“Kakakaka! No way I’d die not on the battlefield, but here in a safe place! I’ve never heard of a shinobi who dies of old age; talk about irony!”

Thus laughed the strange old man, waving his empty sleeves where his hands once were.

Listening to his boisterous laughter, Garfiel felt quite complicated, as healing magic was of no aid.

—After the battle with that ‘Great Calamity’, Garfiel had joined the healing team, treating the wounded.

Since arriving in the Empire, Garfiel had relentlessly fought life-or-death battles without much rest. Naturally, his comrades told him that resting was the priority, but he couldn’t just sit still.

Fortunately, Garfiel’s body was sturdy, and thanks to the ‘Blessing of the Earth Spirit’, simply standing on the ground was the best way to rest. Among Emilia’s side, Garfiel was the furthest from dying from overwork. It goes without saying that Otto was the closest to it.

Regardless—

“If you’ve decided to do it once, saying anything else is pointless, right? Then, why not go sell yourself to the Empire and earn some favors while you’re at it?”

In the midst of everyone opposing Garfiel’s thoughts, it was heartening to have one cherished person clearly on his side. Her bluntness suited her well.

Thus, despite the exasperation of his comrades, Garfiel volunteered for this role. Ultimately, no one stopped him, likely because they all understood.

“The one suffering the most is our commander, so how can we just sit here and twiddle our thumbs?”

Complaining, Garfiel bared his sharp canine teeth.

What was lost was a strong, truly strong woman. While they couldn’t say they fought alongside each other as equals, the brilliance of the flames that stood time and again in the Imperial Capital was burned into Garfiel’s eyelids.

This was no mere feeling of loss because Emilia had lost her rival.

That’s why Garfiel was determined.

To prevent as many losses as possible. He had to ruthlessly smash the undead, sometimes forcibly removing enemies standing in the way of his comrades with his own hands.

It was contradictory. But it was okay to be contradictory. He wouldn’t think too hard about it; he would act as his heart desired.

To defeat enemies with his own strength, heal allies, and save them; that was all he needed to do.

If Garfiel forced himself to stay awake to save even one more person, then he would keep doing it.

“Geez, these young folks just love to leave the old behind! It’s infuriating!”

“What are you saying, old man? Just because you can’t heal your own arms, doesn’t mean you get to—”

“Kakakaka! I’m not being sarcastic! Let me tell you, being envious and jealous for decades is what propels my strength! When I say I’m envious, it’s not just a lie; ah, so envious, so jealous!”

With his long white eyebrows bobbing up and down, the armless Roswaal scratched at a spot on his neck with his feet.

Despite having no arms, his nonchalant demeanor was either a sign of concern for Garfiel’s inability to use healing magic or him teasing Garfiel — it wasn’t clear which.

In any case, even considering his disability, the fact that he was capable of moving as much as he was, despite being half-dead, was monstrous in itself.

If they were going to talk about someone who barely survived…

“Shut up, you old geezer! I’m so damn tired, and yet you’re just yammering on!”

“Ooh, how scary, how scary. That’s not half-dead rage, is it?”

At that moment, a loud voice came from the shadow of a bed in the back. Roswaal chuckled darkly at the ferocity of it, while Garfiel scratched his head and said,

“I appreciate you trying to back me up, but you should be worrying about your own body first. You’re just a step away from actually dying… with that ‘Grief’s Viviroro’ thing going on.”

“Huh? I’m telling you, thanks to you I’m still alive! You’re not going to say you can’t accept my gratitude, are you… ugyao!”

“Shut up, just sleep!”

As Garfiel pushed down on the short man’s head, the heavily injured opponent emitted a scream, which was expected given the severity of their wounds; even if he devoted all the healing magic he had, he couldn’t keep up with the damage.

In fact, even now, relentless pain should be surging through his body.

“I can’t even say I’m one to talk, but you’re really managing to keep talking despite everything.”

“Pain, suffering — none of that’s enough to stop Grooby Gamuret! Just shove some poison or medicine in me and trick me… gwoaaa…!”

