Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V7Part1

The Miracle of Pleiades - Part 1 - Prologue

Deus Ex Machina.

The term refers to the "god from the machine," a narrative device used in plays. At the climax of a play, when the plot becomes too tangled, with multiple characters' actions and motives colliding, and the audience is left wondering, "How will this ever be resolved?"—suddenly, without any foreshadowing, a god-like figure is lowered from the stage ceiling by a machine, solving all conflicts with divine intervention.

And now, to secure victory in our current situation...

"We need a Deus Ex Machina."

That was the resigned statement from Lieutenant Colonel Balthazar Grim, a military adviser attached to the Kingdom of Sylvania and a staff officer in the combined operations command of the St Vault Empire's military.

"It's impossible for us to win."

There wasn't a trace of frustration, anger, or regret in his voice. The difference in military strength was so overwhelming that even having those emotions felt pointless.

"The Urano forces have spent over ten years meticulously preparing for this moment with terrifying patience. The Hydrabard conflict and the Second Archipelago War (Multi-Island Sea War) were just distractions, part of their strategy to wear us down. We no longer have any way to resist."

June, 1351 of the Imperial Calendar, Santos Island, Sierra Greed

Having heard Balthazar's opinion in the solitude of her office, Queen Elisabeth Sylvania of the Sylvania Kingdom turned her eyes to the tactical map spread across her desk, reviewing the situation across the entire archipelago.

Much of the Mitterland Continent, where the St Vault Empire was located, was covered by black "unknown" marks on the map. The Urano forces had gained complete air superiority, making it impossible to track enemy movements in that darkened area.

When the Akitsu Federation collapsed, everyone believed that the St Vault Empire would take control of the archipelago—but just as that certainty solidified, a nightmare struck the empire's rear. In just eight months, the Harmonia military, led by Grand Marshal Queen Nina Viento of Urano, swept through the Mitterland Continent, conquering it entirely while invoking Nina's name.

Since Nina Viento's ascension to the throne a year and a half ago, Urano had mercilessly crushed the people of the land like insects, advancing with terrifying speed toward its two-millennia-old ambition: Heaven and Earth Dominion.

No one had foreseen this nightmarish scenario.

No one, except one person.

Once the top-ranking fourth-year cadet at the prestigious Selfaust Military Academy, Cecil Hauer had written a report expressing doubts about the St Vault Empire's defensive strategies. Now, having discarded her name and assumed the identity of Queen Elisabeth Sylvania, she stood at the brink of witnessing the archipelago's annihilation.

"Lieutenant Colonel Grim," Elisabeth called out to her former senior officer from the academy, lifting her face from the tactical map.

"Was there no way to foresee the collapse of the Kukuana Line?"

Balthazar furrowed his brows slightly, shrugging as if to say, "What's the point of asking now?" without uttering a word.

The Kukuana Line.

It was a complex concrete fortress that the St Vault Empire had built along its border with the Harmonia Empire. A network of trenches, barbed wire, anti-tank ditches, scaly pillboxes, and underground railroads all combined to form an impenetrable defensive line. However, that line had now been trampled under the boots of the Harmonia forces, leaving nothing behind but ruins. In hindsight, the empire had overestimated the line's defensive capabilities, which ultimately severed its lifeblood.

"We did everything we could. I even conveyed my predictions to the Operations Command, but they weren't considered. As a result, we find ourselves in this situation. But lamenting over it now won't change anything. We need to think about what to do next."

Elisabeth nodded quietly, then spoke with conviction.

"We have already made a move."

Once again, Balthazar furrowed his brows.

"What kind of move?"

Elisabeth turned her gaze toward the window, speaking cryptically.

"A low-pressure system is descending from the Vestelant region."

She paused, then continued.

"Perhaps... a Deus Ex Machina might appear."

It was early evening, but the sky outside was already dark. Thunder rumbled faintly behind the thick clouds.

Elisabeth's eyes remained fixed on the gray landscape, gazing beyond it, far toward the Vestelant Continent, which lay to the distant north of Santos Island. The land was a barren frontier where small warlords and military factions constantly clashed—no force there could possibly stand up to Urano.

Balthazar dismissed the queen's vague words and lowered his eyes back to the map.

Looking over the blacked-out Mitterland Continent, only bitterness and frustration welled up within him.

