41 Cruel truth




It all started with a revolt by the Grand Duke. You do realize that in war, it's the ones who are behind the scenes who are at a disadvantage, don't you?

 In the wars of this world, the attacking side has the advantage.

 That's because there is such a thing as an airship.

Yes. In fact, the defense of the city of King's Landing was also very difficult.

 Lady Milene nodded and continued.

''--The royal family at the time suffered from the grand dukes, but they feared that there would be a second grand duke. As a lord and nobleman, you will understand that there are ways to rapidly increase your strength when you are above the baronial family.

More airships. I hear there was a way in the past to at least increase the power of other families as it is.

 The cost of maintaining an airship is surprisingly low because of something as useful as floating rocks.

 It's also possible to build them relatively cheaply.

 With their forces assembled, the lords would fight among themselves to obtain new floating islands.

 In this way, the lords had a way to expand their power. As long as they had their forces in place and their wits, even a baron could terrorize the kingdom.

 ........There was a time like that.

''And among the nobles who retreated to their own fiefdoms, there were many who thought that the kingdom was not an enemy. In fact, there were many noblemen who attacked the kingdom with disdain for it.

 Those misunderstood bastards have been defeated by the kingdom.

 But since the side being attacked is at a disadvantage, the kingdom's damage is also great.

''The reason the kingdom prepared the academy is also to show off its own power. To show the lords the royal capital and show them the difference in national power.''

 Luxion had said something like that.

 But what the hell does that have to do with the truth?

 I think he said something like that, like he was putting the burden on the men....

''And the kingdom has prepared another measure. It's to reduce the power of the lords. We have instilled a new set of values in them.

'Sapping power? Values?

Do you know why women were extremely privileged?

It's a--

'Essentially, there are very few men, partly because of the war. It's not a problem while you're in school, but after graduation there aren't enough men to go around. The reality is that many women can't get married.

 How can women be privileged in marriage in such a state?

 It's definitely strange when you ask me.

 Men can choose all they want.

 Huh? Could it be that I was almost forced to marry before I entered the school because there were so few men?

'In giving them common values in the school, the kingdom did a trick. At first, they made it seem like it was only fair to spend money on women. They made it seem like it was natural to be a gentleman to women and to spend money.

 ...Hey, wait a minute.

 Could this situation have been created by the kingdom?

'Well, wait. What's the point of doing that? Because, you see! Aristocrats won't work when the need arises!

 It's the same this time.

 The boys, who were in the same situation as me, were about to turn to the duchy while watching the battle.

 Milaine-sama told me to calm down and then slowly continued to explain.

''We didn't anticipate this situation at first. She thought that it would be enough to give them the same values and camaraderie, and reduce the lords' power slightly. But the effect was far greater than we expected.

 Fewer and fewer fools knew what the kingdom was capable of while they were young and challenged them to a fight.

 At the same time, it seems that the emphasis on women is becoming more and more important.

''Let's fix that along the way.

'There was no need. In fact, I would have ignored it if I were a party to that era. It was convenient for the kingdom. Even if I didn't tell them, the lords and aristocrats would be exhausted, and they would collect their wealth in the royal capital. Since that time, the number of lords who defied the kingdom has actually decreased dramatically.

 Lady Milene replied crisply, and talked about another reason for the school's existence.

The other purpose of the school is to establish a method of education.

 ....Huh? Come to think of it, I think there was a topic like that in my talk with Luxion that I hadn't heard about.

''We were going to establish a method of education and educate the common people--not the nobility. Do you understand what this means?

 When I look away, Lady Milene smiles at me.

''After a few hundred years ... it's to create a future where the nobles won't be needed.

 ........I didn't want to hear it.

 If I heard this kind of story, it would be erased if it was not done well.

''The royal family at the time they prepared the academy had intended to spend hundreds of years implementing a change in the political system. No, they probably acted half-heartedly because they thought they had to.

 Apparently, the royal family got tired of dealing with the lord nobles, and after thinking a lot of things - they decided to change the political system.

 What's that? Maybe you're living in the future too much.

''At that time, representing the grand dukes, it was a terrible time for the nobles to be corrupt. The Viscount would understand if he were a nobleman.

