Rakuin no Monshou:Volume2 Chapter4
Status: Incomplete
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Sword Festival
Part 1
On this day, Zaat Quark was swamped with visitors.
In the morning was Simon Rodloom. As soon as he saw Zaat’s face, he asked,
“Have you become thinner?”
Zaat bitterly smiled and shook his head.
“No matter what the situation, the amount I eat and drink will not change. It’s my one redeeming feature. Well, who knows what might happen in a week though.”
“Milord has been reprieved of your house arrest. Now you can eat and drink to your heart’s content.”
“Reprieved?”
The casual manner Simon mentioned this in left Zaat flabbergasted. Simon pointed out towards the window, and sure enough, the guards surrounding the residential hall were pulling back.
This morning, Simon presented himself before the emperor, and by some stroke of luck, the two of them were able to talk alone about the festival. They spent some time discussing about Garbera, Ende’s movements, and also how starting with their longtime enemy, the Bozgan House from the west, new activities have come about in a group of Tauran fortress cities after which, Simon seemingly by chance brought up Zaat’s name. And the emperor, as if he had completely forgotten it up until now, laughed it off.
“After that, the house arrest was immediately called off. His majesty was flaring up at the time, but I myself did not take it to heart. That is why I was free of ease. His majesty has not bestowed any punishment or of the sorts. From here on forth as well, if you were even to show your undying loyalty for Mephius—“
“For Mephius”
Zaat said sullenly. He was ready to make his grave in Mephius. However…..
Whether or not he had understood the implied meaning, Simon kept silent. Zaat brought up the issue of Kaiser Islan. His execution would be held tomorrow. Even Simon could not overturn this. Zaat and Kaiser both had objected the emperor’s decisions, but the emperor’s sentiments towards their punishments differed greatly.
“Like this, he is no different from a sword-slave. At the whim of the audience’s favour, he may be commanded to die or allowed to live. Everyone save the imperials are no more than the emperor’s slaves.” Zaat said, staring down fixedly. “I, of course, love Mephius. I am quite fond of the simple nature of our people, and the militaristic trait that they, at times, possess. There is nothing in our country that can outmatch our strong and fierce troops. The ether has been exhausted, and when the time airship weaponry and that contemptible magic vanish from this world, the one reigning supreme in the world can be no other than Mephius. But with the way Mephius is—with our current emperor…”
“Stop, Zaat. You don’t know where his ears lie.”
“Lord Simon, do even you not hold him in contempt? The emperor is attempting to revive the Ryuujin Faith a second time! Most likely, it is only for the express purpose to reign as the absolute sovereign. He would just as well brand all those who voice their objection against him as rebels. Yes, just as Yashu Bozgan once began his reign of terror in the name of the Dragon God.”
The matter relating to the Ryuujin Faith was already spreading far and wide as a rumour. Of how on the eve of the festival, the summoned elders were newly set to take part in the holdings of the ritual en masse within the sanctuary of the Dragon God Shrine. And also of how Kaiser, who had opposed him would be executed under the label as the first and foremost rebel.
“The peace with Garbera is also the same. He may have lent an ear to his retainers and received their words, however that is for but a brief interim. Surely, a person of your caliber should be able to understand it. His majesty has been frequently meeting with a messenger from Ende one right after the next. The contents of it can be easily guessed—. When morrow comes, I would not be surprised were Princess Vileena to be chased out the country, and in her stead the marriage will take place with the grand princess of Ende.”
“That’s...”
Anxiety drifted into Simon’s eyes. This too, was a definitive fact. Emperor Guhl was not one to obsess over a single country such as Garbera. In vying for control of the centre of the continent, including Ende, balance in the relations between the three countries was essential. Guhl wanted to be the one pulling the strings of the remaining two countries.
The subjugation of Ryucown had served to strengthen the alliance with Garbera, but because of that, Ende could no longer afford to ignore Mephius. There were even talks Ende had proposed a beneficial alliance to Mephius; all according to Guhl’s favour.
