Tytania:Volume 4 Chapter 1

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Chapter 1 – An Uncomfortable Guest

I

In any era and in any region, it seemed that authority and power were symbolised by massive structures. There always existed a backlash against such things, and aphorisms were born from them. For instance, during the year SY 447, the following ironical remark was whispered:

“Let those who hate Tytania live in Uraniborg. There, they shall be spared from seeing the objects that symbolise the might of Tytania.”

It was not particularly a unique maxim. Some even claimed it had existed since the era of the pyramids. In any event, the stronghold of the Tytania Clan, known as Uraniborg, was currently appearing before the eyes of Fan Hyulick, Doctor Lee, Miranda, and her husband. Though “before their eyes” was a stretch, as it was a thousand kilometres away. Set against the backdrop of a universe resembling silver sand scattered across a dark cloth, the home planet of the Vardana Empire looked down below—if one could call it that through mere sensation—like a jade gemstone.

“Is that Uraniborg?”

Everyone thought the same thing, though none spoke it aloud. There was no need for words, nor did anyone seem capable of producing any clever remark.

“A mere bauble floating in space.”

That was how the second Landless Clanner, Nuri Tytania, had once disparagingly described his own castle; one wondered how he would have reacted had someone else called it such.

A disc-shaped artificial stratum measuring fifty-two and a half kilometres in diameter. A transparent canopy spanning twelve layers. Fourteen military satellites circled the perimeter of this colossal celestial city. It had been approaching two centuries since its construction, yet its management and maintenance had, of course, never been neglected, and no armed force had ever successfully challenged it.

Hyulick let out a sigh, keeping both hands thrust deep in his pockets, and lightly tapped his forehead against the viewing window. Doctor Lee, who stood to his left, spoke up.

“It is just like the Great Wall of ancient times. It is almost impossible to capture through purely military attacks from the outside. The only option would be to exploit internal corruption and division to slip inside the ring of military satellites.”

“Corruption and division, huh?…”

Hyulick let out an airless mutter. At present, the Tytania Clan appeared to be fractured. There was the Landless Clanner Ajman, the head of the clan, and Idris, acting in his stead. Against them, both Dukes Ariabert and Jouslain had raised their banners in rebellion, expressing their intent to resist through military force.

Thus, the universe lost its axis of fundamental order. Somewhere, something had gone wrong, for the Blaze Flag Army, which until yesterday had been hunted as a public enemy of the Tytania, found itself being invited to Uraniborg, the very heart of the Tytania.

It was Count Elman Tytania who had, to some extent, unravelled this confusion and brought things to the current state of affairs. Until now, he had been regarded as more or less harmless and useless within his clan, but he was beginning to attract attention as the individual capable of establishing diplomatic and manipulative channels between the “Blaze Flag Army Heretic Group” and Tytania.

The spacecraft Honest Old Man Junior, carrying the heretics of the Blaze Flag Army, entered the ring-shaped barrier formed by fourteen military satellites. Communication waves leapt between it and Uraniborg, and the shabby-looking spacecraft travelled halfway around Uraniborg towards the spaceport.

“I wonder how we must look to the people living their daily lives inside Uraniborg,” remarked Miranda. Seraphine Coopers responded, lightly tugging on her own white earlobe. “The people living beneath those lights won’t even notice a ship like this.”

“Hahaha, you might be right.”

“It looks like they’re going to let us in through the main entrance.”

Alan Mahdi stroked his chin and frowned. His palm felt rough. He hadn’t expected to be welcomed by beautiful women clutching bouquets, but he thought to himself that he really should have tidied himself up.

The docking proceeded smoothly and concluded without any issues. As far as the crew of the Honest Old Man Junior could tell, both the facilities and the control systems were perfect.

“Well, I suppose it’s passable.”

As Miranda offered her pretentious assessment, wry smiles flickered around her. Along the way here, they had been repeatedly reminded of just how much of “country bumpkins” they were.

That, without a doubt, was typical Tytania “hospitality”. With that thought, the group stepped off the mobile lift and onto the artificial earth of Uraniborg. A moment later, they realised they were surrounded by dozens of men clad in Tytania military uniforms, weapons at the ready.

The sudden turn of events was blatant. Just as Doctor Lee coldly scanned the cluster of gun barrels and was about to say something, a woman’s scream erupted from among the men.

“I am the mother of Zarlisch and Arses! I am Duchess Theresa Tytania!”

The voice was excessively high-pitched, slicing through the air like a poisoned dagger. It was an unpleasant sound, but for Hyulick and the others, it presented a far greater problem. To her, Hyulick and his companions were the enemies of her sons and the targets of her hatred.

“That is a death sentence proclamation.”

Doctor Lee nodded, crossing his arms. It seemed the sarcasm he had been about to utter had vanished into another dimension.

“Do not presume that death will come easily to you.”

Poison oozed through the cracks of her elegant phrasing. Even her opulent dress could not conceal her excess weight or the distorted lines of her body, and her exposed face resembled that of a predator. She took a step towards her sworn enemy, raising a hand with lengthened claws. At that moment, something stood between her and her foe. A holographic image displayed the face of a young Tytania noble.

