Chapter 9

Chapter 2, Episode 9: The Black Imperial Prince

 

 

Imperial Year 1023, July 20.

Hiro is in a room in a certain section of d.u.c.h.ess Kelheit’s mansion.

There is a large bed and a chair for one. Nothing more.

Hiro, who was asleep on the bed, awoke from the morning sun s.h.i.+ning down on his face.

He sits himself up and squints at the sunlight coming in through the window.

 

After stifling a yawn, he crawled to the edge of the bed, placed his feet on the ground, and looked around the room.

It seems the master of the room woke up before the sun even came up and went out somewhere.

 

(I wonder where I can wash my face…)

 

As he approached the door to head into the hallway and look for a place to wash up, it opens from the other side.

Rosa came in wearing a military uniform which looked tight around her chest. There was a bewitching air about her.

 

「Hmm, so you’re up.」

「I just woke up. I wanted to wash my face a bit—」

 

As Hiro was about to ask where he could do so, Rosa pointed her thumb behind her.

 

「Before that, you have a visitor here for you.」

 

Although Hiro tilts his head in confusion at the woman wearing a mysterious expression, he moves his gaze to the s.p.a.ce behind Rosa.

Standing in front of the door was a neatly dressed man with a long and narrow face— It was Prime Minister Gillish.

 

「I apologize for visiting so early in the morning.」

 

Hiro looks at him puzzled as he bows.

 

「What are you doing here, Prime Minister Gillish?」

「I have come to deliver a letter from his Majesty the emperor. I didn’t think I could possibly entrust this to anyone else, so I brought it here while knowing it would be an inconvenience.」

「A letter from his Majesty?」

「Here it is. Please read it alone.」

 

Prime Minister Gillish hands the letter over. He takes one glance at Hiro who looks puzzled, bows, then takes his leave.

After watching him leave, Hiro noticed Rosa glancing at the letter.

 

「You want to see it?」

「If you deem the contents to be something I can see.」

 

Rosa shrugs her shoulders and begins to walk the hallway, then soon looks back.

 

「Can you come to the dining hall once you’re done reading it? Breakfast is ready. Also, if you want to wash your face, the well is in the garden.」

 

She waves her hand behind her saying 「I’ll be waiting in the dining hall,」 before she turns a corner in the hallway and goes off.

Hiro looks down at the letter and yawns.

He already guessed what the contents of the letter basically are.

 

(… I’ll wash my face first.)

 

Hiro goes out into the mansion’s garden, arrives at the well, and washes his face.

However, he realizes he doesn’t have a towel.

While thinking how annoying it would be to have water get in his eyes, he wonders what he should do.

 

(I guess I’ll be fine…)

 

As he gave up and started heading for the dining hall, something soft plopped onto his head.

He grabs it and it turns out to be a towel. Before checking to see who gave it to him, he wipes off the drops of water on his face.

 

「Thanks, you really helped—」

 

He tried to give his thanks, but he couldn’t finish saying it.

This was because Aura was standing there with an imposing stance and seemed to be seething with rage.

 

「… Did you enjoy yourself last night, Black Imperial Prince?」

 

Each syllable she spoke was oozing with disgust.

He had a lot of questions for Aura, such as why she was here, but he decided to ask her about a term in particular that caught his attention.

 

「—What do you mean, Black Imperial Prince?」

「That’s what many of the n.o.bles are calling you.」

「Calling me?」

「Yes, and that the Black Imperial Prince took advantage of a young widow and took her to her mansion.」

「Th-That’s nonsense…」

「Don’t worry, I just made that up right now.」

「… Don’t scare me like that.」

「The truth is, they are calling you the Black Imperial Prince who won the heart of the woman of steel.」

「Th-The woman of steel?」

「That is d.u.c.h.ess Kelheit’s “nickname”. She is called that because she has continued to refuse marriage proposals from other houses using various means.」

 

Aura looks at him disdainfully.

 

「I suppose it’s a given that word spread because you won her heart in a short time and disappeared to her mansion. There are more than just a few n.o.bles who wish to learn your way with words.」

「So that’s what it’s come to…」

 

Well, they did something so bold with so many n.o.bles gathered, so it’s not like he didn’t predict that would happen.

But he didn’t think it would get to a point where people wanted to be taught his way with words.

Hiro buries his head into his hands thinking about what a mess he’d gotten into.

At that moment, Aura approached Hiro and looked up at him with her lead colored eyes.

