The Strategist Knows Everything - Volume 3 Chapter 3

Part III: The Imperial State Edition

Chapter 3: The Lone Army (2)

Translated by: Hiro02

Edited by: SevenTails

　The Albion army retreated with Fio as a hostage, and we, Nox, had joined up and retreated to Veris.

“I’m not convinced.”

　The Imperial Palace stood tall in the center of the Imperial City. On the way there, Mikana, who was walking a little behind me, muttered to me.

　I apologized and explained to Mikana many times through the many I had said things on the way here. After hearing my explanation, Mikana was finally convinced.

　At least I didn’t have to deal with her for now. My body and mind would be destroyed if I had to deal with her every time, and Mikana wasn’t the only one who was dissatisfied.

　When they heard that I was going to Albion, all of Nox’s troops protested in unison. I can’t tell how much time and words I spent on appeasing all of them.

　The frustration of the troops, who had been betrayed by the Imperial State, was not uncommon. They agreed that I would go to Albion and that Knox would return to Veris, but that was all.

　I’ve sent everyone except Mikana to the port where the ships were waiting because it was too dangerous, and there were constant disputes with the imperial troops who were accompanying Nox to the Imperial Capital. Of course, we had to be very careful not to cause any trouble.

“…  Sophia-sama and Kaguya-sama will be furious with me, won’t they?”

“Of course, but there’s no other way, so it’s no use, right? Since Fio is already a hostage, the Imperial Kingdom will come after you with all their might if you try to escape. Do you think you can run away from them?”

“I’ll get you out of here.”

“Everyone, I mean. Veris has already been cut off from the rest of the world. If we deplete our forces unnecessarily, we’ll be in trouble.”

“Without you, Yukito-sama, we’ll be in more trouble than we can handle.”

“You know how the Imperial Navy will react if they find out that I escaped, right?”

　It is the Imperial Kingdom who would send out the ships when we leave it, and the people operating those ships are from the Imperial navy. Without the cooperation of those people, we can’t get to Veris.

　Trying to escape isn’t practical when we depend on the Imperial State for all of our transportation. The sea, in particular, was too dangerous. If we were not careful, we wouldn’t even be able to resist and would die.

　In that case, it would be better to follow the Imperial State and go to Albion. In the end, it 　was only slightly better though.

“I just need to make sure they don’t find out.”

“What if they find out? I can’t do that as long as there is a big ‘if’.”

　It wasn’t only me, but all of Nox and Fio’s life at stake. It would be wise not to try to escape here.

　If I was going to do this, it would be once I get to Albion. Then, I’ll need help from the outside.

“You’ll have to be patient for now. When the opportunity arises, come and help me. You’re all we’ve got, so don’t lose your cool too much.”

“… I’m sorry,” Mikana apologized with a frown on her face.

　No matter how reluctant you were, I wanted you to control your emotions somehow.

　I had a lot of things that I wanted to say.

　Well, I was going to tell them now.

　There were two reasons why I was in the Imperial Capital with Mikana.

　I knew that the time I had to get to and from the Imperial Capital was the limit of what I could. I also wanted to meet the King.

　Although I could see Nox off now that Fio had been taken hostage, there was still a time constraint. Considering the time constraint, I would have to leave everyone at the Imperial Capital.

　Initially, I had planned to see them off and head for Albion’s army, but seeing the Imperial Palace towering majestically over the city gradually made me angry, so I decided to change my schedule and ask for a meeting with the King.

　I brought Mikana in case the other side refused to cooperate. If they refused, we would have to use force, and that should be acceptable.

　Because I was sold out for this country’s sake.

”But… I’m not cool with it either, huh?”

“I don’t like a superior who is so calm and emotionless, even at times like this.”

“─It’s not wise to like or dislike. When I go back to Veris, there might be a different commander while I’m gone.”

　I was only talking about while I’m gone.

　Well, as a special forces unit, Nox’s commander cannot be ordinary. I think the unit’s commander has to pick a substitute, or perhaps Kaguya-sama or Dio-sama will take over the job.

　At any rate, I didn’t want a stranger to be in charge. They’re my precious lifeline, and more importantly, they’re the men I’ve put my trust in. I can’t leave them in the hands of someone I don’t trust, even if only temporarily.

“I am Yukito-sama’s second-in-command, and I believe that you are the only superior officer I have.”

“… Well, that’s fine then, but you must obey Kaguya-sama and Dio-sama, okay?”

“They are the sovereigns to look up to. It’s not like they are my superiors.”

　I don’t know what kind of line was drawn in Mikana’s mind, but I could say for sure that no one but me was allowed to be her superior.

“I’m in trouble, though.”

“Then come back. It’s not just me. All of Nox is waiting for you.”

“I’ll do my best. Although I’d like you to come to help me if you can.”

“You’ll have to make your way to the border. After that, I can guarantee your safety.”

