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Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko:Volume 2 Chapter 3

2013-12-23T14:40:49Z

79.118.217.61: /* Chapter 3 – The Archbishop */

==Chapter 3 – The Archbishop ==

Zaccaria was located in the southwest of the Seven Kingdoms of the Realm. If taking the sea into consideration, it was the closest to the mountain springs of Zijno in all of the land. The people of the Kingdom did pray to God, but their faith did not run deep. Some thought this was so because the common people were well off; others thought that it was because of the bustling trade that brought together different cultures. Everything set aside, compared to the Grand Cathedral's in the land, Zaccaria churches were rather simple.

"And that's why I didn't want to come to Zaccaria!"

The archbishop sat on the church podium, while complaining with a disgruntled look. His obese body could not be fully hidden behind the platform, even looking directly toward him you could still his buttocks overflowing from behind the podium.

"This church is so small, it can probably hold no more than two thousand people. This pipe organ is also too small. The daily meals is also a problem! "

Being expelled from Prinzi Novoro<ref group="2-3">'''Prinzi Novoro''': previously Princinopolis</ref> took precedence and in the Archbishop reasoning would have preferred going to St. Carillon, instead of the neighboring Zaccaria because of this reason.

"How can this thing even be called a pipe organ!" It's sound should be loud enough to shake the church and to reach out into the streets so common people can hear the sermon praising God's Divinity! Without this apparatus, I simply cannot address the people, if you know what we used in Prinzi Novoro, you would know how shabby this Church is! "

The Archbishop said in a tone that carried his anger, while seating in his Holy Seat which he was once so proud of.

"Please be patient about it, have a seat." Francesca said while standing on the right hand side of the Archbishop, with a gracious smile to appease him. "As for the choir part, we have prepared a lot of cute girls. 」

"Ah." Archbishop immediately reveal a joyful expression after hearing this, tossing his tipple chin up and down like mad. " Part of the carol I can personally guide from beginning to end , O-ho-ho. 」

"It would be wonderful. The chorus girls should be very happy. However, please take care of your body, paying attention to keep everyone satisfied."

Francesca wanted to quickly throw the bait out and draw back, but beside the Knights there was someone else puckering his brow, showing a very cold look. Chris could see the entire scene very clearly from the church entrance.

While Chris was in the army under the care of the Holy Kingdom he had already heard of the Archbishop of Prinzi Novoro special "hobby". Now his eyes were carefully looking at Francesca -- Francesca didn't know what to think, she was wearing a very sensational dress which displayed her chest. Even their conversation clearly linked with his knowledge from when he was in the army.

The one standing guard on the other side of the church entrance was Gilbert. Chris was spying on his reaction. He was all dressed in black with a rock hard face, starring inside the church. He seemed rather tense, ready to storm the church if his master Francesca was in any danger.

"Now that we have solved these issues can we return to the military issue?"

At this time a formidable knight slanted to pull a small table, the general then coughed twice to speak. Chris had once heard the name of the general on the battlefield, but he could not remember it.

"We gathered here in the name of stopping the military forces of the Seven Kingdoms, now it is the time to discuss military issues. The Holy Kingdom has stationed twenty thousand military personnel in St. Carillon, now we cannot afford to relax our vigilance."

"Yes, as soon as you confess to God, let us go to the St . Carillon and finish it quickly, and next."

News has arrived that our army has suffered a crushing defeat, and they are trying desperately to escape Meddecia's generals from St. Carillon.

"I'm a tool for God's voice!" The displeased the Archbishop made this remark. "You rarely have the chance to use my name to gather and send troops for your selfish interests. Your duty is to get back my holy church. Gathered together all the men you can find. And in my name to send troops, all troops, and retake what is mine immediately! "

"Calm down! However --" One of the most senior heads of Gianni Campagna Knights could not help but raise his voice to speak and said: "Even if you really want to send troops to recapture Prinzi Novoro, we also need to deal with the military stronghold of Meddecia, St. Carillon is east by land, with a Holy Kingdom garrison there, we simply can not move. Even bypassing the Gulf southward, the rest of the soldiers will take too long to catch up with the main force!"

"You can't move by sea? From here out by ship, it won't take longer then three days to arrive in Prinzi Novoro." said the Archbishop.

"There is no ship that can transport tens of thousands of troops!"

"No ship has been made yet! With the King of Zaccaria financial resources, several ships can be made and nobody -- well the flagship can be named after me."

Although not everyone sighed, but one can feel the atmosphere of the scene turning into turmoil. Not considering the results of doing this. The Archbishop simply never considered how much money and manpower is needed to build warship's that can transport so many people ...

Laying siege to the city of St . Carillon would result in casualties on both sides in the end, bringing together all of the military forces of the Kingdom the meetings were soon started, but Archbishop's stubborn attachment to go straight back to the Prinzi Novoro case, the Principality Coalition has been unable to reach a consensus.

Formerly a mercenary of the Holy Kingdom army, the many laid back attitudes of the leaders behind the Principality made very clear the effective strength of the coalition. Hearing a humming sound, he turned to look back at the podium to see sitting in a chair a part of the problem, the Archbishop.

- Francesca also intended to send such troops ... Chris thought, but it is also impossible.

In fact all of the kingdoms of the East, had a longer history then the Holy Kingdom. Therefore, these nobles dignity is much higher then the strength of their own country, kept refusing to face up to reality. Francesca is young, and she is a woman; Even though she was draped with the exploit of saving the Archbishop, but bringing the leaders together in a common goal is not easy at all. Her fame is not enough to unify the views of these countries generals.

