Rune Troopers: Self-Defense Forces Adventure - Chapter 7: Winds of Peace (Part 1)
“Thank you for inviting me. Your Majesty Hamiea.” Kaburaki, dressed in the pure white uniform of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, saluted before the throne.
More than a hundred female and civilian officials bowed their heads reverently, and the honor guard offered a high salute of honor to the military general from another world. The gorgeous sound of bells echoed through the castle.
Kaburaki was a little perplexed by the fact that the queen before him was so young. Toward him, Hamiea laughed, “You know, on the contrary, I feel sorry for you. We can only hold such a simple ceremony.”
Kato, who was standing next to Kaburaki, chuckled.
If it was this simple, then wonder what would be the scene if there was a grand ceremony. The ten or so Maritime and Land Self-Defense Force staff members in attendance rolled their eyes at the queen’s words.
“It’s postwar. It can’t be helped.” When Kato said this, Hamiea’s expression was somewhat clouded.
The destruction of the Royal Forces, and the scars from the micrometeorite shower. There would be more hardships to come for this country.
“Yes, but if the survivors stay down forever, no one will survive. It’s a small thing, but let’s celebrate today with a clear mind, and enjoy the fact that we’re still alive.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Kaburaki and the other senior officers of the Self-Defense Forces had been invited to be guests of honor at the victory ceremony.
Since the U.N. Forces decided to use force for protection activities, they would like them to correct the word ‘victory’ emotionally. However, in order to maintain the morale and unity of the people of this exhausted nation, they gave up the idea of feeling that it was inevitable.
During the ceremony, Hamiea promised the greatest possible hospitality to the ‘volunteer’ soldiers who had fought in the war. Medals of honor were to be awarded. However, the most important question for the members was whether they would be able to return to their original world.
As the ceremonial party began, Kaburaki enquired Hamiea again about this.
“Hm… That’s the thing, isn’t it…?” Kaburaki’s question made her look a little troubled.
She seemed to be choosing her words.
“It’s not that we don’t have a way. However, it is difficult for our nation alone to help return Lord Kaburagi and the others to their original world.”
“What exactly do you mean?” Kato joined the conversation with a glass in hand.
“Well, I’ve looked into it recently, and I think that the magic that summoned you here belongs to a legacy from an Ancient Winged Civilization, just like that ‘Meteor Strike’ earlier.
“That Winged girl is…” Kato seemed to be remembering the girl who appeared in the officer’s quarters before they arrived in this world.
“So, we need the cooperation of a country that is the cradle of an Ancient Winged Civilization and possesses much of its heritage.”
“Then let’s request that country’s cooperation right away! Is it a distant country?”
Hamiea seemed complicated as she muttered, “Distant… Indeed.”
Kaburaki laughed and added, “It’s all right. We have flying vehicles.”
“Yes, yes. If it’s too far inland for a helicopter, we can send out a vehicle. Where is it? That country.” Kato also seemed optimistic.
“Far, far away, maybe beyond this sea…” She gazed out across the terrace at the open sea. Then she informed them of a brutal truth.
“─ ─ The cradle of the Ancient Winged Civilization is now the capital of the Filborg Succession Empire...”
“What did you just say!” The self-defense officers exclaimed as they looked at each other.
After a moment, they realized what Hamiea said and what it meant, and they were stunned. This was the Empire they greeted with missiles and rained bullets down on.
Using the common sense of the world, it was an empire with which they could no longer hope to come to terms.
“I’m sorry, Mister Kaburaki. I had no choice…” Hamiea kept her eyes down. She knew everything. She had not lied. She just didn’t tell him.
If it had been a lie, Kaburaki could have blamed her. They had already lost the ability to escape the chaos of this world. It seemed that the Self-Defense Forces organization was in a position to be used by the powers, even after coming to another world.
Heavy air took over the place. But suddenly, Kato broke the silence of the place with a cheerful expression.
“What can we do about it? Well, we’ll think about that later! It’s still too early to conclude that there is absolutely no solution.” Kaburaki looked at Kato with a hasty expression.
Aloof and elusive, Kato was smiling as usual, “Now, let’s celebrate!”
He said and raised his glass to show it. Kaburaki felt as if he understood what the girl who had appeared in that officer’s room had wanted to say.
[I have no choice but to leave this to you guys…]
She was expecting something from us. It had to be us. She could not entrust her world to this pathetically peace-soaked army.
To leave something behind after a battle, was not enough to excel at fighting. The Self-Defense Forces were forbidden to fight. This was probably what she was looking for.
What is waiting for us from now on? We don’t know. But I do know one thing. What was it that the girl was seeking, and why did she offer herself as a sacrifice?
Kato, who understood the girl’s feelings as well as Kaburaki, raised his glass once again and said to those around him
“To peace!”