«It began with the rebellion of the Grand Duke’s family. You understand that in war, the side that reacts later is always at a disadvantage, correct?»
In this world’s warfare, the attacking side invariably has the upper hand. That’s because of things like flying ships.
«Yes. In fact, the defensive battle at the capital was extremely difficult.»
Mylène nodded and continued.
«—The royal family of that time, tormented by the Grand Duke’s family, feared the emergence of a second Grand Duke. As a landed noble yourself, you will understand: once a house rises above baron, there is a way to suddenly increase its military strength.»
«You mean by adding more flying ships. I have heard that, in the past, there was a method of attacking other houses directly to expand one’s influence.»
Because convenient things like flotation stones exist, the maintenance costs for flying ships are astonishingly low. They can also be built fairly cheaply.
One could assemble forces, fight with fellow lords, and seize new floating islands. That was the method the landed lords had to expand their power. If one could marshal forces and possessed even a bit of talent, even a baron could make the kingdom tremble in fear.
…There was such an era.
«And among the nobles who holed up in their own domains, many apparently thought the kingdom was not an enemy to fear. In fact, many nobles did invade, underestimating the kingdom.»
Those mistaken fools lost to the kingdom. But since the invaded side is at a disadvantage, the kingdom’s own damage was also great.
«The reason the kingdom established the
That’s what
I felt like they mentioned something about pushing the burden onto men, but…
«And then, the kingdom prepared one more measure. It was something to whittle down the lords’ power. They implanted new values.»
«Whittle down power? Values?»
«Do you understand why women are so excessively favored?»
«That’s—»
«Originally, because of war, men are extremely scarce. While you’re at the Academy there’s no problem, but after graduation there aren’t even enough men. The reality is that many women cannot get married.»
So why, in that situation, are women favored in marriage? When you put it that way, it certainly is strange. Men should be the ones with their pick of partners.
Wait… could the reason they tried to get me married before I entered the Academy also be because men are scarce?
«When instilling a common set of values at the Academy, the kingdom planted a scheme. At first, it seems they made people think that you must spend money on women. They made it seem natural to be gentlemanly and spend money on women.»
…Hey, wait a minute. Did the kingdom actually create this situation?!
«W-wait. Does doing something like that have any point? I mean, look! When it really matters, the nobles won’t do any work, will they!»
It’s the same this time too. The boys in the same situation as me were watching the battle while planning to defect to the principality.
Mylène told me to calm down, then slowly continued her explanation.
«At first they did not envision this sort of situation. The original idea was simply to give them shared values and a sense of camaraderie, just slightly blunting the lords’ power. However, the effect exceeded expectations.»
Once young nobles learned the kingdom’s strength, the number of fools picking a fight decreased. At the same time, the emphasis on favoring women apparently grew stronger.
«Then they should have corrected it along the way.»
«There was no need. In truth, if I myself had been a party in that era, I would have ignored it too. Because it was convenient for the kingdom. Even if they stayed silent, the landed lords grew exhausted, and wealth flowed to the capital. From around then, the number of lords opposing the kingdom actually plummeted.»
Answering plainly, Mylène then spoke about the Academy’s other reason for existing.
«The Academy’s other objective is to establish an educational method.»
…Huh? Now that she mentions it, I think there was a topic like that in the conversation with Luxion that I just let pass through my ears.
«Establish an educational method, and then—not for nobles, but to educate commoners. Do you understand what this means?»
When I averted my eyes, Mylène smiled.
«In several hundred years… it is to create a future where nobles are unnecessary.»
…I didn’t want to hear that. If I’ve heard something like this, if I handle it poorly, won’t I be erased?
«The royal family at the time the Academy was established intended to carry out a political reform over hundreds of years. No, it was likely an action taken half out of the feeling that they had to.»
It seems that, having grown weary of dealing with the landed lords, the royal family thought about many things and ultimately decided to change the political system.
What is that? Aren’t they living way too much in the future?
«At the time, it was an era when corruption among nobles, represented by the Grand Duke’s family, was terrible. Even as a viscount and a noble yourself, you should understand.»
There are good people too, but there are even more scumbags who make you tilt your head about their character as human beings.
