Chapter 8

Lord Weller throws down the soldier on his shoulder, and releases the other man he had dragged in with his left hand. The army regulation coat is stained black from the shoulder to the chest, who knows the blood of how many people it took for that. Theres even some white substance on the unsheathed sword, thats fat, you know.

Basically I dont want to look at him, but I instinctively turn around out of concern for the wounded.

Theyre all wearing the yellow and blue striped Shou Shimaron army uniform, one was chopped on the back, the other completely degutted, both silent.

Are they dead?

No, both are still alive.

Wolfram squats down, pressing his fingers to their jugular before replying. Finally, I find my voice to continue,

Are they dead? Hey!

I kick aside the chair and step in between the two men, carefully touching the young soldier. His body is unnaturally cold.

I saved the soldiers who were left outside the door, but theres still conflict at the main gate. Although the guards are brave, the overwhelming numbers arent in our favor. Whats happening, king of Shou Shimaron? Why has it come to this?

Who are you?

Saralegui steps in politely.

Its okay, Storob. He is the ambassador from Dai Shimaron.

I simply use my ears to listen in on Lord Wellers interrogation of Saralegui, but my eyes never moved away from the soldier before me, and my fingers move slowly towards the wound on his stomach.

I was wondering who it is, turns out its His Majesty Belars new favorite, Lord Weller. As you can see, there are the kings from two countries in this room, I was hoping you would show at least the most basic manners, but to you, I suppose its pointless to speak of this now.

You are correct, it is pointless now.

I leave only a small part of my brain to hearing their duel of words, then I put my hand on the casualtys body. When the tip of my pointer finger touches the open wound, my white fingernail is instantly stained red, while the flesh of my finger brushes against a completely unreactive body. A wave of stimuli like a current darts around in my body, and the voices in the room start becoming distant.

I come to the capital under His Highness orders, only to find the entire city empty upon the kings departure for vacation. It took me all the way to the port before I could catch up, but then I find the hotel surrounded by swords and spears, and theyre soldiers wearing the Shou Shimaron uniform, in other words the attackers and defenders are all in the same uniform Your Majesty Saralegui, I hope you can explain what the matter here is. Because I am bound by duty to report this to His Highness Belar.

It is as you see. Lord Weller, this in an internal conflict, if only on a smaller scale. Because theyre against my diplomatic plans, so they want to use drastic measures to prevent my leaving for Seisakoku? The reason theyre wearing the same uniform, is because theyre all Shou Shimaron soldiers.

If so, Your Majesty Saralegui, as king of Shou Shimaron, do you plan to ignore the internal conflict here, and leave the country of your own accord?

I didnt think that he would care so much about such trivial matters in another country, His Highness Belar really is an extremely generous man!

Saralegui says in a theatrical tone.

O Ambassador from Dai Shimaron, I ask you not to worry. Today the soldiers taking the opportunity and their uprising, is well within our expectations! This is a great chance to catch the rebels who had previously worked on too small a scale all at once.

Saralegui steps lightly to the window, peeking downwards out through the glass. But then he returns to his usual second in the next second! Goes to show that his exaggerated attitude was just a hoax.

After the battle dies down, lets leave. Weve long ago prepared a secret tunnel in anticipation of these circumstances.

Secret tunnel?

One made especially for royalty.

Looks like Ill be tagging along as well.

I subconsciously turn to the speaker. Who is this I?

Saralegui reveals an elegant smile like a young girls, then says something completely contradicting his smile.

Is that His Highness Belar the Seconds orders as well?

Thats right. Whenever there is a suspicion of improper conduct, Dai Shimaron has a duty to invigilate Shou Shimaron. You should be well aware of this, Your Majesty Saralegui.

What a bother.

The boy king sighs, lightly shrugging his slender shoulders and arms. He cocks his head slightly, and the pale golden hair originally gathered around his neck instantly floats down.

You plan on boarding my ship, dont you?

By now I feel as though his voice is getting further and further away, and my head has become real dizzy. Even my consciousness is beginning to blur.

A vague pain travels from the tips of my fingers to my wrist, then to my arm, spreading throughout my entire body from my shoulder joints, following my blood vessels to my brain, feet, heart

What are you doing?

Suddenly I feel a strong impact. Wolframs high voice is almost like a wail, and he even grabs my shoulders, shaking me violently.

Yuuri what stupid thing are you doing now Are you trying to heal these two?

How is that stupid?

I just want to do what I did countless times before. Just help them stop the blood a bit.

Has the bleeding stopped? Didnt you help me do this before

My tongue feels clumsy, my words slurring as though Im drunk. When my hand is forcefully pulled away from the soldiers body, not only an I unable to squat down myself, I practically fall backwards as though having slipped.

