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

===Part 7===
 
"-- Upon restoring peace to the world the Hero returns to his world with the two princesses."
 
It was said in a joking manner in a place inside the Empire of Aleclasta.
 
The most beautiful blooming flowers that could be imagined were enclosed in that place, the sky garden of the Church of Richard.
 
Inside there was a view a God would have while looking down on mother earth.
 
The Archbishop and the Pope of the Church of Richard were witness to everything, and had been quietly laughing.
 
"Hehe...... It's almost like a fairy tale."
 
"Indeed it is...... and they all lived happily ever after."
 
To Miranda's words Volk chuckled lightly, and also gave generous praise to Akatsuki's feats.
 
Certainly with this the war between humans and Demons was at an end.
 
True peace came to Alayzard, and you might say that was good. But,
 
"Baram-dono..... was really pitiful. Other countries aside, to not even have his own son Alphonse-dono understood his hardships, and his real intentions of the war. As it is, it will remain a misunderstanding."
 
Paused for a moment.
 
 
 
"When in fact -- he simply did it in consideration of Disdiya's future."
 
 
 
In Alayzard the Empire of Disdiya had the largest military.  
 
Although the mighty military was worthy of pride the reality for the people was quite harsh.
 
The majority of the country was covered with sand, even their valuable oases and greenery were gradually being swallowed by the desert. That encroaching barren land won't produce any crops.
 
Residents living in the coastal areas facing the sea can fish for a living, but their catches were decreasing year by year.
 
In contrast to crops which can be cultivated by a person's hand, fisherman can't increase production with manpower.
 
Of course, Alphonse held key positions in the country, and would of been aware of the economic side of things. But, since he doesn't want to fight he must attempted to resolve this issue by political power and both foreign and domestic trade.
 
Baram on the other hand, wished to incorporate Galivain into its territory. That country holds a wealth of natural resources in its forest, which would seem like an utopia so far as Disdiya was concerned. In order to solve their country's economic problems, and also acquire the legitimacy to occupy Galivain, Disdiya had to be the one to defeat Demon King Galious.
 
Phil Burnett -- was ordered to make the contract with the evil dragon Zahhak for that purpose.
 
And then holding the dominance at the International Conference Baram could promote Disdiya's status, and strengthen his own authority to get what he needed.
 
However, the existence of the Rogue Hero dampened the Baram's plans.
 
Akatsuki actions saved Sherfied, and ushered in a new era of peace for Alayzard.
 
But from a different point of view -- Akatsuki took away the only hope Disdiya had.
 
-- Therefore Baram this time he had to see things to the end.
 
To him this war was the last hope -- and also his biggest gamble.
 
Even if his name were to become smeared as an invader, everything was for sake of Disdiya. Their new Emperor, Alphonse will soon be able to realize this.
 
And to what extent his father Baram's seemingly crazy actions were in fact in consideration of the country.
 
"Oh well, the results would of been the same even if he won." said Volk.
 
If Disdiya had won, Aleclasta would have denounced their invasion.
 
As they sought territorial expansion, Aleclasta also had something they desired. That was talent. When talented people come together a country's skillsets increase, and those skillsets can be turn into money allowing for that country's finances to become increasingly rich.
 
Disdiya's current power managed to hold up entirely thanks to the charisma of Baram. A scholar such as Alphonse that doesn't want to fight can't replace Baram as the new Emperor of a military nation. In the future, the country will end up falling into serious political instability. At that time, many people will make the decision to leave their homes in pursuit of a more stable life in another country. Among those refugees will naturally be the mechanical engineers Disdiya prides over.
 
Such anxiety and despair for the future will hold true towards the upcoming national elections in the newly transformed country of Sherfied, and unfortunately those refugees and Sherfied's own people won't support it.
 
However, there was Aleclasta, and the teachings of the Church of Richard in which so many people throughout Alayzard put their faith in.
 
"Let us rescue those poor lost lambs."
 
The refugees from Disdiya, and the people from Sherfied insecure about the change in their country will be welcomed with open arms in Aleclasta. It would be the highest form of humanitarian aid, but also sows the feeling of indebtedness to Aleclasta from the two countries. Moreover the Church of Richard will acquire a large amount of new believers, and will also strengthen their influence further. In short, Aleclasta got the biggest gains without any fighting.
 
"-- Oh, and speaking of misunderstanding......"
 