He knew it was pointless to regret, but if he could, he would turn back the clock to one year ago.

Back to when the St Vault Empire was still intact as a nation and on the verge of fulfilling its long-cherished dream of dominating the archipelago.

"Everything is too late."

Muttering a complaint that couldn't change anything, Balthazar glanced out the window, reflecting on his past self from a year ago. It was around this time, one year earlier, that he first met Elisabeth after she revealed her true identity. The signs of the nightmare were already evident, but he had carelessly ignored them. It was an unforgivable mistake.

In June of 1350, he had been newly assigned to the Joint Operations Command of the St Vault Empire's military and promoted to the rank of Major, enjoying the smooth ride of his career. If only he could go back to that time, he would kick his own overconfident self and sound the alarm about the threat posed by the weapons Urano possessed. If only he could shout to the entire country that in just one year, the shape of the world would be torn apart...

June 1350 of the Imperial Calendar, Selfaust, Capital of the St Vault Empire

Balthazar Grim, newly promoted to Major and recently assigned to the Imperial Army Joint Operations Command, found himself waiting uneasily in the lobby of a luxurious hotel. His rapid rise through the ranks had been smooth sailing thus far, but today, he was deeply troubled.

Back in October of the previous year, he had bested the brilliant strategist, Brigadier General Victor Kahn, in a wargame simulation. As a result, he had been stationed in the capital, Selfaust, starting in January as an intelligence officer at the Joint Operations Command. His former superior at the Santos Island Command, Andy Bott, had also risen through the ranks, becoming a Brigadier General and head of the intelligence bureau.

For over five months, Balthazar had meticulously analysed intelligence collected by the Imperial Military Intelligence Headquarters, applying it to international relations, propaganda efforts, and strategic operations. His achievements had garnered significant praise, and just when he was beginning to bask in his success, an unexpected message came from Princess Colette Avery.

Princess Colette, the sister of the Queen of Sylvania and wife to the St Vault Empire's foreign minister, had been an elusive and cunning figure. Since they had first collaborated to free Kiyoaki Sakagami and Kagura Murasaki from prison the previous August, Balthazar had sporadically received requests for information from her. This time, however, the message was different.

"I've kept you waiting long enough. Princess Elisabeth has arrived in Selfaust. She wants to see you, Major Grim," Colette had said over the phone.

Upon hearing this, Balthazar steeled himself. It was a moment he had long dreaded.

There was no reason to refuse the honour of an audience. He thanked Colette for the opportunity, scribbled down the name of the hotel where Elisabeth was staying, and confirmed that he would be there at the appointed time. Since then, he had been a bundle of nerves, waiting in the hotel lobby for Colette's arrival.

His stomach churned.

No military operation had ever made him feel this ill at ease. This was the most stressful and suffocating moment of his life. His mind raced, replaying memories from his academy days. What could he have done differently back then? How had it all come to this?

After he had returned Kiyoaki and Kagura to the Akitsu Federation, Colette had revealed Elisabeth's true identity to him. The truth was exactly what Balthazar had prayed it wouldn't be.

The very woman he had shared an officers' lounge with at the Air Hunt Academy—whom he had bossed around countless times—was now Princess Elisabeth of Sylvania. He had once even thrown a bunch of bananas at her in frustration. The bratty girl he despised so much, Cecil Hauer, had been the lost princess all along.

"Why... Why did it have to be you?"

Balthazar buried his face in his hands as he sank into the too-soft hotel sofa. The cruel twists of fate were too much to bear. Why had someone of such high status hidden her identity and joined him as a subordinate on the Airship Eriadore? It made no sense.

Had he known she was Elisabeth from the start, he would have treated her differently. He would have used every trick in the book to get on her good side, leveraging his charm, intellect, and finely-honed social skills to win her over. He could have turned her into an ally, working in his favour. But now, it was too late.

"Feeling unwell, Major Grim?"

Balthazar was jolted from his thoughts by a voice close by. He managed to keep himself from jumping and looked up to see Colette Avery standing before him, her expression concerned.

"If you're feeling ill, you shouldn't push yourself," she said, her eyes kind as she blinked at him.

Dressed elegantly in gray, with soft wrinkles around her eyes, Colette looked every bit the refined woman of her age, exuding both poise and sincerity.

