Dai Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu:Volume 5 Chapter 3

Status: Incomplete

Chapter 3: Inside of Hope

After the surrender of the Divine City of Elon, the Gastark Empire began its advancement to the Geihlficlant Empire.

Around the same time, Ryner continued to further advance his postition.

Currently Ryner, riding the carriage prepared by the Republic of Belis, continued heading north to the Geihlficlant Empire.

The carriage was suprisingly spacious; riding inside including Ryner were, Toale, Kiefer, Ferris, Vois, and said to be the Vois's close aide, the female soldier in black armor. Fixed to the center was a table they surrounded and yet there still was space leftover.

On the table were three maps spreaded out. They were prepared by Vois, maps of the Menoris Continent detailing the state of affairs, mountain ranges, rivers, up to the names of the countries and a brief rough figure of military strength.

Including Vois's movement plans from hereafter, these three maps were laid out.

While studying the brief map of military strength, Ryner ran over in his head the current situation of the continent that Vois informed him of along the road.

Just by examining the movements of five countries, you can grasp almost all of the circumstances.

The first is the Gastark Empire that has completely unified the northern continent.

Another is the Roland Empire that has engulfed the entirety of the southern continent.

And then in the middle continent, surpassing all of the southern continent's combined territories, were three massive countries —

— The Geihlficlant Empire, the Republic of Ertolia, and the Remrus Empire, known as the three major countries of the middle continent.

Apparently, at the mercy of the movement of the five countries, are all the still existing smaller countries.

Well for now, even putting aside Roland and Gastark, in a situation like this, with the three major countries so immense, the smaller countries would have to become vassal states or they will be soon crushed.

So even the alleged Anti-Roland Coalition organization formed by Vois, centered in the Republic of Belis, is no exception and was backed up by a major power.

By the way, when the coalition was just created they originally had the Remrus Empire's backup; however at Vois's decision, they rejected their assistance and are now searching for a new lead.

So now, they are continuing the negotiations with the Geihlficlant Empire to receive their backing and yet,

"Those guys from the 'Azure Princess' are getting in the way."

Vois said.

In other words, the Anti-Roland Coalition army and the "Azure Princess" are competing over who gets the support of the Geihlficlant Empire.

To that, Ryner faced Vois,

"So you made me your comrade to do something about the 'Azure Princess'?"

Nodding, Vois answered,

"Thats right. You are acquainted with the leader of the 'Azure Princess.'

"And you're keeping the identity from me right? Just who is it, and why the heck wont you tell me?" asked Ryner.

"It's not like I'm keeping it from you. It's just that there were too many things we had to do and I couldn't find the right timing to tell you," replied Vois.

Well, there was that too, nodded Ryner.

Certainly there was a mountain of things to do the last two weeks, and it was quite tiresome.

To start with, they just couldn't keep moving with the refugees from Nelpha, and would the Republic of Belis accept them? Would they properly receive them? They've been running about mostly because of this.

Toale who just recently had his prosthetic arm and leg attached with magic still cant use it well, yet he participated in the negotiation with the leaders of the Belis Republic for several days and nights.

To the point Toale became completely exhausted.

Although negotiations came close to breaking down, for now as a result, the refugees were accepted into Belis as official citizens. This brought up the problem of what to do with the soldiers that followed Toale up to this point.

If the soldiers cannot just enter the middle continent while maintaining their Nelphian nationality, then under which power should they go to? Would they remain in the Republic of Belis with the citizens and fight with the oncoming Roland army? Or should they disband for now and join the Anti-Roland Coalition army? However to that the soldiers were unwilling, asserting that they will not follow anyone other than Toale-sama and Major Seruesu. Then where does Toale and Seruesu stand? "If you guys treat Toale-sama and Major Seruesu badly we wont forgive you!" -kind of volatile atmosphere spread among the soldiers.

Somehow, the discussion took a further four more days.

In conclusion, Toale was accepted as an executive staff of the Anti-Roland Coalition, and former Major Kazaaru Seruesu, as a direct subordinate of Toale, was given the ranking of Major General.

Well, even if you say executive staff or major general, it's not very convincing since it's not clear just what kind of organization the Anti-Roland Coalition is. However, because Toale was received with a favorable treatment, the Nelphian soldiers gave consent.

And so, currently led by Major General Seruesu the soldiers, taking a different route than Ryner's group, are also heading towards Geihlficlant. Incidentally, Ferris's little sister Iris, Arua, and Kuku are also traveling with that group. Well, anyhow setting that aside.

Facing Vois, Toale said,

"Nevertheless, no matter how much you say you've been busy, you wouldn't give us a proper explanation at all. Although I am thankful the Anti-Roland Coalition has accepted the Nelphian soldiers and citizens, just what kind of organization are you? You call yourself Anti-Roland yet why did you send our Nelphian soldiers to Geihlficlant? Shouldn't they be fighting the Roland army approaching north?"

There was much more to it. Toale had left the people who followed him up to the Republic of Belis. If the Roland army were to attack Belis now, the citizens would be sacrificed along with them. In which case, it would make bringing the citizens desperately across the countries meaningless.

