――Ziqru Osman, the second general of the Volakia Empire, is known for being a “ladies’ man.”

　With terms like lecher, debauchee, and lustful man referring to him, this would certainly be quite an embarrassing collection of names for an imperial soldier who must demonstrate his abilities and earn the respect of his troops.

　However, Ziqru Osman himself liked the title of “ladies’ man.”

　――In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he took pride in it.

　Why is that?

　It’s because before he was called a “ladies’ man,” he absolutely hated the nickname that referred to him in a different light.

　For a soldier, being addressed by such a nickname was an intolerable humiliation. Therefore, he proudly upheld the title of “ladies’ man,” which allowed his troops to forget that previous name.

　To begin with, while being a “ladies’ man,” Ziqru’s inclination was quite different from the typical bad habit of a man who is a womanizer or looks down on women.

　The Osman family had produced imperial soldiers for generations, yet during Ziqru’s time, the family was notably skewed in gender, with an abundance of females for some reason. Growing up surrounded by four elder sisters and six younger sisters, Ziqru spent his childhood without a single brother.

　Raised amidst his female siblings from above and below, Ziqru, like most people, had many preconceived notions about women instilled in him.

　However, what differentiated him from most was that, due to the presence of his female family, he sought ideals and fantasies about women from those outside rather than losing them.

　And so, having parted from his sisters who sorrowed at losing their gentle little brother and caring older brother, Ziqru began his path as an imperial soldier while coming into contact with women from outside for the first time, leading him to burst forth.

　Since then, for Ziqru Osman, women had become like ephemeral dreams existing in the narrow gap between ideals and reality, becoming a forbidden fruit mingled with love and hatred.

　Having been raised amongst a plethora of female family members, Ziqru was kind to women, while at the same time having a strong desire to be treated kindly by them in return. For this reason, he believed that serving women and being served by them was the greatest joy and practiced it.

　This attitude, unlike that of many dominant men in the empire, intertwined with jealousy and contempt towards his impressive military strategies and unblemished victories, ultimately connected him to the name “ladies’ man.”

　But as mentioned at the start, Ziqru Osman was fond of that moniker.

　”Ladies’ man”—isn’t that perfectly splendid? After all, men who love women outnumber those who hate them, so he was bound to have ample opportunities to converse with many soldiers.

　This clear-cut stance of Ziqru was unwavering, and his subordinates, who understood their superior’s preferences, naturally came to respect him as the “ladies’ man.”

　――”Ladies’ man”—isn’t that just splendid?

　The man who has risen to the position of second general while being called that is none other than Ziqru Osman. When the emperor was ousted from the throne, and his breathing was stifled, the political adversaries chose him as the best option within the allowances of their power.

　That was the terrifying, average general who went by the name of “ladies’ man,” Ziqru Osman.

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　From the very beginning, Ziqru had a premonition that this expedition would have an unmistakably suspicious aura.

　The Badheim Forest in the eastern part of the empire saw exercises conducted by the imperial army every year, but this year, the timing had been moved up, and only some officers, including Ziqru, were informed of the true purpose of the expedition—negotiations with the “People of Shudrak.”

　”Those ‘People of Shudrak’ lurking in the depths of Badheim…”

　The indigenous tribe known to have ancient history lives in the Badheim Forest. They are famous for rarely venturing out of the jungle, and Ziqru had never encountered them directly. However, he had heard they were a matriarchal tribe and had longed to meet them.

　Their manner of life, capturing outside men to use for the purpose of child-rearing, was fascinating. Most likely, they were all strong and vigorous women.

　Women are great. Whether strong or weak, kind or strict, they all have their unique charm.

　To lump them all together is impossible. In the relationship with his sisters, there were times of kindness and times of severity, times of sweetness and times of bitterness.

　If one woman can show such versatility, how could one possibly generalize about multiple women?

　So—,

　”To have them vow subjugation or destruction… what is the capital thinking?”

　That was the secret mission Ziqru had been clandestinely ordered before setting off on the expedition.