"I'm fine, Your Highness. Just dealing with a few concerns," Balthazar replied, rising to his feet. "Thank you for inviting me."

"It's been a while, hasn't it? The last time we met was in Odin, I believe. I've heard of your recent successes—defeating General Victor in a wargame and your rapid promotion through the naval and air forces."

"Thank you, but it was all thanks to your support, Your Highness," Balthazar replied, adopting a humble demeanour.

Colette smiled slightly. "Princess Elisabeth is on the 25th floor. She's looking forward to seeing you."

What awaited him on the 25th floor? Would Elisabeth confront him about their past interactions? Balthazar had spent the entire night planning for this possibility, crafting potential responses. However, he hoped that none of his carefully prepared contingencies would be necessary.

As they entered the elevator, Colette spoke again. "There is one thing I'd like to ask of you."

"Yes?" Balthazar raised an eyebrow.

"Princess Elisabeth is not the same as she was as Cecil Hauer. She will address you as Elisabeth Sylvania, not as she once did."

"Of course. Things are different now," Balthazar replied, relieved by the information.

Colette's words helped ease his anxiety. If Elisabeth had truly left her old self behind, it meant she might have also forgotten about their past interactions.

"Over the past six months, she has been learning how to carry herself as a princess. You might be surprised by how much she's grown."

A soft chime announced their arrival on the 25th floor. Colette led the way, and Balthazar followed, taking deep breaths to calm himself. He needed to stay sharp.

The door to a lavish suite opened, and Balthazar was led into a large living room decorated in white with accents of blue. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the capital of Selfaust stretched out beneath a hazy June sky.

And there, standing against the backdrop of the imperial city, was Elisabeth Sylvania.

Her once-short hair had grown into a semi-long style. She wore a simple white blouse with an embroidered crest on her chest and a red skirt with golden adornments. Although her outfit was not far removed from a typical schoolgirl's, the air of nobility she exuded set her apart.

"It's been a long time, Major Grim. Thank you for coming," Elisabeth said, her voice cool and graceful, her expression serene.

Balthazar carefully chose his words. "It has been a while, Your Highness. I am grateful for your assistance in the past."

He bent low, taking her offered hand respectfully, and sat on the sofa across from her, separated by a glass table. Colette stood at the edge of the room, observing.

As Balthazar tried to read Elisabeth’s expression, he found himself struggling. The girl sitting before him was no longer the same Cecil he had known at the academy.

The change was most apparent in her eyes.

Her amber gaze, once full of youthful arrogance, now carried an unshakable sense of dignity and authority. Yet, despite the weight of her presence, there was no hostility—only a quiet, gentle strength.

"Are you angry?" Elisabeth asked suddenly, catching him off guard.

"Angry? Why would I be?" Balthazar replied, bewildered by the question.

"For all the time I hid my identity," she clarified, her clear gaze never wavering.

It was a direct question, one Balthazar hadn't anticipated. He quickly ran through his prepared responses and selected the one that best conveyed maturity and understanding.

"Given the circumstances, I think it was necessary," he said with what he hoped was an air of composure.

Elisabeth continued to gaze at him, her expression unchanged.

After a long pause, she smiled softly. "You certainly helped me a lot during our academy days."

A single bead of sweat trickled down Balthazar's temple.

What does she mean by that?

Was she talking about genuine help, like mentoring her or buying her meals? Because that wasn't what he remembered. He had mostly treated her as a tool, ordering her around for his own benefit.

Or was she referring to something more sinister, like "repaying a favour" in the way some people use the term?

Balthazar quickly decided how to respond.

"I'm glad I could be of assistance," he said cautiously.

"That's surprising," Elisabeth replied, her smile deepening. "I always got the impression you didn't care much for me."

Balthazar’s heart sank. He had to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory.

Thinking quickly, he changed the subject. "Speaking of the academy, I heard about Kiyoaki and Illia. They're being treated as prisoners of war, correct? Are they doing well?"

It worked. Elisabeth smiled as she replied, "Thanks to your help, they're both fine. Though they're prisoners in name only—they're currently flying with the Valkyries in Vestelant."

Balthazar breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that he had managed to divert the conversation in time.

But then Elisabeth hit him with another surprise.

