Around the time Clever Ko Leyton was making his decision to invest enormously in the Holy Kingdom——Luna and Zel sat across a long table from each other, wearing matching expressions of difficulty.
“Clever-san seemed very convinced of something at the end there……but what exactly happened?”
“……I apologize, there is too little information for me to say with any confidence. However, I can say with certainty that he left having made some kind of tremendous misunderstanding.”
“Right, yeah……”
“Yes.”
“……”
“……”
An indescribable silence falls between the two.
The secret meeting had clearly ended with high marks from the other party——but.
Precisely why it had come to that result, and the process that led there, they cannot fathom at all.
And so, in both their hearts, an unsatisfying sense of ‘indigestion’ remains.
“Let’s just think through it from the beginning. First——when Clever-san asked about the ‘next move,’ he meant ‘the best move to make right here and now,’ right?”
“Yes, that much seems certain.”
“And what would the best move to make right here and now be?”
“Let me think……. Given our nation’s current situation, strengthening our national power is the most pressing matter, I would say.”
“Meaning?”
“Grow the population, develop the land, build up our industries. To put it plainly——make the Holy Kingdom a strong and prosperous nation.”
The Spedio domain, viewed as a ‘domain,’ has a reasonably sized population and territory——but viewed as a ‘nation,’ its scale is nonetheless worrying.
Being a remote settlement, the working-age population is thin, and most of the land remains undeveloped.
On top of that, the industrial structure is heavily skewed.
The primary industry is of course agriculture and animal husbandry. Secondary industries represented by the production of equipment and magical instruments, and tertiary industries such as tourism and service sectors, are generating almost no value to speak of.
Sparse population, narrow territory, a lopsided industrial structure——viewed as a nation, the sense of it being a ‘paper facade’ becomes starkly apparent.
“Population, land, industry……. Hmm, none of those seem like they’d be easy to deal with.”
“Quite right, building up national power requires considerable time and effort. In order to accomplish this quickly, the best approach for now would be to find ‘appropriate allied nations.'”
“Allied nations——you mean making friends?”
Zel gives a nod at Luna’s question.
“We are complete novices when it comes to nation-building, after all. If we can find a country to serve as a model and form an alliance with them, then under the guise of ‘inspection visits’ and ‘summit meetings,’ we can naturally learn how to steer a nation.”
“I see——oh, what about the Albas Empire? They were the most friendly toward us out of the four powers!”
What crosses Luna’s mind is the four newspaper articles in which each of the four great powers had expressed their respective positions on the Holy Kingdom’s declaration.
The Kingdom of Elgia, the Albas Empire, the Grandize Holy Nation, the Spirit Nation of Yoon——of these, the Empire had shown the most lenient stance.
However, Zel slowly shakes his head.
“The Empire is indeed an ideal partner in every respect——but they are a great power with centuries of history behind them. We, on the other hand, have not even been a nation for a month. The balance simply isn’t there.”
Fundamentally, alliance partners must be of comparable standing.
Bringing such a proposal to someone as far above them as the Empire would only get them laughed off with a refusal.
What’s more, it would invite accusations of ‘shameless impudence’ from surrounding nations, dragging the Holy Kingdom’s name through the mud.
“Mm, I see……. But then, would there even be anywhere willing to form an alliance with a brand-new nation like ours?”
“I have in fact, after surveying the surrounding area, identified two small nations that meet the conditions.”
“Wait, you’ve already found them!?”
“Yes. I had been intending to bring the matter of allied nations to your attention before long, Saint-sama.”
Zel says this and points to a spot on the world map——the midpoint between the Albas Empire and the Spirit Nation of Yoon.
It is, as it happens, the very spot where Luna had tapped the table with her finger during the secret meeting as her ‘SOS signal.’
“The ‘Nation of Martial Arts,’ Godba, and the ‘Nation of Magic Arts,’ Kasorla——if we are to form an alliance, somewhere in this area would be the most accessible.”
“I’ve never heard of either name, but……were those nations even around?”
“Both nations have relatively recent histories, and three hundred years ago, neither of them existed yet. It is entirely understandable that you wouldn’t know of them, Saint-sama.”
