The Strategist Knows Everything - Volume 3 Chapter 3

Part III: The Imperial State Edition

Chapter 3: The Lone Army 3

Translated by: Hiro02

Edited by: SevenTails

　Silence reigned throughout the King’s Chamber.

　It was no wonder.

　The highest-ranking person in this place, or rather in this country, was not speaking, so there was no way we were allowed to speak.

　After advancing to the standard audience position, Mikana, I and Her Highness Liasha-sama kneeled down and waited for His Majesty Ronald to speak.

　His Majesty Ronald, on the other hand, had been looking at me this whole time. Although his eyes were fixed on me, I couldn’t tell exactly what he’s thinking.

　I couldn’t decipher his inner thoughts even from his facial expressions. Perhaps because he was trying to conceal it.

　What was this man actually thinking about?

　Is he feeling guilty about me, or is he ridiculing me as a foolish military strategist?

　Either way, the conversation wouldn’t happen if no one started it, and I’m not the one to initiate it here.

　While I was wondering what to do, Princess Liasha-sama came to my rescue.

“Uncle. I would like to know why you called me here?”

　Liasha-sama asked His Majesty Ronald without any sign of nervousness. Even though she knew that she should respect him because of his position, she did not honour him as an individual.

　Is that what Her Highness Liasha felt inside?

　Did he realize how sensitive Liasha-sama was to her inner feelings? His Majesty Ronald had a nonchalant expression on his face.

“Liasha, the one in front of you is not your uncle. He is the King.”

“I hope you’ll do what a King should do first.” Turning her head away, Princess Liasha retorted with sarcasm.

　Provocation is one of the most effective ways to draw someone into a conversation, but it can also be a bad move if one doesn’t take the right person and the right place into consideration.

　It was now or never.

“Liasha. For behaving like Arnold’s daughter, you are indeed cocky and clever, but I called you here on a whim. So, keep your mouth shut unless you want to get kicked out of the room.”

　With that, His Majesty Ronald tried to suppress Princess Liasha’s words.

　However, the look in his eyes as he stared at Her Highness Liasha was not one of irritation or disgust. Those eyes, at least, didn’t harbour bad feelings.

　As I looked at His Majesty Ronald, his eyes met mine. His eyes returned to the same look as it was back then; a gaze which made it impossible to guess his thoughts.

　I momentarily wondered about the meaning of the glance he just gave to Her Highness Liasha, but I knew that if I lost the chance to say something at that moment, I would not get another chance in future, thus I push it to the back of my mind and ask His Majesty, Ronald.

“So, I believe you wanted to see me?”

　His Majesty Ronald nodded broadly at my words and spoke mockingly at me.

“Yes. I want to remember the face of the man whom I’m dropping into hell.”

　I could tell by the sound from Mikana, who was a little behind me, that she was about to stand up. 

　So, I quickly restrain her with my hand.

　Mikana is a Commander of a unit. Even if she was from another country, she could do whatever she felt like to the Imperial King if she wanted, that is.

　Just like how a person felt nothing when rolling a pebble on the roadside, Mikana’s existence was too small for the King such that he didn’t even notice her.

　Hence, he didn’t care even if Mikana moved a little.

　However, if Mikana tried to attack him, then it would be a different story.

　Maybe it was a mistake to bring Mikana along. I thought she would be able to control herself, but I overestimated her a bit.

　This conversation needed to be wrapped up as soon as possible.

“I see. As for me, I really want Your Majesty to remember my face for the ‘future’.”

　I put a lot of emphasis on the ‘future’ part.

　For the first time, His Majesty Ronald’s expression changed.

　It’s true that for me, going to Albion is no different from being thrown into hell, but it didn’t mean that my death is certain.

　As long as people who are not perfect are involved, nothing is absolute.

　Even if the probability was close to zero, it was still not absolute. Anything was possible.

“… Do you really think you’re going to get out of Albion alive?”

“Why would Albion want me alive so badly? Are you even listening to me?”

　His Majesty Ronald’s eyes slightly narrowed as he looked at me. He was probably trying to figure out the intent of my question.

　I could guess many of the answers he must have been thinking of.

　First of all, I possess the national treasure of Albion, the Divine Fan Klarus.