"Forget It Forget it! Your faith is not strong enough for these guys!" Archbishop all had herein rose with his Holy Robe fluttering. "You just look at the missing Cathedral, your country and people will not have God's favor. The only ones to worship Dushanda are the people of the Holy Kingdom, but now they have defield the sermons in the Holy Place of God -- Prinzi Novoro, has yet to be returned! You cannot feel God's anger, and you still go on like this, I'll excommunicate you from the Palkai Faith, you are all heretics!

Heresy -- hearing this term all of the Knights present turned pale.

Faith on the battlefield is nothing but a joke, but these knights and their reaction, although they can kill Chris while looking him in the eyes, for all of those that have been brought up in the Palkai religion, being treated as heretics is worse then the death penalty. Because they are denied even of their place of rest after their death.

In a tense atmosphere, the Archbishop left the altar lurching his fat body.

"... I did not expect the atmosphere to become like this ..."

"We had no intention of blasphemy. However ... "

"What do you wish to do? If you send a small number of troops, by land ..."

"No sense to do so."

"If we send troops to Prinzi Novoro by land, how long would it take to reach it?"

"By land, in about five days. "

"But if our actions are found by the Holy Kingdom army in St. Carillon, should it takes more then seven days, we will be attacked from behind. "

"We can only spend two days ... capture Prinzi Novoro in two days ..."

"Right now the Holy Kingdom army stationed in Prinzi Novoro numbers around ten thousand. And if the southern garrison sends support, fighting them is easier said then done. "

While the knights had nothing else to add, a girl's voice suddenly broke in:

"If it was only a thousand troops by sea, then there would be no problems."

Everyone turned to look in silence while listening to Francesca. Their faces were all filled with surprise.

"Princess Francesca, what are you talking about?"

"Thousands of troops by sea... how many times would we have to move back and forth to get a large force? We might as well go by land, bull riding is still faster."

Lord-General Lucignani threw such a joke, in the surrounding, contemptuous laughter could also be heard.

"No such thing, just the Order of the Silver Egg will be the vanguard and go by sea first. You will take the land route and protect the Archbishop on the road to Prinzi Novoro."

Francesca's statement made the people around dumbstruck.

"You are going to use one thousand troops to take Prinzi Novoro?"

"Of course, that's what I mean. "

"That's not going to work, your Highness, you cannot bring such an odd strategy to fruition!"

"The battle of St. Carillon was just to rescue the archbishop, but to regain the cathedral and fight ten thousand enemy troops, our reinforcements sent by land will simply be too late to support you."

"This is the will of the Archbishop under God, you have other ways of doing it?"

Francesca with a smile on her face interrupted the Knight that tried to speak:

"Gentlemen generals with great fanfare you will march on St. Carillon for appearances, but also careful of spies, on hearing the news, the Kingdom Army troops will not be able to depart from St. Carillon."

Several generals turned their heads around to listen.

"First when you reach the entrance of the southern tip of the peninsula, wait to hear a message from the Order of the Silver Egg of our arrival in Prinzi Novoro, if our army banners did not arrive at Prinzi Novoro, urge the troops to retreat. So you do not have your escape route blocked behind you by the Holy Kingdom army."

"Ah." "Oh, I see..." "that is so that at least we do not suffer a crushing defeat in battle."

Several generals have nodded in agreement. Gilbert saw all of this from the door, but had no reaction, it was probably already the norm -- it seemed like Chris was the only person that was flustered.

"However Your Highness, if you are unable to take Prinzi Novoro and the cathedral, aren't you going to be isolated and helpless? "

"Of this point, I am of course aware."

Again there was a general outcry.

"We don't mind, and we might be able to persuade the Archbishop of this. However the Archbishop may feel he needs to take command of the troops to call them to action in his name."

Francesca said this is for her to deal with, and with the consent of everyone they agreed to dissolve the meeting.

After all the generals departed, only the three members of the Order of the Silver Egg were left, Chris couldn't resist asking Francesca:

"What is with this combat methods, ah? You really plan on doing this?!"
In the church, only the loud voice from Chris echoed in the empty space.

"I would like to come out of the war as the victor. " Francesca shrugged her shoulders. Such reactions made Chris suddenly unable to react.

If you calm down, and think from the Generals point of view, Francesca is indeed correct. Because if the vanguard does not take Prizni Novoro, then the Principality Coalition will take loses from the Holy Kingdom forces, behind them the troops at the St. Carillon garrison, in front the Prinzi Novoro garrison, they will be caught in a crossfire.

After we take Prinzi Novoro, just the Order of the Silver Egg alone has to defend the Holy City, even if I am good that is nearly impossible. That is why I need them to confidenlty come by land with additional troops." Fran said.

"What if you cannot capture it--"

Francesca reached her slender forefinger and pasted it onto Chris's lips, blocking Chris's mouth. Chris blushed and hurriedly backed away.

"Listen, about what to do if we lose, it is always the Commander's duty to think of something, you should not think about it."

Chris couldn't help but swallow a sigh of relief after listening – indeed. This is not something a soldier can decide. They can only believe in the commander, or don't believe in commander.

"Say Chris, the same type of battle, the same stringent conditions, had you not been done this many times?"

After this sentence, Chris had nothing left to say.

While he was in the Holy Kingdom army, he participated in the campaign at Prinzi Novoro agains Raiders -- that was at the time the largest battle he participated in -- Chris was part of an suicide assault, and through the bodies of his colleagues, he opened the gate from inside. However a whole year has passed since then, he cannot really believe in his capacity as a member of the Order of the Silver Egg, that they will worry about losing this battle.

-- I had no such thoughts when I was ordered to participate in the assault ... what... did i begin to fear death? When did I become so soft...

Francesca smiled and shook her head.

"It's not that you have changed, but you are no longer a man standing alone on the battlefield."

She said as she moved her gaze to Gilbert. While the Black Knight shrugged and otherwise said nothing.

