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Chapter 10
“Oh dear, we’ve been talking for quite some time. I’m sure you must be busy yourself, so we should probably wrap it up here.”
As she offered this, Milena must have picked up on Kyle’s faint intention to cut it off. Being able to feel the mood of her partner in conversation must be one of her most potent weapons. She even headed to the entrance of the manor to see him off, despite someone of her standing not ever doing something like that. It showed how highly she valued Kyle. And she said her goodbyes while insisting that Lieze and the others should come to visit sometime, too.
“Thank you very much for today. I personally see you and your allies as dear friends of mine, and that will not change. I wish you the best of luck.”
Kyle also gave his regards and was about to leave, when he felt an odd gaze directed at him. It originated from a royal knight standing guard inside the residence. She must have been the same age as Kyle, as she kept a stern expression that probably rarely saw a smile, taking her work extremely seriously.
Naturally, she must be on edge because she came here with her master on foreign ground, but her gaze was different from the other royal knights protecting Milena. It wasn’t like Kirlen’s gaze of caution or Ninos emitting her hostility. It was much closer to bottomless rage and disgust. And what caught Kyle’s attention the most was the fact that her face seemed familiar. He didn’t even know half of the royal knights, but he would think they had met somewhere before. Picking up on this, Milena ordered Kirlen and the other royal knights to leave the area, including that individual. Kyle almost found himself chasing after the woman, but Milena stopped him with a somewhat dejected voice.
“Kyle-sama, was there anything that caught your attention about that knight?”
“Ah, well…How do I say this…”
He definitely was curious about her, but he couldn’t even explain why that was.
“Kyle-sama, she…” Milena seemed oddly tied for words, and Kirlen next to her wasn’t quite sure how to break it up, either. “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you or not…but I believe it would be best if you learned about her. Her name is Frederica Ordi…and she is Zentos’s younger sister. She knows about everything.”
Zentos…Hearing that name, Kyle felt like lightning ran through his whole body. In the previous world, Second Legion Leader of the Zilgus Royal Knights Zentos Ordi was Kyle’s ally, but in this world, they ended up fighting during the battle for Milena’s life, and Kyle was forced to kill him. Although she must know the circumstances that led to her brother’s death, Frederica still cursed Kyle for his actions. Yet again, another harsh reality weighed down on him.
“Now then…What’s the plan for after this.”
Kyle felt exhausted like he had fought a battle to the death, but he couldn’t take a break just yet. He returned to the designated room in the Marco Business Association, crossing his arms as he groaned. His other allies were already waiting for him, looking at him.
“Have any ideas?” Minagi asked, but Kyle was unsure himself.
“The situation is rather complicated. I can’t tell who’s friend or foe, let alone where we could win or not.”
He managed to meet all sorts of influential people, hearing about their feelings, but there were merits and demerits at every corner. Having Maizer as an ally would be reassuring in the event he became emperor thanks to his personality and talent. More than anything, he would be able to stand his ground at the frontlines in the war against the demons, which was Kyle’s final goal.
The problem, however, is that he didn’t do much work toward earning himself the position as the Emperor, lacking evaluation from the citizens. For that reason, it took until the civil war for him to gain the trust of the people, which took a whole year to end. And although this helped him rise to power, it also destroyed the Empire from within, making it powerless during the battle against the demons. This fate could not be repeated, so Kyle was considering preventing the civil war as a whole, or at least ending it as quickly as possible.
However, if he did that, Maizer’s position and the trust of the people would remain this way, and Kyle also didn’t know all the details about his current standing within the Empire, so he might only do more harm. On top of that, Maizer himself didn’t seem too hot about the idea of becoming Emperor. There is a good chance he might run away if it came to it. So first, Kyle would need to guide him into wanting to become the Emperor. In the event that Maizer becomes Emperor, it’s important to remove Konrad from the picture, because he held as much of a right to the Emperor as Maizer.
At first, Kyle thought that this was a necessary evil, but now he learned that he was an important ally in assisting his mother Seraia’s birth, and she even said to look after him. Now, Kyle felt hesitant to cut Konrad off. He wanted to help him if the situation allowed for it. But, there were plenty of problems if he allied himself with Konrad. After all, he seemed very much interested in becoming the Emperor, and if Maizer were to pass on his right to become Emperor, the civil war as a whole could be avoided. But then, just as Benedix and Maizer say, the country would gradually weaken because of Konrad’s politics. Disregarding the future of the Empire, Kyle was worried that this would negatively impact the situation during the Great Invasion. Kyle wished for the Galgan Empire to take charge in their battle against the demons. However, Konrad’s politics might weaken the country so that it can’t fulfill that duty.