How many times have I told you, its very dangerous to use maryoku on human land! How are you, does it hurt anywhere?

I forgot about that long Ah, my headso dizzy. Wait a sec. Actually Im not in that much pain, its just Imreallydizzy. Wait a secIll befine in a moment.

Truth is, it hurts to even talk. I lean the back of my head on Wolframs chest, desperately trying to suppress the pain under my eyes. That pain is like the ache you get before a cold and a fever, its agonizing just trying to move a finger.

My half-assed maryoku probably couldnt save even one of them, huh? Its just like someone said a long time ago, maryoku isnt everything. I stare at the beautifully embroidered silver wallpaper as I contemplate, hearing the clash of metal and yells of the soldiers vaguely from outside the building.

In front of my hovering gaze is the figure I missed to the point of wanting to cry.

Its Conrad.

He creases the scarred eyebrow slightly, looking at me as though he wants to say something, yet hesitating. Although I cant hear his voice, but I can read the too-familiar word on his lips.

Yuuri.

Having lost my sense of self-control, I do my best to lift my hand, heavy as a stone--

Who cares what color his clothes are!

The color of his clothes doesnt matter at all!

Conrads knee moves forward, and his right foot is lifted from the ground. But in a moment something bright grey blocks my line of vision, and I can no longer see his glowing silver irises.

The piercing sound of metal then reverberates throughout the room, flying sparks disappearing behind the table, where the light cannot reach. My mind is functioning at a lower capacity than normal, so I cant understand whats happening, and it takes me a long time to realize that those are the sounds of battle. Using his unsheathed sword to parry the first attack, Gunter jumps behind me. Only then do I realize that the bright grey thing that had blocked my view was his back.

If you take even one step closer to his Majesty, I wont hold back!

Are you serious, Gnter?

Right now, all I can hear is Conrads wavering voice, and the sound of blades changing direction. Lord von Christs long hair slides down to his upper arm from his shoulders.

You dare deny that you are the dog of the opposition? For all we know, you are the assassin Dai Shimaron sent to kill His Majesty the Maou and set back the mazoku!

I had no idea Shin Makokus envoy would be here.

Who would believe a traitor like you!

Gnters aura as he dashes forth follow the wind back down to where I am, quick and so sharp it almost cuts my cheek.

You are no longer a member of Shin Makoku! Completely different from us, whove sworn our loyalty to the Maou!

Gnter, even so. I have no reason to cross swords with you

I do!

The rare attack that thrusts from the bottom upwards cuts off the tip of Conrads sword.

Stop, Gnter! That isnt something you would do!

Come to think of it, I really havent seen this royal instructor go physical. I know he specializes in maryoku and IQ. But how are his fighting skills? Faced with Conrad, a sword master for eighty years, would he be killed for his deliberate provocation?

Stop Stop them, Wolf. Wont it be bad if he gets hurt on human soil? Damn, why wont my head stop spinning

Who are you saying will get hurt? Conrad?

I mean both of them, but it really is rare to see Gnter use a sword.

I raise the head I was resting on Wolframs chest, trying to break free from his grasp. If I cant stand, Ill walk over there on my knees, or crawl there. I must stop this battle before either one of them gets hurt.

If theyre serious about this

Wolfram notices what Im trying to do, supporting me with both hands as he says,

It should be hard to tell, although it might actually be Conrad at a disadvantage.

What?

You still cant move about like that! Dont bother so much, just let them fight it out!

But Gnter cant use maryoku here, right? So youre saying that on sword skills alone they are completely evenly matched? And hey, you, the other one is your brother, right?

Surprisingly, Wolfram looks relaxed, saying in a shocking tone,

If it werent for you fainting right now, Id do anything to run up there and take Gnters place, and I think Gurrier feels the same way I do.

Take Take whose place!

Arent you the same? If you dont whack him a couple times, youll never be satisfied.

Take a baseball bat and K him a couple times.

Hell probably get grievously hurt.

Why am even I thinking such scary thoughts.

Saralegui, on the other hand, is still leaning against the window pane, looking at Gnter and Lord Weller with interest. His expression says that he is watching as a bystander, but theres no confusion or contempt there.

I immediately pull my gaze away from the boy king and back to my men, because theres a cringe-worthy sound of clashing metal coming from the battle.

The curtain-less windows shine in the morning light, and the blades gleam silver. From my position, its easier to follow the path of the light than the actual movements of the sword.

I didnt teach you everything I know just so you can wear this uniform!

Im jolted back to reality by Gunters words of agony.

I almost forgot, Lord von Christ is an educator with students all around the country, its no wonder he was given a military position although hes not a military man. Even though the current situation is so tense, but just imagining him as a demon trainer in the past, makes me laugh out loud.