- I ... I am no longer by himself? So, I become weak...

At this time, he could hear the sound of footsteps coming from behind him.

"Fran, I brought you a change of clothes."

Chris turned to look and the owner of the voice - is Minerva. She stopped in the middle of the church with benches on either side, then quickly looked away.

She deliberately went around the long way, bypassing Chris she walked near the church wall to Francesca, and while pouting , said: "Just because Paola has other things to do, do not treat me like a servant!"

"Ah? Who else do you think can go into my room get me new clothes -- Thank you by the way, now please help me change into them. We can use the confessional for me to change."

"I told you not to treat me like a servant, and you still do! Besides, why in a place like this--"

"If Meena does not want to, then Chris, come along and help me change clothes."

"You're kidding me!"

Minerva right hand pick the clothes, the left hooked Francesca's arm, pulled her into the confessional.

- Minerva ... From that day she did not even look at me ...

--Because she dreamed of being as I kill predicted ... ...

--If genuine then sending troops to Prinzi Novoro, in that case the prophecy ...

At this point in time Chris became aware--Originally, I was not alone... Is such a thing...

--So I am afraid to go to the battlefield. Because Minerva might be killed by the blade of an enemy at any time, and my blade within reach ...

Chris looked up at Minerva and Francesca to see them going inside the wooden confessional. He knew that he was thinking something very foolish. He is a man who lived as a mercenary his entire life, and he may not be able to live without the sword.

As he was lost in thought, Minerva's voice suddenly drifted out:

" ... Hey, Fran ... T-This dress is what is the matter, why do you want to replace the clothes!"

"Meena do you not want to try them on?" I think they will look great on you!"

"Who is going to wear this kind of clothes!"

From inside the confessional such a conversation could be hear. Chris inexplicably felt embarrassed, and turned around to leave the church.

"Princess Fran did not say you could go. 」

Gilbert deep voice, pierced Chris's ears, so he stopped.

"...Doesn't matter, I mean, Well the meeting has ended. Moreover, they are changing their clothes..."

"The military meeting to be chaired by Princess Fran hasn't started yet! Right now only our work as guards has finished. You can also learn the habits of Princess Fran."

Gilbert seemed troubled. Chris cocked his head, failing to understand -- this is ... What does it mean?

This time the confessional door opened, Francesca and Minerva walked outside it. Chris looked at both of them -- Frances was wearing very colorful clothes already nothing like the clothes of a knight commander, but now the dress she wore was more like the clothes of a noble woman, it could even be called gaudy, making him feel like rushing out of the church right now.

"This ... What is this about ..." Chris said.

"Looks good, right?"

"This ... Looks good--not! "

"I am going to go into a separate military conference with the Archbishop next. I heard he likes to make women wear clothes like these - Gill, do not bother coming all right. "

Minerva was shocked to hear this. Francesca waved her hand and softly walked in the direction the Archbishop went beside the altar.

"Fran, stop!"

By the time Minerva recovered and tried to catch up, the door had been - fiercely closed shut in front of Minerva.

"I'll teach you to stop, Fran--Gilbert, you let go of me ... Fran, your brains have burned out!" Minerva cried out.

"<Woman> This identity is a weapon for Princess Fran, you should have already recognized this, do not bother her. "

"Even if this is the case - you, why are you so calm, ah!"

Gilbert did not answer, he turned toward opposite to the door Francesca entered, climbed the stairs and begun moving on that floor.

"Hey! Gilbert!"

"Meena, don't scream inside the church, I can now go see where Princess Fran is staying."

Gilbert went to the pipe organ and opened a trap-door. A brass cover could be seen on the floor.

"The Archbishop's room is below. The voices can pass through the brass cover. If anything happens, we can jump from the main pipe."

Gilbert gave the explanation leaving Chris and Minerva speechless --nevertheless they approached to better understand the situation.

"You ... have investigated this place before?"

"Of course I listened to Princess Fran saying that she wants to use this method to persuaded the Archbishop."

With that said, Gilbert affixed his ears to the brass cover. It was a very strange appearance, but Chris also being worried about Francesca's safety had followed suit.

"Chris, you are not allowed to stick so close, so go over there. " said Minerva.

"This ...Where do you want me to go? This is very narrow. "

"You be quiet, so I can listen to the situation below."

Gilbert elbowed Chris, Chris also focused his attention on the sounds coming from bellow. The whistling flow of air came from the ventilation pipe into the room.

『... I didn't expect, Oh, a beautiful woman like you becoming a Knight commander, what a pity. I don't know the people will think of King Zaccaria. Obviously there are many ways to make it so you didn't have join the army. 』

『I, your servant<ref group="2-3">'''I, Your servant''': deprecatory self-reference for women </ref> personally would have to dedicate their body and their all to the army. 』

『Ah, what are you saying, you are going to regain the Holy Land and as well as it's people, on the battlefield? "

『Of course, as well as the Archbishop Seat. 』

『All right, all right. The day when we retake the Cathedral, you can become my Knight Patron of the Church, okay? However, at that time you will stay at my side and attend to all of my important needs. 』

『I, your servant would be honored!』

Chris could feel his body cramping up; Although Minerva did not take this dialogue seriously, but she also thought this conversation was really disgusting. Hearing the voice of the Archbishop, was as if it was oil and moist flab infecting one's own ears.

『As long as you like, when I stay in Zaccariesco, you can stay with me to serve me. I can help you make a special blessing ceremony. Military meeting ended, so now I can bare along with a special ceremony to reward you, oh. 』

Buzzing ~ ~ a shrill sound of metal distorting was heard and Chris looked up quickly... It was Minerva stroking her forehead with her hands -- She managed to clutch the brass tube with such astonishing strength that it deformed, making a loud noise.