　From the Imperial Capital Rupugana, he had been unequivocally informed that the true objective of this expedition was either to placate or annihilate the “People of Shudrak.” He sought confirmation, suspecting a misunderstanding, but the response from the capital remained unchanged, and Ziqru had no choice but to acquiesce.

　However, he had heard whispers of issues occurring in the capital, and it was easy to conclude that they were related to the expedition’s true purpose.

　That was made clear by the order to carry out the mission while withholding the true intention from the troops. —What on earth is the Emperor thinking?

　”Most likely, no one can really fathom His Majesty’s true intentions.”

　――The seventy-seventh emperor of the Holy Volakia Empire, Vincent Volakia.

　That’s the name of the one who rules this empire, a brilliant sage of the modern age who never allows others to read his profound thoughts.

　In the Crystal Palace in the Imperial Capital Rupugana, the emperor is said to gaze into the entirety of this expansive empire. Though holding the position of second general, Ziqru seldom has the chance to behold his esteemed face, as he is frequently stationed far from the capital. Nevertheless, the emperor’s wisdom and reputation reach Ziqru across the distance.

　The empire’s imperialism considers it only natural for the strong to devour the weak and ascend greedily.

　In a world where various tribes rise up and smoldering seeds of civil war ignite daily, Vincent has crushed every problem before it ignited into a raging fire.

　Since his reign began eight years ago, the Volakia Empire has enjoyed remarkable tranquility.

　Blood is shed, flames arise, and lives are lost.

　Yet, in terms of peace, the present era is the most serene since the inception of the Volakia Empire.

　Precisely because of this, Ziqru’s brow furrowed at the capital’s resolute stance towards the “People of Shudrak.”

　Despite being a child of war, Ziqru speculated that perhaps the Emperor, who exhibits a certain aversion to fighting, did not abhor war itself but considered it a trivial matter, leading to this judgment.

　It is perhaps due to feeling betrayed that he holds such sentiments.

　”Don’t worry, Second General Ziqru. I understand Your Majesty’s thoughts well. Even as a mere soldier, I have my own thoughts on various matters.”

　The one with a friendly smile who was listening to him was a common soldier.

　In a tavern of the Castle City Gwararu, the base for this expedition, Ziqru preferred to drink with his lower-ranking soldiers on nights he did not spend with women. It was more with common soldiers than higher-ranking troops or the three generals.

　Of course, most soldiers wouldn’t want to drink with their superior voluntarily.

　Still, Ziqru liked to perform this ritual during expeditions, wanting to grasp the thoughts and preferences of his subordinates. —-Though, perhaps he had talked a bit too much this night.

　This particular common soldier had a particularly smooth tongue and was quite the conversationalist.

　While enjoying drinks, he constantly looked around with curiosity, and when asked what he was thinking, jokingly mentioned an imagined scenario where the tavern became a battlefield.

　His mindset consisted of being prepared for battle at all times, and he showed no fear in front of his superior. The blend of imperialism and personal fondness led him to discuss things better left unsaid.

　While he didn’t mention the secret orders regarding the “People of Shudrak” explicitly, Ziqru felt as if he had inadvertently revealed that information to him in some recognizable form.

　If this were a spy from another country, it would have been a capital offense for Ziqru.

　”Don’t worry; I’ll soon be on the front lines on Your Majesty’s orders… Though the higher-ups likely have their own motives, this doesn’t concern me.”

　As Ziqru regained his composure, the common soldier reassured him.

　And true to his words, the soldier set off towards the encampment adjacent to the Badheim Forest, which would become the frontline of the expedition.

　As he confirmed this and remained in the city, Ziqru confronted the discomfort in his chest once more.

　The resolute stance towards the “People of Shudrak” was an order from the capital demanding either submission or death, but as much as possible, Ziqru resolved to maintain a position of persuasion.

　He believed that would be closest to the emperor’s convictions.