“Stop it, stop it. You’re like that because you ignored all the signals from your body, and now you’re in this state. You’re basically on the same level of being half-dead as I am without both my hands. How about you retire?”

“No way, you idiot!”

The one who yelled back at Roswaal with bared fangs was Grooby Gamuret—one of the Nine Divine Generals, and likely the person who came closest to death in the Empire and survived.

During the deadly struggle against the ‘Great Calamity’, what he did was unimaginably significant. After all, he had fought one-on-one with the ‘Thorned Emperor’ Yugaldo Volakia, the main character of ‘Iris and the Thorned King’, and was a key figure in repelling that curse alongside Halibel.

“If it weren’t for you, everyone would have been paralyzed by the thorns.”

“I didn’t do anything special; once the ‘Thorned Emperor’ and ‘Adept of Reverence’ were gone, I just lay around until I handed that stupid Cecilis the stupid ‘Cursed Sword’!”

Grooby spat out with a tone of despondence, but his efforts up to that point were substantial.

It never ceased to amaze how he took the curse of Yugaldo upon himself and allowed himself to be slashed by the ‘Cursed Sword’. But according to Grooby and the others, it was equally incomprehensible for Garfiel to go toe-to-toe with ‘Cloud Dragon’.

A series of individuals’ best efforts and miracles — that was the reality unfolding back then in the Imperial Capital—no, across the entire Empire. Both Garfiel, who fought against the ‘Cloud Dragon’, and Grooby, who saved the ‘Thorned Emperor’ from the thorns, as well as Roswaal, who repelled the Witch’s schemes at the cost of one arm and many lives, all gave it their all.

There was no need to overly praise their achievements or distort the facts.

“But, hell, as an old geezer who has a short life left, it’s refreshing to see young’uns like you survive one after another. I’m quite pleased you lot made it through!”

“Well, speaking of that, there’s no guarantee that guy over there survived.”

“That ‘guy’ is…?”

As Garfiel turned his gaze towards the corner of the healing room where he’d noticed a particularly conspicuous figure standing stock still, he found a being made of steel. As soon as it sensed Garfiel’s gaze, the green gem set in its head glowed and it declared,

“I have detected your gaze. Predicting matters of business, orders, or instructions.”

Approaching Garfiel and the others was Moguro Hagane, another of the Nine Divine Generals known as the ‘Steel Man’.

To clarify, though, it wasn’t a Steel Man in the typical sense; its true identity was said to be ‘Meteor’, the core of the Crystal Palace. That title, however, had lost all meaning since both the Crystal Palace and the Magical Crystal Cannon were now destroyed…

“Ah, sorry about that. I just happened to glance your way, and I have no business here.”

“Understood. What about the other two?”

“Nothing at all. Just make sure you won’t be a hindrance; hang around somewhere, Moguro.”

“Moguro. That is me. Understood. I will wait for further instructions.”

Next to the visibly awkward Garfiel, Grooby tilted his chin and spoke those words, prompting Moguro to obediently sit down beside the bed.

At that moment, he resembled a slightly oversized ornament.

“Looks like a diligent earth dragon or thunder wolf, but damn it, even the Crystal Palace can forget things.”

“The Crystal Palace and Magical Crystal Cannon blew up. Only Moguro’s core remains — that’s a miracle in itself. It’s pretty lucky it landed near me while I was sleeping.”

“Since you were so friendly with me, maybe it wanted to come see you?”

Laughing heartily, Roswaal’s quips caused Grooby to snort in dissatisfaction.

As their conversation revealed, Moguro had no recollection of anything that happened before the ‘Great Calamity’. According to Subaru, it was in an ‘initialization state’, and all the experiences Moguro Hagane had built up to that point had vanished.

Given the tremendous power that could have decimated the entire Imperial Capital, forcing it to envelop the sky and explode in order to contain it, can this be considered a small price to pay?

“Well, considering Lem is gone, it’s kind of harsh to even mention this.”

Garfiel felt the weight of losing one’s memories, especially from personal experience.

The loss of memories not only affects the person who lost them but also greatly disturbs those around them.

So, while he wouldn’t casually say he understands…

“Perhaps the old man’s words aren’t entirely off base.”

