ã€ŠSantairiku Eiyuukiã€‹


 1 prologue

    The emperor who brought the savages to their knees!

    The emperor who brought the heretics to their knees!

    The emperor who defeated the infidels!

    Great protector of our messianic religion!

    The champion who crossed oceans, mountains and deserts, who conquered three continents!

    We are the eternal heroes of Lemuria!

    Your honorable name is Hercule!

    The great emperor Hercule I!

    Hercule I, the Holy Light Emperor, the champion of three continents!

    The Lemurian Empire was once known throughout the world as the world''s greatest military, economic, and cultural power, with territory that spanned three continents.

    It was founded by the world''s most beautiful, strongest, and longest-lived race of long-eared elves.

    However, all nations fall at some point.

    A thousand years after its founding, the Lemurian Empire was divided into East and West, with the western half dying a few hundred years later.

    The Lemurian Empire also continued to lose its territory due to successive invasions by different peoples.

    But the gods had not abandoned the Lemurian Empire.

    A baby was born into the imperial family of the sluggish empire.

    He was the third son of Hadrian III, the emperor of the time.

    Although Hadrian III was blessed with many children, he was not blessed with many children, and his first and second sons were not very good sons.

    He named his third son "Hercule" in honor of the ancient hero.

    That baby was Hercule the Great, later known as the "Champion of the Three Continents," the "Great Hero," the "General of the Ten Fingers," the "Master of the Five Fingers," and the "Holy Light Emperor.

    It is said that Hercule learned to read when he was only two years old.

    As soon as he was able to speak properly, the first thing he wanted was to read and write.

    His father, Hadrian III, was surprised by this.

    It is not often that a child wants to study on his own.

    However, Hadrian III was overjoyed and assigned Hercule a tutor to help him learn to read.

    In one year he learned enough letters to read a simple book, in another year he learned the minimum amount of writing necessary, and in another year he acquired the ability to read and write ...... as well as adults, or even better.

    After the age of four, Hercule began to lock himself in the library every day.

    It is said that he read and reread books like a hungry beast.

    It is said that from this time on, Hadrian III became slightly concerned about Hercule.

    It is only natural that a four-year-old boy would read a book that makes him dizzy just by looking at it, at a very high speed, and when asked about its contents, he definitely understood it.

    As the next emperor, there is nothing better than having a wealth of knowledge.

    But he also needed to train his body.

    With this in mind, Hadrian III assigned Hercule a martial arts teacher.

    Swordsmanship, spearmanship, archery, bodywork, and horsemanship.

    He''s smart, but maybe he''s not good at sports. ......

    But they were wrong.

    "His Highness Hercule is a very good student.

    The martial arts teachers were all saying this.

    The martial arts teachers all agreed that Hercule was a very good student, but as expected, the heavens did not give him two things, and he was not a genius.

    However, Hercule obediently listened to his teachers and seemed to enjoy exercising in his own way.

    Hadrian III was very fond of Hercule.

    Hadrian III was already one hundred and sixty years old.

    In human terms, he was about sixty years old.

    Therefore, Hercule was like a son and grandson to him.

    Hadrian III, who was very fond of Hercule, took him out every chance he got.

    Yes, this happened one day when Hadrian III and Hercule were inspecting the farming villages around the Imperial City.

    When Hercule saw peasants threshing wheat with two sticks, he muttered to himself.

    "Don''t they have a thousand-tooth mallet? ......

    What''s that?

    When Hadrian III asked him about it, Hercule clammed up and explained about a threshing machine called a thousand-tooth handler.

    Hadrian III then hurried back to the capital and had a craftsman make a thousand-tooth thresher.

    This machine spread throughout the country in no time.

    By shortening the tedious task of threshing, the labor could be diverted to the production of commercial crops.

    Hadrian III praised Hercule greatly.

    Perhaps it was at this time that Hercule began to get carried away with praise, and he later proposed a machine called a winnowing machine.

    It was a farming tool that could sort wheat using the power of the wind.

    However, it had a rather complicated structure.

    Hadrian III, suddenly wondering, asked, "How do you know about this?

    "How did you know about this?

    At that time, Hercule thought for a while and then answered.

    In fact, I learned it from an angel.

    Hadrian III was surprised by this.

    This surprised Hadrian III, but he was convinced and overjoyed.

    God loves you too, you''re really the best, Hercule!

    I guess that''s what he meant.

    At this point, Hadrian III was convinced that Hercule would become the next emperor.

    Now, however, Hadrian III was not just a foolish parent.

    Hadrian III knew that saying that he could hear the voice of the gods would get him into trouble.

    "Listen, Hercule. Don''t ever say that anywhere else, especially in front of the bishops.

    "Yes, I understand. Father.

    Perhaps he felt sorry for himself, but Hercule did not say anything about God until Hadrian III''s death, and he remained very quiet.

    Now ......

    To summarize, we can say that Hercule was a child loved by God.

    But that is not the case.

    He heard the word of God.

    It''s a lie.

    Hercule is only ......

    He only had knowledge of his previous life.

    In other words, he was a Japanese who was born and raised in Japan on the planet Earth.

    ......

    Well, I guess in a way God loves me in that I can start my life over.

 2 Episode 1 Choloin El Keur

    "I will never be an emperor!

    The boy shouted as he drove his dark-haired horse.

    His hair was a strong gray with black.

    His eyes are a beautiful blue, like sapphires.

    His skin was moderately tanned.

    Above all, her face is well-shaped enough to stand out among the many beautiful elves of the long-eared race.

    In another three years, he will grow up to be a beautiful young man.

    A beautiful boy.

    He is the twelve-year-old Hercule.

    He was running away.

    With all his might.

    From what?

    From the throne.

    Because the other day, Hercule''s father, Hadrian III, died of an epidemic.

    And Hadrian III appointed Hercule as his successor.

    I knew it. His Highness Hercule.

    Of course. He''s a brilliant man.

    He''s young, but he''s better than the older two.

    He''s an honest man and should be able to listen to the advice of his chief advisors.

    In a few more years, he''ll be a great ruler.

    It was a fair nomination from the nobles, bureaucrats, soldiers, and people of the Imperial City.

    But Hercule was surprised.

    Why me when I have two older brothers?

    That''s why.

    This is a kind of culture shock, a difference in perception born from the discrepancy between the values of the Long-eared Elves and the values of the Japanese race.

    The "Elves" are long-lived and do not age until they are a hundred years old.

    As a result, there is a mixture of 20-year-olds and 100-year-olds who look exactly alike.

    Therefore, ability takes precedence over age.

    In addition, once an emperor is on the throne, he cannot be removed easily.

    The elves have a long life span, so if they fail to choose a successor, they will be ruled by a dark tyrant for 200 years at worst.

    Therefore, it is only natural to choose a good child, even if it is a little young.

    From Hercule''s point of view, the Lemurian Empire is a wasteland.

    It''s already on the verge of destruction.

    If you try, you might be able to stop it, but if you don''t, you''ll die too.

    You may think you''re avenging the love your father gave you.

    You might be thinking: ......

    In the first place, for Hercule, Hadrian III is just an old man who talks to him occasionally.

    If Hercule and Hadrian III had seen each other every day, sat around the table together, and bathed together when they were little, like in a normal Japanese family, Hercule might have seen Hadrian III as a father.

    But the reality is that they occasionally pass each other in the corridors, report on their studies and martial arts once a month, and are occasionally taken to strange places.

    That was the extent of their interaction.

    Such is the relationship between a father and son in the royal family.

    "In general, I want to travel. If I become emperor, I won''t be able to travel.

    Hercule mumbled to himself as he rode his horse.

    Suddenly, Hercule felt something approaching from behind.

    "Wait, Your Majesty!

    It''s not the emperor!

    It was a beautiful Elf girl with bright red hair.

    Her hair was fiery red, and her jewels were as beautiful as rubies.

    Her hair, cut at the shoulders, shone beautifully in the sun.

    Her ...... Carolina Galleanos, staring straight at Hercule with strong eyes, drove her red-haired horse.

    Why are you running away?

    Because you''re chasing me!

    I''m chasing you because you''re running away!

    Hercule runs, Karolina chases.

    Their game of tag continues until nightfall. ......

    I got him!

    "Agh!

    Karolina catches Hercule by the collar and throws him off his horse.

    Karolina caught Hercule by the collar and knocked him off his horse. She quickly ducked and deftly defended herself and Hercule before mounting him.

    "Be my emperor.

    "No. I''m going on a journey.

    I''m going on a trip." "...... Well, good, then.

    Then Karolina let go easily.

    Then she said with a sad look on her face.

    I''m ...... sad that I won''t be seeing you anymore.

    Karolina turned her face down.

    Then Hercule started to panic.

    "Oh, hey, Karolina?

    "I want to be with you forever. ......

    Karolina starts to cry.

    Hercule tried to comfort her, but there was nothing he could do.

    Finally, Hercule said.

    I''ll stay in the country.¡¡I''ll stay in my country, so don''t cry.

    Then we can talk quickly. Let''s finish the coronation as soon as possible.

    Karolina grabbed Hercule by the neck and mounted her horse.

    "Karolina!¡¡It''s not fair!

    "Your father told me that a warrior must be able to use any weapon to win.

    A woman''s weapon is her tears.

    And Hercule''s weakness is his own tears.

    As a childhood friend of Hercule''s, Carolina has been with him all her life, and she knows this well.

    The Lemurian Empire...... is the capital of the East Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria to be exact.

    In the palace, a boy was sighing.

    Oh ......, I''ve ascended to the throne. ...... Oh, to be with my country. ......

    The new Emperor of Lemuria.

    The new emperor of Lemuria, Hercule I.

    "Hmm, wasn''t I right?¡¡You''re the next emperor. You are the next emperor of Lemuria. ...... Now that I have given you the knowledge of a distant world, and fed you, good luck. I''m counting on you, future great hero.

    A voice that only Hercule could hear whispered to Hercule.

    Hercule sighs and answers the voice in a whisper.

    "...... You have no idea how much that bothered me. I can''t believe my previous life was such a dull one. ...... Well, it certainly helps.

    Muttering, Hercule continued his conversation with the voice.

    I want to abdicate.

    I''d like to abdicate." As Hercule raised his voice, a man approached him from behind.

    "You''re ...... despairing too much. Your Majesty.

    "...... What, an outsider?

    The man smiled bitterly, suddenly being called a relative.

    The man''s name was Christos Auguste.

    He is a member of the Lemurian Empire''s Holy 77th family, the Auguste family of high elven nobility, the pure-blooded long-eared elves.

    Christos'' sister married Hadrian III and gave birth to the third prince ......, namely Hercule.

    In other words, for Hercule, Christos is his uncle.

    Christos is currently the vassal closest in blood to Hercule, and is one of his guardians.

    As such, he is the second most powerful person in the Lemurian Empire, excluding the Emperor, Hercule.

    He has beautiful blue hair and beautiful sapphire eyes of the same color as Hercule.

    Her skin is tanned and brown.

    He is also very handsome, being an Elf of the long-eared race.

    You''re the one who told your father about this, aren''t you?

    "I''m sure you would have ascended to the throne even if I hadn''t done anything, Your Majesty.

    Christos Auguste cowered his shoulders.

    Christos Auguste cowered. "Oh, I hope there will be a revolution...

    Ignoring Christos Auguste, Hercule hummed to himself as he looked at the sky.

    I want to fly away from this cage like a bird flying in the sky.

    I feel like a poet.

    "Your Majesty!

    Just when Hercule was feeling a little better, a loud man''s voice drowned him out.

    Hercule turns around, annoyed.

    "Galfis Galleanos ...... I was in a very good mood just now, thinking about the birds in the sky .......

    "I''m sorry about this. Your Majesty. I''m sorry about this, Your Majesty, but I was hoping to speak with you today about the future of the Empire.

    Galfis Galleanos.

    A nobleman of the Galeanos family, one of the Seventy-Seven Holy Families.

    He''s a general in the Lemurian army and the number three in the empire.

    And Karolina''s father.

    Like his daughter, he has hair that burns bright red.

    Eyes like rubies.

    Muscles so bulging you can see them even through his clothes.

    And she''s beautiful, too.

    "What a pain in the ass ......

    "Haha, please don''t say that. Your Majesty.

    In response to Hercule''s murmur, a man with a neutral appearance ......? I''m not sure.

    Lucanos Lucarios.

    He is a member of the Lucanos family, one of the Seventy-Seven Holy Families.

    He is the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, one of the highest-ranking clerics of the Messianic religion, the national religion of the Lemurian Empire.

    He is the undisputed number one of the Empire, and the primary guardian of Hercule.

    Lucanos is not a man.

    Nor is she a woman.

    It''s not a narrative trick by any means.

    In short, he has no male genitalia.

    There is a deep and profound reason for this, but it is too long to go into here.

    If I were to explain it compactly, I would say that faith is more important than male genitalia.

    She has beautiful blond hair.

    Her eyes are jade green.

    At first glance, her body looks scrawny. ...... But there are well-developed muscles inside her clothes. No male genitalia, though.

    And then again...

    "Foreign relatives, soldiers, eunuchs, and a twelve-year-old emperor. This country is ruined.

    Looking at the three of them, Hercule says something incredibly rude in a spearing manner.

    However, the three, who had known Hercule for a relatively long time, brushed it off with a wry smile.

    Lucanos is not a eunuch, he is just a man without male genitalia. A eunuch is a eunuch.

    Eunuchs are eunuchs, and they exist separately.

    "You guys go ahead and do your thing, I''ll be studying in the library until my demise.

    Hercule''s hobby is reading.

    Anyway, he loves books.

    That is why the library is a paradise for him.

    Hercule''s dream is to be burned with his books when he dies.

    The three of them cowered when they saw Hercule fleeing into the library so quickly.

    "We''ll have to ask Master Carolina again.

    Loukanos laughed.

    "Can''t you do it, Your Majesty?¡¡Politics.

    "What are you talking about?¡¡Karolina.

    Carolina asks Hercule, who is reading a book in the library.

    Hercule, reading a book, replies.

    "Well, I think I can do it with the support of the three of you.¡¡It''s too much trouble.

    "Hmm, you can''t?

    Hercule''s hand stops.

    Karolina continues.

    I''m sorry. I thought that His Majesty was capable of solving our financial problems in no time at all. ...... Oh, well, it can''t be helped. You are only twelve years old.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''ve never heard of it.

    She''s not old enough to aggrandize Hercule as a twelve-year-old.

    I thought you could do it, Your Majesty. ......

    Of course you can!¡¡It''s easy when you know what the problem is. We just have to solve it.

    But you can''t, can you?

    I''m telling you, you can!

    This man Hercule is a child.

    Not his actual age, but his mental age.

    He gets angry easily when others look down on him or make fun of him.

    Especially, when a girl who is a bit interested in him says such things, he wants to turn up his nose.

    This hating to lose is both a virtue and a flaw of Hercule.

    "Then prove it to me.

    "Fine. I''ll fix the empire''s finances in ...... three years!

    Even if that''s what they want.

    Even if that''s what he''s trying to do, this Hercule guy can''t help but dare.

    It''s like a cow charging into a red cape.

    "In exchange, ...... you''ll do one thing for me if I ever really get back on my feet, okay?

    Carolina is such an innocent child that she thinks she can make a baby with a kiss.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.

    "...... Okay. That''s fine. I''ll do anything you want.

    "Okay, okay!

 3 Episode 2 Fiscal Reform: White and Black Industrie...

    Nova Lemuria, the capital of the East Lemurian Empire, is said to be ''the capital of two-thirds of the world''s wealth''.

    The reason for this is that Nova Lemuria has a good natural port and is located on a trade route that runs from east to west, north to south.

    In other words, the prosperity of the empire is supported by the wealth of transit trade.

    However, there are two drawbacks to this transit trade.

    The first is that it is highly dependent on the political and economic conditions of the countries to which the goods are imported and exported.

    The second is that transit trade inevitably results in the flow of wealth to the Kingdom of Fars, a neighboring country ...... that is the Empire''s greatest nemesis.

    This means that the empire needs to find other sources of income besides transit trade.

    The first source of income would be agriculture.

    The staple food of the Empire is wheat, but grapes and olives are also grown.

    Wine and olive oil made from these grapes and olives are the main exports of the empire.

    However, as a means of earning foreign currency, they are a little weak.

    Next, the handicraft industry produced glassware and high-quality ceramics.

    These are also exports of the empire.

    However, both of these products are made in the Kingdom of Phallus.

    The Kingdom of Phallus is also a country where handicrafts are as developed as the Lemurian Empire.

    Therefore, they compete with each other, and there is no great profit.

    Or rather, ......

    In the first place, even if these products are sold, they are meaningless if they do not enter the treasury as taxes.

    Therefore, it does not make much sense to encourage the production of wine, olive oil, glass, and ceramics.

    If we can monopolize the production of new products, we will be able to sell them. ......

    So, take a look at this guy. What do you think?

    "...... It''s very white.

    Karolina looked at it with wide eyes.

    Christos, Galfis, and Loukanos all looked at Hercule''s hand as well.

    What Hercule was holding in both hands was pure white pottery.

    Yes, pure white pottery.

    "This is pottery made in the Empire.

    "...... Are you sure?

    Christos gulped.

    The pottery made in the Empire and the Kingdom of Foulth is mostly black.

    This is because neither country has the technology to produce white ceramics.

    Shiro pottery is produced only in the Silk Country, further east than the Kingdom of Fars.

    For this reason, it is traded at a very high price.

    Pure white is a holy color in the Messianic religion.

    It''s called "bone ash porcelain. The bones are used to produce the white color.

    This is so-called bone china.

    Why did Hercule know how to make bone ash porcelain? ......

    In fact, it was not Hercule who made it.

    Of course not.

    There is no way that Hercule, a madman who enjoys studying, could have made bone ash porcelain with only the knowledge he read in a book.

    The person who actually made it was a craftsman of the Lemurian Empire.

    About four years ago, when he was eight years old, Hercule secretly commissioned a craftsman from the Lemurian Empire.

    Originally, Hercule had intended to run away from home when he reached adulthood, but he also had the decency to at least think about the debt of gratitude for raising him.

    I''m going to run away from home, but please forgive me for making bone ash porcelain!

    That was the plan.

    All Hercule did was to give him the materials and simple instructions on how to make it, and then to give him the money and receive the report on time. From Hercule''s point of view, it was just a matter of "I went to bed, woke up, listened to the report, went to bed, woke up, and listened to the report, and it was done.

    The emperor of the Lemurian Empire is the absolute ruler of this country.

    He is the son of the Emperor of Lemuria, and if he refuses the request, he must be prepared to die.

    Of course, if you fail, it is death.

    Hercule knew that bone ash porcelain existed and did not have any doubts about its completion, but from the craftsman''s point of view, it was common sense to think that it was certain to fail because it was the proposal of an amateur kid who did not understand the "word" of ceramics.

    This bone ash porcelain is the fruit of the hard work of the craftsman who prepared for death and finished it by adjusting the temperature while crying.

    Well, the craftsman who completed it received enough money from Hercule to live happily for the rest of his life, and in addition, he can live without any worries in the future only by producing bone ash porcelain for the rest of his life, so the effort itself was fruitful.

    Well, actually, it''s still in the research stage. See, it''s not a pretty white color, is it?

    It''s still amazing!

    Christos stood up excitedly.

    Lucanos keeps his poker face on, but his eyes are fixed on the bone ash porcelain.

    And Galfis smiles bitterly.

    I didn''t expect such an amazing thing to come out of nowhere.

    "Well, yeah.

    Hercule modestly affirmed.

    I''m aware that I''m taking someone else''s idea, so I''m modestly proud of it.

    Well, if ignorance is a sin, then knowledge is an achievement.

    In that sense, Hercule''s work is definitely an achievement.

    "There are a few craftsmen who can build this. I''ll gather up all the craftsmen and mass produce it. And I''ll charge you 40% tax on sales. Hey, I thought of it, no complaints.

    Even if we charge 40% tax on sales, the artisans will definitely make a profit.

    That''s how high the demand for white porcelain is.

    And here''s another thing.

    Hercule snaps his fingers with a sharp look on his face.

    Then a maid arrived with five cups on a tray.

    The maid placed the cups on the table, bowed deeply and left.

    Hercule sipped from the white ...... bone ash porcelain cup that the maid had left behind.

    "Hmm, it''s bitter. I knew it.

    "...... What is this?

    Carolina frowned and looked at the liquid in the cup.

    It''s a black liquid, I don''t know what it is.

    Coffee.

    Coffee?

    Karolina''s mind wanders. "Coffee?

    Hercule urged the four of them to shut up and drink.

    Christos, Galfis, Loukanos and Karolina sipped fearfully from their cups.

    Their reactions were different.

    "Oh, it''s delicious.

    And Karolina.

    "Ew, .......

    And Galfis.

    "This is ...... bitter.

    "This is bitter," said Christos with a scowl.

    "It''s eye-opening. I like it.

    I like it." Lucanos.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction as he watched the four of them.

    It''s a new drink to replace wine and beer.

    Most of the water in the Empire, or rather in the countries around the Empire, is hard water.

    The water sources are not as abundant as in Japan.

    As a result, the water is not very tasty and fresh water is hard to come by.

    Therefore, wine and barley wine are the main beverages in the Empire.

    Since alcoholic beverages do not spoil, they can be stored for a long time.

    They can also be diluted in water to sterilize the water and make it taste a little better at the same time.

    But there is a big problem with this.

    The alcohol will make you drunk.

    That''s why drinking tea is popular among some nobles, clergymen, and merchants.

    This is not barley tea, but a genuine tea made from Camellia sinensis.

    It is imported from the East and is very expensive.

    So let''s sell coffee!

    That was Hercule''s strategy.

    It has the effect of making you sleepy. In fact, it was drunk in a church. That''s why I got it.

    Hercule''s acquisition of the coffee was accidental.

    A few years ago, when Hadrian III took him to the southern part of the Empire, he happened to find coffee in a church where he stayed.

    A coffee tree had been planted in a corner of the church and was being cultivated and drunk to wake up from sleep.

    This time, we dispatched a messenger to get coffee from the church in a hurry.

    Just go to ......

    Hercule had just a few questions.

    Could coffee grow in such a place?

    It was a simple question.

    Hercule didn''t know much about the growing conditions of coffee.

    However, the climate and precipitation of the churchyard where Hercule found the coffee can be found at ......

    But the climate and precipitation of the church garden where Hercule found the coffee may be slightly different from the growing conditions of coffee.

    I was thinking.

    However, this is not the earth.

    It is hard to imagine that the coffee of this world and the coffee of the earth are the same plant. ......

    In the first place, there is no proof that the fruit of this tree is coffee.

    I have not checked the base sequence.

    There is a high possibility that it is a fruit of a tree that is as close to coffee as possible, but different from coffee.

    In fact, the way we call "coffee" on Earth is completely different from the way it is called in the churches where coffee was grown in this world, partly because of the difference in language.

    The topography and vegetation of this world is very similar to that of Earth.

    However, there are some major differences.

    Well, it goes without saying when there are long-eared elves and warbeasts walking around.

    The church people know how to raise them. Why don''t we grow them on the royal family''s private property and sell them? We can make a lot of money.

    At first, we''ll sell it to the aristocracy, clergy, and big merchants at high prices to spread the word.

    Then, when coffee became known to a certain extent and the common people showed interest in it, we would gradually teach the farmers how to grow it and increase production.

    At first, monopoly sales.

    After that, the plan is to make a profit through sales tax.

    Let''s just focus on these two for now. That should bring in more money to the treasury.

    If you try too many things at once, you will run out of steam.

    That was Hercule''s idea.

    In fact, he would like to get into beekeeping, sugar maple if he can find it, sugar, cotton and silk if he can smuggle seeds and eggs, but he can''t do too many things at once.

    For now, we should focus our efforts on what we can do most quickly and surely.

    The combination of black coffee and white high quality porcelain for drinking it is not so bad.

    If we sell them as a set, we can make a good profit.

    (Well, there is no way that bone ash porcelain and coffee alone can turn our finances around.

    Hercule thought in his mind as he looked at the four excited people.

    The financial scale of a country is not so small that it can be supported only by porcelain and coffee.

    Unless, of course, these two become a major industry. ......

    This is just the beginning.

    It will take at least five more years before it can have an impact on the national treasury.

    This means we will not be able to achieve the promised three years.

    We can''t ''do anything'' to Carolina.

    Now all we have to do is check the administrative documents.

    The national finances of the Empire were not in a state of decline from the beginning.

    It used to be prosperous.

    It was only after Hadrian III, Hercule''s father, ascended to the throne that the finances began to decline.

    After that, it temporarily recovered thanks to the efforts of Hadrian III, but once again worsened at the end of his reign.

    This is the outline of what Hercule knows.

    There are three possible reasons why the state finances shrank so quickly.

    One, a decline in overall state revenue due to a declining population and the destruction of agricultural land.

    However, Hercule believed that this effect was not so great.

    If the agricultural base had been destroyed to the extent that the nation''s finances would have fallen, the empire would have been destroyed by now.

    So, there were two possible explanations.

    Either the government is not collecting taxes at face value due to a decline in tax collection capacity.

    Or the taxes are disappearing due to waste and embezzlement.

    Either way.

    But this is the case: ......

    I''ll have to dig around in the government archives to find out.

    Hercule cowered.

    It''s all about ''doing whatever it takes''.

 4 Episode 3 Fiscal Reform Tax Reform

    The Lemurian Empire was a state with a well-developed centralized system.

    In addition, the bureaucracy had advanced considerably during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and many administrative documents remain.

    Hercule spent three months reading the administrative materials and documents available at ...... for about fifty years, and then read one hundred and fifty years'' worth of administrative materials at five-year intervals to create a statistical graph.

    He then compared the movements of the graphs with the famines, wars, new laws, and councils that had occurred in the Lemurian Empire.

    He came to a conclusion.

    "So it''s the decline in tax collection ability and the increase in military spending.

    Hercule summoned all the bureaucrats of the Lemurian Empire.

    The bureaucrats looked anxious, wondering what the new emperor would say to them.

    In response, Hercule put on a calm face and asked one of the bureaucrats.

    "Mr. Krol?

    Yes, sir!

    The new human bureaucrat''s heart leapt.

    Of course.

    The Emperor of Lemuria, reputed to be the "God''s representative on earth," had approached him directly.

    The fact that he remembered his name also made him nervous.

    The Emperor remembers the name of a mere new bureaucrat!

    It confused him.

    Tell me about our tax system.

    Yes, yes!

    There are six main tax systems in the Empire.

    Land tax.

    Per capita tax.

    Commercial tax.

    Tariffs

    War dues

    Emancipation tax.

    Add to this the salt monopoly.

    "I see. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Krol.

    Hercule takes a sip of his coffee and declares.

    "The capitation tax, commerce tax, customs duty, emancipation tax, and salt monopoly are all abolished or revised.

    What?

    The bureaucrats'' expressions hardened as if to say, "What?

    What Hercule was saying was too sudden for them to grasp.

    But little by little, the bureaucrats began to understand his intentions.

    He''s going to radically change the tax system.

    And.

    Change is scary.

    Because change can make things worse than before.

    Right now, I''m getting by. So it''s better not to change.

    Many people fall into that trap and are afraid of reform.

    But Hercule was not afraid at all.

    Why?

    For the sake of "doing whatever it takes," the risk of the country tipping over is insignificant!

    This is indeed a joke. (It may be a joke, but it is a true one. ......)

    Hercule had confidence in himself.

    He was confident that what he was doing was absolutely right.

    "Hey, Your Majesty!¡¡That''s .......

    "Wait, wait, I''ll explain. Wait, wait, I''m going to explain it to you now, and you can disagree only after you hear what I have to say.

    "Wait, wait, wait.

    It was a list of residents of a certain village for the purpose of collecting a per capita tax.

    "What do you think of this?¡¡Chlor-kun.

    "Well, let''s see, .......

    The new bureaucrat, who was strangely favored by Hercule, said what he thought with a nervous look on his face.

    I think it''s all women .......

    You''re right!¡¡Other than that, there are far too many people with physical disabilities!

    The per capita tax in the Lemurian Empire is heavier for men than for women.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the per capita tax is heavier for men than for women. Also, people with physical disabilities, such as ...... missing limbs, blindness or deafness, are exempted from the tax to some extent, depending on their severity.

    At first, the peasants took the report seriously.

    But at some point, they realized something.

    They could lie and not be noticed.

    The presence or absence of eye or hearing impairment is self-reported.

    As long as the person says so, there is no way for the officials to check.

    Also, if you visit the house of a person who says, "My family consists of two boys and four girls (actually, four boys and two girls!). It would take a lot of time and effort to go into the house of a person who declares, "My family consists of two men and four women (although there are really four men and two women!)" and check if the declaration is correct and if the person is not dressed as a woman.

    The population of the empire is more than ten million.

    In the first place, it is not certain that the reported population is true.

    It is safe to assume that many of the peasants are under-reporting, since a miscalculation of one or two people will not go unnoticed.

    Each individual tax dodger is not a big deal, but ......

    When the dust settles, so what.

    Of course, this will lead to a significant decrease in tax revenue for the empire.

    "Are you confident that this information is correct?

    The bureaucrats had nothing to say.

    The bureaucrats had nothing to say. It was obvious that the list of residents was wrong.

    We would be better off without a tax system that doesn''t collect taxes properly. We therefore abolish it.

    Then, after taking a sip of coffee, Hercule looks at Krol again.

    Krol braced himself.

    I''m sorry to keep asking you this, but how do you collect this commercial tax?

    I''m sorry to keep asking, but how do you get this commerce tax?" "Well, it''s based on the amount of ...... sales a merchant makes and the goods he sells.

    "How do you determine the amount of sales?

    ...... is the merchant''s self-assessment.

    In other words, they can lie all they want.

    "It''s true that if you taxed commerce, you could make a lot of money. So I''m not going to change my policy of taxing commerce. But the way it''s been done so far is too much work. Therefore, this will be revised.

    It is possible to crack down on tax evasion to some extent if there are unannounced inspections by government officials.

    But that would take too much time, effort, and manpower.

    It is possible to crack down on ''income tax'' evasion in a nation with a huge bureaucracy like Japan, but it is impossible in the bureaucracy of the Lemurian Empire.

    Then there''s tariffs, which are purely a logistical impediment and generate little revenue. It''s also a breeding ground for officials to amass ill-gotten gains. Abolish it.

    As if to add insult to injury, Hercule slaps the tariff away and sips his coffee.

    "Then the Emancipation Tax. ...... This should go without saying. It''s a wonder why these antiques are still around. Unlike the old days when emancipation was a popular way to gain political support, nowadays hardly anyone emancipates their slaves.¡¡Abolish it. Well, I agree with you about taxing the slaves.

    Then Hercule drank his coffee in one gulp.

    "Finally, the salt monopoly. This is a new system your father implemented to secure new revenue sources. It''s a monopoly on the sale of salt at thirty times the list price. Salt is a necessity, so no matter how high the price, people will buy it. Well, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great.¡¡I''m sure you''ll agree that it''s a great idea.

    The bureaucrats looked away at once.

    The bureaucrats looked away in unison, because they were actually buying counterfeit salt as well.

    The salaries of the bureaucrats in the Lemurian Empire are low.

    They can''t afford to buy salt from the government.

    Hercule then asks the bureaucrats.

    "Well, gentlemen. If you can say with pride that something I''ve said so far is wrong!¡¡Can any of you say with pride that I am wrong?¡¡Rest assured, I swear to God, I will not punish you.

    The scene is silent.

    No one could argue with Hercule.

    And then a man raises his hand.

    It''s Krol.

    I''m sorry, but ...... you mentioned abolishing tariffs, are you also abolishing customs?¡¡I think abolishing customs is a bad idea from a public safety standpoint. ......

    I''m not going to abolish it, of course. We are not going to abolish the barrier stations. Rest assured.

    Hercule smiled.

    When the bureaucrats saw Hercule''s smile, their tension melted slightly and their hands began to rise sparsely.

    "Oh, excuse me, .......

    "May I ask you a question? ......

    I have a few questions. ......

    One by one, Hercule carefully answered the questions of the bureaucrats.

    After an hour or so, all the bureaucrats were convinced of his point of view.

    "Well, gentlemen. Now, gentlemen, I''m going to devise a new tax system. Don''t be shy to argue with me. Let us (...) save the empire by introducing a new tax system.

    Hercule finished by handing out parchments with the tax system he had devised.

    Yes, yes, I actually think your salaries are too low. So when the fiscal reform succeeds, I''ll be the first to bring your salaries up to a reasonable level. Let''s work hard on .......

    Hercule grinned, and the bureaucrats'' eyes lit up.

    For the next three days and nights, Hercule and the bureaucrats debated furiously.

    The resulting tax system was promulgated to the Empire: ......

    Two years later.

    The state revenue of the empire increased 1.5 times.

    In addition, the use of tax money for palace personnel and other expenses was reviewed and expenditures were reduced.

    In this way, the imperial treasury, which had been on fire, was successfully extinguished.

    Diary of a Bureaucrat

    Hercule the Great was a terrible man. He had no fear of destroying tradition. He was not afraid of destroying tradition, and he blocked most of the opposition of his seniors. It was hard to believe he was twelve years old. I can believe him when he says he''s been a bureaucrat for 40 years.

    Besides, Hercule the Great''s tax system was very innovative and effective.

    He also gave me a raise in my monthly salary.

    I became a bureaucrat to serve him.

    It was God''s will, it was fate.

    I, no, all of us bureaucrats, thought so.

 5 Episode 4 Other Reforms

    Christos Auguste.

    Galfis Galleanos.

    Lucanos Lucarios.

    The three vassals of the Lemurian Empire were drinking and talking about their sovereign.

    "It''s terrible. Our Emperor. We''ve hit the jackpot here, haven''t we?

    That''s what Loukanos said about Hercule.

    Hercule''s father, Hadrian III, was neither a dark lord nor a tyrant.

    However, he was not a great ruler.

    As a matter of fact, many of his vassals had proposed tax reforms since the time of Hadrian III.

    However, the conservative faction within the court aroused anxiety about the reform, and in the end, Hadrian III could hardly change the tax system.

    The only thing he did was to monopolize the sale of salt.

    The only thing he did was to monopolize the sale of salt. This was done to compensate for the increasing difficulty in collecting the per capita tax.

    Salt was a substitute for the per capita tax because it was an absolute necessity for human life.

    In fact, it worked well in the early days, and finances improved for a while.

    In fact, it worked well in the early years, and the government''s finances improved for a while, although it eventually became dysfunctional as more and more salt was smuggled into the country.

    In contrast, Hercule was not afraid of reform and carried out a major reform of the tax system.

    As a result, he increased the tax revenue by 1.5 times.

    The idea of having merchants form guilds, giving them monopoly rights in each region, and then having them report the sales of the entire guild to collect the commercial tax, instead of having it based on individual merchants'' self-reporting, was revolutionary.

    Christos exclaimed in amazement.

    Under the old system, it was obvious that the merchants would under-report their sales, and it was impossible to properly monitor where and how they were doing business.

    Therefore, Hercule forced the merchants to form guilds.

    Guilds would reduce the number of sales that had to be checked, and would also allow for mutual monitoring.

    Also, the government can now control the economy to some extent through the guilds.

    Until now, guilds have ostensibly not existed in the Lemurian Empire.

    This is because they were strictly regulated by law.

    This was because of concerns about rising prices and because "business" itself was perceived as a nasty occupation.

    Nevertheless, in this world where the economy is underdeveloped and the number of buyers is small, merchants cannot do business properly unless they are united.

    So, unofficially, it existed.

    This time, Hercule recognized this.

    However, it seems that there was a certain amount of criticism of this policy from the bureaucracy.

    The bureaucrats were worried about the rising prices and the political intervention of the merchants.

    In response, Hercule imposed a number of conditions based on the opinions of the bureaucrats.

    He imposed strict conditions on the maximum price of goods and the number of members of guilds.

    There were no complaints from the merchants who were subjected to government control.

    The reason for this is that they can now do what they used to do unofficially in secret in broad daylight, and the elimination of tariffs has made it easier to do business.

    Hercule''s support among the merchants has increased greatly.

    For a twelve-year-old, he knows his stuff.

    At the same time he abolished the monopoly on salt, he put the salt smugglers under the same control as other merchants by forcing them to form guilds, and sold off all the government-made salt manufacturing facilities to them.

    Hercule thought that it would be easier for the state to take money from those who were hard at work than from those who were hard at work.

    This was Hercule''s view.

    The problem is the opposition of the landowners. ...... Well, I''m sure His Majesty has thought of that.

    Hercule abolished the per capita tax and required landowners to pay the per capita tax in a lump sum by incorporating it into the land tax.

    If you say "carry it in," it sounds like it''s the same as before. ......

    In effect, the land tax was raised to compensate for the elimination of the per capita tax.

    In other words, it is a de facto heavy tax.

    According to Hercule, "People can escape and hide their sales, but land cannot be moved or hidden. It''s a sure way to collect taxes.

    This is a sure way to collect taxes.

    In addition, Hercule changed the tax system from the so-called censuses, in which the tax rate was based on the yield of the harvest, to a fixed annual tax rate, and tax payments were in principle made in gold.

    As a result of the aforementioned tax reforms, the government mobilized manpower and even Messianic priests on a temporary basis to thoroughly survey the land and thoroughly expose hidden fields.

    So far, the landowners have not made any significant moves. So far, there''s been no significant movement on the part of the landowners, although the non-Elven landowners seem to be getting quite frustrated.

    Loukanos shrugged.

    In the Lemurian Empire, a landowner is a nobleman.

    A landowner is a nobleman if he owns land and is a member of a wealthy and venerable family.

    Since there is no such thing as a title, the distinction between nobles and commoners is more fluid than in feudal states.

    The nobility of the Lemurian Empire consists of seventy-six noble families, excluding the imperial family Julianos, out of the seventy-seven families of pure-blooded high elves called the Holy Seventy-seven Families, and the half-elves and non-high elves ...... who are not pure-blooded. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.

    The Lemurian Empire''s law states that half-breeds, quarter-breeds, half-bloods, and even near-pure-bloods are considered half-breeds if they have the characteristics of the elves.

    If the law only specifies the term "Elves" and does not specify whether it is pureblood or half-blood, it includes both. If either is specified, it is always stated whether they are pureblood or half-blood. (This is the case in this novel.)

    Of these, the Pureblood High Elves of the Seventy-Seventh Family are loyal to Hercule and are unlikely to rebel, even if they are dissatisfied.

    Also, the half-elves who are branches of the Seventy-Seven Families or who are married to the Seventy-Seven Families are not likely to go against the wishes of the original families, so they can be ignored.

    However, the loyalty of the non-Elves is a bit questionable.

    At least three of them thought so.

    "We should be prepared first. I will concentrate my efforts on training my troops.

    Galfis said and stood up.

    Christos nodded in response.

    I don''t like you much, but it''s rare that we agree on something. ...... I''ll keep an eye on the nobles.

    And Lucanos, smiling, agreed.

    I will also use my contacts in the church to strengthen my surveillance. ...... His Majesty is indeed a great ruler. But he is still young. There will always be oversights due to inexperience. ...... We must help him with his inadequacies.

    We must support the future great sovereign, the hero of the nation''s salvation.

    In fact, the three political rivals, who did not get along well, agreed on this point.

    Where is she, by the way?

    He''s dating Karolina. You must be very proud of yourself. ...... grandchildren are on the way.

    That''s nice. I''m interested in girls, you know?

    That''s a heavy thing for you to say.

    Well, I did it in two years, not three.

    I did it in two years, not three." Hercule showed his chest to Karolina.

    You''ve done it in two years, not three." Hercule patted Karolina on the head and praised her.

    This is the Imperial City.

    As a matter of fact, Hercule has been implementing various public projects and policies in addition to financial reform.

    He took her out on a date to show off his achievements to Karolina.

    Hercule uses magic to change the color of his hair and eyes.¡¡There''s the Emperor!¡¡I have to get his autograph! I need his autograph!

    So what will you show us?

    "Let''s start with this.

    Then Hercule grabs Carolina''s hand.

    Carolina''s heart skipped a beat.

    But Hercule remains unconcerned.

    Seeing the look on Hercule''s face, Karolina feels embarrassed at herself for being so nervous and blushes.

    Seeing Karolina in such a state, Hercule smiles inwardly and starts walking.

    First of all, Hercule went to the tank arena.

    The tank was not a tank, but a Chariot.

    He showed the two tickets he had prepared in advance to the attendant at the reception desk, and entered.

    "I thought you liked chariot races, Carolina?

    "Yes. Well, I don''t think there''s anyone who doesn''t like it. ......

    In the Lemurian Empire, where entertainment is scarce, chariot races are one of the few pastimes that are popular with young and old, men and women, nobility and commoners alike.

    In the event that you''ve got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we''re here to help.

    After taking a seat, Hercule spoke to Karolina.

    "This stadium is actually new. I built them myself. One of the stadiums was deteriorating rapidly due to lack of maintenance caused by financial difficulties. It''s cheaper to rebuild a new one.

    "Well, that''s great.

    Karolina was concentrating on the chariot race that was about to begin, and she made a few random comments about Hercule''s boast.

    Hercule was slightly annoyed, but decided to be satisfied with the fact that Karolina was happy with the date spot he had built, and concentrated on the race himself.

    The Reds won.

    Hercule walked away from Karolina, who was in a good mood because her team had won.

    On the way, he wanted to show off the new aqueduct he had ordered to be built, but he knew it would not be well received, so he kept his mouth shut.

    "So, shall we go to the museum next?

    "The ...... museum, huh?

    Hercule nodded.

    Hercule took Karolina''s hand and headed for the museum he had built.

    He took Carolina by the hand and headed for the museum he had built, entering with the ticket he had prepared in advance.

    "Is this ...... imperial property?

    "Yes, it is. Objects of high historical value and works of art that are too expensive to sell are displayed here. Incidentally, in addition to the imperial family''s properties, the properties of domestic nobles are also exhibited here. Of course, the largest number of them is the imperial property.

    Hercule sold off most of the property that he could sell without any problem to add to the national treasury.

    But even so, there were still quite a few things left that were ''unbelievable'' to sell.

    Thinking about what to do, Hercule decided to make some money by displaying them.

    He could kill two birds with one stone by showing the wealth of the imperial family.

    Originally, it was only the imperial property, but some nobles said they wanted to show off their treasures as well, and the number of exhibits has been increasing little by little.

    By charging the aristocrats for their space, they were able to make even more money, killing three birds with one stone.

    I can''t stop laughing.

    In addition, since the entrance fee is set high to set a borderline for the ''quality'' of customers, and a large number of spiritists, sorcerers, and knights are placed on top of the entrance fee to protect it, there has been no damage from theft so far.

    I don''t know what will happen in the future.

    Beautiful jewel, isn''t it?

    You can have it if you want. It''s mine.

    Oh, come on, ......, it''s imperial property.¡¡I''m afraid so.

    Carolina refrained from saying so.

    But her eyes are glued to the jewel, no matter how you look at it.

    Seeing Karolina, Hercule decides on his next destination.

    After leaving the museum, the two of them head towards the commercial area, hand in hand.

    The city where two-thirds of the world''s wealth is gathered.

    As the city is said to be home to two-thirds of the world''s wealth, there were products from many different countries on sale.

    Hercule tried on a ruby necklace sold there and put it around Karolina''s neck.

    Hmm, Karolina''s hair and eyes are as ...... beautiful as rubies, if not more so, so the rubies are blurred.

    "That''s very flattering.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    Sapphire might look better on you.

    Then Hercule took the blue sapphire from the shopkeeper and put it around Carolina''s neck.

    "Yes, the blue stone looks good against your red hair and eyes. The blue sapphire accentuates your beauty.

    "You''re overreacting. ......

    But Carolina''s face was slightly red.

    There is no woman who feels bad when a handsome emperor of her age stares at her and compliments her.

    Even if it''s just a simple compliment, you have to say it.

    So, let''s go to the beach next.

    "...... Port?

    After paying the shopkeeper, Hercule said so.

    But the harbor is not a good date spot in the imperial city of Nova Lemuria.

    Because of the smell.

    Nova Lemuria, the imperial capital of the Lemurian Empire, has water and sewage systems that are rare in this world.

    But that''s why the port and the surrounding area, where sewage flows, smell so bad.

    "Don''t worry, Karolina.

    With that, Hercule took Carolina by the hand and headed for the port.

    Carolina was prepared to smell the filth.

    But there is no smell.

    She just smells the tide.

    "What do you mean, ......?

    "It''s simple, they built a sewage treatment plant.

    Hercule is so excited to finally be able to boast about his domestic achievements.

    Until now, all of Nova Lemuria''s sewage ...... and garbage had been dumped into the ocean. That''s why the harbor smelled so bad, and that''s why there were epidemics. To solve this problem, all the sewage was collected, settled, and filtered before being discharged into the sea.

    Hercule says with a smug look on his face.

    Karolina''s eyes widened in astonishment.

    ...... You go to all this trouble to clean up the water you throw away?

    But it did get rid of the stench, didn''t it?

    Sure, ......

    Carolina thought.

    Until now, I hadn''t really thought about where the garbage and filth ended up.

    But now that she thinks about it calmly, she realizes that it is the cause of the stench, so it is only natural that it should be cleaned up.

    And then Carolina realized.

    Maybe the amount of garbage and filth on the streets of the Imperial City has decreased because of ......

    Yeah. We''ve regulated it by law, set up places to collect it, and created positions to clean up the garbage and filth. I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why. I''m on a date with ...... you, and you don''t want the street to smell.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    In addition to this, you will find a number of other things that you can do to make your life easier.

    They were on a date, after all.

    That evening, the two of them were on a hilltop overlooking the Imperial City.

    The sun was setting and the Imperial City was illuminated in red.

    "Hey, Karolina.

    Yes, Your Majesty?

    You said you''d do anything.

    Karolina''s heart leapt with a start.

    Two years have passed, and Karolina, who already knows enough about s*xuality to know how to make a baby properly, has recently begun to realize that her promise to do anything is quite dangerous.

    She was dealing with the Emperor, after all.

    She can''t break her promise, but ......

    What can I do for you?

    No, I was wondering what you could do for me.

    Hercule said and looked at Carolina''s body.

    He repeatedly glanced at Karolina''s still pretty face, her swollen breasts, her hips and legs.

    Karolina is scared, embarrassed, and confused by the anticipation she feels.

    While watching the reaction of the lovely Carolina, Hercule thinks.

    (She''s 14 years old. ...... I feel sorry for her if she does anything too extreme.

    Then he ordered Karolina.

    "Then kiss me.

    Hercule pointed to his cheek.

    "What?

    "That''s why I''m kissing you as a reward.

    Lemurians often kiss each other as a greeting.

    Of course, it''s not on the lips, but on the cheeks, and in reality, it''s just a sound, not lips, and only to a limited number of people, such as family or close friends.

    But cheeks would be less of a hurdle.

    That''s what Hercule thought.

    "...... Okay.

    Carolina, who had imagined all sorts of amazing things, was surprised and confused by the unexpectedly light request, and felt embarrassed at herself for thinking such a shameful thing.

    She felt embarrassed at herself for thinking such an outrageous thing, and her face turned vermillion as she thought about the act of kissing the cheek of her childhood friend, who she had never confirmed her feelings for, even though she was certain that they were mutual.

    With a racing heart, Carolina approached Hercule and stood on her tiptoes. ......

    "I like you, Your Majesty. You''ve done well.

    She pressed her lips lightly to his cheek.

    Hercule responded with a slight blush: ......

    "Thank you. I like you too.

    I like you too," he said, pressing his lips to Carolina''s cheek.

    You''re hot!¡¡You''re hot!¡¡Master!

    Shut up, erotic devil!

    Hercule yelled in his brain at the voice that was echoing in his brain.

 6 Episode 5 Forest Conservation and History

    "You''re elves with long ears!¡¡You love the forest!

    Hercule was furious.

    You must love the forest!

    I''m sure you''re right.¡¡Your Majesty.

    Christos tilted his head, unsure of the meaning.

    You elves love the forest and cut it down so much that the soil is draining and the crops are losing their income.

    said Hercule to the crowd: ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.

    They couldn''t understand how cutting down trees ¡ú loss of water retention capacity of the forest ¡ú soil runoff ¡ú destruction of fields ¡ú decrease in crop yield.

    The forest will recover if we leave it alone.

    That''s their feeling.

    "Haha ......

    Hercule sighed.

    I''m going to have to explain this to them.

    Now, while Hercule is talking about the importance of preserving nature, let me explain why the Elves of the Lemurian Empire don''t love the forest, and also explain the ethnic composition and history of the Lemurian Empire.

    A long time ago, there was a place called the Great Forest, where many Elves lived.

    However, due to the increase in population and the sudden cold weather, the Elves had no food.

    This led to a massive migration of people.

    Many of the Elves left the great forests and began to live on the ground instead of in the trees.

    Grasslands, deserts, oceans ...... and new forests.

    The Elves were scattered all over the world.

    After a long and arduous journey, some of them found a home in a forest in the central part of a peninsula.

    It was a safe haven.

    One day, after a thousand years of living there, a young man said to me, "I''m tired of the forest.

    I''m tired of the forest.

    The boy''s name was Lemuros.

    The boy''s name was Lemuros. Lemuros left the forest with his friends and built a city-state on the banks of a river.

    The city-state was named Lemuria after its founder, Lemuros.

    This was the birth of the city-state of Lemuria.

    At this time, it is said that there were 76 Elves of the Long-Eared Tribe who followed Lemuros, and 77 people including Lemuros.

    They were the ancestors of the later Holy Family of the Seventy-Seven and the Imperial Family.

    After that, Lemuria learned how to farm and make salt and iron from the surrounding human races, and with the help of spirit magic, it quickly expanded its power and began to rule a number of city-states under its control.

    Now, Lemuria was facing the danger of extinction.

    I can''t have children!

    Why not?¡¡Because they''re all men.

    Yes, Lemuros and his merry band of friends were all men. That''s impossible, it would be a miracle if they could.

    So, Lemuros called out to his hometown and the rest of the Elf community like this.

    We''re having a festival!¡¡The entry fee is one pig per person. One pig per person. Ladies first, girls free!¡¡All you can drink and eat!

    Lemuros got women by scrounging up women with such phrases and grabbing them all.

    In the history of Lemuria, this was followed by a confrontation and tearful reconciliation with the women''s brother, brother, father, and ex-husband.

    ...... It''s hard to say that the ancestors of the long-eared people (elves) of Lemuria today are all rapists and their victims.

    Then, one day, a cold wave came.

    No one died of starvation in Lemuria, where grain had been stored in advance, but not in the forests, the home of Lemuros.

    Many of the Elves fell into starvation.

    The Elves asked Lemuros for help.

    At that time, Lemuros is said to have said.

    "If you want help, get out of the trees. Let''s go farming!¡¡And forgive me for plundering your women.

    That''s why many elves said, "I can''t live hunting in the forest anymore. Lemuros, you''re a genius. The time has come for farming," and so on.

    After that, Lemuria, led by Lemuros, said, "You people are an eyesore. Come on down to the plains! Then, Lemuria led by Lemuros said, "You people are an eyesore! Tell us, or die! And then, after subjugating the mining tribes (dwarves), "I love your poetry and literature. And teach me how to build a ship. Or die! He then went to the continent and said, "I want you to teach me how to build ships or die!

    After that, he went to the continent and said, "Is there anyone who can defeat me? and destroyed the countries on the other side of the continent and scattered salt on them.

    And just like that, Lemuria expanded its territory. ......

    Every human being has a lifespan. Even for the long-lived Elves, it is inevitable.

    Lemuros and his merry band of friends had died of longevity.

    The remaining descendants thought.

    How can we maintain Lemuria?

    Because at that time, 5% of Lemuria''s population was made up of elves, and the rest were conquered peoples.

    In addition, there was discord between the Elves, who had been the original inhabitants of Lemuria, and the Elves, who had joined the country later.

    There were two options.

    One is to train and spar with them.

    The other is to reconcile.

    All friends, brothers of Earth.

    In the end, Lemuria overcame this by adopting a policy of reconciliation.

    Nobles and commoners have the same political power. The conquered peoples are also citizens of Lemuria, so they are all equal.

    Thus, the monarchy of Lemuria collapsed and gave way to the republic of Lemuria.

    Suddenly, a republic was not possible, and harmony among all peoples was not easy to achieve.

    And so began four hundred years of civil war. Long time!

    After that, a balding seductress who claimed to be a descendant of Lemuros became the emperor, but I''ll explain that later.

    Now that the explanation of Hercule is over.

    The important thing to remember is that Lemuria was founded by forest haters, so there is no culture that loves the forest.

    I see.

    "I see, but how did you know that?

    Lukanos asks Hercule.

    Lukanos is a priest.

    The clergy in this world are the intellectuals of the intellectuals, and in fact the Church houses many books.

    Lukanos, the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, has naturally read a lot of books.

    But even Lukanos had never heard of the forest.

    But as far as Hercule''s explanation is concerned, it seems to make a lot of sense.

    "Hmm, yes. I may have read about it in a book or something.

    Hercule was suitably amused.

    You can''t just say it''s knowledge from a previous life.

    There is no such thing as a past life in Messianism.

    The moment you start talking about past lives, you''re thinking pagan.

    The emperor of Lemuria, who claims to be the protector of Messianism, should not be thought to have pagan ideas.

    At any rate, we should issue a law to protect the forest and plant trees. This will improve the runoff of the soil.

    With that, Hercule thought back to the bald mountains and the villages around the bald mountains that he and Hadrian III had toured in the past.

    Aside from building materials, wood is used to make ships, furniture, heat, fuel for cooking meals, and steel .......

    Wood is used for a variety of things.

    There is always a demand for it, and the more you produce, the more you can sell, and you can kill two birds with one stone by farming the land after the trees are cut down.

    With this theory, the forests of the Lemurian Empire were cut down.

    Eventually, there were no more forests, and now people are cutting down trees in the mountains.

    But cutting down the trees in the mountains is even worse than cutting down the trees in the forests.

    Heavy rains will inevitably cause landslides and wash away farmland.

    For these reasons, many villages were affected.

    Only those who actually live at the foot of the mountain can understand the disaster caused by the balding of the mountain.

    There had been many appeals to Hadrian III, but they had been ignored.

    To be honest, the destruction of these villages would not hurt Hercule, as he had nothing to do with them.

    However, the loss of tax revenue in the future would certainly choke Hercule.

    Unusually for Hercule, he is working on his own initiative.

    "But, Your Majesty, the demand for firewood is increasing. If we restrict the felling of trees, the price of firewood will skyrocket, and with it, the price of iron products, salt, etc., which could put pressure on the common people''s livelihood.

    One of the bureaucrats, a ...... human named Krol, raised his hand and asked Hercule.

    Erk¨¹hl was more than willing to listen, answer, and refer to questions, which naturally created a space for his subjects to express their opinions.

    Why don''t we use coal?¡¡The supply has been increasing lately, right?

    Coal has indeed been used in recent years as a fuel for cooking, bathing and winter warming. ...... But wood is most consumed in steelmaking. Since coal can''t be used for steelmaking, isn''t it inevitable that the price of firewood will rise?

    In response to Chlor''s question, the surrounding bureaucrats and vassals agreed, and tried to remonstrate with Hercule about his logging restrictions.

    But Hercule only tilted his head in wonder.

    Why can''t coal be used to make iron?

    "The sulfur in the coal makes the iron brittle, Your Majesty.

    Galfis answered the question.

    As a soldier in the army, he knew a bit about iron making.

    I''d like to know what you think," he said.

    I see, no coke. That''s good to know.

    I found an improvement in an unexpected place.

    Hercule grinned, and the crowd turned to look at him.

 7 Episode 6 Nature Conservation and Coke Ovens

    Iron production is not a very difficult theory.

    In short, iron ore (iron oxide) reacts with carbon, and iron is extracted through a redox reaction, which can be understood to a certain extent if you have knowledge of chemistry at the level of junior high school science.

    The carbon used in the redox reaction has long been wood, or charcoal.

    The problem is that a large amount of wood is used.

    No matter how much iron ore is collected in Japan, without wood, iron cannot be produced.

    In the past, Britain imported most of its iron from Sweden, even though it had iron ore and iron-making technology at home.

    This was due to a shortage of wood, as too many trees in the forests and mountains were cut down for development and ship building.

    Sweden, on the other hand, had an abundance of timber, so it used it to make iron, which it exported to foreign countries, earning a fortune and becoming so powerful that it was called the Baltic Empire.

    What broke through this situation was coke, which was created by the British Darby father and son.

    Coal contains sulfur and other impurities in addition to carbon.

    When coal is used to make iron, the sulfur reacts with the iron to form iron sulfide, which makes the iron brittle.

    To solve this problem, coal is dry-distilled, or steamed without air, to remove impurities from the coal and extract only high-purity carbon.

    This is coke.

    Fortunately, the mountains of England were bald, but coal was plentiful.

    With the invention of coke, Britain was able to become self-sufficient in iron.

    In other words!

    Baldness is a sin.

    "That''s the theory, do you understand?

    "Hmm, I have a feeling about it, Your Majesty.

    Hercule was explaining coke to a man with a beard that was braided and wrapped around his neck in a peculiar fashion. ...... The miner (dwarf).

    It''s not an exaggeration to say that the Dwarves are the companions of the Long-Eared Elves, the people who have supported the Lemurian Empire for so long.

    They are dexterous and strong, and like the Elves, they are skilled in the arts of the spirit.

    They are closely related to the Elves and have the second longest lifespan after the Elves, averaging 150 years.

    However, their appearance is very different.

    Elves have beautiful skin, thin body hair, long limbs, tall stature, and very well-shaped faces.

    On the other hand, the Dwarves (......)

    On the other hand, the dwarves have dark skin, thick body hair, short and stocky limbs, short stature, and less-than-perfect facial features: ......

    In terms of appearance, they are polar opposites.

    Because of this, there was a lot of conflict when they first met.

    However, this changed when Lemuros conquered the Dwarves, who founded the city-state of Lemuria.

    In fact, the Elves are not so much good at work as they are at industry .......

    They prefer to play rather than work, and ...... war rather than play.

    In fact, the Elves have used much of their magic in warfare.

    They have long arms and legs, arm strength that is several times that of humans, a sense of balance that has been developed through living in the trees, and an innate fighting instinct that comes from being hunters.

    Normally

    "Oh, well, we''ll get by. I''ll be serious next year.

    "I wonder if there are any cute girls (or cool guys).

    "Farming is a pain in the ass, right?

    "I''d rather get wet in the rain than build a house.

    Do I have to wear clothes?¡¡"I''ll just get wet in the rain if I have to build a house.

    But once they go to war, they turn into excellent warriors who defeat the enemy one after another.

    Dwarves, on the other hand, are not very good at fighting.

    Because of their short stature and short limbs, they are not good at handling weapons.

    They are also good at concentration and detailed work, but they are not good at ...... battles that require quick decision making.

    In addition, compared to the Elves, who are good at group activities, the Dwarves prefer to work individually and are not good at group activities and are unable to form ranks.

    The Elves are good at war, but bad at making weapons and houses.

    The Miners (Dwarves) are not good at war, but they are good at making weapons and houses.

    It was a meeting of fate.

    Since then, the Dwarves have supported the industry of the Lemurian Empire.

    Incidentally, this is an aside, but in contrast to the Elves, who are trying hard to keep their blood pure and increase the number of half-breed Elves, the Dwarves are trying hard to keep their blood pure and have few half-breeds.

    This can be found at ......

    You get the idea.

    Guess what, they only have the same dwarves!

    It''s no wonder men and women are so hairy.

    And as a side note, there are no bald Dwarves.

    And there are many balding Long Ears (Elves).

    "But where did you learn all this?¡¡Or did you learn it yourself?

    "No, I read it in a book. I don''t remember which book.

    Coke was not invented by Hercule.

    It was invented by a great man of the past.

    So, Hercule would not lie and boast that he came up with it himself.

    Well, it is true that I have an advantage in knowing, and I am not going to be sneering about it.

    Between those who know and those who don''t know, there is no doubt that those who know are somewhat greater than those who don''t know.

    In the first place, the history of the world proves that copying is justice.

    The one who is copied is at fault.

    So, the important thing is whether it can be done. ......

    In short, the principle is the same as preventing the wood from being exposed to the air when making charcoal. Then it''s quite possible. It''s a simple job. If you wait a month, we can theorize how to make it. Give me another six months and I''ll build you the best furnace for making coke.

    Dwarves, indeed.

    Of course, Your Majesty.

    The dwarf man laughed in a low, muffled voice.

    "Your Majesty, you are more energetic this time than ever.

    "How rude. I''ve always been a great politician.

    Hercule replied to Christos.

    Christos smiled bitterly.

    What is your motive, really?

    Karolina asked me if I was going to end the internal administration with financial reforms.¡¡That''s what she asked me.

    After all, ulterior motives were the main reason.

    But I can''t help it, since I''m Hercule.

    But what''s the point in going to that much trouble to protect the forest?

    "Well, ......, that''s surprising. I thought you would be the most supportive.

    I thought you would be the most supportive.

    The less wood we use for steel production, the more wood we can put to use elsewhere. Like ...... shipbuilding.

    The Lemurian Empire is currently a shipping nation.

    The current Lemurian Empire is a shipping nation.

    As a maritime nation, Lemuria needs large, strong timber and dragon bones to maintain a strong navy and to build large trading ships.

    The protection of the forests of Hercule is a multifaceted policy that is connected to trade and military affairs in addition to agriculture and forestry.

    That''s it, no objections?

    Yes, ....... By the way, how do you plan to protect it?

    "As you can see, a sudden ban would disrupt the economy, so we''re going to nationalize all the forests first. Then, the villages that use the forests on a regular basis will be given the exclusive right to use and manage the forests.

    This is a policy based on an economic theory known as the "tragedy of the commons".

    To give a brief overview of the "tragedy of the commons," it is the theory that "common land belongs to no one, so people use it as they please and it falls into ruin, but if it were private land or belonged to a specific group of people, they would use it systematically and it would not fall into ruin. The environmental destruction of the modern earth is a major example.

    Incidentally, the Kyoto Protocol and the greenhouse gas emission quota were created based on this theory of the "tragedy of the commons.

    The forests of the Lemurian Empire were naturally common land that belonged to no one.

    At present, large merchants and others cut down the trees as they please and sell the lumber.

    In order to prevent this from happening, the forest of the Lemurian Empire is to be made ''the property of the villagers around the forest'' rather than ''the property of everyone''.

    It is expected that the forest will be maintained to some extent.

    However, Hercule does not believe that this will be enough to protect the forest.

    This is just the first step, a preliminary treatment.

    Since the villagers will benefit from the forest, we will require them to plant trees in return and submit reports periodically. We''re going to require them to plant trees in return, and we''re going to give them regular reports on how well they''re doing. Oh, and an important point: ...... The villagers have the right to use the forest, but the timber guild still has the right to sell the timber. Since all sales go through the guild, the supply and price of wood in the empire can be regulated to a certain extent, and it can also be monitored to see if there is any unprovoked logging going on.

    Monopoly rights are, in essence, for surveillance.

    The monopoly right is, in essence, for monitoring. Currently, there is no way to monitor who is coming and going and who is felling the trees, but if the number of people using the trees is limited, monitoring becomes easier.

    This is the same reason why Hercule allowed guilds.

    In addition, it is cheaper to let people plant trees semi-voluntarily at their own expense than to let the government do so.

    Oh, yeah. ......

    What''s wrong?

    We need to make them pay a certain amount of tribute in return for truffles and other mushrooms.

    It''s safer, fresher and tastier to buy them directly than from the market.

    It would be safer, fresher, and tastier to buy it directly from them than from the market," Hercule said with anticipation.

    In a world where entertainment is scarce, reading, eating, and carolina are the few things Hercule enjoys.

    Speaking of the benefits of forest protection, I forgot to mention that it has also led to the development of the ...... fishery.

    What do you mean by that?

    It means that the nutrients in the forest flow into the ocean.

    It also helps to prevent tsunamis. ......

    And so on, Hercule counted the benefits.

    The more I think about it, the more benefits come to mind.

    It''s a genius policy.

    It''s a genius policy," Hercule praised himself.

    Well, at any rate, there will be no logging restrictions at first. We''re waiting for the miners'' coke, and it''s doubtful how much coke we''ll be able to spread. Well, for now, we''ll just have to prep and invest in ...... coal mining.

    There are a number of coal mines in the Empire.

    There are a number of coal mines in the empire, although production did not expand during the reign of Hadrian III due to the focus on gold and silver. ......

    If the government invested heavily, the amount of coal mined would increase.

    Hercule thought.

    There are no coal guilds. ...... Should we start with a monopoly or outsource to a firewood guild? ......

    Muttering, Hercule began to think about his next policy.

 8 Episode 7 In Search of Food

    Grand Palace of Nova Lemuria.

    It is the political center of the current Lemurian Empire, and is also where Hercule resides.

    The Grand Palace of Nova Lemuria is the largest palace in the world, at least as far as Hercule knows.

    Built by many craftsmen, including dwarves, the building itself is a work of art.

    The inside of the palace is decorated with stained glass, mosaics, and a beautiful purple carpet that only emperors are allowed to use.

    The walls of the palace are made of marble, and if you look closely, you can see that they are finely carved.

    It is the pride of Lemuria, and the greatest work of art in the Lemurian Empire.

    Now, ......

    This is also true for roads and other infrastructure, but buildings cost more to maintain than to build.

    The Grand Palace of Nova Lemuria is no exception to this rule.

    The beautiful carvings, mosaics, etc. are quite durable and do not need much repair.

    The problem is not that it is opulent.

    It is spaciousness.

    The bigger the building, the more prominent it is.

    This is the truth.

    The Grand Palace of Nova Lemuria is huge.

    So it takes a lot of work to clean.

    And the bigger it is, the more expensive it is to guard.

    So Hercule thought.

    Let''s seal off two-thirds of it.

    In this way, Hercule succeeded in reducing the maintenance cost of the Grand Palace to one-fifth.

    If the room had to be used for a ceremony, it could be cleaned immediately after.

    At least once a month should be enough for most rooms that are not in use.

    It would be ridiculous to clean the room exactly once a day.

    That''s why.

    Hercule''s financial health has been improved by eliminating waste. ......

    However, in some areas, he wastes more than Hadrian III.

    One is the uniforms of the servants of the palace.

    From the very plain uniforms of the past, Hercule has adopted a beautiful and cute design, the mini-skirt maid uniform.

    Of course, only cute young unmarried girls can wear the mini-skirt maid uniform.

    Aunts are the same as before.

    Not to mention the eunuchs.

    What happens when they get dirty?¡¡Just buy a new one at taxpayer expense.

    The young female servants working at the Grand Palace are ......

    Thirty humans.

    Twenty half-elves.

    The total number of servants is only fifty, so it doesn''t cost much money.

    Incidentally, these fifty are the most beautiful women in the world.

    The design is by an artist who has known Hercule for a long time.

    This artist has designed dozens of lovely maid outfits.

    And Hercule has adopted almost all of them.

    So the designs change from day to day.

    Why did he choose the miniskirt maid outfit?

    It was for the pleasure of Hercule''s eyes.

    In addition, he thought that if there was a cute girl, he would eat her (s*xually).

    This makes Hercule sound like a prick. ...... Well, he is a prick. ......

    In the first place, the young girls who serve in the Grand Palace are candidates for the Emperor''s concubines.

    The fact that the recruitment criterion is the face speaks for itself.

    And of course, the girls know this.

    In fact, they are more than willing to become the emperor''s concubines.

    Hercule is one of the most beautiful men among the elves, muscular, well-built, young, and above all, the most powerful man in the country.

    He is muscular, fit, young, and above all, the most powerful man in the country.

    Well, since Hercule is currently obsessed with Karolina, the chances of the girls embracing her are slim at the moment.

    Incidentally, young servants leave the palace after about ten years.

    If they don''t take notice of you after ten years, you''ll have to compromise with another man.

    Well, it''s easy to marry a half-elf, not to mention a human, because their beauty won''t change in ten years.

    However, I still want to be the emperor''s concubine.

    These girls blushed slightly, but they wore mini-skirt maid outfits and fluttered their asses in front of Hercule today. in their minds.

    There is one more thing that Hercule wastes his time on besides the miniskirt maid outfit.

    That is cooking.

    "Yes, it''s delicious again today.

    Hercule scoops up the soup with a silver spoon and drinks it while cooling it down.

    Then he twirls the pasta with a silver fork and brings it to his mouth.

    The meal, including the cost of labor and ingredients, cost 100,000 yen per meal.

    Salad, pasta, fish, meat, soup, and dessert.

    All of the ingredients were fresh and in season from all over the Lemurian Empire, and they were prepared by the best chefs in the Lemurian Empire.

    Without a doubt, the food in front of Hercule''s eyes was the best in the world.

    The food in front of Hercule''s eyes was undoubtedly the best in the world.

    (It''s slightly inferior to the three-star cuisine I remember from my previous life. ......)

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡Well, it''s better than before.

    Thank you very much. Thank you very much. ...... I will continue to work hard and make dishes that will make His Majesty proud.

    The chef thanked Hercule profusely.

    The chef thanked Hercule profusely. Hercule said he was looking forward to it and concentrated on eating again.

    In fact, the man in Hercule''s previous life was not a millionaire, so he did not eat three-star cuisine on a daily basis, but rather ate more frozen foods.

    But now Hercule is the emperor.

    Since he is the most important person in the country, he should not be complaining about eating three-star cuisine on a daily basis.

    But ......

    Unfortunately, the level of cuisine in the Lemurian Empire was limited to between one and two Michelin stars in Hercule''s previous life.

    The level of technology in the Lemurian Empire, no matter how advanced, is at best that of the Renaissance.

    However, thanks to magic, food can be preserved for a long time and transported from far away without losing its freshness, and the heat used for cooking can be adjusted to the same or higher level than in modern Japan.

    In addition, the Lemurian Empire is a trading nation, so spices and sugar are expensive, but you can easily get them if you are a ...... emperor.

    But still, this was the extent of it.

    But there was nothing I could do about this.

    He had not yet mastered the art of cooking.

    Moreover, the cuisine of the Lemurian Empire is much more expensive than that of the surrounding countries.

    In the western countries, even royalty and aristocracy ate food by hand, and the food was simply roasted and sprinkled with spices.

    The Lemurian Empire is an advanced nation.

    But Hercule was not satisfied with that.

    So he increased the number of cooks and ordered them to develop new dishes and improve their taste.

    And to some extent, they are succeeding.

    For example, hamburgers are a dish that has never existed in the Lemurian Empire before.

    The hamburgers that Hercule ordered to be made and improved upon have become his favorite dish.

    He also made him research new seasonings.

    To give a concrete example, he made mayonnaise and ...... various other sauces, and has now completed five kinds of condiments including mayonnaise.

    Recently, however, the chef is running out of ideas, which is giving him a headache.

    The improvement of taste is steadily progressing.

    The chefs are working day and night to create prototypes of dishes, write reports on the improvements, and then create new dishes. ......

    By repeating this process, the taste of the food has been improved little by little.

    The best example of this is soup.

    The many soups made with the concept of "flavor" in mind by Hercule were far beyond the standard soups of this world.

    In order to increase the variety of the dishes, Hercule had them scavenge various ingredients from all over the Empire.

    Coffee had been buried.

    Somewhere, there must be a delicious but unappreciated ingredient.

    That''s what Hercule thought and started to search for ingredients, and what he found was tomatoes.

    As you know, tomatoes are indispensable in many dishes.

    Tomatoes had already become an indispensable part of the palace cuisine of the Lemurian Empire.

    However, it is still not eaten by the people.

    Well, Hercule didn''t care much about the food situation of the people as long as his own taste buds were satisfied.

    Thanks to the enormous amount of money and the hard work of the cooks, the level of palace cuisine in the Lemurian Empire has risen dramatically.

    However, it was still not at a level that would satisfy Hercule.

    As he ate the ice cream for dessert, Hercule suddenly muttered to himself.

    Bread, pasta, and pizza ...... are all good, but I want to try something else soon.

    Specifically, I want to eat rice.

    Well, Hercule himself has never eaten rice ...... or Japanese food.

    Nevertheless, he was interested in the Japanese food that the man in his previous life loved.

    I want to eat Japanese food. I''m tired of Western food. I also want to try ...... Chinese and Indian food.

    However, it is impossible for even the best cooks in the Lemurian Empire to recreate a dish they have never seen or heard of, and there is no rice in the Lemurian Empire.

    What should I do? ......

    I don''t know what to do," Hercule thought.

    If we don''t have it in the Empire, then we can bring it from outside.

    Coffee and tomatoes are new foodstuffs that have been discovered in the Lemurian Empire, but there have been no reports of new foodstuffs being discovered after tomatoes.

    I think it''s time to look abroad.

    We should order our merchants to look for them.

    Fortunately, the Lemurian Empire is a trading nation.

    There are many merchants who come from abroad.

    We can get information from them at .......

    "We could bring in ingredients and cooks from all over the world. ...... Yes, that''s a good idea.

    Hercule is a powerful man.

    There''s plenty of money. If you have money, you can do anything.

    For starters, rice.

    And miso, soy sauce. If not, soy. I also need red beans. ......

    Hercule smirked.

    Nova Lemuria, the city of gastronomy.

    The capital of the Lemurian Empire will soon be called that.

 9 Episode 8 Fun Military Reform Part 1

    Ding, ding, ding.

    In the backyard of the palace of the Lemurian Empire, a high-pitched metallic sound echoed.

    A boy with black hair and a girl with fiery red hair were fiercely clashing their swords over and over again.

    Red and black intersected again and again.

    And ......

    Ding!

    The black-haired boy''s sword flies through the air.

    It spun around and fell to the ground.

    The boy raises his hands.

    "Well, well, well. You''re no match for Karolina. As expected of General Galfis'' daughter. One of the ten knights of the empire at fourteen. I''m no match for her.

    No, I fought with all my might. ...... So you can fight with a sword, too?

    Karolina praised Hercule.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following.

    You are skilled not only in swordsmanship, but also in bodywork, archery, horsemanship, and spearmanship.

    "Because I was taught. If you have a good teacher and enough time, you can be confident that you will be able to master anything as well as anyone else. I''m confident that with time and a good teacher, I can be as good or better at anything. ...... Well, I can be top-notch, but I''ll never be top-notch like you.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I can do everything better than most people, but I can never reach the level of a superhuman.

    That''s my limit.

    That''s what he thought of his own athletic ability.

    "Karolina, you''ve been slacking with your weapons.

    Hercule picks up his sword.

    Her sword was made of iron, and the blade had been crushed into a circle.

    Karolina''s sword is rounded as well.

    It was for safety.

    If you really want to be safe, you should use a wooden sword, but then you can''t handle the weight of iron.

    Well, you don''t have to worry too much because the Elves are stronger than other races and will not die so easily.

    You can easily defeat me if you use your magic and the spirits you have contracted.

    "You didn''t use your own spirit, did you?

    Witchcraft.

    Magic.

    Spiritualism.

    These are the three main abilities that the elves can use.

    Sorcery is a kind of "learning" to read the reason of the world and to interfere in the world.

    As such, it involves philosophical, religious, and natural scientific elements.

    It is said that while a sorcerer makes a fireball and scorches the enemy''s armor a little, an archer with a longbow shoots and kills five of them.

    It has been said.

    And it can be easily counteracted or cancelled out in various ways.

    Magic is not a technology used in battle.

    It is very useful in medicine, manufacturing, construction, and siege.

    Magic is very similar to sorcery, but very different.

    Magic is much more powerful than sorcery and can be used in battle.

    However, things like fireballs and RPGs are the exclusive domain of sorcery and the spirit arts described below.

    The difference between magic and sorcery is that they cannot be learned.

    Magic can be learned by effort, but magic cannot be learned by effort.

    It can be acquired congenitally, or it can be acquired suddenly by an experience.

    And the number of people who possess it is limited to begin with.

    This is its greatest characteristic.

    Magic can be classified into three types.

    The first is inherent magic. The first is inherent magic, which you are born with.

    The most famous example is Carolina''s "Divine Speed" spell.

    As the name suggests, it can increase the speed of your body several times.

    The second is bloodline magic. The second is bloodline magic, which is inherited by the bloodline.

    A typical example is "My Sword is for the Emperor," which is possessed by the Galleanos family, namely Karolina and Galfis.

    It is a spell that increases physical ability when one possesses a weapon.

    By the way, even if you use a spear or a bow, your physical ability will increase without any problem.

    Spoons and forks are also fine, as long as the user can recognize them as weapons.

    The third is inherited magic. This is a spell that is passed on from person to person by transferring it to a designated person.

    Unlike bloodline spells and inherited spells, there is only one type of inherited spell in the world.

    A typical example is the Imperator, a spell possessed by Hercule.

    This is a hereditary spell passed down from generation to generation by the Emperor of Lemuria, and is a sign of succession to the throne.

    The effect is to give a psychological advantage to the Elves.

    The effect is a psychological advantage over the elves.

    The elves will have a hard time refusing the orders of the emperor who has this "Imperator".

    Of course, if they really don''t want to, they can refuse, and if they hate him, they can assassinate him.

    Even so, the psychological hurdle is raised considerably.

    It is thanks to this power that there was little opposition from the nobility of the Elves during Hercule''s financial reform.

    Spiritualism is the art of making a contract with a spirit and using the power of the spirit.

    It is also known as the art of demon contracting.

    The Lemurian Empire developed through the use of this art.

    Unlike magic, it can be used by anyone who makes a contract with a spirit, and unlike sorcery, it does not require troublesome calculations or chanting.

    The only drawback is that you have to make a contract.

    The content of this contract varies from person to person, but the most common is magic power.

    Therefore, sorcery is more fuel efficient for the same phenomenon.

    Most of the elves have made a contract with spirits and can use spirit magic.

    However, most of them are low-level spirits and can only create light winds.

    This may sound useless, but ......

    Even a gentle breeze can become a gust of wind if 10,000 spiritists get together.

    If you use that gust of wind to send arrows flying, or if you ride into battle with the wind at your back, you can be a great military asset.

    For this reason, they are very useful.

    It is also useful in predicting the weather to some extent, and in farming and fishing.

    Thanks to the power of this magic, Lemuria has become a great nation.

    My magic is simply ''physical enhancement''. It''s nothing compared to your magic. Spirits aren''t good at fighting either.

    Hercule shrugged.

    There are different levels of magic with the same effect.

    Hercule''s "physical enhancement" is a very common and mundane spell.

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    But ......

    "That''s good. You''re strong. You can protect me, right?¡¡It''s better if I don''t have to be strong in the first place.

    Then Hercule pressed his lips to Karolina''s cheek.

    Karolina blushed at the surprise.

    "Here, give it back to me.

    "Oh, please don''t make fun of me.

    She kissed Hercule on the cheek.

    It''s peaceful. ......

    Your ...... Majesty, don''t you have things to do?

    I don''t know.

    Hercule used Carolina''s lap as a pillow while he read for pleasure.

    Recently, Hercule had been lounging on Karolina''s lap almost every day.

    Karolina stroked Hercule''s hair with a troubled but not satisfied look on her face, and followed Hercule''s example by reading, which she usually did not do.

    This was their daily routine these days.

    However, the sweet atmosphere between the two men was interrupted by two men.

    "Your Majesty!

    One of them is General Galfis Galleanos. He is the father of Karolina, and a great general of the Lemurian Empire''s army.

    The other is General Christos Auguste. General Christos Auguste, Hercule''s uncle and a general in the Lemurian Navy.

    The two went to Hercule first, kneeling down and saying.

    "Your Majesty, could you please expand our military?

    "Your Majesty, we need your advice on military spending.

    They both said the same thing at the same time and glared at each other.

    "Carolina, I''m afraid of my relatives.

    "Good.

    Carolina smiled and patted Hercule''s head.

    Karolina patted Hercule''s head with a smile and said to him.

    "Your Majesty, isn''t national defense an important duty for an emperor?

    "Well, ...... if you insist.

    Hercule got up with a sigh and said while fixing his hair.

    Well, last year we spent much of our increased income on public works ...... while this year we planned to allocate it to military spending and expand our military.

    Hercule spent much of his increased income on flood control and irrigation, repairing bridges and military roads, and building aqueducts and sanitation.

    He had to make the nation strong enough to withstand a military expansion.

    However, without a strong army, we cannot win against foreign enemies.

    The barbarians of this world ignore peace treaties and invade and plunder without hesitation, so no matter how much effort is put into internal affairs, if the army is weak, it will be ravaged and there will be no point.

    The current Lemurian army is weak.

    Hadrian III was defeated in a series of battles, but this was due in part to his lack of military talent, but more importantly to the weakness of his army.

    Therefore, the army had to be reorganized anew.

    As well as financial reform.

    But ......

    Hmmm, this is too much work. ...... I don''t feel like doing it.

    "Then ......

    Karolina said, blushing a little.

    When the army is strong, I''ll do anything for you.

    All right!¡¡Christos!¡¡Galfis!¡¡Bring me the documents!

    He''s a simple man.

 10 Episode 9 Fun Military Reform Part 2

    The Italian thinker Machiavelli wrote in his book "Monarchism".

    "Mercenaries and foreign troops are really impossible. They''re really terrible. They''ll do anything for money. Don''t trust them. If they''re competent, they''ll be a threat to the country. If they''re incompetent, they''ll lose to the enemy. The time has come for home armies, citizen armies, and standing armies, and for monarchs to rely on mercenaries and foreign armies is really disgusting. Rome is great after all!

    I''m breaking it down quite a bit. Machiavelli is not a gal.

    When he remembered this, Hercule thought out of his childish rebelliousness.

    We can''t have a standing army, so we rely on mercenaries, don''t we?

    The Spanish Habsburgs, who had colonies in South America and amassed enormous wealth from their plantations and the Potosi silver mines, were said to have emptied their treasury many times to maintain Tercio.

    Well, Tercio can be said to be a standing army of "mercenaries," which is a little different from Machiavelli''s beloved national army or citizen army.

    Also, compared to the French Guards who betrayed the people during the French Revolution, there is the example of the Swiss Guards who remained loyal to the king until their deaths, so it cannot be said that mercenaries are bad and the national army is good. (For the sovereign, that is. For the French, the French Guards who betrayed him would have been better.

    (For the monarch, that is, although the French would have preferred the French Guards who betrayed them. Probably about a third of it is personal grudge.

    As they say, a fool and his shears are one and the same, and mercenaries can be used in different ways.

    Hercule is indeed a Machiavellian and a strategist, but if you ask me whether I believe everything Machiavelli says, I don''t. And if you ask me whether Hercule''s personality and thoughts have changed much between before and after he learned about the Monarchy, I don''t think so. The fact is that his character and thought have not changed much.

    Machiavelli himself has no great political achievements. ......

    This was Hercule''s personal impression of Machiavelli.

    Nevertheless, it is true that mercenaries are generally unreliable.

    So ......

    It''s a good idea to have a standing army. Galfis.

    I think so too. ...... mercenaries are useless.

    This makes it sound like the Lemurian Empire relies on mercenaries for everything, but that''s not the case.

    We do have a standing army.

    There are 10,000 long-eared elven archers and 10,000 long-eared elven heavy cavalry (cribanarius).

    In total, they have a standing army of 20,000.

    It also has a navy of over a hundred galleys.

    Now, do you understand why the Empire''s finances were in flames?

    To begin with, a single warhorse is incredibly expensive.

    On top of that, you need armor.

    The heavy cavalry (cribanarius) was a tremendous burden.

    Originally, the Empire had a standing army of about 100,000 infantry, and the cavalry was supplemented by hiring barbarians from allied tribes.

    However, the mainstay of warfare in the future would be cavalry.

    Thinking so, Hadrian III decided to disband the standing army of infantry and form heavy cavalry (cribanarius) and longbowmen.

    Hercule thinks that this was a wise decision.

    This was a wise decision, because it was obvious that the mainstay of the coming war would be the assault of heavy cavalry.

    In addition, the standing army of the Empire in the past was the Legion, an outdated infantry mainly armed with daggers and shields, although it sounds like the good old .......

    In the past, the legion was the driving force behind the expansion of the Lemurian Empire because it was flexible and could respond to any battlefield, but by the time of Hadrian III, the quality of the legion had deteriorated greatly.

    However, the quality of the infantry had already deteriorated significantly by the time of Hadrian III. In addition, changes in tactics made it difficult to fight in close combat with daggers and shields.

    The Lemurian Empire''s armies, with their mobility and flexibility, had an advantage against infantry armed mainly with swords, as in the same infantry ......, and against those equipped with long spears and forming dense formations.

    However, as many of the enemy barbarians began to use cavalry, and the invention of stirrups made cavalry assault easier, it became difficult to prevent them with daggers and shields.

    In this sense, we can say that Hadrian III was able to read the trends of the times.

    The only miscalculation he made was to reinforce the cavalry and archers, but he ran out of money and had to dismantle all the infantry.

    Hadrian III was not an incompetent emperor, but he was a ...... emperor who was lacking in some odd places.

    Now, the question that arises is how he prepares his infantry.

    As a matter of course, cavalry and archers alone cannot fight a war.

    The answer is simple.

    Half of the soldiers are conscripted from the peasants, and the other half are mercenaries of barbarians who have invaded the empire.

    The other half are barbarian mercenaries who have invaded the empire.

    The other half are soldiers who have no intention of risking their lives in war.

    You can''t win a war like this.

    We have money because of the financial reform. We may not be able to maintain 100,000, but we can manage 30,000 or so.

    Military spending accounts for about 70% of the Empire''s expenditures.

    Thanks to Hercule''s fiscal reforms, tax revenue has increased by another 50%, so military expansion is possible.

    "So, Galfis. How many troops do you need to defend the empire''s territory and, to some extent, wage a war to recover lost ground?

    I''d like to say that we have enough cavalry, but we don''t have enough infantry. As for infantry, you need at least 100,000. If you want to be extravagant, you''ll need another hundred thousand .......

    That''s impossible.

    Hercule shrugged.

    Then he asks Christos, the other soldier.

    What do you think?¡¡How much more of the navy do you need?

    If you want to maintain the status quo, you can do so. However, some of our ships are coming to the end of their service life and we need to build new ones. If you cut ...... military spending, you may jeopardize your sea control.

    In other words, please don''t cut back on military spending.

    That''s what I''m saying.

    Galfis was unhappy about that.

    "Your Majesty, ......, there hasn''t been a naval battle in twenty years. What we need now is an army.

    Then Christos snapped.

    What do you mean?¡¡If we lose control of the seas, the defense of the Imperial City will be in jeopardy!¡¡Your Majesty, the navy is vital.

    "What''s a wasted meal ...... Your Majesty, strengthen the army!

    The two of them started to fight.

    Hercule hugged Karolina, who was staring at him with a wry smile.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    "Isn''t it your job to mediate?

    Karolina smiles bitterly.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.

    It tickled her maternal instincts.

    He''s really no good without me. ......

    That''s the guy.

    This is probably the psychology of a woman who is parasitized by a bad man.

    "Good luck, Your Majesty.

    "If you say so.

    Hercule has no choice but to get up.

    The reason for his quick recovery was that he had managed to press his face against Carolina''s chest in the confusion, and had been able to replenish his energy.

    The Navy will not shrink. If we lose control of the sea, it will be difficult to regain it. The army will increase by 30,000. Be patient, Gulphis. And get along, or I will abdicate.

    Hercule ordered them.

    They realized they had been fighting in front of the Emperor and immediately bowed and apologized.

    "Give them a reconciliatory hug.

    "Oh, you mean that?

    "Huh, Your Majesty?

    Christos and Galfis stared at each other in disbelief.

    But they couldn''t disobey the emperor''s order, so they hugged each other reluctantly.

    "Give me a kiss on the cheek.

    "......

    "......

    They pressed their lips to each other''s cheeks in a heartless embrace.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction as he watched. ......

    "Oh, my eyes hurt. I feel like I''m going to throw up!¡¡It looks like I''ve seen something gross. Help me, Karolina!

    Hercule said and hugged Karolina.

    Karolina gently strokes Hercule''s hair.

    How are you feeling?¡¡How do you feel?

    "Hmm, I feel purified.

    Hercule stares straight into Karolina''s eyes.

    The sight of Karolina''s beautiful face overrides the unpleasantness of the previous scene.

    I feel sorry for the two of them, being forced to kiss someone they don''t like, and then being called creepy.

    For a while, Hercule and Karolina flirted with each other, while Galfis and Christos looked on uncomfortably.

    "Well, the question is, what would you have in your arsenal with 30,000 standing army lieutenants? Do you have any idea?

    They say that it is easy to get many soldiers but difficult to get one general.

    But in reality, it is the junior officers who are harder to get than the generals.

    It is far more important to have good non-commissioned officers who can convey excellent orders to soldiers than to have generals who can give excellent orders.

    If you are a non-commissioned officer in an army of about 30,000, you should be fine. There are always a certain number of non-commissioned officers to command ...... mercenaries and conscripted soldiers.

    I''m sorry.¡¡That''s not a problem. Now let''s talk weapons and tactics.

    Hercule had no intention of reviving the good old Legion.

    Legion tactics are very advanced and difficult to begin with, and they''re outdated now.

    It is not something to be revived with great effort.

    You can use infantry to catch the enemy, archers to intercept the enemy, and cavalry to pursue the fleeing enemy. Or, use infantry to hold the enemy, use archers to break them down, and then use cavalry to break them down with a charge. This is the ideal form.

    Combine multiple branches of warfare to take advantage of their respective strengths.

    This is the basic form of warfare.

    However, in this world where tactics have been degenerating for a long time, such an obvious thing has been forgotten.

    That is the reason why Hadrian III emphasized only cavalry and forgot infantry.

    The reason why the weak infantry of the empire was able to repel foreign enemies was because the enemies were also weak and disregarded the infantry.

    You know this very well, Your Majesty. By the way, you''ve been on the battlefield many times, haven''t you?

    I''ve never won.

    Hadrian III was expecting Hercule to be his successor, so he often took him to battle.

    And he lost.

    Thanks to him, Hercule became a first-rate escapist.

    But that doesn''t mean that he didn''t gain any experience.

    Rather, he used Hadrian III as a role model and studied the reasons for his defeats. I know a lot about war.

    I''ve never been in command, so this is just a theoretical theory.

    It''s just a theory that Galfis can fill in.

    The Legion can''t catch or bind them. The combination of a dagger and a shield is powerful, but ...... that was due to the high morale and strength of the Lemurian Empire''s military in the past. I''m not sure what to make of it.

    Galfis nodded in agreement to Hercule''s words.

    This is because Galfis was thinking about it as well.

    The question is: ......

    "It''s the length of the spear, and the presence or absence of a shield. . and how to form a formation. ......

    After that, Hercule and Galfis debated and created a new standing army of the best infantry.

    The infantry they created would come in handy a year later, when Hercule was fifteen.

 11 Episode 10 Peronia War Part 1

    Speaking of which, how is Titus ...... Hadrian''s Highness doing now?

    Hercule asked the kind man ...... in front of him.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    Hercule was the youngest of three brothers and had two older brothers.

    He had two older brothers: Hadrian, the eldest, and Titus, the second son.

    Hadrian, the eldest, and Hercule were so distant that they spoke less than a hundred words, but he was reasonably close to Titus, and this did not change after his accession to the throne.

    They are half-brothers and were raised separately, so there is almost no sense of brotherhood between them, but when it comes to literature and art, they have a good rapport with each other, so they occasionally have dinner together and talk.

    I''m still shutting myself in. The fact that he didn''t get the crown seems to have taken a toll on him.

    I''d give it to you any day.

    Please don''t. If you give him the crown, this country will die.

    Do you want Titus?

    Oh, you''ve got to be kidding me.

    Titus rejected Hercule''s offer with a big wave of his hand.

    However, Titus himself was aware that he was not suited to be an emperor and, like Hercule, he did not need the crown.

    Titus'' hobbies are painting, sculpting, playing music, and writing poetry.

    In fact, his father, Hadrian III, told him that he was too good to be an emperor because he was one of the best in the empire in those fields and would definitely be included in the cultural history of later generations.

    His father, Hadrian III, had told him that he was too good to be emperor, and that if he were to be compared to any historical figure on Earth, he would be Huizong.

    If Titus ascends to the throne, it is only a matter of time before the Lemurian Empire comes to a bad end for Huizong.

    I don''t know anything about His Highness Hadrian. He definitely hates me, right?¡¡I didn''t mean to do anything wrong, but ......

    "Well, I''m sure your brother can''t stand the very idea of you.

    What did I do?

    ...... It is understandable that you are unaware of this, for you are not to blame.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one.

    As you can see from his name, Hadrian, the eldest son, was named after his father, Hadrian III. (Hereafter, Hadrian III will be referred to as his father and Hadrian as his eldest son.

    Probably, he would have been called Hadrian IV if he had ascended the throne.

    And he was originally going to be emperor.

    Hadrian III wanted his first-born son to be his successor, so he gave him his own name in hope and expectation.

    He loved Hadrian so much that he gave him the same name as himself.

    However, perhaps his spoiled upbringing was a bad thing, and Hadrian grew up to be a selfish and inflexible child.

    He was strong in arms, and often annoyed Hadrian III by violating the children of nobles.

    Even so, Hadrian III bowed to the nobles and tried to make Hadrian his successor.

    He loved Hadrian so much that he thought that time would solve the problem.

    But time did not solve the problem.

    Fourteen years ago, Hadrian finally raped a nobleman''s daughter, an incident unbecoming of a crown prince.

    This caused a great uproar, and the political situation of the empire was greatly shaken.

    At this point, Hadrian III finally gave up on Hadrian.

    However, even though he had given up on Hadrian, his second son Titus was not very good.

    What to do? ......

    At that time, Hercule was born.

    Thus, Hadrian III''s love for Hercule turned to him at once, and Hadrian, who had expected and loved him until now, lost his love for him at once, and came to hate him.

    Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations. ......

    I''m not congratulating you. You''re a terrible parent.

    You''ve done a great job raising him. You''ve had great success in raising your children with His Majesty. You''ve learned from the mistakes of raising your first and second sons.

    Titus laughed in amusement.

    Titus laughed in amusement. The two men didn''t think much of Hadrian III as a father.

    Titus, who was not expected to be a father in the first place, hardly talked to Hadrian III, and Hercule, reflecting on the time of his eldest son Hadrian, avoided involvement so as not to overindulge him.

    To both of them, he was more than a father, he was an emperor, nothing more and nothing less.

    "So, when do we kill him?¡¡Your Majesty.

    You''re being rude. I''m not going to kill you as long as you''re quiet.

    Hercule shrugged.

    It''s obvious that Hadrian hates Hercule and wants to take his crown.

    But he has only thought about it, not actually acted on it or planned it.

    Killing him at this stage would only harm Hercule''s reputation.

    It''s not like he''s going to stay quiet. ...... It''s going to be a problem if he works with the nobles.

    I''m sure the nobility''s complaints have died down by now.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    To do so, we need a strong army, and to maintain that army, we need heavy taxes.

    The Lemurian Empire was once a great power.

    The Lemurian Empire had once been a great power.

    Today, it has lost half of its territory, and even its former homeland is occupied by barbarians.

    What sustains the hearts of the Lemurians is their pride that they are the people of the holy land of God, the last empire that will remain on earth until the time of the final judgment.

    This was their pride.

    Restoration of territory.

    The words "restoration of territory" strongly moved the hearts of the nobles.

    However, most of the nobles who were moved were the Elves, who had been in the Lemurian Empire since its founding and had long lives and a strong sense of nostalgia.

    The newcomers to the noble house have little interest in restoring their territory and remain dissatisfied with Hercule.

    "But, Your Majesty. But your Majesty. The non-elven nobles remain dissatisfied. If they join forces with Hadrian, ......

    You''re not very good at politics, are you? Titus. What can they do?¡¡Rebellion is impossible. The guilds make it easy to track the movement of goods and people. If they gather weapons, food, mercenaries, we''ll know. Assassination?¡¡That''s even more impossible. There''s no way any assassin could get past Carolina''s defenses.

    I will protect you.

    I''ll protect you," thought Hercule as he looked at Karolina.

    Not only Karolina, but also Hercule''s surroundings were always guarded by skilled people.

    It would be impossible to break through this defense, to break through Karolina, and to break through Hercule himself.

    If there are less than ten assassins, the Great Spirit that Hercule has contracted with will be able to handle them.

    Well, I''d rather wait for an outburst. If you attempt to assassinate me, it will be easier for me to kill you.

    Hercule waved his hand in the air.

    Hercule had no intention of being killed.

    By the way, is that thing ready?

    "Yes, of course.

    Titus smirked and pulled out a crate.

    Titus grinned and took out a crate. He showed Hercule the white and red cloth inside the crate.

    "A maid''s uniform for Master Carolina!

    What Titus took out was a mini-skirt maid''s uniform that Hercule had made for Karolina to wear.

    The white and red based maid outfit was very cute and slightly erotic in design, and would definitely look good on Karolina at the tender age of 14, somewhere between an adult and a child.

    Hercule''s taste was in full swing.

    "I''ve designed the size as you asked, but is ...... okay?

    "Don''t worry. Don''t worry. I''m not crazy.

    Hercule''s eyesight was perfect as he measured Karolina''s three sizes and height.

    He wasn''t just staring at Karolina''s body all the time.

    ...... What are you doing, man?

    I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one. What are you doing?¡¡I heard it''s not allowed until the results are in. ......

    "Oh, don''t worry about that.

    Hercule smiled.

    We''re going to war tomorrow.

    I''m going to war tomorrow," said Hercule, as if they were going on a picnic.

    Pelosonian mercenary territory.

    It was a nation founded within the Lemurian Empire.

    About eight years ago, when Hercule was four years old, a rebellion of mercenaries broke out due to the reluctance of Emperor Hadrian III to pay contracts to mercenaries.

    In order to suppress it, Hadrian III led his troops into battle, but ......

    He was defeated by the mercenary captain Darius.

    In the end, the Pelosonian Peninsula was ceded to Hadrian III and a peace agreement was made.

    From then on, the Pelosonian Peninsula was ruled by a substantial state of mercenaries.

    The Pelosonian Peninsula was located near the sea route from the Empire''s southern territories to Nova Lemuria, and threatened the Lemurian Empire''s control of the sea.

    Fortunately, the mercenary territories don''t have a navy, so it hasn''t hindered commerce. ......

    It is still an eyesore and a national security concern.

    Three years ago, when Hercule was twelve years old (a few months before his accession to the throne), Hadrian III fought again to drive these mercenaries out of the country, but was soundly defeated.

    His demise was indirectly caused by the emotional distress he felt at that time.

    Hercule, who was forced to participate in this war, had to flee for his life.

    Hercule was planning to invade the Pelosonian mercenary territory in order to test his new standing army.

    In other words, it was a war to regain his lost ground, a battle to redeem his father''s honor, and a revenge for three years ago.

    "So, let''s go!¡¡Galfis!

    "This is sudden, isn''t it?

    It was only a week before the meeting with Titus that Hercule proposed to Galfis to go to Pelosonia.

    It was a week before the meeting with Titus. "Your Majesty, isn''t that too soon?¡¡I think it would be better to wait and see how things go, and let you gain some experience yourself. ......

    "What if the Pelosonian mercenaries are the ones who are trying to start a war?

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    We have reports from the Wheat Guild and the Iron Guild. There are unnatural movements of wheat and iron. There are also reports of unnatural movements of mercenaries from various merchants. We''ve traced them to the Pelosonian mercenaries. They won''t be ready for us for another two weeks.

    Galfis'' eyes widened.

    "Heh, Your Majesty, ...... that''s .......

    "Yeah?¡¡It''s a good thing we let them form a guild.

    The guild was created by Hercule not only to collect taxes.

    It was also to collect information from merchants.

    The one who conquers information conquers the world.

    And so it is.

    They want to beat up the young king and take his money. Their financial base is said to be in bad shape. The peasants in Pelosonia are also suffering from heavy taxes. ...... I''m going to punch those rude mercenaries in the face first for their insolence.

    But now the troops ...... no, the standing army can be moved immediately. If we head out by sea, we can attack before the enemy does!

    That''s what I meant.

    Hercule smirked.

    But Galfith''s face never clears.

    What''s wrong?¡¡Something on your mind?

    "...... No, it''s your first command. It''s better to focus on defending the land .......

    "The Pelosonian Peninsula was our territory until eight years ago. Rest assured, we know from our merchants that the geography hasn''t changed much from eight years ago. And the people of Pelosonia want relief from the tyranny of the mercenaries. We have the support of the inhabitants. ...... And I prefer a pre-emptive attack to a reactive defense.

    Attack and defense.

    It is generally said that defense is more advantageous, but this is not always the case.

    The attacker has an advantage in that he can freely choose where to attack.

    It is up to the commander to decide which he prefers.

    Hercule prefers the latter.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you. I''m not like my father. ...... I''m not like my father. I''m not like my father. I''ll listen to you and not get involved. I''ll discuss the plan with the generals and decide. What do you think?

    "...... Promise me?

    Yes. Of course. If you don''t take my advice and fail, Carolina won''t like you.

    Hercule closes one eye.

    Galfis stood up with a sigh and ......

    I understand. ...... I prefer the offense to the defense. I offer you victory, Your Majesty.

    "I''m counting on you, Galfis of the Raging Fire.

    And so the Pelosonian War began.

    One year after the military reform.

    The Emperor Hercule was fifteen years old.

 12 Episode 11 Peronia War Part 2

    Darius the Kuro Panther, mercenary captain.

    He is a high-ranking member of the warbeast race.

    He is the third son of a small baronial family in a certain western nation.

    Darius is one of the Reconstructionists in military history.

    He is one of the Reconstructionists ...... who revived the advanced tactics of the past, which had been forgotten during the chaos that began with the fall of the Lemurian Empire.

    Infantry, cavalry, and archers. Infantry, cavalry, archers.

    This may seem like a common practice, but it is not the case in this world today.

    The fact that Hadrian III, the father of Hercule, neglected the infantry because he was too concerned with heavy cavalry is a clear example of this.

    Even the Lemurian Empire, which has preserved most of the ancient materials, is in this state.

    Not to mention the barbarians.

    With the long history of human warfare and the loss of honed killing techniques, warfare in this world is degenerating into a very primitive form of head-on pitting of armies against each other.

    Not to mention the concept of logistics, even the concept of strategy and tactics has long since been forgotten.

    Prayers to the gods determine who wins or loses a battle. The technology of warfare in this world had degenerated to the extent that a general of a country would seriously say such a thing.

    Therefore, Darius, who could use a combination of infantry, cavalry, and crossbows, was one of the few great generals in this world, and was the "Reconstructionist".

    "How many men have you gathered?

    In addition to 10,000 mercenaries, 5,000 infantrymen and 5,000 crossbowmen, 30,000 infantrymen and 5,000 barbarian light cavalry have already been assembled, for a total of 45,000 troops.

    "Hmm ......, well, if we can gather that many, we should be fine.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but it''s a good idea.

    The mercenary captain Darius nodded in satisfaction at his second-in-command''s report.

    Currently, the financial situation of the Pelosonian mercenary territory was in a state of crisis.

    The Pelosonian Peninsula was too weak to sustain 10,000 mercenaries.

    The Pelosonian Peninsula is not a poor region, with industries such as olive oil, wine, and marble.

    But it did not have the economic base to support 10,000 money-eaters all the time, and the Darios Mercenaries lacked the ability to collect taxes.

    Disbanding the mercenary corps would cause a rebellion and give other nations an opening to take advantage.

    However, in order to maintain the mercenary corps, it would be necessary to impose heavy taxes, which would cause resentment among the people and increase the risk of rebellion.

    This is what it means to be poor.

    So Darios decided to take a gamble.

    The plan was to gather mercenaries with his wallet, invade the Lemurian Empire, and snatch the territory and reparations.

    Incidentally, Darius'' purse alone was not enough to gather enough troops to extract a major concession from the Lemurian Empire, so he received major financial support from two countries that were enemies of the Lemurian Empire, and also borrowed money from foreign merchants to raise funds... ...and to make up for the lack of funds, he collected mercenaries by allowing them to loot the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    Darius had defeated the Lemurian Empire twice.

    Even though the Lemurian Empire was in a slump, he was able to smoothly gather both military funds and mercenaries thanks to the fact that he had twice defeated the emperor of a superpower that once ruled the world.

    "But, Captain. Are you sure you want to do this?

    "What, are you worried?

    Darios laughed and patted his second-in-command on the shoulder.

    He was only fifteen years old. He''s only fifteen years old and he''s the son of Hadrian III.¡¡He''s no match for me.

    Darius recalled his battle with Hadrian III.

    The emperor of Lemuria, a great power, was so weak that Darios was disheartened.

    A frog''s child is a frog.

    Hadrian III''s son would be Hadrian III.

    Darios laughed it off at the thought of ......

    "Captain!¡¡It''s a disaster!¡¡The Lemurian Imperial Army is invading our territory!

    Darios'' smile froze: ......

    Somewhere, Hercule smiled broadly.

    "Hahaha!¡¡In any case, that black cat said of me, ''A frog''s child is only a frog. I''m only a frog''s child. I can handle a 15 year old! I''m sure he was saying something like that. How does it feel to be outwitted by a frog?

    Hercule smiled broadly.

    He was probably quite happy to have fooled the famous Kuro Panther, Darios, and was at the peak of his powers.

    In fact, until a short while ago, I was full of anxiety about whether or not I would be exposed and whether or not there were any ambushers ......, and Karolina encouraged me. ...... That''s a secret.

    It went well, Your Majesty.

    Yeah. We landed easily.

    The Lemurian Empire''s army led by Hercule and his men (800 heavy cavalry (cribanarius), 1500 infantry, 500 longbowmen, total 2800) is stationed at a small port in the Pelosonian mercenary territory.

    Why were they able to land so easily? ...... There are three reasons for this.

    First of all, the Pelosonian Mercenaries do not have any ships. Since they don''t even have a transport ship as far as I can tell, it''s nearly impossible for them to catch the Lemurian Imperial Navy, let alone prevent it.

    Secondly, he did not expect to be attacked because he was planning to attack. In other words, Darios was completely careless.

    Third, Hercule had put the standing army on a ship in the middle of the night and sailed from the capital under the cover of darkness, and he was using merchants to control information.

    The cooks and servants working in the palace of the Lemurian Empire are now finally asking, "What?¡¡Where did His Majesty go? Darios would be a psychic if he knew where Hercule was.

    Now that Hercule and his men have successfully made a surprise attack, the odds are not in their favor.

    I don''t know how many troops Darios has gathered, but they''re probably bigger than us. In order to make up for this difference, we must always take the initiative. We have to make the first move.

    Hercule said and unfolded the map.

    It was a very accurate map of the Pelosonian Peninsula that had been lying in the archives of the Lemurian Empire.

    I''m sure it''s much more accurate than the map Darios has.

    Here''s where we are. South of here is the largest city in Pelosonia. Darios'' home base is the citadel north of ...... near the border of the Lemurian Empire.

    This means that Hercule has one of two possible destinations for his army.

    Either the fortified city where Darios is based, or the largest city on the Pelosonian Peninsula.

    From here, we can go south or north.

    We have to go one way or the other.

    Well, the first thing that''s unlikely is a raid on a fortified city. Am I right?¡¡Gulphis.

    I''m inclined to agree. It''s out of the question.

    Having reached a consensus, both sides confidently eliminated the idea of a raid on the fortress city as an option.

    But there was one girl with a disapproving look on her face.

    Karolina.

    "Why is that not possible?¡¡We''ll take out Darios directly. It''s that simple.

    It''s simple. First of all, the fortress city is the farthest away. That''s why the soldiers are exhausted. Besides, the Darios don''t need to move, they can wait anywhere. ...... This leaves the initiative in the hands of Darios. The effect of surprise will be meaningless.

    As they are outnumbered, Hercule and his men must always take the initiative.

    The most time-consuming option would be to give them more time, which is out of the question.

    But if we take too long to attack the castle, we''ll be pinned down from behind.

    "Don''t worry, I have a plan to bring it down.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it," said Hercule, patting Carolina on the head with one hand and pointing to the largest city a short distance away.

    "We''ll take it by surprise. Any objections?¡¡Galfis.

    "Yes, sir, I have no objection.

    Galfis grinned.

    "You young bastard. £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    Darios had his head in his hands.

    The Lemurian Empire''s forces were in the harbor.

    When he got the information that the Lemurian army had landed at the port.

    When Darios received the news that the Lemurian army had landed at the port, he had three options in his mind.

    Would they invade the north?

    Or would they come to take the largest city in the south?

    Darios predicted that Lemuria would choose the latter and immediately marched to the south.

    At this point, Darios had plenty of time.

    This was because the largest city had walls of a certain height, and he had 100 infantry and 200 crossbow troops among his trusted mercenaries, and 200 infantry hired from outside. He had a total of 500 men on the defensive.

    They couldn''t be taken down that easily.

    All that was left to do was to attack from behind and pin them down while Hercule staggered.

    You''re just a kid. ...... You scared me.

    Darios was chasing after Hercule, thinking.

    After a while, Darios received a report that the largest city had fallen.

    The report was that the city had fallen in one day.

    A city with 500 defenders could not be defeated so easily.

    So there were two possible reasons for the city''s fall.

    A revolt of the city''s inhabitants.

    Or betrayal by mercenaries.

    "Your Majesty, how long have you been preparing for this?

    About three months. We were planning to attack soon, whether Darios was preparing for war or not.

    Hercule speaks to Karolina with great enthusiasm.

    It was as Darios had predicted that Hercule was able to bring the city down in a single day.

    The city''s inhabitants revolted and the mercenaries betrayed them.

    For three months now, Hercule had been bribing Darios'' newly hired mercenaries.

    It was difficult to bribe the mercenaries because they had a certain amount of loyalty to Darios.

    However, the newly hired mercenaries were easy to bribe.

    To make matters worse, Hercule provoked a rebellion among the city''s residents.

    He sent secret agents into the city in advance and had them incite the people to revolt.

    The city''s inhabitants, who had originally been fed up with Darios'' rule, were overjoyed that Hercule had come to their rescue and rioted.

    It might have been different if the mercenaries under Darios'' command had suppressed it immediately. ......

    They were completely unsettled by Hercule''s surprise attack.

    Taking advantage of this opportunity, the mercenaries who had been bribed in advance opened the city gates, and the Lemurian army entered at once.

    The city fell easily.

    The city fell easily. "Well, the game was already decided three months ago. ...... Now, let''s get out of here. Darius will be here the day after tomorrow. We''ll meet him on the best battlefield.

    Darios needs to take the city back.

    Then he must defeat Hercule in a short battle.

    So ......

    I can choose the battlefield. Darios is already in my hands.

    Hercule smiled fearlessly.

 13 Episode 12 Peronia War Part 3

    There is a law called the triple attack law.

    To put it simply, it means that the attacker needs three times as many attacks to defeat the defender.

    However, the attacker has a greater range of choices than the defender, because the attacker can attack wherever and whenever he wants.

    Also, in Shogi (Japanese chess), the attacker can take the initiative rather than the defender, and it is easier for beginners to play.

    Now, Hercule thought.

    Let''s attack strategically and defend tactically.

    "You''ve been saying initiative, initiative, initiative for a while now. ...... Are you sure you want to go on the defensive?

    What are you talking about? Waiting is a great way to take control, Carolina.

    The Lemurian army, led by Hercule, was positioned on a hilltop a short distance from the city.

    The river runs along the side of the hill, so you only need to worry about the front and back. ...... This is the best place to defend.

    Yes, for defense.

    But you can''t take the initiative because you''re on the receiving end, and if you''re at a disadvantage, ......

    On the receiving end. Listen, Karolina. I''m not defending, I''m not being attacked. I make them attack me.

    Darrios is very much hated on this peninsula.

    They''re tired of being ruled by ruthless mercenaries.

    That''s why Darios needs to get rid of Hercule as soon as possible.

    Besides, any sign of weakness might cause the mercenaries to flee.

    Mercenaries don''t have time for battles they can''t win, and their lives are not light.

    War is a business.

    That is why Darios must defeat Hercule.

    He must attack.

    No matter how disadvantageous the battlefield.

    In other words, Hercule is currently in control of the war.

    There''s no need to exhaust the troops with more running.

    "Listen, Carolina. There''s nowhere to attack on this hill but the front and the back. ...... And I''ve had the soldiers dig and stake shelters in the front and back. That should be enough to overcome the disadvantage in numbers.

    Hercule had so far outmaneuvered Darios and kept the initiative.

    However, it is doubtful that he will be able to hold the initiative forever.

    This is because Hercule believes that Darios is a very powerful man.

    If he were to meet him head on in the plains with an inferior force, he would surely lose.

    Hercule was convinced of this.

    That''s why he dragged the enemy into the advantageous battlefield.

    To offset the disadvantage in numbers, to destroy the enemy''s advantages, and to maximize the advantages of his allies.

    Your Majesty!¡¡Tens of thousands of enemy troops from the southwest!¡¡Enemy general Darios'' banner is also confirmed!

    Hearing the report from the scouts, Hercule smiled fearlessly.

    He smiled at Karolina and pressed his lips to her cheek.

    "Ah!

    "I offer you victory. Stay tuned.

    ''...... Is this really the son of Hadrian III?¡¡Who said anything about a young, inexperienced emperor ascending the throne?

    That was me, wasn''t it?

    Darius looked at the enemy''s position from the high ground.

    The enemy had built a strong position on the hill.

    From a distance, you can clearly see the fences and stakes that have been erected to protect the horses.

    Although not visible, it is safe to assume that a shelter has also been dug.

    He knows the basics of warfare: "Block the enemy''s advantages and make the most of your own. You know the basics of warfare.

    The advantage that Darius'' army had over Hercule''s army was in numbers.

    That''s why the Herculean army is positioned on that hill.

    Since the hill is flanked by a river, attacking from the flank is impossible.

    He can only attack from the front or the rear.

    In other words, the terrain is not conducive to encircling the enemy with the advantage of numbers.

    In addition, the Lemurian army led by Emperor Hercule possesses longbow soldiers.

    The longbow is more difficult to train and less powerful than the crossbow of the Darius army. ......

    The longbow is more difficult to train and less powerful than the crossbow of the Darius army, but it has a longer range and better rapid fire ability than the crossbow.

    Crossbows, which are difficult to fire, are no match for longbows, which can shoot from the top of a hill.

    On the other hand, the longbow can shoot at you as much as it wants.

    All the advantages of the Darius army have been destroyed, and the advantages of the Lemurian army have been fully exploited.

    Let''s be clear.

    Darios has no chance.

    The Emperor Hercule has already won 90% of the battle.

    But if they surrender now, all that awaits Darios is death.

    And there''s still a 10% chance of victory.

    Then ......

    "I haven''t had enough fun in my life to back down now. I''ll give you a chance, Emperor Hercule.

    Darios smiles fearlessly.

    Darios was enjoying the crisis more than ever.

    Darios led his mercenaries, 400 infantrymen and 300 crossbowmen, for a total of 700, plus 280 infantrymen hired from outside and 500 barbarian light cavalry.

    A total of 400,000.

    They were met by 800 heavy cavalry (clivanarius) led by Emperor Hercule, 150 infantry, and 500 longbowmen.

    A total of 2,800.

    Darius the Kuro Panther, mercenary captain.

    Emperor of the Lemurian Empire, later known as the "Champion of the Three Continents".

    The battle between the mercenary captain and the young emperor was about to begin.

    Darius immediately began to prepare for the attack.

    He hired 2,800 infantry from the outside to attack the front.

    On the flank, 500 barbarian light cavalry.

    Behind them were 400 mercenary infantrymen and 300 crossbow troops for a total of 700.

    Darios'' strategy was simple and straightforward.

    It was a force majeure.

    Or rather, there was no other option but force.

    It was obvious that if he tried to cross the river and attack the flank, arrows would rain down on him.

    However, Darius is no fool.

    It is the mercenaries and barbarians that he has hired for money ...... and it doesn''t matter how many die.

    And to prevent them from escaping, he has placed his trusted elite behind them.

    The mercenaries are used up and break through the defensive position of the Emperor of Hercule.

    Finally, the mercenaries of his henchmen would finish him off.

    That was the best Darios could come up with at the moment.

    "Well, I suppose you know what to expect. If the Emperor of Hercule is as talented as I am, I would naturally expect this best move.

    And ......

    He''s confident that he can win even with that best move, which is why he''s positioned himself on the hill.

    In other words, it''s impossible for Darios to win with this strategy.

    It''s hard to win back a game you''ve lost on strategy with tactics. ...... But I''m not so innocent as to lose knowingly.

    Darios will incorporate another strategy.

    The second strategy.

    The rest depends on how good your opponent is.

    The die was cast.

    Hercule muttered as he looked down from the top of the hill at the 2,800 mercenary infantry coming straight at him.

    "Hmm ...... that''s what they''ll come for.

    There were four tactics that Hercule thought Darios could employ.

    The first is for the crossbow troops to shoot at Hercule''s longbow troops and eliminate Hercule''s longbow troops.

    However, this is impossible if you know the performance of common sense weapons.

    In the past, he lured the heavy cavalry of the Lemurian army into a swamp and skewered them with his crossbow troops. ......

    It is unlikely that Darius, who defeated the previous emperor Hadrian in a battle that took advantage of the characteristics of his army and the terrain, would adopt this strategy.

    The second is to force a siege.

    The second strategy is to force a siege, encircling the Herculean army at the foot of the hill, and gradually closing the circle to annihilate it.

    However, this is a poor strategy.

    The side of the hill has a river running through it, and crossing the river will consume time and the strength of the soldiers.

    Inevitably, the circle of siege will collapse.

    After that, you can easily break through by using gravity to your advantage and charging with heavy cavalry (cribanarius) against the break.

    After that, repeated assaults from behind will inevitably lead to the defeat of Darius'' army.

    There is a third option.

    The third option is to divide your forces into two groups, one in front and one behind, and forcefully attack.

    This is not a bad idea. ......

    This is not a bad idea, but it raises the question of whether there are generals in the Darius army who can be trusted with one side of the army.

    A general who is not likely to betray you, who can work with you at a distance, and most importantly, who can lead an army of more than 200,000 troops: ......

    If there was such a thing, Darios would not have been driven to this point.

    It is precisely because he is the only one who can lead an army and cannot be trusted to do so that Hercule has taken advantage of him.

    Besides, splitting the army in two would lead to the dispersion of the forces.

    In the first place, it is unlikely that Darios would choose to allocate his forces in a situation where it was doubtful that he could break through the defensive position.

    Thus, the fourth option.

    A frontal assault by force.

    It''s also ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to guess what I''m going to say: "Put the expendable mercenaries in front and the trustworthy elite behind them.

    The only question now is how many tricks are in store for us.

    The only thing that matters is how many tricks are in store for you.

    That''s how victory or defeat will be decided.

    The rest will depend on the soldiers'' efforts.

    The die is cast.

 14 Episode 13 Peronia War Part 4

    "Longbow troops, fire!

    The longbow troops led by Hercule fired arrows at the approaching spearhead of the Darios army.

    It is said that the longbows can shoot five or six arrows per man per minute. ......

    Since ancient times, the Elves, who are skilled with bows, can easily shoot ten arrows per minute.

    And there are 5,000 archers.

    That means 50,000 arrows a minute.

    Of course, not all of the arrows would hit the target, and even if they did, they would rarely be fatal.

    The longbow has excellent range and rapid fire, but its penetrating power is far inferior to that of the crossbow.

    The longbow''s arrows can pierce the mercenary''s armor and shield, but they cannot inflict fatal damage to the mercenary.

    But ......

    If even 1% of the arrows hit a part of the body that is not covered by armor, such as the face, ......

    500 soldiers per minute will die.

    Five hundred a minute.

    One thousand in two minutes.

    One thousand five hundred in three minutes.

    Add to that the loss of combat power due to injuries to limbs and other parts of the body, and the loss of will to fight due to the rain of arrows: ......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    It seemed as if .......

    It''s not as bad as you think.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m not sure. Behind you.

    He remembers that Darios''s elite are behind him.

    If the mercenaries were to escape, the crossbows of Darius''s men would be able to shoot through them.

    Crossbows are very powerful.

    If you are shot through, you will surely die.

    It is better to move forward than to be shot dead by your own men.

    It was a trick by Darios to take advantage of the mercenary''s psychology.

    Yes, it''s just a trick.

    Even if the mercenaries succeed in climbing to the top of the hill, ......

    Even if the mercenaries succeed in climbing to the top of the hill, their advance will be blocked by fences, stakes, and shelters.

    And beyond the fences, stakes and shelters, the long spear troops are waiting for them.

    One by one, the mercenaries lose their lives to arrows and spears, and their ranks are broken.

    It''s about time.

    Hercule summoned Galfis.

    Is it your turn?

    Yes, charge from there with heavy cavalry.

    Hercule pointed to an area of fences, stakes and shelters where the enemy soldiers were stranded.

    Of course, cavalry can''t jump over obstacles and charge.

    But ......

    "All right, Your Majesty. Is that what you mean?

    That''s what I''m talking about. ...... How far do you want to be?

    (*Weights and measures in this world are not standardized, and vary from country to country, and even from ethnicity to ethnicity, but it''s too much trouble to think about ....... I''m going to unify them. I think it''s too much trouble for you readers. Read with your mind''s eye.

    "Are you sure?

    "Who do you think I am?

    Hercule smiles wryly and taps his chief advisor on the shoulder.

    "I''m counting on you. Galfis Galleanos. Show them the power of the Cribanarius.

    "Yes, sir.

    Galfis left Hercule and headed for the heavy cavalry he was commanding.

    Then he gave a loud command.

    "Gentlemen, charge! Over. Mount your horses.

    The soldiers received Galfis'' brief order and mounted their horses.

    Their job is to charge.

    There''s no need to think about anything else.

    Carolina, you''re to follow me to ....... Just follow me today.

    "Yes, Father.

    Carolina also mounted her horse and followed behind Galfis.

    The well-trained heavy cavalry of the Cribanarius quickly formed a triangular formation with Galfis at the top.

    And ......

    "Let''s go!

    "Ohhhh £¡£¡£¡£¡

    The infantry and archers took the path opened for Galfis, and he headed straight for the enemy.

    A fence, a stake, and a shelter appear in front of him.

    The mercenaries are stunned when they see the heavy cavalry "Clibanarius" charging towards the fence.

    The distance between them and the obstacle approaches rapidly.

    And ......

    "It''s about time.

    Hercule, who had been watching Garufis''s charge from high ground, muttered to himself: ......

    Asmodeus, break the illusion when the distance between Galfis and the (??????) obstacle created by the illusion reaches ten meters.

    "Understood, Master.

    A beautiful woman''s voice echoed in Hercule''s head.

    The only person who can hear this voice is Hercule, who is under contract with the Great Spirit of the Dreamer, one of the 72 pillars of Asmodeus .......

    Payment will be made later, in a week, in your dreams.

    Yes ...... I''m looking forward to it, aren''t I?

    And so the illusion vanished: ......

    "Charge!

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    The mercenaries fell into a state of panic when they saw the suddenly disappearing obstacle and the heavy cavalry "Cribanarius" charging straight at them.

    They had assumed that the obstacle would prevent the charge from succeeding, so they delayed their response.

    Seeing the confused mercenaries, Galfis thrust his lance into the sky and shouted.

    Amon!

    One of the seventy-two pillars.

    Galfis summoned Amon, the Great Spirit of Fire, his own contracted spirit.

    The scorching flames swirled around Lance like a snake.

    And then, the flame-wrapped lance lunged straight at the enemy.

    The flames burst forth, scorching the surrounding mercenaries in an instant.

    The flashy flames weren''t as destructive as they looked, but they were enough to scare the ...... soldiers and make them flee.

    The formation was completely broken.

    It''s not as destructive as it looks, but it''s enough to terrify the soldiers and make them flee.

    "Eligos!

    Karolina also summoned her spirit.

    It was Eligos, the Great Spirit of Weapons, one of the 72 Pillars.

    In Carolina''s hand, a silvery lance appears.

    Lighter than a feather to its owner, and heavier than an anchor to the attacker, the lance blasts and crushes the enemy one after another.

    The spearhead of Darius'' army, the 28000, was beginning to collapse.

    Well, that was to be expected.

    Compared to the screaming, fleeing mercenaries, Darios remained calm.

    The spearhead troops, the disposable mercenaries, were useless, their ranks were broken by longbow arrows, and they were destroyed by the assault of the heavy cavalry, the Cribanarius.

    This is a predictable development.

    In fact, it is true that I wanted to defeat Hercule by force, so I was actually quite depressed. ......

    He never showed it on his face and gave a second instruction.

    Tell the commanders to move the mercenaries to the left and right. Keep the barbarian light cavalry on standby. Crossbow and long spear troops to the front.

    As Darios instructed, the mercenaries moved to the left and right to escape.

    Instead of running backwards and forwards, the mercenaries will move left and right to minimize the damage from the assault.

    Your subsequent moves are as follows.

    Immediately plug any holes that have been breached.

    In this way, the main body of Hercule and the general leading the heavy cavalry "Clibanarius" ...... will probably divide Galfis Galleanos.

    And ......

    The crossbow troops will pierce the enemy exhausted by the long assault, further suppress the assault, and then the long spear troops will completely catch them. . and then pin them down with light cavalry on both flanks to destroy them.

    The mainstays of the Lemurian Empire are the heavy cavalry (Cribanarius) and longbow troops, both of which are difficult to replenish.

    In addition, the ruling class of the Lemurian Empire consists of the Elves, the long-eared race.

    Without them, it is easy to imagine that Hercule would not only be unable to continue the war, but would also be unable to manage his political affairs in the future.

    "Kill the enemy''s strengths and use your own strengths to target the enemy''s weaknesses. This is the basis of war. ...... Well, that''s all I can do. What do you say, Emperor Hercule?

 15 Episode 14 Peronia War Part 5 #

    Thank God. ......

    As he looked down from his perch at the mercenaries fleeing left and right, Hercule felt the shaking in his body subside.

    In fact, he was a little scared that Darius might have a secret plan that he hadn''t even thought of. ......

    I was a little scared that Darios might have a secret plan that I hadn''t thought of, but I was relieved to see that his move was as expected.

    Darius'' goal was definitely to surround and destroy the heavy cavalry Clibanarius.

    Then it would be easy.

    All he had to do was make the Cribanarius turn back.

    The problem is that the battlefield is a hill.

    Hills are easy to run down, but difficult to run up.

    Running uphill through a crowd of enemies while showing your back will be a difficult task.

    Especially for a heavy cavalryman "Clibanarius" who was exhausted from the assault.

    It would be impossible for Galfis to turn back on his own.

    That''s why Darios took this step.

    Yes, if he''s alone.

    "Gather 3,000 cribanarious heavy cavalry in reserve. Then take ...... infantry, 9,000.

    Not all of the cribanarious cavalry charged at once.

    Galfis led 5,000. Hercule kept the remaining 3,000 in reserve in case of emergency.

    Just as Darius had kept his son''s troops in the rear.

    I''m learning quite a bit from Darios when I think about it.

    Hercule chuckled.

    Taken in by Hadrian, Hercule had been on the battlefield since he was a child, repeatedly losing and escaping. ......

    One of the generals who defeated Hadrian III was Darius.

    I don''t know if I was influenced by him without knowing it, or if we simply think alike.

    Well, it doesn''t matter now.

    "Your Majesty, we are gathered.

    "All right, ......, gentlemen!¡¡Let''s go hit those cowardly mercenaries again!

    "Oh!

    Hercule accelerated at once and ran down the hill.

    With Hercule at the top, the 10,000 Lemurian troops in a triangular formation rush down the hill in unison.

    "Asmodeus, can you give me five seconds to use ...... illusion to make our army look ten times larger?

    You''ll be paid handsomely for your trouble ...... later.

    Just enough to keep me alive, please.

    Hercule''s contracted spirit used an illusion, and in five seconds ......

    I''ll show you a tenfold increase in Hercule''s army.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a number of things you can do.

    The mercenaries, who had regained their composure, fled backwards, forgetting that they had been instructed to run left and right.

    And ......

    "Galfis!¡¡Fall back!

    Your Majesty!¡¡Just as we planned. ...... Thank you for your help. Take charge of the troops. I''ll go on a rampage for a while and then come back.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    In the back, the elite led by Galfis rampaged to prevent the pursuit, while the infantry on the flanks held back the mercenaries. ......

    There was not a single enemy soldier who could attack the heavy cavalry (Clibanarius).

    Thus, Hercule succeeded in forcing the heavy cavalry to retreat and won the battle without any serious damage.

    Lemurian Army

    Heavy Cavalry ¡¶Clivanarius¡· damage 300, remaining 770.

    Longbow troops suffered 200 damage, 480 remaining.

    Infantry unit loss 100. ¡¡1,400 remaining.

    Total number of remaining soldiers: 2,650.

    Darius'' Army

    Infantry damage 0, remaining 40000.

    Child-raised crossbow troops damage 0, remaining 300.

    Damage to mercenary infantry: Destroyed (practically wiped out due to many casualties, escape, and loss of will to fight).

    Barbarian cavalry damage 0, remaining 500

    Total remaining: 1,200 men.

    The result: Darius is defeated.

    Surprising. I thought you would put up a little more of a fight.

    After such a crushing defeat, I don''t think the soldiers will follow me. I don''t have the bloodline or the authority that you do.

    The next day, Darios had easily agreed to peace and had visited the tent of Hercule.

    Darios'' hands were tied behind his back, with Galfis and Carolina on either side of him to protect Hercule.

    Darios had lost over 20,000 soldiers in one day, but ......

    These are all mercenaries, disposable soldiers.

    The main force has been preserved.

    Therefore, they can still fight. ......

    You can still fight, but you can''t win.

    Darius realized that he was completely defeated.

    The only way to defeat the Herculeans on the hill was to attack them head on.

    But there were no more disposable soldiers.

    The soldiers under Darios'' command were no better than mercenaries, except for their loyalty to Darios.

    It''s clear that we''ll just repeat the same defeats over and over again.

    "I''ve come this far on my own merits. ...... Yes, you''ve defeated me. Your Majesty. I have underestimated you. I would like to apologize.

    Haha ...... Well, I guess I won this time. By the way, ...... what do you think would have happened if we fought head-to-head on the plains?

    I think I would have won.

    Darius said confidently.

    The vassals of Hercule look annoyed.

    What a rude mercenary, even though you lost!

    !

    But Hercule says with a bitter smile.

    I think so too.

    The vassals'' eyes widened as Hercule said it simply.

    Hercule thinks he''s a genius, but ......

    He does not believe that he is a genius, and he knows that there is a higher power.

    But that''s just for now.

    "Now, ......, what are the terms of peace?

    "I will return all my lands to you. Also, can you please forgive my child soldiers?¡¡They can be expelled from the country. They were just following me. The other mercenaries are free to go to ...... as they please, and my head is free to go. You can either expose it or dedicate it to His Majesty Hadrian.

    "Well, that''s fair enough.

    It''s not like Hercule enjoys killing people.

    As long as the territory is returned and security is ensured, that''s enough.

    The territory of the Pelosonian Mercenaries was held together only by the military power of Darios.

    As long as Darios is defeated and the mercenaries are disbanded, there will be no problem.

    "Very well, but on one condition. The damage you''ve done to my country and the prestige you''ve lost is incalculable. Your head is too cheap.

    There is nothing else I can offer you. ......

    "You will have to give me your body, not your head.

    For a moment, a strange atmosphere enveloped the tent.

    What?

    The body ......

    That''s ......

    What?¡¡Could it be that the emperor is ......

    "Be my vassal. That''s the deal.

    Don''t use confusing expressions!

    Unusually, Darios, his vassals, and Karolina agreed.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me. You''ll be a lion''s advocate, won''t you?

    Darios laughed at Hercule''s suggestion.

    To appoint the man who had brought shame upon his father?

    That''s impossible.

    It''s a joke, he thought.

    "I have no doubt you have a talent for warfare. Our country has been on a losing streak lately. We''re not even a shadow of the military power we once were. I thought I''d bring in some good men to strengthen us. And it''s a problem that Galfis is the only one with the talent to take on more than 10,000 soldiers. I don''t want to move as much as I can.

    Hercule''s expression is very serious.

    Darius gulped.

    "Are you serious?

    I''m serious.

    What happens if I say no to ......?

    Ha-ha-ha!

    Hercule didn''t answer, he just laughed.

    A chill ran down Darios'' spine.

    "Oh yeah, did you say you''d turn into a lion?

    Darios'' body starts to shake naturally.

    This is ......

    "Do you really think you can beat me?

    Darios'' lips turn blue as he is hit head-on by Hercule''s immense magical power.

    It''s not just Darios.

    It''s not just Darius, but Galfis, Karolina, all his vassals, and all the humans, animals, and insects around here. ......

    All of them stopped moving.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    "Awe III".

    The effect is simple and straightforward.

    The effect is simple and straightforward. The amount of magic power is enough to strike fear into the people around you.

    No one has ever been able to move in the face of Hercule''s Awe III before.

    No matter who it is.

    Not even Darios, who went so far as to take a country.

    "I''m not deporting your boy soldier. I''m going to give them someplace suitable to settle. Our lands are being ravaged. Well, not all at once, of course, but you know what ...... means, don''t you?

    ".......

    If you betray me, I''ll kill your pretty little mercenary.

    That''s what I''m saying.

    That''s why you''re my vassal from now on. Nice to meet you.

    "...... Yes.

    Darios was not given the right to veto.

    The mercenary captain Darios. Darios the Kuro Panther, also known as Darios.

    He is a warbeast of high rank.

    The third son of a small baronial family.

    The third son of a small baronial family, and one of the Reconstructionists. ......

    He is also the king of the Pelosonian Mercenaries.

    And ......

    He is one of the seventeen pillars of the Erkur Empire.

 16 Episode 15 Fun Military Reform Part 1

    "Long live the Emperor!¡¡Long live the Emperor!

    Hercule was riding in a four-horse carriage through the confetti created by the citizens.

    Every time Hercule waved his hand, the citizens went into a frenzy.

    This was because it had been a long time since the Lemurian Empire had won a proper war.

    This was because Hadrian III had been so bad at war.

    This will boost my support.

    Hercule was in a good mood as he was cheered loudly.

    If you win a war, your support goes up.

    This is true for any country, era, or culture.

    Generals and kings who are strong in war will be supported regardless of their personalities.

    No matter how mismanaged, heavily taxed, or oppressive, ......

    If you win the war, your reputation will be turned upside down.

    Now Hercule''s power base is secure.

    ...... Though there are those who feel itchy about it.

    "That''s it!¡¡The Great Postwar Reflection!

    This time, Hercule gathered the generals who served in the war and said with high tension and applause.

    Darios is also in attendance.

    "What is this about?

    "It''s a review meeting, of the war.

    Didn''t we win ......?

    Maybe we could have won a little better. And there were some improvements.

    Hercule answered Galfis'' question.

    In fact, Hercule is one of those people who are said to be hard workers.

    A glimpse of his past behavior might make you tilt your head, but ......

    He has read a lot of books, learned several languages, accumulated a huge amount of knowledge, read and reviewed a lot of government documents, reviewed the tax system, persuaded bureaucrats, and even worked on paperwork. ......

    All of this is undoubtedly effort.

    Effort is just a process to achieve a goal.

    And the more fun the process is, and the shorter it is, the better.

    This is what Hercule believes.

    Since time is limited, we should save as much time as possible, use as little effort as possible, and work with as little stress as possible, and use the extra time for other things.

    Wasting time, energy, and stress for a long time is not effort, it''s laziness, and it''s worthless.

    That is Hercule''s view.

    That is why we reflect.

    If the result was good, analyze the reason why it was good, and plan how to make it better.

    If the result was bad, we analyze why it was bad and try not to repeat the mistake again.

    Keep improving and improving.

    That is what we call effort.

    That is why ......

    The big review meeting. For now, Darios. Let''s start with yours.

    "...... mine?¡¡I was the enemy. ......

    It''s important to analyze why the enemy lost, right?

    I see, Darios agreed. ......

    He thinks for a moment and then opens his mouth.

    "We could have won on the plains.

    "You think I''d be stupid enough to go head-to-head on the plains against an army that outnumbers my own?

    Do you think I''d be stupid enough to go head-to-head on the plains against an army twice my size?

    That''s not human skill. There''s no way a fifteen year old can do that.

    At the very least, the current Hercule has no ability to reproduce the famous art of war.

    In the first place, Darios would not allow it.

    Darios would be able to push his way through and win before Hercule could surround him.

    In the first place, it is strange to cite someone who has the crazy idea of taking an elephant to climb a mountain before the war.

    "Well, yes. If you want to think about it seriously, there was no other general who could lead a large army properly. That way, we could have spread out our forces a little more and been more vigilant. Well, adding another general is not an option. Mercenaries can''t be trusted.

    You used to be a mercenary, right?

    Mercenaries are the least trustworthy people in the world.

    It''s called homophobia.

    Well, your remorse has been put to good use by welcoming you into my army. Rest assured.

    ...... It''s hard to say.

    Darios has a complicated expression on his face.

    But for now, Darios did not want to betray Hercule, nor did he hold a grudge.

    Rather, he liked his new master for giving him a chance to rise in the world, and he thought it would be a good idea to watch the young boy who had defeated him grow up.

    "Shall I tell you the reason for your defeat?

    What is it?

    You took a territory from your father. You shouldn''t have taken a territory you couldn''t run.

    Ha, ......, you''re right.

    Darius had a good impression of Hercule, but ......

    Darios had a good impression of Hercule, but he also felt uncomfortable.

    And so it should be.

    His current colleagues were the same generals he had once beaten.

    But then again, there is no general with the backbone to challenge Hercule''s decision.

    Now that we''ve covered Darios'' reflections, let''s look at ...... our own.

    But is there anything we can do to improve?¡¡I think everything went well this time.

    Karolina tilted her head adorably.

    "Well, there were no problems with strategy or tactics. The only problem was the combat ......, or weapons.

    "...... weapons?¡¡What kind?

    "Infantry spears. It''s a good thing we adopted a five-meter spear at once, but ...... it''s hard to handle!¡¡It''s not flexible enough.

    Until now, the Lemurian army had been equipped with a combination of daggers, shields and spears.

    This is very flexible, but it is outdated in the modern age when cavalry has developed.

    Therefore, the shields were abandoned in favor of five-meter spears, and the tactics were changed to be appropriate.

    This five-meter spear was a revival of the spear used in the old phalanx tactics called the Sarissa.

    In other words, for the first time in thousands of years, the Lemurian army has returned to its original equipment.

    But ......

    The first time I sent them down the hill, I realized that they were no good. They break ranks too easily, and they''re too weak for melee combat.

    Some of the infantrymen even threw away their spears and fought with swords.

    After all, the long spear was useless in close combat or in places with bad footholds.

    What Hercule is looking for is an army with high flexibility.

    An army that can draw a certain level of strength from any enemy, in any terrain, and in any weather.

    The land of the Lemurian Empire includes deserts, plains, and mountains.

    The enemies are nomadic and mountainous.

    There must not be any terrain that cannot be used.

    There must not be any terrain that can not be used. There must not be any terrain that can not be used.

    "So, Legion?

    You''ve changed it, and now you want to change it back?

    Galfis asks Hercule.

    It''s a good idea to use a spear rather than a dagger. But I would like to have a shield to protect me from arrows. And to prevent cavalry, five meters is not enough to prevent a cavalry charge,......, so you need seven meters.

    "......

    Is there any weapon that has a longer reach, has an advantage over the enemy, can be maneuvered on bad ground, is strong in melee combat, and is light enough to be used with a shield?

    ""......"

    That''s a bit extravagant.

    The generals pondered inwardly.

    There is no such thing as a convenient weapon. ......

    "Then why don''t you use them all?

    Darius said jokingly.

    Then ......

    That''s it!

    "...... What?

    Thus, the equipment policy of the new Lemurian army was decided.

 17 Episode 16 Pleasant Military Reform Part 2 And Nex...

    "Yeah, not bad.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction as he watched his troops actually forming ranks and training as if they were in actual combat.

    Having experienced actual combat, Hercule had succeeded in initiating concrete military reform.

    The conventional army of the Lemurian Empire had a minimum unit of eighty centurions.

    You may think, "How can there be a hundred men in an army of eighty? ......

    You may think, "How can this be?

    Eighty-man teams are lame, right?

    Two of these 100-man squads can be combined to form a company of 160 men.

    Combine three of these and you have a battalion of 480 men.

    Combine ten battalions and you get 480. Plus about 200 light cavalrymen, for a total of 500 men to make one army.

    However, this is a unit based on the premise of hand-to-hand combat with daggers, and does not fit the new Lemurian army.

    Because of the change of weapons from daggers to long spears, flexibility is inevitably lost.

    Therefore, it was decided to make a drastic change.

    Therefore, Hercule drastically abolished the system of centurions and created a new unit of fifty men called a platoon.

    This platoon was combined with three companies of 150 men to form the basic unit.

    The purpose was to increase the flexibility of the entire unit by streamlining the company and reducing the number of people in the smallest unit.

    The reason why playing with the unit increases flexibility is as follows: ......

    It is easy to understand if you compare the joints of the arm and the fingers, and the differences in the movements of each.

    Incidentally, every modern army on earth has a company of about 150 men.

    The reason for this is that 150 men is the maximum number of men that one officer can lead.

    This is the so-called Dunbar number.

    A quiet story.

    A battalion is made up of 120 men by combining eight of these companies, and a corps is made up of 960 men by collecting eight battalions.

    Now, this army is ......

    Not all of them have the same equipment.

    There are two battalions of halberd troops equipped with halberds, a weapon that combines a spear and an axe.

    And six battalions of pikemen equipped with seven-meter spears.

    These are the two types of troops.

    What this means is that ......

    The halberd troops protect the longbow troops from the enemy cavalry and infantry, and the longbow troops attack the enemy with arrows from a safe place.

    Longbows with long range and curved shooting can jump over the friendly halberd troops and attack the enemy.

    The purpose is to reduce the enemy''s strength and momentum as much as possible in the outpost battle.

    You can shower the enemy with arrows until you are at the very edge of contact.

    When you are close to the enemy, the Longbow troops will move to the left and right to support your allies.

    This is where the pikemen come into play.

    With a spear that is seven meters long and stretched to the very limit, the pikemen have an advantage in reach over the enemy.

    Crush the enemy with the destructive power of the pikes.

    The role of the halberd troops is to protect the flanks of the Pikes, which are now vulnerable due to the longer spears, and to compensate for their diminished mobility and flexibility.

    While the pikemen are fighting the enemy in front, the halberd troops prevent the enemy from flanking them, and in some cases, flank them and threaten them.

    Similarly, archers and cavalry are organized into platoons, companies, battalions, and corps.

    So there you have it. What do you think?¡¡Darios, Galfis.

    Well, it''s certainly very flexible, but ......

    Are you sure you want to run it?

    Of course.

    It''s easy to say it, but hard to do it.

    It''s easy to say it, but it''s hard to do it. Can you really combine multiple departments into one? ......

    Darios, what do you think they recruited you for?

    ...... Well, if you''re asking me if I can or can''t, I think I can.

    Well, if Darios or Hercule, who has the same level of military talent as Darios, could operate this.

    But can an army that can only be used by a superior general really be called an excellent army?

    Rest assured. I''m going to thoroughly manualize the movements. The Lemurian army of long ago was capable of such complex movements. It''s nothing compared to that.

    The Lemurian army of old was strange in many ways.

    The Lemurian army of long ago divided its troops into three lines and alternated them to give the soldiers a break and increase their fighting capacity.

    It is impossible for an ordinary army to switch ranks in the middle of battle.

    This was accomplished through thorough manualization and training.

    So, the important thing is training!¡¡Training! Training!¡¡Training! Training!¡¡Training! Training!¡¡Training! Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Training!¡¡Train!

    (Wow. ......)

    There are some ...... training freaks out there.

    A training-crazed monarch is a monarch who loves training so much that it becomes a hobby.

    They tend to like giants and the like.

    Incidentally, Hercule''s favorite animal is the elephant, and the number one thing he wants to see in this world is the giant race.

    Oh, yeah, ...... I''m thinking of expanding my army and adding another legion.

    Currently, the Lemurian Empire has two legions of infantry.

    The infantry of the Lemurian Empire currently consists of two legions, which have been reorganized to replenish the losses sustained in the last war.

    That is, a total of 192,000.

    In addition to this, we are expanding another corps, 960.

    What does this mean? ......

    "After all, considering the cause of Darios'' defeat, I think we need a strategic reserve.

    A strategic reserve?

    Yeah, yeah. Well, I wouldn''t say right now.

    One legion will be led by Hercule.

    The other legion will be led by Darios, but who will lead the additional legion?

    The other legion will be led by Darios, but who will lead the additional legion? There is the problem of who will lead the additional legion, and considering the financial burden, it will be difficult to expand it right now.

    I''m a bit of a pain in the ass.¡¡I can''t be bothered, so I''ll leave the training to the general. I don''t have time to train all the time. ...... I have important things to do today.

    Then Hercule left, waving his hands in the air.

    Oh, and ...... Your Majesty, how long do I have to dress like this ......?

    Hmmm ...... as long as it takes to make me feel better?¡¡By the way, could you pour me a cup of tea?

    A red-haired girl in a lovely maid''s outfit ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''ll be right with you.

    Karolina went to the cupboard of tea in Hercule''s private room.

    In fact, Hercule prefers tea to coffee.

    Although he recommends and sells coffee exclusively, his personal preference is tea.

    A cup of coffee in the morning.

    Tea for daytime hydration.

    Wine for dinner.

    Hercule drinks three different kinds of beverages, depending on the occasion.

    And tea. ......

    Green tea, black tea, and many other kinds of tea are available.

    Only Hercule could import such a wide variety of teas from the far east.

    Let''s see. ...... Your Majesty, which one would you like?

    "Take the green tea.

    Hercule instructs Karolina to take the tea that is on the highest shelf.

    The tea was a little higher than Karolina''s height.

    The tea was a little higher than Karolina was tall, so Karolina had to stretch.

    But ......

    "Hey, Your Majesty!¡¡Please don''t look at me like that!

    Don''t worry about it.

    I do care!

    The skirt of the maid''s uniform that Carolina is wearing is adjusted to a length where you can just barely see the inside.

    If she moved a little, the skirt would catch air and reveal the inside.

    If you stand tall and wobble your body, ......

    That''s how much you can see inside.

    Karolina blushes and tries to reach for the bottle of tea, holding her skirt in one hand. ......

    "Karolina, that''s an order. Don''t hold your skirt.

    "Ahhhh!!!

    Karolina reluctantly removes her hand from her skirt.

    Every time she reaches for the bottle, Carolina''s hips sway and her insides peek out.

    How long are you going to keep panting?¡¡Come on, get it.

    No, because my hands are ......

    With your legs, you can jump and get it.

    The Elves, with their superior physical abilities, can jump ten meters.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    But if you jump, you are sure to get ......

    "Hey, Karolina. I ''ordered'' you to get me some green tea. I''m the emperor, you''re my vassal. Then it is your duty to do so.

    "Loyalty is .......

    I thought you were supposed to do everything.

    ".......

    Carolina thought about it for a moment, then decided to bend her legs and ......

    She kicked the floor.

    Carolina''s body lifted off the floor and her skirt became fully visible.

    Kuro. You''re wearing something very s*xy.

    "Well, you don''t have to tell me what you think!

    You don''t have to tell me what you think!

    It''s ...... terrible.

    "Don''t be ...... angry. I''ll give you this as an apology, if I may say so.

    Hercule held out a small box to Karolina.

    When she opened it, she found a green jeweled earring inside.

    "Emerald.

    I don''t want to ...... make you think this will make me happy!

    You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it.

    It''s a good thing I''m not the only one.

    It looks good on you. You look cute.

    "I''m not happy to hear such obvious flattery.

    "I''m not flattered by such obvious flattery.

    It''s so obvious.

    "Karolina.

    Hercule pulls Karolina into a hug.

    He holds her close and puts his hands behind her back to prevent her from escaping. ......

    "Heh, Your Majesty. ......

    He pressed his lips to Karolina''s forehead.

    It was that night.

    "I have come to fulfill my contract, my lord.

    "Asmodeus.

    Hercule woke up to find a girl riding on top of him.

    Beautiful black silk hair.

    Luscious lips.

    Shiro skin.

    Fruitful breasts.

    Oriental-looking face.

    And for ...... some reason she was wearing a kimono.

    The beautiful girl''s name was Asmodeus.

    It''s a great spirit of the dreamer, one of the 72 pillars of Hercule''s contract.

    The expression "when Hercule wakes up" is a mistake.

    This is because Asmodeus is the Great Spirit of the Dreamer.

    It never manifests in the real world.

    What Hercule is seeing now is a dream that is as close to reality as possible: ......

    It is a dream.

    Asmodeus sucks on Hercule''s lips and removes Hercule''s clothes with an expert hand.

    Then he strips off his own kimono.

    Her skin is revealed, as smooth and beautiful as ceramic.

    Asmodeus runs his slender fingers down Hercule''s chest.

    Asmodeus runs his slender fingers over Hercule''s chest, "Now, I''ll take your cock, Master.

    As long as it doesn''t kill me.

    Asmodeus puts his hands on Hercule''s pants and underwear.

    Asmodeus, the Great Spirit of the Dreamer.

    Asmodeus is one of the seventy-two great spirits once used by the old wizard kings.

    He is ranked thirty-second in the hierarchy, with the rank of "king.

    His true identity is that of a former Wisdom Angel.

    He is a fallen angel who controls the Seven Deadly Sins, "Lust," and is a great demon.

    And she is the only jerky spirit who could resist the Demon King.

    The price of her contract is a huge amount of magic power and ......

    I''m sure you''ll agree.

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    You sound like I''m a monkey who spends all day drinking.

    No way, I''m complimenting you. The only people who have been able to use me are the Magician King, the world''s most powerful magician, a mountain climber, or a balding debtor king.

    The people who have used Asmodeus in the past have all been sovereigns and generals who have accomplished great deeds.

    There is a possibility that only the contractors who have accomplished great deeds have been named.

    Because demons are basically liars.

    "Hey, Asmodeus.

    "Huh?¡¡Master?

    Hercule put his hand on Asmodeus'' back and hugged him.

    Asmodeus was surprised by the sudden attack.

    It is not good manners to talk about past men, is it?

    "Hmm, I suppose it is.

    The bodies of Hercule and Asmodeus overlapped.

    A few hours later.

    "Master has become quite adept, I miss the old days.

    "...... used to be?

    When you were a virgin.

    Yes, that was ...... five years ago now.

    Hercule was ten years old.

    ...... What are you, boy?

    "You" is rude. In the presence of the great demon Asmodeus.

    A beautiful, dark-haired woman in a maid''s uniform was riding on top of the ten-year-old Hercule.

    In the middle of the night, she was supposed to be invisible. ......

    In the middle of the night, a faintly glowing fireball of some sort surrounded Asmodeus, illuminating him and Hercule.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.¡¡Hmm ......, how about this?

    The next moment, the clothes Asmodeus was wearing changed.

    The next moment, the clothes Asmodeus was wearing changed. It was a unique costume that did not exist in the Lemurian Empire.

    It was a kimono, a traditional Japanese costume.

    And it was also a garment that existed only in Hercule''s memory.

    No!¡¡You, you, you!

    "Oh, yes, yes. This appearance is an orientalized version of what you remember. I can change it as much as you want, if you want. ......

    Who are you, ......?

    "Asmodeus," he said. You know who I am, don''t you?¡¡You know him as Asmodeus, the famous Great Spirit of this world and the famous Great Demon of your previous life. See?

    "......

    Hercule fell silent.

    Asmodeus asked him.

    Who are you, by the way?

    Who ...... are you? ...... of the Lemurian Empire.

    A man from a previous life and the man you are now. Don''t you care if there''s continuity or not?¡¡I''m asking you.

    Hercule''s eyes widened.

    Yes, ...... had been a question for Hercule for as long as he could remember.

    He had memories of his previous life since he was a child.

    It was a man who worked as a dull businessman in a completely different world from this one.

    The man had a vast store of knowledge, and he certainly had a brilliant mind.

    However, he was not able to make full use of it.

    He worked every day like a slave, accumulating knowledge that he never used.

    No dreams, no greed, no vanity. ......

    Why is such a dull and ordinary person my previous life?

    What am I in the first place?

    Why did you reincarnate?

    All this time, Hercule has been holding on to these questions.

    He can''t tell anyone about it, not even his first love, Karolina.

    It was too heavy a burden for a ten year old boy to carry.

    The devil, whom he had just met, told him the truth.

    "Don''t worry. That dull man is not you. No, it can''t be you. You are Hercule, the one and only.

    "...... So, what about these memories?

    It''s true that the soul slipped into your body as a child. But ...... you defeated it. Haha, you can''t win. A man like you, a man of pride, vanity, ambition, and no greed. As a result, the man''s soul died, and only his memory remains with you. That''s what happened.

    "Oh, so that''s what ...... is all about.

    Hercule breathed out a sigh of relief.

    Hercule, who had a strong sense of self-esteem, did not want to believe that the dull man was his former life.

    But now it was denied. Nothing could be more gratifying.

    "By the way, ......, how do you know?

    "I''m the mastermind, you know. I''m the one who killed that man and put him inside you.

    ...... Were you going to kill me?

    No way, I was sure you could beat him.

    Asmodeus laughed.

    Asmodeus laughed and brought his face close to Hercule''s.

    Hercule''s heart skipped a beat.

    The face of the s*xy older woman was now nose-to-nose with him, so it was understandable.

    A few thousand years ago, Lemuria was in the midst of a civil war, and the father of Lemuria united and established an empire. My former master''s country is dying. ...... Hmm, I liked that bald man. So, I thought, I can''t just stand by and watch it die. Then, the Lemurian emperor''s family had an excellent baby. A child as good as the bald man, the mountaineer who was his master before him, and the great king before him.

    And Asmodeus smiles bewitchingly.

    And ...... I like your face.

    "£¡£¡£¡£¡

    Asmodeus'' peachy tongue strokes Hercule''s neck.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure what to make of it. It''s just that ...... the Lemurian Empire in its current state is in such shambles that it''s impossible to manage on an individual basis. And then there''s the Lion King Ludwig I to the west and the Sun King Sasan VIII to the east. If you grow up well and gain experience, you will be able to defeat these two, but until then, there is no time. ......

    Asmodeus grinned.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one. Although he is a boring man, he still has a certain amount of experience. It would add some value, and more importantly, the knowledge would be useful. A man from a previous life wouldn''t be able to use it, but you can. Besides, this is as far as we demons are allowed to go. Yes, other demons are allowed to carry the soul of a trivial man into this world.

    "You''re .......

    Hercule glared at Asmodeus.

    If you''re not careful, you could be swallowed up and killed.

    Hercule would have been annoyed.

    "Well, anyway, ...... I''m here today to make a contract with you.

    "...... contract?

    Yes, a contract. Spiritual contracting. You know it, don''t you?¡¡It''s the same as General Galfis'' Amon and General Christos'' Phocarol. You''ll have to make a contract with me.

    "Who would sign up with a stinking demon like you!

    Hercule shouted at Asmodeus and shouted at him.

    "Somebody!¡¡Come here!¡¡It''s the devil!!!!

    ...... But no one comes.

    Asmodeus chuckles at Hercule''s impatient face and tells him the truth.

    You''re in a dream. No matter how much you scream, in reality you''re just sleeping through the night.

    No, no, no!

    Don''t get upset, okay?

    Asmodeus forcefully holds Hercule down as he tries to escape Asmodeus'' restraints.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m sure you''ll be fine, .......

    "f*ck!¡¡Get off me, you b*tc*!

    Asmodeus covered Hercule''s shouting lips with his own.

    Asmodeus'' tongue ravaged Hercule''s young mouth.

    He scoops up her tongue, sucks it, licks and plays with her gums, and thoroughly torments her sensitive parts.

    Asmodeus, the demon of lust, is no match for a ten-year-old virgin boy.

    Hercule is left to his own devices.

    "Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm.

    Before I knew it, Hercule was completely naked.

    Her arms and legs were so weak that she couldn''t even move a finger.

    Asmodeus slowly traces Hercule''s chest.

    "A-okun......

    If you want to read it, please contact us. If you really want to read it, please write in the comments section. I may post it on Nocturne Novels if I feel like it.

    Hercule was not released until another six hours later, after he had been stopped 375 times.

    You''ve done that before.

    Yes, you''ve grown up quite a bit, Master. I''m sure you''re right. ...... What''s wrong?¡¡What''s wrong?

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''ve seen it before.

    He then slaps and pulls on his cheek.

    That ...... hurts, but ......

    I remember ...... the old days and I''m so angry.

    Hercule frowns.

    Then he smiled lecherously.

    ''You can take anything, anyway, can''t you?¡¡It may ...... hurt a little, and it may be painful, but it''s ...... okay, right?

    ''...... Hmm, go ahead. Master. If you can, make me beg, make me cry, make me give in. That''s what I want. Beating me, choking me, ...... that''s the essence for me.

 18 Episode 17 Curry

    One day, Hercule thought.

    I want to eat curry.

    Curry is a dish seasoned with various kinds of spices.

    Some people may think that Indians eat curry every day. ......

    This is half right and half wrong.

    First of all, curry as Japanese people imagine it is different from Indian curry.

    First of all, curry as Japanese people imagine it is different from Indian curry.

    Then, what is Indian curry?

    The name "curry" does not exist in India in the first place.

    There is no such thing as Indian curry.

    What we recognize as Indian curry is a stew made with Indian spices, each of which has its own name.

    Spices in India are like miso and soy sauce in Japan.

    Therefore, there are almost no dishes that do not use spices, and most Indian dishes are called "curry".

    Therefore, Indians always eat curry.

    This perception is half correct and half wrong.

    Now, the question is how to eat curry.

    Unfortunately, the man in Hercule''s previous life had made curry using curry roux from House Vermont Curry, but he had never made curry powder from spices. (There are probably fewer people who have ever made curry.

    Now, ......

    What to do: ......

    Then Hercule had an idea.

    That''s right, why don''t you bring the whole cook with you?

    Hercule''s world is basically completely different from the world of his previous life, although the terrain is similar.

    In the previous world, there were no demons, spirits, magic, sorcery, elves, or warbeasts.

    However, this world has almost the same plants and animals as the previous world.

    The same is true for spices.

    And spices come from warm tropical regions.

    In other words, ......

    Even if there is no India, there are definitely places that look like India. Then there must be curry.

    Hercule thought.

    Better hurry up.

    Hercule immediately ordered the merchant to bring a cook from the spice producing area.

    And ......

    "Chef. This is our new cook, Mr. Kunala from Sindhira.

    Please take care of him.

    "This is very kind of you, ......, is it ......?

    The chef, who hadn''t been told about it at all, looked puzzled at the sudden appearance of Mr. Kunala.

    You may have an image of Indians wearing turbans and riding elephants, but Mr. Kunala is neither wearing a turban nor can he ride an elephant.

    His only skill is to cook.

    Curry, that''s all.

    "No, you see. I wanted to try Sindhira''s food. I thought better of it, so I brought in a real chef. Just so you know, I''m not forcing you, okay?¡¡You know?

    I''ll do my best!

    Kunala made a gutsy pose while using her slurred Lemurian.

    By the way, Kunala was originally a person of rather high rank, but she was caught up in a war and was mistaken for a slave class and sold as a slave.

    I''m a freeman now because I was purchased by Hercule, converted to Messianism, and then freed.

    Your Majesty ...... has pride as the head chef of the Lemuria Palace. And you''re worried about poisoning. I can''t let someone who doesn''t know where he comes from into the kitchen. ...... Can I first see your cooking skills before I make a decision?

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    The chef''s comment was nothing but disrespect to Hercule, and it was inevitable that he would be dealt with.

    Nevertheless, Hercule is a rather generous person, and I can understand the chef''s feelings.

    "Okay, okay. I mean, I want to eat curry soon too. Kunala, make me a curry as soon as you can.

    Hi!

    Is curry good?

    I don''t know.¡¡I''ve never had it before. I don''t know. I''ve never tasted anything like it.

    Are you sure?¡¡I''m looking forward to it!

    Karolina smiled happily.

    Carolina is more of a foodie than a foodie, so when Hercule asked her if she wanted to try Sindhira''s food, she immediately came. I''m looking forward to it.

    I''m looking forward to it. I''ve never had Sindhira food before.

    "I''ve never had Sindhira before.

    I have had it in the past. I''ve had it before.

    Christos.

    I''ve eaten it in the past," said Christos. "It''s made with a lot of spices. ...... Well, as a bishop, I don''t recommend extravagance.

    But after all that, Lucanos came to the table.

    And ......

    "Hmm!¡¡If it tastes bad, you''re out of luck!

    The Chef de Cuisine, who was specially allowed to be present.

    Including Hercule, there were six judges.

    After a while, a delicious and appetizing smell of spices drifted into the air.

    Hercule''s mouth began to fill with spit.

    I''m sorry.

    Knara emerges from the kitchen.

    Following Knara''s instructions, the maids put the food on the table.

    "''Ooohhhh!

    Carolina and the others marveled at the new colors and smells of the food.

    The curry was blackish brown.

    There were several large pieces of meat inside.

    It was accompanied by a large naan.

    "What is this meat?

    "It''s mutton!

    What is mutton?

    Hercule wondered what mutton was, but he didn''t care, as long as it was good.

    You didn''t say your prayers.

    Even so, Hercule was a devout messianist.

    He never misses a prayer before a meal.

    Thank you for your blessings!¡¡God!

    After the prayer, Hercule immediately reaches for the naan.

    He holds it with his left hand and tears it with his right.

    Carolina and the others also tore off the naan in the same way they usually eat bread.

    As she watched them, Kunala thought to herself, "Why are they so impure?

    Why are they touching the naan with their unclean hands?

    But I don''t dare to say anything about it.

    Kunala understands that it is a cultural difference.

    While the Sindhilians are in culture shock, Hercule uses the naan to scoop up the curry and puts it in his mouth.

    Yes, it''s good. Excellent.

    A pungent aroma of spices wafted through his nose.

    A good amount of spiciness spreading in the mouth.

    I don''t know what it is, but the meat ...... is probably tender and melts in your mouth.

    It blends well with the slightly sweet naan.

    Excellent ......

    But ......

    I like it a little spicier, don''t you?

    "I don''t think so. I think it''s too spicy to eat.

    Well, it''s certainly better than too spicy. I understand your concern. Please make it a little spicier next time.

    I understand!

    Next time.

    That means Hercule has recognized your taste.

    Nothing makes a chef happier than that.

    "Well, it''s passable, but far from perfect. One star. Try to get three stars.

    "I''ll do it!

    Hercule assessed and then asked Carolina and the others.

    What do you think, Carolina?

    It''s delicious. The naan neutralizes the spiciness, so you can eat it. The naan neutralizes the spiciness, but you can still eat it. ...... I prefer it a little less spicy, though.

    Well, that depends on the person.

    There is no right answer in cooking.

    There is no right answer to cooking, because each person has his or her own taste.

    Would you like another?

    Me, too, please.

    I''ll have another." "How ...... sinful to use so much ...... spice. I''ll have a refill.

    Before they knew it, Galfis, Christos and Loukanos had finished their meals and were asking for more.

    All three of them are among the richest people in Lemuria, but they rarely eat dishes with such a large amount of spices.

    It is thanks to Hercule''s wealth that they are able to make curry.

    That''s why all three of us are asking for a second helping, to eat while we can.

    It was Hercule''s wallet that would be hurt anyway.

    What do you think, Chef?

    I''ll have a refill too.

    The chef falls easily.

    Thus, Kunala''s employment was confirmed.

    An aside

    "Hey, Mr. Kunala. Can you ride an elephant?

    I can''t.

    Can you wear a turban?

    I can''t do it.

    You don''t do yoga?

    I can''t do it.

    You know, like hammering nails into your body?

    "I hate it when it''s tight.

    "That''s funny, because the Sindhilas I know ride elephants, play with tigers, practice yoga while wearing turbans, and eat curry every day.

    Iloilo, you''re too mazari!

 19 Episode 18 Sugar

    You don''t have enough troops.

    Don''t you have a standing army?

    It''s not enough at all.

    Karolina tilted her head in wonder at Hercule''s words.

    It seems to Carolina that we have a strong enough army.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that. Do you understand what kind of countries are surrounding our country?

    Of course I do. What do you think people are?

    Then, Carolina explained to Hercule one by one.

    First, the Kingdom of Phallus, the greatest enemy of the Lemurian Empire.

    Also known as the Phallus Empire.

    It is a great nation with a power comparable to the Lemurian Empire.

    Its religion is polytheism, with Abra Dazzle, god of justice, law and fire, as its supreme deity.

    It is a holy fire religion.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Foulth consider each other to be demonic nations that must be destroyed, and so conflict continues.

    However, a truce is currently in place.

    This is because Hadrian III, the father of Hercule, was defeated twice by King Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Phars, and made peace by paying a large amount of tribute.

    These large tribute payments put pressure on the treasury of the Lemurian Empire.

    This is not the only enemy of the Lemurian Empire.

    There is also the Kingdom of Bulgaron, a northwestern nomadic nation of the Bulgarons.

    (*They call themselves an empire, but no country, including the Lemurian Empire, recognizes them, so I''ll refer to them as the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    These nomads come from the far east, and their skin and facial features are completely different from those of the people around here.

    Mongoloid.

    It is easy to understand them as Mongoloid.

    The Kingdom of Bulgaron has invaded the Lemurian Empire many times, and is so powerful that it has besieged Nova Lemuria three times.

    The Lemurian Empire has made peace with this country by paying tribute.

    In the west, there are other nations that share the same messianic faith but have different ...... doctrines.

    The relationship between them and the Lemurian Empire is currently in a lull, but ......

    The Lemurian Empire is in a lull.

    The Lemurian Empire is in a very nice situation, with enemies on all sides.

    In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at ....... We need to get a proper army in place as soon as possible.

    How many troops do you need for that?

    At least 100,000 infantrymen.

    Hundred thousand. ......

    Currently, the military strength of the Lemurian Empire is about 20,000 infantry, 10,000 archers, and 10,000 cavalry, for a total of 40,000.

    The Lemurian Empire''s military strength is currently 40,000, consisting of 20,000 infantry, 10,000 archers and 10,000 cavalry.

    The ideal is 150,000 infantry, 50,000 cavalry, and 20,000 to 30,000 archers.

    "......Three times the current number? Can you do that?

    I can''t do it right now.

    You say it''s impossible, but actually it''s not impossible if you want to do it.

    Yes, if you impose a very heavy tax.

    But if you do that, the country will fall in a flash and collapse from within.

    If we could just double the tax revenue, we could get it right. ......

    "Doubling the tax revenue is difficult, but even if we doubled the tax revenue, we wouldn''t be able to provide an army of more than 200,000 troops, would we?

    No, if my calculations are correct, we can.

    No, if my calculations are correct, we can do it, though we''ll have to use a bit of subterfuge.

    Can''t we just hire mercenaries?¡¡It''s cheaper to hire extra men.

    I don''t really like mercenaries.

    They loot at will and run away when the war goes bad.

    That''s what mercenaries are.

    If there is no alternative, we have to use them, but if possible, we don''t want to use them.

    "I want to double my tax revenue first.

    "Can you increase ......?

    There''s nothing we can''t do.

    Coffee and bone ash porcelain are now in full-scale production.

    There is no doubt that they will become a major industry of the Lemurian Empire in another ten years.

    But it''s not enough.

    Industrial products are not bad, but ......

    After all, the most efficient way to earn foreign currency is through ......

    I think the best way to earn foreign currency is to grow sugar.

    "Sugar?

    Karolina tilted her head.

    There were two kinds of white powder in front of Hercule''s eyes.

    They are not powders that make you feel good when you inhale them.

    It might feel good to lick it, but it''s not ...... anything fishy.

    It''s just sugar.

    The difference is that there are two kinds.

    "Carolina, try it.

    "Is it sugar ......?¡¡I don''t mind, but .......

    Carolina scoops up the right sugar with her hand and licks it off.

    Yeah, it''s sweet.

    That''s sugar.

    What''s on the left then?

    Carolina tilts her head and licks the sugar on the left.

    Yes, sweet.

    Sugar.

    Can''t you tell the difference?

    Hmm. ...... The one on the left tastes worse. There''s more of a tang.

    That''s right.

    The sugar on the right is imported by Hercule from abroad, from the East.

    It is made from sugar cane.

    On the other hand, the one on the left is from .......

    It''s made from sugar beets for animal feed.

    "What?¡¡That sugar beet?

    The sugar beets that Carolina knows are the leaves, the roots, and the feed for cows and horses.

    At least they don''t turn into sugar.

    Well, it was a 50/50 chance that we would succeed.

    In this world, sugar is treated as a kind of spice.

    In this world, sugar is treated as a kind of spice. Since it is basically only as sweet as honey or fruit, sugar is very valuable and traded at a high price.

    This sugar is imported to the Lemurian Empire via the Kingdom of Fars: ......

    If we import sugar, foreign currency will flow out, and at the same time, it will enrich our enemy, the Kingdom of Fars.

    But that doesn''t mean we can''t impose an embargo.

    Therefore, Hercule decided to grow sugar.

    Since Hercule is rather fond of sweets, it matched with his personal desire.

    Now, the question is how to grow sugar.

    In general, there are two types of sugar available in Japan.

    One is sugar made from sugar beets and the other is sugar made from sugar cane.

    In this world, sugar is basically made from sugar cane, and the method of extracting sugar from sugar beets has not been established.

    In the Lemurian Empire, however, sugar beets are commonly cultivated.

    Sugarcane is not cultivated, but it is possible to buy sugarcane and slaves who can grow sugarcane by paying a large sum of money to a ...... merchant, and since the southern part of the Lemurian Empire is in the tropics, it is possible to grow sugarcane.

    Sugar beets are easy to grow, but they cannot be refined, and even if they could, the taste is not guaranteed.

    Cane sugar, which would take time to obtain and mass-produce, but which could be reliably refined and would have a guaranteed taste.

    Hercule was torn.

    And he came to a conclusion.

    Let''s do both.

    So, Hercule was working on both refining sugar from sugar beets and obtaining cane sugar at the same time.

    As a result, both went well.

    As for the extraction of sugar from sugar beet, I had only the general knowledge of how to do it, so I was able to do it after many attempts and repeated improvements.

    The sugar cane was brought to Lemuria together with a certain Mr. Kunala.

    Isn''t that amazing!¡¡That means we can eat sugar every day from now on!

    "...... No, if you want to eat it every day, just import it.

    I''m sure you''ll agree that it doesn''t matter whether or not we can produce sugar in our country.

    It''s difficult for the Galleanos family to afford.

    (She''s going to be my wife anyway, so I''ll buy her. ......)

    I thought, but Hercule kept his mouth shut.

    I''m going to make you eat sugar every day, that''s the worst kind of proposal.

    "By the way, does sugar increase tax revenue twofold?

    No, it won''t.

    The fiscal reforms undertaken by Hercule alone will only increase tax revenues by a factor of 1.5.

    Sugar alone will not be enough to double the increase.

    "It is important to recover lost ground and rebuild the devastated land and infrastructure. It''s also important to do things steadily.

    It''s important to take things for granted.

    It''s very difficult to take things for granted, but ......

    At the very least, the cultivation of sugar will not immediately increase the national power of the Lemurian Empire.

    It will take at least a decade to get going.

    The only people who know how to make sugar from sugar beets are me and the craftsmen who helped me with the experiment. I''m the only one who has the sugar cane. I''m thinking of making a monopoly on both.

    When mass production became possible, he planned to impose a sugar tax in exchange for lifting the monopoly.

    "Well, why don''t we leave the details aside and have some shortcake?

    "Shortcake?¡¡What''s that?¡¡What''s that?

    It''s a sweet treat.

    I''ll have a sweet ......!

    After that, the two of them had a sweeter than sugar moment.

 20 Episode 19 U.S.

    Hmmm, it''s good. ......

    Hercule was eating a curry.

    Recently, he has been completely addicted to curry.

    Usually, Hercule ate curry with naan.

    This is not because Hercule likes naan, but because he does not have rice.

    In other words, if there is rice, I want to eat it. I want to try it.

    This is the true intention of Hercule.

    And Hercule is ......

    In addition to Kunala and the sugar cane, Hercule had ordered the merchant to bring him another ...... rice.

    What Hercule is eating now is ......

    Saffron rice made from the rice and Kunala''s homemade curry.

    Hercule moved his spoon and ate with relish, shouting as if something was missing.

    Yes, it''s good. It''s good, but it''s not the same ...... rice I want to try. ...... It''s not the same ...... rice I want to try.

    What''s different about it?

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''ve never heard of it.

    It''s a good idea to stay away from dangerous people.

    As for the discomfort that Hercule is feeling, ......

    This is due to the difference in rice varieties.

    The rice that is generally eaten in Japan is a variety called Japonica rice.

    The rice grains are round and sticky.

    On the other hand, the type of rice that Hercule is eating now is called indica rice.

    It is characterized by long, thin, dry grains that are not very sticky.

    Indica rice accounts for 80% of the rice cultivated in the world, so it is the major rice variety in the world.

    In Japan, large quantities of indica rice were imported as an emergency measure during a poor rice harvest caused by a cold summer in 1993.

    However, it did not seem to be consumed much because it did not fit with Japanese rice cooking methods.

    Indica rice is suitable for dishes such as curry, pilaf, and paella.

    Taking this into account, indica rice may have been more suitable for the food culture of the Lemurian Empire than japonica rice, so this is not a bad story.

    For Hercule, the man from his previous life is a stranger, but he is sure to have inherited his memories.

    There is no way that he is not affected by it.

    It is impossible that he is not influenced by the man in his previous life.

    ...... Well, I guess we can recommend indica rice in our country. Maybe they won''t accept japonica rice. ......

    I have a vague idea of what Lemurians like to eat.

    I know what the Lemurians like to eat, but if you want to eat it as porridge, japonica rice is good enough.

    First of all, both of you should study how to cook this grain.

    If we can''t find a way to cook it that suits the Lemurian palate, then even if we grow it, people won''t eat it.

    It''s useless.

    "Your ...... Majesty.

    Hey, what''s up, Karolina?

    This grain ...... is certainly delicious, but why do you want to grow it?

    Karolina, who was eating curry and rice with Hercule, asked.

    Karolina''s question is valid.

    Hmm, well, there''s a lot to it.

    In case you''re wondering, Hercule isn''t the kind of idiot who would start a national project just for his own nostalgia.

    Probably.

    Probably.

    Maybe. ......

    may be............

    I don''t know what to say, but I''m going to go with ....... Carolina, do you know what the harvest multiplier is?

    "I''ve never heard of it, but ...... it''s literally a harvest multiplier?

    Yeah. Yes, yes. Actually, rice has a better yield multiplier than wheat.

    Wheat is the staple food of the Lemurian Empire.

    Wheat has the merit of being able to grow in places with little precipitation and thin land, but at the cost of a smaller harvest rate.

    However, the harvest rate is small, and depends on the soil, labor, and climate.

    According to the archives of the Lemurian Empire, the highest value is 30 times.

    The lowest is three times.

    The average is about eight times.

    If the land is good, the climate is favorable, and intensive agriculture is practiced, it is 30 times higher.

    If the soil is not good, the climate is not favorable, and you do not spend much time and effort, the price is 30 times higher.

    That''s why.

    There are some places where the multiplier is less than one, but wheat is not grown in areas where the multiplier is less than three, as expected.

    Rice, on the other hand, was harvested at a rate of 15 times in Shimoda and 25 times in Ueda during the Heian period (794-1185).

    Considering that wheat in the Lemurian Empire was harvested at a rate of 30 times, this is quite a high rate.

    Another big advantage is that it is difficult to have repeated cropping problems. In the case of wheat, you have to give it a rest once.

    "Huh. ......" (I''m not sure.)

    (I don''t know.) Carolina looks at me with a puzzled expression.

    Seeing Carolina, Hercule smiled bitterly.

    It is a misconception that rice does not suffer from continuous crop failure.

    To put it more precisely, it is less likely to be affected by repeated cropping when grown in paddy fields.

    Incidentally, why is rice, which is a very excellent grain, not grown all over the world?

    The reason is that rice is very sensitive to dryness and cold.

    Without a certain amount of precipitation, a river as a water source, and a warm climate, it is difficult to grow rice.

    In the meantime, Hercule has been looking into some possible locations for rice cultivation, but ......

    Whether it is really possible or not, we will never know until we try it.

    But the main reason is risk aversion.

    Risk aversion?

    If there''s an outbreak of a wheat disease, if the rice is safe, there won''t be a famine, right?

    That''s the main reason why Hercule wants to introduce rice.

    In other words, to avoid risk by diversification.

    However, rice and wheat alone are not enough.

    If other crops such as ...... soybeans, corn, potatoes, etc. are found, Hercule will introduce them as soon as possible.

    But we haven''t found any so far.

    You don''t seem very interested.

    Sorry about the .......

    No, it''s okay. It''s not very interesting.

    Well, is there anything interesting to talk about?

    Hercule thought for a moment, but could not think of anything. Well, what should I do? ......

    As Hercule pondered, Karolina smiled happily.

    What''s wrong?

    I''m glad to see that you''re taking your political duties seriously.

    ...... Well, it''s directly related to my food situation.

    That''s it, after all.

    Hercule would not go to the trouble if it were not in his interest to do so.

    He imports various crops because it is in his interest to do so.

    It is all for the sake of gastronomy.

    "......, Your Majesty. May I ask you a question?

    What is it?

    "...... What do you intend to do, Hadrian?

    Karolina asked Hercule in a whisper.

    His Highness Hadrian, ...... that is, Hercule''s brother Hadrian.

    I don''t know what to say. I''m not doing anything wrong. Then there''s nothing for me to do.

    But isn''t it ...... too rude of you not to come and greet me once you''ve been crowned?¡¡In addition, I have heard that the nobles are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the tax increases. If this continues, ......

    "Karolina!

    Hercule stopped Karolina with a loud voice.

    Karolina hurriedly held her tongue.

    ...... "I''m sorry, that was out of line.

    Karolina is pouting.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    "Don''t worry. I''ve been thinking about it too. ...... Do you think I''m just an unthinking person?

    "...... No.

    Do you?¡¡Trust me. It''s all in my hands.

    Hercule laughed at that, then ......

    He narrowed his eyes and muttered in a low voice.

    I think I''m going to have to do some sifting.

    At that moment, a chill ran down Carolina''s spine.

    It was because Hercule had a ...... horrible, brutal look on his face.

    At the same time, she felt a strange sense of relief and her heart raced.

    (Oh, so that''s why ...... I like this guy.)

    It''s not just Karolina.

    It''s not just Karolina, but also Galfis, Christos, Loukanos, and even Darios.

    They will not stand against Hercule.

    Not against Hercule.

    And it''s a relief.

    This better, more cunning, more brutal emperor than any of them is terrifying.

    And that''s why everyone loves him and feels safe.

    They''re glad he''s on their side and they''re glad he''s their lord.

    "Your Majesty, dessert is served.

    "Oh!¡¡This is a ...... melon.

    "Oh! This is a melon." A large slice of melon is brought to you.

    Melons are Hercule''s favorite food.

    "Bon app¨¦tit!

    Hercule popped a large slice of melon into his mouth and ......

    "Boo!

    Spit it out.

    Then he rinses his mouth with the drink and shoves his fingers down his throat, spitting out everything in his stomach.

    "Huh, Your Majesty?¡¡What the ......?

    Karolina screamed in confusion at Hercule''s sudden strange behavior.

    Hercule silently walks over to Karolina and ......

    "You didn''t eat the melon, did you?

    Yeah, yeah, not ...... yet, but ......

    Well... That''s good. But just in case. I''m sorry, I''ll be pissed as hell later.

    "Eh, what the heck, geez, .......

    Hercule shoves his finger down Karolina''s throat and makes her let out everything in her stomach.

    "What the hell is ...... that?

    You can find a lot of things that can make you feel uncomfortable about vomiting, embarrassed that you vomited in front of your girlfriend, and angry that she suddenly made you vomit.

    All sorts of things become squishy inside Carolina.

    In response to Carolina''s protests, Hercule gave a short answer.

    "It''s poison.

 21 Episode 20 Fathers and New Ones

    I''m so sorry!¡¡Please let me pay for this with my life!

    "No, I don''t want your head.

    The poison was contained only in the melon, and neither Hercule nor Carolina were harmed.

    The melon was brought to the table where it was cut into pieces.

    This means that the poison was inside the melon from the beginning.

    It must have been mixed in with a needle or something. Well, it''s understandable that he didn''t notice. You don''t think there''s poison inside from the start, do you? Be careful from now on.

    "Yes, sir!

    The chef prostrated himself to Hercule again and again.

    It''s so annoying that Hercule shoved his hand away and ......

    "Well, Galfis. Christos. Lucanos. Karolina. ...... I actually have an idea who the mastermind is. Who do you think it is?

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    The three of them and Karolina looked at each other and said, ......

    It''s the man?

    "That''s him, isn''t it?

    It must be him. ......

    It''s got to be him.

    The one whose name must not be mentioned: ......

    That''s what I''m saying.

    Lucanos, I want you to find out how the poison got in here. Just don''t let them know it''s you. And don''t do anything. This time, we''ll let it slide.

    Are you sure?

    You''ll never get there.

    There''s little point in following a string that breaks halfway.

    Hercule!

    As they were talking, a woman''s voice echoed through the palace.

    There is only one person in this country who is allowed to call the Emperor of Lemuria, the emperor of the Lemurian Empire and the agent of God on earth, by his first name.

    Well, well, Mother. What brings you here unannounced? What can I do for you?

    Empress of the Lemurian Empire.

    The mother of Hercule and sister of Christos.

    I''ve heard of you, Hercule. ...... What do you intend to do?

    "Fortunately or unfortunately, we''ll never get to the culprit. Well, I''ll do my best to prevent it from happening again. I don''t want to die.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    The Empress is Hercule''s mother, but she is also ......

    She is also Hadrian''s mother.

    Although Hercule and Hadrian are older, they are ...... brothers born from the same belly.

    And ...... the Empress loves the latter more than Hercule and Hadrian.

    She loved the latter because he was her first born son and she and her husband, Hadrian III, loved him very much.

    On the other hand, Hercule was deliberately separated from his mother, the Empress, in order not to repeat Hadrian''s educational failure, and Hadrian III did not dare to talk to him.

    A son who was born wise, unaided, unspoiled, brilliant, and rarely spoke to his mother or father, and a son who was not so brilliant, unaided, and spoiled whenever he could.

    It is natural for a mother to love the latter more than the former.

    However, it is also obvious that the latter will be ruined as a human being and the former will not love his parents.

    "So you''re saying you''re not going to do anything?

    "Well, I can''t do anything this time. However, as an emperor, I can''t just leave him like this. I''m going to put you through a sieve in the near future.

    "...... Sieve?

    The Empress does not know what kind of sieve Hercule is talking about.

    The Empress did not know what the sieve was that Hercule was talking about, but she did know that the sieve would kill her other son.

    "Can''t you do something about it?

    "I can''t help you. I can''t help you. You have to do something about it.

    Hercule shrugged.

    The Empress clasped her hands tightly.

    "Please, be as merciful as you can.

    "Yes, I will try. Yes, I will try.

    The Empress understands.

    The Empress Dowager understood Hercule''s intentions in his reply.

    "Your Majesty, Hercule, I''m thinking of joining a monastery.

    "A monastery?

    Yes, I intend to live a life of prayer to God. ...... for the repose of my husband''s soul, for the sins of my sons, and for my own inability to stop them.

    Galfis, Christos, Loukanos, and Karolina looked at the Empress'' words in disbelief.

    Even though she is the mother who gave birth to the emperor, there are some things she is allowed to say and some things she is not allowed to say.

    The Empress Dowager''s comment about the sins of her ...... sons cannot be overlooked.

    Fortunately, Hercule didn''t seem to mind, and just smiled bitterly.

    I have nothing to say to you if that is what your mother has decided. ...... Have you already chosen a place?

    "...... Yes, Your Majesty. Goodbye.

    The Empress bowed deeply to Hercule and left.

    Silence reigned.

    "You poor thing. It''s a pity. I''m so sorry.

    Hercule said, sounding truly sympathetic.

    But his voice was flat and somewhat strained.

    The four vassals looked at the broken family with pity.

    Later, Hercule summoned the Senate.

    The Senate.

    The Senate used to be the highest organ of state power when Lemuria was a republic.

    Today, it is a mere honorary position with no real power and is a mere decoration. ......

    Even so, it is a place where many aristocrats who hold important positions are present.

    Its influence is immeasurable.

    "Fathers and newcomers. I understand the distrust some of you have for me. But I want you to listen. There is a grave national crisis at hand. If we ignore this crisis, the only thing that awaits us is destruction.

    Hercule hadn''t called a meeting of the senate since his accession.

    The Senators listened to Hercule''s words, though they looked puzzled by the sudden call and his statement.

    (I think we got the point.)

    "What is the crisis, it goes without saying. It is the barbarians, infidels, and heretics who surround our country!¡¡The warbeasts are brazenly sitting on the land our ancestors conquered, cultivated, and cleared to build their nation. These barbarians, who spout such falsehoods as the sons of God are men, are still vigilantly targeting the territory of our country, the land of God.

    The Warbeast ......

    A race that once lived in the great forest region that stretches outside the Lemurian Empire.

    It is a race that caused a massive migration of people and invaded the interior of the Lemurian Empire, decisively leading to the decline of the Lemurian Empire.

    Their fighting ability and ferocity is second to none.

    And above all, ......

    They are also Messianic, but believe in a different doctrine: ...... heretics.

    From the north, the abominable Bulgarons demand tribute year after year, invade our territory, rob our people of their property, and assault our women. This is something that cannot be overlooked!

    Common sense does not apply to the nomadic Bulgarians.

    For them, looting is a normal thing.

    But the people who are being looted are not happy about it.

    And our greatest enemy, the Kingdom of Foulth!¡¡The infidels who believe in paganism and evil gods!

    They are growing in number day by day, and they are plotting to destroy us, the Messiahs, the people of God! I`m not planning anything.

    I''ll raise the specific threats one by one, Hercule .

    Those threats are the ones that everyone knew about, ...... and no one wanted to think about.

    "We must fight as God''s people!

    Yes!¡¡Yes, yes, yes!

    The senators agree with Hercule.

    It''s the priests of the church who have been given seats in the senate who are agreeing with Hercule.

    In their view, it is the duty of the emperor to protect Lemuria, the land of God, from demonic pagans and heretics, and it is the Senate that supports the emperor.

    "For hundreds of years, our country has been overrun by enemies who have taken our territory and overrun our fields. Some of you may have experienced bitterness as well. Some of you may have suffered bitterly. ...... It is true that I have imposed a heavy tax on your lands. But if you don''t, even the land you have now will eventually be overrun and taken away. Then we will be left with nothing but a landless people, a people with nowhere to live, and a corpse that has starved to death!

    He explained that he had no choice but to raise taxes.

    It was inevitable that the taxes were raised, he argues, and if they hadn''t been, more damage would have been done. Hercule argues.

    This was convincing.

    The fact was that the nobles'' lands were being taken and devastated with each passing year.

