I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were fewer negative comments about the map than I anticipated.
- ワイアード
〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜
Imperial Chamber, Imperial Palace, Hardique Empire
"Y-YOU'VE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING——!!!"
Crash!
The sound of glass shattering filled the room as Emperor Orion hurled his glass to the floor in a fit of rage. Before him stood Tony, composed and unmoving.
"...This is not a joke. As I stated earlier, the vanguard of our Hardique Imperial Navy's main force, the Balzac Fleet, lost 62 ships and one Chimera Kraken in its first engagement. The battle ended in defeat."
"And that's what makes this a FUCKING JOKE!!!"
Orion's anger showed no sign of abating as he lashed out, kicking and throwing nearby expensive vases and ornaments, smashing them to pieces. Tony, however, remained unfazed.
"Harghh... haarghh... So? When is the next deployment!?"
"Currently, General Taurus' forces are launching a desperate assault to seize the port of the Kingdom of Eir. If we do not receive a report from General Taurus within 24 hours, we will request reinforcements from the Welsh Fleet and resume the advance once they join us."
"...Do you think Taurus will manage?"
"On land, perhaps. But it will be difficult at sea. And if the Japanese forces are as capable as reported, it is practically hopeless."
"Tch! Another failure... I thought he would be a valuable asset to my plan... Seems I'll need to find a replacement."
"Finding a suitable candidate for the Dispatched Prince System may not be so straightforward..."
The Dispatched Prince System was a policy enacted at a particular time in the Hardique Empire. It granted individuals recognized by Emperor Orion—capable officials or military officers—the governing authority over designated regions. These individuals were given the title of "Prince" and established the region as a semi-autonomous state directly under the empire's rule. While many of those approached initially hesitated or declined, all ultimately agreed to the proposal after Orion ascended to the throne.
However, one individual stood as an exception.
"Your Majesty, what shall we do about Lady Catharias?"
"Hmm? About what?"
"Well... While she did accept the offer, her cooperation has been... less than enthusiastic."
"Ah, don't worry about that. Truth be told, I've been working on something behind her back."
"...Have you secured consent from the other side?"
"Of course. The moment they saw Catharias' portrait, they agreed immediately. My sister might be timid and meek, but her looks are extraordinary. From an outsider's perspective, she's top-tier material."
Orion spoke with a laugh, making a remark unbefitting a brother about his own younger sister. He pulled out a stack of documents from his desk drawer and placed them on the table. The top page bore the title: "On the Matter of International Strategic Marriages."
"Hmm... So, Sir Parnamus Wilhelm, son of the Lemurian Speaker of the Senate, Sir Benjamin Wilhelm, has taken a liking to her."
"That's right. Although, from what I hear, that sheep-girl attendant of hers seems dead set against her marrying off. She didn't say it outright, but her eyes made it clear."
"Aries? ...She's always been a troublesome one. I suppose granting her a position as a Prince was a kind of favor, given her role in protecting Lady Catharias?"
"A favor? Hardly! ...I plan to send her to the furthest reaches of the Empire, some backwater land populated by barbarians. She is plotting something; I can tell by the look in her eyes. Separating her from Catharias is essential to stop her schemes."
"Plotting...? Hm, perhaps it's related to that incident?"
That incident referred to the time Aries and her family were captured by slave traders. Everyone but her was killed. Unbeknownst to her, those slave traders were backed by a mercantile company under Orion's influence, using his authority as a shield for their operations. Unfortunately, Aries and her family were victims of this dark enterprise.
"Maybe. She might've caught wind of something. After all, I was the one supporting that slave company back then. I wouldn't be surprised if she holds a grudge."
"You think she knows you were behind it?"
"It's just a possibility. But that sheep-girl has always been defiant toward me. Better safe than sorry. Now, enough about that. Start preparing for another invasion of Eir!"
Knock, knock, kachak!