"Minerva, calm down, or they will hear it!" said Chris.

"Don't tell me to calm down, If that pig even dares to touch Fran!"

『--Ah, later, this is what you ... 』

『Ha-Ha, You don't need to be afraid, it's just a blessing ceremony with the help of a secret kiss, you can depend on it.』

The brass pipe in Minerva's hands was beginning to cut her.

『Later, prior to this, let's discuss the issues of sending the army.』

『What, you still have more to say on the army matter? Why do you wish to lead the vanguard? Me leading the entire army would be better.』

『I, Your servant personally want to go inside Prinzi Novoro and claim the next seat, so a proper vanguard to take Prinzi Novoro. Moreover, after the battle, the cathedral altar and prayer rooms are likely to be dirty, someone will have to go first to clean up. I, your servant personally believe that is Holy Kingdom tarnished Holy Church. 』

『Ho, ho-ho, you are a sweetheart, almost like a newly married bride -- OK, OK, I got it, get it done right. 』

『What about you going in my bedroom and waiting for me, this is not a problem, right?』

『Yes, I, your servant personally will be sure to go. 』

"Say now, these clothes are good, but my preference is like this ..."

『Have to sit down, can not continue ~ ~』

Minerva flushed and turned to go out of the outlet, Chris also quickly stood up. Now this is not a matter of the degree where they can sit back and watch. But Gilbert's hand pulled Minerva by the shoulder to stop her. Not have much room here, Chris could not move.

"What you're doing, Fran is about to get the pig to-"

"Princess Fran can get out of this. You were just about to waste her entire effort!"

"How can you say such a thing!"

Minerva was right. That fierce-looking dangling vulgar man, just reached out and touched Francesca making everyone panic. She even passed her anger onto Gilbert -- why does Francesca have to suffer such treatment! Is this battle that important to you... But just when she was about to go in, she became aware. Gilbert had the long sword in the scabbard hanging on his waist, his hand shaking on the handle of the sword -- he is in fact suppressing his anger.

At this time, they were no longer listening on the brass pipe, footsteps sounded inside the Church -- and then came a girl's voice:

"Princess Fran! Princess Fran, are you here? Sorry, I'm late! You told me to go to your room and get your clothes, but I couldn't find them! I has no choice but to come to you--"

It was Paola's voice. Chris and Minerva turned to look at each other, then the altar door open again, coupled with the roar of the Archbishop--

"Whoa ah ah ah ah ah -?"

The sound of rolling followed by a fat body slamming and shaking the ground could be heard.

"ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah! I am sorry! I am sorry! I am sorry! I am sorry! -- "

Paola high-pitched cries echoed; a little while after the chaos, through the pipe organ parts, there came a strange mechanical sound, and now they can no longer stay in this room -- Minerva changed from a look of shock, to reveal a pleasant face, then brushed aside Gilbert's hand.

Gilbert shrugged and sighed, then followed Minerva out of the room. Chris looked at them like this and feeling that the danger passed, felt at easy and revealed a smile.

<center><span style="font-size: 200%;">◊ ◊ ◊</span></center>

"Chris, Meena, you both love worrying too much. "

Francesca at the garrison siting at the same table for dinner spoke so, and then laughed out loud.

"The Duke's daughter body will only be given to the man I love."

"Who is the man Princess Fran loves?" Paola asks while putting soup into her bowl.

"I haven't found any man worth of having my virginity, so at present I'm still single, alone on the battlefield trying to climb back and forth. " Francesca blurted out the words while deliberately facing the direction of the door, soldiers could be heard outside.

[[Image:TnJtRnK v02 061.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
They did not dine in the Castle, but in a room inside the camp. Gathered at the door were the soldiers of the Order of the Silver Egg already here as an impenetrable wall keeping other outside. They listened to the dialogue inside and at the same time were relieved. This was loud enough that even Chris heard it all.

It was of course because news of the Archbishop laying his hands on Francesca were spread around.

"Chastity, virginity! Why do we arrive at this topic now all of a sudden!"

Paola flushed red, almost dropping the soup bowl in her hands. The imminent peril at the time to preserve the princess chastity other then the people involved nobody else seemed to have an absolute understanding of what has happened from beginning to end. Francesca smiled, looked at her and didn't tell her anything.

"I do not know exactly what you had planned, but you really don't have too much vigilance of it!" Minerva from start to finish, said in a straight face, angrily biting the bread in her hands.

"I did not lower my vigilance, I did it to lure him in. I opened the gates."

"Even worse!"

"I had this planned out with Gilbert."

While hearing the topic of the conversation switching over to him, the silent guard captain only gave a brief glance.

"Only Gilbert believed that I can simultaneously preserve the operational plan I have proposed, and my virginity."

The most difficult part to accept is that, Francesca actually put the plan toghether with the intent to seduce the Archbishop and informed Gilbert in advance, Gilbert with a surprisingly calm expresion discussed the whole plan together with his master.

"If there is sufficient trust between each other, something can be said about it. 」

Francesca said and she pointedly glanced at Chris, and then looked to Minerva's lower body. Chris froze for a moment, then Francesca's attention was immediately moved to the top part of the same target.

- If you have enough trust between each other ...

--But ... She refused to tell me anything ... Something about her dream ...

At this time Minerva and Chris line of sight came into contact. She was holding a piece of cheese that slipped out through her fingers. Then she quickly stood up, her cheeks flushed red.

"Meena? Did you finish eating?"

Ignoring Paola's question, Minerva turned around and headed toward the door.

"Huh?" "Ah!" "Wah-wah ......"