    Many of the great nobles nodded their heads in agreement.

    (First appeal to faith, then to pragmatism. So far, so good. The rest is .......)

    "We have to fight. To defend the Lemurian Empire. And we must reclaim the land our fathers shed their blood for!¡¡Our homeland, our homeland!

    "Oh, oh, oh, £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Some of the senators cheered.

    Some of them were in tears.

    They were noblemen of the Elves and Dwarves.

    Some of these long-lived people had spent their childhoods in territories once taken by barbarians.

    Their ancestral tombs are also located in the west of the Lemurian Empire.

    But now the barbarians have taken over and they cannot visit.

    For them, it is a longing to exterminate the barbarians and reclaim their homeland.

    Hercule appealed to the emotions of the old men, who had great influence in the Senate.

    (You get the drift. The rest can be found at ......)

    "Fortunately, we have the money for the war. All I ask is that you remain loyal to your country and your God!¡¡Either we let our country be overrun again by barbarians, heretics, and infidels, or we will crush the enemy and reclaim our homeland before they do!

    He argued that the burden on the nobles was small, and gained their support.

    Then, he demanded something very ''hard to deny'', loyalty to the motherland and God, and forced them to agree.

    That''s His Majesty, isn''t it? You''ve got those difficult nobles in your mind. If only you could show that kind of motivation on a regular basis. ......

    Hercule is making a speech and the nobles are listening to him.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it. Those who don''t agree are branded as lacking loyalty to their country and God. It''s a terrible talent.

    Galfis, who himself holds a seat in the Senate, spoke highly of Hercule''s speech.

    The atmosphere in the Senate is completely dominated by Hercule.

    He''s handsome, a political genius, a military genius, and a great orator?¡¡They say that God doesn''t give two gifts, but that''s not true.

    Darius mutters with a wry smile.

    But not yet. But not yet. I haven''t gotten the approval of the nobles yet.

    "That''s true. One more push is needed.

    Christos and Loukanos, on the other hand, have stern expressions on their faces.

    People are not creatures driven only by profit.

    We still need to push harder.

    That''s what they were thinking.

    To put it bluntly, it''s easy to just say it.

    What''s important is whether you can do it or not.

    If you force them to bleed and they lose, it''s just a loss.

    And that''s what Hercule was thinking as well: ......

    The odds are stacked against us!¡¡Our country has the traditional strong cavalry and archers. We have a strong standing army of cavalry, archers and newly organized infantry. We have a strong standing army. These are elites who have endured rigorous training!¡¡Let''s teach these barbarians a lesson about real war!

    Your Majesty''s words are very convincing.

    "Well, I don''t know how you feel about that. I don''t know how you feel inside, but I''m sure it''s persuasive enough. You''re still alive, aren''t you, ......, the man who defeated the mercenary captain Darios?

    "Don''t kill me without permission. I''m talking about the Emperor. You''ve been planning to make this speech all along, and you''ve come to defeat me?¡¡I''ve been used as bait. It''s an honor. Huh. ......

    Christos, Loukanos, and Darios say to each other.

    And then, after Lucanos'' words, Karolina said.

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    "Well, we''ve been on a losing streak. Our country has been on a losing streak for some time now, and the only way we''ve been able to win is to trust .......

    I''m sure you''ll agree with me," said Galfis, nodding in agreement.

    And ......

    As his retainers look on, Hercule puts the final touches on his plan.

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.¡¡If we continue like this, we will never be able to repay our fathers!¡¡Are you not ashamed of yourselves?¡¡I''m so ashamed I can''t sleep at night! He is sleeping soundly.

    Hercule speaks of their ancestors and their past glory.

    Yes, it''s the pride of Lemurians. Something that must never be lost.

    Lemuria must be God''s country, the last paradise that will exist on earth until the final judgment.

    It must be a world empire.

    And ......

    I will now show the barbarians the strength of Lemuria and fight to reclaim our land and people.

    The War for Homeland Recovery.

    Now.

    Here.

    I now proclaim: £¡£¡£¡£¡

    "Finally, the former glory of Lemuria and the purpose of this speech. ......

    Karolina listened in amazement.

    Even Karolina, who was not familiar with politics, could understand.

    I''m sure you''ll agree with me.

    "That''s the Emperor. Look at those nobles.

    LUCANOS points to the nobles.

    There''s ......

    "Oh, my God!

    "Long live Lemuria!¡¡Long live the Emperor!

    "Avenge the gods!

    "Our home, our home!

    "Let us show the barbarians the valor of Lemuria!

    There was no sign of the nobles who had been complaining about heavy taxes.

    With this speech, he won the support of all the elven nobles.

    Hercule gained the support of most of the non-Elven nobles.

    Some of the nobles who had joined Hadrian''s faction and most of the nobles who had wavered between Hercule and Hadrian''s faction were now completely in Hercule''s camp.

    Thus, the first sieve succeeded: ......

    Hadrian''s supporters were reduced to a third of the original number.

    Later, Hercule made a similar speech in front of the citizens, and gained the support of the common people as well.

    The first stage of the War of Land Restoration was to take place in the Duchy of Travizos, a small country founded by barbarians in the Lemurian Empire.

    The first stage of the War of Land Restoration was the invasion of the Principality of Travizos, a small country founded by barbarians in the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

 22 Episode 21 Gods Notice

    "f*ck you!¡¡Traitors!

    The former Crown Prince of the Lemurian Empire.

    Hadrian was trembling with rage.

    Originally, he was the official heir to the Lemurian Empire.

    However, he was forced to disinherit a noblewoman for assaulting her out of lust.

    Hadrian still thinks that the person who "seduced" him was at fault.

    Hadrian, who was spoiled by the Empress and his father, Hadrian III, does not have the word "remorse" in his dictionary.

    It''s not my fault, it''s the world.

    "Why?¡¡I''m the one who should be the emperor of the Lemurian Empire!¡¡It''s impossible that such a young man should be the emperor!¡¡And yet...!

    I can''t defend Hadrian''s actions at all, but that doesn''t mean I can''t feel sorry for him.

    In the first place, there is no way that Hadrian, who has been spoiled, can suddenly control himself.

    He had been pampered, lifted up, and loved until now. ......

    He was disinherited for a single mistake, abandoned by his father, and then deprived of the position of the next emperor by his younger brother, who was over thirty years younger than him, a newborn baby at that time.

    Indeed, it is pitiful.

    But the world will not forgive him just because he is pitiful or sympathetic.

    Reality is cruel.

    "Traitors!¡¡You raised me up and then turned on me after only one speech!

    In fact, Hadrian had a group of nobles.

    They were non-Elven nobles.

    They were dissatisfied with the heavy taxation imposed on them by Hercule, and they were lifting Hadrian up as a counterweight to Hercule.

    Of course, most of the nobles did not want Hadrian to become emperor.

    Hercule is better than Hadrian, no matter who you are.

    However, the nobles of the non-Elves traditionally have an inferiority complex towards the nobles of the Elves.

    They were simply trying to counter the nobles of the Long Ears (Elves) who supported Hercule with open arms, and to keep Hadrian from being taxed more heavily.

    It is also true that he had been sweet-talking Hadrian to make him feel better.

    But his speech changed the situation.

    The barbarians are ravaging our ancestral lands, and it is no different for the elven and non-elven nobles.

    Hercule has won the hearts of all the nobles.

    Those who were moved by Hercule''s speech.

    Those who agreed.

    Those who read the atmosphere.

    And ...... the few who were smart enough to understand Hercule''s intentions left Hadrian all together.

    In addition to the speeches, there was another decisive factor that led people to leave Hadrian.

    This was the assassination attempt on Hercule.

    The attempted assassination was not made public, but it was rumored among the nobility.

    The Emperor of Lemuria is a man of absolute power, an agent of God.

    Assassinating such an emperor?

    That was clearly "too much".

    Fearing Hercule''s wrath, the nobles turned away from the dangerous Hadrian.

    As a result, Hadrian was left with only ......

    The only people who stayed with Hadrian were either fools who couldn''t read the situation or Hadrian''s kind who only saw what was convenient. And only the unfortunate aristocrats who were too cozy with Hadrian to back down.

    "Your Majesty. Her Highness the Empress is here to see you.

    A fool who can''t read the situation will inform Hadrian of his mother''s visit.

    Hadrian instructed that he be addressed as ''Your Majesty'' in his own house and in the houses of the noble families of his faction.

    Send him away!¡¡"Send him away!" he said, "You''ll just do what you always do, ''obey Hercule! Right?¡¡Your mother is on his side!¡¡He''s the enemy!!!!

    Hadrian has not yet made his vassalage to Hercule.

    This is a big problem.

    An emperor should have no friends and no brothers.

    The emperor must be unique and absolute, and that is what the Lemurian emperors have been aiming for.

    Therefore, once you become an emperor, you are no longer brothers.

    Only a vassal relationship can exist.

    Hadrian''s refusal to treat Hercule as a vassal was akin to saying, "I do not recognize Hercule as emperor," an attitude that would have earned him execution for treason.

    The only reason Hadrian is still alive is because of the Empress'' plea for his life and Hercule''s concern for publicity.

    However, Hadrian thinks that Hercule is afraid of him.

    People can only believe and see what they want to believe.

    In contrast to Hadrian is Titus, who is Hercule''s half-brother.

    Titus had an audience with Hercule on the day Hercule ascended to the throne, and received him as a vassal.

    That is why Hercule trusts Titus and treats him well.

    Hadrian would have been a little less cautious if he had done the same thing, even if only in form. ......

    This is the first time I''ve seen such a thing.

    The pride that has grown through pampering can no longer be suppressed.

    As evidence, he can no longer even listen to his mother''s advice.

    Hadrian is the only one she truly loves as a son.

    She loves him so much that she begs Hercule to let her live.

    Hadrian doesn''t understand that love.

    And to top it off, the Empress doesn''t love her.

    She loves Hercule and supports and expects him as emperor.

    Hadrian is convinced that she does.

    If Hercule heard that, he''d laugh.

    Do I look like a woman who loves me to you?

    And.

    To put it bluntly, the relationship between Hercule and the Empress has grown very cold.

    There is no love between them.

    And there is no hatred.

    It''s indifference.

    Hercule has never spoken to the Empress Dowager properly, so he only recognizes her as a widow who has lost her husband.

    On the other hand, the Empress Dowager has a chilling fear of Hercule, who is too good for her.

    To put it bluntly, Hercule is not pretty.

    Hadrian is very fortunate in terms of the love of his family.

    He has a mother who can read the situation and persuade him not to give up until the end.

    But Hadrian is oblivious to this.

    He doesn''t see it.

    He doesn''t want to.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. Did you hear what I said?

    "Hear what?

    Hadrian''s cronies tell him.

    "His Highness Hercule is going on an expedition to the Principality of Trabizos.

    "You ...... got carried away just because you happened to win once.

    Hadrian muttered bitterly.

    If you have an army at hand, you can easily defeat a warbeast mercenary.

    If I did, everyone would think that I was worthy of being emperor. ......

    Hadrian was thinking about it.

    Hadrian thought that this would make everyone think that he was worthy of being emperor, though Darios would probably laugh at him if he heard it.

    Hadrian has no chance when he thinks that Darius is "not so good".

    Darius is definitely one of the top ten generals of this century.

    Why didn''t my father give me a crown? ......

    Hadrian rants and raves today.

    He has neither the strength nor the courage to do more than that.

    It was that night.

    There was a girl on top of Hadrian.

    A dark-haired girl in strange clothes.

    "What are you?

    "I''m not As ....... I''m Archangel Gibreel.

    "I''m Archangel Jibril," the girl said with a slight scowl.

    Hadrian asks.

    Hadrian asks, "If you''re an archangel, why don''t you have wings?

    Oh, wings?¡¡Oh, yes, I do. How about that?

    The self-proclaimed Gibreel sprouts a white wing on his back.

    The expression on his face was somehow tense.

    How on earth did the Archangel Gibril ......

    In the Messianic religion, Archangel Jibril is one of the three archangels.

    In Messianism, the Archangel Jibril is one of the three archangels, whose role is to convey the word of God to man.

    So the fact that Jibril came to Hadrian means that ......

    "I give you word from the Lord. Hercule''s expedition to the Principality of Travisos failed. On his way by sea, he will meet a storm and lose all his troops. Gather your troops while you still can. Emperor Hercule is too busy with his next expedition to notice. And when the news reaches him that Hercule has lost all his men, he will raise his flag. You have the Lord''s blessing. You will be emperor. And with you as emperor, the Lemurian Empire will grow even more.

    "Oh, my God!

    Hadrian was astonished.

    Hadrian was astonished. He had not expected a word from the gods.

    He was to be crowned emperor!

    Let''s gather the troops!

    "Yes, that would be a good idea.

    The self-proclaimed Jibreel left Hadrian''s dream after telling him what the Lord had told him.

    I had a strange dream: ...... No matter what, the archangel Jibreel would not come.

    The next day, Hadrian was calmly thinking about the dream he had last night.

    The next day, Hadrian was calmly thinking about his dream.

    But ......

    What if...?

    So Hadrian called his greatest supporter, a great nobleman of the human race, and told him about the dream he had last night.

    Then ......

    "Wasn''t the archangel Jibreel wearing a strange garment?

    "Yes, she was. And he had dark hair.

    ...... I had the same dream.

    Hadrian described the dream to the other nobles in the same way.

    Then all the great nobles had the same dream.

    No doubt!¡¡It was a revelation!

    Hadrian was convinced.

    He was loved by the gods.

    And that he was promised to be emperor.

    And ......

    A month later, word reached Hadrian that Hercule had lost all his men in the expedition against the Duchy of Travisos.

    Hadrian jumped for joy and raised his troops.

    By the way, ......

    I think there is a demon out there that calls itself Jibril, or is it my imagination?

 23 Episode 22 Hadrians Rebellion Part 1

    The Emperor Hercule, a national hero and famous general for the Lemurians, is the subject of many stories, as are his contemporaries, Sasan VIII and Ludwig I.

    In addition to the war stories featuring the Emperor Hercule, there are also war stories featuring the famous generals who served him, such as ...... "The Kuro Panther," Darios Leopard, as his trusted lord.

    Or as a gentle but misogynistic man in the love stories of the women who adorned the Herculean emperor, such as Carolina Galleanos.

    Or as an innovative and progressive patron in stories featuring the artists and scientists supported by the emperor.

    Or as a devout messianist in picture books and stories used by the clergy for preaching.

    And in stories featuring Sasan VIII and Ludwig I, he is a formidable adversary.

    In some stories, a man from the future comes to Emperor Hercule and teaches him knowledge of the future, and in others, Emperor Hercule becomes a woman.

    However, the personality of Emperor Hercule as depicted in such stories has two patterns.

    One is as a good monarch who is kind-hearted, always thinking of his people, pious and devout, and shedding tears over the death of his soldiers.

    The other is a brutal, man-less, godless, means-less, but still glorious tyrant.

    It is true that there are different kinds of Herculean Emperors for different writers.

    However, it is a fact that the view of the Herculean emperor is greatly divided.

    What is about to happen now is a famous historical fact that is completely divided by the way it is portrayed by different writers.

    This is Hadrian''s Rebellion.

    One historian argues as follows.

    Some historians claim that Hadrian''s Rebellion was planned by the emperor Hercule.

    Some historians argue that Hadrian''s Rebellion was planned by the Emperor Hercule.

    Hadrian''s Rebellion was unexpected by Hercule.

    Now ......

    Which is the truth?

    Only one thing can be said.

    But one thing is for sure: Hercule does not leave any ''inconvenient facts'' in history.

    "But I feel sorry for Hadrian. When the Emperor''s army was destroyed, he took a chance and raised his troops, only to find that his army was unharmed.

    A dandy of a man with a mustache said to Hercule with a smile.

    His hair and eyes are brown.

    Long, slender ears protrude from his hair.

    His skin is tanned and brown.

    His hair is tanned and brown, and he wears his hair in a very advanced style.

    The clothes and ornaments he wears show that he is very fashion conscious.

    The man''s name is Edmund Erdemort.

    He is a half-elf of mixed race, a military nobleman.

    And ......

    He is also Hercule''s half-brother.

    He was the son of the previous Emperor Hadrian III with a human concubine.

    This is the origin of Edmund Erdemort.

    Gullfith excels at commanding heavy cavalry (cribanarius).

    Of course, it does not mean that he can only lead heavy cavalry, but he is the best at it.

    Edmond, on the other hand, is an all-rounder and can handle basically any kind of troops.

    However, he is not particularly good at commanding.

    If I had to say one thing, it would be archers.

    During the battle against Darios, Edmond was the only general who could take charge of the defense of the Imperial City, so he had to stay at home.

    This time, Galfis is taking over.

    But this time, Galfis is taking over.

    I don''t know why there is such a difference between you and Titus when you are both my brother.

    "I''m glad you think so, Your Majesty.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    Unlike Edmond, Titus is a High Elf like Hercule.

    Titus is a talented artist, but has no political or military talent.

    That''s why he''ll be a burden to you if you bring him into the war. ......

    If Titus remains in Nova Lemuria, Hadrian may try to kill him.

    That''s why he is staying with Hercule, the safest man in the world.

    Yes, this expedition to the Principality of Trabizos was a trap to catch Hadrian.

    On the way to the Duchy of Travizos, Hadrian met with a storm and his army was destroyed.

    By secretly informing Hadrian that the army was destroyed in a storm during the expedition, Hadrian and the nobles of his supporting faction would revolt and be suppressed, thereby wiping out the opposing forces.

    This is the plan that Hercule has come up with this time.

    Rather than purging them slowly, defeat them once in a war, bring them to their knees, and teach them that they are no match for us.

    And then purge them at the roots.

    That would eventually stabilize the political situation.

    That is what Hercule decided.

    Rebellion is bound to happen someday.

    Then let it happen sooner rather than later.

    "But, Your Majesty. Are you really so stupid as to fall for ...... Hadrian?

    It''s not as easy as it sounds, though, is it?

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you have.

    Hercule thought back to the beautiful demon with black hair and kimono.

    Thanks to Asmodeus'' deception, the first stage was a great success.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I see you!¡¡It''s Nova Lemuria!

    Christos shouts.

    Up until now, Hercule and the others have been at sea.

    They turned back when Hadrian fell for their false information and claimed to be the emperor.

    Now, all we have to do is fight Hadrian and win.

    My arms are ringing. Finally, it''s your turn.

    Edmond laughed in amusement.

    Meanwhile, Hadrian and his merry men looked downcast.

    No wonder.

    As the gods had said, everything was going to be all right.

    So, as soon as I raised my troops, Hercule came back.

    How many men have you gathered?

    "Eighteen hundred infantry. "About eighteen hundred infantry, two hundred crossbowmen. 200 cavalry. We''ve got 800 cavalry reinforcements from the Kingdom of Vulgaron. Total, three hundred.

    "...... Hmm.

    Hadrian thinks.

    The standing army that Hercule has is about 200 infantry, 100 cavalry, and 100 archers, for a total of about 400.

    And there is no time for Hercule to gather mercenaries or conscript commoners as soldiers.

    Given that, ......

    We have a chance!¡¡We have no choice but to win!

    Hadrian was on fire.

    Hadrian was on fire. His opponent outnumbered him.

    If Hadrian defeated Hercule, Hadrian would be recognized as a great general who overcame the difference in numbers.

    If Hadrian wins against Hercule, he will be recognized as a great general who overcame the odds.

    That''s what I thought.

    In the first place, wars are usually waged when you have a numerical and qualitative advantage over your opponent, and when your enemy has an advantage over you, you have lost the war strategically. ......

    Hadrian is unaware of this.

    It is true that Hercule had fewer men than Darius when he defeated him. ......

    But he was always in control of the war.

    He was able to win the war because he made up for the difference in strength.

    In this case, Hercule was in control of the war from the beginning.

    Hadrian was forced to revolt.

    It is obvious that Hadrian had no military talent.

    But no one has pointed this out.

    Now that many nobles have abandoned Hadrian, the only nobles who follow Hadrian are either fools who cannot read the situation or those who can no longer back down.

    After all, let''s have a quick battle on the plains to decide the outcome.

    "Wait!

    Hadrian''s decision was delayed.

    It was a dark-skinned man who raised his voice.

    Large body.

    Dark skin.

    Wiry hair.

    Misrule, a province in the south of the Lemurian Empire.

    An indigenous nobleman who has established his power in the southernmost part of Misrule.

    The second son of a branch of the house of Almon.

    Oskar Almon.

    The Almon family had a vast land in the southern part of the province of Misrule since ancient times and had great economic power. ......

    They have often been at odds with the elven nobility.

    The Elves are jealous of the huge wealth of the Armon family, and the Armon family has been jealous of the blood of the Elves.

    The current head of House Armon was not very smart and got into a muddy boat.

    And unfortunately, the second son of the branch family, Oscar Almon, was also forced to join him.

    What?¡¡A nobleman of no name, who is neither the head of the main family, nor the head of the branch family, nor the heir, has made an opinion to me. Depending on what you say, I''ll slash you. Are you prepared for that?

    Yes, I am. Yes. ...... I think it would be best to avoid a meeting on the plains. The Emperor''s army is outnumbered. And the enemy''s heavy cavalry is dangerous. Above all, our army is made up of poor quality mercenaries. So, ......

    "You want me to stay in the fort and fight?¡¡You want me to stay indoors and fight!¡¡You think I''m a coward for fighting like that?

    I''m sorry, .......

    This is no good.

    Oskar sighed inwardly.

    Fortunately, he was not angry enough to take it out on him. ...... No, he was not ready to take it out on him. Hadrian forgave Oscar and forbade him to speak to him again.

    Thus, Hadrian foolishly went to war against Hercule on the plain.

    The armies of Hercule and Hadrian faced each other at a distance of about three days from the imperial city of Nova Lemuria.

    Hercule had almost his entire army.

    Two infantry legions: 920.

    One cavalry corps: 960.

    One archer corps 960.

    Total: 384,000.

    Hadrian, on the other hand, had eighteen hundred infantry mercenaries, two hundred crossbow troops, and eight hundred reinforcements from the Bulgars.

    And, to a lesser extent, 200 of his own cavalry.

    Three hundred in total.

    Hercule has the advantage in numbers.

    "30000......, you''ve got quite a lineup. The enemy?

    No, it''s not like that. They''re imperial nobles, after all.

    While Darios was surprised by the number of enemies, Hercule remained calm.

    To begin with, the Emperor is not the only one with an army in the Lemurian Empire.

    The nobles also have a certain number of private soldiers.

    The security in this world is much worse than in Japan.

    There is no police force that specializes in maintaining security, and it is the knights and other soldiers who catch the criminals.

    The military''s primary role is to fight foreign enemies, not to arrest criminals.

    Banditry and the like are quickly eliminated ...... but their existence cannot be eradicated.

    Therefore, people with a certain amount of wealth will take up arms for self-defense.

    This goes without saying for the aristocracy as well.

    The aristocracy has a certain number of mercenaries for self-defense.

    Also, unlike mercenaries who do not have a power base like Darios, nobles have established themselves throughout the empire since ancient times.

    Houses and their vassals.

    A vassal of a branch family and a vassal of a branch family.

    Vassals of branch families.

    Vassals of vassals and vassals of vassals. ......

    It is not very difficult to prepare a certain amount of troops by combining these forces.

    This is why the nobility is so troublesome.

    They have the power of blood, a power that has been passed down from generation to generation.

    Bloodline is power.

    It is a certain power that a person possesses that is as valuable as talent, hard work, connections, wealth, and education.

    To deny that bloodline is not a power is as foolish and blind to reality as to deny that God-given talent is not a power.

    And Hercule is one of the people who have benefited the most from his bloodline in this world.

    And Hercule is one of the most benefited people in this world by bloodline. "Well, bloodline is just red water if it rots. ...... Well, they don''t deserve the noble blue blood. Let''s just dump it on the ground and give it back to the gods right here and now.

    What?

    Hercule said, looking back at his vassals.

    Galfis, Edmond, Darios, and Karolina smiled in reply.

    So, gentlemen ......, let''s start by getting rid of those pesky cavalry.

 24 Episode 23 Hadrians Rebellion Part 2

    First, let''s calmly compare the differences between Hercule''s army and Hadrian''s army.

    The major difference is in numbers.

    Hercule has the advantage in numbers.

    However, the difference in numbers is not more than twice as great, and can be easily overcome by generals, luck, weather, and terrain.

    Then there are the differences in the divisions.

    First, the Projectile Weapons Division.

    Hercule''s army has 960 longbows.

    Hadrian''s army has 200 crossbows.

    The Herculean army is far superior in numbers.

    If we take into account the difference in rapid fire, the Herculean army has a far greater advantage in projectile weapons.

    Next is the infantry.

    The Herculean force is a mixture of 19200 Pike and Halberd units.

    Hadrian''s army was 2000, with different weapons for different men, and no uniformity.

    The former were inferior in number, but the difference was not so great that it could be considered within the margin of error.

    In addition, considering the performance of the weapons, uniformity, and the skill and morale of each soldier, the former is still superior.

    Lastly, cavalry units.

    Hercule''s army consisted of 960 heavy cavalry (cribanarius).

    Hadrian''s army consisted of 800 light cavalry from the nomadic Bulgarians and 200 of his own cavalry, for a total of 10,000.

    The difference in numbers is also an error.

    It''s hard to say about their skill level. ......

    First of all, the heavy cavalry of Hercule''s army (Cribanarius) is undoubtedly elite, and it is no exaggeration to say that they are the strongest heavy cavalry on the continent.

    However, the light cavalry of Hadrian''s army, the nomadic Bulgarians, are also elite.

    After all, they are born cavalrymen.

    And the power of their shooting is immense.

    It doesn''t matter if you don''t count the 200 that Hadrian prepared for himself.

    They were just a bunch of horsemen who were rich enough to have horses.

    As you can see, ......

    The battle was decided by the cavalry on both wings.

    It is the only way Hadrian can win, and the only way Hercule can lose is with cavalry.

    And if one of them wins the cavalry battle, ......

    And if either side wins the cavalry battle, they can flank the other infantry.

    That way, victory or defeat is decided.

    So Hercule made the first move.

    That is, eliminate the enemy cavalry.

    To be more specific, it was the ...... takeover of the Bulgars.

    Hercule''s army and Hadrian''s army faced each other and did not move for three days.

    This was because Hercule''s army had built a strong position and remained holed up without being provoked by Hadrian''s army.

    Hercule had no intention of taking Hadrian''s cheap provocation.

    Not until the negotiations in front of him were over.

    "Young general of the Bulgars. Thank you for coming.

    Hercule spoke in Bulgarian to the young man in front of him, though he was older than Hercule.

    The young man''s eyes widened in surprise, not expecting the Lemurian emperor to be able to speak Bulgarian.

    Hercule had invited one of his generals, the leader of the Bulgarian cavalry, into the camp.

    He sent a messenger to him secretly and asked to speak with him, to which the general responded.

    The fact that the other party agreed to the ...... discussion means that the other party does not have anything at all to discuss with Hercule.

    The game is almost decided when you get your opponent to the table.

    "Well, well, well, thank you very much for your time. ...... Where did you learn to speak Bulgarian?

    "It''s rare, but if you look for one, you can find a tutor. It is only natural for an emperor to learn the language of his friend and ally, the Bulgarians.

    Hercule says with an emphasis on certain words.

    That''s where the Bulgarons cry.

    In fact, the general is trying to keep his composure. ......

    The general is trying to keep his composure, but there is a hint of impatience in his eyes.

    The treaty between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgaron can be summarized in four parts.

    The two sides are non-aggressive and non-plundering.

    Trade.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon will send reinforcements at the request of the Lemurian Emperor.

    The Lemurian Empire will pay a certain amount of tribute to the Kingdom of Bulgalon every year.

    The Lemurian Empire pays a certain amount of tribute to the Kingdom of Bulgalon every year. With this treaty, the two countries have established a friendly relationship.

    At first glance, it may seem that the Lemurian Empire is buying peace for the Kingdom of Bulgalon with money and gaining temporary peace. ......

    But things are not that simple.

    The most important aspect of this treaty is trade.

    The nomads cannot live without the farmers.

    Obviously, sheep meat and horse milk are not nutritious enough.

    The grain and other necessities of life produced by farmers are essential for nomads.

    And the only way to obtain them is through trade.

    Of course, they can also get them by looting. ...... But looting is limited and risky.

    Besides, if you loot, you''ll be fighting the Lemurian Empire.

    The Bulgurons are strong.

    They can fight a hundred battles and win 99 times.

    But if they are defeated one last time, the hundredth time, the Bulgaron Kingdom will be defeated.

    The Lemurian Empire, on the other hand, is weak.

    It can fight a hundred times and lose ninety-nine times.

    But if they win the last one, the Lemurian Empire wins.

    The Bulgarons, with a population of less than two million, and the Lemurian Empire, with a population of over ten million.

    The difference in national power was obvious.

    And above all, Hercule is strong.

    The fact that they defeated Darios proves that more than anything else.

    The Bulgurons don''t want to fight Hercule.

    So why did they respond to Hadrian?

    This is easy.

    Hadrian wasn''t the only dumbass in the Bulgarians.

    The Bulgurons know that Hercule is trying to recover their land through war.

    The Bulgurons would like to see Hercule go.

    Besides, if they could put Hadrian on the throne with their own hands, the future trade would go well.

    That''s what I thought, and that''s why I took the bait.

    Another reason for the deception was that Hadrian was so confident.

    "General, I''m going to dismiss this matter.

    "...... No questions asked?

    Yeah. We''re friends. Just a few unfortunate misunderstandings, is all, no?

    Hercule smiled at the Bulgarian general.

    "So, ......

    The pact that has been made between us must continue to be maintained. The pact that has been made between us must remain intact. ...... Please leave as soon as possible.

    "Thank you, ......, for your kindness.

    It''s a generous and unilateral concession, a normal thing for a Lemurian emperor.

    The general looked bitter.

    I owe Hercule a great debt for this incident.

    Thus, Hercule had eliminated 800 cavalrymen from the battlefield without losing a single soldier.

    Victory or defeat was almost decided.

    And ...... this is an aside: ......

    Later, the general would regret it for the rest of his life.

    He would regret for the rest of his life that he should have taken the risk to fight and defeat Hercule.

    In the not-too-distant future, the brutal emperor known as the "Bulgarian Killer" will be ......

    I told you, you can''t trust them!¡¡Those barbarians!¡¡They''ve all betrayed me!¡¡Why, why, why? !

    Hadrian shouted.

    Hadrian cried out, but there was nothing he could do as the Bulgurons had already realized the disadvantage and fled.

    And ......

    Hercule awaits.

    The Herculeans, no longer needing to flee, are leaving their position and assembling a formation.

    Even if the odds are against him, he has no choice but to go for it. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be fine. "Don''t worry. "Don''t worry. Don''t worry, you''ll win.

    At this point, Hadrian finally realizes that he''s trapped, and shakily prays to God.

    The only thing he doesn''t know is that it''s not God or an angel who appears to Hadrian, but a demon. ......

    It was his good fortune not to know that.

    On the other hand, there was another man who had made up his mind.

    "...... is why I said it. You shouldn''t defy the Emperor. ......

    A dark-skinned man named Oskar Almon.

    Oskar knew what he was doing.

    He knew Hercule was going to win.

    And he knew what Hercule wanted.

    That if he succeeded, many people would die, including himself.

    Oskar knew.

    That''s why Oskar said ......

    I have to move to save my life and the lives of my men, somehow.

    Not a battle to win, but a battle not to lose.

    Oskar has chosen.

    Oskar doesn''t know.

    This decision would change his fate forever.

 25 Episode 24 Hadrians Rebellion Part 3

    The Lemurian Imperial Army (Hercule) and the Rebel Army (Hadrian) are shown below.

    First diagram

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    ...... Pike Unit

    ...... Halberd Force

    ...... longbow troops

    ¡ø...... Heavy Cavalry (Clibanarius)

    ...... infantry troops

    ¡î...... crossbow troop

    ...... cavalry troop

    Kuro is Hercule, white is Hadrian.

    Battalion (about 100-1200 men) per figure

    There is an error.

    The Lemurian army led by Hercule has four battalions of cavalry on each wing.

    In the center is a corps of infantry.

    One infantry corps in the center, and a longbow corps in the forefront.

    The rebels, on the other hand, had one hundred cavalry on each wing.

    2,000 infantry in the center.

    And crossbow troops in the front line.

    "All troops, advance!¡¡Destroy the rebel army!

    "The gods are with me. Defeat the false emperor!

    With the orders of both Hercule and Hadrian, the two armies began to move.

    The first to move were the cavalry on both wings and the projectile-armed troops in the center.

    Figure 2

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    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    The charge of the heavy cavalry is powerful, but to unleash such a powerful blow, they must accelerate a certain distance.

    However, if you accelerate from too far away, the horse will get tired and the power will decrease.

    Cavalry charge is not a simple tactic of just charging.

    It is an ...... advanced tactic that requires careful adjustment of distance.

    And ......

    Charge!

    The speed of the enemy cavalry, their own speed, and the distance.

    The speed of the enemy cavalry, their own speed, and the distance between them. Calculations and years of intuition led Galfis to the most appropriate distance, and he quickly increased his speed.

    "Blessing of the wind!

    At Galfis''s command, the elves all summoned the wind spirits they had contracted with.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    They can only control a gentle breeze.

    But if about 500 elves can control the wind at the same time, ......

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    With the wind at their backs, the heavy cavalry (clivanarius) accelerate rapidly.

    On the other hand, the enemy cavalry misjudged the timing of the speed increase and did not accelerate fast enough.

    Galfis''s heavy cavalry crashes into the insufficiently powerful cavalry, whose acceleration is at its peak.

    Amon!

    Galfis summoned his contracted spirits and scattered the flames.

    The enemy cavalrymen who are touched by the flames of Amon, the highest spirit, are instantly turned into charcoal.

    Several cavalrymen challenge Galfis at the same time, but they are all kicked away and returned fire.

    In the blink of an eye, the enemy cavalrymen turn their backs and flee.

    Galfis and his men chase after it.

    Eliminate the enemy cavalry completely from the battlefield.

    That was the order given to Galfis and his men.

    Meanwhile, Edmond was leading the left flank cavalry of the Lemurian army.

    And beside him was Karolina.

    It''s nice to meet you.

    "Yes, it''s nice to meet you too. I''m glad to be able to fight alongside you, an excellent knight who has signed a contract with Eligos, one of the highest ranking spirits at a young age. ...... But General Galfis is tough.

    Galfis acts like a strict father at home.

    Therefore, he wanted to keep Karolina away from him as much as possible to fight.

    When Galfis is around, Karolina relies on him as a father, and he tends to be lenient as a daughter.

    This would not be good for Karolina.

    That''s what I''m saying.

    However, if something were to happen to Karolina, Edmond would not be safe.

    I''m not as good as General Galfis at assault," he said. I''m not as good at assaulting as General Galfis. ...... But I''ve learned a thing or two.

    "Yes, I will learn!

    Edmond smiles at Carolina''s earnest reply.

    They are really like each other.

    Not only do our parents and siblings not look like each other, but we don''t even get along this well. ......

    "Oh, that''s not important now. Let''s ...... go!

    Edmond ran off at once.

    Galfis would have charged straight at him, but ......

    "Karolina, you''re going to stick to the plan, right?

    "Yes, sir.

    He left a third of his troops in Carolina''s hands and split the squad in two.

    And ......

    Charge!

    Charge!

    Edmond and Karolina both increased their speed at once.

    It wasn''t as perfect a charge as Galfis'', ...... but it was still good enough to get a perfect score.

    The two armies collide with the wind spirits'' tailwind. ......

    Just before.

    Karolina slipped diagonally and intercepted the enemy''s assault.

    The only thing that collided with the enemy was the main army led by Edmond.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... Andromarius!

    One of the seventy-two pillars.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    Andromalius'' ability is to steal.

    In other words, ......

    Andromalius'' ability is to steal.¡¡Where''s my sword? ......

    My helmet''s gone!

    Where''s my armor? Where''s my armor?

    My pants!

    Andromalius''s ability is to randomly steal things from about three hundred people.

    Usually, weapons and armor are stolen first, but ......

    In rare cases, he will steal trivial things.

    But it''s trivial.

    "Wait, wait, wait!¡¡Now the sword!

    Who''s going to wait?

    Edmond slays the enemy who is fumbling for his sword.

    Edmond''s men are also cutting down the enemy at a steady pace.

    The enemy cavalry''s movements come to a complete halt.

    Then, ......

    "Eligos!

    Carolina, who has flanked the enemy cavalry, bites through the enemy''s flank.

    Unable to withstand this, the enemy scattered and fled.

    He''s gone, we''re going after him!

    Yes!

    While the cavalry on both flanks were clashing, the infantry in the center began to move.

    The first to collide were the Lemurian longbow troops and the rebel crossbow troops.

    The Lemurian army''s longbow troops are strong, Your Majesty.

    The Lemurian longbow troops are strong, Your Majesty. In addition, because of the wind, they are more powerful, more accurate, and have a longer range than ordinary archers. ...... Well, we won the shootout.

    While Hercule and Darius are talking, the Lemurian longbow troops are destroying the rebel crossbow troops.

    Then, the rebels started to move their infantry forward.

    When Hercule saw this, he ordered the longbow troops to fall back. ......

    "Darios, take the right side as planned. Do you know what you''re doing?

    "Yes, sir, I do.

    Hercule and Darios moved their troops according to their predetermined roles.

    Move the longbows to the sides and behind the infantry.

    The halberd troops are deployed from above and below to the left and right, and the pike troops are sent forward.

    The Lemurian pike troops and the rebel infantry clash.

    The ill-equipped and uncoordinated Rebel infantry is unable to push past the Pike unit.

    "Don''t push yet.

    "Conserve your strength. Tell your commanders to refrain from advancing.

    Hercule and Darios order the Pike troops to stay on the defensive.

    Meanwhile, the longbow troops continue to fire arrows from afar, exhausting the rebel infantry.

    And ......

    Hercule and Darios slowly bring the halberd units around the rebel flank.

    Unlike Pike''s troops, this is a move that can only be made by the highly mobile and well-trained halberd troops.

    Figure 3

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    Then, as if to fill the hole made by the halberd troops, the thickly lined pike troops were untied, stretched out to the left and right, thin and deployed.

    Figure 4

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    The insurgents found themselves surrounded on the flanks.

    The rebels were gradually being pushed into the center.

    Just at that time, Galfis and Edmond succeeded in destroying the cavalry on both flanks.

    And ......

    The fifth figure

    ¨‹¨‹¨‹¨‹¨‹¨‹¨‹¨‹¡ñ

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    The winner is decided.

 26 Episode 25 Hadrians Rebellion Part 4

    "Behold, Darios. This is the art of war. Oh ...... beautiful ......

    (I didn''t think I''d actually be able to recreate it so perfectly, did you?

    Darios looks at Hercule in amazement.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    One might think that with such a huge difference in strength, this is natural.

    One might think that with such a disparity in strength, this was natural.

    But Darios asserted.

    It is impossible for an ordinary man.

    In the first place, it was Hercule''s diplomatic negotiations that eliminated this disparity of forces ......, especially the enemy''s elite Bulgarian cavalry.

    He did not lose a single soldier, he did not pay any money, and he successfully eliminated the enemy''s cavalry after selling them a favor.

    His diplomacy and negotiation skills alone are worthy of special mention.

    And ......

    Let''s not forget that it was the soldiers raised by Hercule, and the generals chosen and appointed by him, who accomplished the siege this time.

    First of all, it would have been difficult for the military system of the Lemurian army to take on mercenaries until now.

    He gave up on mercenaries and replaced them with a standing army.

    What is more important is the weaponry.

    If the Lemurian army had been equipped entirely with pikes, they would not have been able to flank so flexibly.

    And if they were all halberds, it is doubtful that they would have been able to take on the enemy in front.

    Proper weapons, a strong standing army.

    Those are the prerequisites for victory.

    But this alone is not enough to create such a beautiful siege.

    The final piece is ......

    Darios.

    Hercule alone could not control an army of 20,000 men and lead it in such a complex manner.

    It was only by leaving half of the work to Darios that he succeeded in the siege.

    And ......

    It was definitely Hercule who welcomed Darios into the Lemurian army, a former enemy, a hated enemy who had brought shame to his own father.

    This victory was the culmination of all that Hercule had built up so far.

    It was the culmination of his efforts.

    Darios was well aware of this.

    The old warlord who had devised the winning tactic of siege tactics long ago.

    A legendary general who had crossed the great mountains, invaded the peninsula and nearly hunted down Lemuria.

    There are many who have tried to imitate him and were defeated in vain.

    This is because they did not understand the essence of siege tactics.

    In order to succeed, there are three factors that must be met: the quality of the troops, a good commander, and the difference in the strength of the cavalry.

    All three elements had to be satisfied.

    Hercule was well aware of this.

    That is why he improved the quality of his troops, prepared excellent commanders, and created a cavalry strength gap through diplomatic negotiations.

    And most frightening of all, ......

    (Fifteen years old, at the age of fifteen, what kind of monster will ...... he become when he grows up?

    The average lifespan of an Elf is two hundred years.

    The average lifespan of an Elf is two hundred years, which means that Hercule has 185 years of experience left.

    (I''m looking forward to it. ...... I''m really looking forward to it.)

    Darios smiles.

    I wonder how much my master, this young man, will grow. How much more will he accomplish?

    I''ll be watching.

    "Your Majesty.

    Hmm? What is it, Darios?

    "What is it, Darios?" said Darios to the overjoyed and excited Hercule.

    "I''m looking forward to working with you. My Lord.

    Darios smiled at Hercule''s confused expression.

    At this moment, Darios swore true allegiance to Hercule.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. Your Majesty, we must be on our guard.

    I know what I''m doing. I know, I know. ...... But a siege is a lot harder than you think, even after the siege. It''s like an overstretched leather bag filled to the brim with water.

    Because a siege must enclose all sides, the formation will inevitably become thin.

    If the soldiers on the inside were to unite and push in the same direction at the same time, ......

    It would be possible to break through.

    But only if they are united.

    Surrounded on the sides and back, they are in a complete frenzy and cannot unite.

    In a state of mass hysteria, they have lost the ability to think clearly. ......

    In a state of mass hysteria, when they lose their ability to think calmly, they will not go to the outside where the Lemurian army is trying to kill them, but to the inside where they can escape more easily.

    And even if some of them realize that this is a foolish thing to do, they can''t go against the flow of people that has already been established.

    If you try to do so, you will only end up fighting each other.

    Once the siege is complete, the difference in military strength is a minor issue.

    A siege is a tactic that surrounds the enemy and turns all enemy soldiers other than those in contact with the enemy into idle soldiers.

    When the siege is completed, 90% of the soldiers surrounded are as good as dead. ......

    The insurgents are no longer an army, they are just a bunch of people.

    I''m sure there''s no general who can keep his troops together when they''re trapped like that and the arrows of the longbow troops are raining down on them from above.

    I guess so. Well, you can''t let your guard down, but you can at least relax ......, right?¡¡Our victory is unassailable.

    At this time, Hercule and Darios were distracted.

    Yes, they were completely out of their minds.

    Let''s win this thing and put our heads together.

    I guess that''s the word for both of us at this moment.

    Of course, it is true that the winner is decided.

    No matter what happens after this, the winner will remain unchanged.

    But ......

    You can criticize the art of war (siege and annihilation) that Hercule has created.

    I will defend a few things.

    First, the encirclement that Hercule created is perfect.

    Not even a rat can escape.

    And then there''s the rain of arrows from the longbows.

    One man, ten arrows a minute.

    That''s 960 men per legion.

    In other words, 960 arrows are raining down per minute.

    There is almost no one who can hold the troops together under these circumstances.

    And ......

    How many people in the history of the world would be able to charge at the slightest fluctuation in the formation and get out?

    It requires a talent for leading troops, a tactical eye for the slightest opportunity, and ......

    You will need absolute luck.

    Even Hercule and Darius would not be able to escape without luck.

    But at this time, ......

    I was in the middle of a siege.

    A young man with a talent for leading troops and a tactical eye for the slightest opportunity.

    And ......

    He had it.

    Less than a thousandth of a percent of luck.

    "Now!¡¡Charge!¡¡We''re going home alive!

    The young man, Oscar Almon, shouted.

    The young man, Oscar Almon, shouts, leading the few remaining soldiers of his own.

    And with a flicker of a second, he charges toward the gap in the encirclement.

    And God was on his side.

    Only thirty men, including Oskar Armon, succeeded in escaping the siege of Hercule.

    "...... Darios, what do you think?¡¡Can you make it out?

    "With any luck. Well, maybe once in a hundred times.

    Well, by the way, I think I can make it one out of ten times.

    Hercule and Darios were astonished.

    To their surprise, some of the enemy soldiers had escaped from the encirclement.

    It was only thirty men. ......

    But they had made it.

    "Well, it doesn''t affect the war situation. If anything, it''s just a blemish on my art.

    "Hahaha ...... well, the great tactician also let the Lemurian army escape a few times ......, didn''t he?

    Darius was trying to comfort Hercule when he ......

    I notice.

    He noticed that Hercule had a very happy smile on his face.

    It''s like a child who finds a beautiful stone on the beach.

    "Darios, rejoice! It looks like we can finally add another standing army to our ranks.

    Lemurian Army

    Infantry, casualties: about 100. ¡¡Remaining: approximately 182,000.

    Cavalry: Dead: approx. 200. ¡¡¡¡¡¡Remaining: approx. 940,000.

    Longbow troops: Dead: approx. 100. ¡¡¡¡Remaining: approx. 950.

    Total: Dead: approx. 130; Remaining: approx. 371,000.

    Insurgents

    Infantry mercenaries: Dead: Approx. 130. ¡¡Surrendered: approx. 200. ¡¡¡¡Fleeing: approx. 30. ¡¡Remaining 0.

    Crossbow troops: Dead: approx. 100. ¡¡¡¡¡¡Surrendered: 500. ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Escaped: 500. ¡¡Remaining 0.

    Bulgarson''s cavalry, retreat 800. ¡¡Remaining 0.

    Noble cavalry dead 700. ¡¡¡¡Surrendered 130.

    Total surviving 0.

    Result

    Complete victory for the Lemurian army.

 27 Episode 26 Hadrians Rebellion Part 5

    Due to Hercule''s siege tactics, most of the nobles who were in charge of the front line were killed.

    Those who left the command to mercenaries and nobles who only provided funds survived, but were soon captured by Hercule.

    Hadrian attempted to defect to the Bulgarian kingdom, but was captured by the Bulgarians and returned to Hercule with a gift.

    And ......

    The trial will take place.

    ...... Now, let me ask you straight out. Why are you planning to rebel?

    Well, that''s ......

    Calling the nobles in the senate one by one, Hercule asks: "Why did you plan to rebel?

    The nobles answer, while being exposed to the senators.

    "Or, to save you from a wicked vassal. ......

    "I see. So, when did Hadrian call himself emperor?

    The nobleman is at a loss for words.

    The nobleman tries desperately to turn his head and somehow evade the question.

    Hercule sees this, smirks and says.

    "You were fooled, weren''t you?

    "Fooled?

    "By a nobleman who has more land and more power than you.

    Then the nobleman realizes.

    What does Hercule want?

    "Yes, yes!¡¡I''ve been deceived!

    Who? Give me a name.

    The traitor who deceived me is .......

    The nobleman flippantly blames his crimes on the nobleman who had more power than him.

    The senators look at him with disdain.

    "Treason would normally be punishable by death, and your house would be torn down. But your family has served House Julianos for generations. It would be a pity to ignore your achievements and condemn you to death, destroy your house, confiscate your property, and leave your family and vassals in the lurch.

    Hercule said deliberately: ......

    "You, my lord, shall be imprisoned for thirty years. Women and vassals shall not be questioned. You will also be fined .......

    Hercule tells us the punishment in a simple manner.

    It was a ...... lenient punishment for plotting a rebellion.

    That is all.

    "Yes ......, thank you for your lenient treatment. Your Majesty. I''ll never forget this.

    "Yes, yes, there will be another trial.

    Well, in three years, you won''t owe me anything.

    Hercule thought to himself as he led the nobleman away.

    "Now, next. You can go to .......

    After that, Hercule asked the small and medium nobles, "You were tricked, weren''t you? Then he asks the small and medium nobles, "Were you deceived?" and after eliciting their testimony that they were deceived by the large nobles, he sentences them to light sentences.

    Why are they doing this?

    There are several reasons for this.

    First of all.

    We can''t kill too many nobles.

    Crushing all the noble families that rebelled this time will not diminish the power of the nobles.

    Another noble family will simply fill the power vacuum.

    In fact, there is a possibility that a new great noble family will be born to fill the power vacuum.

    Besides, it is mainly the non-Elven nobles who have revolted this time.

    Of course, only a small percentage of them revolted. ......

    But if we impose severe punishment on them, the power of the non-Elven nobles will decline and the power of the Elven nobles will grow.

    Hercule is not a supremacist of the Elves.

    If we clamp down on the non-Elves too much, we may create a new fire.

    That is why it was necessary to reassure the non-Elves to some extent.

    The second reason.

    Small nobles are no threat to us.

    The small and medium nobles who spent a lot of their own money in this war will fall even if they are left alone.

    A fine alone would be more than enough to reduce their power.

    That''s why Hercule only allowed a certain amount of fines and imprisonment.

    And the third reason.

    It is at ......

    And now, .......

    The man who was called was one or two of the greatest nobles of Hadrian''s school.

    He was a great aristocrat with a great deal of power, financial strength, and influence in central politics, even among the non-chieftain (elf) nobility.

    Even Hercule was a powerful nobleman that could not be ignored.

    For some reason, the great nobleman was imposing.

    And rightly so.

    He thought the worst that could happen was that he would not be executed.

    His house would not be destroyed.

    At best, he''d be fined a lot of money and imprisoned for ten years.

    Why does he think that way?

    It''s simple.

    Because he knows that Hercule has received pleas for his life from many nobles.

    Even if the nobles of Hercule''s faction are related, in debt, or in some other way indebted to this great noble, there are many of them.

    If Hercule takes care of the nobles of his own faction, ......

    I have no choice but to take the most lenient measures.

    That''s why I''m so confident.

    The Grand Lords slowly try to defend themselves.

    "I am ......

    "You are hereby disenfranchised. That is all.

    Hercule interrupted him and said simply.

    What?

    The great nobleman''s face flushed with astonishment, ...... and his face turned pale.

    Disenfranchisement.

    It was a heavier punishment than the death penalty in the Lemurian Empire.

    The death penalty for noblemen was beheading, and in principle the honor of the nobleman was protected.

    As a nobleman, you are executed.

    However, disenfranchisement is different.

    A person sentenced to disenfranchisement will be stripped of all legal rights and property in the Empire.

    And of course, their status and honor.

    What good is it if no life is taken?

    It''s naive to think that.

    If it is a normal death penalty, even if you are on death row, your legal rights, honor, and status are guaranteed, and you can be beheaded with little pain.

    But for the living dead whose rights have been revoked, ......

    Needless to say.

    What is more horrible is ......

    What is even more frightening is that the bodies of those killed by disenfranchisement are burned.

    This is difficult to understand for Japanese people, who are generally cremated. ......

    In Messianic religions, those whose bodies are burned will not go to heaven, but will go to purgatory.

    Dying is horrible.

    But to have your body burned is more horrible than dying.

    "Oh, wait!¡¡I''m .......

    "Hey, get this trash out of here. The next one awaits.

    On Hercule''s orders, the guards pick off the grand nobleman.

    It was a far cry from the way they treated the nobility, ...... like throwing a dirty vermin carcass out the window.

    Yes, Hercule''s target was the great nobility from the beginning.

    If he had simply tried them, he would not have been able to bring them to justice.

    However, by covering the crimes of the small and medium nobles, he made it so that no one could complain about the severe punishment.

    In addition, the nobles who had betrayed their friends would not be able to ......

    In addition, the nobles who had betrayed their friends would not be able to form a clique again.

    One of the purposes is to make the nobles suspicious.

    Hercule judged the great nobles without hesitation.

    The lesser ones are confiscated and thrown in jail.

    The heaviest will be beheaded.

    The heaviest were beheaded, and the most serious were stripped of their rights.

    Thus, a total of 20 great nobles disappeared from the Lemurian Empire.

    And the last one left is ......

    "So, my brother. No, Hadrian the Traitor. Is there anything you can tell me?

    Hercule questioned Hadrian, the last of the suspects.

    "Excuse me?

    Hadrian asks Hercule with a blue face.

    "Yeah, like ...... someone cheated on you.

    In fact, Hercule did not really intend to kill Hadrian.

    In fact, Hercule did not intend to kill Hadrian, because he did not feel the need to do so.

    Hadrian himself had no great power.

    He purged all the large nobles.

    The small and medium nobles were too suspicious to form a party, and even if they did, how powerful would they be?

    We can spare their lives and imprison them somewhere and let them go.

    Erk¨¹l thought to himself.

    They were blood brothers, after all.

    Killing him would be too unseemly.

    But he couldn''t just let him go for free.

    Hercule had a reputation to uphold.

    The minimum requirement is ......

    Vassalage and absolute obedience to Hercule.

    And you must admit your mistake.

    And to pin the blame on the high lords.

    These are the three.

    "I''m ....... I''m .......

    Hadrian mumbled and then said to Hercule.

    "Your Majesty. It was all my fault,...... but please spare my life,......

    "A wise decision.

    Hercule smiled and sentenced him to life in prison.

    And in his mind he thought.

    "Your Highness, as promised, I have made every concession and effort possible.

    And.

 28 Episode 27 Oscar Armon #

    "Well, Mr. Oscar Almon, ...... do you know why I called you?

    "Well, um, ......, I''m sorry. Please, can you tell me?

    Later, Hercule summoned Oscar Almon.

    Oscar Armon was the second son of a branch of the Armon family.

    The House of Armon was one of the great noble families that Hercule had targeted, and the head of the family had been imprisoned and had most of his lands confiscated.

    The head of the family was imprisoned and most of his lands were confiscated, but the branch families obeyed the head family.

    Hercule knew that if the original family participated in the rebellion, the branch families would have to participate as well, so the branch families of noble families that participated in the rebellion were punished relatively lightly.

    This was also the case with the branch of the Armon family, and although they were not blameless, they were able to avoid being crushed, having all their property confiscated, or being sentenced to death.

    But how could the emperor himself be summoned?

    Why was he summoned and not his brothers? ......

    Oskar thought about it, but he actually had an idea.

    Oskar was the only one who had succeeded in escaping the siege of Hercule.

    Could it be related to that?

    Oskar thought to himself as he bowed his head to Hercule and asked for an answer.

    Hercule''s reply was as expected.

    Because you got out from under that siege. I had confidence in you. I was confident I could destroy every last one of them. But you beat me to it.

    "Am I to be executed?

    Oskar asked, turning a little pale.

    A rival faction''s nobleman with superior command skills.

    It would be safer to kill him.

    Oskar wondered if Hercule was going to sentence him to death, imprisonment, or deportation.

    Oskar thought that Hercule was going to sentence him to something.

    And Oskar was prepared to take it.

    No matter what the reason, the fact was that he was a part of the rebellion. He could not complain about being killed.

    But Hercule said something I didn''t expect.

    "Death penalty?¡¡What are you talking about? ...... I have called for you to be my general.

    "What?¡¡"What? General?

    Oscar looked puzzled.

    If you have achieved something, I understand.

    But Oskar was hostile to Hercule, and he had caused Hercule a small amount of damage.

    I don''t get it: ......

    And then Oskar thinks back to an example.

    The mercenary captain Darios.

    The man who had once rebelled against the Lemurian Empire, who was said to have been the cause of the death of Hadrian III.

    Hercule had taken this man as his vassal.

    "I value your command abilities. A strong army needs a good general. I want you. What do you think?¡¡It''s not a bad deal. ...... You could restore the honor of House Armon.

    "I am honored that the Emperor would think so highly of me, Your Highness.

    Oscar bowed deeply to Hercule.

    In any case, Oskar had no choice.

    If he refused, it would be death for him.

    It was too dangerous to have rebels in the country who would refuse the Emperor''s invitation.

    And it would jeopardize the position of House Armon.

    There''s no reason to refuse in the first place.

    If you do well, you''ll be able to move up the ladder.

    You can restore the lost glory of House Armon.

    Best of all, ......

    This emperor will give you a fair evaluation of your abilities!

    "I''m a young man, but I''m counting on you.

    "Haha, I''m a young man, too. Let''s do our best so we don''t lose to the old guys.

    Hercule extended his hand to Oskar.

    Oskar was puzzled, but grasped Hercule''s hand tightly.

    You are my vassal from now on. From now on, you are my vassal. ...... There is no turning back now, is there?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will accompany you wherever you go.

    Oscar Almon.

    A branch of the Armon family, a noble family of Mysul.

    His nickname is "The Silent One".

    He was discovered by Hercule during Hadrian''s Rebellion and taken under his wing.

    One of the Seventeen Pillars of the Emperor Hercule.

    "Your Majesty.

    Carolina, what''s wrong?

    That''s my line, Your Majesty. At this hour of the night.

    Karolina called out to Hercule, who was gazing at the moon from the balcony of his room.

    Hercule shrugged.

    No, I thought the stars and moon were different.

    What did you say?

    I''m talking to you.

    Hercule dodges.

    A truth that cannot be believed is a lie.

    But I don''t like the idea of a woman coming into a man''s room this late at night.

    Well, your father will be very upset, won''t he ......?

    Karolina smiled wickedly.

    She was wearing a thin negligee and a stole, a very risky outfit.

    The only person who came to Hercule dressed like this was ......

    It was a sign that he trusted Hercule and felt that Hercule would be fine if something happened to him.

    Hercule was a little happy about that.

    "Actually, I have some good wine, would you like some?

    "Well, I''ll take it if you don''t mind.

    Hercule popped the cork and poured the bright red wine into Carolina''s glass.

    Then, as he was about to pour it into his own glass, he said: ......

    I''ll pour it for you, Your Majesty.

    "Really?

    Karolina takes the glass bottle of wine from Hercule and pours it into Hercule''s glass.

    When they are sure that each other''s glasses are filled, they lightly tap them against each other''s glasses.

    "Here''s to your eyes.

    "Cheers, as always. Your Majesty.

    They drink the wine slowly.

    They don''t do anything vulgar like drinking it all at once.

    It''s not the wine but their conversation that takes center stage.

    The wine is merely a lubricant for conversation.

    It is useless if you get drunk and lose your coordination.

    Thank you for your time. Your Majesty. It''s been a long day, hasn''t it?

    "Well, yeah. But if we don''t clean up after ourselves, we''ll be in trouble later.

    Cleanup, that is, postwar processing.

    Can we put down the rebellion, strengthen the ruling system, and make the country stronger?

    Or will it destabilize the country even more than before and weaken it?

    It all depends on the post-war process.

    "What did the Empress say at ......?

    "Thank you," she said. Well, killing your brother is an ugly business.

    Hercule thinks back to his mother crying and thanking him.

    "Well, fortunately for us, the Dowager Empress was wise. If Hadrian and I had rebelled together, I would have been named Mother Killer and Brother Killer.

    "Your Majesty is .......

    Karolina was a little puzzled, then asked.

    "Do you dislike the Empress?

    Carolina, I''ll tell you something good.

    Hercule smiles.

    "The opposite of love is not hate or dislike. It''s indifference.

    ......

    Yes, indifference.

    That''s why Hercule doesn''t care what the Empress thinks of him.

    As long as he keeps quiet, there''s no problem.

    You''re boring me. Can''t we talk about something more fun?¡¡We don''t have to talk about politics right now.

    "Well, .......

    The two change the subject and talk about something pleasant and cheerful that happened to them.

    As the conversation progresses, the sake is consumed, and the snacks brought by the maidservant are absorbed into their stomachs.

    This is delicious, isn''t it? You''re the chef, aren''t you?

    "Well, yes. He brings the right snacks according to the type of wine. He''s as good as ever. But it''s late at night, isn''t it?

    Well, it''s your job, isn''t it?

    No way!¡¡Well, I''ll pay you for your overtime later. I''m trying to build a white country!

    The two of them became more talkative as they drank.

    Before they knew it, Hercule was sitting next to Karolina.

    When Hercule put his hand on her shoulder, Karolina did not reject it, but rather laid her head on his shoulder as if accepting it.

    "Your Majesty ......

    "What''s wrong?

    "I love you. I love you.

    Hercule doesn''t answer, but grabs Karolina''s chin.

    Karolina closes her eyes.

    Hercule presses his lips to Karolina''s.

    Their lips meet.

    I love you too.

    "Your Majesty ......

    They kiss once more.

    And Hercule asks.

    "What will you do?

    "...... leave it to me.

    Hercule pulls Karolina into his arms.

    Then he runs his tongue over Karolina''s long ears.

    "Your ...... Majesty, ...... this is my first time, ......

    "Yeah, I know.

    They spent the rest of the night as sweet as honey.

    The next day, they made their engagement official.

 29 Episode 1 Lemuria Marriage Law

    "Carolina, how are things with the Emperor these days?

    What do you mean by "how"?¡¡Father.

    Don''t be silly. I''m talking about our life together.

    Galleanos'' house in Nova Lemuria.

    Two women and a man were sitting around a table in the middle of the night.

    One was Karolina Galleanos, the fianc¨¦e of the Lemurian Emperor.

    The other was Galfis Galleanos, general of the Lemurian Empire.

    And ......

    The other woman is Galfis''s wife, Mary Galleanos, who is the wife of ...... Galleanos.

    "...... Father.

    "No, no, ...... if things aren''t going well, you''ve got a lot of problems, right?¡¡You know, heir-apparent .......

    Galfis flinched when Carolina glared at him.

    You''re usually very strict with your daughter, but what are you asking her?

    Well, ...... it''s going well.

    Karolina blushed a little and sipped her wine.

    The blush on Carolina''s cheeks may not be due to alcohol alone.

    In addition, premarital s*x is prohibited in Messianic religions.

    Just in case: ......

    The reason for this is that the Elves are a s*xually promiscuous race.

    It is also important to note that romantic marriages are highly valued.

    However, since Lemurian law states that "s*xual intercourse = consent to marriage," ......

    If one or both of them break up after the act, there will be a court case.

    What do you mean by "well"?

    ...... Mother, are you so concerned about your daughter''s s*xuality?

    Of course not!¡¡For us Elves, the population problem is of the utmost importance.

    The Elves are said to be the most superior race.

    Long life span.

    High physical ability.

    Acute senses.

    Abundant magic.

    Superior intelligence.

    And beautiful looks.

    The Elves have established nations all over the world and reign as the ruling class of those nations.

    The Kingdom of Fahls, which is in conflict with the Lemurian Empire, is also ruled by the Elves.

    The ruling class of the Kingdom of Bulgaron is also made up of nomads and elves of mixed blood.

    However, even the elves have a weakness - and a fatal one at that.

    That is population.

    The Elves have only about three children in their long two-hundred-year lifetime.

    They live more than four times as long as humans and have a much longer fertility period than humans, yet they give birth to only three children.

    They have only three children, while the common human race can have around ten children in a short lifetime.

    The population of the Elves is only increasing little by little.

    In general, the more pure-blooded an elf is, the higher its magical power is.

    In particular, only pure-blooded High Elves or Elves with relatively strong blood like Edmond can make contracts with the 72 demons.

    In other words, there are two things that are important for the race of elves.

    Population growth and the maintenance of pure blood.

    This is surprisingly difficult.

    This is surprisingly difficult, because the population of the elves will not increase if they are only concerned with maintaining pure blood.

    In fact, the cause of infertility among the Elves is mostly due to the female Elves.

    This is because the fertility rate of male elves and other races is relatively high, although not as high as that of humans.

    In order for the Elves to run the Lemurian Empire, it is necessary to secure a certain number of Elves.

    For this reason, the existence of half-elves is absolutely essential.

    However, if we increase the number of half-breeds too much, the blood will thin out.

    If the blood is diluted, the power of magic and spiritualism, which is the advantage of the elves, will be weakened.

    This would mean a decline in military power and national power.

    The man who solved both problems was the father of the Lemurian Empire, who overthrew the Republican Lemuria and established the Empire.

    His nickname was the balding, debtor, seductress.

    He enforced the Lemurian Marriage Law and the Population Inspectorate, which led to a gradual increase in the population of the Elves.

    The Lemurian Marriage Law has been amended several times since it was enacted, but the basic outline remains unchanged.

    First of all, the general rule is that there should be one husband and one wife.

    The minimum age difference is fifty years.

    Adultery is punishable by death in principle.

    Marriage should be based on the individual''s will as much as possible.

    That''s it.

    The reason for monogamy is that it ensures the increase of pure blood.

    The probability of fertilization will be higher if the number of couples is increased, rather than one man having multiple couples.

    If the number of long-eared (elven) women is overwhelmingly large, the ratio is one to one.

    The age difference between the two should be at least fifty years, as too much distance between the two will make one''s s*xual function useless when the other''s function declines.

    Severe penalties for adultery can be found at ......

    It goes without saying that an increase in healthy families leads to a healthy population.

    Now ......

    So far, this is a relatively normal part of the Lemurian Marriage Law.

    This is where it gets peculiar.

    It is about adultery.

    It is considered adultery for a wife to sleep with an elf man other than her husband.

    It is also considered adultery for a wife to sleep with a man of another race.

    It is also considered adultery for a husband to sleep with an Elf woman other than his wife. ......

    Somehow, this is not considered adultery, but rape.

    In particular, if you are sleeping with a virgin who is not engaged or married to you, it is a crime of death, regardless of whether or not both parties consent.

    Also, sleeping with a woman of another race is considered adultery. ......

    Yes, it is OK for a husband to have a non-Long-eared (Elf) woman in his bed.

    The reason for this is that they want to increase the population.

    Anyway, we want to increase the population.

    Ethics, morality, and the will of the individual are not important.

    This is the purpose of this law.

    Incidentally, it is a de facto obligation of the state for a pure-blooded male High Elf to have a half-elf with a female of another race such as Human.

    If you don''t give birth to at least two of them, you will be talked about behind your back as if you haven''t fulfilled your duty.

    You may think that it''s all about the harem, but the true feelings of most Elf men are "too much trouble," "I don''t like it," and "it''s sad.

    First of all, you have to take care of your wife at least once every three days.

    If you do less than that, you will be warned by the Population Inspector who audits the s*xual situation of the Elves (menstrual cycle, number of acts, etc.).

    Therefore, once every three days is the minimum requirement.

    On top of that, you have to deal with other races that you don''t like, which is very painful.

    Besides, ......

    A woman who has given birth to her own child.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''ve been so impressed with the way you''ve handled this.

    Incidentally, Galfis also had two half-elf children.

    I''ll leave it at that.

    It''s going well.

    Really?

    ...... Well.

    Karolina stammered a little.

    Mary didn''t miss it.

    What''s the problem?

    ...... It''s not a big deal.

    Carolina was a little puzzled, and then opened her mouth.

    I mean, it''s not like he''s an immortal. ......

    "Then why not?

    What''s the problem?

    Mary and Galfis shouted in relief.

    If Hercule was incapacitated, the nation would be in danger of extinction.

    If he were immortal, there would be no problem at all, in fact it would be a pleasure.

    I can''t stand it. ......

    You''re not very good at this, are you?

    No, you''re so good it''s hard to believe it''s your first time. ...... Or rather, it''s clearly not your first time.

    Karolina thought back to her wedding night.

    Thanks to Hercule''s skill, it was not a ''painful'' memory, but it was a good one. ......

    She felt a little frustrated.

    "So what''s the problem?

    So what''s the problem?" "So long as it''s good.

    It''s a good thing you''re good at it.

    Carolina said loudly, her face turning red.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I''ve never been able to stay conscious until ...... the end.

    Galfis and Mary looked at each other.

    Karolina is an excellent knight.

    She is one of the top five warriors in the Lemurian Empire.

    The more Karolina gives up, the more ......

    "This is another ...... promising future. Our emperor is ......

    "The nation is secure.

    Galfis and Mary nodded happily.

    I want Hercule to have a hundred or two hundred children. It is the will of the nobles of the Lemurian Empire that Hercule should have one or two hundred children.

    "But we''ll seriously need a ''second child''.

    But the only other woman your age is Carolina. ...... Oh, but she recently had a baby. ......

    That would be a boy. ...... The next girl in age after Karolina already has a fianc¨¦. ......

    In Lemurian marriage law, there is monogamy "in principle".

    Yes, the principle.

    There is an exception.

    That is the Emperor.

    Only the emperor and the crown prince, who is designated as the emperor''s heir, are allowed to marry more than one pure-blooded High Elf woman.

    This is in order to preserve the lineage of the Julianos family and the right to supreme command of inherited magic (Auctoratore), which inherits the throne of the Lemurian Empire. ......

    There are various reasons for this, but if we take into account the fact that the person who created the Lemurian Marriage Law was a balding debtor and "seducer," we can see the true reason for it.

    The first emperor, Bald, may have been lucky, but his descendants are in for a world of trouble.

    He had to have a regular wife at least once every three days.

    In other words, if you have two wives, you must have two wives every three days.

    If you have three wives, you have to do it once every day.

    This is obviously the reason why ...... Lemurian emperors live shorter lives than most long-eared people (elves).

    However, if you think that Hercule is immortal, then you don''t need to be concerned.

    Feel free to marry two or three of them.

    The question is who to marry.

    A noble house of pureblooded High Elves.

    The Holy Family of the Seventy-Seven.

    The population is about 1,000 including the branch families.

    Only Karolina and a recently born boy are under 20.

    I can''t help you with this.

    ...... Why do I have to think about the next fianc¨¦ I''m going to marry when I''m not even married yet? ......

    You can''t help it. Your fianc¨¦ is the Emperor.

    "Well, even if we choose to do it in the first place, if the Emperor doesn''t like it, there''s nothing we can do. If you insist, you can ask the Emperor to make love to you once a day.

    "......, you''ll die.

    Carolina gave a deep sigh.

 30 Episode 2 Karolinas Notes

    The Emperor rarely laughs.

    People who know the Emperor will tilt their heads when I say that.

    Your father would probably tilt his head, and so would Sir Auguste. Maybe Patriarch Lucarius is aware of this. ......

    Perhaps only I or ...... His Majesty''s mother are aware of this.

    His Majesty rarely laughs.

    She is neither angry nor sad.

    So what is that smile of His Majesty''s?

    You might wonder.

    Well, it is true that His Majesty is often in a good mood, smiling and laughing.

    I can easily picture it, too.

    That''s how often he smiles.

    But ......

    That''s just a smile.

    His Majesty''s heart is not wavering in any way.

    It''s just a mask called a "smile," and in reality, it''s no different from a blank expression.

    His Majesty''s facial expressions, words and actions often do not match his emotions.

    For example, His Majesty was once angry with the mercenary captain Darios - General Darios.

    That''s when he told the general to become his subordinate.

    His Majesty was certainly scared at that time.

    But ...... you weren''t actually angry or in a bad mood at that time in any way.

    On the contrary, at that time, he was much happier to have a good subordinate.

    That''s the way His Majesty is.

    He never divulges his emotions and expresses very different emotions in order to deceive those around him.

    More ......

    I have known him for a long time.

    I''ve known him for a long time, so I can tell if he has a fake expression or a real one.

    For example, ...... looks in a good mood when he is eating a delicious meal.

    If I tell you that I love you ...... when we are skin to skin, you will still look happy.

    When I ate a poisoned melon, ...... he was angry, though his expression did not show it.

    But I can''t help it if I''m told that even that was an act.

    But I still love you, and I do love you.

    Even if it was an "act" that made you happy when I said "I love you," ......

    I''m not going to say that I don''t love you.

    And even if you don''t like me, even if you don''t like me, I love you and I will continue to love you.

    But ...... perhaps I am an odd one.

    As I mentioned earlier, His Majesty''s mother is probably aware of this.

    That''s why she''s not happy with you. ......

    She seems to think you are creepy and afraid of her.

    But at the same time, like Hadrian IV, he is conscious of the fact that he gave birth to the child with pain in his belly.

    Occasionally, there is a hint of guilt.

    It''s not my place to say (write?) this, as I have never had a child. It''s a bit embarrassing for me to say (write?) this, but I think she may want to make peace with me.

    But that doesn''t mean I''m going to appeal to His Majesty to improve the relationship.

    That is a matter between His Majesty and His Majesty''s mother, not a matter that I should interfere with.

    More importantly, His Majesty does not want to improve relations.

    Her mother is probably not important to her.

    I''m sure that she is only aware of the fact that I borrowed her womb for a while. ......

    And I don''t think it''s a good idea to feel this way about her. ......

    It seems to me that His Majesty is looking to me and my mother for the love that he did not get from your mother.

    If that''s the case, I''ve benefited from it.

    Speaking of affection, Your Majesty was definitely not a virgin.

    She was obviously very good at it.

    I was a virgin. ...... Isn''t that a little unfair?

    But the question is, where did you lose your virginity?¡¡I''ve always been with you.

    I was always with him, but I never saw him with another woman. ...... Eunuchs and servants said they didn''t know.

    The eunuchs and maidservants say that I''m the first time His Majesty has ever been with a woman.

    ...... Is it true?

    However, they have no reason to lie to you.

    The disadvantages of lying to me, the future empress, are great, so you should be able to trust ...... me.

    Incidentally, His Majesty seems to be keen on a servant named Ciphany these days.

    We were laying skin to skin in the backyard of the palace.

    Why would she do that there of all places?¡¡I feel a mixture of dismay and a little jealousy.

    Even though I was prepared for it, it doesn''t feel good to know that the person you love is also in love with another woman.

    But even though it''s ...... impossible for me to take care of His Majesty by myself.

    I''ve only been with Her Majesty, but I can tell you that she''s extraordinary in many ways.

    Besides, the system of side chambers is actually for the protection of women.

    If monogamy had been used ...... and I had been unable to bear children, I would have been condemned and might have had to get a divorce.

    For emperors and empresses, s*xual intercourse is not only an act of love, but also a highly political act of succession.

    But with polygamy, ...... worst case scenario, someone else can carry the baby.

    The responsibility for me is distributed.

    But, well, ...... the system was instituted by our forefathers, aka the bald debtors, the seducers, so protecting women is probably a consequence.

    I''m sure the whole "protecting women" thing is just a consequence. ...... Are you sure you have the blood of our fathers in your veins?

    If so, will he go bald?¡¡Hmmm ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    His Majesty trusts your father, and I''m sure he needs you.

    Also, ......

    His Majesty thinks about things more than we think.

    Even seemingly meaningless actions have hidden meanings somewhere in them.

    Perhaps the purge is a prelude to ...... some kind of major political undertaking.

    In fact, His Majesty has been sending letters to some people lately.

    It seems that His Majesty is going to go out and have a meeting with someone himself soon.

    The only people that the King would go to in person would be King Fars or High Priestess Medium. ......

    How am I supposed to know what His Majesty is thinking?

    Well ......

    Recently, I''ve been wondering about one thing.

    Didn''t you really want to be an emperor? That is.

    He said he was going on a trip. ......

    Would a person who is thinking of going on a trip really leave a bone ash porcelain to be made?

    The coffee was also very well prepared.

    You have more self-esteem, vanity, ambition, and possessiveness than most people.

    You want to go on a trip?

    Of course not.

    I believed it at the time, but ...... in hindsight, it''s just too unnatural.

    A person who does not want to engage in politics or war would not be so scheming and so eager to invade enemy territory.

    His Majesty had intended to ascend to the throne from the beginning.

    Then why did he run away?

    The answer is simple.

    He was probably trying to test us.

    How much do I ......, your father, Sir Auguste, Patriarch Lucarius, His Highness Titus, Lord Edmund, and the other bureaucrats, eunuchs, and the people want you to ascend to the throne?

    If you think about it, Hadrian IV is a very dangerous political opponent for a twelve year old.

    He must have thought that it would be dangerous ...... if any of his potential advisors were willing to take Hadrian IV''s place.

    After that, he would periodically say he wanted to quit, or ask Titus if he wanted to be emperor.¡¡He was not just playing around, he must have been watching him.

    If His Highness Titus had shown even the slightest ambition for the throne, he would have been sentenced to death the next day. ......

    If my father, Sir Christos, or Sir Lucanos were to make any move to ignore His Majesty and arrange politics on their own because His Majesty was ''unwilling'' to do so, ...... whether it be my fianc¨¦''s father, my uncle, or my mentor, I would have them moved to the left or He would have been ...... sentenced to death.

    His Majesty is ...... capable of doing that.

    Now, ......

    I don''t want to write this if I can help it. ......

    If I''m right, His Majesty would definitely do such a thing, so I''ll write it down.

    Your Majesty.

    Snooping in a lady''s diary is indeed bad manners.

    It''s naughty.

    I''ll show you my underwear any time.

    ...... You gave me a fright!¡¡Carolina''s got a bad temper, too. ......

    No, Master. I''m sure you don''t want me to tell you that. And Carolina.

 31 Episode 3 Therefore, he is a hero.

    You''re still a sinful man, aren''t you? Master.

    That''s enough, Asmodeus.

    The dream world.

    Hercule was chatting with Asmodeus after he had paid the price for his regular contract.

    It was six years ago that Hercule had made a contract with Asmodeus.

    It was when Hercule was ten years old.

    Hercule''s virginity in this life.

    and familiarity.

    And a regular supply of semen and magic, and additional semen and magic when used.

    The two of them made a contract.

    Even when not in service, Hercule must make love to Asmodeus once a week and be squeezed.

    Asmodeus is a demon, the most powerful of the seventy-two pillars of the spirit world.

    That''s why his fuel consumption is low.

    However, his abilities are immense.

    It can do things that ordinary magic, sorcery, and spirits cannot, such as tricking the senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and even taste, and entering into the dreams of others.

    He can do things that ordinary magic, sorcery, and spirits cannot. "Master is a very bad person to have a girl who cares for him so much and to have s*x with this b*tc* demon.

    "Then don''t dream about it. It''s exhausting. ......

    Hercule sighed.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    However, Hercule is still a monster when he can have s*x with Asmodeus and not only stay alive, but also recover from it the next day.

    "Oh, my lord. Don''t you remember your contract with the devil?¡¡It''s against the law to violate a contract.

    I know. A contract with a spirit, with a demon, is absolute.

    There are certain things that must be adhered to when practicing necromancy, or demon summoning as it''s also known.

    First, you must make a firm contract with the demon.

    Demons are always looking for loopholes in contracts. Therefore, you have to make a perfect contract with no loopholes.

    Secondly, you must keep your contract with the devil.

    Even if you can tactfully avoid it, as in the fairy tale world, ......

    The devil is vindictive.

    If you break a contract, disaster is sure to follow.

    Secondly, don''t leave any mental gaps.

    The devil will try to rebel as soon as his master shows an opening.

    Next, don''t divulge the contents of the contract to others.

    It is the same for both humans and demons that you should not talk about the contents of the contract to others.

    And ......

    Finally, you must build a relationship of trust with the demon.

    This may seem to contradict the above four points, but ......

    Demons are living beings after all.

    And they are more compassionate than you think.

    So it is possible to build a trusting relationship with demons.

    If you trust each other and develop a friendship, ......

    If you trust each other and develop a friendship, the relationship will continue until the contract is broken or one of you dies.

    But... You''re too fuel-efficient. You''re too fuel efficient to be of much use.

    "Ha, you all say that. But after all, you can all use me. The legendary Great King, the Thunderbolt General, and your ancestor, Baldy.

    Don''t be cruel to my ancestors, okay?

    It''s true.

    "It''s true," said Asmodeus, nostalgic for his former master.

    She looked like an old woman, squinting and reminiscing about the past.

    She was dressed as a bunny girl to match Hercule''s taste.

    I only make contracts with heroes, and with people who can be heroes. So I assure you. You''ll be a hero. You''ll go down in history as a great hero.

    "Well, I''ll take your word for it.

    Hercule shrugged.

    "Well, you are unusually humble for an overconfident master.

    I don''t care how much of a genius I am. I don''t know what I''ll do in a few decades.

    Even Hercule is not that overconfident.

    He is aware of his current abilities.

    "Shall I tell you the jinxes of the masters I''ve contracted with?

    "What?

    No one has ever killed fewer than 100,000 people in his life.

    Of course.

    Asmodeus'' former master is a world-famous hero.

    One of them was a lifelong invincible king who had led the way and won victories against opponents several times his size.

    The other was a great king who was invincible all his life. He had an ambition to conquer the world and traveled as far as Sindhira, but he fell in the end.

    He is also the man who proved that the mobility of cavalry can defeat even a large army.

    The other is a man who single-handedly challenged the great nation of Lemuria with a total army of over 500,000.

    The other is a man who single-handedly challenged Lemuria, a large country with a total army of over 500,000, and was invincible until he was defeated by a young hero in the fifth battle, striking fear into the hearts of the Lemurians.

    A man who demonstrated the iron-floor tactics using the mobility of cavalry.

    The only man Lemurians have ever feared, and still fear, who is not afraid of 300,000 infantry, tens of thousands of cavalry, or even a thousand war elephants.

    The last one is the man who reunited a divided Lemuria.

    With his centripetal force, he saved Lemuria and became the emperor, achieving glory.

    A charismatic man.

    Their lives have been marked by glory.

    But let''s not forget.

    That glory is supported by a mountain of corpses.

    If you kill one person, you''re a murderer, but if you kill a hundred thousand people, you''re a hero.

    I don''t think so, Master. There are a lot of people who committed genocide and yet are treated as great criminals rather than heroes.

    "Then what do you think is different?

    Asmodeus smiled mischievously at Hercule''s question and replied.

    Asmodeus smiled mischievously and replied: "The ability to dress up.

    "Dressed?

    The great hero is the one who can dress himself beautifully in the pile of corpses he has built. "A great hero is one who can take a corpse that was originally ugly, dirty, and filthy and turn it into a beautiful, shining ornament. That''s a great hero.

    Asmodeus then narrowed his eyes at ......

    So you can be a great hero.

    "Huh. ......

    Hercule sighed.

    "Good grief. I don''t really like heroes who say, "Oh my God," but ...... this time it''s "Oh my God. Don''t talk about people as if they are evil.

    What do you mean? It''s the other way around.

    Asmodeus laughed and laughed. ......

    "You can kill at most a hundred people with malice. But with good intentions, you can easily kill 10,000 or 100,000 people. So you''re a good person. I''m sure of it. A little vain, a little greedy, a little selfish, a little unsympathetic to human pain.

    To this Asmodeus, Hercule says: ......

    Oh dear.

    Neither confirming nor denying.

 32 Episode 4 Great Reflection Society

    Follow up on a character who got SAGE and became a victim of the Herculean AGE.

    This novel is basically a "me too" story. And as the fate of "me tuee", the characters around me are saged to some extent. This is to make Hercule stand out.

    However, it''s too sad that they remain victims of Hercule, so ......

    I''m thinking of following up a bit.

    Hadrian the Elder.

    The father of Hercule.

    Because of the structure of ......, in which the country was rebuilt after Hercule ascended to the throne, Hadrian is inevitably subject to criticism.

    In other words, he is compared to Hercule.

    Therefore, I depicted him as a not-so-brilliant person ...... in the story.

    But in reality, he is either incompetent or competent.

    In fact, I''d say he''s either incompetent or competent.

    So, why did the Lemurian Empire decline?

    You might be thinking: ......

    It''s a simple story.

    Hadrian did not cause the decline of the Lemurian Empire, but he was wearing the imperial crown during the decline of the Lemurian Empire.

    If he had ascended to the throne at the height of the Lemurian Empire, he would certainly have been regarded as a great monarch.

    In a situation where the old social and military systems had collapsed and the territory was invaded by many barbarian tribes due to its location at the crossroads of civilizations: ......

    The Lemurian empire is still intact and has been handed over to Hercule.

    You could say that.

    The decline of the Lemurian Empire was an inevitability of history, and Hercule was an irregularity.

    Hadrian was undoubtedly an excellent emperor and a great emperor who did his best to maintain the Lemurian Empire.

    In fact, Hercule acknowledged this point.

    In fact, Hercule has never called Hadrian "incompetent, stupid, foolish, or old".

    As a father, Hercule doesn''t think highly of Hadrian. ......

    As a father, Hercule doesn''t think highly of Hadrian, but as an emperor, he actually thinks highly of him and is grateful to him.

    Therefore, I would like to grade his abilities.

    The basic score is one hundred points. The average score is fifty. The red score is twenty-five.

    Military ...... 40 points

    That''s a little harsh right off the bat!

    You might be thinking: ......

    Yes, there is no way to follow up on his lack of military talent.

    I think his talent is below average.

    He was born with this ability, so there is nothing we can do about it.

    While there are born generals, there are people who can only be below average no matter how hard they try.

    Just look at ......

    There is also the aspect that the opponent is bad.

    The opponents who beat up Hadrian were all first-rate generals.

    In particular, the current king of the Kingdom of Phars, King Sasan VIII, is, well, ......

    In the eyes of King Sasan VIII, 30, 40, 60, 70 or 80 points of military ability would be no different.

    You can''t win against a born genius, a hero of history, a child of the wind.

    It is natural for you to lose.

    Diplomacy...... 80 points.

    That''s a high score.

    What score?¡¡You were on your knees in tribute diplomacy, weren''t you?

    Yes, we were.

    That diplomacy is a big hit.

    Instead of going to war with an unwinnable opponent, losing territory, and getting reparations, ......

    It would be a thousand times smarter to get down on your knees from the start, pay tribute, and ask them to leave.

    In addition, while paying tribute, the emperor did not harm the authority of the Lemurian Empire too much by keeping his stance of "unilateral and generous concession".

    Well, most of the Lemurian people would probably blame Hadrian for this, and it would be ripped apart in later history. ......

    I guess it''s better than fighting a war you can''t win and losing.

    During Hadrian''s reign, the Lemurian Empire lost a lot of territory. ......

    The Lemurian Empire lost a lot of territory during Hadrian''s reign, but it did not lose any important places, including the provinces of Misru and Suria.

    He successfully defended the Lemurian Empire and handed over the territory to Hercule.

    Well, many of Hadrian''s diplomatic achievements can be attributed to the "extremely talented diplomats" he recruited.

    The achievements of his subordinates are the achievements of the sovereign.

    By the way, I don''t know if Hadrian intended this or not, but ......

    Hadrian''s diplomacy of tribute payments was very damaging to the Bulgarian kingdom.

    The enormous wealth and luxury that Hadrian brought to the Kingdom of Bulgalon destroyed the economy, culture, society, and military of the humble Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    The nomadic people, who lived a simple life, have been taught luxury.

    How will this affect us? ......

    Well, I can say for sure that it will help Hercule a lot later on.

    Economy and Finance......70

    Above average.

    The tax system is not something that can be changed very often.

    The fact that Hercule did well is a consequence.

    There is a good chance that it would have destroyed the economy, culture, and society of the Lemurian Empire if it had not been successful.

    Like the Emperor Caracalla.

    First of all, Hadrian managed to maintain the existing tax system.

    This alone should give him an above average score of sixty points.

    The remaining ten points are for tax reform.

    Hercule criticized Hadrian''s monopoly on salt: ......

    In fact, the salt monopoly was a great success at first.

    In fact, the salt monopoly was very successful at the beginning, and it supported the finances of the Lemurian Empire as a substitute for the per capita tax before the introduction of illicit salt.

    In other words, Hadrian was successful in reforming the tax system.

    However, it did not solve the problem drastically.

    Foresight: ...... 80 points

    Hmm, I feel like this guy should be included in the military evaluation: ......

    I think military talent and good intuition to read the trend of the times are a bit different vectors ......

    So I separated them.

    What is it?

    It''s about the cavalry.

    Emperor Hadrian changed the military system of the Lemurian Empire, which was mainly infantry, and made it mainly cavalry.

    He realized that cavalry was the way of the future.

    And Hercule made good use of Hadrian''s heavy cavalry (cribanarius).

    I thought I could give him 80 points for this.

    However, he did not have the talent to make use of the cavalry.

    Domestic Politics......80 points

    Another high score.

    This one is easy to do: ......

    He ruled the country well, even though it was in financial difficulty and military expenses were high. ......

    That''s about it.

    First, public works.

    We try to maintain the flood control and irrigation systems as much as possible. We are also doing the bare minimum in terms of infrastructure.

    Thanks to this, Hercule has only needed a few repairs and modifications.

    When you are in financial difficulties, it is tempting to cut back on public works. ......

    The Emperor Hadrian maintained the minimum.

    As a result, the flooding of rivers and other disasters were kept to a minimum.

    He was a man who was able to pay attention to even the most humble things.

    Other measures against famine and plague were also taken.

    In each case, the damage was kept to a minimum.

    What is important is that he kept the bureaucracy and the army in check and maintained centralized power until the very end.

    In times of war like this, local forces tend to become independent. ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Personnel ......90 points.

    There is little to complain about in this.

    "Hercule inherited most of the appointments made during Hadrian''s reign.

    The fact that "Hercule inherited most of Hadrian''s personnel" shows the perfection of Hadrian''s personnel.

    He definitely had a good eye for human resources.

    Especially in the development of bureaucracy. ......

    It''s nice that he prepared people like Galfis, Christos, and Loukanos.

    Hadrian also recruited a very talented diplomat, who will appear in Chapter 2.

    Good job!

    Succession to the throne: ...... 90 points

    Which part is the most amazing first: ......

    He weighed Hadrian IV (the eldest son) against Hercule (the third son) and chose the latter.

    Let me explain it in simple terms.

    A fifty year old politician who is definitely not very good, but his subordinates are very good, and with the help of his subordinates, he has the potential to be a good politician.

    A super elementary school student who has been featured on TV and is well-liked. Twelve years old.

    Which one would you choose as your prime minister?

    That''s the question.

    I think most Japanese people would probably choose the former.

    Both in terms of seniority and in terms of common sense.

    Elementary school students would certainly not choose the former.

    I can understand Fujii*dan, but he''s a junior high school student, not an elementary school student.

    Emperor Hadrian chose the latter.

    And he hit the jackpot, he was right.

    To be honest, I can give him 70 points for choosing Hercule as his successor.

    And the rest?

    I would say that I chose Galfis, Christos, and Loukanos to be Hercule''s guardians.

    Since Christos is his uncle, it is unlikely that he would despise Hercule.

    Garufis is politically opposed to Christos, but if he makes his daughter Karolina the actual fianc¨¦e of Hercule, she will be able to function as Hercule''s backer and will be able to deal with Christos to some extent.

    After that, Lucanos would be brought in as a coordinator between the two and as a representative of the clergy class. I would also appoint Lucanos as Hercule''s educator to give him a solid backing.

    All three of them are good men and have good personalities.

    And by appointing them together as Hercule''s guardians, they can keep an eye on each other to make sure that no one person''s power will overshadow Hercule''s and that he will not abuse his position as a guardian.

    That''s brilliant, that''s brilliant.

    With the heads of the army and navy and the head of the clergy behind them, there is nothing to fear.

    In addition, if he can get the support of the elven nobility, he will be able to hold his ground.

    The rest of the bureaucracy will support the young Hercule.

    The vassals will run the empire until Hercule becomes a great emperor.

    I think it''s perfect.

    Unfortunately, it would have been a hundred points if he had lived ten years longer.

    Hadrian was going to appoint Hercule as co-ruler and teach him political know-how before making him emperor.

    He also enlisted the support of the non-elven nobility, ......

    And he was going to ''dispose'' of the rebellious nobles and his eldest son, Hadrian IV, as his last dirty job.

    But he died before that: ......

    So, minus ten points.

    In terms of the average age of the Elves, Hadrian could have lived a little longer.

    But I don''t know what the Lemurian Empire will be like in ten years. ......

    I honestly don''t know.

    The timing might have been the best.

    That''s the way it turned out.

    Parenting: ...... 25 points

    Yes, there is no way to follow up on this.

    That idiot son, Hadrian IV, is the Emperor Hadrian''s responsibility.

    A child''s personality is mostly determined by the education of his parents in his childhood.

    It is said that children are responsible for themselves, but they cannot choose their parents.

    I mean, it''s Hadrian''s job to raise the heir.

    Did you raise Hercule?

    He didn''t raise him, he nurtured him. ......

    Or rather, it grew up. ......

    If it wasn''t Hercule, there is a good chance that he would have gone in a different direction than Hadrian IV because he missed his parents.

    In fact, the relationship between Hercule and his own mother is glacial.

    All of this is Hadrian''s fault.

    Religious Policy: ...... 40 points

    This is discussed in detail in Chapter 2.

    Well, it''s Hadrian''s fault, isn''t it? Hercule will have to wipe his ass.

    However, depending on the time and timing, it could have worked.

    If it had gone well, 90 points would have been a solid score. ......

    Hadrian IV.

    Brother of Hercule.

    Well, to be honest, I don''t have anything to say in defense of his abilities.

    Is this really Hadrian III''s son?

    Is he really Hadrian III''s son or Hercule''s brother?

    He is so incompetent.

    Sometimes a dragonfly gives birth to a hawk, and sometimes a hawk gives birth to a dragonfly, as in the case of .......

    I think that''s more common in reality.

    Maybe you inherited only the bad parts of your father and mother. ......

    By the way, ......

    Aside from their abilities, Hercule and Hadrian IV are also brothers.

    Here''s a list of their similarities.

    1. handsome. (Actually, they''re both quite good-looking.)

    2 Athletic ability. (They both work out a lot, so they have a good, strong physique.

    3 Self-esteem. (They are both incredibly proud.)

    4 Ambition. (Both of them are greedy and don''t know how to get enough)

    5 Vanity. (They also have a strong desire to be thought well of)

    6 Narcissistic. (They both think they are the best looking and most talented people in the world.

    7 Self-centeredness. (They are convinced that they are absolutely right at all times. (If I''m wrong, it''s not because I''m wrong, it''s because the world is wrong for not conforming to me.

    And maybe there are more, but they are both alike.

    The reason why they dislike each other is definitely homophobia.

    That''s right, if you''re like a biting dog, you''ll hate each other.

    The only difference between them is their ability, and frankly speaking, their natural talent.

    Hercule had talent, and his trashy inner life had an opposite effect on him, making him attractive.

    On the other hand, Hadrian IV is ...... unavoidable.

    There are some things in this world that can''t be helped by hard work. ......

    However, Hadrian IV himself may not be able to do anything about it, but depending on how he was raised, he definitely could have done something about it.

    That''s why ......

    I''m going to try to explain why he became greedy.

    Cause #1: Overprotective parents

    It''s a classic.

    It''s not love to be spoiled.

    I tried to nurture him, but he grew beyond my imagination and became helpless.

    Cause 2: My parents'' sudden and half-hearted abandonment.

    My parents regretted that they had spoiled me too much.

    So they decided to be strict in order to correct him.

    ...... As a matter of course, there is no way that a child who has been told that he does not have to stand up and has never stood up before can suddenly be told to stand up.

    And halfway through, the father was thorough, but ...... the mother still hid and pampered.

    Hadrian IV was so cute. I can''t help it.

    From this point on, I began to shut out information that was inconvenient for me (mainly my father''s words) and absorbed only information that was convenient for me (mainly my mother''s words).

    When this happens, you are no longer human.

    Cause #3: People around you turn their back on you

    Even so, Hadrian IV was regarded as a successor, and was respected and praised by those around him.

    Edmond, Titus, Christos, and Galfis, to name a few, were the ones who were well-liked.

    Edmond was trying to get ahead in the eyes of Hadrian IV, the next emperor, and Titus was trying to show that he had no ambition to devote himself only to art.

    Christos was Hercule''s uncle, but we should not forget that he was also Hadrian IV''s uncle.

    Garufis, of course, was also flattered by the opposition to Christos.

    Incidentally, Carolina''s first fianc¨¦ was Hadrian IV. (Since Karolina was born a few months earlier than Hercule, Galfis made a suggestion to her.

    However, to his surprise, Hercule was born.

    At that moment, all the people around Hadrian IV disappeared. No, really, in an instant.

    Just think about it.

    Titus: "Excellent work, brother!¡¡You''re the man!¡¡You''re the next emperor!¡¡I''m not even close!

    Edmund: "Well, your Highness is wonderful!¡¡I''m honored to serve you, Your Highness!

    Christos: "I am indeed proud that you are my nephew!¡¡I''m sure you will become a hero who will save the Lemurian Empire!

    Galfis: "I recently had a daughter. ...... How is she?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be very proud of yourself. I hope you''ll consider it!

    The moment these guys find out that the child they''re having is a boy (Hercule), ......

    Titus: "Bello Bello Bar!¡¡It''s a big brother!¡¡Oh!¡¡He held my hand!¡¡That''s my brother . That''s my brother!¡¡I''m not even close to you!¡¡Hurry up and grow up and make my brother''s life easier!¡¡Hmm?¡¡Hadrian''s ...... Oh, by the way, I had a brother. I totally forgot.

    Edmond: "Oh!¡¡You may be young, but you have the dignity of a hero!¡¡I am honored to serve you!¡¡You see, my name is Edmond. My name is Edmond!¡¡Don''t forget it. What?¡¡Hadrian''s what?¡¡Uh, yeah, well, there was someone like that.

    Christos: "Oh!¡¡What a gallant baby. ...... That''s my nephew!¡¡I''ve never been able to hold a nephew before!

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little nervous about this. What?¡¡I''m not sure what to do.¡¡I don''t remember ...... that.¡¡I don''t remember. ......

    I don''t remember.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    ...... Well, it was his own fault that he only had enough charisma to be stolen by a baby.

    (However, if you consider that Titus'' "sasuoni" to Hadrian IV is on the same level as "sasuoto" to Hercule for squeezing his hand, then I feel too sorry for Hadrian IV.

    Also, unless you''re really dense, you''ll probably notice that when he praises Hadrian IV, his eyes are dead, but when he praises Hercule, his eyes sparkle. ......

    Incidentally, Lucanus became Patriarch of Nova Lemuria during this period.

    Hadrian III had asked Lucanos to become Patriarch of Nova Lemuria as his guardian after his death, but Lucanos refused saying, "I don''t want to be the guardian of his stupid son! He had refused.

    However, after Hercule was born, Loukanos finally accepted the proposal, saying that he would be willing to let him educate the baby and then enthrone him as the next emperor.

    This was not because Loukanos had a great personality: ......

    This is not because Lukanos had a great personality, but because of the difference in his position with Christos and Galfis.

    Lukanos is a member of the Church and a resident of the Holy Realm, and he does not care about the Emperor of Lemuria!¡¡On the other hand, Christos and Galfis are in the position of serving the state and are residents of the secular world, so they have to serve the Lemurian Emperor even if they don''t want to, and have to pull the reins of Hadrian IV from now on.

    They both said, "In order to make this idiot the emperor and somehow maintain the empire, I must not die or be transferred to the left side!¡¡I have no choice but to appease and incite him and guide him!

    I thought to myself .

    Titus and Edmond were ninety-nine percent defensive.

    Cause #4

    Mr. Hercule is too good.

    You''re too good.

    Had he been as good as himself or as dumb as his age, Hadrian IV would have been able to maintain some self-respect, but ......

    And at twelve, he''s impossibly brilliant: ......

    Conclusion!

    Bad environment, bad environment!!!!

 33 Episode 1 Principality of Travisos

    The genius that makes people unhappy by doing things they don''t like can also be the genius that makes people happy by doing things that make them happy.

    The ability to read people''s minds is probably the most necessary talent for a monarch.

    About Hercule

    -"Your Majesty.

    "Your Majesty. The tunnel has reached the basement of the city walls. It can be destroyed at any time.

    Tell Edmond, Darios and Oskar. All hands on deck.

    Winter came soon after the rebellion was crushed, and Hercule celebrated his birthday, turning sixteen.

    Then came spring, and today, the summer: ......

    Hercule was attacking the Principality of Travisos.

    Last fall, the Duchy of Travizos had become wary of Hercule''s moves to attack the Duchy of Travizos, even if it was to start a rebellion, and had hired many mercenaries.

    The Duchy of Trabizos became more vigilant and hired many mercenaries.

    The Duchy of Travizos, which did not have a great general like Darios, was easily defeated by Hercule in the field.

    After defeating the Duchy of Travizos, Hercule launched an attack on the capital and trading port of Travizos.

    And ......

    Two weeks into the attack.

    Finally, the tunnels that Hercule had been digging reached the basement of the city walls.

    The tunnels were not meant to dig a hole to attack the enemy directly.

    The tunnels were not meant to dig holes and attack the enemy directly.

    The tunnels were dug in order to break down the walls.

    The tunnels were dug to break down the walls.

    As long as the wood supports the walls, they will not collapse.

    But if you set it on fire, it will collapse. ......

    Needless to say.

    What about the generals who received Hercule''s orders: ......

    So, it''s finally fallen. ...... It''s been a long battle. I don''t like sieges, after all.

    Darius, who was in charge of the eastern wall, sighed and said.

    You''ve done it. I guess we can finally go home now.

    Edmond, who was in charge of the southern wall, smiled happily.

    The tunnels are dug on the west side. The tunnels are dug on the west side. ...... So I''ll be the first to attack. Thank you. Thank you.

    Oscar, who was in charge of the western wall, muttered with deep emotion.

    And ......

    A part of the wall collapsed with a noise.

    Then Oskar led his own troops in a charge.

    "Go!¡¡Long live the Emperor!

    The soldiers led by Oskar poured into Trabizos from the collapsed wall.

    The soldiers of the Duchy of Trabizos are unable to react to the sudden and confusing situation.

    In the meantime, Oscar''s soldiers open the east and south gates.

    Then ......

    "Well, we''re finally on the job. Let''s go!

    This is it!¡¡Fight with all your heart!

    Darios and Edmond pour in through their respective gates with their armies in tow.

    So, the game is decided, then?

    "As expected. Your Majesty.

    The sixteen-year-old Karolina smiles at Hercule.

    Hercule stood up, kissed Karolina on the forehead and said: ......

    How do you feel?¡¡What did you think of the siege?

    "Boring, wouldn''t you say?

    No, I feel the same way. I''m not sure if I''d say it''s boring or not, but I''d say the same thing. ...... Sieges are a pain in the ass, aren''t they?

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    On this day, the Duchy of Trabizos was destroyed by Hercule.

    Afterwards, Hercule returned to the capital and was cheered with "Hail to the Emperor", and held a review meeting with his generals.

    I have a few things to say. ...... Do you guys have anything to say?

    "Well, can I start?

    Oskar raised his hand.

    Hercule nodded silently and allowed him to speak.

    I''m not sure what to make of this. It may be that my command was poor. ......

    No, it''s not that your command is inferior. In fact, new recruits are less mobile than veterans. ...... I''m sorry I put you through that. I''m sorry I put you in charge, but I thought you''d be a better fit racially.

    No, that''s not true. ...... We''re going to train you even better and make you an army that will satisfy His Majesty!

    After the rebellion.

    Hercule had created a new army.

    He had a new and excellent commander, Oscar Almon.

    Financially, the monopoly on coffee and bone ash porcelain was starting to take off, and there was enough money to create a corps.

    At this point, Hercule put into action a plan that he had been thinking about.

    The current infantry of Lemuria consists mainly of Caucasians (although there is no such thing as Caucasians, and it is inappropriate to distinguish them by skin color, but for the sake of convenience, I will refer to them as Caucasians).

    This is because the inhabitants of the suburbs of the capital are white, and because it is the easiest to gather them.

    However, the Lemurian Empire is a multi-ethnic nation with a large territory.

    In the southern part of the empire, there are many people who are commonly referred to as "blacks.

    An army composed entirely of whites would be unbalanced.

    That''s what Hercule thought.

    Therefore, he decided to form a new army of only black people, since Oscar, the excellent commander he got this time, was black.

    This was also an attempt to make the races compete with each other.

    Since the Lemurian Empire was originally a multi-ethnic nation and there was not much discrimination based on race, this was accepted without any resistance.

    For this reason, Oscar led the Third Legion, which was composed entirely of blacks.

    I think he did a pretty good job. I think I did pretty well," he said. ...... Southern humans are very strong and talented. As a soldier. As a soldier, you can fight in hot weather. ...... Tell them I look forward to seeing them in the future.

    "Yes, sir!

    Oskar thanked him earnestly.

    "Anything else?

    Darios and Edmond responded by shaking their heads.

    Hercule muttered a small "I see.

    This is the same as in the previous rebellion,......, the flank siege is too weak. ...... I still want to increase the number of halberd units to some extent to increase flexibility.

    In the last rebellion, Oskar succeeded in getting out of the flank.

    In the current war, Hercule surrounded the outnumbered Trabizos forces, but ......

    This time the encirclement was slow and they lost a few men.

    In both cases, it was due to the small number of halberd troops.

    Well, the success of the siege of the rebels and the failure of the siege of Travisos was due in large part to the skill of the enemy commander.

    The rebels were the dumb Hadrian, and the Travisians were an ordinary general, but an ordinary general with ordinary skills.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out the best way to get the most out of this. It''s a good idea to have a good balance between the two. ...... However, if you increase the number of pikes by more than two, the strength of the pike troops will be reduced, and the frontal strength will be reduced. ...... If you have only one pike troop, won''t the odd number cause imbalance?

    In response to Edmond''s point, Hercule nodded broadly.

    That''s right. ...... So, I''m thinking of adding two new battalions to make ten battalions, four battalions as halberd units and six battalions as pike units.

    In other words, Hercule''s idea was to add 240 units to the original 960 per corps to make a total of 120.

    You''ll have to take care of two new battalions, but ...... it won''t be much different.

    I don''t see much difference between a couple of battalions and a couple of battalions, and I''m sure you''ll be happy with the increased flexibility in your tactics. ......

    Darios points out the biggest problem with this reform.

    "Two new battalions were added to each of the three corps. That''s a total of six battalions. ...... That''s an increase of 720 troops. In effect, it''s like adding one new corps. ...... Isn''t that difficult?

    "Yes, it will be difficult under the current financial situation, but we have ...... the funds to do it. Don''t worry.

    Then I have nothing to say to you.

    Darios easily backed down.

    Hercule''s skill in domestic politics is evident from the fact that he restored the country''s finances a few years ago.

    It is not for amateurs to interfere.

    That''s what he decided.

    And I need Transportation Corps.

    And I want Transportation Corps ....... Does that mean more horses?

    That''s what I''m thinking.

    Hercule nodded in response to Edmond''s question.

    Lemuria is won by logistics (logic).

    That was a long time ago.

    Nowadays, many logistics functions have been lost.

    There are still books on the subject: ......, but the empirical techniques have inevitably fallen into disuse.

    The Lemurian army, for example, is now in a state of disarray.

    For example, the Lemurian army now requires each soldier to carry at least three days worth of food.

    With this, we can operate for at least three days without any food.

    It''s only three days, but it''s still three days.

    But it''s still not enough.

    But do you have enough money for more horses?

    Well, I have a plan to get them cheaply, but it''s not possible yet. I''ll let you know as soon as I can. Finances are my business, not yours. ......

    Hercule sighs.

    The emperor''s job is still a pain in the ass.

    I''d like to do this quickly.¡¡I want to do this as soon as possible.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I''m not sure what to say.

    Oskar tilted his head.

    From Oscar''s point of view, the Lemurian army seems to have enough cavalry power.

    The heavy cavalry is good. They''re just fine. What I want is light cavalry for scouts and messengers. I want a battalion of .......

    Do you really need that many?

    Gathering and exchanging information is important. Isn''t that right?

    No, sir, you''re right.

    Oskar nodded his head.

    Oskar understood the importance of information.

    And one last thing. And one last thing. Train your endurance so that you can march faster. ...... 20 kilometers a day is not enough.

    Today, in a world where the level of warfare has stagnated, even a march of ten kilometers a day is called "fast".

    In a bad army, you can go no more than five kilometers a day.

    This is a matter of soldier''s morale.

    Mercenaries and forcibly conscripted peasants lack morale even if they have physical strength.

    As a result, they walk sluggishly, and their marching speed is reduced.

    But the standing army of Hercule is different.

    This elite force, gathered to protect the country, has high morale and can build up their physical strength through daily training.

    Because of this, they were able to successfully march 20 kilometers a day.

    The ...... does not seem to be up to the standard that Hercule requires.

    What speed are you looking for, Your Majesty?

    Darios asks, to which Hercule replies with a smile.

    "Normal march, five hours a day, twenty-five kilometers. Heavy march, thirty to thirty-five kilometers in six to seven hours. Strongest march, day and night, as much as possible, ......?

    ...... That''s the speed of the old Lemurian army, right?

    The Lemurian army used to be the same people, remember?

    Darius gives me a look of dismay.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    There is nothing that humans can''t do if they train hard and put their minds to it.

    Some of the generals are crazy (a word of praise) enough to traverse seventy or eighty kilometers in one day and night, so Hercule''s request is still within the bounds of common sense.

    The key is daily training and energy.

    Anyway, it''s a marathon. Listen, soldiers respect speed. The faster you move, the more control you have. This is number one. It doesn''t matter how strong you are individually. First is speed, second is discipline, third is coordination. Listen, train hard. That''s what a standing army is for.

    ""Yes, sir!"

 34 Episode 2 Tonda soldiers

    According to the calculations of Hercule and Galfis, the minimum number of troops needed to defend the territory of the Lemurian Empire is over 150,000.

    To put it bluntly, Lemuria does not have the national strength to gather such a large number of soldiers.

    However, it is absolutely necessary for Hercule''s future comfort.

    So, Hercule thought.

    Let''s separate the shield and the pike.

    If we''re just protecting the city, we can hide in the city.

    And if you''re just holed up in a city, your soldiers don''t need to be that skilled.

    So ......

    This is the outline of the Tunda system. ...... This is more than a tax reform, it is a major reform. What do you think?

    Hercule gathered a group of military and civilian officials and explained the new system to them.

    The system of the Tunden army.

    It is a political system in which the military system and the land system are inextricably linked.

    It is a system in which soldiers are sent to live on the land and cultivate the land in peacetime, but in times of war they are sent out to fight with weapons they have supplied themselves.

    There are three major advantages to this system.

    The first is that it stabilizes the land near the border, which had been devastated by the enemy.

    The second is that morale will be very high as soldiers fight desperately to defend their land.

    Finally, since the weapons are self-supplied, there are no maintenance costs.

    This is a good system for quickly gathering a good number of soldiers.

    It was Hercule who came up with the idea of introducing this system. ......

    The idea was not originated by Hercule.

    Generally speaking, the best known example of the Tonden-hei in Japan is the settlement of Hokkaido.

    They were introduced to prevent the southward expansion of Russia and at the same time to develop Hokkaido.

    It was also introduced by Cao Cao of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms fame.

    Also, this is a little less familiar to Japanese, but ......

    Heraclitus I of the Byzantine Empire also introduced this system to prevent the invasion of Islamic forces.

    Of course, it is not exactly the same system, but ......

    The outline is similar.

    "Your Majesty, may I?

    Yes, Mr. Krol?

    "What is it, Mr. Krol?" The bureaucrat Krol raises his hand and asks Hercule a question.

    Doesn''t this system lead to decentralization?

    It''s fine as long as it''s properly monitored and kept under the control of the central government (well, they might still end up being independent warlords at some point ......).

    It would be fine during his own lifetime, Hercule thought.

    Hercule was confident that he could control the provinces.

    In the first place, it is natural for the regions to separate when the central power weakens, no matter what the system is.

    Even if you have a strict centralized system, if the bureaucracy becomes corrupt, decentralization will continue.

    Hercule''s plan for the Tunda system will only allow soldiers to be stationed in the countryside.

    The existing administrative divisions will not change.

    More importantly, Hercule was not going to give cavalry or siege weapons to the local armies.

    The main central army, the standing army, would be sufficient to have them.

    I have one more question for you.

    What is it?

    Wouldn''t that hurt the tax base?¡¡You''re going to lower the land tax instead of letting us pay for our own weapons, aren''t you?

    Well, yes. But you ask a good question.

    Hercule praised Krol for listening well, and then explained.

    I''m not so worried about the loss of tax revenue. Look, the land we''re taking in is a desolate area around the border. If this land is cultivated by the colonists and even a small amount of land tax revenue is generated, the tax revenue will increase. And it''s mainly the landless exiles who are putting pressure on our treasury.

    There are many exiles in the Lemurian Empire.

    Many of them are peasants who lost their land in wars or barbarians who invaded the empire in ethnic migrations.

    Their number is estimated to be around 200,000.

    The Lemurian Empire provided them with a certain amount of wheat to prevent them from becoming a mob.

    Originally, the Lemurian Empire had the Wheat Law, a law to help the poor (like a welfare system), so it was not a big problem at first. ......

    The number of exiles has been growing every year.

    The Wheat Law was definitely putting pressure on the treasury of the Lemurian Empire.

    If the exiles became farmers, the burden of the wheat law would be reduced.

    Plus, we''d get tax revenue.

    Yes, in fact, more tax revenue.

    Any more questions?

    Hercule looked around at the bureaucrats.

    There were no objections.

    Hercule already had the bureaucrats under control.

    Now, get to work drafting specific legislation. I''ll leave the details to you, such as how much of the land tax will be reduced and how much of the land will be settled first.

    Hercule has already drawn up the outline.

    All that remains is for the bureaucrats to flesh it out and for Hercule to revise it.

    Hercule can''t run the country by himself.

    The Lemurian Empire is governed by a bureaucracy with Hercule at the top.

    There''s also another law that came into effect at the same time as the Tontine system. There is also another law that was enacted at the same time as the Tunnels. This one is not so urgent and can be done gradually. ......

    The Horse Protection Law.

    This is one of the new laws of Wang Anshi of the Northern Song Dynasty.

    Here is a brief description: ......

    Liao''s cavalry is really strong: ...... Our cavalry is too weak: ...... We need more cavalry: ...... But we don''t have enough money: Oh, yes!¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.¡¡And if there is a war, we can collect the money. That way we can expand the farmland and save money!¡¡Oh my god, we''re geniuses! (Wang Anshi is not a gal.)

    In the end, the Northern Song dynasty was destroyed due to the opposition of the Old Law Party led by Shiba Kou.

    Nevertheless, it is said to have been effective in reducing costs.

    However, Hercule certainly did not intend to use the horses provided for farming as cavalry.

    The abilities required of a farming horse are physical strength and the strength of its legs and feet.

    On the other hand, the abilities required of a warhorse include physical strength and leg and foot strength, but above all, speed is also important.

    Moreover, war horses need to be trained on a daily basis.

    Even though it is flattering, a farm horse cannot organize a strong cavalry unit.

    But, however, ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.

    Hercule thought.

    As a beast of burden, it does not need to be fast.

    Physical strength and power would be enough.

    Hercule was thinking of enforcing the Horse Retention Law in line with the Tun Tin Hyang system.

    This would allow us to quickly expand our fields even in the roughest areas.

    Besides, he could order the troops to train their horses to be used as farm animals.

    But, Your Majesty. But your majesty, how will we finance the horses?¡¡With our current finances, we can only do this on a very small scale.

    We''re working on that separately. ...... Well, for the time being, the Tunda system is sufficient.

    Hercule grinned.

    Your Majesty, I have a question.

    "What is it, Carolina?

    Hercule turned at the sound of his beloved fianc¨¦e''s voice.

    Karolina was a little puzzled and then asked.

    "Is it for this?

    "For what?

    "For purging the ...... great nobility. Is it because of the Tontine system?

    Hercule cowered in response to Carolina''s question.

    What makes you think that?

    ...... For the sake of the Tunda system, the land around the border needs to be nationalized. ...... Did you purge the land in order to make that happen smoothly?

    No way, I wouldn''t do a purge just for that.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    But it might be one of the reasons.

    "......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    "...... As expected. You are.

    Is that a compliment?

    I''m complimenting you. ...... Always looking ahead, always acting. Are you saying that everything is going according to your plan?

    If everything had gone according to plan, the emperor wouldn''t be here now.

    Hercule laughs.

    Then Hercule suddenly took Karolina''s lips.

    "!!!

    Karolina''s eyes widen in surprise.

    Hercule grinned at Karolina.

    The only reason I''m emperor is so that I can show you how good I am. Give me more praise.

    You are ...... totally .......

    Karolina sighed.

    And ......

    "Your Majesty, may I ask you one more question?

    "What?

    How do you intend to provide the money?¡¡...... Don''t tell me you''re going to raise taxes?

    Hercule''s military expansion and domestic policy will inevitably require initial investment funds.

    How is Hercule going to secure that? ......

    At least, the only way Carolina can think of is to raise taxes.

    "Well, it''s not too far off the mark, is it?

    ...... Please don''t raise taxes too much.

    Hmm?¡¡Why?

    Hercule tilted his head.

    At least, it doesn''t seem like something that Karolina cares about.

    I don''t want you to make too many ...... enemies. I don''t want you to make too many enemies, because you''re the kind of person who unintentionally tramples on people''s hearts. Please be careful.

    "......

    There are so many things that come to mind that Hercule chokes on his words.

    I''m not going to fix it at all.

    "Well, don''t worry. I believe that taxes need to have a ''cause''. A good cause that everyone can agree on. This time, too, I will have a good cause. Complaints can be sent to ......, and I''m not saying there won''t be some, but we''ll make it work.

    Hercule closed one eye and winked.

    Carolina looked at Hercule with concern.

 35 Episode 3 Big Tits

    It happened one day.

    Hercule was strolling through Lemuria City.

    Naturally, he hid his ears with Asmodeus'' ability.

    He was strolling through the city, not as an emperor, but as a citizen.

    But ...... the slums stand out.

    The total population of Nova Lemuria is over 700,000, but 20% of them live in the ghettos.

    There are two reasons for this.

    One is the devastation of the rural areas.

    The first is the devastation of rural areas, as farmers who could no longer endure the plunder by barbarians or heavy taxes gave up their farmlands and moved to the capital.

    The other was the shortage of labor in Nova Lemuria.

    Due to economic development, the city of Nova Lemuria is chronically short of manpower.

    There are plenty of jobs.

    That''s why the farmers stay in the capital.

    The ghettos are unsafe and unsanitary, a breeding ground for crime, fire and disease.

    This is a problem that Hercule wants to solve as soon as possible.

    "It''s good that the population is growing and vibrant, but ......

    Hercule sighs.

    Due to the increase in population, Nova Lemuria has become saturated.

    The houses are already close to the city walls, and tall buildings are being erected to make up for the lack of space.

    In order to use the land to the limit, the roads have become narrower and more complicated.

    Public safety is only getting worse.

    The sanitation is a little better now that Hercule has rebuilt the water supply system. ......

    But it''s still dirty.

    We''ll have to do some major renovations soon.

    But we don''t have the money for that right now.

    The most important issues at the moment are the stabilization of the border and the resolution of the religious issues within the country.

    Oh, that''s too much trouble. The religious issue is one that ...... we''ve been turning a blind eye to, but ...... it''s time we faced it. Totally .......

    Hercule strolled through the city, feeling depressed about the work that lay ahead.

    Then ......

    Excuse me ....... Do you know where the cathedral is?

    A man approached me.

    It was a beautiful blonde haired girl with a deep hood.

    Her jade eyes were shining.

    And best of all, ......

    It was big.

    What were they?

    Her tits.

    (E...... no, there''s an F. ...... this is a gem. ......)

    Actually ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.

    I don''t know why, but most of them have poor breasts.

    I don''t know why, but ......

    I''m not sure why, but I think it''s because large fat masses are a hindrance in arboreal life.

    The Elves of Lemuria ...... have been living on the plains for a long time, but they still have the evidence of living above the trees imprinted in their genes.

    By the way, how poor are your breasts: ......

    A cup ...... a little small (not poor)

    B cup ...... normal breasts

    C cup ...... big tits

    D cup ...... big tits

    E cup ...... once in a hundred years

    F cup ...... once in a thousand years

    G-cup ...... yet to exist in history. Legends.

    This is how it is.

    Considering that the lifespan of the long-eared elves is four times that of humans, it is easier to understand if the number of years is reduced to a quarter.

    By the way, ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    She is a C, and in the eyes of the elves, she is a big-boobed woman.

    This is why Elf men are hungry for big tits.

    This is evident in the fact that most of the non-Elven women they choose as concubines have large breasts.

    Breasts are probably also a criterion for the recruitment of potential concubines for the palace''s servant ......, Hercule.

    In the first place, breasts are the only thing that gives non-Elves an edge over Elves in terms of appearance.

    The beauty of the Human race is the average of the Long-eared race (Elves).

    Hercule is not a fan of big breasts. ......

    But I don''t hate them.

    "Yes, I know them. Would you like me to show you around?

    "Really?¡¡Thank you very much!

    The girl smiled happily.

    "May I ask your name?

    On the way to the cathedral, Hercule asked the girl.

    The girl''s eyes wavered in some confusion, but she smiled and replied, ".......

    "I''m Scheherazade. And you are?

    "Hercule. ...... Hercules, if you don''t mind.

    Hercule uses his real name as well.

    Even in the Lemurian Empire, the name Hercule is not a rare name.

    And as long as he hides his ears, it''s too imaginative to immediately associate him with the emperor just because he''s an Hercule.

    The current Hercule is human in appearance.

    Are you from the Kingdom of False?

    How do you know that?

    Well, ask his name.

    He spoke Lemurian with a slight accent, if I may say so.

    Since Hercule could also speak Farsi, it was easy to tell that the accent came from Farsi.

    I speak Farsi, so let''s talk in Farsi.

    Hercule said in fluent Farsi, and Scheherazade rolled her eyes.

    Sheherazade rolled her eyes, "That''s great. I''ll take your word for it.

    Sheherazade replied in Farsi.

    "But you have beautiful blond hair. It shines in the sun like ...... gold.

    "Praise will get you nowhere.

    The girl laughed and said nothing, as if she was used to being complimented on the color of her hair.

    Unlike Carolina, she seems to be flattered and strong.

    Judging this, Hercule changed the subject.

    Are you a Messianic, going to the cathedral?

    "Yes, I am. I''d like to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land if I can.

    The state religion of the Kingdom of Fars is the religion of the Holy Fire, but not all of them are holy fire believers.

    Of course, there are Messianics and there are Messianic churches.

    Recently, I heard that Messianism is being suppressed in the Kingdom of Fars. ......

    Yes,......, well,......, the reason I came to the Lemurian Empire was to get away from all that.

    The girl said sadly.

    The current King of the Kingdom of Fars, Sasan VIII, has abolished the existing policy of religious tolerance and has stepped up the suppression of infidels.

    Hercule has already received information that he is destroying cathedrals and churches other than the Church of the Holy Fire, imprisoning clergy, and forcibly converting believers.

    It''s a terrible story. ......

    However, the Lemurian Empire was more severe in its oppression of the pagans.

    On the contrary, the Kingdom of Phallus is better, because there are internal conflicts among the same messianists.

    Incidentally, one of the reasons for the change of policy of King Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Phars is the spying on the Messiahs.

    The suppression was self-inflicted.

    Are you planning to move to Lemuria?¡¡If so, I can accommodate you.

    As emperor, Hercule could provide any job or home for Scheherazade.

    A beautiful blonde girl with big tits is a treasure for mankind.

    It is Hercule''s duty as a messianist to protect her.

    I have no ulterior motive.

    Never.

    Never.

    Maybe ......

    "Hmm, I''m torn. I still love my hometown, and I have a family there. ......

    Scheherazade says, then ponders.

    "I ran away from home on impulse ...... and I don''t know how much scolding my father will give me when I get back ...... but I don''t think it will be more than a hundred pens on my butt... ...

    (...... butt, pen pen?)

    I''m not sure what to say. I''m not sure.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    In this world, she is old enough to be considered an adult.

    And she''s butt-hurt?

    Is that the norm in the Kingdom of Foulds?

    Or is it that her family is special?

    (...... Well, it''s best not to think too much about it.

    Hercule did not pursue the matter too deeply.

    "Scheherazade.

    What can I do for you?

    Well, ......, what kind of reputation does the Emperor of Lemuria have in the Kingdom of Foulds?

    In the Lemurian Empire, the emperor has a reputation for being handsome, good at domestic affairs, light on taxes, strong in warfare, and a wonderful emperor (according to Hercule), but how is he treated in the enemy kingdom of Phars?

    How is he treated in the enemy kingdom of Fars?

    Scheherazade looks at me with difficulty.

    "Well, ...... the Kingdom of Phallus and the Lemurian Empire don''t get along very well, so ...... please don''t get mad at me.

    "I''m not mad, I''m not mad.

    I knew it would have a bad reputation.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    It''s like ...... a brutal, atrocious, evil emperor .......

    What part of ......?

    How can such a great lord, so full of mercy and kindness (Hercule''s assessment), be rated as such?

    Hercule tilts his head.

    It''s like ''purging the nobility by deliberately causing a rebellion'', ''killing all the enemies in a siege and annihilation'', ''the trial method is despicable'' .......

    "I see, I see.

    Hercule was convinced.

    He is indeed a brutal, cruel and vicious emperor.

    We''re here.

    In the meantime, they arrived at the cathedral.

    This is the largest cathedral in Nova Lemuria, the capital of the Lemurian Empire.

    However, it has become decrepit in recent years and needs to be rebuilt soon.

    Wow!¡¡Thank you for the awesome ......!

    "No, it''s no big deal. Take care. Take care.

    That was when Hercule was about to say goodbye.

    As if by divine mischief, a gust of ...... wind blew.

    The wind blew off the girl''s hood.

    The girl who had been hiding ......

    long ears

    appeared.

    "...... Ah!

    The girl rushes to hold her hood down.

    But it was too late.

    Hercule''s eyes clearly saw the girl''s long ears.

    The girl turned on her heels in a panic and tried to run away, but ......

    Hercule immediately grabbed the girl''s hand.

    I''m sorry, but I can''t leave a Foulth nobleman, or an elf for that matter, alone. Would you like to come with me?

 36 Episode 4 Cards

    So you kidnapped him.

    That''s not kidnapping. He''s a Farsi, he''s an elf, he''s a long-eared.¡¡Highborn, most likely. If he dies in my country... There''d be a war.

    After looking at Scheherazade ...... specifically at her chest, Carolina glared at Hercule.

    Hercule responded by cowering.

    In fact, ......

    There are nobles who are not elves, and there are commoners who are elves.

    It''s the same in both the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars.

    However, Hercule determined that Scheherazade was a nobleman based on her "education in Lemurian" and the "upper-class Farse language" spoken by Scheherazade.

    In particular, the decisive factor is the beautiful Farsi spoken by Scheherazade.

    As in Lemurian and English in the previous world, the language spoken by the lower class is slightly different from that spoken by the upper class, even though they speak the same language.

    Class can be judged by the language spoken.

    Anyway, the first thing to do now is to call the Foreign Minister. Anyway, the first thing to do now is to call the Foreign Minister. ...... Now, before we do that, let''s ask him some questions. Please answer honestly, Mr. Scheherazade.

    Hercule smiles at Scheherazade.

    Scheherazade asked Hercule with a nervous look on her face.

    "May I ask you a question about ......?

    "Good.

    So, you''re the ...... Emperor?

    Yes.

    When Hercule nodded with a smile, Scheherazade bent her knees and put her hands on the floor.

    "I beg your pardon!¡¡Oh, it was never my intention to criticize you, .......

    "No, that''s okay. I wasn''t the emperor at the time, I was just Hercule.

    Hercule fluttered his hands to show that he did not care.

    It was Hercule''s fault for not revealing his identity in the first place.

    But I''m the emperor now. ...... I will not tolerate lies. You''re a nobleman of the Kingdom of Foulds, aren''t you?

    "Uh, yeah, .......

    I''m sure you''re a nobleman of the Kingdom of Phallus, aren''t you?

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.

    Don''t look away!

    Yes, yes!

    Scheherazade replies with a tearful face to Hercule''s sudden shout.

    Sheherazade did as she was told and looked straight into Hercule''s eyes.

    "Are you a nobleman?

    "...... No, sir.

    Hercule stares straight into Scheherazade''s eyes.

    He''s not lying.

    "So you''re a commoner?

    "...... No.

    "Then you''re a commoner?

    What do you mean?

    Hercule tilts his head.

    Tell me who you are.

    "...... will remain silent.

    Sorry, you don''t have the right to remain silent. Tell me!

    No!¡¡I beg your pardon!

    Hercule used his Awe spell to intimidate Scheherazade, but she just shook her head from side to side, crying.

    Hercule sighs.

    It can''t be helped.

    Hercule''s further questioning would be fruitless.

    "...... Your Majesty, do you enjoy torturing girls?

    "Don''t say it the wrong way. Karolina.

    Hercule laughed at Karolina''s glare.

    And while she was doing that, the Foreign Minister arrived.

    "Todoris Todorianus. Your Majesty.

    "Oh, you''re here.

    Hercule is a small, fat man: ......

    Todoris Todorianus, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Todris Todrianus.

    His race is the half-elven Half-Elves.

    He is a vassal of Hadrian III and handles all diplomatic affairs.

    Hercule trusted Hadrian III''s eye for talent, so he appointed Todoris Todorian as is.

    "And she is?

    "Yes, that''s right. Do you understand?

    Todoris stares at Scheherazade.

    ...... I didn''t think you''d say Scheherazade, but...

    You know?

    I don''t know what to tell you. ...... She is Princess Scheherazade. She is the daughter of King Sasan VIII, Princess of the Kingdom of Fars.

    Scheherazade.

    She is one of the five children of King Sasan VIII, a pure-blooded High Elf of the royal family.

    Her beauty is famous in the Kingdom of Foulds, but she is also famous for rarely attending social gatherings.

    The reason is simple.

    Because Scheherazade is a messianist.

    It is not a famous story.

    But it is not completely unknown either.

    Until a while ago, Messianism was not suppressed in the Kingdom of Fars. ......

    There were a small number of Messianics in the center of the country.

    But I didn''t expect you to run away from home to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

    I''ve never heard of ...... that. I''ve never heard of such a thing. A princess running away from home.

    Hercule and Todoris stare at Scheherazade.

    I''m not sure if I''m a princess or not.

    The Emperor of Lemuria is going to catch us. ...... Oh, no. My father will be mad at me. ......

    Scheherazade crying and sobbing.

    Perhaps, but I''m pretty sure it''s more than just being angry.

    "So, what do we do now?¡¡Here.

    "Your Majesty, please don''t say this. She''s a princess, after all.

    Todoris admonishes Hercule.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders and approached Scheherazade.

    Scheherazade looked frightened and backed away.

    Hercule smiles at Scheherazade.

    "Don''t worry. Princess Scheherazade. I am the Emperor of Lemuria. Ruler of the only divine empire on earth and protector of all Messianics until the Last Judgment. No matter what your status is, you are still a Messianic. All Messiahs are mine to protect. I''ll protect you.

    "Your Majesty, .......

    Scheherazade looks up at Hercule with tears in her eyes.

    Sheherazade looked up at Hercule with tears in her eyes, and now Hercule''s stock was rising in Scheherazade''s mind.

    "Oh, please!¡¡Please, please don''t let your father do this!¡¡If your father finds out that you''ve been captured by the Emperor of Lemuria, he''ll have to go to .......

    Sheherazade grabbed the sleeve of Hercule''s dress, as if she was quite afraid of her father.

    "Please, I will do anything, anything!¡¡So please keep it a secret.

    "Don''t worry. Don''t worry. I''m on your side.

    Hercule replied with a smile.

    I''m going to return it to you, do you have any objection?

    Gathering only his vassals, Hercule quickly spoke up.

    In the event you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    "Your Majesty, I thought I reviewed ......

    What did you mean when you said that?

    "No, you know what they say about lying.

    Hercule shrugs.

    He was trying to comfort her, but Karolina and Todoris didn''t seem to understand.

    Well, that''s a problem.

    Hercule looked around, thinking inwardly.

    I have no objection. If we''re not careful, we could be accused of having kidnapped her. If we don''t.

    Kristoff agreed with Hercule.

    I''m of the same opinion. The border with the Kingdom of Farus is currently stable. I don''t think it''s worth the trouble of starting a war. The military power of the Kingdom of Phallus is greater than ours. It''s a shame.

    Galfis nodded his head, unusually agreeing with Kristoff.

    What about you, Loukanos?

    "..................

    Lucanos.

    What?¡¡Oh, ...... I''m sorry. I''m sorry?

    "So, I''m asking if I should return Scheherazade or not. ...... What''s wrong?¡¡Are you feeling unwell?

    Hercule asks Lukanos with concern.

    It''s not every day that Lucanos is in a daze.

    I''m sorry, ....... There''s something that''s been bothering me.

    What''s bothering you?

    It''s nothing serious. ...... I think I should return it, too.

    Hercule tilted his head at the unusual appearance of Loukanos. ......

    If he had to say something, he would say it, so he decided to forget about it for now.

    Hercule looked at Karolina.

    "What do you think?

    ''I don''t know about political decisions, but ...... I feel sorry for her, but I think we should give her back.¡¡I''m sure Sasan VIII is worried about her.

    I don''t know what to make of that. ...... I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to try.

    Hercule thought about this and turned his attention to Todoris.

    Todoris is an expert in diplomacy.

    It is not too late to make a final decision after hearing Todoris'' opinion.

    "I disagree, Your Majesty.

    Why is that?

    We mustn''t give up this important diplomatic card.

    Todoris first distracted Hercule by saying this, and then began to explain.

    I will begin by explaining the damage our country will suffer by returning her. As His Majesty just told Scheherazade, the Emperor is the protector of all Messianics. Even if it is the royal family of the Kingdom of Fars, ...... no, because it is the royal family of the Kingdom of Fars, you have to protect her. If you give her back to King Sasan VIII, your authority as the protector of the Messiahs in our country will be ruined.

    The Emperor of Lemuria is the protector of the Messiahs.

    This is just a pretext, but ......

    In diplomacy, this is very important.

    Todoris was well aware of the great power of this authority in diplomacy.

    That''s why, he said, we must avoid the loss of authority.

    But Hercule raises a question.

    Is it something that must be protected even in the event of war?¡¡Must it be defended even at the cost of territory lost, even at the cost of people''s lives?

    "It depends on the scale. Your Majesty. Of course, it can''t be compared to ...... Suria, Misr or the Holy Land, which are key locations of the Empire. But Your Majesty. The territory can be reclaimed. The population will grow. Armies can be rebuilt. But once authority and trust are lost, they are hard to regain.

    "So you''re saying trust is more important than territory and population.

    Hercule smiles with amusement.

    It''s not something that Hercule has often thought about.

    But it makes sense.

    And returning it does not necessarily mean that Sasan VIII will be friendly to our country. In some cases, he may attack us, claiming that he was kidnapped. This is quite possible. Considering the character of King Sasan VIII, it is not surprising that he would try to make up for the diplomatic blunder of letting it be known that his daughter is a messianist through war.

    I don''t know what Sasan VIII''s character is, but ...... well, I certainly wouldn''t thank him either. If you are in Sasan VIII''s position. There is a possibility that they will attack us.

    The military power of the Kingdom of Fars is greater than that of the Lemurian Empire.

    Threatening a man with a gun with a knife would be counterproductive.

    What are the advantages?

    "First of all, it will increase the credibility and authority of my country and the Emperor. If we win, of course, but even if we lose, the fact remains that we fought against the Kingdom of Fars to protect the Messiah. His Majesty''s domestic support will also increase.

    I see. ...... But I''d like to see some real benefits. Trust and authority are not very appealing.

    Of course, it''s not nice to be praised for being "so eloquent! It''s not a bad thing to be praised. ......

    Yes, I understand. First of all, ...... Sasan VIII does not know that our country is harboring Princess Scheherazade in the first place. If he suspects, he can just pretend he doesn''t know. Princess Scheherazade is very useful as a diplomatic card. I think we should keep her.

    I see," Hercule agreed inwardly.

    Scheherazade is a joker.

    Depending on how he''s used, he can either damage the Lemurian Empire or benefit it greatly.

    Todoris judged the benefit to be greater.

    "Our country is losing in military power to the Kingdom of Foulds. And we are at a disadvantage until now. We should not miss the ...... card.

    Todoris concluded.

    It was up to Hercule to make the final decision.

    Hercule pondered a bit and then said, ......

    "Okay, let''s go with Todoris'' idea.

    Thus, Scheherazade stayed in the Lemurian Empire for a while.

 37 Episode 5 Library

    "I have no books to read.

    Hercule started to say something like that.

    What''s the matter?

    "That''s why I don''t have any books to read.

    Hercule answered Karolina''s question.

    He sat down on the sofa and crossed his legs.

    I have read all the books in the library attached to the palace. I''ve read all the books in the library attached to the palace and all the books owned by the Patriarchate of Nova Lemuria. I''ve also bought a lot of books from abroad, but I''ve finished reading those too. ......

    How many books a day do you have to read before you run out?

    Hmm, maybe three.

    You''re bored, dude.

    How do you read so much?

    Well, there''s no entertainment.

    In this world, there are only three options for entertainment: reading books, watching plays, or hunting.

    Hercule, a fast reader by nature, finished the book in a flash.

    What should I do? ......

    "Why don''t you go to the Great Library of Alexandria?

    The one who suggested this to Hercule was Scheherazade.

    She is the princess with big tits of the Kingdom of False.

    She was currently residing in the palace of the Lemurian Empire.

    I see, the Great Library of Alexia: ......

    Aletheia.

    Alethea is the second largest city in the Lemurian Empire and the capital of the province of Misr.

    It has ancient origins, being a port city built by the famous Great King of Old before Lemuria became an empire.

    Misrule is the largest grain-growing region in the Empire, and wheat from all over the Empire is concentrated in Alectia.

    Aletheia is also the place where spices imported from the East are gathered.

    The Great Library of Aletheia was the largest library in the world, with 700,000 volumes in its collection, and it was also a research institution that attracted researchers from all over the world.

    It''s also a research institute that attracts researchers from all over the world. "I see, the Great Library of Aletheia. ...... I''ve heard that there are books there that you could spend a lifetime reading. ......

    Not bad.

    Not bad," Hercule thought to himself.

    Originally, he had planned to visit Misr at some point to observe rice and sugar cultivation, and he had also received a request from the local governor''s office for a special budget for flood control and irrigation.

    It was a good opportunity.

    "Okay, let''s go. To Alexandria.

    But it''s hot in ...... Misr Province, as always.

    It''s a desert.

    A month later, Hercule was in Aletheia, in the province of Misr.

    A month later, Hercule visited Alectia in the province of Misrule, which was only a short boat ride south of the capital.

    Mysuru has a desert climate.

    The sun bakes the earth, the wind whips up the sand, and the land is scorching hot.

    That is Misr Province.

    But that''s only one side of Misrule.

    Misrule is not the land of the dead.

    On the contrary.

    It is a land full of life.

    It is a land full of life. ......

    But the Neil River is always so big.

    "It''s like an ocean.

    From the balcony of the Governor''s Palace, Hercule and Carolina look down on the Neil, a great river that flows into the sea.

    The Neil River.

    It is the great river that brings blessings to the region of Misrule.

    The region of Misr has developed since ancient times due to the large amount of water brought by the Neil River and the rich soil upstream brought by the annual floods.

    Although it is a desert area, it is the blessing of the Neil River that it has become the largest breadbasket in the Empire.

    Wow, that''s amazing. So this is the Neil River. The big river in my hometown, the Dajra Hurat, is big, but the Neil is just as big.

    Scheherazade, who was accompanying us, also shouted in admiration.

    Sheherazade, who had accompanied us, was also impressed.

    Scheherazade wanted to go on a pilgrimage to Aletheia because it had a cathedral and a bishop''s palace.

    It was not desirable to let her out of the palace of Lemuria, but Scheherazade would be depressed if she was confined in the palace for a long time.

    So Hercule gave him a special permission.

    Scheherazade, by the way, is the daughter of a nobleman.

    Incidentally, Scheherazade is the daughter of a nobleman.

    When people hear that there is a reason, they think that they are not allowed to touch her and do not inquire about her.

    In addition, Christophe, Galfis, fifty heavy cavalrymen, twenty archers, and Lucanos are accompanying her as guards.

    And Lucanos was with them.

    "Well, we can go to the Library of Alexandria tomorrow.

    "...... Your Majesty, the main purpose of this visit is to inspect the province of Misr. Don''t forget your priorities, okay?

    In my mind, the Library of Alexandria is at the top of the list. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.

    However, work is work.

    Of course I''m going to do it. I''ll do it later.

    "Carolina, you need to take it easy and not be so rigid. It''s like a trip, right?

    "No. Your Majesty, a visit is a visit is a visit. ...... Hey, stop it. You can''t be here .......

    Hercule put his hand on Karolina''s shoulder and slowly dropped his hand down.

    She hugs Carolina''s body and plays with her back, hips and buttocks.

    The season is summer.

    The heat in Misr Province, which belongs to the tropics, is uncommon.

    This is why both men and women wear light clothing and expose more of themselves.

    This was the reason why Hercule was in heat.

    "Keep the door unlocked, will you?

    "...... Yes.

    Hercule whispered in Karolina''s ear.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    As Scheherazade watched her, she thought to herself.

    Sheherazade, who was raised as a messianist, half under house arrest in the depths of the royal palace, was not familiar with such love affairs.

    She was not familiar with such love affairs.

    He thought it was something he had nothing to do with.

    However, she is unaware that Scheherazade''s chest, which is very well-developed for an elf, is attracting the attention of many male elves.

    It was that night.

    "Are you sure you want to do that ......?

    "Of course not!¡¡The emperor is here.¡¡We can''t let him see such a pagan book!

    The deacon looked worried, but Patriarch Alexia insisted with straight, clear eyes.

    Patriarch Alexia is a priest of the Messianic Orthodox Church and has been serving as Patriarch for about twenty years.

    It was Hercule''s father, the Prior Emperor Hadrian, who appointed him as Patriarch.

    Originally, the province of Misrule was a region with a large number of ''heretical'' ''Arethean'' Messianics who were different from the Orthodox, and the Patriarch of this region was an ''Arethean'', but Emperor Hadrian, who did not want to split the national opinion, expelled the ''Arethean'' Patriarch and appointed a new ''Orthodox'' Patriarch.

    That was him.

    For this reason, he was very zealous in his opposition to heresy and paganism, and he was deeply indebted to Emperor Hadrian.

    This debt of gratitude was naturally extended to his son Hercule.

    When he heard of Hercule''s accession to the throne, he was the first to rush to Nova Lemuria to swear his allegiance.

    Such an enthusiastic patriarch had planned to do something to welcome and praise Hercule.

    That was the destruction of the Great Library of Aletheia.

    He wanted to burn the entire library to purify it of the filthy books written by the pagans.

    When the Emperor woke up this morning, the first thing he saw was the demon library in ashes!

    The Emperor was the first to rush to the scene.

    "Who did this?

    And I answer. "I did.

    The Emperor says. "Well done. You''re my loyal subject. What an excellent Patriarch you are. You''ve judged many heretics and infidels in your time. You''re not fit to be Patriarch of Alectia. I''ll dismiss the useless and ball-less Loukanos and make you Patriarch of Nova Lemuria. From this day forward, you will work as my right-hand man!

    Patriarch Alexia began to play a monologue.

    This is what it means to be a raccoon who doesn''t want to be caught.

    ...... Will it really work out that well?

    "What''s the matter, Deacon? What are you worried about?

    "...... Your Majesty is indeed an ''orthodox'' messianist. But I don''t know how he feels about heretics and infidels. It is not too late to wait and see. ......

    What are you saying?¡¡You are questioning the faith of the Emperor?

    No, not at all. ......

    The deacon has a troubled look on his face.

    It''s hard to have a boss who is so paranoid.

    Enough, you stay at home!

    "...... I understand. ...... I admonished you, didn''t I?

    The deacon was thus fortunate enough to get off the "afterlife express".

    Later, the deacon would say.

    "Well, that was a close call. Yes, really. I''m glad I was home at the time. ......

 38 Episode 6: Fire Extinguished

    "Carolina: ......

    "The Emperor ......

    Midnight.

    Hercule is visiting Karolina''s room.

    They hugged each other on the bedclothes.

    "You''re wearing something pretty today.

    "No, please don''t ...... Your Majesty, I''m so ...... embarrassed.

    Karolina wore a lovely pink negligee made of silk and laced with lace.

    It is made of silk and is so thin that you can see through Carolina''s white skin.

    It looks good on you.

    Your ...... Majesty, please turn off that ...... light.

    You''re still so shy. All right.

    Hercule turns off the lamp.

    The room is dark, and only the moonlight from the window surrounds them.

    Their lips are locked together.

    They kiss each other passionately, feeling each other''s body heat and body against their skin.

    The temperature in Misr Province is not the only reason why their body temperature is rising so high.

    "Your ...... Majesty, ......

    What''s wrong?

    Uh, the lights. ......

    Did you turn off the lights?

    What?¡¡But it seems brighter. ......

    Then they noticed something.

    There''s a faint red glow on the other side of the window.

    That light is coming from the middle of the city.

    Hey, Karolina.

    What is it?

    Isn''t that ...... what they call a fire?

    I think so, too.

    Hercule and Karolina looked at each other.

    Then ......

    "Karolina!¡¡Put your clothes on now. I''ll go wake up Kristoff, Galfis and Loukanos.

    "All right!¡¡I''ll get the horses.

    Yes, please.

    They galloped off.

    Oh, my God!¡¡Who was stupid enough to start a fire so late at night?

    Hercule and the others rode their horses to the scene of the fire.

    Fortunately, the panic had not yet broken out and the roads were clear, as the law forbade going out at night.

    But it''s a blessing in disguise. We''re here for you today.

    Kristoff said as he drove alongside Hercule.

    Hercule, Karolina, Christophe, Galfis, Lucanos, and the elven knights who had come with Hercule as his bodyguards.

    All of them are necromancers.

    In this world where fire trucks do not exist, the fastest way to extinguish fires is through spirit magic.

    Especially Kristoff and Galfis are under contract with spirits who can extinguish fires.

    "But Scheherazade. But Scheherazade. You''re a guest, so you don''t have to come to .......

    If someone''s in trouble, it''s only natural to help.

    I see.

    Hercule gazes at Scheherazade''s twin hills, which sway with every leap of the horse.

    You really do have something wonderful.

    "......, Your Majesty, don''t look around. It''s dangerous.

    "What?¡¡Oh, yes, I''m sorry.

    Hercule reflexively apologized to Carolina''s strangely deadly words.

    Carolina looked a little unhappy, but continued to drive her horse.

    (I don''t know what a lump of fat is worth. ...... I''m not even going to eat it.

    That''s why men...

    Carolina thought, but didn''t say it out loud.

    When Lucanos saw them together, he muttered, "It''s nice to be in love.

    Considering that this is a statement from a man who has lost his male organ, it is heavy in many ways.

    In the meantime, the group arrives at the scene.

    There was a dispute between a group of people who were trying to throw fire into the building with torches and a small group of people who were trying to prevent it.

    The small group was outnumbered, and torches were being thrown one after the other.

    What are you doing?

    Your Majesty!¡¡Your Majesty!

    As Hercule shouted, a man appeared.

    It''s Patriarch Alexius.

    "Patriarch Alexia. What''s burning now?

    "The Devil''s Library, sir!

    Patriarch Alexia answered with pride.

    The library of the devil.

    Not a problem if it''s the devil''s. ......

    Library (...)?

    Something cold runs down Hercule''s back.

    ."...... perhaps the Library of Aletheia?

    "That''s right, sir!

    Library of Alexandria.

    The largest library in the world, with seven hundred thousand volumes.

    The only library in the world with a large collection of ancient books.

    That''s ......

    Is it on fire?

    Fire?

    What are the books in this library made of?

    There''s no paper. ...... I see. Papyrus.

    It''s grass.

    That looks like it would burn really well!

    ...... Are you sure it''s the Library of Alexia?

    Hercule asked again, taking into account the fact that he had misheard.

    And the Patriarch of Alexandria replied.

    "That is correct, sir!

    For a moment, Hercule''s consciousness wandered.

    He wobbled on his feet.

    Holding his head, Hercule thinks.

    Okay, the fire is good.

    The question is, who''s burning it? Or rather, who is that group with the torches?

    Hercule takes a deep breath, cools his head, and asks.

    "Who burned them?

    It was me, sir!

    Patriarch Alektia answered proudly.

    Hercule''s body trembled.

    Seeing Hercule like that, Patriarch Alexia thought.

    You are so happy that your body is trembling!

    Now, what will you say next?

    Will it be a compliment or a promotion to Patriarch of Nova Lemuria!

    Patriarch Alexia looks at Hercule with anticipation.

    Patriarch Aletheia looked at Hercule with anticipation.

    "Die.

    Hercule drew the sword he was holding in his right hand and used the momentum to slash Patriarch Alexia''s neck.

    It was the fastest slash in the history of Hercule''s life.

    However, the sword did not manage to cut off Patriarch Alexia''s head.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Please wait!

    Carolina grabbed Hercule''s arm in a panic.

    The sword was buried two millimeters into Patriarch Aletheia''s neck, and if Carolina had moved one tenth of a second slower, Patriarch Aletheia''s head would have definitely flown through the air.

    "Karolina, let go of my hand. You can''t kill him.

    "Your Majesty, you can''t kill him, at least not until he''s been brought to justice. ...... Look, why don''t we put out the fire first?

    You can''t kill him, Your Majesty.

    And ......

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡What the hell are you mad about? ......

    I''ll kill you later.

    Hercule punched Patriarch Alexia in the stomach, knocking him out.

    He then stomped on Patriarch Alexia''s face several times to make her fall to the ground. ......

    "Asmodeus!¡¡Stun the trash!

    I''m not sure if that''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.¡¡That''s about the extent of it. ...... Oh, sorry. I''ll get right on it.

    Asmodeus senses Hercule''s murderous intent and uses his magic.

    A group of torchbearers fall in a heap.

    Asmodeus can also force people to sleep.

    However, the mentally strong remain conscious. ...... Carolina, go kill him.

    "Can I just ...... pass out?

    ...... I have no choice.

    Carolina, relieved, struck the torchbearers one by one with her sheath, knocking them unconscious.

    In the blink of an eye, the group of torches fell to the ground.

    All right, extinguish the fire quickly!

    They''re already on it.

    We''re ready!

    Galfis and Scheherazade gathered their magic and thrust their hands into the burning library.

    "Amon!

    Galfis summoned Amon, who controlled the flames to keep them from spreading as far as possible.

    And Scheherazade went to ......

    "Verito!

    Verito, the Great Spirit of Falsehood and Alchemy.

    One of the seventy-two Great Spirits.

    His rank is duke.

    His ability is alchemy.

    In other words, golden alchemy!

    "I''ve just temporarily turned an unburned book of papyrus into gold. It won''t burn for a while.

    "Golden ...... is an amazing ability.

    Not really, sir. It will return when I remove the magic from it. It can''t be used to make money.

    Scheherazade smiled.

    At any rate, the book was temporarily protected.

    "All right, Kristoff!¡¡Don''t worry about the papyrus, just do it!

    Finally, it''s my turn ...... to make my first appearance ...... and it''s been a long time .......

    Christophe remembers the days when he used to send Hercule and the others on the ship and stay at home.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    In order to make up for it, he fights against the pirates, but the enemies are so weak and unrepresented that it makes him feel empty. ......

    But those days are over today.

    Focalor!

    Fokarol, the Great Spirit of the Sea and Wind

    One of the seventy-two great spirits.

    His rank is duke.

    He has the ability to control ...... seawater and sea breeze.

    And ......

    This is Aletheia.

    A port city.

    "I''ll wash it off for you.

    Fokarol collected a lot of seawater.

    It pours down on the library like rain.

    As soon as the flames on the surface are extinguished, a stream of wind-covered water snakes into the library and extinguishes the flames as if to wash them away.

    The flames were extinguished in three minutes.

 39 Episode 7 What is the Son of God?

    "Malbus!¡¡Heal the wounded.

    Malvus, the Great Spirit of Healing and Craft.

    He is the spirit with whom Lucanos has made a contract.

    His ability is healing, or curing.

    Malvus'' abilities healed the burns, the injuries from the brawl, and the wounds of Patriarch Alektia who had been kicked in the face by Hercule.

    You don''t have to heal the last one.

    "That''s not how it works, sir.

    Lucanos smiled bitterly.

    Hercule kicked Patriarch Alektia out of the way and ordered his soldiers to "throw this trash in jail.

    Erk¨¹l kicked the healed Patriarch Aletheia and ordered the soldiers to throw him in jail.

    "Are you sure?¡¡You''re the Patriarch. ......

    You''re dismissed. When I say "dismissed," you say "dismissed. This is my country, remember?

    Unfortunately, the Lemurian Empire is such a country.

    It''s also known as the rule of man.

    Laws?

    The word of the emperor is law.

    I don''t care about this garbage. More importantly, the library. Are the books safe?

    I checked, but the damage is minimal. About 20% burned down. ......

    Twenty percent burned?

    Twenty percent burned.

    This means that 20% of the books that Hercule was supposed to read were burned.

    "d*mn ......, you''ve got to be kidding me. ......

    Hercule glared at the former Patriarch of Alexandria as he was dragged away.

    If this man had not burned, none of this would have happened.

    "Oh, uh, .......

    Oh?

    Hiiii!

    The girl who spoke to Hercule cowered.

    What? I''m not in a good mood right now. ......

    I can do ......, okay?

    What?

    It''s a book. ...... I remember ...... what it says. ...... There''s a ...... branch library. There''s also a ...... manuscript hidden away. ...... Oh, ...... I can recover it. Maybe ......

    Really!

    Hiiii!¡¡I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry!

    Hercule grabs the girl by the shoulders and shakes her violently.

    The girl shakes her head several times, shaking uncontrollably.

    The girl shakes her head several times.

    Her body is small.

    Her face, on closer inspection, was quite pretty, and not unlike that of an elf.

    And the most impressive thing is the fox ears and silver hair on her head.

    She also has large breasts.

    Not as big as Scheherazade''s, but D, maybe E. Excellent.

    "The Warbeast ...... is also a celestial fox.

    Yes, I''m ......, a celestial fox.

    What''s your name?

    I''m a warbeast ...... and a celestial fox ....... - What''s your name? - Hupatia ....... I''m the director of the Arrector''s Library ...... and the principal of the school ....... I''m ...... twenty years old. ......

    No, I didn''t ask your age.

    I''m not asking your age, but Hupatia sounds like the kind of name that would get you killed by a shell shaving your flesh off.

    I''m not asking for your age," Hercule thought, but didn''t say it.

    "Just out of curiosity, are you Messianic?

    Huh?¡¡No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

    Well, it doesn''t matter. Gather your fellow scholars and restore it. I''ll give you all the money you need.

    Then Hupatia''s ears perked up.

    Are you sure?

    Really, really. The emperor never lies.

    Yes, yes, yes!¡¡I understand!

    Hupatia ran away at once.

    Hercule saw her off and went to ......

    "Let''s make a bunch of codices and take them to Nova Lemuria. We only have one book to begin with, so we''ll be in trouble if it burns.

    Hmm, I think I just heard a word that the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria cannot overlook: ......

    Pretend you didn''t hear that.

    Yes, I understand. Your Majesty.

    Loukanos smiled bitterly.

    "So, Your Majesty. How do you judge that thing?

    "What? ...... Oh, the former Patriarch of Aletheia. Well, the charges are already laid. The problem is the next Patriarch of Alexandria.

    How would you feel about me taking over?

    For a while, but I''m not going to give you that much power, am I?

    I''m kidding. Your Majesty.

    Lucanos laughed in amusement.

    He''s very happy that his political rival is dead. This man.

    ...... There are many problems with Messianism, aren''t there?

    Well, there are all kinds of Messianics. ......

    Scheherazade and Carolina nodded their heads as they looked at the two bad guys.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡Why, why must I be judged?

    Loukanos, tell them again.

    "Yes, I understand. Your Majesty.

    In the Patriarchate of Aletheia, the former Patriarch of Aletheia was being tried for causing this disturbance.

    The Emperor himself was judging the former Patriarch of Aletheia.

    To see such a rare sight, many people ...... from all walks of life, non-Messianic, Orthodox Messianic, and Alexian Messianic, crowded into the audience.

    Trials in the Lemurian Empire were basically open trials.

    The people could see and hear.

    "One!¡¡Arson.

    Even if it''s a demon building, a pagan building, or a heretical building, the fact is that you set it on fire.

    This is a crime of arson.

    This time, the fire was quickly put out, but it could have spread to the city and caused a huge fire. And there were many casualties.

    No matter what the reason, the fact is that the fire was set. There''s no excuse.

    Arson is a capital offense.

    That''s it. Do you understand?

    No, I don''t agree!¡¡I''m the devil. ......

    Let me put it to you this way. You set fire to the city where the emperor resides. If you''re not careful, the fire could have spread to the governor''s office and I could have been burned to death. What about that?¡¡You''re not saying that the fire you started is a clean fire that only burns pagans, are you?¡¡Well, if that''s the case, I''ll burn you. It won''t burn, will it?

    In the Lemurian Empire, arson is a crime worse than murder.

    In the Lemurian Empire, arson is a crime more serious than murder. If it goes wrong, it could lead to a fire that could destroy the country.

    Therefore, it cannot be tolerated.

    Patriarch Alexia could not say anything and kept silent.

    Patriarch Alektia is unable to say anything and remains silent.

    "Number two, illegal accumulation.

    A large amount of gold coins have been seized from the home of the former Patriarch of Alexandria. This is an unbelievable amount considering his income as Patriarch of Alexandria. It has been discovered that he had been accumulating the money through illegal trials. ...... Isn''t that right?

    Yes, I do. Patriarch ...... No, the former Patriarch was indeed illegally accumulating money. It''s all documented here by me.

    "Deacon ......, you .......

    The former Patriarch of Alexandria glared at the deacon on the witness stand, but the deacon was having none of it.

    I stopped him. It''s your fault," he says.

    Number three, illegal private punishment.

    Many heretics and infidels are put to death by illegal trials. It is true that the Inquisition is an authority granted to the Patriarch. But the Patriarch is only allowed to decide whether or not someone is a heretic. Judicial power belongs to the Emperor. This is a violation of imperial authority.

    ...... In fact, the scope of the Patriarch''s jurisdiction is not clearly defined.

    Since it is still under dispute, it is not illegal for a former Patriarch of Alexandria to condemn a heretic to death, but it is not ......

    But it is not legal either.

    Luk¨¢cs stated the charges without hesitation.

    Everything was decided beforehand with Hercule.

    And ......

    Therefore, you shall be blinded, your ears and nose shall be cut off, and you shall be beheaded.

    Wait, please!¡¡Your Majesty, I am, I am £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Die, you bastard!

    Suck it!

    Avenge your father!

    The non-Messianic people in the audience and the Messianic people of the ''Alexian School'' throw stones at the screaming former Patriarch of Alexandria.

    It seems that he was quite resentful.

    He deserved what he got.

    Thus, the former Patriarch of Aletheia was beheaded.

    Now the case is closed. ......

    This was not to be.

    The Patriarch of Alexandria is one of the five main bishops, along with the Patriarch of Lemuria, the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, the Patriarch of Hiesolia, and the Patriarch of Orontia.

    The Patriarch was beheaded.

    This is different from the beheading of a mere nobleman.

    This trial is ......

    This is the first scalpel by Hercule.

    A solution to the religious problems of the Lemurian Empire.

    Yes, Hercule wanted to use this opportunity to wipe out the religious problems of the Lemurian Empire.

    This was a provocation to that end.

    The Patriarchs of the five ...... head temples reacted to the incident in different ways.

    First, Patriarch Nova Lemuria expressed his support for Hercule because he is a Lukanos.

    The Lemurian Patriarch condemned Hercule for going too far, but showed understanding.

    The Patriarch of Hiesolia remained mute.

    And ......

    The Patriarch of Orontia pronounced Hercule excommunicated.

    When Hercule heard this, he smiled.

    He said that his prey was on the hook. ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I heard you were excommunicated!¡¡Are you okay?

    "Oh, that''s been revoked.

    Hercule smiled at Karolina.

    Karolina''s mind wandered. What do you mean?

    What do you mean?

    It''s simple. I''ve decreed that the Patriarch of Orontia is to be ''disenfranchised''. The Patriarch of Orontia. Apparently, the Arethean Messianics of Orontia surrounded the Orontian Patriarchate.

    "......

    I hurriedly sent a messenger to apologize to them. Well, I forgave them with the emperor''s generous and unilateral concession.

    In the first place, when the Patriarchs of Nova Lemuria and Lemuria, the two most powerful Messianic bishops, are in support of Hercule, the excommunication of the Patriarch of Orontia is as good as non-existent.

    Besides, ...... the Alectian Messianists are the overwhelming majority in Orontia.

    The Patriarch of Orontia was able to dominate there because he had the backing of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    If you fight against that backer, it is obvious that you will end up like this.

    So, the Patriarch of Aletheia and the Patriarch of Orontia have fallen into my hands. So the groundwork has been laid.

    "......, was this the plan all along?

    Aim?¡¡No, the preparation. This is where the real work begins.

    Hercule denies Karolina''s question.

    So far, so good, as Hercule had depicted.

    "By the way, why did the Patriarch of Lemuria come to your support?¡¡It seems that the Patriarch of Lemuria, His Eminence the High Priestess Medium, and His Majesty the Prior Emperor did not get along very well. ......

    I don''t know. I''ve already told the Patriarch of Lemuria that I''m repealing a certain law. That''s why the Patriarch of Lemuria came to my support. Besides, the Patriarch of Lemuria and the Patriarch of Alexandria don''t get along very well.

    Besides, Patriarch Aletheia''s ill-gotten gains were clear.

    The Patriarch of Lemuria has no right to protect the Patriarch of Aletheia.

    Messianism is in trouble too, isn''t it?

    Scheherazade, are you disillusioned?

    No, the Holy Fire religion has its share of political strife. I understand that it is part of religion. What''s more important than ...... is to follow God''s teachings to the letter, is that right?

    I''d like to give the Patriarchs a taste of their own medicine.

    Hercule agrees with Scheherazade.

    The monk should just pray to God.

    "By the way, I''ve been wondering if I could ask you a question about .......

    What is it?

    "Aren''t holy images idols?

    The air froze.

    Hercule and Carolina looked at each other and approached Scheherazade.

    Then ......

    "Listen, Scheherazade. There are some things in this world you just can''t touch.

    "There are three Messianic abominations: holy images, whether the Son of God is a god or a man, and the existence of a hierarchy of clergymen who are equal before God. These are not to be touched.

    These are the three taboos that, if you ask Messianics, will lead to killing each other.

    Messianism forbids ''idolatry''.

    What is an idol?¡¡The answer is: ......

    In simple terms, a statue of Buddha is an idol.

    In other words, they are statues or pictures that imitate gods.

    The reason why they are forbidden is that they are not gods themselves.

    Worshipping a mere stone, tree, or picture is out of the question.

    In the first place, it is too impious for man, a creature, to make a statue or picture in the image of God, the Creator.

    This was the theory.

    ......, but in reality, it was easier to understand and more convenient for propagation, so things that were not "holy images" were made.

    The question is whether this is against the teachings of God or not. ......

    This is the "Holy Image Problem".

    There is a difference of opinion even among Messianic Christians on the issue of "holy images". I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''m not sure if you''ve seen it.

    The Patriarch of Lemuria is a ''holy statue safe'' kind of guy." "Oh, ......, is that so?

    The previous emperor, Hadrian, captured the hardships that befell the empire and its repeated defeats in war in this way.

    "Because they worshipped holy images and went against the teachings of God!

    The emperor Hadrian issued a law called the "Decree of the Destruction of the Holy Image", which threw the Lemurian Empire and the Messianic people into chaos.

    Currently, this law has become a skeleton after Hercule''s accession to the throne. ......

    It has not yet been repealed.

    As for the question of whether the Son of God is a god or a man, there are four factions: the Orthodox, the Alexians, the Westerners, and the Easterners.

    "Is that so?

    Sheherazade tilted her head at Carolina''s words.

    What''s the difference?

    I honestly don''t know, I can''t explain it. I thought you would understand.

    "I''m not sure I can explain it well either. Ask Loukanos. Ask him, he''ll tell you how ''orthodox'' is right.

    By the way, a simple explanation of the "Is the Son of God a God or a Man" debate can be found at ......

    The Bible says that the Messiah, the prophet, is the "Son of God.

    And ...... is treated as God who came into the world.

    But the Bible says this.

    "There is only one God.

    It''s all the fault of the Bible that it''s a governor. ......

    It is the convenience of messianic leaders and emperors that the Bible must be correct.

    Thus arose the controversy of whether the Son of God is God or man.

    The arguments of each side can be roughly summarized as follows: ......

    Orthodoxy: ...... The Son of God is both God and man. Together with the Holy Spirit, they form the Trinity. It''s all the same!

    The Alexandrian School ...... The Son of God is God and Man, but more like God.

    Western School ...... Of course it''s a person, JK.

    Eastern School...... half, right?

    This is how it is.

    This may not be clear to Japanese, but it is a serious matter concerning the rationality and theoretical nature of Messianic doctrine.

    How serious is it? It is serious enough to cause human death.

    Since the Western and Eastern factions have been exterminated from the Lemurian Empire, there are only two factions left, the Orthodox and the Alexian.

    These two factions had a population ratio of about three to one, and since there was no overwhelming minority, they were in great strife.

    "Speaking of which, Your Majesty. Your Majesty was aiming to unite the Orthodox faction and the Alexian faction, wasn''t it?

    "Yes, the ''New Orthodoxy'', a blend of Orthodox and Alectian views?

    Hercule nodded at Karolina''s question.

    The New Orthodoxy is a new doctrine that combines the doctrines of the Orthodox and the Aretheans.

    Hadrian probably wanted to unite the Messianists of the empire.

    As a compromise, he created the "New Orthodoxy.

    However, the New Orthodoxy was so half-hearted that it ended up being hated by both the Orthodox and the Achaeans, causing even more confusion.

    "Your Majesty, we are ready.

    Lukanos tells Hercule.

    Karolina tilts her head.

    "Preparations for what?

    "The Council.

    "The Council of ......, the Council?

    Karolina exclaims in surprise.

    Hercule smirks.

    "The First Council of Alexandria," he declared.

    "The First Council of Alexandria is now in session. Bishops from the Lemurian Empire and around the world will be gathered here to reaffirm the ...... doctrine.

 40 Episode 8 Alexanders Council and Edicts

    "So, what do you think?¡¡Can you grow it?

    "It will take some trial and error, but I think it will be possible.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction at the landowning nobleman''s question.

    It''s good that you''ve announced the council, but there''s no way that bishops from all over the world will be moving in an instant, and various preparations will be necessary.

    In the meantime, Hercule was making an inspection of the province of Misrule.

    Specifically, he wanted to see if it was possible to grow rice and sugar.

    First, he looked for a landowner who would grow rice.

    It was difficult to find a landowner who was crazy enough to grow such a strange grain as rice, but after Hercule offered some assistance, we finally found someone who was willing to grow it.

    We have already provided ten landowners with rice seeds and slaves who have experience in growing rice.

    It will take at least three years to expect a stable harvest. ......

    It will be worth the three years.

    In addition, sugar cultivation has already begun in areas under the emperor''s direct control and on the private property of the royal family.

    Erk¨¹hl has also inspected this area and found it to be doing well.

    By the way, have you had any troubles lately?

    Trouble, sir?

    "Anything at all.

    The landowner crossed his arms in response to Hercule''s question and worried. ......

    I''ve heard that some of the irrigation systems are outdated. Some of the irrigation systems in Misr Province are a hundred or two hundred years old.

    Don''t all say the same thing.

    Hercule smiled bitterly.

    During his inspection, Hercule had seen a variety of people ......

    He spoke to landowners, nobles, priests, merchants, farmers, and peasants. ......

    The most common opinion was "flood control".

    For a long time, the empire had been in financial difficulties, and flood control and irrigation had been neglected.

    The bill for that has now come due.

    (When I think about it, I''m always cleaning up after my predecessors. ......)

    Hercule reminds me of Hadrian.

    He was not an incompetent man.

    In fact, Hadrian''s reform of the military system to emphasize cavalry was right on target, and his vassals, bureaucrats, and soldiers, such as Galfis, Christos, Lucanus, Todoris, etc., were beyond reproach.

    If I had to pick a problem, it would be that they were a bit lax.

    "Well, we''ll take care of the water control soon. Don''t worry.

    "...... Yes, Your Majesty''s wisdom is admirable.

    The landowner replies with a face of low expectation.

    He is well aware that the central government has no money.

    Well, Hercule knows that, too.

    We''re on track to get the money.

    All that''s left is to hold the council.

    Welcome aboard. Your eminence, Millenia (????).

    ...... You''ve grown quite a bit, Your Highness, Hercule(??????).

    In the port of Alexandria, Hercule was greeted by an old woman.

    Her face was wrinkled, her waist was bent, and her silver hair had lost its luster.

    Her voice, however, was dignified and ageless.

    Her imposing figure in front of the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire reminded me of the time when she was young and shining.

    This old woman''s name was Millenia Peter.

    She is the supreme leader of the Messianic religion, a princess maiden (medium). But a princess is still a princess.

    The first medium was an orphan girl who was found and raised by the Son of God.

    The girl was later revealed to be an angel in human form, sent by God to serve the Son of God.

    Later, the Son of God and the medium were executed. ......

    (According to one theory, the Son of God did not leave any children, while the Medium did. (According to one theory, she had a child with the Son of God.

    This child inherited the abilities of the first medium.

    This was the second generation of mediums.

    For the next several centuries, the mediums led the Messianic religion in place of the Son of God.

    Eventually, Messianism became the state religion of the Lemurian Empire, and after the emperor was made God''s representative on earth, the mediums were assigned to assist him.

    In other words, the relationship between the "Son of God" and the "Medium" was to be recreated.

    Currently, the Medium is based in Lemuria, the former capital of the Lemurian Empire.

    This is because the first medium was martyred in Lemuria.

    The successive generations of Mediums have a mission to guard the grave of the first Princess Miko (Medium).

    As such, the Patriarchate of Lemuria, which assists the mediums, and the Patriarchate of Nova Lemuria, which assists the emperor (God''s agent), have an antagonistic relationship and are vying for supremacy. ......

    I will not mention it here.

    In addition, the Medium has some Elven blood in her veins.

    This is because the emperor of Lemuria, who established messianism as the state religion, married a medium.

    The current generation of mediums are human, but their blood has faded.

    "You were almost as tall as me when I put the crown on your head. May I ask how tall you are?

    "One hundred and seventy-five, Master Millennia. Well, I''m growing.

    Hercule laughed.

    The two of them looked like a grandmother and her grandchild reunited after a long absence.

    Incidentally, mediums are usually called high priestesses and never by their first names, and emperors of Lemuria are usually called emperors and never by their first names.

    Considering the fact that Hercule and Medium call each other by name, ......

    The relationship is one of equality.

    On the other hand, a little further away from the two, another two people were peacefully holding hands.

    "Well, well, Mr. Loukanos. It''s been a long time. Good to see you." (Hurry up and die, you ball-less bastard.)

    Yeah, thanks a lot. I''m glad to see you''re doing well. Kronos-dono" (You''re about to die, you bald bastard!)

    The man Lucanos is shaking hands with is Kronos Clorius.

    He is the Patriarch of Lemuria.

    In other words, he was Lukanos'' enemy.

    Their faces were friendly, but their hands were clenched in a vise.

    "......, why don''t you let go of my hand quickly?

    No, no, after you.

    No, thank you.

    The first one to take his hand away loses.

    The wand swings down on their heads.

    Thump!

    They couldn''t help but hold their heads.

    Hercule struck the heads of his men with the scepter, and the medium with the bishop''s staff.

    "Don''t play with me, let''s go.

    You''re not a child.

    They reluctantly followed their master.

    "Gentlemen, thank you for coming. The First Council of Alexandria is now in session.

    Hercule announced, looking around at the clergy who had gathered from all over the world at this time.

    The clergy celebrated with applause.

    (I guess the Aretarians refuse to attend. Well, we''re better off without them.

    Hercule had sent a letter to the Arethean clergy asking them to attend as well. ...... But they ignored the letter and did not attend.

    They must have thought they would be beaten to a pulp.

    In fact, the clergy who attended the council were all Orthodox.

    It was a reasonable decision.

    If they had been absent, they could have argued, "This is unjust! If you don''t fight, you don''t lose.

    If you don''t fight, you don''t lose.

    You all know it well. "You know as well as I do that we Messianics are in a crisis. In the east, the Church of the Holy Fire is gaining power, and in the west, the Western School ...... of heretics, the Warbeasts, have established a state and are spreading their twisted teachings.

    In the former western half of the Lemurian Empire, the warbeasts, who believe in the teachings of the Western School, have established a state and are competing with each other.

    In the west, the number of orthodox believers was small, and Messianism was on the brink.

    In the west, there were few Orthodox believers and Messianism was in danger. And above all, there is the ...... ''Holy Image Problem''!¡¡We, the Messianists, must prevent the division. That is the reason why we are holding this council.

    This is why we, the Messianics, are holding this council." Hercule said in his speech.

    Next, the medium stood up.

    We must be united. To do that, we must unify our doctrines. We need you to help us.

    Both Hercule and the medium are applauded.

    Thus began the ......

    The Council of Alexandria began.

    The Council of Aletheia proceeded according to the "secret agreement" made between Hercule and Medium, and ended without any particular disturbance.

    At this time, I would like to write only about the "Alexandrian Creed", which was confirmed and had a great influence on the later councils.

    It abolished the "New Orthodoxy" created by the previous emperor Hadrian. The old orthodoxy will be the orthodoxy, and the Aretarians will be eliminated.

    The Lemurian emperors and priestesses (mediums) are obligated to eliminate the priests of the "New Orthodoxy".

    Veneration and respect for the holy images is attributed to the images, not to the holy images themselves. There is a distinction between the worship of God and the worship of holy images, and only God is the object of worship. Only God is the object of worship.

    The "Decree of Destruction of the Holy Image" issued by the previous emperor Hadrian is abolished.

    The Lemurian Patriarchate is honorably the head of the Five Patriarchates. In honor, the Lemurian Patriarchate is the head of the Five Patriarchates, but its authority is equal to that of the Five Patriarchates, and its status is equal.

    Henceforth, doctrine shall be determined by the decisions of the High Priestess, the Emperor, and the Council, and any decision without the approval of all three shall be null and void, whether made before or after the Council.

    The medium crowns the emperor and assists him.

    The Emperor shall protect the mediums and guarantee their status.

    Also see ......

    On the same day and at the same time as this council.

    On the same day and at the same time as this council, Hercule had issued another, completely different edict throughout the Empire.

    This edict, commonly known as the "Edict of Alexandria", was as follows.

    Preamble

    The Lemurian Empire must be one.

    The state religion of the Lemurian Empire is Messianism, and only those doctrines defined by the Council are valid, all others are heresy and paganism.

    However, there are many heretics and pagans living in the Lemurian Empire, and they are the subjects who govern the Lemurian Empire, and sometimes fight as soldiers.

    Their rights must be protected.

    Article 1

    The memory of all events that took place before I issued this decree on this day, and during the conflicts that preceded it, shall be erased and put to rest as if they had never happened.

    Article 2

    The Alexandrians are Messianists who believe in the same God and are a people of the Book, despite their differences in doctrine. Therefore, their rights are to be upheld, exercised, and accepted without discrimination, regardless of any covenant to the contrary.

    Article 3

    A special exception is made for the establishment of an Aretan Patriarchate in Aletheia (the province of Misr) and Orontia (the province of Suria), where there are many Aretans, in parallel with the Orthodox. However, the Emperor shall have the right to ordain.

    Article 4

    In principle, all other heresies and heresies must be eliminated. However, those who have paid a per capita tax in proportion to their wealth shall be treated as subjects of our nation, and shall be allowed freedom of religion and religious activity, and shall have the same rights as Orthodox and Alexian Messianics.

    Article 5.

    Heathens and heretics who have agreed to convert to Orthodoxy or Alectianism shall be treated as Orthodox and Alectian from that day and hour.

    Article 6

    Religious institutions and societies of heretics and infidels shall report their activities to the Emperor, as well as the names and addresses of the believers to whom they belong.

    Article 7

    The per capita tax imposed on heretics and infidels is as follows: ......

    ......

    ......

    ......

    Heretics and infidels who refuse to do the above shall take up the sword.

    You have a choice: the Bible, tribute, or the sword.

    So, today, at this time, Hercule is ......

    At the same time as narrowing down the doctrine to the orthodox at the Council, ......

    At this time, Hercule has narrowed down the doctrine to the orthodox at the Council of and has granted freedom of religion in the Empire.

 41 Episode 9 How to properly make heavy taxes

    "What do you think, Lucanos? What''s the reaction?

    The extremist priests are protesting, but ...... they have been subdued. Some of the Orthodox are unhappy, but there are no signs of any major action. The Alexandrians seem to be taking a favorable view.

    And the infidels, the heretics?

    There''s been no significant movement.

    Good.

    And Hercule sips his tea with satisfaction.

    Tea with cookies is wonderful.

    While Hercule was enjoying the aroma of the tea, ......

    "Your Majesty!

    "What the... Carolina?

    "Tell us what it is. ...... I don''t know what''s going on anymore!

    Carolina said, confused.

    That''s just as well.

    After holding a council to unify the doctrine, narrowing it down to a single orthodoxy, and even kicking aside the prior emperor Hadrian''s conciliatory measures to show his conservative stance, ......

    It is that tremendously tolerant and innovative edict.

    It was understandable that Carolina was confused, and in fact the nobles, clergy, and even pagans and heretics of the Lemurian Empire were confused.

    "Okay, let me explain to you ...... the religious policy of our country so far, do you understand?

    ...... is to unify doctrine and national opinion.

    "Very well. Great, great, great.

    Hercule pats Carolina on the head.

    Karolina has a complicated expression on her face. You''re making fun of me, aren''t you?

    The Lemurian Empire was originally a polytheistic state, but ......

    The Lemurian Empire was originally a polytheistic state, but it lost its centripetal force during the civil war. The emperor then turned his attention to Messianism, which was growing in power at the time, and made Messianism the state religion.

    Messianism is a monotheistic religion dedicated to a single god.

    Therefore, its centripetal force was tremendous.

    One god means only one justice, which means that the emperor is the greatest, and it was a good way to affirm the emperor''s right.

    However, the problem was that there were various factions within Messianism.

    Therefore, successive emperors organized councils, sometimes eliminating conflicting patriarchates, to unify their doctrines.

    This is orthodoxy.

    But ......

    But from the time of Hadrian, it became more difficult.

    This is the existence of the Alexian school.

    The Alexandrians are very numerous. ......

    They were so numerous that even if the Council rejected them, they could not be eliminated.

    In addition, the provinces of Misrule and Suria, where there were many Aretheans, were important military and economic centers for the Empire.

    The emperor could not afford to lose the support of the citizens of these regions.

    Therefore, Emperor Hadrian tried to unify the doctrines by issuing the "New Orthodoxy" and to refine the Messianic doctrines by issuing the "Decree of Destruction of the Holy Image".

    But they failed.

    In other words, ......

    It is no longer possible to unify the doctrines.

    That is, it is no longer possible to unify the doctrines, unless one separates the territories.

    So Hercule thought.

    "What, Hercule?

    Are you saying that the Alexandrians won''t abandon their doctrine?

    Hercule, that''s because you''re trying to force them apart.

    Think of it the other way around. "It''s okay to admit it.

    So, Hercule decided to go for the "Let''s just admit the Alectarians, it''s too much trouble" strategy.

    In addition, other heresies and paganism are also safe as long as they pay a per capita tax.

    This is a clone of the I''m-ism.

    Pay the jizya, and we''ll forgive you.

    And so it goes.

    Isn''t there a lot of opposition to ......?¡¡The orthodox extremists are at .......

    I fired the radical Patriarch Alexandria. Patriarch Orontia, also a radical, surrendered to me. You can''t do anything without a leader.

    "...... You didn''t go to Alectia to execute the Patriarch from the beginning!

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m here.

    It''s true that the flames in the Aletheia library were unexpected and I was really upset.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I''m not sure what to do.¡¡Don''t they have any objections?

    "No. I made a secret agreement with them beforehand. We had a secret agreement. The Patriarch of Lemuria and the Patriarch of Lemuria will be allowed to make friends with the Western heretics in exchange for not complaining about my policies. In addition, I''ve granted him the right to the throne, even if it''s "honorary," and I''ve stipulated that the decisions of the council must be made with the joint names of the princess maidens (mediums). ...... That old woman is a tricky one.

    In fact, the Patriarchate of Lemuria is located within the nation of the Warbeasts of the West.

    The Patriarchate of Lemuria is actually located in the Warbeast Nation of the West, because Lemuria was part of the destroyed West Lemurian Empire.

    The city cannot be moved.

    That is why the Lemurian Patriarchate is soft on the West.

    The Patriarchate of Lemuria is therefore lenient towards the Western faction, because it is afraid of being invaded if it is hostile.

    Hence, ......

    It is impossible to intervene in the religious policy of the Lemurian Empire with a big face.

    The other reason is that they wanted to collect taxes in addition to doctrinal unity. If you are dealing with pagans, you can''t be blamed for taking a little tax money. Now we have the money to expand the military.

    "Is it going to work?¡¡Tax dodging is ......

    What do you think Article V of the Imperial Decree requires you to report your name and address?

    Pagans and heretics can go to ...... if they want to seek the protection of the laws of the Lemurian Empire.

    If a heretic wants to seek the protection of the laws of the Lemurian Empire, he must report himself.

    What about rebellion?

    "It''s a per capita tax ''according to your wealth''. It''s a per capita tax based on wealth. Besides, ...... all the discrimination and persecution will be abolished and people will be able to practice their religion freely.

    No one would be stupid enough to revolt.

    Hercule thought.

    He also thought that it would be enough to kill them if they did.

    In fact, it would be easier if the potential terrorists rose up in force as soon as possible.

    Besides, this per capita tax is also a way to recover taxes that were missed.

    "Missed?

    Karolina tilted her head.

    Hercule played with Karolina''s long ears as he gently and carefully explained.

    Carolina, do you think a heathen or a heretic can be a government official?

    "No, I don''t. ......

    "Then what about landowners and sharecroppers?

    ...... would take their land, wouldn''t they?

    In Messianism, infidels and heretics are not human beings.

    In Messianism, infidels and heretics are not human beings, and therefore cannot be blamed for taking their property, and have done so many times before.

    Therefore, they do not own land that cannot be carried ...... and is easily taken.

    So what about business?

    ...... can''t be trusted.

    No one likes to buy things from infidels and heretics.

    That''s why most pagans and heretics are menial ...... jobs, working like peasants or slaves, but some of them become successful and rich. What''s that?

    ".................. ah!!!¡¡Moneylender!

    That''s right, moneylending, which is frowned upon in the Messianic religion. There are many pagans and heretics who have made a fortune doing it.

    There are many pagans and heretics who have made a fortune from it.

    They cannot carry land, but they can carry gold, jewels and other goods, as well as knowledge.

    Some of the pagans and heretics used them to survive strong.

    And ......

    Under Herculean fiscal reform, commercial taxes are levied at the guild level.

    However, there was virtually no tax on pagans and heretics who could not form guilds in large numbers.

    Hercule planned to collect it in the form of a per capita tax.

    "So, everything''s going according to ...... plan?

    "No, not yet. It''s not over yet.

    Hercule grinned.

    We''ve funded our military expansion with per capita taxes. But there''s not enough money for flood control, horses for the Horse Act, and other national projects. We will secure this next.

    "......, but no more heavy taxes.

    It''s not a heavy tax. But ...... is a continuation of this religious policy?

    Hercule smiled wickedly.

    "Gentlemen, thank you for coming. To put it bluntly, I need you to lend me some money. For the betterment of the Empire, right?

    Hercule invited the pagan and heretic moneylenders into the palace and said so.

    As expected, they were unfazed.

    One man stepped forward and asked Hercule on behalf of the others.

    "Your Majesty. We have been saved by Your Majesty''s decree. We can now sleep at night without fear of raids or unreasonable violence, and we can make pilgrimages to ...... holy places that were forbidden to us until now. We are all grateful to you, Your Majesty.

    The man who said this was a pagan moneylender called ...... the Six Star Sect.

    The six-star religion is the mother religion of Messianism, and is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world.

    It is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world and believes in the same god as Messianism. ...... is the so-called People of the Book.

    The Son of God, who is said to be the founder of Messianism, was also originally a Six Star.

    However, they betrayed the Son of God, which led to his crucifixion, and were subjected to severe discrimination by Messianism.

    Seventy percent of the pagan and heretic moneylenders in the Lemurian Empire were Hexadians.

    But, Your Majesty. We are moneylenders. We lend money and pay interest on it to .......

    "You don''t have to try and be polite about it. You want to say, "Are you going to pay me back?¡¡That''s what you''re trying to say, isn''t it?

    Hercule smiled.

    The Sixth Star man''s face paled.

    This is the palace of the Lemurian Empire.

    If Hercule wanted to kill them on a whim, he could.

    And ......

    There are a lot of Messianics who are happy to hear that the Sixth Star was killed, but how many are angry and resentful ......

    I wonder how many of them are angry and resentful.

    Don''t worry. I understand how you feel. I can certainly overthrow it if I wanted to. ...... And I already have your names and addresses. I can kill you if you try to defy me in any way. You don''t have the option of not giving me your name and address. In this country, ...... at least, you will be subjected to unreasonable violence if you do not.

    Hercule says calmly, but ......

    It was practically a threat.

    The moneylenders realized that they had no choice.

    Hercule knows this and still says with a smile.

    Don''t worry. I''m not foolish enough to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Besides, the money I borrowed from ...... will be invested in public works such as flood control, irrigation and roads, promotion of industry and trade, and education. In other words, we can expect a return on our profits. We will not squander it on military expenditures, court expenses, or church construction. So I will definitely repay the debt I borrowed from you. Yes, I swear to God.

    The moneylenders looked at him in surprise.

    They were surprised because Hercule had said "investment".

    In Japan, where capitalism has taken root, "investment" is not a new thing.

    It is a matter of course.

    But ......

    It is still not a common practice at the economic level in this world.

    Of course, merchants are aware of the concept of "investment" and it is common.

    But ......

    Basically, commerce is regarded as "making a profit by distributing people''s products from right to left, in other words, making an unfair profit without sweating," so of course the common sense of merchants, "investment," does not spread to the private sector.

    This is especially true for the elite bureaucrats, soldiers, politicians, and clergy.

    What Hercule is trying to do, moreover, is not at the level of investing "surplus money".

    It''s about borrowing money and then investing it to make a profit. ......

    At least, it is too shallow and dirty to be thought up and implemented by the "monarchs" of this world. ......

    Shallow, dirty, ......

    And innovative.

    It could be considered by the economically illiterate, or even the average person in this world, as "the emperor gambling".

    It is such a revolutionary idea "in this world".

    Invest in me. You can''t lose.

    Hercule smiled and said to the moneylenders.

    The moneylenders gasp.

    This is different.

    He''s not an ordinary emperor or monarch. ...... At least he''s looking at the world from a perspective similar to our own!

    The moneylenders felt this intuitively.

    There was no reason to refuse.

    They couldn''t say no anyway.

    Besides, ......

    Invest in this guy and you''ll make money!

    Their noses sniffed out the profits.

    Thus, ......

    Hercule had just acquired a huge cash asset that he could use right now without any effort.