 There are some good guys, but there are many more scraps that make me want to shake my head as a person.

''I tried to correct the ideas of those young kids in the school as well. That if the nobles were decent, the kingdom would continue as it was. However, the story goes in a direction that the royal family of that time did not expect.''

 It seems the problem is that the position of the girls has become higher than they imagined.

''As a result of being effective and neglected to reduce the power of the lord nobles, some of the women from the barons to the earls have gone out of control. The situation has become even worse than the royal palace thought it would be.''

 So that's what led to this.

It's a terrible story.

Yes, it's a terrible story. However, it is a fact that the wealth of the lords and nobles gathered in the royal capital. The girls who wanted to live a luxurious life in the capital were a convenient existence for the royal court. This is the reason why the men had to bear the burden.

 From the kingdom's point of view, the nobles - especially the lord nobles - could not be trusted.

 They would build an academy and in the future, educate the commoners to reduce the number of nobles. From the way Milane-sama spoke, perhaps she had deliberately missed the girls who were running amok in the school?

 It seems that he had chosen the nobles who were to be cut off eventually.

 The fact that the real noble families of the county did not let their daughters have slaves - I think they were aware of this fact, or knew it.

 In changing the political system, the remaining nobles may have been aiming to take important positions in the new system.

 Even if the ignorant aristocrats ran amok, the kingdom, which had the trump card of a royal ship, seemed to be optimistic.

 It never occurred to me that the goofy school had such an agenda. I'll ask Luxion about the details later.

 And--''

''Could it be that Libya was admitted to the school?

'It means we've moved on to the next phase. The aristocrats should have a sense of urgency. They were planning to enroll her in the school every year, for starters, to increase their numbers. Well, they're thinking about another hundred or two hundred years from now.

 ...you learned that in a previous life in school.

 After feudalism - was it a centralized absolute monarchy?

-centralization.

'Centralized power? .... a good description of what the royal family is trying to achieve in a nutshell.

 I was complimented when I showed off some previous life knowledge, but I'm not happy about this situation.

 He says he's going to take everything from us lords and let the commoners do the work of the nobility.

 I never imagined that the academy was founded for that purpose or anything like that.

'Things don't go as planned, do they?

 Lady Milene says this and looks at me with a self-mocking smile.

 .........stop it. Don't try to test me.

 Right now I'm worried that I'm going to be killed for hearing this story. A bunch of noblemen are gonna be mad when they hear this.

 Well, there's no point in blaming the royal family now. Milaine-sama would be in the same position as if she was told that if she married from a foreign country, she would have a plan like this.

''Heroes are different, after all. They are calm. 'I knew I couldn't help but feel that I was being cursed at.'

 He saw me and misunderstood me.

'And I'm talking about this as an individual, Milene, not the queen--'

 My mind was so confused I just didn't know what to say.

 And then, Milaine-sama got up from her seat and sat upright on the floor and bowed to me.

 ........Eh? Why are you on your knees? Wait a minute. There was no such thing as a kneeling position in this world! Did you copy what I showed you at the school festival?

Hey, hey! Please stop. What's the matter with you all of a sudden?

'Viscount Baldfalt. I beg you to be rude. Could you please help my son Julius? Please be her mother.

 What did he do?



 The six of them were held in the dungeon.

 Marier, Julius, Jilk, Brad, Greg and Chris are quietly waiting for their treatment to be decided.

 Marier is crying.

'Guys I'm sorry.'

 Julius smiles.

'It's the only thing I could have helped you with. 'Don't worry about it, Marie.'

 Zilk gave Julius a sad look.

''It can't be helped that your highness can't go to the battlefield. Besides, there was a man there who called himself a masked knight to help us.''

 Brad was also reminded of the masked knight and looked unhappy about something.

'He was gone all of a sudden, wasn't he? Well, he was a guy who could do it in his own way.

 Greg was sitting cross-legged, chin in his hand, talking to Julius about the masked knight.

'I wouldn't say he was a good replacement for Julius, but he was a useful one.

 Chris nodded and acknowledged his abilities.

'You were on armour I've never seen before. Your sword muscles weren't bad either. But I didn't find out who it was until the end. Baldfalt seemed to know something about him, though.

