The first chapter of the “Legion” arc begins. Our narrator is Princess Rose of the Empire.
A caged bird has no freedom, but it also has no worries. If one can accept receiving protection and living day by day without purpose, then perhaps they can be called happy.
I stepped out of my cage. It was because I yearned for the vast sky, wanting to spread my wings strongly and high.
I aim for the blue sky. I’ll train my still-weak wings, dreaming of the day I’ll soar high in the heavens.
Even if fierce winds buffet me and pouring rain tries to soak my wings… I will not give up.
My stubborn refusal to give up is my only weapon.
I formed the Knights of the Rose Cross. Immediately, an enemy stood in our path.
It was reality, an enemy called economy. My proud sword and shield cannot defeat this foe.
“Military affairs require so much money, don’t they? It’s no wonder every free city struggles with war expenses.”
I didn’t even know such things, truly I was ignorant of the world.
Not knowing something is not shameful. What’s shameful is not *trying* to know… That’s what Kanata used to say.
“War is a form of consumption that does not involve production. Vast amounts of resources and assets are consumed.”
“Clifford, it’s not just resources and assets that are lost. Lives, irreplaceable lives, also disappear. That is war. I want to end it, my enemy.”
“As you say, Your Highness. I dare say I was a bit out of touch with the realities of war. Indeed, the greatest loss is human life. I shall keep that in mind.”
Clifford nodded with a serious expression before resuming his work.
His skilled hands tapped away at the keyboard as he reviewed the data, a stark contrast to my own clumsy movements.
While Clifford is far inferior to me in combat prowess with sword and shield, he is no less important.
Organizational structure, external negotiations, logistics management – Clifford’s true talent lies in being a military bureaucrat.
Having been helped by Clifford’s administrative skills over the past few weeks, I’ve completely revised my perception of him.
A slightly unreliable uncle, perhaps? I’m such a fool. I clearly lack discernment in people.
A legion is not made up of heroes and strong individuals alone. Even the strongest cannot fight without logistics.
And soldiers do not fight on ideals alone. They will fight with all their might only when their personal worldly interests, and the lives of their families in case they perish in duty, are secured.
I gathered as much information as I could on Iska, the commander of the Asura Unit and known as the “Empress.”
She is said to be a perfect compatibility candidate, even stronger than Marika, the Alliance Army’s “Scarlet Eye” ace. However, I have no intention of emulating her as a soldier.
No matter how diligently I train or how many near-death experiences I endure, I would likely never reach Midō Iska’s level.
What I should emulate is her as the leader of a legion.
According to Kanata, she is a generous leader blessed with strategic acumen and charisma.
He added that she likely would have achieved the same position even without her martial prowess.
“When a truly exceptional person reaches that point, people will follow them of their own accord. Their harsh personality will also make enemies equal to their followers, but Rose, a kind-hearted person who tries to please everyone will be liked, but will not achieve great things. You don’t have to actively make enemies, but if you’re afraid of making them, you won’t be able to do anything.”
…Kanata shared his philosophy with me after making a grand declaration that I should rely on him.
Though I’m not confident in my memory, I can recall every word Kanata spoke.
My experiences in the Witch’s Forest are my treasure. …But I wished Kanata were by my side.
Because I wanted to hear more of cynical Kanata’s philosophy (rules)… his way of speaking with a touch of humor and jokes.
“It doesn’t have to be abundant, but a little more funding would be appreciated.”
Clifford printed out the asset management sheet and showed it to me, marking it with a pen.
“Then let’s raise funds. Money exists where there are people with it.”
Clifford chuckled and asked,
“That’s certainly true, but how will you get them to loosen their purse strings?”
“There are wealthy individuals who have money but no honor. We’ll use bait first.”
“Bait?”
“We’ll create a list of compassionate philanthropists. We’ll solicit donations from them generously and, in return, bestow honor without hesitation. We have plenty of ways to reward them, such as titles and medals.”
“I see. So, you’ll provide an incentive by letting them know there’s a reward of honor for their donations. A commemorative photo with you, Princess, might also be good.”