Wolfram, who is long used to battles, mumbles the moves theyre using, while Lord Weller takes the opportunity to parry aside Gnters sword. Although it has nothing to do with me, but I still start worrying if the destructive power of the weapon itself will make a difference.

Then why do you raise soldiers? Is it so they can die an honorable death on the battlefield?

Lord Wellers voice is colder than the dueling blades. On the other hand, Gnters words seem more agitated, the emotions displayed by both sides feel completely different.

I live to raise soldiers who are loyal to the country, Shinou, and his appointed His Majesty the Maou, until the very last moment

And most people do as you wish, dont they?

Suddenly theres a clack, then deep and short sounds of impact. Compared to the clanging of metal against metal, their battle now has become much more dangerous. Because their power had nowhere to go, now its directly reached their weapon and arms.

Lord Weller curves the corners of his lips. I dont know if hes smiling or not. Cant read him at all.

Dont be too greedy.

Why Didnt I teach you to be His Majestys sword and shield?

Right now all I can see is Gnters back. That shiny light grey robe of his, floats gracefully with his every move and the track of the blade that I can vaguely see, is like a dancing with a sword.

The two long swords cross in mid-air, making a faint sound of friction. Their sturdy hilts overlap, so close their faces are almost touching.

You should stay by the Maous side.

I give those words back to you, every one, because only the most honest of men can accomplish it.

Lord Wellers light brown eyes darken, then he forces open the eyelids that were going to close.

Then he uses the part of the hilt that juts out, causing his opponents blade to sink deep inside, before turning around quickly. Hes not using brute strength, but the power in his arms.

At that moment theres the sound of glass shattering, instantly reverberating the air in the room.

Gnters sword, having been broken from the roots, falls to the ground dully.

Looks like that is not a weapon made for war. And also, Your Excellency the Royal Instructor Lord von Christ, you dont seem accustomed to killing people.

A cold sweat has broken out on my palms, my nails digging so deep they leave marks. I grip my fist so tightly, using so much force even I feel the pain.

Ah!

Slowly, I regain strength in my legs. Putting my palms on my trembling knees, I force myself up. Finally, success!

When I turn to face them, Gnter with just a hilt in his hand, is using the grip to pry away Lord Wellers sword.

Thats enough!

I move before Wolfram can grab my clothes, rushing in between the two men. I throw my arms open wide, with my back facing Gnter. I know who I should be standing in front of now, who I should be protecting. What Im doing is right, absolutely not wrong.

Your Majesty!

Upon hearing the words leave his mouth, Lord Weller himself looks surprised. As he frantically tries to pull back, he loses his balance and falls unseemly.

Enough for you?

Your Majesty, have you any idea how dangerous that was? You need not protect me! In the middle of a heated battle, please dont

Stop talking!

The hand that was reaching for my shoulder is suddenly pulled back.

You started this, so dont go preaching there all self-importantly, Gnter!

Y-yes, my lord.

And stop arguing in front of me, looking even more childish than I do! For someone long over a hundred years old, youre still so childish! And where do you think this is? This is the location of a summit between the leaders of two countries! Look at Saralegui, so mature and serious. Do you know how much older you are than him?

Im very sorry Your Majesty.

Gnter sags his shoulders and apologizes, while beside him Lord Weller sheathes his sword, making a hearty ke-chang sound.

And then, I stand facing him, hiding my emotions deep within my heart before raising my head to look at him.

About my subordinates insolent actions towards Dai Shimarons ambassador, I am deeply sorry, it was our fault.

We were just playing around, please dont mind.

After our mild conversation, Saralegui claps his hands thrice. The sound echoes around the high ceiling, then sinks downwards.

Such an interesting situation is rare indeed, although I have no idea what went on between the teacher and student over there.

He walks over to me slowly, then grabs my arm with his slender fingers,

I dont wish for my hard-earned friend to get caught in the crossfire, so I plan on evacuating this place, and Yuuris coming with me. If you have no intention of protecting your king, go ahead and continue with your charade.

W-wait a second, Sara!

Yuuri, lets go. This is a secret tunnel, doesnt that sound exciting? I always wanted to take this kind of tunnel as a kid, but grandpa butler wouldnt let me adventure around the tunnels in town.

You even have a butler?

As expected of a natural born prince, I didnt even have a nanny. Before I can voice my opinions as a commoner, Saralegui grans my hand and jumps into the furnace.

Eh, w-w-w-w-what?! A Star Tour without water?!

Careful, Yuuri, dont bite your tongue now.

Haat ih dah theh aaah (What is down there aaah), uyaaaaey--!

We slip down a long slide in the darkness. My butt hurts, and because friction creates heat, it feels like its burning to a crisp. Instead of calling it a secret tunnel, itd probably be better to say its a hidden roller coaster.

