Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 3 Prologue

Status: Incomplete

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Prologue - Evil Zahark's desire

Part 1

Suddenly rays of light flashed through the dark space.

Rainbow-colored light quickly spread out in all directions, this is a special phenomenon arising from the transfer of space.

Space-distortion links different locations.

Shrill high frequency noise spreads widely all around.

Dazzling light gradually faded, a person silhouette slowly appeared.

"Although used many times, still feel that the church's <Shift Gate>,is quite remarkable!"

She lightly fiddled with her beautiful smooth hair, her voice sent out feelings of praise for the space transfer.

Listy El Da Sherfied

In the world known as Alayzard, the magical country of Sherfied was famous far and wide as a superpower. The present woman is Sherfied's Queen, Listy.

Listy turned her head to look behind.

In front of her eyes stands a towering circular object. The surrounding is decorated with sacred stones that appear like ornate colored glass, while the center reflects the scenery ahead.

However, the circular object is not a enormous mirror. To a certain extent the mirror lens sends out dazzling light, as if to prove. The rays of light seemed so dazzling, Listy subconsciously narrowed her eyes. The glare fades, afterwards the object reflected three figures on her side, after Listy ascended to the Queen's throne, they were heavily relayed upon, the three most trusted people.

Sherfied's major general in command of the Kingdoms army Zechs· Doltrake.

Queen Listy assisted administer Chief Executive of the Kingdom Trum · Loutier.

As well as care for Queen Listy and her daily living Chief maid-- Grand chamberlain Valkyria.

In fact Listy not so long ago, those three accompanied her into the desert, where the Disidiya Empire is located to discuss am important matter.

However only a short time, almost a few seconds of time, immediately returned to Erdia, the capital of Sherfied kingdom, from Disidiya.

"What's wrong? How can you afford to a stand here?

After discovering Listy weird expression, Zechs couldn't resist opening his mouth.

"Mmm," Listy softly shook his head and said:

"Nothing, I just looking at <Shift Gate>, that's all."

Listy raised her head, carefully studied the towering object in-font of her --- <Shift Gate>.

This is the legacy of a bygone era in a multi-continent Alayzard, extensive preaching of the holy Erdia Churchleft.

According to historical records, people scattered throughout various countries used the <Shift Gate> that originally only lead to the Erdia Church place of origin--Aleclasta empire Religion head office, only gave Erdia Church senior Division the qualifications to use <Shift Gate> privileges, but after going through several wars, at the strong request of all governments, the Religion head office lessened the <Shift Gate> use restrictions, in case of famine, plague or other natural disaster, also countries can go use the <Shift Gate> functionality to get more efficient rescue operations. From the beginning, the Church has always been keep neutral--Aleclasta Empire at the request of countries has always taken a passive attitude, since Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV ascension, the <Shift Gate> rights to use were opened to Governments, however the <Shift Gate> is for emergency only, and may not be used for the purpose of trade or commerce, and so on.

In this context, the <Shift gate> has provided the good conditions for discussion among the various countries royal families. In particular when Sherfied, Disidiya and Aleclasta utilized the <Shift gate> to hold numerous consultations. In order to defeat the Demon country of Geirpein, overthrow the Demon King Garius, because of the successfully established military alliance.

Listy, who also held talks with Disidiya and Aleclasta's representatives,

To arrest the unaccounted for Demon King's daughter, Myuu.

Simultaneously--to permit a youth to return his original world.

Through transfers, After saying farewell to the church, Listy went straight back to the Erdia city.

The aim of course is to be taken for the future development of the situation in response to countermeasures.

Related to state secrets, Listy chosen as a closeted queen executive room service location, in order to eliminate the risk of news being leaked.

Last to enter the executive service room at the same time Valkyria locked the door, Listy suddenly heavily sighed.

"I was only out of the country for one day......"

Listy voice sounded quite helpless, siting on the throne she looked at the work on the table against the wall.

On top was a mountain of files.

"It seems Loutier's judgment was correct."

Valkyria calmly started to talk.

"In accordance with her Royal Highness wish to return by land, that at least requires five days of travel. The files on the desk woud of certainly been more than that."

Thats right, Listy had planned to ride the carriage by way of the land route to return home, also the <Shift Gate> had not been among her considerations.

Returning home by a land route intention was to inspect Sherfied's reconstruction throughout the territory--Especially the border is not easy to know that all the reconstruction work is on schedule.

In addition, the Queen's visit can also maintain popular sentiment, can give vitality and hope to all the people. But this proposal was opposed by Loutier and Valkyria, and ultimately she had no choice but to give up. Admittedly maintaining popular sentiment is important, however they have a hundred things to do in Sherfied that have precedent. There are important policies that must be developed and implementation. If it really is for the people, government affairs should be dealt with priority consideration.

Loutier and Valkyria proposal is correct, Listy understood.

Thus Listy readily accepted the good advice and decided to use the <shift gate> to returns home.

But in her heart, however she couldn't help but think of something.

...... If Akatsuki were here ......