“Duchess.”

The young noble’s voice carried the weight of an active volcano in the dead of winter. Snow and ice cold-pressed the crater shut, yet should the lava burst forth, the searing heat would surely consume everything.

“What a wretched deed you have committed. Have you no shame? Do you truly wish for it to be said that Tytania ambushed its guests?”

Doctor Lee, who had been waiting for the opportune moment, bowed and addressed the image on the screen, ignoring Lady Theresa as she gasped for breath in vain.

“I presume I am addressing His Grace the Duke Idris Tytania. We of the Blaze Flag Army take the liberty of lodging a formal protest to the legitimate leadership of Tytania.”

Idris directed a sharpened gaze towards Doctor Lee. He had reacted to the adjective “legitimate”.

Receiving Idris’ silent, piercing stare, Doctor Lee continued:

“We have come here to Uraniborg at the request of Count Elman Tytania. We did so of our own free will. We shall not presume to claim that we are guests. However, our safety has been guaranteed by His Lordship the Count…”

The individual whose name had been called spoke up, struggling to suppress their agitation and tension:

“T-that is correct, Duke. Once a guarantee has been made in the name of Tytania, their lives are, upon my honour…”

“Count Elman, there is no need for you to interject. I understand very well.”

Theresa’s voice overlapped with Idris’. It was a voice that seemed to loom over, crush, and shatter, as if to trample the very fragments into the dust.

“Their personal safety!? I shall not permit such a thing, I will not! I will never let this rogue live after he caused the death of my precious, my precious Arses. He shall regret ever being born… even if he wails and begs for mercy…”

Theresa stepped forward, foam gathering at the corners of her mouth.

“Duchess!”

Idris’ voice struck a second time, like a searing, formless spear, piercing the heart of Duchess Theresa Tytania. Beneath her weathered skin, the muscles of the Duchess’ face surged and twitched. Showing no sign of caring, Idris declared:

“Duchess, to move troops at your own whim without even the permission of His Clanner Highness is utterly outrageous. I suggest you consider the possibility that you may be charged with treason.”

The Duchess gasped. Her full bosom heaved deeply. Soon after, her voice erupted, more turbulent and undulating than her chest:

“Treason? M-me? Treason?! To whom do you speak, Idris? I am the mother of Zarlisch. I am Tytania within Tytania!”

“I am well aware.”

“Then observe proper etiquette. Restrain your tongue.”

“I am restraining it. However, even that has its limits. As a noble of the highest rank within Tytania, you must set an example for those of lower station.”

Idris swiftly shifted his gaze to look upon the middle-aged nobleman, who stood there looking disgruntled.

“Count Elman, please escort our guests to their respective guest rooms. And…”

II

Idris’ voice took on a chilling tone.

“Escort the Duchess back to her original room. Do so with due respect, and ensure there are no oversights.”

Duchess Theresa Tytania had been moved from her original residence to a special suite. It was a room attended by a dozen people, including doctors, nurses, and guards. It was equipped with cameras, microphones, and reinforced double doors. A suite meant for her alone.

How, then, did she manage to leave that room? Furthermore, she had not gone alone but had emerged leading a platoon of armed soldiers. On top of that, how had she possibly learned that Fan Hyulick, the man responsible for the deaths of her two sons, had arrived at Uraniborg?

An unpleasant swirl of suspicion gathered in Idris’ mind. As the representative of Clanner Ajman and one of the former Four Dukes, he held full authority over Uraniborg. At least, that was how he presented himself to others. Yet, out of Idris’ knowledge, an unsightly disturbance had occurred. A flash of fury streaked across Idris’ handsome, youthful face.

What he actually did, however, was merely to gaze at Count Elman Tytania’s face in silence. After taking a single deep breath, Count Elman introduced the officers of the Blaze Flag Army who stood to his left and right. First was Fan Hyulick.

It was this carrot-haired youth before his eyes who had defeated Ariabert on two separate occasions. Even knowing this fact, it was somewhat difficult for Idris to accept.

Tytania placed great importance on dignity. It was said that this had originally arisen from the necessity to intimidate and subdue various nations, including those who harboured resentment. However, as the years passed and its effectiveness grew, it became an inherent trait, so much so that for Idris’ generation, it was almost indistinguishable from instinct.

“To have been defeated by someone so lacking in dignity… Ariabert truly lacked competence. He possesses the bearing of someone who will, at best, remain a mere field officer.”

Though he thought this spitefully, Idris, as expected, did not cross the line and went no further in disparaging Hyulick. Had Hyulick possessed a dignified appearance, it would have been just as irritating. The monster known as self-esteem was always a selfish thing.

As for Fan Hyulick, he found himself inadvertently admiring Idris’ youthful beauty.

“It seems Duke Idris tries to be a fair leader, at least when he has the necessity and the leisure. Though I cannot say for sure what will happen after he becomes Clanner.”