Obviously, it would be better for the Anti-Roland Coalition army to stop the Roland Empire oncoming north. Even if it's not so—

As Ryner developed his thoughts, whether Toale thought the same, he continued.

"Even if it is not so, the soldiers are exhausted. Attacked by the Roland troops, losing many comrades, and yet, while stressed, still desperately marching foward day and night to this point. Despite this, without a rest the whole army advances to Geihlficlant. I wont be satisfied until I receive an explanation for such recklessness."

Toale strongly exclaimed.

Voice then looked towards Toale, smirking.

"............"

However, he only laughed without answering.

Then Toale narrowed his usually peaceful brown eyes sharply. As if to yell something he opened his mouth,

But interrupting,

"Most likely..."

Kiefer muttered.

"Most likely we are moving because, even if left Bellis in this condition, the military force we have here isn't enough to win against Roland, right? However, I don't see the reason to move all the Nelphian troops to Geihlficant. I understand that we are going to there to receive the backing of Geihlficant, but isn't it enough for just us to go? If Ryner is the aquaintance of the leader of that mercenary group, the 'Azure Princess', isn't it a matter of Ryner going there to settle it? I don't understand the reason to purposely waste effort to move the tens of thousands Nelphian soldiers. Unless......"

She continued,

"Unless, does Voice-kun intends to have a war with the 'Azure Princess' at our destination?"

However to that question as well, Voice turned towards Kiefer,

"............"

Maintaining his irritating smirk, he gave no reply.

Hearing that, Kiefer's lovely face darkened a little as she looked at Voice with distrust. Toale has long since been making an indignant expression.

To that Ryner thought,

(Well, this guy's always like this you know? Always aloof, and thinks of nothing but deceiving people, kind of guy. I mean, he was born into a clan of swindlers back in the no longer existing Iyet Republic. I thought I ought to explain this but, I stopped.

Either way, as long as Voice doesn't give a proper explanation, we can't keep following him.

Actually, working with this guy would be way too troublesome.)

Wearily, Ryner asked,

"Well, most of the questions have been accumulated, but do you intend to answer any of them?"

Voice nodded and replied,

"Of course, but rather than that, these are all the questions right? If there is anything else you want to ask, please go ahead and speak up. After all, everything is related. It would be the quickest to answer all the questions in one go, right? If I answer Toale's, Kiefer's and Ryner's questions just now, will everyone be satisfied?"

At that moment,

"No, that's still not enough,"

Ferris spoke.

In response, Voice turned towards Ferris,

"Of course, there are tasty dango shops in Geihlficlant too."

And for some reason, to that Ferris nodded strongly,

"Then it's fine. You understand quite well don't you."

"Don't I?"

"Umu"

Like that, the two exchanged a stupid conversation. Presumably too tired, no one retorted.

Eyes half-closed, Ryner stared at Ferris and then surveying his surroundings,

"So, no one has anymore questions right?"

Everyone nodded.

After confirming that Ryner continued,

"Well then Voice, begin your explanation. Ah, by the way, if you use those lies you're so good at, right away Ferris's sword will spout flames."

Again Voice laughed, while saying something like,

"Although, I rather like being hit by Ferris."

Then Ferris nodded,

"Without getting hit, your head's gonna fly."

"Eh~♡"

And to Voice, who for some reason had a ♡ (<3) mark attached,

"You know, even though we've been ridiculously busy lately, you're still energetic eh~. I guess it's the age difference,"

Ryner somewhat sighed.

"Well, for now it's about time you continue."

Voice nodded.

He then looked towards his close aide, the female soldier sitting besides him.

According to her, as she boarded the carriage, her name is Relca Redehna.

With bright brown hair, and contrasting, a pair of dark eyes. A beautiful girl, with a bit loli-ish face, that Voice seems to favor.

Although, sitting close by was the abnormally beautiful Ferris, and the once boasted academy's most popular Kiefer, so you can't simply say, "beautiful girl." Well, it's really up to preference.

Contrasting her young appearance however, her eyes glinted sharply. Since boarding the carriage, she remained silent. With a pen, she simply continued to write on the papers she held.

Facing her, Voice spoke to Relca,

"The preparations?"

Without lifting her head from the papers, Relca answered,

"In about eight seconds."

"I see. Then within that time, the debut of a dirty joke I recently saved for everyone—"

"It's completed."

"Ehh~, wasn't that too early? That was only about two seconds you know?"

At Voice's words, Relca giggled as she looked towards him.

Although he did not respond to her smile, it seems Relca is not dissatisfied with Voice.

Besides.

"............"

Whatever, it's just two kid's love affair— no wait, Voice is no option right? That guy's a real pervert you know? Well, it really doesn't matter so I'll just keep quiet.

Ryner thought for a bit.

After placing the papers she was frantically writing in on the desk, Relca then announced,

"...... I have complied most of everyone's questions into this report. Please speak up if the information here is insufficient. As everyone is reading the report, in addition, I will write it up."

Ryner then cast his eyes down at the report spread across the desk. The report was written smoothly with tidy penmanship and the various information was organized to be understood easily.