“Huh? Are you trying to tease me with that nonsense?”

“Not at all. It’s true you’ve forgotten everything. However, look at how it’s sticking close to you.”

As Garfiel squinted at Moguro sitting quietly beside the bed, although its large form was genuinely an obstruction in the healing room, it was doing its best to stay compact and not disturb anyone — and that was a likable trait.

Ultimately, Moguro’s presence here was likely because it didn’t want to stray from Grooby’s side.

It could be akin to imprinting itself onto the first person it recognized after losing its ‘memories’. But when Ram and Rem finally reunited in the Empire, Rem intuitively felt that Ram was her sister through a peculiar sentiment.

There might be some of that “something” remaining within Moguro.

“Well, the general said something about how Lem suddenly pointed at him…”

But that could also fit the scenario where nothing remained. Still, since they were in the healing room, a place meant to heal someone, and Moguro was alone here feeling concerned about someone he didn’t know, Garfiel saw no reason to chase it away.

“In fact, it’s more of a nuisance that this old guy isn’t doing anything and keeps talking!”

“Kakakaka! You’re a cheeky young lad, aren’t you? Well, I can understand where you’re coming from!”

Garfiel shrugged while Roswaal flapped his sleeves about, laughing. Meanwhile, Grooby rubbed his black nose with his finger and looked toward Moguro, who remained motionless, simply offering his presence.

“Don’t act all sentimental, you idiot.”

“I detected a sound resembling water in your words. Potential threat detected, awaiting orders.”

“Shut up already!”

“Understood.”

As those futile exchanges echoed in the air, Garfiel bared his teeth and couldn’t help but chuckle.

Afterward, he pondered whether it was acceptable to laugh and, listening to his heart, he truly laughed.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

“—So, Lady Anastasia is planning to return to Lugnica via Kararagi, is she?”

“Yeah, that’s the idea. Originally, I came as an envoy from Kararagi, after all. Everyone knows it’s all just formalities, but I need to do my part.”

Anastasia, smiling gently, openly revealed her inner thoughts, while Otto accepted it quietly, responding as if it were no big deal.

However, internally, he couldn’t afford to be that indifferent. After all, Anastasia had fulfilled her role promised to the Kararagi City-State. As a result, her reputation with the Kararagi Council would surely improve, and she would gain a favorable wind for the Royal Selection.

Of course, Emilia had similarly been summoned directly by Emperor Vincent during the critical time for the survival of the Volakia Empire, contributing significantly in the fight against the ‘Great Calamity’.

While they had entered the Empire under the guise of illegal immigrants, by the time they returned, they would undoubtedly be grasping tangible gifts that would allow them a triumphant homecoming.

Still, it didn’t sit well with Otto that both the fight against the Witch Cult in Pristella and the successful assault on the Pleiades Watchtower involved not just Emilia’s faction, but Anastasia’s faction as well. There was a need for Emilia’s reputation to shine independently of Anastasia.

Naturally, had they not taken some part in the battle against the ‘Great Calamity’ this time, their faction would find itself at a significant disadvantage.

“You’ve got a lot on your mind, don’t you, Otto-kun? Must be tough!”

Just when silence lingered for a moment, Anastasia pierced through it with her light green eyes.

Most likely it was a bit of bait, but the conviction beneath her question stemmed from the seasoned insight she had gained through her experiences.

In response to her subtle provocation, Otto smiled back and said,

“Indeed, it weighs heavy on my mind. However, compared to Emperor Vincent or Chancellor Bersetts, who need to reconstruct the Empire, my concerns appear trivial.”

With that, Otto shifted the topic away from himself and directed it toward another figure present — Chancellor Bersetts.

In the conference room where Anastasia, Bersetts, and Otto were gathered, discussions about the future directions of the Volakia Empire, which had just concluded its battle against the ‘Great Calamity’, and the collaborative efforts of those present to rebuild were underway.

When the conversation turned to Bersetts, he kept his eyes obscured but spoke up,

“You are correct; the challenges are indeed piling up. However, I do not view it as a burden.”

“Oh really? That sounds rather reassuring.”