And then, he also couldn’t ignore Princess Milena. She promised she wouldn’t do anything to hurt the Empire in any way, but taking that at face value was foolish. She might simply be saying that to deceive Kyle. After all, this would be the best chance for Zilgus to obstruct the Empire’s work. She might avoid a direct encounter and war, but someone as calculating as her, she wouldn’t pass up on getting an advantage.
I have to be wary of what she does because there’s always a chance she might be plotting something behind the scenes.
In this situation, leaving Princess Milena would be foolish. In the worst-case scenario, it might end up with a war between Zilgus and Galgan. Kyle had to make sure she got back home safely no matter what. There was also the option of not doing anything and waiting for Benedix to cover and make his decision, but the current situation was not looking good enough that this was a viable solution. Even if Benedix chose Maizer, this current flow of events probably won’t stop an internal struggle from happening. And this was the same course as the previous world, leading to the decay of the Empire. But that didn’t even factor in Princess Milena’s presence and safety. Beadolla stated that she might become a sacrifice to solidify internal affairs, disregarding them making enemies on the outside. Kyle went out of his way to protect Milena during the last attack on her life, so letting her die here would mean it was all for nothing.
“Gaaaah, what is even going on?!” Kyle held his head and groaned.
“Your head must be fuming.” Seran looked at Kyle and threw him a comment.
He had already decided that Kyle was responsible for doing all the thinking.
“Worrying is the right of the young, indeed,” Shildonia tried to sound wise, but her stuffing her cheeks with sweets didn’t exactly make her seem any more credible.
Kyle’s ideal series of events would be to have Maizer become the Emperor, and either stop the civil war entirely or end it as quickly as possible. Then, Konrad’s safety had to be guaranteed, and Princess Milena had to be sent back to keep amicable relationships between Zilgus and Galgan.
“Sound impossible to me,” said Shildonia.
However, it had to be done.
“Guess I can only ally myself with everyone and lead them from the shadows?”
Kyle scratched his head to cope with all the different thoughts running through his brain, until he reached this conclusion. Basically, he was trying to please everybody.
If things turn south, I can just betray whatever party is necessary to protect myself.”
Protecting himself and his allies took top priority.
“You’re once again talking like the trash of the world,” Minagi grumbled at Kyle’s comment, but Lieze and the others just let it slide since they were used to it.
“Anyway, I’m gonna have to look into all sorts of stuff starting tomorrow…What could I have you do…”
Right now, there wasn’t much that Seran and the others could do. This whole ordeal crossed national borders, so it took someone on the level of a politician with influence to carry their weight. In battle, they couldn’t be more reliable, but these complicated affairs were out of their reach. Of course, Kyle wasn’t a professional, but he had to do it.
“I’m going to meet Maizer tomorrow. And then talk with Beadolla. So…I got a favor to ask. Urza and Lieze, Seran and Minagi, I want you to split up into groups of two.” Kyle thought about it and began giving out orders.
Hearing that, Lieze asked “Are you sure about that?” and showed her confusion, but Urza seemed rather bothered by this. Seran nodded immediately, and Minagi agreed by saying “Leave it to me,” but she was thinking about something, too.
“Seran, your guys’ work will be a bit more dangerous, so be careful.”
“You’re saying that to me?” Seran was brimming with confidence, but since his allies knew about his true strength, nobody retorted.
“What about me?”
“Oh, yeah…You can stay here and send us power from afar.” Kyle couldn’t think of a duty to hand Shildonia, so he ordered her to watch over the situation.
“Leave it to me.”
Shildonia knew that this would allow her to munch on all her favorite snacks, so she readily agreed.
The following day, Kyle went to see Maizer. He wanted to light the flames of ambition within him. When they met two days ago, Maizer said Kyle could come by whenever, so he upheld that promise now. He arrived in front of Maizer’s private room, remembering his previous life. They first met—at least in the former timeline—in the middle of the war against the demons. At that time, Kyle was a magic swordsman, and Maizer was the Emperor leading the Empire. If not for the disastrous situation of the world, those two might have never met. Kyle immediately grew infatuated with Maizer’s charisma.
Their wavelength was a perfect match, so to speak, and Maizer seemed to agree with that because their friendship was like no other. But amidst all the chaos, they could only meet a few times.
To think we’d be able to meet again like this. And without living in constant fear…
A weird sensation assaulted Kyle, as he knocked on the door.
“So you’ve come.” Maizer greeted Kyle with the same tone as before. “Perfect timing. I can’t exactly step out during the current climate, so I’m rather bored here…Oh yeah, you went to meet my former fianceé, I hear?”
Hearing the same comment from him that Milena said really threw Kyle for a loop.
“I’ve been meaning to meet her myself, but now that everything was messed up like this, you know. I did invite her to the palace, but she declined.”