 

「Didn’t I stress that you should be careful of women yesterday?」

「That’s right, you did… I’m sorry.」

「It’s probably thanks to the Kelheit house that the rumors spread so quickly. The other houses wouldn’t say things to praise you. If it were me, I would have spread rumors that you were a foolish Imperial prince who was seduced by a widow to lower your standing.」

「I think I would’ve done that, too.」

「But she did the opposite and spread rumors to raise your standing. I almost want to praise her for her abilities— However, you are going to be on the receiving end of contempt.」

「… I can’t help it if I am.」

「Please really be careful from here on out.」

 

Aura sighed and looked at 「Black Camellia」.

 

「Also, what was 「Black Camellia」doing? Does it not take action when its master’s virtue is in jeopardy?」

「Hmm~… It doesn’t seem like it’s going to listen to me for a while.」

「If I remember correctly, there was a spirit dwelling in 「Black Camellia」, wasn’t there?」

「Yeah. I’m sure it would protect me if it sensed a threat to my life though…」

「That’s quite a twisted spirit.」

「… It is.」

 

A 1,000 years ago— up until the time he received the blessing of 「Excalibur」, it listened to him pretty well.

However, starting around the time 「Excalibur」 appeared before Hiro, he feels 「Black Camellia」 became disobedient.

 

(And I left it alone for a 1,000 years on top of that.)

 

Considering all that, it wouldn’t be strange for it to strangle him to death. You might be able to say that it’s a miracle that he’s even able to wear it right now.

As Hiro looked down at Aura’s military uniform, she noticed the letter in his hand.

 

「What is that?」

「Ahh, it’s a letter from his Majesty the emperor.」

「Have you not read it yet?」

「I wanted to wake up, so I thought I’d read it after I washed my face first. Besides, I can pretty much guess what’s in the letter.」

 

Aura nodded at Hiro’s words.

 

「It probably says something to the effect of attacking the Lichtein Dukedom.」

「The citizens will call us weak if we don’t get revenge, and the n.o.bles might express discontent, too. The worst case scenario would be countries coming out and sympathizing with the Lichtein Dukedom.」

 

Hiro finished speaking Aura’s thoughts for her, then took out the letter from the envelope.

What he predicted was written on a single sheet of parchment.

 

「… Hmm…」

「Was it as we suspected after all?」

「Yeah. It’s probably his way of telling me to build up my merits, though.」

「I believe they’re an adequate opponent for your first battle.」

 

After the Lichtein Dukedom’s loss the other day, you could say they were at death’s door steps.

While having mobilized 15,000 soldiers, they were unable to accomplish a single thing.

As a result, Duke Lichtein’s ability to keep his nation united has no doubt declined.

The Dukedom’s n.o.bles will surely choose the path of surrender if threatened even slightly.

 

「Apparently, General Kielo, the new commanding officer of the Fourth Imperial Army, is leading 10,000 men and advancing on the Lichtein Dukedom. It seems Liz is with them, too.」

 

Due to an error in judgment the other day, as with First Imperial Prince Schtobel, General Loring was placed under house arrest and a different commanding officer replaced him.

 

「And you?」

「It says to hurry and return so I can meet with them and join the staff officers. I guess it’s my role to gain merits from the weakened Lichtein Dukedom and its even more weakened general.」

「So that means the preparations are set.」

「Guess so. It also says to take control of the northern region of Lichtein’s territory and use that as a bargaining chip to create a peace treaty with them.」

「That sounds about right. If we destroy the Lichtein Dukedom, there will no longer be any country dealing in slave trade.」

「I pity the Lichtein Dukedom, only being kept alive for such a reason.」

 

Hiro shrugs his shoulders and looks over the letter one more time.

What bothers him, are the final words which he didn’t tell Aura about.

 

(That’s probably why Prime Minister Gillish told me to read it alone.)

 

He doesn’t think Aura would tell anyone, but you never know how information may leak out.

Hiro puts the letter away while trying not to give off any signs of his inner thoughts.

Then, he looked at Aura and asked what he’d been wondering this whole time.

 

「By the way, why are you here, Aura?」

 

She is the chief of staff for Third Imperial Prince Brutar.

For her to come to the Kelheit mansion, there’s a chance it may cause groundless rumors.

 

「What you’re thinking of will not happen.」

「Did you come here in secret or something?」

「Such tricks were not necessary either.」

 

Aura replies to Hiro who tilted his head confused.

