CH 139

Barshanian Imperial Family

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Chowsk, the easternmost city of Barshania, lay on the west bank of the Grenano River, which bordered the desert.

Since ancient times, it had prospered as a gateway to the desert, where travelers could prepare and rest after fighting the desert.

In the past, a ferry was used to get in and out of the desert, but now there was a splendid bridge.

The central part of the bridge was the flip-up type, and it was made so that the bridge boards could be raised to prevent enemies from crossing the river during wartime.

Viewed from the moonlit desert, the city of Chowsk looked like it was floating on a sea of sand.

The lights of the magic tools were still lit in the city, and it didn't look asleep.

[ Those who try to cross the desert ... are stopped ... ]

According to Fred, entry into the desert had been prohibited since the day before yesterday, and Barshania was providing assistance with lodging expenses for stranded travelers.

"Is that to prevent getting involved in the war?"

[ Probably ... ]

It was said that many of the merchants crossing the desert from Barshania carried textiles and other items purchased in Barshania.

In other words, it was a stumbling block to protect Barshania's customers.

Most of Chowsk's streets were clustered on the west bank of the Grenano river.

Since it was located across the river, even if the monsoon blew from the east, there was no need to worry about the town being buried in sand.

However, on the east bank of the river after crossing the bridge, there was nothing but a desert. Farmland was created by reclamation.

[ Digging waterways ... Planting trees ... Driving out the desert ... ]

"Of course, this is a project that Barshania is promoting as a country, isn't it?"

[ The Second Prince ... is leading the plan ... ]

Waterways and anti-sand forests kept the desert in check, and the fertile soil brought by rivers was used for agriculture.

It was easy to put into words, but it took a lot of manpower and time, so to speak, it was a large-scale public project.

The Second Prince, who was leading it, was probably sharp in domestic affairs.

The Imperial Family, including Emperor Constant, seemed to be staying in a palace on the north side of the city.

Although it was a small size for a palace where the Emperor of the country stayed, the dome was reminiscent of an Islamic mosque, and most of it seemed to be made of marble.

The pillars, walls, roof, and everywhere else were sculpted and painted with precision, and had a style suitable for a desert palace.

The garrison adjacent to the palace had many tents.

The lights were on in the city, and people could be seen coming and going, but here there was only the bare minimum of light, and there was no one outside the tents.

Looking into the tents from the shadows, it seemed that the soldiers were already asleep.

"Isn't it a little too early to sleep?"

[ Kent-sama, it just means they will wake up early. ]

"I see ... So they're leaving early tomorrow morning."

If they leave early in the morning, there is a risk that the Imperial Family will go to sleep early.

We hurriedly moved inside the palace.

The royal family of Barshania gathered in one of the inner chambers of the palace.

In the room where the fireplace was burning brightly, the one in the middle of the assembled imperial family was neither Emperor Constant, nor the First Prince, Gregory.

WIth a map of Barshania and Resenburg in front of her, a small girl was in charge of Constant, Gregory, and the Third Prince, Nicolae.

"Our army will flood the battlefield three days after the Princes of Resenburg start fighting ... Is that all right?"

Her round ears peeked out from her white hair, and her slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes conveyed her strength.

If it were everyone's gentleman somewhere, you would feel like crying and worshiping, she's like a little tiger girl with white short bobbed hair.(TN:Not entirely sure on the reference here, maybe My Love Tiger, but maybe something else?)

"Of course. I'll do my best for Sera-chan, so we might be able to do it two days early."

"Father! Timing is important in this operation. Let the Princes of Resenburg fight each other and rush our army in when they're exhausted. Otherwise, there will be a lot of casualties!"

"Tsk, I know. It's a joke, a joke!"

The macho men surrounding the white-haired tiger girl were all smiling sloppily.

"Umm ... Fred, what is this?"

[ I don't know ... I think she's probably the First Princess ... ]

According to Fred, who was scouting Barshania, was she in charge of the discussion? The Loli Tiger Girl seemed to be Seraphima, the only daughter of Emperor Constant.