　Furthermore, I’m close to the top brass of Veris, and if I do say so for myself, I’m one of the most important people in Veris as well. More importantly, I’m also the Commander who killed the most Albion soldiers.

　Lastly, although I’m very unhappy about it, there’s a rumour going around that I’m the man who misled the Celsus Maiden, so from that aspect, my body, or rather my head, is worth a lot.

　I wonder which one His Majesty Ronald will choose. Or will he come up with a different answer?

　As I waited for an answer, His Majesty Ronald slowly shook his head.

“I… haven’t heard anything.”

　Is that what he came up with? That he hasn’t heard anything from Albion?

　That way, he didn’t have to worry about getting carried away with the conversation. Furthermore, he can later say that the Imperial State knew nothing about it.

　The only disadvantage would be the story of the King’s incompetence spreading and his prestige deteriorating, but judging from how he was talking, His Majesty Ronald didn’t seem to care.

“What do you mean you haven’t heard anything? It was you who negotiated with them!”

“I was only suggested. Albion will withdraw their forces if we hand over the Yukito Kurei, the Veris’ Military Strategist. During the six-month truce, full-scale peace negotiations will begin. Don’t you think the trust of other nations, especially Veris, is a small price to pay for true peace?”

“You dare to sell me out knowing that you will lose their trust?”

　His Majesty Ronald nodded. Then, with a cruel smile, he apologized.

“I’m sorry, Yukito Kurei.”

　Looking at his expression, he was definitely not sorry for anything, but there was something strange about him.

　This man was clearly similar to me. He was pretending to be something he’s not, but still looking good before others.

　Just as I play the role of ‘Strategist of Veris’, this man played the role of ‘Imperial King’.

　Although I understand that he was playing the role, the result was him losing his reputation. As long as he was playing a role, he would have the intention to keep it up.

　In my case, I feel that I have to play the role of a reliable military strategist, and Sophia wants to play the role of a Celsus Maiden. That’s because that’s what the people around me believe.

　In other words, Sofia and I are acting under pressure from those around us.

　This man, however, was different.

　After all, the image those around seek is the complete opposite of what the King currently was.

　So, though complete speculation, he was consciously playing the role of a foolish king.

　I didn’t believe that it was this man’s true nature from the way he cruelly smiled in front of me. And if he has a different nature, the way he was like now was something created on purpose.

　Trust from other countries is crucial. Will Admiral Arnold allow a man who doesn’t understand that to remain on the throne?

　The answer is no.

　But I didn’t understand why.

　Why did this man, Ronald Blackford, dare to play the foolish king?

　By selling me out, he could get a truce with Albion and peace, but in terms of what he had to gain and lose, there was more to lose. 

　Did he know all that? And he was still selling me out?

　Did the situation force him? Or did he decide it was the best thing to do?

　I didn’t know what the hell this guy was thinking.

“Shameless…!!!”

　A voice from behind me made me involuntarily turn around.

　Oh, shit. I was so focused on my thoughts that I didn’t notice Mikana’s condition.

“… Mikana Hazard, Captain of the 4th Knox Unit. Do you… know who you’re talking to?” His Majesty Ronald’s eyes widened.

　I pulled Mikana’s arm and tried to get her to sit down, but she refused to budge.

“I know. The one who betrayed my country and sold Yukito-sama! You are my enemy!”

“I am still the King of the Imperial State, an ally of Veris… Do you understand?”

“The Imperial State is no longer an ally of Veris!”

“Mikana!”

　I restrain Mikana with a loud shout. Mikana came to her senses and looked around.

　We were surrounded.

　The Imperial Knights had appeared out of nowhere.

“You stood up without my permission, and you spoke out against me. Well, I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear the insults against the Empire, but shall be taken into custody, right?”

“Please wait! I apologize for the rudeness of my subordinate! That’s why!”

“Yes, father! That was certainly rude, but your words and actions were also at fault!”

　The surrounding Knights were frightened by Her Highness Liasha’s appearance.

　Apparently, the Knights thought that Her Highness Liasha was superior to His Majesty Ronald.

　Well, it is certainly true that there is an overwhelming difference in dignity and ability.