　But――,

　”—The encampment was set ablaze by an attack from the Shudrak?”

　Struck with an unexpected report, Ziqru was left dumbfounded in the city hall he had commandeered.

　Only until the night before, he had been contemplating the best ways to facilitate the “People of Shudrak,” doing everything possible to integrate their tribe without a fight.

　The encampments deployed west of the Badheim Forest had come under attack by the “People of Shudrak,” and the imperial soldiers were left unable to mount a counterattack as they fled in disarray.

　Their fleeing backs were subjected to gunfire, expanding the damage and resulting in over a hundred casualties.

　”Unbelievable…”

　Ziqru couldn’t discern which of his judgments, the actions of the “People of Shudrak,” or the realities were to blame for his utterance.

　The peaceful plan he had constructed in his mind had crumbled, and it was now a certainty that the “People of Shudrak” had become adversaries of the imperial soldiers—no, of the emperor himself.

　”How pitiful… But I suppose we will await reinforcements from the capital and vanquish the traitors in Badheim Forest.”

　After reluctantly accepting the soldiers who barely escaped the “People of Shudrak’s” attack into the city and re-establishing the facade of the expeditionary force, Ziqru decided on that course of action.

　Though there was an option to march into the forest and engage the “People of Shudrak” with the current forces, the jungle was their territory, and any advantageous number may vanish in an instant.

　For assured victory, not just a flimsy advantage was necessary, but overwhelming superiority.

　Moreover, it was critical to acquire elite troops prepared for annihilation, ready to abandon hesitation about seeking negotiations.

　”They foolishly rejected our overtures for peace. Therefore, we have no choice but to deliver punishment to these traitors in accordance with our loyalty to His Majesty.”

　With that, any compassion from Ziqru Osman, the “ladies’ man,” dissipated.

　Even if the opponent were the matriarchal tribe of the “People of Shudrak,” it was necessary to exterminate them to the very last drop of their bloodline to eliminate any future concerns.

　For that purpose――,

　”Make sure to close the main gates. I’ve heard the ‘People of Shudrak’ are skilled with bows, but they won’t breach the walls of this castle city. Avoid leaving any openings for them to exploit.”

　Receiving details about the circumstances that led to the burning of the frontline encampment from the returned soldiers, Ziqru acknowledged it had been conducted by a small elite group and shifted towards complete defensive measures.

　Considering the known lifestyle of the “People of Shudrak,” it’s hard to imagine that the tribe could number very many, especially as not all children and elderly would be combatants.

　At most, if assuming their fighting force would be around a hundred, it seems they could only engage the imperial soldiers through a surprise attack under the cover of night.

　But even so, that’s a means of preemptive strike only effective against an opponent who has lowered their guard due to the absence of attacks.

　”Seal every gap! Even the walls of the castle city are not immutable. Given its long history, the possibility of paths connecting outside without going through the gates must also be considered. Don’t overlook any secret holes!”

　”On that note, Your Excellency, I have a report. Some soldiers returning from the burned encampment are already closing up the secret passages in preparation for outside attacks.”

　”Is that so? It’s reassuring to know that there are soldiers other than generals who can see through the situation. Once this matter gets settled, we will promote them accordingly. But for now…”

　”—Yes. A thorough defensive stance until the reinforcements arrive.”

　Hearing Ziqru’s orders, the subordinate bow deeply.

　If this were merely the words of an ordinary general, it would be laughed at as a passive attitude. After all, Ziqru himself had been subjected to mockery of that sort in the past.

　However, Ziqru had already suffered a painful blow at the hands of the “People of Shudrak,” and upon returning to the capital, he would undoubtedly face some kind of consequence.

　With his back against the wall, there was no reason not to take the best possible action in that situation.

　His subordinates understood that, which is why they did not ridicule Ziqru’s attitude.

　And――,

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　”…What did you just say?”

　As Ziqru continued the siege in Castle City Gwararu, he raised an eyebrow at his subordinate’s report.