"Did you know that Kagura is a member of the Imperial Guard of the Akitsu Royal Family?" she asked, her tone serious.

The revelation struck Balthazar like a bolt of lightning.

"What...? Kagura, a member of the Imperial Guard?" he repeated, incredulous.

Elisabeth nodded gravely.

"Second Lieutenant Sakagami mentioned it. The Murasaki family has served the Keiken Imperial Family from the shadows for over a thousand years, and Kagura has inherited that mission," Elisabeth explained.

A sharp pain shot through Balthazar's chest.

The Keiken Dynasty Imperial Family was now being used by the former military leadership of the Akitsu Federation, as they attempted to seize ultimate power. The military leaders, desperate to shift the blame for their defeat, had manipulated the Imperial Family into this position. It was a crumbling figurehead of authority, already destined for ruin. And yet, the Shinmei Guard would undoubtedly follow the Imperial Family to the bitter end, regardless of the fate that awaited them. Balthazar didn’t need to think twice to understand where this path would lead...

"I... I wasn't aware. Kagura... in the Shinmei Guard?" Balthazar muttered, feeling the weight of this new information.

Although Balthazar's current duties were centred around the Kingdom of Sylvania, he had heard from colleagues in the Joint Operations Command that the Empire intended to execute the Keiken Imperial Family after the war. They planned to pin the blame for their indiscriminate bombing campaigns on the Imperial Family to escape responsibility. When that time came, the Shinmei Guard would sacrifice their lives to protect the family. They would live and die alongside the Imperial Family—that was the very nature of the Shinmei Guard, and Balthazar knew it well.

Nearly ten months ago, Balthazar had freed Kagura and Kiyoaki from imprisonment, helping them parachute down from the Odin aerial fortress back to their homeland. The faint emotion he had experienced then, something he had never felt before, now resurfaced in his chest.

It was uncharacteristic of him. He tried to dismiss the feeling, but it clung to him stubbornly. Elisabeth, observing him closely, spoke again.

"Are you worried... about Kagura?"

Her tone had softened, reverting briefly to the more familiar voice of Cecil from their academy days. Balthazar snapped back to his usual demeanour and straightened his posture.

"No, I am not. Murasaki is now an officer of an enemy nation. Personal feelings will not interfere," he replied, the tone of an Imperial officer.

It was the answer expected of him as a major in the Imperial Army. The Keiken Imperial Family was the enemy, and their protectors, the Shinmei Guard, would have to be annihilated without mercy if encountered on the battlefield, regardless of past friendships.

And yet, the pain in his chest did not fade. He was surprised to find such a thing had taken root inside him. Determined to move on, Balthazar redirected the conversation to more neutral topics—the impact of the royal restoration on the island nations, the future governance of Santos Island, and so on. He successfully steered the conversation away from any mention of their academy days or his treatment of Elisabeth, managing to navigate the entire encounter without triggering any past grievances. After sharing dinner with Elisabeth and affirming their continued cooperation, he finally left the hotel at 9 p.m., sinking into the back seat of a taxi.

As Balthazar leaned back, he rotated his shoulders, tense from the nerve-wracking day, and reflected on his performance. He was pleased with himself. His deft topic changes had ensured Elisabeth never touched on their past, focusing instead on the political and military issues at hand.

Had Elisabeth chosen to bring up his behaviour from their academy days, he would have resorted to his last-ditch plan—Operation "Twin Brother," which he had devised the previous night. The strategy involved shifting all responsibility for his past actions onto a fictional twin brother. The prepared line was, "It was all my twin brother's doing. I should never have allowed him to use the officer's lounge. I apologize on his behalf." It would have been an absurd and risky gambit, but one that, if successful, could have absolved him of any guilt. However, he was grateful that the situation had never reached that point.

Smiling smugly, Balthazar gave himself full marks for his performance. With Elisabeth's support, he was sure his future success was all but guaranteed.

But as he basked in satisfaction, the pain in his chest returned.

The image of Kagura, standing with the Shinmei Guard, shielding the Imperial Family with her body as she was struck down by Imperial bullets, lingered in his mind.

Forget it. It's useless sentimentality. I don't need it, Balthazar told himself, trying to forcibly shake off the ominous thoughts. Instead, he filled the void with a surge of anger, the familiar hatred that had always fuelled him.