Zel takes documents from the cabinet drawer and sets them on the table.
They are handwritten research reports summarizing the characteristics of each nation.
“Godba and Kasorla are both small nations located to the northwest of the Holy Kingdom, with top-down governance structures headed by a queen and an empress respectively. Their populations and territories are a touch worrying, but each has its own distinctive industries.”
“Hmm, hmm……”
Luna reads the documents while listening to the explanation——and her eyes catch a particular phrase.
“Hey Zel, this says ‘warring-states upheaval’ here……?”
“Yes. Relations between Godba and Kasorla are extremely poor, and particularly over the past ten years, conditions that can only be described as the worst have continued, with skirmishes breaking out all across the region——it is said to be in a period of warring-states upheaval. In fact, one month ago the two nations issued declarations of war, and they are to settle their supremacy at the Lindria Plains at noon three days from now.”
“……Wars happen in this era too.”
“Conflict is never-ending in any age. Though I would note that even calling it a war, it is nothing on too grand a scale. Compared to the battle between yourself and the Demon King, it is more like ‘a child splashing in a puddle.'”
What crosses Zel’s mind is the desperate, brutal battle between the Saint and the Demon King.
The sky weeping, the earth splitting, the highest-tier magic raging like driving rain and hail——a literal hell.
Compared to that legendary battle, a war between small nations could only be called ‘not even child’s play.’
“And——when the decisive battle at the Lindria Plains concludes, both nations, victors and defeated alike, will be absorbed by the Albas Empire.”
“Hm, how does the Empire come into it there?”
Zel provides a careful explanation to Luna’s understandable question.
“Both nations are geographically situated close to the Empire. A war breaking out between small nations nearby——the Empire will be licking its lips, looking to reap the spoils. At least, that is how I would think if I were the Emperor.”
“I see……. But then the people of Godba and Kasorla would get a raw deal.”
“Yes. There is no salvation to be found in this war. Win and become a vassal state; lose and face ruin——it amounts to ‘a battle with no winner.’ Utterly futile.”
“Can’t the war be stopped?”
“I would not say it is impossible, but it is not very realistic.”
Zel makes a difficult expression and scratches the base of his beak.
“Both nations were originally one country called ‘Lindria.’ However, following ‘a certain incident,’ they parted ways and split their territory east and west, becoming Godba and Kasorla. I understand that the people of each nation do wish for reconciliation and reunification——but the royal families’ enmity and grudges run deep, and with Kasorla in particular maintaining a hard-line stance, war seems unavoidable.”
“……I see……”
As the kind-hearted Luna falls silent and quietly grieves, Zel moves to wrap up this part of the discussion.
“The way things stand, neither nation has a future. And so——it is time for us, the Holy Kingdom, to step forward. Let us extend a hand of salvation to these sorrowful nations, trapped in a fate of destruction.”
“What do you mean?”
“We approach the victorious side——either Godba or Kasorla——and propose an alliance. With us as their backing, the Empire cannot move on them so easily.”
“Is that so?”
Luna tilts her head slightly, and Zel nods with confidence.
“Right now, the world is uncertain. Uncertain of the Holy Kingdom’s power, uncertain of its relationship with others, uncertain of how close to get. ‘The unknown’ is, in a word, ‘fear’——the four great powers are afraid of us. The proof of that is precisely that, rather than using military force against the Holy Kingdom——a newcomer——they have only gone as far as expressing their respective positions.”
“……That’s true……”
“And so, the Holy Kingdom will lend the prestige of the Saint, and in return receive knowledge and technology. Through this, we build a Win-Win relationship with our allied nations!”
“Oh, oh……!”
“Of course, some pushback from the Empire’s side is to be expected——but the ‘foremost wise ruler of the age,’ Adrinus Odo Albas, that sage emperor will surely understand the Saint’s power properly and make an astute judgment. And in the meantime, we of the Holy Kingdom camp will be building up our strength, solidifying the nation’s foundations——with the eventual aim of formally joining hands with the Empire and using it as a stepping stone to becoming a great power.”
“That’s……amazing, Zel, it’s amazing! A perfect strategy! Let’s go with that!”