　That’s a tough one. I mean, you have no idea how difficult it is to get from the enemy’s capital to the border.

“… If you are going to get to the border area, you’ll need horses. I’ll factor that into my calculations.”

“Hai-hai. I’ll be waiting.”

“Fu~u… Well, let’s say hello to the person who created this situation.” When I reached the Imperial Castle, I muttered to myself.

“I’m Yukito Kurei. I’m here to see His Majesty, the King. Please tell him I’m here,” I told the guards.

■■■

　The request went through easily.

　We were told to wait in a separate room for a while for preparations, but there was no sign that they were going to do anything against us.

“Kind of anticlimactic, isn’t it?” Mikana asked as she watched my facial expression while I sat on a chair.

　I nodded as I pondered.

　The truth about the King’s intentions.

　What’s the point of meeting with a military strategist of an enemy country that you sold out? If it were me, I wouldn’t meet with him. That’s why I brought Mikana here. I wanted to meet him, even if it was impossible.

　It wasn’t that I really needed to see him, but I thought it would be easier afterwards if I could instill a sense of guilt in the King, and by extension, the Imperial State.

　However, the King complied.

　I didn’t know why. Was it a whim, or was it because he had clear reasons?

　As I was thinking about this, the door of the room opened without a knock.

“You seem to be troubled with such a complicated look on your face.”

　The petite figure who opened the door and walked in looked familiar to me. No, she didn’t just look familiar.

　Her distinctive silver hair, outstanding appearance, and old-fashioned way of speaking were disproportionate to her appearance. She dressed in the same black gothic dress that I had seen her in before.

　She was the person whom I took hostage once.

“Liasha-sama? What brings you here?”

“I am the rightful heir to the throne of the Imperial State. Isn’t it natural that I should be here in the castle?”

“That’s true, but… I thought you were supposed to be with Admiral Arnold in Veris.”

　I got up from my chair and slowly bowed.

“It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

“Long time no see. It’s been a while since your second-in-command framed the mistress, hasn’t it?”

　Mikana’s expression did not change at all at Liasha’s sarcasm.

“Yes. It’s been a long time, Princess. Indeed, it has been a long time since I put the Princess in trouble,” she said.

　Because of Mikana’s words, Liasha-sama looked a little grumpy, took her eyes off her, and turned her gaze to me.

　Her waist-length silver hair swayed as she came to my side.

　And then.

　She suddenly bowed her head.

“Liasha-sama!?”

“Forgive what my empire has done to you. My father had ordered me to return from the battlefield to serve as his counsellor. Nevertheless, I was unable to stop the foolishness of selling you out… It’s all because of my incompetence. I apologize…”

　I couldn’t see the expression on Liasha’s face as she bowed so deeply that I couldn’t see her face.

　But I could guess. Liasha was regretting and blaming herself. In that case, the expression on her face would not be a pretty one.

“Please look up. There’s nothing we can do about this now. No matter how much you regret it, no matter how much you bow, there is nothing that can be done from here on.”

“Yukito-sama!”

　Liasha’s thin shoulders swayed slightly.

　Mikana called out my name in a weak but stern voice, but I didn’t respond.

　A person with a guilty conscience doesn’t need consolation.

　All I need is…

“So, can I ask you a favour?”

“Wha- what is it…?”

　I smiled at Liasha, who looked up at me fearfully, and I bent down slightly to meet her gaze.

“My subordinates are returning to Veris. Can you please send them home for me, Liasha-sama?”

“Your men are…?”

“Yes. I know that Liasha can… be trusted with them.”

　After a short pause, Lady Liasha, who had looked like she was half crying, showed a resolute expression.

　’It was a look that I had seen somewhere before,’ I thought, and I quickly arrived at the answer.

　It was the same expression that Fio had shown me. Even though they were cousins, it was rare to see such a similar expression on their faces.

“In the name and life of Liasha Dunehail, I promise that I will send your men back to Veris.”

“Thank you. Thanks to you, one of my fears is gone.”

“You’re still worried? What is it? Tell me.”

　The heartbreak I had felt earlier was nowhere to be seen.

　I smiled and shook my head as if to say that all my worries would be solved.

“I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do about it, Liasha. It’s more of a suspicion than a worry.”

“I don’t care. Go ahead and say it!”

　I guess I’m still a little too young for this kind of thing.

　If I didn’t learn to control my curiosity, I’ll probably get killed again.

　Well, it’s Admiral Arnold’s role to teach them, not mine, so I guess I didn’t mind.

“I see. Then… My worry and suspicion is that I don’t know what His Majesty, the King, is thinking. That is the only thing.”

“… I’ve sensed that too. I’m not sure what he’s thinking…”

　When I saw Liasha’s shoulders slumping, I muttered in my mind, “I knew it.”

　If she had the answers to my doubts, she would not have apologized.

　The first thing she would have done would have been to explain herself with an excuse.

　When she didn’t, I knew that she didn’t have the answer I wanted. I knew it.

