――The condition for retaking the throne: the acquisition of the “Nine Divine Generals.”

As the names and aliases of the “Nine Divine Generals” were revealed, the atmosphere in the conference room tensed up immediately, and Subaru felt it in his skin.

Of course, for the people of the Empire, the names would be familiar, but for Subaru, they were all entirely new.

“…If this were a manga or anime, the scene of all the executive-level guys’ names being revealed at once would be an exhilarating development,” he thought to himself.

However, when it comes down to being faced with the reality, it was far from a joyous situation.

The names and aliases of the “Nine Divine Generals,” as described by Abel, were all impressive and suggested just how troublesome each one could be.

Since Arakia’s alias was “Spirit Eater,” which directly tied to her abilities, one could assume that the other aliases were similarly related to their peculiar powers and combat methods.

“From the names, I can at least guess who the ‘Cursed Tool Master’ and ‘Flying Dragon General’ might be,” he mused.

The two he pointed out were nicknames derived from their fighting styles and the tools they wielded.

The other aliases were likely born from appearances or notable achievements. In stories like China’s “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” or “Water Margin,” characters often take on names for such reasons.

Thinking back, those stories also revolved around the theme of seizing power. Unfortunately, Subaru only had a vague understanding of them and wasn’t very knowledgeable.

“But now’s not the time for escapism. About the acquisition of the Nine Divine Generals being the condition for victory, I have a few things I want to ask.”

“What is it? Do you have doubts?”

Recovering from the initial shock, Abel raised an eyebrow as he placed his hand on the map on the table.

If he believed it was all explained sufficiently, then he was seriously underestimating the depth of the situation. Compared to the others present—especially Zikuru—Subaru held overwhelmingly less information about the Volakia Empire.

“That’s why I have plenty of doubts. If you keep skipping explanations just because you understand them yourself, people might not know what you’re thinking.”

“I’ll take your advice lightly. Express your doubts.”

“Don’t just brush them aside…”

With a sigh at Abel’s lofty demeanor, Subaru made up his mind as he felt the eyes of those around him turn toward him. “Listen,” he said, raising four fingers on one hand and five on the other.

“Regarding the Nine Divine Generals, it’s good that they’re distributed as an odd number, making it straightforward for this number-capturing competition. However, the friendly ones are unaccounted for, and the situation with Arakia and that Chisha guy guarantees they’re enemies. We’re already at a significant disadvantage here.”

The requirement was to secure more than five, but already the enemy had taken two of the “Nine Divine Generals.”

On top of that, the life or death of Goz, who assisted Abel, was unknown, meaning they could be losing yet another guaranteed card.

“That makes the situation even worse. It’s clear what the conditions for victory are, but is it actually realistic to woo five Nine Divine Generals into joining us?”

“Hey now, brother, you’re underestimating the Emperor too much. I said what I said, but winning the ‘Ceremony of Selection’ is a well-documented achievement. No way they’d just chase you away if you talk to them. As long as you’re not turned away at the door, then…”

“—You might get a chance to behead those who defy you too.”

“Get them on our side!”

Al’s attempt to clarify Subaru’s doubts was completely incinerated by his master’s extreme comment. While discussing how to get the “Nine Divine Generals” on their side, suggesting killing those who wouldn’t join was completely out of place.

“However, the jester in the iron helmet has made a valid point. Indeed, if I express my desire to meet them, there should be no ‘General’ who would decline. The real problem lies after that meeting.”

“Are you talking about me, the jester in the iron helmet?”

“There’s no other iron helmet around. If you have a problem with being treated as a jester, maybe start by petitioning Priscilla or something.”

As he silenced Al’s interruption, Subaru returned to the main topic, saying,

“I don’t understand the system of the Nine Divine Generals. I get the impression they’re like nine generals directly under the Emperor, but they must not all be stationed in the Imperial Capital, right?”

“Each General is a national cornerstone. Look at the Empire’s unnecessarily vast territory. Although the capital is the center of the nation, how could they all be there and act swiftly in emergencies?”

“True. Under your governance, the number of internal conflicts has dramatically decreased, but there are still sparks of unrest. Maintaining the Empire’s security isn’t as simple as just guarding the capital.”

“…In other words, the problematic Nine Divine Generals are scattered across the capital.”

With additional notes from Priscilla and Zikuru, Subaru nodded, resting his chin in hand.

To draw a nearby example, Roswaal held an exaggerated title in Lugnica Kingdom, claiming to be the lord of the western frontier, but he was still obligated to act swiftly when the kingdom was in crisis.

Of course, to do that, he had permission to establish a private army within his territory. —Though, in Roswaal’s case, it seemed his individual strength overshadowed the need to organize an army anyway.

Just flying through the sky and raining down fireballs could probably wipe out most opponents.