 42 Episode 10 Artistic

    "Well, but our emperor is brilliant, don''t you think?¡¡Master Oscar Almon.

    "Quite so. Darios, ...... What are you smoking, by the way?

    Marijuana. Do you smoke?

    No, thank you.

    Darios smokes the marijuana in his pipe with relish.

    In the Lemurian Empire, marijuana is commonly available as a luxury item.

    It is often used for pain relief.

    It''s a major plant.

    "Well, I thought it was over when I was defeated by the Emperor. I didn''t think you''d be such a good and interesting master. Don''t you agree?

    "Yes, I do. I thought that the Lemurian Empire was just going to fall into ruin. ...... But here we are, and the Lord has not abandoned us. I guess that''s just the way God wants it.

    And speaking of God, ......

    Oskar asks Darios.

    "You were a ''Western'' Messianic, I believe. ...... Are you still one?

    "I converted to Orthodoxy two weeks ago. I converted to Orthodoxy two weeks ago.

    No matter how many imperial edicts forbid discrimination, you will still be looked down upon.

    For Darios, who is not a devout man by nature, converting to Christianity is not a very difficult thing to do.

    But he''s a man who doesn''t seem to think about anything, but he thinks about everything, he sees everything. Everything is going according to plan, isn''t it? Your Majesty.

    "This time I got goosebumps indeed. ...... Too vivid.

    First, I''ll purge the great nobles.

    The first step is to purge the great nobility. This will solidify the foundations of the government, and at the same time, acquire land to set the stage for the Tonten system.

    After that, he purged the former Patriarch of Alexandria and brought the Patriarch of Orontia, who had attacked Hercule, to his knees in return.

    This effectively brought most of the clergy in the Lemurian Empire to their knees and brought them under control.

    Then, he made a secret pact with the medium, and the Council was favored. ......

    The confusion caused by the "New Orthodoxy" and the "Decree of the Destruction of the Holy Image" during the reign of Hadrian was put to rest, and Orthodoxy was completely established.

    At the same time, an imperial decree was issued granting religious freedom to the Aretheans, thus gaining the support of the Aretheans.

    The Orthodox clergy, already suppressed by Hercule, have no say in the matter.

    On top of that, ......

    Taxing the infidels and heretics is a new source of revenue.

    In addition, they use their religious organizations against them to prevent rebellions by keeping track of their activities, the number of their followers, and the whereabouts of their followers.

    This is used as a source of threats, and money is borrowed from the infidels and heretics to obtain further financial resources.

    A single policy spreads like a net and solves the problems of the empire in one fell swoop.

    It was truly brilliant, a true work of art.

    And if you lend that much money, ...... the infidels and heretics will have no choice but to support the empire. It''s like they''re in bed with the Empire.

    "It''s the fetters of debt. ...... They can''t escape the empire anymore since their livelihood is gold. ......

    Pagans and heretics lend huge amounts of money to Hercule.

    The infidels and heretics lend huge amounts of money to the Hercules, which means that until the money is returned from the Hercules, the infidels and heretics cannot resist the Hercules and the Empire.

    To start a rebellion, you need weapons.

    To buy weapons, you need money.

    In order for the infidels and heretics to revolt, they need the support of the ...... same infidels and heretics.

    But this loan has put them on the side of the Empire.

    It has become hopelessly difficult for the infidels and heretics to revolt.

    "The crowning glory was this ''Church Law''.

    It will solve the religious problems of the empire, and ...... it will also secure new sources of revenue.

    "Church Law.

    It''s a new law enacted by Hercule to control the church.

    There are three main points to this law.

    The first is to allow a greater degree of autonomy within the church.

    Until now, until Hadrian''s reign, the empire had interfered in the internal affairs of the church.

    However, Hercule abolished this and allowed the Church to have free autonomy.

    But ......

    As for the Patriarch, he is elected by the Church and then appointed by Hercule, so there is a minimum collar.

    Two, regarding the Church''s property.

    The church has a huge amount of land and property that it has donated and endowed.

    This land and property may or may not be subject to taxation. ......

    This has been an issue since the time of Emperor Hadrian.

    Hadrian''s argument was that the land was imperial land before it was church land, so it should be paid for.

    The Church argued that since the land was donated, it belonged to the gods and should not be touched.

    The Church''s argument is that since it was donated and endowed, it belongs to God and should not be touched.

    The Church prevented Hadrian from taxing the land. ......

    The Church prevented Hadrian from levying taxes, but Hadrian sometimes forcibly took property from the Church by force.

    In other words, the game was evenly matched.

    In order to solve this situation, Hercule decided to use ......

    In order to solve this situation, Hercule announced at : "Donated money is the property of the church and cannot be touched. The land donated is tax free as long as it is necessary for the operation of the church. However, it is subject to taxation if it earns more profit than necessary.

    This was a compromise.

    In short, it was a compromise.

    From the Church''s point of view, it would secure the minimum necessary to run the church, and if it was making more profit than necessary, it could not help but pay taxes, .......

    For Hercule, it would provide a new source of revenue on a permanent basis.

    The two sides came to a satisfactory conclusion.

    And the last bone of contention: ......

    It was decided that each church would submit the names and addresses of its members to the central government .......

    In order to know the exact number of Orthodox, Aretheans, and other heretics and infidels, ......

    That''s what Hercule claimed: ......

    The truth is that he wanted to control the Church and to keep the cost of population census low.

    It''s a hassle for the church, but ......

    The church is willing to do this in exchange for autonomy. That''s about it.

    "If there is such a thing as the art of war, then your thing is political art.

    "That''s a very good point. It''s an art ...... that is simply wonderful.

    Hercule''s goals are consistent.

    Hercule''s goals are consistent: to secure financial resources and to stabilize the country.

    But it is very difficult to satisfy both at the same time.

    The more taxation, the more dissatisfaction, and the more tax cuts, the less revenue, for the sake of domestic stability.

    If you raise taxes without complaining, or rather while increasing the number of your supporters, ......

    This is an unusual balancing act that Hercule has pulled off.

    But I don''t think it''s possible to pull off a better trick than that. ...... What do you think?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.¡¡I''m sure the tax revenue will gradually increase with the development of the country.

    The only other thing we can do is ......

    The only other thing they could do was to go to war, at least they both thought so.

    That''s where we come in.

    "Well, we don''t know politics anyway. ...... We can leave the politics to you. Our job is to train the troops and be active on the battlefield.

    You''re right. ...... If we follow you, we won''t be afraid of any enemy. I look forward to it.

    "You''re not very good at war, are you?

    "Mister Darios, you are laughing, too.

    They both laughed merrily.

    It seems that Hercule is already in complete control of the army.

    "Whoa!¡¡Hey, Your Majesty!¡¡Are you sure you want to do this?¡¡Are you sure you want to do this?¡¡Are you sure you want to help us?¡¡Isn''t it fun to raise them up and then knock them down into despair!¡¡You''re not saying that, are you?

    No. ...... I''m glad you''re happy.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I have.

    It''s not a girl, because she''s 20 years old (according to her), but ......

    She looks like a girl.

    Her breasts are large, though.

    Hercule soothes his eyes by looking at her swaying breasts and says to Hypatia.

    I don''t care if you''re a heathen or a heretic, as long as it benefits the Empire. I want your knowledge to be used for the development of the Empire''s science, technology, and culture. Therefore, I will protect and support your activities. However, it cannot be free of charge at ....... So, naturally, I''d like to ask you for a job, okay?

    "Yes. ...... What is it?

    Hupatia''s face tensed up with tension.

    It''s a modification of the bow and arrow we use in our country. You know the compound bows that the nomads use?

    "Yes, yes ......, yes I do. It''s a short bow made of animal horn or skin and glue. ......?¡¡It''s short for riding, it''s easy to handle, and it has as much or more ...... range than a longbow.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    That''s it. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... A compound bow and a longbow, don''t you think a combination would be more destructive?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to be doing and how you''re going to do it. I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it. Isn''t that ......?

    How about a pulley for that matter?

    Pulley?¡¡...... Ah!¡¡I see!¡¡I''m sure that will reduce the pulling force!

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to use it.

    Because of the availability of firearms, it is used exclusively for hunting and sport on Earth. ......

    It will be more than enough for this world.

    If you use the principle of leverage and materials, you should be able to make a more powerful bow than ....... I have high hopes for you.

    I''ll do my best to live up to your ...... expectations!

    Hupatia clenches her fists.

    This is a great way to get the most out of your business.

    I''m going to build a branch of the ...... Aletheia Library in Nova Lemuria. In order to do this, we need manuscripts. ...... How about this?¡¡Anyone can write up to two codices. Instead, one copy must be kept by the central government. You may keep the other copy for yourself.

    "Ha, ha, ......, but ...... that ...... papyrus and parchment is too expensive .......

    "How about this?

    Hercule handed a sheaf of paper to Hupatia.

    It was pure white, not papyrus, not parchment.

    "It''s .......

    "It''s paper made from plants. Unlike papyrus, you can write on the back, and it''s not difficult to make. I''ll give you as much as you need.

    For three years, Hercule had been working hard to develop paper.

    It would be more convenient to have it.

    Papyrus and parchment were expensive and could not be mass-produced.

    The cost of papyrus and parchment is too high to be mass-produced, and the cost of writing for administrative purposes alone is prohibitive.

    In other words, it was originally intended to save money.

    How did you get this from ......?

    It''s a secret.

    Hercule said and winked at Hupatia.

 43 Episode 11 Resation

    Some time has passed since then: ......

    Hercule is now seventeen years old.

    One day, he said to me.

    "How is it?¡¡Does it taste good?

    "Yes, ...... well, I think it''s good, but ...... it''s a condiment, not something to be eaten by itself, right?

    Well, yeah.

    What Karolina is eating is the tomato sauce that Hercule had his cook make.

    Now that she has tomatoes, she can''t help but make it.

    Tomato sauce can be used for basically anything, so there''s a lot of variation in the dishes.

    "Yes, it''s delicious. ......

    "Well, it''s good, but ......

    What''s wrong with this?

    "Well, it''s good.¡¡That''s not the end of the story, is it?

    No, Your Majesty doesn''t make that kind of sense. ......

    Wait, wait, wait. His Majesty?

    You guys are so rude.

    Like Carolina, six people were summoned by Hercule and made to eat tomato sauce: ......

    Galfis, Christos, Loukanos, Edmond, Oscar, and Darios take a bite of the tomato sauce and then sneak off to talk.

    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    So, do you have an agenda?

    "Of course not. What''s so sad that I have to eat tomato sauce with old men?

    Hercule said, standing up and smiling ......

    He smiles.

    What''s wrong with that?

    "...... discomfort?

    Karolina tilted her head.

    The six of them looked at each other.

    It''s just tomato sauce.

    That''s what the seven of them thought, including Karolina.

    Hercule nodded his head in satisfaction.

    "Okay, okay, ...... is fine.

    "Did you find anything in the ......?

    Karolina asked Hercule.

    Maybe there was some kind of poison in it that was testing them?

    Karolina thought.

    That''s what Hercule would do.

    ......, revealing a certain lack of faith in Hercule''s character.

    No, it''s just tomato sauce. It''s just tomato sauce.

    Hercule laughed.

    "Except it was made five months ago (????).

    Hercule spoiled it with amusement.

    And ......

    The seven looked at each other and then at ......

    "Hey, Your Majesty!¡¡What are you feeding them?

    Karolina approaches Hercule.

    "No, not that rotten stuff!¡¡It''ll kill you if it''s not ......

    "It wasn''t rotten, was it?

    And then ......

    The seven realized.

    Yes, the tomato sauce was not rotten.

    The Elves have more senses than the Humans.

    That''s why they can see things at a distance and distinguish between high-pitched and low-pitched sounds.

    Their skin is highly sensitive to pain, but they can notice small vibrations and irregularities that humans cannot.

    And ......

    Its sense of smell and taste allows it to sense the delicate smells and tastes of food.

    Even poison. ......

    Unless it''s a tasteless and odorless product made for the long-eared elves, they can definitely detect it.

    In addition, it''s a piece of cake to tell if something is rotting or not.

    So ......

    If the tomato sauce was rotten, Carolina would certainly be able to detect it.

    But ......

    Can tomato sauce last for five months?

    If it''s salted, smoked, or fermented, for example, ......

    Tomato sauce is simply a paste made from stewed tomatoes.

    There is no preservative treatment.

    And it hasn''t gone bad in five months?

    So, ......

    "Don''t tomatoes go bad?

    "Yes, they do.

    Hercule simply denied the answer that Carolina had given.

    Karolina frowned.

    I don''t like the way ...... His Majesty talks about things like that, as if he were testing people.

    "It''s just your nature, .......

    Hercule smiles and reveals the truth.

    I put tomato sauce in a jar, covered it with a cork and then hardened it with wax. Then I heated it at a high temperature for a long time. That''s it.

    "...... That''s it?

    "That''s it.

    Not only Carolina, but even Loukanos looked confused.

    There is nothing strange or unusual about what Hercule did.

    The container is sealed to prevent microorganisms from getting inside, and then heat is used to kill the microorganisms inside.

    Since microbes are the cause of spoilage, the tomato sauce inside will not spoil.

    At least, not unless the container is damaged and the microbes from outside get inside, right?

    "...... microbes?

    More confusion ensues.

    Rather than microorganisms ......, it took the invention of the microscope to make it generally known that there is a world that cannot be seen by the human eye.

    If you can''t observe it, it doesn''t exist.

    And ......

    To prove that the microorganism is one of the causes of decay and disease, ......

    Many experiments will be needed to prove that microbes are one of the causes of decay and disease.

    It is also necessary to reject the theory of spontaneous generation of organisms.

    The theory of spontaneous generation of organisms is simply the theory that organisms can arise from inanimate objects, and it is widely accepted in this world.

    The Japanese expression "maggot gushes" is a theory of spontaneous generation.

    It clearly expresses the idea of the old people that maggots do not come from flies, but naturally appear in decomposing and dirty things.

    And ......

    The science is not important at this point.

    What is important is that bottled food can be preserved for a long time.

    The important thing is that it is bottled and can be stored for a long time. "This will last for two or three years, depending on the life of the container. It will also improve the military''s food situation.

    I don''t know how it works, but if it can be stored for a long time, I can''t think of anything more useful.

    Galfis looked at the jars with interest.

    He seemed to have already realized its usefulness.

    Basically, the food in the army is not good.

    This was because it was difficult to secure food in the first place, so they could not be particular about the taste.

    Also, if the food is salted for long-term preservation, it becomes salty, and if it is dried, it becomes hard.

    The only thing that is better is dried fruit.

    The only thing better is dried fruits. Most of the soldiers have to fight on a diet of stone-hard bread and a little meat that tastes like salt.

    This will not raise morale.

    Improving the food situation is a problem that directly affects the ability of soldiers to continue fighting.

    "But, Your Majesty, won''t the ...... bottle break?

    I know you think so, but I have another good one.

    If you''re not sure what to do with it, you can always ask your doctor.

    The same treatment was applied to the canned ...... metal container with food in it. It weighs less than a bottle. The only drawback of ...... cans is that they are difficult to produce.¡¡Also, they''re heavy, so you can''t carry a lot of them.

    Besides, ......

    Hercule took out a chisel and hammer and worked hard to remove the lid of the can. ......

    Finally, the contents were revealed.

    "Well, the metal lid is thick. I can''t open it without a chisel and hammer. I''ll have to improve this one in the future. ...... Well, anyway, try it. It''s mackerel in olive oil.

    Hercule clapped his hands and had a servant bring out a number of forks.

    He took one, stuck it into a piece of mackerel, and brought it to his mouth.

    ''Yes, it''s good. It''s three months old. You guys should eat it soon. ...... The emperor himself poisoned it, you know.

    The vassals had no choice but to eat.

    The seven men took the mackerel into their mouths with trepidation. ......

    ...... It''s not rotten.

    I told you so.¡¡...... There''s one last piece left, Carolina, ahhh.

    Aah!

    Hercule brings the last remaining slice to Karolina''s mouth.

    She chewed and swallowed it without hesitation, having already eaten a piece and being assured that it was safe.

    It''s delicious. ...... By the way, did you come up with this, Your Majesty?¡¡Or was it ...... a pagan scholar?

    "Hmm?¡¡Hmmm, ...... God''s will, you know.

    Hercule muddled through.

    It was Hercule who brought canned food into this world, but it was not Hercule who thought of it.

    I came up with the idea, isn''t that great? Hercule is not so brazen as to say that he thought of it.

    But he did think it was a great idea that I brought it to him.

    And ......, well, we have the canned goods produced here. All that''s left to do is to prepare them in the food depot ...... we''re building on the military road.

    Deploying the food on the road in advance would reduce the amount of food to be carried and speed up the movement within the country.

    Speed up the advance whenever possible, and think about resupply.

    This was the military policy of Hercule.

    "Ah, yes, ...... three days later, gather again at the palace. We''re going to check the performance of the new bow that Hupatia and her team have developed. Understood?

    ""Yes!

    The military power of the Lemurian Empire was being steadily strengthened.

 44 Episode 12 Bow

    Hercule sets the arrow in the new bow.

    He stamps his foot on the ground and slowly draws the arrow.

    The arrow felt heavy at the beginning, but once the pulley started moving, he was able to smoothly pull it down to his chest without much effort.

    Hercule aimed at a target a hundred ...... meters in front of him and ......

    He took his hand away.

    The arrow struck the center of the target with perfect accuracy.

    "Well done, Your Majesty.

    "Well, this is the kind of thing you need to be able to do. ......

    An elf can aim at this level while sneezing.

    Of course, Hercule can do it too.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    "One hundred and fifty.

    On Hercule''s command, the soldiers move the target fifty meters away.

    After the movement is complete, the soldiers leave the area and make sure it''s safe. ......

    Hercule sighs and shoots, looking bored.

    He hit the center of the target again with a clean hit.

    I''m getting the hang of this. Yeah, it''s a good bow.

    The target moves another fifty meters.

    "Wow ...... that''s so easy ...... that''s amazing ......

    I don''t know if that''s a great ...... bow we made or a great ...... you.

    The archer who developed the bow with Hypatia and Hypatia is in awe.

    In fact, it takes a great deal of skill to shoot a bow a hundred meters into the air.

    Hercule''s ability to shoot through that with ease must be quite impressive.

    I''ve always thought that you were not very good at fighting, but ...... are you actually strong?

    Darius asked Galfis, who was standing next to him.

    Galfis nodded broadly.

    It''s no surprise. In the event that you''re in the market for a brand-new pair of shoes, you''ll be able to choose from a wide range of styles.

    "Heh, your majesty is amazing .......

    Darius is amazed.

    There is no such thing as a perfect person, and I''m sure he has no combat skills.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.

    Your Majesty has basically no weaknesses. If anything, it''s your personality.

    "Carolina, I can hear you.

    Hercule says after shooting 200 meters into the air.

    And ......

    You''ll be spanked later.

    Oh, spankings? ......

    Karolina blushes.

    The people around them accuse them of doing that at night, but ......

    But they don''t care.

    That''s what couples are like.

    Steeling himself, Hercule looks at the target fifty meters further ahead.

    Two hundred and fifty meters.

    Now, ...... a normal bow would need the assistance of a wind spirit to go any further. ......

    Hercule thought for a moment and then ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    Without the wind spirit on it,......

    Just aim at the center of the target ......

    Shoot.

    The arrow hit a little farther from the center.

    "Whoa!

    The crowd erupts.

    Two hundred and fifty meters away is an astonishing number even for the elves.

    "You are now the best archer in the Lemurian Empire.

    "Don''t be silly, Edmond. It''s a ...... bow.

    The target is now 50 meters away.

    That''s three hundred meters.

    Hercule sharpened his mind. ......

    And release.

    He hits the left edge of the target cleanly.

    That''s good enough.

    Are you sure?

    I can''t hit any more. Maybe you can, Edmond.

    said Hercule, a true elf, the greatest archer of the Lemurian Empire.

    And it''s not Hercule''s skill with a bow that''s important.

    It''s the performance of the bow.

    "Let''s move to a bigger place. How far it flies, that''s what matters.

    After the bow performance test was over, Hercule returned to his room and said to himself in a good mood.

    "Six hundred or ...... great, really great!

    New bow.

    The maximum range is six hundred.

    The effective range is around 200. The maximum range is 600.

    The maximum range is around 200.

    More at ......

    It is necessary to take into account that the performance of the gun was based on the fact that it was shot by a long-eared elf with average eyesight of 7.0.

    Anyway, Hercule was very satisfied.

    For the time being, this is a good place to start expanding your army. ......

    Hercule thought.

    The Tunda system has started, and 30,000 Tunda have already started near the border.

    The ultimate goal is 200,000, but only time will tell.

    The size of the central infantry has been increased to 120 corps, and the size of the standing army is 360 corps of infantry and 960 corps of cavalry and archers each.

    It also has a navy.

    It will be difficult to expand the army any further than this.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡May I?

    "Of course, Carolina.

    Karolina bowed and entered the room.

    "What''s the matter?¡¡Is it still light?

    It''s not that way!¡¡I''d like to rent out the ...... tank arena, if that''s okay.

    Hmm?¡¡I can arrange it for a day or so. ...... What''s up?

    I''d like to have a match with Scheherazade.

    "With Scheherazade?

    Hercule tilted his head.

    Carolina gazed at Hercule with glowing eyes.

    (Come to think of it, the elves are hunters. ......)

    The Elves are a very belligerent race.

    They love combat more than anything else.

    Carolina is no different.

    That''s why they''re so crazy about fighting. ......

    I''m not sure if I''ve ever seen anything like this before," Hercule asks Carolina, after noting that he had a similar look in his eyes during the war.

    "Bring Scheherazade to me. ...... We have to make sure she''s willing too.

    It is possible that Carolina has gone off on her own and is planning a match without Scheherazade''s permission.

    I''m not sure what to do.¡¡The possibility that she is thinking of forcing the match, saying, "Your Majesty has prepared it, and it would be rude not to fight.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    However, when he looks at her shining eyes, he can''t help but have a hunch.

    "I understand, Your Majesty.

    Ta-da-da ......

    Karolina ran on, ......

    After a while, she arrived with Scheherazade on her right.

    "I''ve brought her!

    "What''s ...... this?

    Carolina wants to play a game, what do you think?

    ...... That''s new to me, but ...... is fine.

    You''ve never heard of ......?

    And you don''t mind? ......

    Hercule pouted inwardly.

    Then he asks.

    "Karolina is still strong, you know?¡¡She''s one of the five best in the Empire. Are you okay?

    "If you''re a warrior, don''t you know what I''m capable of?

    Hmm ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    Scheherazade catches it with the index and middle fingers of her right hand.

    I knew ...... that the muscles and the way he carried himself would be adequate, but ......

    Hercule is also a warrior in his own right.

    You can get some idea of this by looking at the way he usually moves his body.

    But ......

    Karolina is really strong, you know?

    I''m also really strong, ...... one of the top five in the Kingdom of Foulds.

    Scheherazade said with pride.

    It''s still big.

    Hercule stared at Scheherazade''s breasts, but ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this. ...... Okay?

    "Yes, sir!

 45 Episode 13 Simulated Combat

    The chariot arena of the Lemurian Empire.

    Normally, this is a noisy place, filled with the neighing of horses, the scraping of wheels on the ground, and the shouts and cheers of spectators. ......

    Today it was quiet.

    That''s because the Lemurian Emperor Hercule had rented the place out.

    No, "rented out" is a bit of a misnomer.

    To begin with, the chariot races held in the Lemurian Empire are part of the so-called "bread and circuses", an entertainment given to the citizens by the emperor.

    Therefore, there is no problem in cancelling it or having only the emperor use it temporarily.

    Of course, there will be complaints if it is used every day.

    In the chariot arena, which usually holds tens of thousands of people, there were seven people.

    The young hero of our Lemurian Empire, Hercule I.

    Galfis Gallianos, General of the Lemurian Empire and Chief of the Cribanarius Heavy Cavalry.

    Christophe Auguste, Admiral of the Navy, Lemurian Empire.

    Lucanos Lucarios, Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, Lemurian Empire.

    And Todoris Todorianus, the head of all diplomacy in the Lemurian Empire.

    These four men sit in the audience at .......

    I knew you were a fierce fighter. It is a pleasure to meet you.

    A girl with hair as red as fire and eyes as beautiful as rubies.

    Karolina Galleanos.

    "I hope I can live up to your expectations.

    And a girl with hair as beautiful as gold and eyes as green as jade.

    Scheherazade Achaimenes.

    The two face each other in the stadium.

    "Hey!¡¡Don''t break it!¡¡It''s expensive to repair!

    "Yes, sir!

    Hercule called out from above, and they both responded with a cheerful raise of their hands.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction, held his bow up to the sky, and fired.

    Hurururururu~!

    With such a dumb sound, the kabura arrow rang ......

    That was the signal for battle.

    The first move is the winner.

    The first to move was Karolina.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    Karolina''s unique magic "Divine Speed II" was activated.

    For a moment, Karolina sinks her body and ......

    She kicks the ground.

    Karolina''s figure disappears for a moment.

    Then ......

    Aaaaah!

    Eligos, Carolina''s beloved sword and contracted spirit, approaches Scheherazade.

    In response, Scheherazade says ......

    It''s fast, but it''s not unseen.

    He flipped it back.

    He then swung his sword with great speed and slammed it into Carolina''s stomach. ......

    Before you can see her, she steps aside and leaves.

    The distance between them was about five meters.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    Yes, I also have a unique magic of ''divine speed''. I''m not as fast as you,......, but I''m not as easy to attack,.......

    Then Scheherazade held up her sword.

    It''s a beautiful, silvery long sword.

    It''s a beautiful, silvery, long sword that won''t break under a single blow from my Eligos.

    Eligos, the Great Spirit of Swords and Love

    He is one of the seventy-two spirits contracted by Carolina, ranked fifteenth in the hierarchy, and a duke.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.

    Scheherazade''s sword, which blocked the blow of Eligos, is ......

    There is no doubt that Scheherazade''s sword is one of the best in the world.

    And ......

    And it''s very powerful. Not many people have the strength to take my Eligos head on and bounce it back, you know?

    Eligos can change its mass and weight depending on the target.

    For Carolina, Eligos is lighter than a bird''s feather. ......

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    "Is it a unique magic?

    "Vajrapani II.

    Vajrapani.

    It''s a high ranking spell that ranks right up there with "divine speed" in terms of physical ability enhancement spells.

    So I''ll return the favor.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    Both of them are god speed wizards.

    But ......

    But Carolina is faster.

    Karolina is able to catch Scheherazade''s sword with ease ......

    "£¡£¡£¡£¡

    She''s blown away.

    She rolls around on the ground and stabs her sword into the ground and stands up.

    Carolina slowly pulls her sword out of the ground.

    The sword ...... "Eligos" was split in half.

    ...... That''s absurd.

    Karolina checks Scheherazade''s sword.

    There is not a single scratch on Scheherazade''s sword.

    ...... This is impossible.

    The hardness of Eligos is greater than any steel in the world.

    If Eligos can be split in half, then Scheherazade''s sword must also be split in half.

    For some reason ......

    Before Carolina could think, Scheherazade approached.

    It''s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble.

    Metal collides with metal again and again: ......

    And then one of them finally snaps, and the blade flies through the air.

    It was Carolina''s sword that broke.

    That''s the end, isn''t it?

    No, of course not.

    Karolina immediately leaves the scene.

    Karolina is faster.

    Running away is easy.

    You''re always running away?

    I''m sorry you think I''d fall for such a simple provocation. ...... Now I know how it works. "Verito," right?

    That''s right.

    It''s a great spirit of deceit and alchemy, Verito.

    Its ability is alchemy ......, that is, the smelting of gold.

    However, the smelting is only temporary, and when the magic is broken, the gold returns to mere dirt. ......

    But it still turns into gold temporarily.

    Gold is a very soft metal.

    Most of the gold used in ornaments is an alloy of silver and copper.

    Every time Scheherazade sliced Carolina''s "eligos", she smelted it into gold little by little.

    No matter how powerful a weapon spirit the eligos are, they become brittle when impurities like gold are mixed in.

    But ...... this is not a mystery novel. No matter how well you understand the species, you can''t escape my Verito.

    "Do you really think so?

    Karolina smiled wryly.

    Then she sent her magic into ...... Eligos.

    Eligos'' form transforms.

    "The bow ......?

    "Yes, and it''s the best bow in the world.

    Karolina transforms Eligos into a bow.

    Eligos is the spirit of the sword. ......

    Eligos is a spirit of the sword, but it can take on any form as long as it is a weapon.

    And ......

    Carolina keeps her distance and fires an arrow at Scheherazade.

    The arrow went straight for Scheherazade and ......

    £¡£¡£¡£¡

    It transformed into a spear right in front of Scheherazade''s eyes.

    Scheherazade rushes to knock the spear away with her sword.

    The arrow weighed as much as the ...... anchor. The moment it hits, it turns into a spear to extend its reach. It''s tricky.

    You''re the only one who feels it''s as heavy as an anchor. To me, it''s as light as a feather.

    The game of tag between Carolina and Scheherazade has begun.

    Carolina shoots arrows as she runs away, Scheherazade chases after her.

    It''s a battle of attrition that wears down both sides.

    And ......

    It''s not going to get anywhere. ...... Okay.

    Scheherazade stood up and chanted in a loud voice.

    "''Come, victory!

    The atmosphere around them changed.

    In the midst of the strange atmosphere, Karolina picks up a new arrow. ......

    Suddenly, a gust of wind blows the arrow away.

    "This is ......

    This is my ...... no, it''s the bloodline magic of the Achaimenes family. The ...... uncontracted lower and intermediate spirits in this area are on my side.

    I see.

    I''m sure you''ll agree.

    So all the wind around here is on Scheherazade''s side.

    No matter how many arrows she fired, they would be blocked by the wind.

    Then close combat is the only way.

    Carolina smiled.

    Raising Eligos high in the air, Carolina chanted.

    "''My sword is for the Emperor!

    Karolina''s magic temporarily increases to its peak.

    Karolina pours her magic power into "Divine Speed" and accelerates it at once.

    Karolina''s god-speed slash.

    Scheherazade catches it, flicks it, and shatters it.

    But Carolina instantly repaired it with her increased magic power and slashed again.

    Occasionally, Scheherazade would try to move the wind and earth to throw Carolina off balance. ......

    But still Carolina swings her sword.

    A back-and-forth battle.

    And ......

    "Oh, ......, I can''t .......

    "I''m out of magic here ......

    They both fell at the same time.

    And ......

    "Lucanos, heal him.

    Yes, yes. ...... That was a dangerous game, and I could have been seriously injured at any moment. Please don''t make me do it again.

    I know. ...... I didn''t expect you both to be so strong.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    "Oh, my stomach: ......

    Three days later: ......

    Scheherazade and Carolina were groaning with muscle pain.

    Every muscle in their body was screaming.

    If Lukanos wanted to, he could cure their muscle pains. ......

    They were both being punished for taking it too easy on each other.

    This is the reason why the muscle pains of both of them were left untreated.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    That''s my line. If the game had gone on for ten more seconds, I would have won.

    No, it was me. Five more seconds and I would have won.

    Carolina and Scheherazade argue furiously.

    In the end, the game is still up in the air.

    You guys are getting along so well.

    "Oh, yeah.

    "Hey.

    When Hercule called out to her, Carolina and Scheherazade looked at each other and laughed.

    It''s fine that you two get along, but ...... don''t fight anymore?

    What?

    It''s not over yet. ......

    I don''t want you to die.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I have an urgent message for you!

    Todoris Todrianus came running towards them, shaking his protruding belly.

    His forehead was covered with sweat.

    "What''s wrong?

    Todoris replied to Hercule''s question.

    The army of the Kingdom of Phallus is on its way to the province of Suria!

 46 Episode 14 Fars and Bulgalong

    "Foulds.

    Kingdom of Fahls.

    A nation of desert elves whose religion is the religion of the Holy Fire.

    It is also the home of Scheherazade.

    It is the only country in the world with a national power comparable to the Lemurian Empire.

    It is the only country in this world that has the power to rival the Lemurian Empire, especially in terms of military power.

    The current king, King Sasan VIII, is renowned as a great ruler and a great general.

    But ......

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars made peace a long time ago and signed a treaty not to violate each other''s borders.

    The treaty, known as the Perpetual Peace Treaty, states that the Lemurian Empire will pay a fixed annual tribute to the Kingdom of Phallus in exchange for the Kingdom of Phallus not invading the Lemurian Empire.

    Since the signing of this treaty, the Kingdom of Phallus has not invaded the Lemurian Empire.

    Even when Hadrian was defeated by Darius, and when Hercule was crowned after dying of illness, and when Hadrian started a civil war ......

    Such a kingdom of Phallus attacked .

    Why?

    ...... Hercule had only one idea.

    "Scheherazade?

    "No, I don''t think so.

    Todoris shook his head in denial.

    If Scheherazade was the reason, they would have attacked us, claiming to be trying to retake Scheherazade. If Scheherazade was the reason, they would have claimed that they were trying to take her back. It seems that the cause of this invasion is ...... our Tunde.

    According to ......

    The Lemurian Empire has stationed troops on the borders of the Kingdom of Fars.

    This is an obstacle to peace between our two countries.

    Emperor Hercule must withdraw his troops as soon as possible.

    ...... To be clear, I can''t say that there''s a good reason to break the peace treaty and invade.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''ve never heard of it.

    You also have a lot of things to say about water use.

    "Well, I can understand your feelings. Is it really necessary to start a war?

    Hercule tilted his head.

    The Lemurian Empire is a great power even if it is rotten.

    If you want to, you can gather about 200,000 soldiers ...... as mercenaries.

    The Kingdom of Fars is not a superpower that can wage war against such a large nation and remain unscathed.

    Sasan VIII is not such a reckless man.

    Therefore, this invasion is unnatural.

    Hercule thought.

    There is one thing I can think of, sir.

    "Tell me.

    Did you know that King Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Fars is currently on an expedition to Sindhira?

    Yes, I know. I heard he''s playing with elephants.

    The Kingdom of Fars borders the Sindhira region.

    They''re expanding their territory to the east.

    Therefore, there is no reason to deal with Lemuria at this stage.

    If ...... Phallus is a monolith.

    "The expedition to Sindhira is accompanied by the third prince of the Kingdom of Farus, Baharam. He is the best candidate to become the next king of the Kingdom of Farus.

    At ......?

    The first prince, Yazdegerd, is currently in charge of guarding the capital of the Kingdom of Phals, Kultellifon. Do you understand ......?

    "I see, I understand.

    Hercule nodded broadly.

    Karolina nodded her head.

    I don''t understand. What do you mean?

    "You know a lot, Scheherazade.¡¡Explain it to her.

    Hercule asks Scheherazade, who is probably the most knowledgeable about the family affairs of the King of Fars, to explain.

    Scheherazade thought for a moment and then ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on, but I''m not sure if you''ll be able to. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you have. You know that ...... Yazdegild wants to show his father ...... Sasan VIII that he is better than Baharam and that he can win the war, right?

    Then Carolina made a move as if to say, "I see.

    So you want to win the war against the Lemurian Empire and become the next king?

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

    And I was imprisoned. ......

    And I was imprisoned," Scheherazade added in a quiet voice.

    Hercule cowered.

    "It''s ...... annoying as hell. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. ...at least the way he looks at children is cloudy.

    Well, no one wants to think that their own children are that stupid.

    Well, no one wants to think their children are that stupid," Hercule thought to himself as he commented on Sasan VIII.

    It is difficult to evaluate one''s own children objectively.

    Sometimes you can be too lenient, and sometimes you can be too ...... harsh.

    He said, "His Highness Yazdegerd is his wife''s child. His Royal Highness Yazdegerd is the son of his wife, and Baharam and I are the sons of his aunt and uncle. ...... There have been many calls for Yazdegerd to be made king.

    I see, so you knew he was an idiot, but you couldn''t do anything about it because he had a large following.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the commoners were the free people.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the term "commoners" refers to the free people, who are guaranteed human rights, freedom of movement, and the protection of the law.

    According to the law, if a nobleman harms you, you can sue him in court.

    Therefore, the relationship between nobles and commoners in the Lemurian Empire never goes beyond that of "landlords and peasants.

    The emperor alone controls the land and the people of the Lemurian Empire, and the nobles are only allowed to lease the land temporarily by paying a "land tax" on it.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the gift of land is basically just land, and the right of non-invasion is not granted to the land.

    The only "ruler" of the Lemurian Empire is the "emperor," who rules the earth as an agent of God and is the protector of all Messiahs.

    Therefore, the most important factor in the succession to the throne is the emperor''s decision, and the other factors do not matter.

    On the other hand, there are two kinds of commoners in the Kingdom of Fars.

    On the other hand, there are two types of commoners in the Kingdom of Phallus, the free people and the serfs, with the serfs accounting for ninety percent.

    The free people are not so different from the Lemurian Empire. ......

    But the peasants are different.

    The serf is a peasant who is subservient to the land, half farmer, half slave.

    They are not allowed freedom of movement.

    The existence of the serf is what makes the state systems of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars so different.

    The peasants are the people who are enslaved to the land, and therefore they are always attached to the land.

    Therefore, the gift of land in the Kingdom of Phallus is a set of land and serfs attached to the land.

    This is why the nobles of the Kingdom of Fars have a strong control over the land, and as a result, their right to speak out is increased.

    Therefore, in the succession to the throne, not only the king''s decision but also the support of the nobles is an important factor.

    More ......

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars are almost equal in power, but the military power of the Kingdom of Phars is overwhelmingly stronger because of this.

    The commoners of the Lemurian Empire can move freely and evade taxes easily.

    In addition, they are allowed to have their own individual personalities, so they are hesitant to impose ...... "heavy taxes" on them.

    There are still a few traditions from the time when the country was originally a republic.

    On the other hand, the commoners of the Kingdom of Fars are serfs and not ...... ''humans''.

    No one hesitates to exploit non-human livestock by imposing heavy taxes on them.

    As a result, the total national income of the Kingdom of Fars can be larger than that of the Kingdom of Lemuria, even though the national power and wealth produced by both countries are the same.

    In addition, while the Lemurian Empire is a thoroughly centralized state, the Kingdom of Phallus has introduced a feudal system of rule in the provinces in combination with centralized rule over the areas under its direct control.

    This makes the aristocracy more powerful in Phallus, but reduces the labor cost of maintaining a large number of bureaucrats.

    This is the reason why Phallus is superior to Lemuria in military power.

    However, ...... it is true that Phallus has more total state revenue than Lemuria, but Lemuria has far more money at the monarch''s disposal.

    Between the Lemurian emperor, who collects all the tax revenue in the country, and the King of Phallus, who shares it with his subjects, the former is naturally richer.

    The former is naturally richer than the latter, though he also spends more.

    "Well, whatever the reason, as long as you''re trying to invade my country with your own feet, I''ll have to welcome you.

    The number of soldiers that Erkur has stationed in the province of Shuria, near the border with the Kingdom of Fars, is 20,000.

    I don''t know how long they can hold out.

    Carolina, I need you to run and get Darios, Galfis, Edmond, Oskar, Christos, and Loukanos.

    "Yes, sir!

    Carolina runs off in a flash.

    "Scheherazade. I''m sorry, but you''re going to have to be quiet for a while. I don''t want you to be compromised.

    "Yes, I know. I''ll follow your instructions at .......

    Scheherazade said and bowed lightly.

    I''ll follow your instructions. Hercule thought about it and then ......

    Finally, he looked at Todoris.

    "Perhaps the Bulgaron Kingdom will attack. Go check it out.

    "...... Why is that?

    "Yazdegerd is an idiot, no doubt about it, but he''s not a total idiot. If they''re not idiots, they''ll certainly work with the Bulgurons. ...... No, they''re not. It was probably the Bulgurons who approached me first. It''s been a little cold this year.

    Cold -> sheep die -> starve -> loot!

    It is a self-evident truth.

    "So it''s the Bulgurons too?

    An hour after Hercule gave the order, the capital city of Nova Lemuria was informed that the Kingdom of Bulgaron had attacked the province of Tranquia.

    Hercule''s reading had come true.

    Tranquia also had a certain amount of troops stationed there.

    In addition, the Kingdom of Bulgaron is not good at sieges, and none of its cities have fallen so far.

    In addition, the Burgalon Kingdom is not good at siege warfare, so none of the cities have fallen so far. ......, but the human and economic damage to the rural areas is estimated to be enormous.

    It will be a two-front operation,......, which is tricky.

    Galfis frowned with difficulty.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    I''d rather not do that. I don''t want to do that. Neither of us is an enemy that can be dealt with single-handedly.

    Hercule said to Galfis and then ordered ......

    I''d rather not.

    "Make peace with the Bulgarons. Prepare immediately.

    "Yes, sir.

    After understanding Hercule''s intentions, Todoris ran, shaking his fat belly, to make contact with Bulgalon.

    After seeing Todoris off, Karolina asks Hercule, "Why the Kingdom of Bulgalon?

    I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡It''s a country that broke its promise ...... ago. Even if you pay for peace now, they will definitely break it again.

    That''s true. But the invasion of the Bulgurons was an economic one. On the other hand, the invasion of the Kingdom of Foulds is a political one. The Bulgallon Kingdom is easier to deal with. Besides, it is highly likely that the Kingdom of Foulds is acting on the assumption that the Kingdom of Bulgalon will invade. If the Bulgallon Kingdom retreats, it will discourage the Foulls Kingdom.

    Hercule continues.

    And personally, I find it easier to read the thoughts of the Bulgurons than those of the Falses. They are quick to break their promises, but their ...... behavior is rational. That''s what nomads are.

    The living conditions of nomads are harsh.

    Therefore, they always act rationally and avoid unprofitable fights.

    The goal of the Bulgurons is to fill their bellies.

    What is important is the end, and it doesn''t matter if the means ...... are plunder or tribute, as long as there is income.

    This is why peace is so easy.

    Now, let''s get a move on. This time, speed is of the essence.

    Hercule grinned.

 47 Episode 15 Marathon

    Hmm. ...... Okay. Let''s accept the peace and withdraw. Tell the ...... Emperor, ''Thank you for your generosity to our starving people.

    The general of the Bulgaron Kingdom said this to Todoris, who was sent as a diplomat.

    Originally, the purpose of the Bulgaron Kingdom was to pay tribute.

    It was not going to fight the great nation of Lemuria now that it had that money.

    "Yes, I understand. I''ll tell the Emperor that.

    Todoris said, and left the place.

    After Todoris left, the general of the Bulgaron Kingdom muttered.

    Now, ...... let us watch the battle between Phallus and Lemuria, ...... and see what Emperor Hercule has in store for us.

    "So peace has been made. Hmm ......, that was cheaper than I thought.

    Hercule looks at the report from Todoris.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who can''t afford to buy a car.

    ...... I don''t want to settle this with money. Isn''t that crazy?¡¡I don''t want to settle for money. Isn''t it strange that they say, ''You can bet a thousand dollars on defense, but not a hair on tribute?

    If it''s only a hair, it''s more economical. If the country is destroyed as a result of not allocating a hair, there''s nothing to worry about.

    For what it''s worth, the Lemurian Empire has been kept afloat thanks to the "tribute money" diplomacy of Hadrian, Hercule''s father.

    The Lemurian Empire''s treasury has been squeezed because of this, but it has been able to survive because of this diplomatic policy.

    In addition, the money paid to the Kingdom of the Bulgurons will come back to you, so it won''t be much of a problem.

    ...... What do you mean?

    "What I paid to the Bulgurons was gold. Precious metal. Carolina, can you eat gold?

    ...... You can''t eat it.

    Exactly. Money is inedible. I''m sure you''re aware of that. ...... Now, how many countries can use money?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The gold and silver that flowed to the Bulgaron Kingdom always returned to the Lemurian Empire.

    In addition, the luxury goods that can be obtained by using gold and silver, such as ...... spices, silk, tea, of course, sugar, coffee, and bone ash porcelain, once you have obtained and used them, it is human greed that makes you want the next one.

    The current rulers of the Bulgaron Kingdom have sold off their sheep and horses to buy them in the Lemurian Empire.

    And they won''t last long. The Cotormia clan, the mainstay and ruling class of the Bulgaron Kingdom, is losing its centripetal force due to years of extravagance. They''ve monopolized the tribute from our country. Already, discontent has spread to all the clans of the Kingdom of Bulgalon. ...... Nomads are strong because they are always in need. A nomad who has learned to live in luxury is like a fat sheep.

    Just keep fattening them up.

    The fatter they get, the easier it is to hunt them.

    Hercule smiled a cruel smile.

    A chill ran down Carolina''s spine when she saw that smile.

    (...... This man is going to destroy the Kingdom of Bulgaron.)

    Karolina gulped.

    I''m not sure what to say. ...... This is where it all begins.

    The Lemurian army, led by Hercule, was currently marching north away from the province of Suria.

    If they went south from here, they would be in Suria, and if they went further east, they would be met by the army of Phallus.

    Hercule was leading two infantry corps, totaling 2,400. He has six battalions of cavalry totaling 720.000. Six battalions of archers, 720. And one battalion of newly organized light cavalry, 120.

    Total: 396,000.

    That''s a huge army of nearly 400,000 men.

    On the other hand, the invading army of the Kingdom of Fars has around 30000 infantry, 10000 cavalry, and 500 crossbow troops, for a total of around 45000.

    It was reported to Hercule.

    500 more than the enemy.

    But Hercule was full of confidence.

    "Karolina.

    What is it?

    The war is a surprise, don''t you think?

    What the hell is he talking about?

    Karolina looked at Hercule with a frown.

    Hercule believes that there is an equation for war.

    Of course, the same is true for mathematics, but there are many ways to get to the answer.

    You can use vectors, or you can use calculus to solve it.

    It is up to each person.

    However, there is a method that suits each person.

    Hercule had already established a method, a doctrine, that suited him.

    First, use standing armies as much as possible, and always train them to be ready to go into battle at any time.

    Second, gather as much information as possible about the enemy or potential enemies.

    Third, as a general rule, fix the enemy to one person and do not fight multiple enemies. Always make diplomatic efforts to prevent third countries from intervening when you are at war with another country. If the enemy has formed an alliance with another country, break that alliance through diplomatic efforts. If that fails, concentrate your forces on one side or the other and try to defeat them individually.

    If this fails, concentrate your forces on one side or the other and try to defeat them individually. However, do not mix weak soldiers with strong ones. However, do not mix weak soldiers with strong soldiers, because the ability of an army is matched by its weakest soldiers.

    Fifth, as a general rule, the battlefield should be set in the enemy''s territory. If you fight in your own territory, your territory will be devastated, and even if you win, enemy soldiers who have turned into bandits will spread throughout your territory. In addition, if you fight in your own territory, there is a risk of your soldiers escaping. If you are in the territory of another country, it will be more difficult for your soldiers to escape.

    Six, the battlefield should be set as much as possible in a land favorable to your army, specifically in the plains. This is because the Lemurian army, with its main force of cavalry, pikemen, and archers, shows its true value in the wide plains. In addition, since the battlefield is set in the enemy''s territory, there is always the fear of ambush in forests and mountains. On the plains, there is no room for subterfuge.

    In order to achieve the goal of No.7 and No.6, you must always take control of the war and never let the enemy take control of it.

    In order to achieve the seventh objective, you must attack earlier than the enemy and in places that the enemy cannot anticipate.

    In other words, from now on ......, Hercule''s strategy will be as much in line with this doctrine as possible.

    By the way, can you tell me what the plan is?¡¡You said you''d tell me later, and then you didn''t tell me anything.

    Haha, sorry, sorry. ...... Get me Galfis and the others.

    At the order of Hercule, Carolina gathers Galfis and his men.

    The four generals who will be participating this time are Galfis, Edmond, Darios, and Oscar.

    As usual, Lucanos and Christos are on duty.

    "Well, gentlemen. In bed at night, I''m better at attacking than being attacked, and I prefer to do what I want rather than being attacked. After all, I like to keep the initiative in my own hands.

    Hercule said, and winked at Karolina.

    No matter what, s*xual harassment is not forgotten.

    Then he tells the generals.

    "It''s the same in war. So what we''re going to do is not defense. It''s an attack. With that in mind, ......

    Hercule smirks.

    "Do you like marathons, gentlemen?¡¡I love it.

    "I hear ...... you''ve got a lot of mooks, but you''ve got a lot more resistance than you think.

    The general of the Kingdom of Foulds, Coward, frowned.

    Coward is a nobleman of the Yazdegerd faction of the Kingdom of Farus, and one of the most prominent generals in the Kingdom of Farus.

    Coward wanted to stop the declaration of war against the Lemurian Empire.

    This was because the mission entrusted to the Yazdegerd by King Sasan VIII was to defend, not to attack.

    However, we can''t simply overlook the Lemurian Empire''s Tunda soldiers.

    It is also possible to argue that the mission of the Lemurian Empire is to attack before being attacked, which is active defense.

    It is also possible to argue that it is active defense.

    Besides, the invasion of the Lemurian Empire was first proposed by the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    If the forces of the Lemurian Empire were divided into two, the odds would certainly increase, and if this chance were to be missed, Sasan VIII might think that Yazdegerd was not worthy to be the next king.

    Besides, King Sasan VIII is a results-oriented person.

    He would turn a blind eye to a few violations of his orders as long as he won, and he would also appreciate the fact that he did not miss an opportunity.

    In the end, Coward was unable to oppose him. ......

    This is how he ended up invading the Lemurian Empire.

    There''s no ...... damage, but ...... there''s no progress.

    According to our initial estimates, we should have already penetrated deep into the province of Suria.

    However, the Tundabei''s defenses were more solid than he had imagined.

    The Achaean Messianists, who had become pro-Erculean under the Achaean Edict, were also defiant and sometimes attacked Coward and his men.

    I thought that commoners would run away like spiders if you attacked them,......, but the commoners of the Lemurian Empire are very belligerent. That''s .......

    Coward sighs.

    But we''ve already lost a few fortresses and the Tundan soldiers are beginning to retreat.

    Coward thought that in three days, he would be able to attack the heart of the province of Suria.

    But what about the Lemurian Emperor?

    It was about twenty days ago that we received word that the Emperor of Lemuria, Hercule, was on his way to the province of Suria with about forty thousand soldiers.

    His movements since then have been reported to Coward little by little, albeit in fragments.

    The route of their advance was a little strange.

    No matter how you look at it, it is not the shortest route to the province of Suria.

    It is inexplicable that they are traveling over land in the first place.

    It should be faster and easier to secure logistics by sea.

    General Coward!

    What is it?

    A general rushes to Coward.

    It was the man who had been entrusted with organizing the scouts.

    "It seems that the Lemurian army has advanced further east since our last report.

    "East?¡¡Are you sure?

    The general nodded quietly in response to Coward''s question.

    Coward tilted his head.

    So far, the march route has been a bit circuitous. ......

    Well, it was tolerable.

    But to head further east after that was clearly a detour and a waste of time.

    Funny ......

    A whistle goes off in Coward''s head.

    "Bring me a ...... map.

    It''s right here.

    The general in charge of the preparations had already brought the map, anticipating that Coward would ask for it.

    Coward took the map and unfolded it.

    The map depicted a vast area around the entire border of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus.

    The Lemurian Empire to the west and the Kingdom of Phallus to the east.

    To the north of the border between the two countries lies the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    The location of Hayastan is strategically important to both the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars, and it has often been the site of disputes between the two countries.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is now a vassal state of the Kingdom of Phallus, and the Kingdom of Hayastan was forbidden to take up arms, and protected itself from foreign nations by having the army of the Kingdom of Phallus stationed there.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan was forbidden to take up arms and had to be garrisoned by the army of the Kingdom of Farus to protect itself from foreign nations. It''s a long way from here. ......

    Coward muttered, and then ......

    Something was bothering him, he felt.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan has nothing to do with it.

    ...... Are you sure it doesn''t matter?

    The army of the Lemurian Empire headed east.

    From ...... the Lemurian Empire, the Kingdom of Khayastan is to the east.

    And ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.

    In other words, ......

    So ...... the Lemurian Empire''s goal is the Kingdom of Khayastan. It is true that the Lemurian Empire''s goal is the Kingdom of Khayastan, and if you attack Khayastan and march south from there, you will find the heart of our country, the capital area. The Lemurian Empire''s current location is about eight hundred kilometers from the border of Hayastan. No matter how fast we march, it will take forty to fifty days.

    On the other hand, the distance between the current location of Coward and the city of Orontia, the capital of the province of Suria, is about 250 kilometers. It would take sixteen days to get there.

    If you take into account that the Emperor of Lemuria has an army of around 40,000.

    Taking into account that the standing army in Lemuria is around 10,000, and that it is necessary to leave troops in the capital to prepare for neighboring countries, the Lemurian Empire can probably allocate around 10,000 troops to the defense of Orontia, including Tonden-hei and volunteer soldiers.

    The army of the Kingdom of Fars is over 30,000.

    Orontia City is famous for its impregnability, but with a 30,000 manpower difference, ......

    If Coward is strong enough, he can defeat it in a month.

    By the time the Lemurian army finally reaches Hayastan, the province of Suria will already be in the hands of the Kingdom of Fars.

    The Lemurian emperor will have no choice but to turn back if he loses the province of Suria.

    It''s not a bad point of view, but you should consider the ...... distance. The new emperor of Lemuria.

    Coward laughs.

    The Emperor of Lemuria is definitely lacking in experience.

    It was as good as a victory.

    Six days later, Coward was marching on Orontia City. ......

    Coward received information about new developments in the Lemurian army.

    It was ......

    "Nonsense!¡¡There''s no way the Lemurian army is here!¡¡It''s a false alarm!

    "And, sir. I checked with ......, and they''re correct!

    What is it, then?¡¡Did the Lemurian army use magic?¡¡Did they do some kind of instantaneous travel or stop time? ...... Let them check again!

    The Lemurian army was found about two hundred and seventy kilometers away from the last reported location.

    Two hundred and seventy kilometers in six days.

    That means they were advancing about forty-five kilometers a day. ......

    Its marching speed was three times faster than that of the Kingdom of Fars.

 48 Episode 16 God Speed

    What to do, what to do!

    "What should I do?" "What should I do?" "What should I do?

    Meanwhile, the kingdom of Hayastan is in chaos.

    This time, it''s a battle for Suria. ...... But it doesn''t matter to us. Good luck, Kingdom of Fars! But the Lemurian army came charging in at an inexplicable speed, so it was no wonder.

    Moreover, the Kingdom of Khayastan was forbidden to bear arms, so even their weapons were questionable.

    "What to do!¡¡What should we do!

    The King of Khayastan just kept asking his vassals, "What do we do? to his subjects.

    The vassals answered, "What should we do? The vassals answered, "What shall we do?

    It was a terrible situation.

    A girl and an old man were watching the king.

    The girl''s name is Lunalie Alshaq.

    She is the first princess of the Hayastan Kingdom of the Alshak Dynasty.

    She is eighteen years old.

    She is a beautiful girl with blue hair as beautiful as lapis lazuli and purple eyes as beautiful as purple crystal.

    She is a half-elf, with human blood in her veins.

    Perhaps because of this, her breasts are rather large.

    She is proud of her breasts.

    ...... This country is no good.

    Lunalee sighed a little.

    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find the right one for you.

    For many years, he was not blessed with any children, and the only one born to him was Lunalie.

    Because of this, Lunalie was very much loved by King Frates III. ......

    "Father, you are too indecisive ......

    Lunalie was unhappy with the rule of King Frates III.

    I love you as a father.

    But as a king, Lunalie felt that he could do more.

    I guess the princess will have to get a good groom. Hahahaha.

    The old man laughing beside Lunalie is Vahan Kalurang.

    The old man laughing beside Lunalie is Vahan Kaluran, a half-elf who is Lunalie''s maternal grandfather.

    The amount of magic power and lifespan of the half-elf depends on the density of the elf blood, but both of them have quite a bit of elf blood, so their magic power and lifespan are not so different from the pure-blooded high elves.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Vahan follows her.

    What do you intend to do?

    "I''m going to fight.

    Lunalie replies shortly.

    "Oh, you mean you''re going to take on four hundred of them by yourself?

    "With your grandfather, we have a quota of two hundred.

    Vahan cowered at Renarinee''s words.

    "Nice joke.

    Nice joke." "Would you say that yourself, normally?

    Vahan chuckles.

    As usual, his grandson is out of sorts.

    "Do you have any guesses?

    "We''ll borrow weapons from the armory of the Kingdom of Foulds. I''ll also gather volunteers.

    The weapons in the armory are under the control of the Kingdom of Foulds. ......

    To prevent rebellion, the Kingdom of Khayastan is forbidden to have an army.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is forbidden to have an army to prevent rebellion, and only the bare minimum of weapons are allowed to be owned.

    The army of the Kingdom of Fars will withdraw immediately.

    "...... May I ask why?

    Lunalie nodded lightly and then gave her reasons.

    After listening to Lunalie''s explanation, Vahan''s face showed his understanding.

    I see, you''re right. You are absolutely right. We are an unreliable ally. If we''re going to forbid them from possessing military power, I''d like to see them at least adhere to the minimum. ...... By the way, what use is a volunteer army?

    It''s useless.

    Lunalee said simply.

    Vahan asked.

    "Then what for?

    It''s .......

    Meanwhile, at that time.

    Meanwhile, the Fars of Hayastan were preparing to withdraw.

    "General Shaheen, are you sure?

    "No problem. We can take Hayastan back later. Our first priority is to withdraw our one hundred troops before they are defeated individually and join General Coward.

    There are one hundred Fars Kingdom troops in Hayastan''s territory, but all of them are dispersed in various fortresses and cities.

    Therefore, if we continue as we are, there is a fear that they will be defeated individually.

    And even if they were to assemble, 1,000 of them would not be able to mount much of a resistance.

    It would be better to pull out as soon as possible.

    While the King of Hayastan and his people were in a panic, Shaheen had calmly dealt with the situation and started to retreat.

    And this move was just as Lunalie had predicted.

    But the Lemurian army and the new Lemurian emperor are terrifying. Forty-five kilometers a day in his own territory is ...... crazy.

    It is well said that there is a fine line between genius and something.

    Shaheen sighs.

    No one, including Shaheen, had been able to read Hercule''s movements because they were so far out of line.

    ...... We must regain the kingdom of Hayastan at all costs.

    If I don''t, I can''t face Sasan VIII.

    Shaheen made up her mind.

    It''s been thirty-eight days since Hercule left Nova Lemuria.

    Eighteen days since he accelerated his march and headed for the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Hercule was stationed at a fort on the border of the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    Yes, Hercule had marched an average of forty-five kilometers a day, covering a distance of about eight hundred kilometers in just eighteen days.

    ...... I didn''t think you were going to do it for real.

    That''s why you do it. If you do something that people think you''re going to do, you lose.

    If you do what people think you''re going to do, you lose.

    Then he asks Darios and Oscar, who were leading the infantry.

    "How many have fallen?

    "About a hundred and fifty in my legion.

    I have about two hundred.

    Hearing Darios and Oskar''s reports, Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    The fallout was well within the expected range.

    The fact that Darios'' losses were less than Oskar''s, by about fifty men, meant that Darios was better at advancing than Oskar. This must mean that Darius was better than Oskar.

    But you''re too weak to drop out. I''ll have to train him again later.

    Then Hercule asks Edmond.

    "How''s the longbow team?

    Three men are down, but they made it.

    The elves have a higher endurance than the humans, so it''s not surprising.

    And you don''t need to ask about the heavy cavalry (cribanarius) that Galfis leads.

    Forty-five kilometers of marching a day is nothing for a cavalryman.

    I''ve never heard of them before. I didn''t know that an army could move so fast.

    "Well, if you''re creative enough.

    Hercule nodded at Karolina''s words.

    There are numerous military roads in the Lemurian Empire.

    And on the military roads, there are food storage facilities.

    At least in the Lemurian Empire, the Lemurian army does not need to carry food with them.

    In addition, to avoid traffic congestion, we have decided on a meeting place in advance and have set up a ......

    To avoid traffic jams, the army was divided into several groups and marched in a dispersed manner.

    Well, it was more because of the Lemurian army''s daily training that emphasized the speed of march, and the good march of the generals, including Hercule.

    A great general is one who can bring out the best in his soldiers.

    "So, Your Majesty, what are your plans for the future?

    Hercule thought for a moment before answering Carolina''s question.

    "For now, we will rest for two days. After that, the three days'' worth of food that was gathered in this fort beforehand will be given to each soldier, and each company will be given six days'' worth of food in a wagon, and then we will march. ...... These nine days'' worth of food is for emergencies. Therefore, as much as possible, the logistics will be covered by local procurement in the territory of the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    No matter how careful they are about logistics, pre-modern armies will eventually have to procure food locally.

    If the Lemurian army had a large transport plane, that would be a different story.

    Unfortunately, the Lemurian army is not equipped with a ''widow mass-production machine''.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m not sure what to do.

    The Hercule emphasizes speed anyway.

    He believes that it is important to move ahead of the enemy and always take control of the war.

    That''s what he thought was important.

    (Well, you have to be careful not to end up like the French cannibals. ...... There are no winter generals in the Kingdom of Khayastan. No problem.

    I''m sure it''ll be a short war.

    It''ll be over by Christmas.

    I''m sure it''ll be over by Christmas..." Hercule declared after setting several flags in his brain.

    From here on out, we''re in enemy territory. It''s going to be hard to do forty-five kilometers a day like we''ve been doing. So we''ll take down the capital of Hayastan in one fell swoop with ...... 30 kilometers a day!

    Either way, it''s a forced march.

    The generals pondered this in their minds, but stopped short of saying it out loud.

    They finally realized that they would not be able to keep up with Hercule''s recklessness if they kept giving him advice.

    Two days later, the Lemurian army invaded the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    Meanwhile, Coward was on his way to the kingdom of Hayastan in a hurry.

    "My Lord!¡¡It seems that the Lemurian army has invaded the Kingdom of Hayastan!¡¡The Kingdom of Hayastan has sent a request for help!

    I know!¡¡The Lemurian army has invaded the Kingdom of Hayastan!

    Twenty days, a month earlier than expected.

    "Speed up the march!¡¡Tell all the generals!

    "But, sir, ...... we''re already marching over 20 kilometers a day. I''m afraid we can''t go any further. ......

    Coward clenched his fists in response to his subordinate''s advice.

    His men were right, the Foulds could not increase their marching speed any further.

    We''ve already lost a lot of men.

    But at the current rate of march, it will be thirty-six days before they reach the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    The marching speed of the Lemurian army can be expected to be a little slower in the territory of the Kingdom of Khayastan. ......

    The Lemurian army''s marching speed is expected to be a little slower in the territory of Hayastan, but it will still be able to maintain 20 kilometers per day.

    The number of troops defending Hayastan is less than 10,000.

    In another week, the Kingdom of Hayastan will fall into the hands of the Lemurian Empire.

    If that happens, the security of the Kingdom of Fars will be threatened.

    It''s not just a fiasco anymore.

    Prince Yazdegild''s throne, even his life, is in doubt.

    Of course, Coward will be executed for sure.

    "My lord!¡¡From His Highness the Yazdegerd: ......

    Coward read the letter from Yazdegerd and couldn''t help letting out a grumble.

    The letter was filled with "What are you doing? What are you doing?

    There were no specific instructions, only the intention to ''do something! There were no specific instructions, only the intention to ''do something!

    "Less than 100 years old, ......

    It was originally the fault of the Yazdegerd, who had been seduced by the words of the Bulgaron Kingdom and tried to invade the Lemurian Empire.

    In the first place, we are trying to do something about it now.

    It would be upsetting to be told to do something when you are trying to do something. When you are trying to do something, it is human nature to get upset.

    There is no choice but to go to ....... Should we cut off the Kingdom of Khayastan?

    It''s obvious that even if we continue to head for Hayastan, we won''t make it in time.

    If that''s the case, ......

    It''s a good idea to get to the place where Hercule is going to attack next.

    You can''t beat him in terms of marching speed anyway.

    If we fall behind, we will surely be defeated.

    It is fortunate that General Shaheen has withdrawn from the Kingdom of Khayastan. ...... We''ll continue to join General Shaheen and intercept the Lemurian army.

 49 Episode 17: Im not lying.

    Meanwhile, the Lemurian army led by Hercule was invading the territory of Hayastan, maintaining a speed of 30 to 25 kilometers per day.

    The question that arises is how they can maintain such a high speed.

    Of course, there are seeds and tricks.

    First, Hercule had divided his army into three groups.

    There are two advantages to this.

    First, it genuinely increases the speed of the march.

    It is faster to march in groups than to walk in a long line.

    Another advantage is that the burden of logistics is reduced.

    In principle, local procurement is relied on, so it is more convenient to have dispersed troops than to have them all in one place.

    In addition, local procurement is basically purchase and requisition.

    As a general rule, Hercule forbids looting.

    However, there is a possibility of looting as a last resort if food is unavoidably unavailable.

    However, in order to make up for the shortage of food, Hercule requires every general to carry three days'' worth of food, and has Transportation Corps prepare six days'' worth of food, so the army can march for nine days without supply.

    What worries me is the possibility of being destroyed individually. ......

    The number of three is important.

    The Lemurian army is about 400,000.

    So even if we divide them into three, there will still be more than 10,000.

    The army of the Kingdom of Fars in Hayastan is at most 100,000, and they are dispersed all over the country.

    Well, in other words, the possibility of them being defeated individually is extremely low.

    There is another reason why Hercule is able to maintain a rapid marching speed.

    That is because it ignores fortresses and cities, and advances towards the capital while bypassing them.

    Of course, fortresses that cannot be bypassed will be forcibly breached. ......

    Well, the number of enemy soldiers holed up in fortresses is at most 100, and in some cases, they have already escaped or surrendered before the fight. ......

    This is not a big obstacle.

    In addition, the light cavalry established by ...... Hercule was of great help.

    Because they marched ahead of the infantry and heavy cavalry, surveyed the terrain, and scouted carefully, they were able to march smoothly.

    That is why Hercule is advancing at an unbelievable speed.

    Well, this marching speed is possible because there is no chance of meeting with the enemy, so good children should not imitate it.

    Hercule proudly tells Karolina while riding his horse.

    Hercule''s marching speed takes into account the fatigue of the soldiers.

    If you maintain 30 kilometers day after day, the soldiers will get tired.

    They won''t be able to fight properly.

    There are almost no enemy troops in the territory of Hayastan.

    That''s why we''re marching so fast.

    Your Majesty, how much longer until we reach the capital?

    "Well, looking at the map, ...... is only three days away. Tomorrow, we will meet up with Darios and Galfis, who are leading a separate force, at a predetermined rendezvous point. Then, after a day of rest, we''ll march slowly the next day to Erstadt, the capital of Hayastan.

    The reason for slowing down the march after taking a rest is because there is a high possibility that we will enter a siege.

    However, I don''t think they have enough troops.

    When you have to be careful, you are careful.

    That''s who Hercule is.

    After that, Hercule and his men closed in on the capital, Erstadt, as planned.

    It was six days after they invaded Hayastan, twenty-six days after they accelerated their march, and forty-six days after the war began.

    Hmmm, my readings are off. ......

    Hercule''s voice was languid but annoyed.

    In the event you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own web site.

    He was in a hurry because a certain number of troops were encamped in Erstadt.

    "What do you think, Darios? How does a light attack feel?

    Hercule asked Darios after he finished his reconnaissance.

    Darios shrugged his shoulders and replied.

    Darios cowers and replies, "I''d say about 500. The number of flags is around 2,000... Well, you''re bluffing. Seventy percent probability.

    That means there''s a 30 percent chance that there really are around 200,000.

    Apparently, there are at least two hundred flags.

    But two hundred is indeed impossible. There is no way that the Kingdom of Fars would accept the possession of that much military power.

    In the first place, however, the fact that there are 500 soldiers in the castle itself is also strange.

    The information that the army of the Kingdom of Phallus is in full retreat has already reached Hercule.

    If the information was correct, it was impossible.

    Then, a possibility flashed in Hercule''s mind.

    I see. A volunteer soldier.

    "What do you mean?

    Carolina asks Hercule.

    Hercule explains to Karolina.

    "It''s simple. The Kingdom of Foulth''s army retreated in a panic. They probably left all their spare weapons and armor in the armory. They must have recruited volunteers to arm them.

    In a defensive battle, new recruits are more than capable of fighting.

    Even a child throwing a stone from above can be useful.

    "But I''m surprised to see volunteers. How did you get them all?

    A nation for the people.

    The concept of a nation for the people, that is, a nation-state, first began to emerge in modern times.

    In this world, the country is the property of kings and nobles, and the people merely live in that country.

    The people are only interested in taxes, public works such as flood control, and whether or not the courts are doing their job.

    Therefore, they do not have any say in politics.

    Instead, they have no desire to protect their country.

    From Hercule''s point of view, it is astonishing that the Kingdom of Khayastan has gathered a volunteer army.

    But ...... well, once you know the species, it''s easy. You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace. ...... It''s within the range of a forceful attack.

    It sounds good to call them volunteers, but they are just farmers and bakers who were plowing the fields with hoes just a few days ago.

    In Hercule''s eyes, they were mere mantises.

    If he attacked them day and night in waves for a week, they would fall into insomnia and open the gates without doing anything.

    That''s what Hercule decided, and he was about to give the order to attack.

    That''s when...

    "Your Majesty!

    "Edmond, what''s wrong?

    Edmond rode up to Hercule on his horse.

    He got off his horse and bowed.

    "A letter from the King of Khayastan, Your Majesty.

    "Hmm.

    Hercule breaks the seal and opens the parchment.

    There it is: ......

    "Well, that''s interesting.

    Hercule grinned.

    "All right, let''s meet.

    "Are you the Princess Lunalie, the one who gathered the volunteers?

    "Yes, your majesty. Thank you for taking the time to see me today.

    The Lunarian Alshak knelt before Hercule.

    "I want you to look up. It is not proper for a princess of a country to kneel like that.

    "......, Princess of a defeated nation.

    Lunalie said with a blank expression.

    But Hercule could see a little ...... of the girl''s emotions behind those expressionless, violet-crystal-beautiful, but cold eyes.

    (Nervousness, anxiety, fear, and excitement. ...... Calling yourself the princess of a defeated country means you want to ...... draw me into a conversation and negotiate something.

    Interesting, let''s go for it.

    Hercule thinks so and says to Lunalie.

    "You are a defeated country again, and your volunteers are fighting bravely.

    In front of you, they are pebbles that will fly away. ...... now.

    "Well, what do you mean, now?

    Hercule will go along with Lunalie''s story.

    If it''s a boring story, just end it.

    ...... At this point, Hercule is halfway into Lunalie''s storytelling, but if you point this out to him, he will claim that he is doing it on purpose.

    The Volunteers are poorly trained. But they do have a heart for their country. Give them time, and they will become a strong army.

    "Well, so what?¡¡What are you suggesting?

    Hercule smiles cruelly.

    A light flashed in Lunalie''s eyes.

    "Your Majesty, form an alliance with my country. We will be the shield and the spear of Lemuria against the Foulth.

    (Hmm, I see. That''s what you wanted to say.

    Hercule somehow realized Lunalie''s intentions.

    The purpose of gathering the volunteers was to show Hercule the value of the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    "Aren''t you an ally of the Fals?

    "You forbid your allies to bear arms, you ask them to pay tribute, and when the time comes, you run away. How can such a country be considered an ally?

    The Kingdom of Phallus cannot be trusted.

    That''s why I''m switching to the Lemurian Empire.

    "You''re like a bat.

    When Hercule spoke sarcastically, Lunalie replied matter-of-factly.

    "That''s why our country has survived until now. Surrounded by Lemuria and Foulds, we have no choice but to do so.

    Diplomacy is based on betrayal and being betrayed.

    Hercule would not be offended by such a thing.

    But ......

    "What''s in it for us?

    "If you accept our alliance, we will open the castle. Isn''t it a bad idea to deplete our forces before the final battle with the Kingdom of Foulds?¡¡Also, if you are going to move south and fight a decisive battle in the Foulls Kingdom or in our country, wouldn''t our support be useful to you?

    If we are going to fight inside the Kingdom of Fars, we need to cut off the worries behind us.

    If you are fighting inside the Hayastan Kingdom, it would be easier to fight if you could tell us about the topography of the Hayastan Kingdom and provide us with food.

    Hercule thought for a while, and then answered.

    I''ve heard some very interesting things about you. Very well, let''s accept it.

    And so Erstadt fell.

    "Is that all right, Your Majesty?

    What?

    The alliance. The alliance. ...... Will the Kingdom of Fars accept it quietly?¡¡Even I can see that the Kingdom of Hayastan is a strategic location.

    After entering Erstadt, Karolina asked Hercule in a whisper.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is a strategic location for the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars.

    Especially for the Kingdom of Phars, it is an important land for its security.

    This is because ......

    If the Lemurian Empire were to invade the Kingdom of Phars, it would normally have to cross the Dajra Hurat River.

    This river is so wide and so deep that no army can cross it without a bridge or a boat.

    The Kingdom of Fars is protected by this natural barrier.

    But ......

    What if we go through the Kingdom of Hayastan?

    The invasion route from the Lemurian Empire to the Kingdom of Hayastan does not have a huge natural wall like the Dajra Flato River.

    The same is true for the Kingdom of Fars from Hayastan.

    And ......

    If you go down from Hayastan to the south, it is the granary and heart of the Kingdom of Phars.

    In other words, if Hayastan is taken by the Lemurian Empire, it means that the Kingdom of Fars will be forced to fight a battle that it cannot afford to lose.

    Would the Kingdom of Fars accept that?

    If they were to accept it, they would have to achieve a great victory.

    That was Karolina''s concern.

    In response, Hercule asked with a curious look on his face.

    "Hmm ...... Karolina, why are you assuming that my country will defend the entire kingdom of Hayastan?

    "Huh?¡¡Because of our alliance .......

    Yes, we have an alliance. Of course we will protect the Kingdom of Khayastan. But we didn''t promise to protect everything. Worst case scenario, we can cede the eastern or southern half to the Kingdom of Fars. Then the Kingdom of Farus will be assured of the protection of its capital region.

    Karolina looked at Hercule with a stunned expression.

    Hercule smirked.

    It''s worse to be deceived!

 50 Episode 18 Fatal Failure

    "And that scum is definitely thinking.

    ......Hey, really?¡¡I think you''re overthinking this, Lunarie .......¡¡He seems like a very nice young man. ......

    The king of Hayastan, King Frates III, admonished Lunalie.

    I''d like to tell you not to put a damper on an alliance that has just been formed.

    "No, that man will betray us.

    "How can you be so sure?

    Because I would do the same thing.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is a small country.

    Promises between small countries and big countries are rarely kept properly.

    Secret pacts and agreements between major powers take precedence over any oath or treaty.

    That''s what diplomacy is all about.

    But I won''t let that happen. I can''t let you divide the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Lunalie loves the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    And the people of Khayastan love Lunalie, the king, and their country.

    The people of the great kingdoms of Fars and Lemuria would never understand.

    The feelings of a small country where royalty, nobility, and commoners have to work together to maintain.

    Originally, the area currently ruled by the Achaemenid Kingdom of Phars was under the rule of the Alshakid Kingdom of Phars in ancient times, and was ruled by the Alshakids.

    In its heyday, the Alshakid Kingdom of Fars was a great power that clashed with the Lemurian Empire before the East-West split many times.

    Hayastan was the site of a dispute between the Arshilean Phars Kingdom and the Lemurian Empire.

    The two countries had a fierce conflict over the land of Hayastan.

    But in the end, a peace was made.

    That is

    "The King of Hayastan shall be selected by King Fars from the Alshak family (Alshak dynasty), appointed as King by the Emperor of Lemuria, and crowned by the Emperor of Lemuria or his deputy.

    This was the treaty.

    Thus was established the Kingdom of Khayastan of the Arshak dynasty.

    At some point, however, the Arshaq Kingdom of Fars declined.

    In such a situation, the Achaimenes, a powerful family among the nobles of the Arshak Kingdom, rose to power and overthrew the Arshak Kingdom, establishing the current Achaimenes Kingdom of Phars.

    The Lemurian Empire, which had been the mainstay of the Achaemenid Empire, was in turmoil and weakened by the civil war.

    In such a situation, the Arshak family stayed close to the Khayastans in order to maintain the country while somehow surviving as a vassal state of the Achaemenid Kingdom of Phars.

    While the elves of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars were trying to maintain their pure blood, the Arsharks tried to assimilate by mixing human blood with their own.

    The people of Hayastan also supported the Alshak family in order to protect their country.

    That is the Kingdom of Hayastan of the Al-Shaq dynasty.

    Incidentally, the Kingdom of Khayastan was the first country in the world to make Messianism the state religion, and both Lunalie and King Frates III were Messianists.

    "But, Lunalee. What are you going to do?¡¡...... We don''t have the power to defy the decisions of Lemuria or Phallus, do we?

    "Easy. All we need is a stronger connection between Lemuria and Khayastan.

    What exactly?

    Then Lunalie puffed out her chest.

    "I''ll seduce her. And marry him. The Emperor of Lemuria can''t betray us if we''re related. Selling out his wife''s country of origin would be an ugly business.

    What the hell is he talking about?

    King Frates III couldn''t believe his ears.

    "Vahan, what did you tell him?

    "Your Majesty, I would never suggest to your Highness that she should be seduced.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.

    "I have tits. They''re bigger than Carolina, the Lemurian Emperor''s fianc¨¦e. She wins.

    Lunalie said and stuck her chest out.

    Frates III and Vahan looked at Lunalie''s breasts and smiled.

    She does have big tits.

    Elves like tits. So, no problem with the body.

    And ......

    Even if you take into account the fact that she is a foolish parent and a foolish grandfather, Lunalie is still very beautiful in the eyes of both of them.

    But ......

    "The talk is ......

    Her face needs a little more expression ......

    "Her gestures need to be prettier.

    "I can''t even compose a poem. ......

    Lunarie was fatally deficient in "charm".

    In addition, she can''t write poetry properly, which is an essential skill for noblemen in this world.

    And she doesn''t talk much.

    On the other hand, if you ask me if I can talk about anything that would please men, ......

    "You can''t talk about anything but academics.

    And then there''s politics and military ...... hmmm ......

    I see, some people might be interested in it.

    But can this content lead to romance?

    If so, they would make a very good couple.

    To begin with, ......

    Unfortunately, women who are too clever are not popular.

    There are many times when they are considered to be too clever.

    Of course, there are men who prefer educated women, so it''s hard to say for sure.

    Just watch ...... and you''ll see. I''ll make you fall with my s*x appeal.

    The night after the Lemurian army entered Erstadt.

    In the palace of the Kingdom of Hayastan, a banquet was being held to welcome Erkur and his generals.

    Because of the suddenness of the event, the food laid out was not as lavish, nor did it taste as good as the court food of the Lemurian Empire. ......

    Even so, Hercule felt that the Kingdom of Hayastan''s intention was not to welcome him ...... but rather to somehow put him in a good mood, and he accepted it gratefully.

    Unlike the Lemurian Empire, in the Kingdom of Hayastan, meals were laid out on a carpet on the floor.

    There are about four dishes of side dishes per person.

    And the main dish is served on a platter, one per three to four people.

    The side dishes are eaten from the plate assigned to you, and the main dishes are eaten by transferring them from the platter to a small plate.

    This is the style.

    By the way, ......

    There are no eating utensils in the kingdom of Hayastan.

    Basically, people eat with their hands.

    It may seem barbaric to Japanese people, but ...... 40% of the world''s population eats with their hands, so it is nothing unusual.

    The Lemurian Empire, where forks and knives exist, is rather more perverse and barbaric because the number of cultures in this world that eat with their hands is overwhelmingly large.

    However, knives and forks exist for serving food from a platter.

    Erk¨¹l is a man who follows his hometown, so he has no intention of following the style of the Lemurian Empire even after coming to Hayastan, and moreover, he has no intention of using chopsticks.

    Without any particular concern, I grabbed the main dish, "meat stuffed with herbs," that the servant had cut up for me, and bit into it with my hands.

    The juices of the meat and the good smell of the herbs overflowed from inside.

    This meat is delicious. ...... Is it a bird?¡¡King Khayastan.

    Yes, it''s a specialty of our country. It''s the meat of the Khayastan pigeon, a bird that lives in the eastern part of our country.

    (Wow, ...... just happens to be the area I''m thinking of ceding to the Kingdom of Fars!

    Hercule thought it was a coincidence and drank the wine after a few words.

    It''s not the right time of year, but ...... eggs are also excellent. The next time you visit our country, please do so in peacetime, not wartime. Next time, please visit our country in peace time, not in war time.

    ...... I''m looking forward to it.

    Strangely, this guy emphasizes the east.

    Hercule, feeling uncomfortable, tries to sip the wine and realizes that it is ...... empty.

    Then ......

    ...... please.

    Thank you for this.

    The Lunarian quickly pours the wine into Hercule''s empty glass.

    Hercule responds with a slight bow.

    "Here you are, Princess Lunalie.

    "Thank you.

    In return, Hercule pours wine into Lunalie''s glass.

    (But you''re dressed very revealingly.)

    Hercule looked at Lunalie''s wide open chest.

    The fabric of the dress is thin and the skin is transparent.

    It''s very large for an elf. ......

    Her breasts, which Hercule estimates to be about a C or D, are also very s*xy.

    What do you think of our wine?

    "It''s very good. Especially the aroma.

    What do you think?¡¡"How is it?" "It''s not good!¡¡No one would be stupid enough to answer.

    Hercule gives a very safe answer.

    But there is no lie about the taste itself.

    The reason is that this wine is the best wine in Hayastan for the last 200 years.

    Even King Frates III rarely drank it.

    I don''t want it to taste bad.

    "This wine comes from vineyards in the south of our country.

    Huh. ......

    Hercule responded to Lunalie''s words.

    Even Hercule noticed that he had been told so much.

    Flattes III and Lunalie are both aware that Hercule is thinking of dividing the Kingdom of Hayastan with the Kingdom of Fars.

    That is why they are restraining him.

    ......, but as far as Hercule is concerned, it''s just a feeble resistance of a weak country.

    No matter how Hayastan resists, it is a certainty in Erk¨¹l''s mind that it will share the territory with the Kingdom of Fars.

    In addition, the remaining western half of the country will become a province of the Lemurian Empire after a few decades have passed. ......

    I plan to incorporate the remaining western half as a province of the Lemurian Empire.

    This can be easily accomplished by bribing the aristocracy of Hayastan and sending immigrants to convert Hayastan into Lemuria.

    It is the people of Hayastan who built their country in the middle of nowhere that are to blame.

    The problem is the remaining Alshak family. ......

    If they resist, it will be troublesome, so it would be quicker to assassinate them or make up some appropriate crime and kill them.

    The Achaemenes would be overjoyed to hear that the Julianos family had disposed of the Arshark family, their former master family, even though they criticized them verbally.

    Both Lemuria and Fahls will be able to draw a border line just right, and in addition, the family line that is a hindrance to both sides will disappear.

    It''s a win-win.

    ...... would be a nuisance for House Arshak and the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    (...... But it would be a shame to kill Princess Lunalie.

    She''s cute, she''s erotic, she''s ......

    However, that was after the Kingdom of Khayastan was made into a vassal state, a vassal state ......, and moreover after peace was made with Foulds.

    I''m not sure why I''m talking about this over drinks, but ...... there''s something I''d like to ask you both.

    What is it?

    Frates III asks Hercule.

    It was a perfect example of a sovereign-vassal situation, showing the disparity in national and military power between the two countries.

    After this, I intend to invade the Arsinia province of the Kingdom of Phars with my entire army.

    "With the whole army, sir?

    King Frates III''s face twitched.

    If the entire army of the Lemurian Empire invaded the province of Arsinia, the Kingdom of Hayastan would be stripped naked once again.

    Before he betrayed the Kingdom of Phallus and turned to the Lemurian Empire, ......

    It''s obvious that if the Kingdom of Phallus conquers us again, we won''t get away with nothing.

    It''s not important to Hercule.

    So, I would like to ask either Frates III or Lunalee to guide me along the way.

    "Oh, you want directions, .......

    In short, Hercule is asking me to be a hostage.

    The reason why Hercule is invading Arsinia is because Arsinia is adjacent to Suria, a province of the Lemurian Empire.

    By invading Arsinia and securing the other side of the Dajra Flato River, Hercule would have a route to the Lemurian Empire.

    Then the Kingdom of Hayastan would be no more.

    The problem is that there is a possibility that the Kingdom of Hayastan will once again turn to the Kingdom of Fars through batting diplomacy before Hercule can secure the communication route.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan does not have an army, and the weapons left behind by the Phallus army were collected by Hercule, so the Kingdom of Khayastan is truly unarmed and cannot do anything.

    But I''ll be careful.

    If the king or his only daughter is being held captive by Hercule, the Kingdom of Khayastan will not be able to act carelessly.

    "Don''t worry. If our country invades Arsinia, the entire army of the Kingdom of Fars will gather in Arsinia. They won''t attack the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    (Probably.)

    Hercule added in his mind.

    "...... Your father, the king, cannot leave the country. I''ll show you the way.

    Lunalie offered herself as a guide, or rather a hostage.

    Hercule smiles.

    Thank you for this. To have a beautiful woman like you to guide us. I''m sure we''ll come out victorious." (Well, the king won''t be coming, as expected.)

    Lunalie is the only daughter of King Frates III.

    As long as Hercule has Lunalie in his custody, he will not do anything rash.

    "Oh, your ...... majesty. I''m sure you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.¡¡It''s only about 500, but we''ll definitely be of service to you. ......

    "Your Majesty, King Hayastan, I''m glad to hear your sentiments, but ...... the volunteer army will not be able to keep up with the speed of my army''s advance.

    Patriotism is not enough to make an army work.

    It will only slow you down.

    So, ......

    Don''t worry. Princess Lunalie will be protected by my army and me. That''s why you don''t need any escort from Hayastan Kingdom (?????).

    After being told this much, King Frates III would not be able to provide even an escort for Lunalie.

    If he tried to provide an escort, it would be like saying that he doesn''t trust the Lemurian Empire.

    If Hercule were so inclined, ......

    The Lemurian army can sack Erstadt, kill the men, rape the women, sell the children into slavery, and reduce Erstadt to ruins right now.

    He could kill King Frates III and turn Lunalie into a soldier''s plaything or his own s*x slave.

    Although, as expected, he would not do such a terrible thing for fear of ugly publicity. ......

    It is not impossible.

    That is why Frates III is unable to defy Hercule, or even to offend him.

    Or should I say, lack of courage.

    Thus ended the banquet of the day.

    Hercule went to bed in a tipsy mood. ......

    And ......

    ...... What''s this all about?

    The next morning.

    The next morning, he looked down at Lunalie, who was sleeping peacefully in his arms, and muttered to himself.

    For some reason, there was a red stain on the sheets.

    ...... Ah, what?¡¡I''m not sure what to make of this.

    A cold sweat ran down Hercule''s back.

 51 Episode 19 Responsibilities

    After the feast was over, Lunalie tilted her head .

    "Why can''t you understand my s*xuality?

    "Did you think you were asking me out with that ......?

    Vahan looked dumbfounded.

    You''re right, the outfit was s*xy. I''ll give you that.

    But I don''t see any s*xiness in her words or actions.

    I would have thought that he would have flattered her or touched her, but ...... he didn''t even do that, he thought he was seducing her. ...... My daughter is pathetic... ...

    Flattes III holds his head.

    I''m not sure how she became so lacking in femininity despite her beautiful appearance.

    Where did I go wrong in raising her, sighs King Frates III.

    Well, if the Emperor of Lemuria fell in love with Lunalie and said, "Give me her! I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to make the most out of it.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time and money.

    "Lunalie, just give up ......, I don''t want to provoke the Emperor.

    King Frates III grabbed Lunalie by the shoulders and persuaded her.

    Currently, the Kingdom of Khayastan is in the grip of the Lemurian Empire.

    He doesn''t know what they''ll do to him if he offends them in any way.

    If the Lemurian emperor is displeased even a little bit by Lunalie''s poor seduction, the kingdom of Hayastan will disappear from the map and the Alshak royal family will disappear from history.

    ...... Okay.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡Let''s not do this .......

    I won''t stop.

    After returning to her room, Lunalie ordered her servant to take a bath.

    After returning to her room, Lunalie ordered her servants to bathe, prepare perfume, and bring a negligee for the night crawl.

    Basically, servants are creatures that cannot disobey their masters'' orders.

    The servants tried to persuade Lunalie, but she did as she was told.

    After getting out of the bath, Lunalie put on a blue negligee made of silk and decorated with beautiful lace, which the servants had prepared, and looked into the mirror.

    The sight of herself in the negligee was very indecent and sensual.

    Lunalie blushed involuntarily.

    Princess, don''t do this. Don''t worry, the Emperor of Lemuria is a kind man!

    "What proof?

    "I can see it in his good face.

    Q: Why do you think he is kind?

    A: Because he''s handsome.

    Hey, hey, hey. ......

    A: Because he''s handsome.

    A: You can see it in his face.

    And ...... they executed a soldier who tried to assault a woman!¡¡And there''s no looting going on. ......

    That doesn''t prove that he''s a good man.

    In order to enforce military discipline, we punish those who loot without permission.

    It''s a rational choice, but that doesn''t mean he''s acting out of the goodness of his heart.

    The Emperor of Lemuria''s chambers are guarded by soldiers!

    Hercule is always surrounded by skilled elven knights, battle-trained servants, and eunuchs.

    Even at bedtime, the door to his ...... room is heavily guarded.

    The door to the room is heavily guarded, though the ...... dictator, who tends to be very paranoid, never allows armed men in the room.

    "Don''t worry. That''s not a problem.

    Lunalee answers the servant''s question and sprinkles perfume on her body.

    Perfume, but not just any perfume.

    It is a perfume that stimulates the sensuality of the person who smells it. ...... It is a so-called aphrodisiac.

    It was one of the specialties of the kingdom of Hayastan, and was a popular product among weary couples, as a small amount of it would turn a man into a beast.

    The only drawback is that it works on you before it works on the man.

    ...... makes me lightheaded.

    Lunalie blushed and headed for her room.

    She then ordered the servant to place a chair on the bed.

    ...... What are you doing?

    "Nothing.

    The servants nodded their heads, but followed Lunalie''s instructions.

    Lunalie climbed onto the chair, searched the ceiling and opened the ...... hidden door (...).

    She then crept straight into the ceiling and ......

    I''m off.

    He said and closed the door.

    The servants looked at each other.

    I didn''t know there was a way through .......

    Erstadt Castle is a Karakuri house.

    Lunalie then crawled on all fours, trying not to make a sound, to the ceiling where the Emperor of Lemuria was sleeping.

    Then she carefully opened the hidden door and landed without making a sound.

    Slowly, she climbed onto Emperor Lemuria''s bed and straddled him.

    The Emperor of Lemuria ...... No, Hercule was sleeping soundly and comfortably.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    (Now, what should I do?)

    Lunalie pondered.

    At any rate, I''ve reached Hercule.

    All I have to do now is to be held.

    But she doesn''t know how to do it.

    Should I wake him up?

    But if I wake him, he''ll kick me out.

    This man is not foolish enough to embrace a princess of a country he has no intention of protecting.

    In some cases, he might be accused of trying to kill her.

    Well, Lunalie doesn''t have any intention to assassinate Hercule.

    If Lunalie stabbed Hercule with a knife, the next morning the enraged Lemurian army would reduce the kingdom of Hayastan to ashes.

    Even though the emperor has this kind of personality, he is somehow well-liked by his subjects.

    "Haha. ......

    Lunalie sighed.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    You can see it in the faces of his subjects and soldiers.

    Everyone is full of confidence.

    No one doubted Hercule the man, the emperor.

    Even if his personality is not trustworthy, even if he is far from kind, even if he is more of a tyrant than a monarch: ......

    In the end, they will bring victory, wealth, and glory to the Lemurian Empire.

    The vassals of Hercule, down to the last soldier, have never doubted that.

    What is required of a monarch is not character.

    It''s leadership.

    If a monarch can lead a nation to glory, everyone is willing to follow him, no matter how terrible his character.

    In comparison, what about King ...... of Hayastan, Lunalie''s father, King Frates III?

    Lunalie adores King Frates III as a father and as a person.

    He''s a kind man, she knows.

    And everyone in Erstadt and Hayastan knows it.

    That''s why the volunteer army gathered.

    But ......

    That''s it.

    King Frates III always looks unsure.

    So do the people of Khayastan, the soldiers, the vassals.

    They all look insecure.

    And they look at Hercule and the soldiers and generals of Lemuria and sigh.

    Though she doesn''t say it out loud, Lunalie knows exactly what they''re thinking when they sigh.

    Because she feels the same way.

    That is, ......

    I want to serve such an emperor. I want to be loyal. I want to fight for my life under his command. I want him to lead me. I want you to rule over me. I want you to be the sovereign of this land.

    Why weren''t you born in the Lemurian Empire?

    Why couldn''t I have been a vassal of the great emperor Hercule?

    Why am I not a vassal of ...... the unreliable monarch Frates III?

    ......, but now an enemy.

    Even so, Lunalie is a princess of Hayastan.

    Then she must stand up to the tyrant Hercule.

    And once again, Lunalie''s thoughts return.

    What should I do?

    (...... Let''s just take off my pants for now)

    Lunalie puts her hand on Hercule''s pants and slowly pulls them off.

    Then the pants are revealed.

    Gulp.

    Lunalie gulps.

    Something underneath the pants is pushing them up.

    Lunalie slowly removes her pants.

    "Oh, .......

    Lunarie lets out an involuntary squeal.

    It''s big, and it''s thick.

    It''s over twenty centimeters long.

    How can I get into these?

    Lunarie tilts her head.

    Let''s just touch it.

    Half curious and half under the influence of the aphrodisiac, Lunarie slowly reaches out and touches the ......

    "...... What is it?

    "Hee!

    She''s awake!

    Lunalie cowered.

    Before she knew it, Hercule had woken up.

    His sapphire blue eyes pierced Lunalie.

    Hercule gazed at Lunalie.

    Lunalie didn''t know what to do, so she just stared back at Hercule.

    Then, Hercule let out an exasperated voice.

    "...... What is it, Asmodeus? I''d like to hug Princess Lunalie for sure,......, but I went into the floor thinking,......, you''re very service-oriented.

    "Hyah!

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you have.

    And the next thing you know, Hercule''s tongue was in Lunalie''s mouth.

    Hercule''s tongue violated Lunalie''s first kiss.

    (Hey, am I confusing you with someone else?)

    It seems that she has low blood pressure or is ...... sleepwalking.

    Anyway, it''s a good thing for Lunalie.

    It''s my first time, so I''m ...... gentle ......

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.¡¡...... Well, okay. Okay, I''m in. ...... Don''t worry, Princess Lunalee. Sit tight and I''ll ...... let you have a night sweeter than sugar water.

    Hercule whispered sweetly in Lunalie''s ear.

    Lunalie felt her strength drain from her body.

    (Oh, ......, that''s enough. Whatever.

    Thus, a flower was broken off by the tyrant.

    And the next morning: ......

    Hercule looked down at Lunalie, desperately trying to remember last night.

    (Remember, yesterday, ...... yes, there was a party. (Remember, there was a ...... party last night, and I was so drunk that ...... I must have gone straight to bed. Yeah, I never took Princess Lunalie into my bed. I never did that. And I''m sure I wasn''t drunk. I''m not stupid enough to drink myself to drunkenness. And I would have asked Karolina out before bed. She turned me down.

    Last night, after the party was over, Hercule''s son (metaphorically speaking) was in a lot of trouble.

    It was mostly because of Lunalie.

    That''s right, a princess of a country, shaking her tits and pouring herself a drink in a dangerous outfit.

    It was exciting.

    And in order to suppress it, he asked Karolina to bed, but she refused.

    She said she didn''t want to be unprotected in enemy territory. (Actually, it was 80% jealousy of Hercule, who was staring at Lunalie''s tits, but that''s a secret.

    I had no choice but to go to bed.

    And ......

    (Asmodeus!¡¡Hey, Asmodeus!

    Yes, what can I do for you?

    Oh, if you''re not, say you are!

    Well, it looked interesting. I mean, it''s not like last night was a collection night, anyway. I can''t be that responsible for my husband''s privates.

    (Oh, you ...... shit. What have I done?

    Hercule''s head is in his hands.

    I never thought I''d mistake the princess of a country for the whore I''m under contract with. ......

    It''s the mistake of a lifetime.

    I''ve been playing with Asmodeus for a while now, making him look like all sorts of things.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one. ...... "I''ll use my hallucinogenic magic to defeat any undesirables who come after my master. So please sleep as if you''re on a big ship. I don''t need sleep or anything." You said that!¡¡I trusted you at least!

    Basically, spirits (demons) don''t do anything outside of their contract or ...... their master''s orders.

    However, there are some individuals who will act in the best interest of their masters on an individual basis.

    Asmodeus is a good example. ...... When his master is in danger, Asmodeus does not wait for his master''s orders, but moves to help his master.

    Hercule''s ancestor, the balding seductress and debtor king, was once almost stabbed by the son of an adulterous married woman and a group of merry republicans, ...... but Asmodeus acted immediately and eliminated the assassins. I''m sure you''ll agree.

    Asmodeus is not a spirit that is suitable for fighting, but it can be enough to deal with a few people.

    But ......

    It is not that all spirits act to protect their masters, but rather that only a few act to protect their masters.

    First of all, there are four prerequisites: a certain level of intelligence that allows the spirit to understand the master''s situation, a relationship of trust that allows the spirit to do things outside of orders, the spirit''s own personality, and finally, the ability to activate without the master.

    For example, Karolina''s Eligos satisfies the first three conditions, but because it is a ...... weapon spirit, it cannot exercise its ability without Karolina, the user, and thus automatic interception is impossible. ...... I''m sure you''ll agree.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot more than one, you''ll be able to get a lot more.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it. I don''t think it''s necessary to exclude her.

    I''m sure you can see that ...... is going to be a disadvantage for me!

    How can the devil understand politics?

    Bullshit!¡¡I know you''ve made deals with big names in the past!

    Hercule held his head.

    He was determined to sleep with Karolina next time, whether he wanted to or not.

    I mean, what''s the problem?¡¡The more holes you can fit, the better. ......

    (Don''t think in terms of your values. ...... People are not just sticks and holes. ......)

    They have a will, they think, they speak, they act.

    (Don''t think in terms of your values. ...... People are not just sticks and holes. ......) They will, they think, they speak, they act. They are human beings, ...... not just sticks and holes.

    You can''t use the excuse of a mountaineer, "There was a hole there, so I put it in.

    Or rather, it''s the master''s fault for mistaking me for him. Well, it''s true that my performance is perfect. It''s no exaggeration to say that I''m a true virgin who can act more like a virgin than a real virgin, and I can reproduce various other situations. Her appearance can also be changed according to her master''s preference. However, I have one thing in my pride that I will never change the structure of ...... ¡¶Voluntary Restrictions¡·. At the most, I can add a virgin membrane or not.

    (...... What''s your point?)

    When I put it inside, I thought, "What?¡¡"Isn''t this Asmodeus? ()

    (......) How can you judge an individual based on that? You can''t judge a person based on that, can you?

    I can judge by the smell of "self-regulation" alone. In fact, I can even tell the state of your health.

    (...... Look, I''m a human being. I''m not like you.

    Hercule let out a sigh.

    It confirms once again that common sense does not apply to this demon.

    (...... Let''s get out of here for now. (Calm down and regain your bearings!

    Hercule calmed his mind.

    ) Hercule calmed himself down. The basic rule of war is to take the initiative and not to let the enemy take the initiative.

    If we stay here, Lunalie will take the initiative.

    Hercule tried to sneak off the bed and slip out. ......

    Wait.

    "Ggh!

    Lunalie grabbed his right hand.

    Before he knew it, Lunalie was awake, staring at him with eyes as blue as a lake.

    You will be held accountable.

    £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Unfortunately, the initiative was in Lunalie''s hands.

 52 Episode 20 Threatening

    "I''ve heard that under Lemurian law, sleeping with a virgin woman who is not engaged or married to you is considered ''rape'' and punishable by death.

    Lunalie tells Hercule matter-of-factly.

    Lunalie''s blue, clear eyes catch Hercule''s.

    I am a virgin. You made love to me. This is ''rape'' under Lemurian law, and is punishable by death.

    "...... You know it well. It''s our bad law.

    Lemurian Marriage Law.

    The Lemurian Marriage Law is an ancient law enacted by the fathers of Hercule, who reborn the Lemurian Republic into the Lemurian Empire.

    Because it is a very old law, it is influenced by ethics that modern Elves cannot understand.

    However, the law has never been revised because it is a matter of not having illicit relations in the first place.

    And also ...... had been virtually obsolete because it had not been used for several hundred years.

    Even among the judges of Lemuria, it is an unknown law.

    You are the emperor. Of course you can''t be guilty of death. But you forbid your soldiers to rape. But you forbid your soldiers to rape her, and you forbid them to rape her, and they rape a princess, or do something that is legally considered rape. ...... is beyond reproach.

    ...... Are you threatening me?

    It''s up to you to see it that way. I am stating objective facts.

    Lunalie stares straight at Hercule without using honorifics.

    I''m telling you the objective facts." Her eyes clearly showed her defiance and hostility towards Hercule.

    Hercule sighs and then says to Lunalie.

    "Stop. It''s not good for either of us. It''s not good for either of us. ...... No man can tell if you''re a virgin or not. I''m not going to tell you. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... No, don''t ever talk about it!

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.

    "If you don''t want to get hurt,...... swear. Don''t talk to me about this. ...... You don''t want to die, do you?

    If you can kill it, kill it. ...... if you can. If you kill me, things will only get worse.

    Hercule and Renalier grappled as they rolled off the bed.

    "d*mn you, .......

    I''m an expert in physical arts.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    The two are entangled in each other''s arms, and they try to take each other''s joints and bind them.

    (d*mn, that''s not a move I like to use. ......)

    Hercule grabs Lunalie''s ample breasts with his right hand.

    Lunalie frowns.

    Of course, Hercule is not so naive or cerebral as to s*xually harass her at a time like this.

    He''s quite serious.

    "Asmodeus!¡¡Do it!

    Hmm, I see. My Lord.

    Asmodeus''s magic trickled down Hercule''s right hand and onto Lunalie''s chest, then across her body.

    "~!!!!

    Lunalie''s body twitches and twitches.

    Hercule had ordered Asmodeus to send a strong s*xual stimulus into Lunalie''s body.

    The level of stimulation that would normally cause her to faint with the whites of her eyes.

    "Swear to me if you don''t want to die insane!¡¡You''re not to tell anyone about this!

    "Excuse me, Your Majesty. Your meal is ready at .......

    Just as Hercule shouted, the door opened.

    It''s a servant from the kingdom of Hayastan.

    The servants were being watched by ...... soldiers of the Lemurian Empire behind them.

    The Lemurian soldiers were astonished to see Hercule and the half-naked Lunalie entangled with each other. ......

    The Lemurian soldiers looked astonished, and the servants opened their eyes blankly.

    The Lemurian soldier looked away awkwardly, and the servant made eye contact with Lunalie. ......

    And the servant, as ordered by Lunalie beforehand, ......

    I''m sorry, sir!¡¡I''m sorry to interrupt your fun.

    He said, ......

    "Wait a minute. ......

    Before Hercule could open his mouth, he slammed the door shut.

    After that, the sound of servants running down the hallway echoed ......

    "Oh my God!¡¡His Majesty the Emperor and Master Lunalie!

    The Emperor and Master Lunalie!

    To the pale face of Hercule, Lunalie grinned and said.

    "As long as who and who are silent?

    "This woman. ......

    I''m not sure if it''s because I''ve been forced into rutting by Hercule''s necromancy, but my face is red and my breathing is ragged.

    I''m not sure if she''s still in the throes of pleasure or if she''s still shaking from time to time.

    But her eyes were staring straight at Hercule.

    "I''ve already sent out instructions to the soldiers and servants. In a few hours the entire city ...... of Erstadt will know. What do we do?¡¡Kill them all?

    ".......

    Hercule grimly untied his restraints and sat up in bed with a squeak.

    Then, glaring at Lunalie, he asks.

    "What do you want?

    "I won''t let you divide the kingdom of Hayastan.

    "Okay, okay. Then we won''t. I swear to God. But I swear to God, this is ......

    I don''t trust it.

    You''re absolutely right.

    You can''t trust this guy.

    "If you didn''t like me in the first place, you should have fought back. Don''t you?

    Then you''d have burned Erstadt. Didn''t you?

    Well, yes.

    Hercule had no intention of bringing chivalry, bushido, justice, benevolence, pacifism or humanitarianism into the war.

    He will do whatever it takes to win.

    Looting is forbidden because it is beneficial in the long run.

    To show the world what will happen if they defy you.

    To demonstrate this to the world, the option of allowing soldiers to pillage and rape only in Erstadt is within the realm of consideration.

    But the Kingdom of Fars will not forgive us once we surrender.

    I suppose. At least, the Alshak dynasty is finished.

    The Alshakids are an old royal family that originally ruled the Phars region, and from the point of view of the Achaemenids who currently rule the Phars Kingdom, they are the former rulers and enemies.

    If given a pretext, the Kingdom of Phars would gladly crush the Arshak dynasty.

    Therefore, my country has no choice but to rely on your mercy.

    Then there is a way to ask for it, isn''t there?

    Would you help me if I cried and flattered you?

    No.

    That''s it.

    There''s only one way Lunalee can protect her country.

    The only way Lunalie can save her country is to sacrifice her own body to keep Hercule alive in Hayastan.

    But you think I''ll risk my country''s interests for your face?

    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s concerned about this.

    It''s not that I''m not proud of it. ...... This is for purely military reasons, to gain control. ......

    Hercule cowered.

    Lunalie stares straight at Hercule.

    It''s not like I''m vain. I''m sure a vain person like you can''t stand the thought of the future history of the world saying that Emperor Hercule raped and consoled the princess of Hayastan.

    '' ......

    Hercule is vain.

    And proud.

    As Lunalie pointed out, Hercule is more vain than most people.

    That''s why he is the emperor, even though he says he hates it.

    For such a person like Hercule, the notoriety of "raping a girl" would be unbearable.

    Especially if it is not true.

    And this is not just a matter of Hercule''s vanity.

    Hercule is "God''s representative on earth" and "the protector of all Messiahs".

    Such a person raped a Messianic maiden, the princess of the first country in the world to make Messianism the state religion, ...... or did something that could be considered as such.

    The Lemurian Empire''s national prestige would not go unchallenged.

    The national prestige of the Lemurian Empire would be greatly damaged.

    We have to avoid that.

    "Isn''t it against humanity to falsely accuse and humiliate people?

    "How can you say that when you violate our country? Don''t tell me that you didn''t ...... loot or rape anything during your march. It is a fact that our people have been victimized by your army, even if you forbid it.

    Not that it doesn''t matter: ......

    It is true, however, that Hercule is not in a position to say so.

    But is it okay with you?¡¡To be the wife of a man like me?

    Political marriages are bound to happen someday anyway. I have no problem with it. Besides, I like your face.

    You can''t compliment me on my face now. ......

    I don''t know," said Hercule with a wry smile.

    "In the first place, ...... sneaking into the emperor''s bed can be taken as an assassination. I think I have the right to execute you, what do you think about that?¡¡If you apologize now, we can both agree that you were at fault. ......

    "You can execute me if you want. Your Majesty. Yes, you certainly have the right to execute me. Objectively speaking, my actions could be considered an attempt to assassinate you.

    Suddenly, Lunalie says in a polite way, as if to admonish ...... Hercule.

    But as the princess of an allied country, I must tell you that this is a foolish plan.

    "Are the ...... allies the kind of countries that would threaten to invade someone''s bedroom without permission?

    I''ve heard that, at least in Lemuria, ...... allies are convenient pawns who can divide territory with their enemies at will. ...... Isn''t that right?

    ......

    There is no true friendship between countries.

    There is no such thing as true friendship between nations, as alliances are easily replaced.

    As the wise sovereign would know, ...... the act of embracing a princess of a country and then executing her is more notorious than mere rape.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m saying this out of concern for your safety and the national interest of the Lemurian Empire. Even so, the people of Khayastan love my Arshak family. I am also loved by the people in my own way, at least I think I am. If you do anything to kill me, ...... no matter what the reason is, you will be unpopular with the people of Hayastan. It will be a ...... big problem in the future when ruling the western half of the Kingdom of Khayastan. I trust that Your Majesty will make a wise decision without making emotional, short-sighted, irrational and foolish choices. ......

    That''s what ...... Lunalie said.

    (...... troublesome. Killing him won''t do me any good. In fact, it will make the people of Khayastan hate me. (If I wanted to use him as an excuse to take the head of the King of Khayastan, I could, but ...... that would make things worse.

    Hercule originally intended to destroy the Kingdom of Hayastan, but ......

    That''s not happening now.

    At least for now, he needs the support of House Alshak. In order to defeat the Kingdom of Farus.

    (Do you want reparations?¡¡No, ......, I''m the one who''s currently holding Hayastan''s treasury. Even if you pay me reparations from a place that is effectively my wallet, it won''t be a punishment. I''m not sure what to do.¡¡...... That''s a problem. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one. You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it.

    There is nothing more troublesome than dealing with someone who has nothing to lose ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    Hercule scratched his head.

    (If I''m going to do this, I need to do it thoroughly ...... so that the Khayastans fear me before they hate me, but ...... I don''t have time for that right now. But after the war and diplomatic negotiations are over, after ......everything has been spread. A purge after that would be too unseemly. ...... Oh, I''m so angry!¡¡I want to kill this woman ......!

    Hercule glared at Lunalie.

    "If anything, it''s more like you were the one who raped her when you snuck into her bedroom in the first place. ......

    Surprising. Can the emperor withstand the humiliation of being told for the rest of his life that he was raped by a ...... woman?¡¡No,......, if you can, go ahead. You can execute me if you want.

    Hercule frowned.

    Executing Lunalie for such a shameful reason would be a lifelong disgrace.

    "Your Majesty, I never asked you to protect Hayastan for ...... free of charge. We have no army at the moment, but if ...... Your Majesty will allow it, we will arm ourselves and fight ...... together against the Fals. Our country is a strategic point. Marrying me and defending our country is not only in the interest of ...... our country. It is also in the interest of His Majesty. Besides, ...... my father has no other children but me. The next king will be me, married to you, and the king after that will be your child and mine. Wouldn''t it be far more profitable to marry ...... me and acquire the whole of Khayastan than to share the land with Fars, destroy the Alshak family, and spend time, effort, and money on governance?¡¡In addition to its strategic value, the Kingdom of Khayastan is also a strategic point on the trade route and the land is fertile. The tax revenue from this is not small. Of course, if I get married, I will live with you in Nova Lemuria ....... If my father dies and I ascend to the throne, ...... I will live with you, my husband. My children will also be ...... raised by my husband, His Majesty, as he pleases. What do you think?¡¡It''s not bad, don''t you think?¡¡It is true that you will have to shed some blood to gain our country, but ...... I assure Your Majesty that you will gain more than that in the future. Also, ...... yes, as a bonus, ...... I''m confident in my looks. Please feel free to do with my body as you wish. I can''t ...... disobey you.

    With that, Lunalie explained to Hercule the benefits of marrying her.

    If she says this much, Hercule will understand.

    This is the purpose of Lunalie.

    Persuade Hercule to make Hayastan a vassal state. ...... That is Lunalie''s goal.

    In order to do so, she must first get Hercule''s ear ...... to listen to her, in other words, get him interested.

    In order to do this, he uses color tricks and framing her for rape.

    Whether it makes a bad impression or a good one: ......

    Make them listen and listen first.

    If you don''t, the conversation will never start.

    Then, ...... explain the national interests of the Lemurian Empire that will be lost by dividing your country, executing you, and not marrying you, and then explain the national interests of the Lemurian Empire that will be gained by marrying you and making Hayastan a vassal state.

    It''s the same method that Hercule uses in his speeches.

    Lunalie continued to speak.

    "If you abandon us, ...... your reputation will be ruined. But on the other hand, if you help us, ...... what will happen?¡¡We are an Alexian nation with Messianism as our state religion. And you are the guardian of the Messianic religion. And ...... the Lemurian Empire is full of Aretheans. If you save our country from the heathen nation of Phallus, your fame will be far greater than it is now, and the Alexians of the Lemurian Empire will be enthralled by you.

    Lunalie laid out all the possible benefits before Hercule.

    And I''ve heard that ...... you are a great general. I am sure that you will be able to ...... save our country by thoroughly damaging the Kingdom of Phallus.

    Finally, he lifted Hercule and complimented him.

    Hearing Lunalie''s words, ......

    Hercule sniffed.

    "Well, okay. With ...... you, I think I can do what Carolina can''t.

    With that, Hercule stood up and ......

    He grabbed Lunalie by the shoulders and pushed her down.

    Then he tightened his hands around Lunalie''s thin, white throat.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    You can do whatever you want with my body. I don''t care what happens to me as long as it protects the kingdom of Hayastan.

    That''s a great mindset to have.

    Hercule ...... the tyrant grinned and put his strength into his hands.

    Lunalee''s airway is blocked.

    Lunalie struggles to remove the tyrant''s hands with both of her own. ......

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡......

    The snake of pleasure rampages through Lunalie''s body.

    I''m not going to let you do this to me.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not, but I have. It''s easy to make you go insane. I can increase sensitivity by tens, hundreds, or even thousands of times. Oh, and for the record, ...... can also control your pain.¡¡You want to try it?¡¡How about the pain of being burned at the stake all over your body?¡¡Or would you prefer the pain of having your skin ripped off alive?

    The tyrant smiled lecherously and activated his unique magic, "Awe," to approach Lunalie.

    Tears come to Lunalie''s eyes.

    If sensation isn''t enough for you, I''ll let you experience it in your dreams at ....... In a dream, you can die as much as you want. Have you ever been gutted and burned alive?¡¡If not, I''ll let you experience it.

    Lunalie''s teeth clicked together in fear.

    Lunalie''s face turned red from the pleasure of the tyrant''s hands and the lack of oxygen.

    If dreams aren''t enough for you, I''ll play with you in ...... reality. I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.¡¡I''m sure you''ve heard of it.¡¡Or shall I chop off your limbs and throw you in the toilet?¡¡Hey, you know what?¡¡For the sake of the Kingdom of Hayastan, you don''t mind what happens, do you?

    The tyrant said, threatening Lunalie with ......

    He played the abacus with a very cold head.

    (I was confused and backward at first, but ...... Princess Lunalie, you''ve given me too much time.)

    Lunalie thought she was persuading the tyrant carefully and deliberately. ......

    (You gave me too much time, Princess Lunalie.

    (There are ...... three possible options. The first is to kill Princess Lunalie here. ...... This is the worst folly in the long run, considering the future of governance and diplomacy. The second is to tear the kingdom of Khayastan apart without regard to its bad reputation. However, the patriotism and love of homeland of the Khayastan people is strong enough to attract ...... volunteers. The Hayastanese people will be repulsed by me for taking Princess Lunalie''s innocence and leaving her there, as well as tearing apart their homeland. ...... It''s not a good move. (Then there''s the third one: ......)

    The tyrant looks down at Lunalie as she struggles ......

    The tyrant looks down at the struggling lunary and ponders.

    (Well, ...... it''s true that the easiest option for me is the division of the kingdom of Khayastan. But ...... it''s true that we should acquire the whole of Khayastan for the national interest. I don''t like being persuaded by this guy, but ...... I can''t help it if he makes me feel that way. And ...... if you want to take over the whole of Hayastan, now is the only time to do it, when Sasan VIII is currently on a business trip and the military power of Fars Kingdom in the west is in decline. ...... It''s true that the Alshak family is well-liked by the Khayastans, and their rule will be ...... much easier if they marry Lunalie. (The long term benefits are the greatest.

    But the problem is the high risk.

    (There are two possible risks. (There are two possible risks.) The first is that you have to win a decisive victory against ...... the Kingdom of Fars. But if it was against ...... Sasan VIII, the enemy generals would be Coward and Shaheen. I''m not losing in the quality of my troops, and I''m not losing in the quality of my generals. And of course I don''t feel like losing. I don''t have a problem with that. Then there''s the other risk, the possibility that Renardier will betray us.

    She looked at me with frightened eyes: ......

    The tyrant looks down at Lunalie, who glares at him with frightened eyes, and thinks.

    (The more extreme a person''s thoughts are, and the more sensible they are, the easier ...... they are to read. If Lunalie is the kind of person who ...... loses her train of thought when she is exposed to direct fear, then her thoughts will be ...... harder to read.)

    Lunalie is crying out in fear, cold sweat pouring from her body, and incontinence. ......

    The tyrant is stared straight in the face.

    "Kaa ...... wa, na ...... yi. "Ha......, Stan......, then.......

    "I don''t care. For Hayastan.

    The tyrant said to the tyrant.

    The tyrant sensed Lunalie''s strong will.

    With a deep sigh, the tyrant let go of her hand.

    "Geh, geh, geh. ......

    Lunalie coughed and took a deep breath.

    Looking down at Lunalie breathing on his shoulder, the tyrant ...... Hercule said.

    I surrender to your strength of will and patriotism. I''ve lost. ...... All right, let''s get married. I''m going to marry you. ...... Oh, that was about 90% a threat, so don''t take it seriously.

    Oh dear. ......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    (Patriotism to the point of putting the ...... country first, even if it means your own safety. In other words, as long as it is in the best interest of the Kingdom of Khayastan, and as long as I am trying to protect the Kingdom of Khayastan,......, I will never betray it, I will never betray it. It''s easy to control him.

    As long as both the Kingdom of Hayastan and Lemuria are benefiting, there is no need to be wary. ......

    When the Kingdom of Hayastan is harmed, we can strengthen our surveillance.

    What''s most gratifying is that Lunalie is a rational and wise person. That is, she does not act rationally or emotionally.

    So we just need to be rational and create situations where we shouldn''t betray her at all times.

    (Compared to Darios, he is easier to manipulate. ...... He has little to lose by betraying me, but Lunalee has too much to lose.

    Hercule smirks.

    My pride was hurt and I took a loss.

    But the benefits are also great.

    I hope we can learn from this mistake and not make the same mistake next time.

    (For now, let''s not put too much faith in Asmodeus. (For now, let''s not trust Asmodeus too much.) And ...... sleep with Karolina, whether you want to or not.

    And at the next collection: ......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

 53 Episode 21 Nationalization

    All the vassals of the Lemurian Empire looked at each other as if they had died when they heard the news of Hercule and Lunalie''s marriage.

    "Your Majesty ......

    "No matter what ......

    ...... Please tell me this is a joke.

    I didn''t think you''d actually do it. ......

    It''s just sad. ......

    Hey, you guys!¡¡What''s with the eyes?¡¡It''s like I''ve done something wrong!

    No, I did. I did something bad. You did something bad.

    You''re right, you did do something wrong.¡¡Your Majesty, you know how that goes. ......

    Galfis makes a sad sound.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    "Well, I made a mistake, so what can I do?

    "...... With whom?

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do this, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    "Ka, Karolina, ......?

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.¡¡Is that the extent of your feelings for me?

    Hercule''s answer was met by Karolina''s cold voice.

    Hercule hurriedly made amends to Karolina.

    It''s not that. ...... No, it''s not that. ......

    "...... breasts?

    What?

    Breasts?¡¡Is it because I have small breasts?

    Karolina grabbed Hercule''s shoulder with tears in her eyes and shook him violently.

    "Wait!¡¡You''re not small!¡¡You''ve got C cups!¡¡You''ve got big tits, in the eyes of the elves. ......

    "What do you mean by "big tits"?¡¡What''s a target?¡¡In other words, it''s like saying you''re small by all races'' standards. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    "Oh, calm down!¡¡I''m not sure what you mean by that.¡¡I''m sure you''ll agree. You know what I always say?¡¡I like your slender body. ......

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    Carolina points to Lunalie, who came along with Hercule.

    I''m not sure why, but I''m sure it''s because I''m not the only one.

    "You know, I''m not trying to monopolize you, either. Yes, since you''re the emperor, it''s your duty to marry multiple women. I know that. But!¡¡But this is not the way it''s supposed to be!¡¡And she''s a half-elf, isn''t she?¡¡There''s no point in getting married!

    In the history of the world, there has never been a half-elf who became an emperor.

    The marriage of Hercule and Lunalie has no meaning in terms of increasing the number of successors.

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry.

    Hercule grasps Carolina''s hand, stares into her eyes, and apologizes desperately.

    Carolina turned her face away in embarrassment.

    "...... Well, I''m sorry this time, too. If I had ...... slept with you, none of this would have happened, and please don''t ...... do it again, okay?

    I''m not going to do it!

    ...... How many times in history has this kind of man''s "never" really been followed?

    How often in history has this kind of man''s "never" really been followed?¡¡You know what?¡¡Why am I the only one being blamed?¡¡It''s true that I''m at fault, but I''m the victim!¡¡He''s the perpetrator!

    Hercule pointed at Lunalie.

    Lunalie frowned, as if she did not understand.

    I''ve been raped.

    ''No, you didn''t!¡¡There''s a big difference between being legally guilty of rape and being raped.

    What Hercule did was an act that could be called rape, but it was not rape.

    Aside from the fact that he had a fianc¨¦e named Karolina and put his p*n*s in her, Hercule did nothing wrong in terms of ethics.

    The fault lies ninety-nine percent with Lunalie.

    "But she was a virgin.

    I don''t care!¡¡"But she was a virgin." "I don''t care! If I were to sneak into your room, take down your pants, and observe your genitals. I''d be accused of being a perverted piece of shit!¡¡So why is it acceptable for you to sneak into my room and observe my genitals?¡¡You''re crazy!

    That''s because you''re ......

    That''s obvious, considering the term "reverse" rape. ......

    "Your Majesty, I''m not sure what you''re upset about from earlier. ......

    Darios asks Hercule.

    "Have you suffered a psychological injury?

    "...... No, not really.

    So, how are you feeling in ......?

    Even Lunalie blushed at Darios'' question.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    But Darios doesn''t care.

    How was it?

    "It was great.

    So it''s good, right?

    ...... Well, yeah, I guess so.

    Something doesn''t add up.

    Hercule sighed and said, ......

    Well, that''s okay. I''ll just go talk to Frates III. ...... Lunarie, I''m pretty sure you''re on your own on this one, aren''t you?

    I don''t think so. But your father knew what I wanted. He didn''t stop me.

    I don''t think Frates III ever thought his daughter would crawl in the night.

    If he''d known she was planning to do that, he would have stopped her.

    "I see. Anyway, Galfis, you come too. And Lunalee. You too.

    Hercule took Galfis and Lunalie and headed for King Frates III.

    "So you see, King Khayastan. Your daughter is mine. If you have a problem with that, you can complain to your past self for not educating your daughter properly.

    "...... Yes?

    King Frates III was confused.

    No wonder.

    If he had been told that last night his daughter, who was not even remotely s*xy, had sneaked into the bedroom of the emperor of a country that was far more powerful than his own, crawled in the night, and scattered her virginity, anyone would have been confused.

    "Lunalee!¡¡What are you doing?

    Tepero.

    Not tepero!¡¡What are you doing?

    King Hayastan''s head was in his hands.

    The King of Hayastan is puzzled, but when he thinks about it calmly, it''s not a bad story from the Kingdom of Hayastan''s point of view.

    The Kingdom of Fars will never forgive Hayastan for surrendering to the Lemurian Empire.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian Empire would certainly not have protected them if they hadn''t surrendered last night.

    However, if Lunalie and Hercule became man and wife, and the two countries had blood ties, that would be a different story.

    Even the Lemurian Empire would not choose to abandon a country that had become a relative of theirs.

    Besides, ......

    Worst of all, the blood of the Arshark family that flows in Lunalie will be passed on to the next generation.

    In the blood of the Julianos family, one of the most prestigious families in the world.

    "...... I understand. Please take care of my daughter.

    "Yeah, I''ll take care of her too. ...... Now, I''m going to make a decision (????) about the relationship between my country and the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information here.

    Lunalie clung to Hercule.

    "Wait, wait!¡¡What do you mean by "decisions" ......?

    You think you''re in a position to dictate the terms of our alliance?¡¡The only thing I''ll lose if your marriage is ruined is my reputation. But what you ...... lose, Hayastan, is everything.

    Hercule crossed his legs and glared down at Frates III.

    I am Hercule I, Emperor of the Lemurian Empire. I have the best interests of the Lemurian Empire and its subjects at heart.

    Flates III and Lunalie realize that they have no choice.

    Hercule states his decision without hesitation.

    "Abrogate all previous treaties with the Kingdom of Phallus. Of course, not a single penny of tribute shall be paid!

    Two, the Kingdom of Khayastan is forbidden to establish diplomatic relations with any country other than our own!¡¡All negotiations with foreign nations must be conducted through the Lemurian Empire.

    All negotiations with foreign countries must be conducted through the Lemurian Empire. Third, we will not take care of the defense of our country like the Kingdom of Fars. Until our troops arrive, Hayastan will have to fight on its own. For that purpose, I will allow them to possess an army. However, the army must be equipped and organized in the same manner as the Lemurian Empire. The army must be equipped and organized like the Lemurian Empire, but no more than one legion of infantry and one legion of archers. Of course, cavalry and siege weapons are also prohibited. The construction of walls and fortresses must be approved by the Lemurian Empire.

    Fourth, the manufacture of weapons is forbidden. All weapons must be purchased from the Lemurian Empire.

    Five, all wars other than defensive wars are forbidden.

    I will decide if it''s a defensive war or not. Not you.

    All the armies of Khayastan are under the command of the Lemurian emperor.

    Seven, the tariff rate shall be an agreed tariff.

    Eight, the Emperor of Lemuria shall be co-ruler of the Kingdom of Khayastan, along with King Frates III. Accordingly, all laws in the Kingdom of Hayastan shall be effective only in their joint names.

    Nine, the next King of the Kingdom of Khayastan shall be the son or daughter of Hercule I and Princess Lunalie. In the event of the death of King Frates III, Princess Lunalie shall be the temporary king.

    Ten, if you violate any of the above nine pacts, you will pay for it with your blood.

    That is all. Is there any objection?¡¡King Khayastan.

    King Flates III and Lunalie gasped.

    (This is a ...... de facto vassal state, or rather a vassal state .......)

    (With this content, the Kingdom of Hayastan can certainly survive!

    If Hercule thinks that the Kingdom of Hayastan can be destroyed, or even given to the Kingdom of Fars, then he is right.

    ) If Hercule thought that Hayastan could be destroyed or given to the Kingdom of Fars, he wouldn''t have gone so far as to make it a vassal state.

    Strengthening the control over the Kingdom of Hayastan implies strengthening the defense of the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    What''s more, the Kingdom of Hayastan will be able to defend itself.

    Having an army of its own is a long-cherished dream of the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    However, what concerns me is the de facto seizure of diplomatic rights, customs autonomy, and legislative rights.

    We can only leave it to the good will of Hercule to decide what kind of control will be exercised.

    Now, what do we do?¡¡Refuse, or drink it all?

    On the other hand, from Hercule''s point of view, these conditions are non-negotiable.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is a strategic point, so it is not that there is no profit in holding it for Hercule.

    In fact, there is a great advantage to making Hayastan a vassal state for security reasons.

    However, the problem is that it may turn to the Kingdom of Fars when something happens.

    That''s why we need to make the Kingdom of Khayastan a vassal state.

    After about ten seconds of silence, King Frates III nodded.

    I understand. I will accept on these terms.

    I am glad you are a rational king.

    Hercule and Fuertes III shook hands.

 54 Episode 22 Battle of Apatia Introduction

    After signing an alliance with the Kingdom of Hayastan, Hercule immediately turned his army to the south.

    He attacked straight into the province of Arsinia, with Lunalie as his guide.

    He was able to use the military roads of the Kingdom of Fars, and the march was quite comfortable for a man traveling through the territory of another country.

    Five days to go: ......

    At night, Hercule calculated the remaining distance and the speed of the march and muttered.

    According to the report from the reconnaissance unit, the army of the Kingdom of Fars changed course when Hercule was approaching the border of the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    From their subsequent course, it is almost certain that their destination is the province of Arsinia.

    From the position where the army of the Kingdom of Fars changed its course, the distance to the province of Arusia is about 450 kilometers.

    The average marching speed of the army of the Kingdom of Fars is about 15 kilometers per day, and even if they use the military roads in the Kingdom of Fars and march at full speed, they will not exceed 20 kilometers per day.

    In other words, it would take at least twenty-three days.

    On the other hand, Hercule captured the capital of the Kingdom of Hayastan in the next six days, and after stopping there for three days, he headed for the Province of Arsinia.

    The distance from Erstadt, the capital of the Kingdom of Hayastan, to Arsinia, the province of the Kingdom of Fars, is about 250 kilometers, and the standard marching speed of the Lemurian Empire''s army is 25 kilometers per day, so it would take ten days to reach the province.

    It takes 19 days for the Lemurian Imperial Army to march to Arusia.

    It will take 23 days for the army of the Kingdom of Fars to march to Arsinia.

    In other words, Hercule will be able to reach his destination four days earlier than the Kingdom of False.

    Is everything all right?

    "The march is going well. The march is going well, but that doesn''t mean we will be victorious.

    "The march is going well, but victory is not guaranteed..." Hercule replied to Renarier''s question.

    They have more men than us. No matter how much you win in strategy, ...... you may be overturned in the final war. ...... I mean, this war was originally a defensive war, remember?

    Hercule''s objective was originally to defeat the forces of the Kingdom of Fars.

    That''s why he didn''t need Hayastan''s territory in the first place.

    Worst of all, he could have achieved his goal as long as he returned home.

    But ......

    Due to the actions (s*x) of Lunalie and Hercule, the Kingdom of Khayastan was confirmed to belong to the Lemurian Empire.

    At this stage, the original purpose of the war changed from a defensive war to a war of aggression.

    There are two types of victories: a victory that would allow you to return home, and a decisive victory that would allow you to gain territory.

    Even if it is the same victory, the level of difficulty is completely different.

    "Yeah, good luck.

    "...... If I lose, the kingdom of Khayastan will surely be destroyed.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    The betrayal of Hayastan''s kingdom is now certain.

    There''s no way the Kingdom of Farus will allow it.

    But ......

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.

    So I''m saying good luck. That''s all I can say. Or do you want to do something?

    Lunalie said and hugged Hercule, pressing her to his chest.

    You don''t have to do anything.

    I don''t have to.

    Really?¡¡Really? Why?

    I like it when ...... feels good.

    Lunalie blushes a little and looks up at Hercule with an enraptured look on her face.

    Hercule gulps down his spit.

    What are you doing?

    As if to interrupt the two, Carolina came running in with a shout.

    She grabbed the arm that Lunalie was holding and Hercule''s arm on the other side and hugged him.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡You can''t do this with a whore like her. I''ll take care of her.

    "How dare you?

    Lunalie frowns.

    Even Lunalie is offended by that.

    It''s true!¡¡You crawl in the night and seduce the king!

    "...... are you a tit?

    I don''t have breasts!¡¡It''s just that your breasts are sloppy!

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    It is not uncommon for Elves to be AA size.

    It''s just that Lunalie''s D is too big.

    What?

    What about Scheherazade?

    That''s a once-in-a-thousand-years talent, it''s not even worth comparing.

    By the way, Lunalee, may I ask your three sizes?

    From the top, eighty-two, fifty-seven, eighty-two.

    "Oh!

    Hercule couldn''t help but exclaim.

    You''ve got a nice body.

    How''s Carolina?

    Eighty, fifty-six, seventy-eight.

    You''re not so bad yourself.

    Well, I can''t tell how many cups you have from your measurements, but...

    Anyway!¡¡Your Majesty sleeps with me. You''ll be sleeping with me, and I''ll be watching over you to make sure you don''t get any bad bugs.

    I have a mission to give birth to the next King of Khayastan.

    I don''t know. Just cut us off and let us die.

    I can''t let that happen.

    Karolina and Lunalie glare at each other, with Hercule between them.

    Hercule says to them with a sigh.

    I''m not going to hold a woman right now, okay?¡¡It''s bad for the morale of the soldiers.

    Hercule forbids the rape of his soldiers.

    It does not forbid the use of brothels in the city, but ...... many of the soldiers are abstinent because they have not stayed in the big city recently.

    If the soldiers are abstinent, Hercule can''t be having s*x with Carolina and Lunalee.

    "...... Speaking of which, does everyone eat together here? Because it''s bad for morale?

    Yes, that''s right. Me, the general, the soldiers. We all eat together.

    Hercule nodded and replied to Renarier''s question.

    These days, Hercule eats only hard bread and soup.

    As a gourmand, Hercule would like to complain about the content of the meal. ...... But since the soldiers are eating the same meal, it can''t be helped.

    In fact, the fact that Hercule eats the same food as the soldiers doesn''t mean that the logistics will be any lighter.

    However, it would lower the morale of the soldiers.

    Hercule is concerned about that.

    Perhaps because of this, the soldiers are very supportive of Hercule.

    It''s so nice to know that the Emperor is willing to put himself in the same environment as us and suffer. ......

    How kind of a soldier you are!

    I''ll follow you for the rest of my life!

    I will follow you all my life!

    What a strange story. ......

    In some island countries, the prime minister is condemned for eating tempura, so it is similar to that.

    Feelings are important.

    Well, at any rate, since we''ll be arriving first, we''ll be free to choose the battlefield. We have an advantage in that regard. And they''re exhausted from being dragged around day after day.

    However, General Shaheen has already retreated from the Kingdom of Khayastan with 100 troops in Arsinia. ......

    A hundred is a number that can be ignored.

    "Your Majesty, sir. What if the enemy doesn''t challenge us and just defends?

    Not likely. Fars'' generals aren''t so cowardly or stupid as to sit back and watch as over 30,000 enemy troops sit in their granary.

    The military is a gluttonous creature.

    Just by being there, they eat up all the food in the area.

    There is no such thing as a righteous army.

    Wherever armies pass, looting, robbery, and rape occur.

    No matter how well Erk¨¹l enforces discipline in the army, it is impossible to have a complete grasp of the situation down to the last detail, and there is no doubt that such damage is occurring on an ongoing basis.

    An army is like an elephant.

    They eat a lot of food and crush a lot of insects with just one step.

    It is frightening to imagine how many lives will be crushed if two elephants fight for a long time.

    Therefore, a short battle is preferable for the Kingdom of Foulds.

    That''s why Hercule believed that the Kingdom of Foulds would not choose an enduring war.

    "Don''t worry. I''m in charge. I will deliver victory to you both.

    Hercule said, and pressed his lips to Carolina''s forehead.

    Then he immediately took Lunalie''s hand and kissed it.

    Hercule smiled, and vermilion appeared on both of their faces.

    "Well, go to bed early today.

    Hercule swept their arms away and sashayed off.

    And when he was alone, he muttered.

    "...... maybe, but...

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    I was wondering what was going to happen, but I think we''re winning.

    At the same time, Coward muttered.

    As of now, Coward would need a decisive victory against Hercule in order to turn this around.

    But if Hercule doesn''t want a decisive victory, that won''t be possible.

    That''s why it''s been so difficult to win in the past.

    But ......

    The wind has changed now that the Kingdom of Hayastan has become a vassal state.

    Hercule, like Coward, needed a decisive victory.

    No doubt, he would respond with a decisive battle.

    If so, ......

    "We have the advantage in strength.

    Hercule had chosen a wide plain as the site of the decisive battle.

    The sun shone on the land, and the ground was flat as far as the eye could see.

    The Lemurian army had trampled it down, but it was originally fields, rich with golden ears that filled the land during the harvest season.

    The Lemurian army was encamped in the relatively large village of Apathea on such a plain.

    They had driven out the inhabitants and made it their headquarters.

    What is the enemy''s strength?

    "About 260 infantry, 300 heavy cavalry (cataphracts), 700 medium cavalry (cribanarius), 200 light cavalry, 400 crossbow troops, total 420.

    "Hmm, ...... is a little different from the first report.

    Hercule listened to the rough estimate of the distant ...... army of Foulds, which was not yet visible but would soon appear, and put his hand on his chin and thought.

    (There are fewer infantrymen than expected. ...... Did they reduce their numbers by marching too hard? The number of cavalry has increased, either because reinforcements rushed in later ...... or because I miscounted ......).

    However, it won''t affect the situation too much.

    Hercule will lead two infantry corps, totaling 2,400 troops. Six battalions of cavalry, 720. Six battalions of archers, 720. And one battalion of newly organized light cavalry, 120.

    The total is about 396,000.

    The reason for the "about" is that the number of troops has been somewhat reduced by the march and the battle so far.

    The actual strength of the army is about 3,800.

    Now, ......

    Hercule stands in front of the soldiers and checks their faces.

    There was a hint of anxiety on their faces.

    Of course.

    The opponent was the Kingdom of Phallus, which had defeated the Lemurian Empire many times before.

    On top of that, the enemy general is Coward ......, a renowned general in the Kingdom of Phallus.

    And they are also outnumbered.

    Looking around at them, Hercule began to make a speech in a loud voice.

    His court magician used the magic of loudspeaker to amplify the voice of Hercule.

    "Gentlemen, the enemy is General Coward, renowned in the Kingdom of Foulds. I''m sure you''ve heard of him. Of course. After all, he''s one of King Sasan VIII''s lieutenants.

    The enemy is strong.

    Hercule said darkly to the soldiers. The soldiers'' expressions darkened.

    However, the following words drew the soldiers into Hercule''s speech.

    "But, gentlemen. That is all.

    What does that mean?

    The soldiers look up and wait for Hercule''s words.

    "Gentlemen, the enemy is a general without ...... soldiers.

    Grinning, Hercule smiles.

    "King Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Foulds is on his way to Sindhira. All of the elite of the Kingdom of Foulds are on their way to Sindhira. ...... So to speak, the enemy we are about to fight is a second level ...... or even a third level enemy. Besides, they are exhausted from marching day after day.

    Hercule said methodically.

    "You, on the other hand, are elite. I have raised you from the ground up, and you are the best of the best, having defeated the enemy many times before. And you are well rested. How can you be defeated by second- and third-rate soldiers like them?¡¡No, you won''t. At the very least, I am convinced that you will win!

    Hercule inspires the soldiers.

    Gradually, confidence began to appear on the faces of the soldiers.

    "And ...... who is your commander, your general, your sovereign?

    ""His Majesty the Emperor, Your Majesty!

    The soldiers shouted loudly.

    Hercule nodded loudly.

    "Exactly!¡¡The strongest soldiers, led by the strongest general. What do we have to be afraid of?¡¡No, you don''t. Isn''t that right?

    "Yes, Your Majesty!¡¡Your Majesty!

    The soldiers shouted as loud as they could.

    Hercule smiled.

    "Come on!¡¡Let''s show them what real war is all about!¡¡God be with us!

    "Long live the Emperor!¡¡Long live the Emperor!¡¡God be with us! God be with us!

    "Well, gentlemen. Unlike the soldiers, I''m not going to sweet-talk you. This battle is going to be very tough. I''d like to say we have a ninety percent chance of winning, but ...... I''d say thirty percent would be better.

    After his speech, Hercule gathered his generals, ...... Galfis, Edmond, Karolina, Darios, and Oscar, and said.

    We win without fighting. Or only fight battles you can win.

    But such generals are only in stories.

    In reality, it is almost impossible to win without fighting, and no matter how much you estimate you can win, sometimes you will be defeated by chance or forced to fight an unwinnable battle.

    To say that a true general can win without fighting is like saying that a true detective can solve a crime before it happens.

    In front of his soldiers, Hercule is sure that he will win, but he can''t say that much to his subordinates, his generals.

    The odds of victory that Hercule can guarantee in this battle are about 30%.

    The difference in strength is such a big factor.

    "I told the soldiers that the enemy was second- and third-rate. Yes, it''s true that the infantry is second- and third-grade ...... and even fourth-grade. But the cavalry is first class. And they outnumber us by five hundred to one.

    Hercule stated plainly, stating only the facts.

    Therefore, this battle will depend on how well we remove the cavalry from the battlefield and settle it with infantry.

    The only advantage that the Lemurian army has over the Foulds army is the quality of their infantry.

    The only advantage the Lemurian army has over the Phallus army is the quality of their infantry, so they must fight only with infantry and try to outnumber them.

    "Ready?¡¡I''m going to tell you a plan. The name of the operation is ''The Magician''s Right Hand''.

    Hercule gave the generals his well-thought-out plan.

    Then he looked around at the generals'' faces.

    There was no concern on their faces. Darius, for example, is smirking as he compares the name of the plan to the battle plan.

    If I were to decipher his inner thoughts, I would say, "You have a good sense of naming things.

    "Any objections or questions?

    "''No, sir!

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction at the generals'' reply.

    Good!¡¡I look forward to your efforts. God be with us!

    "God be with us!

    I don''t think we''re going to get an easy victory, General Shaheen.

    No, sir. ...... But then, so is the enemy.

    While Hercule was explaining his plan to the generals, Coward and Shaheen were also planning theirs.

    "General Shaheen. "I''m sorry, General Shaheen, but you''ll be under my command this time, won''t you?

    "I understand, sir. I will follow your command. So, what''s the plan?

    Shaheen asks Coward.

    Coward replied in a flat voice.

    We have more men than you. But we are defeated in the quality of our infantry. And the ...... archers of Lemuria are a nuisance.

    If that''s the case, then the victory will surely be decided by cavalry.

    The infantry will catch the enemy, and the cavalry on both wings will wrap them up.

    This is exactly the royal tactic.

    That would be most desirable this time.

    But the Emperor of Lemuria has already anticipated that.

    So the Lemurian emperor will do something. So the Lemurian emperor will somehow try to remove the cavalry from the battlefield.

    Hence, ......

    "General Shaheen. I entrust you with the command of the cavalry. I want you to defeat General Galfis and crush the enemy''s flank. Can you do it?

    "General Galfis. You''ll have no shortage of opponents.

    Shaheen grinned.

    Shaheen is more of a man of might than of wit.

    I''ll lead the infantry and make it hold somehow. You are the key to victory.

    I know what I''m doing. ...... Abra Dazzle. Give us victory.

    "Yes, ...... Abra Dazzle, bless you. May God bless us all.

    After a while, the two armies rearranged themselves into a strategic formation and slowly approached each other.

    First chart

    Vice Admiral Vice Admiral Vice Admiral Coward Shaheen

    ¡ó ¡ó ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ

    ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ

    ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï

    ¡ø¡ô ¡ö¡ö¡ñ¡ñ ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ñ¡ñ ¡ø¡ø¡ø

    Edmond Oscar Hercule Darios Galfis

    Karolina

    Shiro ...... phallus kingdom army. One symbol is about a thousand. Name is commander.

    (......) Heavy Cavalry (Cataphract)

    ...... Medium Cavalry (Clibanarius)

    ¡ó...... light cavalry

    ¡î...... crossbow troops

    ¡õ...... infantry (spearmen)

    Kuro ...... Lemurian army. One symbol is a battalion. The name is the commander.

    ¡ø...... Heavy Cavalry (Clibanarius)

    ...... light cavalry

    ...... longbow troops

    ...... pike troop

    ...... halberd troop

    Hercule first made the right wing thicker and the left wing thinner.

    Then he gave the command of the right wing to Darios and the command of the left wing to Oscar.

    Coward, seeing this, saw that Hercule was aiming for a single-wing encirclement with a diagonal line formation, and thickened the left wing of the phallus corresponding to the right wing of Lemuria, making the right wing thinner. In order to withstand the onslaught of Darius, he took command of the left flank of the phallus himself, leaving the center and right flanks to his second-in-command.

    To destroy the thick Lemurian right flank, he thickened the corresponding cavalry on the left flank of the phallus, and deployed the skilled Shaheen. On the other hand, the right flank of the Phallus cavalry was also thick enough to be entrusted to his second-in-command.

    Seeing this, Hercule entrusted the command of Lemuria''s right flank cavalry to Galfis and deployed a large number of cavalry to deal with Shaheen, who, like Coward, was a great general. The rest of the cavalry was placed on the left flank of Lemuria, with Edmond and Karolina taking up the slack.

    And ......

    Looking at each other''s completed formations, they muttered to each other.

    "I see .......

    "As expected.

    Both Hercule and Coward smiled at each other.

    You''ll be able to see what each other has in store for you.

    It''s just a matter of which one is reading more deeply.

    Thus, ......

    The famous "Battle of Apatia" was about to begin.

 55 Episode 23 Battle of Apatia

    "God be with us, God be with us, God be with us, God be with us!

    "God be with us!¡¡God bless us!¡¡God bless us, God bless us, God bless us!¡¡Victory to us!

    The Battle of Apathea began with a volley from the Lemurian longbow troops.

    The Lemurian army''s longbow troops began the battle of Apatia with a volley of arrows from a distance of over 200 meters, far beyond the range of the crossbow troops.

    What?¡¡You can''t ...... expect arrows to reach you from that distance?

    What do you think of our new weapon?

    The arrows of the Lemurian army quickly destroyed the crossbow troops of the Foulds army.

    d*mn it, let the crossbow troops fall back. ...... Infantry, forward!

    Coward decided that if they continued to shoot at each other, they would only be beaten one-sidedly, so he moved the crossbow troops to the rear and sent the infantry forward.

    Seeing this move, Hercule also retreated, letting his longbow troops shoot arrows, and moved his infantry forward.

    The first to clash was the left flank of Foulds, led by Coward, and the right flank of Lemuria, led by Darius.

    Both sides protruded from the formation, so they naturally collided first.

    It''s okay if we win here and now, right?¡¡Your Majesty.

    Darius grinned and pushed the left flank of the phallus with his skillful command.

    He concentrates his elite Lemurian infantry on the right flank and forcefully destroys the left flank.

    This was the first part of Hercule''s strategy.

    But Coward was not to be outdone.

    "As expected of the world-renowned Lord Darios. But ...... I am also the general known as the Spear of Sasan VIII. I will not let you break through so easily.

    The infantry of Phallus was weak, inferior to Lemuria in spear length, and exhausted from being dragged around day after day, but ......

    Coward''s skillful command barely prevents the onslaught of Darios.

    Even Darios was impressed by this.

    "Well, ...... you''re good. How about this ...... one?

    Darios gives the order to the rightmost halberd unit.

    Then the halberd squad moves like a single creature and begins to attack the left flank of the left flank of the phallus.

    Diagram of the right flank of Lemuria (left flank of False)

    ¡ü(Phallus forces being pushed in)

    ¡õ¡õ¡õ

    ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡ñ

    ¡õ¡ö¡ö¡õ¡õ¡ñ¡û

    ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ü

    ¡ú¡ú

    ¡ü(Lemurian forces pushing in)

    If you can''t push them in by force, flank them with halberd units.

    This is Hercule''s Strategy #2.

    It was a move that was impossible for ordinary generals and soldiers, but Hercule believed in the abilities of the elite Lemurian infantry and Darios.

    And he lived up to his expectations by flanking the enemy.

    But ......

    I''ve seen that move coming. ...... I''ve prioritized the leftmost flank with the strongest soldiers possible and instructed them to respond if they are flanked.

    If you know in advance that you''re going to be flanked.

    If you know in advance that you''re going to be flanked, there are plenty of ways to deal with it.

    Darios and Coward''s command abilities are almost equal.

    Thus, the movements of the right wing of Lemuria and the left wing of Phallus were stalemated.

    Meanwhile, the cavalry of Lemuria''s left wing, led by Edmond and Karolina, and the cavalry of Phallus'' right wing were engaged in a fierce battle to the death.

    "Eligos!

    Karolina''s sword sliced through the Phallus cavalry one after another.

    Karolina''s sword sliced through the phallus cavalry one after another. No matter what armor they wore, there was nothing that Karolina''s eligos couldn''t cut.

    But ......

    There were too many of them.

    The difference in strength between the Lemurian left flank cavalry and the right flank cavalry of the army of Phallus was more than double.

    "Andromarius!

    Edmond also took weapons and armor from the enemy one after another, and swung his sword to cut through the enemy.

    Thanks to the efforts of Carolina and Edmond, the Lemurian cavalry was barely able to fight the Foulth cavalry.

    After a certain amount of fighting, they looked at each other and turned on their heels.

    The well-trained cavalrymen turned to follow them and retreated as if fleeing.

    Just as they are about to catch up, the Lemurian cavalryman turns and fights again.

    Edmond and Karolina were given only one role by Hercule.

    To remove the cavalry from the battlefield.

    They''re not told to win.

    All they had to do was buy time.

    The biggest advantage of the Lemurian Empire''s heavy cavalry (cribanarius) is that they use their weight to charge. ......

    The most important advantage of the Lemurian Empire''s heavy cavalry (cribanarius) is that they use their weight to charge, but they lose mobility, making them unsuitable for a fight like this.

    That is why they fought in a light form, without any armor other than the minimum.

    Carolina led the lighter heavy cavalry (cribanarius) to catch the enemy''s medium cavalry (cribanarius) and light cavalry, while Edmond flanked and distracted the enemy.

    After some fighting, retreat again.

    Edmond and Karolina repeated this over and over again to buy time.

    On the other hand, Galfis, the right flank cavalryman of the Lemurian army, and Shaheen, the left flank cavalryman of the Fahls army, were fighting more fiercely than Edmond and Karolina.

    "Amon!

    The spear of Galfis, clad in scorching flames, attacked Shaheen.

    It''s not that I don''t like it, but it''s not that I don''t like it.

    A normal human being would be blown away and turned into charcoal with a single blow.

    But ......

    Crossell!

    Shaheen''s great sword, covered in ice, flicks Galfis'' spear.

    Ice and fire collide, creating a vapor mist.

    Crocell, the Great Spirit of Ice and Learning. He is ranked forty-ninth in the hierarchy, and is a duke.

    He is a contracted spirit of Shaheen.

    Like Galfis, Shaheen also uses multiple spells, and their speed and strength are almost equal.

    Shaheen, the Sword of Sasan VIII, and Galfis, the Raging Fire.

    There is no winner.

    But ...... Galfis'' goal is not to win or lose.

    It is to keep Shaheen stalled.

    After a certain amount of fighting, Galfis turns on his heel and retreats.

    Shaheen pursues him.

    If Shaheen ignores Galfis and changes direction to attack the flank of the Lemurian infantry, ......

    If Shaheen ignores Galfis and changes direction to attack the flank of the Lemurian infantry, Galfis will immediately turn around and come to strike Shaheen and his men in the flank.

    Knowing this, Shaheen must pursue and defeat Galfis.

    "Stop!¡¡Galfis Galleanos!¡¡Don''t run away forever!

    Don''t keep running! Shaheen!

    Once again, Galfis stopped running and started to fight with Shaheen.

    As if on cue, the battle between the Lemurian cavalry and the Foulth cavalry begins.

    If I could, I would fight them head on, not like this!

    Galfis strikes with all his might.

    But Shaheen is able to block it.

    "Then why don''t you just run away?

    Then he strikes back, unleashing a god-speed slash at Galfis: ......

    But Galfis avoids it.

    "Hmph!¡¡I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.¡¡I''m not sure what to make of this.

    Of course not!¡¡That''s what war is all about!

    The back-and-forth battle between Galfis and Shaheen continues: ......

    At the same time, Hercule was commanding the center, sweat forming on his forehead.

    (Both wings still have it ......, but I don''t know how long they can hold it. Darios'' attack on the enemy''s left flank failed ......, as did the frontal push and the maneuvering of the halberd troops to get around it.

    Already, two of the three plans that Hercule had prepared have failed.

    There was no choice but to bet on the last one.

    (...... I never thought I''d be forced into such a tightrope battle because of some woman.

    But Hercule had a smile on his face.

    Hercule was enjoying himself.

    He was enjoying this last minute situation.

    Walking the tightrope between great victory and great defeat.

    "...... First battalion, three more steps back. Second battalion, two more steps. Third battalion, too far back. One step forward.

    With exquisite command, Hercule was gradually driving back the infantry in the center.

    In order to keep the formation intact, and so that the enemy would not feel any discomfort.

    Little by little, little by little: ......

    And ......

    Tell ...... Oskar. The center is ready. The rest is up to you.

    A messenger horse ran from Hercule to Oskar.

    ...... I see, I see. Tell the king that I will bring him victory.

    Oskar said to the messenger and then returned to his command.

    A fierce battle is raging between the cavalry on both wings.

    And the battle between Lemuria''s right flank Darios and Foulds'' left flank Coward.

    The battle for the center infantry.

    The battle between the left flank infantry of the Lemurian army commanded by Oskar and the right flank infantry of the Phallus army was calm and uneventful.

    Of course it was.

    Because the main battlefield of this battle was the right flank infantry (from the Lemurian army''s point of view) and the cavalry on both flanks.

    This is what everyone thinks when they see the battle plan.

    ...... Well, that''s what they make you think.

    The reason why Hercule concentrated his forces on the right flank instead of the left, and why he put the obscure Oscar on the left flank and the famous Darius on the right is ......

    The reason for this is to divert Coward''s attention to the right wing, not to ...... send forces to the right wing and settle the matter on the right wing.

    The magician raises his right hand to focus the attention of ...... the audience on his right hand.

    There are no seeds or tricks in the right hand, ...... but the seeds and tricks are hidden in the left hand.

    The reason why Hercule made it seem as if he was putting all of his efforts into the right wing ...... was to hide the capabilities of the left wing, especially Oscar.

    "Listen, Oskar. The enemy doesn''t know what you''re capable of. That''s why the right-wing generals of the army of Fars are no match for you. And Coward, distracted by Darios, is unaware of the right wing. ...... The number of troops is almost even. Then it''s down to the generals and the quality of the soldiers. The quality of the soldiers is superior to us. All that is left is for you to defeat the commander of the right wing infantry of the Fals army. ...... The most important thing in this battle is your movement. Give me the same strength you gave me when you broke through my siege. If you do, ...... this battle will be ours to win.

    Oskar remembered Hercule''s words.

    I have joined the rebellion, and you expect so much from me, and you have entrusted me with such an important task.

    It would be disloyal not to answer.

    "All troops!¡¡All troops, this is a counterattack!

    Following Oskar''s order, the battalion commanders began to move.

    The Lemurian army, which had saved its strength and stored it up, attacked the Phallus army, which had been fatigued by the long march and the long battle.

    Thanks to Oskar''s skillful command, the left flank of the Lemurian army moved smoothly, and part of it came around the flank of the right flank of the Phallus army.

    The general of the Phallus army was unable to keep up with the sudden attack.

    The halberd troops that had moved in immediately attacked the right flank of the Phallus army.

    And ......

    Second diagram

    Figure 2

    ¡ü ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡ñ

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    ¡ï¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö

    ¡ô¡ø ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    Oscar loses some soldiers on the flank of the right flank infantry of the Farrus army.

    He continues to push further and applies a strong blow to the right flank of Farrus.

    Then ......

    The third figure

    ¡õ ¡õ

    ¡õ ¡õ

    ¡ü ¡ü ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡ñ

    ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ******

    ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ ¡õ

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    ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö

    ¡ô¡ø ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    The right flank infantry of Fars'' army crumbles in a flash .

    "Heeeeeee!

    What the hell is going on?

    The flank''s collapsing!

    Get out of here!

    Hold on!¡¡Don''t run!

    The vice-admiral leading the right flank of Foulds'' army somehow managed to hold off the soldiers in a state of confusion and tried to maintain his formation.

    But his efforts were unsuccessful, and the right flank infantry of the Phallus army crumbled like the teeth of a comb.

    That man is the enemy general!¡¡Seize him!

    "Ohhhh!

    At Oskar''s command, the soldiers attacked the vice-general.

    The halberd troops of the Lemurian army defeat the guards one by one and capture the vice-general.

    The right flank of the Phallus army completely stops functioning after the commander is seized.

    Furthermore, the Lemurian longbow troops attack.

    And ......

    Figure 4

    ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ

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    ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    The winner is decided.

 56 Episode 24 Battle of Apatia

    Sir!¡¡The right flank is collapsing!¡¡The enemy''s attack has already reached the center, causing extensive damage!

    I didn''t expect the right wing to be breached.

    Coward has his head in his hands.

    The general that Coward sent to the right wing is not incompetent.

    The general Coward sent to the right wing was by no means incompetent.

    The general should have been capable enough to hold his own in a fight between equal numbers, even if there was a slight difference in quality.

    But ......

    I''m not sure what I did ...... to misjudge the skill level of the Lemurian army?¡¡No, ...... it was the general''s ability that was misjudged. I had no idea that Lemuria''s talent pool was so thick. ......

    If only I had one more person ......

    Coward sighs.

    It was possible for Coward to have the right wing.

    He would not have been defeated by Oskar and would have been able to withstand Lemuria''s attacks.

    Or if there was another Shaheen, ......

    Then he could have overpowered both Carolina and Edmond and flanked them with his cavalry.

    Or if the quality of the infantry had been a bit better ......, or if they had not been exhausted by the march ......

    If the cavalry had been a little more numerous, ......

    Just a little more, just a little more, and Coward would have won.

    But he just didn''t have enough ...... pieces to pick up the win.

    That was the reason for Coward''s defeat.

    "If only His Majesty were here .......

    Coward thought of his lord, King Sasan VIII.

    Sasan VIII would have seen through Hercule''s trickery.

    And he would have used him well.

    But Sasan VIII is not here.

    Now he''s all we have.

    "...... to withdraw. Order all troops to retreat. You lead the troops and retreat. I''ll do the honors.

    "...... I understand.

    Coward''s second-in-command nodded quietly and had them prepare to retreat.

    Coward, on the other hand, sighed and said, ......

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    He muttered to himself, then led a small group of soldiers to confront the Lemurian army.

    The left flank of the Lemurian army, led by Oskar, had already reached the center of the Phallus army like a revolving door, and together with the center of the Lemurian army, they had pinned down the center of the Phallus army.

    And Darius, the leader of the right wing of the Lemurian army, was attacking the left wing of the Phallus army, which was in a state of unrest and on the verge of collapse.

    Coward made a split-second decision that the center of the army could no longer be saved, so he jumped into the chaos with a small force to rebuild the left flank of the Phallus army.

    "Furukas!

    Coward summoned Fulkas, the great spirit of spears and cunning.

    He then mounted his horse and wielded his spear at will to defeat the Lemurian soldiers.

    "Hold your ground!¡¡If you show your back, you will die!

    You will die if you show your back!" He managed to hold the front line while inspiring his soldiers.

    He was trying to buy time for his second-in-command to rally the troops behind him and retreat.

    As he swung his spear at the top of his voice, ...... Coward''s eyes caught sight of a man.

    Darius from The Kuro Panther.

    Darius the Kuro Panther, one of Hercule''s most trusted lieutenants who had gone toe to toe with him.

    "Darios!

    Coward kicked his horse''s belly, kicking the Lemurian soldiers away as he charged Darios, who had come to the front.

    "One on one combat, ...... which I haven''t done much of lately, ...... but that''s okay.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to try.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it.

    Darios'' eyes turn red, his hair stands on end, and his muscles bulge.

    His long canine teeth grow sharp, turning into fangs.

    His claws become longer, sharper and harder.

    The face changes from that of a human, becoming more like a panther.

    Beastification.

    If necromancy is the trump card of the elves, then beastification is the trump card of warbeasts like Darios.

    But, as with the elves'' spirit art, the power that can be drawn from the same beastification depends on the user. ......

    By temporarily transforming the body into a form similar to that of an animal, the senses and physical abilities are explosively increased.

    In terms of instantaneous physical ability, they surpass even the Long Ears (elves).

    The only drawbacks are a temporary loss of intelligence and the inability to return to human form if the transformation is too long or too ''deep''.

    Let''s go!

    Darios kicks the horse in the stomach.

    Darios kicks the horse in the belly. The horse kicks the ground forcefully.

    The ability to bring out more of the abilities of horses and other beasts is one of the abilities of Beastification.

    By sending magical power into the horse, it is possible to strengthen the horse''s physical abilities.

    However, if you do too much, the horse will die.

    Prepare!

    Die!

    Darios'' claws collided with Coward''s spear.

    Darios'' claws shatter with a single blow.

    My spear ...... can pierce through anything, even the hardest metal. No matter how hard the metal, no matter if it''s magic that''s not real, no matter if it''s ...... and no matter if it''s the claws of a warbeast that''s harder than metal!

    And then, as he continued, Coward swung his spear.

    Coward''s spear strikes Darios in the heart. ......

    ......

    Coward grunts and falls from his horse.

    An arrow pierced his back.

    Darius is startled and looks around.

    Then ......

    In the distance, he saw Hercule with an arrow in his hand.

    He made eye contact with Darrios and winked at him.

    You owe me one, right?

    He seemed to be saying.

    ...... Thank you for your help, Your Majesty.

    Darius sighs as he releases the beast.

    I knew I shouldn''t have done something I wasn''t used to.

    Darios grabbed Coward by the neck and raised him up.

    "The enemy general is captured!¡¡Surrender!

    With this, the infantry of the Phallus army became completely demoralized and most of them surrendered to the Lemurian army.

    What do we do now?¡¡Are we still on, Lord Shaheen?

    "......

    When the infantry of the Phallus army had completely collapsed and could no longer reverse the course of the war, Shaheen turned on his heel.

    I''m going to have to settle this one day, okay?

    "Yes, I''ll be happy to give you a proper fight next time.

    Shaheen led his cavalry away from the battlefield.

    As Shaheen withdrew, the Foulds cavalry facing Carolina Edmond also left the battlefield, following Shaheen''s lead.

    Thus, the victory of the Lemurian army was confirmed.

    The Battle of Apatia

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Khayastan vs.

    Lemurian Empire

    Major commanders: ...... Hercule I, Dalios Leopard, Oscar Almon, Galfis Galleanos, Carolina Galleanos, Edmond Erdemort, (Lunalie Arshak).

    Troops: Two infantry corps, 2,400.

    Six battalions of heavy cavalry 7,200

    Six battalions of archers, 720.

    One battalion of light cavalry, 120

    Total: approx. 396,000

    Losses: Infantry approx. 200 Remaining: Infantry approx. 220

    Heavy cavalry: approx. 200 Heavy cavalry: approx. 520

    Archers: approx. 200 Archers: approx. 700

    Light cavalry approx. 400 Light cavalry approx. 800

    Total approx. 460 Total approx. 350

    Kingdom of Farus

    Major commanders: ...... Coward Cardintina, Shaheen Charlequin.

    Troops Infantry Approx. 26000

    Heavy Cavalry (Cataphract) approx. 300

    Medium Cavalry (Clibanarius) approx. 700

    Light cavalry approx. 200

    Crossbow troops approx. 400

    Total: approx. 420

    Losses: Infantry approx. 210 (600 fleeing, 500 dead, 100 surrendering)

    Heavy cavalry (cataphracts): approx. 700

    Medium cavalry (Clibanarius): approx. 130

    Light cavalry approx. 300

    Crossbow troops: approx. 200 (dead: 100, surrendered: 100)

    Total: approx. 253,000

    Remaining infantry approx. 500

    Heavy cavalry (cataphract) approx. 230

    Medium cavalry (Clibanarius) approx. 570

    Light cavalry approx. 170

    Crossbow troops approx. 200

    Total: 167,000

    Result: Victory for the Lemurian Empire

    Impact: The Lemurian Empire has become a vassal state of the Kingdom of Khayastan. The eastern border is stabilized.

    Historical Significance The first victory of the Lemurian Empire (Messianic) over the Kingdom of Phars (Holy Fire) in several hundred years.

    Emperor Hercule''s authority rises.

 57 Episode 25 Before Peace Talks

    After the battle, the Lemurian army marched three days further south and captured the capital of Arsinia.

    The city opened its gates to Hercule without resistance, as word had already spread of the defeat of the Kingdom of Farus.

    As a result, Hercule was able to enter the city unharmed.

    After entering the city, Hercule again strongly forbade his soldiers from looting and raping, and paid them an allowance.

    The soldiers who received the extra bonus went out to the city with joy to get some money for the city''s brothels, souvenirs for their families back home, and the first good meal they had eaten in a long time.

    Note that this money did not come from Hercule''s wallet.

    It was taken from the vault of the governor''s office in the capital of Arsinia.

    Well, since it belongs to Hercule now, we can say that it came from Hercule''s purse.

    And while the soldiers were playing, Hercule ordered the city''s leaders and merchants to gather as much fresh food, fodder, and firewood as possible.

    The purpose of this was to provide the soldiers with fresh and warm food whenever possible.

    In order to make up for the lack of food that could be procured locally during the march, we had already consumed not a little of the food we had brought with us - about five days'' worth, to be specific - so we gathered up four days'' worth of new food and put it on the Transportation Corps wagons.

    And after that, ......

    But what to do after this ......?¡¡Karolina, are you listening?

    Ugh ......, now is not the time .......

    Hercule and Karolina were both on the bedding, half naked.

    In contrast to the clear face of Hercule, Karolina''s face is red, her white skin is sweaty, and she is breathless.

    I''m sure you''ll be fine. ...... You''re going to die. ......

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry. ...... It''s been so long, I forgot to take it a little easy.

    After more than a week of abstinence, Hercule''s was, well, amazing.

    What is it?

    I''ll leave that to your imagination.

    "By the way, would you rather have ...... or me?

    "Which one, ......?

    The whore.

    Oh, the lunary. You, of course. There''s no comparison.

    When someone asks you a question like this, don''t hesitate to say, "You''re the best! is the correct answer.

    If you hesitate even a little, you will be hated.

    Even if you are lying, it is correct to say that you are the best.

    Incidentally, Hercule is a rather omnivorous person, and his tastes in women change according to his mood.

    In that sense, it is never a lie to say that you are the best (at this moment, today).

    ...... Well, that''s good.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you need to do to get it.

    However, without cracking open Hercule''s brain, we will never know the truth.

    Then it is wise to take the words that come out of Hercule''s mouth as the truth.

    "So, what do we do now?¡¡What do you mean?

    "Well, I''ve sent a peace envoy to the Yazdegerd in the capital of the Kingdom of False. I was wondering if they would actually come to the negotiating table.

    We lost so badly, you know.¡¡I don''t think we have the option of not making peace. ......

    If he admitted defeat, his succession to the throne would be impossible. Not only that, but you never know what kind of reprimand your father might give you.

    Worst case scenario, his head might physically fly into the air.

    At the very least, it would be obvious that he would not be able to get away with a butt pen.

    "Well, whether we make peace or continue the war, ...... we can''t stay here forever. It''s only a matter of time before we eat up all the food around here.

    An army is like a migratory fish; if it stops, it dies.

    You have to keep walking and keep eating.

    Besides, ...... you have to attack the enemy before they can counterattack.

    Well, ...... if the Yazdegerd won''t accept peace. Well, if the Yazdeh Guild won''t accept peace, then we''ll just have to make them want to.

    The next day, Hercule was visited by a man.

    He was the man whom Hercule had shot in the back with an arrow: ...... Coward.

    "How are you?¡¡How are you doing, Lord Coward?

    "This is ...... the Emperor of Lemuria. Thank you, .......

    Coward greeted Hercule with a complicated look on his face.

    He hated the man who had defeated him and shot him in the back with an arrow.

    But he was also a benefactor who had healed him, and above all, a general like Hercule should be respected.

    He seemed to be caught between these conflicting feelings.

    "Actually, Sir Coward, I have a suggestion for you.

    "A ...... proposal?

    "Would you like to be my man?

    Hercule said, reaching out his hand to Coward.

    Coward was taken aback.

    "...... I''m a Torchbearer, remember?

    "That doesn''t mean you''re not a good general. I hold you in high esteem. I want you to be my man and fight with me. ...... There will be no place for you in the Kingdom of Foulds if you don''t.

    Coward''s face broke into a smile at Hercule''s suggestion.

    It is a great honor to be held in such high esteem by a monarch like you.

    "Then ......

    "But there is only one lord, Sasan VIII.

    Coward looked straight at Hercule and said.

    What if they kill you?

    ''I would rather be killed by my lord''s hand than betray my country, my lord.

    I''d rather be killed by my lord than betray my country.

    It''s a shame, because ...... well, that''s fine. Either way, your release or non-release depends on the ransom and peace negotiations. If ...... you change your mind, you can always offer.

    "Don''t worry.

    Coward bowed to Hercule from his bed.

    Hercule cowered and then walked away.

    After staying in the city for five days, Hercule continued his march along the Dajra River for ten days.

    There are two reasons for Hercule''s march along the river.

    The first reason is that the Dajra River is the granary of the Kingdom of Fars.

    The area around the Dajra River is the birthplace of agricultural civilization, and it is also the place where many ancient civilizations once sprang up.

    Therefore, the land is very fertile and food is abundant.

    In other words, there is no need to worry about food at all.

    The second reason is that we can use the water transportation of the Dajra River.

    Around a big river like the Dajra, there is a lot of water transportation using the river.

    By hijacking this system, we can transport a large amount of food and military provisions.

    The burden of logistics will be lightened considerably.

    In other words, it was for the sake of logistics.

    Well, the food has been good lately.

    Hercule plunged a piece of hard bread into the soup with melted cheese, softened it, and brought it to his mouth.

    It was much poorer than the food Hercule usually ate in the palace, but ......

    It was a much better meal than the ones Hercule usually eats at the palace, but it was better than anything he had eaten in a while.

    I''m sad that I find ...... this tasty.

    "Patience until the war is over. Be patient.

    Hercule admonished the disgruntled Lunalie.

    In the Lemurian army, the diet is the same whether you are a soldier, an officer, a general, an emperor or a princess of another country.

    "Can''t you do something about the consistency of the bread?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "If I could, it wouldn''t be so hard.

    When most Japanese people hear the word "hard bread," they probably think of bread like French bread. ......

    That is "soft" bread by the standards of this world.

    In Antarctica, they say you can hammer a nail with a banana, but in this world''s army, you can hammer a nail with bread.

    The Lemurian army is currently developing a hard bread as soft as Japanese dry bread.

    If you have an idea of how to make it, please contact the Lemurian Army.

    After managing to soften the hard bread and chewing and swallowing it, Hercule reached for the dried dates.

    They are the dried fruit of the date palm.

    It is widely used as a preserved food in this area.

    Dried fruit is delicious, after all. ...... Yes, I''ll make this the mainstay of my rations.

    Thanks to his long expedition, Hercule learned a few things.

    First of all, there is a need for a specialized Transportation Corps.

    It is impossible to procure food from the home country and transport it by piston. ......

    However, I thought that there was a certain amount of need for a unit specializing in scavenging for food in the field.

    In particular, Hercule wanted men who were good with numbers and could calculate the amount of food left.

    Even in the current situation, if Hercule worked "incredibly hard", he could manage to calculate.

    However, Hercule is a person who does not want to work incredibly hard.

    The second is the development of military food (rations).

    It was good that he made canned food. But the problem is that the cans are too heavy and bulky to rely on.

    By the way, if I were to rank the meals that Hercule has eaten so far, taking into account portability, shelf life, nutrition, calories, and taste, I would say: ......

    Sixth: Bottled food ...... is the worst because it breaks and is heavy.

    No. 5: Canned ...... but still heavy.

    No. 4: Dried meat ......, heavy and hard.

    No.3: Hard bread...too hard.

    No.2: Cheese......Nutritious, non-perishable, tastes okay.

    No. 1: Dried fruit...... tasty, nutritious, never spoils.

    And so on.

    With that in mind, as Hercule was talking to Lunalie, ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I''m sorry to interrupt your meal!¡¡There is a messenger from the Kingdom of Foulds!

    "All right. Tell him to wait until the meal is over.

    Hercule replied and concentrated on eating again.

    Lunalie asks.

    "Are you sure?

    "She''s the one crying and apologizing. There''s no need for me to rush over there.

    ......, but they might refuse to make peace.

    To Lunalie''s question, Hercule shook his head and answered.

    I don''t think so.

    ...... Why?

    "Well, .......

    Hercule smirked.

    Of course we don''t want to be stuck here for a long time with an army that marches around spreading Messianic Bibles everywhere it goes.

    Renarier looked at Hercule with a frown.

    To which Hercule replied happily.

    What you don''t like to see done to you, you do to others, that''s what war is all about.

    Then, after finishing the meal, Hercule granted the messenger an audience.

    As Hercule had predicted, the Kingdom of Fars accepted the peace.

 58 Episode 26 After Peace Talks

    We go back in time, just a little bit.

    "Shaheen!¡¡You, you!¡¡Why did you lose?

    "...... I''m sorry, Your Highness.

    Shaheen bowed deeply to Yazdegild.

    Yazdegild''s face turns red, and he continues to yell at him.

    "Where''s Coward?

    ...... Sir Coward has been captured by the Lemurian army and is being held as a prisoner of war.

    That incompetent bastard!¡¡You should be ashamed of yourself!

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean.

    Yazdegild, who is not here, continues to badmouth Shaheen and Coward.

    "...... You little bastard, you''re getting carried away.

    In the first place, Coward and Shaheen were against this war.

    The current situation was caused by the Yazdegerd, who took advantage of the Bulgurons'' sweet talk and started a war with the Lemurian Empire.

    As a result, the Bulgurons betrayed the Kingdom of Phallus and made peace with it too soon.

    The Kingdom of Phallus was forced to fight the Lemurian Empire on its own, and was defeated badly.

    "Shaheen!¡¡Gather the troops!

    "What do you intend to do with ......?

    Of course we''re going to fight the Emperor of Lemuria!

    Shaheen sighed.

    ...... Do you think you can win?¡¡The infantry has been devastated and even the defense of King''s Landing is in jeopardy. The cavalry has also suffered some damage. You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it. If we could win with this, we would have won the previous battle hands down.

    Shaheen implicitly recommended peace to the Yazdegerd.

    ...... Are you saying that I can''t lead?

    "I would never say that I could not. But I have no doubt that His Majesty will come to the peace table in this situation.

    You have nothing to do with this, father!

    Yazdegerd raised his voice.

    In comparison to Sasan VIII, who is known to be an undefeated ruler, Yazdegild is a mediocre person.

    Because of this, he has a strong complex with ...... his father.

    In the struggle for the throne, he did not want the throne.

    He just wants recognition from his father.

    This war is also ......

    The war was started because he thought that if he won and gained territory, he would be recognized.

    But ......

    Shaheen, who was more on the side of Sasan VIII, did not understand the feelings of the ordinary Yazgild at all.

    "So, Your Highness. What can you tell me?¡¡How many soldiers do you want me to gather first from where?¡¡Do you want me to forcefully conscript peasants?¡¡But it''s doubtful that peasants who haven''t been trained properly can fight. What about the cavalry?¡¡Are you going to mobilize the reserves?¡¡And ...... what tactics are you going to use to win?¡¡At least I have no idea.

    "Well, that''s .......

    Yazgild choked up at Shaheen''s question.

    In theory, Shaheen is overwhelmingly correct.

    But ......

    This was a mistake.

    If Yazgild had thought that he could defeat Hercule, and that he could turn the tables on him, and had said that he would still fight, this persuasion would have been successful.

    But ......

    Yazgild''s motives were extremely emotional.

    It is useless to try to persuade an emotional person with logic, or even ...... to add fuel to the fire.

    "Yeah!¡¡I''ll take him down!¡¡I''ll take him down anyway!¡¡I''ll take him down! Go gather your troops!

    No, sir!¡¡Your Highness!

    Shut up!¡¡Then you don''t have to come!¡¡I''m on my own. I don''t need a coward like you!

    Shaheen let out a deep sigh and stood up.

    "What is it, ......?

    Yazgild fell back under Shaheen''s authority.

    Shaheen shouted loudly.

    "Oh, my God!¡¡His Highness has been disturbed!¡¡His Highness is in a state of unrest! He says he will take the blame for the defeat and cut himself off!¡¡Stop him!

    Shaheen then jumped on Yazdegild.

    Yazdegild shouts.

    What are you doing?¡¡Somebody grab this disloyal bastard!

    As Yazdegild shouts, generals, bureaucrats, soldiers and servants gather around the two men.

    And ......

    "No, wait!¡¡Stop!¡¡I''m not out of my mind!

    That''s what everyone who''s crazy says!

    Your Highness!¡¡Your Highness, be careful!

    In no time at all, Yazdegerd was taken away.

    After this, Yazdegild is placed under house arrest in his room (????) as arranged by the generals and bureaucrats, including Shaheen.

    "Well ......, at least now the capital won''t fall.

    Shaheen sighed.

    And ......

    He began to prepare for peace.

    "Well, well, well, gentlemen. It''s nice to meet you all, some of you it''s been a while. I would like to introduce myself. I''ve been sent on behalf of the Emperor of Lemuria. My name is Todris Todrianus. Please make my acquaintance.

    With a good-natured smile, Todoris bowed lightly to the vassals of the Kingdom of Phallus.

    Originally, it would have been logical for the defeated side, Foulds, to go to Hercule.

    This time, however, Hercule sent Todoris in the opposite direction.

    This time, however, Hercule sent Todoris in the opposite direction, because Hercule respects the Kingdom of Phallus.

    But the real reason was an internal investigation within the Kingdom of Farus.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Todoris put his hand on his forehead and looked around with a gesture of gazing.

    Whenever he moves, his fat belly shakes, which is quite comical.

    His movements are like those of a clown, catching everyone off guard.

    ......, but his eyes were sharp.

    Where is His Highness Yazgild?¡¡Or is ...... it you now, Your Highness Yazgild?

    Todris shot Shaheen with his piercing gaze.

    Shaheen replies, her forehead sweating.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it. ...... We have permission to conduct some diplomatic negotiations on behalf of His Majesty the King, even when His Highness Yazgild is ill. ...... You can rest assured.

    "Oh, I see, I see, I see. ...... Has there been a coup d''etat?

    For a moment, the air froze.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    "Wa-ha-ha!¡¡I''m kidding, I''m kidding!

    Todoris then popped him in the stomach.

    Then he punched her in the stomach, and her belly shook.

    And ......

    "So, let''s get started.

    With a grin, Todoris smiled.

    Todoris Todorianus.

    Todoris Todorianus is a man who has been in charge of diplomacy in the Lemurian Empire since the time of the previous emperor Hadrian.

    He is fluent in many languages and has contacts all over the world.

    And most of all, he is ......

    He is a man of unimaginable oratorical talent.

    It was because of him that the Lemurian Empire lost only that much territory during the reign of Hadrian.

    Todoris of "The Hundred Tongues".

    Such a man appeared in front of Shaheen.

    Shaheen could not stop the sweat from flowing down his body.

    Shaheen was originally a military man, not a diplomat.

    Therefore, he can only watch the battle between the Foreign Secretary of the Kingdom of Fars and Todoris. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why Todoris is such a nuisance on the battlefield of diplomacy.

    So, let me start with a few conditions: ......

    One, the Kingdom of Fars relinquishes its right to protect the Kingdom of Khayastan forever.

    Two, the Lemurian Empire will recognize Hayastan as a protectorate.

    Three, the Lemurian Empire''s annual tribute to the Kingdom of Fars will be abolished.

    Fourth, the province of Arsinia is ceded to the Lemurian Empire.

    5. Cede all territory west of the Hurath River to the Lemurian Empire.

    VI. The Lemurian soldiers captured by the Kingdom of Phars in the last war (the war under Hadrian), as well as the national treasures and flags looted by the Kingdom of Phars, shall be returned.

    Seven, ten years of mutual non-aggression. Renewed every year after that, unless one of us breaks it.

    How about that?

    That''s outrageous!¡¡You can''t possibly accept such a treaty!

    Well, you''re being very pushy, aren''t you? Well, you''re being very bold. ...... So, do you want to have another fight with His Majesty?

    The Foreign Secretary choked up.

    Then Todoris gave a soft smile.

    "Don''t worry. It was a joke. Yes, it''s in your honor. Your Majesty and I are not so devilish.

    Then he held out two fingers.

    I am willing to make some concessions on the fourth and fifth points.

    At Todoris''s words, Shaheen couldn''t help but interrupt him.

    "Do you intend to continue the war and break through the defenses of King''s Landing?¡¡The Emperor of Lemuria... The Emperor of Lemuria is a very confident man.

    "Well, well, well. ......, let me put it to you this way. Are you sure the north is secure?

    "Well, that''s ......

    Shaheen clammed up.

    To the north of the Kingdom of Foulds, there is a great empire of horse nomads called the Coats.

    It is a large nomadic nation, even larger than the Kingdom of Bulgalon, with a total army of over 100,000.

    Of course, they are all cavalry.

    Even King Sasan VIII had a hard time with the Kuro Tongue.

    And ......

    As the enemy of my enemy is my friend, the Lemurian Empire and the Kuro Thrust had diplomatic relations and were on friendly terms.

    We have a non-aggression pact with Kurotsuki. We have a non-aggression pact with Kurotsuki, and you have nothing to worry about.

    When the Foreign Secretary replied to Todoris, Todoris raised his voice in surprise.

    "Oh?¡¡I thought our country and yours had a non-aggression pact?

    At this, the Foreign Secretary had to hold his tongue. The blame for this war lies with the Kingdom of Fars.

    By the way, ......

    The reason why Todoris brought up the Kuro Plague was to blame the Kingdom of Fars for unilaterally breaking the non-aggression pact.

    Todoris always opens his mouth with a calculation.

    "Well, what''s done is done. So, ...... are you saying that the fourth and fifth problems are unacceptable?

    "...... is too much to ask. We have been defeated, but we can still fight. We can''t just cede our territory.

    "Hmm ......, let''s come up with a compromise.

    Todoris smiled as he said this.

    I''ll drop my claim to the territory west of the Hurat River. In exchange, you will cede the province of Arsinia to us.

    The province of Arsinia is located in the south of the Kingdom of Khayastan, between the rivers Hurat and Dajra, a fertile land.

    The province of Arsinia is located in the south of the Kingdom of Hayastan, between the rivers Hurat and Dajra.

    It would be geopolitically unwise to hold the upper reaches of the rivers.

    If you go down by boat, you can quickly invade the royal city area.

    That''s ...... unacceptable.

    "Then let''s reverse it. Let''s give up the province of Arsinia. In exchange, we''ll take the territory west of the Flato River.

    That''s not possible either.

    When the Foreign Secretary said this, Todoris suddenly turned red.

    "Don''t be ridiculous!

    Todoris''s voice echoed throughout the palace of the Kingdom of Farus.

    The Foreign Secretary and Shaheen cowered involuntarily.

    The Foreign Secretary and the Shaheen cowered in surprise as the calm, smiling man suddenly went into a rage.

    Todoris shouted in anger.

    "You think you can get away with this if we give in!¡¡Who started this war in the first place?¡¡Who started this war in the first place? You broke the peace unilaterally!¡¡Don''t you think Fars has any intention of showing any sincerity!

    The Foreign Secretary hurriedly mended his ways.

    "Oh, calm down, Mister Todris!

    This is not the way to stay calm!

    Todoris glares hard at the Foreign Secretary.

    The Secretary of Foreign Affairs tries to calm Todoris down.

    If the war is resumed under the current circumstances, even if the royal capital doesn''t fall, the capital area of the Kingdom of Fars will be severely damaged.

    Even if the irrigation system is destroyed, the agricultural base of the Kingdom of Phals will be destroyed and they will not be able to recover for a while.

    Besides, ......

    We can''t ignore the movements of the Kuro Thrusters.

    So, let''s do this!¡¡How about some compensation?¡¡We''ll pay you a reasonable amount!

    "...... compensation?¡¡Are you trying to settle this with money?

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Todoris sighs.

    ''Well, I can''t help it. Then let''s settle this with reparations.

    Todoris then demanded a sum of money for the territory of Arsinia and the territory west of the Flato River.

    The amount was ......

    It''s too expensive!

    ...... Are you complaining again?

    When Todoris glanced at him lightly, the Foreign Secretary shook his head.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out the best way to pay for it. ...

    No, it''s a lump sum. No, I''ll pay it in a lump sum. I don''t want to be in trouble if you default. Yeah, I don''t want you to break your word again.

    When he said that, the Foreign Secretary could no longer say anything back.

    Thus, a peace treaty was signed between the two countries. ......

    A temporary peace came.

    By the way, ......

    Hercule ordered Todoris to.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it. Also, if you can, go get reparations. I don''t want the territory because it''s too complicated to rule. They''ll rebel and take it back anyway. And it could spark a new war.

    I would like to note here that Todoris won a great diplomatic victory.

 59 Episode 27 Triumph ceremony

    This is the heyday of the Lemurian Empire, when it had great military power, invaded the world, and prevented barbarians from invading.

    Then, the Lemurian Empire''s military superiority collapsed, barbarians invaded various parts of the world, and the Empire fell into decline until it was divided into East and West.

    Normally, the number of triumphalist ceremonies would be higher in the heyday and lower in the decline.

    In reality, however, the number of triumphalist ceremonies actually increases in the declining period.

    Why?

    It is because triumphal ceremonies are now held even for small military victories ...... such as defeating bandits and rebels, which would not be considered worthy of a triumphal ceremony in the heyday.

    In other words, triumphal ceremonies have become a ritual to promote national prestige, rather than a ceremony to celebrate victory.

    Now, Hercule has held three triumphal ceremonies so far.

    The first was when he defeated Darios.

    The second was when he defeated his brother Hadrian.

    The third was when he conquered the Duchy of Travisos.

    Now, ...... these three victories were, in fact, a little too small for a triumphant ceremony in the sense of the Lemurian Empire in its heyday.

    The Pelosonian Mercenaries and the Duchy of Trabizos were small countries (in the eyes of the Lemurian Empire in its heyday), and it was common sense not to hold triumphal ceremonies for the defeat of rebels, since it was a disgrace that they had rebelled in the first place.

    And ......

    Hercule will now hold his fourth triumphal return ceremony.

    The victory over the Kingdom of Fars, the protectorate of the Kingdom of Hayastan, the large amount of reparations, the looted treasures, and the recovery of the flags and national treasures taken in the last war: ......

    Are these enough for a true triumphal return ceremony?

    The answer is: ......

    Yess.

    The Kingdom of Phallus is a military power comparable to, if not greater than, the Lemurian Empire.

    We defeated the Kingdom of Phallus.

    Even the bald man who founded the Lemurian Empire would applaud him for this.

    Well done, my friend.

    Thus, ......

    The triumphal return ceremony begins.

    "Long live the Emperor!¡¡Long live the Emperor!

    The parade continued amidst the cheers of the citizens.

    Led by Hercule on a four-horse chariot, surrounded by the generals, followed by the warriors who fought with Hercule, then a large group of coffins ...... who had died in battle, but had certainly fought with Hercule, and were honored with a triumphant return. Then follow those who have died in battle, but who certainly fought with Hercule and deserve the honor of a triumphant return.

    Finally, carriages carrying the loot and spoils of war won by Hercule marched proudly down the main streets of the capital.

    Among the loot were the captured generals and soldiers of the Kingdom of Fars, including Coward.

    A band accompanied the parade, playing gorgeous music, and bureaucrats rained prearranged flower petals from the tops of buildings to add color to the parade.

    The parade ends at the Great Racecourse.

    At the end of the parade is the Great Racecourse, where Hercule, holding a box in his hand, dismounts from his carriage and sets his feet on the ground.

    He is followed by the high ranking generals ...... Galfis, Edmond, Carolina, Darios and Oscar.

    And they, the generals, whisper into Hercule''s ear every time he takes a few steps.

    "Memento mori.

    "Memento mori.