 Julius makes a small smile at such a reaction from the four of them.

''--I see. I wish I could have met you, too.

'No, Your Highness need not meet. He is the kind of man who comes out of nowhere and runs the scene. If I ever see him again, I must ask him who he is.

 Marie was dismayed to see the five of them.

 Are you serious? He gives me that look.

'Guys, that thing was Julius--'

 Footsteps can be heard in the dungeon where the six men are.

 As the knights on guard saluted, the man told them to step back. Behind the man was also a woman with dark hair.

''Ah!''

 The man that Marie looked at with a twinkle in her eye - was Rion.

'You guys are really stupid,'

 Behind her, the Duchess of Hertrude is also waiting.

''I am truly dumbfounded by you ladies.

 Marie hung on to the bars and asked Leon for help.

'I tried so hard. 'Please, help me.'

 Rion looks like his head is hurting and he holds his forehead with his right hand to assess the situation.

'Do you know what your charges are?'

 Julius looked straight at Leon.

'I don't mean to be ashamed of myself at all,'

'Shame on you! A prince attacking a duchess after a treaty has been signed is not funny! Because of you, the palace has been disgraced because of you!

 Hertrude turned over with a sigh.

'Did you do something reckless for me?'

'There's that too. That treaty was too much of a quicksilver, you know. Besides, if it hadn't been for that, I would have been groomed into your family. And the rest ... because Marie asked me to do it.

 Marie asked Julius to do something about the dukedom - the dukes.

''Is that what you really mean?''

 The royal court wanted to send Julius to keep him under strict control. They thought that if they let him marry Hertrude, public sentiment would be somewhat softened.

 And yet, Julius attacked the duchess.

 Of course, he pretended to have attacked her.

 Because of that, the face of the royal court was crushed.

 Even if it was a treaty, they had to make some concessions because of Julius' case.

 Naturally, Julius's marriage proposal was also abandoned.

(They could have married as is.)

 That was what Marie was thinking about.

 Rion turned his gaze to the other four.

''You guys know that, right?''

 Greg rubbed a finger under his nose, looking a little embarrassed.

'I'm just trying to protect Marie. I have no regrets.'

Repent! Are you stupid enough to knock out the people at the temple who came to take in Marie? Hey, are you really that stupid? You're an idiot!

 Chris is puffing his chest out.

It was self-defense.

'It's too much. We're getting protests from the temple side! I've got a lot of stuff going on over here, and you're stirring things up.

 The temple officials who came under Marie's care were supposedly responsible for retrieving the saint's items.

 However, there were some people mixed in who were inconvenienced by Marie's presence. At the same time, they brought the poisoned liquor and tried to get her to drink it.

 They wanted to put all the blame on Marier.

 Four people rushed in, and then the people involved in the temple - all of them - were beaten out of the royal palace. There are problems so far, but even Leon doesn't blame them. The problem is after this.

'You know what? Marie was approved as a tool of the saints. You may call yourself a fake, but you are a saint. Do you understand so far?

 Marie was embarrassed if she thought it was a compliment.

'Oh, really? What, then, I'm a saint.

'That saintly man beat everyone out of the room, and that's why the story got so complicated. He beat them out without interrogating them, so the temple got all stubborn and said they wouldn't recognize Marie or something.

 Hertrude looks like she wants to say something, but doesn't speak, leaving Leon to his own devices.

'Do you know how many hands I've had behind the scenes? Hey, why waste my hard work?

 Brad is furious and stands up to protest.

'You want Marie to die like that! We won't admit that to you.

"Well you're right, you're right. They tried to poison him. I thought that was stupid. But you see you can't just turn him away and expect him to turn away. I mean, you're not stupid enough to throw a punch in.

 Marie defends the four of them.

'Wait! People just protested because they thought I was going to be executed in the temple.

'It wasn't a protest to take armour out and rampage around! It's called the use of force! It was going to be a good story to tell, including the one about the attempted poisoning!

 From the officials of the royal palace, the six people thrown into the dungeons must be really annoying.

 Hertrude is sympathetic to Leon.

It's hard on you, too. Do you want to come home? I promise you good treatment now. I'll prepare you for your dignity.

