Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Chapter 2 (section)

===Part 4===
Listy heard this clearly, everyone almost gasped simultaneously.
 
Then it hit her, that was Akatsuki’s real purpose.
 
……You’re serious, Akatsuki.
 
Akatsuki had already been mentally prepared, even if he had to become enemies with his past comrades, he would still fight for the demon race.
 
“Hmmph……Don’t think that just by adding one more person, you will be able to compete with Disdia’s forces.”
 
Baram could not conceal his rage, but Akatsuki still had a frivolous appearance.
 
“Are you serious now?”
 
Akatsuki laughed.
 
“Did you carefully consider the consequences of becoming my enemy?”
 
“What did you say……?”
 
Through Akatsuki’s reminder, Baram’s face suddenly became pale.
 
……It looked like Baram had already noticed it.
 
Listy thought. Taking into the account of risk involved by making Akatsuki their enemy, Baram’s reaction was not surprising. After all, their opponent was a hero that had defeated Alayzard’s strongest demon king – Galious. There would absolutely be psychological impact on their soldiers. Even if he was called the “Rogue Hero”, countries all over the world, including Sherfield, had many Akatsuki supporters. Especially soldiers from the battlefield—Akatsuki, who had led the battle, was definitely their hero. These people had witnessed Akatsuki’s performance on the battlefield and they naturally understood Akatsuki’s combat prowess. When Galious was still alive, he had the title of Alayzard’s strongest and undefeatable demon king, but in the end, he still lost to Akatsuki. Once the soldiers understood that they were going to fight against the invincible Akatsuki, there was bound to be panic. This was also the reason why Baram had sent his strongest assassin to defeat Akatsuki. He did not think that Phil Barnett would lose and even the Evil Dragon Zahhark would be defeated by Akatsuki. This proved that Akatsuki’s combat abilities far surpassed Baram’s imagination.
 
“But……If we really began to fight, victory will still belong to us.”
 
Baram continue to persist, but the expression on his face was very pained. However, what he said was accurate. If it was in a frontal confrontation, the chances of Disdia winning were not low. No matter how powerful Akatsuki was, he was still only a human, how could he face the hundreds of thousands of human troops? But this would already not be a military action to eliminate the demon race, and rather a devastating war filled with corpses, even if they managed to win, the damages and impact they had to face were difficult to estimate. Although Disdia’s national power was enormous, it had already been exhausted through the battles over the years against the demon king Galious, and had yet to recover completely. Thus if war did set off again, there was no guarantee that the country would not be shaken. As the ruler of Disdia, it was impossible for Baram to not understand these principles.
 
……And……
 
Listy thought. Although the odds of winning a frontal confrontation were not low, but……
 
……The military conflict was not everything about the war.
 
“As long as war starts, victory will belong to the humans? This may not be the case.”
 
As if he also understood this concept, Akatsuki looked around at the crowd.
 
“Disdia, who lost many brave and fierce princes, is only relying on the prestige of the current emperor to maintain everything. Through the symbol and absolute authority of the Pope, the religious country Aleclasta. The only survivor of royalty who became the Queen, and after taking back the capital they rose up to fight against the demon king Galious, the country Sherfield. These three countries’ leaders are irreplaceable able people. Just by defeating the “King” or taking over a “capital”, cutting down the wishes and hope of the people, everything will be settled. The most simple example is when I defeated Galious, the battle between the humans and demon race also came to an end.”
 
Exactly. There are many methods to win a war, it is not necessarily about just fighting with the enemy forces.
 
“Meaning that once the two sides fight against each other, you will not hesitate to kill me?”
 
Volk narrowed his eyes and stared at Akatsuki.
 
Only to see Akatsuki shrug.
 
“I don’t want to do that either. But if you are going to become my enemy, harm my comrades, then I have no other choice. This is called karma.”
 
However……
 
“Taking you guys as the hostage is also an excellent idea. Just like you had planned to take the demon king’s daughter as a hostage.”
 