“Considering this, he’s also quite a cheat unit… I’m curious where he stands in comparison to the Nine Divine Generals.”

“I don’t really get it, but I hope I’m not straying too far, Natsumi.”

“Sorry. Anyway, I understand the Nine Divine Generals are scattered across the country now. So it’s correct to assume not everyone in the capital was involved in the coup, right?”

“From what I’ve seen, and considering the realistic circumstances, that seems to be the case.”

Abel nodded to Subaru’s confirmation.

Honestly, there’s some anxiety since it was just recently revealed that Abel lacked significant popularity, but the fact that no one around pointed that out suggests it might be a topic best accepted.

In any case, the news that not all the Nine Divine Generals were hostile was good news.

The condition that securing more of the Nine Divine Generals would lead to victory in this battle was understandable. Thus, if Subaru were to further query about this—

“I apologize for all the questions, but here’s another. If the hierarchy of the Nine Divine Generals is simply ranked by strength, we should prioritize the ones with higher ranks, right?”

“Yes, that understanding is indeed correct.”

“Then, since Cecilis can be placed alongside Reinhardt, we should aim for that person… and that’s settled, right?”

The four strongest humans renowned across the four great nations.

If Cecilis, who was brought up in the discussion, was indeed on par with Reinhardt, then acquiring that one individual alone could shift the balance of battle drastically.

In fact, Subaru had come to hold some absurd expectations regarding Reinhardt, thinking he could probably beat everyone in the kingdom in battle.

So naturally, with Cecilis being on par with him, those expectations also surfaced.

However—

“…Securing them would, without a doubt, resolve our issues regarding combat strength.”

“Then why does your face look so sour?”

With a furrowed brow, Abel answered Subaru’s question with a frown.

It seemed that Subaru’s expectations weren’t misplaced, yet Abel’s expression bore traces of concern.

Taking a small breath, Abel revealed the cause.

“The condition of acquiring the Nine Divine Generals is so that many soldiers would follow their feats. The more of Nine Divine Generals we can recruit, the more soldiers we’ll gain as well. D’you understand?”

“—? Ah, I get it. So, the strongest should be our ally first, right? Or is there some falsehood to the title of the Empire’s strongest?”

“No, there’s no doubt he is the Empire’s strongest, but there is a problem.”

“A problem?”

“—He lacks popularity.”

With that single line, carefully delivered, Subaru’s thoughts momentarily halted.

What was thought to be being problematic began to seep into his mind slowly: lack of popularity—yes, that was the interpretation he grasped.

“That’s coming from you?”

“It’s the truth. While he holds the position of the ‘First’ of the Empire’s generals, he wields no actual authority. Even if you were to give him authority, he could do nothing. All he can do is swing his sword.”

“Don’t put someone like that in a general position!”

“Calm down, brother! That’s just the way the Empire is, don’t get so worked up about it!”

While Subaru clashed with Abel’s assessment of Cecilis, Al restrained him with one arm. With the other still keeping Subaru in place, Al tilted his head at Abel.

“Truthfully, he holds no title other than ‘First.’ If he had been granted the authority befitting that position… he might have been used extensively by those opportunistic sorts.”

“Of course, the idea of him being used by someone else is utterly unacceptable. If there were such a risk, I would have disposed of him long ago.”

“But you were isolated and alone in the forest…!”

Even if he talked as if he was in control, his reality was otherwise.

The fact that someone touted as the strongest in the Empire was unable to gather popularity was something Subaru could hardly believe.

“Hey, Zikuru! What do you think about this?”

“Me?”

“Yes, please. As a ‘General’ in the Empire, I’d love to hear your unreserved opinion on Cecilis, the ‘First General.'”

Prompted, Zikuru crossed his short arms in contemplation.

Then, he nodded a few times at Subaru’s hopeful gaze.

“First of all, there’s no denying that Sir Cecilis is the cornerstone of national defense and the embodiment of the Volakia Empire’s strength. The citizens of the Empire strive to embody that strength.”

“Oh, sounds good so far. And then?”

“He is a free-spirited and amiable person, changing his attitude toward nobody, a person who puts one in a good mood overall. But…”

“But…?”

“Many soldiers find him an incomprehensible monster, fearing the deep level of communication with him is impossible. Thus, I think your assessment is valid.”

“That evaluation took a dramatic turn!?”

Given that Zikuru had been nothing but kind so far, it was quite a carefully chosen statement.

While it could be interpreted that he was aligning his views with Emperor Abel out of concern, the deep furrow between Zikuru’s brows suggested evident struggle, indicating his statements were likely true.

In short—

“The arrogance of thinking that by securing the ‘First’ of the Nine Divine Generals, you could instantly turn the tides of battle is not to be accepted. Even if the jester twists his mind around, no decent ‘idea’ would come up.”