I'm not interested.

 Rion's immediate refusal is met with an immediate refusal, and he approaches Marie.

 Hertrude smiles a little regretfully and sadly and mutters, "You've been dumped again, haven't you?

'A rare demoness who seduced five people who were expected to be in the future--you, that's what they say about you.

Oh, really?

 Rion looks really annoyed at an embarrassed Marie.

''You guys are causing a flood of protests from all sides! Your parents are furious, and the palace officials say they'll never forgive them, and they're breathing down their necks that they're going to execute everyone in the temple!

 Marie grabs Leon's leg.

'Please help me!'

I was trying to help! You've ruined everything! Look, what do you have against me? How can we get to this terrible situation? We're all in for a big surprise!

 Leon is on the verge of tears.

'No! We tried to handle it ourselves. And then all this happened.

'It sucks! Think harder before you move!

 Marie cries.

'Then we're going to die?'

 Rion swallowed the words and turned his back as he tried to say something.

''.........Milaine-sama asked me to help you. I'll help you as much as I can. Don't expect too much.''

 Marie smiles.

 Yes, if her brother from her previous life - Rion - makes a move, things usually work out well.

(Thank you, brother!)



 It was at His Majesty's place that they headed to settle the case of Marie and the others.

 Surrounding His Majesty Roland, who was surrounded by heavyweights, Vince and Bernard were also waiting for him.

 Everyone was showing some difficulty with my request.

''You don't seem to understand what it means to help those six people.

 My son's life was at stake, and at the cold words of His Majesty--''

''I'll give you all the property I have.

 His Majesty snickers.

'I understand that the factory you had was transferred to your father, the Baron? As a bonus, I've lost all of my lost items. There's no point in gaining some fortune now. Besides, we've even lost the royal ship. Isn't this your fault?

 He's a nasty, sticky, sarcastic bastard.

 Paltner and Aroganz can be repaired, but I think we should keep quiet here.

"...I only ask that you spare the lives of six people.

 His Majesty, who was slumped over, was grinning at me.

 Doesn't this guy hate me too much?

 Except that Mr. Bernard.

"It's easy to save lives. But I want you to know that I can't leave those six men alone. His Highness Julius is a royal. And the other four are former heirs of a prestigious nobleman. And there's a girl who was supposed to be a fake but has the power of a saint.

 His Majesty looked back at Mr. Bernard's face in surprise, and this time Mr. Vince gave a positive opinion of my opinion.

'It would be safer to push them to a floating island where they can be monitored, but we can't afford an affordable island. The Royal Palace wouldn't be willing to search for such a floating island forcibly. If that's the case, then........we'll have to use the floating island you found. Are you sure that's a good idea?

 I will use the floating island I discovered and claimed as my territory. His Majesty looked at Mr. Vince with resentment, as if he was unconvinced.

 In the first place, Vince-san and the others seem to think that the matter of the royal family's ship is unavoidable.

 I won't mention that matter at all.

 When I see Vince-san ignoring His Majesty, my pool of liquidity drops.

 

 No, you can let go of the territory in the first place.

 Officially, I'm left with nothing.

 That's all well and good.

"If it will save your life, you're welcome.

 Mr. Bernard asks me.

'Would you go to such lengths to protect your highnesses? May I ask what makes you do that?

 Think about it for a minute.

 I suppose I could say what they like here, but I've learned that forcing them to like me is a lot of trouble.

 So I'm going to be honest with them.

''........I'm tired of being a nobleman. I don't even want the position of a viscount. I really want to give back. I actually wanted to spend my time at ease with a baronet.

Oh.

 Mr. Vince looks at me.

'I've lost my airship and my armor, you know. I'm worthless now, and I'll have to start over from scratch. Saving those six people is... well, rotten, isn't it?

 The three of them, with serious faces, were listening to me with interest.

''A rotten relationship, huh? His Highness seems to have gained a good friend. ''Your Majesty, regarding the treatment of the six of you, is that correct?''

'What? Oh, oh, um. I'll leave it to you.

 Mr. Bernard told me and His Majesty was thinking about something.

 Mr. Vince is making me back down.