Therefore——
 
“Consider it carefully. If there really is no room for negotiation and no room for peace talks, this castle’s hall may instantly turn into a battlefield.”
 
 
The scene was suddenly enveloped in cold atmosphere.
 
But——
 
“Oh no, Akatsuki……How can you randomly scare people?”
 
Miranda’s smile warmed up the atmosphere of the scene.
 
“These talks were requested by you. If you were to cause trouble in the middle of the talks, you would only agitate the feelings that human have on the demon race. I believe that it should not be the ending that you, who wish for peace, hope for?”
 
“Haha, looks like I can’t hide it from you.”
 
Akatsuki slightly smiled.
 
“However……Akatsuki.”
 
Volk interfered from the sidelines:
 
“You seem to place a deep hope on the peace treaty between the demon race and the humans, but what about the feelings of the people?”
 
After all……
 
“Humans and demon race have a history of conflict, and it flows deeply. Up till now, both sides are still in the situation of mutual hostility. How could they forgive and forget about the past and peacefully live together?”
Listy expressed agreement in her heart. Unless they obtained the support from their people, the peace treaty was only just a formality. However, Akatsuki shook his head as if he was not worried about this point.
 
“A peace treaty is different than an alliance. It will not force demon race and humans to live together. It simply is a non-aggression agreement in order to avoid the reoccurrence of similar conflict.”
 
“……Non-aggression? Meaning that we will live in peace by not interfering with each other?”
 
Listy asked and Akatsuki simply said “Yes” and nodded.
 
“The demon race only wishes to live their lives in peace. If both sides do not approach each other, then naturally conflicts will not arise. There has never been a similar agreement in the past between the humans and the demon race. The people from both sides were living in fear of a war erupting any moment. But once the peace treaty is signed, at least there will be a protection formally, which will also effectively eliminate the fears within the people’s hearts.”
 
The scene fell into silence. Everybody was considering the feasibility of a peace treaty in their hearts.
 
……It was not unreasonable.
 
Listy thought. As long as they both do not interfere with each other, peace between the two sides is not impossible.
 
At this moment……
 
“Ah, so that was what it is……This consideration indeed makes sense.”
 
Volk muttered and expressed his support.
 
“What? Pope Volk!”
 
A shocked Baram stared at Volk.
 
“Don’t tell me you actually believe in his nonsense?”
 
“Nonsense? It may not be. The long war has just ended, and there is no one that hopes for a war to start again. Truthfully, the battle has continued for too long, it is to the extent that there are some children that have never known what peace is. Since returning to our calm and peaceful lives is the hopes of people, a non-aggression agreement is a viable option……Queen Listy, what do you think?”
 
“……Yes, our country is also tired of the atmosphere caused by the war.”
 
The attack this time was caused by our country’s military, the militia stayed within the country to help out with post-war reconstruction work. Listy understood the people hated war, thus she decided to make this decision.
If it can completely eliminate war, then everything is good.
 
And……
 
……As a result, they will not have to fight against Akatsuki.
 
“Right now only Disdia has not expressed their opinions, how is it?”
 
Alphonse replaced Baram to answer Pope’s question.
 
“Akatsuki-dono’s proposal is indeed attractive, but there are still two problems.”
 
“Ah……Then please say it.”
 
Under Volk’s indication, Alphonse nodded.
 
“First is the attack on our surveillance forces. If it was really the work of the demon race, Disdia will once again take action against Galevain, and at that time, the so-called peace treaty will be gone.”
 
“That is justifiable, after all the premise of the peace treaty was that the attacks on the surveillance forces were unrelated to the demon race. Akatsuki, you should have no objections?”
 
“Yes, that is natural.”
 
Akatsuki nodded, then Alphonse continued to speak:
 
“The following is the second problem. Besides that the matter about our surveillance forces being unrelated to the demon race, there is also the premise where Akatsuki must show strength capable of resisting against us. After all, Akatsuki-dono has only given a one-sided statement. At the same time, we have no confirm the legitimacy of the empty talk. In order to prove the legitimacy of the peace treaty, I would wish for Akatsuki-dono to prove his strength.”
 