 

「It’s because you are the hot topic in the Imperial Palace right now. There will be no problems arising from my visiting d.u.c.h.ess Kelheit’s mansion.」

「So you’re telling me they have no time to worry about such things.」

「You could say that as well, but even if there were rumors that I moved to your side, everyone would have no choice but to defend me and say that that’s impossible, at least in my case. Otherwise, it may cause n.o.bles to start moving over to the Kelheit house.」

 

Aura’s clout is strong.

Even more so than her achievement of cornering Ferzen, her military career as a whole dazzles brilliantly in the eyes of the n.o.bles.

And so, they can not make any rumors about her right now, because that may lead to a change of heart for the n.o.bles who are carefully watching for a s.h.i.+ft in the current situation.

 

「It’s a delicate time right now, so no one will try to stir up any trouble.」

「Yeah, you’re right. So… what business do you have here, Aura?」

「I will be departing in half an hour, so I thought I would come say goodbye.」

「… To the west?」

「Yes, there are survivors causing riots in various provinces of Ferzen. I have received orders from his Majesty to suppress them.」

「I see. I wanted to have you show me around the Imperial capital, but it looks like we’re both too busy for that.」

「Unfortunately, you will have to allow me to do that another time.」

 

Aura bowed, saying 「I will write to you at a future date,」 and took her leave.

He wanted to say goodbye to Alfred too, but he probably had his own preparations to take care of before departing. Besides, Hiro had to head for Fort Belk right away, too.

Hiro returned inside the mansion, asked a maid where the dining hall was and started walking in that direction.

There is a servant standing before a large door. He bows and opens the door.

 

「Sorry, I ended up making you wait.」

「I don’t mind. Sit here.」

 

Rosa tilted her head to the side and pointed her hand to the chair beside her.

After making sure Hiro seated himself, she clapped her hands.

As she does, from a door on the west side— which is connected to the kitchen— a servant comes out carrying food in his hands.

A maid lines up the tableware without making a noise. Before Hiro reaches for the food, he turns to Rosa.

 

「I’ve decided to leave right after eating.」

 

After he explained the same details which he told Aura, Rosa smiled in a way which somehow made him uneasy.

 

「Then I’ll have to give you a grand farewell.」

 

 

After finis.h.i.+ng his breakfast, Hiro went outside the mansion. There was a large crowd of n.o.bles there to greet him.

The moment Hiro showed himself, the n.o.bles who were standing in neat lines all knelt.

Anyone would be taken aback to see all these famous n.o.bles bowing their heads to a young boy.

The garrison watching from afar exhaled in astonishment.

So as not to appear confused, Hiro turns to look at Rosa in her military uniform.

Her smile was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with charm as she spoke.

 

「I just a.s.sembled the eastern n.o.bles who were staying in the Imperial capital.」

「But still, I feel like there are too many of them.」

 

She probably wouldn’t have been able to a.s.semble these numbers unless they were told beforehand.

How long has Rosa been preparing for this exactly? You can’t help but be impressed by her commendable skills in moving this many n.o.bles without letting on to the other houses.

As this sense of awe wells up in him, Rosa placed a hand on Hiro’s shoulder.

 

「Now, let us depart, Black Imperial Prince.」

 

Hiro’s face stiffened at that term he heard once before.

As he does, a finely decorated, extravagant carriage appears before him.

One of the n.o.bles stood up and opened the door for him.

 

「Your Highness, please get in.」

 

Rosa pushes Hiro’s back and he gets in. As soon as he sat on the sofa, he sighed and spit out—

 

「There’s something I want to ask you.」

 

There is only one person to set his gaze on— Rosa, with her voluptuous body wrapped in her military uniform.

She’s sitting opposite him, and with a cool face, she crosses her legs and tilts her head.

No matter what sort of gesture she makes, her movements are refined and beautiful.

It’s enough to remind you that she really was the Third Imperial Princess.

 

「What might that be?」

 

The carriage moves steadily and the n.o.bles follow behind on horses that were prepared for them.

 

「When did you start setting up such a large scale plan?」

 

Hiro’s eyes give off a sharp light letting her know tricks and lies won’t work.

Seeing this, Rosa made a bitter face and shrugged her shoulders.