For example, it had an organization chart of the Anti-Roland Coalition, the route they took from the establishment to the present, Voice's idea of how should the Three Major Powers and the Anti-Roland Coalition interact from now on, and so on.

Within this information, Ryner found the answers to Toale and Kiefer's inquiry earlier.

Why is it necessary to unreasonably press the Nelphian soldiers to the Geihlficlant Empire instead of engaging the Roland Empire forces ongoing north to the Belis Republic?

Written were Toale and Kiefer's questions, and the response was as follows.

1. With the current strength of the Anti-Roland Coaltion army, we are able to defend several attacks from the north going Roland army. But we do not hold enough power to defend continuously from this point.

2. In other words, in order to crush the Roland army head-on, an even greater force will be needed. In this case, with the backing of the Geihlficlant Empire.

3. However, the Geihlficlant Empire currently has their sights set on heading to war with the northern continent's Gastark Empire heading south with tremendous momentum.

4. As a mercenary group, the "Azure Princess" is participating in the war. Seeking to increase their war gains, they intend to obtain an exclusive support contract with the Geihlficlant Empire.

5. Similarly, wanting the support of Geihlficalnt, the Anti-Roland Coalition cannot let the "Azure Princess" monopolize rights of Geihlficlant relations.

6. Therefore it is necessary for the Anti-Roland Coalition to proceed towards the war against the Gastark Empire. Naturally, as an adaptable fighting potential, the Nelphian soldiers that have recently fought against the Roland army, will need to participate.

Such was written.

With his voice trembling a little, Toale spoke,

"...... Again....... do you intend to make war again?"

Voice responded, laughing,

"Aha, did you think there was another path for soldiers who've lost their country other than the battlefield?"

Ryner grimaced at those words and said,

"Wait, that maybe be so but...... we've been continuously fighting lately, they're exhausted. The way you put it......"

Glancing at his way, Voice interrupted,

"We don't have the leisure to select our words, Ryner-san. The middle continent is moving rapidly. The same way as a business that loses an opportunity will not succeed, you cannot win a war if you've lost your chances of victory. But we can still do it. According to my investigations, Gastark is quite dangerous. Boasting an overwhelming strength, they are a much more severe opponent than Roland. Furthermore, the only chance to take advantage of them is in this war."

At those words Ryner looked over to Voice,

"Ah~"

and said,

"Ah, somehow I finally get what you're trying to do. In other words, it's that right? You intend to use both sides, both Geihlficlant and the 'Azure Princess,' right?"

On hearing that, Voice grinned happily,

".......Ah, does Ryner-san finally feel like using his brains a bit?"

and said such a thing.

Ignoring him, Ryner continued,

"Even though you guys already have enough power to hold off the attacks from Roland, you guys are turning all that power to the war with Gastark. Now, I wonder why? The answer is, because we can only deal with Gastark now. The timing to use Geihlficlant, the 'Azure Princess,' and the Anti-Roland Coalition army, these three forces, to oppose Gastark is only now. According to your predictions, unless we attack Gastark with multiple forces, we can't stop them, is what you're thinking, right?"

To that question,

"............"

As always, maintaining a cheerful face, Vois said nothing.

Ryner carried on, disregarding Vois.

"Because their the same as you, Gastark is also using the Rhule Fragmei. You want to completely crush the opponent that uses the same power. So you thought, how would you be able to thoroughly destroy Gastark? And your conclusion was this. With the timing of when Gastark attacks Geihlficlant, you'll lend a hand. As for the 'Azure Princess'......."

With a cheerful face, Vois spoke,

"I was the one who approached them first. After all, while being small scaled, they hold tremendous power. Moreover, they also have conducted research on the Rhule Fragmei, I thought that I could use them to fight together with us when we collide with Gastark...... So, in small amounts, I gave them the info that Gastark was dangerous, except midway what I was doing was exposed to their leader. To make matters worse, they were much nastier than I expected. I was already almost killed several times."

He placed his hand on his chest while saying, 'oh so scary'.

Ryner gave a bitter smile as if tired.

"So you thought, ah this is bad, and handed me the position as the king of the Anti-Roland Coalition to avoid getting killed?"

"Yeah."

"And you also picked me, because apparently I'm an acquaintance of the leader of the 'Azure Princess?'"

"That's right. Well, those aren't the only reasons...... But let's keep it at that shall we? Leaving that aside......"

Vois stretched his hand out to the desk placed in the center of the wagon. He then turned over the map with the whole continent of Menoris drawn out.

On that side he turned to, another map was depicted.

It was a map of the entire Menoris continent dyed black, and written in the middle was "Gastark Empire."

Looking at that,

"............"

Looking at the map completely unified by Gastark, the atmosphere in the wagon became strained at once.

After confirming this, Voice spoke up.

"I did not make this map as a joke. As of now that wannabe hero, Riphal Edea, has that much power. If we miss this timing, Gastark posses enough power to obtain this whole continent. It's not as if I can't continue business no matter what kind of world, however...... considering the death count in order to achieve this map, Ryner-san don't you feel like stopping it?"