“Ohoh……Really you.”
 
Volk narrowed his eyes, laughing very happily.
 
“Akatsuki, what do you say? Is Alphonse’s request reasonable?”
 
“I have no opinions about it, I am always ready to take on the challenge.”
 
Akatsuki replied.
 
“——However, how should I prove my strength?”
 
“About this……As long as you are able to win over our current strongest fighting forces, it should be okay. This should be the most direct and easiest way of proving your strength.”
 
“That is also true. But can you tell me who do you refer to as your “strongest fighting force”?
 
“Is there any need to say it?”
 
After Alphonse said this, Listy could clearly see that a cruel smile appeared on his face.
 
……Could it be?
 
Listy, who suddenly understood, intended to stop Alphonse from continuing; however, it was unfortunately a step too late.
 
She saw Alphonse remain calm and composed while saying:
 
 
“——Queen Listy, General Zech and Elite Executive Loutier, would you three please go?”
 
 
Listy unconsciously bit her lower lips. Zechs and Loutier’s expression was also pale. It seems that the two had also spotted Alphonse’s trap.
 
She could not allow him to continue to spout out a great deal of nonsense, so Listy attempted the change the topic.
 
“Alphonse-dono, it is generous how highly you think of us, but we three are not the strongest forces that you speak of, this is just a baseless conjecture. It seems like you have other plans?”
 
“You consider too much. I do not have any other plans, and the statement about the strongest forces isn’t baseless conjecture. In the past, the three of you have fought together with Akatsuki-dono, and were classified as Great Heroes that saved Alayzard. It is rumored that everyone’s strength is on par with Akatsuki-dono. So our current strongest forces will naturally belong to none other than you three.”
 
“This……But……”
 
The situation was rapidly deteriorating. She was quickly trying to think of a plan. Under these dire circumstances, Listy turned and glanced at Loutier, only to discover that she was sweating a lot, as if she also could not think of a strategy.
 
……What should we do?
 
If the three of us win, it proves that Akatsuki’s strength was not strong enough to cause fear, and a battle between the humans and the demon race may erupt any moment.
 
What if the three of us lose?
 
……The world would believe that the peace treaty was built based on our defeat.
 
Although residents of Alayzard hate war, the majority of the humans do not wish to coexist peacefully with the demon race. Thus the peace treaty should be constructed based on the premise of all three countries, in order to share the responsibilities of the people’s reactions. Right now Alphonse was actually trying to push the responsibility to Sherfield, making Sherfield become the target of public criticism.
 
“Alphonse-dono……Please forgive me, but we cannot bear the responsibilities. Whether the peace treaty will successfully be established between our country and Aleclasta with the demon race, this responsibility should not be borne by our country alone.”
 
“Queen Listy, you worry too much, our country does not mind to allow Sherfield to determine whether the establishment of the peace treaty will be successful, we absolutely did not have the meaning of pushing all the responsibilities to Sherfield——Oto-sama, is this correct?”
 
“Ah, yes.”
 
Baram revealed a slight smile.
 
“Should the signing of the peace treaty be established, let’s let the results of the duel between Akatsuki and Queen Listy and the others to decide. Pope Volk, what is your opinion?”
 
“Ah……If Disdia has expressed their agreement, Aleclasta naturally do not have any reason to oppose.”
 
“Pope Volk?”
 
Facing Listy’s bitter protest, the crafty Volk smiled.
 
“Queen Listy, we entrust it to you. There is no need to give yourself too much pressure, just take it easy.”
 
“……!”
 
Listy bit her lips tightly. Sherfield would replace Aleclasta to bear all the responsibilities, so Volk naturally had no reason to refuse. What about Alphonse’s suggestion? Whether war would break out again or not, their country would still survive. As the leaders of their countries, Volk and Baram’s vision was looking far away, as if they already saw the future after the end of this event. In short, it was the battle of leadership for their military alliance.
 