[ According to the information ... She is older than Kent-sama ... I can't see it ... ]

"Eeehhh, really?"

It's true that she had a sharp tone, but it was an anime voice, and if it were just her appearance, it would be reasonable to say that she's Meisa-chan's classmate, and I didn't think she was older than me.

"Sera-chan, what happened?"

"No ... For some reason, I felt like someone was saying something very rude about me ..."

"What is that ... Who, who said something rude to our Sera-chan!"

"Brother, let's find out and execute them."

"Okay, right away ..."

"You idiots! Execution is lukewarm! Torture to the point where they regret being born ... Ouch!"

"Mou, Father and Brother too, cut it out already! It was just a feeling!"

Seraphima let out a big sigh as she painfully rubbed her fist that hit her father on the head.

"Uwaa ... Is this a group of idiot parent and idiot brothers?"

[ There's no need to guess, it's as Kent-sama said. ]

It seemed that my image of the Barshanian imperial family must be revised downward.

After that, Seraphima took the lead in confirming the formation of the unit, the schedule of the invasion, and the expected counterattack in Resenburg.

Seraphima proceeded with the conversation briskly, and the three of them nodded with their cheeks relaxed.

No matter how you looked at it, it just looked like a family watching over their child's homework.

[ Kent-sama, it seems that this is a study session for the Princess. ]

"It's like ... What they're doing is really brutal, but it's a sloppy heartwarming mood ..."

I thought that the meeting would end in a relaxed atmosphere, but the atmosphere changed as soon as Seraphima continued after defeating the Princes of Resenburg.

"After defeating the Princes of Resenburg, we will continue the battle, defeat Havre Calvine, and continue to surround the royal capital Aldaros."

"Hey, Seraphima. Are you going to betray the person we made a secret agreement with?"

"Yes. The man named Havre Calvine is not to be trusted."

Seraphima was completely unmoved by Constant's sharp question, which had completely changed since then.

"Havre Calvine asked us to provide Falzala as a medicine to relieve the pain of many people who suffered serious injuries in the mines of their territory, such as cave-in accidents. We have received information that it was given to Prince Bernst and Third Prince Christoph for their enjoyment."

"Someday, it's people who will be slain by our hands, isn't it better that way?"

Seraphima raised her eyebrows at the First Prince Gregory's words.

"Brother, are you seriously saying such a thing ..."

"N, no ... What I said, by mistake ..."

"It's not a coincidence! If someone who holds the power of the royal family gets drunk on Falzala, even if it's just for a while, it may bring tragedy to the people!"

"No, I'm sorry ... Seraphima is right ..."

Constant and the Third Prince, Nicolae, grinned as Gregory made his body smaller because he was scolded by the Loli Girl Seraphima.

"Father and Nicolae-nii-sama too, what are you laughing at!"

"No, I'm not laughing."

"Y, yes, we are being serious."

"Haa ... Well, that's fine."

After letting out another big sigh, Seraphima straightened her posture and continued speaking.

"Listen. We've told Havre Calvine at length about the benefits of Falzala, as well as its dangers. We offered it under the pledge that it would never be abused. Even so, it is outrageous to let the royal family use it for pleasure. The existence of a country where such a man holds real power is unacceptable, even across the desert."

"So, what are you going to do with Resenburg after you've killed Havre Calvine? If there's no one to hold it together, there could be a quagmire of war."

Both Gregory and Nicolae nodded at Constant's question.

"I will make Camilla Resenburg King."

"Oh, why is that?"

"I have heard that Camilla Resenburg is the only member of the royal family who works for the sake of the people. Desertification is progressing in the western part of the country, and it seems that she is promoting a reclamation project to accept the people who are suffering from it. However, it seems that it is not progressing as expected due to a lack of personnel. If she wipes out the current corrupt Resenburg royal family and assumes the throne with our backing, she will surely rule for the people."

Constant nodded in satisfaction as he continued to ask questions.

"Isn't it better for us to rule?"

"No, Father, that won't happen."

"Why? In terms of military strength, it is possible for us to overwhelm Resenburg."