 

「Since the day I got the letter from Liz. I thought it was a good opportunity. The annoying marriage proposals would stop, and the Kelheit house would be saved as well.」

「What were you going to do if I weren’t a descendant?」

「I had arrangements made to support Liz once more if that were the case.」

「And what about the matter of finding a groom?」

「I was planning to take in an orphan while pretending he was my husband’s illegitimate child. I told you right, that I’m not without my integrity.」

「So your decision to support me wasn’t just because of the reason you told me yesterday, is it?」

「You realized?」

「Of course. Seeing how you’ve carefully prepared things this far, I can tell you have another reason.」

「…」

 

They both fell silent, so Hiro looked out the window. The view outside had completely changed.

This was because the private army of the eastern n.o.bles which was standing by on Rosa’s orders had joined with them after they pa.s.sed through the gate.

Every single soldier has the crest of their master on their armor, and there are many flags with coats of arms flying in the wind.

But the largest and the one which stood out the most was Hiro’s— the flag with a crest of black soil and a dragon grasping a silver sword.

The flag of the dragon floating in the clear sky without a cloud in sight can be summed up as a masterpiece.

Perhaps it was because the soldiers holding them were nervous, but their faces were shaking slightly.

But at the same time there’s also inspiration mixed in their expressions and they look proud.

Back in the carriage, there was a change.

Rosa, who was quiet for a moment, tightened her expression and opened her mouth to speak.

 

「What do you think of the current Grantz Grand Empire?」

「… I think it’s powerful. I just think maybe it’s extended its territory a bit too much.」

「Exactly. However— his Majesty has his eyes set on uniting the central continent, which is why our territory will likely continue to expand.」

「I think it’s big enough as it is, though. If it spreads any further, there’s the chance that the emperor’s influence won’t reach the remote regions.」

「The previous emperor— my grandfather emphasized that, too. But the current emperor is pa.s.sionate about becoming the 13th Great G.o.d of Grantz.」

「You’re saying he wants to be deified?」

「History is created by the hands of man. G.o.ds are the same. But you won’t be deified with half hearted achievements. That’s even if you are an emperor.」

「And you’re saying he has to unify the central continent for that?」

「The First Emperor founded the empire and became the 「first G.o.d」, and the Second Emperor ended the turbulent times and became 「Mars」 through that achievement. There are various reasons for the others, but they were all emperors who contributed greatly to the empire.」

 

Rosa added that there was an exception of one who became a G.o.ddess though.

 

「A great enterprise which the past emperors could not achieve. By achieving that, the current emperor is trying to become a 「G.o.d」.」

「So, are you saying that’s connected to why you’re supporting me?」

「That’s right. Even if you are an emperor, your life is not eternal. There’s a chance of collapsing partway through your dream. No one knows what might happen when that time comes. I’m currently preparing for that right now.」

 

Rosa spreads out both arms, then put to words the foundation of her reason for supporting Hiro.

 

「The empire has a vast amount of land which is more than enough. Even if we expand our territory from here on out, it’ll likely become difficult to maintain. We should not want more than this. A seam will open somewhere eventually. That will become the embers which start a civil war within the empire.」

 

Maybe it was because she was feeling stuffy, but Rosa undid the first b.u.t.ton of her military uniform.

 

「What this country needs right now is stability. It needs someone who will look, not out, but in. That’s why my late husband had his eyes on Liz. She’s still young, and you can hardly say she’s mature, but he saw the future of the empire in her pure and untainted heart. There will be dangers, but it should be no problem with st.u.r.dy allies by her side— He was just at the point of coming to that decision. My husband was a.s.sa.s.sinated.」

 

She clenched her fists in frustration and glared out the window.

She was looking at the Imperial Palace as the carriage ran along the central road.

Rosa points her blue eyes at Hiro once more.

 

「While we were silently watching other factions fall, they took that chance to get Liz demoted. I’m disgusted by my own shortcomings. That’s why I’m grateful to you. You saved my sister who was cornered. I was so overjoyed when I read Liz’s letter that it brought me to tears. And then— I came up with the idea of using you.」

「To make Liz the empress, right?」

 

Rosa lowered her head.

 

「I do feel apologetic towards you.」

「No, that might work out for me, too.」

 

This is because he never had the ambition of becoming the emperor from the beginning.

There’s also the chance he’ll be sent back to “earth”.

If such a person were placed on the throne, that would likely invite chaos.

Rosa strained a smile at the perceptive Hiro.

 

「But aside from whether they want to be or not, emperors are created by the hands of man, too.」

 

She points a white finger at Hiro.