……We were set up.
 
Alphonse, Baram and Volk’s statements were only just an excuse. If Listy and them really lose, humans and the demon race signed a peace treaty, Disdia and Aleclasta would not find out who is guilty and make Sherfield accountable.  However, this will be a diplomatic conflict between the nations.
 
There were a few citizens that would not forgive the tiniest mistakes made by their country’s leader. If they knew that their country’s leader had lost in a duel, and was forced to sign a peace agreement that they are not willing to see, in the eyes of the people, Sherfield would become the culprit for Disdia and Aleclasta’s citizens. The citizen’s hatred will affect the diplomatic measures for the leaders, so Sherfield would undoubtedly draw the short straw compared to the other two countries; Disdia and Aleclasta could also possibly make endless demands to Sherfield.
 
……And……
 
Sherfield was certain, Alphonse’s trap was because of their relationship with Akatsuki.
 
Akatsuki was Sherfield’s hero. Alphonse was trying to test Akatsuki, questioning whether he was willing to speak out on behalf of the demon race and push Sherfield into a dire situation.
 
……Akatsuki……
 
Listy used pleading eyes and looked at Akatsuki. Not only did Akatsuki pressure Baram earlier, he was also able to talk back against Alphonse. Perhaps he might have a good plan to reverse the situation.
 
At the very next moment, to her surprise, Listy heard an incredible statement.
 
Akatsuki’s remark ——
 
“——No problem. If it is to bring peace between the two sides, I am willing to do anything.”
 
A few minutes later, the deceitful peace talks had quietly settled down.
 
Since Akatsuki had given his approval, Listy and them naturally did not have any reason to refuse.
 
Considering the preparation time needed, the duel between the three of them and Akatsuki was decided to be set two days later.
 
Right now, Listy El Da Sherfield was hurriedly heading to the entrance of the castle.
 
Noticing the back of her target, Listy gave out a loud shout.
 
“——Wait, Akatsuki!”
 
The youth in front slowly turned his head.
 
Seeing Listy’s expression, Akatsuki immediately understood the reasons why she came. He turned and ordered Miu and Haruka.
 
“Let me speak to her privately, she seems to have something to say.”
 
“But……”
 
“Relax, nothing is going to happen.”
 
Facing a worried Miu, AKatsuki could not help but laugh.
 
“I’m not saying that you should stay away like a stranger, you should observe from a distance.”
 
Since Akatsuki said this, Miu could only reluctantly nod, then followed Haruka and left the scene with her. Waiting till the two had walked far away enough, Listy quietly said:
 
“You are the murderer of her father, but you could actually gain her trust in such a short period of time.”
 
“This is called a relationship fostered by the life-threatening situations people faced together. Of course, my own charisma is also a reason.”
 
Akatsuki looked at the Miu who was not so far away. His eyes were very calm.
 
But Listy’s response was very sharp.
 
“There is an 80% chance that it was the result of those perverted hands.”
 
“Haha, you say?”
 
The slightly smiling Akatsuki shrugged. This reaction immediately made Listy unhappy.
 
“Not even letting the demon king’s daughter go, isn’t it too hideous to see?”
 
Complaining at the same time, Listy could not help but feel an outburst of emotions. The conversation they were having right now was the same as the one few years ago when they were travelling around.
 
……Only that we have changed now.
 
Listy became the Queen, Akatsuki became the demon race representative. Compared to the relationship they had before, it was undoubtedly a great irony. While they were travelling together, the two of them would always talk about some far-fetched topic, and were always together, but now the scene had only became a distant memory, leaving behind only melancholy and sadness.
 
“……”
 
Listy felt a burst of sorrow and grief, and bowed her head in silence.
 
“——So?”
 
Akatsuki took the initiative to speak:
 
“You told me to stop, it should not be to talk about the old days right?”
 