While Doctor Lee thought this, Hyulick himself mused:

“Even if he doesn’t become the Lord of Tytania, he could certainly make a living on his face alone. There is no need to overexert himself against the likes of Ariabert and Jouslain. One-on-one might be different, but in a two-on-one, his chances of winning are slim.”

Those were his thoughts. Since he could not make a living on his looks alone, his thought was roughly eighty percent mere resentment.

Doctor Lee was almost correct, but as he was not a god, he could not be one hundred percent right. While Idris had felt the need to conduct himself as a fair leader, the truth was that he simply had no such luxury. In order to concentrate the power of Tytania solely within himself, he had to subjugate the allied forces of Ariabert and Jouslain; yet, at the same time, he could not leave Uraniborg if he were to secure the person of the Clanner, Ajman.

Even setting aside the fact that he had forgotten past events and had taken the Blaze Flag Army in as mercenaries, one had to wonder if their loyalties could be fully trusted when the decisive battle finally arrived. If the pirates were to stir up an insurrection within Uraniborg, it would be an unbearable catastrophe.

“… Idris! Idris! Release me at once! Have you no shame? Learn some decency…!”

The screams of Duchess Theresa Tytania as she was being carried away brought Idris back to reality. Beneath his mask of composure, Idris suppressed a wry smile. An unbearable situation had already begun to unfold. If the pirates forgot their place, he decided, he would simply have to punish them.

It was a room of ridiculous luxury. As a commoner by birth, regardless of his lineage, Fan Hyulick could think of no other word than “luxurious” to describe it. In truth, the room consisted of three sections: a living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom, and each was far more spacious than the crew’s mess on the Honest Old Man Junior.

He sat at the marble table, yet he found it impossible to settle himself. Peering into the bedroom, he saw a bed nearly three metres in both width and length, complete with a canopy. It was made of dark purple silk embroidered with gold thread, and its style was apparently Persian. To be fair, Hyulick had no idea whether Persia was the name of a planet or a person. For the time being, he simply sprawled out on the bed.

“A bed this huge doesn’t exactly look like the kind I could sleep in.”

“There are things we can use it for besides sleeping, you know.”

Since she had said it so lightly, Hyulick found himself nodding before hurriedly sitting up. Someone had entered his room without permission.

“Seraphine, how did you…”

The young woman wearing a sun visor replied:

“It means we are officially recognised by mighty Tytania. Quite an honour, isn’t it?”

“… So, you’re saying we’re sharing a room?”

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’ll just sleep on the sofa in the living room.”

“T-that’s the wrong way around. I’ll be the one sleeping on the sofa.”

Seraphine seemed to let out a little chuckle.

“Well, it doesn’t really matter. Since Tytania went to such trouble to be considerate, why not just be magnanimous? It’s not like they think we’re saints, anyway.”

Seraphine tossed her bag onto the floor and leapt onto the bed with great energy. Her entire body bounced. Her smiling face looked even more childish than expected, and as Hyulick gave a wry smile, a half-length bust of a figure appeared in midair, accompanied by a perfectly businesslike voice.

“Do you have a moment, Fan?”

“There’s no such thing as having or not having a moment. They’re doing whatever they please with interceptions, eavesdropping, and hidden cameras anyway.”

When Hyulick responded with such carelessness, Doctor Lee shook his head without changing his expression.

“My view differs somewhat. In that regard, Tytania possesses a certain magnanimity. They likely have no intention of inciting unnecessary resentment by spying on the privacy of people like us. Firstly, it would be beneath their dignity. Tytania is not so cheap.”

Clutching a massive feathered pillow, Seraphine burst into laughter. Hyulick ran a hand through his hair.

“So, what is this all about, Doctor?”

A minute later, the three of them were actually face-to-face in the living room. Doctor Lee explained that the guards standing in the corridor merely had pistols hanging from their waists, then he crossed his legs on the sofa.

“Well, we owe our lives to Duke Idris.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“In any case, he is our lifesaver.”

“A lifesaver, huh?”

Hyulick cast a quick glance at Seraphine. Seraphine sat with both knees raised, fingers interlaced, and arms wrapped around them.

“So, what you’re saying is, we owe Lord Idris a debt of gratitude.”

“Does that not sit well with you, Fan?”

“I’m grateful, certainly. If that hologram had appeared even three seconds late, there would be no disputing it. We would have been well and truly done for.”

At that, Seraphine interjected:

“I wonder if it was all a piece of theatre from the very beginning.”

“You think Duke Idris was in league with that terrifying woman?”

While the pirates conversed, Duke Idris Tytania was listening to several reports from Count Elman in his office, but his mind was half elsewhere. He had recently received what seemed like a divine revelation, and it had set him thinking.

“There were hostages, after all. What were they for… surely to be used in a situation such as this? Since I have summoned these pirates, I shall let them do what is fitting for them.”

Idris raised a hand, silencing Count Elman as he attempted to continue speaking.

“You have gone to great trouble, Count. By the way, there was a certain country that Jouslain seemed strangely preoccupied with. Do you remember which one?”

“Are you referring to the Kingdom of Elbing?”