'All right. We'll take it from here. I'm afraid you've made me do something rash.

It's true. So you have to help me out this time. I'm going to retire. It'll be easier for me to relax.

At your age it's going to be an easy retirement. But yes I'll be sure to reciprocate.

 It's something to say.

 Vince's thanks - I have to expect it.



"Well, we can get back what we've lost in a heartbeat.

Hey, don't say that. It hurts so much to lose that floating island. We had all this rice to harvest, and we were just getting started with miso and soy sauce.

 Luxion and I are talking in the room together.

''Nevertheless, you've done well to approve of your master's retreat.

'It's true that you can't handle it, and you thought it wouldn't be too bad for the royal court. Maybe they think I'm no longer a threat to them.

You look happy.

I don't know.

 When it was all said and done, it was a little bit different, but it worked out the way I wanted it to.

 It was worth the effort.

Now, what do you think of the new mob life we're about to embark on?

'I'll accompany you. Because without me, the master is nothing.

That's rude.

 When we're free, we'll enjoy another day in the sky with Luxion.

 No more trouble.

 Wait a minute. It would be fun to live at home with my parents. My second brother's-- No. I'm happy to announce that Nix's brother is now the eldest son and heir to the family business.

 You can help me with that.

I guess my life just got a whole lot better.

'Hadn't you started before?

 As I recall, things have been a bit hectic since the old pervert almost sold me out.

'I wonder if I can somehow make it to regular classes like this. 'Huh? Will the school reopen in the first place?

"I haven't confirmed it, but given the situation in King's Landing, it won't be the same as before if we were to reopen it right away.

 As I was chatting lazily with Luxion, the door to my room opened.

 It was Livia who rushed in in a hurry.

''Rion-san, are you going to quit the nobility!

 Out of breath, I say to Livia, "What, you heard already?" and urge her to sit down. But Livia cringes and refuses to sit down.

''Being a viscount and lower in the fourth rank wasn't right for me to begin with. I'd have to give up my estate, and even if I could be independent, wouldn't I be a knight or something? Well, we're treating it like a knight, for one thing.

But Leon-san did his best and it was terrible. I mean, even Angel was like that--

'You're worried about me? But it's just fine with me.

It's not.

 Livia turned over.

 She clutched her skirt and had tears in her eyes.

''........Angel, I got down on my knees to Marie-san for Rion-san's sake, and that's the problem. And yet, I can't believe that even Rion-san has to go through this.

...What?



 When Vince called him in, Angier was asked about the events at the school.

 The reason why he was summoned to a room in the royal palace was because Vince was busy dealing with the aftermath.

''--I'm disappointed in you,''

Yes, sir.

 In the school square, the duchess got down on her knees.

 And that too, in front of many people watching.

 It was only yesterday that Vince heard the rumors without a chance to hurriedly question her.

''It's an act of tarnishing the family name, isn't it?''

I know, sir.

 I put my head down for Leon.

 I don't regret that, but it was the wrong choice when it came to the house. Vince is actually fuming, too.

'The man you expected has given up his position, his honor - and his domain. For a man like that, how do you think I should treat you for tarnishing the name of the duke's family?''

 He was asked, but Angier had no way to answer.

 It's up to Vince's decision. If he still wanted to answer--.

'Self-judgment, I suppose?'

You're very bold.

 Vince looks up at the ceiling.

''I can't leave a girl like you in the duke's house. I'll find you a suitable partner, get ready to marry.

 This would still be a warm-hearted way to treat them.

 Angel gave a small nod and Vince smiled.

'Aren't you interested in who I marry?'

Who is it?

 I'm not even interested, but I can't look up the person I'm dealing with without at least asking their name.

 To such Angier, Vince says.

''There is a foolish knight who is willing to give up his domain, his title and rank. He's a young fool thinking of retiring, but don't you think he's a worthy opponent for you?

Father?

As a duke, I will take care of you. I hear about your friend's situation, but I'm sorry, but he'll be treated as a side-kick.

 Vince laughs when Angier bows his head deeply.

'Oh, thank you!'

It's not a done deal yet. I'm going to have to talk to him about it.

 As Vince said that much, Gilbert came running into the room.

'Father!'