The tunnel suddenly reaches an end, and were tossed into the air, before landing onto our tailbones on the dusty ground. The air here smells musty, but it isnt unbearable. And then my companions fall onto us, one by one.

Oorgh, Ump-rgh, Pu-argh, Gaaahthey should be about as heavy as a million stones.

That hurtsGet off! Get off now!

The small animals hiding in the darkness squeak as they make their speedy escape. Before my eyes can get used to the darkness, I use my hand as a substitute to feel my way around, and when I touch the ground, I find and pick up a smooth and dry sphere.

Whose isWaah-lee-leh!

A lit torch approaches, and I realize that the thing in my hand is an old dry skull.

H-h-h-hes dead, so were facing a deadly area ahead! W-wait, Saralegui, this is the way, right? You arent Indiana Jones, are you?

Of course its right. This used to be a kitchen, thats probably leftovers.

I shouldnt have asked. Then, this is an ape, an ape, right? Otherwise no sort of gourmet would use human bones to make a soup. Or maybe this guy is a member of the kotsuchizoku, and we can use his bone signaling to contact home.

So I gather my guts and grab its lower jaw, making it clack and trying to leave a message.

Old pal, times up. I mean, good fellow, were currently underground. We, who believe in ancient creatures of legend, are now in an old abandoned tunnel, and headed deeper inwards.

No reply, guess its just a normal skull, after all.

The passionate Royal Instructor whos always keen to impart his wisdom, calmly explains.

Your Majesty, thats not a kotsuchizoku. Although they particularly enjoy being buried or left in the surface, they extremely hate underground passageways with cobwebs.

Aiya!

The cobwebs that the kochi, otherwise known as the kotsuchizoku, are now tangled in my hair.

Yuuri, this way!

An excited Saralegui waves at me from ahead. It took me forever to get used to the darkness, and now I can vaguely see his pale skin.

Just as Gnter accidentally trips and has to be caught by someone in front, I notice Lord Weller is following directly behind me. He looks hesitant, and after a moment he speaks to me in an overly formal and distant tone. His face is still trained forward, though.

Are you okay?

Maybe he thinks that speaking softly can avoid the others overhearing, but I too face the sparkling distance, which may be the exit, instead of looking his way.

Perfectly fine.

His Majesty Belar the Fourth is also very concerned about you.

Thats right~ Hes your Your Majesty, right.

After all, the parting that time in the desert was rather disconcerting.

Please pass on my apologies, for making him worry.

This is when Saralegui turns back again.

Yuuri! Its the exit, see, I was right!

The person waving at me, king of Shou Shimaron Saralegui, and Sigourney Weaver[1] with the childish voice, otherwise known as Dai Shimarons His Majesty Belar the Fourth, are actually on opposing sides. Saralegui must escape from Dai Shimarons control, and His Majesty Belar the Fourth always wanted to defeat his uncle. If someone were to ask me who I wanna help, for now Ill definitely say Saralegui.

Are you getting along well?

Yes.

Is that so? But he is!

Conrad never finishes his sentence.

Because having noticed that we were whispering to each other, Gnter is running our way, hair flying everywhere.

Under the almost-noon sun, the outside is extremely piercing to the eyes. When we push past what looks like a manhole, we come to the back of a little hunters cottage in a forest. Thank goodness for the long and winding underground tunnel. Weve come such a long way we cant even hear the voices of the soldiers.

Storob and another Shou Shimaron soldier release the horses that were previously tied together. Saralegui looks at the only one simple carriage and asks,

Can you ride?

His words bring back painful memories, and I heave a deep sigh.

I can ride, but I cant make the horse move.

Same here, then lets take my carriage. Its slower than riding horseback, but at least its much safer.

Thanks. But if Im alone, my companions will worry Gnter, Im here! Can they get on the carriage too?

Of course, it takes a day and a night to get to the harbor. We cant rest on horseback, but we can take a breather in a carriage. Oh, yeah!

Since Storob is occupied, I have to take his place and help Saralegui onto the carriage. He weighs as much as a kid, seems like the bona fide prince is slender from head to toe.

Lord Weller isnt taking the carriage too? Arent the two of you close?

Crap, he found out.

Ahhbut

I glare at Gnter, meaning it was all your fault!. But since Ive automatically turned on a water heater myself, I guess I have no right to blame anyone else.

His riding skills are superb.

Is that so? Then that makes him feel much more dependable.

His reply seems to be insinuating something.

Come to think of it. He seems to have a brother who looks a lot like him.

I dont know what Saralegui is trying to find out, so I can only pretend not to hear him. Thankfully he doesnt continue asking.

More importantly, what does look a lot like him mean?

If he meant a brother who is surprisingly similar, then we just happen to have a pretty boy right here staring daggers at us.