“That is correct.”

“However, the princess of that land, Princess Lydia if I recall correctly, is already in Duke Jouslain’s custody.”

“I have no intention of laying hands on such a young girl. But as long as the Kingdom of Elbing itself remains part of Jouslain’s sphere of influence, I cannot simply leave it be.”

Count Elman cast a bewildered look at Idris. Idris curled the right corner of his mouth into a slight smirk and spoke, his voice laden with much deeper meaning:

“I am looking forward to seeing them demonstrate their loyalty and their ability to command troops.”

After a week of their stay in Uraniborg, which had begun to resemble that of tourists, the executives of the Blaze Flag Army were summoned to Idris’ office.

III

“I order you to… No, I request of you to depart from Uraniborg immediately at the head of a mobile fleet and attack the Kingdom of Elbing.”

There was no dramatic reaction to Idris’ overbearing words. While Fan Hyulick was certainly taken by surprise, he was not shaken. Being an outsider to Tytania, he had no way of knowing the relationship between Jouslain and Princess Lydia. Consequently, he did not understand what Idris’ “request” meant strategically.

“The Elbing army shall be disbanded, and no maintenance of military force shall be permitted. As for the King of Elbing… well, what was his name again? I had no need to remember, so I do not, but he shall be forced to abdicate immediately. Elbing shall be granted only the freedom to choose between becoming a republic or a full protectorate.”

At that moment, Idris held a psychological advantage over both Fan Hyulick and Doctor Lee. Idris knew things that the Blaze Flag Army did not. Doctor Lee’s cunning and insight were also predicated upon having information.

“Back then, it displeased me to see that fellow Jouslain siding with the Kingdom of Elbing. However, looking back now, he had exposed an unexpected weakness. There is nothing better to exploit.”

Idris was able to fully savour the psychological state of self-satisfaction. However, he maintained a cold, detached expression throughout. Meanwhile, Hyulick and his companions were made to understand in an instant that they had reached a point where refusal was no longer an option.

There was, however, a lingering doubt. The Kingdom of Elbing was not a strategic cosmic stronghold like Bargash or Ementhal. Neither Hyulick nor Doctor Lee could fathom why someone would launch an attack against a mere backwater, impoverished planet like Elbing.

“Might we ask the reason for this attack?”

“That is none of your concern,” declared coldly Idris.

His intent was to remind them of their station; there was no need to reveal the true purpose behind the assault on Elbing.

“I shall leave the command of the fleet entirely in your hands. Your merits shall be justly rewarded. That alone should suffice.”

“What if…”

“What if?”

“What if the Kingdom of Elbing offers to surrender without a fight? Should we accept it?”

“No!”

Idris’ voice sounded as though he were almost relishing his own ruthlessness. Fan Hyulick realised that he had underestimated Idris, and he felt a rapid swell of anxiety rising within him. Was this man trying to involve them in some terrible atrocity? But just what kind of atrocity could it be?

“Whether Elbing chooses to surrender or to resist, no consideration is owed to their movements. Whatever they propose, ignore it and attack them.”

Doctor Lee, who had been observing Idris with more composure than Hyulick, spoke up:

“Are you suggesting we turn the entire planet of Elbing into a scorched wasteland?”

“If you are able to do so, yes.”

An eerie light shone in Idris’ eyes. Miranda began to move her large, yet well-proportioned body. Just before she could do anything, Doctor Lee stopped her indirectly with a voice that was far too calm:

“If that is your command, we shall comply.”

Doctor Lee once again rephrased Idris’ choice of the word “request” back into “command”.

“That will suffice. However, there is one more thing.”

Idris’ tone and expression did not change.

“I shall place my brother Radmoth by your side as a military supervisor.”

When Idris made that statement, the executives of the Blaze Flag Army tensed, thinking, “Here it comes.” The name Radmoth Tytania carried the omen of danger.

“Of course, this is not because I do not trust you as allies.”

Even if he trusted no one listening, Idris felt the need to say so.

“My brother is inexperienced and lacks both prudence and experience.”

That much was a fact.

“Therefore, I wish to have him accompany you on your campaign, to gain experience in actual combat, and to learn the true meaning of battle and command. It is a necessary step for my brother’s future, as well as for Tytania.”

“I understand the intent of your request. However, Your Grace Idris, why entrust this to us rather than doing it yourself?”

“With family, one inevitably becomes too lenient. With the senior officers of the old Tytania, hesitation would always come first. That would not benefit my brother. I want him to, well, undergo his training, so to speak, under your command.”

Idris seemed to be enjoying the mental image of how much Radmoth’s brutish fangs would perplex Hyulick.

“What say you? Will the gentlemen of the Blaze Flag Army accept my proposal?”

His words and actions were polite, yet beneath them lay something that struck terror into the hearts of men. Was this what it meant to be the true nobility among the Tytania aristocracy? Although it was only a superficial sensation, Fan Hyulick felt as though he had brushed against a core of absolute zero.

It was Doctor Lee who responded to Idris:

“I consider it the height of honour to have Your Ducal Grace’s trust.”