　While awaiting the arrival of reinforcements from the capital, the tension that steadily escalated day by day had been pierced by the report, which delivered a terribly misplaced sentiment to Ziqru.

　This was because――,

　”Yes, it seems that over the past few days, a troupe of traveling performers has become the talk of the town.”

　”A troupe of traveling performers…”

　The report from his subordinate was a pastoral one devoid of any tension.

　A report that seemed out of place amidst a war, yet there was no reason to reprimand the subordinate for bringing it up.

　After all, Ziqru himself was the one who disliked enforcing a heightened awareness of wartime circumstances upon the citizens.

　In cities where troops were stationed, dissatisfaction was prone to accumulate. In some cases, a lack of control over residents’ sentiments could lead to collapse.

　With such considerations in mind, Ziqru intentionally refrained from tightly restricting the emotions of the populace.

　Just as he maintained vigilance against potential incursions from the “People of Shudrak,” he thoroughly conducted searches to prevent their entry while allowing the citizens to continue their normal lives.

　He was well aware of the contradictions, yet this was the compromise between Ziqru’s sense of reason and military duty.

　In any case, with such a method in place, there were also opportunities for travel performers to enter the city—at least, that was his assumption――,

　”…What do you plan to do with that report? If you intend to suppress it, I’d rather not pursue that course of action. In this situation, it’s easy to understand that the citizens would wish to welcome a troupe.”

　Under the circumstances where many soldiers had continued patrols alongside the guards, most of the soldiers who fled into the city had grown more fervent in their enmity and vigilance towards the “People of Shudrak.” Even if they were instructed to be cautious, conflicts with citizens continued on.

　In such a context, the emergence of a traveling performance troupe could very well provide a small sense of relief to the citizens. Moreover, if they were to suppress it――,

　”The citizens’ resentment would explode. Surely, you can see that?”

　”Certainly, Your Excellency is absolutely correct. So, I won’t suggest a crackdown. I simply…”

　”Simply, what? You seem to be beating around the bush.”

　Ziqru raised an eyebrow as he urged his subordinate to continue.

　Then, after a brief silence, the subordinate lowered his head as if resigned. Bumping his fist against his palm, with the attitude of showing respect to his superior while indicating a lack of ill will, the subordinate took a breath and said, “I…”

　”Actually, that troupe… the dancer is truly magnificent. How about it? Wouldn’t it be good for Your Excellency to see her at least once?”

　”Me? Though a dancer isn’t entirely unappealing…”

　Ziqru rounded his eyes in surprise at his subordinate’s unexpected suggestion.

　The subordinate had been alongside him for a long time and faced various battlefields together, so it was hard to believe he’d casually throw out such a proposal.

　Nonetheless, Ziqru could not gauge the true intention behind why he would want to show him a dancer.

　”Your Excellency, I can’t say this too loudly, but there’s been a growing discontent among the soldiers.”

　”Hum…”

　The subordinate sat upright as he revealed his concern regarding Ziqru’s discontent.

　With this serious approach, Ziqru’s gaze grew sharp. Prompted silently to elaborate, the subordinate whispered slightly, “It seems the soldiers have some thoughts about you being memoized for fortifying the city against the “People of Shudrak.” Even the incident with the burned encampment…”

　”—I see. Yes, that’s only natural.”

　Receiving the frank observation from his subordinate, Ziqru felt a heavy weight in his chest.

　Rising discontent among the soldiers and growing distrust towards Ziqru was an unavoidable situation. His negligence in allowing the first strike from the “People of Shudrak” that led to the deaths of many soldiers laid the blame squarely on him.

　Subsequently, the soldiers who were regrouped had not been afforded the opportunity to recover their reputations, so it was no surprise that their frustration had shifted toward Ziqru.

　”Among the gossipers, Your Excellency has been referred to as—”

　”——Don’t say it.”

　”—Ah, my apologies.”

　Interrupting his subordinate’s attempt to continue, Ziqru placed a hand to his forehead.