Just wait, you old bastard. Every day, I draw closer to your throne.

He pictured the impassive face of his grandfather, Renior Berner, in the nightscape outside the window and swore once again to destroy him. Renior, who had built the Berner financial empire, had always treated Balthazar with cold detachment. Balthazar's lifelong dream was to see that man beg for mercy, crying in defeat at Balthazar's feet.

I will never forgive you for what you did to me. I will make sure you understand, down to your very bones, the mistake you made in underestimating me...

The hatred that fuelled him surged within. It was this burning resentment that gave him strength, that enabled him to endure hardships, to never be satisfied, and to push himself to achieve ever greater heights.

Now then, about my next steps at Operations Command...

Balthazar’s mind turned to his ambitions. He had to get closer to General Raphael Donauer, the current Chief of Staff. At 62 years old, Donauer held one of the most influential positions in the Empire, and Balthazar aimed to become his trusted right hand. But first, he needed to continue proving his value by keeping a close eye on global developments and providing sharp analyses.

Currently, the world was... tense.

Rumours from the northeast of the St Vault Empire, where it bordered the Harmonia Empire, suggested trouble. Intelligence reports indicated that a massive Urano fleet had recently docked at a military port in Harmonia, loading supplies. Additionally, two floating fortresses, Leon and Zigos, which had been unaccounted for in the island campaigns, were now confirmed to be in the northern waters of Harmonia, conducting mysterious drills for months.

The Harmonia Empire was effectively a satellite state of Urano, its political and financial systems controlled by Urano officials, who acted according to the will of the Urano ruler.

Given that the Empire was fully focused on the Multi-Island War, it wouldn't be surprising if Harmonia attempted an attack from behind.

However, the Empire had the Kukuana Line—a massive defence network protecting the border with Harmonia.

This defence line, stretching three kilometres deep with trenches, tank barriers, and networks of machine gun nests and fortifications, was considered impenetrable. Even if Harmonia’s forces attempted a frontal assault, they would be decimated long before breaching the line.

And yet... is that really the case?

A nagging doubt crept into Balthazar’s mind.

What if... there's something we've overlooked?

Looking out the taxi window, Balthazar pondered potential vulnerabilities.

The Unlon Mountain route...

He considered the possibility. If a mechanized force from Harmonia crossed the Unlon Mountains and flanked the Kukuana Line, it would spell disaster. While the Kukuana Line was impervious to frontal assaults, its sides and rear were vulnerable.

However, the idea of crossing the Unlon Mountains was unlikely for two reasons.

First, any large force attempting to cross the mountains would have to pass through Zunjin territory. The proud and isolationist Zunjin Dynasty, which had guarded its borders for 800 years, would never allow an enemy army safe passage. They would attack, and Harmonia’s forces would suffer heavy losses even before reaching the Kukuana Line. Their supply lines would be vulnerable, leading to the inevitable collapse of the invasion force.

Second, it was nearly impossible for a mechanized force to traverse such rough terrain. Only light infantry units or lightly armoured vehicles might attempt it, but once they descended into the flatlands, they would be no match for the Empire's heavy tanks.

So, no, the Unlon route is unlikely.

Then there's the option of an airship assault over the mountains... but that's even riskier.

Airships, while capable of crossing the Unlon Mountains, would be prime targets for anti-aircraft fire. Should they be shot down over enemy territory, the technological secrets they carried would fall into enemy hands, which was a risk too great for any fleet to take.

No, that won’t happen either.

The last possible threat was a naval assault from the eastern waters of the Mitterland continent, but with the Empire’s radar installations on the islands in that region, any fleet would be detected long before reaching Imperial shores.

In conclusion, the Empire’s rear is secure...

Balthazar stopped his train of thought there. Harmonia might try something, but the Kukuana Line would hold. Once the island war was won, the Empire could turn its full might against Harmonia.

I just need to establish my position at Operations Command before that happens...

Unaware of the catastrophe awaiting him just four months later, Balthazar closed his eyes, resting against the seat. If only he had thought more deeply about the implications of Urano’s secret weapon, perhaps he could have averted the tragedy. But it was already too late to change the past. The truth of the matter had passed by, unnoticed, just like the scenery outside the taxi window.