The Holy Kingdom’s chief strategist applauded generously——clap, clap, clap——and
“Your words are too kind, thank you.”
The deputy chief strategist bowed politely.
“Right then……so Zel, to carry out this strategy, what do we do next?”
“For the immediate moment, I would like to travel to Godba and Kasorla and observe the situation on the ground. After all, ‘textual information’ learned from books and newspapers and ‘live information’ seen with one’s own eyes are different things. We should observe the characteristics of both nations before the full-scale outbreak of hostilities.”
“Okay, with that decided——’strike while the iron is hot!'”
The moment Luna reaches out, two *<Otherworld Gate>*s appear.
“Are you saying……right now?”
“Oh, did you have plans?”
“Ah……no, let’s go.”
He had in fact been planning to shut himself in his office until late that night to work out the Holy Kingdom’s urban development plans——but.
(Hmm, well, everything else can wait.)
A feeling he hadn’t known in three hundred years, a happiness long since forgotten——’being swept along by his mistress.’
Despite his original plans having been upended, Zel’s heart is, strangely, filled with a sense of fullness and deep contentment.
“Godba and Kasorla——which one should we visit first?”
As Luna asks this while putting on the plate armor, Zel gives a small bow.
“All according to the Saint-sama’s will.”
“Hmm……then let’s go to Godba first.”
“Understood. And might I ask your reason for choosing the Martial Nation……?”
“‘Martial Nation’ (ぶどうこく) sounds kind of delicious, doesn’t it? Like ‘budou’——as in grapes.”
“……A remarkable eye for detail.”
The loyal retainer cast his mistress a warmly exasperated look as she made her same old endearingly strange pronouncement.
Passing through the <Otherworld Gate> and arriving in Godba, Luna and Zel look around them with curiosity.
“So this is the Martial Nation of Godba……. Yeah, it feels calm and comfortable to live in.”
“Yes, a pleasant nation with a sense of harmony with nature. (I had read in a book that ‘Godba is a nation with successful urban planning’——but this exceeds expectations. There is much here to take as a model for greening efforts.)”
Most of the visible buildings are wooden, and there is a warmth and softness to them that feels natural.
Tall trees line the streets throughout the city, small birds sing cheerfully in the warm sunlight, and the great river running through the center of the country is clear as glass.
A balanced nation where ‘people’ and ‘nature’ are held in well-matched equilibrium.
“——Oh, look, Zel!”
“What is it?”
“Over there, so many beautiful flowers! They’re gorgeous!”
Where Luna is pointing, a profusion of colorful flowers——red, yellow, blue, white, purple——are in full bloom.
“Oh, wonderful indeed. That, incidentally, is the Godba National Nature Park——a tourist attraction of the Martial Nation where flowers of every color bloom from early spring through summer.”
“Oh really! Zel, you know so much.”
“Heh, I am most glad to hear you say so.”
Trading this warm, grandfather-and-granddaughter sort of exchange, the two walk side by side along the main street.
Restaurants, general stores, and smithies line both sides of the road, and the faces of the people passing by are bright and full of wholesome energy.
“Hey, what exactly do we do on a visit?”
“I was thinking we would start by strolling around the capital——the area around the royal castle, which will likely be the most prosperous——and slowly take in the Martial Nation’s characteristics.”
“I see, got i——mmph, something smells delicious……”
Luna sniffs the air with audible sniff sniff, her feet leading her astray toward the savory aroma——
“Now, that over there is the important smelting facility of the Martial Nation——wait, Saint-sama, where are you going!?”
Zel chases after his mistress in a great hurry.
“Sniff, sniff……the source of the smell is that shop, I think.”
Led by the inexplicably keen Saint nose——in a back alley with little foot traffic, there is a food stall with a queue of locals.
“……’Godmeat’?”
Luna tilts her head at the unfamiliar dish, and Zel provides a casual explanation.
“Godmeat is a traditional local dish of the Martial Nation. It is smoked beef with shredded lettuce and sliced onion, served in bread.”
“Oh, that sounds delicious! Zel, since we’re here, let’s eat together!”
“I have no objection, but……would that be all right?”