“Then, do I have your word?”

“We humbly accept your request.”

“Very well. It appears this has been a mutually beneficial discussion.”

As Idris looked satisfied, Doctor Lee continued:

“However, I do have one small request of my own.”

“And what might that be?”

“Would it be possible for me to be granted an audience with His Highness, the Landless Clanner Ajman?”

Idris knitted his well-shaped brows slightly. He had no intention of allowing Hyulick and the others to meet directly with the Clanner. He simply needed to choose his words carefully:

“His Highness is currently indisposed.”

“When might he be available?”

“That will be at His Highness’ own discretion. For the time being, I, Idris, was asked to handle all matters as His Highness’ proxy.”

“I understand.”

Doctor Lee withdrew quite readily. A glint of suspicion flashed in Idris’ eyes, but he, too, found dragging out the conversation to be a nuisance.

“The fleet’s organisation has already been completed, but I expect you and your men will need to make preparations as well. Set your departure for three days from now, and until then, have your rest.”

Upon leaving Idris’ room, Fan Hyulick and Doctor Lee looked at one another. An argument immediately broke out:

“What does Lord Idris stand to gain by bullying a small, backwater kingdom like Elbing?”

“Most likely nothing.”

“In that case…”

“Rather than a gain for Duke Idris, it is a loss for both Duke Ariabert and Duke Jouslain. This is how you should think of it. If Elbing were to be attacked, it would cause trouble for Duke Ariabert’s group.”

“Why would it cause trouble?”

“There are things even I do not understand.”

Normally, such a remark would be an expression of humility, but for some reason, it sounded boastful, likely due to Doctor Lee’s particular brand of “personal virtue”.

The colour remained flushed in Miranda’s face, and she showed no sign of retreating for a while. It was certain that she was enraged by Idris’ heartless order, but since Doctor Lee had engaged with it, she was now preoccupied with wondering what the tactician was planning.

The tactician exchanged hushed words with Hyulick and Seraphine. Then they continued from where they had left off:

“Even if Duke Idris is allied with Duchess Theresa Tytania, do they truly share such deep interests? To put it another way, what benefit would Duchess Theresa Tytania gain by playing along with Duke Idris’ drama?”

“… I can’t quite think of anything at the moment.”

“For the time being, I am in the same position.”

Doctor Lee shifted his gaze to look at Miranda. Miranda gave a shrug of her sturdy shoulders, let out a silent laugh, and turned back to Hyulick.

“Let’s set that matter aside for now. There is a more pressing and headache-inducing problem facing us immediately.”

“Are you referring to Baron Radmoth?”

“I am,” she curtly replied.

Alan Mahdi lowered his voice:

“It might be tolerable if he were merely monitoring us, but it is obvious he will try to meddle in our operations.”

“I don’t mind.”

“You don’t mind?”

Hyulick glared at him, but Doctor Lee responded with total composure:

“If we lose, we can always blame the Baron.”

“Do you intend to lose!?”

“Even if I intended to win, there is no guarantee that I will.”

“…”

“Or do you possess enough confidence to claim victory even if the opponent were Duke Ariabert? It is true that you have achieved two consecutive wins, but your good fortune is bound to run out soon enough.”

Hyulick groaned. Even so, this was undoubtedly a mild observation by Doctor Lee’s standards. Hyulick was well aware that both of his victories left room for the accusation that they were “cheap shots”. He repeatedly ran his fingers through his carrot-coloured hair. The guard standing along the corridor wall knitted his brows.

Fan Hyulick possessed a flaw that could prove fatal for a commander. Only two or three people in the entire universe were aware of it.

The flaw, which he himself was finally beginning to realise, was that he “never fought under a position of strength”.

Having defeated Duke Ariabert Tytania on two separate occasions, everyone had been dazzled by his brilliance, leading people to regard him as the greatest tactician in the universe. Rather than feeling full of confidence, Hyulick felt nothing but bewilderment and distress. At a glance, this might have made him appear to be a man of great humility, but that was certainly not the case; he simply loathed the idea of being crushed by the weight of such immense responsibility. He merely wished to live a leisurely, mundane life while enjoying his favourite omelettes. Even as an egoist, he was not a man of particularly great magnanimity.

IV

It was a situation that only served to highlight the Creator’s irony—or rather, his malice. Although the soldiers and officers of Tytania understood the meaning behind the invasion of the Kingdom of Elbing, those in positions of command, such as Hyulick and his gang, were kept in the dark. The troops of Uraniborg had no obligation to kindly reveal the truth to the Blaze Flag Army. Had they attempted to do so, Idris would undoubtedly have noticed, and they would have been executed for violating military discipline.

“I wonder if Count Elman might tell us,” thought Hyulick, but Count Elman had met with them only once and was not well-versed in the internal affairs of Uraniborg.

“I have no idea whether such military action is permissible or not. If Lord Idris were a slightly more approachable man, I would like to ask him. But as for this matter, I must ask that you do not rely on me. My apologies.”