Minerva abruptly opened the door,the Order of the Silver Egg officers and soldiers wall colapsed instantly pilling up on the ground, throwing dust into the air. Minerva cut through the swarm of men in the corridor, hearing her footsteps in the distance Chris could not help but stand up. "Minerva!" He ran out the door but by this time all of the soldiers had gotten back up. "Hey, Hey, Chris, that... did anything alarming happen with the princess?"

"That ... I heard the Archbishop wanted ... is that true?"

"The lips do not chirp ~ ~ right?"

"Ah, hey! Chris!"

Chris did not answer half a sentence, he pushed a group of people that were still on the ground, and he hurried after Minerva.

He ran down the stairs and to the entrance of the garrison caught up with the back of that red hair.

"Minerva! Wait!"

As the same time as hearing his voice, the red hair suddenly flared from the wind fully covering his entire sight, then falling down - Minerva suddenly squatted on the floor.

It was already dark now, outside the barracks wall usually street prostitutes were waiting for clients, but there were no other people.

"...Minerva..."

When Chris called again, hearing the sound of her name, her shoulders shook up all of a sudden ...

"Frank said, you will take it seriously ... "

"Hey..."

"T-There are some things that you simply - simply do not know ... "

Minerva was holding her shoulders, her murmur sounding somewhat helpless.

"So can you please stop always asking ... "

"But..."

Chris came out chasing after Minerva on pure impulse, he himself had no idea what he wanted to say to her.

If Minerva did not have a foresight in her dreams, that told him, the reason was that he was not sufficiently trusted, this thought really makes him feel sad. But now he looked at Minerva unable to comfort her pain and sorrow away, no way of helping. This made himself feel truly deplorable.

"If your dreams make you so sad, even if not all of it, but if you can say a part little by little to me..."

"You fool, you showing a little compassion is kind of boring!" Minerva still didn't turn around. "I'm not like Fran, I can't talk about that sort of thing!"

--That sort of thing?

Chris thought ......The hard to tell thing that Minerva is hiding is not really something that makes her feel uncomfortable about, but is -- that she was embarrassed of it?

--Yes, Women that travel the battlefield on a daily basis, may bump into some embarrassing circumstances...

"T-That... Minerva, what about that dream..." Chris shouldn't have blurted out his speculations, but couldn't stop his mouth from moving: "This, this would not be... With virginity or... Something like that?"

Minerva turned and stood up at the same time, with a fierce expression and red hair shaking hard on Chris's face, "You, you--you idiot--"

The she hit Chris with a heavy blow that he mercilessly hit the barracks wall.

For the next two full days, every-time Minerva saw Chris she refused to talk.

==Translator's notes & references==

<references group="2-3"/>

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Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko:Volume 2 Chapter 2

2013-12-23T14:35:47Z

79.118.217.61: /* Chapter 2 - The White Rose Knight */

==Chapter 2 - The White Rose Knight==

North west of the Holy Capital the Emperor has a palace called the Emerald Palace. It is an imposing castle, overlooking the Holy Capital water supply of lake Takamiya, this is one of the oldest buildings in the kingdom. Every time the sun shines on the lake, the moss on the walls looks as if it was burning, dyed in a glamorous red, this is what the Emerald Palace was named after.

This place was more serene then the Divine Queen Palace, usually few people had access here. In recent years, as he was about to enter old age only Grand Duke Galerius<ref group="2-2">'''Galerius''': previously
Galelius</ref> would visit the Emperor.

But on this day, another person came with Galerius. They stopped in front of the white wooden door.

"I'm still like rest, we will have to wait." Galerius said to the person that accompanied him. They went into a spacious terrace close to the door.

Here there was arranged a Hanging Garden, and they were greeted with the colors of spring. The garden had flowers, birds singing, squirrels playing in the foliage. With a panoramic view overlooking the city's bustling streets and lakefront.

[[Image:TnJtRnK v02 029.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
"The view here is great right?" He turned around and asked the young man beside him.

"Yes!"

On the youth's face appeared a natural smile, delicate like a girls; shoulder-length silver hair, revealing the shape of his ears. He was wearing formal Knight clothing, the cape trimmed with a white rose badge - proof that he was a White Rose Knight, in the whole army of the Holy Kingdom less then ten people received this honor.

"Such a beautiful city, such a beautiful country, I swear to protect it with my life." he said.

Galerius sighed, thinking that this young knight couldn't be more impressed about the beauty in front of him.

"Julio, you know you will have to do something about that habit of yours. At least when seeing a view like this, you should forget about being a knight."

The young knight Julio's face became solemn: "I believe that in order to properly guard the nation peace, I must meet the model of the perfect White Rose Knight."

"The whole country can not rely on one person to protect it, everyone has a role in it. Starting today, you will server as a guard to the Emerald Palace, as long as you concentrate on maintaining peace in this city then it's just fine."

"Your servant<ref group="2-2">'''Your servant''': form of address used when speaking to a ruler</ref> understands." Julio recovered his cheerful appearance and answered in a loud voice.

Can this young man really do the job properly... Galerius thought a bit flabbergasted. But this is essential for the job, Julio had almost a perfect score. His superior swordsmanship, steadfast loyalty to the state; he was young, and not very connected, all necessary conditions. And his girlish beauty also seemed to be tailor-made for this task.

But he is too innocent, making him feel uneasy.

"His Majesty will see you later. His Majesty is of an advanced age, and he's feeling the years on his body..."

Galerius said in a careful tone, such as stamping a wax seal, making Julio feel a bit nervous.

His Majesty the Emperor of this city had only two places he called home: one was the palace where the queen Silvia resides, and the other this Emerald Palace.

"But following His Majesty's long years of seclusion here, it can get a bit boring. In addition to serving as His Majesty's personal servant, you will also accompany him on his walks. When he will see you, he might be happy to have someone new to talk to, but do not take too long. Say that you need to finish a report so that you will not stay long in front of His Majesty."