　Even if His Majesty Ronald was manipulating the knight’s feelings, in the presence of Her Highness, Liasha, why did he call the knights who had been put on standby? Is it to compromise to some extent?

“Well… Then take Mikana Hazard to the other room. Liasha, you will be under observation. I shall now discuss your fate in private with Veris’ Military Strategist.”

“… Thank you for your generosity. Lady Liasha, please take care of Mikana for me. And Mikana, stay calm.”

　Mikana nodded helplessly at my words.

　From the beginning, Mikana was not calm. Nevertheless, she could suppress her anger at least a little.

　However, Her Majesty Ronald removed the restraints.

　Silence reigned in the King’s Chamber, and as if to escape it, the knights, Her Highness Liasha, and Mikana exited.

■■■

　Only His Majesty Ronald and I remained in the King’s Chamber.

　Judging from the knights earlier, it was probably just the two of us in the open. There must be guards hiding somewhere.

“Whether in my private room or in this King’s Chamber, the Guard Knights will not leave me.”

“… I’m not sure I understand the intent of your words. Is that correct that the guards are still here?”

　His Majesty Ronald smiled vaguely at my words.

　For the first time, I felt like I saw His Majesty Ronald’s true expression.

“I’ve received reports that some of those guards are spies from Albion. So, in order to speak with you alone, we must separate the guards. I apologize for any rudeness.”

“… So you deliberately provoked Mikana?”

“There’s that, too, but the reason we have her in custody is that she is a hostage. I don’t think you’ll be able to escape, but as long as Fiona is held hostage, I need you to go to Albion, no matter what the cost.”

　I exhaled slowly as I looked at His Majesty Ronald, who was smiling serenely.

　I didn’t expect him to take off his mask.

　Still, is this who he really is?

　He looks a lot like Admiral Arnold. The look on his face, especially when he mentioned Fio’s name, was exactly like Admiral Arnold’s when he asked me to confirm the safety of Her Highness Liasha.

“I won’t run away even if there are no hostages.”

“Of course not, but you are clever enough and may come up with a way to escape. That’s not good for me.”

“… Is it because of Fio?”

　When I mentioned Fio, His Majesty Ronald gave me a troubled look.

　Closing his eyes once, His Majesty Ronald nodded.

“Well, yes. I… hope that girl stays safe. Probably… more than anyone else in this country.”

“Then… why did you send Fio into battle if you didn’t want to?”

“I’m the King. During the outbreak of the hexenbiest, Arnold was at sea and Rigar was at the border. There was no one in the center of the empire to command the troops, and… I was left with no choice but to send my daughter, whom I had hidden away.”

“She was hidden…?”

　His Majesty Ronald nodded at my words and let out a huff of air.

“As soon as she was born, Arnold told me that she had a strong magical power. So, if I admitted that she was my child, she would be bound to the fate of being used as a tool in wars with other countries or in political marriages as a member of the royal bloodline… So, I hid her. I wanted her to live as a commoner… and a normal child…”

　His words oozed with anguish.

　What he wanted was for Fio to be happy. However, his responsibility as the King did not allow him to do so.

　He didn’t want to imagine sending his own child, whom he had wished happiness for, off to war.

　However, I can’t feel sorry for him either. Because of this, Fio was raised as an unrecognized child by his father and is still being used as a convenient pawn.

“Fio… hates you.”

“I know. That’s how I treated her. I can’t be a father figure to her anymore… I ascended to the throne because I wanted to be a foolish king.”

　All of a sudden, His Majesty Ronald spoke.

　But that was to be expected.

　If there are three brothers and they are evenly matched, or if only one of them is overwhelmingly superior, then there is no problem. But among these brothers, only one has an overwhelmingly low ability, while the other two were extraordinary.

　Choosing one of the two superior individuals will always result in a conflict. No matter who they are or what they do, the people around them will not be satisfied.

　It would weaken the country.

　If that’s the case, just hand over the throne to the incompetent one. That’s what I expected the previous King of the Empire to have done when he handed over the throne to this man.

“To avoid the country from getting divided?”

“You are very sharp. Yes, I have. My two brothers are very talented. Rigar was well-liked by the knights, and Arnold was well-liked by the civil servants. Both were worthy of the throne. Hence I took over the throne while in between them. I didn’t want the two of them to fight over it. Although, we brothers are unusually close for a royal family.”