“What do you mean?”
“I was wondering whether you could actually eat anything in your current ‘Silver state.'”
“……Ah.”
Luna is currently covered head to toe in plate armor.
To eat Godmeat, she would naturally need to remove the helm——but.
With the risk of her Saint identity being exposed, there is no way she can reveal her bare face right here in the middle of the city streets.
“……I can’t eat like this……”
“Regrettably, let us save it for another opportunity.”
“Awww……”
As Luna’s shoulders droop in dejection, Zel gently calls out to her.
“Saint-sama, please cheer up. When we return to the Holy Kingdom, I will make you Godmeat.”
“Really!?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Yay! Zel’s home cooking for the first time in three hundred years, I can’t wait……!”
Luna’s mood repairs itself in an instant, and she resumes the visit alongside Zel.
They take a light and leisurely look from a distance at the cityscape, farmland, schools, shops, and smelting factories——and then Luna gives a little smile.
“Heh, somehow walking together like this, just the two of us, I’m reminded of the early days.”
“What a coincidence. I was thinking the very same thing.”
Three hundred years ago, the first person Luna welcomed into the ‘Saint’s party’ was none other than the white raven beastman, Zel Zezed.
“Hey, do you remember? At the start you had this really jaded air about you, Zel. Your first-person pronoun was ‘ore,’ and you were quite the reckless one——”
“Now, let us not dig up old stories……! If you want to go down that road, Saint-sama, you were——”
As the two fall happily into reminiscing about the old days——
“Oh, could that be……Silver-sama and Zel-sama……!?”
“Why would the two of the legendary Saint’s party be in this country……!?”
“In any case, report to Leticia-sama immediately……!”
——they are spotted by patrol guards making their rounds of the city, and before they know it they are ushered to the very top of the royal castle.
Standing before the heavy stone door leading to the throne room, Luna and Zel exchange whispered words via <Transmission>.
(……We only came for a light visit, so why has it come to this……)
(It is certainly an unexpected turn of events, but let us think of it positively. Godba is the foremost candidate for an allied nation. Being given the opportunity to speak directly with its ruler can only be considered ‘fortunate circumstances.’)
(Well, maybe, but……I’m not very good at talking, so I might let something strange slip……)
(There is no need to worry. I will back you up from behind. Please, consider yourself on safe ground and sit tight.)
While they are occupied with this, the escorting guard moves and pushes open the heavy door.
Inside is a wide and orderly stone room.
A practical desk and modest chair at the far end. Sunlight streams in through a large arched window, illuminating the Martial Nation’s flag hanging from the ceiling.
A golden throne, crimson carpet, a lavish chandelier——nothing befitting a royal residence in the way of ornamentation is present, not a single item.
For something called a ‘throne room,’ it is more than a little spartan——if anything, ‘office’ would be a more fitting description.
The room’s occupant——the Queen of the Martial Nation of Godba——slowly rises and walks toward Luna and the others, her attendant following like a shadow.
“How do you do, Silver-dono. I am the seventh Sovereign of the Martial Nation of Godba, Leticia Lindria.”
Leticia Lindria, twenty years old.
160 centimeters, a slender frame, short orange hair.
Large round amber eyes, a gentle and soft face——a beautiful young woman who brings to mind the sun, dressed in a white and yellow one-piece dress.
“……Prime Minister of this nation, Ramza Krantzelt.”
Ramza Krantzelt, apparent age late twenties.
185 centimeters. A frame that at first glance appears lean, but carries muscles like steel beneath.
Dark navy long hair tied in a ponytail with a red hair clasp, sharp blue eyes, a refined face combining both strength and intellect. A sword hangs at his left hip, and he wears garments in deep blue and black.
Having received their introductions, Luna and Zel respond in kind.
“It is an honor to meet you, Leticia-dono. I am Silver Glorious=El=Bloodfallenheart, representative of the Holy Kingdom’s Sole Monarch.”
“I am Zel Zezed, Minister of Defense of the same nation.”
They exchange brief greetings and move to shake hands in friendship——when Ramza smoothly steps in between them.
“Umm……?”
A sharp gaze like a bared blade is leveled at the confused Luna.