“I am, after all, a treacherous minister who conspired with the ‘White Spider’, Chisha Gold, to put the Emperor’s position in jeopardy. Given the circumstances, I managed to escape execution during the battle against the ‘Great Calamity,’ but under normal circumstances, I would have been executed after the war.”

“…But here we are, talking. There won’t be any consequences, right?”

“Indeed. The Emperator has made it clear. Of course, if any choose not to forgive me, I would consider accepting that blade as my fate…”

Breaking his speech momentarily, Bersetts had a lot on his mind, which Otto could surmise as the probable reason he was still alive — the declaration made by the Empire’s strongest ‘Blue Lightning’ after the war.

“Before anyone messes up and decides to kill Bersetts, remember that such a command was given by the Emperor. If anyone goes against this, I would be forced to showcase the swordsmanship of the Emperor. Besides, I feel like Chisha had been scheming to ensure that Bersetts wasn’t killed. Without Bersetts around, the future will be quite difficult, right? Especially since Chisha is absent.”

That declaration was long-winded for something that was supposed to be a simple statement, but it significantly deterred those who were aware of Bersetts’s deeds.

Bersetts, seemingly sharing those thoughts, twisted his lips slightly, saying,

“Who would have thought I would be shielded by General Cecilis Segmunt? Had he not been the ‘Sun Sword’, I would have thought his blade would end my life.”

“That wasn’t how it played out. While outsiders might say all kinds of things about the Empire’s situation, I think it was a wise decision. Military officers during emergencies and civil officers before and after emergencies are irreplaceable.”

“Agreed. If I were to be out of the equation, then I would be the only one left to handle all the brainwork, and even with the support of the Emperor’s beloved wife, I fear it would lead to his demise.”

“Indeed. I’m quite pleased with the Emperor welcoming a new empress. —It’s simply unjust that he’s had a string of trials and tribulations.”

“——”

Bersetts shook his head gently, and silence settled into the meeting room.

Within that silence, Otto briefly turned his consciousness toward Anastasia. She seemed to savor the same silence, yet surely her feelings were different from his.

The reason for this silence was without a doubt tied to the tragic events overlapping Vincent — the deaths of his loyal subordinate and beloved younger sister.

The impact of the latter was something both Otto and Anastasia could not dismiss.

“Honestly, she was such a selfish princess.”

Anastasia’s murmured words caught Otto off guard; he closed his eyes.

Those words, subtly imbued with everything she had experienced, felt like a chink in the usually bold and unshakable Anastasia.

This was the vulnerability Otto had come to desire to see in her — a vulnerability he could not find it in himself to exploit and ended up letting go.

If someone were to ask why…

“Because it lacks reproducibility.”

The opening that occurred at this moment wasn’t a tool that could be conveniently used next time. It was challenging to arrange the same situation, and even if it could be done, it shouldn’t be.

After all, a gap opened within the Emperor was far larger and deeper than the one around Anastasia.

To be honest, Otto would much rather not see that happen. In these past few months, Emilia and Anastasia had come too closer, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease over that fact.

“You don’t need to try too hard to act like the bad guy.”

“—Wait. Are you perhaps speaking to me?”

Suddenly, a voice emerged that was neither from Anastasia nor Bersetts, prompting Otto to react. His gaze landed on the neck of Anastasia, where Edna, a spirit disguised as a fox’s collar, was watching him with her dark eyes.

In response to Otto’s words, Echidna narrowed her gaze slightly, saying,

“The fact that you took it as a self-reflection indicates the proof of your inner thoughts.”

“Your words lack persuasion, coming from someone looking at me.”

“You’re stubborn. You can give Anastasia a run for her money.”

Echidna’s tone dripped with annoyance as Anastasia pressed down on the fox head with her slender fingers, rebuking her.

“Quit messing with Otto-kun. Since you’ve made a decision to talk with everyone, you’re suddenly chatty, huh?”

“Whoa, please don’t make it sound like I’m speaking out of personal desire. While I accept that things felt constricting in my previous circumstances, it’s not like I just opened my mouth because I wanted to.”