It's a mess.

Oh, my God. It's Mr. Leon--



Let go of me! I--I have to take his head off, I have to take his head off!

 Clutching my sword in my right hand, I was flailing around in the dungeon.

 Shivering at the back of the dungeon, Marie was making a lot of noise from earlier.

'Wait! It wasn't my fault. I just got down on my knees in public in a light-hearted way!

'Is that all you've got to say? Okay, give me your head. It's a mercy, at least, and I'll end it with a swing.

 It was knights and soldiers holding me down in the dungeons.

''Please calm down!''
Viscount, put away your weapons!
I know how you feel, so let's just calm down!

 There was only one Marie in the dungeon.

 The others?

 I've been treated and I'm being let out of jail and preached to.

 But more importantly I can't forgive him.

I was a fool to show mercy to him. You'll pay with your life!

You said you would help me!

'You think I'm going to forgive you for making Livia and Angier get down on their knees? I'm going to come up short here!

 A flurry of people ran down to the dungeons, dragging knights and soldiers with them as they approached the bars.

 It was Livia and Angel.

'Leon-san, wait. Calm down!

What the hell do you think you're doing?

 I turned back to the two of them and pointed to Marie.

'Well I want this guy's head.

 Both Livia and Angier were dong my words.

'You want my head Mr. Rion, what are you going to do with that?'

 He wiped his eyes with his left arm.

I'm giving you both a gift.

I don't want it! For that matter, calm down. This isn't going to do you any good.

 The knights and soldiers agree, but I've run out of affection for Marie.

 This is the only one I'll have to deal with.

 I've done a lot of cleaning up in my previous life, but in this life it's my duty as a former brother to intervene.

 When you're in a hurry, Mirrene-sama also comes down.

''Leon-kun, wait!

 Behind them was a group of five men.

"Baldfalt, you've lost your mind!

 I can't help but laugh when His Highness Julius, who is bloodthirsty, says to me.

''Not as much as you, though!

 Marie cried out to the five of them.

'Help us all! This guy is going to cut my head off!

 Greg grabs my arm.

'Baldfart, you're such a dick! I won't forgive you today!

 It was Chris who grabbed my hand and took the sword from me.

'I'm not going to let Marie lay a finger on you!

 Zilk stood in front of his jail cell.

Back off!

 Brad is grabbing my head and trying to pull me away from the bars.

'We've already been treated, what's all the fuss about!

'I don't want you guys to tell me that! Let go of me! --Luxion, do it!

 I was surrounded by five people and before I knew it, the knights and soldiers were away from me.

''Are you sure?''

Get on with it! Don't tolerate anyone who gets in your way!

Now, if you'll excuse me...

 Something electric is released from Luxion and we go numb.

'Geez!'

 The screams of six men echoed through the dungeons, and we fell.

'Oh, come on! You're not going to get me into this too........



 I found myself lying on the couch.

 Nearby was Lady Milene, and Livia and Angier were taking care of me.

 They were both relieved and dismayed to see me awake.

'Totally. I didn't know what was going on.

 I indulged Master Milene.

''Lady Milene I want Marie's head.

 The troubled Lady Milene looked a little shaken by my indulgence. My strategy to stimulate her maternal instincts worked.

''I'm sorry. Once your treatment is set, it's hard to overturn it. I'm sorry for all the help you've given me, but I have to keep you alive, saintly lady.''

 They decided to push the six idiots to the floating island, so they don't want me to say I want their heads afterwards.

 It doesn't seem to be easy to change the decision.

 Ange is puzzled by me, but he seems concerned.

'What's the matter with you all of a sudden? Didn't you want to save him by offering up your own territory?

"...because I made you both get down on your knees.

 I mutter over my head and Livia laughs.

'That was ... well ...'

 It seems that Milaine-sama, who got down on her knees, also knew about the matter.

''You didn't know, Leon-kun. I thought I knew about it, so I asked you to do the same.''

 Bastard Marie, what did you want to do by spreading the word about getting down on your knees?

 I'm sitting on the couch with my knees in my arms, and Angel--

"Leon, do you have a minute?

Hmm?

 -- I looked up and saw Angier and Livia holding hands.