Miranda suddenly remembered one thing, and couldn't help reveal a playful smile,
 
"Pertaining to matter of the resurrection of Leon-kun...... Sherfied seems to think it was all Emperor Baram's doing."
 
"As if...... never mind. No need for unnecessary complications. Besides the dead cannot tell stories, actually it saves some trouble."
 
Volk deepened his smile while stroking his beard.
 
The act of bringing back Leon with the forbidden spell was certainly done by Baram.
 
However, the one who had stolen Leon's remains was not Baram. Phil Barnett destroyed his tomb simply to vent his anger. At that period of time, Baram simply wished for Miu to be brought back to Alayzard as soon as possible. Phil held an abnormal amount of hatred for the former Hero, so the two had no reason to take away his remains.
 
Then -- in the end who arranged to hand over the remains to Baram?
 
After Phil destroyed Leon's tomb of Leon, and in the short time before Sherfied noticed someone did steal the remains.
 
Having been aware of the whole situation, but still continued to watch carefully, who exactly would obtain the most profit? Nobody knows who -- with the exception of the person himself.
 
Volk Rem Aleclasta IV smiled pleased with himself,
 
"Thank you Akatsuki for saving Alayzard."
 
Now it was just waiting for the right time to announce the truth to world, and how much.
 
The truth of tragedy in Sherfied that occurred five years ago.
 
The results of the investigation on the attack on the surveillance forces.
 
As well as the amazing fact Leon Esuperio took part in this war.
 
That much alone should be enough to ruin Sherfied and Disdiya.
 
No matter how much Akatsuki desired, all of it won't be kept hidden.
 
Even with many lies piled on top of each other to cover up the truth, to the people who know the truth, they can easily break such fragile lies.
 
Just at that time,
 
"...... I'm sorry for disturbing you."
 
And the young female bishop stepped forward with a respectful tone,
 
"A letter was just received addressed to Volk-sama."
 
"Oh..... it was specially delivered here?"
 
Miranda said somewhat surprised.
 
A mountain of various letters arrive every day for Volk the Pope of the Church of Richard.
 
Letters from influential people of countries to any such believers that were present in Alayzard seeking nothing more than to enlist help from Volk, or hoping to get a return reply in his own handwriting were endless. Of course, most of them had no value whatsoever in reading. So, the Archbishop Miranda instructed them to sorted based on the sender's identity and status. Miranda then inspects those letters herself that will be handed over to Volk. Letters address to Miranda herself were entrusted to her subordinates to sift through before reaching her then Volk.
 
This letter however was expressly rushed over because it was addressed to the sky garden which was restricted to only a few people.
 
"It appears to be a very urgent -- Do you know who the sender was?
 
"Yes, its...... Akatsuki-dono."
 
"Hoo, didn't he already return to his own world?... ... This is certainly interesting."
 
'Fu' Volked laughed as he took the letter from the female bishop.
 
"Thank you for your hard work. You may go now."
 
After his words, the female bishop bowed respectfully before quickly leaving the sky garden.
 
And then Volk cut the seal with the letter opener given with the letter.
 
However, inside there wasn't a letter only one card.  And,
 
".............................."
 
After he read it there was a long silence.
 
No emotions could be read from Volk's expression.
 
"..... It seems what's written is no trivial matter."
 
To Miranda's words Volk slid the card crossed the table looking ashen.
 
Only two lines were written on the card.
 
 
 
To the Supreme Pontiff, the people turn to, should not be too high handed with the truth.
 
The holy doctrines of the Church of Richard -- won't hold up well with truth of your nephew, I humbly believe.
 
 
 
Miranda can't help but narrow her eyes.
 
"So..... Akatsuki-kun knew of 'his' true identity......"
 
"He already returned to his own world...... it can't be a simple bluff."
 
His usual composed tone was gone, as Volk snorted. That indirect advice Akatsuki gave after he left Alayzard was certainly intended to curb Aleclasta from publishing the truth. At the same time, strongly warned Volk that even if he wasn't in this world he could crush Aleclasta's plans.
 
"This can be trouble, how are you going..... -- Your Holiness?"
 
In the middle of Miranda talking Volk stood up, and without hiding the disgust in his voice,
 
"Even if the truth is not made public...... the demise of Disdiya is just around the corner. There is no loss to us."
 
After making that parting remark, Volk didn't say anything further. The sky garden was left behind in silence.