"Your servant understands." said Julio while giving a courtesy bow, then lifted his head and asked: "Your servant heard that His Highness was your lordship Galerius' brother. Logically speaking His Majesty should still be young, him staying in the Emerald Palace all the time, is it because he is sick? "

I wonder if this type of curiosity is specific to young people... Galerius though. The young knight had almost blind loyalty, this curiosity was very intriguing, he could not help but smile. Julio was indeed a very likeable young man, but at the same time this made Galerius deepen his distrust.

He is needed in this post, so he will have to overlook this. Galerius did not think this youth had the ability to deceive him.

"His Majesty is not that old and he is not sick, but he refused to leave the palace, you're better off not knowing and seeing to your own duties."

Galerius finished, turned around and looked in the direction of the hallway. Two boys just came out from behind the white door, and immediately saluted Galerius as they saw him, then walked toward the left side of the hallway.

The attendants have left. The Emperor seems ready to meet them.

"Let's go."

Galerius started walking toward the door, only to see Julio still standing still.

"... What's the matter? " asked Galerius.

"Your lordship, I'm sorry... there is a squirrel..."

Julio seemed like he was about to cry, Galerius could not help but frown -- a squirrel?

"It fell asleep on my shoulder..."

Taking a closer look, he could see that a squirrel got inside Julio's cape, the tail hanging outside the cape. Galerius almost let go of his walking stick.

"Please wait your lordship, your servant will carefully put it away, so it won't wake up."

Julio tried not to lose his balance, and carefully reached out to the squirrel.

"Fool! It's nothing but a squirrel, just drive it off!"

"But my lord, you said this humble servant's job is to maintain the palace peace. The squirrel is also a part of the palace, do I not have to ensure its peace?"

Galerius was speechless. Julio gently placed the squirrel in the shade. Galerius can not help but find this course of action very cute, suddenly coming to his senses, only to find this entire scene very annoying.

(This man to the end! Innocence should also have a limit!)

(... Maybe he isn't suited for the job after all?)

Now however, it's too late to not give Julio the post. He has no energy to lecture Julio and turned directly toward the hallway. He could hear Julio's footsteps as he hurried to keep up. Galerius pushed the white wooden door, and got a whiff of sweet aroma.

This was a spacious bedchamber. Near the door various tall tables could be found, some filled with books, and the guards posted inside the room. The light of the candlesticks illuminated the entire room, and a large bed placed at the far end on a raised platform, with a canopy on top and purple curtains walled it off.

"Galerius to see His Majesty the Emperor--"

Galerius respectfully bowed his head, and was about to go on, when a voice from the bed made him stop:

"Well, Galerius, the long greeting now exempt -- introduce the young man behind you."

Galerius had a puzzled expression but kept silent, then turned his head. Standing behind him was the young knight frozen in place like something happened - making him feel a bit frightened... Galerius had a very uneasy feeling - because of the Emperor - because the Emperor's bedchamber was too messy yet even light could not pass though the purple curtains that surprised him...?

No, It was the voice of the Emperor that frightened Julio. The Emperor as Galerius' older brother, should be over 50 years old. However listening to his voice made him be extremely young, it was like an insult to his ears.

"Do not fluster, I do not know what Galerius said to you, but I am only a man not exposed to the sun. I can see you and can hear your voice."

Galerius glanced once at Julio. The young White Rose Knight tried very hard not to make his surprised expression apparent, and at the same time went forward step by step, "... I am your humble servant and vassal - from Geriou - Geminiani's son, I'm called Julio."

"I don't know how many times I already heard from Galerius here, that that Geminiani had raised an interesting child." the Emperor spoke and at the same time Julio found himself starring at the floor with his cheeks slightly flushed. "I heard that you were raised as a shrine maiden of God, were you?" He spoke these words with no inflection of emotion.

"Yes, my father raised me so my humble self could one day walk this path."

But Julio showed no sign of fear, nor anything to be ashamed of. Inside the curtains the sound of laughter could be heard. After Galerius listened to Julio's response he couldn't not help but feel a slight surprise.

Julio's father, Geriou - Geminiani is of low nobility. He does not care about anything else but to succeed, however unable to find a proper way. Many years he had tried to get a child, however seemingly unable to foster one, he fell into depression. When he was forty years old he finally got a son, but his son looked more like a cute girl then a boy, and Geminiani finally collapsed.

However, in order to rise to success, the only position in the Holy Kingdom that did not need large boys was beside the Queen - becoming a shrine maiden of God, then a servant in the palace... Geminiani came up with this idea, and thus Julio was raised as a girl with theology as the center.

Most surprisingly however, was that his intention was not seen through, and Julio at the age of 12, was admitted to the institution, successfully becoming a shrine maiden of God.

The one who noticed Julio was actually a man, was not the High Priestess or his fellow students, but a well-known swordsman who was fortunately in the palace at the time - in the Inner Palace he was among girls, so Julio had to hide his identity, being carefully not to stand out, however he was unable to "hide his smell" from the swordsman, so he was noticed.

This was a very lucky encounter for Julio. As he grew older, he would have begun to stand out because of his body height, but at the time he was exposed it was no small matter. However, the swordsman while taking the job of becoming a fencing advisor in the Royal Palace, offered to become Julio's teacher.

Julio had then stopped his studies, picked up the sword, discarded the shrine maiden clothes and put on a suit of armor. After several years, he obtained mastery of the sword recording all the techniques with his body.

And now he was offered knighthood and the medal of the White Rose Knights, climbing yet again the social ladder.

Originally his father should have been happy with this outcome, however because he was suffering from heart disease, he was admitted into a nursing home high up in the mountains. And Julio, although lived such a crazy life, was now accepted as a guard of the Emerald Palace. If he would have taken the normal path for knights maybe he would have never climbed the ladder to such heights.