So Listy slowly looked up.
 
“……Do you really intend to fight with us?”
 
She wanted to know why Akatsuki accepted Alphonse’s proposal.
 
The way the situation had evolved, Akatsuki was no long able to use his past prestige and record to play a fearful role. Alayzard’s fate would depend on the results of the duel between Akatsuki and Listy and her companions. Seeing that, there were only two paths left. One was that the peace treaty would fail to be established, and Galevain would be completely destroyed by the three countries’ joint forces.  The other way was that the peace treaty would be successful, and the people who opposed the agreement would place their blame on the defeated Listy and her companions, forcing Sherfield to slowly fall apart. Thus, Listy wanted to make sure which path Akatsuki had decided on in the end.
 
The result was——
 
 
“——Give it your best shot.”
 
 
Akatsuki’s answer was surprising.
 
Listy even wondered if she had heard it wrong.
 
It really was unbelievable. Listy could understand Akatsuki’s idea of not hoping the war would reignite between the two sides. Truthfully, this was also her desire.
 
Nobody likes war. Listy really wanted to make an effort for this peace agreement.
 
But if the signing of the peace treaty involved sacrificing Sherfield, the situation was different.
Listy was Sherfield’s Queen, and at the same time, she loved this country. To protect her country and her people is absolutely a responsibility that the she, as the Queen, must bear.
 
……Isn’t it the same for Akatsuki……?
 
The five years we spent together, during that time, who knows how many times Akatsuki risked his life to fight for Sherfield. Listy believed that Akatsuki still loved Sherfield, but the current him did not hestitate to stand on the side of the demon race, which greatly shook Listy’s belief. Listy could not deny that her heart still had a firm trust for Akatsuki. Therefore, she could not believe that Akatsuki would actually say these kinds of words.
 
“Did you abandon us and choose the demon race?”
 
Listy muttered, looking dejected.
 
Seeing this, Akatsuki was suddenly placed in an awkward situation.
 
“No, that is not what I mean.”
 
“Then what does that mean!”
 
Being overly emotional, Listy could not help but raise her voice. Standing not far away, Miu, Haruka and even Sherfield castle guards all responded with curious eyes, but Listy did not care about the gazes from the others.
 
Listy did not seem to care about other people’s thoughts; she only wanted to know what Akatsuki was feeling deep down.
 
“I only do not want to betray myself, betray the people who believe in me.”
 
Akatsuki’s expression was very calm.
 
“Actually I could have turned a blind eye to the situation, silently watching the demon race go on a path of destruction. But you know me, do you really think I’m the type of person who would coldly observe on the sidelines?”
 
“This……!”
 
Listy was speechless. After all, Akatsuki was not wrong.
 
Thus Akatsuki continued to speak:
 
“Do you want the people that trust me, or the people who know me discover that Ousawa Akatsuki only wanted to escape from reality, and was a coward who did not want to face the problem? Sorry, I can’t do that. I take pride in myself that I absolutely will not lie to myself. Yes, I am me, this is also the reason why I, as the Rogue Hero, was able to gain everyone’s trust, there is absolutely no room for negotiations.”
 
Akatsuki’s expression suddenly turned serious.
 
“Knowing that currently a handful of females are crying, knowing that in the future, there will be more females that have tears trickling down, are you telling me to stand by the side and do nothing about it? Sorry, that is not my style. So I will fight, and determine who is stronger, to prove that I have not betrayed the trust you all have in me.”
 
The word “betray” that Akatsuki spoke of made Listy feel emotional.
 
That is correct. In her heart, Listy felt that Akatsuki betrayed himself. However, Listy, who knew Akatsuki better than everyone, understood that this thought was not fair to Akatsuki. Based on Akatsuki’s personality, it was natural for him to take action during this kind of situation. But what was strange was, as Baram had said, why did she deliberately ignore the possibility that Akatsuki brought Miu away from Alayzard?
 
