Mismarca Koukoku Monogatari:Volume 8 Chapter 1
Mismarca is a small country.
Now, standing outside in the open air on a balcony, Mahiro looked around; almost all the citizens had gathered in the town. But even with all the people gathered together, the number was still not great, therefore, it was called a small country.
“In this declaration, the Kingdom of Mismarca at noon today will formally accept the rule of the Gran Marsenal Empire, and will at the same time become a central part of the territory of the Gran Marsenal Empire.”
Mahiro declared the end of this country.
Without a single expression on his face.
Standing poised on the sideline was a woman with the beautiful appearance of an exotic princess, wearing lacquered black armor. Behind her, standing side by side, were the brawny Black Knights. Compared to this group of people, the young boy seemed somewhat fragile.
“...To once again reaffirm. His Majesty the King, Rahil the second, died last night. On behalf of the late King, I proclaim in the name of Mahiro Yukilsneak Edenfalt, the Kingdom of Mismarca at noon today will formally accept the rule of the Gran Marsenal Empire, and will at the same time become a central part of the territory of the Gran Marsenal Empire.”
Not too many people felt uneasiness.
After everything that happened last night, everyone’s mind was very clear.
After all, they knew, their country was a very weak, all too weak country.
Mahiro...with minimal words read out loud the edict prepared by the Empire out loud, then lifted his head.
As a result of this story which was contrary to previously agreed procedures, the Black Knights readied themselves to take action against this unexpected situation. [1] However, Lady Lunas raised her hand to stop them.
“...We were completely defeated in a war.”
Young and old; lost a father, lost a son, lost a brother, lost neighbors, lamenting sounds came forward. Watching their beloved country meeting its end, cries of grief gradually rang out.
“You’ve heard many inspiring, brave, and courageous soldiers who’ve lost their lives. When you heard that in the face of the Black Knights, even a second counterattack could do anything; you must have felt remorseful.”
He listened for the crowd.
“...The Empire has made a commitment, as long as we exhibit the will to resist, they will not use military force against us. I understand that this is very hard to accept. The sadness brought about by the loss of important loved ones, even I have experienced it and understand everyone’s hearts full of resentment and anger. However, what can hate bring about?...”
Mahiro continued.
“At least for now, bear it. Be sure not to desensitize yourselves. While wearing different colored armor, don’t forget that they are human beings just like us. In their distant home, they also have family and friends that they love...and we are afraid of that. [2] They are in a strange land, and disturbed as well, please understand.”
While endlessly sobbing, the people raised their faces towards Mahiro.
“Dominated by the words of hatred, it will again generate new hatred, with no end in this eternal chain. So, let’s end it, right here, right now. Give all of the hatred you bear to me, I will shoulder it. Everyone who loves those soldiers who passed away will surely be proud of what we did. This should be the guardian by your side, so that you don’t have to sacrifice anything. Although there is much regret, at least this is worth gratifying.”
Mahiro looked around the audience.
In order to convey remarks to the ears of everyone present.
“They were fighting for a reason...for the future. For a future for everyone, where we could live painlessly, and without regret. Just peace. Because they wanted to maintain that life, they gave up their own lives. It’s because they believed that everyone’s happiness was worth such a price, that they embarked on that road with no return. For people like us who knew them… we know better than anyone. So...please, be sure to…”
Because of Mahiro’s words, people who were reminded of the death of a loved one broke down into tears.
“The Mismarcan Dynasty, became the Kingdom of Mismarca, and that was the end of the war. [3] We did not harm any members of other nations. I think that one day we will be able to boast about this, everyone will surely feel proud about such a thing.”
People were crying.
Because of the lost of loved ones. Because of the lost such a country as Mismarca.
But for those familiar with the city, for those familiar with that bright smile, with the drama-like interactions between the pair [4], they looked at what was left of Mahiro and felt crushed once more.
Everyone knew, even the teen himself; that he had lost his father, a loved one who couldn’t be replaced.
“Enduring the pain...rather than hurting someone else, is a long and arduous struggle. However, whether it be once again, or over and over again, let us work together, the war, hatred, let’s end all of it together.”
Throughout this, none of them had seen him shed a single tear. Too worried about the state of the nationals [5] until the end, he ignored his own personal troubles.
◆
A specific approach regarding Mahiro’s outburst was never decided. So, the final decision was to take no action at all.
“...Therefore, you don’t need to worry too much,” said Lunas while walking beside Mahiro, as they were returning to their room. “Maybe I’m saying I’m sorry, but such a thing as a punishment was never done. [6] Even if Headquarters had issued such orders, I would never allow this to happen.”
“Ah.”
“The discussions about governance policy and whether or not to allow you to participate in governing is currently consideration. However, there is no denying that, because this country is already under our rule, it is impossible for things to proceed step by step like before...on this point, until you are satisfied, you can compete with them.
“Thank you very much.”
“...”
Mahiro walked facing forward, without a further response, but not to the extent of ignoring her. To revive the mood, Lunas spoke up.
“...But really, that kind of speech which targets the emotions of people. Surely feeling as if they are sheltering the enemy, are you sure they will not revolt?”
“Until then…if they really show such signs, I will convince them. I’ll do it.”