“I’ll happily oblige with a dazzling sales smile for a picture like that,” I replied confidently, thinking it was a joke.
But Clifford started considering it with a serious face.
“I thought you were joking… but it might actually be a good idea. There are always people who crave authority, no matter the era. There might be security issues… No, first, we must select individuals whose background and beliefs are unproblematic. Princess, you referred to a list of compassionate philanthropists, but how do you intend to compile it?”
“I’ll outsource it.”
“Outsource? To whom, exactly…?”
“We’ll discuss that later. Let’s have lunch now.”
“Then I’ll contact the kitchen…”
“No, it’s Monday, our ‘Simple Meal Day’.”
I placed the pre-prepared military rations on the table.
“Simple Meal Day? You’re going to eat military rations? I doubt it will suit your palate, Princess…”
“From now on, unless I have a meeting or a party scheduled, I’ll be eating meals like this on Mondays. It’s to better understand the feelings of the soldiers who fight on the front lines, even if only a little.”
“That’s admirable. I shall accompany you. Some may call it hypocrisy, for someone of noble birth to intentionally eat simple meals.”
“Good deeds are hypocrisies that have been carried through. I believe that.”
“That’s a fine philosophy. You’ve truly matured, Princess.”
Clifford seemed impressed, but those weren’t my words. They were from Kanata’s collected sayings.
“The starting point for all good deeds is hypocrisy. The first step is merely a personal principle or action taken with good intentions. Whether it elevates to a good deed or remains hypocrisy depends entirely on whether it is carried through.” That’s what he said.
Good deeds are hypocrisies that have been carried through, huh? The consistent principle underlying Kanata’s way of thinking is probably, “Never believe you are absolutely right.”
“People commit acts of barbarism that even exceed great evil when they are convinced they are an absolute righteous cause. Most tragedies in history were caused by the hands of well-intentioned reformers who believed themselves to be just,” Kanata said.
I’ve decided to change the world. To do that, I need power. But power is like a potent medicine; it can be a cure or a deadly poison depending on how it’s used.
Therefore, I must not neglect to think. I must constantly question myself and move forward.
That way, even if I stray from the path, I’ll realize it before it’s too late. What’s bad is not acting due to fear of making mistakes.
“It is impossible for humans to always choose the best path. But it is possible to correct a wrong path. There isn’t just one route to your destination, and it differs from person to person too.” …Right, Kanata.
After lunch, I continued my duties with Clifford’s help.
I miss Tasche. It’s unavoidable that she’s at Dr. Doumeki’s laboratory at Spec Company undergoing bio-metallization.
I can’t wait for her bio-metallization to be completed. I want to see my dear Tasche soon.
The desk phone rang, and Clifford answered it.
“Yes, yes, I see. I’ll inform the Princess. She will be delighted.”
The news on the phone seems to be good. I wonder what it could be?
Clifford hung up the receiver with a smile and said,
“Princess, Major Toma, who was out on a sortie, has returned to Byakuya Castle.”
Major Toma is back!
“Let’s head to Byakuya Castle tomorrow. Clifford…”
“I shall accompany you, Princess. And Tasche’s bio-metallization has also been completed.”
“Hooray! I’ll go pick her up at Spec Company after meeting Major Toma!”
“There’s no need for you to go all the way to Spec Company, Princess…”
“I’m the one who made the unreasonable request. It’s only right that I go to thank Dr. Doumeki.”
“Understood. I will clear your schedule for tomorrow. A change of pace might be good for a change.”
Yes, there’s a lot to do, but a change of pace now and then is good.
Besides, there are several things I need to discuss with Major Toma. Our future course of action might change depending on his response.
Therefore, the meeting with Major Toma must happen soon.
I hope I receive a favorable response, but I can’t read the Major’s intentions.
I can’t see what Major Toma is aiming for at all.
His true name, his background, his purpose – everything is unknown. This Major Toma, who is he?
All I know is that he seems to be favorably disposed towards me.
I’m no prophet, but I have a feeling… Tomorrow will surely be an important day for me.