The answer was simple, she was unwilling to face—No, it should be unwilling to believe. Listy did want Akatsuki to protect others. She also clearly understood that this emotion was called jealousy.
 
……What should I do……?
 
Until now, Listy finally noticed how much Akatsuki had occupied in her heart.<!-- "Until now" and "finally (now)" are contradictory. Should it be "not until now" / "finally (now)"? But next sentence doesn't quite match that either. --> That day, when Akatsuki returned to his own world. Up until the final moment with Akatsuki, Listy was still unwilling to say her own feelings.
 
Truthfully, Listy had hoped that Akatsuki would remain behind, she could have cried and begged Akatsuki to not leave.
 
However, Listy still decided in the end to see Akatsuki leave. Because she understood that both Akatsuki and herself still had a more important task on hand.
 
Akatsuki must return to his own world to stop a certain person’s trap. Listy must also lead her country and her citizens, and embark on the road of reconstruction. The warmth of the parting deep kiss was what silently supported Listy in her heart.
 
“……”
 
Listy looked at Miu who was not too far away.
 
Miu’s worried eyes was staring at none other than Akatsuki. The girl beside her was also the same. Listy understood the emotions they have on Akatsuki. After all she is also someone who, even now, had the same feelings inside. Listy could not help but even feel a bit of envy. Miu must have revealed her truest voice in front of Akatsuki, never trying to be brave and hiding. So that is why currently Akatsuki is fighting to protect her.
 
……I can’t do it.
 
If you need me, I will immediately come— Those were the words that Akatsuki had left behind before he went away.
 
But Listy had never called Akatsuki’s name. She attempted to face everything alone, hoping that when they meet again, she will be able to upright face Akatsuki. Listy did not wish to increase Akatsuki’s burden, she wanted to prove herself to Akatsuki. Even without Akatsuki’s help, she would still be able to undertake the task of the Queen alone. To let him know, she had fought in a lonely and solitude environment.
 
But Listy really did not understand why Akatsuki would become her enemy.
 
……Is it because I did something wrong?
 
If Listy, like Miu, asked directly for help from Akatsuki, would Akatsuki immediately stand beside Listy? If she cried in the presence of Akatsuki, or even bawled, would Akatsuki abandon Galevain for Sherfield, abandon Miu for herself?”
 
……What am I doing?
 
Listy shook her head, attempting to get rid of the negative thoughts.
 
“……Are you okay?”
 
“——!”
 
Akatsuki extended his hands as if he showed concern. Listy suddenly shrank back and stayed away.
 
“Ah……”
 
This type of attitude that refused Akatsuki made Listy freeze for a moment.
 
It can’t be helped. Besides from Listy and Akatsuki, there were still a few guards at the scene. Not to mention that Listy was Sherfield’s Queen, and Akatsuki was the demon race’s representative; the two of them must maintain an appropriate distance. No, strictly speaking, it should be forced to keep their distance.
 
Seeing Listy slowly speak with a trembling tone.
 
“……I cannot let you win.” [[Image:HYnA_vol_04_010.jpg|thumb|]]
 
As Sherfield’s Queen, For her own country’s people, and at the same time for her to obtain the respect of Akatsuki, Listy will not back down down.
 
“Yes, that is correct.”
 
Akatsuki nodded and said with a calm tone.
 
“Sorry…..It must be hard on you these days.”
 
“……!”
 
Listy shuddered.
 
Her suppressed emotions were about to overflow, she could not hold it down any longer.
 
Thus——
 
“……Till we meet again, Akatsuki.”
 
Listy turned around and ran quickly into the depths of the castle, as if she was anxious to escape from Akatsuki. 
 
While panting, Listy was repeatedly thinking of the same question. Why? Why did the situation evolve to this today? Is it because I did not speak truthfully to myself?”
 
“Why……?”
 
A cluster of whispers leaked out from her mouth.
 
Perhaps, this was Listy El Da Sherfield’s truest side.
 
 
“Akatsuki……Actually I am not strong at all.”

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