    "Memento mori.

    You may be at the top of your game now, but you don''t know if you will be tomorrow.

    One day you will die, you will decay. Remember that and never be conceited.

    That''s what I remind the winners.

    And so the group arrives at the big race track.

    The bleachers are filled to overflowing with citizens, and they are greeted by Lucanos, Christos, Todoris, and a number of high-ranking vassals.

    Galfis, Edmond, Karolina, Darios, Oskar, and the rest of the vassals who had been waiting for them at the Great Racecourse all kneeled to Hercule.

    And they chanted in unison.

    "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live our Emperor, whom the gods have given us!

    "God bless our emperor!

    God bless the Lemurian Empire!¡¡Lemuria, forever!

    "God be with us, God be with us, God be with us!

    And with that, the quiet citizens chanted in unison.

    "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live our emperor, whom God has given us!

    "God bless our emperor!

    God bless the Lemurian Empire!¡¡Lemuria, forever!

    "God be with us!¡¡God be with us! God be with us!¡¡God be with us! God be with us!¡¡God is with us! God is with us!¡¡God is with us! God is with us!¡¡God is with us! God is with us!¡¡God is with us! God is with us! God be with us!

    "Thank you for coming, Titus. I have a favor to ask you.

    "Does the Emperor have a request for me ......?¡¡Anything.

    The day after his triumphant return, Hercule summoned his brother Titus.

    Titus has a strange look on his face.

    Is it a maid''s uniform?

    I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.¡¡I just remembered that!¡¡...... Later, I''ll give you her three sizes, and you can design something that will look good on her.

    And with a grin, Hercule smiles.

    Hercule hadn''t forgotten the grudge he''d been framed for by Renalier.

    It made him feel good just to imagine that innocent face turning red with shame.

    In addition to the maid''s uniform, there were many other things to dress her in, such as a bunny girl, a nurse, a dancer, and a Chinese dress.

    But that''s all for now. ......

    First of all, the Nova Lemuria Cathedral needs to be renovated ...... or rebuilt. That thing could collapse at any moment.

    Nova Lemuria Cathedral.

    This cathedral, the workplace of Loukanos, where the Patriarchate of Nova Lemuria is located, was built several hundred years ago.

    The durability of the cathedral is questionable because it was originally designed at the very limit of its technical size. ......

    As a matter of fact, there have been complaints from Lucanos that it is leaning and that it sometimes makes strange noises. ......

    It will probably collapse in a flash if an earthquake or a fire occurs.

    In the first place, Hercule had to compromise with the orthodox clergy of the Lemurian Empire when he issued the decree of Aletheia. ...... In other words, he owed them a favor.

    It is time to return the favor.

    That was the rebuilding of the Nova Lemuria Cathedral.

    "As far as I''m concerned, you''re the best architect and artist in the country. Can you do it?

    Yes, sir!¡¡I''ll build you the greatest cathedral in the history of architecture. ...... By the way, what''s your budget? ......

    There are limits, but I don''t mind if it costs a little more. I don''t mind if it costs a little more, but I want it to be amazing.

    Yes!

    In addition to the reparations, the Lemurian Empire''s treasury was flush with tax revenue from monopolies, tax reform, and increased agricultural productivity.

    The cost of building the cathedral could be covered.

    And one more thing, build me an Arc de Triomphe. ...... It''s the biggest one in the history of Lemuria.

    Oh, ...... that''s fine, but ......

    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of a man named Hercule, but he''s not very greedy, but he''s very vain.

    In fact, Hercule has always wanted to build the Arc de Triomphe to commemorate his victory.

    And if possible, the largest Arc de Triomphe in history.

    Waste of money?

    Reparations and increased tax revenue are all thanks to me. You can''t complain.

    That''s what Hercule is saying.

    Well, at least there''s no one who can complain about Hercule in his current state.

    Hercule is one of the least wasteful of the monarchs.

    He has won so many victories in wars and has achieved so many things, such as rebuilding his finances and resolving religious issues, that no one could fault him for that.

    ...... And it''s also a tourist attraction.

    I''d like to see a cenotaph built near the Arc de Triomphe. I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will make you feel at home.

    "Wouldn''t ...... require a certain amount of space?

    Yes, that''s why I''m going to build a new park with the Arc de Triomphe and the cenotaph. A new urban area will be built around the park. It will support the growing population.

    The influx of people into Nova Lemuria continues.

    The city of Nova Lemuria is a planned city, and it was built with a lot of space to reflect the fact that Lemuria, the capital of the old Lemurian Empire, had a very bad urban environment.

    As a result, there is plenty of room for a park.

    The design, including the park, will be entrusted to Titus and his friend, the artist. Let me know when you have a design and an estimate of the necessary costs.

    With that, Hercule stood up.

    There were other things that Hercule had to do.

    In particular, he has to deal with the diplomacy and internal affairs of the kingdom of Hayastan, which has become a vassal state. ......

    There is also the unfinished business of paying reparations from the Kingdom of Fars, and the return of prisoners of war and military flags.

    It is a war, including the post-war process.

    Oh, yeah, ...... don''t forget the maid''s uniform, okay?

    "I know, .......

    Titus smiled bitterly.

    Later, when Lunalie heard about the construction of the Arc de Triomphe, the Cenotaph and the Park, she commented on Hercule.

    I don''t know if this man is trying to build the Cenotaph as well as the Arc de Triomphe, the Arc de Triomphe as well as the Cenotaph, or if the Park is his main goal.

    Also, without looking into his mind, we can''t tell whether he is trying to build the Cenotaph out of concern for the soldiers'' hearts, or whether he is trying to build the Cenotaph to deflect complaints from the bereaved families of the soldiers and to boost morale by glorifying death.

    There is only one thing I can say.

    It is because of this attention to detail that he is supported by the people and soldiers.

    A genius who makes people unhappy by doing things they do not like can also be a genius who makes people happy by doing things that make them happy.

    The ability to read people''s minds is probably the most necessary talent for a monarch.

    £ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß

    A little bonus.

    The secret of the Lemurian army''s strength

    1 Severe training

    2 Unusually fast marching speed

    3 High morale (because it is a standing army)

    4 (Because they are all devout Orthodox Messianics, and death is honorable, they are never afraid of death.

    5 Strong organization

    6 Excellent non-commissioned officers to support it

    7 Iron discipline

    8 Excellent generals

    9 Hercule, the Commander-in-Chief

 60 Episode 1 The mans name is...

    A few months after the end of the war, when the Lemurian Empire was still in a victorious mood, the palace of the Kingdom of False was silent.

    The only sound was the sound of one man''s shoes.

    Golden hair, jade eyes. A handsome face. And long ears.

    In human terms, he was in his early thirties.

    Considering the fact that she is an elf, her age is barely over 100.

    The man''s well-developed muscles are clearly visible even through his clothes, and he has a heavy longsword hanging from his waist to back it up.

    The man slowly walked through the crowd of bowed heads and sat down on his throne.

    "Raise your face.

    The voice of the man, King Farus, echoed in the silent palace.

    King Fahls'' face was expressionless, and his subjects were twitching with fear.

    "Yazdegerd.

    King Fahls called his name, and Yazdegerd shuddered.

    King Foulds commanded quietly.

    "Come here.

    "...... Yes, Father.

    Yazdegild slowly stood up and, struggling to move his trembling legs, knelt beneath King Fahls.

    What do you have to say for yourself?

    "No, Father!

    Yazdegild hissed.

    "I tried to fight Lemuria to the end!¡¡I tried to fight Lemuria to the end, but Shaheen imprisoned me and made a humiliating peace!¡¡All because of Shaheen''s ......

    Yazdegerd couldn''t say the last word.

    Yazdegild couldn''t say the last word because King Fars had him by the neck.

    "You stupid son of a b*tc*!

    King Foulds threw Yazdegild with all his might.

    Yazdegild''s body flew like a ball and slammed hard against the wall.

    "Chi-chiu ......

    "Don''t ever call me father again!¡¡...... I would have forgiven you if you had apologized honestly!

    Yazdegild''s expression was one of despair.

    Ignoring Yazdegild, King Foulds calls out to the two men.

    "Coward, Shaheen.

    "Ha!

    Coward and Shaheen obeyed King Fahls'' command, and stepped forward to kneel before the throne.

    Coward had just been freed from the Lemurian Empire three days ago.

    Coward, I thought I left you to guard and babysit me while I went to Sindhira.

    "Yes. ...... I''m sorry. I couldn''t stop His Highness Yazdegerd. This is all my fault.

    "Oh, yes, ...... you know exactly what I mean. You will be punished accordingly.

    ...... Yes, I''m prepared.

    King Fars then looked at Shaheen.

    Shaheen, I entrusted you with the protection of the kingdom of Khayastan.

    Yes. ...... Now that the war with Lemuria has been decided, I have lent my troops to Lord Coward, believing that a reasonable force is necessary to achieve victory. ...... However, the Emperor of Lemuria took us by surprise and attacked the underdeveloped kingdom of Khayastan. ...... It was all an error in judgment on my part. Your Majesty.

    That''s right, it''s your fault.

    And King Fahls will bring them both to justice.

    "Coward, Shaheen. All your lands are confiscated. Your property shall also be confiscated to compensate for the damage caused by this war.

    "...... Yes.

    And I''d say ...... for the hangman''s noose.

    King Foulds then breaks off and snorts.

    "I can''t put all the blame on you.

    King Foulds says plainly to Coward, Shaheen, and the rest of his subjects, "If all your subjects oppose it, you will have no choice.

    If all my subjects had opposed me, this matter could have been prevented. The blame is heavy, but not all of it lies with you. There were others, both military and civilian, who could have stopped the ...... Yazdegerd.

    He then glared at his subjects.

    Some ...... of the vassals who had fanned the Yazdegerd behind the scenes were in a cold sweat.

    "It was also an error in judgment on my part. I didn''t expect Yazdegild to be so weak in the trenches. And I didn''t expect ...... Hadrian''s successor to be so good. Even if Yazdegerd hadn''t made a fool of himself, it might have only been a matter of time before the Lemurian emperor attacked.

    King Fars then looked down at Coward and Shaheen.

    I know better than anyone that you two are excellent generals. You were both defeated not because you were incompetent, but because your enemy was superior. And you have served me and brought me many victories. I can''t ignore those achievements and blame you for a single failure. Hence, .......

    King Foulds comes to a final conclusion.

    The sentence against you is suspended. And the rank of general will remain unchanged. ...... Defeat Lemuria in the next war. At that time, I will return the confiscated territories to you.

    Upon hearing the verdict, Coward and Shaheen wept silently.

    With tears streaming down their faces, they answered their master.

    "Thank you for your generous punishment, .......

    "...... We will certainly live up to your expectations and defeat Lemuria.

    Hearing the words of his two vassals, King Fahls nodded his head in satisfaction.

    "Very well. ...... Be sure to answer for your loyalty.

    "How can I help you, Your Majesty?

    "Thank you for coming, Befnum.

    Then, after passing judgment on all the military and civilian officials, King Fars summoned an old man to his chamber.

    The name of this old man, who was over 230 years old, was Befnum.

    He is the highest-ranking general and vizier of the Kingdom of Fars, and has served since the time of the previous king.

    He is the right-hand man of the King of Foulds, and is known as the ...... "Wand".

    "I want you to read this.

    "What is this?

    It''s a report on the policies of the new Emperor of Lemuria and his various actions during the recent war. Give me your honest opinion.

    I see. ...... I''ll be with you in a moment.

    After saying that, Befnum read the thick report.

    After Befnum had finished reading the report, which took about an hour, King Fahls asked again, "What do you think?

    "What do you think?

    What do you think?" "He''s a tricky man to make enemies with.

    Befnum replied.

    Befnum replied, "He is a difficult man to make enemies with.

    He seems to have innovative ideas and the drive, intelligence, and command to implement them. But that doesn''t mean that he changes everything. ...... He is also conservative, maintaining what he judges to be good for the status quo. And not only does he repress, he also compromises at times. ...... He seems to be a very flexible person.

    I agree with you. I agree with you. The religious reform and financial reform were truly major policy changes. However, he did not deny all the policies of the previous emperors, and he inherited many of them. He seems to have a great ability to accurately assess the current situation and respond to it. And ...... will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

    Both of them appreciate the new Lemurian emperor''s abilities.

    On the other hand, ......

    "But this man seems to be quite vain. On top of that, he''s self-centered and selfish. He doesn''t think about others at all. ...... No, he does, and then he tramples them down for his own convenience.

    "This is also evident in the military activities in our territory. The only reason he refrains from looting is to protect his own reputation and to make rational decisions to facilitate military operations. In fact, in some areas, he has forcibly requisitioned goods against the backdrop of force, destroyed temples of the Holy Fire religion and stolen goods. ...... He is not what you would call a good man. It''s all for your own reasons, your own mood, your own reputation.

    The two men disparaged the character and personality of the new Lemurian emperor.

    But ......

    But it seems that he is widely supported by the nobility, clergy and commoners alike.

    "He seems to have a keen ability to perceive people''s minds. The Lemurian emperor''s high ability is the result of his ability to understand people''s minds well, his personality that can trample over people''s minds without hesitation, and his rationality.

    A monarch who doesn''t understand people''s hearts will be disobeyed by his subjects no matter how rational and brutal he is.

    A monarch who cannot trample on people''s hearts, no matter how rational and understanding of people''s hearts he is, cannot do the ''right'' thing because of his kindness.

    A monarch who lacks rationality, no matter how brutal he may be and how well he understands people''s hearts, cannot make the most of it.

    And you seem to have a lot of guts. You must have a very bold mind or a lot of self-confidence to be able to make that kind of change.

    "I heard that it was the Emperor of Lemuria who shot Coward in the back. If the story is true, it means that he has the courage to stand on the front lines of the war himself.

    A man with the courage of a lion and the cunning of a fox.

    That was their assessment of the Lemurian emperor.

    But ...... I know one man who resembles the Emperor of Lemuria.

    "Yes?¡¡Who''s that?

    "Your Majesty. Our great king.

    When Befnum said this, King Fahls smiled.

    Then he stood quietly.

    "A troublesome enemy. But every enemy has a weakness. And there is no enemy I have not defeated.

    King Foulth glared in the direction of the Lemurian Empire.

    "Emperor of Lemuria, Hercule. You may now bask in the glory of your victory. ...... I will surely defeat you.

    The great king who brought the Kingdom of Phallus to its zenith.

    He was one of the three greatest monarchs of the early Middle Ages and one of the three protagonists of this era.

    Three times in Lemuria, five times in the Kuro Pit, and seven times in Cyndira.

    He was also a great general who won many battles.

    He was also a great politician who developed the bureaucracy, maximized the power of the king, reduced the power of the lords, and dramatically increased agricultural productivity through flood control projects.

    He was also a man of culture who protected various arts.

    He was also a cultural figure who protected various arts, and a great sovereign who had eight great generals at his side.

    The name of this great ruler is Sasan.

    He was the conqueror of the world, the "Sun King" Sasan VIII.

    He is a great hero of the Pharisees who will be remembered for a thousand years to come. ......

    He is one of the lifelong rivals of Hercule I, the Holy Light Emperor, the champion of the three continents.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.¡¡Or is she still angry about the oppression of the Messiahs?

    Sasan VIII asks Behnam about the pretty girl he had quarreled with before the Sindhira expedition.

    Sasan VIII is the daughter that Sasan VIII loves and spoils the most for some reason. ......

    "......About that, actually, ......

    When he heard Behnam''s report, Sasan VIII''s face turned red with anger and he shouted.

    "That stupid girl £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡¡¡Find her!¡¡She''ll beat me a hundred ...... no, she''ll beat me a thousand!

 61 Episode 2 Tyrants and Princesses

    A little more to the right. ...... No, that''s too far. To the left ...... a little lower. Yeah, there''s ...... less force, more gouging ...... stupid!¡¡Too strong!¡¡Be gentle.

    "...... too many orders.

    The baths of the palace of the Lemurian Empire.

    In the massage room adjacent to the emperor''s private baths, there were two men and two women.

    The man was giving a massage to the woman, Lunalie.

    "Hayastan''s princess can''t even give a good massage?

    "Oh, of course not. ......

    Lunalie answered with some irritation.

    In this world, massage is the work of slaves and lowly servants.

    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time with your family.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The man mumbled as he played with the chain extending from his hand.

    The chain was connected straight to a metal shackle attached to Lunarie.

    As I said earlier, massage is the work of a slave.

    To do the work of a slave, you have to dress like a slave. ......

    The man who wielded such a mysterious theory had Lunalie dress up as a slave.

    She was dressed in a ragged, undyed linen robe, and was shackled with manacles, shackles, and shackles.

    If you take into account that actual slaves wear the same clothes as commoners and are not forced to wear such restraining devices as shackles, which would be harmful to their daily lives, the current Lunarians would be no better than slaves.

    (......, are you going to make me do this in the future?)

    Lunalie gritted her teeth.

    And then, ...... like a harassment - or almost certainly a harassment - she looked at the large mirror that had been set up in front of her.

    The steam from the bathroom and your own sweat has soaked your ...... robe, sticking to your skin and highlighting your body lines.

    But that''s not a problem.

    But that''s okay, because there are dresses like that.

    What is humiliating from a lunarian point of view is the lower half of the body.

    This robe has a hem that is only barely visible.

    In addition, there is a deep slit up to the waist.

    If you move even a little, you will naturally be able to see inside.

    Underwear is, of course, confiscated.

    In Fars and Khayastan, the exposure is up to the knees at most, and above the knees, a prostitute.

    In other words, the current dress of the Lunarians is no better than that of a prostitute in terms of Lunarian ethics.

    On top of that, she is shackled with shiny black shackles, manacles, and shackles.

    Anger and humiliation boiled in Lunalie''s heart.

    And while watching Lunalie''s face turn red, ......

    In the mirror, the man is smirking.

    He occasionally yanks the chain to provoke Lunalie.

    (......Well, you sold your body for your country, so I guess it''s similar.)

    Lunalie laughs to herself.

    ( Well, you sold your body for your country, so it''s similar.

    "Oh, ......, I''m sorry, .......

    He was blamed for resting his hands. ......

    He pulled me hard on the chain.

    When the chains are pulled, the shackles dig into my throat, causing some pain and ......

    At the same time, an unspeakable humiliation arose.

    "Lunalee, didn''t you ...... say a lot of things about me, like I''m an ego maniac and whatnot?

    "I did, but .......

    Lunalie''s face contorts.

    The man in front of me is digging up the past and using it as a springboard to humiliate me.

    The man in front of you and Lunarie are both the same in that they will stop at nothing to serve their country''s interests. ......

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of questions, you''ll be able to contact us at the web site.

    So, when it is pulled out, ......

    You can''t help it.

    You''ve got a lot of pride, too. You''re even more proud than Carolina. You can''t speak for others.

    It''s .......

    Of course you can''t. You''re royalty, even for a small country. The king''s only daughter. You''re a good judge of character, and more importantly, you''re smart enough to speak most languages and have a lot of knowledge. You must have grown up with a lot of praise.¡¡You''ve never had a setback or a failure in your life, have you?

    Lunarie listens to the man''s words and continues to ...... massage.

    In fact, everything the man said was true. Lunalie is proud and vain as she looks.

    It is true that she has grown up being praised, and she has never had any major setbacks or failures.

    It''s true, but ......

    Lunalie did not understand the man''s intentions.

    This man does not speak meaningless words.

    There''s meaning in what he doesn''t say, and there''s meaning in what he does say.

    That''s how he is.

    So they must have some meaning, some intention.

    A vicious and vile intention to humiliate Lunalee.

    So if you don''t know his intentions, you will be digging your own grave if you answer poorly.

    I''ve already learned from my past relationship with this man that he is far superior to me when it comes to playing with ...... people''s minds.

    Have you ever wondered...?¡¡Why can''t he do something like this? Why can''t he understand? Why does he do such stupid things? Why does he make such irrational choices? I''m sorry you were born ugly. I''m sorry I was born ugly. I''m sorry you were born stupid. ...... Have you ever thought that?

    ......

    If you ask me if it exists or not, it does.

    There is no such thing as a person who does not have it.

    You say things that are true of everyone as if they are true of .......

    It''s a scammer''s or a bogus fortune teller''s trick.

    "You''ve always felt ...... comfortable looking down on those below you, haven''t you?

    "I don''t need you to ...... tell me that.

    "I don''t want to be told by you." Reflexively, Lunalie answered.

    And regretted saying it.

    She regretted saying it, because the man grinned at her.

    Oh, yeah, ...... me too. That''s why I was so angry when ...... you set me up. I was so angry that you set me up. ...... I was so angry. But well, ...... I''ll never taste that again. Or at least I don''t want to. So, how do you feel?

    The man said and yanked the chain as hard as he could.

    He then grabbed Lunalie''s hair and pulled her ...... forcefully to his face.

    Their lips met.

    The man''s tongue invaded Lunalee''s mouth and violated it unreservedly.

    Saliva dripped down her chin and onto the floor.

    After a while, the man let go of her lips.

    A bridge of saliva was built between them.

    "How does it feel to live the rest of your life being disrespected and ...... subjugated by me?¡¡You know?¡¡How does it feel to be forced to do things that even the people you looked down on wouldn''t do?

    "f*ck. ......

    Lunalee glared at the man.

    It''s obvious that no matter what you say or don''t say, they''ll be able to decipher your feelings of frustration, disgust, and pain.

    That''s why I stare at them as a form of resistance at least.

    But Lunalie knew that she was not the kind of person who would be frightened by the stare of a woman who looked no better than a ...... slave.

    In the end, no matter what you do, there is no point.

    Resistance or even rebellion is not allowed.

    "Ho ...... you .......

    The man grinned and ......

    He licked Lunarie''s cheek.

    Lunarje couldn''t help but let out an uproarious squeal.

    "What are you doing ......?

    I''m sure you''ll appreciate that I wiped away your tears.

    When he said that, ......

    I realized for the first time that tears were flowing from both of my eyes.

    (Oh ...... that sucks ......)

    It would have been better if I''d still been yelling at him in an abusive manner.

    A half-crying ...... stare is the same as a full-throated affirmation, "Yes, you''re right.

    I didn''t expect you to cry. Was that so hard?¡¡I''m sorry. If it''s hard, tell me it''s hard. If you want to cry, you can cry.

    Then, the opposite of what I expected, ......

    He spoke softly with a gentle voice.

    What does this mean? ...... Lunarie was confused for a moment.

    Does this man also have the remorse of having gone too far?

    Or is there a shred of goodness left in him? ......

    Yes ......

    That was the moment I was expecting just a little bit.

    The man grinned ...... and said with a very nasty smile.

    Well, I''m never going to stop. Hahahahaha £¡£¡£¡£¡

    "Geez ......, you''re ...... really ......

    You''re a scumbag.

    It almost leaks out of my mouth.

    The man in front of me doesn''t get angry when I say that.

    He won''t be angry, but he will pretend to be ...... angry.

    And ......

    I was sure that he would use that as an excuse to escalate his behavior.

    "Well, well, don''t be angry, Lunalee.

    The man stroked Lunalie''s head.

    The hand that stroked her hair ran down her cheek, touched her chin, ...... her upper body bulge, armpits, stomach, inner thighs, and lower abdomen.

    But you know what?¡¡Aren''t you you too . The national interest of the Kingdom of Khayastan is at stake in your attitude. Since you''re dressed as a slave anyway, why don''t you become a slave at heart?¡¡Why don''t you say, "Master"? "That''s what I''m talking about, Master! If you continue to be praised, you might soften your attitude a bit.

    Lunalie sniffed and brushed off the man''s suggestion.

    If ...... I were to behave that way, you wouldn''t be fooled. Wouldn''t you?

    "Well, ...... you''re right. So why don''t you try to believe that from the bottom of your heart?

    The man said, as if testing him.

    Then ......

    If I do, ...... you''ll be bored with me, won''t you?

    ......

    You prefer a rebellious, biting woman like ...... me to a submissive woman, don''t you?

    This man''s regular wife, a woman named Carolina, is basically submissive to this man.

    However, she is often seen ...... pounding her fists on the man''s chest, sulking, getting angry, ...... being sarcastic, ...... and rebellious.

    In addition, the man''s favorite servant, a girl named Ciphany, is also ......

    The man''s favorite servant, a girl named Ciphany, is also rude and sarcastic, which is impossible considering her position as a servant.

    It''s not just women.

    The man''s vassals basically obey his orders, but they also express their opinions and make sarcastic remarks.

    It is rare to find an environment ...... where sarcasm is allowed in a master-slave relationship.

    Even in the kingdom of Khayastan, where the king''s power is weak, it is rare for the subjects to speak sarcastically to the king.

    This is especially true in the Lemurian Empire, where the emperor is the "agent of God on earth.

    Sarcasm is allowed: ......

    Or perhaps it is more correct to say that it is encouraged.

    I like this guy.

    He likes it when people below him rebel within the limits of what they are allowed to do.

    At the very least, this man looks genuinely happy whenever Lunalie is rebellious.

    It''s not that I don''t like to be ...... abused and defied.

    I guess he likes to twist people with such attitude by force.

    He has a very perverse proclivity.

    You know exactly what I''m talking about. That''s right. ...... I love that about you. ......

    The man stroked Lunalee''s inner thighs as he said this.

    "Don''t betray me.

    Lunalie took the words in a double meaning.

    The first was purely a threat not to betray her, and that if she did, she would not know what would happen to the kingdom of Hayastan.

    The other was ...... not to betray his expectations and to be defiant to the end.

    Lunalee replied, glaring at the man.

    I''m not going to sell my heart, even if I have to sell my ...... body and flirtation. No matter what you do, I will never change the fact that the kingdom of Hayastan is foremost in my mind.

    The man who heard those words was ......

    Hercule is ......

    "Hahahaha!!!¡¡Your body may yield, but your heart will not, you know!¡¡It''s great, you''re great!!!!¡¡Oh, I love you, I love you, Lunalee!!!

    ...... I hate you.

    Lunalie''s last words were drowned out by Hercule''s high-pitched laugh.

 62 Characters and National Introductions

    Introduction of characters and nations (including nations in Chapter 3)

    Nation

    Name: Name of the country

    Capital: Capital is the capital city

    Overall strength: Overall strength of the country (the Lemurian Empire as of the end of Chapter 2 is set at 10)

    Military power: Same as above, with the Lemurian Empire as 10.

    Economic Power: The degree of penetration of the monetary economy. Same as above.

    Production: agriculture, mining, etc. Same as above.

    Political stability: at the end of Chapter 2.

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: at the end of Chapter 2.

    System of governance: centralized, feudal, monarchical, republican, etc.

    Principle: Capitalism, Communism, etc.

    Ruling Ethnicity: How many people, etc.

    Language: Official language. If there is more than one, list them.

    State religion: The central religion of the country.

    Monarch: The current monarch.

    Population: At the end of chapter 2.

    Change of state: Bourbon dynasty ¡ú First Republic ¡ú First Empire ¡ú Restoration Monarchy, etc.

    Specific history and outline: What cannot be written above

    Name: Lemurian Empire

    Capital: Nova Lemuria. ...... Population 700,000. Gulf city.

    Total national strength: 10

    Military Power: 10

    Economic power: 10

    Production Power: 10

    Political Stability: Very stable

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: 10

    Ruling System: Despotic monarchy, centralized authority, bureaucracy, invasive long-eared tribe (elf) state

    Principle: Supremacy of the long-eared race (elves)

    Ruling Race: The High Elves

    Language: First official language: ...... Lemurian. Second official language: ...... Cyrillic.

    State Religion: Messianic Orthodoxy.

    Monarch: Hercule Julianos

    Population: 20 million.

    Transition: Monarchy -> Republic -> Empire (Julianos Dynasty)

    Specific History: Protagonist''s Country. I''ll explain what an invasive long-eared elven nation is later. The specific history is as described in the story. The model is the Byzantine (Roman) Empire. In terms of territory, it is almost a Middle Eastern country, as it is heavily weighted towards the current Middle Eastern region. The dominant ethnic group is the long-eared elves, but they are few in number. The largest ethnic group is the Humans, and the second largest is the Warbeasts. It is a nation of other races, and there is no one ethnic group that makes up the majority. The hierarchy of skin color is yellow (not Mongoloid, but Southern European), dark yellow (Middle Eastern), black (Negroid), white (Nordic), and yellow (nomadic). There is a big wall between dark yellow and black, and black and white.

    The status is divided into emperor, free people and slaves, and free people are divided into nobles and commoners.

    There is not much difference in status between nobles and commoners. The difference in status between nobles and commoners is not so great. If anything, nobles are not great because they are nobles, but because they are great people.

    In terms of image, there is an insurmountable wall between emperors and aristocrats, aristocrats and commoners are fluid, and there is an insurmountable wall between commoners and slaves.

    The name comes from Rome, Romalia, and Lemuria.

    Name: Kingdom of Phars

    Capital: Kultellifon. ...... Population 600,000. Adjacent to a major river.

    Total power: 13

    Military power: 15

    Economic power: 10

    Production: 12

    Political Stability: Stable

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: Hostile

    Ruling System: Monarchy, both centralized and feudal, bureaucracy, invasive long-eared tribe (elf) state

    Principle: Supremacy of the Elves

    Ruling Race: The High Elves

    Language: First official language: ...... Farsi. Second official language: ...... Kilis.

    State religion: Holy Fire.

    Monarch: Sasan VIII.

    Population: 25 million

    Statehood: Arshak dynasty ¡ú Achaemenid dynasty.

    History/Overview: The only country in the series with a power greater than the Lemurian Empire. It is the only country in the series with a power greater than that of the Lemurian Empire, though there is not that much difference. In modern times, its territory stretches from Iraq to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Much of the country looks like a desert ......, but the farmland is relatively large and fertile. This is not surprising, since the country occupies part of the Fertile Crescent. The ability to keep a lot of horses in the large grasslands is directly related to military power. In any case, their direct control of trade routes with India and China is significant. However, it is not a particularly great location because it is often involved in fights with nomadic tribes.

    The model is, of course, Sasanian Persia.

    The status was divided into royalty, nobility, commoners and slaves. The commoners are divided into three categories: citizens who live in cities and engage in commerce and industry, self-made farmers who own their own land, and serfs who are enslaved to the land. The majority of the population is made up of serfs.

    The majority of the population are serfs. In fact, if it is a slave working in a city or a serf, the serf working in a city is definitely richer.

    The name comes from the historical name of a region in southern Iran, Fars. It is also called Pars or Pars.

    Name: Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Capital: Erstadt. Population: 150,000

    Total national strength: 2

    Military power: 0

    Economic power: 4

    Production power: 2

    Political stability: Stable

    Friendship with Lemurian Empire: Hostile -> Friendly

    System of Governance: Feudal, harmonious, long-eared "elf" state

    Principle: Nothing in particular, but not so extravagant as to be able to choose the means of survival.

    Ruling Race: The Long Ears (Elves)

    Language: First official language: ...... Farsi ¡ú Lemurian. Second official language: ...... Hayastan.

    State religion: Messianic Aretanism.

    Monarch: King Frates III

    Population: 2 million.

    Statehood: Old Kingdom period ¡ú Arshak dynasty.

    Specific History/Overview: Modeled after the Kingdom of Armenia. The Kingdom of Armenia was modeled on the Kingdom of Armenia, which was drawn from two of the most unfortunate places in history, Lemuria and Fars. There is nothing we can do about it. There is no vision of becoming a great power, or even a medium power. The best we can do is to remain a small country as a buffer zone. Basically, there are only three choices: to fight Lemuria and fight Phallus, to fight Phallus and fight Lemuria, or to fight both and perish. Incidentally, the reason why we do not have military power is because Phallus did not allow us to do so. It would be troublesome if they betrayed us.¡¡We have been treated as a pawn to be discarded when the time comes, and as a convenient road. And they will continue to do so. The only difference is Lemuria or Foulds. The star of hope is Lunalie.

    The status system is royalty, nobility, commoners. Imported from the Kingdom of Phars, but with some influence from the Lemurian Empire.

    The name comes from the Armenian name for their country, Hayastan.

    Name: Kingdom of Bulgaron

    Capital: Changes periodically

    Total national strength: 4

    Military strength: 8

    Economic power: 3

    Production Power: 3

    Political Stability: Nomadic confederation. Claims to be Emperor.

    Friendship with Lemurian Empire: Hostile.

    Governing System: Clan system, akin to a thousand-tribe system. A harmonious elven nation.

    Principle: Love horses.

    Ruling Ethnicity: Long-eared (Elven) Bulgaronians.

    Language: First official language......Bulgaron.

    Religion: Indigenous.

    Monarch.

    Population: 3.5 million (1.5 million nomads, 2 million farmers)

    State Transition:.

    Specific History: Modeled after Bulgaria. When the author hears the word "Bulgaria", nomadic people come to mind before yogurt. It is the so-called Bulgarian Empire. The author is not familiar with the customs of the Bulgarian people, and I don''t think there is a Bulgarian police force in Naro, so I''m just going to go with the flow. In short, it should be nomadic. I''m thinking of having her wear a Chinese dress. It''s cute. Just go with it, just go with it.

    The status system is roughly divided into two groups: the Bulgarons, who are the rulers, and the other ethnic groups, who are the ruled.

    The Bulgarians are divided into two groups: the noble elves, and the commoners, the Bulgarians.

    The name comes from Bulgaria ¡ú Bulgaron.

    Name: Fullerling Kingdom

    Capital: Achen. Population: Less than 10,000.

    Total national strength: 5

    Military power: 9

    Economic power: 2

    Production Power: 4

    Political Stability: Somewhat stable.

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: Neutral rather than friendly.

    System of Governance: Feudal system (but the power of the lords is weak).

    Principle: Messianism

    Ruling Race: Beastmen (warbeasts), cat-shaped lion people.

    Languages: First official language: ...... Lemurian. Second official language: ...... Fullerling.

    State religion: Messianic Orthodoxy.

    Monarch: King Ludwig I.

    Population: 5 million

    Statehood: Fullerling dynasty.

    Specific History: Modeled after the Frankish Empire. Economic power is garbage as it is a super rural state. However, its military power is close to the Lemurian Empire. While the Kingdom of Fahls is practicing "If the king has a certain level of power, even a feudal system can imitate a centralized state", the Kingdom of Fullerling is practicing "Even if the king is weak, if each of the lords is weaker than the king, the king is actually the best lord, so it can imitate a centralized state". The feudal system is undeveloped. The feudal system is still underdeveloped, but it will be completed soon as they are starting to develop the baronial system. In this novel, however, the title system is limited to the kingdom of Fulling. There are only princes and counts in this novel.

    The status system is royalty, nobility (knights), commoners, and slaves. The status system is not so different from that of the Kingdom of Fahls. However, since it is a new nation, the status is rather loose and still in flux. If you are not careful, you can go from a nobleman to a slave.

    The name is derived from France and Carolingian.

    Name: Kingdom of Edelna

    Capital: Edelna, Population: 250,000

    Total national strength: 5

    Military power: 5

    Economic power: 6

    Production capacity: 4

    Political Stability: Slightly unstable

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: Friendly

    Governing System: Centralized, clan system. Feudal system

    Principle: Coexistence of other races

    Ruling Race: Warbeasts

    Language: First official language: ...... Lemurian.

    State Religion: Messianism (Western)

    Sovereign

    Population: 4 million

    Statehood: Transition.

    History: Nothing to tell. Modeled after the Kingdom of the Visigoths. The kingdom is still in a state of disrepair and is relatively strong.

    Its name comes from Ravenna, Italy, the capital of the Eastern Gothic Kingdom. Perhaps if you say it a thousand times, it will become Edelna.

    Name: Kingdom of Cerda

    Capital: Cerda, Population: 500,000

    Total power: 7

    Military power: 7

    Economic power: 7

    Production power: 7

    Political Stability: Somewhat stable

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: Very hostile

    Governing System: Centralized, clan and feudal system

    Principle: Supremacy of the warbeast race

    Ruling Race: Dog-type warbeasts

    Language: First official language: ...... Chelda.

    State religion: Messianism (Western)

    Monarch: Raus I

    Population: 6 million

    Statehood: Transition.

    Specific History: Modeled after the Vandal Kingdom. The Vandals are a powerful nation, with a grain-growing region along the coast of North Africa that has never been ravaged by barbarians. It also has a navy.

    Its name comes from Tunis and Carthage, the capital of the Vandal Kingdom. If you say it 10,000 times, it will become Cerda.

    Name: Kingdom of Tretum

    Capital: Tretum, Population: 200,000

    Total power: 5

    Military power: 5

    Economic power: 6

    Production capacity: 4

    Political Stability: Slightly unstable

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: Friendly

    Ruling System: Centralized, clan and feudal system

    Principle: Coexistence of other races

    Ruling Ethnicity: Beastmen (Warbeasts)

    Language: First official language: ...... Lemurian.

    State religion: Messianism (Western)

    Sovereign

    Population: 4 million

    Statehood: Transition.

    History: Modeled after the Visigothic Kingdom. Not a very important country to be honest.

    The name comes from the old name of Toledo, the capital of the Visigoths.

    Name: Kuro Thrust Empire

    Capital: Move

    Total national strength: 8

    Military power: 18

    Economic power: 7

    Production Power: 7

    Political Stability: Somewhat stable

    Friendship with the Lemurian Empire: Friendly

    Ruling System: Tribal Confederation, bride-to-be long-eared tribe (elves) state

    Dominion: Kurothorn

    Ruling Race: Kurothroats

    Language: First official language: ...... Kurotsuki.

    State religion: indigenous religion

    Sovereign

    Population: £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿

    Statehood: Transition.

    History: Modeled after Sky Turks. Probably one of the strongest in terms of military power. Both men and women can ride horses, so the number of cavalry is inexhaustible. In addition, they control the trade routes, so their economic power is quite high. It is the natural enemy of the Kingdom of Phallus. Fortunately, it does not border Lemuria. The only way to win the war is to bring it to an endurance battle, but the national strength of Lemuria and Farus will be exhausted, so the best they can do is to fight back. In this era, nomads are the strongest. The only people who can fight with nomads are the Chinese, who have the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. Even then, it is difficult to win.

    Their name comes from "Tujue". I remembered that there were nomadic Turkic countries such as the Kuro Sheep Dynasty and the Shiro Sheep Dynasty, so I decided to add some color to the name. The latter is cooler than the former.

    Explanation of Elf Nation

    Lemuria, Fars, Khayastan, Bulgalon, and Kurotsuki are considered to be the Elven nations in this work.

    As the name implies, an Elf Nation is a country where the monarchs and nobles of the ruling class are Elves. In this article, I will explain why the elves, a minority race, have gained so much initiative in the world, and explain the conquest type, harmony type, and marriage type.

    Conquering Elf Nation

    A conquering elven nation established relatively early in the history of the world.

    It was established by the first wave of elves that left the Great Forest.

    At that time, city-states were still the mainstream in the world, so even a small number of elves could invade with their physical abilities and spirit magic. The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of the Falses are two countries that came to dominate the surrounding peoples.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus are two examples.

    The main characteristic of the Lemurian Empire is its supremacy over the Long-eared People (Elves). The main characteristic is the supremacy of the long-eared race (elves). They are also keen on maintaining the purity of their blood. It is also characterized by a relatively low level of racial discrimination. As a minority race, the Elves do not want to provoke other races.

    Harmonious Elf Nation

    An Elven nation established from the middle to the end of the 20th century.

    Descendants of the second and third groups that left the Great Forest.

    When they left the Great Forest, many of them broke out of their city-state shells and became territorial states, while a small number of them remained as immigrants in the ruling class. However, while making use of their physical abilities and spirit magic, they gradually rose up the hierarchy within the country and ...... found themselves in the ruling class.

    It''s a simple matter of thinking about it, but the longevity of the elves gives them an overwhelming advantage in the world of politics. Considering a lifespan of 200 years, their advantage is not half bad.

    For example, in Japan, 200 years ago was 1818. This was the Kansei period, when Sadanobu Matsudaira was working hard. Suppose there was an elf named Goemon born in 1818, and he was given a government position during the Meiji Restoration. And he''s still alive today. Can you see that he''s likely to be in control of the political world by at least the time of World War II?

    Besides, ...... it is human nature to want your family and company to reflect you for a long time if possible. For that reason, we educate our successors to the best of our ability, but ...... we don''t know what will happen to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. However, if your son is an elf, you can solve this problem. You will be supported for at least two hundred years by the child you have raised with confidence.

    The Elf Nation is a nation of harmonious elves who have come to dominate the business and political world through political marriage and career advancement.

    A concrete example is the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    They have no sense of identity as elves, or rather they feel guilty about it, so they tend to actively try to dilute their blood.

    Elf Nation

    A country in which only a small portion of the ruling class has become Elves as a result of the invading or harmonious ruling class continuously receiving Elf wives. A concrete example is Kurotsuki, where the Kurotsuki royal family and some of the upper class nobles have long ears.

    These countries have a strong longing and complex for the Long-eared Race (Elves), so they actively try to preserve their blood. Therefore, they try to get wives regularly from invading and harmonious nations.

    Kurotsuki imports the blood of the Long Ears (Elves) through political marriages from the Kingdom of False and the Lemurian Empire. From the perspective of both kingdoms, it''s not a bad story since Kurotsuki''s situation is introduced through his wife.

    Introduction of the characters

    Three Heroes

    Protagonist: Hercule Julianos

    Model: Justinian, Herakleios I, and Basileios II

    Personality (deviation conversion)

    Ambition 80

    Vanity 120

    Lethargy 100

    Abuse 45

    Goodness 60

    Viciousness 70

    Piety 60

    s*xuality (MAX)

    Ability (E to S)

    Martial Strength B

    Intelligence A++

    Magic A+

    Politics A++

    Speech A

    Military (Strategy) S

    Military (tactics) A

    Charisma A+

    Fortune A

    Character evaluation: The main character of this work. His second name is Hercule I. He is the "Holy Light Emperor," the champion of the three continents. The reason why he is the Holy Light is because he has killed many infidels and heretics. He was registered as a sub-saint by the Church after his death. Only those who can boast of the number of corpses they have accumulated can call themselves heroes.

    He implemented very advanced economic, social, and religious policies, recruited talented people without discriminating against religion or race, and expanded his territory and won many wars. He is a rare person who is highly regarded by both liberals and conservatives. Sometimes he is criticized for killing too many people, but it is because he is a "Yo, DQN!¡¡Murderer! In other words, he is a kind of "El". In other words, he is a kind of "El". He has left behind a bad example that genocide is a great achievement when it is mastered, and becomes a factor to be liked by future generations.

    As mentioned in the story, he is a naturally scummy person who does not understand the pain of others, chooses any means to achieve his goals, and lies without hesitation. He doesn''t understand other people''s pain, doesn''t care about the means to an end, and lies without hesitation. He is a psychopath, thank you very much.

    In addition to this trait, he also has a strong propensity for torment. I''m really worried that he might start making his own version of the Phalaris Bull.

    From a meta-perspective, he''s definitely evil, not good, and more of a dark hero than a legitimate protagonist. There are two kinds of dark heroes, those with good motives and those with evil motives, and this one is definitely evil (in terms of general ethics).

    And please keep in mind that the scum protagonist is a real scum, not just a fictional scum.

    However, ...... a man named Hercule is a monarch, a politician, and a soldier. His interests are directly related to the interests of the Lemurian Empire, which in turn is directly related to the happiness of the largest number of people in the Lemurian Empire. He is undoubtedly a scum and villain, but at the same time, from the perspective of the people of the Lemurian Empire, he is the "greatest hero and sovereign" who protects them.

    He doesn''t have a particular type of woman he likes, but basically he likes women with breasts and hips that are large enough to be rubbed and not too big to be uncomfortable, and a thin waistband. Clean skin and no armpit odor. Any woman who is beautiful and has at least the average appearance of an Elven woman.

    If I had to be extravagant, I would say that I like women who look pretty when they are tormented, when they are half-crying, when they are frustrated, when they are embarrassed, when they are in pain.

    To be more extravagant, he prefers girls who are a little rebellious and have strong roots. Women who are weak at the core or who affirm everything about themselves are (according to him) boring.

    In short, I prefer women who give in physically, but not emotionally.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one. A woman is in a position to tear and throw, tear and throw,.......

    Basically, as long as you meet the above criteria, you don''t seem to care at all about your age or whether or not you have a virgin membrane. (I''d rather have a non-virgin ......)

    In fact, I have a desire to be a cuckold.

    However, since he is concerned about public opinion, he insists that he will not touch a woman under 14 years old or younger. Incidentally, fourteen years old is just barely the safe line in terms of ethics in the Lemurian Empire. Whether she is under 14 or not depends on the mood of the person in question, and the argument differs.

    It''s not that he''s aiming for a harem, and he doesn''t have any desire for a harem, but he wants to monopolize the fish he catches and not give them to others, and he doesn''t hesitate to catch new fish, so the result is a harem.

    If you think that it''s strange that the protagonist is a scumbag and can create a harem, you''re wrong in your premise. It is because he is a scum protagonist that he can create a harem.

    If you had a decent sense of ethics, you wouldn''t create one woman after another.

    If you take this into account, you can see that the protagonist of the harem manga/novel/Naro''o is a common protagonist.

    A person who wants to be a sovereign does not need to have all kinds of good qualities. However, it is necessary to make people think that he has them. by Machiavelli

    His name comes from Herakleios I, Hercules, and Hercule.

    Rival: Sasan VIII

    Model: Sharpele I, Khosrow I

    Character evaluation: His two names are "Sasan VIII, the Sun King, the Conqueror of the World" and "The Heroes of the Three Continents", which refers to Hercule, the conqueror of the three continents.

    His abilities and personality are so similar to Hercule''s that it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is a mirror image of Hercule, an admirable psychopath.

    Hercule definitely says "I hate him", and readers will also say "I hate him", but please keep in mind that this is "Hercule''s image" as seen from the enemy side.

    You can expect him to talk as much trash, say as much garbage, and act as crazy as Hercule.

    The name comes from the Sasanian dynasty. It is said that no one is quite sure who Sasan, the origin of the name Sasan dynasty, is.

    Rival: King Ludwig I

    Model: Karl the Great

    Characteristic evaluation: So far only his name has been glimpsed. The last of the heroes of the three continents. His nickname is "King Ludwig I, the Lion King, the knight among knights". Like Hercule, he was posthumously recognized as a sub-human saint, and is renowned as a hero among heroes and a great man among great men.

    While Hercule and Sasan VIII are scum, he is truly a "knight among knights" (but only when it suits him). He is also a saintly monarch, as can be seen from the fact that he is recognized as a sub-saint. I''m not sure how much of a saint he is, but he''s so saintly that he goes around killing and massacring the infidels and heretics that are the scourge of this world.

    You can find a lot more information on this topic at ....... Well, in short, he is as psychotic as Hercule and Sasan VIII.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    His name comes from King Ludwig I, the third son of Karl the Great.

    Who is the strongest and worst hero of the three continents? ......

    The more trashy one wins.

    £ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß

    Heroines

    No.1: Karolina.

    The wife of Hercule. Red hair, red eyes, slender figure. Very strong-willed.

    According to Hercule, she likes the way people cry when she tortures them.

    She is not stupid, but she is a bit brainy. She is good at doing what she is ordered to do, but not so good at carrying out the orders she is given. The command of cavalry and fighting skills are deeply inherited from Galfis. I don''t know how long this work will last, but it will eventually surpass Galfis.

    His metaphorical role is that of an absolute affirmation of Hercule. No matter how bad Hercule does, she is the one who says, "That''s not good, but I like you like that. He is the only person who can put a stop to Hercule''s outbursts. She is the only person who can stop Hercule from going out of control. She is the reason why Hercule hasn''t made the Bull of Phalaris himself.

    If I had to pick a flaw, it would be that no matter how treacherous Hercule is, he always says, "I like you like that.

    She is the type of girl who falls in love with delinquents, bikers, DQNs, yakuza, and other dangerous people. Are you happy or unhappy to be with Hercule, the world''s most powerful intellectual yakuza? ...... Well, he will claim to be happy.

    Her name is derived from the European name Carolina.

    I don''t remember why I chose Carolina.

    Part 2: Lunalie

    Hercule''s consort. Blue hair and purple eyes. Large breasts. Strong-willed.

    I thought that people would definitely hate her, and they did.

    Well, that''s not surprising, because the role assigned to Lunalie is the exact opposite of Carolina''s: to be an absolute critic of Hercule.

    Metametaphorically speaking, the author wants to write a story of a "hero who is treacherous but is loved by his people and vassals for whatever reason", and the important part is the "treasonous" part. No matter how much people admire and love Hercule, it must be clearly stated that his actions are "treasonous".

    When it comes to historical heroes, Caesar, Hannibal, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, Ieyasu, Hideyoshi, and many others come to mind and are highly regarded, but they are definitely not good people.

    Caesar and Napoleon are traitors, Hannibal is a genocidal mountain-crossing weapon, Genghis is a wife-raper on horseback, Ieyasu is a raccoon, and Hideyoshi is a man who never feeds.

    He is definitely not a good man. But great deeds are great deeds and are highly regarded.

    Of course, I am not saying that they had no love for their homeland or patriotism, but there is no doubt that it was not the only reason. Obviously, they were killers who killed many people for their own honor and ambition.

    Well, as a legitimate war story, it would be right to treat them as "heroes of justice", but ...... the author wants to write heroes, not heroes of justice. A hero is a hero including such dirty parts.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it''s a good idea.

    Even the U.S. military does it from time to time, so it''s impossible to prevent it in an army that has no pre-modern ethics. In other words, it is impossible to fill the stomach of a pre-modern army without looting. This is obvious when you consider the insanity of the Thirty Years War.

    It is an ironclad rule of war stories that the author does not write about such things, and in fact, the author has done so in a certain work, but this time I want to break that unwritten rule. I want to write about the dirty parts.

    It''s a long story, so I''ll return to it: ......

    So, I want to write Hercule as such a hero, but if I write from Hercule''s side, it will end up as "Hercule is wonderful" or "El".

    Hercule is obviously a bad guy, but this makes him look like a tsundere pretending to be a bad guy. There is no point in writing down the dirty parts.

    But the vassal cannot criticize it. Of course, the people cannot criticize it either.

    So what if the enemy criticizes it? But people who can''t even do something as dirty as that can''t compete with Hercule, so they become nothing more than biting dogs. That would be the exact opposite of what we want to do.

    Then we need someone who is not an enemy but not a friend.

    And that person is Lunalie.

    No matter how much Lunalie falls in love with Hercule, no matter how close they become ......, she still puts the Kingdom of Hayastan first. It''s not that she''s a friend of Hercule''s, but that doesn''t mean she''s an enemy of his, because their interests are aligned. In other words, he is a third party who is closer to the protagonist.

    If you are in Lunalie''s position, there is nothing wrong with criticizing Hercule, and there is no need for Hercule to defeat Lunalie, with whom he has a mutual interest.

    As a rule of thumb, if you keep a pair of male and female hamsters, the number of hamsters will increase by itself.

    However, the fact that Hercule violated Lunalie''s precious home country as a passageway, selfishly divided it and tried to destroy it, and the fact that Lunalie framed Hercule will never change.

    And the fact that Lunalie must be at Hercule''s mercy is also unchanged.

    Therefore, Lunalie can deny Hercule forever.

    She will never be as enthralled as Carolina.

    Well, because of this position, her will and pride are stronger than Carolina''s. This makes her a woman worth tormenting in the eyes of Hercule,......, and he likes her for better or worse.

    Fortunately, Lunalie has the strongest tendency to be tortured (although she denies it).

    Hercule, a dominant character, and Lunalie, a dominant character, have the best physical chemistry of any heroine in the series.

    In addition, since Lunalie is the only heroine who can talk about law, politics, and literature at the same level as Hercule, they usually get along well when they talk about such things.

    I took my name from a heroine of a rape erotic game. Originally, I tried to take the name from a real woman in the Kingdom of Armenia, but the names of all of them are ugly from a Japanese point of view.

    On the other hand, it would have been awkward to make them European.

    As a result, it became too much trouble.

    No.3: Scheherazade

    A beautiful girl with blond hair, big tits, and blue eyes.

    I don''t have much to say about her except for her big tits, and I''m tired of writing about her so far, so I won''t write about her this time.

    Well, she''s probably not going to get along with Lunalie. For Lunarie, who is a "Hayastan Love", the fact that she''s a former suzerain doesn''t make a good impression, and she doesn''t run away from home. From the perspective of lunar values, an idiot who leaves his country for his own reasons and defect to an enemy country is a traitor.

    However, from the perspective of Scheherazade, who is an orthodox messianist, conversion means going to hell, so it is natural to run away. This is a difference in our values.

    Well, they are both adults, so they won''t quarrel and will keep a friendly acquaintance relationship.

    The fact that he doesn''t think about the troubles of his family, including Sasan VIII, in order to avoid his own fall into hell is deeply in the blood of the psychotic Sasan VIII. In addition, the mother of this man is also ...... a little bit like this daughter and this mother.

    Scheherazade''s activities will come later, so I cannot write much about her now.

    Her name comes from the story of One Thousand and One Nights. The famous Ms. Scheherazade.

    No.4: Hupatia

    A beautiful girl with big silver hair and fox ears.

    She is twenty years old at the time of her first appearance, making her the oldest of the heroines.

    She has no definite romantic feelings for Hercule, but she thinks he is not bad.

    I only have eyes for Hercule''s breasts.

    She is the only heroine in science and philosophy who can talk to Hercule, so they often have tea parties.

    Her name comes from the famous beauty who had all her flesh cut off by oyster shells.

    Probably, if not for Hercule, she would have been shaved too.

    No.5: Ciphany

    A mysterious beauty whose name has yet to be revealed.

    Her appearance is that of a beautiful girl with big black hair.

    She''ll probably show up in Chapter 3.

    Number 6: Asmodeus

    In short, she''s a whore and a b*tc*.

    She''s very choosy about men. He likes to eat the big ones.

    He seems to have some romantic feelings, but they are based on demon standards.

 63 Episode 1 Cuckold and Cuckold

    You see it every once in a while when you''ve been alive for a hundred or two hundred years. Children like him are born with fear, empathy, and other important human qualities forgotten in their mother''s womb. It''s a kind of disease, a disorder. They may look like normal human beings, but in the sense that they are born without something important, they are just like people who are born without limbs. However, ...... I don''t know why, but people like that commit unimaginably crazy crimes, but also become great heroes and merchants. And for some reason, people like them. That''s why they''re so scary.

    About Emperor Hercule

    -Millenia Peter.

    Hmm, Lunalee, you don''t make a very good cup of tea, do you?

    It''s my first time at .......

    Well, I''m not complaining as long as you improve.

    Hercule sips his tea elegantly and bites into a scone.

    It''s tea time.

    By the way, ......

    Hercule prefers black tea to green tea.

    "But ......

    Hercule stares at Lunalie, licking her from toe to head.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the following article.

    Don''t hide it. Put the tray on the table and fold your hands behind your back.

    "...... Yes.

    Hearing Hercule''s order, Lunalie reluctantly folded her hands behind her back.

    Lunalie blushed.

    At the moment, Lunalie is wearing a maid''s uniform designed by Titus.

    It was designed to emphasize her breasts and show her cleavage so that it would suit Lunalie who has large breasts.

    To match Lunalie''s blue hair and purple eyes, the fabric is based on white, but blue and purple dyes are used in various places.

    The skirt was raised to the limit, so much so that one could see her pants peeking out of the skirt just by walking a little.

    Hercule grinned and tried to eat a scone. ......

    He realizes that he has eaten all the scones.

    There''s still some tea left.

    What should I do now? ......

    Hercule smiles a sickening smile at the thought.

    Something cold runs down Lunalie''s spine.

    "Lift up your skirt.

    What?

    I said, lift your skirt. Don''t you understand?

    Lunalie''s face turned red.

    Her face contorted in anger and humiliation.

    "I can put up with being dressed as a ...... servant girl. But no more .......

    Lunalie is a princess of the kingdom of Hayastan.

    She is a princess, albeit a small one.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    Lunalie protests implicitly.

    But that won''t work on a tyrant.

    I don''t like the kingdom of Khayastan at all.

    "Kuh~!

    Lunalie''s face turns red, she shakes and slowly lifts her skirt.

    The garter belt and blue underwear are revealed.

    Sweat trickled down her thighs.

    "Silk, blue. And it''s transparent. You''re wearing something very erotic, aren''t you?

    This is you!

    Well, I don''t know what you''re talking about. ......

    When Lunalie came to Lemuria, she brought her own underwear with her.

    However, when she woke up in the morning and opened her closet to put it on, she found that ...... the entire contents of her underwear had been replaced.

    No one but Hercule would do such a thing.

    I said, "Can we go to ...... now?

    No.

    Then, Hercule grabbed a quill that was nearby.

    Then, using the quill''s feathers.

    If you are interested in reading it, please contact us. If you really want to read it, please write in the comments section. I may submit it to Nocturne Novels if I feel like it.

    And that was when Hercule was about to move his wings.

    The door is slammed by someone.

    Hercule stops his wings.

    "Who is it?

    It''s Todrice!¡¡I need to speak to you immediately!

    I''m busy tormenting Lunalie to vent my resentment over being set up, what could be more important?

    What''s more important?¡¡...... about the Kingdom of Hayastan. Yes, at least in the current situation, it''s a more serious matter than your Majesty''s play with Lunalie-sama(...)

    Hercule sighed.

    Then he ordered Lunalie.

    "Take off that maid''s uniform and put it back on.

    All right.

    Lunalie hurriedly started to change her clothes.

    She was embarrassed to be seen by Hercule, but it was probably too late now.

    By the way, Lunalee...

    What?

    "You look disappointed. ...... What''s wrong?

    Hercule grinned and asked, while Lunalie''s face turned red like a boiled octopus.

    No!

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own web site.

    We have received reports of an armed uprising of pro-Fahrus nobles in the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot more than one of these, you''ll be able to get a lot more.

    ......, but word got out to the rebels that the great general Hercule was coming to crush them with a large army.

    But when word got out to the rebels that the great general Hercule was coming to crush them, a third of the mercenaries hired by the rebels fled like a spider.

    Another third turned tail and fled when they came face to face with the Lemurian army.

    Hercule tried to surround and annihilate the remaining third, but they surrendered when he wrapped both wings with cavalry. ......

    As a result, the war ended with almost no deaths for the Lemurian army or the rebels.

    As a result, the war ended with almost no deaths of the Lemurian army or the rebels. As Hercule had come with the intention of killing everyone, he felt incomplete.

    Currently, he was disarming and tying up the soldiers who had surrendered, and capturing the rebel ringleaders who had escaped.

    The ...... punishment will be moderate .......

    "Do you think you can do it?

    "......

    Hercule cut off Renalier''s plea.

    Some things are forgivable, some things are unforgivable.

    This is unforgivable.

    We can''t let this be a blot on our rule. The pro-Faullus faction will be thoroughly purged.

    "...... Yes.

    Lunalie sighed.

    It''s the Kingdom of Khayastan that matters to Lunalie, not the nobles of Khayastan.

    If I could help, I would, but ......

    If you can''t, you''ll have to give up.

    I couldn''t read the situation in the first place, and I didn''t feel like forcing myself to help someone who was dragging me down.

    But to start a rebellion at this time? I''m sure you can understand that this is the only chance for me and Lunalee to get married. ......

    If Hercule and Lunalie get married, the Kingdom of Hayastan will inevitably become a province of Lemuria.

    But if they are still in the betrothal stage, it might not be too late.

    "Your Majesty, the ringleader of the rebellion has been captured.

    "Well, well done.

    Hearing Oskar''s report, Hercule nodded loudly.

    Then he shook Lunalie''s hand.

    I''ll have to ask him about his motives first.

    "Yeah. ......

    Three men were brought in front of Hercule with their hands tied behind their backs.

    One was a young Elf, another was a middle-aged Human, and the third was an old Elf.

    Hercule, who had no idea about the nobles of Hayastan, asked Lunalie.

    What kind of people are these people?

    "One of the five most powerful nobles in the Kingdom of Hayastan. Their name is .......

    "No, I don''t care about their names.

    There''s no point in asking the names of the people we''re going to kill.

    Hercule thought about it and asked the three of them.

    "Hey, I''m just asking about motive. Tell me.

    Then the three of them said in unison.

    "''To save the Princess Lunalie!

    "Yes, Lunalie, you''re very popular.

    "...... I didn''t ask you to help me.

    Lunalie has a complicated expression on her face.

    I''ll take your sentiment, but ...... it doesn''t make me happy, in fact it annoys me.

    It''s written on her face.

    But the three of them didn''t seem to mind that much.

    The young elf shouted.

    We won''t let Master Lunalie go to a cruel man like you!¡¡We will protect her!

    I didn''t ask you to protect her. ......

    I didn''t ask you to protect her.

    Lunalie and Hercule couldn''t help but let out a sigh of relief.

    The young elf glared at Hercule and shouted.

    The young elf glared at Hercule and shouted, "You are holding the kingdom of Hayastan hostage and threatening Master Lunalie!¡¡And you''re torturing and humiliating Master Lunalie. ...... I won''t be fooled!¡¡Master Lunalie!¡¡I''m here to help you!

    "......

    The two of them looked at each other involuntarily.

    The two of them looked at each other. ......

    (Well, it''s not wrong, but it''s not right either. ......)

    This is how I feel.

    It is true that Hercule is using the Kingdom of Hayastan as an excuse to threaten, abuse and humiliate Lunalie: ......

    It is true that Hercule threatens to use the Kingdom of Hayastan as an excuse to abuse and humiliate Lunalie.

    But that''s a half-joke.

    This man Hercule is a practical politician.

    Whether Lunalie shows her shorts or not, it doesn''t change the treatment of Hayastan.

    And Lunalie is well aware of this.

    The selfish Hercule and the self-sacrificing Renalier have different personalities. ......

    However, they are both rationalists and realists.

    In a way, they were a good match, and even though they had only known each other for a short time, they knew each other well.

    ...... This is the point where Carolina is very jealous of Lunalie, but we''ll talk about that later.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    How do you know I''m threatening Lunalie?" "In the first place, she''s not the kind of woman who would crawl into the night with a man she just met!¡¡You''re the one who humiliated her!¡¡I know what I''m talking about!

    (Why am I being treated like a perpetrator when I''m the victim?¡¡I feel sorry for you.

    (Assuming that''s true, what about saying it in front of a heartbroken woman: ......)

    Hercule and Lunalie looked at each other.

    What the hell is he talking about?

    They both agreed on one thing.

    You think you know Lunalie better than she knows herself?¡¡More than me, her fianc¨¦?

    Hercule asks, ......

    "Of course!¡¡I''m Lunalie-sama''s childhood friend!

    Hercule''s eyebrows shot up.

    The corner of his mouth naturally lifts up slowly.

    It''s going to be interesting.

    "Hey, Lunalee. Are you his childhood friend?

    "...... Well, sort of. I didn''t really get along with him.

    I don''t know what to say.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction. ......

    That''s all there is to it?

    "That''s it?

    Did you two make a pact a long time ago?

    That''s not true. We''ve never touched. ...... We''ve only held hands.

    We''ve never hugged or kissed.

    I''d like you to know that you''re the first one to do all of this.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it at .......

    Lunarie can''t understand and tilts her head.

    "Is there anything else?

    ...... Well, he was a candidate for the throne. ......?

    Then Hercule grinned happily.

    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.

    There was no doubt that he was thinking about the wrong thing.

    Then Hercule turns to the young elf and asks.

    "Did ...... you like Princess Lunalie?

    "No!¡¡It''s not like that!¡¡I''m only loyal to .......

    The young elf''s face turned red as he answered.

    The answer was easy to see from his face and reaction.

    This guy liked Lunalee.

    Hercule looked radiant and very kind.

    Then he said to the young elf.

    I know exactly how you feel. I see, a rebellion to save a loved one from a tyrant. ...... Yeah, that''s a good story. Don''t worry, I''m certainly not a good person, but I ...... understand how you feel. So before you ...... die, I have a gift for you.

    And Hercule has one word of command.

    "Take a good look, will you?

    Then Hercule turned to Lunalie and said ......

    "What?¡¡What?¡¡No!¡¡Oh, no, no, no, no, no!

    He took Lunalie''s lips forcibly.

    She put her hands behind her back, hugged her, grabbed her lapis lazuli hair, restrained her and forcefully violated Lunalie''s lips.

    She invaded her mouth with her tongue, thoroughly attacking Lunalie''s sensitive and weak points, and at the same time sucking up her tongue with her saliva.

    "Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm ......

    "Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm... ......

    At first, Lunalie resisted, but then she gradually weakened her resistance. ......

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    For about three minutes, the two kissed deeply.

    Then Hercule finally parted his lips.

    A bridge of saliva is built between them.

    Lunalie''s eyes flutter, and she puts all her weight on Hercule.

    Her whole body is weak, deflated, and her eyes are unfocused.

    She turns her face to the young Elf with a little force.

    Then Hercule lightly bites Lunalie''s ear and ......

    "Hmm, the ear is ...... no .......

    So what about here?

    The neck is ...... lame, so ......

    Hercule tortured and humiliated Lunalie''s body to show off to the young elf, then ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m sorry, but Luna''s first kiss, her virginity, and everything from her hair to her toes is mine. Don''t worry, I''ll make her happy instead of you. So don''t worry, you can die and bet on ...... the next life.

    Then Hercule ordered his soldiers to take the stunned-looking young elf away.

 64 Episode 2 Likes and Dislikes

    Oh, come on, don''t be so mad. See?¡¡Luna.

    ...... I can''t believe it. I can''t believe you just kissed me like that.

    You seemed pretty happy about it in the second half, didn''t you?

    I just got caught up in the ...... atmosphere.

    Hercule and Lunalie were riding their horses towards Erstadt, the capital of Hayastan.

    They were accompanied by a corps of infantry, three battalions of cavalry, three battalions of archers, and some captured prisoners.

    Normally, a man in Hercule''s position should be riding in a carriage. ......

    Hercule said, "This is a battlefield. He refused and chose to ride a horse, saying, "This is a battlefield, and I can''t bear to ride in a carriage while the soldiers are walking.

    Lunalie also chose to ride alongside Hercule.

    ...... What is a Luna?

    It''s a nickname.

    ...... I don''t remember giving you permission to call me that.

    Oh, my God. I''m the emperor, what do you need my permission for?

    The man in front of me stopped.

    The man in front of me would not stop even if I asked him to stop, in fact, the more I asked him to stop, the more he would stop.

    The man in front of her would not stop even if she asked him to stop.

    "By the way, did Luna have any particular feelings about that young elf guy?

    "I liked him, I loved him.

    I liked him, I loved him," Lunalie said with a blank expression, and then ......

    Do I need to say that?

    No, not that I''m saying that, but... Well, well, don''t be so picky. It''s just a personal interest of mine.

    Lunalie responded to Hercule''s answer with a sigh and then ......

    It''s not just a childhood friend ......, it''s someone you knew when you were little. There are plenty of people like that in the kingdom of Hayastan. I don''t have any particular thoughts on the matter.

    "I see, so you''re okay with dying?

    ...... I don''t like people who act to the detriment of the Kingdom of Khayastan. If they don''t think about it, so be it.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    Everything is for the good of the whole kingdom of Hayastan.

    Lunalie''s thoughts were consistent throughout.

    What Lunalie loves is the Kingdom of Khayastan and its people as a whole.

    In other words, she has no particular love for the people of Hayastan, one by one.

    If one Hayastanian''s life could save 10,000 Hayastans, Lunalie would gladly kill that one Hayastanian.

    In other words, the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

    In other words, the greatest happiness of the greatest number.

    In other words, the greatest happiness of the greatest number.

    In this sense, Hercule and Lunalie are very similar in their thinking.

    They are both rationalists and realists.

    If I were to raise the difference, it would be ......

    The difference is that Hercule is basically disposable to himself and those close to him, and his first priority is the happiness of himself and those around him.

    Lunalie, on the other hand, would put the interests, safety, and happiness of the entire kingdom of Hayastan first, even at the expense of herself.

    "By the way, is there a man of your choice, Lunar?

    "Someone who can benefit the kingdom of Hayastan. Someone who will protect the kingdom of Khayastan.

    So, what''s your least favorite type?

    Someone who would be a detriment to the Kingdom of Hayastan. Someone who not only doesn''t protect the Kingdom of Khayastan, but also puts it in danger.

    I didn''t really want to ask that, but ......

    He scratched his head and then asked again.

    So, what about me?

    "As long as you protect me, I love you. I love you.

    Are you willing to fall in love with the individual, Hercule, and not the Emperor of Lemuria?

    "...... No.

    Hercule cowered, not saying a word.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I think it''s a good idea.

    It''s no fun to fall in love with someone right from the start.

    That was Hercule''s idea.

    In addition, it is worth mentioning now that Hercule liked Lunalie as a woman.

    The encounter was not a good one, but Hercule was not the type to hold grudges. (Except for tormenting her with it.)

    I like the way he looks and the way he thinks. I also liked him for his high patriotism.

    More than anything, Hercule liked him because he was a bit rebellious.

    Specifically, he never used honorifics, even if he had to.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I have something to report!

    "I don''t care if you dismount. Just say it.

    What!¡¡I have a report from the scouting party!¡¡The river bridge in front of us is damaged and we can''t get across!

    ...... I see. What''s the water level in the river?

    "According to the report from the reconnaissance unit, .......

    Hearing the report from the reconnaissance unit, Hercule sighed.

    I don''t think I can make it across.

    We''re going to have to go around.

    ...... But there was one thing that bothered Hercule.

    ...... It is true that it rained in the Kingdom of Khayastan three days ago. But it wasn''t that heavy of a downpour. ...... Is it that easy to get washed away?

    Or is he harassing the Lemurian army? ......

    I''m not sure what''s so funny.¡¡If it rains, the bridge will flow.

    No, I don''t think they''re usually damaged that easily. ......

    And then, a little curious, Hercule asks Lunalie.

    Do you think the levees will break too?¡¡How much did they break last year?

    "Um, .......

    Hearing Lunalie''s answer, Hercule covers his face with his hand.

    I see. ...... I understand. I''m sure you''ll understand.

    The Kingdom of Fars is a feudal state.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan, which was a vassal state of the Kingdom of Fars, also adopted a feudal system in line with the Kingdom of Fars.

    However, there are various types of feudalism.

    Even in Europe and China, the same feudal system is completely different, and the internal situation differs greatly depending on the country and era.

    It is a bit aggressive to summarize them all as "feudalism".

    Therefore, Hercule divided feudal states into two broad categories.

    These are the Edo shogunate type and the Muromachi shogunate type.

    If there is a leader or king like the Edo Shogunate, who holds most of the country''s territory, controls important lands, holds mines, has the right to issue money, has subjugated even religious powers, and has a much stronger military power than other lords, then ......

    The feudal system will be very strong and stable.

    On the other hand, if the power of the leader or the king is less than that of other lords, such as the Muromachi Shogunate, ......

    The feudal system will be very fragile and unstable.

    And the Kingdom of Fars is definitely an Edo Shogunate type of feudal state.

    Therefore, the Kingdom of Phallus is a powerful military power that can overwhelm the centralized state of Lemuria.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is ......

    The Kingdom of Hayastan was undoubtedly a Muromachi shogunate-style feudal state.

    This Muromachi shogunate-type feudal system has various drawbacks.

    For example, the lords may start wars on their own, or they may not be able to unite against foreign enemies. ......

    However, this is not so relevant to the Kingdom of Khayastan, where armament was forbidden. But this is not so relevant for the Kingdom of Khayastan, which was forbidden to bear arms. (Well, it is not so relevant for us, because we have to defend ourselves from now on.

    But what is relevant is ......

    For example, it is about flood control.

    The "rule" of politics is the "rule" of flood control, and the country is the "rule" of the country and the "rule" of water.

    It is no exaggeration to say that the nation was born for the purpose of controlling water.

    It would not be an exaggeration to say that powerful nations were born in the Yellow River basin, the Nile River basin, and Mesopotamia for the purpose of controlling water.

    This is because flood control can only be done if the implementer has a certain amount of power.

    First of all, if you don''t have the financial power, you cannot gather the appropriate labor force.

    It is obvious that a half-hearted attempt at flood control will soon result in the collapse of the river.

    Secondly, we must have the power and leadership to persuade the people concerned.

    This is because the flood control work includes major civil engineering works to change the flow of the river and divert water, which in some cases will have a major impact on the local economy.

    There is no such thing as a method that can satisfy everyone. ......

    At the end of the day, it is up to the state to make a decision.

    Otherwise, effective flood control cannot be carried out.

    In addition to that, weak central power hampers various public works.

    And, well, in a nutshell: ......

    The Al-Shaq family of Hayastan does not have the power to do flood control properly.

    However, it''s not so bad if you don''t have money. If they had the money, I could have gotten behind it and gotten the flood control work done. ......

    After returning to Erstadt, the capital of Hayastan, Hercule read the administrative documents of the Alshak family in the archives of Erstadt Castle and sighed.

    There are too few lands in Hayastan that are controlled by House Alshak.

    There is no such thing as too little.

    But that doesn''t mean we can just leave it there. ...... Lunalee, do you have any data on tax collection?

    Yes.

    At Hercule''s behest, Lunalie immediately brought out the administrative documents.

    It was a detailed document on the taxation system of the Kingdom of Hayastan, and it was very well organized.

    It''s easy to read. Whoever created this document must be very talented.

    "Not really.

    You''re the one who put together ......?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    (...... You might as well let him handle that one.)

    I''ve known Lunarie for a long time, and I know that she has good negotiation and information processing skills.

    Now we just have to figure out how much we can trust him.

    (Well, that''s good for now.)

    Hercule put Lunalie out of his mind and read the documents.

    ...... Looks like we''re going to have to make some serious changes.

    Hercule scratched his head.

    If the Kingdom of Hayastan is to be allowed to defend itself to some extent, a centralized system is more convenient than a feudal system.

    That way, Hercule could control it.

    It is also easier to understand if the tax system is the same as in Lemuria.

    ......, but it''s obvious that it would take a lot of time and effort to do so, and Hercule had his hands full with the internal affairs of the Lemurian Empire, so he didn''t have time for that.

    As for internal reform, we''ll just have to let the pro-Lemurian Hayastans take their time. Well, we''ve already signed a ten-year non-aggression pact with Phallus, and I''m sure they''ll keep it for five years.

    There are very few cases in history where a non-aggression pact has been kept to the end. ......

    However, it will still work in the beginning.

    In the meantime, you can change the state system of the Kingdom of Khayastan and organize a standing army.

    And that''s it. ......

    I''ll lend you some money for now. I''ll lend you some money so you can flood control and repair the bridges. We''ll send engineers from Lemuria.

    "...... Are you sure about this?

    We can''t afford to have the bridge washed away and destroyed by the river every time it rains. In return, I demand that King Hayastan reform quickly.

    You can return the money in about twenty years.

    The money should be returned in 20 years.

    Your Majesty. You''re not like Fahls, who thinks only of squeezing tribute. I love you. I love you.

    Thank you for that.

    And I''d love you even more if you''d say ''I give'' instead of ''I lend''.

    That''s not good.

    Then I hate you.

    Lunalie releases Hercule.

    Hercule cowered silently.

 65 Episode 3 Soybeans

    Soybeans.

    It is the raw material for miso, soy sauce, tofu, natto, etc., and is an indispensable crop for the Japanese diet along with rice.

    Globally, soybeans are used for animal feed and soybean oil.

    It is also known as the "meat of the field" because of the large amount of vegetable protein it contains, making it highly nutritious.

    In addition, it is symbiotic with rhizobium, which enables nitrogen fixation and makes it easy to grow in rough terrain.

    There is nothing to complain about in this crop.

    But it''s not very tasty. It''s a little bitter. ......

    "Well, it''s just roasted. You can''t blame it for not tasting good. But the taste can be changed by the way you cook it.¡¡It''s also useful as livestock food.

    While eating the roasted soybeans, Hercule was explaining about soybeans to Karolina.

    It was during the previous war with the Kingdom of False that Hercule had acquired soybeans.

    He happened to buy them from a merchant from the East who was trading them.

    Judging from the fact that it did not sell well, it is probably not cultivated in the Kingdom of Fars.

    What''s the dish?

    "Well, ...... these seeds are ripe, but if you pick them when they''re green and boil them in salted water, I think they''ll taste pretty good.

    In other words, it is edamame.

    There are other uses, such as miso and soy sauce. ......

    I knew how to make them, but I couldn''t actually make them even if I were asked to, so I didn''t intend to mention them.

    Of course, there is no doubt that having both miso and soy sauce would increase the number of cooking options.

    So I will continue to develop them.

    Basically, most things can be created if you have enough people, money, and time.

    Hercule has all of that, so I''m sure he''ll be able to taste soy sauce and miso someday.

    In addition, he has the basic knowledge, so it is only a matter of time before he completes it.

    Soybeans can grow in rough terrain. This should alleviate some of the Empire''s food problems. ...... But more importantly, I have something to show you.

    What kind of beans this time?

    They''re not beans. It''s better than beans.

    When Hercule clapped his hands, the servant brought out an object.

    A large white cloth and a basket full of what looked like wool.

    What is it?¡¡What is this?

    This cloth is cotton. The cloth is cotton, and this wool-like stuff is cotton.

    ...... Is that a Barometz?¡¡It''s the fruit of a legendary tree that grows sheep, right?¡¡Are they real?

    Karolina leaned forward.

    Hercule chuckled.

    You are half right and half wrong. First of all, there is no such thing as a tree that bears sheep. But there is a plant that bears woolly fruit. This is it.

    It''s not a dream.

    It''s not a dream. ...... That''s what I said.

    In addition, the cotton ......, or cotton flower, was found in the territory of the Kingdom of Fars.

    The major producer of cotton in this world is Sindira, and it seems that cotton was not produced on a very large scale in Phars, but it was still produced ...... in a small way.

    This is why Hercule brought it to Lemuria when he returned from his expedition.

    Since the textile industry is relatively easy and lucrative, Hercule intends to make wool and cotton the mainstay of the nation''s industry.

    It would be perfect if he could somehow introduce silk and even dyestuffs.

    In addition to these textiles, Hercule plans to earn foreign currency from coffee, sugar and bone ash porcelain four-wheelers.

    The only thing is that ...... did not think much about getting involved in any more industries.

    Of course, he would like to grow spices and other crops if he could.

    However, it is obvious that all of my efforts will end up half-heartedly.

    It is better to focus on a specific industry.

    Even if we grow spices, we can''t compete with the home of spices in terms of production and quality.

    But, Your Majesty. I have a personal question. ......

    What is it?

    Fields are finite, right?¡¡If we increase the number of commodity crops, won''t that decrease the supply of food grains?¡¡Didn''t the previous emperor restrict the cultivation of commodity crops many times because he was concerned about this?

    In the Lemurian Empire, commerce is considered lowly, but the cultivation of commodity crops is considered lowly as well.

    This is because they cannot be eaten.

    Only a few rich people can afford the luxury of commodity crops, and the price of grain will skyrocket, making it impossible for the poor to eat. ......

    This is undesirable.

    This is the general idea in this world.

    But Hercule''s idea is different.

    The reason why famine occurs in the first place is not because we are not self-sufficient in grain. Famine occurs not because we are not self-sufficient in grain, but because we depend on the province of Misrule for most of our food. If the weather in the Misrule region is unfavorable, the supply of grains will drop rapidly. ...... We should reduce the amount of grain produced in Misr Province and grow grain elsewhere.

    "But isn''t there any other province more suitable for growing grain than Misr?

    If not, why not just conquer it?

    Hercule grinned.

    The Lemurian Empire straddles three continents and is bordered by three oceans.

    The Lemurian Empire straddles three continents and is bordered by three seas: the Aether Sea in the north, the Album Sea in the west, and the Rubel Sea in the south.

    The Arter Sea and the Album Sea are connected by a strait, and the city on the shore of this strait is the capital of the Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria.

    This place north of the Sea of Artell, ...... the Taurica Peninsula and the surrounding area, is the next target of the expedition.

    Later, Hercule gathered his subjects and held a meeting.

    However, even though it was a meeting, it was half a done deal since Hercule had said he would do it, and all the vassals could do was modify his plan.

    "The Taurica Peninsula? It was our territory, wasn''t it?¡¡It was.

    Yes. We couldn''t maintain it, so we abandoned it.

    Hercule replies to Galfis'' question.

    This expedition was also a part of the war for land restoration that Hercule had once advocated.

    "I see. I''m sure you''re aware of that, but I''m not. Is that right?

    Kristoff understood Hercule''s intentions.

    The major countries along the Aether Sea coast are Lemuria, Hayastan, and Bulgaron, of which Bulgaron does not have a navy or even a proper port.

    The current Lemurian Empire has free access to the ports of Hayastan. ......

    If Lemuria can control the Taurica peninsula, which is the ceiling of the Aether Sea, Lemuria will be able to completely control the Aether Sea.

    Well, that''s one thing, but ...... the most important thing is to trade with the northern countries and open up new breadbasket areas. If we rely only on the ...... Misrule Province for our wheat supply, we won''t be able to cope with famine. We also need someone to sell Lemurian goods to.

    In fact, the northern coast of the Aether Sea has a very fertile soil called chernozem, which is very suitable for growing wheat.

    Hercule wanted to make this a new food supply for the empire.

    And ...... above all, there are northern countries north of the Taurica Peninsula.

    Even today, merchants from the northern countries come to Nova Lemuria in small boats down the river. ......

    The establishment of a large bay city on the Taurica Peninsula would further increase trade.

    Amber, marten and fox furs are the specialties of the northern countries. ......

    These products are in demand not only in the Lemurian Empire, but also in the Northern Kingdoms and the Kingdom of Fars, so we can expect profits from transit trade.

    On the other hand, the northern countries demand spices, sugar, pottery, and other luxury goods from the Lemurian Empire, and we can expect to earn foreign currency by exporting these specialties.

    Thus, economically, conquering the Taurian peninsula would be of great benefit.

    And above all, ......

    At present, there are no serious political opponents in the Taurica Peninsula. At best, there are warbeasts of the fox race. We''ll just have to take them lightly.

    It would be foolish and honest to go to the trouble of invading a place where there are strong enemies (specifically, the Kingdom of Fars and the Western nations).

    The basis of war is bullying the weak.

    The basic principle of war is to bully the weak, to beat up the weak, and to gain profit at low risk.

    This time, we can say that it is indeed low-risk, high-return.

    But ......

    "How do you intend to govern and defend yourself, Your Majesty?

    "We are not planning to conquer the whole world from the start. I''m thinking of bringing a few city-states to their knees, and then settling Tunda soldiers from Lemuria around those city-states. And as much as possible, I''m going to keep the old ruling class and hire them as local bureaucrats. Then we can dispatch a suitable governor and slowly conquer the interior.

    Hercule replied specifically to Lucanos'' question.

    As long as he didn''t force the conquest, Hercule thought, there would be no resistance.

    Being under the security of the Lemurian Empire would be of great benefit to the Taurian Peninsula and the surrounding city-states.

    The mere raising of the Lemurian flag would cause the cowardly barbarians to flee and refrain from attacking the cities.

    "So, Kristoff. Prepare the ships. And take two legions of infantry with you. Five battalions each of cavalry and archers from ...... should be enough. The infantry will be led by me and Darios, the cavalry and archers by Galfis and Edmond. Oscar will be in charge of defending the capital. ...... Let''s go, this is the easiest war I''ve had in a long time!

    "Ha!

    This is the last of it. Well, that''s about it.

    Watching as the Lemurian soldiers charged the open gates, Hercule sipped his tea.

    Now he can breathe a sigh of relief.

    It was easier than I expected.

    "Well, most of the cities welcomed me with open arms.

    Most of the cities welcomed me with open arms," Hercule replies with a shrug to Carolina''s distracted expression.

    A few months into the expedition, Hercule had completed his invasion of the Taurian coast before the summer ended.

    It''s not a bad thing to be placed under the security of the powerful Lemurian empire for the former, and for the latter, it''s easier to do business than before, so there was no particular reason to rebel.

    However, this does not mean that all welcomed Hercule.

    In the Taurican Peninsula, there were several political powers that had gained a certain level of control by receiving support from the northern countries.

    Originally, Taurica was a territory of the Lemurian Empire, and half of the descendants of the former Lemurians were living in Taurica.

    Many of them welcomed the rule of Hercule, as their daily lives had been oppressed by the barbarians who invaded the Taurian Peninsula.

    The other half of the population, mostly warbeasts, were also welcome. ......

    Many of the warbeasts that migrated to the Taurica peninsula were weak tribes that had been defeated in power struggles in the north, or migrated to the peninsula to engage in commerce.

    Many of them were also non-Messianic.

    They did not like being under the control of the Lemurian Empire, and some tribes rebelled against Hercule.

    However, with only 500 mercenaries at most, they had no choice but to fight a siege. ......

    And they could not win in a siege without any reinforcements, and were easily defeated.

    "So, Your Majesty, what are we going to do now?

    "I''m going to build a colonial city somewhere on the Taurian Peninsula and use it as a base of operations. Well, I have a few ideas, let''s go see them later.

    Hercule replied to Lunalie''s question.

    Although he had found some good looking land on the map, he would still need to see it with his own eyes for a final check.

    "...... What is it, Carolina?

    "Your Majesty, I''ve been wondering for the past five months, ...... why there are whores here?

    I have a name, Lunalee. It''s ......

    May!¡¡I''m talking to you right now, Your Majesty!

    I''m talking to His Majesty right now!" Carolina glared at Lunalie, then closed in on Hercule.

    "Why?

    I was wondering if I could ask Luna for some logistics. He''s a good negotiator and a good calculator. In fact, she''s been very useful to me in this war.

    In fact, in a siege, it is not the defenders who run out of food, but the attackers.

    This is because the troops stay in the same place, making it difficult to supply food through local procurement.

    It is necessary to scavenge food from far away.

    This time it was easier because we could go directly from the capital by ship. ......

    What is ...... Luna?

    It''s a nickname.

    Why does a new girl have a nickname when I don''t?

    What?¡¡Do you want one too?

    Then Carolina turned her head away and blushed. ......

    It''s not like that. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.¡¡But there''s another Lina-san. ......

    Hercule thinks back to his half-sister.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    Her nickname was Lina.

    She was in her forties and unmarried, which is quite late for a High Elf.

    However, her appearance was the same as that of a twenty-something, so it was not as if she had fallen behind.

    The marriage of a pure-blooded High Elf from the House of Julianos was quite troublesome, and Linasha herself didn''t seem to want to get married, so she hadn''t decided to get married yet.

    A quiet conversation.

    "Okay, here''s the deal. I''ll give you the right to call me ''Hercule-sama''.

    "Oh, no!¡¡I''m afraid not!

    "...... Then it''s on the bed only. How about that?

    Yes!¡¡Oh, no. ...... But, ...... I understand. I''ll call you ''Master Hercule'' when we''re alone .......

    Carolina blushed and gave a small nod.

    Her anger seemed to have dissipated, for the moment.

    Fortunately, Lunalie''s murmur of "...... simple" did not fall on Carolina''s ears.

    For the time being, the staring contest between the two has stopped. ......

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    Hercule sighed.

 66 Episode 4 Divide et impera

    ''Your Majesty ...... why do you have a whore!

    Pecha Pie ......

    Who''s got peachy breasts?¡¡I''m a C cup!¡¡I don''t have tits.

    I didn''t say anything about anyone.

    You two, don''t start a fight right after you see each other.

    Hercule held his head.

    The night after the last battle on the Taurica Peninsula, Hercule called Karolina and Lunalie to his room.

    Both of them had come expecting to be embraced by Hercule and found themselves in the presence of someone they didn''t like.

    The only thing I want from you two is to get along.

    ...... I don''t want to.

    I can''t.

    They both shook their heads at the same time.

    They seemed to be on the same page in this respect.

    "Okay, okay. Okay, okay. You tell me your side of the story.

    "...... What I find most unforgivable is how your Majesty and that woman became involved in a man-woman relationship. ......

    Hercule looked away involuntarily.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It''s all in the past. It doesn''t matter at this point.

    "Then what is it?

    "She doesn''t like you. She doesn''t love you. That''s why I don''t like her!

    Karolina''s argument is as follows.

    I love Hercule. Of course I want to monopolize him. But Hercule is the Emperor. As emperor, he would have to marry other women and have children.

    He would have to have concubines and half-elves.

    Besides, a man as handsome and heroic as Hercule would naturally be courted by multiple women, and I don''t think I am capable of dominating Hercule.

    So I''ll admit that I''ll have more wives, and I''m willing to get along with them.

    But ......

    I''m sure you can understand why people would put me in the same category as a woman who doesn''t love you at all and only cares about her own country. I may understand being treated in the same category, but I can''t emotionally accept it!

    "But, you know, this is a political marriage. ......

    "A wife should be subservient to her husband and should think of him first. I would take a sword and cut off my father''s head if he - hypothetically - rebelled. But if it''s between the Kingdom of Khayastan and His Majesty, this woman will definitely choose the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Carolina pointed at Lunalie and appealed to Hercule.

    "Yes, I know it''s a political marriage. Yes, I know it''s a political marriage, and it''s only natural that you want to benefit Hayastan. However, your first priority should be the Emperor and the Lemurian Empire. I know it''s rude, but let me advise you. This woman should be tamed. This woman is a whore who would betray the Emperor in a heartbeat for the sake of Hayastan, open her legs to a man she just met that day, and lick the soles of his shoes! I don''t trust her!

    I can''t trust her!

    Hercule thought that Karolina was rebelling because she hated Lunalie''s tits, but ...... Karolina had her own reasonable point of view.

    I''m sure that Hercule has a point, and Carolina''s argument was not wrong.

    But, Karolina. I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it." "...... That''s, well, ...... that''s true, but ...... it''s still dangerous!

    Apparently, Karolina is not that antagonistic to the "Lunalee individuals".

    It seems that Carolina does not have that much antipathy towards the Lunarian individual, but rather appreciates her patriotism and love for her country.

    In this case, there is still a way to reconcile them.

    Hercule patted his chest and then asked Lunalie.

    "Why are you repulsed by Carolina?

    "...... I''m not repulsed. I''m not repulsed. It''s just that your petticoat is poking me. ......

    "I think someone as wise as you would know that your ''pechapai'' provocation is not in the national interest.

    When Hercule pointed this out, Lunalie frowned.

    It was because he had hit the nail on the head.

    She should be friendly not only to Hercule but also to Carolina.

    I''m ...... that .......

    Lunalie paused for a moment, her eyes darting from side to side before she said, "I ......

    "I couldn''t afford it, maybe.

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.

    Hercule somehow understood what Lunalie was trying to say.

    In short, she was mentally trapped.

    In other words, she was mentally trapped.

    Lunalie was only eighteen years old, only one year older than Hercule and Carolina, who were seventeen.

    Eighteen years old is about the age of a senior in high school or a freshman in college in Japan (although she may be a ronin or working), and is barely old enough to be given the right to vote.

    No matter how mature you are, ......

    The people around you are all people who don''t like you.

    Unfamiliar climate and climate.

    Unfamiliar food manners, representing knives and forks, with food of completely different flavors.

    And the pressure of having the fate of the Kingdom of Khayastan resting on his shoulders.

    On top of that, the fianc¨¦ of the man you slept with will call you a whore and a whore .......

    Well, it''s natural to be mentally exhausted.

    When mentally exhausted, there are two types of people.

    One is weak and the other is aggressive.

    Lunalie was the latter.

    Hercule gently embraced Lunalie.

    I''m sorry. I should have been more careful.

    I''m sorry, I should have taken care of you." "I don''t need you to worry about me, .......

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a number of things you can do.

    Hercule whispered softly back into Lunalie''s long ears.

    "Please forgive Carolina. She can''t afford you because you''re beautiful and have big tits. You''re more mature than Karolina and you know it.¡¡You''re more mature than Carolina and you know it. Don''t worry so much about what Carolina says, just be nice to her.

    "...... Okay.

    I''m not sure if it''s because I''ve regained my mental composure or because it feels good to be told that I''m more mature than Karolina, but Lunalie gave a small nod.

    Then Hercule pulled away from Lunalie and ......

    "Well, well, Carolina. Don''t look so puffy. I''ll give you a big hug too.

    I didn''t ask you to do anything!

    I didn''t ask you to do that!" But it seemed that she wanted to, and she easily fell into Hercule''s arms.

    Hercule gently patted Carolina''s head and whispered into her twitching ear.

    Be a little more gentle with her. You know what I mean?¡¡Lunalie is a sensitive girl. She can get hurt. She''s not as bad as you think. It''s Karolina I love most. The Karolina I love the most is the one who could be kind to anyone.

    ...... That''s not fair, the way you say it.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.

    As soon as she was away from Karolina, Hercule clapped his hands and said: ......

    "Come on, let''s make up. Shake hands and apologize.

    At Hercule''s urging, Lunalie and Karolina shook hands.

    But ...... they begin a mysterious mind game to see who will apologize first.

    "...... you first.

    "No, you go first.

    "...... you should go first.

    You''re a big man, .......

    That''s my line.

    "Whore ......

    "Pecha Pie ......

    The mood turns sour again.

    Hercule sighs and ......

    "Crap!

    Hmmm. ......

    He squeezes the breasts of Carolina and Lunalie.

    They both shouted in unison.

    You''re the first one to apologize. You apologize first.

    "...... I understand.

    Hercule ordered, Carolina looked at Lunalie awkwardly and ......

    ...... I was out of line. I''m sorry. I also have no intention of antagonizing you ...... unless you betray His Majesty. Besides, I sympathize with your ...... feelings for your country and appreciate them highly. Let''s get along.

    "...... Okay.

    Lunalee gave a small nod.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.

    ...... was not mature. It is only natural for you to swear at me, considering the ...... circumstances. I''m sorry too. It is true that I care about the national interests of the Kingdom of Khayastan, but I will not betray ...... you. If I do that, no one will trust me. We''re in this together. Therefore, ...... you and I should be able to get along. ...... Let''s get along.

    The air around them softened slightly.

    Hercule nodded his head in satisfaction.

    The two of them hadn''t completely come to terms with each other yet, but they seemed to have stopped bickering for the time being.

    Well, as far as Hercule was concerned, it was not good for them to be too friendly.

    Divide and rule.

    Republican Rome divided the conquered cities into colonial cities, autonomous cities, and allied cities to prevent them from uniting and governed them successfully.

    The British Empire pitted the Muslims and Hindus of India against each other and successfully brought the vast Indian subcontinent under its control.

    We should learn from this successful precedent.

    Hercule had also planned to challenge Carolina and Lunalie by dividing the country.

    He would not compromise his dominance.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''ve been wanting to do ...... something for a while now, but I was wondering if you could do me a favor?

    What is it?

    "What?

    Hercule held Karolina and Lunalie by the shoulders and said.

    You see, I wanted to try this ...... thing with you two together.

 67 Episode 5 New Tax Reform Very Natural Introduction

    It was just as autumn was beginning to deepen.

    "Hmm, not enough money.

    "Huh, ...... not enough money, huh?

    While eating lunch with Karolina and Lunalie, Hercule muttered to himself.

    Karolina nodded her head to Hercule''s muttering.

    "You stopped the huge tribute payment to Fahls, right?

    "Well, yeah.

    We got a lot of compensation, didn''t we?

    Well, we got a lot of money, yes.

    Coffee and ash porcelain are selling well.

    They are selling well.

    And the tax revenue hasn''t gone down.

    Well, yeah.

    In fact, the income should have increased.

    There''s no such thing as a shortage of money.

    Why don''t you have enough money?

    That''s what I''m talking about. ......

    As Hercule was about to answer, Lunalie, who was struggling with her food with an unfamiliar knife and fork, muttered.

    "Increased spending?

    "Well, I suppose so.

    Hercule nodded broadly.

    "...... His Majesty''s Arc de Triomphe?

    It was built with reparations. I have nothing to do with it.

    And the construction of the colonial city on the Taurian Peninsula?

    That was reparations, too.

    A massive flood control project started in the province of Misrule. ......

    That''s also reparations.

    Hercule used the reparations he received from the Kingdom of Fars mainly for public works.

    The money he lent to the Kingdom of Hayastan also came from reparations.

    He also invested in the development of the textile industry, the expansion of new farmland, and the development of mines. ......

    The reparations money was used to invest in the development of various industries.

    The reparation money is just a temporary windfall. ......

    It is not suitable for projects that require a large amount of maintenance costs every year.

    On the other hand, it is suitable for projects that require a large amount of money at once.

    That is why Hercule used the reparations money for the above projects.

    What else did you use the money for?

    What else did you spend it on?¡¡We also expanded the size of the new bureaucracy. ...... The expenses were much larger than expected. We can''t squeeze any more money out of the military budget.

    I understand that you''ve increased the number of ...... officials, but what do you mean by pensions and orphanages?

    That''s what I meant.

    This time, Hercule has unusually dabbled in social welfare.

    A survivor''s pension is a system that pays pensions to wives who lost their husbands and children who lost their fathers in the war.

    Until now, large sums of money have been paid to the bereaved families at once in the form of compensation. ......

    In this way, the money was quickly used up and many people became destitute.

    In addition, the number of family members was not taken into account at all, and the amount was the same for all, which was unequal.

    And in some cases, the money was not paid due to financial difficulties.

    Therefore, Hercule decided to change the system and to pay a fixed amount per year according to the number of dependents of the deceased.

    Also see ......

    A system was also introduced to pay a fixed amount of pension to wounded soldiers and their families (depending on the degree of injury).

    Together, these two systems were known as the Soldiers'' Pension System.

    There are several reasons why Hercule introduced this system.

    One practical reason is to prevent the deterioration of public safety.

    It was intended to prevent the surviving family members from committing crimes for a living, or from being robbed for the large amount of compensation paid at once.

    In addition, soldiers would not be afraid to fight to the death if the government would compensate them for the lives of their families left behind. In fact, they would fight desperately for their families.

    This is also a morale booster.

    The official reason is to reward the soldiers for their humanity.

    Well, there''s no reason to explain this. It means what it says.

    And finally, Hercule''s personal and emotional reason is ......

    He could not stand the situation where the families of the soldiers who risked their lives to fight with him were impoverished - their wives were prostitutes, their children were thieves, and in some cases they were sold into slavery.

    The man Hercule is only human, and he is subject to favoritism.

    For him, the most adorable people (excluding those close to him, such as Karolina) are the soldiers who faithfully follow his orders, fight and die, and their families.

    It is only natural for them to treat such cute and lovely soldiers and their families well.

    Incidentally, the next cutest thing are the bureaucrats who work with you.

    Hercule, who runs the bureaucracy, knows better than anyone else that in order to rule the vast nation of the Lemurian Empire, the bureaucrats must work hard and be loyal.

    It is natural for a monarch to want to reward loyalty.

    Bureaucrats and civil servants, especially tax collectors, are easily disliked, but the psychology of Hercule is that when he sees a bureaucrat who is disliked by the people, he wants to love him more and more.

    In contrast, what Hercule hates the most are the citizens of Nova Lemuria, who don''t pay much in taxes, but are still very annoying.

    The orphanage is located at ......

    Well, I guess I don''t need to explain.

    It is also for humanitarian reasons, but really for security reasons.

    However, ...... Hercule''s personal philosophy is that human beings do not have to be equal, but they should be as fair as possible, and they should be given equal opportunities.

    I don''t believe that all children should be given equal education. ......

    But at the very least, they should be nurtured enough not to become criminals.

    The expansion of the bureaucracy will be discussed later.

    As for the orphanages, we were happy to support the churches and monasteries, but ...... the pensions were surprisingly costly.

    That''s ...... true, I suppose.

    It costs a certain amount of money to feed one person for a year.

    It is only natural that thousands or tens of thousands of ...... people would require a huge amount of money.

    So, when you say ...... military expansion, do you mean adding new infantry?

    No, this time it''s cavalry. We''ve got enough infantry.

    In the battle against the Kingdom of Foulds, Hercule realized that his cavalry force was insufficient.

    If he was not careful, he might have even been able to decide the art of war.

    The total number of cavalry in the Kingdom of Fars is said to be around 80,000. ......

    It was Hercule''s goal to have at least 40,000 .......

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information here.

    The total population of the elves, including pure-blooded high elves and half-blooded elves, is about 2 million.

    In addition to warfare, the elves'' spiritual arts are used in a variety of other industries. ......

    The Lemurian Empire''s agriculture, mining, forestry, fisheries, and other economic activities will be adversely affected if too many people are mobilized for war.

    In addition, ...... the total population of the Lemurian Empire is 20 million, so the Long Ears (Elves) are only 10% of the total population.

    Since the infertile Elves are less likely to have children, and their population recovery rate is slower, an increase in the number of deaths in a war could shake the nation itself.

    Incidentally, this is not really relevant here, but until recently, the population of the Lemurian Empire was around 12 million.

    The population of the Lemurian Empire has increased by 8 million in the past few years.

    What does this mean?

    Well, it''s simple.

    Eight million newborns were born.

    The ...... is a joke, of course.

    When Hercule abolished the per capita tax, people who said they did not exist at the time of the population census a few years ago started to say they did exist at the time of the population census after the abolition.

    Hercule didn''t know whether to lament the fact that the percentage of the total population of the Long-Eared (Elves) had decreased, or to be happy that the total population had increased.

    I''ll leave it at that.

    "I don''t think mobilizing a few more tens of thousands will have much of an impact.

    Cavalry takes a long time to train, and the maintenance cost is enormous.

    However, their mobility and breakthrough ability cannot be replaced by other armies.

    Therefore, the Lemurian Empire trained its most reliable cavalrymen, the elves, and sent them into battle.

    Since the founding of the Empire, it has always been the Elves who are the main force in war.

    To some extent, Hercule has followed this principle.

    Hercule intends to follow this principle to some extent, but ......

    I thought it was necessary to change it in some cases.

    Do you need more heavy cavalry?

    No, it''s the medium cavalry (cataphracts). The destructive power of the heavy cavalry (cribanarius) is certainly impressive, but ...... its mobility is inferior. For flexible military operations, you need medium cavalry (cataphracts).

    Heavy cavalry (cribanarius) and medium cavalry (cataphract).

    Both are a type of heavy cavalry, but there are subtle differences.

    The heavy cavalryman (clibanarius) wears iron armor on his horse.

    On the other hand, the horse of the medium cavalryman (cataphract) wears no armor.

    In other words, the heavy cavalryman is heavier, more destructive, and therefore slower.

    That''s why.

    "How much does ...... cavalry cost to maintain?

    Lunalie asks Hercule, not quite following the conversation and feeling left out.

    In the past, the Kingdom of Hayastan had forbidden armaments for a long time, so Lunalie lacked knowledge in that area.

    "Hmm, yes... I''d say about a Lemurian gold ''pea''.

    Lunalie counted, and then her eyes widened.

    "...... expensive.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not. My heavy cavalryman (Cribanarius) costs about that much.

    Maintaining a horse requires a lot of fodder, so maintenance costs are inevitably high.

    So how many cataphracts do you want?

    One corps first. But the cost is insufficient.

    I see. ...... Well, if you want to compete with the cavalry of the Kingdom of Foulds, you''ll want at least three legions of cavalry.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    It is understandable that the Lemurian Empire would need that many cavalry to ensure its security.

    Lunalie, on the other hand, was in a state of mindlessness.

    "Lemurian gold ''peas'', Fals silver ''bacun'' ......

    That''s an amount of money that the Kingdom of Khayastan couldn''t squeeze out even if it stood on its head.

    Lunalie reaffirmed once again that Lemuria and Farus were superpowers.

    "So, Your Majesty. I''m sure you''ve already thought of a way to deal with this.

    "Oh, you know exactly what I mean.

    Well, we''ve known each other a long time.

    When Hercule expressed his worries with a sigh, he said: ......

    It''s a great way to show that you already have a solution and that you''ve come up with a way to get out of a difficult situation.

    "So, what''s the solution?

    "A second round of tax reform and ......, and I''m thinking of hiring an expert.

    Hercule grinned.

 68 Episode 6 New Fiscal Reforms A Famous Merchant

    Hercule is a human being.

    It is true that Hercule has various ideas and knowledge that are not found in this world, and because he is not bound by the fixed concepts of this world, he can think flexibly. ...... However, he is only human, and his knowledge is limited.

    It is true that Hercule may be smarter than humans, but he is still a human being, and there are limits to what he can do, and he can make mistakes.

    It is true that Hercule is an "agent of God" on earth, but this is only a setting, and in reality he is neither an agent nor a child of man.

    Therefore, Hercule''s abilities are limited.

    In the past, the Lemurian Empire placed a great deal of emphasis on agriculture.

    Or rather, in this world.

    In this world, commerce and industry are still considered lowly.

    However, Hercule believed that there was a way to make a living in commerce and industry.

    Therefore, he monopolized coffee and bone ash porcelain, encouraged the cultivation of commodity crops such as sugar and cotton, and formed guilds of merchants to collect taxes from them in order to stabilize his finances.

    However, Hercule was neither a merchant nor an economist.

    There are limits to his abilities.

    And the bureaucrats of Lemuria, while competent, were not very bright in economics.

    So ......

    Hercule decided to hire an expert.

    "Let me start by saying thank you. Thank you, Mr. Shylock and Mr. Antonio, for accepting my offer to be Minister of Finance, Commerce and Trade.

    "No, Your Majesty. I''m honored to be asked to serve in such a prestigious capacity.

    I will certainly do my best to live up to your expectations.

    I was summoned to the audience room by two human men.

    One of them had dark hair and a slim figure. The other was a middle-aged man with a stern face, dark eyes, and a nose as sharp as an eagle''s beak.

    This man''s name is Shylock.

    He is a six-star man whom Hercule approached to become the Minister of Finance, and he is a merchant who mainly works in finance.

    The other man has brown hair and is of medium height. A young man with a gentle face and light brown eyes.

    This man''s name is Antonio.

    He is a Messianic man whom Hercule approached to be the Minister of Commerce and Trade, and is a merchant who is mainly engaged in trading.

    Hercule met these two men about five years ago ......, that is, when Hercule was twelve years old and had started his financial reform.

    After listening to the opinions of the bureaucrats, Hercule began to reform the tax system and monopolize local products, but ...... his policies were not perfect.

    However, his policies were not perfect. These two people pointed this out.

    The fact that a person who is not a nobleman or a bureaucrat can give an opinion to the emperor shows a great deal of courage and shows that he thinks he is right.

    So Hercule took the opinions of the two "experts" and modified the policy.

    The result: ...... was a great success.

    Hercule really wanted to appoint both of them at that time. ......

    But they both had their own problems.

    First, Shylock.

    He was a Six Star.

    The Lemurian Empire was a Messianic nation, and the Six Stars were the enemies of Messianism, who had betrayed and murdered the Messiah, the Son of God.

    There was a lot of opposition to appointing them.

    Then there was Antonio.

    He was a messianist, but not from the ...... Lemurian Empire.

    He was a trader from the western city-state of the Republic of Adleria.

    He himself emigrated to Nova Lemuria long ago and became a citizen of Lemuria. ......

    Since the Republic of Adorlia was an enemy of the Lemurian Empire, vying for control of the Album Sea and the trade zone, there was much opposition to the idea of taking Antonio.

    At the time, Hercule''s political base was not yet stable, so he decided not to appoint him.

    At present, however, there are no political forces in the Lemurian Empire that are hostile to Hercule.

    So we can hire him with impunity.

    Now, let''s get you two to work. I''m going to outline the second round of tax reform. I want you two to work out the details with the bureaucrats.

    Hercule then told them the details of the second round of tax reform.

    The contents of the previous tax reform, or "First Tax Reform", are as follows

    Commercial Tax

    Before the reform: ...... Collected from each merchant.

    After the reform: ...... The tax is collected from each merchant by forming a guild and receiving a payment from the guild.

    Per capita tax.

    Before the reform ......The tax is collected regardless of the amount of property.

    After the reform: ...... Messianic Orthodox and Achaeans were exempted. After the reform: Messianic Orthodox and Alexians are exempted.

    Land Tax.

    Before the reform: ...... "Payment of money" is recommended (...). Inspection Law. Not including per capita tax (low amount).

    After the reform: ...... "Payment by money" is recommended in principle (...). Pay a fixed amount of tax every year. Per capita tax is included (high amount).

    Emancipation Tax.

    Before the reform: ...... No change

    After the reform: ...... unchanged.

    These reforms were carried out with an emphasis on how to secure financial resources easily and simply without incurring labor costs.

    As a result, there are four areas where the reforms are not thorough.

    One is that the burden of the commercial tax per merchant may be extremely heavy for some and extremely light for others, or that the tax may be levied ''equally'' regardless of their income.

    The burden per merchant is decided by the guild and not by the state.

    Therefore, there was a possibility of inequality or excessive equality among merchants.

    Next, the land tax.

    First of all, this method of collecting land tax has a major drawback.

    This is because it does not take into account the value of money, the fluctuation of the price of gold.

    To put it more simply, it does not take into account price changes.

    What does this mean?¡¡Here is a simple explanation: ......

    For example, let''s say the size of the land dictates that you pay a tax of one gold coin.

    But for some reason, the value of money plummets and prices rise. ......

    And finally, the price of goods increases a hundredfold.

    If the price of goods increases a hundredfold, the goods that could be bought with one gold coin now require a hundred gold coins.

    In other words, the tax revenue has effectively been reduced to one hundredth.

    This is not much of a problem for a household purse, but when it comes to a national budget, even a slight rise in prices can lead to a significant drop in tax revenue.

    Also, since the per capita tax is still fixed, there is a possibility that tax revenues will fluctuate as well.

    And ......

    The last problem is that the emancipation tax is still untouched.

    This emancipation tax is an antique that has been around for over a thousand years, and it is incredibly archaic.

    To use an analogy, it is on the level of the Japanese tax system, which still has a tax and tax adjustment system.

    Now, in order to solve these problems and secure stable financial resources, Hercule is planning to carry out the "Second Tax Reform".

    The first is the land tax, which will be set at a fixed rate according to the land income of the year. The problem is tax evasion. ...... That''s why the bureaucracy has been strengthened.

    This is the reason why Hercule increased the number of bureaucrats.

    This is why Hercule increased the number of bureaucrats.

    So he decided to increase the number of bureaucrats to make it impossible for them to evade taxes.

    The labor cost will increase, but it will be a small price to pay in exchange for a stable tax revenue.

    Incidentally, it is very important to note that ......

    Land revenue is the amount of money made from the use of the land, not the crops harvested from the land.

    A per capita tax is also set at a certain rate based on a person''s income. Are we clear so far?

    You have no objections?

    Yes, that''s all right.

    Both Shylock and Antonio were merchants who did not own land, so they had little interest in land taxation.

    Shylock was a six-star man, but he was not so poor as to complain about a little per capita tax.

    "Now, as for land tax and per capita tax, Shylock. You sum it up nicely. You''re a six-star, and you''re good with the ...... nobility, right?

    "Yes, I''ll take care of it. Yes, the nobles are my clients.

    The aristocrats were usually landowners and often debtors.

    There are times when a nobleman needs a large sum of money to act like a nobleman, or to invest in new land or irrigation canals,......, and in such cases, they usually borrow money from moneylenders like Shylock.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of money, you''ll be able to use it as collateral.

    In addition, it is too early to associate debt with poverty.

    As long as you can keep paying back your debts steadily, there is no problem.

    Well, some aristocrats live in extreme poverty, and sometimes their land is really taken away from them. ......

    Most of the time, other nobles will help them out before that happens, and Shylock and the others will cut them some slack.

    The Shylocks can''t manage to get their hands on land.

    Now, on to the commerce tax. So far we have been collecting it from the guilds in return for privileges. ...... From now on, we will collect it from each merchant who belongs to the guild. The guilds will be responsible for tax collection and will be fined jointly and severally for any tax evasion, and in some cases the privileges will be taken away.

    All that remains to be done is to periodically check the sales figures to make sure that no tax evasion is taking place.

    This would solve the inequality in commercial taxation.

    And ...... will be able to collect taxes more effectively than ever before.

    "This is Antonio. It''s all yours.

    "Yes, I''ll see what I can do.

    Antonio has access to all kinds of business and industry.

    He was the perfect person to negotiate and coordinate with the guilds.

    And ...... abolish the emancipation tax and introduce a new tax on the possession of slaves and a tax on the purchase of slaves. Leave the former to Shylock and the latter to Antonio.

    In the first place, slaves are not very desirable in the Messianic view of equality before God.

    Taxes should be taken where it is unlikely that people will complain.

    That is Hercule''s idea.

    Hercule''s goal is to continue to clamp down on slaveholders and eventually abolish slavery and collect taxes directly from former slaves.

    "Now, besides tax reform, there''s something else I want you two to do. I''d like you two to do something besides tax reform, which is the job of the Minister of Finance and Minister of Commerce and Trade. ...... Shylock, I''d like you to sort out the finances, especially the debt. There are too many creditors. ...... It''s getting a little messy. Get it together.

    If there are a hundred creditors and twenty, the latter will be easier and less complicated.

    Shylock will be able to do it better than Hercule.

    Also, please point out any waste from your perspective. Also, please review our investments.

    I''m pretty strict, you know?

    Don''t worry. If I''m too strict, I''ll loosen up.

    The final decision would be left to Hercule.

    I''ll respect Shylock''s judgment, though.

    "Antonio, you are to protect and foster the industries of the Empire. For this reason, I leave the control of the guilds to your discretion to some extent. Let them compete within reasonable limits.

    In this world, the power of commerce and industry is still weak, and if they are allowed to compete on price in the name of freedom, they may fall together. ¡¡On the other hand, too much protection may cause prices to rise and quality to deteriorate.

    What is needed for the development of industry is a balance between freedom and protection.

    At the moment, Hercule is tipping the scales in favor of protection.

    There are other things I want you two to work on, but ...... will have to do for now. I''ll be counting on you.

    "Yes!

    The two of them bowed deeply to Hercule.

    In addition,......, Shylock and Antonio, as you may have guessed from their names, do not get along very well.

    I recruited the two of them at the same time. ......

    The only reason they were recruited at the same time was to pit them against each other and to keep an eye on each other.

    ...... Hercule is not the kind of man who would let infidels and gentiles get involved in state affairs without a plan.

 69 Episode 7 Autumn Leaves

    It''s so beautiful.

    Beautiful. ......

    It''s even more beautiful this year than last.

    When autumn is deepening: ......

    Hercule, Carolina, and Lunalie were visiting a spot of autumn foliage a short distance from Nova Lemuria.

    Red, orange, and yellow: ......

    The beautifully colored leaves were occasionally fluttering in the wind.

    This place has long been a famous tourist spot in the Lemurian Empire, and during this time of year, many noblemen and wealthy commoners usually come here with their lunch boxes to see the autumn leaves.

    Today, however, there were only three of us.

    The emperor was coming, so they had to clear the area.

    This way, they can see the autumn leaves without being disturbed by noises or unscrupulous figures crossing the scenery.

    This is the privilege of a monarch.

    In fact, there are about a hundred people guarding the three of them from afar.

    "What do you think, Luna? It''s a rare sight, isn''t it?

    ...... I like Khayastan better.

    ......

    But I like this one, too.

    That one''s good.

    Even if Lemuria is better, Lunalie would definitely argue that Hayastan is better.

    That''s who Lunalie is.

    Well, if she liked it, then Hercule had nothing to say about it.

    Now, let''s eat. I''ve got the chef making sandwiches.

    The chef at the palace is very good, so you can count on him.

    ...... Come on, come on.

    Erk¨¹hl cowered, hurried by two people who were more picky than the autumn leaves.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    He laid out the rug and opened the basket he had brought with him.

    Inside were a variety of delicious looking sandwiches.

    Sandwiches were developed in the early modern era on Earth. ......

    In this world, it has always existed.

    Underwear such as brassieres and some fashions, which were developed in the modern age on Earth, have existed in this world for a relatively long time.

    In short, the advancement of technology is not necessarily the same as on Earth.

    That is to say.

    "There is one good thing about coming to Lemuria.

    Lunalie says as she eats a shrimp sandwich covered in sauce.

    "The food is good.

    "Well, Lemuria''s court cuisine is probably the best in the ...... world. No doubt about it.

    The Lemurian Empire has territories of various climates from east to west, north to south, and at the crossroads of global trade networks, there is hardly a foodstuff that is not available.

    On top of that, Hercule has spent a great deal of money to develop and improve the taste of the cuisine.

    Without a doubt, the food culture of Lemuria is the most advanced in the world, and the best in the world.

    However, Hercule is not satisfied yet.

    There are still a lot of dishes he wants to try, like Mapo Tofu.

    "Well, Your Majesty''s passion and money for food is unparalleled.

    It would be a shame to let all that power and wealth go to waste.

    But the only things that Hercule spends money on are basically clothes and food.

    It''s a hobby that''s easy on the state budget.

    But how did he manage to prepare so many sandwiches?

    The chef of Nova Lemuria prepared a variety of sandwiches that were both colorful and delicious.

    From the standard ham, cucumber, lettuce, cheese, and eggs, to seafood such as shrimp, fatty steak, light roast beef, avocado, tomato, and other vegetables, salads with dressing, and fruit ......

    The menu was carefully prepared to keep Hercule and his friends happy.

    The order in which the sandwiches were to be eaten was also carefully specified, and the sandwiches prepared for each of the three had a slightly different flavor, perhaps to suit their individual tastes.

    Hercule''s sandwich was relatively low in salt. On the other hand, the fruit sandwiches had more sugar.

    On the other hand, Carolina''s sandwiches are saltier and have more sugar.

    In the case of the Lunary, it is low in salt and low in sugar.

    However, the three of them do not know the difficulties of the cooks. ......

    Carolina, ahh.

    "Ahhh. It''s delicious. Here, have some of mine. Mmm.

    Yeah, it''s good.

    Lunalee!¡¡Why are you eating this and not the king?

    Don''t worry about it. Ahhh.

    The cooks'' attention was wasted as they fed the sandwiches to each other.

    I''m sure the chef would shed tears of blood if he saw them.

    "By the way, Your Majesty?

    What''s the matter, Lunalee?

    Did you develop this mayonnaise?

    Well, yes, but ...... so what?

    It''s delicious.

    Well, that''s good to know. (Come to think of it, this guy always puts mayonnaise on his salad.

    (By the way, he always put mayonnaise on his salad.) It seems that mayonnaise has become a petite boom in Lunalie, although she is not so much a mayor, and Hercule has witnessed her eating it often.

    Carolina also seems to like mayonnaise, and uses it rather often.

    There are other women in the Lemurian Empire, such as Mary, Hercule''s half-sister and mother of Rinasha and Karolina. ......

    It seems to have become a craze among the women of the Lemurian Empire.

    In addition, the creator, Hercule, does not use it much.

    This is because, in fact, Hercule does not like mayonnaise very much.

    He prefers to eat his salad with olive oil dressing.

    Another reason is that it looks like a thing.

    As a man, he likes to expel it, but does not want to ingest it, because it looks like that.

    For the same reason, he is not fond of milk and yogurt, as well as Hercule.

    However, white stew is fine.

    Well, I only gave the ingredients and cooking method to the chef, but he actually made it. You should thank the chef. He''ll probably be happy.

    "Yes, I understand.

    By the way, what Hercule told the chef was, "Beat the egg yolks, salt, pepper, olive oil, ...... and vinegar, right?¡¡Anyway, if you mix it properly, you should be able to make a white "pea" (self-regulation) kind of seasoning. It was a very vague and outlandish thing to say, "Try it.

    The chef who made mayonnaise with this recipe is a true genius.

    No doubt about it.

    The annual income of such a hard-working chef is about 30 million Japanese yen.

    I''m not sure if 30 million is a high or low income for a court chef. ......

    Considering that being in charge of the kitchen of the court is the highest honor for a chef, and is something that all chefs aspire to, the problem is probably not the salary.

    If Hercule were to ask the head chef, "Would you rather take a 90% pay cut or move to a job that pays 40 million a year? the chef would choose the 90% pay cut without hesitation.

    But ...... that''s it, I''m going to have to get married soon.

    What ceremony? ......

    Wedding?

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not. To be honest, Hercule doesn''t need to have a wedding, and even if he does, it should be a modest affair with only his closest friends.

    He is of the opinion that a wedding ceremony is not necessary.

    He does have some interest in the idea of a night out in a wedding dress.

    But that''s just Hercule''s idea.

    If the other party wants to do it, I am willing to have a grand ceremony.

    Hercule is well aware that girls are creatures that long for a wedding.

    Besides, ......

    As a protector of Messianism and an agent of God, Hercule could not possibly have a small wedding.

    This is a political performance.

    The Lemurian Empire is a superpower that can hold a wedding of this magnitude!

    This is a political performance.

    And so, a grand wedding is scheduled to take place. ......

    The problem is the date.

    The problem was the date and time. "I''ve discussed it with Loukanos, and I think that ...... Carolina on December 21 and Lunalie on December 22 would be preferable. What do you think?

    "Well, that sounds reasonable.

    ...... makes sense. I''m not complaining.

    First of all, since Hercule''s real wife is Karolina, it is only natural that Karolina comes first.

    Lunalie has a higher status. ......

    But as a half-elf, Lunalie could not be his wife. It is an unwritten law that the crown of the Emperor of Lemuria will go to a High Elf. That''s the unwritten rule.

    And the meaning of this date is curious: ......

    "Twenty-one days, twenty-two days for the wedding, twenty-three days for my birthday, twenty-four days for the eve, and twenty-five days for the advent. It''s going to be a very pleasant five days.

    The Lemurian Empire, or rather the Messianic Empire, has a custom of celebrating birthdays.

    The birthday of the Lemurian emperor is naturally a day of great celebration for all the people of Lemuria.

    The Lemurian people had already established the custom of celebrating three consecutive Happy Days: the Emperor''s Birthday, the Eve, and the Advent.

    The wedding of Karolina and Lunalie was to be held in conjunction with this.

    It would be more exciting, and it would be easier for the diplomats and the nobles of the country to have everything done at once.

    Some of the decorations could be used as well.

    By the way, it is preferable to spend the eve of the festival and the advent festival with your family, and most of the nobles spend them modestly with their families. ......

    For the common people, it is customary to make a fool of themselves, and in fact, the aristocrats also secretly join the commotion in the castle.

    By the way, is it this year?

    No way, it''s next year. We''re not ready for this year.

    The wedding of the Emperor of Lemuria is a big event, even bigger than the Olympics.

    Naturally, a reasonable amount of preparation time is required.

    "Oh yeah, Luna''s wedding ...... is different from the wedding ...... in Hayastan a month later, but there will be a big wedding celebration to show the nobles and commoners of Hayastan that Luna and I are getting along well. Please keep that in mind.

    "Yes, I understand.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    It''s a rather complicated matter.

    Also, I have a question for ...... Luna. Do you intend to convert?¡¡You don''t have to if you don''t want to.

    "Yes. Wouldn''t that help?

    Yeah.

    Actually, the Kingdom of Hayastan is a Messianic country, but it is also an orthodox part of the Lemurian Empire (the Trinity. Unlike the orthodox Lemurian Empire (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are equal and indivisible), Hayastan is an Arethean nation (the humanity of the Son of God is fused with the divinity at the time of his birth into the world, and he has only one divinity).

    That is why Lunalie is an Arethean Messianist and Hercule is an Orthodox Messianist.

    Hercule effectively recognized the Achaeans in the Achaean Edict ......, but even if Hercule, the protector of the Orthodox Messianic faith and the one who was recognized by the Council of Achaea as the true Orthodox, would not marry an Achaean woman. It is ......

    It''s not a bad idea, and you can probably dismiss the accusations, but it''s not very good.

    Besides, many of the citizens of Nova Lemuria are Orthodox Messianics.

    If you want to stay in Nova Lemuria, it would be better for you to convert to Orthodoxy.

    But is the Kingdom of Khayastan any good?

    "The state religion of Hayastan is Alexian. But there are Orthodox, Eastern, Torah, and many other pagan religions. So we''re good.

    Is that so?¡¡Good.

    The sense of religion differs from country to country.

    For the Lemurian Empire, a multi-ethnic nation that has used Messianism as a pillar of national unity to increase imperial power and authority, heresy and paganism are unacceptable. ......

    The Lemurian Empire is a multi-ethnic nation that uses heresy and paganism as a pillar of national unity.

    The Lemurian Empire is a nation that says, "We speak different languages, have different skin, and are different races, but we''re all Messianic, so we''re friends.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is a country that says, "We have different religious sects, but we speak the same language, and there is a mixture of elves and humans, so we are friends.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out the rest when you get back. ...... I''m going to leave the wedding dress to Titus'' design. If you have any requests, please let her know.

    Titus''s talents have been confirmed by the many maid''s dresses he has worn.

    But the two seemed to have only bitter memories, and frowned.

 70 Episode 8 Near *

    It''s snowing hard.

    Shiro snow is falling from the sky, softly landing on the ground.

    The people on the street are brushing the snow off their shoulders, running along the street, and hurrying home to their families and hot meals.

    Today is the eve of the festival.

    It is the day before Pentecost, the celebration of the birth of the Messiah.

    Wives are in the kitchen early to prepare the feast, while husbands are busy preparing gifts for their families.

    The children help the adults prepare and think about the gifts they will receive from their parents.

    Since the Emperor''s birthday yesterday, Nova Lemuria has been in a festive mood.

    The Emperor of Lemuria is celebrating, and he''s feeling good about it. ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria was in a festive mood as he celebrated the birthday of the Emperor of Nova Lemuria, and today he ordered the distribution of bread to the poor, which he usually complained was putting pressure on his finances, as well as soup with meat.

    Everyone was upbeat and laughing.

    Hence, ......

    No one noticed.

    A skinny girl, dirty as a rag, lying in a dirty alleyway.

    The snow fell silently on her body.

    The girl''s eyes were vacant, as if she didn''t have the strength to shake off the snow, and she was slowly climbing the stairs to death.

    (......Dying, is it?)

    The girl wondered absentmindedly.

    That might be good, she thought.

    For the past year, she had managed to survive by scavenging garbage and sometimes pickpocketing.

    She believed that one day someone would help her, that God would help her.

    Well, indeed, a helping hand was extended to all the vagrants except the girl.

    Thanks to a man named Hercule, a very ungodly piece of human waste, but more vain than most, many children were spared.

    But that hand was not extended to the girl.

    The hand only swept away the girl.

    Because she was a nightmare.

    Nightmare.

    It''s been around ...... since ancient times, before the birth of Messianism, before the founding of the Lemurian Empire.

    It is a race that became extinct long, long ago ...... 10,000 years ago.

    They have high intelligence, amazing physical abilities, immense magical power, and a long lifespan. ......

    It is said that the Nightmare race once conquered the world with their abilities that surpassed all races.

    But they became corrupted by their power. ......

    They were rebelled against by other races, fell from their position, massacred, persecuted, and finally destroyed.

    But their blood has never died out.

    In rare cases, there are those who cause ...... ancestry.

    That was the girl.

    Nightmares have three characteristics.

    One is a devilish tail that grows out of their hips.

    The other is the evil eye in each eye.

    And a black horn sprouts from its head.

    Originally born to human parents, the girl did not have any of these features, but ......

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it here.

    As a result of the birth of the Nightmare, the relationship between the girl''s parents suddenly went cold and they divorced.

    The girl was taken in by her mother, but ......

    The girl, who was the direct cause of the divorce, was never loved by her mother and continued to be abused.

    Eventually, the mother remarried a man with children who had predeceased his wife. ......

    She was kicked out of her home at the age of eleven by her mother, who feared that she would break off the engagement because she had a child of a demon (nightmare).

    "You''re not my daughter!¡¡You''re not my daughter! You can''t have Nightmare blood in your veins. Don''t you ever show that side of yourself to me again!

    I should never have given birth to you. Because of him and you, they''ll think I have Nightmare blood in my veins. Don''t you ever speak to me again!

    The girl''s parents'' words were still stuck in her ears.

    In the past, ......

    Before the girl''s body developed the characteristics of a demon (nightmare), she was well loved by her parents.

    The girl''s birthday coincided with the eve of ......

    The girl''s birthday coincided with the Vigil, and she received gifts, warm meals, and love from her parents on both the Vigil and the Vigil.

    Now, all she can get is cold, hunger and loneliness.

    (......, I''m tired.)

    No matter how long she lives, there is no one who can say a kind word to her.

    When everyone found out that the girl was a Nightmare, they threw stones and curses at her.

    Even the kind-hearted messianic priests, the bureaucrats and soldiers who were protecting the orphans under the orders of the emperor, did not treat the girl as a human being, chased her away and did not help her.

    In the bustle of the city, children could be heard begging for sweets and stuffed animals.

    It''s a happiness that the girl once enjoyed, and now she can''t get it even if she tried.

    (...... birthday, wasn''t it ...... today)

    ( birthday, wasn''t it? Today.) Memories of the good old days flashed through the girl''s mind like a running lantern.

    At the same time, the fear of cold, hunger, loneliness, and death that strikes the girl now is emphasized.

    A drop of tears falls from the girl''s eyes.

    The girl closes her eyes.

    She is too tired to even open her eyes.

    Let''s go to sleep.

    Then she''d never wake up again, never feel cold, hungry, lonely, or afraid.

    I just wanted to be at ease.

    Giving up on life, the girl relaxed her whole body.

    Then, strangely enough, she felt at ease.

    (Can Nightmare go to ...... heaven?

    Probably not.

    Probably to hell.

    It''s only natural for a Nightmare.

    But hell is okay.

    At least you won''t be alone. ......

    That''s what the girl thought: ......

    That''s when the girl tried to let go of her consciousness.

    "Hey, are you okay?¡¡Little shit?

    A man''s voice was heard.

    The girl opens her eyes.

    In front of her stood a man with long ears (elf).

    He had a remarkably well-shaped face. Beautiful black hair and eyes as blue as the sea.

    He wore a thick, luxurious-looking fur coat.

    "Hey, can you hear me?

    The girl did not respond to the man''s words.

    The girl did not respond to the man''s words, partly because she was not strong enough. ......

    She knew that there was no point.

    She had been called out to many times before.

    And I was hoping that God would finally help me.

    But as soon as he realized that he was a Nightmare, he ran away.

    This man will also run away when he finds out that he is a Nightmare.

    Perhaps he might even violate her.

    So the girl does not answer the man''s question.

    Because there''s no point.

    She''s going to die anyway.

    "Hmm ...... has a strange tail. It also has black horns. Maybe it''s a nightmare?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to find something to help you.

    The man muttered inaudibly and walked behind the girl.

    He reached into the tattered, I don''t know if you can call it clothes, piece of cloth the girl was wearing and pulled out her entire tail.

    "Well, that''s what the literature says. But it''s more like a ...... triangle, more like a heart. The tail. Does it vary from individual to individual?

    The young man returns to the front of the girl, grabs her by the hair, and looks into her eyes.

    "Is this the evil eye?¡¡At first glance, it seems to be the same. ......

    The young man looks at the girl with great interest.

    Then he reached out his hand to the girl.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea. I don''t know if it''s a nightmare or what, but ...... it doesn''t feel good when a kid I can help dies in my country because of my carelessness. ......

    Then the young man asks the girl.

    "Do you want to live?¡¡Or do you want to die?¡¡If you want to live, reach out your hand. Or shake your head. If you can''t do that, look at me. If you want to die, just shut your eyes. I''ll at least give you a grave later.

    Do you want to live?¡¡Do you want to die?

    I''ve tried so hard to live.

    But it''s been hard. I''d rather be dead.

    It''s easier to die.

    The girl tries to shut her eyes. ......

    "Yes, I want to live. ......

    She reached for the young man.

    As soon as the young man took the girl''s hand, she fainted.

    "Okay, okay. I''ll help you.

    Later, the girl said.

    "God didn''t help me. But you, only you, saved me. So I''ll give my life and all my body to you. I''ll do anything for you. I''ll go wherever you go, to the desert, the sea, hell. Even if the world and God become your enemies, I will never betray you. Because you are God, the world, and everything to me.

    This girl was one of the fifteen pillars of the Herculean Empire, and was later called the right-hand man of the Herculean Empire.

    She was the only general, along with Darios Leopard, who was able to follow Emperor Hercule in military thinking.

    She was one of the most trusted vassals of Emperor Hercule, and one of the most favored women in the opposite s*x.

    And the woman whose life has been most dramatized in later generations.

    She is Nia in "The Fiend".

 71 Episode 9 Nightmare

    I''m home now!

    Hercule triumphantly returned to the palace with the Nightmare girl he had picked up in one hand.

    The guards tilted their heads when they saw the battered object that Hercule was holding in one hand.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Where have you been?

    "I took a little walk. Oh, yes. I''ve brought you a souvenir.

    Then Hercule showed Carolina a little girl clad in tattered rags.

    Carolina frowned.

    "Your Majesty ...... is finally kidnapping people. And the girl is a child, no matter how you look at it. I''m afraid that''s not ...... Messianic enough for me. ......

    You think I''m going to fall in love with this filthy brat?¡¡That''s rude.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    In the first place, I am not a pedophile.

    The absolute minimum age for s*xual intercourse is 14.

    What is it, then?

    "Well?¡¡I don''t know either, but ...... what you find is what you get. If you die, the food won''t taste good. I''ll have to take you to a doctor after I clean you up.

    Hercule looked into the face of the girl who had been unconscious and hadn''t moved a muscle since a while ago.

    Her heart is beating feebly and she''s breathing slightly, but she looks like she could ...... die at any moment.

    "Well, it''s a little weird or uncomfortable that His Majesty is doing a rare act of charity, but ......

    Saving lives can''t be a bad thing.

    In a rare moment, Karolina felt admiration for Hercule.

    By the way, are you human?

    No, I''m Nightmare.

    Then Hercule showed the girl''s tail to Karolina.

    At that moment, Karolina, with a frightened look on her face, moved ten meters away.

    "What are you picking up?

    "What?¡¡No?

    No. ...... is a nightmare, isn''t it?

    So what?

    Nightmares are a symbol of fear and loathing in this world.

    The only difference is that Hercule is an anomaly, and Karolina''s reaction is perfectly normal.

    "Because ...... eating people is ......

    I have five bodies.¡¡I don''t think he''s ever eaten anything, let alone a person.

    Eye contact can kill you. ......

    I did, and I''m still alive.

    Touch its tail and it sucks your soul out. ......

    I touched it, but it didn''t suck my soul out.

    Oh, and ...... you''re supposed to be dead if you get too close.

    You and I are both alive.

    Hearing Hercule''s words, Karolina gradually closed the distance between them.

    Then, fearfully, she tweaked the girl''s body with her fingers.

    ...... It''s okay, I guess.

    Right?¡¡Well, ...... ciphany. Come here.

    He beckoned to one of the servants, who had been looking away from Hercule and the others.

    The servant shuddered and pointed to his face.

    The servant shakily points to his own face. Hercule nods broadly and walks fearfully down to him, as if he has given up.

    "Wash him and put some clean clothes on him. Oh, yeah, yeah. He''s got lice all over him, so get that off, too. Can you do that?

    It''s a, uh, ...... nightmare, isn''t it, ......?

    What, you don''t like it?

    Hercule''s mood rapidly worsened.

    At the same time, the cold temperature seemed to drop even lower.

    Hercule, who was in a bad mood, unconsciously let out the inherent magic of Awe.

    The truth is that Hercule is rarely angry with his servants.

    He may complain, grumble, or whine, but rarely does he get angry.

    There is nothing more frightening than the anger of someone who is not usually angry.

    And if the angry person is a tyrant with absolute power, and also has the magic of awe, ......

    It is no wonder that the servants turn pale with fear.

    "You''ve come a long way, disobeying my orders. Are you feeling like a co-ruler?¡¡Ciphany.

    "No, no, ......, I''m happy to oblige!

    The servant known as Ciphany grabbed the girl from Hercule and hung her in the bathroom in a flash.

    Hercule looked away from her in a good mood.

    Incidentally, Hercule knows the names and faces of all the ministers, generals, civilians, military officers, guards, and servants who work at the palace, as well as their family structures and relationships.

    After instructing him to wash the girl, dress her in clean clothes, and put her in a warm bed, Hercule summoned Loukanos.

    Lucanos has a contract with Malvus, the Great Spirit of Healing and Crafting, and he also knows medicine.

    He is the most "decent" doctor in the Lemurian Empire.

    Lucanos examined the sleeping girl.

    I couldn''t tell when she was dirty with dust and feces, but she had a pretty face, about as pretty as an elf''s, and she was sleeping.

    Her skin was earthy and skinny, but she was ......

    I''m sure she''ll shine when she eats properly and gets in shape.

    Her peach-colored hair is also in a shabby state at the moment, but it will improve with proper grooming and care.

    "What do you think, Lucanos? I fainted and haven''t woken up since.

    Yes, ...... his pulse is weak, but it''s not serious. In this snow, he could have frozen to death in a few hours. ...... I thought he would wake up soon. I''ll use my Malbus to heal you.

    I''m sure your genie specializes in healing injuries and illnesses, but ...... can it also cure malnutrition?

    I''m not sure. If you don''t eat properly, you''ll die anyway. ...... That chef should be able to make meals for these patients. He''s also a medicine man.

    "I''ve already asked him to make it for me. Now we just have to wait for him to wake up.

    It was also the chef''s job to make sure that the monarch was well fed and strong when he was sick.

    It was not for Hercule''s sake, but for the sake of the Nightmare,......, which the chef was not happy about, but he did not show it in his attitude and prepared it immediately, so he did not incur the wrath of Hercule like a servant.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    Was that bad?

    No, there is no mention of ...... nightmares in the Bible, and if you''re a Messianic Christian, you can say that nightmares are your brethren.

    Messianism is a religion that has gained followers by advocating love of neighbor and equality before God.

    In principle, all Messianic believers are brethren.

    Pagans and heretics should be excluded, tolerated to some extent, and loved as neighbors. ......

    Even among the clergy, there is a difference of opinion about the treatment of non-Messianic people: ......

    There is no such discrimination within the same messianic community.

    It''s called equality before God.

    But it''s just a precaution.

    I ordered all the brats on the street to be thrown into an orphanage. ......

    I''ve been doing this for a long time. I''ve been around longer than you,......, almost a hundred years, and this is the first girl I''ve ever seen.

    If you''re going to do this, do it thoroughly.

    I don''t do things by halves.

    Hercule had intended to help all the orphans of Nova Lemuria when he set up the orphanage and worked on the policy of helping orphans.

    That''s why he set up a budget to help them and issued an edict to do so.

    It would be a shame if they were left out because they were demons.

    "So, Your Majesty, what should we do?¡¡What will you do if I save this girl?

    Of course I''ll raise her. Of course we''re going to raise her. There won''t be anyone to take her in anyway. Judging from your reactions, I can easily imagine that no matter what kind of shelter you throw her into, there will be nothing but trouble. Then I''ll put them where I can see them.

    If you feed a stray cat, take care of it until it dies.

    If you can''t take care of them, don''t feed them in the first place.

    If you can''t take care of it, don''t feed it in the first place.

    So, you''re planning to adopt her?

    "Well, if I adopt him, I''ll get jealous and some conspiracy theorists will come out of the woodwork. And I don''t want to have a child at my age. ...... Well, I have an idea, so don''t worry about that.

    What do you mean?¡¡What do you mean? ...... Who the hell are you?

    Maybe you''ll be surprised.

    "Oh, .......

    Lucanos tilted his head.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    Well, if Hercule says not to worry about it, then I guess I don''t have to worry about it.

    Lukanos thought so, and did not pursue the matter deeply.

    Later, Loukanos would deeply regret this, but it was too late.

    "Yeah, ......, this is .......

    Oh, you''re awake.

    While Hercule was talking to Loukanos, a girl woke up.

    Her peach-colored eyes, the same color as her hair, reflected Hercule and Loukanos.

    Lukanos held out three fingers to the girl.

    How many fingers does it look like?

    "...... Three.

    You seem to be conscious.

    The girl looked at the two men in front of her in confusion, "Where am I?

    The girl stares at them in confusion.

    Hercule asked the girl.

    We have a meal for you. Can you eat?

    "...... food?

    The girl tilted her head, as if she was still asleep, but ......

    She immediately understood the meaning of the word, and her eyes lit up.

    At the same time, there was a loud rumbling in her stomach.

    The girl blushed.

    The girl blushed. "If she''s that healthy, she should be fine.

    Hercule rang the bell, and the servants brought the meal.

    First, Hercule grabbed some hot water.

    If you suddenly put solid food in your stomach, your stomach will cramp up and you will die. Just put it in your stomach now. Slowly, okay?

    The girl did as she was told and sipped at the hot water in the bowl.

    At first she drank it slowly, but halfway through, she couldn''t wait to finish, so she started drinking it faster.

    After confirming that the girl had finished her meal, Hercule handed her a cup of hot water.

    "Put this in your stomach slowly, too.

    The girl slowly drinks it as if she is chewing it.

    Even so, her pace quickened and she finished it in a flash.

    At least I won''t die of a stomach cramp.

    So, he handed a small amount of milk porridge to the girl.

    Incidentally, Hercule hated milk porridge.

    He cannot stand the combination of milk and porridge.

    Using a spoon, the girl takes a mouthful of the porridge into her mouth.

    Her pace was so fast that Hercule and Loukanos were worried about her. ......

    Suddenly, the spoon stops.

    "Are you okay?

    Hercule rushed to the girl to see what was wrong.

    You''ve come this far, you can''t die.

    No, no. ...... Sorry, I''m fine. If you don''t mind, ...... a little .......

    The girl was crying.

    A few drops fell into the porridge.

    With tears streaming down her cheeks, she finished the porridge.

    I''m sure it''s not enough for you, but you''ll have to content yourself with this for now. When you get better, I''ll feed you steak, stew, whatever you want." ......

    Oh, um, ...... why did you help me?

    The girl asked Hercule.

    Hmm, I see. That''s certainly curious.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then answered.

    "Isn''t it natural for people to help those in need?

    ...... What are you talking about?

    Lucanos looks at Hercule with white eyes.

    It is very weird that the type of person who beats a drowning dog with a stick in the river would say something like this.

    "I''m a Nightmare, you know?¡¡I am.

    I''d say so what, but ...... well, that seems to be a big deal to people other than you and me. You should not worry about that right now, but think about healing your body.

    Hercule said and stood up.

    Lukanos stood up at the same time.

    I''ll be back in three hours to check on you. ...... If anything goes wrong, you can ring that bell.

    Oh, my God!

    What is it?

    I''m ...... Nia. Oh, may I ask your name?

    Hercule thinks for a moment and then answers.

    "I''m Hercule. This is Loukanos. Well, I''ll explain more when you''re feeling better. Until then, don''t think about anything else, just think about getting well.

    With that, Hercule and Lukanos left the room.

    The girl put on a soft blanket for the first time in a year and muttered.

    "...... Master Hercule.

    With a slight blush on her face, ......

 72 Episode 10 Adopted Children

    One month has passed.

    After a good meal, a warm bed, and a good night''s sleep, Nia is feeling much better.

    Not long ago, she was hobbling unsteadily, her face was ashen, and she was so skinny that her bones stood out, like a zombie in a panic movie. ......

    But now, his color has improved and he can walk properly.

    He still needs medical treatment, though.

    And ......

    "Um, ...... Mr. Hercule. What are you going to do now?

    I thought I''d introduce you to my fianc¨¦.

    ...... Your fianc¨¦e?

    The tone of Nia''s voice drops.

    You''ll be able to see the reason for Nia''s depression, but Hercule pretends not to care and walks with Nia behind him.

    Nia walks along, looking around scamperingly.

    This is the first time Nia has been out of her room.

    A long corridor with beautiful paintings and vases here and there and fluffy carpets: ......

    It was the first time in Nia''s twelve years of life.

    It was the first time in Nia''s twelve years of life that she had somehow

    I''ve always had a vague idea that Hercule was an incredibly important man. ......

    However, when I walked around Hercule''s "mansion", I realized the difference in status.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: .......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    In an agonizing mood, Nia chased after Hercule''s back.

    How many minutes did they walk?

    Finally, she reached a large room.

    There were a number of people there, also very important people.

    There were two women.

    One with red hair, the other with blue.

    There were eight men.

    One was a large man with red hair, another with blue hair who looked vaguely like Hercule. And Lucanos, a man with a neutral appearance.

    There was also a man with a face like Hercule''s, a warbeast man, a black human, a dour-looking man with a hooked nose, and a kind-looking man.

    In addition, there were many other people in very expensive clothes.

    Nia''s heart was beating wildly.

    Hercule made Nia stand in front of them, as if to push her forward.

    "Here, introduce yourselves for now. They''re saying stupid things like they''ll die if they make eye contact with a Nightmare. Show them they''re harmless.

    "Uh, yeah, .......

    Nia stepped forward at Hercule''s urging.

    The gaze of curiosity, disgust, fear, sympathy, and many other ...... emotions pierced Nia.

    I''m ...... Nia, by the way. I''m twelve years old and I''m a ...... nightmare. But until the age of ten, I was human,......, so ...... I''m ancestral, and my parents were human. I''m also a ......, you know, a ...... messianic, orthodox!

    Shaking her voice, Nia introduced herself.

    Seeing this, he felt that Nia seemed harmless, and his gaze of disgust and fear weakened.

    I''m not going to bother you. I''m not going to bother you. ...... So, since I have nowhere else to go, please let me stay here for a while. I''m very grateful to Hercule (??????) for picking me up. ......

    At that moment, they all frowned at the same time.

    Nia shakes her body.

    She wondered if she had made a mistake.

    A woman with red hair steps forward.

    "...... didn''t explain it to you, by any chance?

    "Look, surprises are important. You think so too, don''t you, Karolina?

    The woman with the red hair ...... sighed.

    Then she walked up to Nia.

    "Nia. Do you know what kind of person this man is?

    What?¡¡You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the best results.¡¡And a very great one,.......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    This is the monarch of this country. The Lemurian emperor, Hercule I. After ......, it is impolite to call him by his first name, so please call him Your Majesty.

    "Huh?¡¡This is the emperor ...... of the Lemurian Empire, Her Majesty .......

    Nia turned around and looked at Hercule''s face.

    Hercule smiled.

    I''m sorry I''m late to tell you my name. Nia. I am Hercule. Emperor Hercule I of the Lemurian Empire. It''s nice to meet you.

    Yeah, yeah, yeah. £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    "This is in poor taste, ......, Your Majesty.

    Kristoff frowned.

    I''m sure this is heartbreaking.

    "No, you should have known my name was Hercule in the first place. A citizen of my country should be able to remember my name.

    ...... The name Hercule is not that rare to begin with. It''s not unreasonable that you don''t know the name, since "His Majesty the Emperor" is sufficient for ordinary people. ...... is not an act to be admired.

    Galfis also condemned Hercule''s "game" in a roundabout way.

    It is strange that the people of Lemuria do not know the name of their emperor.

    It may seem strange that the people of Lemuria do not know the name of their emperor. ......

    In the first place, it is impolite to call the emperor by his name.

    Therefore, he is usually called "His Majesty the Emperor".

    In other words, there is no opportunity to call or use the name.

    This is why some ordinary people say, "Long live the Emperor!¡¡Long live our great emperor!¡¡Long live the Emperor, whom God has given us!¡¡What?¡¡What''s the name of the emperor?¡¡Of course I know his name. Let''s see, ......?¡¡What was it again? There are many people who say, "What''s that?

    Because they don''t hear it and don''t use it.

    In the same way, it is difficult for Nia to immediately associate "Hercule" with the emperor of her country.

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I''m sorry I made fun of you.

    "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!¡¡Your Majesty, here!¡¡Your Majesty, I beg you to forgive me for everything I''ve done!

    "Just take a deep breath and calm down. Your honorifics are all messed up.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    "I''m sorry for my rudeness .......

    "No, it''s okay. I didn''t know, so I can''t help it. Besides, it''s half my game. Now, let''s get down to business. Introductions, I believe.

    Hercule points to Karolina and Lunalie.

    "This is my fianc¨¦e, Carolina and Lunalee. They''re still a little wary of you, but they''ll probably get used to you. And this is Galfis, the assault uncle. The blue one over here is Christophe. He''s the unfortunate one who hasn''t been seen in three chapters. And this is Edmond. He''s my brother. He doesn''t have any special skills, but he doesn''t have any weaknesses either. He''s easy to use. This black panther is Darios, he''s a pothead. This black one here is Oscar, the most sensible and least interesting of the bunch. The one with the hooked nose and money is Shylock, the Six Star. He''s one of you in that he''s bullied. The nice looking one over here is Antonio. There''s also a big blonde girl who isn''t here but hasn''t even shown her face since the beginning of chapter three, a fox girl who showed up in the middle of chapter two and has been missing ever since, my cross-bellied brother who shows up every once in a while, and my cross-bellied sister whose name is mentioned but whose face doesn''t show up, but I''ll introduce them later.

    Hercule introduced them one by one.

    Nia''s head almost boils as she is introduced to a list of great people that she would never even see in her normal life.

    But he doesn''t care about Nia, and continues with the introductions.

    And ......

    "Finally, this is Lucanus Lucarius. This is Lucanos Lucarios, the man who healed you and saved your life. His profession is ...... Archbishop of Nova Lemuria. Well, he''s not as big as me, so don''t be so nervous.

    "It''s nice to meet you, Nia. I''m not as big as you, I''m more like you, so don''t be nervous.

    "The Archbishop?¡¡Huh?¡¡The Bishop of Nova Lemuria?¡¡Yes, yes!¡¡I''m looking forward to working with you. ......

    Perhaps only the Emperor of Lemuria or a medium can say that Lucanos is not a great man.

    In the Messianic world, Lucanos is next to the Emperor of Lemuria, the Medium, and the Archbishop of Lemuria.

    He''s also the man who''s going to be your father.

    "I see!¡¡Daddy?¡¡Really?¡¡Dad?

    Nia tilts her head.

    Lucanos tilts his head too.

    Seeing this, Hercule laughs with amusement.

    "Yeah, you and your son look alike. Good, good, good. So long, Lucanos. I''ll take care of the rest. ......

    "Wait, wait, wait, wait!¡¡What''s a father and what''s a son?

    "No, you''re going to adopt Nia. That''s how you read it.

    Hercule''s bombshell sent everyone into a frenzy.

    This guy is insane.¡¡The crowd looks at Hercule as if he''s insane.

    "Why me?

    One, I don''t discriminate against Nightmares. Two, you said a long time ago that you wanted to have children. Three, you can''t make any mistakes without a dick. That''s all!

    I''d like to have a child." "That''s absurd. ...... Well, I do want a child.

    It''s not just that they don''t have seeds, but that they don''t have male genitalia to begin with.

    But he has already come to terms with that.

    However, he has no wife, no children, and the cute and adorable emperor-elect (Hercule), whom he took good care of until recently, has become a bit of a brat. I want a girl.

    Hercule had remembered this.

    He said, "Well, if you really don''t want to, I won''t force you. You can''t build a good parent-child relationship if you force me. Well, if you really don''t want to do it, I can''t help it. Oh, that''s too bad.

    "...... I understand. I''ll take it. Yes, even though they are Nightmare, they are still Messianic.

    For Lucanos, some six-star Shylock or blasphemous fox (Hupatia) are much more unacceptable than Nia.

    The Nightmare Nia is more acceptable to me as a messianist.

    Besides, ......

    Lucanos had an academic interest in the Nightmare.

    Lucanos recalled the time when he asked Hercule why he had picked up Nia, why he had saved her, and what his true intentions were without any ...... pretense.

    At that time, Hercule said.

    Well, to be honest, the kid''s death doesn''t hurt me. It makes me feel bad, but we''re not particularly close and I''ll soon forget about it. ...... I''m personally interested in the Nightmare race. I''d like to find out what they can do. I want to find out what they are capable of. And if they''re good, I can use them as vassals in the future.

    (Perhaps His Majesty is implicitly ordering me to study the Nightmare race.

    Lucanos understood Hercule''s true intentions.

    "Okay, it''s settled. You''ve got a daddy now!

    "Daddy?¡¡Papa ......, the Archbishop of Nova Lemuria, is your papa?¡¡Is this a dream?¡¡Well, I''m ...... hallucinating. ......

 73 Episode 11 Elegant Day of Emperor Lemur I AM AM

    It''s early in the morning for Hercule I, the great hero who would later be called the champion of the three continents.

    He wakes up at six o''clock in the morning.

    He wakes up at 6:00 a.m. However, Hercule, who is not very good at waking up, cannot wake up by himself. ......

    "...... Wake up, Your Majesty.

    "Your Majesty, please wake up.

    ...... "Shut up ......

    Wake me up!

    Come on!

    Carolina and Lunalee, who woke up first, shook Hercule violently.

    They had fun together last night, but that didn''t stop them from waking Hercule up.

    When she wakes him up, Hercule becomes very unhappy.

    But if I don''t wake him up, he gets more cranky later.

    I''d like to tell him to wake up by himself, but ......

    If you have low blood pressure, you can''t wake up even if you want to.

    "Shut up!¡¡Wake me up a little more gently!¡¡I''ll kill you!

    I''ll kill you!" "You won''t wake up if I''m gentle.

    You won''t wake up if I''m gentle. It''s not too late to kill me after I wash my face.

    And so, Hercule''s day begins in a very unpleasant mood.

    6:00 to 6:30.

    Hercule, Carolina, and Lunalie wake up at six o''clock and get ready within thirty minutes.

    The servants prepare hot water, towels and clothes for the three of them.

    They also wash their faces and brush their teeth.

    With the help of the servants, they finish changing their clothes.

    After changing, the three of them had a light meal.

    They eat coffee and a small amount of sweets to replenish their energy.

    I''m more of a tea drinker, but ...... I do like coffee in the morning.

    Yes, it''s a great way to start the day.

    I like that it doesn''t get me drunk like grape wine.

    By the way, Hercule is in the camp of adding sugar and milk to his morning coffee. He believes that it is more rational to consume sugar with caffeine.

    Renarier drinks the same thing as Hercule.

    Only Carolina drinks black coffee, with nothing added.

    6:30 to 7:30.

    The three of them begin their daily routine of jogging.

    Exercise is an important part of a healthy and civilized life.

    It takes about an hour to run ten kilometers around the Nova Lemuria Palace.

    It''s not a short distance, even for an elf, but you get used to it if you run every day.

    Incidentally, the standing army stationed in Nova Lemuria is also running along with the three of us.

    Unlike the three of us, however, they are carrying heavy luggage.

    From the point of view of Hercule, Carolina, and Lunalie, it''s for keeping in shape and health. ......

    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.

    Of course, Hercule is aiming for this.

    Because of this daily accumulation, the soldiers have a strong trust in Hercule.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Good morning!

    "Oh, Nia. Good morning.

    Recently, Nia has been running with Hercule.

    She loves him so much that she can''t help but run with him.

    She used to be malnourished and looked terrible. ......

    Now she eats a lot, exercises a lot, and looks good.

    Her hair and skin are glowing.

    Take it easy, okay?

    Thank you for your kindness!

    Seven thirty to eight thirty.

    After finishing their jog, the three of them wipe off the sweat and dirt with towels and hot water.

    Then they changed into new clothes and had breakfast.

    Today''s menu consisted of freshly baked bread, onion soup with lots of vegetables, ham and eggs, and fruit.

    Well, that''s how it is in the morning, even for an emperor.

    If you want a steak, the chef will cook it for you. ......

    Hercule doesn''t have a strong enough stomach to eat steak in the morning.

    It''s good today.

    "I''m flattered, sir.

    Receiving Hercule''s compliment, the chef bowed deeply.

    His face is full of joy.

    To be told by Hercule that his food is delicious is his purpose in life.

    Even if everyone else in the world says it tastes bad, a dish that Hercule deems good is, to him, a supreme dish.

    Well, anyone who eats the chef''s food and says it tastes bad is a fool, that''s for sure.

    Thank you, Your Majesty, for inviting me.

    "Oh, feel free to eat. I''m a big eater.

    And there''s Nia.

    Not long ago, when Hercule invited me to dinner, I was too nervous to take a bite. ......

    I''m sure you''ve gotten used to it, and you''ve been eating well lately.

    The four of them were chatting and laughing as they brought the food to their mouths.

    They sliced the freshly baked bread, put it in their mouths, drank the soup, and cut the ham and eggs with knives.

    Incidentally, the chef is a master chef.

    The eggs are cooked just right for each person.

    He is not just a chef in charge of the palace kitchen.

    Tea is good. I like coffee, but tea is the best. Don''t you think so?

    Do you?¡¡I like coffee better.

    While elegantly sipping his tea, Hercule asked Carolina for her consent, but unfortunately she did not give it.

    But unfortunately, she did not agree.

    "You''d prefer tea, wouldn''t you?

    "Yes, of course!

    By the way, Nia probably agreed with Hercule when he said, "After all, it''s best to chug Carolina''s urine in the morning! Nia will probably agree with Hercule when he says, "After all, it''s best to chug Carolina''s urine in the morning!

    What Nia likes is what Hercule likes.

    By the way, Luna, you''ve gotten pretty good with a knife and fork.

    "No, I deserve it!

    Living in Nova Lemuria, I''ve gotten used to it. ......

    Lunalie had become quite proficient with the knife and fork.

    We all get used to it sometime.

    Nia is ...... well, she''ll get better.

    I''m sorry.

    No need to apologize. The food should be good. If your food tastes bad because you''re worrying about table manners, you''re not doing yourself any favors.

    Manners are for the purpose of not making others uncomfortable.

    If you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.

    Even in the Lemurian Empire, only the upper class uses a knife and fork.

    Commoners and lower class nobles still use hand grips.

    It''s no wonder Nia can''t use it properly.

    You just have to take your time and learn to use it well.

    So, after finishing breakfast, the four of them started their separate activities.

    From 8:30 to 11:30.

    Nia is studying with a tutor.

    Karolina to military training.

    Lunalie is making contacts for the kingdom of Hayastan and studying the politics of the Lemurian Empire.

    And ......, our great emperor Hercule, is at work on political matters.

    Most of the time, he reads reports and checks on the progress of internal affairs. ......

    And he only puts his seal on documents (mostly judicial affairs) that need to be approved by Hercule.

    I read them carefully, make sure nothing is amiss, and then pop!¡¡and put your seal on it.

    Incidentally, in Japan, some companies have a mysterious rule that you should press the seal diagonally as if you were bowing. ......

    In the Lemurian Empire, it is considered good to press the seal firmly and straight.

    The Lemurian Empire says that it''s better to push straight. Maybe there is such a rule, but Hercule doesn''t care if it''s straight or upside down, and Hercule doesn''t care much.

    Surprisingly, the emperor does not have many jobs.

    This is because it is the bureaucrats who make and enforce the laws.

    Hercule''s job is to issue orders to make such and such a law, and to make sure that the law is implemented properly.

    That is what a bureaucratic state is all about.

    From 11:30 to 12:30.

    Well, it''s 11:30.

    Now it''s time for lunch.

    Hercule, Karolina, and Lunalie gather again. ......

    Nia was also invited.

    And ...... there was another person who was invited.

    "I know it''s been yesterday, but I feel like I''ve missed so much. Scheherazade.

    "What a coincidence, Your Majesty. I also ...... feel like I haven''t seen you in over ten episodes.

    I''m not sure if it''s been that long or if it was just yesterday, but Hercule and Scheherazade had a chance encounter.

    "Scheherazade, do you want to play Chatlange after dinner?

    "Lunalee!¡¡Chatlange, yes, let''s do it!

    Scheherazade and Lunalie talk amicably.

    In fact, Lunalie and Scheherazade have known each other for a long time.

    If you think about it, it''s not surprising that the princess of the Kingdom of Foulds and the princess of the Kingdom of Hayastan, which belonged to the Kingdom of Foulds, should know each other.

    "Your Majesty, what is Shatranj?

    "It''s the Farse Kingdom''s version of chess.

    Hercule answered Karolina''s question.

    In short, it''s the same kind of game as chess.

    "May I ask you a question, Your ...... Majesty?

    This time, Nia asks Hercule.

    "Who is Master Scheherazade?

    "Someone you are not supposed to know.

    When Hercule answered, Nia simply backed off.

    Nia tended to avoid doing anything that would make Hercule dislike her.

    At least, she doesn''t force herself to ask questions that she has been told not to ask.

    While they were chatting, the servants brought out an aperitif.

    Shiro wine is poured into a beautiful Lemurian glass.

    Nia, by the way, drinks grape juice, considering her age.

    The Hercule takes the glass and enjoys the aroma before pouring it down his throat.

    It is only intended to stimulate the appetite, so the amount is small.

    Next comes the appetizer.

    These appetizers are often colorful to stimulate the appetite.

    Today''s appetizer is ......

    Prosciutto melon, yeah, not bad.

    Melon topped with prosciutto: ......

    This is a very simple dish. The simplicity of the dish is a test of the chef''s skill.

    Hercule cuts the melon with a knife and brings it to his mouth together with the prosciutto.

    The sweetness of the melon softens the saltiness of the prosciutto, and the prosciutto removes the odor of the melon.

    They go very well together.

    By the way, ......

    The melon used in cured ham melon is not the sweet variety commonly eaten in Japan. ......

    It is more like a cucumber.

    You should never combine muskmelon with cured ham.

    "Nia, is it good?

    "Yes!

    Nia is eating a ham melon with a happy face.

    Just by looking at a girl who is unhappy and eats delicious food, you can feel that you have done something good.

    While satisfying her small vanity, by the time Hercule had finished the ham melon, a new plate had already been brought to the table.

    The first plate.

    Today''s dish was a long and thin spaghetti, the most familiar pasta to the Japanese .......

    The sauce on the pasta was a tomato sauce based on tomatoes and minced meat, with a lot of seafood such as squid, shrimp and scallops.

    Parsley was used as a topping.

    I rolled up the pasta with my fork and brought it to my mouth.

    The sourness and deliciousness of the tomatoes were enhanced by the perfect amount of salt.

    About a third of the way through, I sprinkled on some cheese powder to change the flavor.

    This cheese powder was selected by the chef from among the hundreds of cheeses available for this sauce.

    Cheese and tomatoes have always gone well together, but ......

    The chef''s choice of cheese made it an exceptionally good match.

    The cheese enhances the taste of the tomatoes and adds depth to the whole dish.

    Tell the chef that he''s doing a great job.

    Yes, I will.

    Hercule says to his servant, Ciphany, who comes to pour wine into his empty glass.

    It''s rare for Hercule, who generally only says, "It was good again today," to say this much.

    I''m sure the chef would be delighted.

    About a third of the way through the meal, Hercule poured olive oil over the pasta.

    It wasn''t just olive oil, but also chili peppers that had been soaked in it. ...... You can think of it as a kind of substitute for Tabasco.

    The chili peppers are imported. They are very expensive.

    The chili peppers stimulate the tongue of the Herculean.

    The taste is accentuated, and the dish is transformed into something different.

    This way, you can keep eating until the end.

    As he sipped the relatively low-alcohol wine, Hercule asked Nia.

    How are your studies going these days?

    I''ve been struggling with ...... the Lemurian language.

    "How does this food taste?

    How is the food? (Presumably, he wanted to say it tasted good.)

    Lemurian is one of the most difficult languages to understand.

    Lemurian is one of the most difficult languages to understand. English, for example, has certain types such as SV, SVC, SVO, SVOO, and SVOC.

    There is basically no such thing as OVC.

    So the first word would be S, and the next would be V. Then O or C. After that, it can be analogized as O, C, or .......

    On the other hand, in Japanese, if you basically follow the principle of putting the verb at the end, you have a lot of freedom in other areas.

    For example, "My mother had s*x with my homeroom teacher at a love hotel," "My homeroom teacher and my mother had s*x at a love hotel," "My mother had s*x with my homeroom teacher at a love hotel," and "My mother had s*x with my homeroom teacher at a love hotel.

    This is because the particle clearly specifies the function of the word.

    If it is "my mother", it functions as a subject no matter where it is.

    So what is the Lemurian language like?

    In fact, it does not have a proper pattern like English.

    On the contrary, it is more flexible than Japanese.

    This is because there are countless variations of nouns.

    Thanks to these changes, you can see at a glance what function the noun has, and the word order becomes very flexible.

    For a native speaker, this is easy, but for a non-native speaker, it is hell.

    Now, I would like to talk about the language situation in the Lemurian Empire.

    First of all, as a matter of course, languages differ according to regions, cultures, and peoples.

    And in Lemuria, a multi-ethnic country, there are more than twenty different languages in use.

    Among these languages, Lemurian is the one that is used as the official language in administrative texts and in public.

    In fact, however, less than 10% of the people in the Lemurian Empire are native speakers of Lemurian.

    The Lemurian Empire was originally founded by a group of elves who migrated from the Great Forest to a certain peninsula.

    Originally, they used the language of the Elves, but ......

    In the long process of migration, they changed their language ...... and developed it further in the peninsula where they settled.

    This is the Lemurian language.

    There were probably fewer than 100,000 speakers at the beginning.

    But as the city-state of Lemuria emerged and its territory expanded, ......

    As the city-state of Lemuria was established and its territory expanded, Lemurian spread in the western part of the empire and became a common language.

    Now, the important question is, how was the Lemurian language spoken in the east?

    Basically, it was Lemurian before the East-West split.

    Basically, in the Lemurian Empire before the East-West split, the west was the countryside and the east was the city.

    In the west, where the tribes were all savages, the Lemurian language was easily accepted.

    In the east, however, a very advanced civilization had developed before the Lemurian Empire invaded.

    The bearers of that civilization were a race of humans called the Chiris.

    They were a mercantile people, and the Cyrillic language was the common language of the entire eastern region.

    The Kiris were proud and learned Lemurian, but did not actively use it.

    They did not use it actively.

    On the other hand, the elves of Lemuria, admiring the superior civilization of the Chiris, competed with each other to learn the Chiris language.

    As a result, the Cyrisians had no language problems as long as they stayed in the east. ......

    In the east, Cyrillic became the dominant language.

    And now that the Lemurian Empire has split into East and West, and the western half of the Empire has died, most of the people in the Lemurian Empire speak Cyrillic.

    Nia is one of the speakers of Cyrillic.

    Of course, the official language is Lemurian, so there are many people who can speak Lemurian, but ......

    There are many people who can speak Lemurian, of course, as the official language is Lemurian, but the only people who speak it as their mother tongue are probably the High Elves.

    How many languages does the emperor speak ......?

    "How many?¡¡"How many?" "Well, let''s see. He speaks Lemurian, Cyrillic, and Farsi with no problem. I can speak Lemurian, Cyrillic, and Farsi just fine, and Hayastan, Misr, and Bulgarian at a conversational level. ...... Well, that''s six.

    ...... Great.

    Nia looks at Hercule with respect.

    Hercule chuckles and then asks Scheherazade, "What about you, Scheherazade?

    "What about you, Scheherazade?

    Is it me?¡¡I can speak Lemurian, Cyrillic, and Farsi just fine. I speak Lemurian, Cyrillic, and Farsi with no problem, and a little Hayastan and Sindhira. That''s five.

    Even in the Kingdom of Fars, there are many speakers of Cyrillic.

    There are many speakers of Cyrillic in the Kingdom of Phars, because a long time ago, a great Cyrillic king invaded the Phars region.

    In the modern world, Cyrillic is English. Farsi is German. Lemurian is French. It is easy to understand.

    Chiris is an essential language.

    "Where''s Carolina?

    Not as good as yours or Scheherazade''s. There are only three languages, Cyrillic, Farsi and Lemurian. I know a little Khayastan. And Lunalie?

    "Four, if you add Hayastan to the languages Karolina speaks.

    Nia looks at the four of them in surprise.

    The fact that even Karolina can speak three languages, let alone Hercule, is astonishing to Nia, who struggles to speak Lemurian alone.

    "I can''t even speak ...... Cyrillic properly.

    Nia''s shoulders slumped dejectedly.

    The fact that she can''t even ...... speak Chiris means that the Chiris language she speaks has an accent and is dirty.

    The ''correct'' Cyrillic that Hercule and the others learn is a little different from the ''dirty'' Cyrillic spoken by the lower class of commoners like Nia.

    Nia was having a hard time even correcting her Cyrillic.

    We''re royalty and nobility, you know.¡¡We live in a world where you need to be able to speak at least that much, and it''s drilled into you at an early age. It''s natural that you can''t. There''s no need to be ashamed. With proper practice, you will be able to speak.

    "Thank you, Carolina, for ......!¡¡I''ll do my best!

    With Carolina''s encouragement, Nia smiled.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one who can speak the language.

    By the way, who speaks the most languages?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "Well, that would be Todoris. I believe he speaks more than twenty.

    Hercule replied to Carolina''s question.

    Well, you have to be able to talk that much to be a foreign minister.

    While they were talking, everyone finished eating their pasta.

    Next came the second dish.

    This was the main dish of fish.

    The type of wine was changed according to the fish dish.

    As usual, the chef''s skill is very good.

    The dish was a simple fish meuniere.

    It was a simple fish meuniere, but the sauce was made to bring out the best of the fish, and the vegetables were beautifully arranged.

    Trout meuniere in season.

    The servant told me the type of fish.

    Hercule cut the fish with a knife and fork and brought it to his mouth.

    The flesh was light, but had a decent flavor.

    The sauce complemented it perfectly without interfering with it.

    After quickly finishing the second plate, the next plate was brought in.

    Next came the side dish, a salad.

    The salad was beautifully colored and drizzled with dressing.

    The chef is very skillful.

    Each person had a different type of dressing.

    Hercule munched on a mouthful of lettuce.

    Hercule liked leafy greens, so he could eat more and more.

    I guess vegetables that haven''t gone bad taste good. ......

    Some poor girl let out a pitiful comment.

    You''re lucky that Hercule picked you up.

    It''s like heaven from hell.

    After finishing the side dishes, dessert is served.

    It''s a sweet, delicious cake.

    "Oh ...... I''m so glad I''m alive .......

    Nia ate the sweet cake with tears streaming down her cheeks.

    Sometimes it seems to remind him of the hard times.

    And every time he does, he pledges his allegiance to Hercule.

    After dessert, there is tea after dinner.

    For some people, it''s coffee.

    Hercule, Nia, Scheherazade, black tea.

    Carolina and Lunalee had coffee.

    The five of them chatted leisurely as they sipped their beverages from their cups.

    If this meal was dinner, there would be an after-dinner drink afterwards. ......

    It was still noon and they had things to do, so the after-dinner drink was not served.

    And so begins the afternoon edition of Hercule''s elegant day.

 74 Episode 12 Elegant Day of Emperor Lemur I PM

    Twelve-thirty to one.

    Hercule was sleeping peacefully.

    This is what is called a siesta.

    In other words, he is taking a nap.

    According to him, "I can work more efficiently this way.

    You''re not doing as much work as you say you are, ....... You are.

    I would say that, but he is the emperor.

    A country where the emperor is likely to die of overwork is a terrible thing.

    A country where the emperor can take a nap is probably the best.

    "Your Majesty, it''s time. It''s time to go to .......

    Hmm ...... almost ......

    "Yesterday, you must have been furious, ''Why didn''t you wake me up? Yesterday you were angry with me for not waking you up. ...... Please wake up!

    The servant Ciphany shakes Hercule awake.

    Hercule woke up, sighing.

    The servant Ciphany shook Hercule awake. "Well, ...... let''s get to work. ......

    Hercule muttered gloomily.

    One to four o''clock.

    At this time, a meeting is held with the ministers.

    Basically, they discuss budget proposals and the enactment of new laws to solve social problems.

    Only non-urgent matters are discussed at this time and the meeting may be prolonged until the next day.

    If there is an urgent issue that needs to be discussed, such as famine or plague, it will not be postponed until the next day, but will be discussed from morning to night.

    Today it was about a non-urgent social issue: ...... prostitution.

    It is estimated that there are more than 2,000 prostitutes in the capital today. In Messianic doctrine, it is forbidden for a man and a woman who are not married or engaged to each other to engage in s*xual intercourse. Of course, s*xual intercourse through monetary exchange is out of the question. However, in the current situation, there are many women who lose themselves in prostitution in the Imperial City, and there is no end to those who engage in prostitution.

    The meeting was presided over by Lucanos, the number two and actual vizier of the Lemurian Empire.

    We have also confirmed that some of the prostitutes are little girls under the age of ten. In addition to female prostitutes, there are also male prostitutes who are boys, which raises concerns about disturbing customs and beliefs. This prostitution is a hotbed of kidnapping and illegal trafficking, and a source of funds for criminal organizations. There are also concerns that prostitution may lead to the spread of s*xually transmitted diseases and other epidemics, and it is urgent that some kind of regulation or law be enacted to ban prostitution before it becomes a serious problem.

    After saying that, Loukanos glanced at Hercule''s face.

    Taking that as a signal, Hercule opened his mouth.

    As you have heard, we need to take some kind of administrative or legal action against the prostitution that is rampant in the Imperial City. As you know, since the time of the previous emperors and emperors before them, there have been many laws against prostitution in our country, but they have not had any effect. I would like to hear your opinions.

    Then Hercule closed his mouth.

    Basically, in a meeting, Hercule does not express his opinion until the very end.

    This is because if Hercule expresses his own opinion, the direction of the meeting will be dragged in that direction.

    He cannot express an opinion that is completely different from the Emperor''s.

    Then there would be no point in holding the meeting.

    Besides, if you let the vassals express their opinions as much as possible, they will think that the emperor will listen to them, and they will actively express their ideas.

    Hercule is not an all-powerful man.

    The opinions of his subjects are valuable.

    The opinions of his subjects are valuable, but since Hercule is basically a man who does not bend his mind very much, 90% of the meetings are meaningless.

    Antonio was the first one to express his opinion.

    This is because it is traditional for the youngest and lowest-ranking person to speak up in such meetings.

    Well, that''s assuming you have an opinion.

    Isn''t the fundamental problem the social and economic context in which such prostitution is practiced?¡¡I believe that the reason why widows, young girls and women engage in prostitution is not because of their personal beliefs or personalities, but because of the financial circumstances that force them to do so, and the social circumstances that prevent them from doing any other work. Therefore, no matter how severe the punishment, the problem of prostitution will not be solved until the fundamental problem is solved. In fact, harsher penalties may worsen public safety.

    There are two types of people in this world: those who are prostituting because they want to and those who are prostituting even though they don''t want to, but if anything, there are more of the latter than the former.

    There are also those who say, "I don''t know any other way to live.

    Unless we help the latter, we cannot solve the problem of prostitution.

    This was Ant¨®nio''s opinion.

    Ant¨®nio continued.

    I also believe that the prevalence of prostitution, both illegal and legal, is not only the responsibility of the vicious slavers, but also of the vicious loan sharks (????) who force people into a situation where they have to sell themselves. So we should also look at regulating the maximum rate of interest and helping the debtors.

    (This guy attacked me so easily. ......)

    Hercule smiles inwardly.

    As a sovereign, I''ll stop any excessive power struggle, but I don''t intend to interfere in any way with the buying and selling of fights in a place like this.

    Rather, it is one of the few ways for Hercule to pass the time in a boring meeting.

    And sure enough, Shylock the loan shark (????) spoke up.

    I understand that prostitution is caused by social and economic problems. I understand that the causes of prostitution are based on social and economic problems, but to extend the blame to the financiers is a bit aggressive. They have no choice but to raise interest rates on people who have no chance of repaying their debts and have no choice but to use their bodies as collateral. And don''t forget the fact that many vulnerable people are still alive thanks to loan sharks (????). If loan sharks were to stop lending money, the people who would suffer the most would be those who need to borrow money to survive. You have to understand that when you clamp down on loan sharks, you may seem to be helping the weak, but you''re hurting them all around.

    With that, Shylock glared at Antonio.

    Antonio looks cool, but his face is slightly tense.

    This brawl between pagans and foreigners had become a fixture of the conference.

    Well, from Hercule''s point of view, both of them have their points of view.

    From a modern Japanese perspective, Antonio is right, but considering the ethics of the Lemurian Empire and the social status of financiers, Shylock''s opinion is also reasonable.

    In Japan, financiers have an image of being elite and intellectuals, but in this world, they are a job for people who cannot do a proper job.

    Japanese financiers and those of the Lemurian Empire are as different in physical strength (capital strength) as adults and babies.

    If we impose the same laws and regulations as in Japan, there is a good chance that they will all go bankrupt and the economy will collapse.

    Another person has entered the fray.

    This is Loukanos.

    I agree that social and economic problems are the cause of rampant prostitution. However, it would be a disorder of ethics, morality, and faith to choose such a path so easily in the first place. They say that widows cannot make a living without prostitution. Yes, there are those who do. But our country has laws to help the weak, such as the Wheat Law, and in recent years, His Majesty''s efforts have led to the establishment of orphanages. Is it really true that the majority of people cannot survive without prostitution?¡¡There are many who take the easy way out, aren''t there?¡¡Severe penalties should also be implemented at the same time.

    Lucanos disagreed with Antonio''s opinion, saying: ......

    In the first place, I also think that the act of ''lending money with the body as collateral'' is also questionable. If you really want to help the weak, you should wait for a certain amount of repayment. To me, it looks like they are setting the interest rate high in order to seek profit. If the interest rate is lowered, some people will be able to repay the loan properly.

    Hercule did not think that Loukanos was wrong either.

    In short, he said, "You say you can''t make a living without prostitution, but there are people who work hard to make a living. That''s being naive," Lucanos wanted to say.

    However, Lukanos does not deny the idea of helping the weak, and in fact, he agrees with it.

    In other words, he is saying that we should let those who can help themselves do so, and help those who seem to be unable to do so.

    In fact, no matter how much support we give, if the person is not willing to stand up, he or she will never be able to stand up.

    Forcing him to stand up by giving him a whip is one of the ways.

    In the case of interest, they are actually saying, "Let''s charge him high interest, make him unable to repay, and make money from human trafficking. You''re evil, too. ...... No, no, no, you''re the lord.

    Thus, the meeting began a three-way battle.

    All three hate each other, so the discussion is very heated.

    Hercule listened and looked at Galfis and Kristoff, who looked bored.

    On the faces of the two military men, it was written, "I don''t care, just get it over with.

    Hercule asked them.

    "Galfis, Kristoff. Do you have an opinion?

    The two men looked at each other.

    The two men looked at each other.

    ((Wow, don''t point ...... at me, I don''t ...... have an opinion.))

    It''s written on his face.

    He looked like an elementary school student who had not even raised his hand, but had been appointed by the teacher.

    I''m not an expert, so I don''t have any particular opinion, but I think prostitution is necessary to some extent as an outlet for the ...... military.

    For our part, we would like you to make a brothel that is safe and readily available for soldiers to use, ...... before you decide on prostitution.

    For a man who looked so uncomfortable, he had some very constructive ideas.

    Hercule smiled with amusement.

    After all, there is supply because there is demand.

    There is no demand because there is supply.

    Prostitution is only possible if there are people to be prostituted.

    And as long as there is a human s*xual desire, prostitution will never disappear.

    But ......

    "But ......

    But ......

    The debate between Loukanos, Antonio, and Shylock gradually intensifies.

    Then, perhaps having said all they had to say, they began to repeat the same thing little by little.

    Eventually, the topic shifts in a direction unrelated to the main point. ......

    Pan!

    and Hercule claps his hands.

    In an instant, all is quiet.

    "It''s time for tea. Let''s take a break. See you in thirty minutes.

    With that, Hercule quickly left the room.

    But meetings are a pain in the ass. You have to sit and listen to people all the time.

    "...... Isn''t that your job?

    "...... of course.

    Hercule called Karolina and Lunalie and was drinking tea elegantly.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in this article.

    "Nia, you''re pretty good.

    I''m flattered by your compliment.

    Nia pours tea into Hercule''s empty cup.

    It''s not that I''m a servant or anything,......, it''s just that Karolina and Lunarie have gone through it at one time or another,......, and it''s something they have to do sometimes.

    You can learn from them, too, Lunarie.

    "...... May.

    Lunalie sipped her coffee and glared at Hercule.

    The princess of Hayastan and the wife of the Emperor of Lemuria does not need to be skilled in making tea.

    But, Your Majesty, don''t you have any opinions that could help us?

    "Well, yes, I do. But you see, I''m stubborn.

    "...... yourself?

    Carolina looked at Hercule with a dumbfounded expression.

    A proud and confident man, Hercule seldom bends his mind.

    Of course, he takes in what he thinks is right.

    The problem is that he seldom does what he thinks is right.

    The problem is that what you think is right is rarely what you think is right." "Well, what you have to decide is whether you listen to the advice of your vassals or not, whether you adopt it or not, ...... you can be sure of it either way.

    The Lemurian Empire is a centralized state, a dictatorship where the power of the emperor is absolute.

    The Lemurian Empire is a centralized state, a dictatorship where the power of the emperor is absolute, and Hercule is the dictator who rules it.

    As a dictator, the full responsibility for his decisions rests with Hercule.

    No matter how good his vassals are, it is the sovereign, the dictator, who listens to their advice and makes the decisions.

    And the monarch and the dictator will be fully responsible for their decisions.

    LUCANOS, ANTONIO, and SHYLOCK.

    All three are very good men, that''s for sure.

    But they all had different views on the issue of prostitution.

    That''s the way politics is.

    The right answer can change from time to time, there is no one right answer, and there is no one person who can give the absolute right answer.

    In the end, if the person who makes the final decision is not excellent, no matter how many excellent advisors you gather, it will be meaningless.

    You need to have a spirit as strong as Hercule''s to be a dictator.

    What a dictator needs is the ability to make the best decisions on the spur of the moment and ......

    A dictator needs to be able to make the best decisions on the spur of the moment, and to have the mental strength not to be intimidated by the death of a few (...) people due to his own misrule.

    10,000 people is only 1/2,000 of the entire population.

    If you are not a person who can think lightly of human life, you will become mentally ill.

    In that sense, being an emperor is a calling for Hercule.

    "Well, I''ll be back soon. See you.

    Yes, see you at dinner.

    Good luck.

    Hercule split from Carolina and Lunalie.

    "How about we gather all the brothels in one place?

    Hercule''s premise is this.

    It is impossible to get rid of all prostitution.

    There is a supply because there is a demand, not a demand because there is a supply.

    As long as there are people who want to prostitute themselves, prostitution will not disappear, and it is impossible to eliminate people who want to prostitute themselves.

    It is against human instinct.

    In fact, Hercule did not consider prostitution itself to be a problem in the first place.

    There is no reason to consider it a problem in the first place.

    Hercule''s idea was that if the person himself is okay with it, then it is okay.

    One gold coin earned by a male laborer after months of hard work and sweat is equivalent to one gold coin paid by a popular prostitute to a man in one day.

    No, if you compare the time of a month and a day, you can say that the latter is more valuable.

    Realistically speaking, there are "high and low" occupations.

    But the gold you earn is not high or low.

    If taxes can be collected from it, I welcome it.

    The problem is that prostitution is currently illegal, so not a penny of tax money is being collected. ......

    The problem is that there are people who are unwilling to engage in prostitution and that prostitution causes social and hygiene problems.

    If only we could do something about this.

    So what to do?

    It''s simple.

    Legalize it and put it under control.

    If we do that, we can improve the current situation to some extent, and we can get taxes.

    The question is, how do we get it under control?

    Prostitution requires only the body of the seller and the money of the buyer.

    If you want to, you can do it in any cheap hotel or even on the street.

    It is very difficult to determine whether the prostitution that is being practiced there is healthy or unhealthy, legal or illegal.

    So what to do?

    We can create special districts where prostitution is allowed.

    If the number of places is limited, it is easier to control, and if the places are too badly run, we can shut them down.

    Prostitution outside of these areas should be outlawed and all prostitution, regardless of its content, should be cracked down on.

    In this way, public safety will be improved.

    In short, let''s create a Lemurian version of Yoshiwara!

    In other words, let''s create a Lemurian version of Yoshiwara!

    Prostitution is an unforgivable act, but it is impossible to eradicate, and it is useful in many ways. Therefore, all acts of prostitution are prohibited outside the special zone, and only those who have been approved by the government are allowed to operate brothels in the special zone. It is called ....... Now, please discuss the specific standards and penalties. In addition, the financial industry was mentioned earlier, but this topic is only about prostitution, and the financial industry deviates from that. I will discuss this at another time. We would also like to discuss the solution to the economic and social problems of women who fall into prostitution another day.

    After a short break, when the heat had died down, ......

    This gave some direction to the meeting.

    In the first place, it is not true that the longer it takes, the better the discussion and the better the opinions.

    In fact, the more time you spend, the more the essence is lost and the discussion becomes meaningless.

    That is a waste of time.

    And Hercule hates waste.

    So, when the time is right, you give your opinion to show the direction.

    By doing so, he moves the meeting to the next stage.

    With Hercule''s opinion, the discussion begins to heat up again.

    In the first half of the meeting, the debate was mainly between Loukanos and the ministers. ...... Now that certain conclusions have been reached, it is more like the bureaucrats are driving the discussion.

    It is their role to decide the details.

    The ministers give their opinions, debate and ......

    The sovereign makes decisions and sets the direction: ......

    Finally, the bureaucrats work out the details.

    This system was later called the monarchy, or one of the ideal forms of all political systems.

    There was a political system that was later called the monarchy, or one of the ideal forms of all political systems.

    Four to five o''clock.

    Way to go, lunary.

    "......, Your Majesty.

    It''s not s*x.

    It''s not ...... about s*x.

    It''s a martial arts training for self-defense.

    Depending on the day, it could be a bow, a spear, or a sword. ......

    Today it was physical arts.

    Hercule took Lunalie by the joints and tried to push her down to the ground.

    Lunalie manages to resist.

    However, there is a difference in size and weight between the male Hercule and the female Lunalie, and Hercule is also talented in this area.

    In no time at all, Lunalie was pushed down to the ground.

    "Hmm, Luna. What do you think?¡¡Can''t resist.

    "...... pervert.

    How does it feel to be at the mercy of this pervert?

    Hercule took advantage of Lunalie''s immobility to fondle and squeeze her buttocks and breasts.

    You can''t do anything about it.

    I''m not sure how much longer I can keep that cool expression ...... around here.

    What are you doing, Your Majesty?

    No, I''m just having a little skin-to-skin ......

    Carolina grabbed Hercule by the neck and pulled him off of Lunalie.

    "Your Majesty, let''s do it with me next.

    What?¡¡You can''t win with you. ......

    You can''t get stronger until you fight someone who''s better than you.

    After this, Hercule was beaten to a pulp by Karolina.

    Suck it.

    Five to six o''clock.

    Hercule and the three of them finished their training and sat down to dinner.

    In addition, two more people had been invited.

    "Thank you for the invitation. Your Majesty.

    "No need to be so formal. We are brothers.

    Titus bowed, and Hercule motioned for him to sit down.

    Titus bowed again, then sat down in his chair.

    And the other one, ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡What''s for dinner today?¡¡I''m looking forward to it. ......

    I''m looking forward to it. ...... You should be a little more formal.

    "Well, well, well. Your Majesty.

    "......

    A woman sitting in a chair, smiling at him: ......

    For Hercule, it was his half-sister, and for Titus, it was his half-sister, Linasha Julianos, the eldest daughter of Hadrian III.

    She was forty-two years old.

    She is forty-two years old, but she is an elf, so her physical age is about eighteen.

    She has beautiful long hair and kind eyes.

    ...... The siblings of the Julianos family look alike in many ways.

    ...... I agree with you on that.

    Lunalie and Carolina are whispering to each other.