"Julio, you will become a part of the knights that I command directly, I have no objections to this." the Emperor's voice was heard through the curtains.

"Yes, this is a great honor for my humble self!"

"Your duty on the surface will be to protect the queen as her personal knight."

"Her Majesty the Queen's personal knight?" Julio lifted his face to reveal a very cheerful expression.

"Yes!" The Emperor then said in a serious tone: "But what you have seen today and what was talked here must not be disclosed to anyone, if I should hear anything, I will have you and all of your immediate family beheaded."

This sentence was so heavy, Julio could not help but grimace -- seeing this, made Galerius feel distressed. While he did not know how much to tell the knights before they were posted here. He had to at least give them enough information so that they knew what to expect, he could not tell him more while the palace Lady Luonisica<ref group="2-2">'''Lady Luonisica''': previously Lady Hieronihica </ref> had her headquarters here, Julio will have to deal with this himself... however the Emperor's next statement made Galerius face go white.

"Yes, you may not know this, but there are queens in this generation."

"Your Majesty!" Galerius could not help the outburst and get over it.

"Do not interrupt. If you do not tell him the matter, how can he preform his duty?"

Galerius held his breath, and could only back off - however what the Emperor said was right... Although he could understand in his heart, he could not conceal the hurried look he sent toward Julio.

"... Your Majesty means..."

"The Emperor had two daughters. The sisters have both inherited the Divine Oracle powers."

"How can there be such a thing--"

"The other sister is called Minerva, she regarded inheriting the position of Queen with extreme loathing, therefore fled the Kingdom since she was young. Now she's with the Zaccaria knights. If you were on the battlefield you should have heard her name, she is the <Salt Spraying Soul Reaper on the Battlefield>. "

Julio could not bear to swallow his breath. "... In the end what is the reason Minerva left Your Majesty..."

"The Queen shoulders a heavy responsibility." The Emperor did not let Julio speak before continuing."But most of Dushanda<ref group="2-2">'''Dushanda''': possibly previously as Tuekay</ref> power of Oracle stayed with Minerva. So she is supposed to inherit the throne. As for Silvia, the Oracle power in her body is weak, but still refuses to write predictions and refuses to talk." Galerius dismissed the idea of interrupting. At this time Julio's bright future vanished. Because he had heard these deep secrets, this young knight is unable to turn back to a normal life ever again.

"Because of this, within the palace, there will be people who want to take advantage of this." The priestesses resident in the palace can make predictions. Even if Silvia will not talk, they can still get Oracle predictions from her. The headquarters of Lady Luonisica has held all of these prophecies for me, there have always been three Great Dukes leading the Holy Kingdom taking sovereignty of the Inner Palace. But now inside the Inner Palace the temples hold power, there are many of your former classmates that you should know... is there anything you don't understand?"

Galerius looked briefly to Julio, his face was pale, full of regret. Regretted coming here, regretted the severe work ahead. Now this frank and loyal youth, must now become the good knight and spy between the queen and the shrine maidens. If he would have followed the proper path for a knight, in a upright manner, he would not be here today. But now he knows too much regarding the workings of the Inner Palace... Galerius felt pity for the boy and tried not to meet his line of sight.

"Your humble servant did not understand."

Julio answered in an unexpected way, Galerius couldn't help but stare at him.

--What? What did this guy say?

--What His Majesty had said, he didn't understand?

"Your servant has received the White Rose badge. Your servant does not understand what Your Majesty has said, exactly at what point is that in line with the duty of a knight."

Underneath those curtains I have no idea what kind of face you have older brother... Galerius couldn't help but wonder. Julio completely blind-sighted him with his sense of Knight duty.

"Her Majesty's reluctance to speak, is Her Majesty's own will. Protecting her is my duty as a White Rose Knight, but such a duty does not include spying for Your Majesty."

"Shut up Julio! Do you know what you are talking about!" Galerius could not help but interrupt. "These are His Majesty The Emperor's orders!"

But this young knight actually does not give a thought to the warning and continued to open his mouth saying: "Your servant was warned, and know that I'm unable to leave. Your servant is willing to cut off his ears and to cut off his tongue to express the determination to keep everything a secret if Your Majesty so orders. But if ordered to act against Her Majesty the Queen, that will be difficult to obey."

His remarks made Galerius speechless, this is not just a frank and loyal man, his strong will made Galerius feel ashamed. Then he realized that Julio was mentally tough, mentally strong enough to even think to such an unnecessary degree, but also Julio's display was so strange that he was filled with fear and started trembling.

Galerius stood by and listened, and felt that he had a very weak character, always subservient to other men, playing along with their desires. And he wished to know if Julio's strong mentally, that was so strong he could self-destruct, came from practice...

Galerius was unlikely to help Julio now -- too afraid of being beheaded... Just when Galerius started to think, laughter sounded from behind the curtains.

"... Interesting. I have seen a lot of knights, that see themselves as the object of duty, all fragile like thin rope. The object of their declaration of loyalty, only wealth."

After after hearing the Emperor speak, Julio did not display any trace of fear, his eyes staring straight at the curtains.

"You say you will refuse, but I told you that I will kill all of your immediate family, do you still refuse?"

"If Your Majesty orders your humble servant to protect the Queen's life at all cost, then I will gladly accept. But if your humble servant in his capacity of White Rose Knight cannot act contrary to Her Majesty's will, and also the White Rose badge honoring the families of Aetna, future children and grandchildren, will see it as disgrace with their eyes."

The Emperor laughed, hard enough to shake the curtains on the bed.

"Your Majesty, please pay attention to your image."

Galerius pointed out to the Emperor. The Emperor stopped laughing, replaced with heavy breathing, not laughing, but unable to hide the joy in his voice.