That final remark seemed to demonstrate Count Elman’s cunning. While Hyulick and the others felt dissatisfied, it was an undeniable fact that Count Elman’s rank was lower than Idris’ and that he held no authority regarding military mobilisation, so there was no benefit in blaming him. Since his promise to “guarantee safety until we reach Uraniborg” was being upheld, they felt they had no right to demand more or to protest loudly.

“If you happen to learn anything, we would be grateful if you could inform us within the bounds of what your position as Count allows.”

“I shall keep that in mind.”

Count Elman parted ways with the group with great skill. By avoiding any firm commitments and ensuring no binding words were taken, he was effectively securing his own safety. The members of the Blaze Flag Army were well aware of this, and they saw no need to go out of their way to sever the thread of his life simply because they were dissatisfied.

“It seems we shall need to consider this a little further,” said Doctor Lee. “Lord Idris has made a grand announcement regarding the dispatch of troops to the Kingdom of Elbing. That is the problem.”

His “students” leaned in to listen.

“Since it has been announced so publicly, the matter now falls within the realm of political strategy. Had it been conducted in secret, it would be for the time being a purely military objective, but…”

The Doctor traced the trajectory of his own thoughts.

“Dukes Ariabert and Jouslain will come rushing to the rescue of the Kingdom of Elbing. It is because of that certainty that Duke Idris issued such orders to us. If that happens, well, what shall we do?”

“We could deploy even more troops to pincer the Ariabert-Jouslain army…”

“Now, should we perform a pincer movement, or merely use them as a decoy and discard them?”

As Doctor Lee interlaced his fingers behind his head, one of his “students” leaned forward:

“Let’s run away.”

At Alan Mahdi’s blunt suggestion, Miranda, the former princess, responded coldly:

“Where to?”

“Anywhere! Anywhere beyond the reach of Uraniborg.”

“I ask again. Where to?”

Mahdi could not answer Miranda’s follow-up question. Miranda gave Mahdi’s shoulder a firm pat before turning her gaze towards the Doctor.

“I doubt escaping would be that simple, Doctor, but you don’t intend to just leave things as they are, do you? I’ll tell you this much: I hold no grudge against Elf… no, was it Elbing? I hold no grudge against that nation.”

Even Miranda, who had traversed the fringes of the universe piloting the battle-hardened veteran ship, the Honest Old Man, could not clearly recall the name of the Kingdom of Elbing. It was a fact that everyone struggled to grasp: how such a small nation could possibly serve as leverage for intimidating Duke Jouslain or Duke Ariabert.

“Even the smallest of nations has a million or two million people living in it. To attack them indiscriminately is to become a mass murderer. Hyulick, are you really alright with that?”

As the man obsessed by omelettes remained silent, the graduate of the Demon Academy answered in his stead:

“Miranda, as I have told you before, Fan Hyulick is a genius.”

“I am well aware of that.”

“Well, listen to me, Miranda. He is a genius, but unfortunately, he is not the type to shape the situation. He is, so to speak, the type to react to it. It is quite a problem.”

Doctor Lee scratched behind his left ear with a fingertip, making his lofty remarks in a self-important tone.

“This man cannot manifest his genius unless he is driven into a corner. He has defeated the Tytanian forces on three separate occasions, but that was only because his opponents were Duke Ariabert and Duke Zarlisch. If Hyulick were to suffer a defeat, I suspect it would be at the hands of an unexpectedly mediocre commander.”

When Doctor Lee fell silent, the stillness filled the room like heavy, damp sand. Miranda broke the silence with a hint of anxiety in her voice:

“I wish you would be a little more direct. I think your assessment is accurate, Doctor, but we are already in a desperate situation. Isn’t it about time Hyulick provided us with some wisdom?”

“No, we are not there yet. We are indeed surrounded, but as Mahdi said, the possibility of escape is not yet zero. Hyulick must be driven even further into a corner.”

“Just how much further do I have to be cornered!?” shouted Hyulick.

No matter how tight the security was, there was always a chance for scraps of conversation from the Tytania soldiers to slip into one’s ears. However, at the present moment, there was nothing to make the members of the Blaze Flag Army feel optimistic.

… What are we fighting for?

It’s obvious: we are fighting for Tytania.

But our commander is Fan Hyulick!

And furthermore, our enemies are both Duke Ariabert and Duke Jouslain.

It doesn’t make sense.

It’s as if our enemies and allies have been inverted…

The emotions overflowing within the hearts of the soldiers rained down upon Hyulick and Doctor Lee like silent stones. They had been prepared for this, but that did not make the impact any less painful. It was as though Hyulick and the others could sense even the pain that lay in the future.

“What would happen if Ariabert or Jouslain called for the Tytania soldiers to surrender on the battlefield? Wouldn’t the muzzles of their heatguns all turn to surround us at once?”

This time, Mahdi’s voice was more than merely gloomy.

Hyulick let out a sigh.

“There is no reason for the Tytania soldiers to risk their lives for us. I feel as though I, too, might die on the battlefield, struck down by artillery from behind.”