“Silver. Why do you hide your face? Is there something you are ashamed of?”
“H-hey, Ramza! What a dreadfully rude thing to say to Silver-dono……! I am so terribly sorry, I will give this person a strict talking-to later——”
Against the profusely apologetic Leticia, Ramza gives a small shake of his head.
“Leticia-sama, there is no need to apologize to these rude individuals. We have gone to the trouble of setting up this meeting and extended every courtesy——and he appears without even removing a helm. The impudence is beyond bounds. And besides, what of the Saint? She reincarnated into this era after three hundred years, did she not? Despite having built her own nation, why does she not appear on the public stage?”
“……The Saint is in hiding in a safe location, recovering the power that was diminished through reincarnation.”
This answer was also used in the meeting with Clever, and the plan is to push through with it whenever the subject of the Saint comes up.
“Hmph, a rather tacked-on excuse. Let me say this upfront——I do not believe the Saint has reincarnated. And beyond that, Silver, I also have my doubts about whether you are truly the Saint’s representative. Unlike Zel-dono, who appears in history books and portraits——why should I trust some mysterious armor that appeared out of nowhere?”
As the pragmatist Ramza radiates strong hostility, Zel, who has been listening quietly until now, draws close to Luna’s ear.
“What an impudent lot. How about it——shall we simply destroy the Martial Nation?”
“We will not.”
Reining in Zel, who has arrived at an extreme conclusion owing to an excess of loyalty, Luna clears her throat.
“Ramza-dono, I have heard out your position. And if I may offer my personal thinking on it——since we have been given this valuable opportunity, I was hoping to have a light chat with Leticia-dono. Now then, what would it take to earn your trust?”
At that——as if he had been waiting for exactly those words, Ramza breaks into a sharp smile.
“Silver, judging by that heavy armor, you are a warrior as well, are you not?”
“Huh? Ah……well, I suppose so.”
She has never once set her sights on martial arts——but.
Having shown up in this imposing plate armor, denying that she is a warrior feels somehow wrong.
“In our nation, there is an old saying: ‘hands speak louder than words.’ Silver——spar with me, here and now! Then whether or not you are a man worthy of trust will become entirely clear!”
“……Ugh……”
Luna makes no effort to hide her distaste——and Zel, reading this instantly, takes a step forward.
“Silver is the Saint’s representative and the practical leader of the Holy Kingdom. Should something happen to him, that would be a problem for your side too, would it not? I will take this matter in Silver’s stead, as the Saint’s party’s vanguard.”
“Zel-dono……will?”
“Do you object?”
“……Very well. The caliber of a ruler can be gauged from the arms of their closest retainers. In place of an assessment of the Saint and Silver, I will let Zel-dono’s true ability speak for them.”
And so, one thing leading to another, it is decided that Zel and Ramza will have a sparring match.
“Hahhh……Zel, I’d rather not deal with unnecessary trouble, so don’t overdo it. And whatever you do, don’t kill him.”
“Yes.”
“Good grief……Ram, you must not go too far either. And you’re getting a lecture later.”
“Understood.”
Having received their respective permissions, the two take up a five-meter distance and quietly draw their swords.
“……” “……”
As sharp gazes meet, both figures vanish into the air.
The next instant, blade meets blade with a hard ringing sound, and crimson flashes of light trace across the space.
One clash, two, three——through a stream of sword strikes layered ten, twenty deep, woven in fractions of a second——Zel and Ramza come to a sudden stop, each with a sharp blade resting at the other’s throat.
A perfect draw.
Both warriors display their abilities without reservation, and Luna and Leticia, watching from a distance, look on with wide eyes.
(Hmm, not bad at all. (Even holding well back as he is, to be able to trade blows with Zel while he’s looking sharp like this……this Ramza person might actually be something.))
(A-amazing……(Even without using his ‘Flow Technique,’ to be able to hold his own against Ram like that……. Great Swordsman Zel-sama’s ability is the real thing.))
In a brief silence——
“Heh, I’m surprised. For all your softness as a modern person, you’re not bad at all.”
“Likewise. As expected of a great warrior——an impressive display.”
