CH 15

Chapter 15 – A development worse than the manga?

Nn? How did it come to that? What’s he saying with such a painful look on his face?

I’m happy to hear that I’m important to him, but….

「Isn’t that natural? You are probably disappointed….since I’m someone who would

turn his back on the country. Despite what I said earlier, I do think that the task of

making people responsible for their own power is important. So you shouldn’t be

concerned about me. I’m happy to hear that I’m important to you though. Thank

you!

I’m sure that Anisan

will protect this country well, even if such a task does not

exist.」

「Of course! This country, the King and the citizens are more important to me than

anything else in the world! 」

He declared with a serious look. This is true “patriotism”, isn’t it? It’d be good if all

nobles are like him. Although nothing will change even if I think this way, I still think

so anyway. His patriotism is truly precious.

He devotes himself to the country because of the oath, and his patriotism comes

along with it. Nn? Is patriotism a part of the oath…is it included in the oath?

「It’s because people like Anisan

exist that the people of this country can live

peacefully.

If entering the academy requires an “oath”, then wouldn’t there be another oath for

the people going to work in the palace as well? Since it’s the palace, wouldn’t the

oath be stricter as well? Patriotism, or rather, obedience will be required? 」

That seemed to be the case, as the 2 of them nodded. So that’s how it is.

Something like a pledge of allegiance? Just what is included in it? I want to know,

but at the same time, I don’t think I want to find out. Well, it’s quite common. With

the premise of using their strength for the sake of the country, they can’t hurt the

King, the royalty and others. They can’t use power for their own benefits as well. It’s

The patriotism that comes from the oath – being forced to protect the country – is

different from true patriotism that comes from the heart. There’s no meaning to it if

only the form of patriotism is there. Nn? Somehow I’m concerned about this? Why?

Well, it doesn’t matter!

「Although it might be a relief to have an oath, just that alone is useless.

Particularly, the contents of the oath, patriotism or obedience or such…」

「The oath alone is useless?」

Anisan

asked while seeming to not understand.

「Or should I say….U~n. “I’ll protect the country!” – If this is something they

themselves wish for then it’s fine, but I think most people enter the academy and

work for the royal palace not because they want to protect the country but for their

own sake.」

The 2 of them were utterly speechless. What the heck!? Ehdon’t

tell me everyone

who swore the oath sincerely wished to contribute to the country? That’s

impossible, right!? Right here! Right now! There’s someone who just said he

doesn’t want to swear the oath. No, in my case, I don’t even wish to contribute to

the country! Eh~ are the 2 of them really alright? Well, anyway. Let’s continue with

the conversation.

「Since we are all humans, it’s not like I don’t understand how they think. Will they

really protect the country if something happens? They have no choice but to do so

because of the oath. However, since they are forced to do it against their will, the

extent of their service will be different from someone who truly wishes to protect

their country. When something big happens, the difference will become more

obvious.」

The 2 of them stared at me in surprise….I feel a little uneasy~ about these two.

I somewhat understand the discomfort I felt just now.

「I want the people who swore the oath to truly treasure the country – the King and

those involved must think in this manner while they rule the country. If the citizens

see them giving it their all, their loyalty will likely deepen. If they don’t know

anything, wouldn’t their patriotism be weak? How else would they be patriotic? Out

of admiration of the brass? If that is the case, when they find out that the brass of

the country is different from what they imagine, won’t it be dreadful?

The current oath forces patriotism, and perhaps even obedience, onto the oathtakers,

right? It might just be an empty ideal from my naïve self, but I think

patriotism and the oath should be separated. Patriotism is an individual’s feelings

after all. So, I think it should be for the individual to decide. I think the oath is

necessary to prevent rebellions though, so it should just focus on that aspect.」

nobles, but either way, they are likely to be one of those people that the oathtakers

swear their oath to. I could sort of tell from their clothes, their conduct and the way

they speak. I also heard that Keisan

was the head of something. He’s definitely

someone that only nobles get to speak to. Thinking about it, he’s probably a key

figure of this country. Isn’t it kind of bad to reduce them to such a state!?

Aah!? That reminds me, isn’t the King going to die soon!? He dies when Asnord

turns 14, doesn’t he!? It completely slipped my mind. I’m going to turn 14 in about

half a year. What if a rebellion occurs when the King dies? Why didn’t the manga go

into detail about the death of the King…

Wait, I remember I skimmed through it. I should have read it carefully!!

Eehfor

the 2 of them to be in such a state, don’t tell me, are they somehow related

to the King? No, no, it can’t be… It wasn’t in the manga. Aah~ if there was a spinoff

about me, I wish I read it. No, I know it doesn’t exist, and even if there is one

now, it would be too scary to read.

While the strange expression on their faces eased up a little, I felt my hand getting

squeezed tightly. That’s right. My hand was still being held…I forgot about it.

「Can I ask you something?」

He gripped my hand firmly and asked.

I nodded in response. My hands hurt.

「If – just if – the capital is involved in a war, and the King or either one of us asked

you for help, what would you do?」

But until then, I’d do my best to help out wherever I can, right up to the last

moment.」

The 2 of them had a vacant look. Did I say something wrong? No, everyone would

say that they value their lives and that they would run, wouldn’t they? After all, no

one wants to die. It can’t be helped if they lie to get their way, though.

This time around, Keisan

placed his hands on my shoulders and addressed me.

「Az is really honest, huh.

…No. That’s not what I was trying to ask. What would you do if I asked you to

choose between us and the King?」

「Eh? Of course if I were to choose, I would pick your side. Keisan

is more

important to me than someone I know nothing about!」

I promptly replied with what I really thought, but wait! Don’t tell me the 2 of them are

going to start a rebellion!?

Did the King do something to them? That’s why they were in such a bad state?

Hiiiiiii.

Isn’t this way worse than in the shoujo manga? How early did the Prince start acting

against the King!? Impossible!!

The levelno,

the rank!? Has increased now.

No, I must be overthinking. He must be asking me which side I will help if a war

breaks out… Eh? What happened to what I said to Anisan

about running away?

What the heck?

「Ererm,

well, it’s best to not have a war. Un. Peace is the best.

I believe Keisan

is a good person. How should I say this, Keisan

can be trusted. If

the King is bad, and I can accept it, I will choose you guys!! If not… I don’t

understand.」

AahWhat

am I saying? My mind is in a mess. This is different from my initial

answer… Why did he even ask such a question?

「Even if your decision would result in the King dying and the country getting

destroyed?」

tell me, it’s not just that my physical body didn’t grow, but my mental age has

stagnated too!? No, no, no, such a tragic thing isn’t true… I think. Un. I trust myself!

And besides, I’m currently a child. I’m currently 13 years old!!

(TL note: he said it in a childlike manner. 39 years old is the combined age of his

previous life and current.)

「Well then. Az, what do you think? How will you plan it? How will you seize this

country?」

Keisan

silently increased pressure. I recalled my previous life’s kaasan

somehow…. No, no, it’s pointless to run from reality! But, he asked for what I

think… What should I do…

Keisan

and Anisan

were both looking at me with such serious looks. It doesn’t

seem like I can escape. My hands are still being held too….Uun.