"Excuse me! Your Majesty, I have news: The Mezart Fleet and the V Corps under Lieutenant General Bilget have successfully secured roughly 70% of the western nations they invaded. The remaining countries are initiating peace negotiations and moving toward bloodless surrender."
Hearing the report, Orion smiled with satisfaction.
"Good! Immediately begin developing the western territories into a single fortress base! We must prepare for any potential invasion by the Sahenantis Empire."
"Yes, sire! Development is already underway, using the slaves secretly gathered from previous conflicts as labor."
These slaves included the defeated civilians from enemy nations secretly taken during earlier experiments with the Chimera. While such actions violated the great powers agreement, the Hardique Empire skillfully concealed its activities, using the captives for development and infrastructure projects.
Orion's grin grew broader. With the western nations subdued, preparations against the Sahenantis Empire advancing, and an effective alliance forming with the Great Valkian Empire, his plans were unfolding perfectly. All that remained was the conquest of the Kingdom of Eir to establish a forward base for the invasion of Japan. Other nations and powers could be dealt with at leisure afterward.
"Excellent... Everything aside from the Kingdom of Eir is proceeding smoothly. Once this world is under my control, I'll walk the glorious path of conquest alongside the Republic of Lemuria!"
As he listened quietly, Tony harbored a silent concern.
'I wonder... will that nation truly cooperate so easily? If anything...'
〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜
Royal Castle, Kingdom of Eir
In the audience chamber, everyone, including King Gima, waited tensely. They were anxiously awaiting a report from the guards stationed at the port town when a soldier came rushing in.
"Y-Your Majesty! I have a report!"
"W-what is it?"
"Regarding the sudden attack by the Hardique Empire's fleet..."
"........."
"Japan's SDF has successfully repelled them! They drove the enemy back, and there's no damage to the port town!"
Upon hearing these words, King Gima's tension broke, and he almost slumped from his throne. Voices of joy and relief rose from the guards and maids around him.
"I-is that so! ...But our main naval forces have been wiped out."
"It was unavoidable. Without Woodard, the enemy might have occupied the port town by now. It's thanks to Woodard and his men that the port town remained unharmed."
Hearing his aide's words, King Gima nodded to convince himself and felt deep gratitude toward Woodard and his men.
"...But the enemy will regroup and launch another attack soon. No matter how many reinforcements Japan sends, we're on the defensive, while the Hardique Empire is on the offensive. The advantage is clearly theirs."
"We can't be sure. If the SDF could repel such a massive fleet with just one ship, perhaps they might..."
"Hmm... Also, about the captured prisoners. Why aren't they being tortured?"
"That too... is the Japanese way. I don't know the details, but I've heard that Japan, no matter who the enemy is, absolutely forbids mistreating prisoners."
"I understand less and less... really incomprehensible. It's as if they live in an entirely different world, isn't it?"
As King Gima and his aide struggled to comprehend Japan's peculiar methods and overwhelming power, a flustered maid hurried in.
"Your Majesty! Mr. Sayama has reported that Her Majesty's condition has stabilized!"
"Oh! Truly!? Good, let's go at once!"
・・・
Queen's Chamber
Even amidst the naval battle, Sayama and the rest of MSFJ had been tirelessly treating Queen Adele's drug addiction. Connected to numerous IV drips and a ventilator, Queen Adele was peacefully sleeping. However, the room was in utter disarray.
Sayama and the others were inside, visibly exhausted and covered with scratches. Just a short while ago, Queen Adele had been experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, marked by intense delusions and agitation due to her addiction. They had barely managed to restrain her with the help of nearby maids and guards.
"Haaaaaahh......... What a trial, Sayama-san."
"There's no helping it. Unlike those fools who escape reality, Her Majesty took the drug because she believed it was a cure."
"She was quite the handful, though. The suppressant and the nanomachine treatment for drug addiction still work wonders, don't they?"