«The Academy also sought to correct the thinking of such young people. They thought that if the nobles were decent, the kingdom could continue as it was. However, things moved in a direction the royal family of that time did not foresee.»
Apparently, the issue was that women’s standing rose higher than expected.
«Because it was effective at whittling down the power of the landed lords, they left it alone, and as a result, some women from baron to count families went out of control. The situation became far worse than the palace had imagined.»
And that led to where we are now.
«That’s a terrible story.»
«Yes, a terrible story indeed. Although, it’s also true that the wealth of the landed lords converged on the capital. The girls who wanted to live a life of luxury in the capital were also convenient for the palace. This is the reason they forced the burden onto men.»
From the kingdom’s perspective, the nobles—especially the landed lords—could not be trusted. They created the Academy and planned, in the future, to educate commoners and reduce the number of nobles. From Mylène’s tone, maybe they deliberately overlooked the girls running wild within the Academy?
I suspect they were selecting which nobles should eventually be cut off.
The reason genuine noble families of count rank didn’t let their daughters keep slaves… maybe they sensed or knew this truth?
When changing the political system, the nobles who remained might have been aiming for important positions in the new order.
Even if the ignorant nobles ran wild, the kingdom, with its trump card of the royal ship, probably felt optimistic.
I never imagined that the Academy, which had turned into such a mess, had that kind of hidden agenda. I’ll ask Luxion for the details later.
And also— «Could it be that
«That means the shift to the next stage. The nobles should feel a sense of crisis. Starting with her, they intended to admit such students every year to increase their numbers. Well, it’s an action considering things another one or two hundred years further into the future.»
…I learned about it in school in my past life. After feudalism comes… was it centralised absolute monarchy?
«—Centralisation.»
«Centralisation? …That’s a concise and fine phrase for what the royal family aims for.»
I got praised for showing off knowledge from my past life, but I’m not happy in this situation. They’re saying they will take everything from us landed lords and make commoners do the nobles’ work.
I never imagined the Academy was established for such a purpose.
«Things don’t go as planned, do they?»
Saying that, Mylène gave a self-deprecating smile and looked at me.
…Stop it. Don’t test me. Right now, I’m so worried I might be killed for hearing this, I can’t stand it. If the male nobles heard this story, they’d go berserk with rage.
Well, there’s no point blaming the current royal family. Mylène is probably in a position where she was told about such a plan after marrying in from a foreign country.
«As expected of a hero, you are different. You remain quite composed. I thought it wouldn’t be surprising if you hurled abuse at me.»
She must have mistaken my reaction.
«And, this will be a matter not as Queen but as Mylène personally—»
My head was just in chaos and I couldn’t figure out what to say. And then, Mylène stood up, knelt formally on the floor, and bowed her head to me.
…Huh? Why a dogeza?! Wait a minute. There shouldn’t have been any such thing as a dogeza in this world! Did she copy what I did during the school festival?
«H-hey! Please stop. What’s this all of a sudden?»
«Viscount
…What did that guy do?
◇ In the underground dungeon were six people.
Marie was crying. «Everyone… I’m sorry.»
Julius smiled. «This was about all the help I could give. Don’t worry about it, Marie.»
Jilk looked at Julius with a sad expression. «It can’t be helped that Your Highness couldn’t go out onto the battlefield. Besides, on site, someone calling himself the Masked Knight assisted us.»
Brad seemed to recall the Masked Knight too, and looked somewhat dissatisfied. «He disappeared suddenly, didn’t he. Well, he was a guy who could handle things reasonably enough.»
Greg sat cross-legged, resting his chin on his hand, and spoke to Julius about the Masked Knight. «I won’t say he was your replacement, but he was a useful guy.»
Chris nodded and acknowledged his skill. «He rode an armor I’d never seen before. His sword work wasn’t bad either. Still, we never did figure out who he was. Bartfort seemed to know something, though.»
At the reactions of the four, Julius put on a faint smile. «—I see. I’d have liked to meet him too.»
«No, Your Highness has no need to meet him. A man like that, who suddenly appears and tries to take charge. Next time I run into him, I must demand to know who he is.»
Marie was flabbergasted watching the five of them. Are you serious? Her face said it all.