　In a passive situation, it was easy to imagine the various slurs that would come forth against a superior enduring a simmering dissatisfaction. Even so, he found it unbearable to be the recipient of such explicit insults.

　Though he had attained the rank of second general, he could not withstand that kind of derision.

　As he considered that, Ziqru began to understand the intent of the subordinate’s suggestion.

　”I see. So you’re suggesting I should provide an opportunity to alleviate their grievances?”

　”Yes. I thought that the dancers could be useful for that purpose. Seeing those splendid songs and dances, many of the soldiers will surely…”

　”Interesting, isn’t it? You speak as if you’ve witnessed it yourself?”

　With narrowed eyes, Ziqru pressed for further details.

　His subordinate cleared his throat, avoiding a direct answer. Nevertheless, that evasive behavior strongly indicated that there was truth behind his insinuation.

　After all, it was highly challenging to find a means of healing in the predicament he faced, caught between generals and soldiers.

　Seeking such alleviation seemed decidedly narrow-minded if he were to blame the subordinates.

　Moreover, the fact that the subordinate had gone so far as to make such suggestions after having seen the dancers in person…

　”Those dancers must be exceedingly beautiful, it seems.”

　”That they are! Ahem, I mean, surely it would be to Your Excellency’s liking. Moreover, the performance and the musicians’ songs are simply stunning…”

　”Hmm, sounds really promising.”

　While responding like that, Ziqru couldn’t shake the sensation of exaggeration from his thoughts.

　Still, he felt thankful that his subordinate showed concern for his position and future by making such a proposal, and there was no reason he would dismiss it outright.

　Ziqru himself had been quite busy and burdened lately, and he had not entertained any women in his quarters.

　He wouldn’t want to impose such restrictions upon his troops either.

　”Alright, I understand. I shall indulge your whim for the time being. Invite that troupe of performers, and organize an event for the soldiers.”

　However――,

　”——Make sure they don’t bring in any weapons, it’s crucial!”

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　Upon receiving Ziqru’s approval, his subordinates promptly sprang into action.

　Just how much have they been suffering from thirst and hunger? They quickly arranged a banquet in the first floor of the city hall, providing food and drinks, while gathering women to serve it.

　Furthermore, they called upon the mentioned troupe of performers and brought them to the top floor of the city hall.

　”――With great honor, we present to you the lovely dancer from beyond the great waterfall. With shining black hair that swallows the sunlight, blessed with ethereal beauty, and a visage so divine that even celestial beings would envy, tonight, she will perform spectacularly for you.”

　With a grandiose introduction from the musicians, the veil was lifted slowly.

　A troupe comprised solely of women—the dancer, who had been gaining fame in the city, was now revealed, leaving Ziqru wide-eyed.

　”――――”

　The exposed beauty portrayed with her fair skin and flowing long black hair was something that belied the musician’s description—the words simply fell short of capturing her beauty.

　The lovely black hair, draped in thin attire covering exquisite white skin, certainly had a captivating power to mesmerize many onlookers. However, those attributes were only a fraction of her true charm.

　If one were to liken the charisma that could enchant not only dancers and musicians but also countless others to talent, the dancer exuded an astonishing aura and presence.

　However, what truly struck Ziqru most strongly was none other than the dancer’s eyes.

　Those elongated eyes, with long eyelashes, did not merely sit at the center of her well-formed face—they seemed to epitomize the very pinnacle of the golden ratio itself.

　Ziqru felt an involuntary thirst stir within him as if his instincts craved it.

　It was unsure whether this was due to the dancer herself or if he was drawn in by the overwhelming aura surrounding her, but he could not discern that phenomenon.

　Yet, if this dancer could evoke such feelings without even performing, then when she finally began to dance amidst song and music, he could not fathom the shock and impact it would entail.

　And Ziqru yearned to be struck down by that unimaginable impact.

　”——If only we could earn an opportunity to showcase our dancer’s performance.”

　The silent dancer—no, a dancer, with her equally long black-haired musician lowered her head in a gesture of respect.

