Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 5 Chapter 5 (section)

===Part 7===
 
Even with Listy's pressing Baram for a decision he remained silent. Even so, Listy continued to wait. She already said what she wanted to say. Now, all she could do was wait for the other side to answer.
 
After a little more time.
 
"-- Towards your proposal from your country, Disdiya replies as follows."
 
Baram slowly opened before stating his decision and,
 
"As for continuation of the war -- Disdiya does not accept the cease fire or the peace treaty."
 
Listy heard what was said, but couldn't help ask in a more serious tone,
 
"Even if I make the truth public...... you are fine with that?"
 
"Even if we choose to concede it will not change the fact that Leon Esuperio existed. Under such circumstances if we conclude a peace treaty there is no doubt that Galivain will seize our weakness, and plant the seeds of destruction in the future. It is impossible for Disdiya to accept with these adverse conditions. In other words, the tradeoff is only unilateral coercive. It won't do us any good."
 
And Baram continued,
 
"In case the truth really gets announced to the world -- it will leave our side with no way out. Without a retreat route we can do nothing but believe in our justice, and fight to the end. No cease fire or peace treaty will be possible. At that time Disdiya may be on a path to destruction, but at the same time Sherfied and Galivain will also be compromised."
 
But......
 
"If everyone shuts their eyes to the truth, even if it is an open secret the only country to perish will be Galivain. Then, considering both sides isn't the answer clear."
 
"What makes you think our country will remain silent?"
 
"That is so, but the matter of Leon Esuperio is a very inconvenient truth for Sherfied. If the secret gets out it could affect the survival of your country. Soon your country will abolish its monarchy, and be reborn as a new nation with the national election. It's your long-cherished wish."
 
He took a breath,
 
"-- I personally do no think you have the courage crush your wish or the resolve to destroy your country."
 
"............"
 
When Baram's statement which was closer to a threat reached her ears, Listy was immediately at a loss for words. Before long,
 
"Certainly...... I cannot sacrifice Sherfied."
 
Listy said, nevertheless she was unwilling to give up,
 
"Please let me hear it one more last time. The cease-fire and the peace --"
 
"Impossible -- Disdiya will never take that path."
 
"...... It looks that way."
 
So she said then the next moment -- Listy took out the magic wand hidden behind her back.
 
And turned the tip of the wand towards Baram.
 
"...... What is the meaning of this?"
 
Baram crinkled his eyebrows.
 
"Since it is hopeless to convince you verbally, there is no choice but...... to resort to force."
 
Listy said, she felt it was better to make the first move. Because,
 
"Even if I insisted on making the secret public Your Majesty probably had planned on killing me, no?"
 
"Oho...... your going to kill me?"
 
"No. I have no intentions of killing Your Majesty. I simply want you to disappear with me for a little while. In your absence Disdiya will have to tentatively pass the title of Emperor over to your sole heir Alphonse-dono."
 
-- Listy already had her spy in Disdiya make contact with Alphonse to gain his consent.
 
"Alphonse-dono was in favor of the cease-fire and the peace treaty that I proposed...... he felt it was the only way for Disdiya not to walk on the road to ruin."
 
"I see...... you anticipated all this from the beginning."
 
And Baram snorted,
 
"Although the meeting was kept in strictest confidence there were still a small number of witnesses. Like the knight who guided you here. The Queen of country sneaking into another country's palace in the dead of night outraged enough to kill their Emperor -- this is quite a serious diplomatic incident, even offering your life may not be enough to apologize. Do you have the heart to pull all of Sherfied into your selfish sense of justice?"
 
Then Listy laughed -- and with an extremely confident smile,
 
"There is nothing to worry over. The Kingdom of Sherfied doesn't have to take any responsibility whatsoever."
 
The reason was very simple.
 
"Because...... the country doesn't exist anymore."
 
Before coming here Listy convened an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers.
 
The topic at hand was her plan of attack -- and Listy's revocation of the throne.
 
She explained how she would abduct Empire Baram allowing for Alphonse and Galivain to sign a peace treaty. Naturally Listy's proposal was opposed by all the ministers. Some suggested that Listy carry out her plan whiling remaining Queen making it an official decision of Sherfied. She was grateful for their goodwill, but she flagrantly rejected that proposal. Sacrificing herself alone was enough, she couldn't drag the Kingdom of Sherfied down with her.
 
-- So now Listy wasn't the Queen, rather an ordinary girl.
 
"In order to realize a cease-fire and peace treaty, even at the expense Sherfied interests the truth should also be made public –- to bring an end to the abuse of power by Royalty I expressed my wish for an legislative assembly. I also believe you should take steps towards converting to a democracy, and dismiss the authority of the King."
 
"What utter foolishness...... to even think such nonsense."
 
Baram stood up from his chair and,
 
"Even if you are the former Queen of Sherfied you must also shoulder part of the responsibility. The new King should --"
 
"I am sorry. My removal was just decided a little while ago. The country of Sherfied at present is in a state of confusion with its leaders. I ask Your Majesty to please wait -- umm, several months until the national elections are over."
 
And Listy with an composed air,
 
"And the throne won't be restored to me. As a traitor to my country I will be deprived the position of Queen. I believe very soon, Sherfied will be sending an official letter explaining this matter, as well as seeking your assistance in apprehending the fugitive, the former Queen. There might also be a clause stating something like in no way are they shielding the former Queen from punishment. And if found in your country's borders, Disdiya is free to punish me by the laws of your country."
 
That was of course just lip service, but it was within reason.
 
Covering up the truth which what looks like reason -- was Emperor Baram's modus operandi.
 
"Now do you understand? I have had nothing to do with Sherfied. If Sherfied must take responsibility for this matter it will be minimal. After all, I just lost my throne -- in my deranged state I snuck into this place in order to realize my self-righteous ideals. How is that, does it explain my audacious behavior in trying to kidnap Your Majesty?"
 
Listy smiled.
 
"Your Majesty was right. I don't have the courage to involve Sherfied --"
 
Listy's smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a look of righteousness to clearly declare,
 
"Do not underestimate me -- if its about my crown and my life I have the resolve."