«Everyone, that was Julius—»
Footsteps sounded, entering the underground dungeon holding the six. The guard knights saluted, and the man ordered them to stand down. Behind the man stood a woman with black hair.
«Ah!»
The man Marie looked at with shining eyes was—Leon.
«You guys really are idiots.»
Behind him, the daughter of Duke
Marie clung to the iron bars, pleading with Leon for help. «I did my best! Please, save me!»
With a pained-looking face, Leon pressed his forehead with his right hand and checked the situation. «Do you even know what your crimes are?»
Julius looked straight at Leon. «I feel no shame whatsoever.»
«Feel shame! After concluding a treaty, a prince attacking a duke’s daughter is no laughing matter! The palace was humiliated because of you!»
Hertrude let out a sigh and looked down. «You acted recklessly for my sake?»
«That too. That treaty was just too awful, after all. And if things went on as they were, I would have ended up marrying into your house. And then… because Marie asked me to.»
It was Marie who had pleaded with Julius to do something about the principality—the duke’s house.
«Is that your true feeling?»
The palace probably wanted to send Julius and put him under strict control. They thought that marrying him to Hertrude would soothe public sentiment to some degree.
And yet, Julius had attacked the duke’s daughter. Of course, it was a pretend attack. Because of that, the palace’s face was completely crushed.
Regarding the treaty, because of the Julius incident, they had to make some concessions. Naturally, the talk of Julius entering her family as a son-in-law was void too.
(He could have just gone ahead and married her,) Marie thought.
Leon turned his gaze to the other four. «You guys understand too, right?»
Greg rubbed under his nose with a finger, looking a bit embarrassed. «It was to protect Marie. I have no regrets.»
«Show a little regret! Booting out the temple officials who came to take Marie—are you idiots? Hey, are you really idiots? You’re idiots, aren’t you?!»
Chris puffed out his chest. «It was self-defense.»
«You went way too far. We’re receiving protests from the temple, you know! I had all sorts of plans, and you messed them up.»
The temple officials who had come for Marie originally had the role of retrieving the Saint’s items. But some people who would be inconvenienced by Marie’s existence had mixed themselves in. At the same time, they brought poisoned wine and tried to make her drink it. They intended to pin all the blame on Marie.
The four rushed over and booted every last one of the temple officials out of the palace. Up to that point, while there were problems, even Leon wouldn’t blame them. The problem was what came after.
«Listen. Marie was acknowledged by the Saint’s tools. Even if she calls herself a fake, there’s no doubt she’s a Saint. Can you follow this far?»
Marie, apparently thinking she was being praised, looked bashful. «Oh, is that so? Well then, I guess I’m Saint-sama.»
«And the men of this Saint-sama booted everyone out, making the whole mess worse, right? Because you booted them out without any interrogation, the temple side dug in its heels and started saying they won’t recognize Marie.»
Hertrude looked like she wanted to say something, but deferred to Leon and remained silent.
«How much do you think I maneuvered behind the scenes? Hey, why did you make all my efforts go to waste?»
Brad stood up, furious, and protested. «Are you telling us to just let Marie die back then! We won’t stand for that!»
«…Sure, you guys are right. The ones who tried to poison her are scum. Even I thought, ‘These guys are idiots.’ But still… after you chased them away, you shouldn’t have kicked up a fuss. Going and literally assaulting the place? Aren’t you idiots?»
Marie defended the four. «Wait! Everyone just protested because they thought I’d be executed by the temple.»
«Taking out your armor and rampaging isn’t ‘protesting’! It’s called using force! Things were just about to be settled nicely, including the poisoning case!»
To the palace officials, the six thrown into the dungeon must be truly infuriating.
Hertrude sympathized with Leon. «You surely have it hard, don’t you? Will you come to my place? I’ll promise you favorable treatment right now. I’ll prepare the position of duke.»
«Not interested.»
Refusing instantly, Leon approached Marie. Hertrude, looking slightly vexed and sad, smiled and murmured, «Rejected again, huh.»
«The peerless femme fatale who seduced five men expected to have bright futures—that’s what they’re calling you, you know.»
«Eh, really?»
Leon looked truly angry at Marie’s blushing reaction.