Akatsuki is a hero, with innate qualities of motivating others. If Akatsuki were in-charger of government affairs he would have visited every corner of the Sherfied, certainly would of been able to bring even greater courage and hope to everyone.

...... No, that's not true.

In fact most people wished that Akatsuki stayed in Alayzard, just like Listy herself.

Akatsuki return to his original world, and she ascended to the Queen's throne.

After a little reminiscing, Listy understand more than ever before Akatsuki's position in her heart and how important his strength, brilliant smile and strong personality, not only brought Listy inexplicable sense of security, further became Listy hearts most significant moral support.

However Listy shook her head, trying to get rid of her dependence on Akatsuki.

Since she is Sherfied's Queen, she must carry out the work of the Queen.

...... but such a large number of files, spending several hours might not be enough......

Listy sighed, assistant official Loutier gave a slight smile.

"I will also help, Listy two people working together can quickly settle this."

"Two people? I think Loutier can be able to do it herself."

"Don't underestimate me, I'll help."

Listy sticks out her chest, refutes Zechs's ridiculing.

...... But then again, back, Lu Lu really helps me a lot.

As a high elf Loutier, possess intelligence that surpasses mankind's level. Currently Sherfied has a thousand things needed to be done, Queen Listy ordinarily must handle government affairs on her own, naturally dealing with more than the usual mess, she's simply overwhelmed. Fortunately, having Loutier sharing some of the work, Listy got a chance to take a breather.

"Putting these files aside, what matters most right now is--"

Half said, Listy suddenly lowered her voice.

"Both of you should more or less guess correctly? - Right, I want to ask you to investigate something."

From: Disidiya: The new Hero from Disidiya received orders to leave for the different world, in order to apprehend the Demon King's daughter and bring her to trial.

Watching the new hero Phil Barnett unusual departure, Listy felt very skeptical. Phil and Disidiya's emperor Baram as well as Aleclasta's religion teacher Miranda talked among themselves, Listy became even more suspicious.

"Zechs, would you please investigate the origins of Phil Barnett, and during his time in Alayzard what has he been up to. The first time I saw Phil Barnett, I knew he was not an ordinary person, but I absolutely can not imagine him actually having that kind of power."

Listy recalled lost in her thoughts, when Disidiya and Phil Barnett arrived at the <Gate of Another World> and a confrontation unfolded. Listy couldn't help but said so.

"With ordinary training that degree of power fluctuation is impossible, they must be hiding something. Zechs, I would like you to find out the answer."

In addition to –

"Lulu, I would ask you to investigate how a different world person returning to their world, and the method afterwards if they can to return to this world. Judging from Baram-sama as well as Miranda's reactions, they all seem to think that Phil·Barnett would be able to return with the Demon King's daughter to Alayzard once again, but also saw it as a matter of course."

Having said that, Listy in her heart is still somewhat skeptical. Does this method really exist? At least until now, Listy didn't know anything about this method to speak of.

However, Akatsuki once said, as long as the Alayzard needed him, calling his name. pressured Listy to even believe in him, and then he will come back to Alayzard. in retrospect, Akatsuki this parting shot, would seem to suggest that the inhabitants of the different world coming back to Alayzard method really exists.

"...... Launching an investigation is certainly not a problem, but -"

Loutier voice is very calm.

"-In the event that a person from a different world can once more return to Alayzard method really does exist---Then what are your intentions, Listy?"

She doesn't plan to re-summon Akatsuki? Or does she plan to analyzes the mechanism of different world migration, and go directly to Akatsuki's world? Loutier's eyes are flickering to show her indignant thoughts, seemly to criticize Listy's lack of thinking everything through.

--Akatsuki brought the Demon King's daughter to his own world.

Listy is unwilling to believe Disidiya leader, emperor Baram's hypothesis. Akatsuki was Listy's comrade, and this statement will undoubtedly hurt Akatsuki's image. Listy plainly refuses to believe that, and also emperor Baram has a lot of hostility.

Of course, Listy understands this is not how a Queen of a country should behave. Moreover Listy already made up her mind, that no matter what, she will always stand on the side of Akatsuki.

Therefore Listy shook her head, her face showed a wry smile.

"Even if I know this method, I have no intentions, but simply not knowing anything at all and not being aware, is it not the same thing. At present the situation is that other countries know a secret, and we actually knew anything at all. In this regard, Sherfied is apparently behind the curve. To compensate for this disparity, also to prevent people from using this method for all kinds of evil. I say that we should get to the bottom of it."

Moreover.

"This is definitely not a decision out of my personal feelings. Similarly -- cannot say that it isn't slightly taking my own sentiment."

That being the case-

"Why not allow me to go back to my homeland to inquire about it, my elders have lived for more then a thousand years. Maybe they have handed down the secret since ancient times."

"All right, then I'll begin with contacting our spies in the national army."

Zechs from side interjects.

"Sherfied and Disidiya are now in a military alliance, the restrictions placed between the two where drastically lifted. It is also relatively easier to access Disidiya, a lot more than the before. Currently we have personal their in ranks, through those spies perhaps you can feel out some inside information about Phil."

