The northeasternmost tip of the Eastern Continent, the Military Nation of Trisen, exists on a land that is far from abundant. Most of its territory, excluding the capital, is covered by desert, leading to a yearly shortage of food and supplies. Furthermore, since the nation was formed by a gathering of mercenary groups, their temperament is extremely aggressive and exclusive. During the Great War Era, they embraced invasion as a means to secure resources and carried out development using vast numbers of slaves. Although they have now established peace and do not openly engage in conflict, they can be considered a nation with weak ties compared to the other three countries.
Now, Trisen found itself in a desperate situation. Three countries, including the Water Country Traase, Delamis, and Gaun, have accused Trisen of an incident involving Kokufu. Christoph and his party, adventurers whom Trisen had celebrated as heroes, were rescued by a hero while Christoph, as the leader of Kokufu, was unjustly kidnapping women and children, holding them as slaves. The Magic Item recording the hero’s testimony was presented, and Christoph and his group even confessed to planning to send the captured people to Trisen. There was no room for denial.
This is the roundtable meeting room within Trisen Castle. It is a place where discussions concerning the nation’s highest secrets are held, and only royalty, select nobles, and the highest echelons of the military are permitted to enter. In the center of the room, a lavishly decorated wooden round table was placed. Led by Zel Trisen, the King of Trisen, the generals of each corps had been summoned.
Amidst the heavy, silent atmosphere, Zel slowly opened his mouth.
“Everyone, I apologize for the sudden summons during your busy schedules.”
“Old man, that bastard Clive still hasn’t arrived.”
This man, who calls the King of Trisen “old man,” is Azgrad Trisen. He is the general of the Dragon Rider Corps and the first prince of Trisen. He did not attain this position through mere nepotism; he stands at the pinnacle of the military’s warriors due to his exemplary talent. Trisen has five princes, but he is the only one holding the general position, the top of the military. This is because, in the meritocracy that is Trisen, one cannot rise to the top based on lineage alone. Tabula, who was utterly defeated by Kelvin, is a prime example of this, while Azgrad is the complete opposite. His honed physique is incomparable to that of any common warrior, and his dragon riding ability is also outstanding.
“Well, he’s probably got a woman in his room. It makes me sick how he has actual skill despite that.”
Azgrad clicked his tongue, glancing at the only empty seat at the round table.
“…We are out of time. Let’s begin. I believe everyone already knows, but Christoph was apprehended by the hero of Delamis. And mind you, this happened not long after the plan was set in motion.”
It was a plan to secure slaves by using the bandit group ‘Kokufu’ for kidnapping. It was well and good to grandly enshrine the adventurers who had previously suppressed Kokufu and then have them lead the remnants after brainwashing them. The plan was meticulously crafted, and they had recently begun their activities, but this was the result.
“Indeed, the mastermind behind this plan was… Tristan, wasn’t it?”
Zel’s sharp gaze fell upon Tristan Pharze. He is a general of the Mixed Beast Corps, hailing from a prestigious noble family of Trisen. Although it is called the Beast Corps, it actually includes tamed monsters as well as demi-human slaves like beastmen. Tristan, who upholds human supremacy just like the nation’s disposition, proposed this plan using Kokufu to Zel, aiming to strengthen his own forces.
“Oh dear, I had such high hopes for them… But I suppose they were nothing more than savage adventurers, nothing more than this.”
Tristan struck an exaggerated pose, sighing wearily.
“Tristan, your ideology and explanations are irrelevant. What the King wants to know is how you intend to take responsibility for this blunder. This incident has brought a part of our nation’s darkness to light. The other three countries have already begun forming an alliance!”
The old knight who attacked Tristan was named Dan Dalba. He is a seasoned warrior who has served Trisen for many years. Currently, he serves as the general of the Ironclad Knights, which oversees various military branches, including heavily armored infantry, highly mobile cavalry, and even siege weaponry, all protected by steel armor. Dan is also Azgrad’s martial arts instructor and is deeply trusted by him.
“Please, don’t get so heated, General Dan. You’ll shorten your lifespan.”
“…What did you say?”