Mahiro finally turned his head over to look at Lunas’ exposed face, but he didn’t see a single trace of a smile on her face. Her face was not merely expressionless, more like the face of someone standing on the outdoor terrace. [7] Maybe lifeless would be a more appropriate way to describe it.
“Then, can we settle this? In that case, protect us, or are you afraid they won’t accept it?”
“The patriotism in these people is strong, there are some will see you as weak...or even a traitor.”
“I’m already accustomed to being called a fool.”
For the Lady Lunas, their first meeting six months ago seemed like a dream. Rushing into their camp at the time, and then meeting once again inside the city, that boy was truly happy in his own eyes. And then they met again in that throne room, that boy was able to speak so well….but now, he seems disinclined to say a single word.
It was not so much a feeling of tiredness from Mahiro, rather it was like he was a completely different man altogether.
Then, seeing the door to Mahiro’s private room open, a diminutive man appeared from the shadows.
“Oh...oooo...ooh...Prince…!”
“Minister…”
Quickly trotting toward Mahiro with shaky knees and a downcast face full of tears.
But, he was left alone.
As an enemy of affection, Kaien only followed the side those would win. Although dazzling with charisma, he was also despicable. But he was also one of the pillars supporting this country.
Whine. I won’t resign…! I truly am swallowing this tone…! Prince…! No matter what, I am on Your Majesty’s side. Nevertheless, they were trying to pull your Highness, to cling close to you. They are undoubtedly traitors. And yet I...I did not see through even a single one of them…! Until yesterday, the three of them were well-respected, they appeared extremely reliable. Subsequently, this stupid and ignorant one [8] couldn’t protect His Majesty’s life.
Mahiro bent his knee down in understanding, while placing his Kaien’s shoulder.
“It’s all right. This kind of thing, it’s not your fault, Minister.”
“Uwoo...Prince…!”
“Come, lift your head Kaien-dono. [9] Among the Ministers left, there is only you. Beginning tomorrow, we are under the rule of the People’s Consultative Conference. As one of those who even now continued to support this country’s people, I hope you can help me.”
So Mahiro himself handed out his hankerchief and helped Kaien up.
“Still…..There are--there are the Prince’s commands which are necessary, regardless of myself.”
There were no other Mismarcan people around.
“About the matter of Kaien, how many other people know it?”
“Haa…?”
Kaien could not comprehend, only blinking with tears still in his eyes.
“They were admired by everyone. Even I myself am not entirely convinced. Yes, there might have been reasons where they had to act against their will, but still, this is a painful embarrassment.”
“...Prince, do you plan to shield them…!?”
“I cannot allow the people to have their hearts swayed.”
“...Prince…”
“Therefore, please tell the people around them, so they will feel compelled to protect those people who were compelled to do such a thing.”
“...If it’s the Prince’s wish and Imperial Decree, then I will endeavor to comply.”
The Minister immediately left the room...when his back slipped away, Mahiro’s face once again lost all its emotions.
“Your Majesty Lunas. About this matter, could you take care of it?”
“[10]However, they are directed by the Emperor’s elder sister. Though, it’s developed to such a point where even I myself don’t have an exact grasp on it...but since spying is the job, then I have no need to spread them out.”
“You have my gratitude.” [11]
Miscellaneous Translator Note: Minister Kaien switches between formal and informal “you” with Mahiro, though mostly formal. The formal types he uses are also super formal ones, such as the type used to speak to Emperors in Ancient China. Mahiro tends to use informal “you” with Kaien, though I believe he used a formal version once or twice. With Lunas however, he seems to stick towards formal, though only a courteous way (as in someone you don’t know very well), as opposed to Kaien’s super formal way. Lunas in turn has always used informal so far that I’ve seen.
Translator's Notes and References[edit]
- ↑ The implication here is that the Empire and Mahiro agreed that he would read only what was on that script, and nothing else. And the Black Knights realized that he was about to say things that weren’t on that script.
- ↑ He’s saying that the people of Mismarca are afraid to see the soldiers of Gran Marsenal as human too, because if they do that, it’ll be harder to hate them.
- ↑ Unsure about this line. Believe it’s referring to how Mismarca before this was its own empire (albeit a tiny one in recent years), but now became a “kingdom” of another Empire now.
- ↑ The pair in question here is most likely Mahiro and Pariel.
- ↑ Citizens in this case, especially ones who love their country.
- ↑ Is she saying that when she killed Mahiro’s father, she at least made it quick so he wouldn’t suffer?
- ↑ I believe the author is describing Lunas’ face as looking like the face of someone who is about to commit suicide.
- ↑ Kaien is referring to himself as the stupid and ignorant one.
- ↑ Translating from Chinese here, the ancient “honorific” used can mean one of several things: talking towards a high-ranking official, term of endearment towards spouse (lol), or a term used by Emperors towards their subjects. In this case, both first and third types would make sense, so I just substituted in -dono because I felt it was the closest fit (that I knew of).
- ↑ Lunas says a confusing line here, I’m guessing there’s a name in here but I’ve no idea which symbols pertain to the name, and which should be read as regular words.
- ↑ Mahiro seems to say this in a very formal/obsolete way, something like “Sorry to force you to toil like this for me.”
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