"You work hard, and although this is urgent, but nor is it necessary to resolve the matter immediately."

Listy smiles bitterly.

"Disidiya sand made my whole body feel uncomfortable. Before processing this pile of files, do I want to clean my exhausted body or take a nap? Today well rest -"

Without time to finish, suddenly came rapid knocking at the door, indicating an urgent matter.

"- Who is it?"

Standing outside the door towards the side, Valkyria answered.

Talks held here are extremely confidential content, Valkyria tone was somewhat harsh.

"I'm Ilya, there's an urgent matter to report to Valkyria-san."

Outside the door the chamberlain voice could be heard, Valkyria silently gazed at Listy, waiting for Listy's decision.

Therefore Listy nodded.

"The Conference is over, let her come in."

Thus Valkyria opened the execute office door, a young girl dressed in a maid's uniform was standing outside the door. After the girl bowed towards Listy, walked towards Valkyria and whispered into her ear. Calm composure of Valkyria suddenly turned to a grim expression, this apparent change in expression caught Listy's eyes.

"...Valkyria, what happened?"

Listy asks.

"There was a ... ... situation that seemed to occur while we out of the country."

Obviously euphemistic rhetoric. Ordinary Valkyria will just speak outright, today is somewhat unusual.

Listy knows Valkyria, and this only happens in unusually circumstances, in this case it means something ominous. And --- the degree or specialty must be

Particularly serious. Then,

"I'm sorry to report it --- you."

Valkyria with a heavy tone reported.

Part 2

The sun was setting and gradually dyeing the horizon a crimson.

Sky overhead began to slowly become a dark blue, declaring the coming of night.

Intersection of the sky and the horizon, condensed into a red and purple line.

On this night the upcoming dusk, in Nishiyama located west of the city of Erdia forest, a corner of the cemetery.

Listy was stupefied.

"Why ......"

The word accidentally slip from her mouth, because sight is too hard to believe.

She is looking at now, is the completely destroyed tomb.

In this cemetery are the people who died midst fighting Demons, in which this tomb is extremely special. He, was one who dared take on the Demon King's army head-on, and has made numerous achievements as a youth.

Was praised as the "True Hero" and this was the final resting place of Leon * Aceperio.

Yes, here is Aceperio * Leon - praised as the "True Hero" grave and now his final resting place was devastated, the gravestones engraved with his name has also been split into two from the middle one. Even the condolence flowers and cards missssing the deceased, have all been trampled to the ground.

Burial remains and souvenirs on the ground, it seemed that huge talons dug a big hole.

"Too much, too much, who did such a thing ......!"

Listy biting her lower lip, it doesn't make any sense.

Not every resident of Alayzard held a high degree of respect towards Akatsuki, Listy knew that well, which is also why Akatsuki was dubbed the "rogue hero".

However Listy absolutely cannot imagine someone actually regarding Leon as an enemy, even also desecrate Leon's final resting place.

Absolutely cannot spare his guy, Listy thought.

"Valkyria——"

Listy standing behind her bodyguard ordered.

"-Find this criminal immediately! Destruction of hero grave, is tantamount to going against all of the people of Sherfied!"

Listy clenched her fists, secretly swore in her heart.

Desecration of the dead is absolutely unforgivable behavior.

Absolutely unforgivable.

Behind the infuriated Listy, stood two figures.

Valkyria met up with Sykes and Loutier, who rushed to the scene.

They understood Listy's inner feelings.

Because their anger is absolutely not less than Listy's.

It is an irrational anger, however the two retained somewhat calm.

Therefore, now they are whispering to each other, in a low murmur Listy cannot hear.

"--- You noticed yet, Zechs?"

"Mmm ......the tombstone was not split into two, but was cut off."

The split of gravestone had many little of cracks, the fragment were scattered all around. At first glance it seems like a huge hammer abruptly knocked it into two parts. But Leons's tombstone is made of a special sub-ore Damandaite, this iron ore hardness is greater than any mere hammer ever could be making it impossible for a hammer to smash. Furthermore, Damandaite has a natural magic defense, making it incapable of destroying Leon's tombstone.

The most straightforward evidence, is the mirror like smooth cross-section.

No mistake, this is a sword cutting marks, and also should be from an expert hand. Although Alayzard is large, to have his kind of expertize is limited to just a handful, uncovering the criminal should be just a matter of when, rather than if.

"...Valkyria, Thank you."

Valkyria was in charge of cleaning up the aftermath. Valkyria would catch up later, while Listy started towards the castle's direction, Sykes and Loutier also followed closely behind.

"------"

Suddenly, Zechs stopped and turned to look behind.

"......Zechs, What's wrong?"

"Nothing ......"

Facing Loutier question, Zechs noncommittally shook his head.

...... Could it be him.......

Zechs gave a wry smile, once again took a step and was about to say the name he had in mind, however it seems too early for that.

Just flashed in his mind for a moment that figure.

It was not possible to conclude that he was the criminal.

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