    Hadrian III married two pure-blooded High Elves as his legitimate wives,.......

    They had two children each.

    The ages of the children born are now ......

    Hadrian, the eldest son (53 years old)

    The eldest daughter, Linasha (42 years old)

    Second son Titus (32 years old)

    Third son Hercule (18 years old)

    As you know, we have a lot to learn.

    As you know, the one who was imprisoned for fighting against our Emperor Hercule was Hadrian, who was a half-brother of Hercule.

    Linasha and Titus are half-brothers to Hercule.

    And Hercule is closer to Linasha and Titus than to Hadrian.

    Hercule and Hadrian, although they undoubtedly deny it: ......

    Hercule and Hadrian, although they definitely deny it, are very similar in that they are confident, unprincipled, violent, selfish, egotistical, and vain.

    And Linasha and Titus are similar in that they are selfless, airheaded, and uninhibited.

    And all four brothers have the same face.

    Hercule is the most beautiful, but Linasha is just as beautiful as him.

    Titus and Hadrian are also well above the average of the Long-eared Elves.

    If the average face deviation of the Long-eared Elves is 65, then Karolina and Lunalie are 75.

    The members of the Julianos family are around 80.

    That''s enough to get you into Tokyo University.

    "Linasha, I have a lot to say to you. ...... Well, we can do it over a meal. Let''s eat first.

    The current patriarch of the House of Julianos, Hercule, announced that dinner was about to begin.

    First of all, an aperitif to stimulate the appetite was served.

    This was a very strong alcoholic drink.

    Then, a set of bite-sized dishes was served.

    To put it simply, it is a kind of appetizer.

    Naturally, the contents vary from day to day. ......

    Raw fish, that''s unusual.

    I don''t know what kind of fish it is, but the flesh is red.

    I don''t know what kind of fish it was, but the flesh was red. It was arranged like a flower.

    "Yes. "Yes. It is seasoned with olives and lemon. Don''t worry, the fish has been flash frozen. ......

    "I don''t doubt what the chef serves.

    The elves can use ice spirits to instantly cool and preserve food.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own web site.

    It is possible to kill parasites by freezing them.

    It is possible to kill parasites by freezing them.

    For this reason, eating raw fish is not uncommon in the Lemurian Empire.

    The fact that the capital is a port city also helps.

    I ate it in one bite, and then took a sip of aperitif.

    It is still very strong.

    I have a lot to say to Linasha today, so I can''t get drunk too early.

    Hercule thought about it and finished the aperitif so as not to drink too much.

    After that, the dishes were brought out one by one.

    The three of them ate while chatting with each other.

    Then ......

    "By the way, Linasha. I''d like you to get married soon. Do you have anyone in mind?

    If I had to guess, I''d say His Majesty.

    No need to joke.

    After dinner, Hercule asks Linasha a question.

    After dinner, Hercule asks Linasha a question, which Linasha tries but fails to answer.

    There''s no one in particular, but ......

    So you don''t mind if I decide?

    Well, unless you''re a ...... ridiculous old man, or incredibly low born, or incredibly ugly, or incredibly poor.

    There are a lot of royal families and noblemen ...... who are married off to grandfathers for political reasons.

    It''s not uncommon for elves to be married off for political reasons, and it''s not uncommon for very noble people like Rinasha to be married off to such a man.

    But don''t worry. She looks young enough to be in her thirties, and her status is very high. His face is ...... not ugly. And he''s strong and very powerful. ...... Well, it''s a foreign country.

    "Foreign ...... I see, I understand.

    Are you okay with that?

    Yes, ...... but I''m not converting from Messianism. As long as they agree to that.

    That is of course ...... only one of the candidates. It''s something I''m considering in the first place. ...... I''ll try to find some other candidates. ...... Also, if you find someone who has an idea, please report it to me. I''ll give priority to that.

    If you are considering population growth, domestic love marriage is the most desirable.

    If the other party is an elf from one of the seventy-seven holy families, I have no problem with that.

    Six o''clock to eight o''clock.

    These two hours are the most important for Hercule.

    Locked in the library, reading.

    Hercule flips through his books.

    He hasn''t been able to read much lately due to his busy schedule.

    Well, Hercule is a very fast reader, so he has read a lot more books than most people.

    Today, Hercule is reading a classical work in the ancient Cyrillic language.

    Multiple gods interfere in human wars, a god is killed by a human hero. ...... and Loukanos would go crazy if they saw it.

    8:00 to 9:00.

    Time for a bath.

    The Lemurian Empire has a custom of bathing.

    The same is true for Hayastan, which was once a province of Lemuria.

    There is a lot of debate about the merits of public bathhouses in the capital and major cities due to issues such as mixed bathing. ......

    The wealthy have baths in their mansions, and bathing is common among the upper class.

    And the richest man in the Lemurian Empire, Hercule, has a bath as a matter of course.

    "I like the baths in the Lemurian Palace because they are big.

    "I''m flattered, Lunalee.

    "After all, the bigger the bath, the better.

    Hercule, Karolina, and Lunalie often take a bath together.

    All three of them are practically married, so there is no problem.

    What they do or don''t do in the bath basically depends on Hercule''s mood and condition.

    Hercule rubs the soap on the sponge and makes a lather.

    This sponge is a ...... natural sponge from a sponge animal.

    Many of the wealthy have their own sponges.

    "Oh, by the way, Your Majesty. I heard that ...... is trying to increase production of soap, is that true?

    "Soap?¡¡...... Ah, it''s true that you gave orders to Hupatia and the others to establish ...... a method of mass production.

    To be precise, it''s a way to mass produce soda, the material for soap.

    "Why soap?¡¡Do you sell it exclusively?

    No, it''s for public health. If every household had a supply of soap, the plague would be much more contained than it is now.

    I don''t care how many unsanitary poor people die from the plague. ......

    I''d like to say that, but plague is a widespread thing: ......

    There is a possibility that Hercule will be caught in the middle.

    Disease prevention is important.

    The only thing is that ...... we haven''t established a mass production method yet. It''s still a few years away.

    Soap is made from oil and soda.

    Of these, I don''t care if the oil is beef tallow, pork tallow, ......

    I don''t care if it''s olive oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, or palm oil.

    Fortunately, olives are a very popular crop in the Lemurian Empire. ......

    Cotton and soybeans were introduced by Hercule.

    Oil palm, the raw material for palm oil, is also actively grown in the Misr and eastern regions.

    If the demand for oil increases due to soap production, the farmers who produce olive oil will make money, and the farmers who make money will spend money, and ...... an economic virtuous cycle can be expected.

    The problem is soda.

    Soda is made from wood ashes and seaweed ashes.

    The Lemurian Empire is a maritime nation and needs to constantly build large ships, both merchant and military.

    For this reason, wood should not be used.

    However, if we were to make soap available to all the people of the Lemurian Empire, we would need to cut down a large number of trees. ......

    This would make it difficult to build ships.

    ...... No, before that happens, the price of firewood will rise due to a shortage of supply, which will put pressure on the lives of the common people, and the cost of iron production will also rise.

    In other words, we need a way to make soda from sources other than wood ash.

    The quickest way to make soda is by electrolysis.

    The fastest way to make soda is by electrolysis, which can be found at ......, but this would be impossible.

    If you ask a sorcerer in the Lemurian Empire, you might be able to get to the point where you can produce soda by electrolysis, but ...... it will almost certainly not be profitable.

    Witchcraft is basically useless.

    Magic tricks are still more useful.

    If electrolysis is not possible, then either the Leblanc method or the Solvay method will be used.

    Considering the historical trend in which the Solvay method eclipsed the Leblanc method, it is desirable to adopt the Solvay method here.

    The problem is that Hercule remembers the chemical formula of the Solvay method, but he does not know how to make it.

    Therefore, Hercule entrusted the development of the manufacturing method to Hupatia and others.

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at .......

    Hercule pointed to his own back and asked.

    For the past year, Hercule had not washed his own back.

    Yes, I will.

    Carolina and Lunalee replied at the same time and ...... stared at each other.

    I''ll wash it. You don''t like it, do you?¡¡Please step aside.

    "I can''t wash with your breasts.

    "No, my breasts ...... have nothing to do with this!¡¡And I have big tits!

    I have big tits! ...... What''s with the long ears and the elves?

    "You''re so annoying!

    The two of them start arguing.

    Hercule sighs.

    I don''t care which breasts you have, just wash them.

    "I don''t care which one!

    "That''s because you''re flat-chested.

    So I''m a C cup!¡¡I have big tits!

    After that, the two of them got along well and washed Hercule''s back.

    What did they use?

    A sponge, of course.

    What are you guessing?

    It''s because your mind is unsound, not because this novel is unsound, that you think they used their breasts to wash him.

    9:00 to 10:00.

    .................. This is it!

    Hercule draws a card.

    Then Hercule compares his card with the one he drew and says ......

    "Up!¡¡I win!

    "Noooooo ......, let''s do it again, Your Majesty.

    The only card left in Carolina''s hand after being drawn from Hercule was a joker.

    Karolina was defeated.

    After getting out of the bath, the three of them were drinking and playing cards.

    The design of the cards and the rules of the game are the same as those commonly used in Japan.

    This is not surprising, since Hercule brought the cards with him.

    I''m already sleepy. ...... Let''s go to bed.

    Lunalee rubs her eyes, sighing.

    Then Carolina complained to Lunalie.

    I haven''t won a single game yet!

    If you keep trying until you win, you''ll be up all night.

    Not forever.

    Karolina''s face twisted in frustration at the words of Hercule and Lunalie.

    "Don''t be so mad, Carolina. I love you.

    I love you." "......

    Hercule silenced Karolina by covering her lips with his own.

    "I love you so much, Karolina.

    "Hey, Your Majesty, .......

    "Let''s go to bed. See?

    Hercule carried Karolina to bed in a princess hug.

    And ......

    "Lunalee, you come with me. That''s an order.

    "...... Yes.

    Lunalie, too, flushed, ran to Hercule''s side and ......

    They kissed each other.

    Thus ended Hercule''s long day.

 75 Episode 13 Mistress

    Hey, Nia. Glad you could make it. Have a seat. I don''t want to stand around talking.

    Hercule called Nia and asked her to sit down.

    Nia shrugged and sat down in the chair.

    Oh, um, ......, what can I do for you?

    "Don''t be so frightened. I''m not trying to take anything from you. I''m just trying to find out about your Nightmare traits.

    What traits?

    Yeah.

    There are countless books written about Nightmares.

    The problem was that what was written in them did not always match what was written in them.

    As for Hercule, he wanted to find out the characteristics and traits of the Nightmare race.

    Half of it was academic interest, and the other half was to determine how to use Nia.

    Anyway, let me see your tail.

    "Yes, ......, I understand.

    Nia shyly pulled out a black tail from inside her skirt.

    The tip is not an inverted triangle ...... but rather a cute heart shape.

    From Nia''s point of view, this tail is the part of her body she wants to hide the most.

    She was discriminated against, humiliated, and is still looked at with contempt because of this tail.

    "Hmmm... ......

    Hercule grabbed the lump of Nia''s complex without hesitation.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    She shakes her body and flaps her tail.

    "Don''t move.

    "Hyah, hyah ......

    Hercule strokes and rubs Nia''s tail with interest.

    Every time Hercule''s hand moves, Nia''s body shivers.

    "How does it feel?

    "It tickles. ......

    Nia''s face flushes as she answers.

    From the looks of it, it''s more than just a tickle.

    "What else is ticklish?¡¡Answer honestly.

    "Well, let''s see, ...... that ...... thing!¡¡Give me a tickle, please. ......

    Imperial order.

    Uh-oh. ...... feels so good. ......

    What is it?¡¡I can''t hear you.

    It feels so good!

    Nia replies with tears in her eyes.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that," said Hercule, nodding with a very serious face. ......

    How often do you jerk off, by the way?

    ...... Once every three days.

    "What do you masturbate to?

    Well, does your ...... fantasy of being held by His Majesty have anything to do with this?

    Sorry, no.

    Hercule let go of Nia''s tail in a flash.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    "Oh, my God. ......

    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. Well, jerking off is s*xual harassment on my part,......, but I''m very serious about the tail. In the literature, the tails of nightmares are ...... a means of communication with other nightmares, an organization for efficient handling of magic power, or even a s*x point,...... with different descriptions. I had to do a little research. I needed to do a little research.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    It''s a good idea to take a look at the information on the web.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

    "...... Nia, your tail. Do you feel pain when I pinch or pull on it?

    It''s ...... well, it''s a sensitive area .......

    I mean, it''s as vulnerable as a man''s crotch. Keep it tucked away. If he grabs you, it''s over.

    It''s easier to grab than a man''s crotch, which makes Nia''s tail a more deadly weakness.

    Next, Hercule touches Nia''s horn.

    Next, Hercule touches Nia''s horn, which is jet black in color - just black in Hercule''s eyes - and tweaks it.

    "How do you feel?¡¡Do you feel it?

    "...... No, I don''t. I can ...... feel a little bit of touch, though.

    "Hmm ......, that''s about right.

    What I''m wondering is whether it''s a bone change like a deer horn or a hair change like a rhino horn. ......

    Which is it?

    Do these horns grow back?

    "What?¡¡...... Well, it did come off once, for sure.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    Then it grew back, and here we are.

    I''ve heard that the antlers of the Ogre race also grow back.¡¡I''ve heard that the horns of the ogre also grow back.

    In the east, there is a race of people called the Ogre, and they have white horns on their heads. ......

    Erk¨¹hl had read about them in a book.

    However, it is difficult to compare them with Nia''s horns because he has never seen them in person.

    I''ve never seen them in person, so it''s hard to compare them to Nia''s horns. "Well, we''ll get to the horns and tail later. ...... Finally, there is the evil eye. Can you see anything?

    ...... At least, I don''t think I''m any different from you.

    Nia''s eyes are a beautiful cherry red.

    If one of her eyes were light blue, it would be easier to tell. ......

    Unfortunately, it is not an odd eye.

    Hmm, maybe there''s a trick to ...... activating it. Try chanting something.

    "...... What''s something?

    Awaken!¡¡My evil eye!¡¡Like that?

    ...... I don''t want to do this, it''s too embarrassing, no?

    No, it probably won''t work, so it''s fine.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I''m not sure what to do. I''m not sure what to make of it. I''ll ask him next time.

    ...... I''m sorry for everything.

    Don''t worry about it.

    When you pick up a kitten, it is your responsibility to take care of it until the end.

    I have no intention of doing anything irresponsible since I picked up Nia.

    I want to do something to repay you. ......

    "Return the favor"?¡¡What can you do for me?¡¡I''m not sure what you can do.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve seen it before. ...I can only use this body so much .......

    "What?¡¡Are you trying to tell me that you''ll let me hold you?

    ...... If that''s what you want, Your Majesty. I will give my body to you.

    Nia stares straight at Hercule.

    Her face was a little red, but her ...... eyes were serious.

    Hercule sighed.

    He grabbed Nia''s shoulders with both hands.

    Then he ...... brought his lips close to hers. ......

    "That''s pretty cheap. You owe me a debt of gratitude.

    He whispered in a cold, chilling voice.

    Nia shuddered involuntarily.

    I don''t know what it is, but ......

    The only thing she knew was that her comment had offended Hercule.

    I''m not sure what it is. Do you know how much a virginity costs for a ...... twelve year old kid your age?

    ...... No, I don''t.

    A silver dollar. Remember that. Your body, your virginity, is worth a silver dollar. If you were sold into slavery, ...... well, that''s still no more than ten gold coins or ....... A little good-looking kid who can''t even read or write properly is worth that much.

    Hercule says plainly.

    Everyone has a value.

    The idea that everyone is equal is just a pretext.

    And ......

    There are many people who are just good looking.

    They are not worth much.

    Don''t get carried away. "Don''t get carried away. That''s all you are. Don''t feel like you owe me anything for that.

    So, but ......, I''m .......

    To begin with, I''m busy. It takes me a long time to hold you. Why should I hold a poor little brat like you for ...... your s*xual and self gratification?

    If I had the time to hold Nia, I would have taken Carolina or Lunalee or ......

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

    ...... I''m sorry.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    Your virginity is a piece of silver.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    Especially an adolescent girl.

    Hercule put his hand on Nia''s head.

    "You''re worthless now. But you never know in the future. ...... I''m counting on you. Your desire to return the favor is admirable. Now study, learn martial arts, ...... and be of service to me in the future. And ......, well, you''re right. When I decide that you are irreplaceable and valuable like a jewel, I will ...... hold you. Well, only if you want me to.

    At Hercule''s words, Nia''s face lit up.

    It''s true ......!

    It''s true, it''s true ......, I''m not lying. I''m not going to lie, I''m not going to lie, I''m not going to lie, I''m not going to lie.

    Even Hercule has some sense of decency.

    "I understand, ...... Your Majesty, I will definitely be someone who can be of use to You!

    "Yeah, good luck with that. I have high hopes for you.

    Well, it''s only expectations. ......

    Hercule muttered in his mind.

    "Thank you for coming, Hupatia.

    "Yes, yes. ......

    Later, Hercule summoned Hyppatia to the palace.

    Hyppatia was sitting on the sofa, looking frightened.

    "Don''t be so nervous.

    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry.

    "I''m sorry," she said, but she had every reason to be frightened.

    However, it was understandable that she was frightened, since the life of the pagan Hupatia was in Hercule''s hands.

    If she were to offend Hercule in any way, ......

    Hupatia will be killed by oyster shells ......

    "This is the ''pendulum.

    This is the paper on the isochronism of the pendulum, and this is the paper on the law of the falling body. ...... prove it. You and I can call it a collaboration.

    "Well, yes, go to ......, if that''s what you want, but is ...... good?

    "If you''re the one who finally proved it, rearranged it, and published it, then it''s your achievement. Frankly, I don''t have the talent to put together an academic paper.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    What Hercule had written was not something that could be called a thesis.

    He does not know enough about physics to be able to put it together neatly as a paper.

    In order to put this into a proper "theory" and explain it to others, it is necessary to go through ......

    It was necessary to go through Hypatia.

    And ......

    It''s not like both of these laws were discovered by Hercule in the first place.

    No, in this world, they are. ......

    Oh, and to ......, you are .......

    What?

    What, why are you a ......, you know, a ...... messianist?

    Well, I was born a messianist. What''s going on?

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Hupatia frowned.

    "Well, it seems to me that ...... messianism is ...... nothing but superstition.

    Hupatia''s voice trembled as she told Hercule in no uncertain terms.

    Then he asked.

    "How can ...... a man as wise as you be ...... not question ...... Messianism just because he is a born Messianic? Why don''t you question Messianism?¡¡There are too many contradictions in Messianic doctrine!

    And then he clearly stated his opinion.

    I think there is nothing more horrible than teaching superstition as truth.

    After he had finished, he turned his head downward.

    She was too afraid to look at Hercule''s face to see what he looked like.

    (Oh my God!¡¡I don''t know what I''m talking about!¡¡I shouldn''t have said that. ......)

    Hupatia''s fox ears twitch in fear.

    "Hupatia.

    "Hyppatia. Hyppatia!

    You can''t say that in public.¡¡Even I can''t protect you.

    Hupatia looked up fearfully and ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    "Oh, you''re not angry?

    It''s not the first time that ...... messianic doctrines have been contradictory. And no matter what you say, it doesn''t change the fact that I''m a Messianist.

    Hercule said this with a calm expression and slowly sipped his tea.

    Hupatia follows his example, drinks a little tea, and asks.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    "Because it''s not about whether it''s true or false.

    Hercule smiles and reclines on the couch.

    "''Do not try God,'' said the Lord. In Messianism, it''s not important whether it''s true or false. The only thing that is important in Messianism is to believe, to have faith. Believers will be saved, I guess.

    Hercule takes a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

    "You don''t know what happens after death anyway. Then you might as well believe. They say you''ll be saved. But I''m not going to force you to do it. People only believe what they want to believe. So you should believe only what you want to believe. Because the truth doesn''t exist anyway.

    However, since I am the Emperor of Lemuria, I must impose some restrictions on non-Messianic religions, and I must encourage Messianism.

    But," Hercule added.

    So, I see. ...... Please forgive me for my rudeness. I''ve heard some strange things about .......

    "Oh, be careful now. And again, I warn you, ...... it is not good if the bishop of the Messianic Church hears what you just said or anything similar. Do not criticize Messianism, even among your own people. And tell your friends about it. There is a limit to how much I can cover for you.

    The majority in the Lemurian Empire is Messianic.

    And the emperor''s authority derives largely from his position as the protector of Messianism.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    I''ll be careful ...... and by the way, Your Majesty. I''d like to ask you a favor,.......

    What is it?

    Well,......, thanks to Your Majesty''s decree on Alexandria, the enrollment at the university has increased,....... But now,...... the university has become too small,...... and it also needs a lot of money to rebuild,...... the Aletheia library and the manuscripts. So, I was wondering if you could help me with the ...... expansion of the university and ......... ...and...

    Hmm ......

    Hercule pondered.

    I''d be happy to help you with the manuscripts as much as you want.

    However, the expansion of the university may provoke messianism.

    Please don''t make a big deal of it, and do it quietly and inconspicuously.

    This is the true intention of Hercule.

    However, considering the development of culture and science, it is better to encourage the activities of the Hupatians.

    "How much do you want?

    "Well, let''s see, ......, at least--

    "Um, .......

    As Hercule was pondering, Hupatia suddenly grabbed Hercule''s left hand.

    In surprise, Hercule looked into the eyes of Hupatia.

    There was a hint of hesitation in Huepatia''s eyes.

    However, she shook her head as if to shake off her hesitation. ......

    He pressed his left hand against his own ample breast.

    "How about this, sir?

    "...... Hmm, I see. That''s an interesting suggestion.

    Hercule grinned and stood up.

    Slowly, he approached Hypatia.

    With his left hand intact, Hercule raised his right hand to cup Huepatia''s chin in a quick motion.

    And ......

    "......

    He placed his own lips against Huepatia''s. "By the way, if you don''t mind me asking, I think this is a good idea.

    "By the way, how many are there now?

    "...... The first, Your Majesty.

    Hupatia blushed and answered.

    Hercule put his hand on Hupatia''s back and pulled her closer.

    You are the one who is at fault.¡¡I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to do it. ...... If you''re tempted by an intelligent, beautiful woman like you, you can''t say no. ......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it. And the financial support is .......

    I know. As long as ...... you and I are close friends (?????), we''ll support you.

    Hercule grinned and smiled at ......

    He then violated Hupatia''s lips again.

 76 Episode 14 Eastern Diplomacy

    "How''s it going, Loukanos? How''s Nia?

    "Well, I can say that ...... she''s remarkably good.

    The next day after Nia''s physical check, Hercule called Lucanos and asked him about the progress of Nia''s education.

    The next day, Hercule called Lucanos and asked him about Nia''s progress in her education.

    He said, "You know, ......, I''ve always had the impression that you scolded Nia a lot.

    I''ve always thought of you as a scold. She''s a good girl who can honestly correct her mistakes.

    By the way, Loukanos was in charge of Hercule''s education. ......

    At that time, he raised her by praising her a lot.

    He knew that scolding would hurt Hercule''s self-esteem and make her sulk and stop taking things seriously.

    Lucanos believed that the way of teaching should be adapted to each person.

    Lukanos took a sip of coffee and continued.

    I''ve made a lot of progress in correcting my Cyrillic. You are now able to read and write in Cyrillic reasonably well. You can also speak some simple Lemurian.

    That''s pretty good for just a few months. Apart from your studies?

    Yes. ...... You''re a surprisingly good dancer. Your reflexes and dynamic vision are remarkable. But more than that, your ...... movements are precise and accurate. My martial arts instructor told me that your ability to keep hitting the same spot is ...... amazing.

    "Hmm ......, I see. You might want to show this to Karolina next time.

    Anyway, it is necessary to dance to live as a nobleman and ......

    It seems that you have a talent for dancing, which is necessary to live as a nobleman, and for martial arts, which is necessary to live as a warrior.

    But we don''t teach her history, politics, military, or oratory, so we don''t know how good she''ll grow up to be. For now, she''s just a good kid .......

    I know that.

    For Hercule, as long as he knows that Nia is not incompetent, he is happy.

    It''s not that I''m going to throw him away just because he''s incompetent, but I''m not going to ...... lose my temper.

    If possible, you want to be glad you picked it up.

    Are there any signs of a nightmare?

    Not really. She looks like just a girl to me. ...... I don''t know what''s going to happen now.

    I''m not saying that nightmares are dangerous in the dark.

    But they are certainly unknown and not entirely without danger.

    Even chimpanzees, which are cute and docile when they are young, become violent as if they have changed into adults.

    There is no denying the possibility that Nia is one of those .......

    In any case, we should check the progress.

    By the way, Lucanos, you seem to be suffering from something lately,......, are you okay?

    Yeah, ...... well, do you know ......?

    Yeah, yeah, yeah. How long do you think we''ve known each other?

    Lucanos had been by Hercule''s side ever since he could remember.

    To Hercule, he was like a parent.

    Of course, if Lucanos had any problems, he would have known about it ...... immediately.

    ...... Wasn''t there a battle with the Foulds recently?

    Yes, there was.

    And those who were taken by the ...... Phallus were returned or temporarily returned, right?¡¡At that time, I checked to see if there were any ...... acquaintances, but there weren''t any, so I decided to ...... a little... ...

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it." "Oh, by the way, ...... you served in a battle thirty years ago, didn''t you?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    The first time was eighty years ago. ......

    The first time was eighty years ago when he attacked the Kingdom of Phars, taking advantage of the civil war that broke out there.

    At first, this surprise attack was a great success and they gained a lot of territory. ......

    He was defeated by the newly enthroned King Sasan VIII, who was 20 years old at the time, ending the civil war in the Kingdom of Fars.

    He was deprived of all the territories he had acquired and had to pay reparations.

    Fifty years later, or thirty years ago.

    The Kingdom of Bulgaron and the Kingdom of Phars jointly invaded the Lemurian Empire.

    At that time, Hadrian III was also defeated and ......

    Thereafter, he had to pay a large amount of tribute to the Kingdom of Phars every year.

    In these two battles, many elves were taken to the Kingdom of Phallus.

    Two thirds of them were released after paying ransom. ......

    One-third were not released. One-third of them were not released and were detained in the Kingdom of Foulth.

    Incidentally, Loukanos was captured by the Pharisees at this time.

    He was tortured and asked to tell all about the Messianic Church''s intelligence activities. ......

    He was tortured and had his crotch broken.

    Who''s this ...... guy you know?

    "My name is Helena, the second daughter of Uarelius Cog. She was my ...... fianc¨¦e.

    In the Messianic religion, priests are allowed to have wives.

    In the Messianic religion, priests are allowed to marry, because the highest authority in the Messianic religion, the medium, is the bloodline successor.

    The idea is that if it''s okay for the mediums, it''s okay for the other clergy .......

    s*xual intercourse is considered evil, but marriage and procreation is encouraged by Messianism.

    The House of Cog, a branch of the House of Uarius, one of the seventy-seven houses of the Holy Ghost, is pureblood ...... and female. So pureblood ...... and female.

    Both Lemuria and Fahls have a small population of elves.

    Especially if they''re purebloods.

    And ...... both have a particular desire for women.

    If you think of s*x as the production of children, ......

    Men and women do not have to be one-on-one.

    A man can impregnate any number of women at the same time. ......

    As a rule, a woman can have only one womb per baby. (Twins and triplets are exceptions. ......)

    In short, the government wants fewer testicles, but more wombs.

    If you have taken a female elf, a pureblood, as a prisoner of war, ......

    If you''ve got a pureblood captive, don''t give her back, take her home.

    However, it is impossible for a pureblood to be turned into a s*x slave. ......

    If you are a pureblood, whether you are a Lemurian or a Foulds, you will be treated appropriately because you are a nobleman.

    In Lemuria and Phallus, if you are a pureblood, you are a nobleman and you will be treated as such. You will be assigned to a pureblood, single, long-eared male elf.

    By the way, ......

    In the Lemurian Empire, women are allowed to fight only in the Long Ears (Elves).

    The elves have high physical abilities, and there is no gender difference in the techniques of necromancy, so both men and women can fight well.

    Warbeasts are also very physically strong, so warbeast women can also be active on the battlefield. ......

    In the Lemurian Empire, warbeast women are not allowed to fight because fighting on the battlefield is an honor and a job for the ruling class.

    In the western warbeast nations, there are some female knights.

    But still, the battlefield is a man''s world.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of them. ...... But in the last war, we made a treaty with the Elves to allow them to temporarily return to Lemuria if they had already started a family and could not return. ......

    It''s only recently that Lemurian elves, who were captured by the Foulth and forced to marry Foulth nobles, have come to greet their parents and siblings in Lemuria with their husbands and children.

    There''s a good chance they''re ...... dead.

    Yes,......, well,...... I''ve given up,...... I''m depressed, but not so much that I''m sad. It''s not so much sadness as it is ...... disappointment. If you''re still alive, you can expect to receive a letter or two.

    The correspondence between the families of the Long-Eared Elves trapped in Foulds and the Long-Eared Elves in Lemuria is not that unusual.

    If you don''t receive a letter, there is a good chance that they have already left for the Kingdom of God.

    Well, ......, I''ll have to do some searching on my end. You want to know for sure if she''s alive or dead, right?¡¡What kind of woman are you and her family ...... talking about?

    She was gray-haired and strangely large-breasted for a ...... long-eared elf. She was devout, kind, and strong with a good sword.

    "Large breasts." ......

    I don''t trust what the elves say about large breasts.

    The reason is that all women with breasts above C are considered to have large breasts.

    Some elves claim that even a B has big breasts.

    The default size for Elves is small breasts.

    But, Your Majesty. I am a woman of the past. I''ve decided to live in a world of faith. I''m really glad you''re looking for Helena, but ...... please put your affairs first.

    I know, I know. ......By the way, while we''re on the subject, are you okay with the design I gave you for the ...... cathedral?¡¡I''d appreciate a response soon.

    The cathedral ...... is the Nova Lemuria Cathedral that Hercule commissioned Titus to rebuild, the building that houses the seat of the Archbishop of Nova Lemuria.

    It was to be rebuilt because it had deteriorated rapidly.

    The budget and design have already been reviewed and approved by Hercule.

    All that was left was for Loukanos to say yes.

    "That''s fine. I was going to tell you today, but I should have told you at the beginning of ....... I apologize.

    "No, that''s fine. It''s nothing urgent. ...... And what was that again?¡¡There''s something I need to tell you. ...... Oh!¡¡I just remembered. King Edelna has fallen.

    "King Edelna?

    Yeah, I''ve only just heard about this.

    The Kingdom of Edelna.

    It''s a messianic kingdom west of the Lemurian Empire on the Aperia Peninsula.

    The main race is the warbeasts, and the sovereign is a high ranking warbeast, a leopard.

    Do you know who the new king will be?

    "Well, it looks like the pro-Lemurian Tiudimil will take the throne. ......, but he''s still young. There is a possibility that the anti-Lemurians will grow in power. We''ll just have to wait and see.

    ...... It seems safe to assume that the alliance will be maintained for the time being.

    The Kingdom of Edelna and the Lemurian Empire are in an alliance.

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    The historical relationship between the Kingdom of Edelna and the Lemurian Empire is a bit complicated.

    It goes back two hundred years.

    The West Lemurian Empire was still in existence in the Aperian Peninsula.

    However, the House of Julianos in West Lemuria had almost died out, and the last remaining member was Lemuros - ironically, the same name as the founder of Lemuria - a child of a half-elf race.

    The throne of the Lemurian Empire had been passed down from generation to generation to a boy of the pure-blooded High Elves of the House of Julianos.

    Therefore, there was little legal basis for a half-breed emperor to ascend to the throne.

    In addition, ...... the young Lemuros was being manipulated from behind by nobles, and the politics of the West Lemurian Empire was in a state of confusion.

    The East Lemurian Empire was not happy about this.

    So ......

    The East Lemurian Empire forced Lemuros of the West Lemurian Empire to abdicate.

    But he will not agree to abdicate quietly. (Or rather, the nobles who control Lemuros behind the scenes won''t allow it.

    However, the East Lemurian Empire had its hands full with the Kingdom of Phallus and could not afford to go to war.

    So the East Lemurian Empire thought.

    Let the barbarians do it.

    At the time, the East Lemurian Empire had an alliance with a powerful race of warbeasts.

    The name of the chief of that clan was Dietrich, and Dietrich had spent his childhood in Nova Lemuria, so ...... the East Lemurian Empire had some confidence in him.

    In addition,......, the family''s military power was becoming impossible to ignore, and the East Lemurian Empire was thinking of moving as far away as possible.

    So the East Lemurian Empire said to Dietrich, "The Aperian Peninsula is yours. Go and destroy the West Lemurian Empire. Oh, and make sure you return the crown. If you do so, we will give you the throne of the Aperian Peninsula and the position of Consul and Protector of the West Lemurian Empire.

    Dietrich would be fortunate if he could get the Aperian Peninsula. ......

    Therefore, he invaded the Aperian Peninsula.

    The West Lemurian Empire was destroyed, and the Kingdom of Edelna was established, with Edelna as its capital.

    Incidentally, the imperial crown of the West Lemurian Empire was properly delivered to the East Lemurian Empire at this time. ......

    Legally, the East and West Lemurian Empires were united.

    Therefore, the destruction of the West Lemurian Empire is a mistake from the point of view of the Lemurian Empire, and it is the unification of the East and West that is correct.

    In reality, it was the end of the Lemurian Empire.

    Therefore, the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Edelna have been allied ever since.

    There''s going to be a coronation in Edelna soon. Naturally, I''ll be invited, so ...... is the time to play. Also, I''m thinking of asking the Lemurian medium to convert Lunalie.

    The Aperian Peninsula is, after all, the birthplace of the Lemurian Empire: ......

    Lemuria is the birthplace of the Lemurian Empire and home to the Patriarchate of Lemuria.

    If you want to convert them, you should go to ......

    I''ve been trying to convert her to a medium.

    The Patriarch of Lemuria will be there, too. That bald man. ......

    "...... and I are getting along on the surface. You guys should get along, too.

    Hercule smiled bitterly.

    £ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß

    Supplement

    Hercule: "By the way, the author explained that the Kingdom of Edelna is under the sovereignty of the Lemurian Empire, but that''s a lie.

    Nia: "Heh. ...... Why is that?

    I''m not sure what to make of that. To be more precise, there is no "state". In other words, a nation is a territory surrounded by lines, within which sovereignty is exercised, and within which the people who obey that sovereignty live.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.¡¡Isn''t that right?

    Hercule: "Mm. To begin with, the Lemurian Empire is the only empire that controls the Messianic World. By definition, its territory is the entire Messianic world. The territory of the so-called Lemurian Empire is naturally the Messianic world, and West Lemuria is also the Messianic world, and since there are Messianics in the Kingdom of Fars, where Scheherazade lived, it can also be said to be the Messianic world. In other words, the Lemurian Empire is not separated by a line, but rather by a soft light that radiates out, and the range of that light is the Lemurian Empire. And there is a center where the light is strong, and a frontier where the light is weak.

    Nia: "I see. So Scheherazade is .......

    Hercule: "As long as she is a Messianic, she belongs under my control. Of course, her father is King Sasan VIII, and patriarchally, she would also be under his control. And don''t forget, the supreme leader of the Messiahs is the medium, so she is also under the control of the medium.

    Nia: "So there is no clearly colored ''sovereignty'', and since there is no ''sovereignty'' and ''territory'', there is no ''nation''. I''m convinced that''s ...... just a play on words, isn''t it?

    Hercule: "Not really. For example, in the Kingdom of Edelna,......, the Emperor of Lemuria told King Edelna, "We are the only people in the Aperian peninsula who have the right to vote.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on. But think about it, okay?¡¡Don''t you think that "the throne of the Aperian Peninsula" is enough?¡¡You''re a king.

    Nia: "Indeed ......, that''s true. Why do you need those two things?

    Hercule "It''s simple. The West Lemurian Empire is technically my territory, and the former Lemurian Empire citizens who live there, or Lemurians, are my subjects. The throne of the Aperian Peninsula guarantees me control over the land of the Aperian Peninsula and my position as the king of the warbeasts that migrated from outside, not the Lemurians living in the Aperian Peninsula. That''s why he had to get the position of Consul and Protector to borrow the right to rule over the Lemurians. In fact, in the Kingdom of Edelna, King Edelna''s Edelna Law is applied to the Warbeasts and the Western School Messianists, but the Lemurian Law, including my edict, is applied to the orthodox Lemurians.

    Nia: "It''s complicated. My head is going to hurt.

    Hercule: "It''s still easier to understand. Originally, it also includes the Church and the power of the Lords. Incidentally, the church is not monolithic either, and the power of the mediums and the power of the local church sometimes clash. At least, the local church is not the hands and feet of the medium. In the case of lords, depending on the region, they are not necessarily subject to the power of the king, and the minor lords who serve them are not necessarily subject to that power either.

    Nia: "It''s true that there was also the ...... one-tenth tax. In the Lemurian Empire, it is free will. I''ve learned that it''s compulsory in the West.

    Hercule: "The one-tenth tax, yes, that''s a good example. There are various kinds of power. Judicial power, legislative power, and executive power are all different kinds of power. And within the executive power, there is the right to collect taxes, the right to police, and so on. There is usually more than one kind of power, such as the right of inadmissibility, the right of lordship, and the one-tenth tax. Even in the Lemurian Empire, ...... as long as I am a Messianic, I am subject to some restrictions of the church laws established by the medium. The reverse is true as well.

    Nia: "But the Lemurian Empire is rather monolithic, isn''t it?

    Hercule: "Well, yes. As I said before, power in this world is like a light that radiates out. If that light is very strong, there will be only that light. On the other hand, if the light is weak, it can overlap with other lights. At least my power is absolute in the so-called ''territory'' of the Lemurian Empire.

    Nia: "What''s your secret?

    Hercule: "Violence. Light doesn''t make people obedient. I can hit anyone within the reach of my limbs and make them do what I say.

    Near: "That''s what I thought. Also, I''m soberly wondering, ...... what''s the difference between a ''kingdom'' and an ''empire''?

    Hercule: "It will be interpreted differently depending on the person, but ...... at least in the work, "the existence that rules the universal world" is the empire. I''m the ruler of the Messianic world, so I guess I''m the ''Empire''. The Kingdom of Phallus is originally an empire because it is the "King of Kings," but since this novel is written from the perspective of the Lemurian Empire, I will refer to it as a "kingdom" rather than an "empire. But in this novel, it is written from the perspective of the Lemurian Empire, so it is called a "kingdom" rather than an "empire. The Kingdom of Bulgaron is also a self-proclaimed "empire". I don''t accept it, though.

    Nia: "Speaking of which, King Foulds is also the High Priest of the Church of the Holy Fire, isn''t he? In other words, since he is the ruler of the world of the Torch Sect, he can be called the "Empire" that rules the universal world. Since the Lemurian Empire also has Torchists, ...... does that mean that the Lemurian Empire will be within the scope of King Farrus'' power?

    Hercule: "That''s what I''m saying. So if our country persecutes the Torchbearers, it will be a troublesome diplomatic issue. The reverse is also true.

    Nia: "By the way, what is the purpose of this long explanation?

    Hercule: "It''s necessary because it will be important in the next episode.

    Nia: "Wow, didn''t you have the option of explaining it well in the story?

    Hercule: "If this long explanation is interrupted in the middle of the story, you won''t understand the flow of the story.

 77 Episode 15 Eastern Diplomacy

    "Hmmm, ......, you''re in trouble.

    "That''s a problem. ......

    Hercule and Todoris are puzzling over a diplomatic issue.

    The season is March.

    The weather is getting warmer and warmer, and it''s a good time to take a nap. ......

    A letter arrived from the Kingdom of Farus.

    The sender was King Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Phallus.

    "Dear Emperor of Lemuria. "Dear Emperor of Lemuria. I''m ashamed to inform you that my daughter Scheherazade is missing. There are reports that she''s headed west and I would appreciate your help in locating her. If you find her, please contact me. Scheherazade''s description is: ......

    "Search?

    "Search or no search, we''re here. ...... What do we do?¡¡What do you want me to do?

    "I''m not sure that''s a good idea when people know about ....... In addition, the fact that they are sending such a letter means that ...... they may already have information that Princess Scheherazade is in this palace.

    If ......

    If the content of this letter of intent is, "Return our Scheherazade! If the content of this letter was "Return our Scheherazade!!!", Hercule could have just ignored it.

    Who is Scheherazade?

    What does he look like?¡¡I don''t know.

    I''m sorry, I didn''t recognize you!

    would have made sense.

    However, this is not the case if you are asking for help in finding Scheherazade.

    Knowing the characteristics of Scheherazade and the fact that Scheherazade is missing ......, you didn''t realize that the beautiful blond-haired elf girl who protected you was Scheherazade.

    This is not an acceptable argument.

    The Emperor of Lemuria knows that Scheherazade is my daughter, but he''s keeping her prisoner!

    It would be troublesome if the Emperor of Lemuria attacked us on the grounds of "The Emperor of Lemuria knows that Scheherazade is my daughter and is keeping her prisoner!

    There is a non-aggression pact with the Kingdom of Fars, but ......

    If you have a good reason that your daughter is being held captive, you can break the ...... treaty.

    In history, non-aggression pacts have rarely been honored.

    "What do we do?¡¡Give it back?

    There is no option but not to return ....... As long as Hayastan''s defense is not solid, we can''t afford to cause trouble in ...... the east. But if we just go back to ......

    You can be accused of not protecting the Messiahs ....... Well, that would ruin my face.

    But if we don''t give it back, it''ll ruin Sasan VIII''s face.

    Then it''s war.

    "Honestly, I''m not sure we can beat Sasan VIII. To be honest, I''m not sure we can beat Sasan VIII. Their military power is incomparable, and ...... Sasan VIII is more troublesome than anything.

    The conqueror of the world, the Sun King, Sasan VIII.

    His name is also known in the Lemurian Empire.

    In fact, he defeated the previous emperor, Hadrian III, to pieces twice in battle.

    Even the mighty Hercule could not be certain of victory.

    Why don''t we just ask him?

    ...... Yes, I think that would be best.

    The two of them shelved the issue for a moment.

    "Oh, please, Your Majesty!¡¡Please, please, please let me stay here!¡¡Your father is absolutely furious!

    Then you''d better apologize quickly. ......

    What do you want to happen to my ass?¡¡I''m going to have to do this a hundred or two ...... times.

    It seems that the Achaimenes are disciplining their children with the buttocks pen.

    How is it possible for a father to spank the ass of an eighteen year old girl? ......

    It seems criminally inappropriate.

    But I guess it''s safe in the Kingdom of Fars.

    ...... It may be a custom unique to the Achaimenes.

    The sooner you apologize, the better.

    It''s not a good idea to drag it out.

    It''s not a good idea to drag this out.

    Sheherazade''s eyes teared up as she heard Lunalie and Carolina''s words.

    Lunalie gently pats Scheherazade on the shoulder.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m acquainted with Sasan VIII. I''ll tell him to forgive you. ......

    "...... Wouldn''t that be counterproductive?

    The Kingdom of Khayastan was an ally of the Kingdom of Fars.

    Yes, that was in the past.

    If Lunalie, the ringleader of the betrayal, says something inappropriate to the King of Fars, ......

    If Lunalie, the ringleader of the betrayal, says something inappropriate to King Foulds, Scheherazade''s position may be adversely affected.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this in the following paragraphs.

    "In any case, we need to meet King Sasan VIII soon. That''s the way it should be.

    Apparently, Lunalie was planning to use this as an opportunity to talk with Sasan VIII.

    Well, it''s certainly not a good idea to keep betraying him.

    You should at least say you''re sorry for betraying me.

    But no matter how much you don''t like it, ...... you still need to tell them that you protected them. I''ll ask him to forgive me after about a hundred pens on my butt.

    Is it true ......?

    Really, the real ...... problem is that you''re being converted.

    For the record, I don''t care if Scheherazade gets her ass handed to her by Hercule.

    No, I''d like to see it, and I''d even rather do it. ......

    It is a matter of taste for Hercule, and politically it does not matter.

    The question is whether Scheherazade will be converted or not.

    If she is not converted, ...... the diplomatic pressure of Hercule will save his face as he has managed to protect the faith of the Messiahs.

    But if they are converted, it will be ...... laughable.

    I''m talking about King Sasan VIII. ...... I''m sure they''ll harass him into converting.

    Originally Scheherazade was running away from conversions.

    It is obvious that if she returns, she will be converted.

    Maybe they don''t want to, but ......

    The question is not whether there is or is not, but whether there is or is not, and whether there is or is not the possibility.

    If Scheherazade were to be converted, Hercule''s face would be ruined.

    On the other hand, protecting Scheherazade would lead to a war with ...... Sasan VIII.

    I''d like to avoid both if possible.

    What to do: ......

    "Well, we''ll have to try to negotiate. If all goes well, we might be able to talk it out.

    Oh, really?

    Scheherazade hugged Hercule.

    Sheherazade hugged Hercule. Her full breasts pressed against Hercule''s arm.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    She was a princess of a country, and too much contact might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

    Hercule forcibly pulls Scheherazade away.

    "Calm down. We won''t know until we try. I''ll talk to Todris. Well, we do have one more diplomatic card (????). Just don''t get your hopes up.¡¡It all depends on what Sasan VIII thinks.

    "Yes!¡¡Please, please, please.

    How about it?

    It is true that Princess Scheherazade, the earlier treaty-breaking, plus the example card may give you a significant negotiating advantage in ...... negotiations. ...... But won''t that provoke Sasan VIII into a war?

    "That''s when it happens. Well, we''re not going to lose for free. But if Sasan VIII is who they say he is, I think he''ll avoid war. I wouldn''t start a war I wasn''t sure I could win.

    After being defeated by Hercule, having its territory overrun, and being forced to pay reparations, the Kingdom of Fars is ......

    The Kingdom of Phallus, which was defeated by Hercule, had its territory overrun, and had to pay reparations, is not yet back on its feet.

    There is no doubt that they have not been damaged to the point where they cannot wage war, and they may try to redeem themselves, but Sasan VIII''s true intentions are to focus on domestic affairs.

    In addition, the Kingdom of Foulds is currently working on the expedition to Sindhira, and its biggest hypothetical enemy is the Kuro Plague.

    They wouldn''t want to get into a needless conflict with Lemuria. ......

    Maybe, maybe, maybe, I hope so: ......

    I''m going to mobilize them. ...... Don''t worry. Even if there is a war, we are not going to lose easily.

    After all, this man is a confident man.

    He really believes that he is the one who will win in the end.

    That''s why he never doubts his victory.

    ...... Well, Sasan VIII is of a similar quality.

    We are similar, I suppose.

    In the meantime, I''ll let Sasan VIII know that I understand and will look for him. I''ll let Sasan VIII know, ''Ok, I''ll look for him. ...... Yeah, I''ll send out a ''found'' in two weeks.

    It seems a bit short, but ...... yes, it might be better to report the discovery before Sasan VIII gets any ideas.

    Thus, the temporary return of Scheherazade was decided.

    Two weeks later.

    In the Kingdom of Fars, ......

    "It seems Scheherazade was in Lemuria, as you predicted. Baphnum.

    It''s not going to take more than a thousand pens on your butt to make this go away.

    When Sasan VIII read the letter from Hercule, he sighed deeply.

    Then he pondered.

    "That stupid girl, ......, where did I raise her wrong?

    "I guess it started when I allowed her to convert to Messianism. "I guess it started when I allowed her to convert to Messianism, followed by forcing her to convert back to Holy Fire. Your Majesty is also at fault, you know.

    ...... I know that too.

    For Messianics, converting to paganism means going to purgatory after death.

    Forced conversions are even more so.

    It''s no wonder Scheherazade ran away.

    ...... Is it reasonable to assume that he was hiding under the Emperor of Lemuria?

    "Well, ...... we sent an agent to Lemuria to investigate, but ...... not a single sighting came up. It is so unnatural that the emperor of Lemuria was shaken by a single letter and then discovered two weeks later ....... It is natural to think that the Emperor of Lemuria was hiding Princess Scheherazade in order to use her as a diplomatic card.

    It was Befnum who advised King Sasan VIII to send a letter of intent to Lemuria.

    It was Befnum who advised Sasan VIII to send a letter of intent to Lemuria, because he could trace Scheherazade''s journey to Lemuria, through the province of Suria, to the capital city of Nova Lemuria by land, but there the information was lost.

    One possibility was that he had been captured by the Emperor of Lemuria ......

    Either way, it would be difficult to get Scheherazade back without the help of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Either way, it would be difficult to get Scheherazade back without the help of Emperor Lemuria.

    Sasan VIII was reluctant to show his weakness to the Emperor of Lemuria, but Befnum persuaded him to send a letter to the Emperor.

    And Befnum''s prediction came true.

    However, there is no solid evidence for this.

    Even if he had denounced Hercule, it was obvious that he would have been ignored.

    At any rate, you have to give it back. ......

    "It''s going to be difficult. For the Emperor of Lemuria, Princess Scheherazade is the Messiah he must protect. If you''re not sure what to do with it, you can always try to get it back. I''m sure they''ll have some ...... conditions, such as ''no forced conversions''.

    ......Will it be war?

    I think it''s best to avoid that. Breaking the armistice twice would be condemned as unprincipled. It is possible that not only foreign countries, but even domestic lords will lose faith in the Achaemenids and in His Majesty. It would be better to solve the problem through ...... discussion. At worst, some concessions will have to be made.

    Then Sasan VIII shook his head.

    No concessions!¡¡We can''t afford to lose to Lemuria any longer.

    If we continue to give in to Lemuria, ......

    If we continue to give in to Lemuria, the international standing of the Kingdom of Fars will be in jeopardy, and the domestic influence of King Sasan VIII will be weakened.

    For once, we have to win.

    But considering the character of the Emperor of Lemuria, ...... the young man will not concede. Yes, he hates losing as much as you do. If it''s war against his own face, he''ll go to war. ...... Let''s bring it to a draw somehow. It''s the only way.

    Befnum thinks of the fat diplomat from Lemuria, Todris, as he appeases Sasan VIII.

    He did not know if he could get through to the Lemurian emperor, but he might be able to negotiate with Todoris to some extent.

    Befnum and Todoris have had many battles with each other.

    So they can trust each other.

    Phallus doesn''t want war.

    And I''m sure Lemuria doesn''t want a war either.

    Then there was room for both sides to compromise.

    The problem is the sentence, "I would love to meet your mother, Princess Scheherazade. ...... In the letter, it says that he wants to see his mother as soon as possible, as she must be worried about him. ......

    I''m not sure if the Lemurian emperor has such human feelings. ...... ...... I think he might have figured it out. What do we do?

    ...... We''ll have to take him with us. In the letter of intent, it also says, "We can''t return the Messiah to you without seeing his parents, can we?

    In other words, we will not return Scheherazade unless we see her mother''s face.

    That''s what Hercule is saying.

    If the terms were something like ''give me territory,'' ''give me money,'' or ''give me an apology,'' then I would be able to reject it.

    However, if you say, "As the Emperor of Lemuria and the protector of the Messiahs, I cannot return a Messiah to his pagan parents unless I see their faces," ......

    Hard to say no.

    From an outsider''s point of view, it is a natural condition to demand ......

    It is also a condition that should be accepted.

    You will be at a disadvantage. But ...... otherwise the negotiation itself will not start. To put it bluntly, it''s not much of a deal, is it?

    ...... Well, you''re right.

    To put it bluntly, taking or not taking Scheherazade''s mother is in the ......

    It''s not so much about the national interest of the Kingdom of Fars as it is about the feelings of King Sasan VIII and Scheherazade''s mother.

    From Behnam''s point of view, it is a condition that he should accept.

    "Okay, I''ll take you. ...... But we''ll also make it a condition that you bring Scheherazade with you.

    I think that''s a good idea.

    Lemuria and Fars have the river Flath as their border.

    And the river is used by both sides for discussions.

    In the middle of the river, there is a large sandbar.

    This bar is usually used by fishermen from both sides. ......

    Because of its geographical location right in the middle of the border between Lemuria and Fars, it is often chosen as a place for discussions between the two monarchs.

    And today, the leaders of the two countries were gathered in the middle of the state.

    From the Lemurian side, Emperor Hercule I of Lemuria.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Todoris.

    Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, Loukanos.

    His bodyguards were Karolina and Christoph.

    For the Phallus side, there were five men.

    From the side of Phars, King Sasan VIII of Phars.

    Vizier, Befnam.

    Three queens.

    And five guards, Coward and Shaheen.

    And the most important of them all, Shekhin.

    And the most important one, Scheherazade.

    A total of eleven people gathered at the palace at a predetermined time to meet.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, King Sasan VIII of Fars. My name is Hercule Yulianos. Emperor of the Lemurian Empire. May I call you King Farus?

    First of all, Hercule steps forward.

    Then, King Foulds also stepped forward.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you. Your Majesty, Hercule I, Emperor of Lemuria. My name is Sasan Achaimenes. King of Phallus. ...... Feel free to call me anything you like. I''ll call you Emperor of Lemuria.

    Both of them smiled and shook hands.

    The smile was very friendly, but ...... the eyes were not smiling.

    The other day, my stupid son caused trouble. And my stupid daughter, I''m sorry. And thank you for giving me back my daughter. I appreciate it.

    "...... Well, I have a lot to say about that.

    Hercule casually passes on Sasan VIII''s statement, "Thank you for returning my daughter to me .......

    And then, after appealing that he was not going to give her back for free, ......

    There is actually something I want to tell you before I hand over Princess Scheherazade. To be precise, ...... the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, to the mother of Princess Scheherazade.

    Hercule said, then took a step back.

    Then Lucanos stepped forward.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, King Foulds. I am Lucanos Lucarios, Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    After saying so, he went to ......

    I am Lucanos Lucarios, Patriarch of Nova Lemuria," he said, addressing a beautiful gray-haired elf woman - Scheherazade''s mother - who was standing behind Sasan VIII.

    It''s nice to meet you,......, or should I say it''s been a while?¡¡Helena Uarelli ...... now Helena Achaimenes, right?

    Yes, it''s been a while. Patriarch Nova Lemuria...... Lucanos Lucarios.

 78 Episode 16 Eastern Diplomacy

    Helena Uarelius Coge was the daughter of the Coge family, a branch of the Uarelius family, one of the Seventy-seven Holy families.

    At the age of fifteen, she volunteered for the Lemurian army, and after five years in the reserves, she became a cavalryman in the Lemurian army''s heavy cavalry (cribanarius) unit.

    After that, he fought in the front line for 20 years. ......

    Finally, he became the vice-general.

    It was during this period that Helena met Loukanos.

    At that time, Loukanos was not yet the Patriarch, but he was a strong candidate for it.

    The pure-blooded High Elves have always had a low fertility rate, and their children are few in number.

    On the other hand, Lucanos and Helena were close in age ...... and the people around them encouraged them to get married.

    Both of them were patriotic and religious, and they seemed to be on the same page. ......

    They were soon engaged to be married.

    However, both Helena and Loukanos wanted to concentrate more on their work. ......

    The marriage was temporarily postponed.

    Ten years after they met, ......

    That is, thirty years ago now.

    A war broke out between Phallus and Lemuria.

    Helena served as a soldier and Loukanos as a priest.

    The result, as you know, was a crushing defeat.

    Loukanos lost his testicles and his girlfriend.

    As for Helena, ......

    She was taken prisoner by the Fals.

    The House of Uarius Cog and Hadrian III tried to save Helena by offering a huge ransom, but Helena was never released.

    Fortunately or unfortunately, she was discovered by King Sasan VIII of Phars.

    If you ask her which part of the story she was admired for, she will tell you ......

    She absolutely denies it, but it''s probably her boobs.

    To my surprise, Helena''s tits were an E.

    This is a size that is rarely seen in the long-eared race (elves).

    Sasan VIII told the Lemurian Empire that Helena was dead, because he could not let her go.

    And Helena was forced into the back palace of the Palace of False.

    The relationship between King Sasan VIII and Helena was at its worst in the early days.

    However, Helena''s heart gradually melted under Sasan VIII''s earnest approach.

    What happened to your love for Loukanos?

    you might think.

    Certainly, there was love between them.

    But if you ask me if there was ...... love, I have my doubts.

    Both of them had never been in love in their lives because they were workaholics, which is rare for elves.

    In addition, Lucanos and Helena were both unusually ......

    It''s also important to note that Lucanos and Helena were both very reserved when it came to love.

    Compared to Loukanos, Sasan VIII was much more passionate and knew about love.

    For the playboy Sasan VIII, it was easier to corrupt a woman who had never been in love than to twist the hand of a baby.

    That''s why Helena eventually gave herself to Sasan VIII.

    They married and ......

    She married and gave birth to Scheherazade.

    "Surprising, I should say. I thought you''d keep your secret, King Farus.

    "I don''t feel the need to deceive you. The treatment of prisoners of war is left up to the country. Unless you''re saying that I forced Helena''s hand, ...... I seduced her head-on. I did not do anything cowardly. ...... Enough about Helena. I want Scheherazade back as soon as possible.

    Hmm ...... I thought one of the treaties of the last war included the temporary return of Lemurian nobles taken by the Foulds. ...... Well, we can talk about this later. Certainly, the priority right now is Princess Scheherazade.

    Sasan VIII glared at Hercule unhappily, while Hercule aloofly returned to the topic at hand.

    The one with the psychological advantage at the moment is Hercule.

    "Scheherazade!¡¡What do you have to say for yourself?

    Sasan VIII glares at Scheherazade, who is sneaking around behind Hercule.

    Scheherazade appeared as if she had given up.

    "Well, I''m ...... sorry about that. ......

    "Sorry is not good enough!¡¡Come to me!¡¡You will be punished!

    Sasan VIII closed the distance in an attempt to force Scheherazade to come with him.

    But ......

    "Please wait, King Foulds.

    "...... What do you think you''re doing?¡¡Emperor of Lemuria.

    Hercule blocked Sasan VIII with his arm.

    Then he snaps his fingers.

    As if on cue, Carolina, who had been standing behind him, rushed up to Scheherazade.

    Come on, come here.

    Uh, let''s see, .......

    Just .......

    As if being dragged, Scheherazade was taken by Carolina and lowered back.

    "I''m sorry, but she''s Messianic. It is my duty as Emperor of Lemuria to protect the Messiahs from the pagans.

    "...... Helena was brought in properly. Wouldn''t it have been safer to return her to her parents if you could have seen them?

    I''ve been planning to do that for a while now,......, but if the mother is Helena, that''s a different story. I''m not going to give the Messiah back to someone who took a ...... nobleman as his wife and never contacted me or sent me home.

    "Why should I tell Lemuria about Helena''s marriage to me?¡¡Why should I tell Lemuria about Helena''s marriage to me? This is between Helena and me, not you!¡¡Please don''t change the subject, now return Scheherazade or don''t!

    What if I say I won''t return it?

    Hercule grins, and says: ......

    Sasan VIII also smiles belligerently.

    The only way to get it back is by force.

    Sasan VIII puffs up a killer streak.

    It''s not just a killing spell.

    It''s a psychic attack magic ...... called "Killing Spirit III".

    The air around you suddenly becomes heavy due to Sasan VIII''s magic.

    Hercule also responds with "Awe III".

    The temperature of the air suddenly drops.

    A heavy and bitter air envelops the area. ......

    And ......

    The two of them broke the spell at the same time.

    "You''re the first person who hasn''t been scared off by my magic. Emperor Lemuria.

    "That''s my line, King Fahls.

    The two men shook hands.

    They shook hands. ...... I''m not sure, but they seemed to understand each other.

    "I''m a stubborn man, despite my appearance. I will not be defeated by you.

    Sasan VIII said, and Hercule nodded.

    That goes for me as well. ...... Let''s call it a draw here. There is no profit in fighting on either side.

    A peaceful mood enveloped the area.

    The vassals on both sides breathed a sigh of relief.

    Even a single person is scary enough, but these two scary people were really staring at each other. ......

    The fear was immeasurable.

    And the two who were most relieved were Scheherazade and Helena.

    These two people were the cause of the standoff between Hercule and Sasan VIII.

    Two monarchs of two superpowers killing each other because of their own fault: ......

    This is too heartbreaking.

    "Let me make a suggestion.

    Sasan VIII held up one finger and said.

    I understand your position as the protector of the Messiahs. So I will not force Scheherazade to convert. Why don''t we leave it in writing? And ...... we are ready to lift the ban on Messianism.

    Oh, ......, how did that come about?

    "We''ve heard about your granting of religious freedom to the Torchbearers in your territory. So we are going to grant freedom of religion to the Messiahs again.

    Originally, Messianism was not suppressed in the Fars Kingdom.

    It was only recently that it was suppressed due to ...... the intelligence activities of the Lemurian Empire.

    However, if Hercule chooses to take a conciliatory line in his religious policy, Sasan VIII is willing to work for reconciliation.

    Lemuria and Fars are virtual enemies, but they are also the largest trading partners.

    Trade will go more smoothly if we both recognize each other''s religion to some extent.

    In return, we would like to have the temple treasures that you looted and took back.

    "Hmm ......, fine.

    As a bargaining chip, Hercule kept some of the treasures that he had looted from the Kingdom of Foulds without selling them off.

    All of the religious items looted from the temple were kept untouched.

    However, the gold, silver, and jewels were sold off to add to the national treasury.

    But I can''t accept the idea of returning Princess Scheherazade to you.

    "......?

    Sasan VIII had his eyebrows raised.

    He sniffed unhappily.

    You don''t trust me?

    ''No, I trust you. I''m sure you won''t force Princess Scheherazade to convert since you promised ......, but you never said you wouldn''t (????) convert Princess Scheherazade.

    Yes ......

    Sasan VIII has set one trap.

    What is the definition of coercion?¡¡But what is the definition of coercion?

    Torturing Scheherazade, forcibly converting her, and forcing her to go through a conversion ritual ...... can certainly be called "coercion".

    However, if you make people around you talk about you behind your back or ......

    But is it really coercion to have people around you talk about you behind your back or complain about you and psychologically force you to convert?

    And even before that, ......

    There is a big pitfall that Lemuria can never prove that Scheherazade was ''forced'' to convert.

    Foulds only says, "Princess Scheherazade converted back to the Holy Fire religion of her own will. We did not coerce or threaten her in any way.

    (He''s a tricky guy. ......)

    (I tried to distract you by bringing up a major topic in the second half, but I didn''t expect you to notice ......)

    I''m sorry, but Princess Scheherazade will remain in the custody of my country. I''m sorry, but Princess Scheherazade will remain in the custody of my country.

    "As Scheherazade''s father, I can''t leave my daughter in a foreign country. If you don''t give her back, we can''t talk.

    The conversation began to worsen again.

    This is where Todris and Befoum come into play.

    "Your Majesty, please stand down. I''ll take .......

    "His Majesty the King, please remain calm. ...... I''ll take ......

    But ......

    ""You shut your mouth!"

    With a single word from Hercule and Sasan VIII, the two men have no choice but to shut their mouths.

    Kuromailing his own vassal, the two men glared at each other again.

    "I do not want war. But I''m not afraid of war. Do you understand?¡¡Emperor Lemuria.

    "That goes for us too. ...... By the way, are you well aware that I have Princess Scheherazade in custody?¡¡King Foulds. If you act carelessly, ...... Princess Scheherazade will suffer the same fate as Master Helena.

    "Well, ......, what does that mean?¡¡Emperor Lemuria. What are you going to do to my little darling?

    You know that better than I do. ...... Would you rather have a boy or a girl for a grandchild?

    I''m sure you know best.

    The important thing about this statement is that it''s not just about a boy.

    The important part of this statement is "the same fate as Queen Helena".

    If Sasan VIII''s claim is correct, Sasan VIII did not rape Scheherazade, but seduced her head-on.

    And it is not cowardly to seduce her head-on and make her your handbag.

    In other words, ......

    If you are angry with Hercule, "You''re raping my daughter! to Hercule would be implicitly testifying that he raped Helena, while "seducing Scheherazade head-on" would be a ...... non-cowardly approach, just like what Sasan VIII did to Helena.

    Either way, Sasan VIII can''t blame Hercule.

    Again, the air is tense.

    However, Hercule and Sasan VIII are both calm and ...... have never used mind-attacking magic.

    The reason why the air is frozen now is because of ......

    The reason the air is frozen now is because of the two vassals.

    Hearing Hercule''s threatening, or almost threatening, words, Shaheen and Coward, who were standing behind Sasan VIII, released their killing intent and began to swell their magic, ready to summon the spirits at any moment.

    And ......

    In the same way, Christophe, Karolina, and Loukanos, who were standing behind Hercule, also began to prepare to invoke the spirits.

    Helena, in contrast, is cringing. ......

    For some reason, Scheherazade''s face turned bright red.

    "Don''t look so deadly.

    "Take your hands off your weapons.

    Hercule and Sasan VIII each ordered their men to calm down.

    Then they glared at each other again: ......

    "In the first place, Princess Helena is a former noblewoman of our country. If so, isn''t it your duty to send her home temporarily according to the treaty?¡¡King Sasan VIII. Don''t you feel sorry for Princess Helena''s family?

    "...... So you''re saying that we should trade Helena for Scheherazade?

    Oh, I hadn''t thought of that. That''s a really good idea, Sasan VIII. Let''s do it.

    Hercule said, blandly.

    Sasan VIII ponders.

    If we''re going to follow the treaty, we should return Helena.

    As for King Sasan VIII, he was uncomfortable thinking about the possibility of Helena refusing to return to Fars, and the debt he owed to the Lemurian Empire for forcing him to cage her with false reports. ......

    I didn''t want her to go back.

    But Lemuria already knew about Helena''s existence.

    So, I had to make sense of it.

    The exchange of Helena for Scheherazade is certainly not a bad idea.

    ...... from Lemuria''s point of view.

    If Sasan VIII accepts these terms, he will have completely defeated Lemuria in diplomacy.

    He would have lost Scheherazade in the end.

    Thinking deeper.

    If he can''t get Scheherazade back, he might as well risk a war.

    But, ......, is there really a cause for that war?

    If Erk¨¹l accuses us of forcible conversion and forcibly cajoling Helena, the cause of the Foulth side will be questionable.

    In addition, unilaterally breaking the peace treaty and invading twice in a few years is too unprincipled.

    And I don''t know how long it will take for the man in front of me to admit defeat and return Scheherazade. ......

    And I still can''t get over Hercule''s words earlier ...... that he could rape Scheherazade.

    For Sasan VIII, the top priority is not Scheherazade, but the national interest of Fars, and his own face as the King of Fars.

    But still, she is his lovely daughter. ......

    It''s not a good feeling to have a man do whatever he wants with your daughter in front of you.

    Although it was his own fault, it is a certain fact that Sasan VIII forced Helena into his arms.

    If Hercule acted in that way, and if you condemn him for it, ......

    If we accuse Hercule of such an action, it could be a big boomerang.

    (Do we forcefully take it here and now?).

    Sasan VIII shook his head in thought.

    It is true that with the strength of his own spirit and the spirits of Shaheen and Coward, it may not be impossible to forcefully take Scheherazade,.......

    I''m not sure what kind of abilities Hercule''s spirit has or how many spirits he''s contracted with in the first place.

    He may suffer a painful reprisal.

    And even if they do manage to get it back, ......

    Diplomatic relations with Lemuria will deteriorate significantly after that.

    What Sasan VIII really wants now is Cyndira ......

    And the one he wants to defeat the most is the nomadic empire''s Kuro Tongue.

    To be honest, Lemuria and Khayastan can wait.

    We don''t want to get into unnecessary trouble with Lemuria and not be able to get Sindhira, and also allow the northern nomads to invade.

    (f*cking ...... is bad, man. This time.

    Sasan VIII realizes the disadvantage.

    With Helena and the earlier breach of the peace treaty, the odds are stacked against him.

    (...... can''t be helped. I''ll make some concessions.

    Sasan VIII does not show his inner frustration, but suggests to Hercule.

    So let''s do this: ...... I''ll trade Helena for Scheherazade. And two weeks later, Helena will be returned to my country. And at the same time, ...... send Scheherazade as our ambassador to Lemuria.

    "...... ambassador?

    That''s right. Scheherazade will be the bridge of friendship between Lemuria and Phars. Scheherazade is a messianist. Only Scheherazade can do this job.

    Now it was Hercule who pondered.

    It''s not a bad idea to welcome Scheherazade back to Lemuria as an ambassador and a guest general.

    As long as he returns to Lemuria, Hercule''s face will be saved.

    And since Sasan VIII can send Scheherazade to Lemuria as a vassal of ...... his own order, Hercule will not be able to take Scheherazade, and his face will be saved.

    If there was a problem, Sasan VIII could summon Scheherazade at any time and send her back to Fars from Lemuria.

    No way, he can''t prevent the ambassador from returning.

    It''s not like he''s a hostage.

    "...... for five years. If you promise to keep him in our country as long as there is no war between our two countries, I will accept.

    I see, I understand. Then let''s go with that policy. Befnum!¡¡I''ll leave the details of the negotiations to you.

    And with that, Sasan VIII took a step back.

    At the same time, Befnum stepped forward.

    At the same time, Hercule passed the baton to Todoris.

    The rest is a discussion between diplomatic experts.

    That was the end of Hercule and Sasan VIII''s role.

    After that, Todoris and Befoum discussed and settled the details. ......

    It was decided that Helena and Scheherazade would be exchanged, and that Scheherazade would be sent to Lemuria.

    A little later, ......

    Lunalie visited the Kingdom of False.

    "Long time no see, Your Majesty, King of Fars. I am Lunalie Alshaak.

    "Well, well, well. It''s been ...... five or six years since we last met. Hmmm, ...... what kind of a princess from a former ally would come to see me?

    Sasan VIII glared at Lunalie.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    I''ve come to apologize to you as a former ally for having allied with the Lemurian Empire, and I should have said so before ....... I apologize.

    "Oh, ......, no apology for breaking the alliance with my country?

    "With all due respect, .......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this," he said, looking into Sasan VIII''s eyes.

    It is our understanding and that of the Lemurian Empire that you were the first to break the alliance. You forbade us to bear arms and promised to defend us in return. As stipulated in the treaty, we disarmed ourselves, leaving behind the minimum number of soldiers necessary to maintain security, and entrusted the defense of our country to you. However, your country abandoned our country when the Lemurian Empire invaded and withdrew, and in addition, you commandeered supplies ...... and looted along the way. The Lemurian Empire and I are aware that at this point your country has unilaterally broken its alliance with our country.

    It''s not us who are at fault.

    It''s you.

    That was Lunalie''s point.

    It is my understanding that the ...... treaty will remain in effect unless one side declares it broken in a formal document. Apparently, Lemuria and Khayastan think differently. That''s fine. You and the Lemurian empire may perceive it as such. ......

    Sasan VIII glared at Lunalie.

    It is our understanding that you have unilaterally and without warning broken the alliance and formed an alliance with the hostile Lemurian Empire. ...... This betrayal will cost you dearly, won''t it?

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this. From the wolf''s point of view, sheep are weak ......, but they have sharp horns. The sheep are tended by shepherds. If a shepherd knows that a wolf is trying to kill his sheep, he will shoot the wolf with his longbow. ...... Please don''t ever forget that.

    Hearing Renalier''s rebuttal, Sasan VIII laughed in amusement.

    "Well, well, ......, that''s good. Then you can serve your shepherd as a lovely ewe. As long as the ewe is desperately licking the sole of her shoe, the shepherd will take good care of her. ...... Do your best so that you will not be abandoned. When you are abandoned, that is the end of the sheep. The poor ewe will be overrun, humiliated, and killed by many wolves. ...... No, it would be a shame to kill her. I''ll let her lick the sole of my shoe. In front of the corpse of the parent lamb.

    More later: ......

    Hercule: "Welcome back, Lunalie . That son of a b*tc* didn''t abuse you, did he?

    Lunalee: "......

    Hercule: "What''s wrong?¡¡What did he do to you?

    Lunalie: "I was just thinking that His Majesty and Sasan VIII look exactly alike ...... . I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    Elouise: "Rude!¡¡It''s not every day you find a gentleman like me!

    Renalier (I bet Sasan VIII would say the same thing: ......)

    £ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß

    Easy to understand translation

    Wolf ...... Kingdom of Fars, or King Fars, or soldier of the Kingdom of Fars (male)

    Sheep...... Kingdom of Khayastan

    Horn ...... military power

    Shepherd...... Hercule

    Ewe...... Lunarye

    Sole of a shoe ...... as it is meant. Or male genitalia.

    Parent Sheep...... King Hayastan

 79 Episode 17 Eastern Diplomacy

    "......, I am pleased to present myself. Your Majesty. My name is Helena Achaimenes. As a former Lemurian noblewoman, I was hoping to attend the funeral of the previous emperor and the coronation of the emperor. ......

    "No, I''m well aware of your situation. ...... I want you to raise your head. You are not in a position to bow to me now.

    Helena greeted Hercule as soon as she arrived from Foulds.

    Hercule welcomed her graciously.

    Helena''s stay would last two weeks.

    Well, how is it?¡¡How is the homeland after so long?

    "...... Well, yes. Some things have changed, and some things have not. I''m filled with nostalgia.

    Helena said happily.

    Even though she had been forced to go back to ...... her homeland, she was still happy.

    She''s happy for what it''s worth.

    The city is a little cleaner now, and there are fewer orphans and vagrants, thanks to ...... your efforts?

    Yes.

    "I''ve heard rumors in Foulds that Lemuria has a new emperor of great merit. Seeing it with my own eyes confirms that the rumors are true. It seems to be more vibrant than when I lived there.

    It was not just her imagination that Helena was feeling.

    The long reign of Hadrian III had certainly brought political stability, but it had also created a sense of stagnation.

    Hercule''s accession to the throne removed that.

    "If you want, why don''t you stay in Lemuria?

    Hercule said jokingly, and Helena chuckled.

    Her expression is just like Scheherazade''s.

    I''m really flattered by your sentiment, but ...... I''m from the Achaimenes family.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m a member of the Achaimenes family,......, so I''m sure you weren''t forced into the act.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. ...... He is a gentleman to women, you know?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the web site, you can call us at the web site.

    He had no intention of disturbing her happiness.

    "By the way, ......, Your Majesty. How did you know it was me who was Scheherazade''s mother?¡¡You called me there because you knew in advance that I was Scheherazade''s mother, didn''t you?

    "No, it was half and half a possibility. No, ...... less than that?¡¡King Foulds'' information blockade was perfect. We didn''t know for a minute that you were from our country.

    King Sasan VIII had cleverly concealed Helena''s origins.

    Anyone who knew that Helena was from Lemuria was either silenced or sent to the provinces.

    They even created fake blood relations to disguise Helena''s origin as being in Fars.

    But ...... Loukanos remembered your face. And ...... Scheherazade and you look very much alike.

    "...... breasts, huh?

    "Ha ha.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    When Lucanos first saw Scheherazade, he was first surprised by the size of her breasts.

    Then he remembered that his own fianc¨¦e had also been quite large. ......

    He also noticed that Helena''s face and Scheherazade''s face looked a little similar.

    Only ......

    I was still uncertain about the fact, so I kept it to myself until I received a letter from Fahls.

    I thought, "If there''s any chance at all, why not give it a try? It turned out to be a great idea: .......

    Hahaha, ......, you''ve fallen for it. ...... By the way.

    Helena''s expression suddenly turned serious.

    "How many ...... words did His Majesty say at the meeting?

    "Words?¡¡Which are you talking about?

    "The one about making Scheherazade suffer the same ...... consequences as me.

    That''s what I said. ......

    Hercule thinks back.

    If you were to effectively declare rape, a mother would certainly be concerned.

    "Did King Foulds force you to do anything?

    "...... No, I accepted. His Majesty was a gentleman to the end.

    Then there is no problem. Isn''t that right?

    I would never rape or do anything of the sort.

    If I''m going to do something with Scheherazade, I''m going to do it head-on.

    That''s what I''m saying.

    Helena couldn''t say anything if she was told this.

    If she condemned him, she would automatically condemn her husband, King Sasan VIII.

    However, Hercule''s words were just a threat, a lie, to prevent Sasan VIII from choosing war. ......

    Even Hercule would not touch the princess of a country.

    I''m ready to hit on her anytime. ......

    But to tell you the truth, I still want to squeeze those huge tits.

    "I wish Scheherazade all the happiness in the world, Your Majesty. Please take care of Scheherazade.

    I know that. I''ll take full responsibility for your daughter and protect her. I swear to God.

    But then Hercule remembered one thing that he had to make sure of.

    "By the way, do you think Scheherazade is a messianist because of ...... you?

    "Yes, I drew him in. In hindsight, I wish I hadn''t ....... I had no idea it would cause such an uproar.

    I should have preached the teachings of the Holy Fire to my daughter.

    I should have taught my daughter the teachings of the Holy Fire," Helena said, feeling deeply sorry for herself.

    I see," Hercule nodded, and then went further into .......

    So are you still Messianic?¡¡Or ......?

    "I am now a Messianic. The King has been pressuring me to convert. ......

    Helena replied with some difficulty.

    For a Messianic, conversion is an act of betrayal and disobedience to God.

    Nothing could be more sinful.

    Pagans and heretics are pagans and heretics because they have not been taught the correct teachings by the righteous. ......

    The apostate is a foolish, sinful person who has received the correct teachings and knows them, but still devotes himself to idols. ......

    This is how the Messianists perceive them.

    Helena doesn''t want you to hear that.

    But ......

    Helena does not regret her conversion very much.

    She chose to do so because she believed that her love for her husband and the Achaimenes family were more important than her faith.

    It doesn''t bother me. Well, Messianic is certainly preferable, but I promise I won''t replace your treatment just because you''re .......

    Thank you, .......

    Helena bowed her head quietly.

    Helena quietly bowed her head, glad that Hercule was tolerant of religion.

    Well, ...... two weeks is a long time, but it''s short. Two weeks is a long time, but it''s too short to waste it talking to me. If you miss this opportunity, you don''t know when you will be able to return to Lemuria. Hurry up and see your family and old friends. And if you want, I can give you directions. Take a tour of Nova Lemuria.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you very much for your kindness.

    Helena bowed her head once more and left the ......

    Then she left.

    Eleven days later: ......

    Thank you for coming. Patriarch Nova Lemuria.

    No, I have no business to attend to. Princess Helena.

    Helena summoned Loukanos the day before she left Lemuria.

    It was on a small hill in Nova Lemuria.

    "...... No one will see you. His Majesty has exorcised me. So I''ll call you Lucanos, like I used to. ...... No, I will. You can call me Helena, like you used to.

    "All right, Helena. Okay, Helena. What do you want?¡¡What are you doing here ......?

    Helena smiled when Loukanos asked her.

    Don''t you remember this place?

    Yes, I remember. It''s where I asked you to marry me.

    This is a memorable place for both of us.

    It''s a place where we both have fond memories, but it''s also a place that ...... makes us feel uncomfortable when we think about where we are now.

    ...... I just wanted to apologize. I wanted to apologize to you for falling in love with King Fars, loving him, marrying him, having children with him, raising them, ...... and even converting to Islam while I had a fianc¨¦ named you. I feel that I have done you a great injustice.

    Helena said, bowing her head to Loukanos.

    Helena then bowed her head to Loukanos, who was stunned by her words.

    I really feel that I have done something ...... unforgivable. I should have sent a letter or two. ...... Even if King Foulds forbade me to do so, it doesn''t change the fact that I betrayed you and your ...... family by causing them to worry. It is not something that can be forgiven with an apology. ......

    And ......

    Helena raised her head.

    But I don''t regret it. Yes, you can despise me. Even if I were to go back to that place now, at that time, I think I would make the same choice.

    Helena said in a dignified voice.

    And ......

    There was a moment of silence.

    Helena waited nervously for Loukanos to speak.

    You haven''t changed, have you?

    Lucanos looks at Helena and speaks slowly.

    "You''re so selfish. I despise ...... you. It''s outrageous that you would fall in love with another man while I am your fianc¨¦e, ...... and then abandon your faith.

    "......

    Helena turned her face down.

    Helena looked down and ...... Lucanos smiled at her.

    But I''m relieved. If you regret ...... being forced by King Foulds to become his wife and give birth to a child you do not want, ...... I would have asked you to protect me, but you have not. I would have asked you to protect me, but ...... I see I needn''t have worried about that.

    Helena''s expression was one of surprise.

    For Helena, who had been expecting more abuse, Loukanos'' words were unexpected.

    In response to Helena''s reaction, Loukanos smiled bitterly.

    What, did you think I was going to abuse you?¡¡That''s disgusting. My capacity as a man is not so small that I do not wish for the happiness of the woman I once loved. ...... In any case, I can''t make you happy as a man. If you have a happy family with King Foulds, I can only pray to God to make that happiness last. I pray to God the Father, never to the flame.

    And ......

    Loukanos laughs mischievously.

    I''m ready to be with my country. I will devote myself to this country. I will serve you for the rest of my life. ...... And I recently had a beautiful daughter. If you ask me to get back together with you after all this time, I''m not going to let you.

    "Thank you ...... Lucanos.

    With tears in her eyes, Helena thanked Loukanos.

    And ......

    "I loved you, Loukanos.

    "I loved you, too. Helena.

    They laugh and ......

    "Well, I''ll be back tomorrow. Please take care of my daughter Scheherazade. Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    "Leave it to me. As Patriarch of Nova Lemuria, I will make sure that the Messiah Scheherazade, son of Queen Helena and King Fahls, will be protected.

    Now ......

    At the same time, in the palace of the Kingdom of Phars, ......

    "Excuse me, ......, Father.

    "Welcome, Scheherazade.

    In exchange for Helena, Scheherazade returned to the Kingdom of Phars.

    For eleven days, he bowed and apologized to each and every noble, bureaucrat, and soldier who had caused him trouble. ......

    It was finally over.

    Then, as he had been told beforehand, he came alone to the office of King Sasan VIII.

    The only people in the office were Scheherazade and Sasan VIII.

    It''s a locked room.

    "Well, Scheherazade. Do you understand?

    "Uh, yeah. ...... that ......

    Stop squirming!

    Heee!¡¡I understand!

    Weeping, Scheherazade reached for the hook of her skirt.

    Her hands tremble with fear and she is unable to release them.

    "Hurry up!

    "Yes, yes!

    Scheherazade unhooks ......

    He looks up at Sasan VIII as if begging for forgiveness, but ...... Sasan VIII just looks down at him quietly with his arms crossed.

    Scheherazade makes up her mind and removes her skirt.

    A white, silk undergarment is revealed.

    "Oh, uh, ......, Father. Here, .......

    Take it off.

    Yes, yes!

    Scheherazade puts her hands on the underwear and hurriedly takes it off.

    The white underwear slides over Scheherazade''s pure white skin. ...... Finally, there is nothing left to cover Scheherazade''s lower abdomen.

    When Scheherazade''s face is red and she is hiding her vitals with her hands, Sasan VIII mercilessly tells her.

    "Don''t cover it up, get down on all fours and stick out your ass.

    "......, yes.

    Scheherazade slowly thrusts her white buttocks toward Sasan VIII.

    Sasan VIII approached slowly and ......

    He put a gag in Scheherazade''s mouth.

    "Mmm, mmm!

    "Bite your tongue, it''s not nice.

    And ......

    "I''ll teach your body to never think of running away from home again!¡¡A thousand smacks!

    Crack!

    Sasan VIII''s hand struck Scheherazade''s ass hard.

 80 Episode 18 Introduction to Western Diplomacy

    "Oh ...... still tingles .......

    "You really do have to pen your butt ...... the Achaimenes.

    Hercule chuckled at Scheherazade''s complaint as she returned to Lemuria.

    "...... Is that so strange?

    I think it''s important to remember that you can''t be too careful about what you say.

    However, families have their own circumstances.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.

    "Speaking of families, have you been to the Urelius family?

    "Oh, yes. The old lady and grandfather were very kind to me. ...... Was it bad?

    No, you''re free to go anywhere you want while you''re in Nova Lemuria. You are free to go wherever you want during your stay in Nova Lemuria, except where the law says you can''t. But you''re a grandfather and an old lady. ......

    If Hercule''s memory is correct, the parents of the previous king of Fars, Sasan VIII, are dead.

    In other words, they were Scheherazade''s first grandparents.

    Well, from Hercule''s point of view, there is no reason to prevent Scheherazade from interacting with the Lemurian nobility, though there is a reason to welcome her.

    The more chains that bind Scheherazade to Lemuria, the better.

    I thought I''d be treated badly.

    Well, a grandson is a grandson, no matter whose seed it is.

    From the point of view of the House of Whalerius, Lucanus and Sasan VIII were mere strangers.

    Besides, Achaimenes'' family status is much higher than Lucarios'', so they might even be happy.

    In any case, from the point of view of the House of Urelius, Helena is, for better or worse, a daughter who has nothing to do with the survival of the house.

    For better or worse, it means that Helena has nothing to do with our family anymore.

    The Lucarios would not be happy about this, though.

    "Your ...... Majesty, may I ask you a question?

    What is it?

    What would Lemurian law say about your mother, father and Lucanos?

    That depends.

    Hercule thought for a moment before answering.

    The point of contention is whether you seduced and then held her, whether you seduced her while holding her, or whether you held her and then seduced her. If it was seduction and then seduction, then Queen Helena and King Sasan VIII will be executed. If she held him and then seduced him, King Sasan VIII would be executed for adultery. In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at the best way to do it.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    If it was rape, Helena will not be judged.

    Even in Messianism, it is the intentional act that is considered a sin, while the unintentional act is allowed.

    God is not that small.

    It just depends on the testimony of Lukanos and the people around him. If Lukanos wants the death penalty to be stopped, the death penalty will not be carried out ignoring his appeal. Also, if Loukanos had been violent on a daily basis and the relationship had already broken down, the crime would be considerably lessened. The rest depends on the mood of the judge and the skill of the defense attorney.

    The Lemurian Empire has a very well-developed court system.

    The Lemurian Empire has a very well-developed trial system, and at least the punishment is not handed down mechanically according to the law.

    "But the incident happened in the Kingdom of Foulds in the first place. It''s outside the scope of Lemurian law. Prisoners of war belong to their captors when they are captured, as has been the custom in both countries. I have no right to interfere. There''s no way I''m going to summon King Sasan VIII for a trial.

    In addition, it would be a lie to say that the Lemurian Empire has never done such a thing.

    There are many noblemen of the Lemurian Empire who are descended from the noblemen of the Kingdom of Fars.

    Although it is impossible to tell without checking the family tree, there is a great possibility that Lucanos, the party concerned, also has such blood in his veins.

    It would be nice if Lemuria and Faerus could have a large-scale matchmaking.

    An arranged marriage?

    Yeah. The fewer the number, the more blood there will be. We''re all High Elves, after all.

    The problem is the religious barrier.

    It would be easier if they converted easily like Helena, but if they ran away like Scheherazade, it would be more trouble than it''s worth.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. Are you going somewhere by any chance?

    Oh, how did you know?

    Well, everyone''s been so anxious.

    The palace is noisier than before.

    It feels like .......

    And Scheherazade tells Hercule that she feels uncomfortable.

    "There''s a coronation in Edelna for the new king, Tiudimil. I''m going to crown him as Emperor of Lemuria.

    "Kingdom of Edelna. ...... The Aperian Peninsula, huh? ...... Would you mind if I went with you?

    Hercule thought for a moment and then answered.

    I don''t mind, but is it safe for the Kingdom of ...... Foulds?

    Yes, it''s fine. I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to do it.

    Scheherazade smiled.

    (I see. I''d like to find an ally that can pinch our country, like ...... said?¡¡I''m not sure if you''re aware of what King Foulds is up to.

    I don''t know what to say.

    "Well, if you say so, follow me. If you''re a Messianic, you should visit the Lemurian Patriarchate at least once in your life. I can introduce you to the Medium.

    "Really!¡¡Then I''ll get ready as soon as I can!

    Scheherazade ran happily.

    As he watches Scheherazade''s back, Hercule thinks.

    (Aside from impregnating the child, I need to bring the "I" in him higher than the "King of Foulds.")

    Hercule quietly takes aim.

    "Oh, your ...... Majesty. Are you sure you want me to be ......?

    I''m telling you, it''s fine. Don''t worry about it. If they say anything, just tell me. I''ll protect you.

    Hercule stroked Nia''s head crisply.

    A black horn peeked out from her pink hair.

    Accompanying them to the Aperian Peninsula are the following members.

    Galfis, Christophe and Edmond as guards.

    Carolina as his fianc¨¦e.

    Lunalie, also a fianc¨¦e, and at the same time an emissary from the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    Loukanos as Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    Todoris as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Scheherazade as a messianic figure.

    And Nia as Hercule''s attendant.

    He is accompanied by several servants and guards, including Ciphany.

    When Hercule said he would take Nia with him, Todoris and other bureaucrats spoke out against it.

    The reason was that taking a Nightmare with him might cause trouble.

    But Hercule persuaded them and took Nia out.

    "Besides, you''re Lukanos'' adopted son. You''ll inherit the Lucanos'' fortune.¡¡Well, you won''t inherit the Lucanos estate, but ...... you''re still the daughter of a proud Lemurian nobleman. You should be more proud of yourself.

    "Yes, yes!

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    Well, her face looked uneasy. ......

    "...... By the way, Your Majesty. Are you sure you''re okay?

    It''s not good to cause unnecessary trouble.

    Carolina and Lunalee asked Hercule in a whisper.

    I''m sure you''ll find a lot of people who''d like to have a look at it.

    "No problem. Yeah, there''s no problem. Don''t worry, it''s nothing for you to worry about.

    Hercule smiled lecherously.

    It''s ......

    He seemed to be very excited about what was about to happen.

    A chill ran down the spines of Carolina and Lunalee.

    "Well, well, well. Thank you for welcoming us. Thank you for welcoming me. ...... No, it''s still His Highness Tiudimil now, isn''t it?

    No, I was just doing what any ally would do. ...... Welcome, Your Highness. Your Majesty.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve seen it before.

    Tiudimil is a leopard-shaped warbeast.

    He is in his late seventies and ...... looks to be in his thirties.

    He has an ordinary appearance, with nothing in particular that stands out. ...... If anything, he has a mild face.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this topic at ....... I''ve got to tell you something. ...... My handmaiden, a twelve-year-old girl, she''s a Nightmare. ...... Well, she''s not evil. She''s a good girl. Please accept her.

    "Nightmare ......? If the emperor says that she is a good girl, then she must be a very good girl. Of course, my country does not doubt you.

    Tiudimil frowned a little, but quickly smiled back.

    It was a mature response.

    "Well, ......, I didn''t bring you here to make you uncomfortable. There''s a point. I''d like to set up a meeting soon to talk about it. Can you do that?

    I''ll see you tomorrow night at .......

    The two of them immediately made an appointment for a secret meeting.

    As allies, we have a lot of things to discuss.

    "Well, anyway, ...... His Highness Tiudimyr. Let me introduce you. This red-haired woman here is Karolina Galleanos. She''s the daughter of General Galleanos and ...... my fianc¨¦e.

    "Greetings, Your Highness. Please make my acquaintance.

    Karolina pinched the edge of her dress and bowed gracefully.

    She usually wears shorts and other comfortable clothing, but today she is wearing a red dress.

    And this blue-haired woman is Lunalie Alshaq. She is the princess of Hayastan, and she is also my fianc¨¦e.

    "Greetings, Your Highness, Tiudimyr. As Princess of Hayastan and Queen of Lemuria, I would like to ...... get to know you better.

    Lunalie bowed in the Hayastan style.

    Lunalie bowed in the Hayastan way. It was different from the Lemurian way, but ...... it was also elegant and beautiful.

    Incidentally, Lunalee is wearing a blue dress.

    "Well, well, well. Thank you for your time. Two beautiful women like this,......, the emperor is really envious.

    "Even if I wanted to, I couldn''t give it to you.¡¡After all, I''m proud of my fianc¨¦es.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    ...... Well, they were both smiling falsely.

    After that, Hercule and his team were driven in a carriage provided by the Kingdom of Edelna to the annex of the Edelna Palace.

    It was a large annex that was only used for coronation ceremonies and other occasions when guests from all over the country and the world arrived.

    Well, it''s big, but it''s less than half the size of the Grand Palace of Nova Lemuria: ......

    Hercule and the others put down their luggage and immediately went to greet him.

    Of course, there is only one person the Emperor of Lemuria would personally go out to greet.

    "It''s been a long time, High Priestess Millenia.

    "Well, well, Your Majesty, Hercule. Have you grown again?

    No?¡¡I haven''t measured my height in a while, so I can''t say. ...... But I''m glad to see you''re doing well.

    Hercule grasps the old woman''s hand and smiles.

    If it were a normal woman, this would make her face turn red, but maybe her amniotic fluid has already dried up, or maybe she''s just been alive too long, but the medium just smiled quietly back.

    I''m not sure if it''s because her amniotic fluid has already dried up, or because she''s been living too long.

    No, no, I''ve been having a lot of pain lately. ...... I''m getting old. Yes, really.

    The medium smiled bitterly.

    She has been a supporter of Messianism for many years, but age is no match for her.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. I''ve got a girl I''d like to introduce you to, Hercule. ...... Cecilia, come.

    When the medium called out, ......

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    She approached ...... and bowed gracefully to Hercule.

    My name is Cecilia Peter. Your Majesty. Please make my acquaintance.

    Well, well, well. ...... You have a very strong little boy. ...... Who is she, by the way?

    She''s my grandson. ...... I''m thinking of naming her my successor.

    Hercule raises his eyebrows slightly at the medium''s words.

    Her eyebrows raised slightly at the words of the medium, though her expression hardly showed it. ......

    Hercule was very surprised.

    I nominate you as my successor: ......

    When you tell Hercule that you are naming him as your successor, it means three things.

    One, that the life of the medium is really near.

    Second, he is implicitly asking Hercule to be her guardian.

    Three, the Patriarchate of Lemuria is willing to fall under the control of Hercule .......

    This is not the behavior of a cunning medium.

    (......What are you up to?¡¡I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡(......)

    I''m not sure if there is anyone who can be trusted to be the next medium?

    Erkur guesses.

    Rather than leave it to an incompetent medium, he may have decided that it would be better for it to survive even if it fell under the control of Hercule.

    (There''s also the possibility that ...... this girl is ridiculously good ......)

    I''m not sure how old you are, if you don''t mind me asking.¡¡Cecilia.

    "Twelve years old, Your Majesty.

    Twelve years old: ......

    Hercule observed Cecilia closely.

    It is true that her arms and legs are not fully extended and her breasts are not too full, so her body shape is appropriate for a twelve year old.

    Her face is very pretty, and even though she is human, she is as pretty as an elf.

    She still has a young face, but she also exudes the s*x appeal of an adult. ...... When she grows up, she will undoubtedly be one of the five most beautiful women that Hercule has ever met.

    Her hair is silvery and mysterious.

    And her silver eyes, the same color as her hair, had a ...... very strong color of intelligence.

    I see, Hercule was twelve years old when he ascended the throne.

    It''s not a simple thing to do, he thought.

    Just because she is a child does not mean we should be careless.

    He is the heir chosen by the medium.

    "Your Majesty. Actually, ......, if you don''t mind, I''d like to talk to you about the war.

    "About what?¡¡You mean the war against the Kingdom of Foulds?

    Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. ...... I would love to hear the saga of how you fought and won against the infidels.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then nodded.

    All right. Then you can come to my room. Fortunately, I have some free time now. How about you, High Priest ......?

    I''d love to tell you about ......, but I have some business to attend to. So please don''t worry about me. Cecilia, you don''t want to bother Her Majesty, do you?

    "Yes, I understand. Your Eminence, the High Priestess Medium.

    Cecilia gave a small nod.

 81 Episode 19: Introduction to Western Diplomacy

    "Great!¡¡That must have been quite a surprise for the heathens!

    I see. So you and Master Lunalee saved the Kingdom of Hayastan from the Pagans!

    So, the enemies outnumbered you?¡¡So, what happened?

    It was a victory thanks to your leadership and the efforts of your vassals!

    Hercule gestured and exaggerated a bit as he talked about his own saga. ......

    Cecilia looks happy and sometimes surprised.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk. ...... But that didn''t stop Hercule from observing Cecilia.

    (You look like you''re ...... old enough, you know. But if you ask him a ...... question and make him think about it for a while, he will immediately give you a good answer. Smart, no doubt.

    Hercule wasn''t just bragging, either.

    In his bragging, he included a test for Cecilia, ...... to decipher Cecilia''s abilities and personality.

    (...... She may not be a threat now, but in ten years, or even five years, she will be. If possible, I''d like to get along with them.

    With that in mind, Hercule drinks his tea.

    Sifanny immediately poured tea into the empty cup.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. "By the way, your Majesty, this tea smells very nice, doesn''t it?

    "Oh, you know ....... The future medium seems to have a good eye. Do you like ...... tea?

    Yes, I do. I don''t like alcohol. ...... But I also don''t like that coffee drink because it''s a little sour. Kuro tea is my favorite.

    Hercule''s mood improved a little when he realized that Cecilia was a tea drinker, just like him.

    If you want, you can come to Nova Lemuria sometime. If you want, you can come to Nova Lemuria sometime. ...... I''ll treat you to a nice cup of tea.

    "Really?¡¡I''ll look forward to it.

    Cecilia''s eyes glittered.

    I''ve heard that ...... you''ve started growing sugar in Misr province.

    Cecilia said, pointing at the cookies.

    Of course, sugar is used in cookies.

    If it is a great success, will everyone be able to eat sweet things every day?

    Depending on how big a success it is, ...... I''d like to aim for that.

    That''s a flat out lie.

    If you mass-produce it, you won''t be able to make any money.

    You can get it if you work hard, but it''s a luxury item.

    The best way to make money is to keep it to a minimum.

    After that, Cecilia and Hercule continued to talk and laugh.

    Either Cecilia is a good listener, Hercule is a good talker, or both. ......

    The conversation between the two was surprisingly lively.

    "The Council of Aletheia, initiated by the Emperor. That council ended the long debate on the doctrines of Messianism. That''s the Emperor.

    "Well, the new ...... theory was half-baked and unreasonable, and it is true that there is a demand for ...... holy images. Even if I hadn''t come to the conclusion, I''m sure that sooner or later, His Eminence Millenia would have come up with the idea. ......

    As for the Council of Alexandria, Hercule thought it just happened to be his turn.

    "But, Your Majesty. I''m not sure what to make of the Edict of Alexandria. It is true that forcing the heretics to change their minds will not be easy. But if we abandon that effort, the opportunity will be lost forever. The Edict of Alexandria is the thing that will divide Messianism forever.

    (......?¡¡Am I being preached at?

    ( Am I being lectured?) Hercule sensed that the tone of the conversation had changed a bit.

    (? Am I being preachy?) Hercule felt the conversation changing a little. "And how about imposing a tax on pagans instead of allowing them freedom of religion? If money is the only way to solve this problem, we should either allow it from the beginning or ban it entirely. It is true that imposing taxes may have the effect of encouraging conversions, but conversions on the basis of taxes are unhealthy.

    Haha, ......, that''s harsh.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It seems that this girl is basically a fan of Hercule''s. ......

    It seems that this girl is basically a fan of Hercule''s, but there are a few things that she would like to complain about.

    However, Hercule is an adult.

    If the person who said this was an adult high priest of the Messianic religion, and was asking for the revocation of the Aletheia edict, Hercule would have thoroughly debunked it. ......

    The other party is a twelve-year-old girl.

    There is no need to argue.

    Besides, ......

    (Well, everything Cecilia says is a good argument. There''s no room for argument.

    "There must be one messianism.

    "Messianism must not be divided.

    "The teachings of God should be preached to all people in the world.

    This is an ideal and correct theory from the messianic point of view.

    Even Hercule secretly thinks "I wish that would happen ......".

    Well, the reality is that it won''t happen, so he had to make a kind of contradictory and ungodly choice to announce the Aletheia edict and the Aletheia Creed at the same time.

    (Well, she''s not a medium yet. (Well, she''s not a medium yet.) If you want to condemn my Aletheia edict again after she becomes a medium, I''ll accept it. Well, I''m sure you''ll change your mind once you become a medium.

    When one''s position changes, one''s thoughts and arguments also change.

    It is not uncommon for opposition parties that have criticized the ruling party to follow the policies of the ruling party that they criticized when they were in opposition the moment they become the ruling party.

    Cecilia is now twelve years old, and while she may have achieved the status of a high priestess, ......

    She is not yet in a position of responsibility.

    We have the right to condemn the filthy adults who are idealistic and pragmatic.

    You''ll be a dirty adult in a while anyway. ......

    Let them say it while they still can.

    Cecilia. It is my understanding that the doctrine of the Messiahs is that they are equal before God ......, is there any difference?

    "Yes?¡¡...... Yes, I think so. What''s wrong with that?

    Even if it''s a Nightmare?

    A Nightmare?¡¡Yes, I think that if he is a Messianic, he should be treated equally. ......

    Cecilia looked puzzled as she spoke her mind.

    The high priests of the Messianic religion tend to discriminate against heretics and infidels without treating them as human beings, while denying discrimination within the same Messianic community.

    In fact, Lucanos and Cecilia do not seem to have any sense of discrimination against the demon race (nightmare).

    On the other hand, lower-ranking clerics dislike demons (nightmares) as much as ordinary people.

    It is not that difficult to understand why.

    There are many books that say that demons (nightmare) are evil, but most of them were written by pagans long ago, before the establishment of Messianism.

    On the other hand, in the Bible of Messianism and its mother religion, the Six Star Sect, there is no mention of demons (nightmares) being evil in either the old or the new.

    To the high priests, or Messianic intellectuals, the former is a late superstition.

    The latter is the correct and holy teaching.

    Messianism also denies superior knowledge by burning many books of natural science, medicine, philosophy, and mathematics, such as the burning of the Library of Alexandria. ......

    But it also has the aspect of denying and eliminating unfounded superstition, as seen in the Nightmare.

    In fact, there is a girl named Nia. ......

    Hercule explains to Cecilia about Nia.

    She is a Nightmare.

    She was abandoned by her parents because she was a Nightmare.

    She was starving and was about to freeze to death when no one helped her.

    And that ...... he still occasionally looks frightened.

    ...... is a terrible story. All Messiahs are equal before God. The parents who abandoned the girl, and the violence that ensued. I am sure that God will punish the parents who abandoned the girl, those who violated her, and those who turned a blind eye. God is always watching our actions.

    As expected, Cecilia was indignant, her face scowling with displeasure.

    Well, now that we''ve got the word: ......

    "Thank you, Cecilia. I knew you''d say that. ...... I have a favor to ask you, if you don''t mind.

    "A favor?¡¡If it''s something I can do, I''ll do it. ...... What is it?

    What is it?" "Would you be willing to be Nia''s friend?¡¡I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve. You and Nia are exactly the same age. It''s better to have friends than to have no friends. ......

    It''s better to have friends than nothing.

    Now let''s see how this girl reacts .......

    Hercule looks Cecilia straight in the face.

    If she looks even a little uncomfortable, she will ......

    If she looks even a little uncomfortable, it means she''s just talking.

    "Friends?¡¡Well, ...... that .......

    Cecilia clammed up as if in trouble.

    "You don''t like it?

    No, it''s not that,......, it''s just that,......, I''m embarrassed to say that I don''t really have any,......, friends my own age. ......

    I don''t have any friends either.

    So I don''t know how to deal with them.

    That''s what I meant.

    I thought I could see the darker side of this good girl''s inner self, but ...... it''s so boring.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.

    ''Well, that''s convenient then!¡¡...... Well, I''ll intervene first. What do you think?

    "If ...... His Majesty is willing to support us, that ...... would be greatly appreciated.

    Cecilia blushed a little and nodded her head.

    Apparently, being friendless is a bit embarrassing for a girl of her age.

    The next day, Hercule immediately brought Nia and Cecilia together.

    Cecilia seemed to be very tense, and not in the dignified manner she had shown to Hercule the other day.

    It was probably the first time for Cecilia to meet a child of her own age, having been raised in an adult society.

    Nia, on the other hand, had a puzzled expression on her face.

    The reason was that Hercule had brought Nia in front of Cecilia without any prior explanation.

    Hercule thought it would be more interesting.

    "Nia, this is Cecilia Peter. She''s twelve years old, the same age as you. Actually, you don''t have any friends, so I asked her to be your friend. And you said yes. Well, I guess it''s hard to be friends right off the bat, so let''s play chess or cards or something. ......

    "Oh, um, ......, Your Majesty. Did you just say ...... Peter?

    "I told you, what''s wrong?

    In this world, there is a basic common sense that any fool knows.

    Just as the Julianos family has inherited the throne of the Lemurian Empire from generation to generation, it is common knowledge that the Peter family has inherited the throne of the Medium from generation to generation.

    Of course, Nia knows this.

    "Hmm, well, I''m the grandson of the current High Priestess Millenia, right?¡¡Well, that doesn''t matter as much as the fact that you''re a Nightmare (??????), does it?

    The other person doesn''t care about your race.

    They don''t care about your race, you don''t care about their race.

    You don''t care about their status," Hercule implored Nia.

    Understanding Hercule''s intention, Nia gave a small nod.

    After confirming this, Hercule left Nia and stood behind Cecilia.

    Then he lightly pushed Cecilia''s back.

    "Here ...... Cecilia. You''re on your own.

    "Yes, .......

    Cecilia slowly walked up to Nia and ......

    Cecilia slowly approached Nia and shook her hand.

    I''d like you to be my ...... friend.¡¡I don''t have any friends my own age,......," she said.

    I don''t have any friends my age, and I don''t have any ...... friends my age, and I don''t have any ...... friends my age, and I don''t have any ...... friends my age, and I don''t have any ...... friends my age.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good thing or a bad thing.

    It feels really good.

    (So, at any rate, one stone has been laid. Well, let''s hope it works. ......)

    Well, no matter how it turns out, there is no loss for Hercule.

    Originally, it was just a scheme that would be profitable if it succeeded.

    Even if it fails, there is no problem.

    And then I suddenly realized.

    Come to think of it, I don''t have any friends either.

 82 Episode 20 West Diplomacy Before

    "Carolina, Lunalee. We''re going on a date.

    And all of a sudden, it''s ......

    What''s going on?¡¡Out of the blue.

    The next day, Hercule suddenly asked Karolina and Lunalie out on a date.

    What are you two up to?¡¡What are they up to?

    "Come on, we''re in Edelna. Why don''t we go sightseeing?

    I don''t mind, but ...... are you sure you don''t want to work?

    I''m pretty much done with that.

    I''ve already finished bringing Scheherazade to the medium, and I''ve already finished getting Nia and Cecilia to be friends.

    All the pieces were already in place.

    Therefore, Hercule was free.

    "Well, then I''ll be happy to join you.

    I''ll go with you.

    Thus, the three of them decided to take a walk in Edelna.

    Edelna.

    This city was built a long time ago, more than a thousand years ago.

    According to the literature, it was built before the birth of the city-state of Lemuria, the beginning of the Lemurian Empire.

    The development of Edelna began when the emperor who succeeded Baldy established a naval base there.

    Since then, it has served as a base for the Lemurian Navy, protecting the peace of the Album Sea, the internal sea of the Lemurian Empire.

    Later, when the city of Lemuria was devastated by the barbarian invasion, ......

    The capital of the West Lemurian Empire was often located there.

    After the fall of the West Lemurian Empire, ......

    As the largest city on the Aperian Peninsula, it is the capital of the Kingdom of Edelna.

    As one would expect from the capital of a country, it is crowded with people and full of life.

    On both sides of the street, merchants are shouting and touting their wares.

    The variety of products being traded suggests that the city is economically prosperous as well.

    The buildings are made of stone and the roads are well paved.

    The aqueduct provided fresh water to the city.

    Well, the city is a bit unsanitary due to garbage and feces.

    On the other hand, that''s how developed the city is.

    But ......, well, what can I say? Compared to Nova Lemuria, it''s nothing.

    It''s not much different from Erstadt in the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    "It''s not much different from Erstadt in the Kingdom of Hayastan," Carolina and Lunalie said honestly.

    Hearing this, Hercule smiled bitterly.

    The population of Edelna City is 250,000.

    This is one of the largest cities in this world, especially in the western world.

    There are only a few cities with a population of more than 10,000.

    That''s how desolate the western world has become due to the long war, and how the economic system has collapsed.

    Incidentally, the largest city in the Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria, has a population of 700,000.

    The second largest city, Aletheia, has a population of 400,000.

    The third largest city, Oseroria, has a population of 300,000.

    Erstadt, the capital of the Kingdom of Hayastan, has a population of 150,000.

    Kultellifon, the capital of the Kingdom of Phars, has a population of 600,000.

    The population of Lemuria City, the capital of the Lemurian Empire at its peak, was 1.2 million.

    "Well, compared to the devastation of Lemuria, I''d say it''s recovered quite a bit, wouldn''t you?¡¡Edelna City. After all, the rule of the Kingdom of Edelna is stable. The Aperian Peninsula should be left to the Kingdom of Edelna from now on. ...... Hey, owner. Give me three of those skewers.

    Hercule bought three skewers of some kind of meat from a stall he was just passing by.

    He handed two of them to Karolina and Lunalie.

    Hercule sniffed and smelled the meat.

    He confirms that the beef is not rotten.

    Meat purchased from such stalls often turns out to be rat or cat meat, so be careful.

    After confirming the safety of the meat by smell, Hercule took a bite of the meat.

    The meat was not overflowing with juice ......, but it was quite satisfying.

    No pepper, just salt. ...... Well, sometimes it''s good.

    It''s a little underwhelming for Hercule, who usually eats meals with spices in them.

    But it''s fun to eat while walking. But it''s fun to eat while walking, even if it''s a little awkward.

    "Atmosphere is important.

    The three of them happily strolled around Edelna, saying whatever they wanted.

    Just walking around in a foreign land is quite enjoyable.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. "By the way, Your Majesty, do you know who exactly is coming from which country for this coronation?

    "Well, I''m aware of it at least. However, there is a possibility of a sudden change of plans. ......

    Hercule finished the last of the meat and threw the skewer on the ground.

    In Japan, you would be accused of littering, but in this world, where littering is acceptable, this is no problem at all.

    I''m not familiar with the situation in the West. Please tell me.

    Renarier also asked Hercule to tell him.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then nodded.

    I understand. However, there is no point in explaining the smaller countries. I''ll just tell you the major countries.

    Hercule stuck out a finger.

    "Let''s start with the Warbeast Nation of the Southern Continent. Raus I, King of Chelda. You are the descendants of the barbarians who conquered our land of Lemuria, Chelda, and plundered the city of Lemuria. The visiting King Raus I is known for his harsh rule against infidels and different races.

    The Kingdom of Chelda was founded by the Warbeasts, and is a Western-style Messianic state.

    The kingdom of Chelda was established by the Warbeasts and is a Western Messianic state. It has a policy of oppression against non-Western sects, such as the Orthodox and the Alexian sects.

    Hercule had also heard of the harsh rule of the Humans, who were still the non-ruling class, and the heavy taxation of the Elves, the former ruling class and wealthy people.

    I have heard of this. I''ve heard of the imprisonment of orthodox bishops and the revolt of the humans. ......

    Karolina frowned in displeasure.

    From the perspective of the orthodox Messianic Carolinians, Raus I''s actions were probably not very pleasant.

    To Carolina''s words, Hercule responded with a shrug of his shoulders.

    Hercule did not think that oppression was a bad thing.

    He believes that it is an effective means of governance.

    The king is ruling the country well, despite his appearance. After all, the warbeasts are the majority in that country. It is an effective way to give privileges to the warbeasts and take away lands and properties from the orthodox Messianic humans and elves who have assets. Though the king himself is quite a racist.

    However, it is more convenient (????) for Hercule to do so.

    The other is west of the Aperia Peninsula, the westernmost country on the ...... northern continent. It was originally called the Kingdom of Edelna. It was originally the same tribe as the Kingdom of Edelna, making it a brother kingdom. In fact, we are on good terms with Edelna. We don''t have any trouble or friendship with our country at the moment.

    If you go back in time a few hundred years, they are the same barbarians that overran the Lemurian Empire. ......

    The Lemurian Empire is not currently on bad terms with the Lemurian Empire, as they have fought together against the mounted nomads on several occasions.

    The fact that they are far away from the current Lemurian Empire also helps.

    And ......, the Fulling Kingdom is the one that I personally need to keep an eye on right now. It is rapidly expanding its power by adding smaller nations and warbeast tribes to its ranks. The king is King Ludwig I, also known as the Lion King.

    "I''ve heard that name before. I''ve heard that name before, haven''t minstrels sung about it in our country?¡¡I''ve heard it''s an Orthodox Messianic country.

    "Well, you know it well.

    Many of the warbeasts believe in Western Messianism.

    The same is true for the Kingdom of Edelna, which is allied with the Lemurian Empire.

    This is because after the Westernists were ostracized as heretics, they tried to regain power by proselytizing to the warbeasts.

    And so far, they have succeeded in their plan.

    But ......

    In the Kingdom of Edelna, there is a 50-50 split between the Western and Orthodox factions, and it is unclear how the power will turn out, and in the Kingdom of Tretum, there is a movement to convert to Orthodoxy.

    In addition, the Kingdom of Tretum was in the process of converting to Orthodoxy, and with the expansion of the Orthodox Fullerling Kingdom, the future did not look bright for the Western faction.

    "Well, there are many other tribes and nations, but this is the minimum number of nations you need to know. Do you have any questions?

    "Question. How are Lemuria and Fulling getting along, even though they''re both Orthodox?

    In response to Lunalie''s question, Hercule thought for a moment before answering.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea. They seem to be using the titles we gave them as they see fit. Well, at least they''re not hostile.

    However, Hercule is not too happy with the Fulling Kingdom.

    Rather, it would be correct to say that the people of the Lemurian Empire do not have a good feeling about the Fulling Kingdom.

    The reason is that they are the same orthodox nation.

    If the Fulling Kingdom continues to grow, it could become a competitor for the leadership of Orthodox Messianism.

    Therefore, Hercule was very wary.

    "What is the national strength of the four countries?

    Lunalie asked Hercule again.

    Hercule looked at her with difficulty.

    That''s a difficult question. Well, ...... the biggest country would be the Kingdom of Chelda. The southern coast of the continent controlled by the Kingdom of Chelda was one of the largest breadbasket areas of the Lemurian Empire, and it was hardly ravaged by barbarians. In addition, the capital, Chelda City, has a population of 500,000. In addition, the capital city of Cerda has a population of 500,000. The navy is also not as strong as our own, but it is powerful,......, and most importantly, we have interests in the West Album Sea trade zone and desert trade in the southern continent.

    In addition to the navy, the army of the Kingdom of Chelda should not be underestimated.

    Most of the western states ...... Edelna, Tretum, and Fulling are nominally kingdoms within the Lemurian Empire and are tributary to the Lemurian Empire, but ......

    The Kingdom of Chelda is the only kingdom that claims to be equal to the Lemurian Empire.

    In other words, it has a lot of diplomatic clout.

    So, what now?

    Hmm, well, every country has its advantages and disadvantages, but ...... well, which country do you think?

    On the other hand, Hercule asks Karolina and Lunalie.

    First, Lunalie answers.

    "The Kingdom of Edelna. The Aperian peninsula has a viable monetary economy, and the cultivation of commodity crops such as grapes and olives.

    "Well, you have a point. What about you, Carolina?

    Fullerling Kingdom. The territory of the Kingdom of Fullerling, Gaulia, is certainly not a commercial area. However, the land is flat and wide, and its agricultural productivity is not low. In addition, ...... its military power is strong. Especially the fulling knights ...... and heavy cavalry are troublesome in mass.

    I agree with Karolina. You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it than you might think.

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 83 Episode 21 West Diplomacy After The Defeat

    Despite the worries of Karolina and Lunalee, the coronation of Crown Prince Dietrich began in an uneventful manner. ......

    It was coming to an end.

    "I ask you, do you, as King of the Aperian Peninsula, swear to fight to protect your people, your land, and your property?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. I swear it.

    I swear it. In the name of the Emperor of Lemuria, Hercule I, I acknowledge thee as King of the Aperian Peninsula.

    With that, Hercule places the crown on Dietrich''s head.

    Ercole then places the crown on Dietrich''s head. Dietrich lets Ercole place the crown on his head and slowly stands up.

    Then he raises his hand.

    Then the vassals of Edelna shouted in unison.

    "Hail to our new king!

    "Hail to the King, whom the gods have given us!

    "Long live the King!

    And there was applause and cheering.

    Thus, a new king was crowned in the Kingdom of Edelna.

    "Well?¡¡Your Majesty. I got a new one. ......

    "It looks good on you, Carolina. You look good in your regular clothes, but you look good in a dress too. I''m really looking forward to dancing with you.

    Karolina, wearing her newly made dress, blushed shyly at Hercule''s compliment.

    Carolina is more of a red dress kind of girl.

    It''s the safest choice to wear a dress that matches your hair color.

    Today, however, she was wearing an orange dress.

    It was an unusual adventure for Karolina.

    Perhaps it was because it was a special dress to be worn on such an occasion, but it was different from the dresses she usually wore. ......

    The fabric is much higher quality and has detailed embroidery.

    But, Luna. You''ve got a lot of adventure in you.

    "...... Well, yeah.

    Lunalie was wearing a reddish purple dress, the opposite of her hair color.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you need to do to get it.

    And ......

    The wide open bosom was very s*xy.

    "Does it look good on me?

    "Yeah, it looks good on you. I''m in love with you.

    "......, that''s not what I meant.

    I''m sure she was happy to be complimented, though.

    He blushed a little.

    "What about me, Your Majesty?

    "How do I look? Nothing. ...... Well, it looks good on you, but how ...... did you think to wear that?

    Is it weird?

    No, it''s not weird. But it stands out.

    Scheherazade wore a foul-smelling dress.

    Sheherazade wore a dress in the style of the Furls, not the eclectic design of the Lunalies, but a ...... pure Furls dress.

    The colors are blue and green, but they are subdued. ......

    If you attended a dinner party in that design, you were sure to stand out.

    Hmm, I''ll put it back on if you''d rather not. ......

    "No, I wouldn''t go that far. I''m not going to go that far. It''s going to look unusual, but it''s not reprehensible. ...... If anything, your clothes might start a trend for foul-smelling clothes.

    Design trends change every year.

    That''s exactly what happened when a brand-new design like Scheherazade''s or Lunalier''s was worn by a woman of noble birth. ......

    If a woman of high rank wears a brand new design like Scheherazade''s or Lunariae''s, the next year the same woman will be produced wearing the exact same outfit.

    The beauty of the Lunarsians and Scheherazade lies in their appearance, not in their dresses. ......

    I don''t know if the women of the world don''t understand this, or if they know what they are wearing.

    (Next year''s trendy hair colors are going to be red, blue and gold. ......)

    Hercule couldn''t help but chuckle at the thought.

    In the first place, the act of dying your hair color is to differentiate yourself from the people around you and make you unique. ......

    If we all dye our hair the same color, we won''t know what we''re dyeing it for.

    It seems that the heads of Japanese university girls are said to look like shimeji mushrooms. ......

    In every world, in every era, women are the same.

    After all, we want to be on the side of creating trends, not chasing them.

    But it''s not easy to create.

    It''s obvious that if I wore rainbow clothes all over my body, I would be treated as a freak.

    "Speaking of which, how''s Nia doing?¡¡Ciffany.

    No, ...... that''s the thing. It''s good that she''s finished changing, but after that she doesn''t want to leave .......

    "Imperial order, come. Go and tell him.

    Yes, I understand.

    Sifanny, the servant, was ordered by Hercule to go underneath Nia.

    After a while, she dragged Nia to him.

    "There you are, sir.

    "Okay, Cifanie. You can go now.

    Sifanny bowed and moved slightly away from under Hercule.

    Now ......

    Hercule made eye contact with Nia.

    Nia looked like she was about to cry, and her body shook with fear.

    "Nia, why don''t you want to go?

    Because ...... its ...... I''m ......

    You''re a Nightmare, aren''t you?

    Nia gave a small nod to Hercule''s question.

    Hercule sighs.

    I''ve said it many times. You are the adopted son of Lucanos Lucarius, the last of the nobility. You should be more proud. Don''t worry, if anyone accuses you of anything, I''ll crush them. And ...... that dress looks good on you, don''t it?

    Nia was wearing a neat, light pink dress.

    It is true that the dress is a bit childish compared to the dresses worn by Carolina and the others, but it is ......

    But considering her age, it was enough.

    Even though it is childish, there are some parts of her body that are exposed, such as her collarbone and arms. ......

    It shows the s*xiness of a girl who has yet to become an adult.

    But, but ......

    There''s nothing "but" about it. You don''t have to worry about anything. I''m not asking you to do anything difficult. All you have to do is attend the dinner party, eat the food, and talk to Cecilia in an amicable manner while returning the conversation in an amicable manner. That''s all. Cecilia will be sad if you don''t attend. Do you understand?

    "...... Yes, I understand.

    Nia gave a small nod.

    She seemed relieved to hear that Cecilia was also there.

    Apparently, she and Cecilia were building up a good friendship.

    Hercule smiled as he confirmed that things were going well.

    It''s not like I''ve done anything over the top.

    There is no certainty that such a situation will occur.

    However, if it fails, there will be no damage, and on the other hand, if it succeeds, there will be a large return.

    If it works, you will be rewarded.

    If it doesn''t work out, the only result will be that ...... Nia will have a friend and some confidence.

    (Nia, you''re the star. I need you to come.

    Hercule tried his best to hold back the smile that naturally came to his face. ......

    He walked over to the banquet hall.

    Raus I of the Kingdom of Chelda has a bad drinking habit.

    When he drinks too much, he becomes angry.

    Therefore, he avoids drinking in public as much as possible.

    He only has one or two drinks as a social courtesy.

    However, ...... this day was a little different from usual.

    "Oh, um, ...... Your Majesty. You''ve had a little too much to drink, haven''t you?

    What, you got a problem with me drinking?

    No, no, ...... not at all, but ......

    King Cerda, who was already on his fifth glass of wine, shouted at his subordinate who was admonishing him.

    There were two reasons why King Chelda had drunk so much.

    One, the wine served at the banquet was of the highest quality from Lemuria, and was extremely delicious.

    Two, because the Kingdom of Cerda has a hostile relationship with Lemuria, ...... it is not emotionally or socially desirable for the king to drink wine from Lemuria.

    The Lemurian empire is the only one that still possesses the methods of making wine that have been honed since ancient times.

    Other kingdoms also produce wine, mainly in monasteries and churches, but ...... they are still not at the same level as the Lemurian Empire.

    It is possible for the king to drink the highest quality wine, but he cannot do so because the kingdom of Cerda is hostile to the Lemurian Empire.

    But since it was served at the banquet, he could not stop drinking it.

    So, he drank the third glass as if he were going to drink a little more, because he could make an excuse to himself and the world.

    This third drink was not good.

    The wine of the Lemurian Empire was much more potent than he had imagined.

    He was now completely intoxicated.

    "Are you enjoying yourself, King Chellda?

    Dietrich - King Edelna - called out to King Cerda who was drunk like that.

    Since this banquet was attended by nobles and clergy of various statuses, a standing-room-only style was adopted so that there would not be any conflicts over seating order.

    The standing-room-only style is more convenient for the participants, as they can talk with whomever they want.

    (*If it were not a standing-room-only meal, it is obvious that the Emperor of Lemuria and King Cerda, the Emperor of Lemuria and the Medium, King Tretum, King Fulling, and King Edelna would be fighting for seating order, and no matter how it turns out, it is obvious that someone will be uncomfortable, and it is not appropriate for a celebration.

    Yes, of course. Once again, congratulations on your accession to the throne, King Edelna. I hope to build a friendly relationship with you.

    He may have gotten a little angry, but he was still rational.

    He was the king of a kingdom.

    King Cerda and King Edelna shook hands.

    After that, they exchanged a few words, and then King Edelna left.

    As he watches her go, King Chellda whispers to himself.

    "...... You''ve become a dog of Lemuria. If the first generation saw you, they would weep.

    Well, King Edelna is a cat, not a dog, so ......

    It is inappropriate to use the term "domesticated dog.

    Don''t worry about the details.

    "Well, well, well, you are King Chellda, aren''t you!¡¡I was hoping to speak with you!

    A large man with a very loud voice walks toward me.

    He had big thighs and an imposing appearance.

    His hair was golden, and triangular ears sprouted from his hair.

    He was King Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Fuhring.

    "Well, well, well. It''s been a long time. ......

    King Cerda was not fond of King Fullerling.

    He had a thick demeanor and an exaggerated reaction to everything.

    Moreover, his voice was loud and echoed in his head.

    It''s not a good human match.

    "But King Cerda, you seem to be drinking a lot this time.

    "...... Mind your own business.

    Irritated, King Chelda unintentionally replied in a low voice.

    The vassals around King Cerda paled involuntarily.

    But King Fulling only cowered his shoulders.

    Today is not a good day. Let''s change the day.

    What was King Fullerling enjoying?¡¡I don''t know, but he laughs a lot and then leaves.

    King Cerda clutches his glass tightly.

    The glass tinkles and screeches.

    "Your Majesty. Why don''t you go out on the balcony and enjoy the evening breeze?

    You look a little tired. ......

    The retainers fumbled around, trying to calm King Cerda down.

    If they did not do so, they might make a fatal mistake.

    But ...... Oh, my God.

    The gods are ruthless.

    It was as if he had timed it perfectly. ......

    The man appeared.

    Dark gray hair.

    Beautiful, deep blue eyes like the sea.

    A face so beautiful and neat that even an old woman would blush like a girl at first glance.

    Her long arms and legs are covered with well-developed muscles.

    Her skin is moderately tanned and very healthy in color.

    Her long, thin ears peeked out from her beautiful hair.

    And the name of the young man who approaches ...... with an annoyed expression on his face, as if he were mocking people, is ......

    Emperor of the Lemurian Empire.

    The man who will later be known as the "Champion of the Three Continents" and the "Holy Light Emperor".

    Our hero?¡¡He is Hercule I.

 84 Episode 22 Western Diplomacy

    "I have found you at last, King Chelda. I mistakenly thought you were avoiding me. Well, how could a warrior like you, who has won so many battles, avoid a young man like me? Hahahaha.

    "I''ve been hoping to meet you too, Emperor of Lemuria. I''ve heard so much about your work.

    The glass screeched to a halt. ......

    And though every muscle in King Cerda''s body twitched lightly, ...... he managed to respond with a few words of social courtesy.

    I''ve heard that there''s been a lot of trouble with religious and ethnic relations lately. My country would like to avoid a situation where the kingdom of Cerda is in turmoil and pirates are flooding the seas. If you wish, I will support you.

    "...... My internal affairs. It''s none of your business. The Kingdom of Chelda is an independent country. You have no right to interfere.

    King Cerda managed to make a safe reply as his subjects looked on in disbelief.

    (Of course, there is nothing more rude than interfering in other people''s internal affairs. (*Of course, it''s not rude to interfere in other people''s internal affairs, but if you want my help, I''ll help you.¡¡It''s a terrible insult to say to an independent country, "I''ll help you if you want me to.

    Oh, excuse me. I mistook you for your own country.

    The glass begins to scream.

    King Chelda''s face turns red and his mouth starts to water.

    But just as King Chelda is about to yell, Hercule turns on his heel.

    ''Then I will leave. King Chelda. I am confident that we can establish friendly relations with your country.

    Hercule said, taking a few steps before turning back to ......

    He turned his head back.

    I''m sure we can build a friendship with your country.

    Baleen: £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Finally, the glass died.

    "What the hell?¡¡What the hell was that little shit?¡¡I''m gonna f*cking kill him. £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    Calm down, please. Your Majesty, the king!

    How can you be so calm? £¡£¡£¡£¡

    King Chelda drinks the wine.

    Then, remembering the fact that the wine was from Lemuria and what Hercule had just said, he slammed it down.

    With a bang, the blood-red wine splashes to the ground.

    This is the courtyard of Edelna''s palace.

    Somehow, the vassals of the Kingdom of Chelda managed to drag King Chelda out.

    It''s obvious that he''s going to hit Hercule.

    "We''re sorry, Your Majesty. But this is a celebration. If you strike that young man, ...... that man will have his way. Let''s end this ...... war, Your Majesty.

    "...... You''re right. You''re right. That young man ...... is in a good mood just because he won against the infidels. I''ll make you regret insulting me and my country.

    Yes, just like that man''s father. ......

    King Chelda grinned and smiled.

    After that, King Chelda returned to the hall.

    It was about fifteen minutes later, and there was no sign of any change.

    Bring me some wine. ...... Nothing from Lemuria.

    "Your Majesty. No more booze. ......

    "I can''t do without it!

    King Cerda shouts at his men and sends them to get the wine.

    In the meantime, they start to look for something to eat.

    At the banquet, the main focus is on the discussions with the kings and diplomats of each country. ......

    Meals and drinks take a back seat.

    But in this state of mind, it is impossible to have a proper discussion.

    So, King Cerda decided to concentrate on drinking and eating.

    He looked around the table and found a simple dish of olives, cheese, and ham on a skewer.

    The dish was a little unpleasant when eaten alone, but it was quite tasty when served with wine.

    He had always preferred ...... to extravagant cuisine and overly ornate works of art.

    He prefers simple and easy cooking and utilitarian furniture.

    (I can guess that Hercule''s taste in this area would be fatally incompatible with mine. Hercule is a man of luxury.

    I immediately went to get the food: ......

    However, two children arrived at the table before King Cerda and began to reach for the food.

    One was a peach-haired girl and the other was a silver-haired girl.

    Both were smiling happily.

    I guess they are friends.

    It was a nice picture of two cute looking girls talking side by side.

    (It''s not the kind of food a child would eat. ......)

    (It''s not the kind of food that children eat.

    King Cerda is not so rough as to push a child away and take the food.

    Even if he is the king.

    (Hmm?¡¡Wait, what?

    Then King Chellda noticed something strange.

    One of the children had a black horn on his head.

    There is only one race that King Chelda knows of that has black horns.

    The Nightmare.

    A queasy feeling creeps up in my chest.

    Originally, King Chelda was a warbeast supremacist, and he believed that the canine warbeasts were the most superior race in the world.

    For this reason, he disliked the orthodox Messianic religion, which had many followers among the Elves and Humans.

    For him, ......

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    That''s what''s at the dinner party.

    To King Cerda, it''s like having a big rat running around in the hall.

    This rat is trying to reach the food that he is about to eat.

    Drunk and lacking normal judgment, King Cerda approaches the food table with his big toe.

    He spat at the Nightmare girl who was reaching for the food.

    Don''t touch the food, Nightmare. You''ll get dirty. Get the hell out of here.

    The girl shivered and turned around.

    She looked up at King Cerda with a frightened expression.

    "Well, let''s see, .......

    ''How many times do I have to tell you?¡¡Rats!¡¡Get the hell out of my sight!

    King Chelda shouted at the girl.

    ...... If King Chelda wasn''t so drunk.

    ...... if he hadn''t been so annoyed when he met King Fulling.

    ...... if that Hercule hadn''t egged King Chelda on.

    ...... if he had any sense of decency.

    If he had had any sense of normalcy, he could have thought about why the Nightmare was here in the first place before yelling at the girl.

    Then you could have determined that this Nightmare girl was invited by someone or came with someone. ......

    It''s also possible to think that the person is someone who has the power to get the Nightmare into the venue.

    And if he is such a person, then he must be the king of each country or ......

    And if he was such a person, he would have been the king of each country, or the patriarch of each patriarchate, or a medium, or a high-ranking cleric of the same bloodline.

    With that in mind, King Cerda could have stopped yelling at the girl for the time being.

    And ......

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.

    In addition, ......

    In addition to that, you will be relieved to know that the silver-haired girl next to the girl is a strong candidate for the next medium.

    But ......

    But in reality, that''s not possible.

    There is no IF in history.

    It was inevitable that King Cerda would drink too much.

    It is also inevitable that King Hrabing will come to greet him.

    And it is also inevitable that ...... Hercule, who was aiming for this situation in the first place, would encourage King Chelda.

    A myriad of inevitabilities piled up and ......

    As a result, a very unfortunate coincidence was born for King Cerda.

    Oh,......, I''m sorry,.......

    The Nightmare girl, Nia, bowed to King Chelda with a tearful face and tried to run away from the scene.

    However, the silver-haired girl, Cecilia, grabbed her hand.

    There''s no need to run.

    Cecilia held Nia back and then ......

    Cecilia holds Nia back and then glares at King Cerda.

    "Please apologize.

    "What?¡¡Apologize for what?

    Apologize to Nia. She''s an orthodox messianist. All messianics are equal under God. There is no race, no superiority!¡¡No matter what your status or occupation, if you are a ...... messianist, you are equal. Your statement is an insult to Nia, an insult to God (Father) and the Son of God (Messiah)!¡¡Please apologize!!!

    ''...... I don''t know what you''re talking about . Don''t lick an adult, okay?¡¡Little girl.

    King Cerda frowns in displeasure.

    (Clergymen? I''m sure you''ve heard of it. I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you. If you''re right, then you''re equal to me and the medium, aren''t you?¡¡This is why you monks piss me off so much. Go pray to your gods. Don''t interfere in politics.

    If we were in the country and not dealing with a girl ......

    King Chelda was saying exactly what I thought she was saying.

    But this was a celebration. ......

    His opponent was a girl of about twelve years of age.

    It is too mature to argue with a girl.

    King Chelda is an adult, a king.

    "Hmm ......, well, that''s fine.

    King Chelda turns on his heel and turns to leave.

    It''s a safe choice.

    ......, but that''s only if it''s not Cecilia.

    There is no way that a girl who would directly criticize the policies of the Emperor of Lemuria would back down at this level.

    "Please apologize!

    Cecilia''s clear and beautiful voice was ......

    Cecilia''s clear and beautiful voice resonated strangely in the hall.

    What, what?

    The surrounding nobles and clergymen looked at each other.

    King Cerda scratched his head, thinking that he was in trouble.

    Calm down. You''re attracting attention.

    "Then apologize.

    King Chelda tried to calm her down, but the girl just stared at him stubbornly and did not move.

    King Chelda felt the blood rushing to his head.

    Why am I being yelled at by this brat?

    What a rude thing to say to the king of a country.

    In addition, he looks less human ...... than the Nightmare, but he is still an inferior species.

    That inferior species is talking to you like you''re a big deal.

    All the anger that had been simmering inside King Chelda - frustration with King Fulling and the Emperor of Lemuria - finally exploded in Cecilia''s face.

    "Don''t you dare talk to me like that!¡¡You''re inferior!

    King Cerda swung his arm down at Cecilia.

    Cecilia closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact on her cheek.

    ...... But the impact never came.

    Cecilia opened her eyes.

    And there it was: ......

    "King Chellda. What have you done with the daughter of one of our noble families and the daughter of Peter?¡¡Also, ...... I think I just heard some unpleasant words. Would you like to explain it to me in conjunction with the commotion you just caused?

    Hercule grasped King Cerda''s hand firmly as he raised it.

 85 Episode 23 Western Diplomacy

    "Would you like to explain, King Chelda!

    Hercule asks in a strong tone.

    King Chelda glared at Hercule, then waved his hand in an attempt to shake her off. ......

    Hercule grasped his hand tightly and refused to let go.

    If you''re a warbeast and you''re not a beast, you''re a warbeast and you''re a warbeast and you''re a warbeast.

    Hercule''s grip is 200 kilograms.

    It''s not that easy to break free.

    "I''ll let you go if you explain what happened and promise not to hit Cecilia with your hands. I ask you again. Would you like to explain?¡¡King Chelda!!!!

    Hercule tightened his grip on her arm.

    King Chelda''s face twisted in pain.

    "...... All right, I''ll explain. So let me go, Emperor of Lemuria!

    "Do you swear you will not be violent?

    Do you swear you won''t use violence?

    Hercule sniffed, then removed his hand.

    King Cerda rubbed his hand in Hercule''s grip as he answered Hercule''s question.

    ...... I was having a little theological debate with the young lady there. That''s all.

    "How ...... did it look to me like you were trying to violate Cecilia?

    Is this Cecilia ...... the name of the young lady there?¡¡I was just trying to scratch my head. You misunderstood. That''s enough, okay?

    Was I trying to hit you or did it look like I was trying to hit you? ......

    It''s hard to tell.

    It''s hard to tell, but as long as King Cerda insists that he did, I guess he did.

    At least, King Chelda and the Kingdom of Chelda would insist on it, and would never admit it.

    Hercule is only a little ......

    Hindsight is 20/20.

    If only we had stopped a little later ......

    And then, after thinking about it, he reconsiders, "No, now would have been the right time.

    I should have left a good impression on Cecilia for later.

    In the first place, King Cerda''s attempt to hit Cecilia was completely unexpected.

    Let King Cerda deal with this.

    ...... It''s obvious to anyone who looks at him that he tried to hit her.

    Let him get away with it as best he can.

    There are more important things to ask Hercule.

    "Cecilia, what was your dispute with King Cerda?

    "Well, well, ...... this is ...... the Kingdom of Chelda.

    "That''s not important right now. Why were you in trouble?

    When asked by Hercule, ......

    Cecilia replied.

    "This ...... King Chelda has insulted Nia. ...... Demons (Nightmare) go home, inferiors, rats. That''s what he said. So I asked him to retract his statement and apologize to Nia.

    I see. ......

    Hercule nodded. That''s to be expected.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot more information on this in the future.¡¡King Cerda.

    Hercule says, deliberately, in a loud voice.

    King Chelda shook her head.

    "No, you can''t possibly think that.

    "Then what about your earlier comment about inferiority?¡¡You can''t say you didn''t say that, can you?

    That''s .......

    King Cerda hesitated for a moment and then answered.

    I was talking to the Nightmare over there. What''s the problem?¡¡You know as well as I do that the Nightmare race is barbaric.

    So ......

    Nightmares are abhorred all over the world.

    Unlike on Earth, where concepts such as human rights and discrimination are commonplace,......

    In this world, there is no such concept.

    Therefore, it is not a special problem to say that the demon race (nightmare) is inferior or inferior.

    Yes, it''s okay to say that Nightmare is an inferior species.

    But to say that to Nia is ......

    It was clearly a miscommunication.

    "King Chellda!¡¡That''s an insult to me, my clan, and the Patriarchate of Nova Lemuria!

    The one who angrily shouted at King Chelda was Lucanos Lucarius.

    The Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    The Patriarchs of the Five Temples have authority equal to or greater than that of the King of a country.

    Even King Cerda faltered at this.

    But ...... King Chelda couldn''t understand why Loukanos was so angry.

    "I don''t get it. Why would he do that?

    "That Nightmare girl ......, Nia Lucarios, is my adopted daughter. Now, am I correct in assuming that you''ve told me that my adopted son is an inferior race of rats?

    Loukanos shouted angrily at King Chelda.

    King Chelda''s face turned pale.

    Finally, he realized that he had made a fatal mistake.

    He rapidly sobered up.

    "To begin with, ...... all Messiahs are equal. And ...... Nia is a nobleman of my country and my squire. That''s why I''ve brought him here.

    Hercule says to King Cerda, matter-of-factly.

    And ......

    He released his magic.

    "My nobleman, my squire is a rat?¡¡An inferior race?¡¡That''s an insult to me and to my country!

    The magic of Awe is released.

    The air in the hall went down at once.

    In contrast, King Cerda''s body was sweating like a waterfall.

    "Bow your head and apologize!¡¡King Chelda!¡¡If you will not apologize, then ......

    Hercule said in a low voice.

    "If you do not apologize, I will take this as a declaration of war against my country!

    King Cerda gulped.

    "I see. ...... That Lemurian emperor has conspired.

    King Ludwig I, who had been watching the commotion from a distance, muttered, "What does that mean, Your Majesty?

    "What does that mean, Your Majesty?

    ''Don''t you understand?¡¡Laurent.

    One of the Seven Knights of the Round Table under King Ludwig I.

    Roland the Valiant.

    He''s a young knight of valor with the rank of Count.

    "I''m sorry, Your Majesty.

    "No, it''s okay. ...... This is just my guess. You can''t be sure you''re right. But ......

    King Ludwig I crossed his arms.

    You can imagine what a ruckus it would cause if you brought a nightmare here in the first place. Especially since ...... King Cerda, who is famous for his supremacy over the warbeast race, will be there. No one in their right mind would dare to bring him there. But ......, the Emperor of Lemuria did. Quite frankly, it''s a fool''s errand. But if his goal is to cause such a ruckus and frame King Cerda, then ...... that man is trouble.

    King Ludwig I raised his guard against Hercule.

    By reputation, I''ve heard that he''s a kind and generous ruler who treats everyone equally. ......

    Reputations are completely useless.

    "But Your Majesty, will King Chelda apologize?¡¡The military power of the Kingdom of Chelda should be able to compete with Lemuria. There''s no need to apologize. Smash them head on.

    This threat will be taken as a declaration of war.

    A threat like that only works against those who don''t want a war.

    Wouldn''t it work against King Chelda?

    Laurent asks.

    King Ludwig I nodded in agreement.

    Yes, it is. So, if ...... the emperor had a fit of pique and said it, then it''s highly likely that this whole mess was a spur of the moment thing. But if ......

    "What if?

    If the Lemurian emperor had collaborated with the King of Edelna, the Edelna nobility, and the high priests beforehand,......, there would be no need to go that far. You know, if he had a better understanding of the Nightmare, ......

    This banquet was to celebrate the accession of King Edelna to the throne,......, and many Edelna nobles were in attendance.

    In addition, due to its location near the Patriarchate of Lemuria, there are also many high-ranking clergy in attendance.

    If they were to feel even a little bit of pity ...... for Nia, then ......

    Righteousness is the Emperor of Lemuria, evil is King Cerda.

    In that atmosphere, will ...... King Chelda be able to keep from apologizing?

    It''s an interesting play, and it''s a shame ...... that I''m not a character in it. It''s a shame I''m not a character in the play. ...... I think I''ll stick to watching this time. This time, ...... next time, I''d love for you to see the play I supervised. Emperor of Lemuria ...... No, Your Majesty, Hercule.

    Strengths can become weaknesses, and weaknesses can become strengths.

    This is Hercule''s theory.

    What I mean by that is ......

    The fact that you are discriminated against can be a tool to gain advantage, depending on how you use it.

    In the world of politics, sympathy is very important.

    Even if you don''t do much, you can get a lot of support if you are pitied.

    Victim and perpetrator are especially important factors.

    Anyway, in the world of politics, if you label your opponents as the perpetrators, you can get away with anything you want, no matter how absurd.

    Therefore, in the world of politics, it is important to be a victim. ......

    You should never be a perpetrator.

    Now, ......

    Nia is, by all accounts, a pitiful little girl.

    Her parents, who had been kind to her until now, changed ......

    The parents, who had been kind to her until now, changed and became violent just because she was a Nightmare.

    In the end, they call her ''you are not my daughter'' and she loses her warm home and food.

    Just because you are a demon (nightmare), no one will help you. ......

    And even now, I''m still a demon.

    And even now, I''m afraid of being abused for being a Nightmare. ......

    And even now, she''s terrified of being called a Nightmare.

    Oh, where in the world is such a pitiful girl?

    And most people would feel sorry for Nia if they heard about her life so far.

    Even those who have been discriminating against the demon race (Nightmare) are not unmoved.

    In addition, Nia has a lovely appearance.

    It is no joke that pretty is justice.

    The ugly one and the beautiful one are both being tortured. ......

    If you were to ask which one is more pathetic?¡¡Most people would probably choose the beautiful woman.

    That''s the way humans are.

    It''s obvious that cute slaves become very popular heroines in creative works, and that doujin games that keep loving slaves sell like hotcakes.

    Nia''s cute appearance is reminiscent of a small animal, and her body is small.

    Her frightened eyes and unhappy smile.

    And a tragic past.

    This is what drives people to protect her.

    In fact, Nia has charmed many people without even realizing it.

    First Hercule.

    Then Lucanos.

    Karolina, Lunalie, Darius and others, of course, ......

    Even Ciphany, who had a strong sense of discrimination against Nia, was now taking care of her.

    Now, everyone in Lemuria Palace can be said to be a fan of Near.

    That''s why Hercule decided to take advantage of Nia''s magical nature.

    Well, it''s not that difficult.

    First, he would take Nia to the Kingdom of Edelna.

    And tell the nobles and clergy how pitiful Nia is.

    Hercule is very good at arousing people''s emotions.

    It was very easy for Hercule to turn the nobles and clergy into Nia''s fans.

    Thus, the mood of "Poor Nia" was formed.

    She also brought Cecilia, who seemed to have a strong sense of justice, to her side, and they became friends.

    Thus, the trap was set.

    All that remained was for King Cerda to successfully abuse or beat Nia.

    After that, ......

    "Now, let''s hear your apologies. King Chelda. To me, to Nia, to Loukanos. If you don''t want to apologize, then we will force you to do so by force.

    Hercule closed in on King Chelda.

    King Chelda looked around.

    (d*mn ...... being surrounded by Lemurian vassals......)

    King Chelda found herself surrounded by Galfis Galleanos, Christophe Audias, Loukanos Lucarios, Edmond Erdemort, and Carolina Galleanos.

    If King Cerda tried to harm Hercule in any way, the swords of these five men would cut his body to shreds.

    They were surrounded by the cold-eyed Edelna nobles and clergymen.

    King Chelda''s vassals cannot go to help him even if they wanted to.

    (What about King Edelna, King Tretum, King Fulling, and the mediums!

    King Chelda waits for them to come and remonstrate with Hercule, but they only watch coldly, and do not try to help him.

    Of course not.

    If you try to defend King Chelda at all here and now, you''ll get ......

    If you try to defend King Chelda now, you will be labeled a racist by Hercule.

    No one was willing to help King Cerda by picking up chestnuts in the fire.

    In the first place, the medium herself almost had her grandson assaulted by King Chelda. ......

    They had no obligation to help her.

    What they are more interested in is ......

    The only thing they care about is whether King Chelda will bow to Hercule or go to war with him.

    That''s all that matters.

    King Chelda gritted her teeth.

    Even if he doesn''t apologize and we go to war, we will win.

    King Chelda was confident.

    But ......

    If he did not apologize, he would not be able to avoid international condemnation.

    If he did not apologize, he would face international condemnation and even the threat of an anti-Cherda alliance.

    Besides, ......

    King Chelda''s throne is not in a secure position.

    There are many people who are dissatisfied with his policies of oppression of the orthodox and the different races.

    And ......

    The son of King Chelda is an idealist who is the opposite of King Chelda. ...... His anti-warbeast supremacy has gained him a certain amount of support from some nobles and clergy.

    If he was not careful, even the throne of King Cerda could be overthrown.

    But ......

    But to apologize to the Emperor of Lemuria: ......

    But apologizing to the Emperor of Lemuria would destroy his authority and the Kingdom of Chelda''s. ......

    King Chelda was troubled, and after some thought, he said ......

    I''m sorry, ....... I take back what I said. Your Majesty. I am sorry to ...... Lucanos and to ..................... I apologize. I apologize.

    King Chelda finally hung her head.

    This was the moment when the Emperor of Lemuria diplomatically brought King Chelda to her knees.

    At this moment, at this moment, ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria was confirmed to be higher than King Chelda.

    Hercule smiled as he accepted the apology.

    "Well, good. ...... I was a little too angry. I''m sorry, Cecilia, you should apologize too. You were out of line.

    "Yes, but ......

    Apologize.

    ...... I''m sorry, King Chelda. I was out of line.

    Hercule apologized lightly to King Cerda, and Cecilia bowed her head.

    Then Hercule clapped his hands.

    Then he clapped his hands and said, "Well, I''m sorry to have ruined your celebration. I hope you can all forget about what just happened. Yes, the parties have already apologized. It''s all behind us. Let''s all look forward.

    I don''t care about any of this.

    Hercule said with a smile, as if to say, "I don''t care about any of this.

    Thus, Hercule showed his generosity and raised his stock even higher.

    ...... Well, even if I told you to forget it, you can''t forget it.

    King Cerda bowed to Hercule.

    This fact will remain forever.

    By the way, ......

    At this time, King Thyudimyr of Edelna is said to have muttered something like this.

    I never thought I would become a dog of Lemuria. The first generation would weep if they saw me. Oh, how pathetic.

    ...... The warbeast''s hearing is very good.

    He hadn''t missed the insult from King Cerda.

 86 Episode 24 Conspiracy and Conspiracy

    Ha-ha-ha. £¡£¡£¡£¡¡¡Did you see that?¡¡That dog man''s face!¡¡Oh no, I can''t stop laughing!¡¡"I''m sorry about ....... I take back what I said!

    The next day, Hercule was smiling brightly.

    The next day, Hercule was smiling broadly. In the guest room assigned to Hercule, Karolina, Loukanos, and other senior officials of the Lemurian Empire were gathered.

    They were there to discuss what had happened last night with Hercule.

    I''m not sure what to say. I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''m not sure if you''re a ...... human being.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    To say the least, Hercule''s actions are disgusting.

    To say the least, Hercule''s actions were disgusting, as he played with the hearts of two innocent girls, Nia and Cecilia, in order to create a match pump.

    But neither of them realized that (for the time being).

    I don''t have enough life experience yet: ......

    This is because they don''t understand who Hercule is.

    To tell the truth, ......

    Many of the chiefs knew that Hercule was up to something.

    The reason was that Hercule seemed to be enjoying himself more than usual.

    Also ......

    The act of taking Nia with him was clearly unnatural.

    Nia is indeed the adopted child of Loukanos.

    But that''s all.

    If Nia is to be taken, it would be unfair if all the children of the Seventy-Seven Holy Families of the Lemurian Empire were not brought along.

    It is true that Hercule loves Nia.

    However, the love that Hercule has for Nia is that of a pet. ......

    Hercule is not the type of person who would take a pet on an important outing.

    In addition, there is a warbeast supremacist named Raus I - King Cerda.

    Hercule''s act this time is equivalent to bringing a dog into a party knowing that there are people who are allergic to dogs.

    Trouble is bound to happen.

    Your sovereign is not so stupid that he cannot foresee it.

    What does ...... mean?

    Is the goal to cause trouble?

    I''ve been thinking about this for a while now. ......

    It''s not too difficult to predict if you know the usual Hercule.

    It''s not that hard to guess. ...... Now, Todoris. I asked you to negotiate yesterday. ...... Are you done?

    "Yes. Thanks to you, it all went smoothly. It was a success.

    Hearing Todoris'' report, Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    Galfis and Kristoff frowned.

    "Are you saying that ...... you have heard the story from His Majesty?

    Kristoff asked Hercule.

    Hercule nodded quietly.

    "Well, yeah. I probably should have told you guys, but there was a ...... chance they would have seen it in my eyes. This scheme depended heavily on King Cerda''s mood and bad intuition. Therefore, I wanted to avoid even the slightest chance of failure. Also, I had told Loukanos about it in addition to Todoris. He had an important role to play in shouting down King Cerda.

    "...... I see.

    Kristoff looked satisfied.

    But, on an emotional level, he wished that he had told him in advance.

    "But, Your Majesty. But, Your Majesty, do you think King Chelda will just back down?¡¡Given his kingly nature, ......

    "I don''t think he''ll back down.

    Before Galfis could say anything else, Hercule assured him.

    He will try to make up for his diplomatic blunder. There is only one way to do that. War.

    In short, because they couldn''t win at chess: ......

    Let''s kill him by beating him with a chessboard!

    Hercule''s prediction was that King Cerda would think, "Oh, I see.

    "So, ...... war, huh? When do you think the time will come?

    "It won''t be this year, of course. It will be next spring. ...... No, it will be after the summer, considering the preparations.

    As soon as I return home, I''ll lead an army to invade Lemuria. ......

    Such an act is too obvious.

    It would be a disgrace on top of a disgrace.

    Next year, when the heat has died down, ......

    The most likely possibility is that they will attack next year when the situation has cooled down.

    But, well, ......, you''re probably not going to be around this time. Galfis.

    Does that mean that the ...... main battlefield will be the ocean?

    Yes. Ninety percent of the time, it''s the ocean.

    Hercule smiles.

    There was a hint of confidence in his expression.

    "Tell me why, Your Majesty.

    Kristoff approaches Hercule with an expectant look on his face.

    He smiles and gives his rationale.

    First of all, it''s hard to replenish supplies on land. The southern continent has a desert climate. The area around the oasis and the rivers are certainly rich in grain and date palms,......, but the rest of the land is barren and uninhabitable. It is difficult to march.

    The coastal areas of the southern continent have a sharp difference between rich and poor areas.

    Even if you try to pass through the rich areas as much as possible, you can''t avoid the desert.

    Of course, there are military roads, so it is not impossible to pass through. ......

    As a commander, I would prefer to avoid it if possible.

    Second, I''m good at land warfare, and I have a reputation for it. Second, I''m good at land battles, and I have that reputation. Second, I''m good at land battles, and I have that reputation. If possible, he would try to challenge them in a field they are not good at or have no experience in.

    Hercule has no experience in naval warfare.

    Lack of experience is a great weakness.

    In war, it is important to follow your own weaknesses and exploit the weaknesses of your opponent.

    So it is only natural that King Chelda would want to challenge the naval battle.

    "Third ......, as the opponent challenges us with naval battles, we will also challenge them.

    It is not that we are attacked.

    We make them attack us.

    That is the style of Hercule.

    "So, Christophe. I''m counting on you to lead. "So, Christophe. ...... Don''t tell me you can''t win.

    I''m not going to let ...... those dogs get behind me. We have a new weapon, you know. We will definitely present you with victory.

    Kristoff grinned.

    "Your ...... Majesty. What are these ''negotiations'' that you and Foreign Minister Todoris were talking about earlier?

    As soon as the conversation between Hercule, Christophe and Galfis is over, Karolina asks Hercule.

    It''s about cooperating with the Kingdom of Tretum against Cerda Fulling. Do you understand ......?

    "I understand the geopolitical advantage of a ...... pincer movement. But please tell me what this has to do with the fact that you made King Chelda apologize.

    "...... Hmm, okay. Let me explain it to you from the beginning.

    The kingdoms of Cerda, Tretum, Edelna and Fulling.

    These four countries have had a good relationship with each other.

    This is because all four countries are warbeast nations.

    ......

    It is too short-sighted and foolish to think that the four countries are all warbeast nations.

    If this logic is true, then the countries of the same "Asian" people should be in love with each other.

    Lumping the warbeasts together is equivalent to lumping the peoples of East Asia together.

    The warbeasts are classified into several types, such as dog, cat, fox, and raccoon.

    From there, they are further divided into countless tribes such as wolves, lions, leopards, and celestial foxes.

    The tribes are not on the best of terms with each other.

    In fact, the tribes of the four countries do not get along well with each other.

    They abhor each other.

    Then, why do they have a friendly relationship?

    The reason is to prevent the Lemurian Empire from interfering in their internal affairs.

    As I have mentioned many times, the three countries except for the Kingdom of Cerda are nominally kingdoms within the Lemurian Empire, and are subject to Lemurian law.

    And even though it has declined, the power of the Lemurian Empire cannot be underestimated.

    In addition, there are many people left over from the Western Lemurian Empire in their territory.

    The Lemurian Empire still has a certain amount of influence over them as well.

    Therefore, the three countries must always be wary of interference in their internal affairs.

    Nevertheless, a government position from the Lemurian Empire can be a great help and foil in governing the remaining people of the Western Lemurian Empire.

    We do not want to aggravate relations with the Lemurian Empire.

    On the other hand, I don''t want to get too close.

    As a result, they chose to restrain the Lemurian Empire by building a relationship with the Kingdom of Cerda, the only kingdom that can fight head-on with the Lemurian Empire, at the top of the list, which is not an alliance, but more than an ordinary friendship.

    The Lemurian Empire, on the other hand, thought, "I don''t like the fact that you''re getting along with the Kingdom of Chelda, but I''m not doing anything to hurt my reputation, and frankly, I don''t have enough time to fight with them. ......" and tolerated it.

    However, ......

    In recent years, that relationship has been breaking down.

    The rebirth of the Lemurian Empire with the accession of Hercule.

    The rapid development and expansion of the Fullerling Kingdom, its wars and territorial expansion.

    The arrogant attitude of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    A variety of factors have strained the relationship between the four countries.

    And then ......

    A new pro-Lemurian king has ascended to the throne of Edelna.

    The Kingdom of Edelna will distance itself from the Kingdom of Cerda and rapidly approach the Lemurian Empire.

    The Kingdom of Frarling, under the leadership of King Ludwig I, has begun to take its own course.

    The Kingdom of Chelda is becoming more and more arrogant in its diplomacy under the leadership of the hard-line King Raoul I.

    Now, it is the Kingdom of Tretum that is in trouble.

    It is not so close to the Lemurian Empire due to distance.

    On the other hand, we don''t like being looked down upon by the Kingdom of Cerda.

    The neighboring kingdom of Fulling occasionally tries to invade and seize our territory.

    I''m in trouble, I''m in trouble: ......

    The timing of King Cerda''s apology to Hercule was perfect.

    King Tretum thought that Hercule, who made him bow, was more reliable than King Chelda, who bowed to him ......

    King Tretum thought that Hercule, who had made him bow, was more reliable than King Cerda, who had bowed to him.

    Thus, the Kingdom of Tretum quickly turned pro-Lemuria.

    "Sort of. Do you understand?

    "...... I see, I see. So, it''s not just a hobby of yours to torment Raus I, is it?

    Hmm, well, about a third of the time it is, but ...... I wouldn''t do that either, unless it was in the national interest.

    In other words, if it''s in the national interest, I''m happy to do it.

    Hercule''s work and private life often coincide.

    "Well, it''s just a promise of cooperation. We didn''t sign the treaty just to do our best. It''s a big step forward, though. For now, I''m going to hit the Kingdom of Cerda once and make it quiet. Then the south will be safe for a while.

    The west is already solidified.

    The south is now secure.

    Now we need to solidify the north. ......

    And then we can go toe-to-toe with the savages. ...... giggle.

    Hercule laughed in amusement.

    Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Hayastan, ......

    "This is Vahan Kaluran. I''ve been feeling a little uncomfortable lately. ......

    "Discomfort, sir?¡¡Your Majesty?¡¡What the hell is that?

    The King of Khayastan, King Frates III, questioned Vahan, the general in his entourage.

    ...... I feel like there''s been a decrease in the number of dishes in our meals lately.

    A royal meal is a very large meal.

    They are usually prepared in such a way that you can''t eat all of them, so you won''t get hungry or lose weight if you eat one or two less dishes. ......

    I''m a little concerned.

    If you''re wondering why, you''re not listening to ......?

    Listen?¡¡Ask me what?

    I''m sure you''re aware of that.

    ...... Oh, I remember that story.

    Finally, Frates III remembered that he had received such a report from a bureaucrat.

    I see, that''s why there''s less food. ......

    But wait a minute. I gave you permission to reduce the budget, but I didn''t give you permission to reduce the side dishes, remember?¡¡Oh, no, I''m not complaining about the reduction in side dishes, I''m just asking why no one has ever come to me to tell me they want to reduce side dishes or have reduced side dishes. ......

    What?¡¡I''ve also heard about that from Lunalie-sama?¡¡I also heard about it from Lunalie-sama. ...... No one told His Majesty about it?

    The truth of the matter is as follows.

    First, the Emperor of Lemuria ordered the Kingdom of Hayastan to reform its finances in order to squeeze out funds for the reform of Hayastan.

    This was conveyed to the bureaucrats of Hayastan through Lunalie, who drew up various reform plans, which were returned to Lunalie, who looked them over, and then returned them to the bureaucrats again.

    Finally, the budget for the current year, which was necessary for the reforms, was submitted to King Frates III of Hayastan through the bureaucrats, and King Frates III put his seal on it.

    Then, within the limits of the proposed budget, the bureaucrats determined the cost of the court''s food and servants'' labor, which went to Lunalie in the form of an after-the-fact report, then to Hercule, and then back to the bureaucrats through Lunalie again.

    It was then put into practice.

    And so it went.

    Vahan happened to overhear a bit of the process from Lunalie when she came back.

    ...... I see, I''m starting to get the idea.

    In the treaty signed by the Kingdom of Khayastan and the Lemurian Empire, there is something like this.

    The budget of the Kingdom of Hayastan shall be effective only when signed by both the Emperor of Lemuria and the King of Hayastan.

    The draft laws of the Kingdom of Hayastan shall be effective only when signed by both the Emperor of Lemuria and the King of Hayastan.

    In other words, it''s an article that allows the Emperor of Lemuria to interfere in internal affairs.

    Well, as a protector, I can''t complain about this, so even if King Hayastan doesn''t agree with it, I think it can''t be helped.

    Now, what I''m wondering is: ......

    I''m wondering how much permission is needed from the Emperor of Lemuria?¡¡For example, if you don''t have the permission of the Emperor of Lemuria, you don''t need the permission of the Emperor.

    For example, is it okay for King Hayastan to buy some sweets in the city without the Lemurian Emperor''s permission?¡¡Is it bad?

    The answer is, of course, "yes.

    The Emperor of Lemuria doesn''t have time to give permission for such trivial things.

    The Emperor of Lemuria''s approval is only required for budget proposals and large-scale projects.

    In the first place, King Khayastan does not want to be asked to report on the court budget, such as "how much was spent on food, how much on food, and how much on food.

    Such details are done by bureaucrats, and finally approved by the king after the fact.

    This is common practice in Lemuria and Khayastan.

    In fact, even the Emperor of Lemuria knows the "court budget," but he does not know in detail how much was spent on what.

    Now, with the above in mind, let''s look at ......

    Let me explain what happened.

    The bureaucrats of the Kingdom of Khayastan decided on and managed the court''s food and labor costs within the limits of the "fixed court budget.

    They reported to the Emperor of Lemuria through Lunalie after the fact.

    He did not report to King Hayastan at all.

    "Lunalie knows about this at .......

    No, I don''t think she knows about this. ...... ''Why do you have to tell this to the Emperor through me? You don''t have to tell him such trivial things. Hayastan''s bureaucrats are too sensitive to the Emperor''s face! That''s why he was so angry.

    Hearing Vahan''s words, King Frates III sighed.

    "The king of this land is now the Emperor of Lemuria. ......

    "That''s not true. ...... Your Majesty, let''s take this up with the Lemurian Emperor. Let''s protest this to the Emperor of Lemuria. - Let''s not let this happen without informing him. ......

    "Don''t do such a thing. ...... This is not the will of the Emperor of Lemuria. This is not the will of the Emperor of Lemuria. If I protest such a thing, the Emperor of Lemuria will know that I have no power whatsoever over the bureaucrats and nobles.

    "So, but ......

    Don''t get angry. Okay?¡¡Vahan.

    "...... Yes, Your Majesty.

    Vahan looked unhappy, but backed down.

    "I''m sorry, Vahan.

    "No, Your Majesty. I am a soldier of this country, and my only lord is you.

    King Frates III was grateful to Vahan for treating him as the only king in the land.

    That night.

    "My apologies for the late hour, Your Majesty.

    What is your urgent need for ......?¡¡You''re not going to start a tea party now, are you?

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    To summon the king, even in the middle of the night.

    It was an outrageous act.

    But ...... is still a request from a great nobleman.

    And it''s a serious matter that can''t be discussed in the palace during the day.

    It was hard for the good-natured King Fuertes III to refuse.

    That is why, despite his complaints, King Frates III took the trouble to go to the palace.

    He was led to a room at the back of the house.

    There, he found all the great nobles of the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Looking at these people, King Frates III somehow guessed what they wanted from him.

    The noblemen bowed deeply to him and knelt down.

    "Raise your masks. ...... What are your requirements? Be brief.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. ...... Let me cut to the chase. Your Majesty, let''s assassinate the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Ah, so that''s the one. ......

    King Frates III smiled at the predictable reaction of the grand nobles.

    "Whether you will or not, how will you do it?¡¡Do you have a very good assassin in your ranks?

    "During the parade in our country after the wedding. We''ll kill the Emperor of Lemuria then. If it''s in our country, the guards will be less strict. ...... And after the wedding, he will be less careless. If we miss this opportunity, our country will become a vassal state of Lemuria forever.

    I see. ......

    Frates III was only slightly convinced.

    It''s true that he could assassinate her if the timing was right.

    At the very least, it was much more realistic than the idea of starting a rebellion against the Lemurian Empire .......

    Suppose you succeed in assassinating the Lemurian emperor. What would you do with it?¡¡You don''t really think that killing the Lemurian Emperor will destroy the Lemurian Empire, do you?

    This isn''t a war from long ago.

    You can''t just take the general''s head and win.

    The Lemurian Empire is a centralized state with a well-developed bureaucracy.

    When the Lemurian emperor dies, the next Lemurian emperor will ascend to the throne immediately.

    And ......

    The Lemurian Empire will invade the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    That emperor is supported by nobles, commoners, warriors, literati, clergymen, young and old, men and women alike.

    The story of ...... is so famous that a nation that resisted Lemuria three times was burned to the ground, all the women were taken as slaves, the men were killed, and the site was so thoroughly destroyed that even salt was sprinkled on it.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is an Achaean nation.

    From the perspective of the Lemurian Empire, it is a heretical nation.

    The Lemurian Empire would have no mercy on them.

    Seek protection from King Fars. If we take the head of the Lemurian emperor as a gift, the king will protect us again. King Farrus demanded tribute from us, but he never disrespected you or interfered in our internal affairs. Rather than becoming a province of the Lemurian Empire, it would be best for us to survive as a province of the Kingdom of Foulds.

    I see, you don''t like the idea of having your territory taken away.

    Under the direction of Emperor Lemuria, the power of the nobility is being reduced in the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    The power and financial resources of the provinces are being gathered at the center.

    But the center here is not the King of Hayastan, but the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Do you really think King Fars will allow us to do this?¡¡And even if he assassinates the Lemurian Emperor, the power of Lemuria is still strong. The Kingdom of Phallus is a superpower, yes, but the Lemurian Empire is just as powerful, if not more so.

    "No, Your Majesty. No, Your Majesty. Losing the Emperor of Lemuria will greatly diminish the power of the Lemurian Empire. If the Lemurian emperor dies now, only his brother Titus can succeed him. But he does not have the ability to unite the vassals of the Lemurian Empire and defeat King Fahls in war.

    (Is it really going to work out that way?)

    Frates III is half-believing that ......

    In fact, the Grand Nobleman is correct.

    The current Lemurian Empire is in fact supported by Herculean individuals.

    For example, ......

    Lucanos Lucarius, a major figure in the religious world of the Lemurian Empire.

    He is Hercule''s teacher and has a de facto parent-child relationship with Hercule.

    That''s why Lucanos is supporting Hercule''s regime.

    Christophe Auguste, Grand Admiral of the Lemurian Empire.

    He is Hercule''s uncle and is related to him by blood.

    That''s why Christophe is supporting Hercule''s regime.

    Galfis Gallianos, a general of the Lemurian Empire.

    His daughter, Karolina Galleanos, is Hercule''s fianc¨¦e.

    That''s why Galfis is supporting Hercule''s regime.

    And Darios, Antonio, Shylock.

    They don''t serve the Lemurian Empire, they serve Hercule, the individual.

    Suppose Hercule dies and Titus comes to the throne.

    The first thing that would happen is a struggle for power between Loukanos, Christophe, and Galfis.

    This would be a large-scale conflict involving the nobility, clergy, and bureaucrats of the entire Lemurian Empire.

    It was inevitable that Darius, Antonio, and Shylock would leave the Lemurian Empire, fed up with the political strife.

    There is even a possibility that Darios will revolt.

    The loss of Hercule, the main pillar of the Lemurian Empire, would plunge it into chaos.

    Therefore, ......

    The plan of the great nobles is very likely to succeed.

    However, it also depends on the mood of King Foulds.

    But what about the Lunary?¡¡The parade in our country will take place after the wedding. At her age, you want her to be a widow?¡¡And ...... are you going to stigmatize Lunalie as the wife who assassinated her husband?

    "...... Indeed, it may be a painful experience for Master Lunalie.

    The great nobleman said this and then ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    But is Master Lunalie happy now, to begin with?¡¡The Emperor of Lemuria and Master Lunalie''s marriage ...... has not been heard of very well. If you think about it, for the sake of Lunalie, wouldn''t it be better to kill the Emperor of Lemuria?

    That''s ......

    I''ve heard nothing but good things about ......

    It''s a rumor that Hercule raped Lunalie and forced her to have a relationship with him, and planned to make Hayastan a Lemurian province.

    This is a rumor.

    Frates III knows that this is not true.

    Rather, the victim is the Emperor of Lemuria and the perpetrator is Lunalie.

    But ......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''ve never heard of it.

    Sometimes the thought crosses the mind of King Frates III.

    Lunalie says she wanted to do it for the kingdom of Khayastan.

    But what about Lunalie''s true feelings?

    Isn''t it true that deep down, she doesn''t want to do it?

    Isn''t she killing herself?

    Isn''t there a happier marriage?

    Isn''t he sacrificing Lunalie and his daughter?

    These were the questions that worried King Frates III.

    King Frates III is aware of this.

    He knew that he was not worthy of being king.

    He also knows that the people of Khayastan and his subjects would be happier if they were ruled by the ...... Emperor of Lemuria.

    He knows that the people of Hayastan and his subjects would be happier if they were ruled by the Emperor of Lemuria, and he knows that he can''t blame them for not treating him as king, even though it makes him uncomfortable.

    But as a father, ......

    I want to protect my daughter.

    That''s why Frates III is ......

    "I can''t decide ...... right away. You have to give me a more concrete plan.

    "...... All right, Your Majesty. Then I will tell you the ...... specific plan. You have until the day after the wedding of Emperor Lemuria and Master Lunalie to make your decision.

 87 Episode 25 Next | Princess Miko "Medium" Before

    After the ceremony at King Cerda''s, Hercule and the others traveled by carriage southwest from Edelna.

    They arrived at ......

    Welcome, Lunalee, Scheherazade!¡¡Our old home, the land of our fathers, the land of our beginnings!¡¡The city of Lemuria!

    Oh!

    Wow!

    When Hercule arrived at Lemuria City, he led Lunalie to the highest of the seven hills.

    He showed her the view from the top of the hill.

    Lunalie gulped and gave her impressions to Hercule.

    "It looks like only ghosts live there!

    "It''s even more deserted than I imagined!

    "Well, I wouldn''t be surprised if there were ten or twenty thousand of them.

    I wouldn''t be surprised if there were 10,000 or 20,000 of them." Hercule smiled at their honest impressions.

    Lemuria, the city of white light.

    Lemuria, the city of white light, a marble metropolis with a population of over a million.

    People from all over the world gather here, and a festival is held every day somewhere in the city.

    There are no walls, perhaps because there are no foreign enemies.

    Everyone laughed and enjoyed the peace.

    The eternal city of Lemuria.

    ......

    ......

    That was a long time ago.

    A world city with a population of over a million now has a population of less than five thousand.

    The marketplace, which was once crowded with people and merchants touting their wares with shouting voices, is now filled with stray dogs, cats, and rats fighting among themselves.

    Well, the Lemurian Empire''s building techniques are excellent.

    After all, the natural concrete produced by the Lemurian Empire is such an excellent building material that it will not collapse even after a thousand years.

    This is why the Insula, a high-rise housing complex where many citizens were packed in sushi, the amphitheater and chariot arena, which were once filled with hundreds of thousands of people, and the aqueduct, where not a drop of water flowed ......

    The whole place remains in disused form.

    There are no people.

    There are no people, but there are signs that people were there.

    This is why the city is so creepy.

    "The only place where people live now is around Lemuria Cathedral. And they''re monks.

    There are a few pilgrims, but ......

    There are some pilgrims, but they can''t stay overnight because the city''s infrastructure and security are completely dead.

    Moreover, bandits are everywhere along the way.

    So, unless you are a dedicated pilgrim, you will not be able to come here.

    If I were King Edelna, I''d make this a holy place and take money from the pilgrims. ......

    The military road from the time of the Lemurian Empire is still there, though deserted.

    If it''s repaired, it can be used.

    Traffic shouldn''t be too bad.

    The aqueduct could be repaired.

    The houses are decrepit and must be demolished. ......

    The building materials can be used as they are.

    It is possible to revive the city if you have the money.

    The birthplace of the Lemurian Empire, the place where the first medium was martyred, and the place where the medium now lives, is ......

    It is a great tourist destination.

    If the city is revived, security is restored, and bandits are exterminated, pilgrims will come.

    Then the merchants will come to see the pilgrims.

    The taxes from the pilgrims would be enough to make the city profitable.

    If it were Hercule, he would revive this city even if he had to borrow money from merchants.

    But ......

    It seems that the Kingdom of Edelna has no intention to touch the city of Lemuria.

    The Kingdom of Edelna, whose state religion is Western Messianism, probably doesn''t want to get involved in Lemuria City, the home of Orthodox Messianism, even though it is the largest authority in Messianism.

    "Or rather, Your Majesty. Is this a territory of the Kingdom of Edelna?

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea. It''s actually the territory of the Mediums.

    The city of Lemuria and the surrounding area is under the jurisdiction of the Lemurian Empire.

    The city of Lemuria and its environs are actually under the control of a medium.

    In fact, they have the right to judge and collect taxes.

    Since there is no concept of a "sovereign" nation in this world, there is no clear standard for what constitutes a nation.¡¡There is no clear standard for what makes a country, but ......

    If you have the right to judge and collect taxes, you can call yourself a country.

    It would be perfect if it had the endorsement of a foreign country.

    However, the economic base of the medium is probably the endowments scattered all over the world and the taxes imposed on the kings and lords of each country in the name of donations.

    This ghost town, at least, has no economic value.

    "And the city of Lemuria is warded for exorcism. Scheherazade beware.

    The city of Lemuria is now effectively controlled by the mediums.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    By the way, are you sure you didn''t bring Karolina with you?

    She''s been with me a few times and I''ve seen her. And she''s very patriotic. The current situation in Lemuria is not something you want to see.

    That makes it sound as if Hercule is not patriotic.

    In fact, Hercule is not patriotic.

    I am a nation.

    There is no use in loving myself.

    That''s what Hercule says.

    Well, in terms of self-love, I would say that Hercule loves the Lemurian Empire.

    For the Lemurian Empire, there is no monarch more dependable than Hercule.

    For the people, it''s a different story.

    If you ask Hercule, "What is the people?

    If you ask Hercule what the people are, he will tell you that they are the source of wealth.

    Well, let''s get back to it. I don''t plan to stay long in the first place. We don''t plan to stay long to begin with. All we need to do is finish the baptism of the Lunary.

    Oh, but you''re good at that, aren''t you?

    The baptism took place the next day.

    The baptism took place the next day, as expected of the Patriarchate of Lemuria, the headquarters of Messianism.

    The preparations were made in no time, the baptism began in no time, and the ceremony was carried out solemnly. ......

    The baptism of Renarier is over.

    I''m now an Orthodox Christian.

    She said simply, blowing her hair wet with holy water with a towel.

    Hercule chuckled.

    "What do you think?¡¡Do you feel any kind of divine favor?

    No, not really.

    ...... Even if it''s a lie, you should say something like, "I feel lighter! Even if it is a lie, you should say something like "I feel lighter!

    I''ve been baptized by a medium.

    Seeing Lunalie and Hercule in such a state, the medium smiled bitterly.

    Hercule approached the medium.

    "I would like to thank you again. High Priestess Millenia, thank you for baptizing my fiancee, Lunalie.

    "No, no. No, it was His Majesty Hercule''s request. As a Messianic, I''m happy to increase the number of people who believe in the true teachings. I would like to thank His Majesty Hercule for giving me this opportunity.

    Hahahahahaha!

    Oh-ho-ho-ho!

    The two of them laughed cheerfully together.

    But their eyes are not smiling.

    The medium said to Hercule.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Would you like some tea?¡¡I''m worried that I turned down your invitation the other day. If it''s all right with you.

    "Oh, I''m so glad. I was hoping to have a long talk with High Priestess Millenia.

    Hercule readily accepted the medium''s offer.

    Then, the medium continued.

    ...... If it please Your Majesty, I would like to have the Patriarch of Lemuria, Cronus Clorius, and the next High Priestess, Cecilia Peter, present.

    ...... Yes, I will also have Lucanus Lucarius and Todris Todrianus present.

    "Your Majesty, Hercule, why do you think the traitor betrayed you?

    A traitor?¡¡You mean the treasurer who betrayed the Messiah?

    Yes, that''s him.

    Hercule and the medium, along with Cecilia, Kronos, Todoris and Loukanos, were having a chat over tea.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m sure you''re right. ...... There are a lot of things about the betrayal of these people that are baffling. It is often said that he was blinded by the thirty pieces of silver, that he was dissatisfied with the Messiah''s wastefulness with money, that he was possessed by a demon, that he betrayed because he loved him. ...... Another interesting opinion is that he wore the mysteries of betrayal. Yes.

    Yes, if you''re a priest, ...... no, if you''re a messianist, you''re wondering. Why did he betray his beloved teacher? ...... I would like to hear your opinion on this. ...... Any opinion is welcome.¡¡It''s just a theory.

    I''m not going to accuse you of heresy or paganism, no matter what you say.

    Implicitly, the medium tells Hercule.

    Hercule took a sip of his tea and ......

    He began to speak slowly.

    First of all, ...... I personally don''t think that you were blinded by the silver coins. I don''t believe that anyone who would betray ...... me for that amount of money, let alone gold, would be recognized by the Messiah as an apostle. It''s possible that the devil has taken over ......, but I don''t like ...... individuals.

    Anything can be explained by bringing up the devil or God.

    But that''s too boring.

    That''s what Hercule was thinking.

    First, let''s think this through. If the Bible and various other books are correct, ...... the Son of God expected betrayal. Otherwise, he would not have said, "He who now dips his bread in the soup will betray me. He could have defended himself if he wanted to. Which brings us to .......

    Hercule smirked.

    "Perhaps it was just a matter of scheduling. Perhaps it was all part of the plan for the Son of God to betray the traitor.

    "Well, that''s an interesting point.

    The medium smiles.

    I find it more interesting to talk to someone like Hercule who can say outrageous things than to talk to clerics who are obsessed with the Bible.

    "May I speak to you at ......?

    "What''s up?¡¡Cecilia.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    I understand that for the ...... Son of God, betrayal was inevitable. But the ...... Son of God, the Messiah, was then executed. Are you saying that was the plan?¡¡That the traitor betrayed for the sake of it?

    Well, that''s one way to look at it. ...... is just an imagination. I don''t really believe that.

    (Well, it still sounds more convincing than the demon thing.)

    Hercule muttered inwardly.

    At least the demons that Hercule knew wouldn''t go to all that trouble.

    "Or .......

    "Or?

    "Well, I''m just guessing, but the ...... traitor may not have wanted to kill the Son of God. And the Son of God may not have expected to be killed either. ...... Crucifixion was the greatest punishment in the Lemurian Empire at that time. It is an unusual and grossly unjust punishment, even in light of Lemurian law.

    The actions of the Son of God began to escalate.

    At this rate, he could be killed by the radical six-stars or ...... unjustly arrested.

    Worried about this, a traitor ......

    While he hadn''t committed a serious crime yet, and before he was sentenced to death, ......

    I think he was trying to stop the Son of God by snitching on him.

    And didn''t the Son of God know how the disciple felt?

    And didn''t the six-star people use that tip-off to force the execution of the Son of God?

    That was Hercule''s hypothesis: ......

    It was more of a delusion.

    "Well, I think it''s time we had some fun.

    Hercule forcibly ended the conversation and turned to the medium.

    "Let''s get down to business, High Priestess Millenia. The topic of discussion is ...... your remaining lifespan and Cecilia, the next High Priestess of the Medium, is that correct?

    Yes, it is. ...... Let''s get down to business.

    The two men smiled at each other.

    The eyes are not smiling.

 88 Episode 26 Next | Princess Miko "Medium"

    "As the next medium, I nominate this girl ......, Cecilia Peter. Therefore, I would like you, Hercule, to be her guardian.

    If that''s the case, I''d be happy to say .......

    Hercule questioned the medium.

    High Priestess Millennia, I consider you to be a very good ...... politician. That''s why your choice is so puzzling to me. It''s not good to say this in front of you, but ......

    Hercule glanced at Cecilia and Lemurian Patriarch Cronus, who were standing beside the medium, before returning his gaze to the medium.

    I''m not sure what to say. I''ll be the guardian of this twelve year old girl. I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.¡¡I find nothing but discomfort in your actions.

    Hercule took a sip of his tea before continuing.

    It is true that Cecilia is your direct descendant, but that does not mean that she must inherit the position of medium. There are many more candidates than Cecilia. There must be someone older and more skilled in political maneuvering in the Peter family. Cecilia is certainly good. That much is clear from just a few words. But she''s too young, isn''t she?¡¡...... In my eyes, it looks as if you are trying to force her to take over the position of medium for the sake of your grandchild, and the world will see it that way.

    Hercule''s question was not yet finished.

    I don''t see the need for me to be his guardian in the first place. I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.¡¡It is true that successive princesses (mediums) have received military and political patronage from the Emperor of Lemuria. However, there are not many cases where they have been the direct guardians of the emperor. Usually, the Patriarch of Lemuria is the backer.

    Hercule stares straight at the medium.

    "Let me ask you again. High Priestess Millenia. I would like you to tell me why you have chosen Cecilia to be your new medium and why you have asked me to be her guardian.

    The medium took a sip of her tea and smiled.

    "Yes, I understand. I will answer your questions one by one.

    The medium stuck out a finger.

    "First, a correction. I do not intend to die right now. I intend to live for another three or four years. Therefore, it is a misnomer to give the rank of medium to a twelve-year-old girl. To be more precise, she is a 15-16 year old girl.

    ...... Still, she seems young, doesn''t she?

    Oh, you say that, Your Majesty?¡¡His Majesty Hercule, who ascended to the throne at the age of twelve.

    "I''m a genius.

    I''m a genius," Hercule said proudly.

    The medium smiles at Hercule''s words.

    Your Majesty ...... and I share the same thoughts. Just as Hadrian believed in your potential, I believe in Cecilia''s potential.

    "...... I see, I understand.

    Hercule had only exchanged a few words with Cecilia.

    So how good is Cecilia?¡¡I''m not sure.

    He could only trust the words of the medium.

    Hercule glanced at Cecilia.

    Cecilia, who had been praised for her excellence, was red-faced and embarrassed,......, but she seemed pleased.

    She doesn''t seem to be accustomed to being praised much.

    It''s probably because she''s usually scolded so harshly by the medium.

    (Is she that good?).

    Hercule tilted his head inwardly.

    In addition to that, there is a reason why you should choose young Cecilia: ...... "Because she is young. In addition to that, there is a reason why the young Cecilia was chosen: ...... One of the effects of the inherited magic of the medium is that it slows down the aging process. ...... I can''t go into detail, but one of the effects of the inherited magic of the medium is that it slows down the aging process. When you are young ...... you can live as long as the elves if you get this inheritance magic before your early twenties. However, the lost youth will not return. If you pass the throne to a younger person, you can keep the position of medium stable for a longer period of time. ...... In the long run, this is beneficial.

    Lack of experience in the early years is a minor problem ......?

    Yes, the longer you live, the more experience you gain. But physical deterioration cannot be reversed.

    The older we get, the more our brains deteriorate.

    This is self-evident.

    Compared to the brain at its peak in the early twenties, the brain of a person in his forties or fifties is ......

    It must be said that memory, judgment, and persistence are deteriorating.

    However, in terms of work, people in their forties and fifties are better than people in their early twenties (with the notable exception of Hercule).

    The reason for this is that they have experience.

    People who have lived for a long time know how to deal with various situations.

    Experience is very important.

    Now, ......

    Let me give you an example.

    An experienced person in his fifties and an inexperienced person in his late teens.

    Who is better?

    The answer is the former.

    The answer is the former, unless the latter is outstandingly good or the former is ridiculously incompetent. ......

    Usually, the former is judged to be superior to the latter.

    So ......

    If you''re in your fifties and have a lot of experience, and if you''re in your late teens but have the same experience as a fifty-something, what do you do?

    Without any doubt, the latter is superior.

    Well, I mean ......

    This is the reason why the medium is trying to appoint Cecilia as the next princess miko.

    It is true that it would be a safer choice to have an experienced person in her forties or fifties as the next High Priestess (Medium).

    However, since she is already old, even if the inheritance magic of the medium slows down the aging process a little, it would be a drop in the bucket.

    She will die soon.

    But what about the young and talented Cecilia, even if she lacks experience?

    It is true that it will be uneasy at first, but in a few decades, a medium will be born with a ''young and talented brain'' and a ''wealth of experience''.

    In the long run, it is better to appoint a young Cecilia.

    So, why Cecilia at ......?¡¡It''s not because I love my grandchild. It''s because Cecilia was the only girl in the Peter family who was young, bright and had the same ideas as me.

    "What do you mean by ......?

    I''m talking about the pro-Lemurian and anti-Lemurian factions. In the churches of the former Western Lemurian Empire, the anti-Lemurians are becoming the mainstream. Until a while ago, I was more in that camp myself. ......

    The medium drinks a cup of tea and moistens her throat.

    I''ve changed my mind since you proposed the Council of Alexandria. You are a man who understands, and under your reign, the Lemurian Empire will be restored. Anti-Lemuria is contrary to the coming times. And ...... will be fine while I''m alive. But after my death, there is no anti-Lemurian leader who can stand against you. Rather than provoking you and having the Church of Lemuria dominated by secular powers, ...... a leader who is as good as Cecilia, and who can also keep pace with you to some extent, will help the Church of Lemuria maintain its independence in the long run.

    Hercule asked the medium if she thought it was okay to let the secular powers control the Lemurian Church.

    Erucul asked the medium.

    But the medium said, ......

    Cecilia was chosen to lead the Church of Lemuria so that it would not be ruled by a secular power, and so that the Lemurian Emperor, Hercule, would not be angered by her inappropriate defiance.

    I replied.

    For a simple explanation for the Japanese, see ......

    The question is, which is more likely to maintain independence and security, "fighting head-on" against the US, a country that can do anything if angered, or "compromising to some extent and obeying"?

    That''s the question.

    If you are confident that you can win, you can choose the former. ......

    If you are not sure you can win, it is wiser to choose the latter.

    "So, you asked me to be your guardian, .......

    "Yes, I did. I''m sorry to say that I don''t know how much power Kronos will be able to exercise in the Church of Lemuria after I''m gone.

    I don''t know how much power Kronos will be able to exercise in the Lemurian church after my death. That''s how powerful the anti-Lemurians are. That''s why I''m asking you as a last ditch effort.

    As the medium said this, Cronus, who was standing by her side, stepped forward and bowed to Hercule.

    It''s all because of something beyond my control. ...... Your Majesty, I ask for your help. The political and military backing of the Lemurian Empire will continue to be essential to the survival of the Church of the Messiah. Please ......

    Hercule was a little surprised by this.

    The only image he had of Kronos was that he was arguing with Loukanos, the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    He had thought he was anti-Lemurian.

    Surprising. I thought you hated me.

    "...... The only thing I don''t like is that jadeite over there. I have no feelings for the Emperor.

    Kronos glared at Lukanos, who was standing by Hercule''s side.

    Lukanos glared back.

