418 47 Words on "Knowledge and Culture"




 A black line ran through the sky. Next, a battle-axe, defying its own gravity, ripped through a man's jaw and skull. Foul-smelling brain plasma splattered in the damp, muggy air.

 But a single crush did not stop the battle axe. The long handle swung in a circle, gouging the flesh at the mercy of the manipulator. Blood splashed happily again.

 The training ground of the city of Philos. The place that was originally filled with the lively voices of soldiers and the noisy stomping of those who had rebelled against the current ruler, Largd-Anne, was now filled with a surprising silence.

 The culprit was the one and only Steel Princess.

 Only Vestalinu-Gerua's voice rang out as she smeared blood on her iron armor. The cold hue of the iron made her voice sound even colder than it was.

It's ...... disappointing. My heart is as cold as iron. I don't like to break my own rules. I don't like to break rules. I didn't expect to be forced to move around for ...... these people.

 The long slit eyes let out a piercing light from within the helmet. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. The surrounding heraldic soldiers were at the height of their agitation, and the mercenaries who followed Vestalinu knew that their master was in a very bad mood. The mercenaries who adored Vestalines were well aware of their master's displeasure and would not dare to interfere.

 Therefore, the blood-soaked training ground was like Vestalinu's own stage.

"And yet, who would dare to raise a flag and turn on him? If you're driven by cowardice, that's fine too, but it's not wise.

 A dozen or so people were still holding spears, swords, and other weapons in front of Vestalinu's eyes. A dozen or so of them were still in front of Vestalynn, armed with spears, swords, and other weapons, led by the commander whose jaw and brain she had just torn off.

 But none of them were willing to take a step forward, even in the face of Vestaline's provocative voice.

 Those who had shouted vigorously just a few moments ago were now pale and trembling at the tips of their fingers. They could barely hold their weapons.

 They have taken courage and raised their swords for the justice and wisdom they believe in. That must be the undeniable truth.

 But it is always the great wall of absurdity that bends justice and wisdom. If you don't get past that, you'll never find your ideal.

 Vestalinu swung his battle-axe and slung the handle over his shoulder. She then stood in front of them with her armor clanging in a dignified manner.

 It was incredibly crude behavior from her usual self. There was no trace of her usual iron-like coldness.

 It was just her grumpiness and frustration spilling over.

 Vestalynne felt guilty inside, because she couldn't help it.

 --You'll stay here while I go to Philos.

 That's what Vestalynn was given to do. But now I'm here, breaking that order. It's a guilty conscience that pricks Vestalynn's heart. Even though she knows she can't help it, there's nothing she can do about it.

 That's why I want to get home as soon as possible. The commander said he would come for us. At the same time Vestalinu raised his battle axe to hide his annoyance.

 A clear voice rang through the training grounds.

Stop. I will not allow any more blood to be spilled, ever.

 Naturally, the ears of the soldiers and mercenaries were drawn to the voice and turned to a point.

 Many of them knew who the voice belonged to. Not many people knew her if she was a heraldic figure.

 Despite her small size, Largd-Anne, the owner of the voice, walked into the training ground with an imposing demeanor.

 She was not dressed in her usual light-hearted attire, but in the formal attire of a herald.

 I don't know why Ann is wearing something that is normally used only for ceremonies. But even so, it had the effect of momentarily silencing everyone in the room. At Anne's side, Bruder and Vestalinu narrowed their eyes.

 Anne's lips moved smoothly and she opened her mouth. She smoothed her lips and opened her mouth, as if to soothe the soldiers who were still in turmoil, not to mention those who had turned against her.

I'm not asking you to back down. I understand that you have your points of view.

 But listen, Anne continued. Then she asked. Is that really the right way to be?

 Is it the way of heraldry to immediately take up the sword and try to pierce the bosom of the opponent, no matter how much you differ in thought and words? Appealing to military might instead of words and intellect?

 It should be different. It should be. We who praise wisdom and reason, who aim to climb the stairs to supremacy, should not surrender everything to violence like that.

 Even if confrontation is inevitable, we should at least be able to exchange words. So says Anne in a clear voice. A color that resonates well in the ear and entangles the brain.

 That was exactly how Anne was gifted. Every gesture, every tone of voice, every detail of expression. It is used to make people's hearts incline. In negotiations, it is important to sway the other party's mind even for a moment.

 It is not to arouse them like Lugis or to attract them like Mattia. That's not your forte, Anne declares.

 However, no one can beat her at making people pause. She said, sometimes in a solemn tone of voice.

I will now go to meet with Lord Salainio as the representative of Philos' rule. You will lead the way. Surely the heraldic faithful will have no objection?



 That was a rare thing for Anne to say, with or without permission. But there was no one who could defy it face to face.

 Many of us here are devout heraldists. It was difficult to speak out against it with the doctrine of heraldry as a shield. And with Vestalinu and his mercenaries staring down the barrel, there was no way they could shake their heads.

 One of the rebels opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind. His eyes were wide and flickering.

"Mr. Largud. I have only one question. I'm sure you're not the only one.

 The first time I saw him, I saw his eyes flash. I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm sure you'll agree. I'm not sure what to make of that.

 A thin smile appeared on Anne's cheeks. It's not the same as her usual behavior, which is still somewhat solemn.

 But that, combined with her attire, seemed to have the effect of making people believe her. The rebels nodded and stepped forward to lead the way for Anne.

 As she watched them, Anne had a vision in her mind's eye. She hadn't actually seen it herself, she'd only heard about it.

 In the past, during the siege of Garou Amalia, Rougis had roused and enthused the inhabitants of the poor caves with a single word, and had driven them to the battlefield with their hands full of armor.

 What was it that he felt in his heart at that time? Was it excitement, euphoria, or something else?

 Anne now thinks that it must have been the same feeling that she has now.

 --At the end of the day, it's a pleasure to use people for yourself, but it's still a thorn in your side.

 No, he's a better person than that. Maybe he felt more guilty than he should have. That would be hilarious. We are far more venomous in our own nature than those who are called great evil.

 Bruder whispered to Anne in a voice that was not audible to others.

Are you serious? I can't believe we're having a peaceful discussion here. It may be the doctrine of heraldry, but...

 Anne laughed a little funny. Then she says in a very quiet voice.

"Mr. Bruder. Learning and doctrine are both tools we use. Not someone to serve.

 And people are only going to work for someone they serve. So Anne continued.