　Although the two musicians, one dark-haired and the other blond, were beautiful as well, to Ziqru, they were merely add-ons to the dancer’s splendor, rendering mundane thoughts of dismissing their worth.

　Typically, he would self-reflect on the idea of underestimating women, yet he found no room for such reflections, intoxicated by a feverish sensation.

　Until this moment, he had never been so acutely aware of his title as a “ladies’ man.”

　In truth, Ziqru had been a “ladies’ man,” indeed. —For in the presence of such beauty, remaining composed was utterly impossible.

　Thus, in a state of exhilaration, the banquet commenced.

　Naturally, Ziqru’s position as the commander placed him at the furthest end of the banquet, surrounded by gathered generals—excluding the common soldiers, they began to indulge in food and drink.

　However, the true spectacle lay undoubtedly in the unfolding performance of the troupe.

　Initially intended to express gratitude to the soldiers and provide them a space to vent their frustrations, Ziqru soon forgot his initial objective as he held his breath in anticipation for the dancer’s turn.

　In an effort to quench his thirst, he lifted the drink to his lips, moistening his tongue, lips, and throat, rediscovering his breath.

　So captivated was Ziqru’s heart with the performance, that this was his entire focus.

　”——Tonight, we present the dance of our enchanting dancer from the far reaches of the great waterfall. Please indulge yourselves fully in the performance that has journeyed from the ends of the earth.”

　A singer began to sing as the sounds of strings filled the air with gentle melodies.

　As an unfamiliar tune enveloped the atmosphere, the previously raucous chatter of the generals ceased, their faces flushed red as they prepared to witness the upcoming dance.

　And――,

　”――――”

　The dancer appeared slowly, and the beautiful “dance” commenced.

　”――――”

　With the graceful use of her long limbs, she swayed her black hair, leaving everyone speechless.

　Breathless, they were entranced. —No, the term ‘enchanted’ truly captured it. To witness such a dance while maintaining one’s composure would be utterly absurd.

　The value of such a dance was something the undomesticated sensibilities of beasts could hardly understand.

　While the imperial soldiers were like a pack of wolves, they were certainly not beasts devoid of intellect and language.

　Thus, each general was struck dumb, their breath taken away as they remained captivated by the splendid dance of the beautiful dancer.

　Everyone fell silent, mesmerized by the dancer’s performance.

　The pitch-black hair, pristine white skin clear of blemish, and entrancing beauty that even artists might covet—were all factors leading to their enchantment.

　Yet, what ensnared Ziqru’s gaze, his consciousness, and his heart was none of those elements.

　――It was her eyes.

　He simply could not tear his gaze away from the dancer’s eyes.

　The elongated pupils surveyed the stage and locked onto Ziqru at the far end of the hall.

　Their unwavering focus ensnared Ziqru’s very mind, gripping him fiercely.

　Gradually, the dancer traversed the hall, advancing towards Ziqru.

　Then, gracefully kneeling before him, she extended both hands, as if to request his sword.

　Naturally, Ziqru understood that this was a gesture asking for the sword.

　The dancer’s performance swelled with energy, blossomed in vibrancy, seizing the world around her as she transitioned to the next phase. She was requesting Ziqru’s sword with which to execute a sword dance.

　The choice of refusal was nonexistent for Ziqru.

　None could halt this movement. Not the soldiers, nor the generals—no one could put a stop to such an act.

　It seemed as if it was fated to happen in its natural course.

　So――,

　”——This is your defeat, Ziqru Osman.”

　With the unsheathed sword pressed against his throat, thus spoken with cold detachment, Ziqru Osman was unable to comprehend that he had succumbed due to being a “ladies’ man.”

　”――――”

　Even at that moment, he could not pull his gaze from the dancer’s eyes.

　That chilling, magnetically alluring charisma—was something he felt he had seen somewhere before, an intense déjà vu that continued to burn in the mind of the defeated Ziqru.