    "Well, if that''s the case, then I''ll help you. I have no intention of taking control of the Church of Messiah, becoming emperor and pope, and ruling the secular and sacred worlds together ....... The secular and sacred worlds should be able to be separated to some extent. As for me, I have no intention of intervening in the ...... Messianic Church itself as long as I can establish the dominance of the secular world. But ......

    Hercule turned his gaze to Cecilia.

    "Cecilia. I have yet to hear your will. High Priestess Millennia said that Cecilia is pro-Lemurian. ...... What does that actually mean?¡¡I can''t simply nod my head yes without hearing your opinion.

    When Hercule asked, ......

    "Yes, Your Majesty. As Grandma ......, High Priestess Medium, said, I believe that we should be in step with the Emperor. The Church of the Messiah needs a strong protector. If His Majesty the Emperor can protect us, there will be no better guardian. .........

    Cecilia stared at Hercule with eyes full of strong will.

    I have no intention of losing to the Emperor, and I will say what I think is wrong. And ......, you said earlier that the world is superior.¡¡I believe that the Medium and the Emperor of Lemuria should be equal. I am pro-Lemuria. I believe we should be in step with the Emperor. But I have no intention of obeying you or becoming your vassal. And I will never be a lapdog.

    Cecilia looked Hercule squarely in the eyes.

    "The Emperor of Lemuria is the protector of the Messianic Church. Nothing more, nothing less. The Church of Messiah is led by a medium. The sacred world is the sacred world. Secular is secular. They should be mutually inviolable. There is no such thing as ...... ordained ministry (?????????) in the five head temples, and there is no such thing as "simonia.

    The air became quiet.

    At the very least, this is not the attitude of a person who is about to seek refuge.

    Patriarch Nova Lemuria, Patriarch of Orontia, Patriarch of Alexandria, and Patriarch of Hiesolia.

    It has been the custom for hundreds of years that the Lemurian emperor holds the ordaining authority for four of the five temples.

    To condemn it outright: ......

    It was no wonder that Hercule was so angry.

    Kronos''s face tightened, and he inwardly clutched his head, "I''ve done it,.......

    The medium smiled gently and said, "I''ll whip your back later," deciding to carry out the corporal punishment.

    Lukanos twitched his cheeks and said, "What?¡¡He couldn''t hide his inner annoyance.

    Todoris looked worried and said, "Your Majesty, please don''t get mad and refuse me. Todoris looked at Hercule with a worried look on his face, "Your Majesty, please don''t get angry and say no." As if asking him to control himself.

    And Hercule, ......

    "Kkkkkkk ...... hahahahaha!!!!

    He began to laugh merrily.

    The sound of Hercule''s laughter echoed in the quiet room.

    After a round of laughter, Hercule reached out his hand to Cecilia.

    Cecilia took a moment to brace herself, but ......

    It was an unfounded fear.

    Her hand only gently stroked Cecilia''s hair.

    As he stroked her head, Hercule smiled and said.

    You''re the only one who dared me to ...... go that far. You''re a fearless girl. Well, that''s okay. You''re not even a medium yet. I''ll forgive you this time.

    Well, it''s certainly unreasonable for the Emperor of Lemuria to have the right to ordain people to the priesthood. ......

    Hercule muttered inwardly.

    . "Just try not to lose, okay?¡¡I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "...... Even if you don''t tell me, I won''t lose to you, Your Majesty.

    Cecilia grabbed Hercule''s hand, puffed out her cheeks and said back.

    I''m not going to lose.

    I''ll be back.

    I''ll be back.

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry.

    I''m sorry, that''s all you have to say!¡¡You''re the only one who blames others when you ask for something!

    Bang!

    The Medium''s whip struck Cecilia''s buttocks.

    Each time, Cecilia''s body shuddered and a cry escaped from her mouth.

    "Oh, ......, not at all. Well, that''s fine. The king didn''t mind, either.

    I''m sorry ......, but I didn''t say anything wrong!

    Cecilia rubbed her buttocks and protested to the medium with tears in her eyes.

    The medium sighs.

    "...... Do you really know what I''m angry about?

    "...... I''m just saying that no matter how much you really think something, there are times when it''s okay to say it and times when it''s not okay to say it, ...... and, you know, it was certainly inappropriate to accuse me of ordained ministry in a place where I''m asking for your backing. I regret that it was ...... inappropriate to criticize her for her ordination in a place where she was asking for ...... her backing.

    The medium smiled as she confirmed that Cecilia had understood her scolding.

    It''s a good thing, then. ...... I''m not saying that your idea is wrong. I also believe that the current situation where the Emperor of Lemuria holds the power of ordination is wrong. It is wrong for a secular power to interfere in the sacred world in the first place. But there is an order to things. First, use that man to solidify your position. Then gain experience and challenge him squarely.

    "Yes ......, but why didn''t His Majesty get angry?

    Cecilia questioned the medium.

    At that moment, Cecilia was ready to be beaten.

    But Hercule only laughed and patted Cecilia on the head.

    "Did you make that statement knowing that ...... His Majesty would be angry?

    I''m not sure.¡¡I''m not sure what to say.

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    The medium let out a small sigh and then replied.

    It''s because you''re a child. He thinks you''re a fool, that you can''t do much anyway. He thinks you''re a fool, that you can''t do much anyway. ...... No, he''s not only making fun of you, he''s making fun of me, ...... and the Messianic Church itself. In the West, we mediums and the Church of Messiah have a lot of power. But in the East, where the Lemurian emperor rules, all the churches are under the control of the Lemurian emperor.

    Before the Council of Alexandria.

    Hercule arrested the Patriarch of Alexandria, put him on trial, pulled out his tongue and exiled him to an island.

    He also sentenced the Patriarch of Orontia, who had excommunicated Hercule, to exile from the Empire and brought him to his knees.

    In the East, the clergy could not defy the Emperor of Lemuria at all.

    "No matter how wrong you claim to be, his ordination is unassailable. If you or I were to excommunicate him, he would have nothing to fear. He can use his military power to capture us and force us to withdraw it. Unlike the kings of the west, he is a ...... Lemurian emperor with a strong bureaucracy and a powerful standing army.

    When the kings of the west are excommunicated, the ......

    When the kings of the west are excommunicated, the lords who serve them will give up on them, and in some cases, will try to replace them themselves.

    The king depends on the loyalty and military power of the nobles.

    However, this is not the case for the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Even if Hercule is excommunicated, his bureaucracy and standing army will not betray him.

    An excommunication notice is just a piece of paper to Hercule.

    "Listen, Cecilia. He''s dangerous. There is no one you can rely on more than him as a friend, but there is no one more fearsome than him as an enemy. Be careful.

    "...... So dangerous, huh?¡¡I don''t think he''s that bad. I think he''s someone you can talk to.

    Cecilia tilts her head.

    Cecilia did not understand why the medium was so wary.

    It''s called longstanding intuition. That kind of type is dangerous.

    "That kind of ...... type?

    Cecilia asked back, and the medium nodded.

    When you live for a hundred or two hundred years, you sometimes see them. There are children like him who are born with their fears, empathy, and other important human traits forgotten in their mother''s womb. It''s a kind of disease, a disorder. It looks like a normal human being, but in the sense that it is born without something important, it is the same as a human being born without a limb. However, ...... I don''t know why, but people like that commit unimaginably crazy crimes, but also become great heroes and merchants. And for some reason, people like them. That''s why they''re so scary.

    Unimportant omake, explanation

    Scheherazade: "Question!¡¡What is ordination?¡¡And what about ordination trading (simonia)?

    Hercule: "Hmm, good question . To explain briefly, as you read, the former is the right to appoint clergy, and the latter is the act of buying clergy positions for money.

    Scheherazade: "I see. ...... His Majesty the Emperor holds that right of ordination ......?¡¡And for what?

    Hercule "Hmm, let me break it down for you. ...... Churches, especially at the Patriarchal level, exert a great deal of influence in the region. They have great economic power due to the large number of donations and endowments they receive, and above all, their power to speak is troublesome. If an anti-imperialist were to ascend to the throne, that would be a problem, right?¡¡That''s why I directly appoint pro-imperialists. And clergymen are basically intellectuals, so they can be used as bureaucrats. That''s why they''re useful for ruling the empire.

    Scheherazade: "So, what is a clergy trade?

    Hercule said, "Even with ordination, I can''t appoint the head of every church. One village, one church. There are countless churches. So I can only choose high priests. And the high clergy selects the low clergy and I approve them. Buying and selling is a part of that process. For example, if a child of a powerful merchant or nobleman cannot find a job, they will send a generous donation to the high cleric and ask for advice. The high priest would then introduce them to a church in the village of "00" that had an opening. How about it? The noble merchant will find a job for his child, the high priest will get a donation, and I will be able to increase my control with ease. Three birds with one stone that will make everyone happy. ......

    Cecilia: "What are you lying about!

    Hercule: "Well, well, little medium. Cecilia: "What are you lying about?¡¡You shouldn''t lick adults too much.

    Cecilia: "Please don''t pet me!¡¡Also, I''m not a little princess miko, I have a name, Cecilia!

    Hercule: "Hai hai, chibi Cecilia.

    Cecilia: "Nuh-uh-uh...

    Scheherazade: "Um, where''s the mistake?

    Cecilia: "The part about everyone being happy. The most important ...... believers are unhappy because of the corrupt clergy!

    Hercule: "Corruption, I beg your pardon. I don''t know where the corrupt element is.

    Cecilia: "Secular power chooses the priesthood, and money buys the priesthood!¡¡It''s a secular invasion of the sacred world!¡¡If you don''t call this corruption, what is corruption?

    Hercule: "Then who do you think should be appointed?

    Cecilia: "None other than the medium.

    Hercule: "But little Cecilia. How can you be sure that the person chosen by the High Priestess is absolutely correct?¡¡I''m sure you''re not the only one.¡¡Does the Bible say anything about that?¡¡It is true that the Hime-Miko is the leader of the Church of Messiah. ¡¡But the Hime-Miko was originally just one of the apostles. She''s supposed to be just one believer. For her to dominate the other patriarchs is an act of contempt for the other believers.

    Cecilia: "Yes, it is at ......, but the Princess Priestess (Medium) is also the agent of the Messiah .......

    Hercule: "The Patriarch should be chosen by the believers of the region themselves. Isn''t that right?

    Cecilia: "Yes, that may be true, but ......

    Hercule: "In other words, it is only logical that I, who the people of the region swear allegiance to, adore, and support, should appoint.

    Cecilia: "Surely ......, how can that be!

    Hercule "I''ve won again ......

    Cecilia: "I didn''t win!¡¡And it''s an unchanging fact that clergy trading is bad!

    Hercule "What''s important is whether or not my orders reach the details of the church, and the quality of the clergy is not important . Rather, it''s better if the church is corrupt and the people are disappointed. That way, I''ll have more support.

    Cecilia: "You''ve shown your true colors!¡¡You outcast!¡¡When I become a medium, I won''t let you do whatever you want!

    Hercule: "Hahahahahaha!¡¡Good luck, little Cecilia.

    Cecilia: "Gnnnnn, mock me for being a child like that!

    Scheherazade (Messianism is a good doctrine, but why is there so much internal conflict like this? ......)

 89 Episode 27 Wedding Karolina

    The time has come: ......

    It was the 21st of December.

    The capital of the Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria, was in a festive mood.

    Not only Nova Lemuria.

    Preparations for the festival had begun in the major cities of Alethia and Orontia, and even in the smaller towns and villages, a festive mood was forming around the churches.

    What are we celebrating?

    Needless to say.

    The wedding of the Lemurian emperor Hercule Julianos Caesarea and Karolina Galleanos would take place today.

    How many guests are invited?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "Two thousand for the cathedral wedding, six hundred for the luncheon, three hundred for the dinner. Tomorrow''s wedding to you will have the same number. Except for the guests.

    Hercule answered Lunalie''s question.

    Hercule was dressed in a military uniform and a purple cloak, which was a little more luxurious than usual.

    He was wearing a purple cloak.

    Lunalie wore a modest dress, perhaps considering the fact that Carolina was the main character.

    Still, it''s definitely much more flamboyant than what she usually wears.

    So it''s the same number of people.

    "Well, ......, I really should make a difference. I''ve been struggling with ...... how to put it, so I decided to differentiate the length of the ceremony and the number of music.

    If you narrow down the number of people at a lunary''s wedding, the average status of the invited guests will rise .......

    For some reason, Lunalie''s wedding would be more rare and valuable as a side suite.

    On the other hand, if you increase the number of guests, it will make the lunary look more opulent.

    Well, the opposite is also true.

    After much consideration, it was decided to keep the same number of people and change the contents a little.

    It''s complicated. ......

    "You''ll have to bear with me on this one, though. Well, it''s not much different ......, after all, a wedding is a political ceremony. The love between me and Luna will never change. Isn''t that right?

    Hercule said, and pressed up against Lunalie.

    Then he brought his lips close to Lunalie''s.

    Lunalie''s cheeks turn vermillion and she tries to let Hercule do as he does, but ......

    She came to her senses and blocked Hercule''s lips with her hand.

    "What, are you embarrassed?

    "Stupid, back.

    Lunalie pushed Hercule''s chest lightly to get some distance, then pointed behind her.

    When Hercule turned around, he saw ......

    "...... You see, Your Majesty. It''s my wedding day, why are you flirting with a different woman?

    "Oh!¡¡Karolina, you look beautiful. That dress looks great on you. You look like an angel from heaven!

    "Isn''t ...... too obvious a way to divert the conversation?

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    "She''s too smart for me.

    "What did you say?

    Carolina, that dress suits you. You look like an angel.

    ...... I''ll hit you.

    But I think she''s in a good mood.

    Her face is smiling, so she doesn''t look very strong.

    "Angels or not, you look good. I think you''re beautiful.

    I don''t like being complimented by you.

    (You look very happy. ......)

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    The expression of the mouth and face do not match.

    "No, but ...... Titus did a good job.

    Hercule''s voice is once again one of admiration.

    That''s how beautiful Carolina looked in her wedding dress.

    Her beautiful red hair was lightly curled and tied up in a bun.

    The ruby-red color that could be seen through the pure white veil was very mysterious and beautiful.

    A golden tiara adorned her beautiful hair.

    The pure white dress accentuated Carolina''s beautiful red color, and the bare shoulders revealed her healthy skin and beautiful collarbone, creating a mature atmosphere.

    Her make-up was light, but it was enough to make her look good.

    But it''s a novel design.

    I was surprised when I saw the finished product, but I''m glad I left it in the hands of His Highness ...... Titus.

    I''m glad I left it to His Highness Titus.

    The first novelty was the use of pure white fabric.

    Shiro wedding dress.

    Well, it may be obvious to modern Japanese people.

    But in this world, it is very rare.

    This is because wedding dresses in this world are usually colorful and flashy, such as red and yellow.

    Dyes are very expensive in this world.

    It is customary to dye the dress with more expensive dyes to show off the wealth and power of the family by making it gaudy.

    That''s the custom.

    But Carolina''s wedding dress uses no dyes. It''s pure white.

    It''s the first time in this world that I''ve used white instead of a bright color.

    This is probably a new idea in this world.

    However, white is also the color of innocence and holiness in the Messianic religion.

    From a cultural and religious point of view, it is a perfect color for weddings.

    However, they may have thought that ordinary white would be too plain.

    The dress is made of countless pure white lace and embroidered with flowers.

    Therefore, it was not inferior to conventional wedding dresses, but rather more opulent.

    The second novelty is the design that exposes the skin.

    In Messianic religions, women are not allowed to expose their skin.

    This is even more so at weddings.

    For this reason, most wedding dresses have long sleeves.

    However, Carolina''s wedding dress shows a lot of skin.

    Her shoulders are boldly exposed, her sides, arms, and collarbone are bare, and her back is boldly opened wide.

    Her fingerless gloves covered her elbows, but the ...... fabric was so thin that she was practically exposing her entire arm.

    This was an expression of Titus''s insistence that women''s clothing should be more feminine, and that it should be as active and open as possible.

    It is also significant that Carolina herself is an active woman.

    In recent years, it has become more and more common to see female elves on the battlefield, let alone humans, and while some people may think this is a bit of a letdown, no one would blame them.

    In fact, it is likely that this will be an opportunity for more skin to be exposed.

    (But ...... aristocrats, diplomats, and connoisseurs of merchants will be astounded by this. ......)

    Karolina''s wedding dress is mainly made of silk.

    Silk is a rare fiber, produced only in the Land of Silk, farther east than the Kingdom of Foulds.

    That''s why it''s incredibly expensive.

    In addition, there are countless lace and embroidery ......

    At a glance, you can see that it is a very expensive item.

    (...... Let''s not mention that you can build two huge mansions with a garden with one of these.

    Well, this was not a problem at all since Hercule was extracting a large amount of taxes from the people of the Lemurian Empire.

    (There would be economic benefits from the wedding, and tax revenue would increase.

    (The wedding would have an economic effect and increase the tax revenue.) Hercule was thinking about such things as a human being.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. I have a question.

    "What''s wrong?¡¡Luna.

    "What about ...... Vale?

    That''s what Lunaria is trying to say.

    I thought only virgins were allowed to wear the veil.¡¡And.

    As you know, Hercule and Karolina had spent the night together.

    Carolina''s innocence has been scattered by Hercule.

    It''s no secret that Carolina has been sleeping in the Nova Lemuria Palace lately. But only the servants know that Karolina and I have been sleeping together in bed. Well, I mean, socially, I''m a virgin. No problem.

    What about me, by the way?

    You''re a virgin too, right?¡¡Well, it''s rather well known that I''ve been in bed with you. ...... I said I''ve been in bed with you, but I''m pretty sure I never mentioned the presence or absence of virgin membranes.

    So she''s a presumed virgin.

    Then it''s a virgin. No doubt about it.

    Well, there are women in the world who have conceived virgins. ......

    What is important is the statement of the person.

    If she says she''s a virgin, then pregnant women and women who have given birth are also virgins.

    "Well, that''s not important. It''s time to go. It''s time to go. ...... No, princess. It''s time to go. Let''s go.

    "Yes, ......, Your Majesty. I''m counting on you.

    Karolina gently placed her hand in Hercule''s offered hand.

    A carriage carrying the emperor and his bride rode through the streets of Nova Lemuria.

    The beautiful carriage, pulled by four white horses and decorated with gold, silver and jewels, attracted the eyes of all who saw it.

    But what attracted people''s eyes more than anything else was ......

    It was the pure white bride riding in the carriage.

    The beautiful girl in a pure white silk dress drew admiring looks from young and old alike.

    "Somehow, you seem to stand out more than me.

    Your Majesty is usually more conspicuous than I am. Sometimes.

    Well, that''s true.

    The emperor and his bride, Hercule and Carolina, waved to the citizens as they greeted them.

    ""Long live the Emperor!

    "Long live the Empress!

    "Long live the Lemurian Empire!

    "Long live the Emperor and Empress, whom God has given us!

    "God bless the new Empress!

    "God bless the Emperor and Empress!

    May the Lemurian Empire prosper forever!

    Every time Hercule and Carolina waved, the citizens would cheer wildly.

    The Empress is ...... still in the middle of her wedding. You''re so quick .......

    Good for you. That''s how welcoming they are. Well, it doesn''t really matter to me whether the people welcome it or not.

    The carriage carrying the two was guarded by cavalrymen on white horses.

    A band of musicians accompanied them from behind, playing music.

    The petals of flowers fell like snow from above their heads.

    The commoners thanked the gods for their good fortune in being able to see the wedding of the Lemurian emperor, a once-in-a-lifetime event that they did not even know existed.

    The nobles marveled at the scale of the wedding, which they would never have been able to perform themselves.

    Secret agents and emissaries from abroad once again confirmed the power of the Lemurian Empire.

    The parade started from Nova Lemuria Palace and ended at Nova Lemuria Cathedral.

    "Carolina, give me your hand.

    "...... Yes, Your Majesty.

    Karolina put her own hand on Hercule''s hand.

    With Hercule''s support, Karolina slowly got off the carriage.

    Her surname held the hem of Carolina''s long skirt to prevent it from dragging on the ground.

    Let''s go, shall we?

    "Yes!

    After that, the ceremony went smoothly according to the traditions and customs of the Lemurian Empire and Orthodox Messianism.

    The first to be invited to the cathedral were Linasha and Titus, siblings of Hercule and members of the royal family.

    Then there were Garufis Galleanos and his wife Mary Galenoas, the family of his bride Carolina.

    In addition, there were the Lemurian vassals, the nobility, the Patriarch, and the kings and deputies from various countries.

    Under their watchful eyes: ......

    The medium, who had traveled all the way to Nova Lemuria, spoke to the two in the customary manner.

    They responded in the usual manner.

    "I swear to the gods." "I swear to the gods.

    Hearing their vows, the medium nodded in satisfaction.

    The medium then recites a prayer for blessing.

    When she was done, Hercule lifted Carolina''s veil and let it hang behind her.

    Carolina lifted her chin and closed her eyes lightly.

    Then ......

    Their lips touched.

    "I love you, .......

    "I love you too, Carolina.

    (It''s good to be ...... young. ......)

    The medium looked at the kiss between Hercule and Karolina with a bit of envy in her eyes.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    At the Medium''s urging, Hercule placed the ruby and gold ring he had prepared in advance on Karolina''s ring finger.

    Karolina also put a matching ring on Hercule''s ring.

    (...... matching with His Majesty, ...... phew)

    (It''s a pain in the ass. ...... Can''t this be over soon?¡¡(Well, Carolina seems to be having fun, so I don''t mind. ......)

    Although there was a considerable difference in temperature between the two of them inside ......

    It was a happy groom and bride from the outside looking in.

    And so, they became husband and wife.

    That ...... is a pity for Lunalie, Your Majesty.

    After the dinner was over, Hercule was relaxing in his military uniform and Carolina in her wedding dress.

    Both of them were reclining on the sofa.

    Both of them reclined on the sofa and looked limp.

    Hercule rang the bell while talking to Karolina.

    In less than a minute, Cifanie arrived.

    "You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?¡¡Your Majesty.

    Cifanie. Bring me some wine and something to eat, please.

    Yes. Uh, ....... Wine is .......

    Bring me a strong red. I''ll leave the choice to you.

    Hercule called Cifanie and told her to bring the wine and the snacks.

    Then he spoke again to Carolina.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.¡¡...... It would have been better if we''d done it together .......

    ...... Honestly, I don''t want to do that.

    I know, I know. That''s why you split them up.

    If Hercule is the emperor, he has to allow concubines, of course.

    But it''s better if it''s just the two of us at the wedding.

    It is natural to think that the two of you should be alone for the wedding, and of course Hercule took this into consideration.

    I''m not sure if it''s a ...... thing, but I can see how the Galleanos and Alshark families would complain if we did it at the same time, "You''re disrespecting my Carolina (Lunalie)! It''s obvious that the Galeanos and Arshak families will complain, "You are disrespecting our Carolina (Lunalie)!

    You can''t do that. I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    "...... wedding night?¡¡...... Oh, you mean s*x.

    Please say "wedding night.

    ...... Okay, okay, okay. First night.

    With a glare from Carolina, Hercule revised his statement.

    In the meantime, Cifanie brought him some wine and snacks.

    Hercule made Cifanie step back and poured the wine into wine glasses.

    He hands one of the two wine glasses to Carolina.

    "So, Your Highness. Shall we make a toast?

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Lightly, the glasses touch.

    "So, what was the wedding night?

    Well, ......, there''s something I''d like to ask of you, Your Majesty. ......

    What is it?¡¡Tell me. If I can do it, I''ll do my best.

    Carolina whispered, her face flushed.

    Can''t you just ...... dress up like this?

    "No, I don''t mind, but ......

    That dress can stand up to two houses.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy with the results.

    But even if it gets torn or dirty, there''s not much need to wear it again.

    I''m surprised you asked.

    ...... is good. I''ve always accepted your ...... and all that.

    "No, I''m not complaining.

    I''m not complaining," Hercule said, placing his lips on Karolina''s.

    Their tongues intertwine.

    I''m happy for you, Karolina.

    "Your Majesty, ...... no, my Lord Hercule, ......

    Karolina leans into Hercule with an enraptured look on her face.

    Hercule gently stroked Karolina''s beautiful red hair.

    Suddenly, he thought of something there: ......

    Hercule sipped the remaining wine from his wine glass.

    And ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    He gave the wine to Karolina by mouth.

    Carolina choked on the wine and drank it.

    Then she sipped the wine herself and gave it to Hercule.

    "Carolina, I love you.

    After finishing Carolina''s wine, Hercule pushes Karolina down.

    "Yes, Master Hercule, this is .......

    "That''s good, no one''s watching.

    He said this and ran his lips down Karolina''s neck.

    Karolina shivered.

    I love you too, Hercule-sama .......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    "...... at least do it in bed. I''m not sure who you think is going to handle it.

    The sighs of the servants did not enter the ears of the two lovers.

 90 Episode 28 Wedding: Lunarier

    Hmm, this is awful. ......

    When Hercule woke up the next morning, he looked down at Karolina and muttered to himself.

    Of course, Karolina was beautiful as always.

    Her skin is pure white and the morning sun reflects off her half-undressed wedding dress, making her beautiful and very sensual.

    It is the wedding dress that is the worst.

    It was stained red from the wine they had drunk together.

    In addition, she was so drunk that she forgot to take care of her wedding dress, and it is now stained with various liquids.

    "Well, even if it''s ......, can Ciphany remove it?

    The servant Ciphany has an unassuming but incredibly useful magic called "Wash III" that can remove any stain.

    I''m sure you can remove it with that.

    I''m sure she''ll complain about it later. ......

    Every time I asked Ciphany to clean my dirty clothes, she would say, "What kind of woman would do this to you if you hugged her? Hercule recalled.

    In response, Hercule would say, "I''ll teach you how to do it," and he would hold Cifanie in his arms.

    Haha ...... I''m so tired.

    Hercule stands up and stretches.

    I''m not tired yet.

    But ......

    Today is the wedding of Luna.

    The wedding of Carolina and Lunalee is not so different.

    There are some differences in the number of songs that are sung, but there are no major differences in the basic content or the progression of the ceremony.

    However, there is one crucial difference.

    That is the number of invited guests.

    Both weddings have the same number of guests, but the people invited are very different.

    At the wedding of Carolina, there were a great many people invited from abroad.

    Many priests were also invited.

    This was to advertise to the world that Karolina was the rightful wife and empress of Hercule.

    To show the world the prestige and prosperity of the Lemurian Empire, and the person who will give birth to the next emperor.

    This was the main purpose of Hercule and Karolina''s wedding.

    On the other hand, at the wedding with Lunalie, ......

    The Lemurian Empire''s nobles and Hayastan''s nobles make up the majority of the guests.

    Of course, kings and their representatives were also invited from various countries. ......

    The number of guests is smaller than the wedding ceremony with Karolina, and they are not invited to the breakfast or dinner parties.

    This is because the marriage between Hercule and Lunalie is only for the purpose of strengthening the relationship between Lemuria and Hayastan.

    What is important is the friendship between the two countries.

    This is why the number of slots allocated to countries other than Lemuria and Hayastan has been reduced.

    I see. ...... Titus is a genius. In the arts.

    Hercule looked at Lunalie in her bridal gown and exclaimed in admiration.

    She still has a poker face,......, but there is a hint of joy and embarrassment on her face.

    "How do you like ...... it?

    "Yes, it looks good on you. It''s not as bad as Carolina''s yesterday.

    The other day, Karolina wore a white, revealing wedding dress to her wedding.

    Her appearance must have had a tremendous impact on the fashion industry in the Lemurian Empire and its neighboring countries.

    The problem, however, was that Lunalie''s wedding was coming up the next day.

    If Lunalie''s bridal gown is similar to Carolina''s, ......

    If Lunalie''s wedding gown is the same as Carolina''s, it will be the same as Carolina''s and will not make a strong impression.

    The impact of Carolina would overshadow that of Lunalie.

    Well, it''s not a big problem if you consider the fact that they are the main and side daughters. ......

    But that would make Lunalie a bit pathetic.

    And ...... Titus'' pride as an artist would not have allowed him to make a second attempt.

    Lunalie''s bridal gown was a complete change from Carolina''s costume.

    If I had to give it a title, it would be ......

    Restoration + Exoticism.

    Or is it?

    The basis of the dress was a long-forgotten ancient Lemurian tunica-like dress.

    The soft fabric envelops and highlights Lunalie''s ample breasts and supple limbs.

    The dress is sleeveless and shows off her arms and collarbone, just like Carolina''s dress.

    Naturally, it is made of silk.

    The basic dye is blue extracted from indigo, and yellow from saffron is also used as a pattern.

    So far, it''s just a fancy, old-fashioned wedding dress.

    Well, the impact of pulling out a garment this far back in time is quite impressive, and the fact that it is worn by a lunaree alone has a tremendous impact on clothing trends. ......

    This old-fashioned wedding dress is embroidered with gold and silver threads.

    The embroidery, the blue of indigo and the yellow of saffron create an exotic pattern in the style of Khayastan Persis.

    The bride''s veil was adorned with a crown of laurel and white flowers.

    A fusion of Lemurian and Khayastan cultures.

    This is in line with the purpose of the wedding of Hercule and Lunalie. ......

    In addition, Lunalie, who is a Hayastanian and has a slightly different face from Lemurians, wore this dress to make her more mysterious, beautiful, and seductive.

    By the way, if you are curious about the price, please visit ......

    It''s roughly the cost of one and a half houses with gardens.

    Carolina''s wedding dress used a lot of silk because of the lace and the length of the skirt, but Lunalie''s dress has no lace, and the length of the skirt hides her ankles, so it is not long enough to drag.

    Therefore, the amount of silk used is less than that of Carolina''s dress.

    However, dyeing and embroidery cost a certain amount of money, which is why it is priced at .......

    In any case, it is still expensive.

    "I knew he was good at his job. ......

    "......, Your Majesty. I know His Highness Titus is great, but you should give me credit.

    Oh, ......, I''m sorry. But I guess it''s the material. A beautiful woman looks good no matter what she wears. A top-notch artist designed it for such a beautiful woman. There''s no way it wouldn''t look good on her. ...... I''m in love with you again, Luna. You''re really beautiful. I''m so glad I met you.

    And when Hercule lined up his compliments, ......

    ...... praise will get you nowhere.

    He blushed a little and turned away.

    You''re still so naive.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    "...... is too easy.

    ...... What did you say?

    I thought Lunalie was beautiful. Yes, she really is beautiful.

    Karolina deceives with a clear face.

    You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this sort of thing.

    I''m not happy with your compliments.

    (Wow, ...... you look so happy ......)

    The usual smug look on his face has broken down a bit, and he has a slight grimace on his face.

    Even though she denies it with her mouth, it''s completely evident on her face.

    This is a rare faux pas for the cool-headed Lunarie.

    However, she probably doesn''t realize it.

    She probably doesn''t realize it, but she''s trying to keep a poker face.

    "Well, enough chitchat, Luna. Okay, princess. Let''s get to the parade. The people are waiting.

    "...... Yeah, okay.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    And ......

    The parade and wedding are finally over!

    The parade and the wedding are finally over. ...... I feel like it happened so fast.

    "It''s your imagination, it''s your imagination. It''s definitely the same description as yesterday, and it''s not like the author skipped it because it was too much work to write.

    No, it''s not my imagination.

    It''s true that Hercule and Lunalie are saying "Long live the Emperor! "Long live the Emperor!" "Long live the Lunary! "Glory to Lemuria and Hayastan! They exchanged vows, kissed, and exchanged rings in front of the medium.

    In fact, both Hercule and Lunalie have gold and ruby rings on their ring fingers.

    (There is also a sapphire ring on Hercule''s finger. ......)

    But this is not the end.¡¡There will be a luncheon and then a dinner after the break.

    Hmmm, ...... I''m tired, but ......

    I''ve had two days in a row.¡¡Don''t complain.

    "I''ve been here two days in a row.

    Except for the representatives of the major countries, the guests invited to the luncheon were the royalty and nobility of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    The first person who approached me was ......

    The first person to call out was King Frates III of Hayastan.

    "This is His Majesty King Fuhrates. Normally, we would go to ...... him to greet him.

    "No, no, I know you are busy. I know you are busy. ...... Again, congratulations on your marriage. Your Majesty, and Lunalee.

    Flates III smiled serenely.

    And ......

    But ...... Lunalie is getting married. But ...... Lunalie is getting married. ...... She used to be such a little thing, but time flies .......

    And then he began to cry manly tears.

    "Oh, um, ...... father. Are you okay?

    "I''m so beautiful now, ...... I wish I could have shown it to him in heaven.

    I found myself weeping, Frates III.

    It seemed that he was thinking about his wife in heaven, Lunalie''s mother.

    "...... I have nothing left to think about.

    "Oh, Father!¡¡Oh, father! What a bad omen .......

    (What is this?¡¡What is this father-son comedy?

    Hercule was inwardly dismayed by the sudden farce that had begun before his eyes. ......

    (What is this father-son contrivance?) Hercule, inwardly dismayed at the sudden farce that had begun before his eyes, pointed out to Frates III that he still had some unfinished business as a man, in order to console him (or end the farce, if that was necessary).

    "Your Majesty, Frates. It''s not too late to go to the Kingdom of Heaven after you see your grandchildren, is it?¡¡They say they don''t hurt your eyes.¡¡Grandchildren?

    "Oh!¡¡That''s right!¡¡I''m the ...... emperor, and I''m looking forward to working with you!

    Flates III grasped Hercule''s hand tightly.

    Hercule smiles and replies as he unties Frates III''s hand.

    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you." (I''m going to sow you to death.)

    Or, rather, he already has.

    When Flates III leaves, ......

    "Congratulations on your wedding, Emperor Lunalie.

    The next person to greet them was Hercule''s half-brother Titus.

    After bowing deeply to both of them, Titus faced Lunalie.

    What do you think?¡¡What do you think of the dress I designed?

    "Apart from being a bit revealing, it''s very nice. That''s His Highness Titus.

    "I am honored by your compliment. Your Highness, the Lunaree!

    Titus'' face broke into a smile as Renalie praised him.

    As he watched the two of them interact, Hercule thought.

    (Lunar''s guy ...... uses honorifics for everyone but me ......)

    Lunalie is capable of using honorifics.

    However, she does not use it with Hercule. It''s part of her appeal that she won''t bow down to you.

    However, she still adheres to the line of calling him "Your Majesty".

    "His Majesty the Emperor, good day to you and ...... Your Highness the Lunary.

    The next person to speak to them was Linasha, Hercule''s half-sister and Titus'' half-sister.

    Linasha spoke to Lunalie in a friendly manner.

    We are sisters now, are we not?

    "Yes. Yes, I am very happy to be sisters with Your Highness, even if it is only by fate. I''m very happy to be a sister, even if it means being a sister-in-law.

    Lunalie responded politely to Linasha.

    She is still very soft to other royals except Hercule.

    "Your Majesty. I''m sure you''ll have a great time. ...... Just because you have two beautiful wives doesn''t mean you should get carried away.

    I''m sure you''re right. I''m confident I can control myself better than you. And you should know a little more about discretion.

    Linusha''s advice (sermon?) And you should know a little more about discretion. The exchange between them continued as usual.

    The exchange between the two was the same as ever.

    And so it went: ......

    They hardly ate any food, and the luncheon was over.

    After a break and a snack, the ......

    The dinner party began.

    At the beginning of the dinner, they greeted each other together, but halfway through the dinner, they separated and started chatting with each other.

    Hercule was with a Hayastan noble.

    Lunalie was with a Lemurian noble.

    In order to deepen their friendship.

    And ......

    "What is it you want to talk about?¡¡Father.

    Oh, Lunalee. ...... Actually, I have a few questions for you.

    Frates III invited Lunalie to the courtyard of the Lemurian Palace.

    I think he wants to have an intimate conversation with the father and son,.......

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    ''What kind of person do you think the ...... Emperor is?''

    "Human scum.

    ...... Quick answer.

    I think scum is the word for him.

    The word "scum" is used for him.

    What is it, for example?

    "His terrible taste. I was bullied a lot. He sees people as pawns. He''s a liar and a crook. And since then, ......

    Renarier counted on his fingers to emphasize how vicious Hercule was.

    Frates III smiled kindly at her.

    "You are watching closely, aren''t you?

    "Yes!

    Lunalie blushed at Flates III''s point.

    And then he shook his head.

    It''s not like that. ......

    Your face is red.

    You''re blushing because of your ...... anger. I don''t like that piece of shit!

    I never asked you if you liked the Emperor.

    I never asked you if you liked His Majesty the Emperor!" "No, no, ......, ...... in context.

    Lunalee raised her voice in protest.

    Interrupting her, Frates III asks Lunalie, "Do you love him?

    "Do you love him?¡¡Do you love the Emperor of Lemuria?

    "I don''t hate .......

    Lunalie turns her head and answers.

    I don''t hate him," Lunalie replied as she turned her head, trying not to let Frates III see her reddened face.

    (You''re not being honest, my daughter. ......)

    Frates III shrugged his shoulders.

    (Not so straightforward, my daughter. ) Frates III cowered. "Well said," he said, as if it were meant for Lunalie.

    "Lunalee, this is for the Emperor.

    "...... What is this?

    "It''s a list of pro-Faullus nobles who planned to assassinate the Emperor of Lemuria, and the names of those who supported the plan.

    Lunalie''s expression tightened in surprise.

    "Oh, Father?¡¡This is .......

    He must be very unhappy about having his territory cut down. It seems that he is planning to assassinate the Lemurian emperor in a parade in Hayastan and use his head to switch back to Phallus. ...... I don''t think that King Farrus will allow that. Well, it might not be a bad gamble for those who will lose everything if they don''t. ......

    Unfortunately, Frates III had no reason to participate in that gamble.

    Even if he got rid of Hercule, it was obvious that the bureaucrats and vassals would now worship Sasan VIII as king.

    Frates III no longer had any real power as King of Khayastan.

    Then, ......

    Now it was up to him to choose the path that would make his daughter happier.

    That was the answer of King Fuhrates III.

    "For now, I will return to my country. ...... If I talk to you too much, you''ll think I''ve sold the plans to you. I''d like to discuss it with you at the appropriate time. I''d like to discuss with you the judgment of these traitors and my treatment.

    Oh, Father!¡¡I like the kingdom of Khayastan best. But ......

    Lunalee looks straight at King Frates III.

    "My second favorite is your father. I''ll protect him!

    "Thank you, Lunalee .......

    It''s a good story ......, a wonderful love between father and son, I cried!

    "Master, that''s not very touching at all.

    Asmodeus plunged in.

    Currently, Hercule is taking a break in the corner of the hall ......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    In fact, ......

    The wedding ring that Hercule had sent to Lunalie had been enchanted to listen in and spy on her. ¡¡By the way, the one sent to Karolina is the same.

    As usual, he is a shrewd man.

    However, this magic is not Hercule''s unique magic.

    So is it Asmodeus'' magic?¡¡No, it is not.

    Yes, this magic is from .......

    Isn''t it amazing?¡¡Master!¡¡My magic!¡¡I''m not going to let Asmodeus beat me!

    Haha. ...... Can''t judge that one yet. I''m looking forward to the ...... future, okay?

    [Yes!¡¡So, let''s get on with the night fair .......

    It''s my first night with Luna, so no.

    [Mmmm ......]

    One of the seventy-two pillars.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    The Great Spirit of Love and Secrecy, Citri.

    In contrast to Asmodeus, who specializes in hallucination ...... and deception, this Citri specializes in revealing the secrets of others.

    It is possible to read the mind and memories of an opponent, not to mention spy on them, for a reasonable amount of magic power and compensation (????????).

    It is also possible to brainwash a person and make them fall in love with you.

    But Hercule doesn''t like to do that.

    Well, I''ve tried to increase sensitivity two or three times, hypnotize them, and even abuse them for exposure play.

    [Well, I don''t need to squeeze you directly, unlike Asmodeus, so that''s good!¡¡What I want in return from my master is the sweet loving lovey-dovey erotic mood created by the woman he has made himself fall in love with!

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out the best way to get the best out of me.

    It is interesting to note that even though they are the same whore, they have different directions.

    I don''t know. Wouldn''t it make sense to show a little restraint?

    b*tc*!¡¡I''m not going to be beaten by Asmodeus!¡¡I''m a contracted demon.¡¡I''m not going to lose to Asmodeus!

    If you can do it, why don''t you do it?¡¡Well, I don''t think you''ll be able to beat me. I don''t think a masturbation whore who masturbates with her fingers in her mouth while watching other people''s affairs can beat me as a professional b*tc* whore.

    ...... What a ridiculous confrontation these guys are having.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    [By the way, master. If it''s okay with you, Master, I can look inside Lunalie''s head, what do you say?

    Absolutely not. That would ruin my day. And Luna is mine. Nudity and lasciviousness aside, I will not allow you to look into her head or heart. If there''s anyone I''m allowed to look into, it''s me.

    The demon, who had to abide by his master''s contract, could not resist the command given in an angry voice.

    Citry backed down meekly.

    But I didn''t know Luna was ...... watching me like that. You''re so cute. ...... I''m in love with you all over again.

    I think he only said ...... bad things about her.

    [Wow, positive ...... I wish I could learn from you.

    "Did you say something to me at ......?

    "No, nothing.

 91 Episode 29 Wedding: Lunarier

    I see. ...... Well, that''s not a bad move. The noblemen of Khayastan have some ideas.

    After the dinner, Hercule and Lunalie were relaxing in their rooms, still in their ceremonial robes, drinking, picking snacks, and reading the plans that Frates III had given them.

    Assassination of Hercule.

    At first glance, it seems short and uninspired, but ......

    It is simple and effective.

    That is, if he succeeds.

    Normally, we would not make such a plan because it is too risky, and even if we did, we would not carry it out.

    However, when we are cornered, we have two choices: ......

    There are times when we are forced to make a choice between life and death.

    The aristocrats of Hayastan are on the brink of losing or not losing their interests and lands.

    Well, it''s certainly not a bad bet.

    ...... If they do this, Hayastan will lose all credibility and will not be able to defy the Kingdom of Fars at all. ...... How can you not see that you will be put in a worse state of vassalage and exploitation than you are now?

    "Isn''t it because it''s not the nobles who are exploited, but the commoners?

    To them, it doesn''t matter who the king is or who the ruler is.

    They don''t care who the king is or who the ruler is, as long as they can protect their own interests.

    It may sound terrible, but there is no such thing as a nation-state in this world.

    Everyone is working for themselves and the community around them.

    For the aristocrats, what is important are the rights they have inherited from their ancestors, the community among the aristocrats, and their culture.

    It is not the modern Japanese sense to say to the aristocrats, "You are the same people as us, so cut your losses for the commoners! In the modern Japanese sense, this is equivalent to saying, "We are brothers in Asia, so we should cut our losses for the sake of the common people.

    There is a fundamental misunderstanding of values.

    The same is true in Khayastan, where the patriotism of the nobility and commoners is relatively stronger than in other countries.

    In Lemuria, it''s even worse.

    "Well, I don''t really care if my people starve or die, either.

    "...... You''re still scum.

    Lunarier was taken aback by Hercule''s statement.

    It was the same as always, though.

    I don''t know why this kind of man is regarded as a great ruler .......

    Renarier could not understand it at all.

    No, to be precise, he did not want to understand.

    ...... can be understood.

    The motive is only impure, but the action is a great sovereign itself.

    "Well, that''s all right. Here, you drink too.

    I''m not much of a drinker. ......

    No, no, no.

    Hercule pours the wine into Lunalie''s glass without question.

    Since the wine is poured into her glass, she has no choice but to drink it.

    Lunalie drinks the wine little by little.

    When Hercule saw Lunalie, he smiled ......

    He smiled at her.

    He took a mouthful of wine and ......

    He lays his lips on Lunalie''s lips.

    "Hmm!!!

    Hercule licked Lunalie''s lips with his tongue, forcing them open.

    He licked her lips with his tongue and forced them open.

    "Mmm, gulp. ...... What are you ...... doing?

    Refill, Luna.

    "Mmm!

    Once again, Hercule gives Lunalie a mouthful of wine.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.

    (Ugh ...... I''m getting dizzy ......)

    Lunalie is not a very strong drinker.

    (Ugh dizzy ) Lunalie is not a very strong drinker, but she doesn''t mind it, so when she is forced to drink a little, she just drinks it.

    And she gets drunk.

    "Luna, open your mouth. I''ll kiss you more.

    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. ......

    "I''m not going to kiss you.

    Hercule said, taking the wine in his mouth again and bringing his lips close to hers.

    Reflexively, Lunalie opened her mouth and ......

    The wine is poured into her mouth again.

    At the same time, Hercule''s tongue slips inside and lashes out at Lunalie''s mouth.

    He licks up her tongue, traces the inside of her gums, and stimulates every mucous membrane.

    He licks the inside of her gums, stimulating every mucous membrane. ......

    As he knew Lunalie''s body better than she did, it was not difficult for Hercule to find out just by the feel of his tongue and to attack her appropriately.

    After tasting the whole thing, he spoke with her lips.

    A bridge of saliva was built between Hercule and Lunalie.

    "Heika ......

    Lunalie asked Hercule in a wistful voice.

    Hercule responded by placing his lips on hers again.

    This time, they pecked each other, lip to lip, over and over again.

    Then they lick each other''s lips with their tongues, and it moves to tongue to tongue, and again to a deep kiss.

    "Oh, ...... hey, ...... that''s ...... right there.

    You like it here, don''t you? Luna.

    Hercule''s next target was Lunalie''s ears.

    Most long-eared elves are weak in the ears.

    However, there were only two Long-eared Elves that Hercule had ever held, Karolina and Lunalie.

    At least two of them have one thing in common: they have very sensitive ears.

    Luna, you''re so pretty. ......

    Hyah!¡¡Don''t whisper to me while you''re licking me. ......

    Lunalie half cries and protests to Hercule.

    But with the kissing, ear licking and drunkenness, she had no strength at all. ......

    I''m not going to let you get away with it.

    "Luna, do you like me?

    Ugh. ...... I don''t like you. ......

    "So you don''t like me?¡¡If you don''t like me, I''ll stop.

    I don''t hate you. ......

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the following article.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the following article.

    "Do you like me?

    I don''t like you. ...... I like the kingdom of Khayastan and your father. ......

    Do you like me after that?

    "Umm, yes, that''s ......

    Lunaria keeps her mouth shut.

    She blushed and looked up at Hercule pleadingly.

    Hey, hey, hey. ...... No, don''t be mean. ......

    "Okay, here''s the question. Do you like me?

    No, I don''t like you. ......

    You''re still a stubborn girl.

    Hercule chuckled.

    But it''s quite fun to see Lunalie''s body tremble every time you whisper a word.

    It''s really worth tormenting.

    I''m asking you whether you like it or not. Which is it?¡¡Answer quickly. If I don''t like it, does that mean I don''t like it?

    No. No. ......

    What is it then?¡¡Come on, say it.

    Hercule urges me.

    The alcoholic and s*xually impaired Lunalie finally speaks up.

    "I like .......

    Say it again. Louder.

    I love you, Heika. ......

    Again. Can''t you hear me?

    I like you, I like you, I like you, I like you. ......

    Lunalie calls out ''I love you'' to Hercule as if she is spoiling him.

    Hercule smirks.

    Next, ''I love you''. Come on, say it.

    "Oh, I love you, ......, I love you, ......, heika, ......, so, ....... ......

    Okay, good girl, Luna.

    Hercule moves his lips from her ear to her neck.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    "Hmmm, but ...... you look so s*xy. Now Luna.

    "Huh. ...... Oh, because your brother''s taste is so weird. ......

    Don''t be silly. It''s true that it was a bit revealing, but it was a neat wedding dress. It''s what''s on the inside that''s s*xy, not what''s on the outside.

    Hercule and Lunalie hadn''t taken off their wedding gowns yet.

    In other words, Lunalie was still in her wedding dress.

    Her bosom was stained red from the spilled wine, and the dress stuck to her, accentuating her originally large breasts.

    The sash and hem of the dress were open, revealing her white skin.

    In addition to this, there are many other things that you can do to make your life easier.

    You look lovely, Luna.

    You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it than you think." "Oh ......, no ......, no ......, no ......, no .......

    Hercule''s hands are on her wedding dress.

    Slowly, the dress leaves Lunalie''s body.

    "Don''t worry, Luna. As long as you are my little lamb, I will protect you. Your parents, your country, your people. So make sure you''re protected by me.

    "Yes, yes. ......

    When a man says to a woman, "I''ll protect you," the meaning of "I''ll control you" is hidden behind the words.

    Lunalie knows that much.

    But ......

    I couldn''t think about it right now.

    (...... for now, okay?)

    Lunalie decided to give herself over to the pleasure at hand.

    And ......

    "Heika ......, please .......

    "Oh, Luna. I''m going to love you so much.

    That night, they made a strong desire for each other.

    About three weeks later.

    In the kingdom of Hayastan, a parade was held to celebrate the marriage of Hercule and Lunalie.

    After the parade, a dinner party was held. ......

    More than a hundred of Hayastan''s nobles were massacred on suspicion of treason.

    The nobles who were related to the massacred nobles were forced to take their lands.

    The heads of the slaughtered nobles were exposed along with their crimes in the capital city of Erstadt on the same day.

    King Frates III of Khayastan abdicated, taking responsibility for the planned assassination of Emperor Hercule.

    Lunalie ascended to the throne as queen. ......

    Hercule appointed Lunalie as his co-ruler.

    Thus, the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Khayastan became a tautological union.

    This incident would later be known as the "Erstadt Massacre".

 92 Episode 1 The Eve of Near Festival

    December 24 .

    What day is it today?

    If you can''t answer, you are not a Messianist.

    Today is ......

    The eve of Pentecost.

    It is the day before ...... the 25th of Pentecost.

    It is also the birthday of ...... Nia.

    "Happy birthday, Nia.

    "This is the ...... Emperor. Thank you very much!

    After running with Hercule as part of his daily routine, he went to ......

    When Hercule wished her a happy birthday, Nia thanked him gratefully.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I picked you up on this day too.

    "Yes, yes!¡¡I owe this debt to .......

    Oh, I don''t really care about that. ......

    I tried to talk about how grateful I was to Hercule.

    Hercule forcibly interrupted Nia''s attempt to talk about how grateful she was to Hercule.

    From Hercule''s point of view, it doesn''t matter.

    It''s not a big deal to him.

    And you''re thirteen. ......

    Hercule thought back to the Nia he had just met.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''ve seen it before.

    (...... breasts are getting fuller, too.)

    Hercule glanced at Nia''s chest.

    At this rate, she''ll be about the same size as Karolina, maybe a little bigger.

    I don''t know if she''ll make it to the Lunarian class, though.

    But the rate at which they grow is frightening.

    It is possible that she will be in the Scheherazade class.

    Hercule had a little bit of hope for Nia''s future.

    "Take a bath, work up a sweat, and then come to my room.

    "Room?¡¡Room? May I ask why?

    It''s a birthday present. Including the one for the Descent Festival tomorrow.

    Yes, today is Nia''s thirteenth birthday.

    It''s also the birthday of Hercule, who turned nineteen the other day.

    "Calm down, I ...... am fine. I''ve worked up a sweat. I''m wearing clean clothes. I wore my best underwear. I''ve put on perfume. I''ve brushed my teeth. Yeah, I''m fine, I''m fine. ......

    Nia calmed herself down in front of Hercule.

    Birthday present: ......

    Nia''s heart skipped a beat as she wondered what it was.

    (Oh, ...... maybe the present is a kiss. ...... No, maybe it''s more than that. ......)

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m not going to touch you until you''re fourteen.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    After taking a deep breath, Nia knocked on Hercule''s door.

    "This is Nia Lucarios!¡¡Your Majesty. May I come in?

    "Yes, come in.

    Nia entered Hercule''s room.

    Hercule is sitting on the sofa.

    His servant, Sifanny, is standing beside him.

    "Sit down.

    "Yes, yes!

    Nia did as she was asked and sat down on the sofa across from Hercule.

    As soon as Nia sat down, Sifanny nonchalantly prepared the tea and tea cakes.

    She poured tea for Hercule and Nia, and prepared sweets with an admirable hand.

    (Cifanie, you are very good at making tea. ...... Speaking of which, you usually pour tea for His Majesty, what kind of relationship do you have with His Majesty?

    Nia looks up at Cifanie.

    Her hair is a beautiful black.

    Her eyes are a little brownish.

    She''s a beautiful human woman in a maid''s uniform.

    (She also has large breasts. ...... I wish I could have those. ......)

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    They''re also generally large enough.

    (......Does His Majesty like people with big breasts?

    But Karolina is not that big. ......

    If there is any mistake, Karolina will not be able to get the job done.

    If by some mistake you say something like that in front of Karolina, you are sure to be killed.

    I would like to add that Karolina does not have poor breasts. She''s just not very big. And she has big tits by the standards of the Elves.

    Thank you, Ciphany.

    Yes, Your Majesty.

    Cifanie stands on the right side of the room, about two steps behind Hercule.

    After confirming that Cifanie had stepped back, Hercule picked up the cup and smelled it.

    Then he tilted the cup to taste it slowly.

    "Yes, you''re as good as ever.

    "I''m flattered, sir.

    Hercule sipped his tea while picking at his pastries.

    Nia couldn''t help but admire his elegant gesture.

    "Nia?

    Yes, yes!

    Drink quickly. It''s getting cold.

    Yes, yes, yes!

    Nia drank the tea at Hercule''s urging.

    The unique flavor and aroma filled her mouth.

    Is there ...... alcohol in this?

    "Yes, it does. Not bad, huh?

    Yes, it''s good.

    Nia drinks the steamy tea slowly, trying not to burn herself.

    She feels warm and toasty inside.

    Now let''s get down to business: ...... birthday present.

    Yes!¡¡I''ve washed myself properly!

    "Hmm?

    Hercule tilted his head.

    When she saw this, ...... Nia realized that she had made a terrible mistake and her face turned bright red.

    Seeing this, Hercule, who has a good understanding of the situation, smiled bitterly.

    Nia''s face grew redder and redder.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why. There''s nothing special about ...... sweating, except that it means you should be well groomed.

    "Also, I''m sorry ......

    Nia shrinks back.

    Seeing this, Hercule smiled with amusement.

    I''m sure you''ll agree that it''s not a very complimentary thing to do to a woman, Your Majesty. ...... You did that on purpose, didn''t you?

    "No way, Ciffany. Do you really think I''m such a horrible person?

    Yes.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "Well, here''s your present. Sifanny.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Hercule handed Nia the box that Cifanie had given him.

    What''s in it?

    The box was about ten centimeters thick.

    The box was about ten centimeters thick and over a meter long and wide.

    It was wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper and was written in Hercule''s handwriting.¡¡It was wrapped in a beautiful wrapping paper with a note in Hercule''s handwriting that read, "Nia, happy birthday and happy advent.

    "May I open it?

    "Yes, you may. You can tear off the wrapper if you want. I didn''t wrap it myself.

    Nia defied Hercule''s words and carefully started to remove the wrapping paper.

    No matter how much the lord says you can tear it, there is no way you can treat something that was handed to you by the lord poorly.

    Well, I''m sure Hercule won''t mind.

    He opened the wrapping paper without tearing it, and reached for the box that appeared inside.

    You open it up and see ......

    Is this ...... clothing?¡¡Or is it a coat? A ...... coat?

    Yes, inside was a coat of gray fabric.

    It''s a calm color and even Nia, who is not a connoisseur, could tell at a glance that it was a luxury item.

    "Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. It''s still going to be cold. And it''s durable, so you can use it next year.

    "Oh, thank you very much!¡¡I''ll take good care of it!¡¡...... Can I wear it now?

    Yeah, it''s good. Let me see.

    Nia put on the coat.

    The first thing that surprised her was how light it was.

    The coat that Nia usually wears is not cheap, but the fabric is still thick.

    But the coat that Hercule had given her was very thin and light.

    But the coat given by Hercule is very thin and light.

    But it''s not.

    In fact, it is much warmer than the coat I usually wear.

    (I mean, how much is this?)

    Nia was curious about the price, but she was afraid to ask, so she decided not to.

    By the way, ......

    This coat is made of croten fur.

    It is a coat of the highest quality, made by artisans of the imperial family, using the finest quality croten fur purchased through trade with the northern countries.

    The price is about 15 million yen, according to the Japanese sense.

    The less you know, the better.

    "Yeah, it looks good on you. Now you can wear it with me.

    "Is this the same coat as ......?

    I''ve given the same coat to Carolina and Lunalee before.

    It''s a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The unknown is the flower.

 93 Episode 2 Nias Advent

    "Congratulations, Mr. Lucanus.

    Oh, congratulations. Nia.

    The morning after Hercule gave her his coat.

    The next morning after Hercule gave her his coat, Nia and Loukanos congratulated each other for celebrating the advent.

    I''m sure ...... the Lucarios are here today, right?

    Lucarios.

    The current head of this family, one of the Seventy-Seven Holy Families, is Loukanos Lucarios.

    However, Lucanos has no seeds and cannot have children.

    His adopted son, Nia, is a Nightmare, not even an Elf.

    Therefore, Lucanos'' younger brother will be the next head of the Lucarios family.

    However, his property will be divided to Nia.

    The seventy-seven of the Holy Seventy-seven Families means seventy-seven bloodlines. ...... In reality, there are not only seventy-seven families.

    In fact, there are not only seventy-seven families, but there are many branches, and the system is designed to keep them alive.

    Oh, yes. But there''s still time for that. Why don''t you go for a walk in the city?¡¡Didn''t His Majesty give you a coat?¡¡...... Today''s Advent is much more exciting than the previous ones. It would be a shame not to go out at all.

    This is because the wedding of Carolina and Lunalee took place two and three days before Advent.

    Many merchants, minstrels, and other entertainers had gathered to see the big wedding and to take advantage of the crowd.

    We''ve come to the great city of Nova Lemuria.

    It was only natural that some people would want to stay until the Descent Festival.

    Therefore, this year''s Descent Festival was more exciting than ever.

    I''m surprised. I thought Lukanos didn''t like that kind of noise. ......

    Lukanos is a priest.

    From a clergyman''s point of view, Advent is a time to spend quietly and modestly with family.

    At least, it is not a festival to make a fuss.

    But ......

    I don''t like it. But even His Majesty hides his identity and goes out in the streets. You can''t blame her for that.

    Well, in other words, I give up.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I understand. ...... I''m going to have a little fun. I''ll be home by noon.

    "Yeah, you go ahead.

    After receiving permission from Loukanos, Nia put on her going-out clothes.

    She put on the prettiest clothes she could find and the coat that Hercule had given her.

    Next, she puts on gloves and a scarf - a gift from Loukanos.

    And don''t forget to wear a sword on your waist - a birthday gift from Carolina.

    And a pretty necklace, a gift from Lunalie, to wear around your neck.

    All he had to do was put on his hat. ......

    As soon as she was about to put on the hat, Hercule''s words passed through her mind.

    You are a nobleman of House Lucarios. Have confidence in yourself.

    Wearing a hat - a thing to hide your horns - is contrary to ...... those words.

    Nia hesitated for a moment and then stopped wearing the hat.

    The tail, which is usually wrapped around her waist and tightly hidden, is also ......

    She let it hang down without wrapping it around her waist.

    Now the tail will peek out from the skirt.

    You can see it clearly from behind .......

    ...... Okay, let''s go.

    Nia finished her preparations and walked to the door.

    "Nia, you''re dressed ...... like that.

    Lucanos was surprised by the unusual change in Nia, but said nothing.

    Just one word.

    "Be careful, Nia.

    "Yes, sir. I''m off to .......

    Nia pondered for a few moments, then blushed and said, ......

    "I''m off, Father.

    Then she ran out of the house.

    Lucanos, who was left behind, muttered.

    "...... This is the first time she''s called me father, isn''t it?

    Nia is a Nightmare.

    Many of the nobles living in Nova Lemuria know this.

    In the event that you are a member of the aristocracy, you naturally have to socialize with other people, and you will meet aristocrats and ...... girls around your age.

    And what was a little surprising to Nia was ......

    The aristocrats and high-ranking clergymen did not outright avoid Nia, did not abuse her, and were surprisingly sympathetic and friendly ...... to her.

    But well, ......

    This is not surprising when you think about it.

    The Lemurian Empire is a multi-ethnic nation.

    There are Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Warbeasts.

    The Long-eared (Elves) are the dominant race, and although they are puritanical ......

    The Lemurian Empire''s most feared race is the Elves.

    What the Lemurian Empire fears the most is the collapse of the Empire due to racial conflicts.

    For this reason, the ruling nobles are trained to refrain from making careless comments or actions regarding race, and those who do not refrain are politically condemned.

    The aristocrats of the Lemurian Empire are only aristocrats because of the existence of the Lemurian Empire.

    I don''t know if nobles will be able to be nobles in the world after the fall of the Lemurian Empire.

    This can be seen in the territory of the former West Lemuria Empire.

    With the collapse of the former West Lemuria Empire, the aristocrats of the Lemuria Empire came to fear ''the world after the Lemuria Empire'' more than anything else.

    And to begin with, ......

    The prejudice against the Nightmare race is based on the superstitions and folklore of the polytheistic world before the establishment of Messianism.

    Nobles and high-ranking clerics who have received a proper Messianic education are skeptical of the ferocity and cruelty of the Nightmare race, a product of the polytheistic world.

    Even if they are prejudiced at first, if they get to know Nia to some extent, they will see that she is a ...... normal girl and sympathize with her situation.

    On the other hand, if your income is below a certain level, you will suddenly feel more strongly toward Nia.

    In the Lemurian Empire, unlike in Japan, not every social class has a certain level of compulsory education.

    If you are middle class or lower, your ability to read and write will be questionable.

    Naturally, they received only an inadequate education in Messianism.

    Because they live in a very narrow community of neighbors, friends, parents, grandparents, masters, and apprentices, they are prone to prejudice, and their feelings of discrimination are likely to grow.

    In addition, since they do not have a sense of duty such as "We must not let the Lemurian Empire fall," they do not hesitate to act and speak out.

    As a result, religious and racial discrimination will intensify.

    Unlike aristocrats and high-ranking clergy, they do not have any theories such as "I don''t like them because they are ____.

    The main reason for discrimination and persecution is "I don''t like it because everyone says so.

    King Cerda, for example, is a racist and a supremacist of the warbeast race.

    However, he has his own theories and goals, such as "building a stable nation through the absolute superiority of the warbeast race.

    In a strange way, his persecution is a ''rational'' persecution.

    Fundamentally, it is the same political thing as Hercule''s reliance on the capital power of the six star moneylenders to stop discriminating and persecuting them, and it is the result of his own rational judgment.

    But for the uneducated lower classes, there is no such thing.

    Rather than achieving some goal by persecuting them, persecution itself is the goal for them.

    Because there is no purpose, there is no limit to their persecution, discrimination, violence, and rhetoric, and it will continue to escalate forever.

    ...... downtown from here on out.

    Nia put her hand on her heart, which was beating nervously, and forced it down.

    Nia hadn''t gone out alone in the downtown area since Hercule had picked her up.

    She has a deep-seated fear of violence and verbal abuse.

    But ......

    I don''t want to be afraid forever.

    But she doesn''t want to be frightened forever.

    So ......

    She took a step forward.

    She forced herself to raise her face and walk straight ahead.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.

    The physical ability of the Nightmare race is high.

    I''m sure you''ve heard the scorn in my ears,.......

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    But then ......

    No one abused Nia head-on.

    No one violently attacked him.

    Not even a pebble flew at him.

    Why?

    It''s simple.

    Because the current Nia is a nobleman.

    She''s wearing expensive clothes and has a sword at her hip.

    If you look at that, you''ll notice what kind of status Nia has unless you''re ...... very dull.

    And ......

    You can find the Lucarios family crest sewn on the breast pocket of the coat.

    Even if you can''t tell which family''s crest it is, even an idiot can tell that it''s a noble family crest.

    No fool can abuse a nobleman.

    No idiot can be violent against a nobleman.

    No one has the courage to throw a pebble at a nobleman.

    No one would give way to Nia.

    Nia pauses to try.

    Then she looks around.

    Everyone is trying to avoid eye contact with Nia.

    (...... In the old days, if I did this, I would have been punched right in the face.

    Fear slipped out of Nia''s mind as if it had been possessed.

    I don''t know what I was afraid of about these people.

    They''re just people like this.

    It is because they are dirty, helpless, orphaned Nightmares that we hit, abuse, and throw stones at them.

    But if they find out that the other party is of a higher status than they are, they will ......

    You can''t do anything, you''re just scared.

    Nia knows someone who is far more terrifying than these people.

    The Emperor of Lemuria, Hercule, his wife Karolina, and his aide Lunalie.

    Galphis Galleanos, and Christophe Auguste.

    Lucanos Lucarius, Nia''s adoptive father.

    Millennium Peter, the medium, her grandson, and her best friend, Cecilia Peter.

    And then there was King Cerda, who had abused me head-on.

    They have the power to strike down anyone in this room with impunity.

    As for Hercule, they could kill him for no reason at all.

    Compared to that, the people who have discriminated against him are so petty.

    They can''t kill a dirty little girl.

    And they are scared of one little girl who dresses a little better.

    So ......

    If you think about it, you''re the daughter of Lucanos Lucarius.

    Daughter of the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    And ...... in the eyes of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    She is friends with his wife and his vassals, the generals.

    What could I possibly have to fear from such a thing (?????)?

    No, there is nothing to be afraid of.

    If someone curses at you, cuss back at them.

    You poor, uneducated commoner!¡¡and.

    If someone is violent to you, hit him back.

    Thoroughly, to the extent that they will never think of doing violence to you again.

    If someone throws a stone at you, make him pay for his dirty clothes.

    Let him pick up his property, which he does not have much of.

    If he falls into slavery, buy him up and ...... use him up thoroughly.

    I can do that!

    I walked along in such an open-minded mood. ......

    Suddenly, I stopped.

    There was a store selling baked goods.

    Sweets are basically a luxury item, but ......

    But that doesn''t mean that the common people can''t eat them.

    Since Hercule had started to grow sugar, sweet sweets were becoming popular among the common people in Nova Lemuria.

    Also, the price of the coffee that goes with them has become affordable for the common people.

    Of course, Nia also eats sweets on a daily basis, and is often treated to tea by Hercule.

    The reason Nia stopped is not because of the baked goods store.

    I believe this store is .......

    A long time ago, when Nia was a tramp.

    The sweet smell had lured her to this store once.

    At that time, there was nothing to eat but garbage, and she was really hungry for this kind of food.

    The owner of this store poured cold water on Nia and kicked her away.

    Many times, many times.

    At that time, autumn was over and the beginning of winter had arrived. ......

    I was freezing to death in my soaking wet clothes, suffering from the pain of the bruises from the kicking.

    I was so miserable, so painful, and I wondered why I was the only one going through this. ......

    I couldn''t stop crying.

    Suddenly, a prankish thought came to Nia''s mind.

    Nia walked towards the store and opened the ...... door.

    It clanked and clanked.

    Welcome, one person .......

    The shopkeeper was about to say this, when his face tightened.

    The owner smiled cheerfully at him.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that ...... does not accept Nightmares.

    In spite of her expression, Nia provoked the shopkeeper.

    Hearing those words, ......

    The shopkeeper noticed.

    The shopkeeper realized that this girl was a child of the Nightmare tribe that he had kicked to the curb and sprayed with water.

    The shopkeeper took a closer look at Nia.

    Nia''s expensive clothes.

    The sword at her waist.

    And ...... some sort of noble family crest sewn on her chest.

    "Oh, fine. I''ll leave if you don''t want me to. Just, well, ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m just going to tell you that there was a store that was rude enough to refuse a nobleman entry.

    The shopkeeper turned pale.

    I don''t know what happened to this kid. But one thing I do know is this: ......

    The only thing I know is that the person I violated in the past has become a nobleman and came to my store.

    That''s all I know.

    In the Lemurian Empire, nobles and commoners are considered equal under the law.

    And the barriers between nobles and commoners are low.

    But there is still a solid difference in status.

    It''s not good to make enemies with the nobility!

    No, no, no. ...... We would never be so rude as to refuse a nobleman''s visit. Please, let me show you to your seat.

    That''s great!

    Nia smiled.

    Seeing her smile, the shopkeeper hoped that maybe the kid didn''t remember him. He was hopeful.

    If you think about it, there are many people who are violent towards the Nightmare race.

    I''m one of them.

    It''s only natural to forget!

    The owner of the store was relieved, but Nia said ......

    I''m not sure if it''s my imagination or not, but I feel like I''ve met you before.

    "It''s not your imagination, is it?

    Hmmm, is it?

    The owner, his heart racing, led Nia to the back of the store.

    "This is the best seat in the house.

    "Well, what a surprise. This is the best seat in the house." "Wow, I''m surprised. It''s so shabby, I thought you were being harassed into the worst seat in the house. I''m sorry for the misunderstanding, okay?

    The shopkeeper was annoyed, but managed to hold back.

    There was nothing wrong with being sarcastic.

    Nia sat down in the seat he showed her.

    The chair is too hard. ......

    I''m sorry about the ....... I''ll be more careful.

    "Really?¡¡I''m sure a forgetful person like you (??????) would forget as soon as I left the store.

    The shopkeeper''s heart skipped a beat.

    The owner''s heart skipped a beat. Nia said to the owner with a cold expression, a complete change from the smile she had been wearing.

    "The one who steps on your foot forgets, but the one who is stepped on remembers. Do you know that?¡¡Did you think I''d forget ......?

    How could I forget? Have you ever been kicked over and over again by someone who is far superior in size to you?¡¡Have you ever spent a night outside in the winter in soaking wet clothes?¡¡No, you haven''t. It''s nice, isn''t it, when the person who stepped on your foot is quickly forgotten? I''ll never forget it.

    Nia said all she had to say and then ......

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    Coffee and a simple snack.

    "Yes, sir!¡¡Yes, sir!

    A few moments later, the coffee and pastries arrived.

    The coffee and pastries arrived a few moments later, probably because Nia''s order took precedence over the others.

    It was surprisingly fast.

    Nia clucked inwardly.

    If they were late, she was going to say something sarcastic.

    Nia sipped the coffee that was offered to her.

    Then she said.

    "Disgusting. How can you serve such bad coffee?

    "...... There is a price to pay, my lord. ...... We don''t use the expensive beans that you usually drink.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    While Nia was inwardly pleased with this, she folded her eyes with an annoyed expression.

    No, it''s a problem before the beans. It''s because the roasting method is wrong that it tastes so bad. No matter how cheap the beans are, they can be made into coffee if you do it right. But this is not even coffee. It''s just muddy water.

    Nia said, ......

    The coffee was poured on the shopkeeper.

    The shopkeeper''s clothes turned black.

    This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.

    You filthy little Nightmare!¡¡I''m not sure what to do.

    He then raised his fist and swung it down into Near''s face. ......

    It was not done.

    Nia grabbed the shopkeeper''s fist.

    Then she twisted it around and around.

    The next thing he knew, Near had his hand twisted up in the air, and he couldn''t move.

    "Hey, what were you going to do to me with your hand?¡¡Tell me, please. I''m not sure what you''re talking about.¡¡Come on, say it. You''re not talking about me, are you?

    "I''m sorry, too. ......

    The shopkeeper grunted in pain and apologized to Nia.

    Nia sniffed and let go of his hand.

    The shopkeeper rubs his hands, sweating profusely.

    Nia kicked him in the stomach. ......

    Nia kicks him in the stomach.

    "Gee whiz ......

    The shopkeeper fainted from the pain and crouched down.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    "You kicked me like this, too. And you stomped on his head. What happened next?¡¡As I recall, you kicked me in the ...... face over and over again. Even when my nose was bleeding, you wouldn''t stop.

    "Yup, forgive me .......

    It''s funny ...... did you stop when I screamed at you to stop, forgive me, and never come near me again ......?¡¡If I remember correctly, you kicked me in the stomach again after that, over and over again. No matter how many times I threw up, you didn''t stop. And then he dumped cold water on me one last time. Am I wrong?¡¡Or have you forgotten?

    Nia grabs the owner''s hair with her right hand and lifts him up forcefully.

    Then she grabbed his face with her left hand.

    "Come on, say something. Did you forget?

    "Oh, yes, I remember!¡¡I''m sorry, I''m sorry!

    Nia sniffs and pulls her hand away.

    And kicked him in the face.

    "Geez. ......

    The shopkeeper let out a small scream.

    Nia used her handkerchief to wrap the baked goods the shopkeeper had brought and put them in her pocket before ......

    "You''re lucky I''m nice. I''m probably the only kind Nightmare who''ll let you get away with muddy water, a kick to the stomach, a kick to the face, and some sarcasm. In truth, I wanted to kick you over and over again until you cried out in public like you did to me, splash you with cold water, and let you spend the winter nights soaking wet outside. I''ll be nice and let you off with that. Oh, yeah. You can take this as payment for your treatment.

    Nia said, dropping three silver coins on the ground.

    Then she turned on her heel and walked away.

    I''m so relieved!¡¡I''ve never felt so good in my life!

    I''ve never felt better!

    Then she pulled out a baked good wrapped in a handkerchief from her pocket.

    The coffee was not good. The coffee was not good though.

    By the way, Nia has experience in making coffee and tea, but she has never ......

    The next time you want to learn how to make pastries, ask Ciphany.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to try.

    I''m not sure why you''re trying to raise your hand at me, though.¡¡I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.¡¡I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Of course Nia knows that.

    It is true that Nia was assaulted in the past.

    But that doesn''t mean she can go and get revenge.

    If everyone took revenge as they pleased, public safety would deteriorate tremendously.

    As a nobleman, there are certain things that you should not do.

    But ......

    If it is self-defense, it is a different story.

    He grabbed the nobleman by the chest and tried to hit him in the face when he slipped up and spilled (??????) coffee on him.

    Even if Near fought back and kicked him in the stomach and face, ...... it was inevitable.

    There is nothing wrong with that.

    On the contrary, the owner of the store will be charged with attempted assault.

    I really want to go there every day and say something sarcastic, but ...... I''ll let it slide. I don''t even want to see your face. Besides, .......

    Nia grinned.

    That smile is ......

    It was a brutal smile, drunk with torment, just like Hercule''s, whom she worshipped.

    There are still those who have violated me, abused me, thrown stones at me.

    Like a maiden in love, Nia put her hands to her chest and looked up at the sky.

    "Dear mother, father. How are you doing now?¡¡What are you doing now, dear mother and father, living happily ever after after abandoning your only daughter?¡¡Are you building a new family?¡¡...... I''m fine. I can''t wait to see you. ...... I wonder where you are.

 94 Episode 1 Domestic Affairs of Hayastan Kingdom Map...

    "I wish to be a hero only to those who adore and honor ...... me as a hero.

    -Erkul Yulianos

    The Lemurian Empire stretches from east to west, north to south, and south to north, so the climate varies from region to region, and agriculture is adapted to that climate.

    However, there is one mainstream agricultural method.

    This is the so-called Mediterranean style of agriculture in Japan. (Of course, there is no Mediterranean Sea in this world, so the name is completely different.

    In the coastal areas of the Lemurian Empire, it is dry in summer and rainy in winter.

    The Lemurian Empire''s coastal areas are dry in summer and rainy in winter, so it is common practice to divide the arable land into two, and cultivate winter wheat on one side of the land and graze sheep on the other side as fallow land.

    In addition, the mainstream of the Lemurian Empire was to make money by cultivating commodity crops such as olives, grapes, and cork gourd, which are resistant to drought, in the hilly areas.

    Grapes, in particular, are very profitable because of their high demand as wine.

    Farmers who succeed in cultivating grapes and other crops are quite wealthy.

    On the other hand, a farmer who cannot grow grapes and can only grow wheat cannot pay the land tax and falls into the peasant class.

    On the other hand, a farmer who cannot grow grapes and can only grow wheat will not be able to pay the land tax and will fall into the peasant''s category. Well, it is common for people who are not good at management to fail in their business and fall down, while there are people who succeed and rise up, so Hercule is not particularly concerned or concerned.

    So why did I make such a preamble? ......

    The price of olives is likely to drop sharply in the near future. ...... is what I''m worried about, you know what I mean?¡¡Antonio.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. ...... are you referring to the expansion of soybean oil and cottonseed oil production?

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased with the results.

    It''s good to have a good subordinate who understands your intentions and makes your job easier.

    You''re right. Well, even so, olives will continue to have a certain status as a high quality oil. ...... But the price will definitely fall. But the price will definitely fall, and that could destroy the olive farmers.

    People are not able to cope with sudden changes.

    The more successful you are, the more likely you are to cling to your own successes.

    People who have made a name for themselves, their parents, or their ancestors by growing olives: ......

    These people will not be able to adapt quickly to the decline in the price of olives.

    If this happens, their downfall will be obvious.

    This was a serious matter that would lead to the destruction of farmland, increased social unrest, and a decrease in tax revenue.

    Olives are an important industry of the Lemurian Empire.

    So, here''s the key to solving that problem.

    Hercule snapped his fingers.

    Then the servants brought a crop and its seeds to Antonio and Hercule.

    "...... What is this?

    "I got it from Fahls. Oh, I had a hard time smuggling it in.

    The King of Foulth is so stingy with his fruit. ......

    Hercule clucked his tongue, then picked up the crop, which was cut into bite-size pieces, and brought it to his mouth.

    I''m sure you''ll agree that this is not something you want to eat. ...... You should eat it too.

    "Ha, ha .......

    From the look on Hercule''s face, you can tell that the food is obviously not good.

    But since the lord has ordered you to eat it,...... you don''t have the option of not eating it even if you don''t like it.

    Antonio took the yellow food into his mouth.

    What''s ...... that?¡¡What is this?

    It''s lemon. ...... Well, it''s usually poured over food, not eaten directly.

    Lemons are also regularly served at Hercule''s table.

    This is because of Erk¨¹hl''s ability to import fresh fruit directly from the Kingdom of Foulds, and also because of the chef''s extensive knowledge. ......

    It is not grown in the Lemurian Empire, at least not in the Lemurian Empire, and rarely appears on the tables of ordinary families.

    But ...... this acidity is quite different from vinegar. It will increase the repertoire of cuisine and ...... demand.

    Isn''t that right?¡¡...... Now for the orange one.

    Hercule picked up the orange food and brought it to his mouth.

    This time it looks delicious.

    It''s a little sour, but ...... maybe that''s because of the lemon?¡¡It''s sweet. What do you think?¡¡Antonio.

    "It''s ...... uniquely sweet. It''s delicious. ...... What kind of fruit is this?

    It''s an orange. It''s delicious when juiced. ...... Now, you know what I fed you these two fruits for, don''t you?

    You can guess from the context, right?

    Hercule said. ......

    So you''re saying I should grow ...... olives instead?

    That''s what I''m saying. Lemons and oranges are both drought tolerant. They can replace olives. That''s why we''re going to give you an additional budget to encourage the cultivation of lemons and oranges.

    Citrus fruits are relatively resistant to decay because of their thick skin.

    They can also be exported to neighboring countries by sea.

    And ...... I think. If the supply of citrus fruits is increasing and the price is decreasing, why not increase the demand and the price will increase? I''m not sure.

    ...... So what does that mean?

    I''m thinking of building a state-owned soap factory.

    Soap uses oil as a raw material.

    So if we consume a lot of oil, the price will go up.

    Humans are creatures that cannot abandon luxuries once they have acquired them.

    Once they start using soap, they will continue to buy it.

    There is no prospect of producing soda by the Solvay method, but ......

    As long as the production is low, seaweed ash will be sufficient to meet the demand.

    I''ve had Hyppatia and the others study how to make soap efficiently. Talk to them and come up with a plan. Oh, ......, don''t think about profitability at first, okay?¡¡The important thing is to spread the use. We''ll pay for it when the private sector starts building it anyway.

    Profits should be collected through taxes.

    Hercule recognized that the role of the state was to take the initiative in projects that were unprofitable for the private sector to undertake.

    I understand. ...... Ultimately, we will have multiple soap guilds that will compete with each other. ...... Is that correct?

    "Yeah, that''s fine. I''ll leave the details to you.

    If you leave it to one guild, the quality will deteriorate.

    Hercule believes that it is best to create three or four guilds to protect the industry and allow for moderate competition.

    The other one is ....... Hmmm, that''s okay.

    ......

    Hercule was about to say something, but held his tongue.

    It''s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for the latest news.

    Now, that''s all I''ve got for you. And what about ...... the silk and sheep breeding?

    It''s at .......

    The meeting between Hercule and Antonio lasted until late that night.

    Hmm, it always tastes bad to me. I like it.

    ...... I love it.

    That night, Hercule, Karolina and Lunalie were drinking wine and eating a certain dish.

    The dish is ......

    It''s good to eat late at night. Well, it''s fattening.

    It is a dish made by deep-frying chicken or fish in oil.

    What the three of them are eating is deep-fried chicken and cod.

    In fact, the method of deep-frying itself has existed since ancient times.

    However, compared to its long history, it has not been widely used by ordinary people.

    This is because it is a very extravagant dish that uses a lot of oil.

    As a result, it has become a food of the wealthy.

    But ......

    If the production of oil increases, it will spread to the common people. It''s easy to cook.

    Deep-frying is basically a matter of throwing the right ingredients into hot oil.

    It is more difficult to make it tasteless.

    It is a famous story that tempura was treated as a fast food in the Edo period.

    Well, it is a hassle to clean up the oil. ......

    You can reuse it for kerosene and other purposes.

    The only problem is that ......

    I hope there won''t be too many fires.

    That''s the problem. Nova Lemuria has a lot of fires.

    Big cities are naturally prone to fires.

    Hercule''s biggest concern was that a major fire would break out in the capital.

    In the past, the old capital of Lemuria experienced a massive fire called the Great Fire of Lemuria. ......

    A large number of Messianics were executed for arson.

    Nova Lemuria is aware of the fire, and the buildings are spaced apart. ......

    From Hercule''s point of view, it''s still not enough.

    Well, we don''t have to worry too much about that, since we''re planning to expand the capital''s roads at the same time as building the new city, park and Arc de Triomphe.

    The problem is the possibility of fires breaking out before the construction: ......

    There''s no point in worrying about that, is there?

    Hey, Your Majesty.

    What is it?¡¡Luna.

    Hayastan wants some kind of industry.

    It''s not something we can afford.

    I want it.

    No, it''s .......

    Please.

    Don''t look at me like that. ......

    Lunalie hugged Hercule and begged him.

    Hercule scratched his head in annoyance.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.¡¡There are no tariffs between the two countries, and once the port is built, you can import directly to Nova Lemuria.

    They''re both made in Lemuria, after all.

    They have the same industries. ......

    Lemuria is superior in terms of population and land area, so it can never be beaten.

    Of course, Nova Lemuria is a mass consumption area, so it can be profitable.

    You''re the King of Khayastan now. Then don''t you have a duty to consider the national interest of the Kingdom of Hayastan?

    Before that, I''m the Emperor of Lemuria. ...... So, what are the specialties of Hayastan?

    ...... grapes, wheat.

    That''s what you said earlier.

    Naturally, it is also cultivated in Lemuria.

    Rather, it is so common that even the term "specialty" is a mystery.

    What is the best thing about the countryside? If you are asked what is good about the countryside, and you are told that it is quiet and the water and air are clean, it will not appeal to you at all.

    "Hayastan pigeon.

    I''ve never heard of them. ...... I don''t know much about pigeons, but...

    In Hercule''s previous life knowledge, the pigeon is a carrier pigeon. ......

    There is no efficient way to raise pigeons for food.

    Hayastan pigeons are wild animals.

    "What about haystack honey?

    What''s that?

    I''ve never heard of it.

    When Hercule asks Lunalie about it, she says ......

    "There''s a bee called the Hayastan honey bee. It''s famous for its beauty benefits.

    "...... Is it good?

    "You''ll know when you try it.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then answered ......

    ...... have it ready for the next time we go to Khayastan.

    All right.

 95 Episode 2 Internal Affairs of the Kingdom of Hayas...

    A week later, Hercule and Lunalie visited the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    It''s only a boat ride from Nova Lemuria, so it''s easy to get there and back.

    "Yes, this is quite tasty. The taste is richer than the honey I usually eat. But it has a light aftertaste, so it''s not overpowering. I''ll have them stock it next time.

    Hercule smeared some of the Hayastan honey on a piece of bread and commented on it.

    It was confirmed that Hayastan honey would be on the table at the Nova Lemuria Palace from now on.

    But the Lemurian bees - Lemuria''s bees - are so aggressive that beekeeping is impossible. But by crossing Lemurian honeybees - bees commonly grown for beekeeping in the Lemurian Empire - with Foulsian honeybees - bees commonly grown for beekeeping in the Kingdom of Foulsian, we have succeeded in raising bees. . That''s the honey you''re eating now.

    I see. By the way, there''s one thing I''m curious about. Why isn''t there much of it on the market?¡¡If the taste is so distinctly different from that of ordinary honey, why isn''t it better known?

    I''m not sure what to make of it. They are sensitive to stress. ......

    I see.

    Beekeeping technology in this world is still in its infancy. ......

    In order to obtain honey, the hive had to be destroyed once.

    But if you did that, you would not be able to collect honey from the same bee.

    This was the case for the Hayastan, Lemurian, and Foulds bees.

    So, the solution is to introduce a hive.

    "Hive?¡¡We do have a hive, but it''s at .......

    "Not the old hive, but the new one. It''s not an old hive, it''s a new one, but it was made for Lemurian bees, so I don''t know if it will work for Hayastan bees.

    Hercule said, and had a servant bring the hive to him.

    Then he explained its structure to Lunalie.

    The old hive was just an enclosed space for the bees to build a nest. It was literally just a box. But this one is different.

    Hercule opened the lid of the box and took out a wooden board from inside.

    "This is the hive. There are about eight of them. It''s easy to check the health of the bees because you can easily take them out from inside like this.

    Hercule handed the hive frame to Lunalie.

    "What are these hexagonal bumps?

    That''s the hive foundation. It''s made of beeswax. It''s like a device to make bees produce honey. If you put it in a centrifuge, you can extract the honey from the hive. If you put the hive back in, you can collect the honey again. That''s ....... Well, you''d better ask a beekeeper in Lemuria for details. I''m not an expert.

    The idea itself was given by Hercule, but the actual production was done by the scholars led by Hupatia and the beekeepers of Lemuria.

    In addition, this is only a hive for Lemurian bees, and it may or may not be suitable for ...... Hayastan bees.

    Different bees will have different adaptations.

    How did you come up with that?

    "Well, you know, ...... Luna, is this a good idea for a specialty?

    And Hayastan grapes and Hayastan wheat. ......

    "Don''t try to convince people that Hayastan is a speciality by putting Hayastan in the head. We know that Hayastan grapes and wheat are the same species as Lemuria.

    "Tsk.

    Lunalie clicked her tongue with a look of disapproval.

    Now, let''s talk about the industries of Hayastan.

    First of all, the main industry of the Kingdom of Khayastan is ......

    First and foremost, it is agriculture. (I mean, there is no country in this world where agriculture is not a major industry, except for nomadic countries.

    The main crops are grapes and other fruit trees, wheat and barley.

    The main crops grown are fruit trees such as grapes, wheat and barley, and cotton, which Lunalie had to extort from Hercule.

    These are not consumed domestically, but are exported to Lemuria or Phars.

    Not long ago, they were exported to Phars. ......

    Now, due to the change in alliances and the direct connection between Nova Lemuria and the economy by sea, most of the products are shipped to Nova Lemuria.

    Nova Lemuria is a place of mass consumption, so the more you bring to Nova Lemuria, the more it sells.

    However, there are many rivals and competition, so it is not always possible to make a large profit.

    Next is animal husbandry.

    Sheep and goats are raised on pasture.

    Most of these seem to be consumed domestically.

    Although the amount of mining resources is small, there are many kinds of gold, silver, copper, and iron.

    Industry is not very developed, and iron products in particular are imported from Lemuria and Phallus.

    This is because the possession of weapons above a certain level and the manufacture of weapons were forbidden during the time of the Kingdom of Phallus.

    Commerce is relatively developed due to transit trade with Lemuria, Phars, northern countries, and nomadic states.

    This is not a major industry, however, as it depends heavily on the international situation.

    You''re planning to stay in Khayastan for two weeks, right?

    Yes. I''ll have to go there myself to finish the job.

    After the massacre in Erstadt, the nobility has been disposed of and the Kingdom of Khayastan has become much more open.

    In the event you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can contact us at .......

    The only concern was the rebellion of the purged nobles'' vassals. ......

    As for the minimum number of private troops held by the nobles, they were either paid a certain amount of severance pay or provided with land to be used as tonten soldiers, and civilian officers were hired by the kingdom government as bureaucrats, which has not led to any major rebellion so far.

    The nobles did not swear allegiance to the king, but it seems that they themselves did not receive much loyalty from their vassals.

    I guess this is what karma is all about.

    Well, it is natural for humans to obey those who provide them with food, shelter, and wealth.

    It doesn''t take that long to get from Nova Lemuria to Erstadt by sea, so Hercule had been sending reform orders from Nova Lemuria until now. ......

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace. I plan to visit Hayastan regularly.

    I love it when you protect Hayastan, so keep up the good work.

    After that, Hercule and Lunalie took a few days to drive to Erstadt by carriage.

    What awaited them in Erstadt were the loud cheers of the citizens of Erstadt.

    "Long live the Queen!

    "Long live the Emperor!

    Glory to the Kingdom of Khayastan and the Lemurian Empire!

    Hercule and Lunalie smiled at this.

    "That''s quite a reception for a vassal state. The Khayastans seem to be taking it pretty easy, don''t they?

    "Well, we''re both Messianists.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan has been ruled by the Kingdom of Fars until now.

    Therefore, they have no resistance to being ruled.

    For them, the time when they are not ruled is abnormal.

    Many of the Khayastans, who were dissatisfied with the long-standing exploitation of the Kingdom of Farus and bored with the unchanging status quo, favored Erk¨¹l''s rule.

    So far, Hercule is a great ruler who did not impose heavy taxes, did not enforce any particular religion, and redistributed the wealth by carrying out public works such as flood control, irrigation, and road construction, and purging the nobles who were an eyesore to the common people.

    ...... Well, the cost of the public works was a loan that Hercule lent to the Kingdom of Hayastan, so they would eventually have to pay it back in taxes, but only a few were aware of that.

    At this rate, you''ll be able to win over the Khayastans just by giving them alms on a regular basis.

    "I won''t be.

    Even if you don''t, it won''t do any good if the rest of Khayastan is won over.

    ...... You''re right.

    Lunalie sighed.

    It seems that Lunalie can''t hide her dismay at the lack of pride of her own people.

    And so, when they entered the castle of Erstadt, a meal was prepared for the two of them.

    No, it''s wrong to say ...... for the two of them.

    To be more precise, it is ...... for Hercule, Lunalie, and the former King of Hayastan, Frates III, and the pro-Lemurian nobles.

    It was a dinner to show the unity of Hercule, Lunalie, the former king, and the nobles inside and outside the country, and also a place to discuss politics.

    This is the second time I''ve dined with you ....... Your Majesty.

    This is the second time you''ve dined with me ......, Your Majesty." "Yes, ......, Lord Frates. "* There is no title system such as "Duke" in the Kingdom of Khayastan, but for the sake of convenience, I will use "Lord" as a title of honor.

    Hercule and Fuhrates III are chatting in a friendly manner.

    The nobles of Hayastan can tell from this that former King Fuhrates still has a good impression of Hercule even after his abdication, and that Hercule is being suitably polite to him.

    However, both of them are playing the role to make the nobles think so.

    "By the way, ...... have you gained weight?

    "Oh, you noticed that?¡¡Oh, my God, I''m so embarrassed.

    However, it was clear from his appearance that he had no desire to remain on the throne.

    "Your Majesty, are things going well with the Emperor?¡¡I can''t wait to see my grandchildren.

    "...... Father, you''re too quick.

    Flates III spoke to Lunalie, who was sitting next to Hercule eating a meal.

    Although Lunalie is now the king,......, there seems to be no significant change in the relationship between father and son.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    Flates III called his servants and instructed them to bring him the "product".

    The servant immediately brought out a jar with something in it.

    This is mead," he said. As I recall, the Emperor has already eaten our specialty, Hayastan honey, hasn''t he?¡¡It''s a liquor made from it.

    While King Frates III was explaining, the servants poured mead into the glasses of Hercule and Lunalie.

    "That Hayastan honey ...... looks promising.

    Hercule does as he is told and takes a sip.

    The spirit is not too strong and goes down the throat easily.

    I was expecting ...... a sweet taste, but the sweetness is moderate and easy to drink. It''s easy to drink, even if you''re not a big drinker. Hey, Luna.

    I''ve always liked .......

    By the time she had finished her first glass of Hercule, Lunalie was already drinking her second.

    I''m not sure if it''s because I''m familiar with the drink or because I''m not a strong drinker, but Lunalie gulped down the mead.

    "Your Majesty, in fact, ...... honey wine is very popular among newlyweds in our country. Do you know why?

    In response to King Frates III''s question, Hercule pondered for a moment and then said, ......

    "Is it because bees are prolific?

    Your Majesty!¡¡You know exactly what I''m talking about!¡¡That''s why my grandson will take good care of you.

    Frates III smiles happily, and Hercule smiles bitterly.

    They seem to be having a great time since they abdicated.

    Suddenly, Hercule felt something leaning against his body.

    He looked to his left and saw that Lunalie was leaning towards him.

    "Heika~

    "You''re too weak to drink.

    Hercule sighed.

    Hercule took the drink from Lunalie.

    "Oh, I''m still drinking. ......

    When the liquor was taken away from her, Lunalie threw all of her weight on Hercule to get back at him.

    This is a great way to make sure that you don''t have to worry about your own health.

    I''m looking forward to ...... my grandchildren.

    Well, ...... you can count on it.

    The food continued to arrive one after the other.

    Hercule grabbed a handful of food, drank enough to keep him from getting drunk, and continued chatting with Frates III and the nobles.

    Lunalie is slumped over, her body resting against Hercule as she sleeps.

    Then, ......

    A dish caught Hercule''s eye.

    It was a simple dish of cheese and tomatoes on crackers, topped with herbs.

    Of course, this did not surprise Hercule.

    What surprised Hercule was that there was some kind of black stuff on top of the ...... cheese.

    Hercule reached for the dish and took a bite.

    Then he said.

    "......, that''s caviar.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan had an extraordinary specialty.

    Caviar.

    It is the roe of the sturgeon, one of the world''s three great delicacies.

    Its rich and sensual taste attracts many people.

    It is an undisputed luxury food.

    However, Hercule had never eaten caviar until today. (He had tasted it in a previous life, so he knew what it tasted like.

    Nova Lemuria was the center of world trade, and there was no foodstuff that could not be gathered.

    However, Hercule had never eaten caviar, and had never even heard of it.

    He didn''t even know caviar existed in this world.

    Until today, at this moment.

    I''ve never even heard of caviar. ...... But Luna. Why didn''t you tell me?

    The next day, Hercule questioned Lunalie at the breakfast table.

    After that dinner, Lunalie was completely drunk. ...... "What is caviar?¡¡Is it good? She was too drunk to ask.

    I''ve eaten it rather often, but I''ve never heard of it becoming a ...... specialty. Are they famous in Nova Lemuria?

    "...... No, it''s not even distributed in the first place. I see, that''s because it''s too rare.

    Because it was too rare, its existence was not known abroad in the first place.

    On the other hand, the royalty and aristocracy of Khayastan were able to eat it ...... frequently because it was regularly offered by the fishermen.

    Therefore, caviar was not that rare for the Lunarians, but for foreigners like Hercule, it was so rare that they didn''t even know it existed in the first place. ......

    This created a very strange situation.

    Is caviar really that great?

    "As far as I know, it can only be found in the Kingdom of Khayastan. Once the existence of caviar is known, the demand for it will increase dramatically.

    The problem is overfishing.

    It would be necessary to strictly prohibit poaching and control the catch by the government.

    "Well, that''s good news anyway. It''s a specialty that no other country can match.

    ...... Maybe this bread could be a great specialty?

    It''s just ordinary bread.

 96 Episode 3: Battle of Rhosa Island Vol.1 "The Attac...

    In early April, when the weather began to gradually warm up ......

    The countries along the coast of the Album Sea were in a state of shock.

    The Lemurian Empire has invaded the island of Rosa!

    You''ve landed successfully, haven''t you?

    "Well, that''s because ...... no one saw it coming.

    I''m not sure what to make of that, but I''m sure it''s a good thing.

    In contrast, Christos smiled bitterly.

    Even with a standing army, Hercule was the only sovereign to act so electrifyingly.

    Hercule is a man who starts wars as if he were going on a picnic.

    This is because the standing army is always on standby in Nova Lemuria, and Hercule can say, "Let''s go to war! This is because the standing army is always on standby in Nova Lemuria, ready for any moment when Hercule says, "Let''s go to war!

    As a sovereign who doesn''t talk much, Hercule rarely talks about his plans, even to his own subjects. ......

    The soldiers are prepared and ready to go to war at any time.

    For the soldiers, the sudden war was just another day in the life of the Emperor.

    In the capital of the Lemurian Empire, there is a huge stockpile of wheat, preserved food, and military food (rations), and there is also a large stockpile in military roads, towns, and villages.

    Therefore, when other countries want to start a war, they have to hire mercenaries, gather soldiers, collect rations, ......

    In this war, Erk¨¹l was able to start and finish the war as quickly as possible.

    In this war as well, Hercule suddenly summoned the navy to Nova Lemuria, immediately loaded them with soldiers, and went into battle.

    Therefore, from the enemy''s point of view, the enemy landed before they had time to prepare.

    That''s why the enemy landed before we could prepare.

    "Well, Your Majesty. What do we do now?

    "The enemy has given up on naval warfare and is probably holed up in their inland fortresses. Let''s take our time and bring them down.

    Now, let me explain about Rosa Island.

    The island of Rosa is about 600 kilometers south of Nova Lemuria in a straight line.

    It is the capital of the province of Misr.

    A straight line from Aletheia, the capital of the province of Misrule, is about 600 kilometers to the north.

    Surrounded by the territory of the Lemurian Empire, this island is ......

    It was practically occupied by pirates.

    The Lemurian Empire calls them the Rosa Pirates.

    However, they themselves called themselves the Knights of St. Rosa.

    They are dedicated warbeasts of the Western Messianic religion, and are said to be "bringing to justice the heretics (Orthodox Messianic merchants) who trade with the evil pagans.

    He is a pirate by any measure.

    Thank you very much.

    However, there is a nation that recognizes and even supports the self-proclaimed Knights of St. Rosa as a holy order.

    That is the Kingdom of Cerda.

    This is because the Kingdom of Chellda is a Western-style Messianic nation, and it has a warbeast supremacy policy, and the Lemurian Empire is its virtual enemy.

    The Kingdom of Chellda is aiding the Lemurian Empire in order to prevent its ships from being attacked by the Rosa pirates, and to drag the Lemurian Empire down as much as possible.

    The Rosa pirates were also grateful for the support and assistance of the Kingdom of Cerda as they turned their looted goods into money to buy weapons and food.

    It was a win-win situation.

    But for the Lemurian Empire, it was unbearable.

    The island and its pirates are like a bone stuck in its throat.

    With several ships being sunk every year, the direct damage alone is not uncommon, and the indirect damage - the cost of escorting the ships and the loss of time in making detours - would amount to an enormous amount.

    The emperor Hadrian had sent troops to eliminate these pirates many times, but each time he had been forced to retreat due to the support of the Kingdom of Cerda and their cockroach-like stubbornness.

    The island of Rosa has a strong fortress that was built in ancient times and is still being repaired and strengthened by the pirates. Therefore, the siege would be a long battle.

    The former side will run out of food before the latter side.

    This is why Rosa''s pirates have survived so long and have continued to plunder until now.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    Hercule smiles happily.

    The troops that Hercule has brought to this war are two legions of infantry 24000, two battalions of heavy cavalry (cribanarius) 24000, one battalion of scouting messenger light cavalry 12000, eight battalions of longbowmen 96000.

    Total: 372,000.

    In addition, 150 galleys.

    Commanded by ......

    The infantry are Hercule and Oscar, the heavy cavalry (cribanarius) are Carolina, and the longbowmen are Edmond.

    Hercule also has light cavalry under his command.

    And the navy is led by Christos.

    Incidentally, during the last year, Hercule has made some changes to the heavy cavalry (cribanarius) and longbow troops, from one legion of eight battalions to one legion of ten battalions, and at the same time, he has expanded the heavy cavalry (cribanarius) and longbow troops to two battalions each.

    In contrast, the Rosa pirates are ......

    Their number, including miscellaneous soldiers, is about 400.

    The difference in strength is overwhelming: ......

    I''d like to say, but even so, when they don''t fall, they don''t fall in a siege.

    Emperor Hadrian once gathered mercenaries and went into a siege with a large army of 10,000 ......

    The results were disastrous.

    Well, it was largely due to Hadrian''s lack of ability.

    Now, if our reconnaissance is correct,......, they are holed up in a fortress inland south of here. First, let''s capture the largest port, Rosa, and take their galleys or destroy them. ...... Well, unless they''re really stupid, I think they''ve already destroyed it.

    A port city and an inland fortress are better defended by the latter.

    This is because port cities are vulnerable to intrusion from the sea.

    The Rosa pirates, who abandoned the port because they knew they couldn''t win in a naval battle, would have destroyed the galleys to prevent the Lemurian Empire from using them.

    Well, considering that it''s a tool of their business, it''s possible that they''ve tied it to a rock somewhere and are hiding it.

    Let''s go!

    First, Hercule divided the army into three groups, with one group going to occupy the port: ......

    The other was headed for the fortress city twenty kilometers away.

    The other was to raid and plunder the villages a little further along the road or in the vicinity of the fortress city.

    "Your Majesty.

    What''s wrong?¡¡Nia.

    Nia, who was following Hercule as his chamberlain, asked Hercule a question.

    You know, ......, why are you attacking a farming village?¡¡And there are so many of them. ......

    ''Hmm, that''s the thing: ......''

    Hercule thought for a moment, then grinned.

    "Well, yes. It would be boring to give a straight answer. It''s best to figure it out for yourself. It''s better for you. Well, maybe I''ll give you a hint. Nia, what do you think was the reason my father Hadrian failed to bring down this island?

    "...... Well, he had a lot of mercenaries, right?¡¡I guess. I''m sure you''ll agree with me.

    "Oh, that''s a good point.

    Hercule pats Nia on the head.

    Hercule stroked Nia''s head and gave her the answer.

    "The correct answer is that we have gathered 10,000,000 men. That''s far too many. Do you know why ......?

    "Because of the strain on logistics?¡¡And then there''s the ...... plague. It''s also a lot of manure to deal with.

    Yeah. That''s true. But the root cause is that it took a long time to collect it. So we gave the Rosa pirates time to gather mercenaries and provisions. In addition to that, as Nia said, the poor quality of the mercenaries, the burden on logistics, and the disposal of manure added up to a ...... flat tire.

    The Rosa pirates took advantage of the reprieve they were given and prepared enough food for a siege for a year.

    In the meantime, Emperor Hadrian was unable to make full use of his troops, and in fact made them a burden.

    That''s why this time we''re going to invade with an elite force. We won''t give them time to prepare food.

    "Perhaps you''ll attack the villages to prevent them from carrying food?

    No, it''s too late for that. They''ve probably already requisitioned food from the surrounding villages.

    The Lemurian army didn''t just move in an instant.

    The pirates had that much time left on their hands.

    "I don''t know what ...... is. I''m sorry. I''m sorry. ...... In the first place, the people of this island were ruled by the Rosa pirates, right?¡¡Shouldn''t they be welcoming your rule, then?

    "No, no, Nia. No, Nia, you''re mistaken. If that were the case, your father would have succeeded in bringing this island down. The reason Rosa''s pirates have survived all this time is because they have the support of the islanders.

    Rosa''s pirates are pirates in the eyes of the Lemurian Empire.

    But to the Kingdom of Cerda, they are a knightly order and an ally.

    And to the people of ......, they are a great ruler who brings wealth to the island.

    "The inhabitants of this island are mostly Western Messianics. "Most of the inhabitants of this island are western messianists, and they have benefited from the Rosa pirates. The Rosa pirates shared their plundered wealth with the islanders, who paid taxes in return.

    "I see. ...... So that''s why you''re killing ...... them as an example?

    "Haha ......, well, that''s one thing. But there''s a better way.

    Better?¡¡A better move?

    Yeah, it''s .......

    I dare you to let the islanders live.

    Hercule smiled lecherously.

    The Lemurian army is ...... violent, even against those who are not involved in the battle. ......

    The Order of St. Rosa, Commander.

    Jean de Rett was outraged by the atrocious behavior of the Lemurian Imperial Guard.

    But it''s fortunate that no one was killed.

    "...... Hmm, yes.

    Jean nodded vaguely at the vice commander''s words.

    Jean was angry at the Lemurian army''s actions, but at the same time he was relieved that none of the islanders had been killed.

    But ......

    At the same time, he wished that they had died.

    It would have boosted the morale of the entire Order of Saint Rosa.

    Above all, ......

    How much food do you have left?

    I''ve got enough for a year. We have enough for a year. ...... I would say that, but after all, 60000 people, a third of the islanders, have fled.

    ...... Four months at most.

    Jean sighed.

    It is your mistake to delay in detecting the movements of the Lemurian Empire''s army,.......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    "By the way, Sir Knight. The Emperor of Lemuria has sent us a surrender order, what should we do?

    "Let me see.

    Jean received a letter from Hercule from the sub-commander.

    He unsealed the wax and opened the letter.

    "...... What does it say?

    "It seems that the kind-hearted Emperor of Lemuria does not wish to see anyone die. If we collectively convert, he will allow us to surrender and guarantee our lives and property.

    "Haha, that''s very kind of you. ...... Do you really think we''d accept such terms?

    "No, you don''t. That''s why you''re making these recommendations. ...... In other words, we''re an example. It would be troublesome if there are too many western messianists on this island when we rule it in the future. If we convert en masse, the other two-thirds of the islanders will convert naturally. If we die in vain,...... two-thirds of the inhabitants will convert out of fear of death,...... I guess that''s the calculation. This is the Lemurian Empire''s specialty, divide and rule. This is why heretics are ......

    Jean smiled fearlessly.

    "The Lemurian army is about 40000, right?¡¡This island with a population of less than 20,000 doesn''t have enough food to feed 400,000 people. They won''t last ...... two months. Besides, ...... King Cerda won''t just sit back and watch. He''ll take this opportunity to make up for his insult to the Emperor of Lemuria and come to our rescue immediately.

    It''s going to be a tough fight, but ...... it''s not an unwinnable fight. Let''s show them our faith.

    Jean and the sub-commander laughed together.

    After a week of maneuvering, Hercule had succeeded in completely encircling the enemy''s stronghold.

    All the small forts around the fortress city were taken, and the city was completely surrounded with shelters, fences, and stakes.

    The city was completely surrounded with bunkers, fences, and stakes, and high ground was set up to constantly monitor the enemy.

    Cavalry was deployed at equal intervals to deal with the enemy as soon as they tried to break through.

    It was a perfect siege.

    The pirates would never be able to leave the fortress.

    Oscar has also placed his troops in every port on the island, and they are well protected. ......

    In addition, there is no room for reinforcements as the fleet led by Christos continues to guard the perimeter of the island.

    And best of all: ......

    It''s a good thing I''m not the only one. It looks like you did what I told you to do and got the rural residents back to the (?????) fortress city alive.

    I''m not a fan of ......, though. I''m not sure what to do. I hope you''ll surrender ...... to His Majesty''s command.

    I hope so. The fewer dead, the better. Friend or foe. It''s up to them, though.

    The kind-hearted Hercule disarmed the rural residents and the surrendered soldiers of the fort and let them go.

    Of course, he took into account the possibility that they might turn against him again.

    However, Hercule still wanted them to live.

    Even if they were a group of pirates who had attacked the merchant ships of the Lemurian Empire, sometimes raiding coastal fishing villages, looting property, killing innocent people, kidnapping them, selling them into slavery, and sometimes raping them, or those who had collaborated with them.

    Even if they were western messianists, heretics.

    Same people.

    Messianic.

    Brothers of the earth.

    So it''s only natural that we want them to live.

    We fight to keep friend and foe alive as long as we can. I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it. ...... I''m a war hero.

    I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that. I''m not that open-minded.

    Karolina smiled at Hercule.

    But still, the man I love. Karolina would not leave Hercule like this.

    And ......

    You''re not too worried about it, are you?

    "No, I''m not. To be honest, considering all the innocent civilians they''ve killed, including Orthodox Messianics, Alexians, and other pagans such as the Six Stars, I''d say they''re doing us a favor by giving us a choice. Besides, ...... is necessary for future governance, right?

    "Yes, exactly. This is a logistical hub. We don''t want a rebellion. ...... But again, I''m hoping for the most peaceful solution possible. A peaceful solution where no one dies. That''s the truth, okay?

    Thus, ......

    The year-long (????) siege of the island of Rosa, also known as the "Scourge of Rosa," was to shake the Messianic world with fear.

 97 Episode 4 Rhosa Island War Record Vol.2 "Relief Co...

    The news that the Lemurian Empire had landed on the island of Rosa quickly spread throughout the world.

    However, many people decided to remain calm.

    For example, the Kingdom of Tretum.

    The Kingdom of Tretum, for example, was far away from the island of Rosa, and there was no need for them to interfere in the affairs of the island, as they were considering changing the state religion from Western to Orthodox.

    The Kingdom of Edelna is also a Western Messianic nation, but it is allied with the Lemurian Empire, so it likewise does not intervene.

    The medium is ......

    Needless to say. There is no way that the head temple of the orthodox sect would protect the pirates of the western sect.

    The Kingdom of Foulds has a different religion, so it is not important.

    Therefore, there were no countries that would give a helping hand to the Knights of St. Rosa, also known as the Rosa pirates, .......

    Where there is a god who abandons, there is a god who picks up.

    King Cerda had immediately begun to make preparations for rescue.

    "I didn''t know it would take so long to prepare .......

    King Chelda - Raus I - sighed.

    Originally, Raus I had been preparing for revenge against the Lemurian Emperor.

    His policies were opposed by many people, including his son. ......

    He could not move his army so easily.

    Therefore, in order for Raus I to invade the Lemurian Empire, in addition to strengthening and reinforcing the army, he needed to make various arrangements to stabilize the country and take care of political problems in advance.

    In particular, he had to strengthen the fleet.

    The first king of the Kingdom of Chelda had taken a large number of ships from the Lemurian Empire and briefly controlled the Album Sea, but ...... that was a thing of the past.

    Of course, none of the ships from that time remain.

    While the Lemurian Empire had more than 200 galleys, the Kingdom of Cerda had only around 100 galleys.

    Even if we assume that the Lemurian Empire will leave a certain amount of ships in the Aether Sea to secure sea control in the northern Aether Sea, ......

    I would still like to have 50 more ships.

    That is why Raus I was requisitioning merchant ships and building new ones.

    In the meantime, the news that Hercule had landed on the island of Rosa reached the ears of King Raus.

    For Raus I, this was both fortunate and unfortunate.

    The fortunate part was that he had a good cause.

    The good thing was that he had a good cause, because the cause of rescuing the Order of St. Rosa was sufficient domestically, and externally, it would be difficult to be perceived as revenge against Hercule.

    The unfortunate point is that we still need more time to prepare.

    With the current navy, it is obvious that we will be defeated by the Lemurian Empire.

    Considering the time it would take to increase their numbers and train them,......, how tenaciously the Knights of St. Rosa would be able to defend themselves became a major issue.

    Fortunately, the island of Rosa is still intact.

    Fortunately, the island of Rosa has not fallen yet. ...... We must hurry. Raise the anchor!¡¡Let''s sail!

    And so Raus I led one hundred and seventy galleys out of the port of Cerda.

    "It''s almost ...... four months, isn''t it? The emperor predicted .......

    Karolina muttered to herself.

    Hercule replied in an indifferent voice.

    I''m sure. It''s about time the Rosa pirates ran out of food.

    Four months into the war.

    Four months into the war, Hercule still hadn''t been able to defeat Rosa Island.

    But that''s to be expected.

    Hercule surrounded the island with his army and ......

    He just kept on watching.

    Of course, they threw feces, urine and corpses with stone throwers and ......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    But they were only minor attacks that did not cause any damage to us.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that." "By the way, the ...... nearer guy seems to have figured out my intentions in three days. "Feeding the troops, huh? He asked me three days after the siege began.

    And what did he say?

    I said, "That depends. I said, "That depends. In fact, the sooner they surrender, the better off we''ll be.

    Well, I suppose that''s true. ...... By the way, what made Nia realize that?

    He heard that the condition for surrender was mass conversion.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the coming weeks.

    The idea of a military campaign is not so common as it seems.

    This is because it is common knowledge that the former is more likely to run out of food than the latter.

    As a result, there are many cases in which a siege ends up as an attack on food, but it is not common to aim for an attack on food from the beginning.

    However, Hercule''s aim was to attack the army from the beginning.

    Well, it''s not impossible to force the attack down. ......

    "The island of Lhosa is fishing bait.

    The prey is King Chelda, is it not?

    "Sort of.

    After that, Hercule whispered, "Not only that, though.

    "Well, King Chellda will be caught soon enough. If I''m reading this right, it''s .......

    Hercule did not start the war recklessly.

    Let''s say that he invaded ...... in February.

    In that case, King Cerda would probably consider the progress of the war preparations he had begun last year, as well as the strength and rations of Rosa''s pirates, and decide that he could not make it in time.

    In that case, Hercule would have to be wary of King Cerda''s attack, which could come at any time.

    On the other hand, if they attacked after July, ......

    If they attacked after July, there was a possibility that King Cerda would decide that Rosa''s pirates would be able to hold out a little longer, make further preparations, and attack in perfect condition.

    That would be a tough fight.

    Therefore, Hercule calculated backward from the progress of King Cerda''s war preparations and the estimated minimum number of months that Rosa''s pirates would generally be able to endure, when he should attack Rosa Island to fight King Cerda''s army in the best condition.

    He came to the conclusion that he should attack in March and fight King Chelda in July, four months later.

    "Come to think of it, didn''t Your Majesty originally predict that the battle against King Chelda would be ''after the summer''?¡¡Since that time?

    "Well, King Chelda is not an incompetent king. He will prepare for war. If that''s the case, then the level of preparations that King Cerda would be satisfied with would be completed after ...... Well, considering the Cerda Kingdom''s national power and military strength, would it be after the summer?¡¡And that''s what I predicted at the time.

    But ......

    So far, this is just a prediction and a guess.

    You can see what will happen in reality at ......

    "Your Majesty! Your Highness, the Empress!¡¡Excuse me for interrupting. We have received an urgent report from the secret agent who has been hiding in Cerda!

    No need to kneel. Give it to me now.

    Yes, sir!

    The messenger then handed Hercule the urgent report under his breath.

    Hercule opened it and smiled .......

    It looks like my calculations were correct.

    Three days later, Hercule received word of the departure of the Cheluda Navy.

    Hercule had left Oskar in charge of the siege and was out at sea with Christos and Carolina.

    Hercule and the others were in the largest galleys in the center of the fleet.

    It was the safest place.

    "Your Majesty, Your Empress, Grand Admiral!¡¡We''ve captured the Cerda Navy in the southwestern waters!¡¡Approximately 170 ships!

    The young officer reported to Hercule and Christos, using the flag to relay the message.

    "Yes, yes. It''s not fortuitous that we were able to find the enemy first.

    No, it''s not a coincidence. No, it''s not a coincidence. ...... The difference in skill level is clearly visible.

    Well, it''s true that ...... Rouse I would have liked to spend a little more time training.

    The lack of skill in the Chelsea Navy is the result of Hercule rushing Rouse I into battle.

    The Chelda Navy, which had to set sail as soon as possible to save the Rosa pirates, had a high percentage of ...... recruits.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian Navy, though inferior in number by about 20 ships compared to the Chelda Navy, ......

    The Lemurian Navy, on the other hand, is made up entirely of veterans, although they are about twenty ships less in number than the Chelda Navy, and they do not neglect their training.

    This was strongly reflected in the search capabilities of both sides.

    There are many different types of ...... galleys, aren''t there?

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    For Carolina, who has a background in the army, naval battles are quite interesting.

    You''ll be able to find out more about the particulars of the particulars of the particulars.

    Yes, that''s right. Generally speaking, the bigger the galley, the faster it is. And the smaller the size, the more maneuverable it is. However, this depends greatly on the shape of the ship, the number of men on board, and the number of rowers.

    Hercule and Karolina listened intently to Christos'' explanation.

    Hercule had heard Christos''s lecture and had read the book, but it was important to review .......

    For example, ...... it was the fast ship that had just captured the enemy ship. This is a large galley ship, long and narrow in shape. It is characterized by the fact that it has almost no ...... combatants, and most of them are rowers. On the contrary, ...... the same large galleys, but the battlecruisers are more horizontal and have more fighters. In the case of defeating pirates, the combatants are only marines, but in large battles like this one, they borrow longbowmen from the army. Their shooting power is very powerful, and above all, since they are elves, they are strong in close combat.

    Longbowmen are active on land, but they also have their place at sea.

    It''s a good idea to use a longbow as a weapon in a battle.

    There is another type of large galleys, called "dragonsault ships. This is armed with a large number of stone throwers and large crossbows. It is similar to the ...... fast ship because most of the crew are rowers except for those who operate the weapons. The main role is to attack enemy ships from afar. However, they are not very useful in ...... melee battles, so there are not many of them. Incidentally, both fast ships and combat ships are equipped with one or two stone throwers and large crossbows. Therefore, the tactical value of the dragonsault ship is low.

    Dragonsault ships are not easy to use, so when the two armies clash, they will be brought back.

    The role of the dragonsaulters is to sink as many enemy ships as possible before the clash.

    Many of the medium-sized galleys are assault ships. This is a ship that destroys or rolls over enemy ships in an impulse assault. This requires a certain amount of speed, but also a certain amount of maneuverability. So, it is a bit smaller. However, there is not that much difference in size between them and large ships.

    The impulse assault is the flower of battle in galleys.

    It is a tactic similar to the cavalry assault in land battles.

    Naturally, its destructive power is immense.

    However, ...... a certain level of skill is required, so it cannot be performed by less skilled navies.

    "All other small and medium-sized galleys are support ships. Their main mission is to support combat ships. Their armament varies. They are equipped with soldiers to board enemy ships, archers to shoot, small stone throwers, small crossbows, etc.

    Karolina listened to Christos'' explanation and groaned.

    In the event you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at .......

    Carolina and Christos do not get along well, but they are not bad.

    Hercule is Christos''s nephew, and if his nephew is married to her, he is almost like a relative. ......

    I guess that''s the feeling.

    I''ve heard that galleys generally use slaves as rowers, but ...... this ship doesn''t seem to use slaves, does it?

    You can''t use slaves as rowers on a ship that the emperor and empress are on, as they could cause mutiny. But ...... other ships use slaves and criminals. Yes, ...... forty percent are slaves, twenty percent are criminals, and the remaining forty percent are low-ranking marines as rowers.

    In many countries, slaves and criminals serve as rowers in galleys due to labor costs and manpower shortages.

    If the galleys are chained, there is no risk of mutiny (although not 100%).

    Slaves and criminals do not need to be paid, so it is cheaper.

    But when the enemy comes aboard the ship, ...... if the rowers are marines, you can count on them as a fighting force. Well, I mean, it''s always better to have marines as rowers.

    "I see. ...... By the way, the Chelsea Navy is ......

    "I don''t know the exact figures because it''s a different country. But I''m sure ...... their slave rate is higher than ours.

    That''s comforting.

    In other words, the Lemurian Navy has a huge advantage when it comes to ship-to-ship combat.

    "Well, I guess I''ll just be a spectator this time. Christos, I''m counting on your command.

    "At your service, Your Majesty. I''ll make sure you win.

    To Hercule, Christos bowed deeply.

 98 Episode 5 Rhosa Island War Record Vol.3 [Clash! ! ...

    A little later than the Lemurian Navy, the Cerda Navy also captured the Lemurian Navy.

    The two sides approached in formation and met in the sea southwest of ...... Rosa Island.

    The positions of the two forces are as follows.

    Hercule (General Headquarters)

    ¡ý ¡ý

    ¡ý ¡ý ¡ý

    ¡ý ¡ô¡ô¡ô

    ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö

    ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó

    ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð

    ¡üup

    Rouse I (General Headquarters)

    ¡õ...... large galley ship dragon attack ship + support ship

    ¡î...... large galley ship fast ship + support ship

    ...... large galley battlecruiser + support ship

    ¡ó...... medium-sized galley assault ship + support ship

    Kuro is Lemuria, white is Cerda.

    Ten ships in one figure

    The Hercules are on the left side of the right wing.

    Top is North

    At the beginning of the war, the wind was blowing from the north.

    The Lemurian navy received the wind from the north and quickly closed the distance to the Chelda navy.

    The wind was blowing from the north.

    ¡ô¡ô¡ô¡ô

    ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó ¡ó

    The Lemurian navy had taken the wind from the north and was quickly closing the distance to the Cheluda navy.

    ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð

    The battle began with the firing between the two dragonsault ships.

    Both sides'' stone throwers roared, sending chunks of stone and metal flying, and the arrows from the crossbows roared.

    A bottle of ...... was released by the Lemurian Navy using a stone thrower.

    The bottle shattered in an instant.

    The bottle instantly shatters, leaking liquid from within.

    Then it ......

    Suddenly, a fire broke out.

    In a flash, the flames spread like a lick across the wooden deck.

    "Put out the fire!¡¡We''ll burn down if we don''t!

    No, sir!¡¡It won''t go out even if we pour water on it!

    What?

    In the meantime, bottles were being thrown into the fire one after another. ......

    In no time at all, the ship had burned to the ground.

    The sailors jumped into the sea to escape the fire.

    Help me!

    At least let me out of my chains!

    The slaves left on the ship screamed, but ......

    The slaves left behind on the ship scream, but no one has time to help them, and they sink into the sea with the flames.

    That was a close one. ......

    That''s true ......, but ...... this is not good.

    But this is not good." muttered the captain of the dragonsault ship, who had narrowly escaped to the sea.

    The captain looked at the ......

    The captain''s gaze fell upon one friendly ship after another, burning and sinking into the sea.

    This is the first time the Sacred Flame has been used in action. ...... Yes, it seems to be a great success.

    It''s good to know that the fire is reliable. Ordinary oil doesn''t work like this. ......

    The Lemurian Navy''s dragonsault ships have overwhelmed the Chelda Navy''s dragonsault ships.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Karolina asked them.

    "What kind of weapon is the Sacred Flame?

    "It''s a new weapon made of refined oil ...... from the ground, mixed with pine resin, sulfur and nitre. It burns very well, so much so that it won''t even go away if you splash ...... it with water.

    It''s like a very primitive napalm bomb.

    You have to be careful when handling it, and depending on the direction of the wind, it can hurt you. ...... If you use it well, it can deal a heavy blow to the enemy.

    Now, our dragonsault ship is firing ...... a three-layered bottle with water in the top, limestone in the middle, and ''holy fire'' in the bottom. When the bottle is broken, the water and limestone react and generate heat, igniting the ...... ''sacred flame''.

    "Wow, ......, so it''s an amazing weapon?

    "Yeah, that''s pretty much the way it works.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure I understand it that well either.

    It was Hupatia and the others who created this.

    It is better to ask them for details.

    "Well, but it''s only a ...... tactical weapon. It is the skill and morale of the ...... soldiers and the brains of the generals that determine the outcome of a naval battle. We''re better than all of them, though.

    "I''m honored by your praise, sir. Your Majesty.

    Christos smiled happily at Hercule''s praise.

    His face tightened immediately.

    "We''re moving to phase two.

    He said and began to send out instructions to the entire fleet.

    The Lemurian navy has ...... come up with some strange weapons. ...... Well, I guess we can expect a defeat in a dragon ship shootout.

    Raus I put his hand to his chin.

    In the first place, the Cerda Navy was outgunned in terms of skill, and the Lemurian Navy''s weapons had always had good accuracy.

    The damage is much worse than expected, but ......

    It''s not at a level where we can''t recover.

    The advantage in numbers has not yet been broken.

    As expected. ...... All troops, proceed as planned.

    Rouse I''s orders were sent to the entire fleet.

    I''m sorry.

    ****************************

    The Lemurian Navy is in a tailspin.

    The Lemurian Navy concentrated its forces in the center, riding on the tailwind, while Raus I extended his fleet to both wings as if he were spreading his arms wide open.

    Both sides'' aims were now clear.

    "We will continue to break through the enemy''s center.

    "We will surround the enemy.

    The two sides clashed violently at sea.

    The assault ships increased their speed to collide with each other''s angle of attack, and charged ......

    The battle ships rain down their bows on each other.

    "Spirit of the wind!

    Spirit of fire!

    An elf soldier sends wind into a pipe containing the Sacred Flame, and another elf ignites the liquid spewed from the pipe.

    Flames then erupt from the pipe, as if a dragon were about to burst into flames.

    One by one, the ships of the Chellda Navy that came into contact with the flames caught fire and were turned into seaweed.

    However, the Cheluda Navy was not to be outdone, and took advantage of its superiority in numbers to hunt down the Lemurian Navy.

    However, the direction of the wind suddenly changed at this point.

    The wind that had been blowing from the north stopped, and now the wind began to blow from the south.

    With the wind blowing against us, the Sacred Flame could not be used, and the arrows of the longbow could not reach us.

    And the assault ships could not increase their speed.

    The Lemurian Navy lost momentum, while the Chelda Navy gained momentum and stepped up its offensive.

    ¡ï¡ö¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ö¡î¡î¡î

    The Lemurian Navy loses momentum, while the Chelda Navy gains momentum and intensifies its offensive.

    "Oh, Christos.

    "Ah, Mr. Christos. Actually, the current situation is not so good, is it?

    "Yes, ...... to be honest .......

    Christos says with a tense face.

    "It''s pretty bad.

    The Lemurian Navy is surrounded on both wings.

    We''re resisting well enough for now, but ......

    The Lemurian navy is now surrounded on both flanks, but they''ve been able to put up a good fight, but if they continue to close the circle, the ships could collide and cause a catastrophe.

    There''s a bigger numbers gap than we thought. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea. In the event that you''re in the middle of a battle, the difference in race really shows. If you''re on land, you''re fighting in a group formation, so the race difference doesn''t show up as much, but in a small ship.

    As proof of this, ......

    A battle ship with Elven longbowmen on board is not far behind the Chelda Navy.

    On the other hand, ships with a high percentage of Humans are being pushed back considerably.

    "Warbeast supremacy. ......

    Hercule muttered to himself.

    It''s true that the warbeasts have superior physical abilities. No wonder Raus I claimed that the warbeasts were the most superior race.

    But ......

    "Hey, Christos. Your spirit can increase ...... speed and penetrate the middle of the enemy, right?

    "Yes, but ...... the safety of His Majesty and the Empress is ...... at stake.

    "Christos!

    Hercule forcibly interrupted Christos'' words.

    If you can do it, do it. If you can, do it. We can''t afford to lose like this. ...... I don''t want to see Raus I''s smug face even if it kills me.

    And then Hercule smirked.

    If they are warbeast supremacists, ...... we will counter with elf supremacists. Let''s teach these dogs a lesson. We, the elves, the High Elves, are the chief of all spirits!

 99 Episode 6: The Battle of Rhosa Island Vol.4 "I Can...

    "Focalor!¡¡Create waves and wind. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Christos sent a command to his contracted spirits.

    Then, as if against the surrounding ocean currents, a special current was created only around the flagship and the surrounding ships.

    At the same time, an unnatural wind begins to blow from the exact opposite direction, as if against the natural wind.

    "Set sail!¡¡Full speed ahead!¡¡Charge!

    As soon as they heard Christos''s order, the flagship and the nine ships around it - ten ships in total - increased their speed, pushed aside the surrounding ships, and dared to charge into the enemy lines.

    Perhaps upset by the Lemurian Navy''s sudden move to the offensive, the Chelda Navy was unable to stop the Lemurian forces.

    And from the small wounds that appeared in the formation of the Cheluda Navy, ......

    One after another, the Lemurian Navy rushed in and spread the wounds.

    On the ship, the warbeasts, with their superior physical strength, win. ......

    But when it comes to operating the ship, the Humans, who are skilled in delicate work, are superior.

    The Cherda Navy''s advantage is broken, and the battle situation begins to lean toward the Lemurian Navy once again.

    However, ...... still did not break the siege of the Chelda Navy.

    The goddess of victory began to wonder which side she should smile at.

    "Christos, you''re getting better.

    ...... What do you mean, "getting better"?

    What do you mean by "in shape"? "He''s the kind of general who fights at the head of the pack. He''s the same type as Galfis. He sees the battlefield with his own eyes, feels it with his own skin, and brings himself to the center of the vortex to win. That''s his stance. I don''t know what he was so uptight about, but he put his flagship in the back of the line .......

    However, Hercule had already figured out the reason for Christos'' poor performance.

    It was due to Hercule and Karolina.

    The emperor and the empress were on the same ship, so Christos thought that he couldn''t assault them ...... by himself, so he gave them consideration.

    But they do not need such consideration in the first place.

    Carolina is the daughter of Galfis and has always fought ahead of the pack.

    Hercule is also the type of general who likes to be in the front, that is to say, he likes to put himself in the center of the vortex, and more than once he has attacked and killed an enemy soldier on his own.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one. ...... Now, Karolina. Get your sword ready, will you?

    "I know, Your Majesty.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    At the same time ......

    Don!

    The flagship and the enemy ship collide with a resounding thud.

    The enemy ship hurriedly tried to keep its distance, but ......

    In no time at all, the Lemurian marines handed the ladder to them.

    Get on board. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    At Christos'' order, the Lemurian Marines boarded the Chelda Navy ship like an avalanche.

    The Lemurian marines aboard the flagship were all Elves, except for the rowers.

    The Elves and the Warbeasts are different from each other: ......

    The Elves have the physical superiority over the Warbeasts!

    In no time at all, Cerda''s navy ship was captured by Lemurian marines led by Christos.

    I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.

    "No, it''s not. ...... Look at that.

    Hercule pointed in the opposite direction from where Christos and the others were rampaging.

    The flagship of the Chelda Navy was approaching rapidly towards us.

    "They''re suddenly on a roll,.......

    Raus I unconsciously put a hand to his chin.

    He was almost at the point of encircling and annihilating the Lemurian Navy.

    But the Lemurian navy, which had suddenly turned on the offensive, pushed them back and ......

    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    Did we not have enough depth in the center or did we put too much force on the ...... wings?¡¡No, the siege itself would not have been possible in the first place if even a small amount of troops were diverted from the wings. So, ...... were there not enough of them to begin with?

    According to Raus I''s plan, a siege was fully possible.

    However, due to the new weapons used by the Lemurian Navy and the unimaginable difference in skill levels, ......

    The Chelda Navy had lost a lot of ships in the early battles.

    The first blow that the Lemurian Navy had dealt to the Chelda Navy was now slowly reverberating like a body blow.

    I still don''t know what''s going to happen. War is .......

    Rouse I muttered with a sigh. ......

    He sent out hand signals to the ships and began to assess the situation.

    The formation is not broken, but it is very distorted.

    The whole thing is not in a melee, but on the front lines, the Lemurian and Chelda navy ships are all over the place, and we don''t even know what''s going on.

    If we can''t figure out what''s going on, we can''t do anything.

    "Your Majesty, the King!

    What is it?

    Three o''clock ahead, the flagship of the Lemurian Navy!¡¡They''re engaged in friendly fire!

    What?¡¡Hurry up and close the distance to ....... No, close it!

    Under the direction of Raus I, the flagship of the Cerda Navy will proceed in the direction of three o''clock.

    The flagship of the Chelda Navy, under the direction of Raus I, moved toward the three o''clock direction. ...... It approached to a distance that even Raus I could clearly see.

    Well, it is indeed the flagship, as far as the flag is concerned.

    But it could also be a disguise.

    And here Rouse I found solid evidence that this ship was the flagship.

    I had ...... my eyes on him.

    That beautiful blue-eyed young man with the long ears (elves) who looked at you provocatively from the deck was ......

    You''ll never forget it.

    It was the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire, Hercule.

    I''m sure of it!¡¡The flagship. ...... You''re in luck. All hands!¡¡Get ready to attack!

    Raus I could feel his mouth twitch.

    The flagship of the Lemurian navy was engaged with another ship, and many of the elves had left to take control of the ship.

    There are only a few Elves left on the Lemurian flagship, and a few Humans who are rowers.

    And there is only the Emperor of Lemuria and the red-haired woman next to him - probably the Empress.

    This is our chance.

    Whoever can turn into a beast, get ready!¡¡This battle will end all of this!

    At the same time as Raus I''s words: ......

    A bridge was built between the two ships.

    If I understand correctly, the flagship is the ship that carries the commander-in-chief of the army. That means my good friend Raus I is on that ship.

    Whether he is my best friend or not, there is a very good chance that Rouse I is on board.

    The appearance of the Cerda Navy''s flagship, which was attacking from the opposite direction, caused temporary confusion on the Lemurian Navy''s flagship, but ......

    As expected of the elite.

    The confusion soon subsided, and even the rowers and ship''s cooks began to mobilize to prepare an intercepting stance.

    I thought that a battle between generals was a concept that existed only in the world of barbarians who didn''t understand how to wage war, or in the world of weird romance war stories, but it''s actually possible. Fact is stranger than fiction.

    "No, Your Majesty. No, Your Majesty, this is not the time to be talking like that. Most of the elven marines are gone now. The only people here now are a few ...... human marines who are not expected to be much of a force, and us. Meanwhile, over there, ......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of them. So that''s it. But don''t worry. Where''s Nia, anyway?

    Hercule inquired about the whereabouts of Lucanos'' adopted son, who hadn''t been seen since a while ago.

    He was supposed to be aboard the flagship as Hercule''s chamberlain. ......

    For a while, Hercule had not seen Nia.

    She''s seasick and has been throwing up in her cabin.

    "Oh my god ......, can you go get her for me?

    ...... I don''t think we can count on her to be a force to be reckoned with, even if she is in perfect condition.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    In a short time, a blue-faced Nia arrived, accompanied by Karolina.

    "Nia, are you okay?

    "Ugh ...... not okay ....... Ugh .......

    Nia put her hand over her mouth and replied.

    For the moment, it seems that she has endured the experience of vomiting in front of her master and lover.

    Hercule put his hand on Nia''s head.

    "Asmodeus, can you do it?

    It''s just a malfunction of the semicircular canal. You can do whatever you want with hallucinations. At least it''s easier than cranking up the sensitivity several times.

    The contracted spirit''s voice echoed in Hercule''s head.

    At the same time ......

    "Huh?

    "It''s healed. Okay, I can fight now.

    Oh, thank you so much!

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do this, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. Your Majesty. Give us an admonition.

    All right, all right. Don''t panic.

    Hercule kept his composure as he looked around at the marines gathered from all over the ship.

    Their faces showed no signs of impatience.

    Hercule''s calmness reassured them.

    "Gentlemen, Christos is currently rampaging on that ship over there and will not be returning anytime soon. It will be some time before reinforcements arrive. And ......, they''re warbeasts with superior physical strength. It''s a tough situation. There''s no formation in a small ship. If it becomes a full-on melee, the warbeasts will have a huge advantage.

    The expression on Hercule''s face as he spoke of the disadvantage of his allies like that was ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    But I am a great general. As such a great general, I will give you a secret plan for victory.

    Hercule smirked.

    "Either I and Carolina will kill or capture Raus I, or Christos and his elite troops will come to reinforce us. Until then, you will fight with all your might and survive. As long as there''s one of you standing, the ship will not be overrun. All you have to do is hold out a little. And you will win. ...... God be with us!

    "God be with us!

    The Marines shouted as loudly as they could.

    I''d say the speech was a success.

    "Well, at least we won on morale.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. By the way, your majesty. ...... What is the actual winning percentage?

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    It''s nine to one.

    "Which is nine?

    Hercule replied with a very relaxed smile to Karolina''s question, who looked like she already knew the answer.

    "Of course!¡¡Raus I!

    Humans are creatures that will only believe what they want to believe.

    Surprisingly, if the commander says, "We can win! the soldiers will believe it.

    What the commander needs to do is to keep a poker face and not show it on his face, no matter how upset he is inside.

 100 Episode 7 Rhosa Island War Record Vol.5 [Ranran!? ...

    "Kill those heretics!!!!

    With such shouts from both sides, the battle began.

    Leading the way was ...... Karolina.

    "Eligos!

    Karolina wielded her Eligos, which had been transformed into a long sword, and slaughtered the warbeasts one after another.

    She hasn''t used her native magic or bloodline magic yet.

    Even without them, she can still win.

    Between the Elves and the Warbeasts, the Elves have a physical advantage over the Warbeasts.

    The only one who can help Karolina is Nia.

    "Hey, you little b*tc*!

    "Sorry, struck out.

    Taking advantage of her small stature, she sneaks into the bosom of an enemy soldier and slices through the carotid artery of his neck with her knife one after another.

    With a minimal amount of movement, he was able to fend off the enemy''s attacks with just a fraction of a second. ......

    He can kill with the least amount of attacks.

    Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

    That''s what it means.

    Carolina is ...... a natural. It''s hard to believe this is Near''s first real battle. Her physical abilities are no less than those of a full-grown warbeast. Elves, maybe more. Yeah, good find. ......

    Ready!

    Let me finish.

    Hercule bounced off the head of a warbeast soldier who was slashing at him.

    After that, warbeast soldiers rushed towards Hercule one after another.

    Killing Hercule would ensure victory in this war.

    Of course.

    ...... if you can kill him.

    "Asmodeus, Citri. Take care of him.

    Your orders, sir. Master.

    "Roger!

    Hercule sends orders to Asmodeus and Citri.

    At the same time, the warbeast soldiers surrounding Hercule swung their weapons at him in unison.

    The weapons extended from all directions: ......

    All of them did not hurt Hercule''s skin, but instead pierced his allies on the diagonal.

    "It''s a good thing we had an even number. It''s a good thing they were even.

    Hercule smiled with amusement.

    Citri''s spell had weakened the resistance of the enemy soldiers'' brains to hallucinations, and Asmodeus'' spell had made them hallucinate.

    They must have seen the enemy on the opposite side of the room as Hercule.

    It''s the same in every country, in every age, that the mental barriers of the small army are weak.

    Well, I guess it''s a difference in preparation.

    Citri and Asmodeus are both high-ranking spirits who control powerful magic.

    But, can they rape the spirit of any opponent? But that doesn''t mean they can rape the mind of any opponent.

    Resistance to mental interference varies from person to person.

    However, since the two spirits are both high-ranking spirits, they can still interfere with the mind of any opponent as long as they have enough time.

    "Your Majesty!

    Karolina and Nia rushed to Hercule''s side.

    There were also five other human marines rushing to Hercule''s side.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I told you not to stray!

    No, because if we follow you, we''ll end up in the middle of the enemy. ...... Oh well. Anyway, let''s form a circle. I''ve got a better idea now.

    Hercule ordered the small group of soldiers gathered below him to form a circle around him.

    He then placed Karolina and Nia outside the circle.

    What is he trying to do?

    Karolina, Nia, and the Marines looked puzzled.

    Hercule shouted.

    "You heretic dogs!¡¡The Emperor of Lemuria is here!

    All at once, the warbeast marines turned to face Hercule.

    All at once, the warbeast marines turned to face Hercule, and still he shouted.

    "Is there any Messianic who can cut off my head?

    At that moment, all the warbeast marines rushed towards Hercule at once.

    They were after only one thing: the head of the Emperor of Lemuria!

    "Hey, Your Majesty!¡¡What are you doing ......?

    "Don''t worry, it''s no problem.

    Hercule interrupted Karolina''s voice and ......

    Erucule interrupts Karolina and recites the scripture to activate the bloodline magic.

    "The die is cast.

    And after activating the bloodline magic, ......

    "Asmodeus, Citri!¡¡Do it!¡¡It should be easier now.

    Oh, that magic!¡¡Isn''t that the bald magic of your predecessor, master!¡¡I missed it!

    [Heh, ...... Master, you have such bloodline magic. That''s amazing!

    Asmodeus and Citri activate the magic.

    And then ...... the warbeast marines began to fight each other ten meters around Hercule.

    The die is cast. This is the famous bloodline magic of the Julianos family. ...... I don''t understand how it works at all, can you tell me?

    It''s a bloodline spell that makes things a little easier to move in your favor. A very bad situation becomes just a bad situation. Bad becomes normal. Normal is good. Good turns into pretty good .......

    "Huh, ...... is plain.

    I don''t deny that.

    Karolina said it was plain, but in fact this magic is quite extraordinary.

    It''s a spell that interferes with fortune, natural luck.

    Even a glimpse of it is magic in the realm of the gods.

    What it does is incredibly advanced. It''s not as simple as it looks.

    Is it spirit magic to kill each other?

    "Yes, it is. I used two of them, Asmodeus and Citri. Humans like to believe, they believe what suits them. That''s why they easily accept the convenient illusion that the Emperor of Lemuria is within their sword''s reach and slay each other. That''s all. That''s all.

    I''d like to sign up for .......

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It''s not as if the other party is going to agree with you or not.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.¡¡What about magic power and compensation?

    No problem. If there was a problem, I wouldn''t have signed the contract in the first place.

    Originally, the price for using Asmodeus and Citry''s magic was a deferred payment system. ......

    As a result of negotiations, Hercule succeeded in making the payment in advance.

    In other words, he has been paying for his magic on a daily basis, and is now using his abilities to pay for it.

    It''s not a problem, because Hercule has a lot of magic power to begin with.

    It''s just that ...... it has its drawbacks.

    "Drawbacks?

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    A warbeast marine rushed in the direction of the circle.

    "Revenge of the warbeast!

    The soldier charged straight at Hercule, glaring at him.

    Immediately, Nia steps into the soldier''s pocket.

    The marine swung his sword down, and Nia caught it with the knife in her left hand.

    Click!¡¡is the sound of metal clashing.

    At the same time, she throws the knife she had hidden in the hem of her right hand.

    The knife, coated with poison, pierced the Marine''s neck, and he died in a convulsive fit.

    A few of them didn''t take well because there were so many of them. And they wake up in a certain amount of time. That''s why I want Nia and Carolina to kill the enemy soldiers while they''re under the illusion. And as for the soldiers who wake up from their hallucinations and rush towards me, I''ll leave them to you guys who are guarding me in a ...... circle. I''ll try to keep the magic alive.

    Then Hercule announced the name of the mission.

    I''ll try to keep the magic alive." Then Hercule announced the name of the operation: "And so, Operation ''Catch a lot of shrimp with a snapper'' begins!

    "...... Couldn''t you have come up with a better name?

    "Well, how about ''Is there any messianic figure who can cut off my head?

    That''s a death flag.

    How''s the war going?

    Still in our favor, sir. Our marines are outnumbering the Lemurian marines.

    A messenger replied to Raus I''s question.

    In fact, Lemuria has the advantage only where there are people like Hercule, Carolina, and Nia who can surpass the warbeasts in physical ability.

    But ......

    "What about the Emperor of Lemuria?

    "...... has been discovered. But they have not been defeated.

    What do you mean?

    ...... The Emperor of Lemuria''s demonic contract magic causes him to kill each other when he gets close.

    Raus I frowned.

    "The demon spell of those long-eared bastards?

    Demon contract magic.

    It''s spirit magic.

    Asmodeus, Citri, Eligos, Phocarol, Amon, etc. ......

    Whether they are considered "spirits" or "demons" depends on the person or sect.

    Orthodox Messianism is a sect for the long-eared people (elves), so they are regarded as ''spirits''.

    On the other hand, Western Messianism is a sect for the warbeasts and is regarded as ''demons''.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it. ...... All right, I''ll go over there myself. Let''s go!

    ""Ha!!!"

    Raus I takes ten warbeasts that are capable of becoming beasts and heads for the battlefield.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''m not the only one.

    I see, there are certainly ...... fights going on. And I''m pretty sure it''s ....... That''s Emperor Lemuria.

    Emperor Lemuria has his men form a circle. In the middle of the circle, in a safe place, he was using magic to drive the warbeasts mad.

    The warbeasts were then defeated one by one by the two female knights of .......

    The eyes of King Raus I and the Emperor of Lemuria met.

    The Emperor of Lemuria ...... grinned and provoked Raus I. Raus I also smiled.

    Raus I also smiled.

    "Very well, I will ...... prove to you who is truly the superior race.

    Raus I took a step forward.

    Then a stinging pain went through his head.

    Raus I felt as if his head was being scrambled.

    But ......

    [Ugh, this uncle''s mental defenses are too stiff: ......

    "Shut up, demon!

    [Hee!¡¡You''re scaring me!¡¡Master!

    A voice like that of a young girl reverberated in Rouse I''s head.

    Apparently, she had returned to her master in tears.

    "Are you all right, gentlemen?

    "This is nothing, my king.

    It''s just a trick of the diminutive Elves.

    "But ...... to be defeated by an attack of this magnitude. But to be defeated by an attack like this, the Warbeasts are no match for them.

    The elites led by Raus I look relaxed.

    Of course.

    In the first place, there is a huge difference in ability between the warbeasts and the lesser warbeasts, and there is also a huge difference in mental strength between Raus I''s entourage and mere marines.

    The Emperor of Lemuria knows that this is not enough to defeat Raus I.

    The Emperor of Lemuria must know this.

    That''s why the Emperor of Lemuria is a member of the ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria used the warbeasts.

    "The Emperor of Lemuria is here!

    Kill him!

    "Long live the Kingdom of Chellda!

    The Warbeasts, who had been fighting each other, suddenly turned to ......

    The warbeasts suddenly turned their swords on Raus I.

    But their swords did not reach Raus I.

    Eight members of the king''s entourage stood in front of them.

    "We''ll hold them off.

    "Go ahead, Your Majesty!

    "Oh, I''ll take care of the back!

    Raus I took two of his aides and headed towards the Emperor of Lemuria, who was standing in a circle.

    The warbeasts that had blocked their way earlier by fighting each other were gone.

    All that remains is to defeat the Emperor of Lemuria.

    I''m sorry, but you can''t go any further.

    Please leave us.

    Two women stood in front of Raus I. One was the Emperor of Lemuria.

    One was Carolina Jullianos, Empress of the Lemurian Empire.

    And the other is ......

    You''re the ...... Nightmare kid from that time.

    "In case you''re wondering, I have a name, Nia Lucarios.

    I have a name, Nia Lucarios." Nia cowered her shoulders.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of problems, the word "nightmare" can no longer be a weak point for you.

    "Your Majesty the King.

    We''ll take it from here.

    Two members of Raus I''s entourage stepped forward.

    I''ll leave it to you. ...... Aside from the Nightmare, don''t kill the Empress. Keep her alive as long as you can!

    With that, Raus I ran off.

    Karolina and Nia try to chase after Raus I. ......

    Two members of Raus I''s entourage stand in his way.

    We will not stand in the way of His Majesty the King.

    "Let me be the first to ask you to dance, Nia Lucarios.

    Karolina and Nia readied their swords.

    Karolina and Nia set up their swords. "Then we''ll cut you down and go after Raus I.

    "Are you sure?¡¡I''m a pretty good dancer.

    It''s like a shonen manga. The one where the main character''s friends leave one by one to deal with the enemy leaders. The one where the main character''s friends leave the game one by one to deal with the enemy leaders. The one where the main character''s friends and enemy leaders spend months fighting each other, so by the time the fight between the main character and the last boss starts, you''re already bored.

    I don''t know what you''re talking about. Emperor Lemuria.

    While the two were talking, ......

    Five marines who had formed a circle around the Emperor of Lemuria attacked Raus I at once with their swords pointed at him.

    Raus I swung the long sword in his hand and blew the five away.

    I guess we''re out of the way now.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find it at .......

    Without waiting for Emperor Lemuria''s words, Raus I swung his sword down.

    I''m not sure what to say. I''m not sure what to do.

    I see you''re here. Well, so do I.

    The Emperor of Lemuria, who had caught Raus I''s sword, smiled fearlessly.

 101 Episode 8 Rhosa Island War Record Vol.6 "King Cerd...

    The sword roared and came at her.

    Nia dodged it with a slight twist of her body.

    The second blow, which followed, was caught by the knife in her left hand.

    And ......

    He took the knife from the hem of his right hand and threw it at the man.

    Just in time, the man flicks it back.

    It''s as if you can see the future.

    No, I don''t. Just ......

    Nia''s knife clashes with the man''s sword, and a high-pitched metallic sound echoes.

    I''m just getting the hang of it. I''m just getting the hang of it. ...... It''s not hard to figure out where to put the force, how much, and in what direction, and how it moves.

    It''s not difficult.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    But ......

    It was the man who was being hunted down.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.

    ...... I never thought I''d have to play my trump card against a young woman like you. You win. You''ve won. ...... You''re the one who''s going to die, though.

    At the same time as the man muttered this, ......

    The man''s body enlarged.

    His muscles swelled and his face took on the appearance of a wolf.

    His clothes were torn off and instead thick fur covered his entire body.

    This is a technique that only warbeasts - one in a thousand - are capable of.

    It is beastification.

    "Die £¡£¡£¡£¡

    "Huh!

    The man''s sword roared as it came at Nia, trying to cut her in two.

    The man''s sword snarled at her, trying to cut her in two. Near tried to catch it with her knife, but ......

    The man then tries to follow up with another attack.

    The man raises his sword for a further attack.

    Nia seized the opportunity and quickly threw a knife from her right hand.

    But the man only swung his hand lightly and the knife was flicked away.

    The knife that Near threw ended up slicing the man''s skin a little, making only a small wound.

    "The absurd ......

    This is the power of the warbeast race, and proof that we warbeasts are the greatest race of all time, young lady.

    Every time the man swung his sword, Nia was cornered.

    Nia fights back every now and then, but all the knives she throws do little more than slice through the man''s skin and don''t do much damage.

    This is the last time!

    "Agh!

    Finally, Near''s energy runs out, and the knife leaves his left hand.

    The knife spun around and stabbed the deck in the distance.

    The Nightmare is no match for the Warbeast. This is the difference in race. We warbeasts are the strongest race in the world.

    "...... I see, I understand. It is true that the Nightmare race is the lower race and the Warbeast race is the superior race.

    Nia acknowledged the man''s words.

    But ......

    But that doesn''t prove that you are stronger than me. ...... Isn''t it time you reached your limit?

    ...... I don''t know what you''re talking about.

    Did you think I didn''t notice?¡¡Your legs are wobbly.

    Near said, ......

    The man was not able to resist, but he was able to push the man''s body lightly.

    The man collapsed, unable to resist.

    You lost because you didn''t consider the possibility that the knife was poisoned and didn''t avoid it properly.

    "......, you have won completely.

    The man fainted.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this. In addition, your judgment will be impaired. As I read in the ...... book. Hmmm... maybe it''s a case of heaven gives no two ways about it?

    Meanwhile, at the time ......

    The warbeast supremacy, hmm, what a joke.

    Karolina swings her sword.

    Every time she does, the man is driven into a corner.

    The difference in size between Karolina and the warbeast man is obvious.

    The man is much larger and has more muscle mass than he appears to have.

    But ......

    In reality, the man was defeated by Karolina.

    This is despite the fact that he is a beast.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one. You are no match for the Elves.

    "Oh, you .......

    The man bites his lip in frustration at Karolina''s cold words.

    The warbeast is certainly superior to any other race in physical ability.

    The only exceptions are the elves, who are known as the "best of the best".

    The Elves are the pinnacle of all human ...... and primate species.

    Wisdom.

    Appearance.

    Sight.

    Hearing.

    Sense of smell.

    Life span.

    Magic.

    Arm strength.

    The world''s strongest hunting monkeys.

    The world''s strongest hunting ape. That''s the race called the Elves.

    "The average grip of an elf is 150. The average warbeast has a grip of one hundred and fifty. The average grip strength of a warbeast is over three hundred. I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I want to advocate for the supremacy of the warbeast. .........

    Carolina swings her sword down.

    The man manages to catch it.

    Every bone and muscle in the man''s body creaks, and the wooden deck makes an unpleasant noise.

    Our magic power is enough to override such a trivial difference.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of the supremacy of the warbeast race and how they treat everything they can''t do as cowardly.

    Theoretically, any race can use spirit contract magic.

    The important thing is to make a contract with a genie, and it doesn''t matter what race you are.

    However, in reality, only the elves, and those who are close to pure blood, are able to use spirit contract magic.

    The reason is the amount of magic power.

    For example, Eligos.

    It takes an enormous amount of magical power to maintain this spirit, which laughs at and twists the laws of physics to allow it to freely change the size of its mass in relation to its target.

    It''s virtually impossible for anyone other than an elf to wield a 72-pillar class spirit.

    "Okay, tell that to the warbeasts in the afterlife.

    Karolina raised her sword again.

    "The Elves are the greatest race of all time. Do you understand?

    The sound of metal breaking echoed across the battlefield, and the fresh blood that spurted from the man stained Carolina''s body red.

    The sword wielded by Hercule and the sword wielded by Raus I clashed against each other with a violent metallic sound.

    At present, Hercule is the one who is pushing.

    Both of them have inherent magic that strengthens their physical abilities, so the difference in race is really apparent.

    It''s a good thing I''m an elf. It''s no wonder they''re the best of their kind.

    "I am honored by your praise. Does this mean you''re dropping your warbeast supremacy?

    No way. Do you believe that strength alone determines the superiority of a race?

    No, of course not.

    If that''s the case. Then the best primate is the gorilla.

    Well, maybe humans are stupid creatures compared to peaceful gorillas.

    I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to call this one.

    Raus I''s body begins to swell.

    He''s turning into a beast.

    "I''m sorry, but I''m not smart enough to wait for you.

    Hercule swings his sword and tries to take the fight to Raus I before he finishes his beastification, but ......

    I''m sorry.

    I''m sorry, but it''s not that difficult to fight while beastly.

    As soon as Raus I finishes his beastification, the odds turn in Raus I''s favor.

    Hercule is being pushed further and further into a corner.

    And ......

    At last, Hercule''s sword flew through the air.

    "This is the end!

    "No, I''m sorry, but I don''t want to die. Asmodeus, Citri!

    The next moment, Raus I was holding his head.

    Something stirred in his head.

    Nausea and pain hit him at the same time.

    It is difficult to hallucinate in a situation where you cannot concentrate in battle against an opponent with high mental defenses.

    But when he was confident of victory and relaxed, ......

    It is possible to make them feel uncomfortable enough to temporarily slow down their attack.

    "d*mn, that was a trick!¡¡I''m not sure what to do.¡¡That''s all demon contract magic is!

    Raus I swung his sword down at Hercule, enduring the discomfort.

    That''s it!

    "Oh, it''s over. You are.

    Raus I felt something land on his head.

    And then he was unconscious.

    Carolina, that was good timing.

    "One wrong move and I''d be dead, Your Majesty. I told you to run if you were in danger.

    I trusted you.

    Hercule winked at Karolina.

    Karolina looks dumbfounded.

    Then Hercule put his hand on the head of Raus I, who had been hit from behind by Karolina.

    I''m going to use Asmodeus'' magic to put him to sleep for now. ...... I guess that''s a win.

    "Somehow, we won.

    The Chelda Navy, having lost its commander, Raus I, has completely lost control.

    In the beginning, the navy''s skill level was not very high, so it was completely crushed. ...... Many ships were captured by the Lemurian Navy.

    On this day, the kingdom of Cerda lost both its king and its navy.

    And ......

    This meant that there was no one left who could help the Knights of Lhosa.

    The Battle of Rosa

    The Lemurian Empire vs. the Kingdom of Cerda

    Lemurian Empire

    Main commanders: ...... Hercule I, Christos Audias, Karolina Yulianos, (Nia Lucarios)

    Force: 150 galleys of various sizes.

    Damage: 30 ships, remaining: 120 ships

    Kingdom of Cerda

    Main commander: ...... Raus I

    Strength: 180 galleys of various sizes.

    Damage: 100 (captured) Remaining: 10

    70 ships (sunk)

    Result: Victory for the Lemurian Empire

    Effect: A significant decrease in the power of the Kingdom of Chelda. Increase in the leadership of Emperor Hercule in the Western World. The rescue of the Knights of Rosa becomes hopeless.

    Historical Significance The Lemurian Empire seized control of the Album Sea for the first time in hundreds of years and regained its supremacy.

 102 Episode 9 Yesterdays enemy is todays friend, so ...

    "A hundred ships captured. ...... How many of them are usable?

    Hercule asks Christos.

    Christos reads the report from his men.

    Fifty can be used without any problems.

    So let''s keep those fifty ships and ...... sell or dismantle the rest. I''m sure Antonio can handle it.

    It''s been a week since Hercule and his crew returned to Rosa Island after rescuing the fallen soldiers.

    The battle against the Rosa pirates is still ongoing.

    I''m sure they''ll surrender now.

    I''m not so sure about that.¡¡Well, I don''t know. I''ve been cut off from all information, good and bad. In the meantime, I''ll have Raus I write a letter saying that we can''t help them anymore. ...... I wonder if he''ll believe it.

    It could be a ploy by the Lemurian Empire!

    The Lemurian Empire may be behind this!

    In the end, it''s just a matter of how long the Rosa pirates'' spirits will last.

    "By the way, what should we do with the ...... prisoners and Raus I?

    "Treat them with respect. They are still of use.

    "Aside from the prisoners, the value of Raus I as king of a country is high.

    How much ransom can we get?

    "Ransom. ...... If I''m right, I don''t think there will be any ransom.

    What''s the ...... forecast?

    It''s ......

    Just when Hercule was about to tell Christos what he thought, ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Excuse me for interrupting!¡¡I have an urgent report from the secret agent we sent to Cerda!

    Hercule received the report from his messenger.

    He broke the seal and opened the report from the secret agent.

    "What does it say on ......?

    "As I predicted, it seems that the Dauphin Hilderic has staged a coup d''etat and ascended to the throne as Hilderic II.

    Hercule smiled with amusement.

    Thus, Hercule''s plan had entered the next stage.

    The ransom is going to be expensive.

    Rouse I sighed.

    Rouse I is in a small room that was assigned to him by Hercule.

    It was a renovated room of a relatively large mansion on the island of Rosa.

    Fortunately for Rouse I, he was treated better than he had expected. ......

    The unfortunate thing was that it was almost impossible for him to escape.

    But will ...... Hilderic be able to get my ransom in order?¡¡I''m ...... worried.

    Rouse I and his son, Hilderic, did not get along very well.

    This is because they are at odds with each other on political principles.

    Raus I is, needless to say, a warbeast supremacist and an ardent western messianist.

    Therefore, he persecuted the wealthy non-Warbeasts, non-Western Messianic sects and religions, and sometimes imposed heavy taxes on them.

    His son Hilderic, on the other hand, is much more conciliatory than Raus I.

    He advocates equal rights for warbeasts and non-warbeasts, and believes that religious persecution should be stopped.

    However, Raus I has the upper hand.

    This is not surprising, since the Kingdom of Chelda is dominated by the Western Messianists of the Beast Race (Warbeasts).

    If we stop taxing the non-warbeasts and non-western messianists heavily, where will we get the money from?¡¡That is the question.

    If the tax revenue is left to decline, the cost of public works and military spending will be reduced, and the national strength of the Kingdom of Chelda will decline. ...... On the other hand, if we try to maintain the current tax revenue, it is obvious that the wrinkles will go to the warbeasts and western messianists. .

    But but but ......

    There are more than a few forces that support Hilderick, so we can''t be too careful.

    "Your Majesty, King Chellda. Excuse me. May I come in?

    Of course, come in.

    As soon as King Raus I gave his permission, a girl with peach-colored hair appeared.

    Raus I frowned.

    The girl had black horns on her head and a black tail.

    "Nightmare ......, get out of here!

    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing. You''re still the same as ever,......, and you''re still the king of a country. It''s not like you''re a weakling or a scumbag.

    Nia smiled bitterly.

    The lower class citizens of Nova Lemuria changed their attitudes as soon as Nia became a nobleman.

    However, Raus I would not change his attitude even if he was a prisoner of war.

    To Nia, Raus I is a more consistent and reasonable person than the lower class citizens of Nova Lemuria.

    The Emperor has asked for a meeting with you. If you''re not feeling well, I can tell you that. ...... What can I do for you?

    I''m not sure what to do. I''m not sure I''m in a position to say that. ...... Lead the way.

    "Okay. Then follow me.

    Then follow me." Nia said, and led Raus I down to Hercule.

    "Your Majesty. I''ve brought His Majesty King Chelda.

    "Oh, thank you. Thank you, Nia.

    Hercule thanked Nia and ......

    He turned to Raus I.

    "Please, take a seat. My ally, King Cerda.

    "Ally?¡¡Hmm, the Emperor of Lemuria seems to be quite fond of a joke.

    Raus I said sarcastically to Hercule as he sat down and faced him.

    The servants prepared tea and sweets for the two men.

    Hercule takes a sip of the tea and then tells Rouse I. "Let me get straight to the point.

    "Let me be frank with you, my friend.

    "Let me tell you something first. I have never been your friend.

    "Yesterday''s enemies are today''s friends. I went toe to toe with you fair and square. What do you call me if not a friend?

    When Hercule said this, ......

    When Hercule said this, Rouse I looked at him in dismay.

    Are you serious about that?¡¡If so, you need to see a doctor. At least in the kingdom of Cerda, you don''t call winning a battle by having your men hit you on the head from behind ''fair and square''.

    Hercule cowered.

    "That''s harsh. Now, let''s get down to business. Your son, the Dauphin Hilderic, staged a coup d''etat and ascended the throne as Hilderic II.

    Hercule told him. ......

    Raus I''s face twisted in anger.

    "That stupid son of a b*tc* ...... took advantage of the sweet talk of the lowlifes and heretics. Reconciliation is not the way to govern a country. It would only cause more confusion. ...... Why don''t you understand ......?

    Such is the case with Rouse I. ......

    There is no sign of anger, but no sign of surprise or embarrassment.

    He must have been prepared for this to some extent.

    "Now then, my ally. I have a suggestion for you, .......

    "Proposal?¡¡You''re not going to help me return to the throne, are you?¡¡If so, you are more than welcome to accept. ......

    How can that be?

    It''s not a big deal, anyway.

    He was about to say, but Hercule interrupted him.

    That''s good to know. That''s good. I''m ready to help you get back on your throne.

    "...... Are you serious?

    "If my friend is in trouble, I''ll give him a hand. It''s the natural thing to do!

    ...... No matter how good the content of the statement, if the speaker is Hercule, it will not be convincing.

    If you agree to my terms, I''ll release all the prisoners. If you reorganize the prisoners, it should be a good enough army. In addition, I can lend you some money for your army, as well as food and weapons.

    "What are your demands for this extraordinary support?

    Raus I asked. ......

    Hercule grinned. The grin was not a friendly one, at least not to a friend.

    "Your Majesty, come in.

    "Sorry, Nia.

    Hercule unrolled the map that Nia had handed him on the desk.

    It was a highly accurate map that clearly showed the entire Album Sea.

    "We are on the island of Rosa. And ...... to the west of it are Crenos, Marne, Sicily, Sardia, Corus, and the Balmeras Islands. All six of these islands are in your territory or under your influence.

    The islands mentioned by Hercule were the key islands of the Album Sea, which the Kingdom of Cerda had once fought against and taken from the Lemurian Empire.

    I demand the cession of ...... Crenos and Marne. I demand the cession of Crenos, the Marne, the leases of Sikelia, Sardia and Corus, and the permanent abandonment of the Balmeras Islands. ...... What do you think?

    "That''s a very excessive demand. ...... You think I''m going to accept that?

    In short, give us all the islands in the Album Sea that are controlled by the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Erkur is saying, "Give us all the islands in the Album Sea that are controlled by the Kingdom of Chelda.

    I can''t just nod my head.

    Is that so?¡¡I don''t think that''s too much to ask. ...... The only islands ceded are Crenos and Marne. The islands of Sicily, Sardia, and Corus, which you demanded to be leased, are like collateral for the loan of military funds to you. As soon as you pay me back the money I loaned you, including interest, I will return the three islands to you. As for the Balmeras Islands, they are hardly your territory to begin with. It''s close to the Kingdom of Tretum, and I hear there are many native nobles who are pro-Tretum.

    The Balmeras Islands are a disputed territory between the Kingdom of Cheluda and the Kingdom of Tretum, and as soon as the navy of the Kingdom of Cheluda was destroyed, it was as good as a territory of the Kingdom of Tretum.

    In other words, there is no such thing as permanent abandonment, and we have no choice but to abandon it in the first place.

    It is simply a matter of accepting the current situation.

    In the first place, ...... the current Kingdom of Cerda is ruled by Crown Prince Hilderic. You have nothing more to lose. In addition, the Chelda Navy has been destroyed. Whether you accept these terms or not, my country intends to take these islands back, and I believe it is possible. Of course, it will be easier for us if you accept the terms.

    Rouse I thinks for a moment, then asks Hercule.

    ''...... If I refuse this, what will you do?

    "If I do, I have no choice. I''ll have to negotiate with my ally King Hilderic, who has similar political views, for your custody.

    The best outcome for King Hilderic II would be for Raus I to die.

    Then King Hilderic II can ascend to the throne without any guilt.

    On the other hand, the next best outcome is for Raus I to be imprisoned in the Lemurian Empire forever.

    As long as he''s alive, he''s in danger. ...... At least as long as Hilderic II maintains friendly relations with the Lemurian Empire behind the scenes, the Lemurian Empire will never release Raus I.

    What would not be so good is if Hercule returns Raus I to Hilderic II.

    Then Hilderic II will be forced to either kill, imprison, or reinstate Raus I as king.

    Since the former has more supporters than the latter,......, Rouse I''s presence in the country would be dangerous for Hilderic II.

    And the worst possible outcome is ......

    The worst outcome is that Hercule unleashes Raus I.

    In other words, Hercule can negotiate with Hilderic II that if he doesn''t want Raus I to be released, he should give him the island if he wants him killed.

    In other words, even Raus I can be killed by Hilderic II.

    In other words, both Raus I and Hilderic II can go to ......

    It doesn''t matter to Hercule as long as he gets the island, and he gets it no matter what.

    There is one weakness to this .......

    However, there is one weakness to this: if both King Hilderic II and King Raus I refuse the terms.

    If Hilderic II says, "I would rather release my father than give you the island," and Raus I says, "I would rather be killed than give you the island," then ......

    If Raus I were to be unleashed and try to harass Hilderic II, Raus I would lose nothing and the possibility of being reinstated as king would roll over.

    On the other hand, if Hercule kills Raus I, ...... Hilderic II will lose nothing and will be able to become the king with dignity.

    Game Theory: ......

    This is a little different from game theory, but if both sides reject Hercule''s demands, then one side will gain without giving anything to Hercule.

    But ......

    That is, if both refuse.

    There is no relationship of trust between Raus I and Hilderic II in the first place.

    If you ask King Raus I who he would rather have as a son, Hercule or King Hilderic II, he will answer the former without hesitation, and if you ask King Hilderic II who he would rather have as a father, Hercule or King Raus I, he will answer the former without hesitation.

    Of course, Raus I''s answer was obvious.

    "So there is no choice in the first place. Fine. I''ll sign it!

    "It is my pleasure to be your ally.

    Yeah, I''m lucky, too. My ally.

    There is no such thing as true friendship between nations, nor true enmity between monarchs.

    There are only interests, and ......

    Yesterday''s enemies are today''s friends.

    Now, there is only one question here.

    Yesterday''s enemies are today''s friends.

    Then ......

    Today''s friend is tomorrow''s what?

    The answer is ......

    Well, that went well. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ...... No, Your Majesty the King.

    "Uh-huh. ...... But, Hoamel, will the nobles of the Warbeast race accept my accession quietly?

    Hilderick II asked his aide, Joamel, uneasily.

    King Hilderic II was a warbeast and a werewolf, a high-ranking member of the warbeast race.

    On the other hand, his aide, Hoamel, was a ...... human.

    Hoamel is a man who has made a fortune in business.

    However, the Kingdom of Chellda is a warbeast-dominated country, and humans have a narrow view of it.

    Hoamel had also been unfairly deprived of his wealth by the Kingdom of Chelda as a tax.

    He was not happy about it.

    But God had not abandoned him.

    But the gods did not abandon him, because King Hilderic II was fortunate enough to fall in love with his daughter, Kassandra.

    Hilderic II passionately approached Kassandra and ...... the two fell in love with each other.

    Through his daughter, Hoamel approached King Hilderic II and ...... plotted to make him king.

    Originally, Hilderic II belonged to the reconciliation faction, which was the opposite of the warbeast supremacy.

    On more than one occasion, he and Raus I were at odds over political ideals. (Although Hilderic II, who was not a strong man, never won a dispute with Raus I.)

    As a result, not a few conciliators gathered under King Hilderic II.

    Most of the conciliators were humans and elves, but there was also a large nobleman from the ...... warbeast race.

    Raus I''s supremacy over the warbeasts was a bit excessive, and some of the warbeasts objected to it.

    In addition, Hoamel, a wealthy merchant, and his associates followed King Hilderic II.

    Hilderic II''s faction grew to a considerable size.

    However, the power of Raus I was still strong. ......

    Also, Raus I himself was in good health and showed no signs of dying.

    However, assassination was too difficult and ...... Hilderic II did not have the courage to do so.

    But here comes a turning point.

    A certain person from the Lemurian Empire (?????) sent a secret letter in support of Hilderic II''s accession to the throne.

    If Hilderic II were to stage a coup d''etat, he would provide financial support.

    This was accepted by Hoamel.

    As a result, Hilderic II obtained a huge amount of money from the Lemurian Empire through a number of merchants.

    And ......

    The time had finally come.

    Raus I went to ...... and was defeated in a battle against a certain person (?????) of the Lemurian Empire.

    Hoamel persuaded the reluctant King Hilderic II to stage a coup d''etat.

    Hilderic II was crowned king.

    The rest is at ......

    The only thing left to do is for a certain person in the Lemurian Empire (?????) to kill Raus I as originally planned.

    Even if you don''t accept it, you will have to accept it once Raus I is executed by the ...... Emperor of Lemuria.

    "Uh-huh. ...... Really?¡¡But ......

    "Your Royal Highness!

    At that moment, a girl''s voice echoed through the throne room.

    The one who appeared was ...... a beautiful girl about six years old.

    Brownish hair and eyes.

    She had wolf-shaped ears on her head and a tail growing out of her hips.

    The most striking thing about her is her sharp, strong eyes.

    No man would be able to look away from her if she looked at him with those eyes.

    It was because of those eyes that many men avoided her in spite of her pretty appearance.

    "Master Sonia, you are not the Dauphin, you are the King. ......

    "Keep your mouth shut you lowly merchant!

    Sonia glared at Hoamel.

    The sharpness of her gaze causes Hoamel to take an involuntary step backwards.

    What is the meaning of this, Your Royal Highness?

    "What do you mean by this?

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''d like to know why you usurped the throne without consulting my fianc¨¦ or my father!¡¡Your Highness, the Dauphin!

    Hilderick II looked away.

    Hilderick II is twenty years old, and Sonia is six.

    It''s not only the age difference, but also the sharp look in his eyes that Hilderick II didn''t like.

    Why should he be pressured by a girl who was younger than him?

    It hurt Hilderick II''s pride.

    Well, some people in the industry might say that it''s more of a reward or that it makes them want to cry, but Hilderick II is quite normal.

    However, we can still bear with that.

    There is no need for couples to love each other.

    What is important is whether they can have children or not.

    The only thing that matters is whether or not they can have children.

    However, there was one thing that Hilderick II could not resist.

    It''s not too late. I will persuade the King. Let''s negotiate a ransom with the Lemurian Empire and save the king as soon as possible.

    "Sonia!¡¡You think my father should continue to be the king?¡¡It''s true that the Warbeasts are the majority in this country. But there are also Humans and Elves!¡¡Don''t you think we should help each other?¡¡At least I think so. My father and I are incompatible!

    Hilderick II said. ......

    Sonia glared at Hoamel.

    "...... You are the one who put bad ideas into the Dauphin''s head!¡¡You lowlife!

    "Sonia!¡¡Hoamel is my vassal. Hoamel is my vassal. I will not tolerate abusive language!

    Wake up, Dauphin. Do not listen to these lowlifes and their whores. ......

    Sonia!¡¡Who''s the whore?¡¡You''re not talking about Kassandra, are you?¡¡I will not allow you to insult her in any way!

    Hilderick II shouted angrily.

    This made Sonia tense up.

    In other words, Sonia is a warbeast supremacist.

    From Hilderick II''s point of view, Sonia was a racist, and from Sonia''s point of view, Hilderick II was a softy who sycophants other races.

    It is only natural that they do not see eye to eye.

    In addition, Hilderick II and Sonia were very close in blood, and there was an instinctive dislike between them.

    Also, from Sonia''s point of view, Hilderick II''s love for Kassandra, a lower species, was really disgusting, even though she was his fianc¨¦e.

    On the other hand, Hilderick II compares Sonia with Kassandra, who is quiet and respects him, and hates Sonia more and more.

    That''s why they don''t get along well.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out. You can find a lot more information at ...... Your father was in favor of the accession of His Majesty the King (King Hilderick II) in the first place.

    No!¡¡But I''ve never said that .......

    No, that''s true. Sonia.

    She bowed and entered the room. ......

    Sonia''s father, Carmine, entered the room.

    Carmine knelt before Hilderick II.

    "I''m sorry my daughter was rude to you. I''m sorry, sir.

    "It''s all right. I could not have ascended to the throne without your support. I expect nothing less than your loyalty.

    "Thank you, my dear.

    Sonia looked at her father in surprise.

    In the first place, there is no reason why fathers and daughters should have the same ideology.

    Just as Raus I and Hilderic II were at odds with each other, Sonia and Carmine had different political views.

    Carmine is also a reconciliationist.

    He is also a conciliatory person, though a secret conciliatory person.

    If Carmine had publicly declared himself a conciliator, Rouse I would not have approved of Sonia and Hilderic II''s engagement.

    Until this moment, he had kept his fangs hidden.

    Incidentally, Hoamel and Carmine are both Reconciliationists, but their views differ slightly.

    Whereas Hoamel is on the left, advocating equality for all races, Carmine is on the right, advocating "harmony" and not equality between warbeasts and other races.

    Just as Sonia and Kassandra don''t get along very well, Carmine and Hoamel don''t get along very well either.

    However, they have formed a joint front as the same reconciliation faction.

    However, the Rouse I to be defeated is no more: ......

    All that was left was to settle the score.

    Hoamel has the wealth and the trump card of Kassandra: ......

    On the other hand, Carmine has a vast territory and a large number of troops, so the power relationship between the two is very close.

    Unless Hilderick II is on one side or the other: ......

    He is not a man who can do that.

    Wow, I disagree!¡¡Please reconsider!¡¡There is no way that any country would allow the crown prince to ascend to the throne in the first place. ......

    That''s not a problem, Sonia. My accession has the support of the ...... Lemurian Empire.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.¡¡What evidence do you have?

    "There is evidence, Master Sonia. The Lemurian Empire has provided us with military funding. Without this funding, we will never be successful. ......

    Sonia interrupted Hoamel''s words.

    But what solid evidence do you have that the Lemurian Empire has signed off on ...... the Lemurian Emperor''s support for the crown prince''s accession?

    There can be no such thing. If it were to come out, the Lemurian Empire would be accused. This is a secret diplomacy and no evidence has been left behind.

    Carmine replied, and Sonia put her hand on her forehead.

    Did you take ...... the word of that crook, the Emperor of Lemuria, to heart?

    "No, but the fact is that he helped us finance our army. Sonia, I understand how you feel, but the reality is .......

    When Hilderick II tried to remonstrate with Sonia, ......

    Sonia clung to Hilderick II.

    "Your Royal Highness!¡¡I''m not going to take the word of such a crook seriously!¡¡Do you remember the Council of Alexandria and the Edict of Alexandria?¡¡That man uses double-talk with impunity!¡¡The man''s goal is probably .......

    To split the kingdom of Cerda in half and start a civil war.

    And Sonia could not say the last word.

    Because ......

    A diplomat barged into the throne room and told everyone present.

    "Your Majesty, the King!¡¡I have urgent news!¡¡Raus I, with the support of the Lemurian Emperor, has led an army into the Kingdom of Cerda!

    Thus, ......

    A civil war broke out between the King (King Hilderic II) and the former King (King Raus I) factions.

    This civil war led to the rapid decline of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    The Emperor''s words seem very big and heavy. Everyone wants to believe them, and their impact is great. But his words are not really full of substance. Try dropping his words into water. They will float in the water.

    About this man Hercule.

    -Hupatia.

 103 Episode 10 Bible or Sword?

    The failure of King Hilderic II and his merry band was that they saw only my Edict of Alexandria and mistakenly believed that I was a conciliatory monarch. I mistakenly believed ...... that they had the same political ideology as me. This is a typical example of how people can only see what is convenient for them. If you had looked at the Council of Alexandria as well as the Edict of Alexandria, ...... you would have seen what I''m talking about.

    In the event that you''ve been deceived, however badly, you''ve thought it through ......, and now the Kingdom of Cerda won''t be able to attack our country for ten years.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    "Your Majesty.

    "What''s wrong?¡¡Nia.

    ...... Isn''t it unnatural?¡¡I''m sure you''ll find a lot of people who''d like to know more about it.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    Nia asks Hercule.

    Nia''s question is legitimate.

    Since they are planning a coup d''etat, a major event that will determine the fate of themselves and their country, it is only natural that they should be careful.

    You''re not careful enough.

    It''s that simple. I sent the money through Antonio.

    "Antonio ......, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade?

    Yes, yes. Look at it this way. Antonio is a human, a foreigner, a ...... former merchant. And one of King Hilderick II''s aides is a human and a merchant.

    "No way. ......

    Yes, you guessed it.

    What''s more, Hoamel and Antonio know each other.

    It seems that people feel more comfortable when they are with someone they have something in common with. When Antonio told Joamel that humans are discriminated against and have a hard time, he seemed to trust him easily.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.

    You look like a nice guy, but you''re not. ......

    Then Hercule replies with a smiling (????) face.

    "Well, don''t believe anyone who smiles on a regular basis. Think about it. He''s got that much money at his age.¡¡I bet he''s done a lot of nefarious things that would make Shylock look pretty.

    Shylock gets dissed without a second thought.

    It''s a pity he''s treated like a villain just because he''s a loan shark with bad looks.

    But I''m sure neither of you would want to be told that by Hercule.

    By the way, Your Majesty. What do you plan to do after this?

    "What do you mean?

    The Rosa pirates. As I recall, they refused to agree to a mass conversion even after sending a letter from King Cerda to ......?

    The Rosa pirates call themselves Knights, and they have a lot of guts.

    As a result, they''re still holed up.

    Shouldn''t they be running out of food by now?

    "What do you think?¡¡If we kill the horses early and eat them, we can last a little longer.¡¡If we kill the horses early and eat them, we can last a little longer. Besides, ...... you can eat weeds, rats, lizards, and worst of all, the straw in the mud walls.

    Aside from rats and lizards, weeds and straw seem to be too difficult for humans to eat.

    Humans can''t break down cellulose.

    And then there''s ...... people. ...... No, let''s not do that.

    "Wait, Your Majesty. What were you going to say?

    "I hope they all live!

    Wait, wait, wait, wait!

    Your Majesty. What is the purpose of this?

    It''s costly to keep them surrounded. But if we don''t bring them to their knees, this island will never be stable. That''s why we''re going to ...... try to divide them.

    Before Hercule, Carolina, Nia, Oscar and Edmond, ......

    The inhabitants of Rosa Island had been gathered.

    But they weren''t just gathered in the dark.

    Gathered were the families, relatives, lovers, and friends of the knights and residents who were currently holed up in .......

    If you want to help them, come forward," Hercule ordered.

    If you want to help them, come forward," Hercule had ordered.

    When he was sure that almost everyone had gathered, he got up on the lectern and spoke to them.

    Thank you, gentlemen, for gathering here. Thank you for gathering here, gentlemen. They are very lucky to have such an important group of people, even if they are pirates.

    Hercule said, looking down at them with a provocative smile.

    Many of them swallowed their anger and clenched their fists tightly.

    But I pity them. If this continues, ...... they will die. It''s the most painful way to die imaginable. Will the man-eaten (???????) and the man-eaters (??????) ever make it to heaven?¡¡I''d have to ask a theologian. Well, they''re heretics, so they''re sure to go to hell anyway. Oh, by the way, you''re heretics too, aren''t you? Good for you, we''ll see you in hell.

    Hahahahaha!

    said Hercule with a laugh.

    The residents stared at Hercule with anger and hatred in their eyes.

    They must have one thought.

    "You can go to hell! and ......

    But here: ......

    Hercule smiled serenely.

    But I don''t want them, or you, to go to hell. No, it''s true. I want them all to be saved, if possible. ...... So I''m giving you a chance. It''s your last chance to save the ones you care about. ...... Well, if you don''t want to hear what I have to say, you can walk away. I don''t blame you for that. I don''t blame you. ...... I''m sure it''s going to be harder for you to live with.

    Hercule said, looking around at the ......

    Hercule looked around at the inhabitants.

    Not a single one of them left.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    Thank God you are wise. You and I have the same intentions. I want to help them. Now let''s talk terms. A mass conversion from heresy to orthodox messianism. Those are the terms on which I accept your surrender. But this means that there will be people who are willing to convert, but cannot because of fools, and will die. This is too pitiful. So, .......

    Hercule smirks.

    "First you must convert from heresy to orthodoxy. And only those who convert to ...... will be allowed to send a special letter (??????) to their loved ones beyond the city walls, inviting them to convert. And for those of you on the other side of the city walls who have agreed to convert, I will allow you to surrender to ....... But that''s only possible if Rosa''s pirates open the walls and let your loved ones out. ...... There''s nothing I can do about that. It will depend on how much the pirates love you and your loved ones.

    In response to Hercule''s words: ......

    The reaction of the inhabitants was mixed.

    Some were happy to be able to help. ......

    Some were frustrated, but still happy: ......

    Some were angry, but swallowed it as they had no choice. ......

    Some show hesitation ......

    Some were indignant, saying that they could not possibly accept such conditions.

    Seeing the reaction of the residents, ......

    Carolina and the others realized what Hercule was trying to do.

    Divide and conquer.

    Hercule''s conditions were: ......

    Hercule''s conditions meant that the inhabitants of Rosa Island would be split in two.

    One side swallowed Hercule''s conditions, accepted the rule of the Lemurian Empire, converted to Orthodoxy, and became ......

    The other was the one who had accepted the terms of Hercule, and had been converted to Orthodoxy, and could live happily ever after without being taxed heavily and without having to rescue his family and friends.

    The other is the one who does not accept the terms of Hercule, does not accept the rule of the Lemurian Empire, remains a Western Messianic, is heavily taxed, leaves his family and friends to die without being able to help them, and can live with guilt and suffering in the future.

    The former will never defy Hercule again, and will alienate the latter who irritates Hercule.

    The latter will continue to defy Hercule. ...... On the other hand, they will not be able to hold a genuine grudge against Hercule because they will continue to feel deep down that they are the ones who left their loved ones to die, and they will hate the former for giving them to Lemuria.

    If the inhabitants of Rosa Island are divided, they can''t work together to oppose Lemuria.

    And also ......

    On the other side of the wall, there will be three groups: those who cannot be helped, those who can, and those who were offered a hand but rejected it.

    Carolina (my husband, but still the same ......)

    Nia (As expected of His Majesty, ...... is wonderful!

    Oscar (Will we be split up before we know it too?)

    Edmond (I have to say, I''m impressed that you don''t use force, but only talk to reduce the enemy''s strength ......)

    "Well, ...... what do you say, gentlemen?

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    "Oh, you Lemurian!¡¡You''re a sneaky little bastard!

    Jean, Commander of the Order of Rosa, trembled with rage.

    The emperor of Lemuria proposed at this time, when the food supply was almost exhausted, to allow ...... individual conversions instead of mass conversions, only for those who had pleaded for the lives of their family members, close friends, or loved ones who had converted to ...... orthodox messianism.

    The purpose of this proposal is to protect the Order of Rosa and its members.

    The purpose of this is to divide the Knights of Lhosa and the inhabitants of Lhosa, no doubt.

    "How many ...... people are there?

    There are 2,000 non-combatant ...... people, and about 500 to the Knights.

    Jean was troubled and ......

    "Leave ...... to free will.

    "Are you sure, sir?

    ...... It''s a losing battle. Then the fewer ...... deaths, the better. Tell them that only those who want to keep the faith will stay. We will not stop those who want to live ...... in defiance of God.

    Jean said ......

    Biting his lip, he said.

    He knew.

    He knew this was the purpose of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    The Emperor of Lemuria is not only the Knights of Rosa, but also the pirates who ravage the seas around the Lemurian Empire and ......

    People who cooperate with pirates.

    And you want to show the infidels in your country what happens when they defy you .......

    But he doesn''t want ...... to be resented.

    He wants fear, not hatred.

    Hatred can leave a new spark.

    That''s why he''s taking this ...... roundabout way.

    "Oh ...... God, save us .......

    Jean folded his hands and prayed to God.

    But ......

    But God just kept silent.

    And ......

    Five months have passed since then.

    Some were converted by the pleas of their loved ones and made it out of the city walls alive. ......

    Others died of hunger and plague.

    Initially, the fortress held 10,000 people, including 4,000 members of the Order and 6,000 people from the surrounding area. ......

    During the nine-month siege, the population was reduced to 3,000.

 104 Episode 11 Taurica War Before

    "Well, they''re still sticking with ......, huh?¡¡It''s been nine months. I hope they give up and convert en masse or ...... starve to death.

    Hercule said as he ate his steak.

    This is not the island of Rosa, but the palace of Nova Lemuria.

    Yes, ...... Hercule had returned to Nova Lemuria from Lhosa about four months ago.

    Well, it''s no wonder. ......

    I can''t just stick around on an island for months.

    He had a lot of other administrative work to do.

    In addition, ...... two battalions of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), one battalion of light cavalry for reconnaissance and dispatch, three battalions of longbowmen, 360, Darius and Edmond were pulled out upon his return.

    This was because they were considered to be overpowered.

    Currently, Oscar is quietly continuing the siege.

    I thought we would run out of food in a little over four months. ......

    How are you going to survive the remaining five months? ......

    Well, ...... you don''t have to think about it.

    The answer is obvious.

    I''m not going to tell you, because I''m eating.

    "Your Majesty.

    What''s wrong?¡¡Karolina.

    Carolina spoke to me. ......

    I stopped thinking about what I didn''t want to think about.

    I''m not sure if it''s safe to leave more than 30,000 troops on Rosa Island for nine months. ......¡¡Isn''t it possible for a foreign country to invade?¡¡For example, ...... the Fals.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    That''s not good. We need you to protect Hayastan.

    In response to their concerns, ......

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders and replied.

    Don''t worry. The Foulds have not yet fully recovered, and there is no reason for them to break the non-aggression pact and attack us. The Bulgurons will be fine. It''s been a warm year.