 

「When that time comes— be prepared.」

 

At the same time, the carriage window made a sound and shook.

Eyes wide in surprise, Rosa looks out the window to check the situation.

Smiling citizens were waving their hands while shouting, 「Black Imperial Prince!」

People were lined up along both sides of the central road, and there were flower petals dancing in the air everywhere.

Even the stallholders abandoned their work for this special occasion and were waving their hands at the carriage.

They were all jumping up and down and waving their hands and shouting with all their might with the hopes of getting a glimpse at Hiro.

 

「Hehe, this is the popularity of 「Mars」. Even if you are a descendant, that does nothing to lessen that popularity.」

 

Rosa said proudly as she gazed outside.

More so than the large crowds of citizens that had gathered, Hiro was more surprised at the fact that the term 「Black Imperial Prince」 had already permeated to the people.

 

(Man, was this set up? But either way, once one person says that name, others will follow suit.)

 

As Hiro predicted, in no time at all, a large chorus of 「Black Imperial Prince」 began.

But this cheering doesn’t have a hint of ill will and makes him feel good. Hiro thinks about how that’s one thing that doesn’t change no matter the era.

Hiro smiled at the high he felt welling up from the depths of his soul.

 

「Isn’t it wonderful? That’s all you get to take in though.」

 

Rosa looks at him with a serious expression on her face.

 

「Let’s talk about what’s going to happen from here on out.」

「… Well me, I’d like to separate from your group and return to Fort Belk.」

「Are you worried about Liz?」

「There’s that too, but there’s something bothering else me.」

「Hmm, then you should head for Fort Belk from the east. You probably can’t employ personal soldiers yet. I can attach an escort to you. What do you say?」

 

Although Hiro has become the Fourth Imperial Prince, he doesn’t have territory, the source of income.

He’ll likely be granted territory depending on his achievements, but until then, he doesn’t have the funds required to pay enlisted officers.

Although he needs to employ a private army, he can’t even pay the salary for a third grade officer at this point.

If he spoke with Prime Minister Gillish, he could probably get a loan from the national treasury, but owing a debt is the one thing he wants to avoid.

And so, he decided to use Rosa— to use the Kelheit house.

 

「I don’t need an escort. It’s fine if you can just prepare a stagecoach for me.」

「It’s true that there’s public order in the east, but that doesn’t mean bandits or monsters never appear. If you’re worried about money, we’ll take care of everything.」

「It’ll take me longer to return to Fort Belk with an escort. I want to catch up to Liz and quickly as possible.」

「If you want to go that far, then I guess there’s no choice. I’ll prepare the fastest stagecoach for you.」

「Thanks. I’ll pay this debt back one day.」

「I don’t really mind. More importantly, what are you going to do after this?」

 

After attacking the Lichtein Dukedom— that’s probably what she means.

 

「I’ll gather those who are trustworthy and establish my social standing here.」

「Hmm, then when you’re in need of money or soldiers, don’t hesitate to ask.」

 

Hiro sees Rosa hold her hand out. He smiles and grabs it.

 

「We’re in this together now. Don’t go dying on your own.」

 

Hiro strained a smile in response to Rosa’s words and nodded.

 

「Changing the subject…」

 

He said casually.

 

「What do you think of this attack on the Lichtein Dukedom, Rosa?」

「I think it’ll be an easy battle… Why?」

 

Just as he thought. Hiro sighed.

No doubt anyone would reply as such if asked this question.

 

「You’ve already repelled 15,000 enemies once. I’m sure anyone would think the same.」

「Probably.」

「But don’t let your guard down. For the sake of what’s to come, you can’t struggle with this battle.」

 

Rosa spoke on behalf of what Hiro was feeling.

—This is absolutely a winnable battle.

Those who think this and let their guard down end up being taken down by surprise. Hiro saw this happen many times in the past.

 

(Which is why there’s no harm to being overly cautious.)

 

Hiro thinks about an event that is occurring far, far away.

You never know what might happen on a battlefield.

The Grantz Grand Empire has many enemies. In order to prevent other countries from taking advantage of them, they have to avoid a difficult battle no matter what.

 

(There isn’t much time. And I don’t have many options, either— In which case…)

 

After gathering his thoughts, Hiro opened his mouth to speak.

 

「There’s something I want you to help me with, Rosa.」

 

Hiro began to take action to ensure certain victory.