«Because of you lot, protests are flooding in from every direction! Your families are furious, the palace officials are saying ‘We’ll never forgive those guys,’ and the temple is all worked up demanding everyone’s execution!»
Marie grabbed Leon’s leg. «Please, save us!»
«I was trying to save you! You guys ruined everything! Hey, do you hold some kind of grudge against me? How did it turn into such an awful situation? Everyone’s stunned!»
Leon looked close to tears.
«You’ve got it wrong! We tried to handle it ourselves. And then it turned into this.»
«This is the worst! Think a little more before you act!»
Marie burst into tears. «Then… are we going to die?»
Leon seemed about to say something, but swallowed his words and turned his back. «…Queen Mylène also asked me. I’ll cooperate as much as I can. Don’t expect too much.»
Marie’s face broke into a smile. Yes—when her brother from her past life, Leon, got moving, things usually worked out.
(Thank you, big brother!)
◇ The place I headed to, in order to resolve Marie and the others’ situation, was His Majesty’s chamber.
Around
Everyone showed reluctance at my request.
«You don’t seem to grasp what it means to save those six.»
Though his son’s life was at stake, His Majesty’s response was cold. I said— «I will offer up all the assets I possess.»
His Majesty laughed through his nose. «I hear that the factory you owned was transferred to your father, the baron? And on top of that, you’ve lost all your Lost Items. Gaining a bit of wealth now is pointless. Furthermore, we have lost even the royal ship. Is that not your responsibility?»
A nasty fellow who makes petty, sarcastic remarks.
Partner and
«…I merely ask that you spare their six lives.»
Lording it over me, His Majesty looked at me with a smirk. Doesn’t this guy hate me way too much?
However, Bernard said, «Sparing just their lives is easy. But please understand that we cannot simply leave those six alone. His Highness Julius is a member of the royal family. And the other four are former heirs of prestigious noble houses. And there is also a girl who, though branded a fake, possesses the power of a Saint.»
His Majesty turned back to Bernard with a startled expression, and now Vince also gave words favorable to my proposal.
«Stowing them away on a floating island that can be monitored would be the safest option, but we have no leeway to prepare a suitable island. The palace probably wouldn’t go out of its way to find such an island either. So that leaves… the floating island you discovered. We would use it. Are you truly fine with that?»
Using the floating island I discovered and made my territory. His Majesty didn’t seem satisfied, glaring resentfully at Vince.
In the first place, Vince and the others seem to consider the matter of the royal ship unavoidable. They don’t touch on that matter at all. Seeing Vince ignoring His Majesty made me feel a sense of relief.
Still… giving up my territory, packed with my ideals, hurts, but I could just find a new floating island eventually. No, in fact, I might as well let go of the territory altogether. On the surface, I’d have nothing left. Isn’t that fine?
«If that will secure their lives, I have no objection.»
Bernard posed a question to me. «You would go that far to protect His Highness and the others? May I ask what drives you to that?»
I thought for a moment. It would probably be good to say something that pleases them here, but I’ve learned that forcing myself to curry favor leads to more trouble. So, I’ll speak honestly.
«…I am tired of the position of noble. I don’t even need the title of viscount. Honestly, I want to return it. Truth is, I wanted to be a baronet or something and take it easy.»
«Ho.»
Vince looked at me. «Besides, I’ve lost my flying ship and armor. I have no value now, so I’ll start over from scratch. Saving those six… well, I guess you could call it an unfortunate bond?»
With their serious expressions, the three listened to my story with great interest.
«An unfortunate bond, is it? It appears His Highness has found a good friend. Your Majesty, regarding the disposition of the six, will this be acceptable?»
«Eh? Ah, yes, um. I leave it to you.»
Admonished by Bernard, His Majesty seemed to be thinking about something.
Vince motioned for me to withdraw. «Understood. We’ll handle the rest. …We have made you do quite a number of unreasonable things.»
«You really have. So, please help me out next time. I want to retire and take it easy.»
«A comfortable retirement at your age. Still, you’re right… I shall certainly leave you with a token of gratitude.»
It never hurts to say it. A token of gratitude from Vince—can’t help but have expectations.