Zel and Ramza sheathe their swords and trade praise for each other’s skill.
“……Zel-dono, there is something I would ask.”
“What is it?”
“Which of you is stronger——you, or Silver over there?”
Zel’s mouth drops open for a moment as if taken aback, and he can’t help but let out a laugh.
“……Pft, heh heh……”
“Wh-what is so funny?”
“No, forgive me. I simply never dreamed I would be asked such a thing.”
Ramza does not know that Silver’s true identity is the Saint.
And so this question is, in its own way, unavoidable——but.
Zel himself had never in his wildest dreams imagined that a being as insignificant as himself would be compared to that Saint-sama.
“I will answer your question. To put it plainly: it is no contest. Silver is a hundred times stronger than I.”
Receiving Zel’s answer, Ramza——
“Oh……that is most intriguing, then——!”
——draws his sword in a sweeping motion and closes on Luna at a terrifying speed.
“What——!”
“Ram, what are you——!”
Brushing aside Zel and Leticia’s attempts to restrain him——
“Silver, prepare yourself!”
——Ramza brings his raised sword slashing down.
With a white blade bearing down before her eyes——Luna doesn’t move a muscle.
(Hmm, Zel-dono may have said what he said, but ultimately this is a coward who hides his face. Being unable to react to my sword……I am disappointed in you, Silver.)
The shadow of disappointment falls across Ramza’s heart——and the next instant, ‘death’ fills his entire field of vision.
“Wha……ah……!”
Somehow, right before his eyes, a gauntleted fist is there where it wasn’t a moment ago, and a heartbeat later a tremendous gust of wind strikes him in the face.
“Well then. Satisfied?”
Luna murmurs with an air of boredom, and slowly draws back her extended right arm.
“……Ah, yeah……. It seems you can handle yourself, at least.”
Ramza’s ponytail has come undone, and a cold unpleasant sweat runs down his brow.
(……I can say this with certainty——I absolutely did not blink……. The instant I brought my full-strength slash down, Silver’s fist was right there in front of me……)
He had a premonition——no, a certainty.
If Silver had not stopped that hand when he did, he would without question have——
(Gh……)
Defeated by a bare-handed opponent——a coward who won’t even show their own face.
The humiliation was unbearable, and felt like a shame he would carry for the rest of his life.
As Ramza clenches his back teeth and tightens his fist, Leticia hurries to intervene.
“I-I am so terribly sorry……! The dishonor of drawing a sword against Silver-dono——it is entirely my own failing, I don’t know how to begin to apologize——”
“——Please, think nothing of it. I am not a man so small as to let something this trivial upset me.”
Luna extends her right hand slightly and shakes her head with generous composure.
This is not posturing of any kind——it is her genuine, unvarnished truth.
To her, the attack just now amounted to little more than a child poking at her with a paper sword. There is nothing to make a fuss over.
Leticia, on the other hand, is deeply impressed by Luna’s depth of spirit——the ‘vessel of a ruler.’
“Thank you for your merciful heart……. But even so——you are something else, Silver-dono. To treat Ramza, the ‘strongest swordsman in the Martial Nation,’ like a child……I am honestly quite in awe.”
“I-I have not lost yet……!”
Against Ramza putting up a brave front before his liege, Zel shrugs with a ‘give me a break’ sort of air.
“As to who won this exchange——someone of your ability understands that clearly enough.”
“That was nothing but a sparring match! And I still have the secret technique of my ‘Flow Technique’ in reserve! If I had been fully serious, I could have kept up with Silver’s fist speed!”
Of course, in his heart he understands.
That no matter how hard he tried, he cannot win against the armor standing before him.
But as Prime Minister of the Martial Nation, and as a man, there are lines he cannot retreat from.
“Hmm……I need say no more. Whether or not you won or lost is carved into what’s behind you.”
“Behind……? What——!?”
Ramza slowly turns around, and his eyes tremble in astonishment.
“What……is……this……!?”
Behind him——in the wall of the royal castle, there is a large hole blown clean through.
And not only that.
The clouds hanging in the sky are torn away to the far horizon, and the mountain visible far in the distance has been gouged in the shape of a giant fist.