    Currently, there are no major powers that would turn on the Lemurian Empire, ......

    Hercule said.

    "It''s just that ......

    When Hercule was about to say something ......

    Todoris came running in, shaking his fat belly.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I''m sorry to interrupt your meal!¡¡A rebellion has broken out in the northern ...... Taurica Peninsula!

    There is such a thing as weak dogs rebelling .......

    Hercule smiled wryly.

    Those were the good days.

    Well, I guess everyone thinks that at least once.

    When I was in elementary school, ......

    When I was in middle school: ......

    When I was in high school: ......

    When you were a college student: ......

    When you were young: ......

    You are free to think what you want.

    But ...... those days are still those days and you can''t ...... go back.

    It is impossible for a retired grandfather to redo his youth.

    Therefore, you have to admit that .......

    However, there are many people who cannot admit it.

    A concrete example is ......

    There are many people who cannot admit it, such as the Taurians who used to have a strong influence on the Taurian coast, but were crushed by Hercule and fell.

    The Lemurian Empire, their rivals, and those they had looked down upon had taken away their interests. ...... They were all thinking, "Those were the good days.

    They were all thinking, "Those days were good," and they wanted to go back to those days.

    So how can we go back to those days?

    They thought.

    The first prerequisite is to ask for support from the powerful nations and tribes in the north.

    Then, they decided to make use of the lessons learned from the ...... last time and fight as a united force instead of resisting in isolation.

    The rest is a matter of timing.

    It is obvious that no matter how united they are or how much support they get, they will not be able to win if they challenge the perfect Lemurian Empire and the Emperor of Hercule head-on at .......

    So what if the Lemurian Empire is not up to the task? ......

    Yes ......, for example, during a war with another country.

    What if it''s a long war and you''re ...... struggling (??????)?

    If you can win a decisive victory then, and eliminate the influence of the Lemurian Empire ...... or extract some concessions, you can go back to "those days"!

    And that day came much sooner than expected.

    The day came sooner than expected, as nearly 30,000 troops of the Lemurian Empire were on ...... the island of Rosa.

    We''ve been fighting for nine months now, and ...... there''s still no sign of Rosa Island falling.

    I don''t know the details, but ......

    The Rosa Island pirates have also defeated the Lemurian Empire in the past.

    They must be putting up a good fight and ...... making Lemuria suffer.

    Now, ...... now, we can win!

    That''s what they thought.

    Let''s do it before they do it!

    In other words, the idea is to make the first move ...... rather than being on the back foot.

    It is done "before" it is done, that is, it is done by people who are "about to" do it.

    Yes, ......, I''m talking specifically about the powerful people in the interior of the Taurian Peninsula.

    Currently, the Lemurian Empire only controls the coastal areas of the Taurian Peninsula.

    By taking control of coastal cities and building new colonial cities, ......

    The Lemurian empire succeeded in controlling the coast of the Taurica peninsula and seizing control of its trade.

    The Lemurian Empire succeeded in controlling the coast of the Taurica peninsula and seizing control of its trade. In the process, the powerful people along the coast lost many of their interests.

    In the process, the coastal powers lost many of their interests, and the inlanders don''t have the mental capacity to laugh at .......

    They ruled the coastal areas with points ...... and now they are shifting to line rule.

    It is clear to see that this will become the rule of planes and ...... will eventually extend to the interior of the Taurica Peninsula.

    We can''t laugh at the powerful people in the coastal areas.

    Tomorrow is my time.

    It was a time of crisis.

    It was at this time that the powerful people in the coastal areas approached the powerful people in the inland areas for cooperation.

    Let''s do it before they do it!

    That''s what they thought.

    It''s a shame when someone cuckolds your girlfriend.

    Well, that''s what most people think unless they have a special proclivity.

    The same was true for the northern countries that had been benefiting from trade through the powerful people of the Taurica Peninsula.

    If a man like Hercule were to take away their trading rights in the Taurica Peninsula, they would be angry.

    I would like to get it back.

    That was the time when I was thinking so.

    That''s when the Taurian leaders asked for our help.

    We''re not the ones spilling blood.

    We just need to give them a little financial support.

    Just keep your hands clean. ......

    The northern countries wanted to get their interests back.

    Strike while the iron is hot.

    Well, in other words, ...... things should be done quickly while they are hot.

    The same goes for conquest.

    The same goes for conquest.

    The longer you wait, the more likely you are to incur resentment, and the more expensive it will be.

    The longer it takes, the more likely it is to cause resentment, and the more expensive it is.

    Therefore, Hercule hoped to conquer the Taurian Peninsula in another year or so.

    Conquest here does not mean military domination ...... including the inland areas.

    It means to completely integrate the Lemurian Empire economically and politically.

    If possible, we would like to kill the rebels, the former powerful people in the coastal areas. ......

    I want to kill the old coastal leaders who are rebels, if possible, and I want to kill the inland leaders who don''t follow us.

    We also want to eliminate the influence of the ...... northern countries.

    So how do we ...... round up all the rebellious forces?

    Do we send a huge army?

    No.

    It is obvious that they will only pretend to be docile and obedient while we have an army, but will turn rebellious when we withdraw.

    That would not be a complete conquest.

    Hercule thought about it and came up with this idea: ......

    This is what he thought.

    Let them rebel.

    He wanted to make it look as if his country was exhausted from the war with other foreign powers. ......

    He wanted to make it look as if his country was exhausted by the war with other foreign powers, and to make it look as if it was the only chance to revolt.

    Those who do not revolt at this time will not be able to resist.

    And ...... forces that rebel or cooperate with them at this time are hostile forces that may turn on them if they have the chance.

    All that is left to do is to gather all the hostile forces together and crush them .......

    Of course, you will be at a slight disadvantage if you are on the back foot. ......

    It is difficult to introduce an overwhelmingly large army and crush them by sheer numbers.

    But still ......

    He believed in his own abilities and that he could win.

    Thus, ......

    The thoughts and desires of various forces intertwined ......

    The Taurian War was about to begin.

 105 Episode 12 Taurica War Before Chapters

    In response to the upheaval on the Taurica Peninsula: ......

    Hercule acted swiftly and immediately advanced his forces into the Taurica Peninsula, as if he had been waiting for them.

    Currently, Hercule can only mobilize ......

    One infantry corps of 120, one heavy cavalry (crinavarius) corps of 120, one battalion of light cavalry for reconnaissance and dispatch, and five battalions of longbow troops of 600.

    And one newly established corps of medium armored cavalry (cataphract) 120.

    A total of 432,000.

    But, well, we cannot mobilize all of them.

    A certain number of them must be left behind to deal with Foulds and Bulgarons.

    Therefore, Hercule left Galfis and Darius, a corps of infantry, a corps of heavy cavalry (Crinavarius), a battalion of light cavalry for scouting missions, and five battalions of longbowmen. ......

    He left Nova Lemuria with only one legion of medium cavalry (cataphracts), 120, and three battalions of longbow troops, 360.

    And after arriving at the Taurica Peninsula: ......

    Hercule mobilized five battalions from the Tunisian army: ......

    In addition, he had the city-states that favored his rule contribute five battalions worth of troops.

    Finally, he hired one legion of mercenaries.

    In total, the army numbered 396,000.

    On the other hand, the rebel army, backed by ample financial support from the northern countries, gathered a large number of mercenaries. ......

    The total number of mercenaries reached 300.

    Four hundred of them were cavalry.

    However, the quality of the rest of the soldiers, aside from the ...... Tunda soldiers, is poor. It would have been nice if we could have mobilized at least one corps of Tonden soldiers.

    After training the troops donated by the city-states, the Alliance and mercenary troops, he blurted out over a drink.

    Couldn''t you have brought the infantry from Nova Lemuria?

    Karolina asked the blubbering Hercule.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then replied .......

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea. It''s a good idea to keep them around if you want to keep an eye on the Foulds and the Bulgarons.

    For security reasons, it would not be good to have an elite infantry force out of the capital.

    So Hercule decided to leave the infantry behind.

    "Couldn''t you have brought them from Rosa Island?

    Lunalie asked Hercule.

    More than 20,000 infantry forces were still besieging the island of Rosa.

    Wouldn''t it have been enough to bring even half of them to the island?¡¡I''m asking you.

    "It will take time to bring them in after the rebellion. Besides, if we weaken our forces too much, there is a chance that they will break through.

    At this stage, the siege of Rosa Island has failed. ......

    It''s no laughing matter.

    "Well, no problem. The enemy is mainly mercenaries. The Tonden soldiers are useful enough, and the allied forces have high morale, if not skill. I''ve decided that we can win.

    In case you''re wondering, there are other reasons why Hercule didn''t bring troops from Rosa Island or Nova Lemuria this time.

    First of all, it is now January and ...... winter.

    The Taurican Peninsula is colder than Nova Lemuria.

    Not so much on the coast, but because this war is inland ......

    I was a little reluctant to bring Lemurian soldiers who are used to a warmer climate.

    Secondly, it would take time.

    It would take a long time to temporarily lift the siege on the island of Rosa, repackage the soldiers into ships, and head for the Taurica Peninsula.

    If that is the case, gathering mercenaries would be faster for once.

    The third reason is that ...... mercenaries can be used and reused.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.

    It might be the first time that ...... me, you and Carolina are the only ones in a team.

    If Edmond says so, he''ll say .......

    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website to see if there''s anything you need to know.

    The three commanders this time are Hercule, Edmond, and Carolina.

    The emperor, the emperor''s brother, and the emperor''s wife ...... are all part of the Julianos family.

    "Well, there''s also Nia,.......

    Hercule muttered to himself.

    But she''s not a commander, and she''s not at the level to be trusted with ...... command.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. We''ve just received a call for help from a city about three days from here. Let''s destroy the rebels once and for all.

    And so the Lemurian army began to move.

    Meanwhile, in the rebel army ......

    There was one man.

    His name is Stefan Shaykoski.

    He is a half-breed of the Warbeast race and the Human race.

    He looks like a human, but has the same level of physical strength as a polar bear.

    However, he cannot use the ...... beastmaster.

    He is the child of a northern nobleman and his concubine.

    In the northern countries, the warbeasts, mainly the foxes, raccoons and bears, dominate the humans.

    Even though he has inherited the physical strength of a warbeast,...... he was not treated well by his family because he looked human.

    Now ......, there are two ways for such a nobleman to rise in the world.

    One is to make a name for yourself as a merchant.

    The other is to lead mercenaries to make a name for themselves and serve in some country or ...... or to have their own territory.

    It''s one or the other.

    Stefan was not very interested in business, so he chose to become a soldier.

    And for five years now.

    Fortunately, he had military talent and made a good name for himself.

    And in the recent war in Taurica, he was in charge of a thousand men.

    The Lemurian army is on the move. They''re heading straight for us. There are about 400 of them. They''ll probably be here in three days.

    At the military conference, one of the vice generals spoke up first.

    He is a general sent from the interior of the Taurica Peninsula.

    He is a human being.

    How is the siege of ...... going?

    The commander-in-chief answered.

    He was a general hired by a powerful man on the coast of the Taurica Peninsula.

    He is also a human.

    I don''t think it will fall in at least three days. We''ll have to retreat ...... or break the siege and settle this in the field.

    Another vice-admiral replied.

    He is a nobleman invited as an advisor from the northern countries. ...... His race is the warbeast.

    The general then frowns in displeasure.

    "When did I ever ask you for your opinion?

    "Oh, excuse me.

    The second-in-command of the ...... warbeast nobility cowered at the general''s words.

    The meeting was tense.

    It was obvious that the two of them did not get along.

    It was no wonder. ......

    The general was uncomfortable with the nobleman interrupting him, and the warbeast nobleman''s second-in-command looked down on the general as a mercenary and a lowly human.

    Both of them do not try to hide it, so the ...... atmosphere will only get worse.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡It''s not too late to ask your opinion first!

    The second-in-command of the human race intervened and somehow managed to intervene.

    The human second-in-command intervened and somehow managed to intervene. He then looked around at the assembled thousand captains.

    "Does anyone have any opinions?

    The human second-in-command looked around with a look that said, "Anybody, anybody, raise your hand! The human second-in-command looked around.

    Stephan let out a sigh and then ......

    He raised his hand.

    "Stephan, please!

    Yes. I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea. ...... According to reports, the Lemurian army is made up of mercenaries and soldiers from allied countries, with the exception of cavalry and longbowmen. In other words, it is clear that the main force is not infantry, but cavalry. Therefore, you should avoid fighting in ...... unobstructed areas. If possible, you should choose a place such as a hill or a forest ...... or a river where the operation of cavalry can be hindered for the decisive battle.

    Well, it''s something that anyone can think of.

    If you stand out from the crowd, you may be struck down as a stake.

    Even if your opinion is adopted, you will not get the credit for it.

    The right answer is to say something bland.

    The important thing is not to say "this is good".

    If you say so, opposing opinions will erupt and you will be criticized.

    That opinion may or may not be correct.

    If your opinion is, "Isn''t a place like this better? would make it easier for the other captains to express their opinions.

    Thanks to Stefan''s opinion, the meeting started to run smoothly.

    But ...... a bomb was dropped here.

    I''ve been listening to you for a while now, and you''re talking about the cavalry strength gap.¡¡Are you trying to fight with us?

    One of the half-elven men said in a slightly irritated voice.

    He was large and had a stubbly beard.

    He was dressed in a less than flattering manner,......, and had the appearance of a barbarian.

    No, no, not at all. ......

    The second-in-command of the human race tries to calm the man down,.......

    The man stands up and turns on his heel.

    Let me know when you''ve got something to say. I''ll work for you if you pay me. If you give me money.

    The man says and walks away.

    Someone mutters to himself.

    "Who can trust a Cossack?

    Cossacks.

    Cossacks are a group of half-farming, half-pastoralist tribes that live in the Kumania plains north of the Taurica Peninsula.

    A group of nomadic tribes and their descendants who were displaced from their homelands for some reason by the Kingdom of Bulgalon or the Kuro Tongue.

    Bandits who fled from Lemuria or Fars.

    Farmers and fugitive slaves who ran away from their land and masters.

    In any case, it is a community of various statuses and races that have only one thing in common, that they were forced to leave their original homeland, and have gathered together in the plain of Cumania.

    Many of them are nomads, and many of them are skilled in mounted combat. ......

    They are often hired as mercenaries in the northern countries.

    However, because of their origins, ......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    "Hmm, leave them alone. People like that ......

    "Indeed.

    The general and the second-in-command of the warbeast nobility said.

    The general and the warbeast nobleman''s second-in-command seemed to have a strange rapport in that regard.

    In the meantime, the military discussion was over.

    Thus, the two armies gathered at Riveroche, the site of the decisive battle.

    The so-called "Battle of River Che" was about to begin.

    The small city-state of Riverche is located next to the Riverche River.

    It is not a great river, but it is the third largest river in the Taurica Peninsula.

    The two armies faced each other flanking the river.

    The positions of the two sides are as follows.

    River

    River o ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ o o o o

    River ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ

    River

    River

    River

    River

    river

    river

    River

    River ¡ø --¡ñ¡ñ ¡ø¡ø

    River ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    River -¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ-

    River --¡ô¡ô¡ô--

    River -¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ-

    River -¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï-

    River -¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö-

    ¨Œ...... Cossack Cavalry

    ¡õ...... Infantry

    ¡ø...... Medium Armored Cavalry (Cataphract)

    ...... mercenaries

    ¡ï...... allied forces

    ...... Tun troops

    ...... Shiro: Rebel Army, Kuro: Lemurian Army

    One unit per ...... symbol. One thousand men for rebels, one battalion for Lemurians.

    The ......- symbol is spread thinly, meaning that there are soldiers up to that area.

 106 Episode 13 Battle of Reache Introduction

    Hercule''s order to charge opened the door to war.

    First, he gave the order to the cataphracts on both flanks to charge.

    One squadron of left wing cataphracts and two squadrons of right wing cataphracts roared and charged.

    Against these are Cossacks hired by the rebels.

    They are not born cavalrymen, but they are made up of people who have ridden horses on a daily basis, so their quality is very high.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian medium cavalry (cataphracts) are well equipped and outnumbered, but ......

    On the other hand, the Lemurian medium cavalry (cataphracts) were well-equipped and outnumbered, but they were not able to push the Cossack cavalry because this was their first actual battle.

    On the left flank, they couldn''t fight as well as they wanted because of the river, and on the right flank, the Cossack cavalry was a little more numerous. ......

    On the right flank, the Cossack cavalry were a little more numerous, and overall, they were pushed back.

    "Hmm!¡¡No matter how good the equipment, the numbers, and the training, ...... there is no way that the fake cavalry can beat the real us!

    The Cossack sheik - the man who had left during the military conference - shouted as he ......

    The Cossack sheik - a man who had left the military council midway through the battle - shouted that he was going to defeat the Lemurian cavalry one after the other.

    His ancestors had originally been Bulgarian nobles. ......

    He is of a genuine nomadic family.

    Lemuria and Bulgalon are douceur enemies.

    Even if he is a descendant of a family that was expelled from Bulgalon, he is still a Bulgalon.

    And if the enemy was Lemuria, then that was reason enough to fight.

    I''m not sure if it''s because it''s my first real battle.¡¡I''m feeling a little overwhelmed. We need you to hang in there until the mission is over. ......

    Hercule listened to the report on the progress of the battle and then ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Should we have devoted a little more strength to the two wings?

    No, but the center needs a good amount of power, and ...... not too much power can be devoted to the two wings.

    Don''t worry, Your Majesty. It is true that we are being overwhelmed, but ...... the quality of our equipment is different. The enemy''s Cossacks are lightly armed and will die if they take a blow, but our medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) can withstand some attacks. They are quite tenacious.

    Edmond said to Hercule.

    Edmond is one of the generals who trained the Cataphracts.

    If Edmond says he''s okay, then he''s probably okay.

    Hercule decides not to send reinforcements.

    It is important to avoid the need to send in more troops.

    But even so, it looks like they''re struggling more than expected, so let''s cut the ...... schedule short and switch to attacking the center.

    Hercule said, ......

    A battalion of mercenaries in the front row was ordered to prepare for an assault.

    Their main weapons were swords, axes and short spears.

    As a rule, mercenaries should bring their own weapons.

    In the first place, if I gave them Lemurian pikes and halberds, they would not be able to use them.

    Let them use the weapons they are familiar with: ......

    Let them use the weapons they are familiar with and use them accordingly.

    "Your ...... Majesty. Mercenaries aren''t very strong, are they?

    Yes, they are.

    Hercule replies to Nia''s question.

    How do you plan to operate them?¡¡I''ve seen the ...... formation diagram, but I don''t really understand it. ...... Can you tell me?

    I''d like you to think about it until the end, personally.

    Hercule stroked Nia''s head as he said this.

    Well, I''ll give you a hint or two. Do you mind?¡¡There are many disadvantages to being a mercenary, but there are also ...... advantages.

    "Disadvantages ......?¡¡Well, what the hell is ...... that?

    That guy needs to think for himself. I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out. If you take the weaknesses of a mercenary and turn them around, they become strengths.

    A person who is kind to all people can be seen as indecisive.

    The opposite is also true.

    That''s the way things are.

    The other side of the mercenary''s disadvantage: ......The first disadvantage of a mercenary is ......, well, low skill, low morale. They loot at will and often don''t listen to orders. I don''t know how you can turn that around and not have it be an advantage. ......

    Nia groaned.

    And then he ...... punched his hand.

    I know!¡¡You mean ........................?

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction at Nia''s answer.

    That''s a good answer.

    While Nia was pondering, a battalion of ...... mercenaries was beginning their assault on the rebels.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    Charge!

    Shouting loudly, the mercenaries charged straight at the enemy.

    Then they came into contact with the enemy mercenaries. ......

    Whoa!

    I''m hit!

    They quickly disintegrated and came straight back.

    When Hercule saw this, he said.

    "Holy shit, you''re really not trying.

    He held his head.

    I''m very disappointed, because I had a little bit of hope that he might be able to fight bravely.¡¡I''m very disappointed, because I had a little bit of hope in my heart that he would fight bravely.

    But so far, so good.

    Now, on the other hand, the ...... rebels.

    It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. ...... What do you mean?

    Stephan, who was on the right flank of the rebel army, heard the report from the ......

    Stephan, who was on the right flank of the rebellion, heard the report from his messenger and tilted his head.

    He didn''t fight the battle himself, so he didn''t know. ...... Apparently, the mercenary troops of the Lemurian army were killed in an instant.

    Well, the fact that the mercenary troops were killed is not in itself questionable.

    What is questionable is why the Emperor of Lemuria, who is known as a great general, went on such a rampage.

    It is obvious that an assault by a thousand or so mercenaries would have destroyed them in an instant.

    In other words, ......

    We can assume that this is some kind of trap.

    But ......

    "What trap?

    "As expected, you''ve been caught.

    That''s right, they''re not acting, they''re really losing. They are.

    Hercule said in a disgusted voice.

    The mercenaries that were destroyed in the blink of an eye are fleeing straight towards us,.......

    The rebels also began to charge towards us in pursuit of the mercenaries.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    That''s true. It''s a terrible formation.

    In a moment, the mercenary troops collapsed and fled to us without any formation at all. ......

    The enemy mercenaries who started chasing them are also in a very bad shape.

    Fortunately for both sides, the ...... mercenaries are armed with axes and swords, not long spears like pikes.

    If they were armed with pikes, they would not be able to continue fighting once their formation was broken.

    If they were armed with pikes, they would not be able to continue fighting once their formation was broken.

    However, axes and swords are easy to handle and can be used ...... to fight in a melee to some extent even if the formation is broken.

    You''ll be able to get a lot more than just a spear.

    Even a weak soldier can fight with a long spear.

    This is a kind of truth and also a falsehood.

    It is true that each person''s bravery is not necessary, but ...... on the contrary, it is necessary to fight in unity, so the military training itself is more necessary.

    In order to march with a long and very heavy spear pointed at the enemy, you need to have a certain level of skill.

    At least, it is impossible for mercenaries who are like thieves.

    Well, thanks to the fact that he is a thief, he has a lot of combat experience.

    A sword or spear is more effective.

    So, Karolina ......, please take care of things as planned. By the way, ...... Nia, what about you?¡¡Do you want to stay with me or fight with Karolina? ......

    Hercule asked Nia.

    Nia thought for a while and then ......

    I''m going to go with the Empress.

    "All right. Carolina, take care of her.

    Yes, I know. ...... Stay close to me, okay?

    Karolina said. ......

    She joined the ranks of the Cataphracts.

    And a word.

    "Charge!

    At Carolina''s command, the medium-armored cavalry in the center and both wings of the cataphract began to charge at once.

    The medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) that Karolina directly commanded gradually increased their speed ......

    In the middle, they accelerated at once.

    And ......

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    We trampled down a mercenary force, including our allies (??????), that was closing in on our side.

 107 Episode 14 Battle of Reache

    The formation was completely broken, the mercenary troops, including friend and foe, were ......

    The mercenary troops, friend and foe alike, were blown to pieces by Carolina''s cataphract assault.

    They scattered at once: ......

    This time, they ran to the rebel side to escape the cataphracts.

    As the mercenaries fled to the rebel side, ......

    Once Carolina had formed her ranks, she charged ...... again toward the rebels.

    The series of actions taken by the Lemurian forces caused the ...... rebels to panic.

    First of all, the premise of the ...... assault by trampling down your allies is insane.

    The assault of the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) itself had been warned of, but at least they thought it was not ...... the right time.

    In addition, mercenary troops mixed with rebel Lemurian troops fled in disorder to the rebel side, causing a virtual shootout that ...... threw the frontline troops into chaos.

    The front line troops were in a state of confusion. "The cataphracts are coming!

    Get the spearmen to the front!¡¡Hurry up!

    The rebels managed to clear away the fleeing mercenaries from the ...... despite the chaos, and sent the spear troops forward to counter the Cataphracts and Cribanarius.

    The spearmen thrust their spears forward in unison and wait for ...... Carolina''s medium cavalry (cataphracts).

    The Lemurian army led by Carolina showed no sign of fear in response. ......

    The Lemurian army, led by Carolina, showed no sign of fear and pushed straight ahead.

    And ......

    The middle-armored cavalry (cataphracts) came to a sudden halt just in time to come into contact with the spearmen.

    Then Carolina gave the order.

    "Open fire!

    The medium-armored cavalrymen (cataphracts) took up their bows and fired arrows one after another.

    The first line shoots an arrow and retreats, the second line shoots an arrow and retreats......, and so on, switching lines one after another, the cavalry attacked in waves.

    With thousands of arrows intermittently showered on them, ......

    The rebels'' skill level is not high enough to maintain the spear bedding under intermittent fire of thousands of arrows.

    In no time at all, the spear bedding collapsed.

    And at the exact same time that the spear bedding collapsed, ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Karolina pulled out her contracted spirit, Eligos, and charged the rebels.

    The middle-armored cavalry (cataphracts) instantly blew the confused spearmen to the rear and ......

    It was as if they were hit by a hammer.

    As if struck by a hammer, the belly of the formation was greatly depressed.

    "Aaah!

    Run, run!

    Help me!

    You can''t run away!¡¡Fight!

    The rebel mercenary captains were shouting and trying to stop the mercenaries and make them fight.

    "Surround them!¡¡If we cut off their path of retreat, even the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) will ...... be able to escape!

    "It''s not that easy.

    It''s not that easy." Carolina cut down the mercenary captain who was making a lot of noise and then ordered the ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    The cataphracts are retreating like a receding wave.

    Never go deep.

    That''s what my father taught me.

    "What will you do now, Empress?

    Nia asked Karolina.

    Her hair is wet with blood from killing some of the enemy soldiers.

    I''m going to turn around and go to the aid of my friends on the left flank.

    Carolina replied. ......

    True to her word, she turned and headed for the ...... left flank.

    "You''re even better than I thought you were, Carolina. You are indeed the daughter of Galfis.

    That''s right. That father and daughter are geniuses when it comes to cavalry operations.

    Seeing the medium-armored cavalry (cataphract) led by Carolina shoot ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    The medium cavalry (cataphracts) are lightly armed compared to the heavy cavalry (cribanarius).

    Instead, they are capable of ranged attacks with bows.

    They can be used to break up a formation with cavalry fire and then charge the enemy. ......

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will help you out.

    That''s right. It''s also a great way to make sure that you''re getting the most out of your investment. The only one who can use it to that extent is Her Highness the Empress at present.

    While the two of them were talking like this, ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following tips.

    Prepare to assault. ...... Do you know what will happen if they try to run back?

    The mercenaries shuddered at Hercule''s order. ......

    The mercenaries shuddered.

    The mercenaries shuddered. ...... They were also very aware of the presence of the longbow troops behind them.

    If they hesitated to charge, even for a moment, their arrows would pierce their backs.

    The mercenaries were keenly aware of this.

    "God be with us.

    Hercule began to pray to God.

    Starting with that, ...... the Lemurian longbowmen and Tunda soldiers also began to chant loudly.

    "God be with us.

    "God be with us.

    "God be with us.

    The ...... Alliance soldiers, caught up in the momentum, began chanting.

    "God be with us.

    ""God is with us."

    "God is with us." "God is with us.

    The atmosphere is such that the ...... mostly non-Messianic mercenaries also chant in a desperate manner.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸ God be with us ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸ God be with us ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸ God be with us ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    And ......

    "Commence the assault!

    Hercule''s command echoed across the battlefield.

    And ......

    "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

    I don''t give a shit!

    f*ck!¡¡I''m going home alive, and I''m getting married!

    The mercenaries half-cry as they charge into the rebel army.

    The mercenaries half-cried as they charged the rebels, just as Carolina was completing her retreat and turning.

    At the same time as the rear line of Carolina''s cataphracts completed their turn and headed for the left flank, the front line of mercenaries passed by where the cataphracts had been turning.

    And in turn, the mercenaries rushed into the hole that the Cataphract had made.

    "Push it open!

    Forward, forward!

    Push back!

    Seal the hole!

    The Lemurian mercenaries and the rebel mercenaries are pushing each other.

    The rebels manage to push back the Lemurian mercenaries and prevent them from attacking, but ......

    Without pause, five battalions of Lemurian mercenaries charge the rebels.

    The rebels were forced to fight a series of battles against the brand new, still healthy and brand new soldiers.

    The second wave went well, didn''t it?

    Yeah. ...... Four battalions in the first wave, five battalions in the second. And ...... the third wave will be the allied forces, which have higher morale than the mercenaries, and the fourth wave will be the assault of the Tunda soldiers, which have higher morale and skill. Well, to tell you the truth, five more battalions of the Central Army would have been perfect. No need to be extravagant.

    What Hercule is doing is called a ...... wave attack.

    The tactic is to divide into multiple units and attack the same target in succession, ...... giving the enemy no time to rest.

    It is easier said than done.

    If the timing and the division of forces are wrong, it may lead to individual defeats. ......

    It is a tactic that requires an accurate understanding of the enemy and your own forces and a flexible response.

    Now, ...... let''s get closer to the enemy before the third and fourth factions attack.

    The entire Lemurian army began to march slowly.

    Now, Carolina, who had turned and moved to the left flank, ......

    She divided her troops in two.

    Two-thirds of the cavalry were ordered to fight the Cossack cavalry: ......

    One-third of the cavalry, led directly by Carolina, was ordered to cross the river.

    Well, ...... why do we have to cross the river?¡¡Just charge straight into it. ......

    I don''t care. Just shut up and watch.

    Karolina told Nia, ......

    The rebels'' Cossacks, however, are not the only ones who have been attacked.

    Then they attacked the flank of the rebel Cossack cavalry.

    Unable to resist the cavalry attacking from the river one after another, the rebel right wing Cossack cavalry was destroyed.

    It''s amazing ...... that all we have to do now is attack the flanks!

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    What are you talking about? It''s not over yet. Leave three battalions of ...... and the remaining five battalions will follow me.

    Karolina said and ......

    They began to move again.

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 108 Episode 15 Battle of Reache

    Now that Carolina has destroyed the rebel right wing Cossack cavalry and started to move again, ......

    The Lemurian army has been pushing mercenary troops as pawns.

    The Lemurian army was pushing in mercenary troops that were treated as pawns, further widening the hole that Carolina had opened with the allied forces.

    As a result, the center of the Lemurian army was deeply embedded in the center of the rebel army.

    If the enemy attacked from both sides at this rate, ...... they would naturally be surrounded and annihilated.

    That''s why Hercule instructed Edmond at this point.

    Edmond, you cover the right flank. I''ll take care of the center and left flanks.

    It''s going to be a lot of work for you, ...... if you don''t mind.

    The rebels'' right wing cavalry has already been wiped out. The threat to the left wing is minimal.

    Edmond nodded, "I see. ......

    I''ll start following my lord''s orders.

    At this point, Hercule and Edmond gave orders to the last group of Tonden soldiers, who had not participated in the battle until now, to ...... move them to the two flanks.

    This is a strategy to prevent the enemy from encircling and annihilating us by protecting our flanks with more skilled Tonten soldiers than mercenaries or allied troops.

    At the same time, they also moved longbowmen to ......

    While having the Tonden soldiers protect them, I ordered them to fire on both flanks of the enemy that had begun to move to surround the Lemurian army.

    With these attacks and defenses, ......

    These attacks and defenses stalled the two wings of the rebel army that were encircling the Lemurian army.

    In addition, the Cossack cavalry on the right flank of the rebel army was destroyed by ...... Karolina, and three battalions of the left flank of the medium cavalry (cataphracts), separated from the main force led by Karolina, began attacking the right flank of the rebel army. ......

    The right flank of the rebel army began to fall apart rapidly.

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    Meanwhile, the medium armored cavalry (Cataphract) led by Carolina crushed the rebel right wing Cossack cavalry, then crossed the battlefield behind the rebels to ......

    The Lemurian right flank medium cavalry (cataphracts) launched a surprise attack behind the rebel left flank Cossack cavalry engaged in battle.

    The rebel Cossacks are thrown into chaos by the cataphracts that suddenly appear behind them.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian right wing cataphracts were boosted by the unexpected reinforcements. ......

    They went on the offensive at once.

    The Cossack cavalry, sandwiched between the cataphracts from the front and the back, were killed ...... before they could adjust their stance.

    The Cossack cavalry, flanked by cataphracts from the front and back, were taken out before they could get into position.

    I''m not going to let a Lemurian cavalryman defeat my genuine cavalryman!¡¡Fight back!

    The Cossack sheik shouted, ......

    The Cossack sheik shouted and ordered his men to stop and fight.

    The Cossack sheik shouted and ordered his men to stop and fight, but no one listened to the Cossack sheik''s words because the formation was already broken.

    The Cossack sheik gritted his teeth and said ......

    In desperation, the Cossack sheik charged the Lemurian army.

    The Cossack sheik shouted, "I can''t lose to Lemurian cavalry!

    The Cossack sheik shouted as he did so. ......

    The Cossack sheikh shouted and raised his sword at the nearest girl, a small girl named Nia.

    But the sword did not slice through Nia''s body.

    Before the sword could be swung down, ......

    The knife that Nia threw pierced the throat of the Cossack sheik.

    Clawing at his throat, the Cossack sheik fell from his horse and ......

    After struggling for a while, he died.

    "Well done, Nia. That was probably one of the enemy generals.

    "Oh, really?¡¡Well, ...... what do you do in this situation?

    "The enemy general has been defeated by Nia Lucarios!¡¡"The enemy general has been defeated by Nia Lucarios!

    "Well, ...... the enemy general has been defeated by Nia Lucarios!

    A little embarrassed, Nia shouted.

    The Cossack cavalry on the left flank of the rebel army has also been eliminated,......, and both flanks and rear of the rebel army have been stripped bare.

    Well, ...... we''re going to split up again and attack the rear, aren''t we?

    "Yes, that''s right. You''re starting to get the idea. I''ll leave ...... three battalions. The remaining four battalions will follow me. We''ll assault the enemy''s rear!

    Thus, Carolina and Nia move to the rear of the insurgents with four battalions.

    The rebels are flanked on both sides by three battalions, and in the rear by four battalions of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts).

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    Charge!

    Karolina then launched a raid on the defenseless back of the rebel army.

    At the same time, the middle cavalry (cataphracts) on both flanks also attacked. ......

    In addition, Hercule and Edmond ordered a general attack on the central infantry.

    Thus, the rebels came under strong pressure from both inside and outside. ......

    Finally, it burst.

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    Victory or defeat has been decided.

    With the center divided, the rebel chain of command was completely destroyed.

    It was no longer an army, but a mere mob.

    As the rebels fled, Carolina led her cataphract cavalry in a relentless pursuit. ......

    She crushed most of them with her horse''s hooves.

    Later, the plains were filled with the dead bodies of the rebels.

    The Battle of Riverche

    Lemurian Empire and Taurian Peninsula Alliance vs.

    Lemurian Empire

    Main commanders: ...... Hercule I, Carolina Yulianos, Edmond Erdemort, (Lunalie Yulianos).

    Troops: Medium armored cavalry: approx. 120

    Archers: approx. 360

    Tonten soldiers: approx. 600

    Allied Forces approx. 600

    Mercenaries: approx. 120

    Total: approx. 396,000

    Losses: Medium cavalry: approx. 300

    Archers: 0

    Tunnelsmen approx. 100

    Allied Forces approx. 600

    Mercenaries: approx. 700

    Total: approx. 800

    Remaining medium cavalry: approx. 11700

    Archers approx. 360

    Tun Tin Tin soldiers approx. 590

    Allied Forces approx. 540

    Mercenary troops approx. 500

    Total: approx. 31600

    Taurica Allied Forces (Rebel Army)

    Major commanders: ...... Stefan Sheikoski, etc.

    Troops: Infantry (mercenaries) Approx. 26000

    Cossack cavalry (mercenaries) Approx. 400

    Total: approx. 300

    Losses: Infantry (mercenaries): casualties: about 100, prisoners of war: about 100, escape: about 600

    Cossack cavalry (mercenaries) Casualties: approx. 200 casualties, prisoners of war: approx. 200

    Total: approx. 300

    Remaining infantry (mercenaries) 0

    Cossack cavalry (mercenaries) 0

    Total 0

    Remarks: The function of the army has been destroyed.

    However, the 600 mercenaries who escaped are regrouping, so they were not wiped out.

    Result: Victory for the Lemurian Empire.

    Impact The Lemurian Empire''s influence in the Taurian Peninsula and the north expanded.

    Historical Significance Promoted Messianization in the North

 109 Episode 16 Karol Village Attack and Defense

    "Good, good, good. Our losses are only 100 Tundan soldiers and 300 medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts). Both of which can be quickly replenished.

    "...... Don''t casually leave out the allied and mercenary armies, Your Majesty. Half of the mercenaries are dead.

    After the recovery of the dead and wounded and the escort of the prisoners was completed, Carolina commented on Hercule''s words.

    In fact, the losses of the mercenaries are considerable.

    Mercenaries are not part of our army. In the first place, mercenaries are disposable. Dying is their job.

    Well, I understand what you''re saying. ......

    Hercule thought that mercenaries were like disposable cameras.

    It is a foolish act to expect image quality from a disposable camera.

    The advantage of disposable cameras is that they can be used and discarded.

    The same is true of mercenaries.

    Compared to standing armies and citizen armies, their morale and skill level are lower.

    However, like standing armies, they do not cost money to maintain, and like citizen armies, their mobilization does not affect the country''s industry.

    Unlike standing armies, which cost more to train than anything else, or citizen armies, where soldiers are citizens, there is little chance of affecting national power no matter how many die, and as long as you have the money, you can hire and replenish as many as you like.

    If you use it on the premise that it is disposable from the start, it is not a bad army.

    Or rather, if you think about the fact that you will have to pay them later: ......

    It is more profitable for you to die and reduce your numbers.

    So ...... what do you want to do after this?¡¡Your Majesty. Should we invade the interior?

    "Well, I''m still a little nervous about going on the offensive with useless mercenaries. Let''s just wipe out the rebel forces from the coast for now. In a few months, the siege of Rosa Island will be over, and after that, we''ll make a full-scale invasion of the interior.

    Hercule then recommended that the city-states that had rebelled this time surrender.

    If you give us the ringleaders of the rebellion, we will forgive you this time only.

    But if you don''t give us the ringleaders, we will kill all the inhabitants of the ...... city.

    The deadline is four months from now at .......

    This proclamation made the inhabitants of the Taurica Peninsula, friend and foe alike, tremble.

    Because it was known by the allied soldiers who served in ...... that Hercule had mercilessly crushed the fleeing mercenaries with his cavalry.

    That man is serious.

    All the inhabitants were convinced.

    As a result, the leading figures were captured by the inhabitants and ......

    They were presented to Hercule.

    All the inhabitants of the Taurian coast pledged their allegiance and obedience to Hercule.

    Meanwhile, the interior of the Taurica Peninsula was divided into two factions.

    The pro-Lemurian faction, which believed that there was no way to win the war against Hercule, and that the only way was to surrender and be granted some of the rights, and the anti-Lemurian faction, which believed that there was still a need to resolutely resist.

    In this situation, it would be impossible to act in unison.

    Hercule saw this as an opportunity and went to ......

    Erkur saw this as an opportunity and launched a campaign against each of the city-states, steadily carving out the interior of the Taurian Peninsula.

    Now, what to do: ......

    Stefan Sheikoski was troubled.

    Stefan had been in charge of the rebels'' right flank infantry, but had started to retreat when the right flank cavalry had been destroyed by ...... Carolina.

    The generals ordered them to stand still, but ......

    Stefan dared to ignore this and advised the generals to retreat.

    But it was not accepted.

    From Stefan''s point of view, the formation was as good as bankrupt when the right flank cavalry was already destroyed.

    After this, the medium cavalry (cataphracts) led by Carolina would move in behind him and destroy the left flank cavalry.

    If this happens, it is obvious that the flanks and rear will be attacked by cataphracts.

    Therefore, it was Stefan''s opinion that we should retreat ...... while the damage was small, but it was not accepted.

    He had no choice but to quickly escape with his men.

    Then, as expected, the rebel army was destroyed.

    That''s what happens when you pull the trigger wrong,......, Stefan sneered in his mind.

    Now, here''s the problem.

    By the time Stephan left, the number of soldiers under his command had been reduced to 800.

    However, by combining the rebel soldiers who escaped from there, ......

    The number of soldiers had reached 400.

    Fearing that they would be killed by Hercule, the mercenaries took refuge with Stephan, who was currently alive and had a certain number of troops.

    As Stefan, there was nothing to be gained by helping them, so he wanted to get rid of them, and at first he did. ......

    But like baby birds following their parents, they followed Stefan.

    I had no choice but to take care of them.

    If they were baby birds, they would be cute, but they were nothing but cute mercenaries.

    It''s not good for Stefan.

    The first thing that needs to be solved immediately is ......

    The first thing we need to do is to secure food and other supplies.

    The next step is to get out of the Lemurian Empire''s territory and retreat to the interior of the Taurian Peninsula.

    The mercenaries will be relieved if we retreat that far.

    The former can be solved by looting the villages.

    Or rather, there is no other way.

    As for the latter, ...... mercenaries march at an extremely slow pace.

    At best, they can advance 10 kilometers a day.

    Can they really escape? ......

    Stefan wasn''t so sure.

    It''s true that the Lemurian army is also made up of mercenaries.

    But they have cavalry.

    Cavalry can easily march twenty or thirty kilometers in a day.

    In addition, mercenaries are not skilled enough to take on medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts).

    If they meet on the plains, they will inevitably be defeated.

    So, the possible options are ......

    A group of mercenaries have taken over the village. ...... Interesting.

    Hercule looked at the map and listened to the report. ......

    A smile appeared on his face.

    The village that the mercenaries are occupying is located about two days from the city of Rivertche, where Hercule is currently located.

    That''s puzzling. I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will help you.

    Karolina tilted her head.

    In response to Karolina, ...... Hercule shook his head.

    "Look closely. This village ...... is surrounded by forests and rivers. The only area where there are no forests or rivers is on a slope, and there are differences in elevation. And the village itself is of a certain size.

    The only part of the village without forests and rivers is a slope, and the village itself is of a certain size. You mean ...... cavalry protection?

    I suppose. He probably thought that if he ran away, they would catch up with him. ...... I guess they took a gamble. They want to make peace with me.

    If you try to escape, ...... the cataphracts will eventually catch up with you.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    But if you fight them properly, you will still be defeated.

    The best option is to hunker down in a relatively defensible place and try to get Hercule to concede. ......

    This is the best option.

    "So, Your Majesty,......, what should we do?

    If I give in to a mercenary, it''s on my face. Let''s get rid of them as soon as possible.

    Hercule said and stood up.

    Just when the mercenaries have been rehired and reorganized, the ...... army is back on its feet.

    Just in time.

    "Let''s go. All troops, move out.

    Captain, are you sure this is a good idea?

    Yeah, no problem.

    Following Stefan''s orders: ......

    The mercenaries were destroying the houses in the village.

    They used them to make fences and stakes to strengthen the village''s defenses.

    Some were digging trenches.

    "Look, if you don''t want to die, move your hands. We can''t escape like this. If you run with a few, you will be lynched by your neighbors. If you run with hundreds, you will be overrun by cataphracts. There''s no way out for you now. You have no choice but to stay here.

    Stephan told the mercenaries over and over again.

    The mercenaries don''t want to die either.

    The mercenaries have low morale and are quick to flee ...... because they are afraid for their lives.

    Nowadays, if you don''t fight, if you don''t work, you die.

    Only in times like these is the morale of the mercenaries high.

    Well, if they had shown it in the battle of Riveroche, this would not have happened.

    But I guess that''s too late now.

    "But are you sure, Captain? Wouldn''t it have been better to let the people go and kill ...... them?

    "Do you think you can kill all those people?¡¡If the Emperor of Lemuria is going to hear about it, it''s best to make it look as good as possible.

    Stephan used force to force the inhabitants to leave.

    Those who resisted were killed, of course, but he ordered his mercenaries to leave those who fled quietly untouched.

    There was an idea to capture them as hostages, but ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria is not the kind of person who would be moved by a hostage, so I decided against it.

    If anything, he''d probably shoot the hostages through.

    The so-called "Battle of Karol Village" was about to begin.

 110 Episode 17 Karol Village Attack and Defense

    "Hmmm, that''s troublesome. ......

    Hercule muttered, looking at the village of Karol from a distance.

    Nia stands tall beside Hercule and asks .......

    "Where is it?¡¡Your Majesty.

    ''The fences and trenches. The front is double and the sides are thin ...... with a river in the opposite direction. To be honest, I didn''t expect it to be so well fortified. At least the medium cavalry (cataphracts) are absolutely useless.

    If you use cataphracts, you''ll be like some French knight: ......

    If you use cataphracts, you''re sure to end up like some French knight.

    Furthermore, ...... look closely. Trenches and fences don''t just enclose a village. Some of them are distorted, aren''t they?

    "...... Yes, they are. Some of them look weak in places. ...... Is this a design error?

    I''m sure you''re right," he said, shaking his head.

    No, no. It was intentional. It was a deliberate attempt to create a weak point and concentrate troops on it. Surround and annihilate the enemy forces gathered there. That''s how it''s structured. The enemy mercenary captain has a very good sense of humor.

    I see. ......

    Nia carefully observes the fortified village.

    It is rare for Hercule to praise the enemy.

    A little ...... jealousy came over Nia.

    "Nia, how would you attack?

    In response to Hercule''s question, Nia thought for a moment and then ......

    "I don''t think you can feed ...... them. You''d have to loot them for food. We''d run out of food faster than they would.

    "Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. ...... looting, ...... looting, ...... looting!

    At the moment he said this, Hercule felt an intense pain in his shin.

    He jumped up.

    "What are you doing, Lunalie?

    You did it in Khayastan.

    You did it in Hayastan.

    You did the same thing in Hayastan." Lunalie turned away.

    Forcibly collecting from villages for food: ......

    This is what Hercule did in Hayastan and Fars.

    "It''s okay that mine is righteous plunder.

    "You''re too thick-skinned for your own good. ......

    Lunalee shouted in disgust.

    While the couple was doing this, Nia was pondering ......

    It''s a good idea.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. If we surround them, it may lead to the dispersion of our forces. The question is where to concentrate your forces. ...... But fighting across the river is a fool''s errand. It is a fool''s errand. On the other hand, it would be difficult to cross the forest behind the river. It is impossible to operate a large army in the forest. Then, the only way to attack is from the front.

    Hercule replied to Nia''s reply with satisfaction.

    "Yes, you''re right. That''s ninety points. ...... By the way, where do you think the other ten points are?

    "...... I don''t know. Can you tell me?

    That''s going to fail. At least the mercenaries will be devastated. They may be mercenaries, but they are dead soldiers. They''ll fight to the death. On the other hand, these are mercenaries with low morale. They''ll think they can beat us at random anyway, so we won''t be able to make any progress.

    I see. ......

    Nia nodded.

    Even though they are mercenaries, the morale ...... of the attackers and the defenders is different.

    I completely overlooked that.

    So what ...... should I do to get a hundred points?

    "It''s impossible, so give up and make peace. If we save their lives, they''ll disarm. To be frank, the benefits of dropping that village are outweighed by the damage.

    "...... What?

    Nia looked surprised.

    In other words, Hercule determined that ...... it was virtually impossible to conquer.

    In a way, it was almost a declaration of defeat.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    Lunalie also looked a little surprised.

    In any case, Lunalie has faith in Hercule''s ability itself.

    Yeah, well, I''m only human.

    Aren''t you God''s agent on earth?

    "An agent, yes, a person.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    As a human being, you are limited in what you can do.

    I''m sorry, but God didn''t give me any cheat abilities.

    "Well, it''s a decent way to go.

    "...... a decent way?

    Yeah. I''m just scoring it on the basis of normal military tactics. Of course I''m not going to concede. So I''m definitely going to bring that village down.

    Hercule grinned.

    "Listen, Nia. A real great general doesn''t aim for a hundred points, he aims for a hundred and twenty.

    The troops that Hercule brought this time are exactly the same as the troops in the battle of River Che ......, that is, about 120 medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts), about 360 longbow troops, about 600 Tunda soldiers, about 600 allied troops, and about 120 mercenary troops.

    The total was about 396,000.

    On the other hand, the defending force consisted of 400 infantry mercenaries.

    I thought he would be a bit more rational, but ...... he has more self-esteem than I thought. You''re not going to give in to mercenaries,....... Well, I expected that, but ...... this is going to be bad if we don''t stick around long enough.

    While looking at the Lemurian army starting to form up,......

    Stephan muttered.

    To be frank, there is no advantage to capturing this village militarily.

    Politically, too, there would be little.

    The question is the mood and feelings of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    I don''t know how this will turn out.

    In this world, the more you lose, the more upset you become and the more obsessed you become.

    An example of such a person is a student who has been wandering for a long time.

    In the middle of the exam, they start to say, "Since I have wasted so much time, I have no choice but to aim at ...... medical school! There are not a few students in the world who start to say "I have to go for medical school because I have wasted so much time!

    If you don''t succeed after three attempts, it is better to lower your goal and assume that you won''t succeed on the fourth attempt.

    The world is not so naive that you will be rewarded for your efforts.

    The same is true of this village that Stephan has fortified.

    The sides are protected by the river.

    Because of the forest in the rear, it is almost impossible to advance. Even if they do, they can be defeated individually.

    The front of the village has been carefully defended.

    At the very least, it would take a great deal of sacrifice to bring down this village.

    So Stefan thought.

    What will the Emperor of Lemuria do? ......

    Stefan observed the enemy''s formation.

    The Emperor of Lemuria had his mercenaries in the front line and his longbow troops behind them.

    The allied forces and the Tundan soldiers are in the rear.

    What this means is: ......

    First, attack with disposable mercenaries under the support of longbow troops.

    Then the Alliance, and finally the Tonten.

    It was just as Stephan had imagined.

    We''ll be fine.

    We can send at least eight hundred people to the other side.

    Stephan smiled.

    All he had to do was wait for the Emperor of Lemuria to give up or for a feeling of war weariness to spread throughout the army.

    The signal to start the war came from the arrows fired by the Lemurian longbow troops.

    The arrows poured into the village like rain.

    But ......, many of them did not hit the rebel mercenaries.

    First of all, because of the distance ......

    Secondly, because the rebel soldiers are hidden behind shields.

    By peeling off the wood used for the walls and floors of the house and putting it up ......

    This is to hide themselves and prevent arrows from hitting them.

    Now, at the same time that the ...... arrows are being fired, the mercenaries of the Lemurian army also begin to march.

    But they weren''t making good progress either.

    The trenches and fences hindered their advance.

    While they were struggling, a rebel soldier hit his head on a stone thrown by a makeshift stone thrower and ...... fell to the ground.

    Don''t think of it as just a stone.

    If it hits you in the stomach, your internal organs will rupture.

    And if it hits your head, you die instantly.

    Of course, the range is not as far as longbow troops. ......

    It is superior to the longbow in that it can be used by anyone and has a reasonable hit rate.

    In addition, the trenches and fence structures that Stephan had created were really troublesome.

    If you keep moving in the direction that is easy to advance, you will always find yourself isolated from the enemy.

    There, you will be surrounded and killed by multiple soldiers.

    In addition, soldiers are moving around inside the fortress. ......

    From the point of view of the mercenaries of the Lemurian army, it looks as if the enemy soldiers suddenly jump out.

    That day, the Lemurian army ended up with more than a thousand corpses.

    "That''s great, Captain!

    It looks like we''ll win if we keep this up!

    The mercenaries flattered Stephan.

    He had fought so well against the Lemurian Emperor .......

    The mercenaries, who had experienced a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Riveroche, saw Stefan as a god of war.

    But Stefan''s face was not so bright.

    (Don''t tell me you''re not desperate, Emperor Lemuria ......?

    The Emperor of Lemuria is not a fool.

    But not being stupid is not equal to being rational.

    Even if you are smart, you can make irrational decisions based on your temporary emotions.

    If the Lemurian emperor had fallen into such a state, ......

    If the Emperor of Lemuria is in such a state, no amount of creating corpses will help.

    In the end, it is Stephan and his men who will be defeated.

    I hope ...... this works.

    Stephan muttered.

    Well, ......

    Two or three more days of similar attacks followed.

    The Lemurian army had already lost two hundred and fifty men in the battle so far.

    Stefan and his men have so far lost 500 men.

    While the morale of the Lemurian army is declining, the morale of Stefan and his soldiers is rising.

    The rebel soldiers are going crazy. ......

    While the rebel soldiers are in a frenzy, Stefan''s face remains unchanged.

    But on the fourth day of the ...... campaign, Stefan''s worries were lifted.

    Because ......

    The village of Karol had fallen.

 111 Episode 18 Karol Village Attack and Defense Rush *

    Now ......

    Under Hercule''s orders, Carolina arrived at the forest behind the village of Karol, leading 12,000 medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts).

    Since she left Hercule before arriving at Karol village, Stefan assumed that Hercule had not brought any cataphracts with him.

    "Now, everyone, please dismount and tie yourselves to the trees near ....... I''ll leave you two hundred to look after the horses and guard them.

    Carolina said, dismounting and ......

    She then dismounted and tied the horse to a tree.

    Then she took off her armor.

    Please take off your armor, too, except for the ...... breastplate, which is the only part that protects your vitals.

    Following Carolina''s orders, the soldiers took off their armor.

    The soldiers wondered what the Empress intended ......, but obeyed the order.

    And please leave your ...... lances and maces behind. We are only equipped with swords and bows.

    Then Carolina said ...... as she walked towards the forest.

    I''m sure you''ve all climbed a tree or two as a child,......, since you''re Elves.¡¡Don''t tell me you can''t ...... do that.

    Hearing Carolina''s words,......

    The soldiers finally understood the intention.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following.

    Some of the soldiers were looking down at the whole thing as they advanced over the trees. ......

    It''s a good idea to keep your eyes on the road.

    The Elves originally lived in the trees.

    It is certainly difficult to march through the forest without breaking formation, but it is not ...... impossible.

    For three days, they carefully pushed through the forest ......

    Finally, early in the morning of the fourth day, we came up behind the village of Karol.

    As Hercule had predicted, there were no trenches dug behind the village.

    All that was left was a simple fence.

    Rather than being careless ......, they did not have the time or labor to spare.

    Instead, about 200 soldiers were posted as guards.

    Even if the soldiers marched through the forest, ......

    Even if the soldiers march through the forest, the formation is broken when they come out of the forest.

    Stephan thought it would be no problem if he could find them quickly and destroy them individually.

    Of course, if it was a warbeast or a human, he would be right.

    But the ...... opponent was an elf.

    They used to live in the woods.

    That''s what Stefan failed to realize.

    The battle began with the sound of arrows shooting through the air.

    First, Karolina climbed to the top of the tree and shot an arrow with her arrowhead. ......

    In that direction, 10,000 elves shot arrows from the top of the tree, the top, the middle, the bottom, and the ground.

    It is a short bow for riding, so it has a shorter range than the bows used by longbow troops. ......

    It is a compound bow, so the arrow flies much farther than a normal bow.

    The arrows rain down on the soldiers on guard.

    By the time you have wiped out 200 soldiers, ......

    About 100 enemy reinforcements arrived.

    Again, we showered them with arrows.

    They also threw stones in response. ......

    They can''t hit the elves lurking in the forest, and ...... their distance is different.

    After the arrows were shot, Karolina pulled out her weapon spirit, Eligos, and ......

    She landed from the top of the tree.

    As if on cue, the elves drew their swords and attacked at once.

    The Elves are strong in the trees, but ......

    Naturally, they are also strong on the plains.

    Using their long arms and legs, the elves overwhelmed the mercenaries with their swords.

    In addition to the difference in physical ability and numbers,......

    In addition to the difference in physical ability and numbers, there is also the difference between those who have received formal military training and those who are self-taught .......

    The mercenaries were being cut down one by one.

    And when Karolina moved into close combat, ......

    Hercule also launched an all-out attack.

    This time, not only the mercenaries, but also the Tonden and allied soldiers joined in. ......

    It was a simultaneous attack from the front and from both sides across the river.

    If we send troops to the front and sides, ......

    If you send troops to the front and flanks, they will not be able to withstand an attack from behind.

    But if you send men behind you, the front and flanks will be breached.

    Stefan was completely trapped.

    Thus, ......

    The Lemurian army regained the village of Karol with only a loss of 250 mercenaries: ......

    They killed 200 mercenaries and took 200 prisoners.

    "You''ve given me a lot of trouble, Stefan Sheikoski.

    "......

    After Stefan was interrogated, he was given an audience with Hercule.

    Of course, he was tied up with ropes ...... with Nia behind him and Karolina next to Hercule.

    Even if Stefan had a knife hidden in his hand, ......

    If you''re not sure what to do, just ask.

    But since he was stripped naked and checked for weapons before the audience,......

    It''s an impossible assumption to make in the first place.

    The mercenaries you captured ...... seemed to adore you a great deal. It''s rare for mercenaries to adore individuals. Is that a virtue of yours?

    "...... I''m honored by your compliment. Your Majesty.

    Stephan bowed lightly to Hercule.

    Of course,......, the expression on his face was cloudy and he did not look flattered.

    The strategic point of view is not so bad, but that defensive position ...... tactical ability, that''s a rare talent. I''m not saying that even I can''t make something that strong ......, but I''d have a hard time making it.

    "Ha, ha, .......

    The emperor hates to lose. ......

    Stephan thought, but did not say it.

    And for a mercenary, he''s a very loyal one. You should have escaped on your own, but ...... you obeyed your employer''s orders and led your men to fight to the end.

    "......

    You''re mistaken.

    I was troubled by the fact that you followed me on your own.

    Stefan was going to say, ...... but he felt it would be better not to say it because of the atmosphere, so he did not say it.

    "Well, it''s a bit of a roundabout way of saying ......

    Hercule walked up to Stefan and ......

    He pulled out his sword.

    Stephan closed his eyes in determination.

    But ......

    But the pain he was expecting didn''t come.

    When he opened his eyes, he saw ......

    The rope had been cut and the restraints had been released.

    Hercule reached out his hand to Stefan.

    "Stefan Sheikoski. I give you the honor of becoming my vassal.

    "Vassal?

    That''s when the first ......

    Stefan realized that he was being recruited.

    His heart burned ...... and he felt as if something was rising from deep within him.

    The Lemurian Empire ...... is one of the world''s greatest superpowers.

    It was a direct invitation from the emperor of that country.

    How could I not be happy?

    And for Stephan, who was looking for ...... success in life, there was no reason to refuse.

    There is no better place to serve.

    It''s a great honor, sir!¡¡By all means!

    That''s good to know.

    Hercule smiled and ......

    He grabbed Stefan''s hand and pulled him away.

    Stephan Shaykoski.

    A half-human, half-warbeast.

    Served in the Taurica Rebellion as a rebel mercenary.

    He was recruited directly by Emperor Hercule to join the Lemurian army after the defeat at the Battle of Karol Village.

    His nickname is "The Snowman.

    He is one of the Seventeen Pillars of the Emperor Hercule.

    By the way, what would you have done with me if I had refused?

    Nia would have jumped on your head at the first sign of hesitation.

    Yeah, ....... (You can''t just show hesitation, .......)

    There is nothing more terrifying than a competent person who is not on your side.

    If you don''t join us, we''ll kill you.

    That is the man called Hercule.

    Now, three months later: ......

    At about the same time as the turmoil along the coast of Taurica was ending, there was movement on the island of Rosa.

    At last, the Rosa pirates surrendered.

 112 Episode 19: Battle of Rhosa Island Vol.7 "Rhosa Kn...

    "So, Oskar. I''ve read the report, but ...... let me hear it from you, just in case.

    After returning to the island of Rosa, Hercule said to Oskar, who had been given overall command.

    Oskar nodded lightly and said: ......

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Out of a total of 10,000 people, 300 were freed by family pleas for help along the way, and 600 died of starvation. Of the 10,000 who were liberated in response to mass conversions, only 500 are alive today. ......

    In other words, after the siege, 500 people died for some reason.

    Considering the fact that they were starving to death, it is safe to assume that their deaths were caused by illness or worsening injuries.

    It is also conceivable that they died of shock due to the sudden introduction of food into their stomachs.

    And the enemy general?

    "It seems that Pirate Chief Jean died of starvation two months ago. After that, his second-in-command was killed in a mutiny.

    "I see.

    Hercule chuckled.

    A rebellion broke out, killed the leader, and surrendered.

    It meant that he had completely surrendered to the Lemurian Empire from the bottom of his heart.

    It''s the best outcome for Hercule.

    "What''s the breakdown of the remaining 500?

    "Forty are residents and one hundred are pirates.

    I see. ...... Well, let''s get the bodies out of here. I''ll get a Western Messianic bishop from Cerda.

    He refused to convert to Christianity until the end and died.

    Hercule had the mercy to give him a funeral in the Western way.

    However, at Hercule''s words, ......

    Oscar looked a little complicated.

    He seemed to want to say something .......

    What''s the matter, Oscar?¡¡Are you dissatisfied with something?

    No,......, I have no complaints. But I''m not sure if I can ...... have a funeral.

    Hmm?¡¡Are you concerned that I''m going to call a Western bishop?¡¡If that''s the extent of it, it''s a little late for that now, including the Edict of Alexandria. ......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    It''s not that I''m not a fan of this kind of thing,......, but I''m not a fan of this kind of thing,.......

    What is it then? Tell me what you want. I don''t like to be rushed.

    Hercule said in a slightly sullen voice.

    Oscar hesitantly opened his mouth.

    I''m not sure what to say. There are no clothes left,.......

    "No body and no clothes?

    Hercule tilted his head and ......

    Erkur tilted his head and clapped his hands.

    "Oh, I see!¡¡You''re right. ...... I''m sorry about this. I''m sorry I didn''t see that coming.

    Hercule nodded his head.

    The human body is made of protein, and the clothing of this region is mainly made of wool.

    Wool is also a protein, of course.

    "Well, even if it all turns to shit, it''s better than not doing .......

    Hercule said aloofly.

    Oskar asked Hercule with a blue face.

    "Are you sure about ......?

    "What?

    "Well, no, ...... that .......

    Hercule cowered.

    I didn''t do it, you know. I gave you a way to save yourself. But he still died, so it''s like suicide. But according to the Bible, suicides go to hell. ...... Will he be okay?

    Looking at Hercule''s seriously worried face, Oscar was about to say, "Wouldn''t it be better for you to worry about yourself than about others? He was about to say that, but stopped himself as he was afraid that he would not be understood.

    I was going to say, "If you think about it, they''re heretics, they should have all gone to hell in the first place. I''m sorry I ...... forgot about that.

    "......

    Oscar made a firm decision to increase the number of times he prayed, and to pray that not only he but his master would go to heaven as well.

    After that, Hercule helped Oscar to withdraw his troops from the city. ......

    He reiterated his predetermined policy of governing the island to his deputies and withdrew.

    Thus ended the siege of Lhosa by the Lemurian army ...... also known as the "Tragedy of Lhosa".

    After that, Hercule never visited the island of Lhosa. ......

    Also, there was no rebellion on Rosa Island.

    After that, Hercule regrouped his forces on Rosa Island and landed again on the Taurica Peninsula with his army. ......

    After that, Hercule regrouped his forces on Rosa Island and led them back to the Taurica Peninsula.

    The tragedy on Rosa Island was deliberately spread by Hercule, and ...... most of the city-states in the interior of the Taurica Peninsula chose to surrender without a fight.

    Thereafter, for the duration of Hercule''s reign, ......

    No rebellion directly caused by religion ever occurred in the Lemurian Empire.

    Then, six months later.

    "Your ...... Majesty, is there anything ...... troubling you lately?

    "Yes. How did you know?

    "You look like you''re in trouble sometimes. ......

    At the dinner table, ...... Nia asked Hercule.

    Nia is a favorite of Hercule and is invited to dinner at least once a week.

    In this way, it seems as if being invited to dinner more often = being Hercule''s favorite. ......

    Darius and Oscar have never been invited to dinner, and Galfis, Christos, and Loukanos have been invited much less often.

    On the other hand, Scheherazade and ...... are not vassals.

    Hupatia, a pagan, was also invited many times.

    So is being a woman a criterion? ......

    In fact, Titus and Linasha were also invited many times.

    So the criterion is simple: ......

    They are chosen not as Lemurian emperors, but as private citizens, people who want to be friends with Hercule.

    Titus is a friend of mine in the field of art and clothing, and Hyppatia is a friend of mine in the field of natural philosophy.

    "...... Is this about the island of Lhosa?

    "Rosa Island?¡¡...... Yeah, it sure cost a lot of money for a day-long expedition. Including the suppression of the rebellion on the Taurica Peninsula and the rebuilding of the navy damaged in the battle against Cerda, ...... the expenses are considerable. It''s troubling, that''s for sure. But ...... that''s not what I''m worried about.

    (That''s not what I meant to say. ......)

    (That''s not what I meant to say. ......) Nia thought about it, but ......

    (That''s not what I meant. )

    The man in front of me seems to be troubled by ......

    But the more she thought about it, the more she couldn''t think of anything.

    The more you think about it, the more you can''t think of anything.

    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I''m not sure what to say.

    No, I don''t want any trouble. ......

    No, no, no, no!¡¡If there is anything I can do to help, please do!

    Nia leaned forward.

    It was not often that Hercule relied on others.

    I''ve been thinking about a birthday present for Cecilia.

    "Cecilia''s ...... birthday present?

    Nia tilted her head.

    It''s true that Cecilia''s birthday is January 1st and ...... it''s currently October.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Hercule is now 20 years old and will be 21 in December.

    What did you give him last year?

    "No, I didn''t give her anything. But this year, when I wrote to Nia and told her about the birthday present I gave her, she suddenly became very unhappy. ......

    I see. ......

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

    "First of all, do you exchange letters with Cecilia?

    "Once a month. Hasn''t Cecilia told you?

    "No, I haven''t. ......

    What''s that, that''s more than me. ......

    Nia thought.

    Nia also exchanges letters, but not that many.

    That''s because I can''t.

    The Lemurian Empire has a well-developed postal system, but that''s only for military and administrative purposes.

    If you want to send a letter for personal use, you have to hire someone directly.

    (......, why didn''t you tell me?)

    Nia was slightly distrustful of Cecilia.

    (...... Why didn''t you tell me?) Nia was slightly distrustful of Cecilia, though she didn''t realize that it was jealousy.

    (Why doesn''t His Majesty bother with me, but he does with Cecilia? ......)

    Nia begins to get a little annoyed.

    (......?¡¡Is she getting grumpy?¡¡Did something tug at your heartstrings?

    Hercule, on the other hand, is a little confused.

    Hercule, a man, also has an unknown field.

    It''s female friendship.

    He is good at romance, but when that romance involves female friendship, ......

    He is good at love, but when that love involves female friendship, even Hercule becomes unpredictable.

    I''m not sure what to do with it. I''m not sure what to do with it.¡¡It lasts a long time and is delicious.

    "Uh, yeah. ...... Thanks. Yeah.

    I''m not going to use that as a reference.

    I''m not going to use it as a reference," Hercule managed to swallow the last word.

    ...... By the way, what do you want, Nia?¡¡You gave her a dress last year and a coat the year before that, right?

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to find something to suit your needs.

    (This guy recommends dried fish as a gift for his friends, but asks for a coat for his own birthday? ......)

    I don''t know where the old days of cuteness and innocence have gone. ......

    Hercule is nostalgic for a few years ago.

    However, Nia has actually grown up a lot.

    When I picked him up, he was so skinny that his bones stood out and he was about 120 centimeters tall. ......

    He is now over a hundred and fifty and growing.

    Lunalie has already been defeated.

    Her breasts have reached the size of a B cup, and Karolina, fearing that she would be overtaken by her height and breasts, has now started drinking milk.

    It is questionable whether the milk will increase the breast and height of Karolina who is already 20 years old.

    Well, Karolina is 165 centimeters tall, so ......

    There''s still plenty of time for Near to surpass that.

    It''s still a safe bet.

    I don''t know about the future.

    And by the way, I''m fourteen and ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday.

    Nia clapped her hands and said with a ......

    I''m sure you''re right.

    I guess so.

    Hercule responded as if to say, "What does it matter?

    And then Nia said, ......

    I''m fourteen, ...... and I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday," he repeated.

    She repeated.

    That''s right.

    Hercule also repeated.

    "Oh, by the way, I''m fourteen and ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday.

    Right.

    Oh, by the way, I''m fourteen and ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday.

    That''s right.

    Oh, by the way, I''m fourteen and ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday!

    Yeah, right.

    Oh, by the way, I''m already fourteen and ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday!

    Yeah, right.

    Oh, by the way, I''m already fourteen and ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday!

    Yeah, right.

    Oh, by the way, I''m already fourteen. ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Yeah, right.

    Speaking of which, I''m already fourteen. ...... I''ll be fifteen on my next birthday. £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    ......

    Hercule let out a sigh.

    And ......

    ...... "Well, yeah. I don''t have an age problem, and I''ll take ...... that into account. How about as a reward for some great military or political achievement you''ve made?

    "Yes!

    Nia replied loudly.

 113 Episode 20 Letters

    First communication

    His Majesty the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire

    Dear Sir or Madam

    Your Majesty is the first person I have ever written to in this way, so I am not sure what to expect.

    I apologize for any rudeness I may have caused you.

    Please accept my apologies in advance.

    The reason why I have written to you today is because I have something to ask you.

    His Majesty said, "If you have any problems or questions, you can always write to me," and that is why I have written to you.

    I am ashamed to admit that it was several years ago that I was appointed by High Priestess Medium as her successor.

    At the time, it was so sudden and unexpected that I couldn''t really feel it, and even now I can''t imagine myself as a medium.

    To be honest, I''m not sure if I can be as wonderful as your eminence, High Priestess Medium.

    I''m very sorry to ask you this, but I''ve just said such a big thing to the Emperor the other day. ......

    What kind of attitude should a person in charge have?

    I heard that His Majesty the Emperor ascended the throne at the age of twelve, the same age as me.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ......

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    Sincerely

    Cecilia Peter

    ________.

    Dear Cecilia Peter

    Dear Sir or Madam

    It is an honor for the Emperor of Lemuria and for me as a man to be relied upon by a promising, lovely, and upcoming medium like you.

    Now, I understand that you are anxious to ascend to the throne as the next Medium. ...... That is quite normal.

    It''s very normal.

    There is no shame in being anxious about this responsibility.

    As you said, I was twelve years old when I ascended to the throne of Lemuria, but I was filled with anxiety.

    I am ashamed to say that I once tried to run away.

    However, thanks to my excellent vassals and the people who supported me, I was able to make it this far.

    I do not believe that I have made it this far on my own.

    (*Author''s note: This is just a social call to arms in a letter. In reality, I was not worried about anything, my escape was just an act, and I was very excited about my accession. From the bottom of his heart, he believes that he has been able to do this because of his own abilities. (Please keep in mind that there are some things in his letter that he does not even think about.

    It is time for me to get down to business.

    I''d like to get to the point. Here is my attitude as a superior: ......

    It is important to be confident in all situations.

    Even if you feel insecure, you should not express it in your mouth or face.

    This is because anxiety is transmitted from the top to the bottom.

    If a superior always looks anxious, his vassals will also look anxious.

    And the faces of those below them will darken as well.

    The Lemurian emperor and the medium are the leaders of the Messianic world, even though their positions are different.

    If we, the leaders of the Messianic world, have such anxious expressions on our faces, it will infect all Messianics.

    This would mean a decline in the vitality of the entire Messianic world, and would give the infidels and heretics an opening to take advantage of.

    Therefore, you must not show any signs of anxiety.

    Nevertheless, we all have anxiety.

    If you can''t take it anymore, please contact me at ....... No, if you have any anxiety at all, please contact me.

    As an elder and a guardian of the Messianic world, I will help you.

    I will also rely on you in case of emergency.

    Sincerely

    Hercule Yulianos.

    ________________________________________________________________.

    About infidels and heretics.

    Your Majesty, Hercule.

    Dear Sir or Madam

    It has been six months since I exchanged letters with you.

    I am very happy to be so close to you.

    I have great respect for you, but there are some things I don''t agree with.

    Let me ask you this: ...... What do you think about the existence of infidels and heretics?

    I am still not convinced of the contents of the "Edict of Alexandria" issued by His Majesty.

    From the correspondence I have had with His Majesty, I have the impression that He is a very pious Messianic believer.

    However, the "Edict of Alexandria" is the exact opposite of that impression I had of you.

    Of course, I am not suggesting that all infidels and heretics should be killed.

    Whether their teachings and lives were right or wrong will all be revealed at the final judgment by ...... the Lord (God).

    However, I believe that all living people have the right to enjoy the orthodox teachings, and we Messiahs have the duty to pass them on.

    I feel that Your Majesty''s "Edict of Alexandria" has diminished such an opportunity.

    I know that this is a very rude question, but please let me know your thoughts.

    Sincerely

    Cecilia Peter

    ________________________________________________.

    Dear Cecilia Peter

    Dear Sir or Madam

    I am honored to have made the acquaintance of such a beautiful woman as yourself.

    I would like to keep in touch with you in the future.

    I believe that there is no difference in the friendship between you and me, despite our different positions.

    Now, your point is well taken.

    It is very painful to hear.

    Nevertheless, I am convinced that my own approach is the next best thing, if not the best, and that as a politician it is a policy that will allow more people to be happy and have the opportunity to enjoy the righteous teachings of God.

    In the first place, why are there such things as infidels and heretics?

    The teachings that the Son of God has made available to us are very wonderful.

    If all people would listen and understand these teachings, ...... surely more people would be able to travel to the Kingdom of God.

    But the reality is that there are many pagans and heretics in this world.

    The teachings of God are undoubtedly true and wonderful.

    So why don''t they follow it or listen to it?

    In my opinion, it is because of our immorality.

    I think it is because of our immorality, that is, our way of communicating and even our behavior.

    I am very ashamed to say that there are a certain number of Messianics in our country, both in the public and private sectors, who commit unreasonable assault, robbery, and rape against infidels and heretics.

    There are also those who persecute people like Nia because she is a minority, even though they are also Messianic.

    With such an attitude, it is inevitable that infidels and heretics will close their hearts.

    This is the current situation in our country.

    Let me tell you an analogy.

    It is the story of the North Wind and the Sun.

    (The outline of the fairy tale of the North Wind and the Sun continues below.

    Until now, we have been dealing with pagans and heretics in the way of the North Wind.

    However, the situation has only worsened and is not improving.

    So I have decided to deal with them in the way of the sun.

    In other words, my goal is to create a world where all living people in the world can enjoy the correct teachings and be invited to the Kingdom of God, just as you are.

    I hope you understand.

    Sincerely yours

    Hercule Yulianos

    ______________________________________________.

    Birthday Present

    Dear Cecilia

    Dear Sir or Madam

    It''s been a long time since I corresponded with you.

    In my mind you are still little Cecilia, but I wonder how much you have grown and become beautiful.

    I would like to meet you soon, if possible, but I am too busy with political affairs to have time to meet you.

    It''s a shame, really.

    Speaking of growth, ......

    Your best friend and my dear retainer, Nia, has grown a lot.

    She''s over a hundred and fifty centimeters tall.

    Her body has grown into a woman''s body.

    My wife, Carolina, seems to be growing impatient with Nia''s growth.

    Child growth is a terrible thing.

    Well, I used to be a child, too.

    Did you know that Nia''s birthday is in December?

    The same day as the Vigil.

    I gave her a dress.

    She''s 14 years old now, and I thought she needed a social occasion.

    Nia wants to see you, too.

    She''s especially interested in your height.

    She wants to win you over.

    Now let''s get to the point.

    I believe that "universals" are not objects, but ...... (theology follows)

    That''s all.

    I look forward to meeting you one day.

    Sincerely yours

    Your guardian, Hercule Julianos.

    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

    Dear Mr. Hercule

    Dear Sir or Madam

    It has been a long time since you and Mr. Hercule have corresponded with each other.

    As for my growth, ...... I''m growing taller and taller.

    I am looking forward to the day when I can show it to you, Mr. Hercule.

    By the way, my birthday is on the first of January.

    I understand that Nia received a dress for her birthday.

    I''ve been corresponding with Nia, but she never told me about it.

    What do you mean?

    I''m really sorry why she didn''t tell me about it.

    I gave her a birthday card, but I guess my card was not as good as such a wonderful gift.

    I envy Nia.

    By the way, my birthday is on January 1st.

    But Master Hercule.

    How is it for an emperor to favor one vassal over another?

    Some of the people around you may be dissatisfied.

    I am saying this for the sake of Lord Hercule.

    I think it would be better if you didn''t favor me in such a way.

    By the way, my birthday is on January 1st.

    Let''s put aside the unimportant matter of Nia''s birthday (????????) and get down to business.

    I believe that the "universal" is ...... (theological discussion to follow)

    That''s all.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.

    Yours sincerely.

    Cecilia Peter, a friend of Mr. Hercule

    P.S.

    By the way, my birthday is on the first of January.

    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

    The Siege of Rosa Island

    Dear Mr. Hercule

    Dear Sir or Madam

    First of all, I would like to congratulate you.

    The island of Lhosa has fallen.

    Congratulations.

    We''ve heard of the misdeeds of the pirates on Rosa.

    Now that they''ve been wiped out, more people will be able to sail safely.

    Also, as a devout servant of God, I am very happy that many heretics on the island of Rosa were able to come into contact with correct teachings under the guidance of Hercule and have the opportunity to be led into the Kingdom of God.

    I have already heard the details of the siege of Rosa Island.

    I have heard that there were many casualties. ......

    Even within the Lemurian Patriarchate, there are voices that condemn Lord Hercule''s actions.

    It is true that Hercule''s actions this time were a bit forceful and harsh.

    But more than that, it is true that the Rosa Island pirates have tormented many devout Messiahs.

    The crimes of the Rosa Island pirates are serious, and the heretics of Rosa Island who knew of their evil deeds and cooperated with them are also not innocent.

    It is inappropriate to accuse them of killing innocent people.

    Even if we were to be gentle with the Rosa Island pirates, it is hard to say if they would easily change their minds.

    It would be better to start a rebellion again and again, with many casualties each time. ......

    I think the best option would have been to do away with them all at once, like this.

    At the risk of sounding pompous and offensive, ......

    I thought that perhaps Mr. Hercule might be concerned about ......, so I took up the pen.

    Although we are in different positions, Mr. Hercule and I share the same goal of making the world a place where more people can enjoy the teachings of Messianism.

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.

    I am still inexperienced, but I would like to help you as much as I can.

    Sincerely

    Cecilia Peter, a person who understands Master Hercule

    ______________________________________________.

    Dear Cecilia

    Dear Sir or Madam

    Thank you for your words of encouragement.

    I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

    I personally regret that I went a little overboard this time.

    Nevertheless, I could not think of any other way to bring the pirates to their knees.

    This is my fault, I suppose.

    I''m a politician and a soldier.

    This is a job that kills while it saves many.

    In fact, my hands are probably stained red with blood.

    But it has to be done by someone.

    I''m the only one who can do this.

    I believe that this is a mission given to me by God.

    I want to be a hero only to those who admire and honor me as a hero.

    I believe that the happiness of a single subject is far more important than the happiness of a hundred foreigners.

    Sincerely yours

    Your dearest and most understanding friend, Hercule Yulianos.

    £ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß

    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

    £ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß£ß

    Dear Cecilia Peter

    Dear Sir or Madam

    It''s almost our birthday.

    I would like to send you a birthday card again this year.

    Now, ......, I have heard from the Emperor.

    Cecilia, you are in correspondence with the Emperor.

    Ever since the two of you met.

    As long as I have, more often than I have.

    Not that there''s anything wrong with that. ......

    Personally, I''m wondering why you didn''t tell me about it: ......

    I''m not sure why you didn''t tell me.

    Cecilia, you know that I adore you, Your Majesty.

    She has consulted with me many times.

    Isn''t it cruel that you don''t tell me that you are in correspondence with the Emperor?

    From what I''ve heard, the two of you correspond through the imperial mail system.

    To tell you the truth, I would like to exchange more letters with you.

    If you are going to use the imperial mail system anyway, one letter or two letters are the same in terms of transportation.

    Why didn''t you do that with me?

    Cecilia must have known about my love for her.

    And I thought I was her best friend.

    To be honest, I feel betrayed.

    I would like to receive a proper and satisfactory answer.

    Sincerely

    Nia Lucarios

    ______.

    Dear Nia Lucarios

    Dear Sir or Madam

    It is true that I have been in correspondence with the Emperor.

    It was certainly inappropriate for me not to inform you of this.

    I apologize.

    However, I believe that your friendship with His Majesty is separate.

    Both my correspondence with you and my correspondence with His Majesty the Emperor are of my own free will.

    Therefore, my correspondence with His Majesty has nothing to do with you.

    It is true that it is my fault that I have concealed from you the fact that I have been corresponding with His Majesty the Emperor, even though I never intended to do so.

    But do you really have the right to blame me for that?

    I believe that just because we are best friends doesn''t mean that we have to hide everything from each other.

    It was never my intention to betray you.

    I hope you will understand that.

    Sincerely

    Cecilia Peter

    ________________________________________________________________.

    Dear Cecilia Peter

    Dear Sir or Madam

    I understand very well how you feel, Cecilia.

    You''re right.

    I have no right to blame you.

    Cecilia''s correspondence with the Emperor is certainly her choice.

    It''s also up to you to keep it from me.

    It is certainly up to you to conceal from me the fact that you yourself correspond with the Emperor, even though you know that I am in love with him.

    However, if you think that Cecilia is my best friend, then you can visit ......

    If you think that Cecilia is my best friend, shouldn''t you tell me the fact that you have been corresponding with her, whether you want to help her fall in love or not?

    And don''t you also need to explain to me why you have been hiding it from me?

    Cecilia-sama says that I''m her best friend, but it seems that Cecilia-sama and I have some differences in our definitions of "best friend".

    At least, if I were in Cecilia''s position, I would make sure to tell her that.

    I thought I could be Cecilia-sama''s "best friend," but it seems that I am not.

    I am very sorry.

    I no longer blame you, Cecilia.

    After all, I''m just a commoner, born in the lower class of Nova Lemuria. ......

    In addition, I am a Nightmare.

    Inwardly, you looked down on me, didn''t you?

    I suppose it''s only natural.

    I was the one who got carried away by the idea that I was an equal friend to Cecilia-sama, the next Princess Miko (Medium).

    Please forgive me for my rudeness until now.

    I hope we will never have to write to each other again.

    Sincerely yours

    Nia Lucarios

    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

    Dear Nia Lucarios

    Dear Sir or Madam

    I am puzzled as to why you are suddenly behaving in such a manner.

    I have apologized to you for hiding the truth from you.

    I am not asking you to accept my apology.

    It is true that there are things that are unforgivable, even between best friends.

    You say that we should forgive the sins of the other person, and of course I understand that this is not easy to do.

    I know it''s not easy, but isn''t it cruel to talk like that?

    I have never disrespected you in my life.

    I swear to the Lord that I never have.

    I would gladly go to purgatory if I ever entertained such feelings.

    There is no doubt in my mind that I considered you a good friend.

    I believed that you knew that. ...... Do you doubt me?

    I have one or two things that I want to hide.

    Why can''t you understand that?

    And you only blame me. ......

    You can''t be sure that you haven''t done anything terrible to me.

    You have received two birthday presents from the ...... emperor, haven''t you?

    Why didn''t you tell me about it?

    The Emperor told me all about it.

    At that time, I felt very betrayed.

    But even so, I didn''t say anything because I thought ...... there were one or two things you wanted to hide.

    And the Emperor did not know that my birthday was January 1st.

    You knew, didn''t you?

    Didn''t you have plenty of opportunities to tell him about it?

    I know from your letters that you have been on good terms with His Majesty for quite some time.

    You do not take these things into account and blame only me unilaterally, do you?

    I don''t think that''s fair.

    And ......, you can''t just shun me like that, can you?

    There''s no excuse for that, is there?

    I don''t mean to be presumptuous and ask you to forgive anything if you are my best friend.

    However, isn''t it too much to just unilaterally declare that you''re going to cut off all contact with him, ruining even the chance for him to forgive you?

    I''m sure you''re not the only one who is paranoid about demons (nightmare).

    I don''t know what to make of it, but I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it.

    I did not expect you to be such a person.

    It seems that you and I have a big difference in our perception of "best friend".

    It might be a good idea to take a cooling off period first.

    It is not a good idea to try to contact each other when you are not calm.

    Well, since you''ve assured me that you won''t be contacting me anymore, it may not matter. ......

    I will refrain from writing to you for the time being.

    Sincerely

    Cecilia Pete

 114 Episode 21 Mercurenomics 1st Arrow State-Owned Pro...

    "Even if you say so, I''m not your homeroom teacher.

    Hercule read the letter that came from Cecilia and let out a sigh.

    In a nutshell, there were pages and pages of content to the effect that "Anyway, I had a fight with Nia because of the Mebukijiji, and it was Nia''s fault in the ratio of 7:3, right? In fact, I had written it a few weeks ago.

    In fact, Hercule had been told the same thing by Near a few weeks ago.

    "As far as I can tell from both sides of the story, I feel like I''m the one at fault. ......

    I''m not sure if it''s because I slipped up or because I''m the main cause,.......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m so excited about this.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m not sure what to do.¡¡If it were me, Carolina and Lunalee, we could settle this with s*x.

    If it were me, Carolina and Lunalee, we could settle this with s*x.

    That''s how Hercule had managed it so far.

    When that didn''t work, he apologized anyway.

    You can''t reason with an angry person.

    The best thing to do is to apologize and get them in a good mood.

    But Cecilia and Nia are women.

    Cecilia and Nia are both women, and there is no way they can solve their problems in bed, because they both think they are at fault.

    You can tell that you want a mediator when you tell me.

    Hercule leaned back in his chair with a sigh.

    If he really wanted to break up with her, he would not have said this to Hercule.

    The intention of both of them to ask Hercule, their mutual acquaintance, to intercede is obvious.

    "We''re both b*tc*es, you know. Totally ......

    Nia does not have any close friends in Lemuria, partly because she is a Nightmare.

    It is one thing to not be discriminated against outwardly, but another to have friends.

    Cecilia also has no friends in the true sense of the word, as she is the next princess maiden (medium).

    Both of them don''t really know how to socialize.

    I''ve never had a friend in my life. ...... Well, Hercule is the Emperor of Botch, so I can''t say much about him.

    You have to do something about it. ...... It''s my responsibility, too.

    But Hercule is not their homeroom teacher.

    He doesn''t have that much time on his hands.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on. I''m not that busy.

    ...... Just then, someone knocked on the door.

    "Your Majesty, this is Antonio.

    "Your Majesty, it''s Shylock.

    Hercule put down his pen, put away the letter and ordered them to enter.

    Slowly the door opened and they entered.

    Hercule got out of his chair and sat down on the sofa. ......

    He asked them to sit down as well.

    Then he rang the doorbell and called Cifanie ......

    He ordered the tea to be made.

    "Well, first of all, ...... before we get to the point, Antonio. Can you give us a report on the sheep breeding?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. I think it''s safe to say that the breeding process has been largely successful. I think we''re almost there.

    "That''s very good.

    Hercule nodded with satisfaction.

    Hercule had been ordering the breeding of ...... sheep ever since he hired Antonio.

    This is because the textile industry is the easiest industry to increase the national wealth.

    It was only natural to introduce cotton and to improve old fibers such as sheep.

    Now let''s get down to business. Actually, I''d like you two to start a business.

    A business, sir?

    Just the two of us?

    Antonio and Shylock tilted their heads.

    Antonio was originally a trader and Shylock was a money changer and money lender.

    The former is the Minister of Commerce and Trade, the latter the Minister of Finance.

    They both have similar jobs, but ......

    Strictly speaking, they are different.

    Oh. I thought it was time to focus on trade.

    There are three reasons why Hercule wanted to focus on trade.

    First of all, it is the basic policy of Hercule to gain national wealth through trade.

    No matter how much he boosted industry and commerce, it would be meaningless if he did not sell it to foreign countries.

    Secondly, the repeated wars have had a negative impact on the national treasury.

    It is time to focus on domestic affairs.

    Third, we have the Taurica Peninsula, Rosa and other islands in our hands.

    Now that the maritime threat had been eliminated, it was time to focus on trade.

    First of all, I''m thinking of introducing a marine insurance system. Some of the guilds have already implemented it, but ...... this time it will be a state-led initiative.

    Hercule then explained the ...... marine insurance system.

    Marine insurance system.

    In other words, it is a system to compensate for the loss of ships and cargo when ships run aground or are attacked by pirates.

    You can think of it as a marine version of life insurance or medical insurance.

    The loss of a ship or cargo is a great blow to a merchant.

    It is a great loss that would turn a millionaire into a pauper in one fell swoop.

    However, with the insurance system, the fall of the city can be avoided.

    The merchants will be able to engage in commercial activities more actively than before.

    "Well, of course, you have to make sure that profits will increase. By the way, ...... is going to include foreigners in the insurance system.

    It''s practically an oligopoly of the Lemurian Empire. ......

    There''s no reason why it can''t be profitable.

    Foreigners are welcome as long as they are willing to pay.

    However, in the event of war, we will shut down everything.

    This is an example of how to get insured foreign merchants to pay ......

    This was a way to discourage insured foreign merchants from funding the war against the Lemurian Empire.

    "I see. ...... against the Republic of Adleria?

    You know exactly what I mean.

    Hercule nodded loudly at Antonio''s words.

    The Republic of Adorlia.

    The Republic of Adorlia is located at the base of the Aperian Peninsula.

    It is a republic of ...... merchants, with an island on a large tidal flat as its mainland and other smaller islands under its control.

    It is a republic of merchants that has resisted the Lemurian Empire many times in cooperation with the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Now that the Kingdom of Chellda has fallen, the Lemurian Empire will be able to use ......

    It is the last enemy in the Album Sea.

    The Lemurian Empire is the last enemy in the Album Sea. As long as the Lemurian Empire''s finances don''t collapse, it''s almost a guaranteed insurance policy.

    Shylock nodded.

    If an insurance system is introduced, some of the merchants in the Republic of Adluria will certainly join it.

    It would be an effective card to use as a foothold to intervene in the internal affairs of the Republic of Adluria, as well as a check and balance.

    The next step is to establish a ...... trading company. That''s right, ......, the name is ''Lemuria Trading Company''. And we''ll divide it into three parts. The Album Sea Trading Company, the Artel Sea Trading Company, and the Rubel Sea Trading Company. All three have the same basic capital, but there are three ...... presidents and managers. We''ll have each of them compete.

    Antonio tilted his head.

    Is it correct to say that we are merging the guilds of the ...... traders?

    "Well, basically, yes.

    Hercule nodded and answered.

    However ......

    Hercule added.

    It will be a stock company. Fifty-one percent of the stock will come from the Imperial government, but the rest will come from the private ...... sector and society at large, including foreign countries.

    "...... shares, sir?

    Can you be more specific?

    Antonio and Shylock leaned forward.

    When Hercule explained about shares, ...... they nodded in admiration.

    The first premise is that ...... trade in this world is very risky.

    Therefore, if you are exposed to free competition, you are almost certain to fall together.

    This is natural because everyone is trying to buy cheap and sell high.

    Unless the risks are reasonably small, as they are on modern Earth, but in this world, where the seas are full of pirates and monsters as big as kraken sometimes attack, ......

    It''s best to have merchants cooperate with each other as much as possible.

    Furthermore, trade requires a huge initial investment.

    It is impossible for traders to fund this alone.

    At the same time, it would be too costly for the Imperial government alone.

    But what if we could get the entire society to invest?

    Not just the traders, but the other merchants of the Lemurian Empire, the nobility, the clergy.

    Even the wealthy from abroad.

    If they funded it, ......

    If they fund it, we''ll have it in no time.

    Well, at least more than half of the shares must be held by the Imperial government to be safe. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be glad to know that I''m not the only one.

    Incidentally, the reason why we divided the company into three is because each company has its own products, ......

    The reason for the division of the company into three is that each company deals with different products, different types of ships, and different business enemies.

    Each ocean has its own armament and ships.

    It is safer to divide the companies from the aspect that it is better to have some competition.

    Since the capital of the three companies is the same, there is no problem.

    Only subjects of the Empire will be allowed to join the trading companies. In other words, only taxpayers will be able to join. As a perk, we''re going to give you a little discount on insurance and better ...... tariff treatment.

    "I see. ...... So, how much power do you give to the trading companies?

    How much power do you give to your trading company?" Antonio asked, and Hercule thought for a moment before answering.

    You can hire mercenaries. You may hire mercenaries and operate armed ships. You may hire mercenaries and operate armed ships. You may negotiate independently with foreign nations. That should be enough. But ...... forbids you from starting wars on your own.

    If they start wars at will, it will be impossible to control them.

    Well, it is doubtful that they will grow up to have that much power, but ......

    I was thinking of putting a collar around it, just in case.

    I''m not sure how much ...... effort you''re putting into this.

    "It''s a national policy. Against the Phallus.

    The Lemurian Empire has been a major force in the east.

    The only way for the Lemurian Empire to trade with the countries of the East is through the ...... Rubel Sea, the Kuro Plunge, or through the Kingdom of Phallus.

    As for Hercule, the fact that the Kingdom of Foulth benefits from every trade is ......

    It''s not a very interesting story.

    Now, that''s why ...... we''re going to be looking at both financial and commercial/trade policies. I''ll let you two work together on this. Antonio can leave the room if he wants. And ...... Shylock, I need to talk to you about something else. Stay.

    Hercule said, and Antonio stood up and ......

    He bowed and left.

    Hercule looked at Antonio and then stood up. ......

    He picked up the gold coins that were on the desk, returned to the couch, and placed them on the table.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Hercule said, then with a ......

    I''m going to change the money.

    We''re going to change the currency. I don''t like the idea of it.

 115 Episode 22 Mercurenomics Two Arrows Refration

    The current monetary system of the Lemurian Empire was established by a great emperor who put down a centuries-long civil war.

    When the great emperor who built Nova Lemuria issued the Lemurian gold coin, the gold content of the coin was 95.8%.

    This was no exaggeration to say that it was the highest purity in the world at the time.

    The highest purity Lemurian gold coins issued by the Lemurian Empire, which was still a powerful, if declining, nation at the time, were quickly used around the world. ......

    It became the reserve currency.

    However, as time went on, ......

    A problem arose.

    A shortage of currency.

    This was because as the economy of the Lemurian Empire grew, the demand for currency increased, but the supply of currency could not keep up.

    As a matter of course, gold coins are made of gold.

    The gold is mined from gold mines. ......

    Gold mines are not so generous as to increase the amount of gold mined in line with economic development.

    In fact, the amount of gold mined will diminish.

    The gold mines of the Lemurian Empire can still be mined. ......

    The amount of gold that can be mined is constant year after year, and it is obvious that it will run out at some point.

    In addition, metal coins wear out little by little every time they are used.

    Some people are clever enough to try to make a profit by scraping the edges.

    Gold inevitably diminishes in value.

    More at ......

    The gold coins of the Lemurian Empire are too valuable.

    Because of their credibility, they tend to flow out of the country.

    In addition, the Lemurian Empire was originally an over-importing nation, and paid for many luxuries from the East in gold.

    For a variety of reasons, the Lemurian Empire has a chronic shortage of gold coins.

    So what happens when there is a shortage of currency, money, and gold coins? ......

    Needless to say.

    Deflation, falling prices, and economic recession will occur.

    If deflation occurs, the economy will continue its vicious cycle and the size of the economy will shrink little by little.

    No matter how much Hercule tries to protect industry and boost the economy, it will be a chilling effect.

    There is one way to solve this problem.

    The solution is to increase the amount of currency in circulation, that is, to increase the number of gold coins issued.

    But you can''t change the amount of gold mined.

    The only way to do this is to change the number of coins that can be made from the same amount of ...... gold, that is, to reduce the amount of gold contained in gold coins.

    To tell you the truth, I don''t really want to do that.

    Well, ...... I can understand how you feel.

    Shylock chuckled at Hercule''s words.

    In the Lemurian Empire, only the Emperor has the right to issue gold coins.

    A gold coin with Hercule''s profile and name stamped on it is the very essence of his authority.

    To degrade the dignity of these gold coins would be to diminish the authority of Hercule, the Emperor of Lemuria.

    The fact that successive emperors have maintained the dignity of their gold coins is a sign of pride as the monarchs of superpowers.

    In the Lemurian Empire, where business itself is considered to be a low value, reducing the gold content of money can be regarded as a fraud, and if the emperor himself led such a fraudulent act, he would not be able to avoid criticism.

    In addition, reducing the quality of money and increasing the amount of money in circulation is likely to lead to a significant decrease in the value of money and rapid inflation.

    Rapid inflation will hit the wallets of the lower classes of the Lemurian Empire, the bureaucrats who earn fixed wages, the soldiers ...... and the Lemurian nobility who receive stipends.

    The economy is a complicated thing. I really don''t want to mess with it too much.

    There are as many theories as there are economists.

    Although the structure is simpler than that of modern Japan, it is still complex.

    We do not know how it will turn out.

    But I can''t stop myself from doing it. So, the ...... question is how much to lower it. I''m going to take a wait-and-see approach and set it at about 80 percent.

    "So the rate of increase of money is 1.2 times. Isn''t that a little weak? I think it''s okay to lower the rate to 70%, but I think it needs to be lowered to ...... 1.35 times or even less to be effective.

    "Ummm .......

    After listening to Shylock''s suggestion, Hercule pondered for a bit and then said, ......

    I''ll take a pause. Seventy-five percent, 1.27 times. Frankly, I don''t want to get too adventurous, and ...... anything less than seventy percent gold is too degrading. It is a matter of national prestige.

    If it''s not enough, you can devalue it for a while.

    Hercule persuaded Shylock to do so.

    Even Hercule was reluctant to change the coinage.

    The problem is that we don''t know if the merchants and the Church will cooperate with the minting. ......

    "Exactly, that''s the problem. Bad money drives out good money.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.

    The material itself guarantees the value of the coin.

    If you ask someone to lend you some money to reduce the amount of money, few people will say, "Yes, I see.

    In addition, there is a good possibility that the highly valuable old coins will be stored away.

    "Actually, I have a secret plan, do you want to hear it?

    "Would you like to hear about ......?

    How about if I take your money and ask you to lend it to me for a few months so I can pay you back later, and then I''ll mint it all over again?

    Isn''t ...... a good place to start second-guessing?

    That''s right.

    A long time ago, the pretender of some city-state used this kind of method to pay off his debts.

    Columbus'' egg worked the first time, but it won''t work the second time.

    This is the only way to pay off the debt. Do you think they would accept a six percent or even seven percent increase?¡¡Against the Church, I will ask for the cooperation of the mediums and threaten them with force. As for the merchants, the only way is to threaten them with the abolition of guild privileges. Also, to prevent the outflow of old gold coins out of the country, the Lemurian Trading Company should be entrusted with foreign trade, and the export of gold coins should be strictly monitored. ...... Well, I guess it''s a drop in the bucket.

    I guess it''s better than nothing.

    Hercule cowered.

    "By the way, Your Majesty, are you sure you don''t want me to change the silver?

    "Oh, that''s no problem. In fact, it''s better if you don''t.

    Hercule responded immediately to Shylock''s question.

    Of course, if you lower the gold content of the gold coins but do not change the face value, the exchange ratio between gold and silver coins will remain the same.

    This would mean that the value of silver coins would increase as the value of gold coins decreased.

    The value of silver will rise as the value of gold falls, resulting in the depreciation of gold and the appreciation of silver.

    "Remember?¡¡Remember, the Farce is a silver economy.

    "Oh, I see. ......

    The Lemurian Empire is a gold economy.

    The Lemurian Empire is a gold economy country and the Kingdom of Phallus is a silver economy country.

    What does Hercule mean by that? ......

    It is easy to understand if you replace the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus with Japan and the United States, and gold and silver with the yen and the dollar.

    In other words, the policy of weakening the yen and strengthening the dollar.

    The aim is to promote exports from the Lemurian Empire to the Kingdom of Fars and to suppress imports.

    The Lemurian Empire imports a large amount of luxury goods such as silk and jewels through the Kingdom of Fars, but Hercule wants to reduce these imports and increase the exports of coffee and sugar from the Lemurian Empire to the Kingdom of Fars.

    The Lemurian Empire is importing a lot of coffee and sugar. As expected, Sasan VIII will not easily notice this, and it will be difficult to take countermeasures. Anyway, since that''s the case, ...... you should make your preparations, and finish laying the groundwork with the merchants. I''ll make the necessary arrangements with the church and the nobility.

    With that, Hercule sent Shylock out of the room.

    He then took Cecilia''s letter from the drawer and began to write a reply: ......

    He began to write a reply.

    Now that he had finished writing Cecilia''s reply, Hercule summoned Galfis, Christos, and Loukanos.

    All three are undoubtedly pillars of Hercule''s government, but ......

    They have different jobs.

    It was the first time in a long time that all three had been summoned at the same time.

    What is it that they want?

    He greeted them with a questioning look on his face, looked them over and said.

    This time, I''ve been summoned not as a soldier or a clergyman, but as a nobleman of the ...... Holy 77th House. To put it bluntly, we want to deal with the baggage of the Pureblooded Long Ears (High Elves).

    "Oh, .......

    I see.

    "Finally.

    The three of them looked convinced.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    The Seventy-Seven Holy Families are: ......

    The Seventy-Seven Holy Families consist of seventy-seven main families, including the Julianos family, and three hundred or so branch families, and are the families and clans of the venerable and pure-blooded High Elves that have continued uninterruptedly since the founding of the Empire.

    It is the history of the Lemurian Empire itself, and the pillar of the nation.

    However, in reality, there is a wide range from one to the other.

    Excluding the Julianos family, the seventy-seven families can be divided into four categories.

    The powerful families that are financially sound, have almost no debts, and still have a lot of land and political interests.

    Examples are the Lucarios and the other five families.

    Next, a family that is financially sound, but has some debts ...... that are within a sensible range and are classified as average for a noble family.

    Examples are the Galeanos, the Audias, and 25 other families.

    Next, there are families whose finances are deteriorating and debts are piling up. ...... These families manage to survive by cycling and maintain their appearance as nobility.

    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.

    Lastly, there are twenty noble families whose finances are completely bankrupt, whose merchants have given up on collecting their debts, and whose members would starve to death if their stipends were suspended.

    Of the seventy-six pure-blooded High Elf noble families, forty-six are on the verge of financial crisis, and twenty of them are already bankrupt.

    The financial resources of the Empire are not abundant. And considering that prices will rise as the economy develops, we can''t let them rely on stipends forever. We need them to be independent to a certain extent.

    It was the Julianos family that had indulged him until now.

    The Julianos family is to blame in that respect, but we can''t just let them hang around forever just because they are .......

    That''s why I want the three relatively successful families of Lucarius, Gallianos, and Odias to come up with a concrete plan to restore the financial health of the 46 families.

    Hercule told the three of them.

 116 Episode 23 MercureNomics Sanoya Fiscal Consolidati...

    Many of the nobles of the Lemurian Empire are in debt.

    This is not so unusual.

    This is because nobles have a social obligation to live in a suitable house, wear suitable clothes, hold suitable events, and give suitable charity to the citizens in order to maintain their prestige.

    The landowning aristocracy would also need to build irrigation systems in order to increase the productivity of their land.

    When they need a certain amount of money, they borrow money from merchants or other nobles.

    It may seem that borrowing money is a bad thing, but the problem is that it is a debt that cannot be repaid.

    Lemurian aristocrats receive a certain amount of income from their stipend and land, so they are able to pay interest continuously.

    Merchants are willing to lend to them.

    The problem is the unpayable debt.

    The forty-six families of the Pureblood High Elves are in a state of debt.

    If you want to restore their financial health, you must first bail them out of their debt.

    We have to issue a moral decree first. If we don''t do something about the debt, we''ll never get started.

    Galfis expressed his opinion to Hercule.

    The Galleanos family also has debts, albeit not many. ...... "If possible, I would like to see our debts eliminated as well," the intention is transparent.

    Moral decree. ...... Hmmm ......

    A moral decree.

    In other words, a moral decree.

    However, if this was done, the merchants would start lending sparingly, and the aristocrats might become impoverished.

    However, it was also impossible to ask the nobles to pay the debts they had accumulated so far by themselves.

    It is the responsibility of the family to have accumulated this much debt. ......

    It is not the responsibility of the current head of the family, so it would be a pity to push him away with the theory of self-responsibility.

    It''s a bit of a hassle, but we can examine each case individually, ...... write off some of it, and alleviate some of it by having the Julianos family take over .......

    There is such a thing as overpayment of debts.

    This is the case when the interest paid or payable is too huge because the repayment was made over a long period of time.

    In this case, even if the debt is written off, it will not have a significant impact.

    The lender has already made enough money.

    If the amount of the debt is still too large to be repaid by the individual, the Julianos family would have to take over the debt.

    The trouble is that we have to deal with more than several hundred cases, including those of the branch families.

    "Does my house qualify?

    "How am I supposed to know how much money you have overpaid on your house?

    Even Hercule, as expected, does not have a detailed grasp of the Galleanos family''s debt situation.

    The only thing he remembers is that the amount of money is quite large.

    The only thing he remembers is that it''s a fair amount of money. "And then there''s the ...... stipend paid in gold.

    There are three main types of income for aristocrats.

    There are three main types of income for aristocrats. One is monetary income from holding public office.

    The second is income from land management and investment.

    Finally, there is the stipend ...... given to each family.

    In the olden days, the money economy was not widespread, so the payment was in wheat.

    This has remained a tradition until now.

    However, if you only have wheat, your income and expenditure will rise and fall according to changes in prices. ......

    This was a factor in the downfall of some nobles.

    How about a stipend based on the number of children you have instead of a fixed amount ......?

    "That''s a good idea, Christos.

    Hercule clapped his hands.

    In order for a nobleman to live as a nobleman, he needs to be educated, and he needs to have a good amount of money to acquire that education.

    In addition, girls must have dresses and men must have formal wear.

    If you wear the same clothes every year, you will be laughed at, so of course you need to change them periodically.

    It is also strange that the stipend of a family with no children is the same as that of a family with three or more children.

    In the first place, the first duty of the Holy 77th Family is to bear children, support the population of the Long-eared People (elves), and reproduce the ruling class.

    If you have many children, it means that you are fulfilling your duty.

    That means we''ll have fewer. ......

    Galfis muttered with a sigh.

    The only daughter, Karolina, has married into Hercule, so there are no children in the Galleanos family.

    You need to get Mary a boy as soon as possible. At least two is the minimum duty, three is the minimum contribution.

    Both Galfis and Mary are still young for elves, so there''s not much to worry about.

    But the truth is that the stipend and the income from government jobs are not enough, right?¡¡If we don''t have some source of income, we''ll end up in debt again.

    "Yes, that''s the main problem, Lucanos. By the way, your family was successful in that direction, right?¡¡What are you doing?

    Hercule asks Lukanos.

    Lucanos'' Lucarios family is financially well off.

    That''s also the reason why Hercule left Nia with Lucanos.

    We have land income," he says. We mainly produce wine, and the rest is land rent. We do some money lending to the nobility, but we don''t charge interest, and we don''t get paid back in the first place.

    In the Lemurian Empire, a nobleman is a landowner.

    In the Lemurian Empire, a nobleman is a landowner. Therefore, land income is the main source of income for nobles.

    However, there are two types of land income in a nutshell.

    However, there are two types of land income: rent income and plantation income.

    Land revenue is a method of renting land to peasants, who are entrusted with the cultivation of the land and receive agricultural products from it.

    Mainly wheat and barley are grown.

    Plantation income is a method in which a nobleman directly manages a plantation, cultivates the land by directly directing slaves and peasants, and obtains the agricultural products from them.

    Mainly grapes and olives are grown.

    And ...... it was the latter type of plantation income that separated the fate of rich nobles like the Lucarios from that of debt-ridden nobles.

    Wheat and barley are easily affected by the weather, and since everyone is growing them, the prices are not high to begin with.

    Their income often drops drastically depending on the weather.

    Therefore, nobles who relied only on land rent were forced to give up their land.

    On the other hand, noble families like the Lucarios, who relied on plantation income as their mainstay, were resilient to bad weather and did not miss the development of the money economy, and on the contrary, succeeded in increasing their assets.

    By the way, where are Galfis and Christos?

    Hercule asks. ......

    "We grow olives," said Galfis.

    And Galfis.

    My family is based on rents, salt fields and fishing rights," said Christos.

    Christos.

    "You''re doing more than you think.

    Hercule nodded admiringly.

    But the fallen aristocrats probably don''t have more than a cat''s nest of land. ......

    If you ask them to try farming now, they have no land to do it.

    But the aristocrats can''t do commerce.

    There is no way that the aristocracy can bear to engage in commerce, which is socially and ethically despicable.

    Well, they can''t do it anyway because they don''t have the money to pay for it.

    I can lend you land and money, but I don''t think you''ll succeed with that. ......

    If starting a business was a surefire way to succeed, everyone would be starting a business.

    They are reluctant because of the possibility of failure.

    The same is true for land management.

    Now, we are going round and round in circles.

    As the four of us groaned and pondered, ......, Hercule came up with an idea.

    I got an idea.

    Hercule clapped his hands.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea. I''ve ...... completely lost track of what I''ve done.

    Hercule''s words ......

    I see," said Galfis, Christos and Loukanos.

    Even if you want to spread a particular agricultural ...... product to the country, distributing it to farmers and telling them to grow it will not make them grow it.

    This is because they do not know how to grow it, and even if they do, they do not know if they can sell it.

    And, in fact, they would not sell it at first.

    And in fact, it will not sell at first because no one will understand its taste and usefulness.

    Therefore, Hercule first had slaves and peasants grow these crops on state land, and then sold them exclusively.

    This was because only the state could grow crops without regard to profit.

    Then, little by little, the taste and name spread to the common people. ......

    Now, they are finally in the stage of spreading the cultivation to the whole country.

    At this point, the farms owned by the state are not needed, or rather, they are a hindrance.

    If the private sector and the state were to fight in the market, the state would definitely win due to the difference in capital power, and this would prevent the private sector from growing and spreading throughout the country.

    In other words, they would have to sell off their farms somewhere.

    Hercule came up with the idea of distributing those farms to the fallen nobles.

    "It''s a new crop, so there''s no rival. There are no rivals because it''s a new crop, and the cultivation itself is on track, so if you don''t do anything wrong, you won''t fail. The nobles will learn the know-how and expand their farms on their own.

    Of course, it won''t be for free.

    Of course, it won''t be for free, but we can ask them to pay for the land in installments.

    Why didn''t I think of something as simple as this?

    After all, human beings are prone to overlooking things, Hercule reflected deeply.

    So, ...... let''s say that. The three of you will be responsible for guiding the nobles. If you can, lend them some money. You can even charge interest.

    "Yes!

    The three of them straightened their postures and replied.

 117 Episode 24 Shudokai

    Well, in the meantime, the eve of the festival has arrived.

    Tomorrow is Pentecost, the biggest festival for Messianics.

    It''s also Nia''s birthday.

    Well, ......, but in a little while it will be the New Year. Hopefully next year will be better too. ......

    Hercule looks out the window.

    It was snowing today, just like the day when Hercule met Nia.

    In the garden, you can see Carolina, Lunalie, Scheherazade, and Nia having a snowball fight.

    ...... Aside from Nia, what about the three of them as adults and noblemen?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    It''s cold out there. I can''t go outside. Hey, Ciffany.

    I''m stuck at .......

    Don''t move. You''ll get cold if you move.

    Hercule had his own personal servant on his lap.

    She was a human with black hair, black eyes and big tits.

    She is a human with black hair, black eyes, and big tits, and her appearance is second to none.

    Hmm, it''s cold. ......

    Do you want to put some wood in the fireplace?¡¡Either way, we''ll have to move.

    It''ll be cold between the time you put the wood in and the time you come back.

    The fireplace is not that far from the sofa where Hercule and Cifanie are sitting.

    It''s only for a short while, but Hercule can''t seem to stand it.

    It looks like he was just flirting with Cifanie, not saying that he was cold.

    "Kun Kun ......, did you change your perfume?

    "Oh, yes. ...... Did you like it better before?

    I like this one. How can I dislike your body odor in the first place?

    I don''t see how I can dislike your body odor in the first place," said Hercule as he ran his tongue along the nape of Cifanie''s neck.

    Cifanie''s body shivered.

    "Oh, um, ......, Your Majesty?

    "I''ve done my business, and my dear wife is busy with a snowball fight.

    Hercule then put his hand on Cifanie''s dress.

    With his right hand he unbuttoned her breasts, while with his left he stroked her thighs.

    When they were both burning hot, ......

    "Your Majesty, the Emperor has a visitor. May I be excused?

    The guards'' voices came from outside.

    Hercule looked very unhappy and then let go of Cifanie''s restraining hand.

    Cifanie hurriedly got off Hercule''s lap and straightened her clothes.

    "You may come in.

    Hercule said. ......

    The door opened and two men came out.

    The man on the right stepped forward first.

    He wore a white monk''s uniform and was clean-shaven.

    He was in his mid-forties.

    "I am Patrick Alagna, president of the Reclamation Society. My name is Patrick Alagna. I am here today by order of His Majesty the Emperor.

    The next man on the left stepped forward.

    This man also wears a white monk''s uniform, but looks a little shabbier than Patrick. ......

    He looks to be in his thirties.

    "I''m Giuliano Branca. My name is Giuliano Branca. I am here today by order of the Emperor.

    Hercule greeted them with a smile.

    The sullen look on his face earlier was a lie.

    "Thank you for coming, Lord Alanya. Blanka. Please, sit down first.

    Hercule motioned for them to sit down on the sofa.

    As soon as they were seated, Cifanie brought tea and refreshments and placed them on the table.

    The head of the brotherhood frowned when he saw this.

    "Your Majesty. Such an expensive item is against the teachings. I''m very sorry, .......

    "Hmm ...... but if you don''t drink it, it will be thrown away. Isn''t that more against the doctrine?¡¡Isn''t it sinful to waste the food that God has given us?

    The president of the brotherhood thought that he was right and drank a cup of tea from .......

    He put the tea in his mouth.

    His expression became calm, as if he had enjoyed the tea after all.

    Now, ...... while the three of you are peacefully drinking tea and making small talk, let me explain about the convent and the monastery.

    A convent is an organization or group of people who live together in the ethics and morals of Messianism under the approval of a high priestess (medium).

    Each one of them is a monastery, and when they are united, they become a convent.

    That is the basic understanding.

    There are several types of monasteries, but the two monasteries invited by Hercule are the Reclamation Monastery and the Brothers'' Monastery, both of which were established recently.

    The main activity of the cultivators is to refuse to donate land, to cultivate the land with their own hands, and to share their skills with farmers.

    The main base of their activities is the Kingdom of Fullerling, where they are currently spreading the three-plot farming system to farmers in the kingdom.

    The Order of Brothers denies the keeping of property and has no personal possessions other than clothing. ......

    They live on almsgiving, and their main activity is to spread the teachings of Messianism.

    What both of them have in common is that they basically regard luxury as an evil and they are very devoted followers of Messiahism.

    I love what you''re doing!¡¡You''re doing a great job!" The Order of the Holy Monks, on the other hand, is .......

    Hercule praised the Order of the Reclaimed and the Order of the Brethren, while disparaging the Holy Order.

    The Holy Order is the largest and most powerful congregation in the Messianic world today.

    It has a centralized organization with branches all over the world.

    The current generation of mediums, Millenia, is from the Order, and Cecilia is also a member.

    Its activities are aimed at overcoming the restraints and domination of secular power, criticizing the corruption, corruption, and simony of the bishops, and increasing the authority and power of the mediums.

    In other words, she is the natural enemy of Hercule.

    However, he has a vast manor and is difficult for Hercule to deal with.

    The only thing Hercule could do was to tax their manors in the Lemurian Empire, but he could not block their activities. ......

    But even so, Erk¨¹l has not given up his right to ordain, so the battle is still in Erk¨¹l''s hands for now.

    As I mentioned earlier, the Holy Order has a vast manor and great economic power.

    In other words, they are rich.

    The Messiah''s guru, the Son of God, said that rich people go to hell. ...... Well, he didn''t say that directly, but he did say that it is difficult to go to heaven.

    In Messianic ethics, poverty is a virtue, while luxury and splendor are vices.

    However, if you actually visit a monastery of the Holy Order, you will find that it is so gorgeous and ornate that you will say, "Wow!

    A poor, debtor aristocrat would be much poorer and live a more monastic life.

    For this reason, they are subject to criticism. ......

    The Order of the Reclamation and the Order of the Brothers were born to oppose and condemn such monasticism.

    In accordance with the theory that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, the Order of Reclamation and the Order of the Brothers are on the side of Hercule.

    They are happy when they are praised, and sympathetic when they are criticized.

    When the sensitivity of both the president of the Reclamation Monastery and the president of the Brothers'' Monastery has increased, ......

    Hercule got right to the point.

    "Well, I have a favor to ask you both.

    Hercule said with a serious face.

    Sensing the change in Hercule''s mood, they both straightened up.

    You''ve heard of my recent conquests of the Taurian peninsula and islands. I would like you to be active there. Of course, I will spare no effort to support you.

    There are many infidels and heretics in the Taurica Peninsula and the islands taken from the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Hercule wants to encourage them to convert to Orthodox Messianism.

    Also, I would like to ask the ...... cultivators to help us cultivate the Taurica Peninsula. It is a land of great sobriety, but the ...... agricultural technology is still in its infancy, and the land has not yet been cultivated.

    The Taurica peninsula and the Kumania plain in the northern part of the peninsula are fertile lands known as Chernozem.

    It is very suitable for growing wheat, and Hercule wanted to cultivate it as the second largest breadbasket after Misr, but it would be difficult for the state alone.

    It would be costly and time-consuming.

    However, it would be costly and time-consuming.

    It is cost effective.

    However, considering that Hercule''s power in the Lemurian Empire is so great that even the Holy Monastery has not been able to get them to recognize the right of non-exportation, it is quite possible to make the cultivating monks pay taxes.

    In the worst case, they could just confiscate it with difficulty.

    He did not say what he really meant.

    I would also like the brotherhood to strengthen its missionary work in the kingdom of ...... Fars, the eastern countries beyond that, and the southern countries south of the province of Misr. We will spare no effort to support you.

    Of course, we will spare no effort to support this missionary work. ......

    Of course, this missionary activity also includes the implication that we should conduct espionage.

    Well, as for the Kingdom of Fars, we can''t do that since the treaty with King Sasan VIII forbids such activities. ......

    I would love to have information about the nomadic Kuro Thorn, the Sindhira region, and the Silk Country.

    I also want to expand Messianism.

    The two men pondered Hercule''s proposal for a while.

    The first to speak up was the president of the Reclamation Order.

    ...... Our aim is to live in accordance with God''s teachings, uninfluenced by worldly powers. Your Majesty and we are on the same page, and we would have preferred to ask you to help us with our activities inside the Taurica Peninsula. Just go to .......

    After a few moments of hesitation, he said, looking at Hercule''s face.

    As I said before, our doctrine is to live without the restraints of worldly power. Of course, we abide by the laws of Lemuria, but ...... we are not His Majesty''s vassals. We do not necessarily obey His Majesty''s orders, and we cannot accept His Majesty''s will in any of our personnel matters. If you agree to that, we would like to operate on the Taurica Peninsula.

    In other words, don''t tell us what to do in return.

    In other words, don''t interfere in return.

    Hercule nodded.

    "Of course I understand. But you must abide by Lemurian law. You will also obey the laws of the Church, and if any of you ...... are guilty of any crimes, which is not something we like to think about, you will be handed over to us, and we will investigate. These are the minimum requirements for operating in the Lemurian Empire. Other than that, you are free to operate as you please.

    The Church Law is the law that governs the activities of the Church and the payment of taxes. ......

    Monasteries and convents also have their own rules and regulations.

    Well, they are basically the same as churches: ......

    They are exempt from taxation to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of their activities, while they are subject to taxation if they make more profit than necessary.

    Of course, the president of the Reclamation Society understood this.

    He nodded his head.

    The next speaker was a brother monk.

    You know that we forbid the holding of private property as a rule," he said. ...... What exactly is your support?¡¡I can''t give you any monetary support. ......

    In response, Hercule smiled.

    I know, of course, I know. Of course I understand. But we do need a base of operations, don''t we?¡¡And clothes. I''m also thinking of issuing ...... a pass with my, Julianos''s, coat of arms.

    Satisfied with Hercule''s reply, the president of the brotherhood nodded.

    I see, ......, so I will ask you to do the same.

    He also accepted the help from Hercule.

    The enemies of the three are the same, and their interests are aligned.

    Thus, ......

    The Order of the Reclamation and the Order of the Brothers were to act as Hercule''s hands and feet.

    Later on, the brotherhood would play an active role in the Kingdom of Foulds, the southern countries, and the accomplishment of certain missions in the Land of Silk. ......

    The Order of the Brethren would go on to accomplish many things, but that would come a little later.

    ______________________________________________________________.

    Dear Cecilia

    Dear Cecilia

    Happy birthday to you.

    You are now fifteen years old. ...... Were you twelve when we first met?¡¡I''m surprised it''s already been three years.

    And ...... that we haven''t seen each other for three years.

    Now, have you opened your birthday present yet?

    Well, I''m not going to tell you what''s in it because you might not have. ......

    It''s a gift from me.

    I hope you can understand what I mean.

    Sincerely.

    Your guardian, Hercule Yulianos.

    P.S.

    I think it''s time for you and Nia to make up, don''t you?

    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

    Mmm. ......

    Cecilia frowned as she read the last part.

    Of course, Cecilia knew that she had to make up with Nia.

    But ...... she didn''t want to apologize first.

    It was Nia who was at fault.

    Of course, I don''t think I''m wrong in any way, but I thought I was saying the right thing .......

    I thought I was saying the right thing, but it was Nia who started the fight.

    Cecilia thought it was only right that Near should apologize first.

    Now, let''s get back on track. ......

    Cecilia put her hand on the box that Hercule had given her, feeling her heart beating fast.

    It was the first time she had ever received a gift from the opposite s*x.

    And he''s the one that ...... you''ve always wanted.

    From Cecilia''s point of view, Hercule is ...... a very good politician and soldier, even if he thinks a little differently.

    He is a very good politician and soldier.

    I''ve admired him for a long time.

    I have always respected him, and we have exchanged letters, and I have learned that Hercule is a very good man of letters.

    Hercule was the only one who could communicate with Cecilia in a proper theological way.

    In addition, he has philosophical and literary knowledge that Cecilia does not have.

    It''s interesting, so you should read it: ......

    I once received some books from her, and they were really useful books.

    The books on Pagan philosophy, written hundreds of years ago, were especially wonderful.

    I was afraid to read them at first, but after I finished, I realized how narrow-minded I had been.

    There are things that can be learned and useful even from pagan knowledge.

    Respect turned to admiration, and admiration turned to adoration, and then to love.

    Although they hadn''t seen each other for three years since their first meeting, ......

    This is why Cecilia''s feelings for Hercule have grown stronger.

    However, ...... she herself is unaware of this.

    She was also unaware that her distrust and discomfort with Nia was due to jealousy.

    Now, untie the ribbon and open the box: ......

    The first thing that came out was a card.

    "Dear Cecilia, I give you this. It''s how I feel.

    Cecilia carefully placed the card on the floor and then picked up the gift.

    It was a ......

    It was a teacup.

    And two of them.

    What it meant was: ......

    "Let''s meet again and drink tea. ...... Your Majesty, you remembered me.

    Hercule remembered that Cecilia was not a coffee drinker, but a tea drinker like him.

    That''s why he gave her two cups. ......

    Cecilia interpreted.

    "Your Majesty ...... I would like to meet you.

    Cecilia pressed the teacup to her chest with great care.

 118 Episode 25 Conclusion of alliance

    In December, Hercule celebrated his birthday and turned 21, and the New Year began.

    One month after the New Year, in February.

    Hercule was in the northeastern part of the Haloosa Sea with Todoris and Galfis in tow. ......

    They were in the northeastern part of the Haluza Sea.

    The Haluza Sea is a salt lake in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    It is a salt lake in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Khayastan, although it is not wrong to call it a sea because of its size.

    The Haluza Sea is where caviar is produced.

    In addition to the Kingdom of Khayastan, there are two other countries bordering the Khaluza Sea.

    One is the Kingdom of Fars, a coastal country on the southern side of the Haloza Sea.

    The other is the nomadic nation of Kurotsuki, which is located on the northeast coast of .......

    Hercule visited the northeastern part of the Haloosa Sea at ......

    Erk¨¹l visited the northeastern part of the Haloosa Sea in order to meet with Kagan of Kurotsuki.

    The two nations pitched their tents along the coast of the Haloosa Sea.

    The flag of the Lemurian Empire fluttered in the west, while the flag of Kurotsuki fluttered in the east.

    As far as the eye could see, there were meadows and wilderness.

    Hercule, accompanied by Todoris as his interpreter and Galfis as his escort, approaches the eastern tent on horseback.

    On the other hand, Kagan the Kuro-Throated, accompanied by an interpreter and an escort, is approaching the west side on horseback.

    The two sides met at an equal distance from each other.

    Hercule observed Kagan, the first Kuro Thorn he had met.

    His ears were still long and he could tell that he was of Elven blood.

    His eyes are blue, his skin is yellow, and his ...... hair is black.

    His face is neither shallow nor deeply sculpted.

    At the very least, the shape of her face is quite different from that of Hercule and Lunalie.

    "Welcome, King of Lemuria. I am Ikan Kagan. I am Kagan of the Kuro Tongue.

    While still on his horse, he greeted Hercule.

    Hercule did the same.

    "Thank you for inviting me. I am Icankagan. I am Emperor Hercule of the Lemurian Empire.

    Immediately Todoris and ......

    The diplomats from the Kuro Thrust side translate.

    (The following assumes that both sides are going through an interpreter.

    "After all this time, I''ve heard that you''ve defeated the Foulds. Congratulations.

    "Thank you. But this was only possible because you were threatening the back of the Fals. It gave us a negotiating advantage.

    It''s a win-win.

    The meeting between the two sides began in a friendly mood.

    Each side praised the other''s military achievements.

    It became a common topic of conversation that both countries had the Kingdom of Fars as a hypothetical enemy, and both had defeated the Kingdom of Fars before.

    Now, ......

    When the conversation was in full swing, Hercule got down to business.

    As for the marriage of my sister Linasha, ...... we are willing to consider it for the sake of permanent friendship with your country.

    Hercule said. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    Kurotsuki is an elf nation where only the ruling class has become elf brides.

    Therefore, they are regularly taking in Elven blood from abroad.

    And in order to secure the power of his own family, ...... Ihankagan wants the blood of the House of Julianos, the most prestigious of the Long-Eared Elves.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian Empire is looking for a reliable ally to compete with the Kingdom of Phallus. ......

    The interests of both parties were aligned.

    Therefore, the story of political marriage had been going on since the time of the previous emperor Hadrian.

    However, although ...... continued, there was not much progress.

    Hadrian did not want his only daughter to be married to a barbarian, and Ihankagan felt that Hadrian was not strong enough to form an alliance.

    At the very least, he would have to be a strong monarch who could win a proper war to form an alliance.

    That''s what Ihsan Kagan thought.

    The nomadic world is a meritocracy, and leaders are expected to be capable of war.

    Emperor Hadrian, a leader who was not good at war, was looked down upon by Ikhankagan, and Ikhankagan was looked down upon by Hadrian.

    Both of them did not share the same temperament.

    But after Hercule''s accession to the throne and ......

    But after Hercule''s accession to the throne and his victory over the Kingdom of Phallus, the story began to progress rapidly.

    Ihankagan recognized Hercule as a strong monarch.

    And Erkur did not look down on him (at least on the surface).

    The temperaments of both men were compatible.

    In this case, their interests were aligned, and things proceeded quickly.

    As a result, the negotiations between the diplomats reached a climax: ......

    Finally, the sovereigns met each other.

    But ...... there are some conditions.

    "Hmm, what is it?

    Hercule held up a finger.

    One, ...... Linasha is a messianist. While it is important to respect the culture and customs of your country, there are some things that must be observed as a Messianic Christian. I ask you to respect that.

    "Of course. Our country is not concerned with religion. There are many people in our country who believe in Messiah.

    There is no lie in the words of Ikhankagan.

    There are people of various cultures, customs and religions in the tribal federation of Kurotsuki.

    Naturally, there are also messianists and torchbearers.

    "Two ...... I want to send a clergyman to officially minister to my sister. I want you to accept it.

    "Hmm ...... well, that''s fine.

    Of course, it is not for my sister''s sake, but for the purpose of propagating messianism in Kurotsuki.

    But the country of Kurotsuki does not care much about religion.

    He accepted it easily.

    "Three ......, I want you to make my sister happy.

    Of course I will!

    Ikhankagan smiled.

    And so, a political marriage between the Lemurian Empire and Kurotsuki was consummated. ......

    Linasha was to be married to Kurotsuki.

    One month later, it was March.

    After all the diplomatic formalities, ...... the time for parting finally came.

    "So long, Linasha. Have a good day.

    Though I do go home once every ten years, Your Majesty.

    On the shores of the Haluza Sea, Hercule and Linasha exchanged parting words.

    Behind Linasha, Icahnkagan is waiting for her.

    So, what do you think?¡¡What do you think of the man I''ve arranged for you to marry? Is it to your liking?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. He''s quite nice. He does have a slight body odor.

    He''s not in the habit of taking a bath. I''m afraid you''ll have to put up with that.

    They laughed at each other.

    Although they had different mothers, Hercule and Linasha were on good terms with each other, even though they were brothers of royalty and nobility.

    I''ll see you in ten years. I''ll show you my nephew or niece then. Your Majesty.

    "Well, I don''t know if I can do it in ten years. Well, let''s wait and see.

    Linasha turned on her heel and ran up to Ihankagan.

    The Yulianos family has many beautiful women among the elves, and Linasha is the most beautiful woman in the Lemurian Empire.

    Perhaps that''s why Ihankagan has been looking down his nose at her.

    At first glance, they don''t seem to be a bad match.

    (Well, it''s not like she''s going to marry alone.

    Of course, it''s not like Linasha is going to ride into the blackout alone.

    As promised to Ihankagan, a clergyman, specifically a monk of the cultivation monastery, will accompany her, as well as many slaves and servants who have been with her for many years.

    There are also about ten half-elven women with her.

    These women were assigned to the black-robed nobles who had no wives.

    As a result, about a hundred of them accompanied Linasha to Kurotsuki.

    That''s how the royal family marries.

    (Hmm?)

    For some reason, Ikan Kagan walked up to me.

    I''ve already said goodbye.

    What''s going on?

    What''s more curious is that ...... he has another boy with him, besides the interpreter.

    Dark hair, gray eyes, pretty good looking.

    "I''m sorry!¡¡I forgot something important. ...... Your Majesty. Could you please take care of him for me?

    "My name is Jebe, Your Majesty.

    The boy greeted him in fluent Farsi.

    He seems to be reasonably well educated.

    "Hmm, ......, what does that mean?¡¡And what is the position of this boy?¡¡Without knowing that, I cannot answer.

    Hercule replies.

    Hearing Todoris''s translation, Icahnkagan nodded.

    Hmm. This is my brother''s child ......, which makes him my nephew. But my brother ...... was a bit naughty. He was executed for treason. But this boy was a baby at the time. They couldn''t kill a baby, as they should have. But if I let him stay in the country any longer, he''d become a source of strife. So why don''t you let me keep him?¡¡You can use him as a servant, an escort, whatever.

    "...... Well, that''s fine.

    Hercule nodded.

    It''s a good riddance.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. In many ways, the Lemurian Empire is safe for both Jebe and Icahnkagan.

    Besides, through Jebe, he can make connections to the Lemurian Empire.

    (Also, ...... probably thinks that if he can get my favor as a male prostitute, all the better...)

    Hercule had heard that there was a culture of homos*xuality in Kurotsuki.

    It''s not that unusual.

    The Cyrisians of long ago also said, "Love between men is true love because it is not based on instinct. It is wonderful," and left many poems about love between men.

    In ancient Lemuria, love for beautiful boys was not uncommon, and the emperor, grieving over the death of his lover''s boy, named a new colonial city after the boy.

    (Incidentally, in ancient Lemuria, it was OK to put a boy in your a**h*le, but it was not OK to be put in your a**h*le. (Incidentally, in ancient Lemuria, it was okay to put it in your a**h*le, but not to be put in your a**h*le. The theory is that a man who is effeminate is unfit to be a politician or a soldier. (Hercule''s ancestors were also attacked politically for this theory.

    The warlords of Japan were also generally effeminate.

    In modern Japan, one in thirteen people is said to be LGBT.

    In fact, Jebe is quite a handsome boy.

    When he says he wants to be useful in various ways, there is a high possibility that he has such expectations.

    Hercule himself is not prejudiced against such things.

    He has his own perversions and feels that he is free to do so.

    But at the moment, Hercule does not have such a taste.

    In the first place, homos*xuality is outlawed in Messianism.

    In the Messianic religion, homos*xuality is outlawed, and the suspicion of homos*xuality is enough to disqualify a politician or, in some cases, execute him and confiscate his property.

    Well, I guess he doesn''t know anything about that.

    So this time, I''ll say goodbye. Please take care of my sister.

    "Of course I will. I''ll see you when I get a chance. Brother.

    This time, Hercule parted ways with Igancagan.

    Now, on the way back.

    Hercule thought he''d better tell Jebe: ......

    "Just so you know, I don''t have any taste in men. Don''t count on it, okay?

    I like it when a beautiful girl asks me to hold her. I love it when a beautiful girl asks me to hold her, but when a beautiful boy asks me to hold him, I''m not so sure. by a beautiful boy.

    If it was a beautiful boy who could be mistaken for a beautiful girl, I might be happy, but even though Jebe is a beautiful boy, he doesn''t have a very feminine face.

    "Is that true?

    Jebe asked Hercule.

    Hercule nodded broadly.

    Messianism forbids homos*xuality in the first place.

    So don''t do it, because it could become a political issue, okay?

    I reminded him.

    Then Jebe said: ......

    I''m glad to hear that. I''m deeply relieved. ...... I''m not either.

    ...... That''s really good to hear.

    Being sold off as a male prostitute in a foreign land is not a very hard life.

    It must have been very unsettling.

    Hercule sincerely felt sorry for Jebe.

 119 Episode 26 Pope Ascends the Throne

    Three months had passed since Linasha''s marriage, and it was now June.

    With this much time having passed, the fact that Lemuria and Kurotsuki had entered into marriage became known to the world.

    It was the Kingdom of False that was in trouble.

    The pressure from both sides, Lemuria and Kurotsuki, had intensified.

    The thought of Sasan VIII''s troubled face made Hercule feel very happy.

    Also, as the friendship between the two countries deepened, the trade between the two countries became more active.

    What Hercule wanted from Kurotsuki was a horse.

    As a nomadic tribe, the horses raised by Kurotsuki were all excellent, and as Hercule was always trying to strengthen his cavalry, he wanted to acquire them.

    On the other hand, Kurotsuki wanted wheat and other grains, as well as some luxury goods such as spices.

    The Kuro Thorn, a great empire that straddles the east and west, is the champion of the continental steppes. ......

    The spices that originate from the southern islands are hard to come by.

    Being able to obtain them through the Lemurian Empire was of great significance.

    On the other hand, a lot of silk was imported to Lemuria without going through the Kingdom of Fars.

    Well, these trades had been going on from the beginning, but ......

    This trade became more and more active.

    But not all went well.

    Some people ridiculed Hercule, saying that he sold his sister for his own benefit.

    This was from both inside and outside the Lemurian Empire.

    It is difficult to say that they are not wrong.

    However, the fact that they had entered into a marriage did not mean that they would immediately attack Phallus.

    Phallus is still a powerful nation.

    Hercule did not move his army and focused on internal affairs.

    June is the wheat harvest season.

    The climate of the Lemurian Empire differs greatly from place to place, so there are areas with bad harvests and areas with good harvests.

    This year, however, the entire country experienced a relatively poor harvest.

    In order to lower the price of wheat, Hercule instructed the wheat guilds to increase wheat imports from the Taurica Peninsula.

    He was also discussing with his vassals to increase the amount of wheat rationed to avoid the possibility of starvation in the city. ......

    The news came to Hercule''s ears.

    He was discussing with his vassals the possibility of increasing the amount of wheat rationed.

    The peasants, dissatisfied with the rents, have rallied and are besieging the halls of the nobles, demanding ...... that the rents be lowered.

    So far, no noblemen have been killed, but some of those involved in the uprising have been injured, and the situation is having a negative impact on distribution. ......

    Hearing this, Hercule smiled.

    "Finally, I''ve waited long enough.

    After giving instructions about the disturbance, Hercule was having a tea party with Carolina, Lunalie and Nia.

    Sifanny poured tea into their cups.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea. In any case, the land tax was raised in the name of integrating the per capita tax and the land tax. It''s not surprising that the aristocrats would argue that it''s reasonable to raise the rent from the peasants since they are now paying the per capita tax that the peasants used to pay.

    "Huh. ...... Well, you''re certainly right, sir.

    She listened to Hercule''s explanation and ......

    I''m sure you''re right.

    The lowering of the per capita tax had temporarily improved the lives of the peasants.

    And the peasants supported Hercule.

    However, in the following years, the nobles started to raise the rent, saying, "We are paying for what you are not paying, so you should pay for it.

    They are in a position of renting, and the claim itself is not wrong. ...... Rather, considering the reason for raising the land tax, it is a legitimate one, and the peasants cannot complain.

    This is why the Lemurian Empire raised the land tax.

    Some aristocrats thought that if they were going to raise the rent, they should raise it even more than the loss of the land tax.

    For the peasants who had been paying the per capita tax diligently, the increase would only be about zero or a slight increase, but for the peasants who had been dodging the ...... tax, the burden would have increased at once.

    In other words, the peasants were impoverished.

    In other words, the peasants were impoverished, but Hercule didn''t care as long as the taxes came in.

    At first glance, it looks like the structure of a corrupt nobleman and a poor peasant being exploited.

    But the aristocrats are desperate.

    The aristocracy does not live in luxury.

    It is rare to find a nobleman without debts, and there are many who are forced to give up their land.

    If the nobles do not raise the rent, more than a third of the noble families will fall within 20 years.

    It is natural for the aristocrats to say, "Why should we pay the taxes of the peasants?

    If we look at the source of the problem, it may be seen as the fault of the peasants who continued to cheat on the per capita tax.

    It does not mean that either side is to blame.

    But what is important here is that the uprising that occurred in ...... Misrule was not a rebellion. Their anger was directed at the nobles, not at me. Make no mistake about it.

    It is not a revolt to reduce taxes or cancel debts, or a movement of the people united against religious oppression against the state and against Hercule.

    It is the landowning aristocracy and the peasants who are in conflict with each other who are participating in this uprising.

    From the point of view of the peasants, it is a nuisance and a racket, and from the point of view of the nobles and peasants, who maintain good relations with each other, it is something else.

    "Well, the point is. If I intercede here, my authority will rise.

    Hercule said with a smug face.

    However, Lunalie interrupted him.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "That''s a good question, Mr. Lunary.

    Hercule smirks.

    "Of course we''ll kill all the ringleaders. And anyone who participates in the uprising will be fined. They''ll be paid in installments so they can pay up.

    No matter what the reason, it''s not a good reason to start a riot.

    As the sovereign of the Lemurian Empire, it is only natural that he should give priority to order.

    What do you mean, "I''ve been waiting for ......"?¡¡Your Majesty.

    Nia asked Hercule.

    You can find a lot more information on the web at the moment.

    What for? ...... I wanted to make life better for the peasants.

    I don''t want to pretend to be something I''m not, so why don''t you tell me what''s really going on?

    When Karolina said this, Hercule frowned in annoyance.

    "You are rude. What''s wrong with me wanting to raise the standard of living of my people? I''m a monarch, remember?¡¡Well, to be more precise than ......, my goal is to stimulate the economy by raising the standard of living of the peasants.

    The Lemurian Empire is a state with a well-balanced pyramidal population of landowners, farmers, and peasants, but in any case, the percentage of peasants is high.

    Hercule''s goal is to increase the national strength of the Lemurian Empire as a whole by raising their economic power.

    In order to do so, it is necessary to lower the rents of the nobles while moderating them to the extent that they do not become impoverished.

    "I see, so ...... what exactly are you going to do?

    Lunalee asked.

    This time the uprising was in a very limited area in the province of Misr, and of course that alone will not make the peasants of the entire empire rich.

    What was the cause of this uprising in the first place?¡¡What caused the uprising in the first place was the poor wheat harvest throughout the empire. According to my research, many of the nobles who were involved in the uprisings had fixed rents ......, meaning that they had predetermined the amount of wheat they would pay. And they did not reduce the rents at all.

    There are many ways to pay rent.

    There are two types of payment.

    Fixed and percentage.

    In outdated places, there are also labor rents.

    In other words, ...... should reduce the rent of the peasants who caused the uprisings to the harvest rate system.

    In addition, ...... the fact that peasants cannot go against the aristocracy and cannot object to it is the root of the problem. The problem is that the environment is such that people think that they can''t be accepted without direct action like this ....... The solution, then, is to establish a ...... place for objections, a court to handle disputes between landowners and peasants.

    "But won''t the ...... court rule in favor of the nobility?¡¡I don''t think the peasants can afford a good lawyer. ......

    Nia nodded her head.

    In addition to economic power, there is a big difference in personal connections between nobles and peasants.

    The judges who decide the cases are intellectuals such as bureaucrats and aristocrats, who are naturally more on the side of the landowners than the peasants.

    "That''s why I''m thinking of asking the monastery of cultivation. They know a lot about farmland.

    "I see!

    Nia looked satisfied.

    The Order of Reclamation is a group that refuses even to donate land.

    They would gladly cooperate with even a small donation if it would benefit the peasants.

    They are also sincere and do not accept bribes.

    He is also very knowledgeable about farmland and knows how to make decisions.

    And he is trusted by the ...... farmers.

    We''re going to ask the brothers and other monks to join us.

    But the brotherhoods will mainly be moving their activities overseas, and the holy monks are a noble group.

    But the brotherhoods will have to move their activities overseas, and the holy monks are a group of nobles.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.¡¡Your Majesty.

    "Well, that''s true, but ...... there will be a backlash from the landowners. You have to go through a scary time before you can reflect on what you''ve done.

    What a policy needs is to explain how it is necessary.

    It doesn''t matter how good the policy is, if you can''t answer the question, "What''s the problem with the current policy? It is no good if you can''t answer the question.

    And even if you can answer ......, you need to be aware of the necessity to convince people of it.

    The landowners of Misrule Province must have been very scared by this incident.

    And the landowners of other provinces must be worried about their own future.

    It was originally a policy to suppress the nobility. ......

    But by issuing it at this time, it turns into a policy that alleviates the concerns of the aristocracy.

    If the money is recast, prices will surely rise. That will hurt the economically weak. I wanted to improve it while I could. It''s not fortuitous that it happened at just the right time.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    Now, after ......, we have to deal with the urban poor. This is also a bad idea if you don''t take care of them before the casting .......

    At the same time as Hercule said this, ......

    There was the sound of running.

    It was Todoris.

    "Your Majesty, ...... here you are!¡¡I''m sorry for my rudeness!¡¡I have urgent news!

    What is it?

    Your High Priestess, the Medium, has died. And ...... Gregorius has ascended to the throne as the new Pope .......

    Even Hercule''s eyes widened at this ......

    It''s

    It''s ......

    This meant that Hercule''s western and religious policies of the Lemurian Empire had been turned upside down.

 120 Episode 27 Stage Theater Act 1 Heroine of Tragedy

    There is good news and bad news, which do you want to hear?

    It''s a common question in movies.

    But it''s better to have good news.

    In real life, bad news often comes in succession.

    Well, the first piece of bad news that came to Hercule was ......

    The first piece of bad news that came to Hercule was the death of the High Priestess (Medium).

    And a man named Gregorius ascended to the mysterious position of Pope.

    It seems that this position of Pope is concurrently that of Patriarch of Lemuria, and that the previous Patriarch of Lemuria, Cronus Clorius, has been disgraced .......

    A week later, exiles began to arrive in the Lemurian Empire one after another.

    They were all pro-Lemurian clergymen who had been very powerful in the Lemurian Patriarchate, loyal subjects of Millenia Peter, and who should have supported the young Cecilia.

    They said that the previous Patriarch of Lemuria, Cronus Clorius, was in the midst of the Inquisition, and that Cecilia was imprisoned.

    At about the same time, the Patriarchate of Lemuria, the self-proclaimed Papacy of Lemuria, announced that "the system of mediums has been abolished. From now on, I am the Pope and the leader of the Messianic world. This is a decision made by everyone, so it has nothing to do with you. I won''t let you complain. Please come to Lemuria City so we can discuss things.

    What the hell!¡¡This brazen attitude is £¡£¡£¡£¡¡¡Who would recognize an old man like you as a leader of the Messianic religion? £¡£¡£¡£¡¡¡I don''t accept anyone but beautiful girls as mediums!¡¡TS and then send me a letter!!!

    Hercule shouted and tore the letter to pieces.

    He also stomped on the paper with his shoe.

    Please don''t do that, it''s too much trouble to clean up.

    I''d rather not have to clean it up.

    Lucanos makes a comment.

    "I heard that she used to be a beautiful girl. I mean, just look at Cecilia.

    Cecilia is Millenia''s grandson.

    Cecilia is the great-great-granddaughter of Millenia, and Hercule can somehow tell from her DNA that Millenia used to be a beautiful girl.

    I don''t care about High Priestess Millenia''s past. But who is this Gregorius?¡¡Who''s Gregorius? What?¡¡The Pope!

    He''s the leader of the anti-Lemurian faction of the Lemurian patriarchate. He''s the great-grandson of High Priest Millenia. According to his explanation, the Pope is the head of the entire Patriarchate. He''s the leader of all the Messianics.

    Lukanos said, and Hercule sniffed unhappily.

    Top of all the Messiahs?¡¡You''ve got a lot of nerve being above me!

    "Don''t be mad at me.

    Don''t be mad at me." Lucanos chuckled.

    How shall we deal with this?

    You''ve invited me here. Let''s go to the Patriarchate of Lemuria. And ...... we''ll bring Cecilia back, and Lord Kronos as well. Prepare the ship!

    Now, as Hercule prepares his ship and prepares to board the Lemurian Patriarchate, ......

    In the basement of a building in the city of Lemuria, ...... there were two people.

    One was a man with silver hair.

    He is in his mid-fifties and has no obvious physical characteristics, indicating that he is a human being.

    He wears a pure white vestment.

    The other was a beautiful girl with silver hair.

    This one wore shabby clothes that were slightly yellowish and dull.

    Metal shackles were attached to her feet.

    "I have told you many times ...... to cooperate with me. Cecilia.

    I have told you many times that I have no intention of being a part of your evil. I will not say anything bad about ....... Just stop it.

    The girl, Cecilia, brushed aside the words of the man, Gregorius.

    Then she glared at Gregorius.

    Gregorius said in a slightly annoyed voice.

    "Well, ...... will hold you prisoner for the rest of your life, is that okay?

    It''s a funny joke. Are you going to live for more than two hundred years?¡¡You''re not a medium, you''re not an elf.

    Cecilia said with a smile, and a blue streak appeared on Gregorius'' forehead.

    The inherited magic, God''s Blessing, had already been transferred from Millenia to Cecilia.

    He could take away the power, but he could not take away the magic.

    The Divine Blessing is a spell that has been passed down from the first Medium to the current Cecilia.

    This spell has the effect of extending the life of the heir.

    Gregorius had an irritated expression on his face, but ......

    I''m sure you''ll be glad to hear that.

    "So let me ask you this. Do you really believe that you can live out your life to the fullest?

    ...... What are you trying to say?

    Gregorius smirked.

    The previous Patriarch of Lemuria, Cronus Clorius, has been found guilty and he will be burned without incident.

    "Yoo, guilty?¡¡What are you talking about?

    Cecilia had been captured and imprisoned immediately after the death of the Medium.

    Therefore, she was unaware of the political upheaval within the Patriarchate of Lemuria, or that Cronus was facing the Inquisition.

    He confessed that he was a heretic, that he had intercourse with demons, that he had made a pact with them.

    "No, of course not!¡¡He made a pact with the devil. ......

    That''s what he said, in fact. He even signed it.

    Gregorius smirked.

    A cold sweat ran down Cecilia''s spine.

    As far as Cecilia knew, Kronos was a very devout man.

    He couldn''t be a heretic.

    This meant that he had been forced to confess to .......

    In other words, he may have been tortured.

    As Cecilia''s face grew tense, Gregorius snapped his fingers.

    A soldier appeared behind him and grabbed Cecilia''s arms, forcing her to stand.

    The chains were removed and she was blindfolded.

    "What are you doing?

    What are you doing?" "I''m going to have to ask you to move on. ...... No, to the interrogation room. The execution of Cronus Clorius will take place in 20 days. As soon as that''s done, we''ll interrogate you.

    "Interrogation?

    Gregorius smiled furtively.

    You are suspected of being a ...... witch who has made a pact with the devil as well.

    "No, that''s absurd!¡¡That''s impossible. ......

    Cecilia''s voice stopped mid-sentence.

    Cecilia''s voice stopped mid-sentence as Gregory''s fist slammed into Cecilia''s stomach.

    "Geez, geez, ......, you''re so violent ......, you''re even more suspicious ...... than Kronos and I.

    "If you don''t confess soon, you''re going to be in a lot more pain than you are now.

    Gregorius said, ......

    Gregorius moved off with his soldiers.

    Cecilia was dragged along by the soldiers.

    "What the hell is this place ......?

    Cecilia''s blindfold was removed and she looked around anxiously.

    It was pitch black and she couldn''t see a thing.

    "Turn on the lights.

    Yes, sir.

    On Gregory''s orders, the soldiers turned on the lights.

    Gradually the whole room became clearer.

    Oh, that''s nasty .......

    Cecilia muttered to herself.

    Cecilia''s description of the room as "bad taste" was understandable.

    The walls were covered with torture devices.

    And there were reddish-black stains everywhere.

    Perhaps Hercule would call it "good taste".

    "This is the room where Cronus Clorius slept until a few days ago.

    It''s a terrible place to stay, not even a bed.

    There''s nothing to be afraid of.

    There''s nothing to be afraid of," Cecilia said, her voice trembling.

    Cecilia said, as if to say that there was nothing to be afraid of, but her voice was trembling and it was obvious that she was afraid.

    "Sit her down.

    At Gregory''s command, the soldier sat Cecilia down on a metal chair in the middle of the room.

    Then they tied her hands and feet together.

    You said it would be twenty days before the full interrogation began, but ...... we''ll do a preliminary interrogation first.

    Gregorius smiled.

    In his hand he held what looked like a pair of metal pliers.

    "Twenty fingers on each limb. And twenty until the execution of Cronus Clorius. One a day, don''t you think that''s about right?

    Well, I don''t think so at all. ......

    Really? That''s too bad.

    Gregorius pinched Cecilia''s nails with a pair of pliers.

    Then he smiles benignly.

    Are you ready for this?

    You can do what you want. ...... I''m innocent. God sees everything.

    Cecilia glared at Gregorius as the least she could do.

    Then ......

    Cecilia''s scream rang out.

 121 Episode 28 Stage Theater Act 2

    "All right, gentlemen. We are about to enter the enemy''s stronghold. ......

    Just as they were about to land ......, Hercule gathered his vassals.

    Accompanying Hercule this time were Karolina, Galfis, Christos, Loukanos, Todoris, Nia, and six more than a hundred guards.

    The political situation in Lemuria is very unstable, and anything can happen.

    That''s why we''ve gathered people who are skilled in combat.

    I''ll handle Kronos Clorius with political pressure. I can handle the already disgraced Patriarch of Lemuria. The problem is Cecilia. If I were Gregory, I''d let go of Cronus Clorius, but I wouldn''t let go of Cecilia.

    If Millennia''s will is correct, Cecilia has already inherited the magic as a medium.

    If that''s the case, I can''t give Cecilia, the true heir, to Hercule.

    In exchange for giving up Cecilia, I will negotiate with ...... to secure the custody of Cronus Clorius. In the meantime, you are to find out where Cecilia is. We will rescue Cecilia when she returns home, and take her home with us.

    After stating his rather aggressive plan, Hercule concluded with a note of caution.

    As you know, Lemuria has a ward of exorcism. As you know, there is an exorcism ward in Lemuria City, and therefore, it is impossible to use necromancy.

    Exorcism wards.

    It''s a special kind of magic developed by the Church of Messiah.

    In fact, spirits are demons.

    Asmodeus, with whom Hercule has a contract, is a particularly famous demon.

    According to Messianic doctrine, it is not allowed to speak with demons.

    However, when the Messianic religion was recognized by the Lemurian Empire, it was decided that it would be inappropriate to continue to use ...... spirits as demons.

    Therefore, the doctrine was changed to say that spirits are spirits and not demons.

    Or they are demons, but they are good demons, so they are safe.

    This is sometimes explained by mysterious theories.

    To begin with, the seventy-two demons that Hercule, Carolina, and the others have contracts with were originally used by the Great King of the Six Star Sect, the origin of Messianism.

    But no matter how good the excuse is, a demon is still a demon and will be rejected by the exorcism wards.

    So it''s your job, ...... Nia, to rescue Cecilia. Do you understand?

    Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. I know, ...... and I will save her.

    Nia nodded.

    In the event that you are not able to use spirit magic, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of throwing in high status people like Karolina and Galfis.

    But Nia, although she was the daughter of Loukanos, was still his adopted son, and she was also a Nightmare.

    And even if we cut her off, it won''t affect the national government.

    And she has ......

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    And ...... Christos, you are to stay out of Lemuria City and protect the ship. Galfis, you''re to wait outside Lemuria City with a hundred men. I''ll take about 20 guards. Carolina, Loukanos, Todris, and Nia will enter Lemuria City with me.

    Hercule gave the final instructions: ......

    They finally landed at the outer harbor, a short distance from Lemuria City.

    By the time Hercule arrived in Lemuria, Kronos'' execution was only three days away.

    At the back of the Lemurian Cathedral, Gregorius was waiting for him.

    "Welcome, Hercule (??????)!¡¡Let us welcome you.

    Hercule frowned in displeasure.

    Hercule had never given this man permission to call him by his name.

    I don''t remember giving you permission not to use honorifics.

    But ...... telling him not to call me by my name here is not mature.

    So Hercule smiled.

    "Oh, thank you for inviting me. You may refer to me as Hercule ....... Gregorius.

    With that, Hercule gave a very friendly smile and patted Gregorius on the shoulder.

    Of course, with the strength of the elves, it was not a pat but a tap.

    Gregorius'' face scrunched up.

    However, it was Gregorius who had first called Hercule "His Majesty Hercule".

    He could not blame him, and could only smile bitterly.

    (You long-eared monkey. ...... I''ll excommunicate you.)

    (You''ve got some nerve calling me by my name. The only people who are allowed to call me by my name are my father, mother, god, the previous princess miko (medium), Carolina, Cecilia, Sasan VIII, and Ikan Kagan.

    That''s a lot.

    Now, it''s not a good idea to talk about politics right after meeting.

    So, a dinner party was held that day.

    "Oh no, Mr. Gregorius!¡¡Mr. Gregorius!

    At the dinner table, Hercule was talking to Gregorius in a very friendly manner.

    To the casual observer, he seemed like a very nice guy.

    But Karolina, Lucanos and the others felt like they were on a bed of needles.

    That was because all the Lemurian clergy, including Gregory, looked very unhappy.

    At first, they were angry at the rude monk for calling their lord by name, but ......

    However, Hercule''s attitude made me feel afraid of him.

    There is such a thing as TPO in this world.

    If you are too friendly, you will be very rude to the other person.

    Of course, Hercule knew that.

    If I scolded him to respect the TPO, Hercule would reply with a strange look.

    You do know what you''re doing.

    "Well, it''s good to drink with you, Gregorius!¡¡Come on, Gregorius, have a drink!

    No, no, no. ...... I''ve had enough. ......

    What are you talking about?¡¡What are you talking about? You haven''t had a drink at all since last time!

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.

    He says he hasn''t drunk at all, but two bottles of wine have already been emptied.

    (Is he drunk?)

    Todoris asked Karolina in a whisper.

    Karolina shook her head.

    (I don''t know, ......, I''ve never seen you drunk.)

    Lucanos gave a small shake of his head and agreed with Karolina.

    (Me too. He''s a strong man. ...... It''s obvious that he''s faking his drunkenness. He''s probably trying to get Gregorius drunk and out of sorts before the meeting tomorrow.

    He''s a genius when it comes to annoying people.

    He''s a genius when it comes to annoying people, thought Carolina, Loukanos and Todoris.

    (((I''m glad I''m your subject ......)))

    By the time the meeting was over, Gregorius was completely drunk.

    As a result, Cecilia''s left middle toe nail was saved, which was a good thing.

    Meanwhile, Nia was canvassing the city of Lemuria.

    Her goal was to find out where Cecilia was.

    Lemuria City, though desolate, was still home to its citizens.

    Naturally, many of them were sympathetic to Cecilia.

    Among them, I was able to obtain some powerful information.

    According to ...... Gregory has a taste for tyranny.

    He has a torture chamber in the basement of his ...... villa.

    He says that ...... suspected heretics are regularly brought there and that they always confess.

    ...... Kronos Clorius was also taken there.

    Says ...... Someone was taken there seventeen days ago.

    Near decided that it was most likely Cecilia who was taken in.

    And ......

    "Come on, spit it out!

    "Ugh. ......

    He kidnapped one of the soldiers who had been going in and out of the villa and lynched him in an alleyway.

    Beat him, kick him, kick him in the head.

    No mercy.

    In Nia''s mind, Erukyuu-sama is absolute justice, and anyone who disobeys Erukyuu-sama or interferes with him is absolute evil.

    And it is right to use the power of justice to defeat evil.

    For the sake of Erukyuu-sama, any action is permissible.

    He is gagged and cannot speak, but ......

    The soldier shakes his head.

    Nia took that to mean a negative.

    Oh, well, ...... that''s too bad.

    Near smiled a lecherous smile and ......

    He kicked the soldier in the groin as hard as he could.

    Butch.

    Something that should not be crushed was crushed.

    "£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    The soldier turned white and fainted.

    But Nia punched the soldier in the face again and again, forcing him to wake up again.

    I''ve just crushed the right side. I''m thinking of crushing the left side as well since it''s unbalanced.¡¡If you want me to crush it, just shake your head, if you don''t want me to, just shake your head?

    Nia gave a cute smile.

    The soldier cried and shook his head.

    Nia removes the gag.

    But since Nia''s foot is still wedged between the soldier''s legs,......, a shout would immediately put all of Nia''s weight on the foot and cause the soldier to lose his reproductive function.

    Well, there''s no doubt ...... that Cecilia Peter is locked up. She''s suspected of having intercourse with the devil!

    Are you sure?

    It''s true!¡¡Trust me. ......

    Really? ......

    Nia smiled and ......

    He gagged the soldier again.

    He kicks the soldier in the groin as hard as he can.

    Boom!

    The left side was crushed.

    Fortunately or unfortunately, he did not faint this time.

    He ungagged the sobbing, sniveling soldier. ......

    Nia whispers in the soldier''s ear.

    "You''re lying to me, aren''t you?

    "No, I''m not!¡¡I''m telling you the truth. ...... You have to believe me!

    It seems to be true.

    Nia nodded in satisfaction. ......

    He drew his sword and killed the soldier.

    "Please dispose of this.

    Nia ordered the men assigned by Hercule to dispose of the soldier''s body.

    Soon after this, the bodies of the soldiers will be dismembered and washed into the river that runs through the city.

    "Well, ......, even if it''s just one soldier, it''s still a mess if he disappears. We have to save him by the day after tomorrow. ......

    Then Nia looked up at the sky ......

    I''m sorry," he muttered.

    I''m not going to let you die until you ...... apologize to me.

 122 Episode 29 Stage Theater Act 3 Despair

    Now, the next day around noon.

    Hercule and Gregorius began their meeting.

    It was originally scheduled for the morning, but Gregorius had a hangover, and the meeting was postponed until ......

    As a result, the meeting was postponed until noon.

    Now, Hercule felt that he had overdone it a bit, so he changed his mind about the rudeness of his behavior and became polite ......

    There was no way that he was going to be able to deal with her in a polite manner, and his rude and friendly attitude remained intact.

    Gregorius, holding his throbbing head, ......

    Gregorius, with a throbbing headache, was dealing with this very annoying emperor.

    There was a reason why he was not angry with Hercule.

    It was ......

    "Well, okay.

    "It''s between me and you, Gregorius!

    I''ll forgive you that much!

    He was incredibly tolerant.

    Gregorius was aiming to raise his status to at least the same as that of the originally existing medium.

    If left in the hands of that little girl Cecilia, the Emperor of Lemuria would take over the Church of Messiah.

    But if you leave it to me, I''ll make the Church of Messiah grow into an organization that can give the Emperor of Lemuria a run for his money.

    Please, give me your vote!

    And with that, he persuaded the cardinals and clergy from all over the country, staged a coup d''etat, and became the Pope.

    Once the words were out of his mouth, he could not take them back.

    Since he wanted to be able to compete with the Emperor of Lemuria, the minimum requirement was to have the same status as a priestess (medium).

    It was thought that this negotiation would be difficult.

    But ......

    So all the rights, duties, and interests of the Medium shall be passed on to the Pope, is that correct ......?

    "Hmm ......, there is only one equal to me, the leader of the messianic world, the medium. But now that the position of medium has been vacated, it must be filled. I acknowledge the Pope as the heir to the throne.

    Hercule nodded easily.

    And the ...... sign is exchanged.

    Gregorius was taken aback.

    Hercule was an egotistical man who rarely gave in, and one of his brains, Todoris Todorianus, who was in charge of diplomatic negotiations, had a reputation for being very troublesome.

    But what if you open the lid?

    Aside from being annoying, Hercule nodded so easily that I wondered if he really understood what we were saying.

    And Todoris is just smiling in the background.

    Rumors are not to be trusted.

    Gregorius judged Hercule to be capable of war, but not of negotiation.

    A young man of little more than twenty, if you think about it.

    Gregorius regretted that he and ...... others were too afraid.

    Now, ......, I actually have a favor to ask you as well. Gregorius, will you listen to me?

    "I''ll have to wait to hear your story before I can judge. ...... What is it?

    Gregorius smiled.

    I''m not sure I can judge until I hear your story.

    He was willing to accept almost anything.

    "Would you please release Kronos Clorius first?¡¡The truth is, I''d like to tell you to ...... Cecilia, but that would be difficult. If you don''t bring back at least the custody of Cronus Clorius, my reputation will be ruined.

    I see. ......

    Gregorius thought for a moment.

    Gregorius had heard that Hercule had been asked by Millennia Peter to protect Cecilia and Cronus Clorius before he died.

    It would certainly not be good for him if they were both executed.

    "As long as Cecilia disappears, there will be no problem, right?¡¡If Cecilia dies, Cronus Clorius will have no influence at all. ...... My Lucanus Lucarius and Cronus Clorius are great friends. I''m sure you''ll be sad to hear of his death.

    When he heard Hercule''s words, Lucanos, who was standing by his side, twitched.

    Lukanos hated Kronos.

    But he could not deny the monarch''s words at this point, and he held back his expression from being distorted by the spirit. ......

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    (Hmmm ...... it is true that Kronos Clorius has no influence at present. But the man''s political skills are troubling. He could turn the tables on us. So what do we do now? ......)

    At this point, however, Cecilia''s face suddenly appeared in Gregorius'' mind.

    So far, Cecilia has not shown any signs of surrender, and even after removing her claws, she still talks less.

    Even after I punched her in the face and stomach, she wouldn''t stop glaring at me.

    (The reason why the little girl is still defiant is because she thinks that ...... the Emperor of Lemuria will help her. She''s convinced that a white prince will come to her rescue. ...... She''s cute, isn''t she? I wonder what he would look like if he found out that the prince he asked for had cut him off. ......)

    That sounds interesting.

    Gregorius couldn''t help but give a wild grin.

    ''Very well, ...... I will release Cronus Clorius. In exchange, you will have to give up Cecilia Peter.

    Oh, okay. Gregorius, I''m glad you''re a man who understands.

    Hercule smiled.

    And ......

    "One more thing. Cecilia is under suspicion of witchcraft, but ...... I''ve actually lent her some books. Some of them are very valuable. I''d like to retrieve them, so take me to the place where her personal belongings are kept.

    Why don''t you tell me the title of the ...... book and I''ll send it to you later?

    I don''t like people touching my books with their dirty hands.

    "I don''t like people touching my books with their dirty hands," said Hercule.

    This annoyed Gregorius to no end. ......

    "...... Aren''t the witch''s hands dirtier than mine?

    Then Hercule ......

    Then Hercule began to belly laugh.

    The sound of laughter echoed through the room.

    No, I''m sorry, ...... Gregorius, your joke was just too funny.

    "That''s ...... fine. I''ll show you.

    Gregorius was annoyed. ......

    Gregorius was annoyed, but he held his ground, knowing that if he got angry, all his negotiations would be for nothing.

    He had just accepted everything in a good mood.

    I don''t want to lose my good mood here and have everything repeated.

    Gregorius really wanted to leave as soon as he had finished his business.

    I don''t want to have any more conversations with this rude man.

    "These are the witch''s personal belongings that we seized from her room.

    "I see, I see. ......

    Gregorius led Hercule to the storage room where Cecilia''s personal belongings were kept.

    Cecilia''s personal belongings consisted of books, minimal clothing, and small furniture.

    Hercule took about five books from the pile of books packed in there.

    Then he looked around and ......

    He found a tea set and held it as well.

    That''s all. Thank you, Mr. Gregorius. Thank you, Mr. Gregorius. I''m glad you''re a man of your word.

    No, ...... I''m also glad that Hercule is a man who understands.

    Thus ended the meeting of the day: ......

    The next morning, Hercule was to return to his country.

    "Ha, ha, ha. ......

    Cecilia breathed out wildly.

    There were tears in her eyes.

    The only nail that remained was her left thumb.

    Two nails were removed for not being removed yesterday.

    "Hang him.

    Gregorius ordered me to stand up from the restraint chair and hang myself from the chain that was hanging from the ceiling.

    It was adjusted to a height where I could just barely stand on my tiptoes. ......

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.

    "Oh, God. ......

    Cecilia moaned in pain.

    It was only natural that it would hurt if she stood on her toes with all of her toenails removed except for her left thumb.

    Cecilia strained her hands, trying to reduce the weight on her feet.

    But there was a limit to her muscle strength.

    In addition, from being hung day after day, there was a black and blue bruise under the manacles.

    The shackles bit into the bruise and ......

    To escape the pain, I would relax my hands and shift my weight to my toes.

    Watching Cecilia do this for what seemed like an eternity, ......

    Gregorius smiled with satisfaction.

    "Huh, hah ......, God is watching .......

    Cecilia glared at Gregorius, her face contorted in pain.

    There were dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep, but they still held a strong light.

    Gregorius grabbed Cecilia by the cheek.

    If you confess, you''ll feel better. It''s already painful, isn''t it?

    "This is not ...... painful.

    Cecilia retorted stoutly.

    But it was clear that this was a thinly veiled attempt at patience.

    "Oh, yes, ...... speaking of which, ...... the Emperor of Lemuria paid a visit here the other day.

    Cecilia''s eyes fluttered at Gregorius'' words. ......

    Cecilia''s eyes wavered.

    (I knew it. ...... I knew it. ...... I knew it.

    "It seems he approves of my position. I am now the official emperor of Lemuria.

    "No, no way. ...... No, no way. ......

    Cecilia''s eyes wavered in the same way.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    In return, Cronus Clorius released. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    I''m glad to hear that, .......

    Cecilia''s voice was a mixture of relief and anxiety.

    The relief is that Kronos'' execution has been averted, and the anxiety is that ......

    (...... me?)

    Cecilia felt ...... her throat to her chest.

    Cecilia felt something cold come down her throat and into her chest.

    "The Emperor of Lemuria, having completed all his requirements, will leave here tomorrow morning. I think I''m going to get along just fine with him. Do you know what ...... this means?

    "Oh, ......, no, that can''t be .......

    It''s true. You''ve been abandoned. That''s all for today. Tomorrow is exactly twenty days, the last finger. Soon after that, ......, we''ll begin the full-scale interrogation. Be prepared.

    He just left Cecilia in tears of silence. ......

    Gregorius left.

    All that was left was the sound of sobbing.

 123 Episode 30 Stage Theater Act 4 Female Knight of Ha...

    "Oh, ......, Mr. Gregorius is coming out.

    Nia confirmed that Gregorius was leaving the villa.

    He got on a carriage and headed back to the main residence.

    We''ve been watching him all morning, but only Gregorius and his bodyguards have come and gone.

    However, the security of the mansion is strangely tight.

    I knew it was there. ......

    If not, there was no way to save Cecilia.

    Of course, Hercule would never give up.

    Probably, if he can''t save her, ......

    If he can''t get her out of there, he''ll try to get her out by killing Gregorius.

    (I don''t like it ......)

    Nia was a little jealous of Cecilia.

    (I don''t like ) Nia was a little jealous of Cecilia, since Hercule cared for her so much.

    Of course, Nia knew that Hercule cared for Cecilia for political reasons, and that Cecilia was going through a terrible time right now.

    But even without that, he was still envious.

    You''re going to have to apologize to ....... You are the one who is at fault.

    Nia muttered.

    Now, Nia waited for a while, waiting for time to pass.

    And when the sky began to lighten a little ......

    Nia finally makes her move.

    Now ......

    I''ll explain her abilities as a Nightmare here.

    The literature says that Nightmares are born with a magic eye.

    And that''s what Nia was born with.

    However, it took a while to find out the details of that ability.

    It was only a few weeks before the clash between the Chelda and Lemurian navies ...... that a part of the ability was discovered.

    It was when Hyppatia and other scholars were gathered to examine Nia''s body.

    It turned out that Nia was able to see certain things.

    It was ......

    It is a vector and a magic power.

    To be more precise, her right eye visualized vectors and her left eye visualized magic power.

    The reason why Nia didn''t understand it until now was that it was something that she should have been able to see.

    Her horns, tail, and other physical characteristics were awakened when she was eleven years old, but she was born with the magic eye itself.

    Those who are born with five senses and five bodies can be found at .......

    It is difficult to imagine a situation where there is some kind of deficiency in the five senses or five bodies.

    In the same way, for the girl named Nia, vectors and magic power were something she could see from birth, and she had never assumed that she could not see them.

    In addition, since the concept of vectors did not exist in this world, it was nearly impossible for Nia to recognize that what her right eye was seeing was a "vector," that is, a quantity with a size and direction in space. And since she had never seen magic before, let alone used it, until she was picked up by Hercule, it was difficult for her to recognize what her left eye was projecting as "magic power".

    Well, that''s why Nia is able to visualize "vectors" and "magic power".

    However, please keep in mind that "visualization" is just a metaphor for eyesight, but in reality, it is a sixth or seventh sense that is different from eyesight.

    It is impossible to explain how "light and darkness" are "seen" to a person who is totally blind from birth.

    Similarly, it is impossible to explain to us how Nia perceives "vector" and "magic power".

    Now, at ......, I will explain what advantages there are in being able to feel "vectors" and "magic power".

    For example, there is a phrase "learning with the body".

    This is because in martial arts and sports, there are parts that cannot be explained by language.

    There is a limit to what you can learn just by watching or listening.

    But Nia is different.

    She can see "a quantity with a size and direction in space," so there is no need to "learn it with her body.

    A simple analogy to cooking is ......

    When we cook, we have to decide the ingredients by eye, while Nia can decide them by using very precise quantities or measuring spoons and cups.

    The former may fail in the beginning, but the latter never fails (at least in seasoning).

    This is the reason why Nia was unusually good at learning dance and martial arts.

    She could completely "understand" the movement of the energy once she saw it.

    The next advantage of being able to sense magic is that she can mimic it.

    There are three kinds of magic: inherent magic, bloodline magic, and inherited magic.

    All of these have one thing in common: those who do not have magic cannot use it, and those who do have magic cannot teach those who do not have magic how to use it.

    Magic is like a switch on a household appliance: those who have it can easily turn it on, but those who don''t have it can''t no matter how they try.

    Those who have the switch can easily activate it, but those who don''t have it can''t activate it in any way. Those who have the switch have little understanding of how it works, so they can''t transfer it to others, nor can they make it.

    However, Nia can see the "magical power".

    In other words, he can understand the structure of the ...... switch to some extent.

    Of course, the magic used by demons such as Asmodeus and Citri is too advanced for Nia to imitate.

    And bloodline magic cannot be imitated because it is limited by bloodline, and inherited magic is limited by the fact that it can only be used by those who have inherited it in the world.

    However, inherent magic without such restrictions ...... such as Hercule''s "Awe", Carolina''s "Divine Speed", Scheherazade''s "Vajra Power" can be imitated almost completely.

    Well, that''s a long story. ......

    It''s no exaggeration to say that Nia is currently the strongest being in the Lemurian Empire, if you don''t count necromancy.

    "Vajrapani II" and "Divine Speed II" ......

    You can find a lot more information on this site.

    And ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    You''re ......

    "What are you?

    I''m in .......

    While the guards were dumbfounded, Nia cut off their heads with her sword.

    The three heads slowly fall to the ground.

    After killing the guards, Nia entered the mansion with ease.

    Cecilia, on the other hand ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    Aside from being tortured and being given a few meals and defecation, Cecilia is basically left hanging.

    If she tries to sleep and relaxes her body, ......

    If she tries to sleep and relaxes, her body falls down and the manacles dig into her hands.

    Then a weight is placed on my toes, forcing me to wake up with intense pain.

    But a man cannot stay awake.

    Except when she is being tortured, Cecilia is constantly ......

    She went back and forth between wakefulness and sleep.

    The only reason she was able to endure it was because the torture hadn''t turned into something more serious, like fingernails being ripped off or some punching and kicking. ......

    The reason for this was that someone had believed that ...... Hercule would come to the rescue.

    But that hope was shattered a few hours ago.

    The strong light in her eyes had already been lost and was now weakly ...... fading away.

    Still, Cecilia had endured.

    What sustains Cecilia now is her strong faith and her sense of responsibility as the successor to Millenia as a medium.

    She could not let Gregorius control the Church of Messiah.

    I can''t die here and now.

    Cecilia endured with only that in mind.

    How much time had passed?

    Suddenly, she heard a small noise from above.

    Along with the noise, she could also hear what sounded like a human scream.

    ......

    Cecilia listened vaguely to the sound.

    There was no particular meaning to it.

    It was just a good way to distract her from the pain.

    In this basement, there were only torture devices and reddish-black stains that contributed to her fear.

    The occasional footsteps and noises were a small distraction.

    After a while, the noise stops.

    At the same time, I hear the steady sound of someone walking down the stairs.

    It gets louder and louder.

    (...... has it been twenty days already?)

    The last thumbnail was ripped off ......

    And then the real torture begins.

    Cecilia, as the heir to the position of medium, has also learned about the dark side of the church.

    She knew exactly what kind of torture devices would be used during the Inquisition.

    She also knew that some of the torture devices were designed to trample on the dignity of ...... women.

    Cecilia gritted her teeth.

    No matter what they do to me, ......

    I will never confess.

    And ......

    The footsteps stopped.

    At the same time, the sound of a doorknob being twisted echoed through the basement.

    Cecilia said loudly to the person who appeared.

    I will not give in!

    "...... Looking better than expected?

    The person who appeared ...... smiled a little embarrassed.

    This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your investment.

    "What ...... are you, Nia ......?

    ...... long time no see.

    This is the first time in three years that the two of them have met.

 124 Episode 31 Stage Theater Act 5 Rescue Drama

    Nia rushed over to Cecilia and manipulated the pulley in the basement to bring her down to the ground.

    She then used the key she had taken from the soldier to remove Cecilia''s manacles.

    Nia called out to Cecilia.

    You don''t look too healthy after all. ...... Can you walk?

    I''m sorry. ...... Oh, my leg. ......

    Nia looks at Cecilia''s foot and frowns ...... at her.

    The nails on her left foot have been removed, except for her thumbnail.

    If you look closely, you can see that the nails on her hands have also been removed. ......

    There were bruises on his face, as if he had been beaten.

    "Oh, um, ...... Nia. Do me a favor, .......

    Do you want me to beat you?

    I''m sure you do, but before you do ...... that, could you pinch my cheek?

    Nia tilted her head.

    I''ve been tortured so much that I''ve developed a strange taste for it.

    Nia grabbed Cecilia''s cheek and pinched it.

    "How''s that?

    ...... It hurts.

    It hurts, of course it does. Are you satisfied?

    Yes. ...... If it hurts, it''s not ...... a dream, is it?

    Cecilia said and hugged ......

    Cecilia hugged Nia.

    I''ve been wanting to meet you!¡¡I thought I would never see you again .......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    Nia tried to peel Cecilia off, but ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    (It can''t be helped.)

    Nia then lent Cecilia her breasts.

    After a few minutes, Cecilia stopped crying and ...... removed her face from Nia''s chest.

    "Crybaby.

    "Ugh, you''re a crybaby .......

    Cecilia''s face turned red, she wiped her tears with her sleeve and glared at ...... Nia.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. But that doesn''t mean I forgive you.

    And that''s my line!¡¡It''s not that I don''t care about Cecilia, but I don''t care about her at all!

    "I see. ......

    In the event that you''ve got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It''s not the same!¡¡I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I was at least a little worried about you!

    This is called tsundere, isn''t it? Your Majesty told me.

    What?¡¡I don''t like you, ......!

    I don''t like people who aren''t honest either.

    I don''t like people who aren''t honest either," Nia said as she carried Cecilia on her back.

    Cecilia asked Nia.

    Cecilia asked Nia: "What about the soldiers on guard?

    I killed them all, hid the bodies, and ...... you''ll never find out until the guards are replaced.

    Nia had killed all the soldiers in the compound by the time she got here.

    Dead men tell no tales.

    The theory is that if you kill them all, they can''t find you.

    I killed them ...... No, no, no ...... Yes, there is no other way. ...... You were just following Gregory''s orders. There is no sin. Please, God, .......

    "......Could you please not pray for the souls of the people I''ve killed on my back?

    Cecilia was surprised at Nia''s speed.

    Cecilia, surprised by Nia''s speed, asks.

    "Are you okay?¡¡You''re running so fast. ......

    I train differently than you do. How many years do you think have passed since then?

    Nia said to me. ......

    Cecilia was convinced.

    In the past, Nia had been very small and frightening, like a field mouse.

    But now she''s as regal as a lion or a wolf.

    "You''ve gotten a lot taller. How tall are you?

    Six hundred and sixty. I''m working hard because I''m going to pass Master Carolina in five centimeters.

    "Five centimeters!¡¡Carolina?¡¡That''s great. ......

    Cecilia thought back to a woman she had met in the past, Hercule''s wife.

    She remembered that she was a very tall and slender woman.

    She was only five centimeters taller than Karolina.

    I''m ...... frustrated that I stopped at one hundred forty-nine.

    ...... You don''t seem too disappointed. Why?

    "Oh, really?

    Cecilia said as she pressed her chest against Nia.

    At one point, it seemed that Nia''s breasts might be in line with Carolina''s. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    They are still in the B cup range.

    Cecilia, on the other hand, ...... had already entered the D range.

    Well, well, ...... breasts are just for decoration.

    That''s right!¡¡It''s just too heavy and in the way.

    Can I shake ...... them off?

    You''ll be scolded by Hercule.

    "Master Hercule!¡¡You can''t call me that!¡¡That''s disrespectful to the Emperor!

    I''m a medium. And His Majesty says I''m good. In my letters, I use Hercule-sama.

    What?¡¡Don''t be silly!¡¡I''ll talk to you about the letter and everything else later!

    Yes, you''re right. ...... See you later. ......

    Cecilia said and ......

    She closed her eyes.

    She then closed her eyes and fell asleep.

    "...... You''re not a baby.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    However, she must have been very exhausted.

    I should let her sleep.

    Nia thought about it and carried Cecilia on her back again.

    They had already left the house and were now running through the back alleys.

    It was still dark, but soon the sun would be up and it would be light.

    I have to meet up with Hercule before that happens.

    "Cecilia, you know what: ......

    Nia spoke to the sleeping Cecilia.

    You know, when ...... King Cerda yelled at me, you covered for me.¡¡...... That made me very happy. That''s when I knew I wanted to be able to help you. Now I can repay you for your kindness,...... and we can be friends as equals,...... right?

    Nia said, her face turning bright red.

    If Cecilia were awake, she would never have said those words.

    "Tsundere.

    "If you were awake, tell me!

    Now, Nia moved through the sewers that ran underneath the city of Lemuria and met up with her subordinates who had been waiting with a carriage on the way.

    Once they were in the carriage, they wouldn''t be detected unless they looked inside.

    They then headed straight for the house where Hercule was staying.

    When Nia entered the house with Cecilia on her back, Hercule welcomed her with open arms.

    "Well done, Nia. By the way, ...... Cecilia is still alive, right?

    "Oh, ...... she''s just sleeping.

    Nia set Cecilia down and patted her on the cheek.

    Cecilia opens her eyes.

    Yeah, ...... I''m never going to confess. ......

    "How long are you going to be asleep?

    Near told her. ......

    Cecilia looks around, finally noticing Hercule''s presence.

    "Master Hercule!

    Cecilia got up and tried to run to Hercule. ......

    The pain in her leg caused her to stumble involuntarily.

    But Cecilia didn''t fall down.

    But she didn''t fall because Hercule held her.

    "Are you okay, princess?

    "Yes ......, I''m sorry ......, Hercule-sama .......

    Cecilia blushed a little.

    When you see the two of them ......

    (......Erk¨¹l-sama is my sole right.)

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    "(You''re not a ...... saint, you''re a whore.)

    Nia swore in her mind.

    Nia swears in her mind, "(She''s still acting like a normal person. ......)

    Lucanos, on the other hand, was impressed.

    ((Well, well ......, I guess you could say this is convenient ......))

    Todoris chuckled.

    "Cecilia, are you ......?

    A ...... man appeared, flanked by two soldiers.

    Cecilia was ...... surprised to see the man.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.

    "Kronos!¡¡Are you okay?¡¡You look pale, but ......

    ''That''s our line, Master Cecilia: ......''

    Kronos looks at Cecilia''s face.

    Cecilia was much thinner and paler than Kronos remembered, and she had ...... bruises to show that she had been beaten.

    In addition, the nails on her hands and feet have been removed.

    "I''m sorry ....... I''m sorry ....... My strength is .......

    "You idiot ......, don''t move.

    Lucanos restrained Kronos from running at Cecilia.

    Cecilia, with the help of Hercule, approached Kronos.

    "...... Kronos, it is I who must apologize. It was all out of my control.

    "No, no, I''m the one ......

    Cecilia and Kronos started an apology battle.

    As Hercule watched them, he thought.

    (The one at fault must be High Priestess Millenia. I guess I''m too old to pay attention.

    In his heart, Hercule criticized the Millennia in heaven and at the same time thanked his late father.

    (Your Majesty, you''ve been a great help to me, after all. Well, as a father, I''m not so sure.

    Now that he had prayed for his late father''s soul, Hercule clapped his hands.

    "Well, gentlemen. Now, gentlemen, the sun is not yet fully up, but ...... let''s get the hell out of here. The sooner we do this, the better.

    Just as Hercule and the others were getting into their carriages and preparing to leave Lemuria, Cecilia''s escape became known to Gregorius.

    "Your Eminence, the soldiers on guard were all killed.

    "Some people have reported seeing a suspicious carriage, which seems to be headed for the Lemurian Emperor''s lodging.

    "Your Eminence!¡¡It appears that the Emperor of Lemuria and his party have just started traveling in a carriage!

    One after another, the suspicious movements of the Emperor of Lemuria were reported to Gregorius.

    What this information means is that ......

    What a forceful way to ...... yourself ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria has forcibly kidnapped Cecilia.

    But ......

    You''re missing the point, ...... Hercule Julianos. This is under my control. Don''t think you''ll get out of here in one piece, okay?

    Gregorius smiled and ......

    He ordered his soldiers.

    "Detain the Lemurian emperor at the gates of Lemuria and force him to be searched!¡¡I''m sure he''s hiding a little girl!

    And Gregorius muttered.

    And Gregorius muttered, "I won''t let him get away so easily. ......

 125 Episode 32 Stage Theater Act 6 Escape Success

    "Oh, um, ...... Master Hercule. Do you have any other clothes?

    "Yes, there are, but normal clothes would not be a disguise.

    Yes, that''s true too, but ......

    Hercule and Cecilia were riding in the same carriage.

    Cecilia and Hercule were riding in the same carriage, and Cecilia thought that there was no way that Hercule would inspect the inside of the carriage.

    The reason for this was that he thought that he would not be able to inspect the inside of Hercule''s carriage.

    Now, ...... Cecilia''s clothes were tattered and unsanitary.

    No wonder she hadn''t been bathed or washed in twenty days, and had been wearing the same clothes for all that time.

    Between you and me, I even dripped a few times.

    I don''t have time to take a bath, but I want to change my clothes.

    In response to Cecilia''s request, Hercule gave Cecilia a ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    "It''s just your imagination. You care too much.

    ...... Isn''t that right?

    Cecilia is not very trustworthy. ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders as if he didn''t understand.

    You can''t trust me?¡¡That''s terrible. I care about you so much. ......

    "Umm ......, well ......, there''s actually something I want to apologize to Hercule-sama for .......

    I''m not sure why Cecilia bowed her head apologetically when she heard Hercule''s words.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it''s a good idea. Gregorius told me that you had abandoned me,...... and I''m really ...... sorry about that.

    It''s a lie, of course. It''s nothing to be sorry about.

    "Is that so?

    Hercule nodded.

    Hercule was rather surprised that he had believed it all along, until Gregorius told him.

    Hercule would have doubted in three seconds and given up in thirty seconds.

    Objectively speaking, there is no one more unreliable than himself.

    You have someone else to apologize to in the first place, don''t you?

    ...... They were the ones who picked a fight with me first.

    You''re still that stubborn.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    Although she used to be pretty, she is still small and ......

    I''m not sure if I''d be able to see her as a woman.

    She was cute, but not as cute as a cat or a dog.

    But the Cecilia of today is more beautiful than pretty.

    Her arms and legs are long and slender, and her silver hair is beautiful, even if it is dirty with dust.

    Her eyes also shine like platinum.

    Her appearance is like a work of art, complete with beauty.

    The only thing she was lacking was a bruise on her face, but it would disappear if she received treatment from Lukanos later.

    (And her breasts are huge!¡¡(And her breasts are huge!) d*mn it, d*mn it, d*mn it ......, no wonder she''s facing the Inquisition!

    Bad tits to tempt a man.

    Hercule nodded repeatedly as he stared at Cecilia''s breasts.

    Noticing Hercule''s gaze, Cecilia covered her breasts with her hands.

    ...... Please stop.