◇ 『Well, what you’ve lost can be recovered in no time, though.』
«Hey, don’t say that. Losing that floating island is a huge blow. I’d finally harvested rice, and miso and soy sauce were just around the corner, too.»
I was in my room talking alone with Luxion.
『That aside, it’s surprising they actually approved your retirement.』
«It’s true that I’m an awkward person to deal with, and they probably thought it’s not a bad deal for the palace either. They might think I’m no longer any threat at all now.»
『You seem happy.』
«I wonder~»
Looking back, though it’s slightly different, things have settled into the shape I desired. It means my efforts have paid off.
«So then, for my new mob life, how about we set off on a journey of adventure?»
『I shall accompany you. After all, without me, Master can’t do anything.』
«Cheeky jerk.»
Once free, I’ll enjoy traveling the skies with Luxion again. I’ve had enough of troublesome matters.
Wait. Living a carefree life back home would be nice too. My second elder brother—wait, no. My brother
«…My life is finally starting.»
『Had it not started until now?』
Thinking back, ever since that perverted old hag tried to sell me off, things have been hectic.
«I wonder if I can just stay in the normal class like this. Oh wait, is the Academy even going to resume?»
『I haven’t confirmed, but given the situation in the capital, even if it reopens soon, it probably won’t be business as usual.』
While I was chattering idly with Luxion, the door to the room opened. Rushing in was Livia.
«Leon-san, are you quitting being a noble?!»
To Livia, who was out of breath, I said, «What, you heard already?» and gestured for her to sit. However, Livia just stood there flustered, not sitting.
«A viscount with the rank of Fourth Rank Lower was never fitting for me in the first place. I’m giving up my territory too, so even if I manage independence, I’d be a knight or something, right? Though, I guess I’m still technically a knight.»
«B-but, after all the hard work Leon-san did, this is terrible. And Ange too, after all that—»
«You were worried about me? But, this is just right for me.»
«That’s not it.»
Livia hung her head. Clenching her skirt, tears welled in her eyes.
«…Ange, for Leon-san’s sake, prostrated herself before Marie-san, and that became a problem. And on top of that, for even Leon-san to end up like this…»
«…What?»
◇ Summoned by Vince, Ange was being questioned about the incident at the Academy. The reason she was called to a room in the palace was that Vince was busy with post-incident processing.
«—I am disappointed in you.»
«Yes.»
In the Academy courtyard, a duke’s daughter had performed a dogeza. And in full view of a large crowd, at that. With no chance for a rushed interrogation, Vince only heard the rumors yesterday.
«An act that smears mud on the family name.»
«I am aware.»
She had prostrated herself for Leon’s sake. She had no regrets about that, but considering her family, it was the wrong choice. Vince was also truly dismayed.
«The man you placed your expectations on has let go of his status, his honor—and even his territory. For the sake of such a man, you have blemished the name of the duke’s house. How do you think you should be dealt with?»
She was asked, but Ange had no answer. It depended on Vince’s judgment. Still, if she had to answer— «Self-execution?»
«You are quite resolute.»
Vince looked up at the ceiling.
«…I cannot keep a daughter like you in the duke’s house. I will prepare a suitable partner, so make ready to marry.»
Compared to other measures, this could be considered lenient treatment. As Ange gave a small nod, Vince broke into a smile.
«Are you not interested in whom you’ll marry?»
«Who is it?»
She had no interest, but she at least needed to hear the name to investigate him. To such an Ange, Vince said: «There is a foolish knight who would throw away his territory, his title, and even his rank. A blockhead who thinks of retiring despite his youth. Do you not think he is a partner worthy of you?»
«Father?»
«The duke’s house will look after him. I have also heard the circumstances of your friend, but I am afraid she will be treated as a concubine.»
As Ange bowed deeply, Vince laughed.
«Th-thank you very much!»
«It is not yet decided. I must now discuss with the person in question—»
As Vince said that much, Gilbert burst into the room.
«Father!»
«You are noisy.»
«It’s—it’s terrible. Leon-kun has—»
◇ «Let gooo! I—I have to take this bastard’s head!»
Clenching a sword in my right hand, I was rampaging through the underground dungeon. Cowering at the back of the cell, Marie had been raising a ruckus for a while now.