“There is no need to be quite so pessimistic.”

Doctor Lee replied coldly, though he fully intended to reassure his comrades.

“There is absolutely no reason for the Tytanian soldiers to stake their lives for us. Not a single milligram. Zero.”

“Thank you ever so much for that.”

“However, they will not hesitate to endure any hardship or difficult battle for the sake of Tytania’s Clanner. That is how they have been trained, and their families’ livelihoods are guaranteed after their deaths. They are not a mere rabble. The only major problem this time is that they are not being led by Lord Zarlisch or Lord Ariabert. Should the right catalyst occur, there is a possibility their muzzles could be turned towards us.”

“If that happens, shall we simply force them into hand-to-hand combat?”

“If these are your orders, Commander…”

“Phew. I’m counting on you, Doctor. I am well aware this is a terrible joke.”

The Doctor cast a pale gaze towards Hyulick.

“Our total strength stands at two hundred and twenty-nine, while the Tytania side has approximately fifty thousand. What does the calculation look like for hand-to-hand combat?”

“I understand, I know, sorry Doctor. I won’t say anything unnecessary again. Please, let me hear your thoughts.”

“That matters little, but I do not understand why this so-called Kingdom of Elbing has been targeted. That is what I find disagreeable.”

The Doctor’s finger moved across the screen of the handheld terminal.

“The Kingdom of Elbing possesses no significant military strength. At least not as far as I am aware. They have neither battleships nor aircraft carriers. They did purchase three medium cruisers from Tytania about ten years ago, but those represent the extent of their arsenal.”

“The latest models?”

“At that point, they are already second-hand. Furthermore, the loan payments were made in instalments.”

“Haaa,” exhaled Hyulick. The universe was vast. There were nations far more dreary than his own.

“And there is one more ‘moreover’.”

“There’s still more?”

“The loan itself went temporarily delinquent.”

“How tragic.”

Mahdi’s voice held a note of genuine sincerity, but his expression suddenly shifted. As if something had suddenly occurred to him, his voice rose.

“Hey, don’t tell me the Kingdom of Elbing was targeted because of those missed loan payments. That would be going too far.”

Doctor Lee gave a slight shrug.

“It is not admirable to think only in terms of yourself. Tytania is not that unscrupulous. In fact, if such a reputation were to be spread, it would affect their prestige.”

“Prestige, eh? That is a concept I have no connection to.”

“Life is easier without it. Regardless, the reason the Kingdom of Elbing is being targeted is something else entirely. It is not as if Duke Idris just pulled a random card.”

“What kind of card?”

“A joker, of course.”

The Doctor’s reply was devoid of even a hint of a smile.

V

For the four days leading up to the “subjugation” of the Kingdom of Elbing, the members of the Blaze Flag Army spent their days in a state of unrest.

Doctor Lee endeavoured to learn the state of the Kingdom of Elbing’s finances. Had he succeeded, he might have reached the truth in one fell swoop, but whether it was people or machines, the Tytania’s guard was too tight, and the Doctor’s efforts proved fruitless.

Hyulick had been escaping into a slovenly state of alcoholism.

Was this not a massive trap devised by Tytania?

The needles of suspicion repeatedly pricked at Hyulick’s brain cells; no matter what fine vintage he rolled across his tongue, it felt like nothing more than cheap swill.

Was it not a plan to lull the Anti-Tytania Faction into a false sense of security by feigning internal conflict? Yet, he could not fathom any reason for such a move.

Doubt stripped away its mantle of common sense and donned the garish, colourful costume of delusion, flitting erratically around the edges of Hyulick’s mind.

“In such a state, even if I were to make you the finest omelette, I doubt you would even be able to taste it.”

Seraphine Coopers spoke to him with sternness, but Hyulick merely slumped there, rubbing his stomach.

“Stop talking about omelettes and steaks. It makes my stomach acid boil.”

“I’m appalled. At this rate, eggs will start cracking in your dreams and wine will start flowing from your ears. What do you intend to do once the Tytania matter is settled?”

“I’ll open an omelette shop and live a humble life in some corner of the universe.”

“What a small-minded man.”

“Exactly. It’s not as if you didn’t know.”

Perhaps the reason she pushed away the glass, which was not yet empty, was that she felt at least a bit ashamed as she spoke.

The majority of all mankind never leave their home planet from birth until death. Much less would they be granted even a one-in-ten-thousand chance to lay eyes upon Uraniborg. Hyulick, too, was meant to have spent his life merely interacting with Tytania’s branch offices at most.

And yet, look at him now.

Seraphine’s palm began to stroke Hyulick’s back, albeit somewhat awkwardly. As she did, Hyulick found himself recalling the face of a girl he had once met, only to part ways with her against his will. If only he had acted differently back then…

The possibilities were endless. The thought brought on a headache. Before he knew it, his glass was empty. Hyulick rested both arms on the table and buried his face upon them.

Well, let it be. Or rather, it couldn’t be helped. No matter how large the scale became, it was merely an internal conflict within the Tytania Clan. The victor would go on to hold the clan’s true power and continue to dominate most of the universe. It was none of his concern.