"Yes. Certainly, I don't think that we are inferior in military strength. However, it is not strong enough to keep the entire Resenburg under control. Therefore, I will make Camilla a puppet and have her marry Nicolae-nii-sama."

"Eeehhh ... My bride is Sera-chan ..."

"Brother ..."

"Uu, I know ... The Imperial Family is for the sake of the country ..."(TN:Fun fact, GoogleTL translates Kent's name as country.)

Nicolae, who was the most fragile of the three, was more than twice as macho as Gilik, but was shriveled up by Seraphima.

"Uhahahaha, you fool. Sera-chan is, this me's bride ..."

"Father ..."

"Sorry ..."

This time, the Emperor, Constant, was being glared at.

Yeah, I wonder what this family skit is ...

"Haa ... All three of you, please take it seriously. This battle is for Barshania ..."

"I understand. In addition to the soldiers, if you add the people in charge of logistics, we can easily move an army of over 40,000. I know that failure is unforgivable."

"Sera ... We will go to the battlefield together, there is no guarantee that we will not lose our lives."

"Of course, I have no intention of being killed unnecessarily."

Constant, Gregory, and Nicolae all had the faces of determined warriors and smiles of men who loved their family.

Seeing that smile, Seraphima's eyes spilled tears.

"Please ... Please, be safe ..."

"Oh, don't cry anymore. Do you really think we'll be beaten by those Resenburg cowards."

"Father is right, if Nico and I team up, it's like running through an uninhabited field."

"Brother, please don't go too far and leave the soldiers behind in a one-on-one race."

"Idiot, there were some people who relaxed since it was training, so it was easy to get fired up ..."

"Aren't you trying to show Sera-chan your good side by saying that?"

"Don't be silly. I'm trying to raise the morale of the army ..."

"Sera-chan, don't worry. I'll properly hold the reins of my brother ..."

"Bastard, Nico! You're the one who's planning to look good!"

"No, no, I'm here to cover up for my unskilled older brother ..."

"I got it already! I'll be waiting for your return without crying, so please be sure to return safely."

When Seraphima raised her voice, the three exchanged glances and grinned.

"If so, I will swear here."

"Three of us, not one missing."

"We will come back safely together."

The three of them slapped their chests with their rock-like right fists, then pointed to the sky and cried in unison.

"By the pride of Barshania!"

It's bad ... They're cool, this Ossan-tachi.

I can't help but want to support them, but if they attack, a lot of blood would flow and a lot of lives would be lost.

"Reinhardt, Fred, can you help me?"

[ Mmm, Kent-sama, what are you planning to do? ]

"Yeah, if it's an opponent like this, I think it would be rude to fight without revealing my identity, so I thought I'd say hello ..."

[ Are you sure? You will lose the strength of being unknown. ]

"Yeah, but you won't lose, right?"

[ Fuu ... Fuhahahaha, we have no intention of falling behind anyone as a follower of our Maou Kent-sama. ]

[ Of course, I won't lose ... I can't lose ... ]

"Then, let's go say hello."

After putting away the maps and documents, the Imperial Family began to enjoy tea that looked like milk tea.

"Good evening, excuse me for being late at night."

"Who are you?" "Where did you come from!"

The three of them instantly moved to a position to protect Seraphima.

I opened my hands and raised them over my shoulders to show that there was no hostility, but of course their vigilance was not lifted.

"My name is Kent Kokubu. First of all, I apologize for my impolite visit."

"Fumu, a magician with a dark attribute ... Where do you belong?"

Constant glared at me with eyes that glowed like those of a tiger itself, and asked with a low, resounding voice, like a different person from when he was talking to Seraphima.

"It's not like I belong to any particular place, but I'm currently living in Volzard."

"Hmm? If it's Volzard ... It's not Landshelt or Resenburg?"

"Well, it's not like I'm completely unrelated to Resenburg, but it's a long story, so I'll leave that for another time ..."

"Hmph, so what is a Volzard boy here for?"

"I was wondering if you could stop sending your troops ..."

"We should stop sending troops? There is no reason for us to stop."