«Hold on! It’s not my fault! All I did was, on a light whim, have them do a dogeza in public!»
«Is that all you’ve got to say? Fine, stick out your neck. As my only act of mercy, I’ll end you in one stroke.»
Restraining me in the dungeon were knights and soldiers.
«Please calm down!»
«Viscount, put away your weapon!»
«We understand how you feel, so just calm down, please!»
In the dungeon was Marie alone. The others? Their fate decided, they’ve been taken out of the cells and are being lectured. More importantly… her alone, I cannot forgive.
«I was a fool to show you compassion. Atone with your life!»
«Didn’t you say you’d help me!»
«You think I’d forgive you after you made Livia and Ange prostrate themselves? I’ll pass judgment right here!»
Dragging the knights and soldiers with me as I approached the iron bars, many people came rushing noisily down into the dungeon. It was Livia and Ange.
«Leon-san, wait. Calm down!»
«You, what on earth are you thinking?!»
I turned back to the two and pointed at Marie. «…I want this one’s head.»
At my words, both Livia and Ange recoiled in horror. «You want her head… Leon-san, what will you do with such a thing?»
Wiping around my eyes with my left arm, I said, «I’ll give it to the two of you as a present.»
«We don’t need it! More importantly, calm down. Doing something like this won’t do you any good.»
The knights and soldiers agreed, but I was entirely fed up with Marie. This one, I must finish with my own hands. In my past life, I was endlessly cleaning up her messes, but in this life, as her former big brother, it’s my duty to serve as her kaishakunin.
While I was making a commotion, Mylène also came hurrying down. «Leon-kun, wait!» Behind her were the group of five.
«Bartfort, have you lost your mind!»
Even being told that by His Highness Julius, who himself had lost his mind, I could only laugh. «Not as much as you, though!»
Marie clung to the five in tears. «Everyone, save me! This guy is trying to chop my head off!»
Greg grabbed my arm. «Bartfort, you bastard! I won’t forgive you today!»
Gripping my hand and taking away the sword was Chris. «We won’t let you lay a finger on Marie!»
Jilk stood before the cell. «Step back!»
Brad grabbed my head, trying to pull me away from the iron bars. «Our fates are already decided, so what are you making a fuss about!»
«You guys are the last people I want to hear that from! Anyway, let go! —Luxion, do it!»
Surrounded by the five, at some point the knights and soldiers had moved away from me.
『Is that permissible?』
«Just do it quickly! Don’t hold back against anyone who gets in the way!»
『Then, pardon me—』
Something electrical discharged from Luxion, and we were all paralyzed.
«Gyaaaah!»
The screams of six men echoed in the underground dungeon, and then we collapsed.
«Y-you bastard! You even got me caught in it… huh.»
◇ When I came to, I was lying on a sofa. Nearby were Mylène, and Livia and Ange, tending to me. They were relieved when I opened my eyes, and then they looked exasperated.
«Good heavens. I wondered what was going on.»
I tried acting spoiled toward Mylène. «Mylène-sama… I want Marie’s head.»
Looking troubled, Mylène seemed to waver slightly at my acting spoiled. My strategy of appealing to her maternal instincts worked.
«I’m sorry. Once a disposition has been decided, overturning it is difficult. I feel apologetic after all the help you’ve given, but we have to keep Saint-sama alive.»
Since it had been decided to stow the six idiots on a floating island, me saying afterward that I want a head apparently troubles them. Changing a settled matter doesn’t seem possible that easily.
Ange looked at me with exasperation but also seemed worried. «What came over you all of a sudden? Didn’t you even offer up your own territory because you wanted to save them?»
«…Because you two were made to do a dogeza.»
When I hung my head and muttered, Livia gave a wry smile. «That… well.»
Mylène, who had also performed a dogeza, seemed to know about this matter. «Leon-kun didn’t know, did he? I thought you knew, so I asked in the same way myself.»
Marie, you bastard, what were you trying to achieve by spreading that dogeza?
As I sat hugging my knees on the sofa, Ange said, «Leon, do you have a moment?»
«Hm?»
When I lifted my head, Ange and Livia were holding hands.