　I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want her to be depressed, but that’s what happens when I’m asked.

　Mikana’s gaze was a little harsh. Apparently, Mikana was a problem that I made during my run-in with Princess Liasha.

　It seems that she didn’t like the way the previous king was mentioned, and now she seems to be taking sides with Liasha-sama.

　Even when Liasha-sama was being escorted away as a hostage, she did not allow any of the men to get close to her, perhaps because she was aware of Liasha’s feelings.

“It’s not your fault…”

“Don’t you at least have a way to make them leave without hurting them or depressing them?”

“If I had such a way, I wouldn’t be selling myself to the enemy. Now, is it time to go?”

　I heard a knock on the door, and it was followed by a young woman’s voice.

“Yukito Kurei-sama, Mikana-sama, Liasha-sama. We are ready and would like to escort you to the King’s Chamber.”

“Why am I being summoned?”

“Your Majesty has asked me to call you. Your Majesty is waiting for you. Please be quick.”

　The knock was followed by a young woman’s voice.

“Yukito Kurei-sama, Mikana-sama, Liasha-sama. We are ready and would like to escort you to the King’s Chamber.”

“Why am I being summoned?”

“Your Majesty has asked me to call you. Your Majesty is waiting for you. Please be quick.”

　As I looked at Liasha’s tilted head, I tried to read the King’s thoughts, then stopped.

　It’s ridiculous to try to read the mind of someone you are about to meet. Even if it was someone close to me, I’ve only met him once when I came to the Imperial State, and we’ve only exchanged a few words.

　Even his niece, Liasha, said she couldn’t tell what was going on inside King’s mind, so how can I?

　If that’s the case, all I had to do is meet him and find out the truth on my own.

■■■

　There is a word called mediocrity.

　 It’s been a while since I used my ability to look up a meaning.

 【”Mediocre,” “ordinary,” “unremarkable”】

　Its meaning reflected on the screen that appeared at the edge of my sight, leading directly to the evaluation of the person before me.

　The King of the Imperial State, known as one of the five great nations. A King who had not started any war with other nations since his accession to the throne. The symbol of peace in the Imperial State.

　The one who sold me out to Albion.

　The current king of the Eithel Empire, Ronald Blackford.

　He is the eldest son of the previous king and the heir to the Blackford name, which only an Imperial King is allowed to bear.

　He is Fio’s father and Admiral Arnold’s and Governor Rigar’s older brother.

　His appearance was similar to Admiral Arnold, or rather, he looked just like him. If he were to appear as Admiral Arnold instead of being referred to as the Imperial King, many people would probably mistake him for it. That’s how similar they were.

　At least in terms of appearance.

　The numbers on the status screen showed his combat power to be in the 30s. Most of the others were in the range of around 40 to 50. His intelligence was just 80, but for a king of a great nation, it’s a little, no, very inferior.

　The fact that his siblings were all quite good in their roles made his mediocrity all the more noticeable.

“Do I look that much like Arnold?”

　His Majesty Ronald, who was sitting cross-legged on his high throne, suddenly asked me that question.

　I haven’t kneeled in front of the throne yet, nor have I uttered a word.

　It is unusual for the King to address a person who has just entered and was about to step in front of him.

　However, no one in this room would condemn him.

　It was not a question of rank.

　There was no one else in the King’s Chamber. Not even around the king.

　There are no ministers of state nor any knights to guard him.

　The only one person, His Majesty Ronald, sat on the throne high above. How empty it is to be alone in the spacious King’s Chamber.

“… Frankly speaking, you look very similar.”

“I guess so. I have always been told that we look alike in appearance only.”

　Because of the distance, I had to raise my voice a little.

　I know I should get closer, but the fact that he called out to me from a distance seemed to mean that I shouldn’t get any closer, so I didn’t.

　My second-in-command, Mikana, didn’t move, of course, and neither did Lady Liasha, so I guess I made the right decision.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Veris’ Military Strategist? We didn’t even introduce ourselves when we first met. I am Ronald Blackford, the current king of the Eithel Empire.”

　His Majesty Ronald raised the edges of his mouth so much that it could be seen even from a distance.

　I returned the exact same smile to His Majesty Ronald, who gave me a smile that could be described as a sneer.

“It’s been a long time, Your Majesty, the King. I, Yukito Kurei, have just returned.”

　I knew just from that smile.

　This person was just like me.

　That smile was contrived.

　A fool who makes up his own expressions, who makes himself up to be seen by others, and then pushes himself to act beyond his limits.

　He must have grown up being compared to his talented brothers. He surpassed them all and ascended to the throne. The pressure on him must be tremendous.

　He never knew when his brothers might revolt, and he had to keep playing the role of a king, a figure that was beyond his limits.

　He seems to have a difficult personality.

　That’s what I thought, and for the first time, I realized.

　He’s the best person I’ve ever met.

　He is the one who is closest to my true potential.