"... Well, it's not up to you at all. Galerius, you brought a really interesting guy."

This man is not here to entertain your boredom away -- Galerius almost pointed this out, but chose not to do it seeing the regret in Julio's heart spread.

"Julio, do not take seriously what I have just said. I order this of you now -- you should enjoy being the Queen's personal knight in the future."

Galerius couldn't help but swallow a sigh of relief. The Emperor then continued to say: "Your duty is to protect Silvia in the future, and nothing else, how about it?"

"Your Majesty, please wait, this --"

"Galerius, keep your mouth shut."

"Your servant will obey."

Julio finished speaking, and bowed deeply to the Emperor. Galerius had a somber look, and pulled back from the edge of the bed, this is actually... Now we can only do this. After all, other than Julio, he could probably not find another candidate. He's tight-lipped, so this task might still be feasible.

Despite Galerius thinking this, he still felt uneasy inside. He worried that he may have committed a fatal error, so the shadows of doubt covered his heart.

"I wish I was able to wield a sword right now." said the Emperor. "Galerius you help him hold the ceremony. While this task is anything but enjoyable, this young man seems to like such stiff ceremony."

Galerius took the sword from Julio's scabbard, patted him on the shoulders with the sword then whispered the chant of the first Charter. Although only a stripped-down ceremony, but this is a Royal Family Order of Knights and needs a ceremony - Servant of the Gods and the crown, with absolute loyalty to the flag...

Right when Julio was about to leave the Emperor's bedchamber, Galerius whispered to Julio saying:

"You listen well, because you are both young and highly educated as a shrine maiden, so you are able to enter the temple, you can probably get Lady Luonisica to recognize it. But inside the Palace are all the enemies. The priests dislike Her Majesty dealing with the Three Grand Duke families and the military."

"Your humble servant will keep it in mind."

Julio answered and at the same time a smile flourished on his face. It seemed as though he was thanking Galerius from the bottom of his heart, Galerius almost felt like adding: this is only for your ears... however "This humble servant will as a knight only think about protecting the Queen, regardless if such action may bring dangers to myself."

Galerius sighed. He was expecting a reply like this.

After the White Rose Knight left the Emperor's bedchamber, immediately the atmosphere all of a sudden felt heavy.

"... This man is truly unfortunate." the Emperor said from his bed though the purple curtains. "However, Galerius, I offer my thanks for finding such a man, a commendable job."

"This is not my credit, those octopuses who found him." Galerius spit a coldly. The "octopus" was actually a generic term for spies - or denigration.

"You seem to have found a very sharp fellow. I've never seen such a beautiful man before. Also, those beautiful eyes, rather sharp – ha-ha, it really is a shame, if not for such a duty, I'd want to keep him by my side. "

"Older brother, you really need to behave. Your body simply cannot handle this idea."

Now that this room held no other people, Galerius' tone became natural and relaxed.

"My body was very abiding lately. Do you want to see?"

"That's disgusting. I can't even look."

"You don't want to see?"

"I have not crawled to the status that I can live in seclusion. Besides I'm old and always feared this. "

"Ho-ho-ho, if you get sick, your idea will be casually overthrown. You see, my left hand has stabilized."

The Emperor finished speaking, the curtains opened up slightly and a hand stretched from the inside. Galerius cast a sidelong glance, and investigated the visible hand. The joints had the appearance of old age, but some skin outside the joint did not have any wrinkles, with cherry-colored skin just like a boy's hand.

However, the scary part lies in the place above the wrist, the exposed flesh and blood like a layer of skin. Galerius's entire body pulled back at the sight - repulsive, no matter whether this was merely a hand or a man, simply ugly and disgusting.

"I still can not compare to Lady Luonisica."

Galerius felt the Emperor's voice as he refused to give up and persisted in nipping the neck.

The palace Headquarters, the Palace Priest group is managed by one person, Lady Luonisica. No matter how much time passes, she always looks young and beautiful maintaining the same appearance, so it gives a creepy and disgusting impression.

"There seems to be something missing, we have no way to make it look like Lady Luonisica does."

Results, that's the real purpose ... Galerius heart suddenly felt a gushing sense of hopelessness.

The Emperor and the three Grand Duke families did not have any interest in the peace and future of the Holy Kingdom. Their eyes only lay upon the unique surgery Lady Luonisica uses that gives youth. The reason he sent Julio into the palace was for this, Silvia simply did not matter to him. Galerius didn't want to spend time with the old man's obsession, since he never had the idea to go back to being young in this way. Whether his older brother or Lady Luonisica, the feelings for them are equally disgusting.

But that's not important. Since Julio was intended to infiltrate the Inner Palace, Galerius had to start figuring how best to maximize the use of him as well as planning matters with the three Grand Duke families.

"By the way, you have to make sure Minerva comes back." The Emperor withdrew his hand back behind the purple curtains, and then muttered : "With great difficulty there are two daughters, huh, huh."

Galerius felt shivers runs down his back. As he tried to get rid of the chilling experience, he got up and left the Emperors bedchamber.

In the scenery outside the Emerald Palace, the spring sun hung as if to paste with the lake. Galerius could slide to the Atrium, and saw Julio walking toward the door - he looks like a handsome young Knight once put up to such a task, the future of this boy will probably sink into the lake like dense algae, and unable to see a bright future again... But in Galerius' mind there was no pity or sympathy, but rather thoughts on how to best use the young knight - Julio.

He had in fact not needed the Emperor to urge him, Galerius also planned to bring Minerva back. But this is not for the sake of the old man's obsession, but for the Holy Kingdom of Aetna. Galerius was calculating whether to make Julio also contribute to this, while also starting to walk slowly following the corridor.

==Translator's notes & references==
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