive any handsome guy besides myself! With that resentment, I yanked Ares’ cheek as hard as I could. I twisted it before letting go, leaving his cheek red and almost making me burst out laughing.

Hah, serves him right!

Guys with girlfriends should just die!!

Whoops, I got carried away by Ares and almost escaped reality there. Rubbing his swollen red cheek, Ares snapped out of his daze, and I asked him,

“Was it really okay to not help that guy?”

“Using Igawa as a sacrifice… No, no, he fought bravely to let us escape. Let’s offer a moment of silence for his noble sacrifice.”

In the carriage we shared while retreating from the capital, Ares’ words were too cold, especially since we didn’t even know if the guy was alive or dead. Feeling anger toward Ares, I snapped,

“What a heartless guy you are! I never thought you’d be such a callous man, Ares!”

“I see… Perhaps I am heartless. But before you criticize me, why don’t you go save Igawa yourself? Besides, Brad’s your brother, isn’t he? If you cry and beg for forgiveness, he might let you off.”

What!?

“Me, practically the king, bowing my head to that lowlife Brad? Don’t mess with me! And Igawa’s not even my comrade. You’re the one who brought him along, Ares. It’s your fault for bringing a weakling in the first place!”

“Hmm… So that’s how you’re playing it. But the real issue is that you, Sieg, never told us how strong your brother was. Are you so incompetent that you couldn’t even gauge that much?”

“Huh? Did you just call me incompetent?”

“Yes, I did. Unless that explosion the other day made you deaf, or perhaps your head’s too dull to even comprehend my words, I’ll say it as many times as needed. I called an incompetent guy incompetent—it’s the truth. You should be thanking me instead of getting mad.”

“What? I’m not incompetent! If anything, I’m so exceptional that people are too jealous to appreciate me! And what’s with you, Ares? I’ve always hated that smug attitude of yours!”

“Hate me all you want. I only lent you a hand because you came crying to me about wanting to take down Brad and become king.”

“What? When did I ever come crying to you, Ares? All I said was that Brad pissed me off. Don’t get the wrong idea!”

Goddamn it! All I did was vent a little when we went to negotiate aid because Liebenlasia was suffering in poverty compared to Bryunak, and Ares blew it out of proportion with his exaggerations.

“I’ve been thinking I need to make you realize I’m the superior one, Ares!”

“Funny, I agree on that point. Shall we step off the carriage and settle this?”

Ares ordered the coachman to stop the carriage.

I jumped out before the coachman could even open the door. I was practicing the motion of drawing my sword and striking Ares’ shoulder with a swift shushush. But Ares showed no sign of getting off the carriage.

“Go!”

Instead of stepping down, Ares ordered the coachman to drive off.

“Huh?”

A herd of cavalry and infantry followed. Despite my presence, they didn’t come toward me… No, they chased after Ares’ carriage. I got caught in the chaos and ended up sprawled on the ground.

“Stop! I’m practically the king of Lieverlasia! Halt! Get me a horse! Gah! S-Stop… Ow! Who’s stepping on me!? It hurts, stop, stooop…!”

The march continued without regard for me, and I lost count of how many times I was trampled by hooves and boots.

After they left, only a cloud of dust remained. I was kicked around and left behind, all alone.

Uh… Does this mean I have to fight Brad and his crew by myself!?

―――[Brad’s Perspective]

“Brad-sama, a message from the scout…”

“Alright, bring them here.”

“As you wish.”

While I was planning reconstruction in the tent, Omoneil entered respectfully.

Switching places with Omoneil, a petite young man, like a Grassrunner, entered the tent.

“His Highness Siegfried and King Ares of Burnak retreated to Doltheit, east of the capital. They had an argument, and it seems Siegfried was abandoned by Ares, who broke their alliance.”

“I see, well done.”

I offered the scout a handshake. He seemed thrilled by it, but I subtly slipped my hand into his pocket during the gesture.

My [Muscle Judgment] skill confirmed he had no ulterior motives during the handshake, but…

The capital’s an empty shell, huh? Then we can move forward!

As the scout left, saying he’d continue surveillance, I was dreaming of an otherworldly Minecraft and about to sneak out of the tent when—

“Brad-sama…”

Freesia stood before me, her clear blue eyes glistening with tears as she threw herself onto my chest.