“However, if that were to happen we would lose the trust of other countries and Mephius’ reputation would hit the pits. The way his majesty now wields his power as he pleases, sooner or later Mephius will observe the hardships of decline.” At this time, Zaat’s eyes glimmered with light. “There are a great number of people unpleased with the emperor. If Lord Simon was to stand centre amongst them, nobles garnering high popularity and the great majority will give up their name to the cause. The few lords that there are have gathered in Solon. There is no better time than now during the festival.”
“Zaat. I’ll pretend I did not hear this. I will now take my leave.” Simon kicked himself up from his seat. “It is precisely because we think of the future that we must be of one mind. The matter with Kaiser is most regrettable, but I have no intention of allowing the same thing to be repeated..”
“All the more reason Lord Simon!”
“I can see you are more than ready to lay down your life. However, that would lead to a complete upheaval of the law. If you were to attempt to carry out your plans in a fit of impatience, unnecessary blood will be shed. The people will also get dragged into it, and this would provide a chance for other countries to strike. That’s the one thing we must avoid. I’m sure you understand that, Zaat.“
Simon placed his hands on Zaat’s shoulders, and then left the waiting room.
That was the morning meet.
The afternoon meeting was with Oubary Bilan. Though their standings had led them to meet in person countless times until now, they had directly spoken with one another even more recently.
Oubary did not stay for long. They exchanged some idle chatter and played only a single bout of a recreational board game, when he immediately stood up. And as if making use of that chance, he handed a certain letter over to Zaat.
“I would like you to leave the board as is.” Oubary laughed aloud, as he pointed towards the game board at the juncture of his departure. “Let us continue some other time say, when we will be exchanging a celebratory toast.”
After Oubary left, Zaat had a light meal, then retreated to his study.
“Those insolent Garberans.” He scanned the letter tens of dozens of times and finally let go of it, spreading it out on top of his desk. “...They plan to use me?”
Noue Salzantes’ signature was signed on it. Up until now quite a few letters from Noue had been delivered, but the contents of the letter this time coming was far more direct. Though that being the case, the contents could hardly be praised as heroic. He had no doubt kindled the flames of revolution and was sure to expect flattery towards his end, but instead what he got was practically a complaint.
Ever since the wedding between Prince Gil and Princess Vileena had been decided, relations between Garbera and Ende approached a state of tension. It had originally been unofficially planned for her to marry into Ende. However, Garbera decided not to place all of its trust in Ende and prioritizing the interests of its own country above all else, chosen to ally with Mephius. In order to save face, Ende showed no hesitation in making full use of its diplomatic resources. Ende eased tariffs on imported goods such as silk and spices, and Garbera’s second prince and head of the Lion Order, Zeno Owell, appeared before the archduke whereby they exchanged undying oaths of friendship.
However—the archduke, Malchior L. Dorhia’s body neared its end.
Through its diplomatic sources and secret intelligence network, Mephius had more or less grasped the gist of it. Malchior was a man in his fifties, but his physical condition was quickly taking a turn for the worse. There were even rumours he had been poisoned to death, though he did appear in public before the citizens a mere two times in the most recent year. Most likely, he did not have long, or so a great many people saw it, in spite of Ende’s ongoing domestic and foreign activities.
The archduke fathered two sons. The eldest was Prince Jeremy, and next in line was Prince Eric. Jeremy, though prudent, held little militaristic capabilities, and Eric profused in the arts of war, though came short in terms of prudence, the report had stated. And between them, the burly Eric seemed to desire war with Garbera, as was written in the letter.
Eric was originally the first pick to be Vileena’s groom. That being the case, the alliance was scrapped and he, taking it in insult, joined hands with some of the vassals with intentions of declaring a proclamation of war against Garbera.
It stands to reason the one succeeding the position of archduke will be Jeremy. So he has anticipated forthcomings with this in mind, has he?
He was making a show of his power and actions so that he could gain the favour of the people and appear to them the more suitable candidate. Although the current archduke hoped to continue friendly relations with Garbera, it would seem it was only a matter of time until his demise, and when Ende would ready its troops.
And as such, Garbera’s last ray of hope lie in its alliance with Mephius. However—
That cursed Noue. I cannot stomach that man.
Zaat had mentioned before that a couple of days ago, Guhl Mephius secretly met with a messenger from Ende. It was held in absolute secrecy, but Noue had in some way, through his informational network, grasped the contents of that meeting.