Reinhardt and Fred were watching from the shadows, so maybe he thought I was alone, and Constant's expression returned to a relaxed color.

"Is that so? If I have information that you don't know, what would you do?"

"What ... Information I don't know?"

"Yes, as you say, I'm a magician with a dark attribute. As you saw earlier, I can move freely through the shadow space. Whether it's to Volzard or to Resenburg ..."

"Hmm ... So you're saying that you have important information about Resenburg?"

"Well, that's how it is."

"Catch him!"

At the same time as Constant raised his right hand, a soldier hiding in the shadow of the pillar jumped at me, but before he could reach me, Reinhardt and Fred blew him away.

Yeah, because we were scouting from the shadows, we knew perfectly well that the guard soldiers were lurking.

"It's a skeleton ..."

"Well ... That's quite a rough welcome ..."

"Grey, Nico, don't let your guard down."(TN:Grey short for Gregory, cause leaving it as Gre would be weird)

"No, I have no intention of fighting, but ..."

"Do you think we'll allow anyone to get in our way?"

"Then, won't you stop the dispatch of troops?"

"That's a stupid question."

"Tsk, what an stubborn idiot parent ..."

"What did you say, brat!"

A blue vein appeared on Constant's forehead, but I can't miss Seraphima's desperate struggle to hold back her laughter.

"Guards! It's an intruder. Seize him!"

"If that's what you want, I have an idea too, so please prepare yourself. You Idiot Parent, Idiot Brothers!"

A large number of soldiers had stepped in from the corridor, so I escape with a shield of darkness and retreate into the shadows.

Seraphima, who couldn't stand it anymore, was holding her stomach and falling over with laughter.

"Hmm ... The Emperor is more stubborn than I thought ..."

[ Kent-sama, what are you going to do? ]

"If they say they won't stop the dispatch, I'll just have to stop it myself."

[ Hurry up ... The rain of death ...? ]

"I won't do that. First ... It's Nero's turn."

"Nya, Nero is number one, nya? I'm so happy, nya, what should I do, nya, Goshujin-sama."

Yeah, come with me."

We moved to the garrison next to the palace.

From inside the palace, I could feel them running around frantically looking for me, but the soldiers here seemed to be sleeping.

"Nero, can you run through these tents?"

"Nya? Nya ... It's really narrow and I'm going to bump into them, nya ..."

"It's okay, it's okay, I want you to knock down the tent and wake up the soldiers inside."

"Nya, ah, it's okay to bump into, nya, it's easy, nya."

"Be careful not to hit the soldiers inside. Let's see ... Come back after knocking down the tents."

"Okay, nya, leave it to me, nya!"

Leaping out of the shield of darkness, Nero sprinted through the tents, accelerating to top speed without making a sound.

Basabasabasa ...

Nero's shoulders touched them, and the pressure of the wind rushed through, knocking over the tents one after another.

"Whoaaaa, what happened!"

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

"Damn, where's the way out!"

"Light! Turn on the light!"

The garrison, which had been asleep until just a moment ago, turned into an uproar.

Soldiers like them, who couldn't see at night, were unable to crawl out of the collapsed tents, and seemed to be crawling around looking for a way out.

[ Buhahahaha ... As expected of Kent-sama, you are a bad person

"Eeehhh ... It's much gentler than making a rain of stones fall."

[ Sleep disturbing ... Enduring tomorrow ... ]

It was only after Nero returned that the Barshanian soldiers began to look around and be on guard.

"Is this okay, nya?"

"Thank you, Nero. It's perfect."

[ Kent-sama, what are you going to do after this? ]

"Yeah, I'll go back to Volzard and rest, so can I ask you to do this?"

[ You're saying ... ]

"I wonder if you can repeat it a few more times before dawn. Nero, please."

"Okay, nya, leave it to me, nya."

"Also, Fred, check where the materials for the expedition are kept."

[ Roger ... Food, water, weapons, check everything ... ]

This visit was sudden, and they didn't listen to me, but if the situation got worse, they would listen.

I asked Reinhardt and the others to harass them on my behalf and returned to Volzard.