Even on the journey to the Kingdom of Elbing, there was no certain way to predict what might happen next.

Idris Tytania had succeeded in mystifying the members of the Blaze Flag Army, but he had no leisure to enjoy it. The administrative tasks that required processing and the issues that required decisions were devouring his time like insects. For instance, they were as the follows:

“A voter turnout of 65.9%, is it?”

“It was approximately 2% higher than my prediction. I believe we may call this a success.”

“A success? It means that thirty-four out of every hundred people find even the simple act of pressing a voting button at home to be a burden. What is the point of granting voting rights to such people?”

Idris thought that it might be more efficient to dispatch talented administrators trained in Tytania and rotate them periodically.

“The political system is a matter of each planet’s autonomous choice. This has been the policy since the time of the first His Highness Neville, and I believe it holds its own significance.”

“Hm?”

“It is about making the inhabitants aware of two points: that they are sovereign in political matters and that they possess the freedom to implement that sovereignty through their own will.”

“Both are nothing more than illusions,” scoffed Idris.

“That is correct. However, whether they be illusions or fantasies, as long as they serve the interests of Tytania, I believe there is value in continuing democratic governance within certain states, however circuitous the path may be.”

“I see.”

Idris nodded and dismissed Donald Farah, but he was not truly convinced. On the contrary, he felt a surge of irritation as he perceived the emptiness within Farah’s highly plausible words. Farah was no statesman; he was nothing more than an election technician. That was precisely why he could serve as a mere cog in the machinery of an institution beneficial to Tytania.

That same Farah was currently stationed on the planet Bargash, where he ought to have been serving as Jouslain’s political aide. It was not that Idris cared about the movements of such a man, but had he been at Uraniborg, Idris could have burdened him with various trivial tasks. There were also those at Uraniborg who served only to increase Idris’ burdens. His younger brother Radmoth was one such person.

“Brother.”

“What is it this time?”

“If that Fan Hyulick ever tries to harm Tytania, I’ll kill him. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Obviously not,” is what Idris did not reply, his cold gaze tinged with a trace of suspicion.

“This guy intends to kill Hyulick without hesitation and then seize command of the fleet for himself, doesn’t he?”

Though it was an appointment he had made himself, every time he looked at his brother’s face, he felt the seeds of anxiety beginning to grow.

“Your mission is strictly to monitor and restrain. You are only to watch and ensure that Hyulick and his faction do not act as they please. I will be the one to make the decision. Do not overstep your bounds.”

“Even if Hyulick shows overt signs of rebellion? He is not someone to be underestimated, is he? What will you do if he strikes first?”

Idris’ handsome mouth twisted subtly.

“Even if Hyulick turns his spear against us, every soldier is Tytania’s elite. Who would ever obey his orders?”

“Do you believe the soldiers will not follow Hyulick?”

“That is exactly what I am saying!”

When Idris spoke, his voice rising in intensity, he was met with an unexpected response.

“Then, in that event, whose orders are the soldiers to follow?”

“… What?”

“No need to glare at me, brother. I am merely raising a natural question as a military inspector.”

Instead of changing his expression, Idris shifted his posture, leaning his elbows on the desk to look down at his younger brother.

“Radmoth, you have become strangely pedantic.”

“I am not being pedantic. I am merely asking for the facts. Even if Hyulick does not betray us, he could still fall in battle. In that case, I suppose I would be the one to take command of the entire fleet.”

“You needn’t trouble yourself with such thoughts!”

At last, Idris bellowed. As he stood up from the desk, his gaze tilted slightly upwards. His brother had grown taller than him.

As his anger receded, a sense of helplessness overcame Idris. He wanted Radmoth to be a loyal and capable aide to his brother. Was it too much to ask for such a thing? Could he not, at least occasionally, do something worthy of praise?

“Every single one of them… every single one of them.”

Idris repeated the same words only to himself. To speak them aloud would be nothing more than to sow the seeds of trouble.

“I shall issue orders when necessary. Rather than preparing for contingencies, strive to ensure such situations never arise. Do that, and you shall be rewarded for your merit.”

With those words, Idris dismissed his brother.

Idris was exhausted, but he refused to admit it. Consequently, in the presence of others, he behaved with even greater purpose as the leader of Tytania. He was powerful, severe, and elegant.

That effort only served to exhaust Idris further. He was on the verge of falling into a vicious cycle. Had there been anyone perceptive enough to notice and point it out, Idris would likely have lost his reason.

He sat in a daze for several dozen seconds, but once he regained his senses, he clicked his tongue sharply and struck the desk hard with both hands.

He had to succeed his late father’s will and rule human society as the Clanner of Tytania. It had been his destiny since before he was born, and he had never once questioned his own life or his objectives. In that process, it was only natural that he should eliminate his enemies and rivals.

Zarlisch had already vanished. Only Ariabert and Jouslain remained. If they continued to stay, it would be Idris who would have to disappear. To Idris, the word “coexistence” existed only within the pages of a dictionary.

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