“Shut up! Don’t pin his lack of popularity on me! Besides, if both the Emperor and the General lack popularity, isn’t it only natural for a coup to happen!?”

“How many times must I warn you? Don’t think your acts of disrespect will be overlooked eternally.”

Under sharp glares from Priscilla and Abel, Subaru stuck his tongue out at them.

But the truth was, his latest plans had crumbled to dust. If the acquisition of the Nine Divine Generals equaled the acquisition of military strength, there was little merit in hurrying to secure one with no fan favorites.

“In fact, if they lack popularity, maybe we should just leave them be…?”

“That’s also an issue. Depending on the situation, he might have the strength to single-handedly change the course of battle. Even if all the other Nine Divine Generals were secured, the possibility that his own head could be taken is very much real.”

“What a troublesome guy! He’s quite the hindrance!”

There was minimal merit in rushing to secure the ally, but left unattended, he was a dangerous bomb of a talent.

Now, distanced from reality as he was in a foreign land, one could reflect on just how valuable Reinhardt could be given his proven power and personality.

One might as well shout out loud, wondering if he could come rushing from the neighboring country.

“But I’ll tell you this, you fool. A ‘Sword Saint’ cannot cross borders due to national agreements. It’s wise to not indulge in such fruitless expectations.”

“Don’t read my mind. I’m not intending to call him for help, after all… To only expect him in times of trouble isn’t a good attitude for a friend.”

Just because one could easily call upon a friend did not mean one should use them conveniently.

There may come a time when it truly spirals out of control, but until that moment arrives, Subaru was determined to uphold his sense of ethics.

“So? Have your endless questions run dry, then, O foolish strategist?”

“They’re not entirely dried up, and I’m not even a strategist, but about the earlier part, well…”

Being chided by Priscilla regarding his position, Subaru grimaced as he responded. Just as they were about to move the discussion forward—

“—Natsumi and the village chief! Excuse me!”

With a boisterous voice, the door swung open, and a new figure burst into the conference room.

The newcomer was Flopp, a handsome man dressed in blue with long golden hair swaying gracefully.

Flopp, who should have been attending to the injured up on the upper floor after Arakia’s rampage, nodded as he scanned the room full of stares and then looked toward Subaru and Abel.

Flopp looked ragged, with blood staining various parts of his attire, starkly highlighting the severity of the makeshift hospital scene.

However, the fact that he appeared here meant—

“Flopp, how’s the recuperation of everyone?”

“We’ve just wrapped things up! …Huh? From the looks of it, it seems it’s not Natsumi who’s on your mind right now but my young lord instead? Should I go back to calling you ‘Young Lord’ then?”

“Uh, either’s fine. But so, you’ve gotten things sorted out…”

Receiving Flopp’s slightly off-kilter words of consideration, Subaru felt a mix of relief and unease as he processed the news.

The relief stemmed from the simple fact that the injured were receiving aid. The unease arose from the inevitable reality of having to hear the results of that aid.

The goal of “bloodless surrender” had sadly already turned into a total failure.

Seven bodyguards had already sacrificed themselves in bringing Arakia out, and Subaru was left wondering if any of the remaining injured would also join those casualty ranks.

“There were no deaths, young lord.”

“Eh…?”

“Everyone had quite a challenging situation. But thanks to your wife and niece’s efforts, I believe we pulled through. Talitta and Utakata were instrumental, and of course, my sister and I did our utmost too!”

Flopp preemptively answered Subaru’s inquiry after intuitively reading his expression.

The way he pointed decisively towards himself touting his contribution showed his straightforwardness. The answer he provided was clear-cut, and it took Subaru a moment to fully understand its implications.

After that moment passed, the weight of his relief came crashing down.

“No fatalities…?”

“Yes. It’s a testament to everyone’s best efforts to survive. If it weren’t for my sister shielding me, I could have taken a blow to the head and died! Hahaha, I owe my sister for that!”

“Ah, indeed… Truly, I owe my gratitude to Medium…”

Flopp laughed heartily while Subaru lowered his head, his shoulders trembling.

There was no exaggeration in his sentiments; that was a fully honest agreement. Without Medium—or anyone else—this report would not have reached his ears.

There have indeed been lives lost. But also, there are lives that were spared.

The emotions that arose in his chest were profound—

“—What about the merchant and healing magician?”

Disregarding Subaru’s moment of sentiment, Abel interjected coolly into the conversation.

Hearing the unfamiliar term “healing magician,” Subaru furrowed his brow, and Flopp touched his lips with a finger as he considered.

“Are you referring to your wife, perhaps?”

“Who else would it be? Was there anyone else capable of using healing magic at that site aside from her?”

“Nope, can’t think of anyone else! But—”

“But?”