Dan rose to his feet and glared at Tristan. For an ordinary person, this pressure alone would be enough to cause them to faint, but Tristan met Dan’s gaze with a half-smile.
“Please desist. We are in His Majesty’s presence.”
A beautiful voice, unfitting for the occasion, echoed through the room.
“However, Shutra-sama…”
“General Dan.”
“…Understood.”
After a brief silence, Dan sat back down.
The girl who restrained Dan’s anger was Shutra Trisen, Zel’s only daughter and Trisen’s sole princess. Her beauty was so striking that the populace and soldiers often doubted if Shutra and Tabula were truly born of the same mother. Although generals are typically only appointed to men, Shutra displayed her exceptional talent and has risen to become the general of the Dark Division at a young age. Whether her appointment to the declining Dark Division was out of consideration for the nobility or because her potential was recognized, only Zel, who appointed her, knows.
“Haa, I truly am weak against the Princess.”
“…”
Despite Tristan’s taunts, Dan seemed determined to ignore him. Tristan also let out a sigh, as if finding the situation boring.
“Enough with the foolishness. Tristan, what Dan said is generally correct. Our nation is currently facing a dire situation. We have tried to erase Christoph as a hero and claim Trisen is unrelated, but that will not quell the discontent. If things go poorly, it could lead to a war against the three countries. And as a general, it is you who must bear the responsibility.”
An evident killing intent. The weight of a ruler’s words. However, even after receiving this, Tristan remained unfazed.
“…If that is the case, then let us proceed. With war.”
“What?”
“A long time has passed since we established peace, and we in Trisen have steadily advanced our military preparations. Indeed, my grandfather’s grandfather… perhaps even his grandfather? Well, let’s set that aside.”
Tristan cleared his throat lightly.
“Consider this: while we spared no effort in our military expansion, what were the other three nations doing? Weren’t they merely reveling in peace? A mere gathering of such weak nations will be no match for us, Trisen. Is this not the time to achieve the continental unification that has been our long-held ideal? Let us decide this matter with a ‘General’s Vote’!”
“Indeed, unifying the continent is our great objective.”
“Oh, do you agree, Shutra-sama?”
“However, it is not now that we should accomplish it. The three nations are not as complacent as you suggest, General. If they were to act, it would be in a later generation than ours.”
Tristan skillfully expressed his fluctuating emotions with exaggerated poses at Shutra’s words.
“To be opposed by Shutra-sama, who is popular with the people, is truly disheartening. Is that information from the Dark Division?”
“Now, who can say?”
“…I am in favor of war.”
“…Brother!?”
The one who cast a vote in favor was Azgrad. Shutra, who had been calm until moments before, was astonished, as if truly surprised.
“I’ve had minor skirmishes with the soldiers of Gaun a few times, but I don’t believe they are that formidable. It’s irritating to rely on Clive, but Trisen’s power has significantly increased since he arrived. Besides, the Dragon Rider Corps has that.”
“Oh ho, you mean that thing you bought with a fortune. That makes it two in favor, one against.”
“Tch, bringing out the General’s Vote now.”
Trisen has a system called the General’s Vote, where the five generals make a majority decision and then submit their opinion to the King. Although the final judgment rests with the King, its influence is immeasurable, and the King cannot easily reject it, as doing so would be seen as disregarding the majority of the generals. Conversely, the generals who propose a General’s Vote also face risks. If their opinion fails to gain majority support, they face punishment at the King’s discretion. While the punishment can be light, there have been instances in the past where it resulted in the death penalty. Given the gravity of the current issue, the King’s punishment would likely be severe. Although Tristan appeared nonchalant on the surface, he had, in fact, gambled his life.
“I am, of course, against it! There are limits to this foolishness!”
“That is unfortunate. Then the votes are tied… The only one left is General Clive, but he was not present here.”
Everyone turned their gaze to Clive’s empty seat.
“Kuhaha, Tristan, you are bold for your appearance. Very well. I shall acknowledge this General’s Vote with your life. Someone! Summon Clive!”
The King of Trisen distorted his mouth with amusement.