“… Are you the one who’s trying to get them together?”

“Those two are taking care of me… So I had a minimum of responsibility. In other words, the liability of being called an unfit king. And because of that responsibility, I made Fiona suffer. I’m really sorry for what I did.”

　Thus the question arises.

　This man sent Fio to the battlefield to protect his minimum line as an Imperial King.

　Yet, his action of selling me out goes against that. No, why is it that he is playing the foolish king that much? What about his response to Her Highness, Liasha, and causing antipathy around him?

“So… why are you now doing something that will bring all that effort to a halt?”

”… The Empire knew it was going to be attacked, and about Albion, too. It is why I joined forces with Veris in a last-ditch effort, but the frontline zone collapsed due to the unexpected full-scale Albion invasion. If we continue to fight like this, our people will only suffer.”

“You mean you’ve given up fighting?”

“That’s right. When you entered the Empire, we were warned that Albion was going to invade in earnest. I thought it was just a threat, but I didn’t expect them to prioritize dropping us over attacking Veris… to be honest.”

　Could that be the cause for the time lag between our arrival in the country and us being sent to the front lines?

　But of course, it’s natural to go after the weaker ones. It is the fault of the Empire for not being able to anticipate a full-scale invasion from Albion.

　No, when Admiral Arnold, the brains of the Empire, who anticipated and thought of countermeasures, got stuck with the Imperial Navy, then did the Empire’s plans fall apart?

“The First Fleet was supposed to kick the Imperial Navy to the curb and return to the Imperial State. Then, you and Arnold would be able to repel the invasion from Albion. It was supposed to be that way, but reality will not always go the way you want it to.”

　That was indeed the most likely way for the Empire to survive.

　In fact, I had also assumed that I would be fighting alongside Admiral Arnold. My failure to anticipate the actions of the Empire was the cause of this defeat.

　However.

“With Fio and my help, the Imperial front was evenly matched. Even with two of the Four Wise Men, I think there was still a chance.”

“It is the other way around. With you and Fiona, you could somehow manage to keep an even match. That’s how imminent the war situation was. In addition, Veris cannot send reinforcements to us because half of the sea is controlled by the Imperial Navy. If we continued to fight like this, it would only lead to more sacrifices of our people.”

　He has a point, but it wasn’t something that the highest person in the country should be thinking about.

　It seems to me that this person was putting the people before the country. It was an important thing, but it could result in hardship for many.

“Protecting both the nation and its people is an extremely difficult task. Sometimes you have to prioritize one over the other.”

“I know. That’s why I gave up. I gave up on my country, the Empire.”

　With those words, everything finally connected.

　From the beginning, this man had no intention of protecting his country. That’s why he didn’t care about its reputation.

　What mattered was the lives and well-being of the people. As long as he can protect them, he didn’t care even if the Empire was destroyed.

　That’s what this person thought.

　It was a very radical idea.

　If we can’t protect a country, at least we can reduce the sacrifice of its people. I don’t deny that way of thinking, but the future is too unstable for that.

　After peace, His Majesty Ronald thought that Albion’s surrender and incorporation were unavoidable. He may have been thinking of causing the least amount of sacrifices, assuming that the responsibility lies entirely on the Foolish King.

　However, there was no guarantee that Albion’s rule would be stable. There will be people who will not accept the surrender.

　Even if everything went according to plan, Albion still had that Stratos.

　As long as he was involved in Albion, I don’t think the Imperial State will be safe.

“There’s a man in the upper echelons of Albion.”

“… I know about Yuri Stratos. That’s why I agreed to send you to Albion.”

“… You want me to take down Stratos?”

“Our intelligence network had learned of his presence in Albion since he had been involved in the Veris Civil War. It was why we did not sign a formal alliance with Albion, but things have changed. If you succeed in defeating Stratos, Albion will stop running amok, and the Empire will be a healthier country without the… Foolish King. If you fail, the Empire will surrender and be annexed, and the Foolish King will be executed. It’s all up to you. You’re willing to do that without being asked, aren’t you?”

　Was there that much of a difference between disappearing and being executed?

　In the end, either way, this man was willing to take on the responsibility.