Come wartime, Noue was unnerved as to just what extent of reinforcements Guhl Mephius would dispatch to Garbera. That, and the matter of Ryucown’s attempted assassination of the royal family could also well possibly be brought up and Vileena be made to return to her country.
This led Noue to keep his eye on Zaat. As the valiant man who had so righteously defended the alliance with Garbera, he would spare no second thought at coming to his aid—or so was written in the letter . Garbera’s aim was to currently bring about political instability in Mephius. Even though it was surely beyond Zaat’s power to do so, a temporary state of confusion would, at present, relieve them of their fears of getting stabbed from behind.
“However,” Zaat let out a low growl. Put in other words, precisely because Garbera and Ende were currently in a state of tension, it was a good opportunity to bring about reform to Mephius. Even with a temporary state of disorder, there was little concern that the other countries would intervene.
Half of the day had passed since the order for Zaat’s house arrest had been dissolved, and briefly after he arranged a point of contact, he set out. Waiting in the horse wagon Zaat Quark faced were the group of soldiers under his command—leaders of the Blue Archery Division. Each and every one of them were people he placed his trust in. Since shortly before, he had relayed the signal that pressed them to ready themselves. Through the house arrest on this occasion, they understood that ‘that time’ drew near.
Zaat turned back at his own mansion fading out of sight. There he saw a sea of flames. He blinked his eyes several times in surprise. The rows of flames disappeared. It was an illusion.
The following day, right before noon, Simon Rodloom had unexpectedly met face-to-face with Noue Salzantes at the Solon grand stadium.
Last night, immediately after Noue sent off the wooed noblewomen by horse carriage, Simon scheduled to visit Kaiser, who had been transferred to the underground cellar of the stadium.
After exchanging greetings,
“I make my way here every day,” Noue said with a smile. “I am completely fascinated with the gladiator games. The one in the most recent year was by all means a sight to see”
“Let us cordially welcome it.”
After two or three short discussions, Simon made his leave. Noue stared fixedly at the departing man.
That man is the most prominent amongst the Mephian leaders. It’d good to have him as an ally, but it would be far easier to predict his movements as the small accessory similarly to how Zaat Quark is.
It was the same with Oubary Bilac. As the peace talks progressed, Noue had sent a written letter to the general. He had heard Oubary was of the faction opposed against peaceful negotiations and appeared to have been won over to the cause, all in a ploy to have him as another pawn under his control. Noue had investigated Oubary’s character beforehand. Oubary possessed the fortitude of a soldier, and while he did have his share of achievements, wasn’t the brightest of men. His way of handling things enlisted dissatisfaction and complaints, and were reflective of his own habits. He was the type of man most easy to control.
Noue repeatedly sent letters to Oubary, making him more than well aware of how highly Garbera regarded him. And in doing so, led Oubary to become all the more indignant of the unfair position he had found himself forced into in Mephius. Then Oubary remembered of how Garbera valued his true merits.
Soon enough, he sent back a letter of his own. The piece of information that the man known as Zaat Quark was also the head of the anti-imperial faction was also received from Oubary.
I can use this.
Thinking this, Noue soon engaged Zaat by means of correspondence. Noue observed that he too, possessed an easily manipulatable personality. Zaat was a big-headed man, and like Oubary, boasted in pride.
Mephius is one big dragon. It’s body, or rather, it’s long lived years has swollen its pride, so much that it thinks its body larger than it truly is, thus giving me the chance to drive a wedge in. The standstill will, in the not too distant future, be dominated by us through the preparations I have set into motion.
Discontent amongst the Mephian nobles towards the emperor was smouldering. That too was, of course, also looked into. That was why he hatched a plan to throw but a single fuel in there, but then the matter with Kaiser and Zaat occurred, and things suddenly began to advance in his favour. All of this was not Noue’s doing, but rather, as a result of the emperor, Guhl Mephius’ conduct.
Mephius is walking the road towards its own ruin.