"Even so, it's just a temporary measure. The moment the effects wear off, she'll start acting up again. We'll have to administer the treatment and the nanomachines regularly."
BAM!
"Adele! Is Adele safe!?"
King Gima burst into the room in a panic. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw the Queen peacefully sleeping in her bed.
"Thank you! Sayama, you and your team are true miracle workers! But... I never imagined that drugs could have such horrifying effects... When her complexion improved, it must've been the drug's euphoric effects, wasn't it?"
"...That drug is a devil's creation, something that should never be consumed. Unfortunately, since Her Majesty used it for such a long time, her recovery won't be simple. But with patience and continuous treatment, she can undoubtedly recover."
"Ah... I see. Thank you. Truly, I owe you everything."
King Gima quietly prayed for the Queen's recovery, wishing for her to return to how she once was, even if the journey would not be an easy one.
・・・
Prisoner Containment Isolation Ward, SDF Station 5, Kingdom of Eir
Nearly half a day had passed since the naval battle. The hastily constructed prisoner containment isolation ward now housed nearly 200 Hardique soldiers. Most of them belonged to the unit led by General Taurus.
In the interrogation room, the SDF personnel were questioning each of General Taurus' soldiers one by one. However, not a single one of them spoke about their country—or even revealed their own name. On the contrary, it wasn't uncommon for them to hurl insults and curses instead.
"Bah... Do they even comprehend the position they're in?"
"Still, doesn't that show just how loyal they are? They've been well-trained."
"Idiot... Why are you praising them?"
Voices of exhaustion and frustration could be heard from the interrogators. From the start, they hadn't expected any meaningful conversation. But the sheer difficulty of getting any progress was taking a greater toll than anticipated. And yet, amidst all this, there was one person who could be reasoned with. That person was—
・・・
Interrogation Room
"Errrrrrr... Could you tell me your name and affiliation?"
"Sure! My name is Taurus Dyes!!! I am a lieutenant general and an assistant general of the Hardique Empire!"
Sitting with arms crossed, firmly planted in his chair, was the imposing figure of General Taurus. His body was riddled with wounds, and his head was wrapped in bandages, but he appeared otherwise unfazed. He showed no hostility toward the SDF personnel, and his demeanor was surprisingly calm.
"General Taurus, is it? Forgive me for saying this, but are you sure it's wise to divulge your status so freely?"
"The victors are you lot!!! I am the defeated!!! It is the battlefield code for the defeated to comply with the victors' demands!!!"
"Uh, r-right... Anyway, as long as you answer our questions accurately and truthfully, we will guarantee your safety and provide food, clothing, and shelter."
"Hmm!? Mercy for the defeated, you say... How profoundly compassionate! If it were us, we would employ harsh torture day and night. Though I personally wouldn't stoop to such crude methods!!! ...In any case, as long as my subordinates' safety is assured, that will suffice!!!"
His straightforwardness made one wonder if there was a hidden agenda behind his openness. Nonetheless, the interrogation proceeded without overthinking the matter.
"Ahem... Let's start with this. Why did your forces attack the Kingdom of Eir? Do you bear some grudge against this country?"
"A grudge? Not particularly! Well, aside from a few exceptions... As for the invasion of the Kingdom of Eir, consider it preparation for our invasion of your country—Japan!"
"...So your actual target was us, and the Kingdom of Eir was intended as a forward base?"
"Correct!!!"
"Why... would you target our country?"
"Japan insulted the Hardique Empire!!! ...Well, that's the official excuse. In truth, we strongly desired to make Japan our vassal state and harness its power. It would also serve as a warning to other great powers... 'The Hardique Empire means what it says.'"
In other words, the Hardique Empire sought to both showcase its newfound strength to the world and expand its influence. By doing so, it aimed to solidify its standing among the global powers. However—
"...Why would you target Japan specifically? We only wish to live in peace..."
Taurus' expression grew even more serious as he responded.
"...Japan is a country that came from another world, correct?"