　It is easy to say that this is his way of being a King.

　It’s just too unfortunate.

“Your Majesty… you gave up too soon.”

“If I could protect everything, I would, but I am not strong enough. I don’t have the power to keep my country alive in a time of war. So I have to give up something.”

“Not so long ago, I was good at giving up, too, especially when it came to myself… However, some people expressed their worries about me. That is why I will not give up. There are times when I may leave the country. I may retreat from the enemy, I may surrender to the enemy, but I will not give up winning and I will not give up on living. You are Fio’s father. As his father, you owe her an apology. Until you do that, you shouldn’t give up.”

“Don’t say that. However, they are the words of those who have the ability to do so. For those who don’t have them, they are painful words….”

“Your character may not be suited for warfare, but in times of peace, you can be a great ruler. From now on, I will make it a peaceful era. A time where those who do not want to fight do not have to force themselves to do so. Then you won’t have to give up anything.”

“You think you can? The war has already started. And we… no, you are outmatched. How can you overturn that?”

　It was a sincere question.

　I looked at him straight in the eyes and felt that he would not tolerate lies.

　So I answered honestly.

“I will cut off the source of the problem. This war was probably started by Stratos. Although the reason is unknown. As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t be too difficult to end the war if we could just get Albion out of the way.”

“That’s easy for you to say. What if the kings of other countries are not as incompetent as I am?”

“I’m good at negotiating. Besides, if they don’t understand that language, then we just have to use force to make them obey.”

“Sounds like the opposite of a peaceful time, doesn’t it?”

“We make sacrifices now in order to reduce future sacrifices. If a 10-year long war ends in just 5 years, it’s worth it.”

　Maybe it was wrong to take up the sword while screaming and hoping for peace. But it is a waste of one’s life to get beaten without a fight.

　At least, I don’t think so. Maybe many people do, too.

　I could hear the sound of people walking near the King’s Chamber.

　The Knights of the guard must have returned.

　With Albion’s spies present, it would be a bad idea to talk any further.

“Please make sure to release Mikana when I’m delivered.” 

“I promise you that. In the name of Blackford.”

“Thank you, sir. I have one more favour to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Please be kind to Fio. You were happy to see Lady Liasha a while ago, weren’t you? It doesn’t matter if it’s just your words or your attitude, please be kind to Fio.”

“… I know it’s a little late for that, but…” 

“This is a request from someone you’re sending to his death.”

　I know it’s a cowardly request. However, if I don’t say this, he will not nod.

　His Majesty Ronald let out a sigh and shook his head.

“Ok, I understand. I promise to make an effort.”

“That’s enough. Then, please take care of Mikana and please don’t break your promise. She’s an important lieutenant… benefactor, and companion. If anything happens to her, I won’t forgive you.”

　I made a threat, just as a precaution.

　There could be a possibility that everything was a lie.

　This threat alone would be enough to guarantee Mikana’s safety.

　Well, maybe I don’t have to worry about that.

　If I looked in his eyes, I could tell if he was trying to deceive me or not, and from his status, I could guess if he was agitated or not.

　And His Majesty Ronald is not trying to deceive me, nor is his status shaken.

“I understand. As soon as Fiona is confirmed safe, I promise to release her and send her to Veris.”

“….. Then, Your Majesty. Please wait for good news.”

　With that, I turned my coat around and turned my back to His Majesty Ronald.

　It’s not that I don’t have any doubts about taking down Stratos, but there was no guarantee that I will be able to do so.

　I had only one plan in mind, but I doubt it would work against Stratos. It was a matter of luck.

　However, I had no choice but to go.

　Fiona is waiting for me, and Mikana’s safety is also at stake.

　If I succeed, Veris and the Empire will be saved. If I fail, the Empire will surrender to Albion, and Veris will face the greatest crisis of all.

　It’s a lot of pressure.

　On top of that, Randall, who offered to negotiate with us, could not be trusted. It may be the first time I’ve ever been in a situation where I have no allies.

　I let out a sigh at the terrible situation and turned my shoulders lightly.

　I couldn’t help but be pessimistic about what I have to deal with…

　Besides.

“I’ll have to punch that b*stard in the face.”

　I muttered quietly and left the King’s Chamber.