Once again, they were saying the same thing. Could they be any better match, even? Kyle struggled to not burst out laughing.
“I don’t have any intention of hurting Zilgus during this situation. Or rather, I can’t even afford to pay attention to her.”
“Yes, I’m well aware. So, have you made your decision regarding the succession?”
Kyle didn’t enjoy Maizer speaking in such a roundabout way. At times like this, he should be straightforward, so Kyle made the jump instead.
“…What? Are you saying it would be better if I became the Emperor?” Maizer latched on to Kyle’s words.
“To be perfectly honest, yes. I think you would be the best person to become the Emperor.”
“Oho…?” Maizer looked at Kyle with a dubious expression. “Ever since Brother Eldorand died, I’ve met many people saying the same thing. Some said it for my sake, others said it for the sake of the Empire. But the majority of them…seemed more set on making me Emperor for their own goals. Why do you want me to become the Emperor?”
The color of Maizer’s voice was completely different from before. Kyle could tell that, depending on the answer, things would change. But since he didn’t have any time to think about it, he just answered what he thought.
“…All of it. It would be for your sake, but also for the sake of the country. It is also what I personally wish for…and I won’t hesitate to help you.”
Kyle will help as best as he can for Maizer to become Emperor.
“An honest one, aren’t you? A lot better than those hiding their true intentions.”
“I do, of course. I did say it was for my own sake.”
“Maybe you’re a bit too honest.” Maizer laughed lightly and said. “That’s not for me to decide, sadly. It all depends on my father’s decision. I’ll leave it up to his judgment.”
So he’s not speaking against it. However, he felt a slight change in heart from Maizer, too. In the former history, Benedix chose Maizer as his successor. There is a good chance this might happen now, too.
“The question is Brother Konrad’s activity. He’s rather assertive about becoming the Emperor, contacting influential people in the country to support him.” Maizer said with a bewildered tone. “Not like him at all. Then there’s also the fact that I don’t even know where he’s hiding, making it impossible for me to act. Old Hag Beadolla doesn’t even tell me, either. Korodes must know, but he’s keeping his mouth shut. Old Hag Beadolla is really getting old, approaching me,” Maizer said and flashed a self-deprecating smile.
“Can’t you just discuss this with him?”
Personally, Kyle wanted to avoid the possibility of a civil war. It may be selfish, but he also wants to help Konrad.
“I’m fine, really. Nothing much will be done, then. But, Brother treasures his faction. He won’t be able to cast aside those who follow him. That’s why a discussion won’t work.”
Konrad can’t make any decision for himself any longer, forced to consider the usability and situation of his followers. That’s what Maizer is saying.
“In that sense, I don’t have many followers, and those who approach me only care about themselves. Of course, mutual help is a wonderful thing, but if I played my part, I’ll get cut off instantly.”
Not being too attached gives both sides an advantage.
“If only there was a method for me to work like this…”
“…About that.”
Kyle hesitated for a moment. He could allow Maizer to meet Konrad, but he had no idea how Maizer would react.
I did say I would help him…But what do I do if he tasked me with the assassination of Konrad?
Kyle doubted Maizer’s ability to give out an order like that, but there was no guarantee. But in the end, Kyle decided to say it out loud.
“What is it?”
“Well…You might be able to meet with Prince Konrad.”
“What? Do you know where he’s hiding?” Maizer leaned forward.
“Yes. I happened to get in contact with him.”
“I see. Yes, your mother was teaching him…”
So he knew about Seraia.
“Is there anything I should tell him?”
“I would rather approach him directly…No, I doubt that will work. He will not agree to meet me. But, what to do…”
Maizer thought about how to use this chance to his benefit, then offered a suggestion.
“I will prepare a letter that I would like you to hand him. And could you see him together with Angela?”
This was an unexpected request for Kyle.
“Princess Angela?”
“I doubt he’ll meet me, but I’m sure he will be willing to see Angela. That would guarantee your safety, and Brother is always doting on Angela, too.”
At the very least, Angela had no enemies so far, and Konrad would be more open in front of his little sister. That was Maizer’s thought process.
“Not to mention that this might be their final chance…” Maizer spoke with emptiness in his voice.
No matter the result, it was hard to imagine that he and Konrad would be able to see each other again. At least not so easily.
“…I understand. I will see him together with Princess Angela.”
Witnessing me agree, Maizer faintly smiled.
“Now I feel a bit more hopeful. Let me give you my gratitude…But, on another note…I’d like to ask your opinion and viewpoint on current affairs around the world.”
Maizer asked Kyle, as he had traveled the world far and wide. He was always thirsting for more knowledge, so Kyle wanted to answer to the best of his ability. It was different from his conversation with Milena on the previous day, and allowed him to truly relax after a long time.
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