“Honestly. I apologize, Otto-kun. My child can be quite clingy.”

With that apology from Anastasia, Otto merely waved it off.

Echidna’s interjection had been a show of presence, not a genuine concern for Otto. Naturally, she, being so close to Anastasia, was well aware of the hole Otto had noted in her.

That was meant as a cautionary reminder from Echidna, intended to make clear that she had no plans to exploit that gap. Considering that Otto’s inner thoughts were hidden from others, it became a necessary reassurance.

Nonetheless—

“I don’t think of myself as a villain. …It’s just a role I’m playing.”

In that context, Echidna’s remark was completely off target.

The news of Priscilla’s death, which left even Anastasia shaken and sent deeper ripples throughout their faction, was something Otto couldn’t bring himself to grieve over, gently and subtly.

He had shared opportunities to converse with Priscilla, acknowledged her potential as a candidate for the Royal Selection. Even so,

“It’s entirely plausible for a candidate to fall short during the Royal Selection.”

Certainly, it wasn’t unexpected for someone to lose their life in such a critical battle tied to the survival of a neighboring nation. However, playing a part in matters of state often leads to the potential for assassins targeting the lives of contenders, where the risk of failure was still substantial.

In Emilia’s faction’s case, it ultimately turned out that the one sending assassins was none other than a family member — a surprising exception.

In light of these situations, Otto believed that the ‘Wise Men’s Council’, which now governed Lugnica’s political landscape, wouldn’t be idle.

Should a candidate drop out of the Royal Selection, one had to wonder whether they would be replaced immediately or if the competition would continue with one fewer seat.

The latter seemed more likely, and each would be grateful for such a decision — and so was Otto.

When stakes of this magnitude hung over the kingdom—

“In just a few days, we will depart to return to our kingdom. The Empire would surely want to prevent any further knowledge about its internal circumstances in the aftermath of the ‘Great Calamity’ from spreading to other nations.”

“We’re on the same page. Though it seems a bit odd to all go at once, we’ll leave for Kararagi as soon as we’re prepared. Otto-kun, regarding reports to the castle…”

“I’ll take care of that. It’s not something that can just be handled via letters.”

With a nod, Anastasia directed her chin, indicating that she’d entrust the task of reporting to the royal castle to Otto.

To be frank, it felt like a heavy burden, but it was also a significant duty. Naturally, Otto would accompany her, but it would likely be a very tough role for Emilia.

In situations like this, the primary knight’s duty was to support Emilia above all.

“…Given Natsuki’s current state, it might only complicate matters for Emilia.”

“…So it appears Natsuki-kun hasn’t changed at all.”

“Yeah. Knight Julius has dropped by a few times, but it’s tough. I can’t help but feel that Priscilla was a constant source of trouble for him…”

“For Natsuki, that stuff is critical. —That’s a precarious situation.”

With a calm tone, Anastasia tickled Echidna’s neck with her fingertip. Quivering at the sensation, Echidna’s dark eyes also seemed to show concern for Subaru.

In that exchange, the pure affection shared between Anastasia and Echidna was palpable.

“I have understood the opinions of both the Kingdom and City-State’s envoys. The Emperor has granted me the authority to show gratitude to both nations, as I deem fit. If there’s anything that needs to be addressed…”

“I wouldn’t say it lightly. Sending a blank promise is the most nerve-wracking thing.”

Anastasia offered a wry smile to Bersetts, whose emotions were concealed behind his slitted eyes. While Otto felt the same, he hoped to capitalize on whatever words might come to light.

This was where he stood as the one willing to embrace the ‘necessary evil’ of Emilia’s faction.

Thus, hypothetically speaking, even if Priscilla had not died, he would have likely devised a strategy to dismiss her from the Royal Selection based on her identity as part of the imperial family.

Yes, he had the agency to choose.

So—

“You would not have become our enemy, even if you hadn’t died. Given how much Natsuki and Emilia have been hurt by your passing, your death… it really stings for me.”

As someone belonging to a different faction, with no reasons to lament or mourn her death, those were Garfiel Suwen’s condolences for the woman who had been lost.

 

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