“I think the village chief should adopt a more agreeable manner when addressing others. If you’re going to call her, it would be wise to be friendly about it.”

Flopp’s complaint was refreshingly straightforward, and Abel raised an eyebrow at his remark.

While Flopp said it confidently, it was a highly nerve-wracking statement for anyone on the side listening in.

Of course, with the mockingly impersonal way Subaru referred to Rem because of her abilities, he wasn’t feeling too great about it either.

“That sentiment carries no weight given your previous brotherly insults.”

“Considering the journey we just undertook, I believe I have the right to say that… In that case, I suppose Flopp has the same right?”

“I dunno, but I’m curious about the peculiar journey you brothers have been on.”

It was a story far too exhilarating to recount, but there would be another opportunity to delve into that topic.

Regardless of how Abel had phrased it, the safety of Rem remained Subaru’s top priority. Naturally, he had confirmed with his own eyes that she bore no noticeable wounds.

“She didn’t overdo it and collapse, right?”

“You shouldn’t worry. Naturally, she did quite a lot, and while she’s definitely tired, it is not beyond recovery. It’s a fortunate thing to have such a hardworking wife.”

“Ah… That’s a relief.”

Subaru let out a sigh of relief as he placed his hand on his chest, grateful for Flopp’s reassurance.

Given the current circumstances, even though it was an instance where he depended on Rem, it was genuinely frightening to imagine her overexerting herself. No matter how he tried to convince her, the current Rem wouldn’t lend an ear to what he had to say.

“—Your wife?”

At that moment, Al, who had been silently observant beside Subaru, murmured.

He tilted his head, placing a hand under his chin as he said, “I don’t think I saw her earlier. Did your girl come too?”

“My girl? You mean Emilia? No, she’s not here. How reassuring it would be if she were here… Yet at the same time, I’m not sure I want her here.”

Emilia’s gentle nature and the realities of the Volakia Empire would clash like water with oil.

Though her somewhat brawn-headed approach might fit, the Empire’s cruelty exceeds that. —Emilia would not fit in with the Empire at all.

“—Other than your girl, you mean.”

“…Just so you know, I’m using that as a convenient title. To be honest, I consider that girl someone I’d treat with a lot more care. I’ll do anything to bring her back.”

“——”

While I declared that in defense of my own position, it was to ward off any strange rumors from springing up from Al’s lips. After all, the last thing I wanted was the determination behind my decision to be doubted.

“That elegant gentleman called a merchant… Are you one of Abel’s subordinates?”

“Uh, I’m not exactly a subordinate. My sister and I are in a position to cooperate with you, the young lord, and the village chief due to the nature of the situation. So, it’s more accurate to say I’m his newest friend!”

“Oh, a friend, is it?”

As Flopp and Priscilla exchanged words, she smiled at his answer. The corner of her mouth lifted, and she sent a meaningful glance toward Abel.

“I had no idea you’d been busy making friends without my knowledge. It seems the Volakia Emperor’s throne has become much easier to vacate.”

“Enough with the sarcasm. I never once claimed to befriend that man!”

“What do you mean? We fought side by side in a life-or-death situation, didn’t we?”

“Just because you survived a life-or-death situation together doesn’t make you friends automatically. By that standard, the Empire’s soldiers should all be my friends. And that one closest to me in those deadly battles is my enemy.”

The perfect counterargument using the position he was in silenced Flopp.

However, Abel was also left in no unscathed position, as that counter was akin to a double-edged sword.

“Regardless, Flopp has brought good news. On our end, we’d like to further discuss more positive matters…”

“—Wait.”

“…What is it?”

As Subaru, with no willingness toward fatalism, finally received cheerful info during such a grim meeting, he was cut off as Abel gestured at Flopp.

Following Abel’s motion, Subaru and Flopp looked at each other.

“Flopp?”

Noticing the reason for Abel’s pointed gesture, Subaru also perceived the change in Flopp’s demeanor.

Flopp, always bright and cheerful, wore a hint of hesitation and concern in his otherwise lively eyes.

“As a merchant, you should be careful about how you introduce topics. On that front, I can’t help but think you’re not suited for the merchant life.”

“That’s a valid point, and I’ve gotten a fair number of those myself. I’m well aware of that, but I’ll set it aside for now. …Young Lord, there was something lacking in my previous statement.”

“——”

As Flopp took a deep breath, he observed Subaru with a pained look that made Subaru feel a tightening in his chest. He didn’t wish to hear what came next, yet he could not ignore it.

In such instances, Flopp had a natural talent for making others listen. Under different circumstances, he would have simply been praised for that merchant ability.

But—

“This is not unrelated to the village chief. I want both Kuna and Holly to come with us as well.”

Even now, unable to block what Flopp said, it felt like a cursed talent wrapped up in malice.