Mephius would, according to his plan, exhaust its good fortune. Now he could devote himself towards the country of Ende. Noue did not hope for Mephius’ destruction, nor did he wish for it to be assimilated by another country. Who knows how much money and time it would take for that to happen. What Noue hung uneasy over was the existence of Ende’s ally, the powerful eastern country of Arion. Arion’s longstanding campaign in the east was said to be approaching its end. Were the country of Garbera to engage this country from afar in a single battle, it would not stand the slightest of chances. For this express purpose, Mephius mustn’t be allowed to continue this troubling alliance.
Noue aimed to temporarily bring about disorder in Mephius and strike the emperor in the eye. He would back up either Zaat or the imperialists, according to whichever side offered the biggest advantages. Then he would have Oubary leading the backing, as the general completely immersed himself into the role of a ‘patriotic hero’. If it was this man, the domestic situation being played out in Mephius could be read and Noue could easily plan out a means resulting in success. And above all, Mephius would without a doubt reform its alliance with Garbera this time coming.
Ever since he had enlisted the aid of Oubary within Mephius, the thought of Princess Vileena entering his plans never once surfaced.
That person is far too straightforward.
She made a fitting leader, but she also would not think to approve of such a plan. Her notion of royal blood differed from that of Ryucown. On the contrary,
If the spilt royal blood were to end up protecting Garbera...
A level-headed glimmer dwelt within both his eyes, underneath that indifferent, smiling guise.
As Noue thought over his strategy, Simon met with Kaiser in the dungeon. Though it could be called a meeting, it was one across the prison bars where but only a mere five minutes worth of conversation was allowed.
As such, Simon left out the extended greetings.
“How is your family?”
I have told them not to come. Kaiser turned pale and then smiled. “Milord, what of the future of the Kaiser House?”
“I know. Leave it to me.”
“Thank you.”
Kaiser remained an upright man ‘til the very end. To Simon, he was a sincere man with little to no taste. However, he felt it truly representative of this one man, that he remained since and all too serious for his own good, to the very end.
“What of his majesty?” he said, as he gazed at the ceiling from below. “Has he had a change of heart?”
“—“
“I do not hold a grudge against him. Just that, at the time the previous empress, Lana-sama was alive, granted he still held a fiery temper, but no matter who the person, so long as he held the strength his majesty desired, it would become a cause for celebration. But now, his majesty cannot even trust himself. In this one month, I have wept, clamoured, and cried out some thousand complaints across the empty skies, but right now, it will not serve to sadden his majesty.”
It was sometimes murmured even within the palace walls. At the time Lana was around, the emperor would often listen carefully to his vassals. That was no doubt thanks to Lana’s generous personality. The one check in place was lost, and the emperor began to act as he pleased.
That is surely the case.
Simon and Kaiser had acted as a support for the emperor since he was young. They were well familiar with the previous empress Lana and the relationship he held with her while they were married.
The emperor trusted many to a problematic extent, but by nature held a reserved personality.
Currently, he was remarried to Melissa and appeared to be brimming with the energy of a youth and his relation with her certainly seemed just as well as with his former wife, but Simon saw this as no more than an appearance.
Is it not as if he has lost his support?
Simon did not feel that the emperor was determined to shut himself in. He could no longer recognize his longtime friend Simon within the depths of his heart, nor did he also offer any love to his own son, Gil Mephius.
—Afterwards, Simon and Kaiser engaged in a lighthearted chat. Simon never said the words, ‘I’m sorry.’ That was the one thing he knew he mustn’t say. “This will not happen a second time,” he said to Kaiser with conviction. Simon was most angry with himself for being unable to stop Kaiser’s procession.
And after Simon made his leave, he, for some strange reason, recalled the memories of a man, whose name was but all he had heard, and whose very being he knew nothing about. This man, with whom he felt a bond of sorts.
The man named Ryucown.
He had the makings of a fool.
The rebellion stirred up by Ryucown was one with no future. It was one unaware of the times, or possibly one that attempted to shun away from the times. It was the act of a fool. It was tomfoolery that caused blood to be shed; tomfoolery that invited in disorder.
However... Simon thought. Wasn’t that something he himself was fully aware of? He acted putting his life on the line knowing that there was no precedence and knowing that it was doomed to fail. All the washed blood, the spilt blood, towards his own country of Garbera mustn’t be let to go to waste.
That was Ryucown’s cry.
That was how Simon felt it.
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