As one grows older, they are scolded less often. This is even more true for the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces…
“What are you doing!”
I’ve been standing before Queen Anneliese for about thirty minutes now, receiving a lecture. The fight between the White Lily Corps and the succubus would have remained hidden within our camp if it had ended there. However, Rufina’s participation led to it becoming known throughout the Allied Forces.
“I am truly sorry…”
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bowed. I stopped counting after eight, as it was becoming too many. Beside my desk, Yuma Bashar offers a wry smile, while Fleet Helm looks on in exasperation.
“We’re counting on you, you are the Hero, after all.”
“I am truly sorry.”
“So, how is the plan coming along?”
I am the Hero. A chosen man who gets things done, Mikael Sin. The blueprint for the strategy is complete. I speak about the outline of the strategy like a fish takes to water, regaining my heroic demeanor.
The strategy is simple. We will charge directly into the Royal Capital, Klinshberbach. Simple is best, as they say. Of course, adjustments will be needed for the finer details, but the Administrator for those adjustments, a succubus, is on board, so there are no problems.
Rothfar will bring out siege weaponry, and Ashtal has already been supplied with ultra-vibrational weapons. The Hasuhanto Trading Company’s resources are invaluable for the supplies needed for the march, allowing the Harm army to focus solely on the battle.
“The advance is scheduled for three days from now.”
Perhaps I should have said five days from now. Three days feels a bit too busy, and I might get bogged down with work. I remember an elder telling me not to get bogged down by work. Now I’m the Hero, I’ve certainly gained status.
“Understood. For Harm, I ask for your utmost effort.”
Queen Anneliese signals for Yuma and Fleet Helm to withdraw. She seems to want to speak with me alone, but I wonder if there’s a flaw in the strategy. I really don’t want to be scolded again.
“Do you think I am cowardly…”
Her sudden confession left me bewildered. I’ve never thought of Lady Annelyse as cowardly. I actually admire her for working so hard in this male-dominated feudal society.
“From the time I became a Duke… No, even before becoming a Duke, many people lent me their strength, and I always relied on them. Until I took my place to rule this country… Even after taking it, I find myself unable to fight the Demon Army without borrowing Mikael’s strength…”
The struggles of those in power. I’ve had my struggles too, but I feel like most of my hardships would have disappeared if I had kept Priscilla bound. … I also want to bind Rufina, and Sophia and Alana could be lightly bound. Christine and Orietta could be restrained with handcuffs and blindfolds… Hmm, this imagery isn’t bad.
“I stand here by my own will. Your Majesty has no need to trouble yourself.”
I became the Hero due to my abilities and political considerations, but perhaps Lady Annelyse’s “Bewitching Charisma” also played a part without my knowledge.
The ability to reach the top without hardship is what torments Lady Annelyse. Is the glory earned through effort better, or the praise received for doing nothing?
“If we lose this war, Harm will be annihilated. Even if we win, I will have to take a husband from Rothfar and be absorbed by them. Yet, I have no strength to fight. Do I have the right to be in a position of power without strength…”
Without strength… Relying on others is not proof of lacking strength. It is a testament to one’s character and personality that others are moved to help. That, too, is strength.
It seems that around Lady Annelyse, people only offer help one-sidedly, and she has been prevented from fighting or relying on others herself. It’s a miracle that her personality hasn’t warped because of it.
“You were able to take your position because you have the right to be there. Everyone admires Queen Anneliese. Strength is not everything.”
Strength is everything. It can be people, money, or various other things, but it is strength that allows one to move forward. The past can be looked back upon, but one cannot go back in time.
If Lady Annelyse recognizes the power of her “Bewitching Charisma,” she could act as she pleases, just like the former king. Or would she be terrified of her own power and retreat inwards?
Secrets of others that she wants to speak of. If she directs the full power of her Bewitching Charisma towards the Demon Army, everyone in the Allied Forces here would fight for Lady Annelyse. If she were to use it only for herself, she would follow the same path as the former king.
Secrets of others that cannot be spoken of. I don’t know which path Lady Annelyse will take once she discovers her own power. We don’t have the luxury to bet on “what if.”
Grow up, become an adult. My limited vocabulary, which can only spout catchphrases, makes me want to cry. I want to cry, resting my head on Priscilla’s chest.
“Your Majesty, for now, let us focus solely on victory. Once we win, perhaps we can crush Rothfar next.”
I said this with a full smile. Lady Annelyse seemed to take the comment about Rothfar as a joke and gave a faint smile. … Though it wasn’t a joke.
“Thank you, Mikael. Please bring victory to Harm.”
As she rises and bows deeply, it’s clear she still has some immaturity as a queen, but I’ll place my hopes on Lady Annelyse’s potential for growth and her sincerity.
Leaving the office, I found a demon standing against the corridor wall… It was Priscilla. Perhaps she’s expecting a “wall-slap”? Is there such a thing as a counter to a wall-slap?
“Priscilla-san, what’s wrong?”
I spoke to her from a slight distance, not directly in front of her. Priscilla, looking down with a hint of melancholy, is beautiful. Should I have gone for the wall-slap after all?
“Anneliese… she let you have her?”
A counter blow struck my heart. Exploiting someone’s weakness is a common tactic. I had thought I could do that too, but I’m the Hero, you see…
“Perhaps so.”
“… Is that alright? You might die next time.”
Hearing that, I might have missed a valuable opportunity. Should I go back now and push her down? Even if it means doing something as foolish as turning my back on a demon.
“I have no plans to die. Heroes don’t die until the very end.”
“So, you die in the end…”
In my past life, I died in mutual combat with the Demon Lord. Perhaps I will die in the end this time as well. I don’t think I regret what happened then. The only lingering concern is whether Priscilla cried when I died.
“Correction. I will live until my grandchildren tell me to die quickly.”
“Ha! There’s no way you can live that long. Well, a rotten person is still rotten.”
Bracing myself for a counter, I performed the wall-slap. Priscilla, surprised, looked down at me. With this insurmountable height difference and a wall-slap performed purely for the sake of it, I couldn’t think of what to say.
“… What is it? If you have something to say, just say it.”
I have nothing to say. I have things I want to do. If I were young enough to do as I pleased, I would probably be arrested.
“There are three days until deployment. Priscilla-san, please make sure you have no regrets.”
Priscilla likely has things she wants to do. I want everyone in the White Lily Corps, not just Priscilla, to make the most of the remaining time.
I left Priscilla behind and fled at Godspeed. When I said “things you want to do,” I’m sure Priscilla’s “things she wants to do” are either “fight” or “do it.”
I have work to do as the Hero. I’ve acquired an Administrator, and Manon-san is cooperating. I must make effective use of these limited people and time.
I worked for the Allied Forces, sacrificing sleep, and then worked for the White Lily Corps and the Administrator, my sleep further reduced, and three days passed.