"Hah! ...I wasn't trying to hide it, but so you knew, huh."
"Most nations still perceive Japan as a newly established backwater nation, but at least the Five Great Powers have begun to realize that Japan, too, is from another world. Well, as for the Republic of Berk, I don't know if they've figured it out or not."
"...'Japan too' means... there are others?"
"Yes... Perhaps your country has some information about this already, but... the Republic of Lemuria and the Great Valkian Empire, like your own country, are also from another world."
An otherworldly nation in the Second World, an otherworldly nation among the Five Great Powers. Based on information from various countries, it had been a strong hypothesis, but now it seemed nearly certain.
The Great Valkian Empire appeared suddenly 120 years ago, joined the great powers 30 years ago, and emerged victorious in wars against two other great powers. Since then, it had solidified its position among the Five Great Powers.
The Republic of Lemuria, which appeared 500 years ago, initially rejected all foreign contact. If anyone tried to approach, they were repelled. Then, one day, the country sent armies in all directions, launching an invasion war under the name of "Sanctification." As surrounding nations were swiftly engulfed in flames by the Republic of Lemuria's grip, a giant mist suddenly enveloped the lands, effectively separating the region from the rest of the world. However, the continents of Quitua and Logeus were also swallowed by this mist. Quitua nearly became a vassal of Lemuria due to the Holy Crusade, and Logeus, aside from a few regions, was also Sanctified.
The connection between Taurus' words and those of Neyham now made it almost certain that this information was true.
"...That's why the Hardique Empire desires it. The overwhelming civilization, technology, and military power of another world... We aim to obtain the power of another world and unify this world."
"...But wouldn't the Great Valkian Empire oppose this?"
"That worry is almost nonexistent. My country and the Great Valkian Empire have a friendly relationship. The Great Valkian Empire is also deeply interested in Japan. Once they have Japan in their grasp, the plan is to share its technology."
"So, in other words, you've allied for the benefit of your respective goals?"
"Exactly. That's why if your country tries to contact the Great Valkian Empire and relay this information, they will likely turn a blind eye."
"I can't imagine they would ignore a threat that will eventually affect them."
"...We have something that can make us equal to that country. That's one of the reasons why the Great Valkian Empire doesn't oppose us."
Curiosity lingered about what this "something" could be, but Taurus did not elaborate further.
"...Why are you telling us all of this? Even if you're the defeated, there must be limits..."
Taurus chuckled softly.
"...What's so funny?"
"...Reason one: Telling you this little bit of information will have no impact on the outcome of this war. Reason two: I'm only the defeated here and now."
Despite hearing Taurus' words, the significance didn't fully sink in. He continued to grin, though his eyes were deadly serious.
"The conversation is over!!! There is nothing more to be gained from this. But I will offer you one piece of advice... A fleeting victory, that carelessness will bring death."
・・・
Capital of the Kingdom of Eir
In the pitch-black night of the royal capital, several figures moved with the speed of a darting rabbit.
"Leader, it seems we were able to infiltrate more easily than expected. Well, it's thanks to General Taurus acting as our decoy."
"...The Japanese military and the Kingdom of Eir are complacent from their victory in the naval battle. This is our chance."
Two men spoke to a third, standing at the center. This man was shorter than the two, but his eyes and murderous intent were stronger than anyone else's.
"I never imagined that the opportunity for revenge would come so soon... Prepare yourselves, Eirians and Japanese. The shadow of death... will come to claim you."
The man's name was... Yoruch. He was the leader of the Hardique Empire's covert unit, the Skiers.
"...Are you ready?"
"Yes... Of course."
Inside the bags slung over their backs were large numbers of Novas. Each of these men was a formidable warrior—far stronger than the previous members. It was clear to see. They were the most elite operatives within the Skiers and Yoruch's disciples.
Their mission this time was one thing: to destroy the Kingdom of Eir and the SDF Station 5.