    No, I think you have a good one. It''s nothing to be ashamed of.

    If it''s a man staring at a maiden''s breasts and a maiden''s breasts at ......, it''s the latter that should be ashamed of itself.

    But Cecilia did not seem to be ashamed.

    This is a good sign, it''s good.

    Hercule was convinced.

    The next medium will be my daughter. I''ll do it. Yes, I definitely will.

    This is not for my own desire.

    It''s for the Lemurian empire and for Messianism.

    I''m a monarch. I have to act in the best interest of the people.

    Hercule justified himself.

    "Well, you can wear this for now.

    Hercule placed a wig made of black hair on Cecilia''s head.

    He played with Cecilia''s hair and set the wig.

    In no time at all, Cecilia was transformed into a beautiful girl with long black hair.

    This is ......

    "Your silver hair stands out. Well, that''s comforting.

    Cecilia is a very beautiful girl, it is no exaggeration to say that.

    Even if she hides her silver hair, it will be obvious at a glance.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ......

    The carriage suddenly stopped.

    "Stand down!¡¡You are disrespecting the Emperor. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Carolina''s shout echoed.

    It seems that they were caught on the way.

    Cecilia grabbed Hercule''s sleeve.

    The twenty days of torture had been traumatic for Cecilia.

    Hercule patted Cecilia''s head and ......

    He shouted to Carolina outside.

    "What''s going on?

    What''s going on?" "The boys want me to examine them. ...... What do you want me to do?

    There''s nothing wrong with that. Let them check it out.

    Hercule replied.

    And so begins the interrogation of Hercule and his party.

    They''re so rude.

    You''ll be held accountable if nothing happens.

    Karolina and Nia are furious with the clergy and soldiers who have begun to search their luggage and persons.

    Although they were scared by the two men''s threats, they took the time to examine the faces of Hercule''s guards and servants.

    They also entered the wagon loaded with food, accompanied by a Lemurian soldier. ......

    They even went under the floor of the carriage.

    Of course, Cecilia is not in such a place because she is riding in the same carriage as Hercule.

    Then he finishes his search, leaving only one carriage with Hercule and Cecilia in it.

    And ......

    "Look, they''re not here!¡¡I''m going to go now!

    Karolina says, trying to move on.

    Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief next to Hercule.

    But ......

    "Not yet!¡¡I haven''t checked one of the carriages yet!

    You''ve got to be kidding me!¡¡This is the carriage that the Emperor rides in!¡¡This carriage belongs to His Majesty the Emperor! If you dare to disrespect him any further, I will cut you down!

    The soldiers were about to enter the carriage in which Hercule and Cecilia were riding, when Nia drew her sword and released it.

    Tension immediately ensued.

    The Lemurian side would not tolerate such an outrageous attempt to expose the emperor''s carriage, no matter how well hidden it really was, while the Pope''s overreaction would look suspicious.

    The situation became a flashpoint.

    Now, in the carriage, ......

    Cecilia was anxiously looking up at Hercule''s face.

    Inwardly, Hercule was also a little nervous.

    "Mr. Hercule, ...... what should we do?

    I''m not sure what to do. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please contact us at .......

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    You can''t help it.

    Cecilia, I actually have a secret ...... that I''d like you to try.

    "Oh, a secret plan?¡¡What the hell is that ......?

    I don''t have time to explain.

    ...... Okay. Okay.

    Cecilia nodded.

    Hercule confirmed Cecilia''s nod and ......

    "Good.

    "Good. It''s just that ...... I''m in the middle of something. Make it quick.

    "Are you sure you want to do this?

    Near shouted impatiently.

    If we don''t, they''ll know that Cecilia is here.

    It is true that Hercule has brought more than a hundred guards with him, but ......

    This is Gregorius''s headquarters, and he has a lot of mercenaries.

    You''ll be outnumbered and caught.

    No problem.

    Hercule replied. ......

    He turned to Cecilia.

    "Just hang in there.

    Hercule said, grabbing Cecilia by the shoulders. ......

    "Excuse me!

    On the Pope''s side, the highest-ranking cleric in the place opened the door of the carriage and ......

    He inspected the inside.

    What the cleric saw was ......

    A man and a woman were entangled in each other.

    The one on top was a man, ...... probably the Emperor of Lemuria.

    On top of him was a man, probably the Emperor of Lemuria, and on top of him was a girl with dark hair and dressed in servant''s clothes.

    The two were playing with each other''s bodies as if they didn''t care about the clergyman.

    They seemed to be kissing, and the sound of their saliva reverberated in the carriage.

    Occasionally, the girl''s charming voice could be heard.

    "...... Excuse me!

    Without thinking, the clergyman closed the door.

    And then he realized.

    Oh no, he didn''t get a good look at the girl.

    Once again, the clergyman tries to open the carriage door, but ......

    Nia grabs him by the hand.

    You''ve seen it, haven''t you?¡¡You''ve seen it, right?¡¡...... You''re in the middle of an interrogation. If you interfere, I will kill you.

    Nia said in a frustrated voice.

    The anger that should have been directed at Cecilia was directed at the clergyman.

    "Oh, no, no ...... but ......

    Aah!

    No, no, ...... nothing, nothing!¡¡I''m fine!¡¡Please come through!

    The clergyman was so pressured by Nia that he couldn''t help but say something.

    As soon as he heard this, the coachman whipped his horse to kick the soldiers and clergymen of the Pope''s side .......

    Hercule and his party rode away from the castle gates.

    Your Majesty, it seems that the medium has escaped.

    The Emperor of Lemuria himself rode in. ...... A hero indeed.

    "Oh, ...... you chose that one. So let''s scrap the failed rescue script and go with the successful one ......B. Namo, Chulpan, make the arrangements as planned.

    "Yes!

    "There''s not much difference in the ending between the two scripts. ...... Let''s celebrate the fact that the heroine didn''t end up burning in flames.

 126 Episode 33 Stage Theater Ends Re-make-up and Direc...

    Now that they''re safely out of Lemuria, Hercule''s group meets up with Galfis and heads for the harbor, where they take a boat out to sea.

    You can''t follow them anymore.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I think it''s a good idea.

    "Ha, ha. ......

    Cecilia was being treated by Lucanos and ......

    Cecilia was half-crying and repenting.

    Lucanos disinfected Cecilia''s fingertips, applied medicine, and healed her wounds with his own contracted spirit, Malvus.

    I''m a sinful human being, ...... even though I''m a princess maiden (medium). ...... Oh, God, ......

    "......

    If you were sinful, what would become of our sovereign?

    These words almost leaked out of Loukanos'' mouth, but he managed to hold them back and ......

    He silently applied a salve to Cecilia''s cheek.

    It was an emergency, and that was fine.

    It was an emergency, so why not?

    ''Fa, it was my first kiss!¡¡You should care a little too!

    Cecilia said and started to sob.

    Lucanos wanted to defend Cecilia, but he couldn''t blame his own master. ......

    He took a pause and kept silent.

    "No, I''m sorry. I apologize, Cecilia. ......

    I''m sorry, Cecilia ......." "No, no ......, the ...... problem isn''t that it was our first time or that we kissed. It''s just an exchange of saliva, and God forbid ...... the kiss itself.

    When Hercule apologized earnestly, Cecilia shook her head.

    It seems that Cecilia does not feel guilty about having her lips stained.

    In the first place, Cecilia did not expect Hercule to kiss her, so a forced kiss could not be a sin.

    You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.¡¡I''m a sinful human being,......, Patriarch Lucanos Lucarios!¡¡I''m not sure if I''m really worthy of being a medium or not.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    "......

    I don''t know about that.

    Are you proud of yourself?¡¡Are you proud of that?

    Are you bragging that you can be s*xually aroused?

    I couldn''t do it even if I wanted to, you little shit.

    Why don''t you guys take your lover''s quarrel somewhere else?

    Loukanos thought, but somehow managed to hold it in.

    For a moment, he almost forgot that this man and woman were the Emperor of Lemuria and a medium.

    They are the supreme leaders of the secular and sacred worlds in the Messianic world.

    Oh, Cecilia, ...... here you are. I need to talk to you about something. ......

    Then ......

    The door opens and Nia appears.

    "Nia, honorific.

    "Hee!¡¡Oh, my father!¡¡Ceci, ...... High Priestess of the Medium!¡¡I have something to tell you!

    No, Cecilia is fine. This is not a public place.

    Cecilia shook her head.

    Cecilia shook her head. Lucanos frowned, but since Cecilia said it was okay, he could not complain.

    I just wanted to ...... tell you something, too.

    Cecilia said, and then took a ......

    She took a deep breath.

    It was ...... inappropriate for me not to tell you about the letter. The reason I didn''t tell you was because I wanted to ...... hide it. The reason why I wanted to hide it is ...... well, I won''t say it here, but I was a little jealous of ...... you. ...... Now I think. I''m not going to say it here, but I was a little jealous of you,...... when I think about it now.

    He said in a shaky voice, his face tense.

    "Can you please ...... me back to my best friend?

    "Cecilia, Cecilia .......

    Nia blushed.

    It''s not that I''m not a good person, it''s just that I''m not a good person. ......

    There were tears in Nia''s eyes.

    She ran to Cecilia and clung to her.

    I''m sorry ...... for the terrible things I said to you. I wrote horrible things to hurt you. ...... Wow, I have no right to be your best friend. ...... I''m a really bad person. I''m a really bad girl. I don''t deserve to be the best friend of someone as wonderful as you. ......

    Nia said, looking down.

    She was aware of her bad character (unlike some people).

    You can make excuses for your actions. ......

    You can make excuses for your actions.

    But you can''t cover up your own character and bad nature for doing so.

    On the other hand, from Nia''s point of view, Cecilia is a wonderful person.

    She is a person who can pray from the bottom of her heart for the soul of the soldier who helped the man who tortured her.

    To be the best friend of such a pure-hearted person is unthinkable.

    Nia thought so from the bottom of her heart.

    I''m not.¡¡I''m a ...... ugly person too. I''m a ...... ugly person. I''m your best friend, but I didn''t tell you how ...... important you are!¡¡I''m not even worthy of being ...... Nia.

    Cecilia bowed her head to Nia.

    And ......

    "Well, since ...... we''re both inexperienced, why don''t we ...... just call each other worthy best friends?

    "...... Yeah, I guess.

    They hugged each other.

    I don''t understand what''s going on here. What is that?

    Didn''t you know?¡¡Didn''t you know that those two had recently written to each other, "You''re out! Didn''t you know?

    I didn''t hear that. ......

    Well, then, ......

    After Cecilia''s treatment, Loukanos made his way to a man.

    "How are you doing? Kronos Clorius.

    ...... Yeah, I''m not feeling too bad.

    Kronos, who had just been freed, was covered in wounds and exhausted.

    His life was in jeopardy.

    But with the help of Lukanos'' Malbus, he survived.

    "...... Aren''t you laughing?

    What?¡¡What''s so funny about you?

    Lucanos cowered at Kronos'' words.

    Kronos said as he squeezed out.

    I''ve had my testicles destroyed by ...... torture.

    "Yes, I know. Yes, I know. And I was the one who closed the wound. If I had been one step slower, I might have died.

    Kronos had his testicles crushed in the process of torture by Gregorius.

    The wound was so severe that it could have become infected and killed him if he had not been treated properly.

    I''ve been laughing at you all this time.

    Yes, I have.

    ...... You''re really laughing at me, aren''t you?¡¡Suck it up.

    Kronos said, and ......

    Lukanos let out a sigh.

    You think I''m going to let that get to my head and ridicule someone in the throes of misery?

    But I''m the kind of guy who would confess to ...... torture.

    I''ve heard the story. High Priestess Medium ......, I heard that you took Master Cecilia as a hostage.

    Yes. ......

    Kronos was threatened by Gregorius.

    If you won''t confess, then we have to ask Cecilia.

    I''ll do the same ...... as you, or even better.

    I''ve heard that you are High Priestess Medium''s educator, and that you are practically her foster parent. In other words, your High Priestess is to me what the Emperor is to you.

    Loukanos smiled.

    "I''m so proud of you for not being afraid of death and fulfilling your duty as a ...... foster parent to your master. Your wounds are to be celebrated, not degraded. If someone laughs at you, I will condemn him. Do you not know what loyalty is?

    Lukanos''s words brought tears to ...... Kronos''s eyes.

    "Lu, Loukanos, ...... I''m sorry for what I''ve ...... done to you, and I''m sorry for what I''ve ...... done to you.

    No, I''ve provoked you, too,......, and we''re even. From now on, we will work together to enhance our master.

    Lukanos reached out his hand to Kronos, who was lying on the bed.

    Kronos shook his hand.

    "Hey, Karolina.

    "What is it?

    It seems that friendship is very popular these days. I want to have a friend too, what do you think I should do?

    Why don''t you just get yourself castrated?

    I''d rather be an emperor of b*tc*es than a castrator.

    Well, here''s what happened next.

    Hercule and Cecilia worked together to establish the "Provisional Patriarchate of Lemuria" in Nova Lemuria, and organized the exiled clergy.

    Hercule issued a decree of expulsion from the empire against Gregory and all his collaborators, and Cecilia and the Patriarchate of the Five Temples simultaneously issued a decree of excommunication.

    In response, Gregory also issued a decree of excommunication against Hercule, Cecilia, and the Patriarchate of the Five Temples.

    Thus, the orthodox faction of the Messianic Church split into two factions, the Papal faction and the Medium faction.

    This was a major event in the Messianic Church, later known as the Great Schism.

    At this stage, Hercule and Cecilia did not take the situation seriously.

    They thought that if the medium and the emperor both denied its existence, Gregorius would be disgraced.

    However, the situation turned out to be more serious than they thought.

    What they did not expect was that ......

    What they didn''t expect was that many clergymen took a cold view of the situation.

    In the first place, many people questioned ...... the fact that the representative of the faithful, the medium, was chosen by blood, even though all believers are equal before God.

    Millenia is a politically powerful woman, not to mention a blood relative, so her complaints did not surface. ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The inexperienced Cecilia fled from the Patriarchate of Lemuria and from Peter''s tomb (holy ground).

    This was an unacceptable act for a tomb guardian of the first princess maiden (medium).

    Most importantly, he sympathized with ...... Hercule and sentenced Gregorius to excommunication.

    It is obvious that Cecilia is a puppet of Hercule. ......

    And Hercule is the Emperor of Lemuria, who is famous for his harshness towards the clergy.

    It remains to be seen which side the clergy, unwilling to give up their vested interests, will support: ......

    It was obvious.

    As a result, the only place where the Medium faction stayed was in the Lemurian Empire, where Hercule''s strong power could be applied. ......

    In the Kingdom of Tretum, which was planning to establish friendly relations with the Lemurian Empire, the power of the two parties was in conflict.

    In other areas, such as Edelna, Gregory''s political base, and Fullerling, where the Lemurian Empire had little influence, many Orthodox churches clearly supported Gregory and the Papacy.

    In the kingdoms of Edelna and Tretum, the state religion was Westernism, and naturally there were many Westernist forces. ......

    Westernism is a doctrine that emphasizes the humanity of the Messiah, the prophet, and denies his divinity.

    Compared to the mediums, who were trying to deify not only prophets but also mediums and even emperors, the papists, who claimed to be "the first believers," were more compatible in the doctrinal sense, so they supported the papists, albeit reluctantly.

    Worse things were to follow.

    A military coup d''etat occurred in the Kingdom of Edelna.

    The coup d''¨¦tat resulted in the death of the pro-Lemurian King Tiudimil, who was planning to change the state religion to the orthodox (mediumist) one, and the accession of his younger brother, the anti-Lemurian Dietrich II, who was supported by the Papal and Western churches.

    Dietrich II asked Hercule for the throne of Edelna and the positions of Consul and Protector in the West Lemurian Empire, but Hercule refused.

    There was no way he could just give the throne and positions to an anti-Lemurian who had murdered the rightful king in a military coup.

    But this was not good.

    Dietrich II sought the legitimacy of the throne from Gregory the Great, the Pope.

    Thus, the Kingdom of Edelna quickly turned anti-Lemurian.

    At about the same time, the Kingdom of Fulling also returned the positions of Consul and Protector to the Lemurian Empire. ......

    And at about the same time, the Fulling Kingdom also returned the positions of Consul and Protector to the Lemurian Empire and declared its independence from the Lemurian Empire.

    It also declared itself to be the protector of the Pope.

    In an instant, the western world that had been painted by Hercule ......

    The western world that Hercule had painted was changed in an instant.

    Ha-ha-ha!¡¡What do you think, Hercule?¡¡I hope you like it.¡¡I hope you like it as much as ...... the play you once directed at Edelna''s Palace.

    The man who rewrote the world: ......

    King Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Frarling laughed.

    This is the man ......

    The man who would later be counted as one of Emperor Hercule''s lifelong rivals.

    He is the best and strongest ...... and the worst and deadliest knight with seven knights.

    He is the "Lion King" Ludwig I, the knight among knights.

 127 Episode 1 Sun and Moon

    That ...... Nia, please.

    Yeah, I got it. I''ve lived here since I was born.

    A month has passed since Cecilia arrived in Nova Lemuria.

    Her wounds have healed sufficiently, and her lost strength has returned with the daily diet. ......

    I asked Nia to give me a tour of Nova Lemuria.

    It''s not weird, is it?¡¡This?

    "Yes, I think it looks good on you.

    Nia complimented Cecilia on her outfit.

    Cecilia was wearing a very simple white dress.

    Cecilia was wearing a very simple white dress, because if she walked around in her usual medium outfit, all hell would break loose.

    Fortunately, Cecilia has not yet been recognized by the residents of Nova Lemuria.

    By the way, ...... is that okay with Nia?

    Yeah, what?

    The ...... horns, the tail...

    Cecilia glanced at Nia''s horns and tail, and then asked.

    In Cecilia''s memory, Nia was always anxious and frightened, and always hid her horns and tail.

    But now, she didn''t even wear a hat, and her horns were exposed without a care in the world.

    And her tail was hanging from the bottom of her miniskirt.

    "Oh, do you mind?¡¡I can hide it if Cecilia doesn''t want me to.

    "No way!¡¡You''re being mean again. ......

    I''m kidding, I''m kidding. I''m kidding, I''m kidding.¡¡Don''t worry. I''ll be fine.

    Nia smiled at Cecilia.

    Cecilia rolled her eyes.

    It always amazes me how much my best friends grow up while we''re apart.

    You''ve changed.

    "So has Cecilia. Come on, let''s go.

    "Yes!

    Cecilia and Nia walked hand in hand.

    The first place they went to was the museum.

    The museum was decorated with numerous ornaments and paintings collected by the nobility, not to mention the imperial estate.

    The works of art are protected by thick glass cases and iron bars that have been enchanted to strengthen them.

    There is a high entrance fee, restrictions based on status, and a thorough luggage search.

    Wow, ......, that''s amazing. It''s a big ruby.

    "This must be from the royal family. It was a gift from a merchant in Syndira.

    One by one, Nia explained to Cecilia the origin of each piece of art.

    Cecilia complimented Nia each time.

    "You know a lot, Nia. That''s great!

    "Not really.

    In fact, I went to the museum many times and researched hard for this day, but that''s a secret.

    Only in front of Cecilia, Nia really wanted to show that she was cool and dependable.

    But, Nia, your Lemurian has gotten much better. I was surprised.

    I''m sure you''ll be surprised at how well you can speak Lemurian." "Haha ......, I couldn''t even speak Cyrillic back then.

    Nia smiled bitterly.

    Cecilia used to speak Cyrillic with Nia.

    Cecilia used to listen to Nia''s accented Cyrillic without laughing.

    Now, Nia is speaking Lemurian to Cecilia.

    "Speaking of which, Cecilia''s mother tongue is Lemurian, right?

    "Yes, it is. The official language of the Lemurian Patriarchate is Lemurian. However, if you step out of Lemuria, you''ll be speaking Edelna.

    However, since there are still many Lemurian speakers in the former West Lemurian Empire, Edelna is not the dominant language.

    At least among the upper classes of West Lemuria, Lemurian is the official language.

    Cecilia, do you speak any languages?

    Is it me?¡¡Well, ......, yes. I can speak Lemurian, Cyrillic, and Edelna without any problems. Cerda, Tretum, and Fullerling I speak only a little.

    Oh, ...... you''re right Cecilia. I still speak only Lemurian and Cyrillic. Now I''m learning Farsi.

    You should at least know the language of your greatest virtual enemy.

    Hercule and Loukanos had told her that, and Nia had been working hard to learn Farsi.

    However, Cyrillic, Lemurian, and Farsi have different language systems.

    The former is a language established in the sea world, while the latter is a language established in the desert world.

    It was difficult for him to learn.

    Fars. I''d like to be able to speak it too. If I ask Lord Hercule, can he introduce me to a teacher?

    "...... is the language of the Holy Fire Church, is that okay?

    Isn''t it inconvenient to teach Messianism to the Holy Fire people if you don''t speak Farsi?

    That''s true.

    Cecilia and Nia both have the same motive.

    Both Cecilia and Nia have the same motive: to learn the enemy''s language and deepen their understanding of the enemy.

    But Cecilia probably doesn''t think of them as enemies.

    To her, it''s an object of salvation.

    Now then, the two of them head for the port.

    The port of Nova Lemuria, arguably the largest port in the world, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nova Lemuria after Hercule built a sewage treatment plant to solve the stench.

    "Wow!¡¡There are so many ships here. And it smells like the sea.

    What''s so interesting?

    You may be used to seeing them all the time, but I''ve never seen so many ships, and I rarely go to sea. I rarely go to sea. I only visit Edelna a few times at most.

    Cecilia said happily.

    Nia, who was born and raised in Nova Lemuria, could not understand.

    It''s almost noon, so let''s eat. I have a specialty that I want Cecilia to try.

    "A specialty?

    Cecilia was taken by Nia to the pier.

    There were a lot of stalls there.

    I can smell the fish cooking. ......

    "That''s right. All the stalls here are cooking mackerel.

    "Mackerel, sir?

    Cecilia tilted her head.

    Of course, Cecilia knew about mackerel and had eaten it.

    But even if you say that mackerel is a specialty, it doesn''t ring a bell.

    If you say that seafood is a specialty of a port town, that may be true. ...... Cecilia didn''t know if it was something that Nia would go to the trouble of asking her to eat.

    I''ve got a friend here, like I told you.

    Nia spoke to one of the stall owners.

    The shopkeeper bowed lightly.

    "This is Nia. The girl behind her is your friend Cecilia?¡¡She''s cute.

    Thank you for this .......

    Cecilia bowed.

    Apparently, this shopkeeper does not discriminate against the Nightmare race.

    Two.

    Yes.

    After receiving the money from Nia, the shopkeeper took out a long, thin loaf of bread, split in half, and put some onions and lettuce on it.

    He then poured some lemon juice over the mackerel that was cooking on the griddle and placed it on top of the bread.

    The mackerel was then placed on a piece of bread. Finally, an olive oil-based dressing was poured over the mackerel and placed between two pieces of bread.

    He wrapped it in a linen cloth and handed it to Cecilia.

    While Cecilia was puzzled, the owner finished making Nia''s portion as well.

    "What''s this ......?

    "A mackerel sandwich. It''s a Nova Lemuria specialty. I eat it regularly. The taste varies from store to store, but this one is the best.

    With that, Nia pulled Cecilia''s hand and led her a short distance away.

    Eating in front of the restaurant would be a nuisance.

    Let''s eat.

    Isn''t there a ...... place to sit or something?

    "We''ll eat standing up. We eat standing up, looking at the sea.

    Standing up!

    Cecilia was surprised, and Nia bit into her mackerel sandwich as if to show her a good example.

    Cecilia followed her example and took a bite.

    It was her first time eating a sandwich, and her first time eating standing up.

    "How is it?

    It''s delicious. ...... Bread and mackerel go well together, don''t they? The dressing and the acidity of the lemon are perfect. The vegetables are crispy and delicious.

    I''m glad you like it.

    They finished it in a flash.

    One sandwich is too little for two people who eat a lot.

    "There''s another specialty. Let''s go.

    "Yes, I hope so.

    Cecilia walks with Nia through the city.

    Nia stopped in front of one of the stalls.

    This is ...... meat?¡¡It''s pretty big.

    It''s a stack of mutton. You point the meat on a metal rod and roast it slowly over a fire while rotating it. When it''s done, you cut it off with a knife. That kind of cooking.

    While explaining to Cecilia, Nia showed her two fingers and handed the money to the owner.

    The owner handed the finished dish to Nia, seemingly unconcerned about any customer, even if they were a demon (Nightmare).

    Nia handed one to Cecilia.

    It''s called "gyropita. It''s meat and vegetables in a round loaf of bread with dressing on it. It''s delicious.

    Nia said and bit into it in front of Cecilia.

    Cecilia scanned her surroundings and discreetly put the gyropita in her mouth.

    It''s delicious. The meat is nice and fragrant.

    It''s also good for your health, since you get vegetables.

    Now, after all that hot and fatty food, you want to eat something cold and sweet.

    So Nia asked Cecilia to join her for dessert.

    "What now?

    "This time it''s interesting. Cecilia can order it for you.

    Nia pushed Cecilia back.

    A sweet smell tickled Cecilia''s nostrils.

    Ice cream?

    "Yes, I do. Just one, okay?

    Cecilia handed over the money and ordered an ice cream.

    The shopkeeper stretched out a stick to scoop up the ice cream.

    "Wow!

    Cecilia''s eyes rolled back in her head.

    Cecilia rolled her eyes, for ice cream in Cecilia''s knowledge did not stretch.

    The shopkeeper put the ice cream in a cone and handed it to Cecilia on a stick.

    "Thank you, ....... Huh?

    The cone quickly disappears from Cecilia''s hand.

    The owner rotates the stick to get it out of Cecilia''s hand just as she grabs the cone.

    "Oh, I can''t grab that .......

    Cecilia tries again and again to catch it, but she fails each time.

    The shopkeeper, pleased with Cecilia''s reaction, continues to perform.

    However, no matter how innovative and interesting the performance is, ......

    However, even though the performance is innovative and interesting, it can get boring if it is too persistent.

    Halfway through the performance, Cecilia also became bored with the persistence.

    When she was completely bored, the shopkeeper handed her the ice cream easily, as if he was satisfied.

    What''s that ......?

    "It''s a speciality, so there''s that.

    It''s disrespectful to God to play with food.

    Cecilia was enjoying herself until halfway through. Well, I''m going to get some too. It will probably take a long time, so you can eat first.

    Cecilia saw Nia off and sipped her ice cream.

    The taste was surprisingly normal.

    After eating the ice cream, the two of them looked out over the city from the hill, watching the sun set.

    The marble houses glowed with gold.

    Nova Lemuria is a big city. Nova Lemuria is a big city, very different from the desolate city of Lemuria.

    Well, it''s the home of the Emperor.

    "...... Lemuria is also the home of the Medium, though.

    Cecilia let out a sigh.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    "Um, ...... Cecilia?

    It''s okay. In fact, the medium has no power. I have authority but no power. I am the leader of the Sacred World and Hercule-sama is the leader of the Secular World. But still, Lord Hercule is amazing. Seeing this city made me realize that. In both Lemuria and Edelna, the streets are filled with vagrants and orphans. And they''re filthy. But this city has very few people and it''s very clean. You''re amazing, Hercule.

    Cecilia''s cheeks were slightly flushed.

    Cecilia''s cheeks were a little flushed, and not just from the setting sun.

    Cecilia is .......

    Nia asked a little reservedly.

    How do you feel about her?

    I like her.

    "As a, uh, ...... human being?

    "As a human being and as a man.

    Cecilia said simply.

    Then she turned to Nia and bowed.

    The reason I didn''t tell you about my correspondence with Hercule is probably because I was jealous of you at the time. At the time, I hadn''t been able to sort out my feelings, and I was just kind of disgusted with you. ...... But now I can say it clearly. I like you, Hercule, and I was jealous of you. I''m sorry.

    I''m sorry." "No, no, no, no, no, that was my fault too, or rather my fault.

    Nia waved her hands and told Cecilia not to apologize.

    The story returns to Hercule.

    "Does Cecilia want to marry you?¡¡Wasn''t there a medium who married you in the past?

    "Yes, I have. But not now.

    Why?

    "Because I have no intention of becoming Lord Hercule''s puppet.

    Cecilia said firmly.

    I like Mr. Hercule as a man. I like him as a man, I respect him as a politician and a soldier, and I respect him as a man of culture. But he is the Emperor and I am a medium. I do not intend to be her puppet or vassal. This is my responsibility as a medium.

    You don''t have to think so hard, do you?

    Difficult ......? But I personally want Hercule-sama to approve of me, and I want to make him squeal.

    Cecilia smiled mischievously.

    Cecilia laughed mischievously, but her expression quickly returned to seriousness.

    Cecilia smiled mischievously, but quickly returned to seriousness. And if I were to have a male-female relationship with Hercule-sama now, I would definitely be ridiculed. It would mean a loss of authority for the medium. I cannot sully the history and authority of Messianism that has been accumulated by successive generations of mediums. Besides, the loss of authority of the mediums would mean the loss of the Emperor''s authority. It seems that Lord Hercule is not all-powerful. He seems to underestimate the authority of the mediums. Hercule has a bureaucracy and a standing army to hold down the country, and that power is certainly powerful. But ...... is not enough to hold the country together. The authority of the medium is essential to the world order. She''s too good. That''s why you can''t see her. You don''t know why the Lemurian Empire made Messianism its state religion, why it used the authority of the medium, and why successive emperors, your father, have continued to uphold it.

    Cecilia reached for the moon, which was slightly faint.

    I don''t mean to be irreverent and say that the emperor''s right is the moon and the medium''s right is the sun ....... But at the same time, emperorship is not the sun and mediumship is not the moon. She thinks she is the sun, doesn''t she? Well, that part is attractive and I like it. ...... But that''s not the same thing. We should not be in a relationship where one of us shines on the other, but rather we should be mutually illuminating and enhancing each other. That''s the way it has to be. That''s why I''m going to say exactly what I think is wrong.

    Cecilia said, and smiled at Nia.

    I''m sorry, that was a long story.

    I''m sorry, it''s a long story." "No, I was the one who brought it up in the first place. ......

    Nia shook her head.

    Cecilia turned her back to the city and looked back at Nia.

    It''s time to go home. Thank you for today. It''s been a pleasure. I''m sure you''ll be glad you did. ...... One of these days, I''m going to give Hercule a run for his money, so look forward to it. If you can do it, I can do it. No, I''ll do more than that.

    With that, Cecilia began to walk.

    Nia stared at Cecilia''s back.

    Her back seemed to be very far away.

 128 Episode 2 Quarrel

    "Ugh, hiccup, hiccup, hiccup. ...... Hmmm. ......

    Hey, hey, don''t cry too much. Okay?¡¡I''ll tell him that.

    Hercule comforts the silver-haired fox girl, Hupatia, who is crying.

    He wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.

    As he placed tea and sweets in front of them, Sifanny asked.

    "...... What''s going on?

    Cecilia tortured Hupatia.

    When Hercule said this, Cifanie nodded her head.

    Cecilia has a wonderful personality and is not the kind of person who would abuse someone just because they are a heathen.

    What do you mean?

    It''s not that she was abused, it''s just that Hupatia was defeated one way or the other. ...... At least Cecilia''s guy didn''t have any bad intentions, and I can''t say Cecilia was to blame.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    Yes, it was about three days ago now.

    During the tea party, Cecilia asked Hercule for a favor.

    "Oh, um, ......, Your Majesty. I was wondering if I could meet Ms. Hupatia, the author of this book that you lent me.

    "Hupatia?

    Hercule tilted his head.

    Hercule had lent Cecilia a number of books.

    Some of them had been written by Hupatia.

    Hupatia is timid and scared, but she is a very talented scholar.

    Yes, ......, I was very impressed with this book on philosophy!¡¡So I would like to meet you if possible. I''d also like to visit the university in the Aletheia library if that''s okay with you. ......

    Cecilia said in a small voice.

    Hercule rolled his eyes at this.

    Hupatia was a pagan, and from Cecilia''s point of view, it should be unforgivable.

    Well, in philosophy, it may not matter much whether you are a pagan or a messianist. ......

    The fact that you want to go to a university that is also a den of infidels is too surprising.

    "Are you sure, heathen?

    "Messianic or pagan, you are still a wise man, and knowledge has nothing to do with religion. There is much to be learned from the knowledge of the pagans!¡¡I would like to share my thoughts with the scholars!

    Cecilia said with a twinkle in her eye.

    With sparkling eyes, Cecilia said, "I don''t know how you feel about that," as she sipped her tea.

    Hercule was not averse to discussing theology, philosophy, and so on.

    Besides, there are a good number of Messianics in the University of Alexandria Library.

    It is indeed unheard of for a medium, the supreme leader of the Messianic religion, to enter the university, but it is not unusual for clergymen to come and go.

    "Well, good. Hupatia is scheduled to come to the palace in three days, so I''ll introduce you then.

    "Oh, really?¡¡But what brings you to this palace?

    Well, well, you see, we''re just tea drinkers.

    But what brings you to this palace?

    However, for some reason, Cecilia''s face turned bright red.

    But for some reason, Cecilia''s face turned bright red. "Yes, Mr. Hercule. You know, that kind of thing is not healthy!¡¡It''s filthy!

    I''d like to take my hat off to you for your imaginative ability to come up with the correct answer to the ...... tea drinking buddy question.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    Perhaps she''s a bit of a dirty girl.

    So Hercule asked her a question.

    Cecilia ......, how many times a week do you jerk off?¡¡By the way, Nia jerks off once every three days.

    Hercule asked, casually leaking Nia''s personal information.

    Cecilia then said in a shouting voice.

    I''m not going to do that!

    Is it really true?

    "Really, really!

    It seems that she really didn''t do it.

    Hercule couldn''t think of anything else.

    So what do you do when you''re horny?

    "I don''t get horny at all!

    Cecilia''s voice was a little shaky as she said this.

    Cecilia''s voice was a little shaky as she said this, but there are times when she feels like it.

    The thought that she was trying so hard to hold it in made Hercule very excited.

    He vowed that he would make sure Ciphany took care of it later.

    "Well, for that matter, come to ...... me in three days. I''ll meet you at Hypatia.

    And on the day ......

    "Hypatia, this is the Supreme Leader of the Messianic Order, High Priestess Medium. Please do not be rude.

    "Oh, no. ...... I''m sorry!¡¡I''m sorry! Please don''t let it be the Inquisition!

    Hupatia shouted and tried to flee the scene.

    Hercule held her by the scruff of the neck.

    ''Calm down, Cecilia has no intention of doing that. Here, let Cecilia speak.

    Mr. Hupatia, I wanted to see you. You know, I read your book on ...... and was very impressed!¡¡I''d like to talk to you if possible!

    Cecilia closed in on Hupatia.

    Hupatia had a puzzled look on her face, but when she realized that ...... Cecilia was holding her book in her chest, she bowed her head politely.

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I''m sorry, but thank you. Thank you for reading my book. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, you want to talk?¡¡I can talk to you a little bit at .......

    Really?

    That''s how the three of us, including Hercule, began our tea party.

    At first, Hupatia was nervous, but when she realized that Cecilia was harmless and had a great personality, her nervousness dissipated and she started chatting with Cecilia happily.

    When he felt that the atmosphere had warmed up to some extent, Hercule stood up.

    It was time to return to his duties.

    I''ll be back in an hour. Have fun, both of you.

    Yes!

    Yes, yes, yes!

    "So I come back in an hour, and Hupatia''s crying. Cecilia was freaking out. ...... Well, I let Cecilia go home first.

    So why are you crying after all, Master Hypatia?

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    It seems that while I was out of the room, they were talking about Messianism, and Cecilia broke it down for Hupatia. Cecilia broke Hyppatia''s heart and she''s crying.

    I don''t think she''s going to be able to argue with you. ......

    She does not know much about academics, but she does know that Hupatia is a great scholar.

    Cecilia, on the other hand, is a medium, but she is still a teenager.

    "Cecilia is a good talker, despite her appearance. In fact, I''ve been losing a lot lately.

    "Oh, you''ve been losing?

    Oh, ......, lately, he''s gotten really good at talking.

    Cecilia has basically only good arguments.

    Cecilia only makes good arguments, and she is well armed with logic.

    Hercule used to play Cecilia with sophistry and distraction. ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    For Hupatia, who had always criticized Messianism as "unscientific," it was quite painful to be told by its supreme leader that "it is not scientific" and not be able to refute it.

    "Well, if you think about it, theology is a discipline that has been developed to repel attacks on messianism and to attack other religions. There is no way that Hypatia can defeat Cecilia.

    This is the same for Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and so on.

    Religions with a long history are well armed with logic.

    At the very least, they can refute any criticism that a layman can easily come up with.

    It is because they can do so that they have been able to expand their influence.

    Those religions that could not do so disappeared without leaving their names in history.

    If you want to find out for sure, you can ask some questions to religious solicitors.

    They will give you a logical answer in their own way.

    And Hupatia is soft-spoken and timid. There is no way she can beat Cecilia, who is very talkative and strong.

    In any case, Cecilia was able to criticize the Lemurian emperor, who was about to ask her to be his guardian, with a straight face: "It is wrong for the emperor to hold the right of ordination! Cecilia was strong-minded enough to criticize the Lemurian emperor who was about to ask her to be his guardian.

    If Cecilia and Hupatia, who would be intimidated by anyone, even a slave, were to argue, it would be obvious that Hupatia would be overpowered by Cecilia.

    If this had been an argument in the form of a letter or other written communication, perhaps Hupatia would have been able to fight.

    "Well, well, ...... no offense to Cecilia. I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why. Please forgive her.

    "Gus, no, no, ...... it''s me who''s at fault. Oh, I was so critical of the other person that I didn''t think about ...... myself properly. I''m going to take this opportunity to reflect on myself.

    I''d be happy if you converted to Messianism as well.

    Well, I refuse to do that. ......

    Unfortunately, deep down, she didn''t seem to think she had lost.

    After that, Cecilia apologized to Hupatia, and the situation was settled.

    After that, Cecilia and Hyppatia began to discuss and exchange letters on a regular basis.

    ......, but Hyppatia was still unable to win Cecilia over with her words, and often asked Hercule for help.

    In addition, because of Hupatia''s strong dislike of Cecilia, their relationship never developed into a friendship.

 129 Episode 1 Cecilias Counter-Offensive

    "You''re lucky, ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö. The ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö boys and women that you ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö have ¡ö¡öed and sold off as ¡ö¡ö have probably been through more than you are now. You will not be ¡ö¡öed by more than one ¡ö¡ö, and you will be ¡ö¡öed by ¡ö¡ö for all time to come. You should be grateful for the mercy of ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö.

    --On a certain day, at a certain place, a man said to a woman.

    "d*mn, they''re all so selfish .......

    Hercule was very annoyed.

    The first thing that irritated Hercule was the diplomatic blunder in the west.

    The two kingdoms of Edelna and Fulling were leaning towards anti-Lemuria, and even the kingdom of Tretum was beginning to turn left and right.

    Hercule''s foreign policy toward the west was completely ruined.

    Another reason was the uncooperative attitude of the Church and the laity toward the coinage.

    Aside from the patriarchates under the direct control of Hercule, the attitude of the churches, large and small, in the provinces where Hercule''s control is less effective, has not been satisfactory.

    And even among the monastic orders, the Congregation of the Holy See has expressed its opposition to Hercule head-on.

    They say that the gold content of gold coins is determined by God, and that it is sacred to degrade the grade of gold coins, and that it is not allowed, which makes Hercule want to say, "God doesn''t give a d*mn about the gold content of gold coins, octopus.

    The total amount of gold coins and wealth stored by the Church and the Holy Order is considerable.

    If we don''t get the Church and the Holy See to release and recast this wealth, the money reform will be insufficient and ineffective.

    "Lucanos, can''t you do something?

    The Holy Monastery will not listen to me. The Holy Order will not listen to me.

    Lukanos smiled bitterly.

    If Lukanos tried to persuade them, it would only have the opposite effect.

    The Order is a real pain in the ass. They''re really annoying, those rich monks. ...... But a lot of them have a really bad attitude.

    The Order of the Holy Priestesses was founded with the aim of increasing the authority and power of the priestesses (mediums).

    However, they are not necessarily on the side of the mediums.

    The congregation is currently divided into two factions, one pro-medium and the other pro-pope.

    Many of the congregations in the Lemurian Empire claim to be pro-Medium, but I am not sure if this is true.

    It is quite possible that they are secret papists.

    Should we use force to crush them?

    I think that would be too aggressive. ...... At least we should hold a council.

    If that''s the case, we''ll have to ask our medium, little Cecilia, to help us.

    Hercule smiled.

    Hercule already knew that Cecilia was in love with him.

    She''s a serious girl, but she''s still a woman.

    As long as she is a woman, there is no reason why she cannot be controlled.

    As a puppet, you can use her well.

    Hercule stood up.

    "Better hurry up. Let''s go to Cecilia.

    "Yes, I understand. I''ll accompany you.

    Hercule and Loukanos went to the Nova Lemuria Cathedral.

    Cecilia was currently serving in this building, which also served as the Lemurian Patriarchate.

    However, she was not there today.

    "Where has the High Priestess, Medium, gone?

    Lucanos asked Cronus Clorius, the Patriarch of Lemuria, who was filling in for the absent Cecilia.

    Cronus replied.

    He is preaching in the city. I don''t know where High Priestess Medium is going. I don''t even know where the High Priestess Medium is. She really goes everywhere. ...... But Nia Lucarios might know where she is.

    So Hercule and Lucanos went to Lucarios'' residence and asked Nia, who was studying, if she had any idea where Cecilia was.

    "Ceci, the whereabouts of High Priestess Medium? Well, I have a few ideas. I''ll show you.

    Nia, who was bored with her studies, took the opportunity to show Hercule and Loukanos around.

    What Nia showed them was not a cathedral or even a church.

    To begin with, it was a small square without a roof.

    Not very well-dressed people were sitting on the steps in a well-behaved manner.

    Cecilia was in the middle of them.

    She was standing on a platform, gesticulating and preaching to the people.

    The Son of God spoke at this time. ......

    The people were listening attentively.

    Hercule couldn''t help but mutter.

    You''re doing great. But grassroots activism is so ...... Cecilia.

    Since it was not good to interrupt, the three of them stood there and listened to Cecilia''s story.

    "It''s surprisingly interesting. It''s easy to understand. Well, monks talk too formal. I can listen to them, but they''re boring and hard to understand for most people. Cecilia''s stories, on the other hand, have concrete examples that are easy to understand.

    Hercule nodded admiringly.

    Lukanos nodded.

    Yes, it''s very well thought out. There are many subtle deviations to make the story easier to understand, but I''m sure she knows that best herself. For the uneducated public, this is just about the right level of ......, isn''t it?¡¡The fact that you can explain things to people according to their knowledge is proof that you are very good.

    Nia also agreed with her adoptive father.

    I don''t know much about it, but I think it''s one of the five easiest sermons I''ve ever heard. ...... or perhaps you have a sense of humor too, High Priestess Medium. Surprising.

    Cecilia would occasionally crack a joke.

    In response to Cecilia''s jokes, the people would laugh happily.

    Some of the jokes made Hercule chuckle.

    (Maybe he can make his debut as a comedian even after he loses his job as a priest.

    Cecilia would be able to do both comedy and comedy.

    It''s often said that you have to be smart to be a comedian, Hercule thought.

    That''s all for today. Thank you for your attention.

    Cecilia bowed politely at the end.

    When the sermon was over, the people left, commenting on how interesting the day had been.

    Hercule and the others went to Cecilia''s side against the crowd''s movement.

    Cecilia, you have a great sense of humor. Would you like to make your debut with me?

    "This is Lord Hercule!¡¡And even Patriarch Nova Lemuria and Nia heard about ......?¡¡You should have told me.

    Cecilia brushed aside Hercule''s best attempt at a joke.

    It seems that Hercule has no sense of jokes.

    You may have to be smart to be a comedian, but smart doesn''t mean you can be a comedian.

    I hope I''m not interrupting anything. I''d like to talk to you soon, if that''s okay.

    "Yes, of course. I don''t have anything special to do this evening. Where would you like to do it?

    Hercule thought for a moment and then answered.

    "Why don''t you come to my office?¡¡It''s a bit political. It''s not really something I like to be asked about.

    "Okay, ......, I''ll see you tonight, okay?

    Excuse me, Mr. Hercule.

    Oh, thank you for coming. Cecilia.

    Hercule opened the door himself and invited Cecilia in.

    He then ordered his guards and servants to stand back.

    Hercule invited Cecilia to sit down on the sofa.

    He poured a glass of wine and placed a plate with simple snacks on it.

    Relax your shoulders. I know this is a political conversation, but it''s between you and me. There''s no need to be so formal about it, is there?

    "Hmm, yes.

    Hercule winked, and Cecilia smiled mischievously.

    Then she raises her glass.

    "So, cheers.

    "Cheers.

    They drink the wine.

    I would not be so foolish as to drink it all at once.

    But ...... you''re a medium, shouldn''t you be wearing something a little more luxurious?

    You can''t do that, you know. ...... In my own way, I am sorry for this incident. This is all due to the arrogance of the Peter family, the previous mediums. I wanted to go back to the beginning.

    Cecilia is wearing a white dress made of flax and linen.

    It is not dyed or embroidered in any way.

    Since the formal attire of the medium is white, the lack of dyeing is not a problem. ......

    The fact that there is no embroidery at all is unusual.

    And the fact that the fabric is flax and linen is also unusual.

    The previous generation of mediums wore silk clothes, and Cecilia wore silk clothes when she was in Lemuria.

    Cecilia had sold them off and had them make her shabby, low-quality clothes to wrap herself in.

    It''s still quite durable.

    "Well, if that''s all right with you.

    Hercule was not troubled.

    Lucanos and the others were troubled.

    However, Lukanos and the others were troubled, because they couldn''t wear luxurious clothes while the other mediums were wearing poor clothes.

    The Lucanos were also forced to reduce the quality of their clothes.

    "Well, I''ve come here today to ask you a favor. I need you to convince the Holy Monastery and the Church to reform the currency. What do you think?

    What do you think?" "First of all, Hercule, can you tell us more about the Emperor''s purpose and intentions for the coinage?¡¡I''m not very knowledgeable in that area. I''m not too familiar with that field. ...... I can vaguely understand that it is to make up for the shortage of money.

    I understand.

    Hercule politely told Cecilia about the purpose of his policy.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    I understand. Yes, it is in my interest, and that of the Church as a whole, that the lives of the people be enriched and that the finances of the Empire be strengthened. I will not hesitate to cooperate with the Emperor.

    "Then you will do me a favor?

    When Hercule asked that, Cecilia nodded and said ......

    Cecilia nodded and said with a smile.

    I don''t want to.

 130 Episode 2 Cecilias Counter-Offensive

    I don''t want to.

    When Cecilia said that, Hercule couldn''t believe his own ears for a moment.

    It was obvious that she was going to cooperate with him, so it was understandable.

    Seeing Hercule''s puzzled face, Cecilia giggled.

    Hercule, realizing that he had been ridiculed, grumbled a little and said to Cecilia.

    Cecilia, can you please stop?¡¡Can you please not play pranks like that?

    "Your Majesty.

    Cecilia stiffened her back, looked Hercule in the eye and said.

    I''m speaking as a medium now, Your Majesty. I''m not saying that you shouldn''t call me by my name, but isn''t it somewhat disrespectful to me to do so?

    "Hmmm ......, okay. So, High Priestess Medium, will you do me a favor?

    Hercule said half-heartedly, and Cecilia smiled and said.

    As for that, as I said before, ''No,'' is the answer.

    ...... Don''t underestimate the adults too much, little girl.

    Hercule said with anger.

    Cecilia replied.

    "That''s my line, Your Majesty. I have no intention of becoming your puppet.

    "Who do you think keeps you alive?

    "It''s certainly thanks to you, Your Majesty. I''m not going to be your puppet." "Thanks to whom do you think you are alive?¡¡I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    Hercule let out a sigh and crossed his legs.

    He leaned his back against the sofa, folded his arms, and looked up at me.

    I''ve indulged you a little too much. Cecilia, I have you in my custody now. Think again. Do you know what will happen to you if you disobey ...... me?

    "With all due respect, .......

    Cecilia looked firmly at Hercule and said.

    I am not your vassal. I am not your vassal and therefore I am not obligated to listen to your orders.

    "What do you want to happen to me?

    That''s my line. ...... What do you want to happen to me?¡¡If you lose me, will you be able to replace me?¡¡Can you take my place?

    Hercule frowned grimly.

    Needless to say, the answer was "no".

    Hercule himself could not take Cecilia''s place as pope or medium.

    Even if he could, the clergy and the faithful would look at him coldly.

    It is possible to enthrone Lukanos or someone else as Pope, but ......

    If he does so, Hercule will lose all influence in the western world, and conflict with the Holy Monastery will be inevitable.

    Originally, Erk¨¹l''s reputation among the clergy was not good, as it tolerated the Alectarians.

    Nevertheless, the clergy of the Lemurian Empire currently support Hercule.

    This is because of his achievement in saving Cecilia.

    However, if he were to disrespect Cecilia at this time because she does not listen to him, his growing support would fall to the ground.

    I don''t care what happens to me. You can do whatever you want. The fact is, I''m safe because of you. But it''s only this body you can do with, not the soul. You can''t control my will.

    "Oh, so ...... that means you''re against me, is that it?

    When Hercule said this, Cecilia tilted her head.

    Why would that be?

    "......

    Her attitude was so different from before that Hercule was puzzled.

    Cecilia''s eyes still held no malice in them.

    I''m not your vassal, that''s what I''m saying. I''m willing to cooperate with you, but only as an equal. I told you that. The interests of the Empire are aligned with mine and the Church''s. I''m not going to argue with that.

    Then why ''no''?

    Because both the Empire and the Church will be disadvantaged if this continues.

    Cecilia said, with pure eyes.

    "Your Majesty, no, Master Hercule. "Your Majesty, no, Master Hercule, do you know how the world views me and Master Hercule?

    ".......

    Hercule kept his mouth shut.

    There are many good reputations, but there are also bad reputations.

    It is the bad reputation that Cecilia is referring to.

    For example, ......

    "The current medium is the mistress of the Emperor of Lemuria. The medium is not a priestess, but the ...... emperor of Lemuria, who, well, holds it in his hand every night. She is the puppet of the Emperor of Lemuria and sells herself in return for his help. The Pope is still better than those whores. ...... Well, this is the kind of reputation I''ve heard with my own ears. That''s what the citizens of Nova Lemuria are saying. I wonder what''s going on in other parts of the country. ......

    Cecilia said, blushing slightly.

    Then she clears her throat.

    "And that''s about it. If I were to help you with your current reputation, ...... it would only add to your bad reputation. It would be against the interests of the Church. And ...... increasing the authority of the self-proclaimed "Pope" is against the interests of Hercule and the Empire. That''s why I can''t continue to cooperate with you, Hercule.

    Cecilia said, and reached for the snacks.

    As she ate, Cecilia said.

    So, I think we should both work on our reputations first. To be honest, I don''t really like the way the clergy are now. It is outrageous that churches and congregations should be allowed to accumulate wealth. All the wealth obtained from donations and contributions should be distributed to the poor. I believe that this is the right way for the church to be, and the proper role of donations and contributions.

    After hearing Cecilia''s argument, Hercule ......

    He sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

    Cecilia''s argument made sense, and it was clear that Cecilia herself did not have any hostile intentions towards Hercule.

    I also found out that Cecilia has almost 90% good intentions.

    (This is the first time I''ve seen something like this: ......)

    Hercule didn''t know what attitude to take toward Cecilia.

    If someone comes at you with bad intentions, you should respond with bad intentions.

    But you can''t return malice to someone who hits you with good intentions.

    So Hercule asked Cecilia.

    Cecilia, your point is well taken. Cecilia, I understand your point, but how exactly do you think our relationship can be kept from being inferred?

    "I don''t think that''s possible. If Master Hercule and I get along well, there will be a lot of people who will guess wrong. Because we are a young man and a young woman.¡¡Moreover, Hercule has always had a bad reputation with women. Everyone thinks that the Emperor of Lemuria wouldn''t be able to keep a young medium in his clutches.

    "Uh, yeah, I''m sorry about that .......

    I''m sure you''re aware of that.

    If you say that, I can''t argue with you.

    So, it is unavoidable that people will guess wrong. The important thing is to understand why your reputation is ruined when you are misunderstood. For example, if Hercule-sama and Lunalie-sama had a male-female relationship, would their reputations have been damaged?¡¡At least, Hercule-sama''s reputation has not been ruined. In fact, it went up when he was able to turn Hayastan into his country. Then what about Master Lunalie''s reputation?¡¡She was well-liked in the Lemurian Empire. And in Khayastan?¡¡Your reputation with the pro-Fahrus faction went down, but your reputation with the pro-Lemurian faction went up, didn''t it?

    "So you''re saying that if we have a relationship with a man or a woman, it won''t ruin our reputation if it''s judged to be beneficial? Is that what you''re saying?

    Cecilia nodded when Hercule said that.

    It is also important that you are not perceived as a slut. For example, if I were to receive beautiful clothes and ornaments from Hercule and wear them, or if I were to receive huge donations and lavish ......... No matter how pure and innocent my life is, there will always be people who will gossip about me as they please.

    And there are those who believe them.

    The important thing is not the truth of the rumor, but how many people believe it.

    So what do you want in the end?

    It''s simple, an achievement. "The Pope is certainly gaining the support of many clergy and believers right now. But he hasn''t actually accomplished anything yet. Their support for him is just an expectation.

    When people vote in elections in democracies, many of them don''t give much thought to the policies of politicians.

    The majority of people cast their votes based on the expectation that the politician will make the country a better place (????).

    That is why theatrical politics is established.

    However, this kind of politics does not last very long.

    The honeymoon period is over soon.

    What comes next is a strong disappointment at having been disappointed.

    That''s why we need small achievements to raise expectations even more.

    But so far, the Pope has not accomplished anything.

    "So far, all the Pope has done is pick a fight with the Empire and Lord Hercule. And he is, after all, under the protection of the military power of the Fulling Kingdom, so his position is not really that different from mine. The situation is worse than it was in the days of the previous medium. The honeymoon period will soon be over. Then it will be our turn. We must live up to the expectations of the faithful and the clergy rather than the "Pope". Then the formation will be reversed.

    Accomplishments: ......

    In the past, Hercule had thought that he had achieved a lot by stopping the invasion of the Kingdom of Foulds and defeating heretics and infidels.

    But that''s not what Cecilia is trying to say, is it?

    "Are these achievements, in essence, your achievements?

    "Yes, it is. I''m sorry to say this, but ...... Mr. Hercule. Would you like to give me the credit?¡¡If you do that, my popularity will soar. If you do that, you might be able to stop the Kingdom of Tretum from coming to our side, and hopefully bring the Kingdom of Edelna back to our side. And ...... we may be able to gather the support of the churches and lords within the Fulling Kingdom.

    The more authority Cecilia has, the more convenient it is for her guardian, Hercule.

    However, Cecilia''s growing authority could shake the Lemurian Empire, which is headed by the Emperor.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the Emperor must be the only one with power.

    But I''m willing to listen to you.

    Hercule thought so, and asked Cecilia.

    Cecilia, what kind of achievement do you want?

    When Hercule asked, Cecilia said, "It''s about ordination.

    "It''s about ordination.

 131 Episode 3 Cecilias Counter-Offensive

    It''s not funny. You think I''m going to give it to you?¡¡Don''t you think it''s a bit presumptuous of you to start with?¡¡You''re the one who helped me, and now you''re begging me for something. Don''t you feel indebted to me?

    When Hercule said this, Cecilia tilted her head.

    Justice has no righteousness, no mercy, no compassion. There is only interest. Isn''t it you who taught us that?

    "......

    Hercule once asked, "Why do you lie and use sophistry in politics, Lord Hercule?¡¡Isn''t there a contradiction between the Council of Aletheia and the Edict of Aletheia?¡¡In addition to that, Your Majesty often says many other things that contradict each other, don''t you? I remembered that I responded in such a way when someone said to me, "I don''t think so.

    In politics, morality doesn''t matter as long as it works!¡¡I think I said something like that.

    But there is such a thing as trust. But there is such a thing as trust. I helped you, ......, and in return, I should help you change the currency, don''t you think?¡¡I don''t know if you''ll cooperate with me after I give you the ordination in the first place. I don''t want to be overcharged. Yes, it''s a matter of trust.

    When Hercule said that, Cecilia nodded widely.

    That''s true, isn''t it?

    Isn''t that right?

    If I had asked for your help in advance and promised you political cooperation in return.

    Hercule frowns.

    I never asked you for help, did I?

    He was locked up and could not even ask for help.

    It was only natural.

    It is true that Cecilia did not ask Hercule to help her.

    She may have been thinking it in her heart, but it was none of Hercule''s business.

    "So you could have gotten out of that situation on your own?

    No, I couldn''t. But ...... it was His Majesty''s circumstances that saved me. I made no promises at the time. Don''t you think it''s wrong to give bread unconditionally to a starving man and then, after a while, force him to work to repay the favor you gave him?

    Hercule was impressed by the fact that he had the audacity to say that.

    Don''t you think that the person who has been helped should help the person who has been helped as much as possible when they are in need?

    "Yes, I do. ...... I feel very ungrateful to you. But I can''t afford it either. As you can see, I have very little power or wealth.

    Cecilia said and raised her hands.

    Cecilia held up her hands to show that she was so weak that she could only wear shabby clothes.

    If you accept my proposal, I promise you my full cooperation. Yes, this is definitely an act of asking for help from me and promising something in return. I swear by God, I promise you.

    Cecilia affirmed.

    As long as she said "I swear by God," Cecilia would not go back on her promise.

    Hercule knows very well that Cecilia is a pious girl.

    But ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that. Do you think High Priestess Medium can provide me with a reward worthy of ordination?

    Hercule said sarcastically, and Cecilia chuckled.

    Hercule frowns.

    Cecilia chuckles, and Hercule frowns, "You are mistaken, Hercule. I was referring to ordination. I''m not asking you to give me all of it. In the first place, it''s not in my power to control everything in the church right now.

    Hercule''s reaction was just as Cecilia had expected, it was as if he was delivering a prepared speech.

    Hercule became increasingly unhappy.

    Seeing this, Cecilia smiled happily.

    She seemed to be truly enjoying the fact that she was able to manipulate Hercule and take control of the conversation.

    It''s easy to see why Hercule''s ordination is such a problem in the first place. It''s because it''s a breeding ground for clergy trading. I would like to propose three things.

    Cecilia held up three fingers to Hercule.

    One, ordination will be in the hands of the mediums. Two, the Emperor of Lemuria has the right of first appointment to the priesthood. Three, the qualifications and standards for becoming a priestess are clearly defined and managed by the medium. That''s all. What do you think?

    "Right of first refusal?¡¡I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea. ...... Are you asking for nominal ordination rights?¡¡There doesn''t seem to be much merit to me in accepting it anyway, does there?

    If you don''t like it, that''s fine. If you don''t want to, that''s fine, but then I won''t get the credit. I''m too inexperienced to get any real credit without a concession from Hercule. But after that, I promise to cooperate fully with Hercule. All I need to do is to correct the corruption of the clergy, preach the true teachings to the people, and lead those who have gone astray to the right path. I''m not really interested in politics.

    What you call even that (????) is all political activity.

    Hercule pondered.

    Cecilia is basically a good person, and she is very friendly to Hercule.

    He has no desire for power and only cares about the Messiah and his followers.

    He is truly a pure and righteous priest.

    But that doesn''t mean he is harmless.

    In other words, if Hercule does something wrong, she will get angry.

    Cecilia is a girl who basically only says what is right.

    She is a logical harassment type of beautiful girl.

    She is the natural enemy of Hercule, who has basically only done bad things and has gotten by with lies, excuses, sophistry, and deception.

    To send salt to her is to risk strangling Hercule himself in the future.

    But it is true that the situation is currently in a state of limbo.

    It also annoys me that Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Frarling is still at his mercy.

    "The right of first appointment means there is a right of second and third appointment. Do you own them?

    I''d be happy to discuss that with Mr. Hercule.

    Hmm, what are the qualifications and standards required to be a priest?

    That''s up to you to decide. However, I would like to avoid doing anything that would undermine the power of Hercule as much as possible. I do not wish to see the empire destabilized.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then said ......

    He said.

    "Fine. ...... But you must consult me. I''m not going to accept it unless it''s something I can live with. But I will promise to come to the negotiating table.

    Are you sure?¡¡Then let''s discuss the details sometime!

    Cecilia said happily.

    It''s our first time working together.

    "Yes, Cecilia. Can you come over here for a minute?

    "Yes?¡¡What is it?

    Cecilia stood up and walked over to Hercule, who was sitting across the desk from her.

    Hercule stood up and sat Cecilia down.

    "What''s going on?

    ''Actually, this room. It''s soundproofed for secret meetings.

    The room is soundproofed for clandestine meetings. ...... I''m sure that''s an obvious measure.

    And it''s locked from the inside.

    ...... What''s wrong with that?

    Hercule grabbed Cecilia by both shoulders.

    I mean, you can call for help, but no one will come.

    What?¡¡I''m not sure what kind of ...... help you''re talking about.

    Hercule forcefully pushed Cecilia down.

    Then he took her lips forcibly.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    Then she realized what was being done to her and her face turned bright red.

    What are you doing to me?¡¡No, no, no, I''m a priest!

    What''s wrong with that?¡¡What''s wrong with that? You said yourself that it''s okay for people to think that we have a relationship.¡¡Then I have no problem with it happening.

    Premarital s*x is out of the question!¡¡Don''t, don''t, don''t ...... do it.

    What kind of rapist stops when told to stop?

    Hercule smirked.

    He tied Cecilia''s arms and legs with ropes he had taken from somewhere.

    I''m giving you a concession, and you''re going to pay for it. You''ll pay for this with your body.

    The price is my political cooperation with Lord Hercule .......

    That''s the deferred payment part. The advance payment is your body. ...... No, but you''ve become quite beautiful. I''ve always thought you were pretty, but now you''re really beautiful.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    You are wearing a medium''s dress.

    You are wearing a medium''s dress, and Seishonagon will be angry with you for not taking it off.

    Please don''t! No!¡¡I''ll let you off now!

    Her underwear is white. Well, that''s to be expected. But I think black would look good too. No one will be able to see you in your underwear, and you won''t have any problem wearing expensive ones.

    Ignoring Cecilia''s screams, Hercule finished undressing Cecilia.

    There she was, hands and feet bound, half-naked and half-crying, a beautiful girl.

    Hercule salivates.

    "Cecilia, you''re really beautiful.

    "Beautiful? ...... That''s not the point.

    Hercule covers Cecilia''s lips with his own.

    If he does, he can''t make any good arguments.

    Perfect.

    "Well, Cecilia, I''ll be sure to take your advance. Oh, you can say no if you don''t want to.

    No, please don''t!

    "All right, all right. You don''t like it. ...... Well, I''m not saying stop.

    Hercule is the first ......

    I''ll leave the rest to your imagination.

    I haven''t been this excited in ...... a long time.

    Hercule puts on his underwear and only his jacket and drinks his wine.

    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it, but I''m sure I can.

    "Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmmm ......

    "Oh, sorry. I''m sorry, I haven''t untied your restraints yet.

    Hercule removes Cecilia''s blindfold, then the restraints on her hands and feet.

    Cecilia then removed the gag by herself.

    There was a bridge of saliva between the gag and Cecilia''s lips.

    "Oh, my God!¡¡I didn''t think you were that kind of person.

    I didn''t expect Cecilia to be so promiscuous when she was being raped. You were actually expecting it, weren''t you?

    "Well, that''s because ...... you put a weird potion in the wine!

    I would never do anything to ruin the taste of wine.

    I don''t think so.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not using any of Asmodeus'' or Cicely''s magic.

    "Ugh, ugh ...... I told you to stop, but you did all the things ...... I told you not to do.

    When someone tells you to stop, you usually do. Then don''t say it.

    If I didn''t tell you, you would have done it!

    Well, sure.

    Cecilia had no free will from the beginning.

    As for Hercule, he was very satisfied because he was able to cover almost all of Cecilia''s body even though it was the first time.

    If there was a Cecilia s*xuality Test, Hercule now had the confidence to obtain the first level.

    "Oh ......, I''m soiled .......

    Cecilia began to cry and mourn.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    "Wait a minute, you were raped. Isn''t that right?

    "...... What are you talking about, rapist?

    Cecilia glared at Hercule as if she was really angry.

    I''m sure you''ve seen the look on her face before.

    Her angry face is really cute.

    Hercule kissed Cecilia on the cheek and said softly.

    You were raped, so you are a victim. In the Messianic religion, does a person who is raped have to bear the guilt?

    "No, no, not ......, but .......

    Isn''t that right?¡¡Don''t worry, you''re not guilty. In the first place, I''m an agent of God on earth. ...... Like you, I''m fundamentally pure. And you''re still clean.

    Hercule uses messianic theory to persuade Cecilia.

    By the way, did you feel that just now?

    "What are you talking about?

    No, I''m asking if you''re the kind of slut who, despite being raped, goes wild, repeatedly loses consciousness, plays with holes not normally used for intercourse, and eventually starts begging for it.

    Well, that''s ......

    No, you''re not, are you?¡¡It''s not like the medium is such a slut that even Succubus (Asmodeus and Citrine) would be turned off by it.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.¡¡I was in ...... pain, and it was painful!

    That''s right, yeah, that''s right. Exactly!¡¡It''s not that I willingly accepted the pleasure, nor did I fall into it. That''s what a medium is. You''re the model of what a lady should be, aren''t you?

    Yes, that''s right. ...... Yes, that''s right!

    You''ll be fine. God is not going to give up on you. And this was necessary for the right faith. As a woman, as a medium, as a saint, you will remain pure and righteous!

    That''s right!

    That''s what happened.

    Finally, Hercule dressed Cecilia and personally escorted her to the house where she was staying.

    Yes, yes, Cecilia.

    "...... What is it, Master Hercule?

    In three days I want to discuss the matter properly. There are many other things we need to discuss for the future. I''ll come to you next.

    Hercule then said with a grin.

    Be sure to find a room suitable for a secret meeting, where no voices can be heard outside.

    When Cecilia was told this, she ......

    I''m not going to be able to do that.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. I''ll find a room suitable for ...... discussion.

    Soon, their relationship became an open secret in Nova Lemuria, the Lemurian Empire, and the entire world.

 132 Episode 4 Cecilias Anti-Attack

    I''m thinking, ...... is it really that hard for rich people to get to heaven?

    "...... the Bible says so!

    Cecilia said this after she had finished putting together the outline of her presentation for the next Nova Lemuria Council.

    Hercule looked puzzled, wondering what this plump little slut was going to say all of a sudden.

    No, I mean, isn''t ...... work a virtue? But if you work, you get money, right?¡¡I think that earning money is a good thing. I think it is a good thing to earn money, because you have earned it through your own talent and effort. It''s not right that he can''t go to heaven.

    What are you saying all of a sudden?

    When Hercule said this, Cecilia leaned forward and began to explain.

    Cecilia leaned forward and began to explain: "Whether you can go to heaven or not depends on how much faith you have. But I don''t think we can show our faith only by praying to God. The Lord has given us a test of destiny. I believe that facing it sincerely is the way to heaven.

    "Well, that''s a fair point. What does that have to do with what you just said?

    Cecilia said with genuine, heartfelt pleasure.

    So, isn''t occupation also part of our destiny? For example, farming, making useful tools, selling goods to people, monarchs like Hercule, bureaucrats who collect taxes, soldiers who fight against pagans, are all noble professions. The professions given to us by our Lord, let''s see, .......

    "How about a vocation?

    When Hercule suggested a paraphrase, Cecilia smiled broadly.

    "Vocation!¡¡That''s good, let''s do that. I believe that those who accept their vocation and work hard will be able to go to heaven. And if you work, you will naturally accumulate money.

    Hearing Cecilia''s words, Hercule couldn''t help but chuckle.

    It''s cute that you think that if you work hard every day, you can accumulate money.

    She is still a bit naive in that way.

    Cecilia, however, has no chance to know or imagine the life of a low-class person who cannot accumulate money no matter how hard she works.

    "So you''re saying that the richer you are, the more likely you are to go to heaven?

    "No, it doesn''t. The accumulation of money is a side effect. What matters is how hard you work, how diligently you toil.

    So you''re saying that the lowlifes who tried hard but couldn''t make it will go to heaven?

    Only if the Lord approves of their efforts.

    He seems to be thinking about that.

    Well, some people are born rich, so it''s not surprising.

    What about people who don''t have jobs?¡¡What about those who have some kind of physical disability that makes it difficult for them to work?

    The important thing is to make a direct effort. If your effort is right, the Lord will surely lead you to heaven.

    Effort, effort, effort.

    It sounds so hot and bitter.

    As Hercule, I would like to live a more relaxed life.

    "So Cecilia, you think the Bible is wrong?

    "No, I don''t think so. Everything in the Bible is true. But whether or not ...... people get it right is another story.

    "So it''s up to interpretation.

    The Bible is a book containing the word of God.

    But the Bible was not written by God, but by human beings. ...... Naturally, there will be excesses and deficiencies in its contents.

    In the first place, human beings are not so good as to be able to correctly describe all of God''s great words in the Bible.

    Therefore, the important thing is to understand God''s intentions from the Bible.

    This is the principle idea of Messianism.

    The reason why multiple sects have arisen is because of the different ways of interpretation.

    Therefore, Cecilia''s argument can be interpreted in any way.

    Or at least Cecilia''s interpretation is that "even rich people can go to heaven.

    Doesn''t that contradict the fact that Messianism is supposed to honor poverty?

    Messianism is about poverty.

    But Cecilia''s idea seems to deny it outright.

    Hercule points this out: ......

    I think there is no contradiction between being rich and being poor. Don''t you think it''s possible to be rich and poor without being overly extravagant and living in moderation?

    I''m sure that''s true, but ...... wouldn''t that just cause money to accumulate?

    Money has meaning only when it is used.

    There is no meaning in just saving.

    I think it''s not good to hold on to your gains all by yourself. For example, if the salary of ...... is raised from ten silver coins to twelve, the lives of the people working for the rich man will be enriched.

    "Yes, indeed.

    "Of course, indirectly giving back to those who don''t have money like that, but I think that direct giving back like running an orphanage or giving charity is also important. Only rich people can do such things, you know.

    In other words, if you donate to the church, you can atone for your sins?

    I don''t think it matters whether you give through the church or not.

    Cecilia added, however, that the Church must and will operate in the most correct way.

    Cecilia added that the church must be able to operate in the most correct way, and that it would do so. "You know how the rich Lemurians of old used to actively spend money on public works? I think we need that kind of attitude.

    "I see.

    It seems that the book that Hercule had sent to Cecilia had a great influence on her thoughts.

    Well, it doesn''t seem to be a bad influence, so there is no particular problem.

    "And by the way, what do you think about ......?¡¡Would Mr. Hercule approve?

    I think it''s a good idea. Why don''t you include it in the public meeting?¡¡If you, I, you, Lucanos, and Kronos vote in favor of it, no one will have any objections.

    It''s not a bad idea to include such a doctrine that would attract the support of commerce and industry in order to fundamentally review the doctrine itself, eradicate corruption, and regain the faith of believers.

    Above all, it is in line with Hercule''s policy of protecting commerce and industry.

    "Is there anything else?

    "Anything else?

    No, I was just wondering if there was anything else you''d like to change.

    When Hercule asked, Cecilia pondered a bit and then said, ......

    I don''t know if you''ll accept this. ......

    "Mmm-hmm.

    I''m thinking of banning torture in the Inquisition. I think it''s a breeding ground for false accusations.

    "Well, that''s certainly a challenge.

    Torture is not limited to the Inquisition, but in this world, it is common practice to use torture to force confessions.

    This may sound prehistoric, but from the perspective of modern Japanese values, it is ...... a very advanced method of obtaining confessions through torture in this world.

    In this world, the method of obtaining confessions by torture is very advanced, because the method of obtaining confessions is much more evidentiary than the methods of trial by combat or trial by divine decree, where there is no evidence whatsoever.

    However, torture is not a very effective method.

    After all, it is impossible to know whether what is said under torture is true or not.

    Considering the fact that there are cases in which people tell lies in order to escape suffering, it is not wise to force confessions.

    Are you speaking from personal experience?

    Yes, well, ...... even if Mr. Hercule hadn''t helped me, I don''t have the confidence to say that I wouldn''t have confessed. If not for the help of Hercule, what would you have done ......?

    Cecilia hugged her body with both hands.

    She was still traumatized.

    You can tell me what you really went through. It''s the actual experience of a medium.

    "......, will you accept that?

    I support it.

    Hercule himself does not believe in the effects of torture.

    If you want to get information from a prisoner of war and keep it for reference only,......, but if you want to use a confession obtained by torture as a material for a trial, it may lead to false accusations.

    It is true that torture is a quick and easy way to get rid of the problem.

    In the first place, since the Edict of Alexandria recognized paganism and heretical beliefs, only a few clergy would be subject to the Inquisition.

    Hercule''s idea is to be polite about it.

    Also, although this has little to do with the Council, ...... I would like to establish a place where people can study theology. I think that the reason why there are so many clergy of poor quality is because there is a gap in the quality of education.

    So you''re talking about establishing a theological college? ...... I can provide the land and funds.

    "You''re going to finance it?

    Cecilia asked, and Hercule nodded.

    It is not only Cecilia and the church that needs good human resources.

    Hercule is also looking for high quality human resources to strengthen the bureaucracy.

    In addition to theology, we will also offer law and medicine. You will find theology professors, and we will provide law and medicine.

    For law, we can get a good bureaucrat, and for medicine, we can get one of Hypatia''s disciples who knows medicine and is a messianist.

    After thinking that far, Hercule wondered whether it was Messianic to admit Hupatia and her merry men to a university whose main pillar was theology.

    When Hercule asks Cecilia about it, she says: ......

    I think that the best way is to invite a Messianic person who is familiar with the classical philosophy of Chiris, because there would be a lot of protests if we invite Hupatia directly. Hmm.

    "Hmm, well, if we look around the Holy Monastery, we can find them. ......

    Hercule muttered.

    The ancient Lemurian Empire was considered one of the most learned nations in the world, and its civil engineering and construction techniques have been passed down to the present day.

    However, the high technology of the ancient Lemurian Empire was not created by the ancient Lemurians.

    In the first place, it would be foolish to expect the elves, a barbaric, brainless race with no skills other than war and s*x, to develop academics.

    The culture, science, and technology of the ancient Lemurian Empire were all mimics of the ancient Chiris.

    Militarily, the elves conquered the human race, especially the Chiris, but in terms of culture, they were conquered by the Chiris.

    Many books on classical culture, natural philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and other sciences of the ancient Chiris are still preserved in the Lemurian Empire.

    The Library of Alexandria is a compilation of such books.

    However, the fact that they are preserved and the fact that they are utilized are two slightly different things.

    The literacy rate of the Lemurian Empire was not high to say the least.

    It is even more difficult to read classical Cyrillic, which has a different meaning and grammar from the modern language.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the word "cyris" was used to refer to a mysterious book of demons written in an obscure script by pagans long ago.

    This was the perception of the illiterate and uneducated general public in the Lemurian Empire.

    In fact, the people who tried to make a big campfire in the Library of Alexandria were a crazy patriarch and his fanatical and illiterate followers.

    However, this is only the reaction of the illiterate "general public" who cannot read them.

    The reaction of the educated people is different.

    The educated people in the Lemurian Empire are the aristocrats who drive politics and the clergy who drive religion.

    Of these aristocrats and clergy, only the most drunken and idle would consider learning classical Cyrillic.

    Of these, only a very limited number of nutters study the natural philosophy of the classical Chirisians.

    And these people of leisure are usually shut up in monasteries.

    Monasteries and convents are havens of bored people who want to leave the secular world behind and follow the path of faith, or to put it badly, bored people who want to read books in classical Cyrillic.

    And of the monasteries and convents, the brotherhoods are busy begging for alms, and the cultivating convents are busy farming. ......

    It is obvious, then, that among the monasteries, those who are not busy and have only their wealth would be attracted to the Holy Monastery, which Hercule hates.

    While the Brothers and the Reclamation Order are strict about their faith, the Sacred Congregation is, to put it in a bad way, corrupt and secularized, and therefore a bit lenient (only about their own behavior), and is inclined to turn a blind eye to the behavior of their colleagues who read pagan books.

    It is very ironic that the monks, who are supposed to have a strong faith in Messianism, are helping to preserve pagan books.

    But I don''t have much to do with the Holy Monastery. ......

    Oh, I''ve already looked into that, don''t worry.

    "Oh, yeah? ......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    This is a great way to get the most out of your business.

    Also, I''d like to establish an organization for the preservation, translation, and study of classical chyristic books separate from the theological college.

    What do you mean?

    We will translate them into modern Cyrillic and modern Lemurian!¡¡Wouldn''t it be more efficient to centralize the projects that each of us has been doing individually and privately?

    I see. ...... Hercule nodded.

    Hercule had ordered and supported Hupatia and others to reproduce the ancient books, including classical Cyrillic, stored in the Library of Alexandria.

    The ancient books were written on either stone tablets or papyrus, the former being difficult to carry around and the latter being vulnerable to insects.

    The purpose of Hercule was to transmit knowledge to future generations by making manuscripts, and to read them in his spare time.

    However, while preserving the manuscripts, he did not translate them or study them.

    As for translation, he thought that he could learn classical Cyrillic if he wanted to read it, and as for research, he thought that it would be fine since Hupatia was doing it.

    It''s a pagan book, yes, but a book about demons is a prejudice, indeed. In order to dispel this prejudice, the book should be made available to a wider audience. Besides, the natural philosophy of the classical Christians has some applications in theology. We need to study it from a messianic perspective!

    "Oh, yeah, ......, right. Well, that''s good, isn''t it?¡¡I don''t mind if you lend me the name and space.

    It sounds like a research organization, but in reality it''s more like a classical chyris science club led by Cecilia,......, and Hercule readily gives his permission.

    Later, this organization would become much larger than Hercule expected, but that''s another story.

    If possible, we should also collaborate with the University of Aletheia to conduct research in the natural sciences. ...... What''s wrong?

    No, I thought you were very keen on scientific research. ......

    It was Hercule who introduced Cecilia to natural philosophy and classical chiriscience.

    It was Hercule who introduced Cecilia to natural philosophy and classical Cyrillic science, but he did not expect her to be so enthusiastic.

    It is the Lord who has made the world. To decipher the structure of the world as He made it is to decipher His will. Don''t you think that is the mission of us, the servants of God?

    "No, I don''t think so. ...... Yeah, good luck. I''m rooting for you.

    You''ll be able to see the fanatical gleam in Cecilia''s eyes, and Hercule gives her a shout of encouragement with some dismay.

    Scientists are said to have intellectual inquisitiveness to a greater or lesser extent, but Cecilia''s is more of a compulsive inquisitiveness than an intellectual inquisitiveness.

    It seems that Cecilia has disappeared from the days when she was a cute little girl who was honestly delighted by Hercule''s knowledge.

    (However, it is unlikely to develop to that level in my lifetime or Cecilia''s, but at some point, science will deny the contents of the Bible. ...... Or can you get through it by interpreting it?

    In the beginning, the Bible was a governing document, and even the current orthodoxy of the "Trinity Theory" is a theory that is based on interpretation after interpretation.

    A new contradiction in the Bible, which is a mass of contradictions, is nothing to worry about. At first there will be a backlash, but eventually they will claim that the Bible is consistent with their interpretation and theories.

    As for the theory of evolution, the Bible''s creation is consistent with science because God created and guided the world to evolve in such a way. The Bible is right after all, the Bible is great, long live the Bible! The Bible is right.

    "By the way, Mr. Hercule, while we''re on the subject, ......, not that it''s completely unrelated, but is it true that you''re going to abolish the wheat law?

    "Yes?¡¡Yes, it''s true. It''s a bad law.

    The Wheat Act.

    It''s a policy that provides a certain amount of free wheat to the lower class citizens of Nova Lemuria, and it''s a law with a long history that has existed since Hercule''s ancestors started the Empire.

    Hercule has decided to abolish it, and preparations are already underway.

    Is it a bad law ......?¡¡I think it''s a good law.

    "Hmm, you don''t know what it is. Let me tell you something: ...... Cecilia, what are the bare necessities of human life?

    Well, food, clothes, and a place to get out of the wind and rain, right?

    Yes, you know what I mean. I mean, you can''t live on wheat alone.

    The wheat provided by the wheat law is raw.

    It must be processed into bread before it can be eaten, and the bakery takes a portion of the wheat as a fee.

    How much of the wheat will remain in the hands of the lower classes?

    Most of the lower class people convert all the wheat they receive into cash and use it for living expenses. Collect taxes in gold and silver, convert it into wheat, distribute it, and then convert the wheat back into gold and silver. ...... If that''s the case, why not just hand out gold and silver from the start? Moreover, wheat is an easy target for speculation, and its price fluctuates wildly. The wheat law is not enough to help the weak and is a bad law that puts pressure on public finances.

    Are soup kitchens a bad idea at ......?

    "I think soup kitchens are good.¡¡At least it''s better than the wheat law.

    The food served at a soup kitchen can be eaten as is.

    The food served at the soup kitchen can be eaten as is.

    "Instead of abolishing the wheat law, I''m going to build a job training facility. Instead of repealing the wheat law, we''re going to build a vocational training facility, which will be a wonderful, homey facility that will provide food, clothing, and shelter.

    After reviewing the bill from the bureaucrats, Hercule thought to himself, "I definitely don''t want to go in there," but then, in the spirit of "I''m not going in there, so why not?

    The program is designed so that by the time he graduates, he will have acquired a certain level of skill.

    Nova Lemuria is generally short of manpower, so if you have a good skill, you can make a good living.

    "So you''d rather teach them how to fish than give them fish!

    Yes, well, ...... that''s what it comes down to, isn''t it?

    It''s more like a horrible institution where all the precriminals who hang out in the slums are thrown together and rehabilitated.

    I''m not sure what to make of this. ...... Can you take care of the coinage?

    Yes, I will. I''ll try to convince her.

    I''m sure Cecilia will thoroughly and logically harass the clergy who are not cooperating with the coinage.

    Hercule had high hopes and some sympathy.

 133 Episode 5 Fruiting so long

    One month after the secret meeting between Hercule and Cecilia, a council was held in Nova Lemuria.

    The council reaffirmed the Alectian Creed and declared the excommunication of the self-proclaimed "Pope" and his sect, officially declaring them heretics.

    At the same time, Cecilia''s goals of eradicating corruption, banning the buying and selling of clergy, and fine-tuning the doctrines were voted on, and the Messianic Church took a new step forward.

    In addition, Hercule surprised the world by formally declaring that the right of ordination would be vested in the medium, or Cecilia.

    The Messianic Church is organized in a hierarchical order of priestesses, patriarchs, bishops, priests, deacons, other lower clergy, and laymen.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the right to ordain Patriarchs and Bishops was held by Hercule, who handed it over to Cecilia, a high priestess (medium).

    However, this does not mean that Cecilia will decide everything.

    Patriarchs and bishops were appointed by the Emperor of Lemuria from a list compiled by the Emperor of Lemuria, the mediums, and the patriarchs of the five head temples, and then appointed by the mediums.

    In other words, the Hercule can still appoint Patriarchs and Bishops.

    However, since he could not appoint anyone not on the list, his influence was diminished, and the influence of Cecilia, the medium, increased.

    In addition, the ordination of priests and deacons was left to the patriarch and bishops.

    Cecilia was responsible for the establishment of what later historians called the ''Messianic Orthodox School of Priestesses (Mediums)''.

    "So, Shylock. So, Shylock, how far have you gotten with the coinage?

    "Thanks to you, High Priestess Medium, everything is going well. We were able to recover a considerable amount of gold from the Holy Monastery and the local churches.

    Shylock then handed Hercule a document.

    It clearly stated the amount of gold recovered from the merchants, nobles, guilds, monastic orders and churches.

    Hmmm... but then again, gold is everywhere, isn''t it? I wonder how many times the national budget would be if it were all added up. ......

    Monasteries and local churches also have a large amount of gold.

    The amount of money accumulated by each congregation or church is not so much, but when it accumulates into hundreds, it becomes a tremendous amount.

    Incidentally, the congregations and churches that did not respond to persuasion were eventually captured by Hercule, who used force to capture them as "papists," or heretics.

    Cecilia forbade torture during the Inquisition, but not the Inquisition itself.

    Captured monks, bishops and priests were subjected to the Inquisition, and many of those found guilty were imprisoned.

    Many of those who were found guilty were imprisoned. The entirety of their wealth went into the pockets of Hercule, which made him very happy.

    "By the way, Your Majesty, what will you do with the profits from the recasting?

    "Didn''t you hear about the trading company?¡¡Antonio is working hard on it right now. ...... I''ll use it to buy shares in the company.

    You have to be careful, the profit from the recasting is temporary.

    The next year it will be zero.

    Therefore, Hercule believed that as much as possible, it should be used for the next project.

    If there''s a surplus, I''d like to give it to the regions as much as possible. I don''t want the wealth to be concentrated only in Nova Lemuria and the other regions to decline. Well, we''re doing fine now.

    The province of Misrule is still growing as a breadbasket, and the province of Suria on the border with the Kingdom of Fars is growing richer due to the stabilization of the border and the expansion of trade.

    If I were to invest, it would be in the western territories. ...... The territories of the western continent, with the exception of Nova Lemuria, are not very rich, flatteringly speaking.

    "There''s the Bourgarons. ......

    The land is not very rich in limestone soil to begin with, but the existence of the Bulgallon Kingdom has spurred its decline.

    Whenever the Bulgurons plunder the land, the western provinces are devastated.

    I''ll leave the situation in the west to Cecilia and get rid of the Bulgallon Kingdom soon. ......

    Hercule muttered.

    Another year passed, and Hercule turned twenty-two.

    While groaning in the July heat, Hercule read the report from Todoris and smiled with satisfaction.

    This was because the Kingdom of Tretum had established the orthodox Messianic School of the Mediums as the state religion.

    This was due to the efforts of Cecilia and Todoris.

    In the past year, Cecilia has made a major comeback in power.

    The key has been ordination.

    Cecilia has managed to restructure the church by putting the ordination rights in the hands of the mediums and banning the trading of the sacred orders.

    Gregorius, on the other hand, has so far accomplished not a single achievement other than worsening relations with Lemuria.

    The honeymoon period is over, and we are now in a malaise.

    For the Kingdom of Edelna and the Kingdom of Fulling, this is probably fine.

    What they want is their independence.

    In other words, their goal is to get out from under the influence of the Lemurian Empire, and Gregorius'' decline in popularity is not a big problem.

    However, there is a limit.

    If Gregorius becomes too useless, a new pope will be elected.

    Therefore, Gregory is now desperately trying to turn things around, but it is not going well.

    With Tretum and Lemuria between them, Fulling and Edelna will not be able to make any bold moves. I''m sure Cecilia has quite a few supporters in both countries.

    Next, Hercule picked up a report on the situation in the Kingdom of Cerda.

    "Hmm, it''s getting exciting. I guess we''re in the middle of the game.

    The battle between King Raus I and King Hilderic II of the Kingdom of Chelda was at its peak.

    Raus I has a small army and a weak financial base, but he has the support of the Warbeasts, who are the majority, and is a good fighter.

    On the other side is Hilderic II, who controls the capital, has a solid financial base, and is supported by the wealthy human race.

    The two sides were splitting the kingdom in two, and were fighting each other with flair.

    Hilderic II''s army outnumbers Raus I''s, so it should be over soon if he wants it to be. ......

    The vassals of King Hilderic II are fighting for power and are not quite on the same page.

    Rouse I was fighting against it.

    It''s going to last for a few more years. And even if it does, our land is in tatters, so we can''t do anything about it for a while.

    In other words, the situation in the west is stable.

    The Taurica peninsula to the north is also stable, and the Kingdom of Fars to the ...... east shows no signs of moving.

    The marriage between Lemuria and the Kuro Thrust has made it impossible for Foulds to move as he wishes.

    Of course, we must not forget the efforts of Scheherazade and Helena.

    Everything is stable in the north, west, and east.

    That''s what I call good.

    "Your Majesty, excuse me.

    Yes, you may enter.

    Cifanie opened the door and came into the office.

    She is pushing a table with a tea set on it.

    Sifanny poured a cup of tea and offered it to Hercule, along with some sweets.

    "Here you are, Your Majesty.

    "Oh, thank you.

    Hercule sips the tea.

    Hercule sips the tea and observes Cifanie.

    They have known each other for a long time, but today she seems strangely nervous.

    "Cifanie.

    "Yes?

    From your point of view, how is Nova Lemuria these days?

    Nova Lemuria, you say?¡¡Well, it''s ...... booming, isn''t it?¡¡Prices are up a bit.

    Hmm.

    Currently, Nova Lemuria is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom.

    The increase in the amount of currency due to Hercule''s coinage reform, the protection of commerce and industry, and the establishment of the Lemurian Trading Company had all paid off.

    The economic boom is still limited to the capital city of Nova Lemuria and the major cities of Alexandria and Orontia, but it will soon spread to the provinces.

    The boom would eventually die down, but Hercule wanted it to be as stable and long-lasting as possible.

    No taxes had been collected yet, so there was no direct link to increased tax revenue, but there would definitely be an increase in commercial taxes.

    Hercule is planning to establish a new infantry corps to match that.

    If this happens, the Lemurian Empire will have four infantry legions, two cavalry legions, and one archer legion, for a total of 8400 standing armies.

    If we include the Tonten soldiers, the number would exceed 10,000.

    With this, we can finally embark on a full-scale territorial expansion.

    Hercule had already decided on the first opponent to be defeated.

    "Hey, Sifanny ......, what''s wrong with you?

    What?¡¡What? Why?

    No, you seem to be on edge. Is there something you want to tell me?

    Hercule asked. ......

    Sifanny gave a small nod.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "It''s between you and me. I''m not gonna get mad if you''re wrong. What''s wrong?¡¡It''s not like Lucanos and Kronos are actually a homos*xual couple or that my Cecilia was cuckolded by Nia, is it?

    Both are huge scandals, though, since homos*xuality is forbidden in Messianism: ......

    If Ciphany is in a "I saw the maid! If Cifanie had found herself in a situation like this, she would have reported it to Hercule without hesitation.

    "Well, you know, I actually ...... haven''t had a period lately. It''s been about a month. ......

    "Hmm, I see.

    Hercule checked with Cifanie, just in case.

    It''s my baby, right?

    Is there any other child besides yours?

    If there is, it''s a big deal.

    Hercule smiled.

    "Well done, Cifanie.

    "Yes!

    Cifanie smiled happily.

 134 Episode 6 Nia Lukarios Before

    "You''ve done well, Sifanny. You''re doing great.

    "Yes, great.

    Some time later, after Sifanny''s pregnancy was discovered, it was told only to a few people in Hercule''s family, such as Karolina and Lunalie.

    The only other two people who knew about it were Todoris and Loukanos.

    It will be made public in due course.

    Thank you, Your Highness. Your Highness, Your Highness the Empress, Your Highness the Lunary.

    Cifany smiled happily.

    Since only High Elves could succeed to the position of Emperor, Cifanie''s child would never be a rival to Carolina''s child, and the same was true for Lunalie, who would give birth to the next King of Hayastan, the two of them would never be hostile to Cifanie.

    The fact that there are other women in the world besides them is a new story.

    "Well, take a break for a while. You can work again after the baby is born. What''s important now is to have the baby safely.

    "Yes, I understand. But, you know, ......

    I''ll come see you when I can. Don''t worry.

    Yes!

    Hercule patted Cifanie on the head.

    In the event that you''re in the market for a brand new pair of shoes, you''ll be able to find a great deal of options.

    And by the way, Your Majesty ......, which would you prefer, a boy or a girl?

    Isn''t it a bit early to be asking?

    Hercule smiles bitterly.

    If you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask your doctor.

    I guess this is the difference in consciousness between a man who just conceives and a woman who has a life in her belly.

    I think the model answer is ......, but to be honest, I think it''s a girl.

    "Why?

    If it''s a boy, he''ll have trouble finding a job. If it''s a girl, she''ll have plenty of places to marry, so it won''t be a problem.

    Hercule has no intention of supporting a waste of food just because it''s his child.

    She needs to be a bureaucrat or a soldier.

    But there are limited posts.

    Whether he can rise to the top depends on the boy''s ability.

    If he''s good, he''s good. If he''s mediocre, he''s mediocre.

    It''s hard when people expect a lot from you just because you''re his son.

    Lunalie agreed with Hercule.

    Parents and children do not always have the same abilities.

    There are cases where a steeplejack gives birth to a hawk, and there are cases where a hawk gives birth to a steeplejack.

    Hercule is definitely a hawk.

    There is no one better than Hercule.

    I wish I could be as good as Sir Edmund Erdemort.

    Karolina muttered.

    Edmund, as you know, is Hercule''s half-brother, the son of Hadrian and a concubine.

    He is currently supporting Hercule''s regime as a soldier.

    If a child like Edmond is born, it will help Karolina''s future child, the next emperor, so Karolina is probably hoping for the best.

    I''m sure you''re right. ...... But your father didn''t have a very high reputation to begin with. I''m sure Edmond would have taken it easy, not being expected to do so much. I''m not trying to be ...... smug, but I do have a reputation to uphold.

    The emperor''s son!

    I''m not going to get carried away.

    I''m not going to flatter myself.¡¡As a concubine. You could marry her off to a foreign country. We''ll have Kuro Sticks, Fullerlings, Foulls, you name it.

    If you''re a girl, you can live happily even if you''re a little stupid because you still have a permanent job called marriage.

    As long as you don''t have a bad face - although you will definitely be a beautiful woman since you are the child of Hercule and Ciphany - you will be branded as the child of Hercule, so you will be in great demand.

    But there''s no need to get worked up. I just want her to be born safely. It''s my first child.

    "Yes.

    Sifanny nodded.

    You can''t tell if it''s a boy or a girl until it''s born.

    The devil will laugh if you worry about it before your belly is full.

    In the culture of the Lemurian Empire, would that make me a demon instead of a demon?

    In fact, since a while ago, Asmodeus and Citri have been laughing in a voice that only Hercule can hear, saying, "It''s really funny that the master is your father.

    Hercule decided to give them a good beating this evening.

    "Your Majesty, I want it as soon as possible.

    "Don''t be hasty. Don''t be in a hurry. You have a hundred years to live.

    Hercule patted Karolina''s head.

    Karolina would like to have a boy as soon as possible, but when you can have a child, you can have a child, and when you cannot, you cannot have a child.

    There was no point in getting defensive.

    Well, I''m going to be quiet for another year, so I should be able to be there for the birth. At least, if some other country doesn''t do anything unnecessary.

    "So you''re saying you''re going to do something in a year?

    "Sort of.

    Hercule smiled and answered Lunalie''s question.

    Hercule intends to achieve his original goal.

    It''s a big project that will be finished within his reign no matter what.

    It is time to punish him for what he has done.

    Hercule smiled lecherously.

    Well, let''s go back a year or so.

    It was after Hercule and Cecilia had finished their council.

    "Well, you''ve lost, Lucanos. Not to High Priestess Millenia and Patriarch of Lemuria.

    "You lost ......?

    Lukanos tilted his head.

    If he meant that Cecilia had defeated him, Loukanos could understand.

    But it''s not clear to me that Hercule lost to Millenia and the Lemurian Patriarch Cronus.

    "Parenting. I can''t believe you raised your child to be that good, compared to ......

    "Oh, you mean that.

    Lucanos got the point.

    In other words, Hercule raised a girl named Cecilia to be an excellent medium, with her predecessor, Millennia, a medium, and the Patriarch of Lemuria, Kronos, .......

    I''m comparing Erkur himself, who is currently raising Nia, and Loukanos.

    What''s the difference?¡¡I''m sure Nia is pretty good too, but... Did she have a bad upbringing?¡¡Isn''t it possible to use your circumstances to your advantage?

    I''m sure you''re not the only one. ...... The current High Priestess of the Medium is certainly very talented, if not on par with His Majesty. But she was born that way, wasn''t she?¡¡You shouldn''t compare them.

    I''m not talking about the difference in ability. I''m not talking about the difference in ability, I''m talking about the disadvantage of Nia, who was never educated. I don''t compare those things.

    Human beings are inevitably born with certain things.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has this problem.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    That''s why I don''t want to compare them.

    What Hercule is comparing is ......

    You can''t be more spontaneous, can you?¡¡Think for yourself, actively absorb knowledge, and put it into practice. I don''t know how to get them to do that. Parenting is hard.

    It''s .......

    Nia has been able to absorb the knowledge given to her by Hercule and Loukanos, digest it, and make it her own.

    But only the knowledge given to her.

    So far, she has not taken any action to acquire knowledge on her own.

    "If all you can do is what I tell you to do, there are plenty of alternatives.

    What Hercule is looking for in a favored vassal is the ability to assemble the intentions of his orders, to think for himself, and to act accordingly.

    It is not easy to do as you are told, but there are plenty of vassals who are just that good.

    The bureaucracy and officers of the Lemurian Empire are well rounded.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that. He''s growing up, little by little. ...... Can you watch over him a little longer?

    "Yes,......, I''m sure Cecilia will have some thoughts when she sees what her best friend is doing. I hope you will take action, whatever it takes.

    In the meantime, Cecilia and Nia were drinking tea together.

    Cecilia can only return to being a 15-year-old girl when she spends time alone with Nia.

    "Huh. ......

    Nia let out a sigh.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''d like to know what to do.

    "What''s wrong, Nia?

    No, it''s nothing. ......

    ...... is fine, but please let me know if you need anything.

    "Yeah, okay.

    Nia smiled vaguely.

    You can''t say, "I''m depressed because I see the difference between you and me.

    I used to think that we were equals in our own way, despite our different status and birth.

    As soon as we met again, I thought that we were finally on par.

    But in reality, I was wrong.

    He had become far superior to me.

    To the point where he could stand on the same level as Hercule, who he had always looked up to.

    And it became clear to me when Cecilia told me that she and Hercule had become man and wife.

    Cecilia had been accepted by Hercule.

    There is jealousy and envy, but ......

    But more than that, what was swirling in Nia''s mind was her own inadequacy, the fact that she had been by Hercule''s side all this time and had not received any recognition from him.

    (I haven''t changed one bit since the old days: ......)

    I''m a lot smarter than I used to be.

    My body has grown a lot.

    I''ve gained a lot of knowledge.

    But mentally, I haven''t grown at all.

    Can I walk down the street with my heart on my sleeve now?

    No.

    That''s because I''m wearing the mask of nobility, not because I''ve grown.

    Nia was aware of this.

    In the end, now and then, it is still the same in that you keep looking up at the sky until help arrives.

    What should I do ......?

    Did you say something?

    No, nothing.

    I didn''t know what to do.

    But I knew I had to do something.

 135 Episode 7 After Nia Lucarios

    The day after the tea party with Cecilia, Nia was walking through the streets of Nova Lemuria.

    The people, prices, and security of Nova Lemuria vary from place to place, but the place where Nia is walking now is the place where the lower class citizens of Nova Lemuria live, the place where Nia was born, raised, and abandoned.

    It''s a lot livelier than it used to be. ......

    When Nia was little, this area seemed to be more depressed.

    But now it''s very much alive.

    This is the result of Hercule''s governance policies.

    And with the upcoming money reform policy, it will continue to grow. ......

    That was Hercule''s explanation.

    Nia doesn''t know much about the details, but she does know that Hercule is amazing.

    ...... I wonder how those two are doing?

    Those two.

    I''m talking about my own parents.

    Nia hasn''t seen her parents since she was abandoned.

    Not long ago, she had a strong hatred for them and was actively looking for them, but she couldn''t find them.

    From what I''ve heard, it seems that they both moved away from Nova Lemuria.

    They moved shortly before Nia was picked up by Hercule.

    Rather than running away from Nia, it would be more appropriate to say that they left Nova Lemuria, where they had no good memories.

    As expected, once she was out of Nova Lemuria, Nia could not find her.

    Nia stopped looking for her parents when she found out that they had left Nova Lemuria, because she felt that it was not worth getting so attached to them.

    "Is there a job outside of Nova Lemuria?

    Nia tilted her head.

    The population of Nova Lemuria has been growing year by year because Nova Lemuria has a shortage of people and does not reject anyone who comes, and because the wages in Nova Lemuria are much higher than in the provinces.

    As far as Nia knows, her parents were born and raised in Nova Lemuria.

    There are no connections outside of Nova Lemuria.

    Unless you have some contacts or connections, it''s hard to get a job.

    Well, what do I care?

    It doesn''t matter. What matters now is what''s in front of me.

    What Near is most afraid of is being abandoned by Hercule and Loukanos.

    The only difference between the Nia of old and the Nia of today is that she was adopted by the Lucarios.

    Losing the Lucarios family name meant returning to the same place as before, a back alley where the snow was falling.

    But then, Cecilia would always be there to help her, so she wouldn''t have to worry about starving to death. ......

    I can''t maintain my own identity.

    I think I''ll get you a job, Your Majesty.

    If you don''t have a job, you can''t do anything.

    But the question is, is there a job for a fifteen-year-old Nia?

    Hercule loves and favors Nia, but ......

    It''s not like he''s going to favor you enough to give you an important job.

    Hercule is a man who gives top priority to merit.

    I''ll give him a try. ......

    You want a job?

    Yes,......, I''d like to be of service to you. Is there anything I can do to help?

    Hercule ponders for a moment and then answers.

    Hmm, well, I personally would be happy to give you some work to do. But I can''t favor you too much, you know. That''s not good for you either. You''ll attract unwanted jealousy. You''re a nightmare, after all.

    Nia has been able to garner sympathy among the upper class, but that can easily be turned around.

    Favor can turn to malice, pity to jealousy.

    Besides, Hercule is not stupid enough to entrust an important task to a 15-year-old girl.

    It doesn''t matter.

    "Whatever. Why do you suddenly want a job?

    It''s because ...... I knew I couldn''t go on like this. Look at Cecilia. ......

    Hearing Nia''s words, Hercule narrowed his eyes.

    And after a moment''s thought, he answered.

    "Well, it''s not impossible.

    "Are you sure?

    "Really?" "Yeah. As you know, the security of Nova Lemuria is maintained by the patrol slaves, who are made up of the slaves and freed slaves owned by the Julianos family.

    There are two main types of police, the judicial police and the administrative police, and the patrol slaves fall under the administrative police.

    Patrol slaves patrol Nova Lemuria, deterring crime and catching criminals in the act.

    However, in recent years, this has become too much for them to handle. There has been an increase in the number of crimes committed by people who have immigrated to Nova Lemuria from outside.

    If patrol slaves are the administrative police, then what is the judicial police? ......

    In fact, in the Lemurian Empire, there is no equivalent of a judicial police force.

    Even if there is a murder case, it will not be investigated and solved by the state.

    If a murder occurs, the family and friends of the murdered person, as well as those who are in the relationship of protector (clientes) and guardian (patrones), will independently investigate, gather evidence, and appeal to the court.

    The reason why there is no judicial police force is, well, frankly, because it costs a lot of money.

    The Lemurian Empire is a very small state, a night watchman state.

    Up until now, this has not been a problem.

    This is because the local community has taken the place of the judicial police.

    A minimum level of order was maintained.

    However, with the recent influx of labor and population growth, this is no longer the case.

    The newcomers to Nova Lemuria do not belong to any community, and whether they are stabbed to death in a back alley or raped, there is no one to help them find the culprit.

    There is also a feeling of exclusion towards strangers, and crimes against new residents are rampant.

    This is all well and good, but ......

    What is more problematic is that these new residents start to form cliques for self-defense.

    I hope this is within the scope of self-defense. ......

    Well, most of the new residents are low-income, and their behavior is not very good.

    There is a possibility that their self-preservation will go too far and they will start committing crimes and eventually mutate into gangs, mafias, yakuza, and other types of violence.

    That is what Hercule wants to avoid.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the site, you can contact us at the following URL: ......

    In Japan, there are criminal dramas, and many children may be attracted to them. ......

    In the Lemurian Empire, people who yearn for a job in crime fighting are a kind of freaks.

    This is obvious from the fact that the main members are slaves and freed slaves.

    They are easily disliked because the investigation itself is unsophisticated and they are suspicious of people.

    For this reason, aristocrats and other intellectuals would not want to do such a job.

    This was fine until now, but it changes a little when criminal investigation is added to the job.

    This is because it requires a certain amount of knowledge of the law.

    Originally, the legal system of the Lemurian Empire was made up of a series of unwritten laws, and it is quite complicated.

    It is difficult to grasp the law unless you have at least received a decent education.

    It would be cruel to expect slaves and freed slaves to do so.

    You need knowledge of the law, but you also need status. If a wealthy person is involved in a crime, slaves and freed slaves are too shy to get involved. That''s why I was thinking of ...... some nobleman of high family status, but they don''t want to do it. So, what do you think?¡¡Do you want to do it?¡¡The Lucarios family has the perfect family status.

    Nia nodded without pause.

    I''d be happy to do it!¡¡I''d love to, but I need to get permission from my ...... foster father, so could you wait a bit?

    "Oh, no problem. But please respond as soon as possible.

    Yes!

    Nia quickly turned on her heel to go ask her foster father for permission.

    Hercule watches her go with a happy smile on his face.

    ''Looks like you''ve changed a bit.

    Fortunately, permission from Loukanos was easily granted.

    Fortunately, Lucanos'' permission was easy to obtain. Because of the nature of the job, there was little opposition from the upper class, and Nia was successfully appointed to the position of Police Commissioner.

    I''m not sure what kind of crime I should be chasing. ...... Do you have any suggestions?

    Nia asked her second-in-command, a freed slave man.

    The man was originally the patrol commander, but his position was taken away when Nia arrived.

    At first, he was antagonistic towards Nia, but since Nia kept a low profile and left the actual work to the freed slave man, the relationship is now good.

    This was the advice of Hercule.

    There is no way that an inexperienced Nia can suddenly take the lead, so at first she should be a mere decoration.

    And if you show respect for your elders, the choroi (????) liberated slaves will feel good, thinking, "The nobleman is treating me lowly! And if you show respect for your elders, the freed slave will feel better and soften his attitude.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    "Well, the way you say it, it sounds like you have a candidate.

    Yes, what about the recent rampant kidnapping of women and children in Nova Lemuria, ......?

    "Kidnapping, you mean slave hunting?

    Kidnapping free people and turning them into slaves is a serious crime. ......

    It is easily overlooked.

    The reason for this is that it is usually done to children and women of the lower classes, so it is less likely to be a problem.

    In addition, wealthy slavers are sometimes involved in the crime. ......

    The victim''s family has no choice but to cry themselves to sleep.

    You can''t ...... overlook such a cowardly crime being committed in the lap of His Majesty. If you''re dealing with slavers, you can use my connections,......, so let''s do that.

    The biggest purchasers of slaves were the nobility who wanted men to run their farms and be their hands and feet.

    The Lucarios family also has strong connections with slavers.

    Nia herself could also play an active role in appealing to Hercule, so she seemed to be an appropriate first target.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. We''ll go downtown and ask around. The Secretary is .......

    "Yeah, I know. I''ll check with the nobles, the slavers, and the church.

    And so began Nia''s first task.

    So that''s everyone. ......

    The Secretary of State is a powerful man. ......

    After six months of investigation, Nia and her team located the hideout of the slave-hunting organization, raided the site of the slave trade, and succeeded in catching them red-handed.

    Near defeated seventy percent of the enemy.

    Ordinary humans and warbeasts are no match for Near in terms of physical ability.

    The current Nia has the ability to do just that.

    Lieutenant, when you''ve finished capturing them, release the victims.

    Yes, sir.

    The patrolmen used the keys they had taken from the enemy to remove the cages and shackles from the slaves.

    After checking the faces of the victims, who looked deeply relieved, ......

    He said to the man who had been sitting in his chair.

    "You are going to give me information on all the slavers involved in this transaction. Is that clear?

    "Does ...... make me less guilty?

    I''ll make sure you don''t get the death penalty.

    The man - the leader of the slave-hunting ring - let out a sigh as Nia said this.

    If possible, I''d like to spend the rest of my life in jail. ...... They''ll kill me if I''m released on bail.

    You can tell that to the judge. ...... Tell us everything you know and we''ll get them all. Don''t worry.

    Okay, I''ll look forward to it. ...... And step aside, it''s heavy.

    That''s rude.

    Nia punched the man in the head and then stood up.

    There are good things to say and bad things to say in the world.

    "Well, aside from that, ...... will this increase our budget?

    Nia giggled.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to afford it, but I''m sure I''ll be able to afford it.

    "My treat ......?

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure.¡¡I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m sure that''s your flaw. No, I''ve heard about your exploits. I think it''s great. But I''m a priest, so I can''t afford to be too extravagant. ......

    "How often do you have tea and wine with His Majesty?

    No, no, ...... that''s because Master Hercule told me to drink .......

    That''s one thing and that''s another.

    It''s on me, so why not?

    I feel like I''m collecting. ...... Okay. I''ll go if you''ll pay in full.

    So what do you want to eat?

    A nice steak.

    Don''t be a prude. I don''t get paid that much.

    So Nia and Cecilia went to the city of Nova Lemuria.

    Cecilia, of course, had to hide her identity before going out.

    She wore the clothes of an ordinary town girl and a hat to hide her prominent hair.

    I''ve learned since I''ve been working here that there are murders, robberies, and rapes all over the city. So stay close to me, Cecilia.

    "Well, the master of this town is a rapist. ......

    Cecilia thought of the face of some elf emperor.

    I''m sure the people will be like that too, since the monarch is like that.

    That''s why it''s important to take regular patrols and let people know that they will be caught if they commit a crime.¡¡That''s why it''s important to have a regular patrol and let people know that they will be caught if they commit a crime.¡¡If anyone commits a crime in that, can you please tell me secretly?

    You can''t do that, you can''t do that. ...... Even if someone has committed a crime, I won''t tell anyone what I heard in confession.

    You can do it in secret. You can do it in secret.

    "That''s not the point, sir.

    Cecilia flatly refused.

    Nia was not happy.

    As they talked, they went inside the restaurant.

    As they ate their steaks, they continued to talk.

    "You know the Messianic doctrine that says to love your neighbor?¡¡Forgive others. So, do you want me to forgive Cecilia, too?

    Forgiveness for what?

    My parents.

    Cecilia puts down her knife and fork and says with a serious face.

    Well, ...... as a priest, I''d say forgive.

    "But ......

    "As a clergyman, yes.

    Cecilia clarified her position.

    As a friend, I think the important thing is not whether you forgive your parents or not, but whether you can come to terms with them.

    "...... come to terms?

    "Revenge or reconciliation will not change the past. What matters is the present moment and ...... the future, right?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.

    Cecilia then asked.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.¡¡Do you want to get revenge on your parents or do you want to reconcile?

    "At least I don''t want to make up with them. I don''t want those scum parents.

    So you want revenge?

    Yeah, I guess.

    What exactly do you want?

    Cecilia said to me: ......

    Nia was stunned.

    As for me, I don''t want to have criminal friends. Please don''t do that.

    I know. ...... I''m not going to violate you or anything.

    Are you sure?¡¡I overheard that you have been violent towards commoners.

    ...... I haven''t done that recently.

    It''s true that in the past, Nia would take to the streets to take revenge on those who had mistreated her.

    But after being blamed by Hercule and Lucanos, she cut back on her ......

    He rarely does it now.

    He is busy with his job as police commissioner.

    Also ......

    Although Near himself is unaware of it, he has a mild form of tardiness.

    Until now, he has been venting it on the people he hates, but recently, his target has changed to criminals.

    "Are you sorry?

    "No.

    Huh. ...... Well, if you ever feel like confessing, you can always come to me. I''ll make sure you''re forgiven.

    "Why do I have to get forgiveness? I''ll never forgive them!

    Seeing Nia, Cecilia couldn''t help but laugh.

    What are you laughing at, ......?

    "No, I was just thinking that you''ve changed too.

    A Woman''s Confession

    "You don''t love your own son, do you?

    Cecilia asked the woman on the other side of the small window.

    The window was curtained, so she could not see the other woman''s face.

    All Cecilia could tell was that the woman was young and had a beautiful voice.

    It is a rule not to inquire into the status of the other person.

    "Yes, I had two sons. My first son was a very bad boy and my second son is a very good ...... boy. Before the second son was born, the eldest son was supposed to be the heir in our family, and we both loved him very much.

    "...... I see.

    I''ve never been married, let alone had children, so I don''t really feel that way about Cecilia.

    But confession is not a consulting room.

    It is a place where confessions of sins are heard and forgiveness is given. ...... It doesn''t matter if you have life experience or not, as long as you are a bishop who can handle the miracle of forgiveness.

    But because of our overindulgence, our eldest son has become ...... very badly behaved. The second son was born at a time when we were wondering if he would be a good heir. We tried to keep our second son as far away from us as possible so as not to love him too much. Our second son, ......, was very bright and intelligent. My husband was very happy and named him as his heir. But I can''t ......

    You don''t love your second son?

    Yes.

    The woman replied in a somber voice.

    Cecilia had heard it said that there are two kinds of children, those who need a lot of work and those who don''t, and that the former are much prettier ...... than the latter.

    Is that what it means?¡¡Cecilia thought to herself: ......

    "I''m scared, my second son is ......

    "Scared?

    He doesn''t laugh. No, he laughs, but ...... it''s not a smile. He just puts on a smile like a mask, but in reality it''s just a blank expression. When you make an angry face or a sad face, ...... it is no different from a blank face. I don''t know what I''m thinking anymore. ......

    ......

    I received an invitation to the wedding, but I couldn''t ...... go. I know I need to love her. But ...... I just can''t do it. Oh, Lord, forgive me. ......

    When the confession seemed to be over, Cecilia opened her mouth.

    I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. ......

    Cecilia called out to the woman as she finished her confession and walked away.

    Cecilia said to the woman as she walked away from the confession, "...... Why don''t you and your child talk about it?¡¡In the event that you''ve got a lot more than one, you''ll be able to get a lot more.¡¡The Lord''s forgiveness is only for the sins that you have committed so far. The Lord''s forgiveness is only for the sins you''ve committed so far, not for the sins you''re going to commit in the future. ...... And it doesn''t change your relationships.

    Cecilia said. ......

    I''ll think about it, High Priestess Medium.

    The woman replied painfully.

 136 Episode 8 Battle of Peratia

    It''s obvious that your hair is black ...... because you and I both have black hair, but what color are your eyes?

    Blue would be nice, because it''s ...... more mysterious.

    I think it doesn''t matter what color your eyes are.

    I don''t care what color the eyes are," said Hercule as he held the monkey-faced baby.

    This baby is Petra, daughter of Hercule and Ciphany.

    Petra Yulianos was the child''s name.

    I can''t really feel it at all. I thought there would be something that would come to me when I held her. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m here.

    Sifany smiled bitterly.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do with your life.

    I''m not sure what to say, but it''s true that it''s my child. ...... There''s no way that a man with such a pompous face could not be my child. I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this topic on the web.

    I know firsthand that my father, the previous emperor, failed at every step of the way in raising his children.

    "Maybe we should ask Carolina''s mother ......, Mary.

    The most decent lady that Hercule has ever known is Karolina.

    She is a very good girl, even if she is a regular wife.

    She is an example of successful upbringing.

    The second most decent one is Lunalie.

    However, Hercule does not want her to grow up to be a masochist like her.

    Similarly, the opinion of Loukanos, who is currently raising Nia, is also unreliable.

    Although Nia is a cat in front of Hercule, ...... in reality, she has a number of problematic behaviors, such as bullying commoners and, recently, bullying criminals.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this. ......

    His character is definitely the worst.

    I don''t want my daughter to have such a bad character.

    Cecilia is a good person, but I don''t want my daughter to be like Cecilia.

    Lately, Hercule has been unable to win any oral competitions except for oral whoring and kissing.

    One Cecilia is enough for me.

    Scheherazade is out of the question.

    I really don''t understand how she could have been raised to be such a selfish runaway.

    Sasan VIII and Helena''s child-rearing ability must be evaluated as equal to or lower than that of Hadrian III.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot of people who''ll be able to help you out.

    I''m sure I''m not the only one.

    Well, next time you go home to your parents, ask them for some parenting tips.

    Ciphany looked surprised.

    Then she shook her head from side to side.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.¡¡It''s true that we are somewhat wealthy. This girl is a princess, albeit a bastard. ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. If you have a normal personality, you can find a place to marry.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    She''s the daughter of Hercule, so her bloodline is fine.

    As long as she doesn''t have any disabilities, she can be raised to have a normal personality.

    She has half my blood.¡¡What if she''s raised in a strange way and ends up like me? I don''t want my daughter to be a divorcee because of her husband''s domestic violence.

    ...... You''re aware of that, aren''t you?

    Ciffany smiled bitterly.

    I''m glad you had a safe birth, at any rate. I was there for the birth. Well done, Cifanie.

    "Yes, Your Majesty ......, and not just one, but two .......

    Yeah, I know. But you need to rest for a while. There''s no need to rush.

    Hercule kissed Cifanie on the cheek.

    Then he turned on his heel.

    I''ll see you later.

    "Yes, have a good day.

    "Now, how far have the Bulgurons come in?

    "They''ve invaded the heart of the province of Tranquia. Currently, under the command of the governor of the province, the Tundan soldiers are the main force fighting against them. ......

    Hearing Todoris'' report, Hercule snorted in displeasure.

    After separating from Sifanny, Hercule quickly gathered his vassals and held a meeting.

    The purpose of the meeting was to deal with the invasion of the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    The season was May, and Hercule was now twenty-three years old.

    Hercule had decided to stop paying tribute to the Bulgaron Kingdom from this year.

    Then the Bulgaron Kingdom invaded the province of Tranquia, claiming that it was breaking the treaty.

    Tell the governor of the province to retreat as planned. Tell the governor of the province to retreat as planned. ...... Burn down the villages and towns along their invasion route so they don''t get a grain of wheat. The cities with strong walls should never be overrun, but should keep their gates tightly closed. Draw them deeper into the empire.

    Yes, sir. ...... I will tell them that.

    The population of the Kingdom of Bulgalon is about three and a half million.

    But of that, only 1.5 million are Bulgurons, the ruling class.

    And the number of Bulgaron cavalry that invaded the Lemurian Empire this time is 50,000.

    Because of their economic structure, nomads are able to mobilize a higher percentage of their population than farmers. ......

    Even so, 50,000 out of a total of 1.5 million is a significant number.

    Hercule was going to round them up.

    "Galfis, assemble the troops. I''ll take two legions of infantry, two legions of cavalry, and a legion of archers.

    "Yes, sir!

    They started to move in a hurry.

    Thus, ......

    The Lemurian-Bulgarian War, lasting about five years, had begun.

    "Heee!¡¡Help me, at least save my life!

    It''s your fault you''re running so slow.

    A Bulgarian woman on a horse is chasing the fleeing Lemurians.

    Her ears are long and her hair is black.

    She is dressed in a traditional Bulgarian costume with deep slits, suitable for riding, and has a bow in her hand.

    I''m sure the Lemurian Empire has thought of scorched earth tactics, but they misjudged our speed of progress.

    Alicia Krom, daughter of the chief of the Krom clan in the Kingdom of Bulgaron, shot the fleeing Lemurians in the back with her bow and then muttered.

    Then she shouts.

    Take as many as you want and kill them. The sooner the better.

    "''Ooohhhh!!!!

    With Alicia''s permission, one hundred and ten cavalrymen of the Crom clan dismounted and began to plunder as they pleased.

    They killed the men and children, raped the women, and took the goods.

    That''s what war is all about for the Bulgurons.

    But the ...... Lemurians are a bunch of cowards. A little fight and they''re gone in a flash.

    "You''re too strong for them, Master Alicia.

    Alicia''s second-in-command smiled bitterly.

    In fact, at the young age of fifteen, Alicia was recognized as one of the best warriors and generals in the ...... Bulgalon Kingdom.

    Nomadic society is a meritocracy, and even women often go into battle if they are strong enough. ......

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of money, you''re going to need to be able to pay for it.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    "In a country village like this, there''s not much to be found.

    Alicia snickered.

    As a woman, I am interested in ornaments, but not in a village like this.

    On the other hand, if it was a big town, she would be willing to participate in the looting.

    You may not have the goods, but you do have the ...... people.

    "Do I look like a man to you?¡¡I''m sorry, but I have no taste for homos*xuals.

    You don''t have to be a woman to have a beautiful boy.

    I have a fine fianc¨¦e, Master Terelig, do you understand that?

    Terelig Kotlumia.

    That was the name of Alicia''s fianc¨¦.

    He was the eldest son of the Kotormir clan, which had inherited the throne of the Bulgaron Kingdom for generations.

    The Kingdom of Bulgaron is a confederation of several clans.

    Of the 1.5 million Bulgarons in the Bulgaron Kingdom, the largest population is the Kotormir Clan, numbering 600,000.

    The second most populous clan was the Krom, with 450,000.

    The marriage of Terelig and Alicia was intended to support the power of the Crom, which had been losing its centripetal force in recent years.

    The marriage of Terelig and Alicia was also intended to assuage the suspicions of the Kotormir, who suspected that the Crom were trying to start a rebellion.

    But I''m sure Lord Telerig would have joined in the plundering and raped the women by now.

    "So what?¡¡You can do whatever you want with it. I intend to remain chaste until my marriage.

    You''re very serious. By the way, are you a good woman?

    What?

    That''s rape, don''t you care?

    Alicia snickered when the Lieutenant asked that.

    I''m not the one being raped.

    That''s the end of the story!

    The first officer laughed hysterically.

    Alicia looked at him sideways and added.

    "They take from us because we are weak, they rape us because we are weak...... and we can take from them because we are strong. That''s providence. I''m on the side of the strong. I don''t know anything about the weak.

    And then he provoked his second-in-command and the men around him, who were guarding him.

    Do you want to f*ck me?¡¡You can do it here, now, or at night. ...... Come at me. I don''t think that''s a bad thing. I don''t see anything wrong with it. ...... I''ll put up a reasonable fight. Only those who are prepared to be castrated should come.

    And with that, the lieutenant threw up his hands.

    "Oh, I''m scared. It''s true that Alicia-sama is strong and beautiful, and I would love to subdue her, but the problem is that she is much stronger than I am. The problem is that she is much stronger than me. I don''t want to be castrated. The problem is that you are much stronger than I am. ...... Well, can I go now?¡¡I''m getting a little horny talking about this.

    Do what you want. But don''t get your clothes dirty. ...... I don''t want to see anything dirty.

    Well, we''ll take care of it.

    And with that, the second-in-command rides off on his horse to join in the pillage and rape.

    I don''t know what''s more fun.

    Alicia cowered.

 137 Episode 9 Battle of Peratia

    Pelatia, the capital of the province of Tranquia.

    On a hill on the outskirts of the city, the Lemurian army was in position.

    On the whole, two legions armed with pikes and halberds.

    Behind them, an army of archers.

    The flanks are embedded with stakes to prevent cavalry from entering, and down the hill on each wing are heavy cavalry (cribanarius) and medium cavalry (cataphract).

    In the background is a city, with a forest on the right and a river on the left as seen from the Lemurian army.

    On the other hand, the Bulgaron army is positioned facing it.

    All of them were cavalry.

    You managed to lure them into a favorable terrain, didn''t you?

    Yeah. Well, they probably don''t think they''ve been lured in.

    Hercule nodded at Stephan''s words.

    The mainstay of the Bulgaron Kingdom is cavalry.

    As natural born cavalrymen, their mobility gives them tremendous tactical and strategic power on the battlefield.

    The Lemurian army would inevitably be on the back foot.

    That''s why Hercule sent the Bulgaron Kingdom deep into the territory of the Empire.

    In the middle of enemy territory, strategic maneuverability is lost.

    Furthermore, by using the looting of villages as bait, he voluntarily lured them to a place where the Lemurian army could exert its full strength.

    That is the terrain here.

    Like the brother and sister in the fairy tale who returned home with a pebble as a landmark, the Bulgaron army closed in on the provincial capital of Pelatia.

    However, the Bulgurons did not arrive at their home, but at the House of Sweets, where they found Hercule, a man worse than a cannibal witch.

    I''m sure they can see that the terrain is not in their favor, but what do you think ......?

    "No, but ...... they haven''t lost to Lemuria in a hundred years. In other words, they are getting better. I''m going to break your long nose.

    Hercule smiled fearlessly.

    "Lemuria is being clever. Master Terelig.

    "Indeed.

    The crown prince of the Kingdom of Bulgaron, Telerig, the general of the Bulgaron army, agreed with his fianc¨¦e, Alicia.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.¡¡You''ve been underestimated. There''s no way that a Bulgurong cavalryman, a born cavalryman, can lose to a ...... hastily made cavalryman.

    "Oh, you''ve been taken for a fool. Let''s face it head on and show them what we Bulgurons are made of.

    Telerig clenched his fists.

    Now, Terelig was very motivated.

    This was his chance to show his fianc¨¦e Alicia what he was made of.

    Terelig felt a kind of guilt towards Alicia because he had lost in military talent and strength.

    So now was his chance to show Alicia what he was made of.

    "Alicia......

    Terelig reached out to pull Alicia into a hug.

    Taking advantage of the good vibes, he tried to kiss her.

    But his hand cut through the air.

    Alicia had long since left Terelig''s side.

    What are you doing?¡¡Hurry up. We need to get ready.

    You''re ...... still the same.

    Looking at Alicia''s puzzled face, Terelig felt annoyed.

    Even though they were engaged, Terelig still hadn''t had s*xual intercourse or even a kiss.

    This was due to the fact that Alicia was an uptight person and Terelig was not strong enough for Alicia.

    Terelig himself is not inexperienced with women. ......

    He has many mistresses, so he is rather experienced with women.

    However, these women are less powerful and of lower status than Terelig.

    Alicia, on the other hand, is the daughter of the head of the Chromium clan, a powerful clan that cannot be ignored by the Kotormir clan, and she is also superior to Telerig in strength.

    Terelig is the only one who can''t stand up to Alicia.

    But the resentment builds in his heart.

    (I''m the eldest son of the Kotormir clan, the next king.¡¡You''re a woman. ......)

    But I can''t force him down, and he can''t force me down.

    "Well, okay. If I show that I am strong in this fight, Alicia will change her attitude a bit. ......

    What are you whispering about?

    No, it''s nothing. Let''s go!

    The positions of the two armies are as follows.

    River.

    River ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ

    River ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ ¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ

    River ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð Mori Mori

    River ¡ð¡ð ¡ð¡ð ¡ð¡ð Mori Mori Mori

    ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð River

    ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð River

    ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð ¡ð River

    River: forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest

    River Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest

    River ¡ô ¡ô ¡ñ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ñ ¡ø¡ø Forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest

    River ¡ô¡ô¡ô¡ô ¡ñ ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï ¡ñ ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest

    River ¡ô¡ô¡ô¡ô ¡ñ ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø forest forest forest forest forest forest forest

    River

    Kuro ...... Lemurian Army

    ...... Halberd Corps 960

    ¡ö...... Pike Troop 1,440

    ¡ø...... Medium Cavalry (Cataphract) 12000

    ...... Heavy Cavalry (Clibanarius) 12000

    ¡ï...... longbow troops 1,200

    ......£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡240

    Total: 624,000

    Shiro ...... Bulgaron troops

    ¡ð...... light cavalry 25000

    (...... heavy cavalry 25000)

    Total 500,000

    In the center of the Lemurian army are the Pikes, and on their flanks are the Halberds.

    The center is commanded by Stephan.

    The archers in the center rear are led by Edmond.

    The right flank of the Lemurian army is commanded by the Cataphracts, and the left flank by the Cribanarius.

    And the commander-in-chief is Hercule.

    On the other hand, the army of Bulgaron has light cavalry in the front and heavy cavalry in the rear in the center and both wings.

    Telerig, the commander-in-chief, commanded the left flank of the Bulgaron, and Alicia commanded the right.

    The battle began with a simultaneous charge by the Bulgaron cavalry.

    "Let the cowardly Lemuria know what we are capable of!

    The light cavalry in front of them charged the Lemurian army with unhindered movement.

    The cavalry charge breaks through the Lemurian army''s defenses: ......

    The light cavalry in the front charge at the Lemurian army with unhurried movements.

    The arrows rain down on the Lemurian army.

    But of course Hercule had seen this move coming.

    And so it should be.

    This is a tactic that the Bulgurons are very good at.

    "Archers, fire at once!

    At Edmond''s command, Lemuria''s longbow troops unleashed their arrows.

    In the center, the arrows of both the Bulgallon and Lemurian armies flew in a jumble.

    "Hurl your arrows at us too!

    The medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) on the right flank of the Lemurian army fire arrows under Karolina''s orders.

    These cavalrymen are also trained to shoot.

    You''re imitating our tactics ......, but you''re only imitating us!¡¡Let Lemuria know that!

    Terelig shouts as he draws his bow.

    Lemuria''s right wing, the Bulgaron''s left wing, continues to exchange arrows as well.

    On the other hand, a slightly different dynamic was occurring on the left wing of Lemuria and the right wing of the Bulgurons.

    "Don''t worry about the arrows, charge!

    Galfis, undaunted by the cavalry fire of the Bulgaron cavalry, charged head-on.

    Heavily armed and fully armored, the clivanarius can repel a few arrows.

    "Well, that''s a good choice.

    Alicia muttered.

    Alicia muttered, then smiled wryly.

    But it''s not that easy.

    Alicia becomes a lord herself and retreats to the rear.

    Galfis follows her.

    "Wait!

    "I don''t like persistent men.

    Alicia mutters and turns around.

    Alicia turns around and shoots an arrow.

    "What?

    Garufis yelped.

    Lemuria''s medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) can also shoot, but they are not skilled enough to turn around and shoot arrows.

    The arrow that Alicia shot was a kabura arrow.

    With a whirring sound, the arrow shot up into the sky.

    That was the signal for the light cavalry of the Bulgaron army to fire their arrows backwards in unison.

    A rain of arrows rained down on the Lemurian heavy cavalry (Cribanarius).

    As expected, the heavy cavalry weakened their momentum.

    In the meantime, Alicia brings the light cavalry back and the heavy cavalry up to the front.

    The heavy cavalry of the Bulgaron army attacked the Lemurian heavy cavalry (Clibanarius), which had stopped its momentum.

    Don''t you dare!

    Galfis quickly regains his stance and repels the Bulgaron heavy cavalry.

    Lemuria''s iron manufacturing technology is far superior to ours, and the armor of the Lemurian heavy cavalry (cribanarius) is lighter and stronger.

    When it comes to melee combat, the clivanarius has the advantage.

    But ......

    "Light cavalry, follow me!¡¡I''ll back you up!

    The light cavalry led by Alicia showered the heavy cavalry led by Galfis with arrows, giving the heavy cavalry time to get into position.

    Galfis and Alicia were repeatedly pushing back and being pushed back.

    Meanwhile, Lemuria was gaining the upper hand in the center of the battlefield.

    "Archers, fall back!

    "Pikes, forward!

    As soon as the light cavalry of the Bulgarson army stopped firing, Edmond lowered his longbowmen to the rear.

    As soon as the light cavalry stopped firing, Edmond dropped his longbowmen to the rear, and as if to fill the hole, Stefan brought the pikemen forward and set up their spears.

    Almost at the same time as Stephan set up his defenses, the Bulgarons attempted a heavy cavalry charge.

    However, it was easily repelled by the pikes under Stefan''s command.

    Due to the counterattack of the longbowmen, the Bulgarons cannot fire their light cavalry for very long, and thus cannot break the Lemurian formation, so the heavy cavalry charge is inevitably blocked by the pikes.

    If the introduction of heavy cavalry (cribanarius) and medium cavalry (cataphract) was for the Phallus, the combination of pikes and longbowmen is for the Bulgaron, for you. Your winning tactics won''t work.

    Hercule sneered.

    But this formation is for defensive purposes only.

    If you move the pikes to counterattack, they will strike back and break through the center.

    It''s up to Karolina to get it right. ......

    Hercule muttered.

 138 Episode 10 Battle of Peratia

    On the other hand, the right wing of the Lemurian army, the Cataphracts, led by Karolina, were being pushed back by the Bulgarons led by Terelig.

    Originally, the tactics of the Cataphracts was to imitate the way of the Bulgarons, by shooting at them and then charging them with short spears.

    Normally, it can be a very flexible family of soldiers, but ......

    However, it is not as good as the original Bulgalon.

    It is inevitably poor in dexterity.

    In addition, while the number of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) is 1200, the number of bulgarons is slightly higher at 13000.

    As long as they are outnumbered in numbers and quality, they will inevitably be pushed back.

    Even so, Carolina continued to be at the forefront of the battle, wielding her sword and defeating the Bulgaron soldiers.

    "You guys!¡¡The enemy general is a woman!¡¡Get her!

    ""Oh, oh, oh, oh!

    "...... That''s why they''re barbarians.

    When the Bulgurons learned that Karolina was a woman, they rushed to her.

    She was the empress of the Lemurian emperor.

    It was only natural for the Bulgurons to want to plunder and rape her.

    It''s good that she''s so easy to control.

    Karolina changes the form of the contracted spirit Eligos from a lance to a halberd-like form.

    If Hercule were to see it there, he would call it a ''scimitar''.

    While dispersing enemies with the sword in his left hand, he slaughters them with the scimitar in his right hand.

    "Master Karolina!¡¡It''s time to go to .......

    I understand. It''s ...... time.

    I understand. It''s time to go." Carolina moves backward with the support of her men.

    As if on cue, the medium-armored cavalry began to retreat.

    "After them!¡¡We''ll destroy the Lemurian cavalry!

    The Bulgurons'' strategy was to overwhelm the Lemurians with the quality of their cavalry, remove them from the battlefield, and move in behind the enemy infantry.

    The strategy was to overwhelm the Lemurians with the quality of their cavalry and remove them from the battlefield, then move in behind the enemy infantry, hoping that this would break down their ironclad defense.

    Terelig takes the lead in pursuit of the Lemurian Medium Armored Cavalry (Cataphracts).

    He will not attack the flank of the Lemurian infantry.

    The flanks are staked and well protected by halberd units.

    Above all, if you flank them, you will be flanking the Lemurian Medium Armored Cavalry (Cataphract).

    Removing the Lemurian Medium Armored Cavalry from the battlefield is our first priority.

    It''s about time, isn''t it?

    When she had escaped to a certain extent, Carolina turned her horse around.

    One after another, the Lemurian medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) turned and attacked the bulgaron cavalry.

    "It''s no use!¡¡Even if we try to counterattack now, the momentum will be with us. ......

    Just when Terelig was about to raise his voice to blast his army, ......

    "Mr. Telerig, I have an urgent message!¡¡Infantry believed to be Lemurian troops have emerged from the forest on the left (as seen from Bulgalon)!¡¡There are about two hundred of them!

    "What?¡¡Are they ambushers?¡¡How dare you. ......

    However, infantry is not much of a threat.

    This is 1,300 cavalry.

    Terelig is about to order the ambushers to be repelled.

    But ......

    "Attention!¡¡About 200 cavalrymen have appeared behind us, most likely Lemurian!

    "Master Terelig!¡¡An infantry unit from the central right flank of the Lemurian army is attacking us!

    River.

    River Forest

    River Forest Forest Forest

    River Mori Mori Mori Mori

    River Morimori Morimori Morimori

    The river forest forest forest forest forest

    River Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest Forest

    River ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ forest forest forest forest forest forest forest forest

    River ¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð ¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð forest forest forest forest forest forest

    River ¨Œ¡ô¡ô¨Œ¨Œ ¡ñ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ñ¨Œ¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð

    River ¡ô¡ô¡ô¡ô¡ô ¡ñ ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï ¡ñ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¡ð¡ð¡ñÉ­É­É­É­

    River ¡ô¡ô¡ô ¡ñ ¡ñ¨Œ¡ø¡ø¨Œ¨Œ¡ñ Morimori Morimori

    River ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø mori mori mori mori mori

    ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø mori mori mori mori

    The time goes back a little.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡But frankly speaking, it''s impossible. Because we are outnumbered by cavalry. In fact, there''s a risk that we''ll be surrounded.

    Hercule looked over the faces of the generals ...... Stefan, Oscar, Edmond, Galfis, Karolina, Nia and Jebe and said.

    Darios is not at home.

    They are born cavalrymen, well most of them are not elves but humans, ...... but they are certainly better with horses than our cavalrymen. There are 500,000 of them. If you fight them normally, you will still lose.

    Not only will we be surrounded, but if we fight normally, we will be surrounded.

    That''s how big the difference in cavalry strength is.

    So we will surround and destroy their cavalry individually. The target is the cavalry on the enemy''s left flank. Oskar, I''ll give you two battalions of halberds. Take cover in the woods.

    Hercule then turned to Nia and Jebe.

    "This will be your first time commanding a unit. The men will use the toys I gave you. You''ll go around the other side of the forest and get behind them. When we raise the flag and give the signal, attack them in the back.

    Nia and Jebe nodded curiously.

    I''ll take overall command of ...... and use the halberd units on the center right flank to attack the flank of the bulgaron cavalry when the time is right.

    Hercule finally looked at Karolina''s face.

    "You will lure them into a false retreat to where the halberd units are positioned. Oskar and I will attack from both flanks and signal to Nia and Jebe when you turn to counterattack. We''ll surround the front, both wings, and the back and grind them down. Now, do you have any questions?

    "Yes, sir!¡¡Your Majesty.

    Nia looked a little excited and raised her hand cheerfully.

    I think our forces are a bit insufficient to block the rear. ...... Are you aiming for encirclement and annihilation?

    "No, the cavalry has mobility and breakthrough ability. Annihilation is impossible. And you''re right, the lid is not thick enough. So don''t try to hold back the enemy trying to escape. They''ll hit back hard. A moderate threat behind you is enough. And ...... attack the backs of fleeing enemies.

    Complete encirclement and pressure will deprive the enemy of organized resistance.

    It is better to surround and annihilate the enemy so that the results are greater and the casualties are less.

    However, if a complete siege is not possible, it is better not to aim for a siege.

    If you surround the enemy without depriving them of their systematic resistance, they will turn on you and break through, and there is even a possibility that they will destroy you individually.

    Any more questions?¡¡No, I don''t think so. All right, let''s get into position.

    That''s His Majesty!¡¡Just as we planned!

    We''re in the middle of a mission, so brace yourselves.

    Jebe warned Nia, who was galloping along with an enraptured expression on her face.

    Jebe warned Nia, who was galloping along with an enraptured look on her face.

    I''m not sure what to do. I understand that I''ve been serving you for ...... many years and that you''ve given me a battalion, but why is it that you, a newcomer, are getting one as well?

    "I don''t know, ask His Majesty.

    I don''t know, ask His Majesty." "...... You used some kind of trick, didn''t you?

    Nia glared at Jebe.

    This is a great way to get the most out of your business.

    Nia looked at Jebe''s face and ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    You have a woman''s face. I''m not sure what you mean by that,......!¡¡I''m not sure if it''s Cecilia, but I can''t believe this guy beat me to it!¡¡Your Majesty, that''s terrible!¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.¡¡I''m not sure what to do,......, but I''m sure you can find a way to make it work,.......

    Maybe you''re making a big mistake.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    Nia and Jebe each have one battalion, which means that there are two battalions in total surrounding the Bulgallon cavalry.

    Hercule wanted to add a legion of cavalry before exchanging fire with the Bulgurons, but there were three obstacles that prevented him from doing so.

    The first was a pure lack of budget.

    Since the budget for two legions of cavalry alone was enormous, it would be difficult to add another legion of cavalry.

    The other problem is the population of the Elves.

    We have already invested three legions of elves in the war, so it is risky to send more elves to the war.

    Finally, there is the issue of skill level.

    It takes time to train cavalry, so it is not easy to increase their numbers.

    Therefore, Hercule thought of using nomads and descendants of nomads naturalized in Lemuria for cavalry.

    Not all Bulgars belong to Bulgaron, and some of them belong to the Lemurian Empire.

    In addition to the Bulgarons, many nomads have invaded Lemuria in the past, and some of their descendants still maintain their traditional way of life.

    Hercule recruited cavalry from them.

    There were 240 of them.

    He divided them in two and gave them to Nia and Jebe to form an independent raiding party.

    There were many reasons for making them independent rangers, such as encouraging the growth of Nia and Jebe, and Hercule thought it would be convenient to have just the right amount of affordable troops. ......

    The biggest reason was Hercule''s personal playfulness.

    It''s a rather terrible motive, "Isn''t it cool to be an independent ranger?

    This was a rather terrible motive.

    In addition, Hercule has told Nia and Jebe to train as they please.

    Since it is an independent raiding force, the assumption is that they will be equipped and trained to fight independently, but as long as they meet that requirement, Hercule has no problem with it.

    Nia, who has been traveling around the battlefield, accumulating knowledge, and has recently begun to show some mental growth, and Jebe, who comes from a country with a socio-military system completely different from that of Lemuria.

    Hercule was a little excited to see what kind of troops the two of them would make.

    However, there is nothing more annoying than "anything goes", and Nia and Jebe have been secretly worrying about it.

    Since they''ve been together for less than a year, there''s not much difference between their armies at the moment.

    If anything, Jebe''s troops are more lightly armed, while Nia''s are more like medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts).

    "I''ll disrupt the enemy with cavalry. You go in there.

    "Don''t tell me what to do!¡¡I''m not your man!¡¡Well, I''ll take you up on it this time.

    Nia said grimly, holding up a short spear.

    Jebe charged in without pause, hurling arrows at the back of the confused bulgaron cavalrymen who were circling behind him.

 139 Episode 11 Battle of Peratia

    "d*mn it, calm down!¡¡You are the proud warriors of Bulgaron!

    Terelig shouted in an attempt to calm the Bulgaron cavalrymen who were surrounded and in a state of confusion.

    But the troops were already in disarray, and some of them even fell off their horses when they collided with each other.

    Stopped cavalry is no threat. Drag them down and kill them!

    As Oscar had ordered, the infantry used their halberds to drag the Bulgurons down from their horses, choking them one by one.

    In a melee, the infantry is stronger than the cavalry.

    It''s no use. ...... retreat!

    Telerig orders his cavalry to retreat.

    When the Bulgurons heard the whistle, the signal to retreat, they fled to the rear where the siege was relatively thin.

    "Charge!¡¡Charge!

    Karolina chases after the fleeing Bulgaron cavalryman''s back.

    Karolina chases after the fleeing bulgaron cavalryman and fires arrows at his back.

    We''re coming with you!

    "...... Don''t tell me what to do.

    Nia and Jebe join Karolina in the pursuit.

    "d*mn you, ......, cavalryman of Lemuria.

    "How dare the General himself act as Lord Commander? It''s just as brave as a Bulgarian warrior.

    Karolina swung her sword at Telerig, who was coming at her to block her attack.

    Karolina''s sword swung straight down into Telerig''s neck. ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Karolina quickly repelled the arrow with her sword.

    It''s not the first time she''s done this.

    You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this.

    I''m surprised ...... this is ......

    She looks at the Lemurian soldier who has been hit by the arrow she dodged.

    A black bruise appeared from the arrow wound, and it spread all over his body. ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    "Master Telerig!¡¡Are you okay?

    Oh, Alicia?

    Alicia comes up underneath Terelig.

    It was Alicia who had just fired an arrow at Karolina.

    The line has already collapsed. Let''s retreat to .......

    But ...... d*mn it, I get it!

    Instead of showing his good side, Terelig was saved ......

    He bit his lip in frustration.

    So the Bulgurons retreated.

    In the meantime, they were heavily pursued by Lemuria and lost a number of soldiers.

    "Hmm ......

    What''s wrong with your face?

    What''s wrong with you?" Carolina asked a depressed Hercule as he looked at the bodies scattered across the plain.

    Carolina braced herself for the possibility that she might start to feel sad, saying, "So many people have died .......

    Hercule''s grief over a person''s death is surely a sign of a serious illness.

    No, ...... I didn''t kill too many people, I thought.

    That''s good. It''s business as usual.

    Karolina was relieved.

    The man she loved was still the same, and hadn''t developed any serious illness.

    I''m not sure what you think you''re doing, but I think you need to talk to me for an hour about what you think people are. ...... Well, whatever it is, it hurts that you couldn''t kill the bulgaron. I had originally given up on encircling and annihilating them, but I was still planning to deal a devastating blow.

    Hercule''s objective was to encircle and destroy the left flank of the Bulgaron, then move in behind the center and right flanks to crush them.

    Then he would follow up with more damage.

    It was intended to deal a fatal blow to the Bulgaron. ......

    It''s true that the results are great, but not as great as we had hoped. They will not accept peace with this level of sacrifice. ...... Alicia Crom, I believe she was called?¡¡The commander of the right wing of the Bulgaron who fought Galfis.

    Alicia Crom was the reason why Hercule''s mission was foiled.

    She was the first one to notice the anomaly on the left flank of her army and moved the right flank she was leading, and then called the central commander to come to the rescue of the left flank of the Bulgurons.

    As a result, he was not able to completely destroy the organizational structure of the left wing.

    In addition, the right wing of the Bulgaron led by Alicia, which had suffered relatively little damage, became the main target, so they were not able to expand the results of their pursuit as much as they had hoped.

    You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this sort of thing. A woman commander, does that mean she is of a certain rank?

    Maybe she''s like Karolina to Hercule.

    Perhaps she is like Karolina to Hercule, Hercule thought.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    No, I was just hit by an arrow. We didn''t actually cross swords.

    I heard that everyone who was hit by arrows died of body rot.

    I either shot them all or avoided them. But ...... is it a spirit of some kind?

    Probably.

    Most of the Bulgurons are human, but some of the ruling class are elves.

    Alicia Crom is also an Elf.

    The condition for spirit contract magic, also known as demon contract magic, is high magical power, which can only be contracted by elves, dwarves, or mutant humans or warbeasts born with high magical power.

    Conversely, if you are an elf, you can supply enough magic power to sustain a demon.

    "Given the reported power, it could be a higher level spirit or maybe a 72 pillar class ......, either way it''s nasty.

    Hercule scratched his head.

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, it''s possible that you''ll be able to find a great deal more information on the subject.

    The reason is that an incompetent person who blabbed about his abilities would not be able to make a contract with a demon.

    Hercule also intends to take the details of Asmodeus'' and Citri''s abilities to the grave.

    So what do we do now, ......?

    We managed to retreat, didn''t we?

    Yeah, we did. ......

    Alicia''s words were answered by Terelig in a dejected voice.

    Until now, the Kingdom of Bulgalon had won a series of battles against the Lemurian Empire.

    But now they''ve given it a black mark.

    Even taking into account the fact that the Lemurian emperor had changed from Hadrian III, who was bad at warfare, to Hercule I, who was good at warfare, it was a big blunder.

    In the Kingdom of Bulgaron, what is required of the king is, first and foremost, wisdom and bravery in battle.

    If Terelig is evaluated as "not fit to be king" after this defeat, his position as the next king will be in jeopardy.

    "Don''t lose heart, Mr. Terelig. This time is different from the past. I''ll explain it to His Majesty. ......

    "Shut up!

    Terelig raised his voice.

    Alicia stiffened at this.

    One of the reasons for Terelig''s despondency was that Alicia had saved him again.

    If Alicia had not come to Terelig''s rescue, Terelig would be dead.

    Furthermore, it was thanks to Alicia that he was able to retreat safely.

    Terelig was saved the whole time.

    I don''t like that.

    Plus, ......

    (I lost to a woman, and she saved me!¡¡Shit!

    The commander who faced Telerig was Carolina.

    It was a woman.

    He was defeated by a woman and saved by a woman.

    Terelig''s pride was torn to shreds.

    "I''m sorry, ......, Mr. Terelig.

    "No, no, I''m sorry. That was my fault.

    When Alicia apologized with a dejected look on her face, Terelig came to his senses.

    He was ashamed of himself.

    At least Alicia didn''t harbor any ill will towards him.

    On the contrary, she had helped him.

    It was not good to say "Shut up" to someone who had helped you, and who was offering to protect you.

    I had no choice. Let''s go back to Bulgaron and ask for the King''s instructions. But we can''t just leave. We''ll sack the nearest village.

    Terelig suggested to Alicia that they sack the villages that were too thinly held to make up for the loss.

    The goal is to make up for the loss of the game.

    But Alicia was apologetic about it.

    I thought about that too, but ...... it might be a little difficult.

    "Why?

    I thought so, but it might be a little difficult." "Why?" "All the villages have already been sacked or burned to the ground by the Lemurian army. Many of the inhabitants have retreated to cities with strong walls. If we attack the castle, they will catch up with us.

    Telerig clicked his tongue.

    The Bulgurons retreated back the way they had come.

    Of course, the villages had already been plundered. ......

    In the villages that were not looted, the inhabitants had already been evacuated.

    So it was just as the Emperor of Lemuria had planned. Bloody .......

    Terelig bit his lip.

    Alicia was looking at him with concern.

    (Will the Chromes be safe with this man as the next king?

    The Battle of Pelatia

    Engaging forces

    Lemuria Empire VS Bulgaron Kingdom

    Main commander

    Lemurian Empire

    King Hercule I

    Karolina Yulianos

    Stefan Shaykoski

    Oskar Almon

    Edmond Erdemort

    Galfis Galleanos

    Nia Lucarios

    Jebe

    Kingdom of Bulgalon

    Alicia Crom

    Terelig Kotlumia

    Military strength

    Lemurian Empire approx. 60000

    Kingdom of Bulgalon approx. 500,000

    Results

    Lemurian Empire: 200 casualties

    Kingdom of Bulgaron: 600 casualties.

    Victory of the Lemurian Empire

    Impact on future generations

    Decline in leadership of the Kotormir clan

 140 Episode 12 Battle of Astia Before

    Well, what do we do now? Todoris.

    After confirming that the Bulgaron army had returned to the Bulgaron Kingdom, Hercule and the others also returned to Nova Lemuria.

    Then Hercule immediately called Todoris and asked him.

    Todoris pondered and then replied.

    "Why don''t you try to make peace?¡¡They must know that things are not as they used to be. If we can suspend the tribute and conclude a non-aggression pact, I think we''ll have achieved our goal.

    "A non-aggression pact with them would be of little use. It doesn''t change the fact that barbarians are settled in the north of our country, less than three hundred kilometers away from our capital.

    Nova Lemuria, the capital of the Lemurian Empire, is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is a natural strategic point.

    The capital of the Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria, is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is a natural strategic point.

    To compensate for this, a double wall has been built. ......

    But it is still a weak point.

    The Bulgaron Kingdom can attack there at any time.

    The citizens of Nova Lemuria would not feel safe.

    "But ......

    "Yeah, I know. I was actually planning to use this war to reduce their strength and mitigate the threat for the next few decades. Now that that has failed, we have to do the next best thing. Let''s offer them peace.

    Hercule didn''t want to go to war with the Bulgaron Kingdom for a long time.

    It is not in the interest of either Lemuria or Bulgalon to have a prolonged war.

    "You go and negotiate, Todris. The terms are suspension of tribute, a non-aggression pact, and trade.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    "Peace.

    Kotormir, chief of the clans and representative of all the Bulgaron clans.

    The King of Bulgalon muttered in displeasure.

    The King of Bulgaron is in a huge tent-like structure called a yurt.

    The Bulgarons do not settle down, but live nomadically in these huge tents that they carry around.

    For this reason, their view of the state is very different from that of the agrarian states such as the Lemurian Empire.

    For the agrarian people, a country always has land.

    As the word "land" implies, the land itself is the nation.

    However, the Bulgarians, who are not bound by land, are a little different.

    For them, a country is a collection of people.

    Even if there is no land, as long as there is a huge group of people, it is a country.

    The King of Bulgaron looks around at the heads of the Bulgaron clans gathered here.

    Their expressions are varied.

    "My friends, do you think we should accept peace from Lemuria? Do you think we should accept it?

    King Bulgalon asked the clan leaders.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon is a clan state formed by an alliance of clans, of which King Bulgalon is only a representative.

    It is true that the Kotormir clan is the largest clan in the Kingdom of Bulgalon, but it does not have a majority of the clans alone.

    There are also many clans that are dissatisfied with their rule.

    The expression "friends" truly represents the national government of the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    In the end, King Bulgalon is just one clan leader.

    Incidentally, if the relationship between King Bulgalon and his friends is "friends," then the relationship between the Emperor of Lemuria and his vassals is "master and slave.

    This is especially true of the relationship between the Lemurian emperor and his bureaucrats.

    Just as a slave calls out to his master, the bureaucrats of the Lemurian empire call out to the emperor, "My master," and the emperor uses the bureaucrats as his hands and feet, like slaves.

    It is because of this admiration for the Lemurian state that King Bulgaron calls himself "Emperor.

    "You should accept it, I think. King.

    The person who said this was the chief of the Teritel clan, the third most powerful clan in the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    The chieftain of the Territorial Clan had originally been reluctant to fight against the Lemurian Empire.

    In fact, he had contributed almost no troops to the war.

    In fact, he offered very little in the way of troops in this war, only a modest amount.

    "With all due respect, ...... King, please make peace with us.¡¡The young men of my clan are trapped in Lemuria!

    It was the chief of the Tulam clan who insisted.

    The chief of the T''ram clan was the second or third most powerful and weakest clan in the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    Therefore, they could not go against the Kotormir clan and sent many young men to the battlefield.

    For a weak clan with a small population, it is fatal to lose a man''s hand.

    Hearing the words of the chief of the T''ram clan, the chiefs of the weaker clans who were in the same position supported peace at once.

    When the entire meeting began to lean toward peace, ......

    I don''t think we should accept it.

    A man opened his mouth.

    "I don''t think we should accept it," said a man, the chief of the Krom clan, the second most powerful clan in the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    "Hmm, why?

    "To accept peace is to admit defeat. If we accept defeat, our control over the peasants will be shaken.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon is not a nation of Bulgalonians alone.

    In fact, there are more peasants under their rule than Bulgarons.

    If they were to revolt in sympathy with Lemuria, the ruling system of the Bulgaron Kingdom could be turned upside down.

    In the first place, there are always victories and defeats in war. The string of victories up until now has been abnormal. Our opponent is the infamous Emperor Hercule I of Lemuria. If we admit defeat here, he will hunt us down little by little, as if he were choking us with cotton. ...... We''ve all heard of the deeds of that cruel man.

    The first glance at the island of Rosa was not only transmitted to the Messianic world, but also to the outside of it, to Bulgalon and Foulds.

    A man who would do such horrible things to his fellow believers in the same god, even if their doctrines differed slightly.

    Many feared how cruel they could be to those who believed in a different god in the first place. ......

    And many were afraid.

    We need to win and show them how strong we are. Then the Emperor of Lemuria will not be able to touch us easily.

    "I see. ....... Should we send another expeditionary force?

    No, that won''t be necessary. They will come to the land of Bulgalon themselves. We have the advantage of the land. We will defeat the Lemurian Emperor here in Bulgalon.

    King Bulgalon nodded his head in satisfaction.

    If it''s a defensive war, even uncooperative clans like the Territories will contribute troops.

    "A good idea. It would be a shame to our ancestors if we broke our knees in a single defeat. We are the proud and valiant people of Bulgaron. We will not bow to Lemuria. We will not accept peace.

    So declared King Bulgalon.

    Once the Kotormir and Krom clans agreed, there was no clan in the Kingdom of Bulgalon that could stand against it.

    Thus, the Kingdom of Bulgalon rejected the Lemurian Empire''s offer of peace.

    "Hmmm ...... refusing peace, no wonder. Let''s go on the offensive. ......

    Hercule said with a sigh.

    Lunalie asked him.

    Isn''t it true that you prefer to attack?

    "If they''re agrarian, on the same field, yes. But they''re mounted nomads. They''re much more agile. My strategy won''t work.

    Hercule''s strategy is to use his mobility to keep control of the war.

    However, the army of the Lemurian Empire, which is accompanied by infantry, and the army of the Kingdom of Bulgaron, which consists only of cavalry, cannot compete in terms of mobility.

    They will inevitably lose the initiative.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    Hercule scratched his head.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    "So you''re saying we can''t win?

    It''s not like that. It doesn''t mean we can''t take advantage of them.

    Hercule does not fight battles that he cannot win.

    It is precisely because of the possibility of victory that Hercule has decided to end the war against the Bulgurons.

    For example, ...... the quality of the cavalry is uneven. For example, the quality of the cavalry was uneven. Specifically, there was a difference in skill between the cavalry of the Kotormir clan and clans friendly to the Kotormir clan and the cavalry of the other Bulgarons.

    "In skill?¡¡That''s ...... why?

    Lunalie tilted her head.

    I''m sure you can understand some of the politics, but I''m not so sure about the military.

    The Cotormia clan has been embezzling tribute from our country for years. The Cotormians have been embezzling tribute from our country for many years, and the quality of their cavalry has been deteriorating because of their lavish lifestyle. The same is true for the friendly clans that have been taking advantage of the money. The Chromes'' cavalry was as strong as the other Bulgars.

    The Chromes have only recently approached the Kotormir.

    As a result, the Crom clan still maintained a simple and robust lifestyle and culture.

    The majority of the Kingdom of Bulgaron is agrarian and is ruled by the Bulgarons. The Bulgaron Kingdom is dominated by the Bulgarons, who are a majority agrarian people, and have a large number of messianists and monks in their ranks. If we can somehow take advantage of that conflict, we can win.

    Originally, I did not aim for a complete victory.

    We are not aiming for a total victory, just a conditional victory and a successful future security guarantee.

    So you''re saying you''ve already done all the work?

    "The Bulgurons are not a monolithic nation. There are a number of tribes that have been communicating secretly since the time of the last emperor.

    Are you trying to start a rebellion?

    That''s not going to happen.

    Being pro-Lemuria does not mean that you are under Lemuria''s control.

    They are only taking a pro-Lemurian attitude for their own benefit, not because they have any intention of working for the benefit of Lemuria.

    They will not revolt unless they are pushed too hard.

    But we can encourage them to make peace, or at least mediate. But we can encourage them to make peace, and if we can combine that with an uprising by the peasants, we can make peace on favorable terms.

    In the end, war is just a means of diplomacy.

    There is no need to be concerned about winning the war.

    "At any rate, we have to take action this time. Lunalee, take care of the logistics. I''m sending a large force.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    A few weeks later, Hercule left the border guards to the Tunda soldiers. ......

    All of the standing army.

    That is, four legions of infantry, one legion of archers, one legion of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), one legion of medium cavalry (cataphract), one battalion of light cavalry, and two battalions of rangers.

    With a total of 876,000 troops, they invaded the Kingdom of Bulgaron.

 141 Episode 13 After the Battle of Astia

    "That''s three, isn''t it?

    Hercule muttered to himself as he watched his own troops rushing to the open city walls.

    Hercule was steadily dropping cities one by one near the border between the Lemurian Empire and the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    He only attacked cities that were close to the border line, and never invaded deeper into the cities.

    "Your Majesty, aren''t you aiming for the capital of the Bulgaron Kingdom?

    Karolina asked.

    Karolina thought that Hercule was going to invade deep into the Kingdom of Bulgalon and strike a blow, but Hercule''s military attack was very reluctant.

    "They''ll just move the capital further north if we drop it. It''s useless. It''s more important to define the border.

    Hercule had no intention of invading the depths of the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    The risks are high and the benefits are small.

    It was more important to draw a favorable border for the Lemurian Empire.

    We will regain all the cities we lost during the time of the previous emperor. Then we will re-stabilize the borders.

    Basically, borders are drawn by mountains and rivers.

    The reason why the Bulgurons can so easily invade the Lemurian Empire is because they have dominions outside the natural borders of mountains and rivers (inside from the Lemurian perspective).

    Hercule is planning to push it up so that it cannot be easily penetrated into the country.

    Once we have a certain amount of cities, we''ll build the Great Wall and string them together like beads. Then they won''t be able to get into our side so easily.

    That''s going to cost a lot of money.

    That''s what security is all about.

    Hercule also really wants to drive the Bulgurons out of the Bulgarian lands.

    Then we can make the Hystere River our border line again.

    The Hysteria River is one of the largest rivers in the Western Continent, and it used to be the borderline between the Lemurian Empire and the barbarian world.

    Now, it has been completely abandoned and flows through the territory of the Kingdom of Bulgaron.

    If it were as big as the Hysteria River, there would be no need to build a Great Wall. ......

    There is no point in begging for what is not there.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Your Majesty, the reconnaissance team is reporting!¡¡The army of the Kingdom of Bulgalon is approaching us!¡¡Their number is about ninety thousand!

    "Ninety thousand. ......

    Karolina gulped.

    The number is too huge.

    Hercule, on the other hand, seemed unfazed.

    "I was expecting a hundred thousand. Surprisingly few. It seems there are some reluctant clans after all.

    If they penetrate deep into the Bulgaron Kingdom, all the clans of the Bulgaron Kingdom will unite to challenge Lemuria in battle.

    However, the clans of the Bulgaron Kingdom will not unite just because the territory of the Lemurian Empire was originally taken back.

    The clans of the Bulgaron Kingdom will not unite over the reclaimed territory of the Lemurian Empire, as it has nothing to do with the clans of the northern part of the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    I''m sure you''ve been trying to draw them in deeper, but they got impatient and attacked you. Fine, I''ll beat you back.

    Hercule smiled fearlessly.

    First, he had them dig dug shelters around the city walls and placed a battalion of halberd troops in front of the city gates on the north, south, east and west sides.

    Then, he had all the archers go up to the top of the wall, and had the rest of the soldiers wait inside the wall.

    After confirming that the Bulgaron Kingdom had positioned itself in front of the western gate, Hercule left the halberd units in the north and south-east as they were and positioned all the remaining soldiers in front of the western gate.

    The enemy numbered about 10,000 infantry and 80,000 cavalry.

    Hercule said, looking at the soldiers of the Bulgaron Kingdom from the top of the city wall.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon was a nomadic nation, but that did not mean that they did not use infantry.

    Sometimes they hire mercenaries and sometimes they dismount from their cavalry to fight because they need infantry when they attack castles.

    But 80,000 cavalry is an enviable number.

    However, considering the national strength of the Bulgaron Kingdom, the number of cavalrymen that can be mobilized at one time is at most 100,000.

    If you lose these 80,000, the Bulgurons won''t be able to conduct military operations for the next few decades.

    Obviously, the Bulgurons are the ones who are being pushed into a corner.

    It would be a great help if they would agree to peace.

    Thus began the Battle of Astia.

    A week has passed since the battle between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgalon, the so-called Battle of Astia, began.

    The Lemurian Empire had the upper hand in the war, and the Bulgaron Kingdom was unable to break through the Lemurian Empire''s defensive positions.

    In addition to the trenches restricting the cavalry''s movement, the pike wall created by the Lemurian infantry blocked the cavalry''s assault.

    In addition, the arrows fired by Lemurian archers from the top of the walls would reach farther than the arrows fired by the light cavalry of the Bulgarson from their horses, making them one-sided shots.

    And occasionally, the Lemurian cavalry would launch a counterattack. ......

    There were many casualties in the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    "I''m sorry, but we of the Territorial Clan are going home, King Bulgalon.

    The Territorial Chief told the commander-in-chief, King Bulgalon.

    It was a defensive war, and the Territorial Chief had offered a small number of troops as a gesture of gratitude, but he had no intention of doing so any longer.

    The Territorial Clan''s territory was the northern part of the Kingdom of Bulgalon, and they had no interest in the city that King Bulgalon was trying to take back.

    In addition, the tribute from the Lemurian Empire was hardly distributed to the Territorial Clans.

    From their point of view, whether Lemuria or Cothrumia won, there was no gain or loss.

    Therefore, it is only natural that the Territorial Clans would try to get out of this barren battle. ......

    I''m not going to stop you.

    "I''m not going to stop you, but ...... I would prefer that you refrain from disturbing the peace in that way.

    King Bulgalon complained.

    I''m not going to tell you what to do.

    However, if the third most powerful clan, the Tellitelle, were to leave, the entire army would be greatly shaken.

    If they were not careful, the clans might drop out of the battle line one after another, like the teeth of a comb falling out.

    "That''s my line, King Bulgalon. The majority of the clan leaders do not want to fight. It is you who are disturbing the peace.

    The Territorial Chief said disapprovingly.

    The main warring factions, led by the Kotormir and Krom clans, are certainly the majority in the Kingdom of Bulgalon in terms of population, but they are a minority in terms of the number of clans.

    No matter how weak the clans are, in terms of numbers, they are still one clan, just like the Kotormir clan.

    It was decided at the conference. ...... Are you running away?¡¡The Terriers are cowards.

    It was the chief of the Krom clan who said this.

    It was a provocation to protect King Bulgalon as the main warrior and to prevent the Teritels from leaving the front.

    The Territorial Chief snorted and said.

    If so, the Crom clan is a bunch of idiots. How can they expect to win when they have run out of sheep, have no villages to plunder, and can''t even feed their horses? There is a difference between bravery and recklessness.

    Nomads are able to maintain a large number of horses because they live scattered over a vast area.

    However, if 80,000 horses (or more than 100,000 if substitute horses are included) are gathered in such a small area, it is obvious that the grass in the grassland will be eaten up in no time and the fodder will run out.

    The logistics system of nomads is based on the premise of constant movement.

    By raiding and constantly moving sheep and horses, they can deploy their forces at will.

    It cannot cope with the situation of staying in one place for a week.

    "Aren''t we supposed to draw them in and defeat them in the first place?¡¡It''s only a few dozen kilometers from the border of the Lemurian Empire, and I don''t know where it is. It would be a strategic error on your part.

    Beating Lemuria that has invaded deep inside.

    This was the strategy of the Bulgaron Kingdom, and now that it has failed, there is no chance of victory.

    The Territorial Chief insisted.

    Then he turned on his heel and said.

    "Please don''t feel bad. We Telltale clans cannot afford to wipe the asses of clans richer than us.

    Over the next week, one by one, the clans left the battlefield.

    Finally, the clan leaders of the pro-Cotormia Krom clan wanted to return, and ......

    The King of Bulgaron, who judged that it was impossible to continue the battle any further, decided to retreat.

    Thus, the Battle of Astia ended in victory for Lemuria.

    I''m in trouble.

    King Bulgur''s head was in his hands.

    Since the battle of Astia, the Lemurian army has been gaining momentum and capturing cities one after another.

    The tax revenue raised from the farmers is an important source of income for the Kotormir clan.

    If the Lemurians are not defeated somehow, the power of the Kotormir clan will further decline.

    However, many of the clans have retreated, including the Territorial Clans.

    There was no way they could defeat Lemuria with their dwindling forces.

    "Excuse me, my king.

    "Chieftain Krom?

    The one who entered King Bulgalon''s yurt was Chief Chrom.

    He was followed by Alicia Krom, the chieftain''s only daughter.

    "Alicia says she has a solution for us. Will you listen to me?

    "Breakthrough?¡¡...... Hmm, if you only ask.

    Grasping at straws, King Bulgalon nodded.

    Alicia stepped forward to greet him, and then told him her plan.

    After hearing this, King Bulgalon thought for a while and then said ......

    "Very well. I will prepare a hundred of the best. ...... But make sure they succeed. If any of them fail, ......

    "I understand, and I will pay for it with my death.

    Alicia would later come to regret ...... her decision to offer King Bulgaron a solution, her decision to go through with it, and her decision to underestimate Hercule.

 142 Episode 14 Battle of Edin Cliffs

    A short time after the Battle of Astia, King Bulgalon called a temporary truce with the Lemurian Empire for peace and negotiations.

    What the heck is going on here?¡¡At this time.

    After the Battle of Astia, the Lemurian army continued to advance rapidly.

    On their way to the next city, while they were building their encampment, King Bulgalon called for a truce.

    Why not? Or did he give you some conditions?

    When Carolina asks, Hercule scratches his head and replies.

    No, ...... Lemuria is even prepared to hand over the cities it has lost so far to Lemuria.

    In the event that you''ve got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we''re here to help.

    It is understandable that Hercule is suspicious.

    "Did something happen inside the Bulgaron Kingdom?

    Either the economic base of the Bulgaron Kingdom was weaker than Hercule had imagined and could not withstand more war.

    Or it is possible that the clans insisted that they would not recognize the Chieftain of Kotormir as king if the war continued any longer.

    It is quite possible that the clans insisted that they would not recognize the Kotormir chieftain as king if the war continued.

    As expected, Hercule is not very familiar with the political situation inside the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    "You won''t accept it?

    "No, of course not. I want to make peace as soon as possible.

    We already know that the clans in the Bulgaron Kingdom are very reluctant to fight this war.

    As long as they can''t gather new troops, there''s little chance of stalling.

    The Bulgaron Kingdom must really want to stop the war.

    "Let''s just kill time here for a while. Fortunately, this is a great place to set up camp.

    When camping, one must be careful of enemy attacks.

    Hercule chose to camp at the foot of a cliff called the Edin Cliffs.

    With his back against the cliff and his left and right in front of him surrounded by shelters and fences, no matter how strong the cavalry of the Kingdom of Bulgaron was, they could not attack him carelessly.

    I can finally go home now.

    Hercule''s expression was one of relief.

    It was that night.

    Alicia, who had come with a hundred elite cavalry from the Cotormia-Chrom clan, looked down at the Lemurian army encamped below.

    She couldn''t see much, but she could see bonfires flickering, so she was sure it was the Lemurian army camp.

    You can''t be too careful with him.

    Alicia muttered to herself.

    There were a small number of guards on the cliff.

    The Lemurian guards had all been shot dead and were now mute corpses.

    "Nice try, Emperor Lemuria. Your attention should have been on the back, not the front.

    The guards kept their eyes forward, not behind.

    Alicia thought that the Emperor of Lemuria intended to take advantage of the location of the cliff to look over from a height and detect the attack of the Bulgaron army as soon as possible.

    In other words, the Emperor of Lemuria hadn''t let his guard down even after accepting the truce.

    "You''re not wrong. Yeah, it''s impossible to try to ride down this cliff. Besides, it''s the middle of the night with only moonlight. So there''s no need to pay attention to the back. We should be paying attention to the front. A few guards behind us, protected by the cliffs, should be more than enough.

    Alicia smiled at ......

    She smiled.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what to do. If it''s just a few elite horsemen, ......

    Alicia said, kicking the horse in the gut and going straight ahead.

    There''s no road in front of us, but we''re not slowing down.

    She went straight down the cliff.

    A hundred more cavalrymen follow Alicia, descending the cliff one after another.

    And ......

    At last, she succeeded in getting around the rear of the Lemurian army.

    Alicia looks behind her and checks the number of cavalry.

    She counted the faces blurred by the moonlight. ......

    There were sixty of them.

    Forty seemed to have dropped out midway.

    But ......

    Sixty is enough.

    Alicia pulled her hood up deep and covered her mouth and nose with a black cloth.

    This completely hid her face, which was easily visible in the dark.

    "Let''s go!

    Alicia said. ......

    Alicia said, charging into the Lemurian position.

    "...... Who are you?¡¡Who is this idiot who is making a festive noise in the middle of the night?

    Hercule heard the noise and woke up, rubbing his eyes.

    But he soon realized that it was no mere revelry.

    (A night raid?¡¡I don''t know what the guards were doing. But where did it ...... come from, from behind?¡¡(I don''t think they could get down that cliff in the middle of the night.

    While thinking about this, I shook Carolina, who was hugging me, awake.

    "Hey, wake up. It''s probably a night raid.

    "Yeah, ...... His Majesty''s s*x ...... and Shou?¡¡Night raids?

    Carolina jumped up immediately.

    Almost at the same time, a soldier jumped into the room.

    "Oh, excuse me for disturbing you!¡¡Your Majesty, there''s a night attack!¡¡Please change your clothes immediately. ......

    "Don''t worry, it''s already done.

    Hercule and Karolina got out of bed.

    They spent the night in the same bed, but they were not having s*xual intercourse.

    They were not having s*xual intercourse, and they were fully clothed so that they could get up quickly.

    "Do you know where the enemy is coming from?

    "Oh, probably from the rear.

    Hearing the soldier''s report, Hercule frowned.

    (Are you sure they went down that cliff?¡¡If so, ......)

    Call out to the generals and soldiers now. The enemy is small, definitely less than a hundred cavalry. Even if they attack, do not fight, but stay where you are.

    If they go down the cliff in the rear, it is not a large army.

    If a large army were to descend the cliff, it would be noticed by sound.

    The enemy is an elite few.

    We can defeat them if we stay calm and don''t fight each other.

    Yes, sir!

    The soldier nodded and immediately ran.

    The soldier nodded and immediately rushed forward, only to be pierced by an arrow that flew out of nowhere.

    "d*mn, it''s already this deep in?

    As if in reply to Hercule''s muttering, arrows rained down on him.

    Karolina summoned Eligos and repelled all the arrows.

    "Your Majesty, you must flee!

    I''d say run. It''s not that easy to escape. ......

    Master!¡¡Please avoid them!

    Master!¡¡An arrow from above!

    At that moment, Asmodeus and Sitri shouted.

    Hercule hurriedly turned his body away.

    At the same time, he felt a pain in his right hand.

    He looked and saw an arrow sticking out of it.

    "This is ...... not good.

    A cold sweat ran down Hercule''s back when he saw the arrow.

    Alicia smiled as she shot through a man of high status.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a number of things you can do.

    The man Alicia just shot through was an Elf, and judging by his attire, he was definitely a high-ranking general, perhaps even the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Now, we''re going to cut through the camp and leave. The rest of them will fight each other on their own and reduce their numbers.

    We''re not going to find out if the man we just shot is alive or dead.

    I''m not going to check if the man I just shot is alive or dead because my first priority right now is to get the hell out of here.

    (Although I don''t think he''s alive after being shot through by my Lelaguer.

    Number 14 in the pecking order, Grand Marquis.

    "Leraj, the Great Spirit of Archery and Corruption".

    That is the demon and spirit that Alicia has contracted with.

    Those who are pierced by this arrow, even if it is only a graze, will be ......

    The poison will spread from the wound, and in a few tens of seconds the whole body will rot and die.

    If you have enough vitality and bad luck, you can live, but you will not be able to walk or even talk properly because your whole body will be poisoned.

    At any rate, Alicia is fortunate that she was able to inflict at least a fatal wound on the general class.

    However, the Elves are calmly fighting back against us. But the Elves are calmly firing back at us. Are they like us and have better night vision than the Humans?

    Alicia mutters as she shoots an arrow.

    That''s why Alicia and the others avoided the Elves as much as possible, attacking the Humans as they went.

    The Humans, whose night vision was ineffective, had already gone into a frenzy and were starting to fight each other.

    This alone was a great victory.

    A few minutes later, Alicia and the others successfully passed through the Lemurian army''s camp.

    When they checked the number of their comrades, there were only twenty left.

    However, looking at the Lemurian army still in chaos, their deaths were not in vain.

    You could call it a great victory.

    "We''ve won this time, Emperor Lemuria. Now be quiet and leave the grasslands.

    Alicia smiled fearlessly and left.

    The next day, the Kingdom of Bulgaron gave a fierce pursuit to the confused Lemurian army, and succeeded in killing many Lemurian soldiers.

    Alicia later recalled the Battle of Edin Cliffs and thought to herself, "If only we had lost then.

    I wish I had lost then, I wish I had failed.

    Battle of Edin Cliffs

    Engaging Forces

    Lemurian Empire vs. the Kingdom of Bulgaron (Cottormia and Crom clans)

    Main commander

    Lemurian Empire

    Hercule Yulianos

    Karolina Yulianos

    Kingdom of Bulgaron

    Kingdom of Bulgaron

    Alicia Crom

    Troop strength

    Lemurian Empire: approx. 800,000

    Kingdom of Bulgaron 100

    Results

    Lemurian Empire casualties: approx. 200-300

    Kingdom of Bulgalon casualties: details unknown (60-80)

    Victory for the Kingdom of Bulgalon

    Remarks

    Lemurian Empire in full retreat.

    Leadership of the Cottlemere and Crom clans increases.

    Prolonged Lemurian-Bulgaron War becomes decisive.

 143 Episode 15 The victory is a step toward defeat.

    Lunalie was running.

    During the war, Lunalie was in charge of logistics in the city in the Lemurian Empire that was closest to the Kingdom of Bulgaron, and she kept sending food and arrows to Hercule on the battlefield.

    I''m sure that Hercule will come back victorious this time as well. ......

    Just as he was thinking that, Lunalie heard that Hercule had been defeated.

    In addition, there were various information about Hercule, such as "dead," "missing," and "unconscious in critical condition," so Lunalie had no idea what was happening to Hercule.

    In addition, it seems that afterwards, the Bulgurons launched an all-out attack against the defeated Lemurian army. ......

    The Lemurian army was forced to abandon most of the cities they had occupied and retreat.

    About a week after the news of their defeat arrived.

    Finally, the Lemurian army returned to the Lemurian Empire.

    Unable to stay, Lunalie mounted her horse and headed for the Lemurian army''s encampment that had just entered the country.

    And now, she was galloping towards the tent where Hercule was sleeping.

    "Your Majesty!

    Lunalie shook off the silence of the guards and entered the tent.

    What Lunalie saw there was ......

    "Your Majesty, ahh.

    "Aww.

    It was Hercule who was being fed an apple by Carolina.

    If you look closely, you can see that he is stroking Carolina''s buttocks with his left hand.

    Lunalie slumped down on the spot.

    "Luna, what''s wrong?

    When Hercule asked, Lunalie stood up unsteadily and walked over to ......

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    You know how worried I was about you flirting with ...... me at a time like this!

    "What, you were worried about me?¡¡You have a cute side.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s not afraid of you.

    I''m not worried about you.

    "You''re saying the opposite of what you said before.

    Hercule smiled bitterly and let go of Lunalie.

    She turned away with a bright red face.

    You''re saying that it was a false alarm that you almost died?

    "No, it''s true.

    Hercule then raised his right arm.

    Seeing this, Lunalie''s eyes widened.

    The tip of the arm was missing from just above the elbow.

    If Carolina had been a few moments later to cut it off, she would have had to go to the gods before you.

    Are you okay ......?

    The wound is closed. The demon I''m under contract with is taking care of the phantom limb pain, so there''s no pain. It will be a little inconvenient, though.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I''ll just have to let the servants take care of me since I''m missing a hand.

    If there is a problem, it''s that I look a little worse for wear, and I can''t draw my bow to shoot deer or boar anymore, and I can''t ...... rub your breasts with both hands. It''s a shame, really, that you have two breasts and I can only squeeze one.

    Hercule said, sounding truly disappointed.

    Even Lunalie was taken aback by this.

    You really look okay.

    "For now. But it''s true that you were unconscious.¡¡I really thought I was going to die.

    Hercule said and let out a sigh.

    I''m much better now, but a few days ago I had a high fever and was having nightmares.

    But now I finally have a black mark on my record. In addition to that, most of the cities I regained were taken by the Bulgarons, and I lost more than two hundred men.

    Fortunately, there were relatively few casualties among the Long-eared Elves.

    The elves, who can see better at night, were less likely to be confused.

    But even with that in mind, they still suffered heavy casualties.

    For the time being, we have to fill the infantry with Tonden-hei and the cavalry with reserves. But until we recover from these losses, we can''t take any military action. I''m worried about how Fahls will react. Well, we have Scheherazade and an alliance with the Kuro Tongue, so I don''t think he''ll suddenly attack us.

    What we have lost is great.

    Hercule said gloomily.

    What are we going to do with Bulgalon?¡¡Make peace?

    When Lunalie asked, Hercule shook his head.

    "No way, if I get scared and make peace with them, that''s exactly what Bulgallon wants.

    And ......

    Hercule slammed his left hand down hard on the bed.

    Karolina and Lunalee cowered involuntarily.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. And then, as if by design, a huge army followed up. It''s really annoying. ......

    Hercule said in a voice filled with anger.

    I''ll forgive you if you do a little looting ....... But you took my right hand, my precious hand. You''ll pay a heavy price for this, Bourgaron ...... and Alicia Crom.

    Hercule whispered the name of the woman who had taken his right hand.

    "Yeah, fine. I''ll go all the way. I will not accept any more peace offers from the Bulgurons except total surrender. We will destroy and conquer them once and for all. No more short term battles. We''re going for the long haul. We''ll see about that, Brugalon. ......

    He smiled the most brutal smile I''ve ever seen, emitting murderous intent and anger.

    Carolina and Lunalee shuddered and hugged each other.

    You''re right, Alicia Crom. Thanks to you, we''ve been able to turn the tables ......, and it''s really reassuring to know that you''re my son''s fianc¨¦e.

    "Thank you, my king.

    Alicia knelt in front of King Bulgalon and received his compliments.

    Alicia kneels before King Bulgalon and receives his compliments. Telerig watches her with a pained expression.

    "Tell him, Terelig, you should learn from Alicia.

    "Yes, ......, Father.

    Terelig''s expression was one of regret.

    If it weren''t for Alicia''s efforts, the Bulgurons would have lost many of their cities to the Lemurian Empire and would have had to make a humiliating peace with them.

    If that had happened, the fame of the Kotormir clan would have fallen to the ground.

    The Kotormir clan and Telerig were saved by Alicia.

    However, Terelig was not so happy about Alicia''s success.

    He felt grateful to Alicia and congratulated her on her great victory, but he also felt jealous of her military prowess and achievements.

    Hahaha!¡¡I feel really good!¡¡Now Lemuria will give up and retreat.

    If the other side wants to make peace, I''ll accept.

    King Bulgalon thought so.

    Of course, I''ll demand payment of tribute.

    King Bulgalon smiled with amusement. ......

    The vassal in charge of diplomacy barged in.

    "My king, a letter from the Emperor of Lemuria has arrived!

    "Hmm, an offer of peace?

    With a happy look on his face, King Bulgalon accepted the letter.

    He breaks the seal and looks inside.

    There it is: ......

    "Dear dogs.

    It seems that the barbarians of Bulgalon, or rather the dogs, are incapable of even the bare minimum of keeping a promise.

    Therefore, I now give you an ultimatum in the name of the Lemurian Emperor Hercule I, God''s representative on earth.

    Surrender to me within a week.

    Otherwise, the Kingdom of Bulgalon will disappear from the map.

    Without thinking, King Vulgaron slammed the letter on the floor.

    "Who''s the dog?

    To the Bulgarons, "dog" is the greatest insult.

    Hercule knew this and wrote this.

    "Yes!¡¡There will be no peace!¡¡All-out war!

    Total war!" King Vulgaron declared.

    "Are you sure?¡¡Your Majesty?

    Hercule repeated, without anger, to the bureaucrat who had asked him back.

    No problem. Evacuate all residents of the villages and cities included in the area.

    Hercule ordered the lowering of the defense line against the Bulgarons.

    He declared the complete abandonment of all villages and cities near the border with the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    On top of that, ......

    "Use the evacuated residents to build fortresses and watchtowers. Have them blockade all roads leading to the Kingdom of Bulgalon. And have a large number of Tonden soldiers settle near the fortress. Worst case scenario, we can evict the current residents.

    A complete blockade of the border between the Kingdom of Bulgaron and the Lemurian Empire.

    That was what Hercule had ordered the bureaucrats to do.

    And all merchants are notified: ...... Anyone who does business with the Bulgarons will be executed. It is also strictly forbidden for any Lemurian to enter the Bulgaron Kingdom without permission.

    In addition, Hercule summoned Todoris and ordered him to exert diplomatic pressure on the small tribal nations that bordered the Bulgaron Kingdom to stop doing business with the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    Of course, it was unlikely that the whip would be enough to stop the trade, so he promised to give them aid money - candy - in return for stopping the trade.

    When he had finished his orders, Hercule smiled wryly.

    You can''t survive without trade with the peasants. And only my country can trade with you on a large scale. Now, how long do you think you can last?

 144 Episode 16 Small Break

    Three years have passed since the war with the Bulgaron Kingdom began in May.

    Hercule was now twenty-six years old.

    "My contracted spirit, Buell, ...... heal this man''s arm .......

    An old man of the Long Ears (Elves) cast a spell on Hercule''s right arm.

    Then Hercule''s arm was restored.

    Hercule opens and closes his right hand over and over again, his eyes black and white.

    When he was sure that his hand was healed, he thanked the old man.

    Thank you, Mr. Behnam. No, but I really didn''t expect it to heal. ......

    "I told you, didn''t I?¡¡There is no wound that Befnum cannot heal.

    "I told you, there is no wound that Befnum can''t heal," said the astonished Hercule.

    This is where Hercule and Sasan once lived.

    This is the place where Hercule and Sasan VIII first met, in the middle of the Hurat River.

    Lemuria and Farus continued to have relatively good relations during the war with the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    The reason for this was that Farrus had his eyes on the Sindhira region, and because of the marriage between Kurotsuki and Lemuria, he was cautious about military action against both countries.

    The relationship between Lemuria, Kurotsuki, and Fars became friendlier than ever before.

    At one point, Sasan VIII made a proposal to Hercule.

    Would you like to heal my right arm?

    Hercule went to ......, feeling half tricked.

    And he really did get it done.

    It should be noted that the "Malbus" contracted by Loukanos is not a backward compatible version of the "Buell" contracted by Behnam. ......

    This is not to say that the "Buell" contracted by Behnam is inferior.

    Buell is specialized in healing wounds and physical deficiencies, but it is not good at curing poisons and diseases.

    On the other hand, Lukanos'' Malbus cannot heal physical deficiencies, but it is good at healing poison and disease.

    The reason why the effects of their recovery spells are different is that they have different properties in the first place.

    While Buell heals by using the patient''s physical strength to super-activate the patient''s cells, Malbus heals by restoring the patient''s physical strength and then removing the cause itself.

    Thank you, King Foulth, for your help.

    "No, thank you. With or without your right arm, you are still a threat. Then you should be grateful to me.

    King Foulds said aloofly.

    Hercule smiled bitterly.

    The presence or absence of the right arm has no bearing on political or military prowess.

    From Sasan VIII''s point of view, it was a good thing that he was able to ingratiate himself with Hercule at this level.

    "By the way, Emperor of Lemuria, it seems that you are now trying to acquire an interesting horse.

    "Interesting horse?

    What was that ......, Alicia Crom. The pony that made you lose your arm. I hear she defeated you in female form.

    Hercule chuckled.

    Apparently, Sasan VIII had some idea of what Hercule was up to.

    "I received a secret message the other day. It was from Bulgalon. He wants us to attack Lemuria together.

    Oh, you got it?

    No way. Bulgalon is the reason my stupid son lost to you.¡¡If those savages hadn''t seduced my son, Cindira would have fallen into my hands by now. Naturally, I refused. No one is stupid enough to make an alliance with a country that''s going to die within a few years.

    "That''s a wise decision.

    Hercule and Sasan VIII laughed heartily.

    When Hercule returned to Lemuria, the first person to visit him was Scheherazade.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Is your right arm healed?

    "Yes, it''s healed. Thanks to your mediation.

    "Yes, it''s healed, thanks to your mediation," said Hercule.

    Then they kissed.

    No, no, Your Majesty. Your father will be furious. ......

    "Nah, that''s fine. Come on, .......

    Hercule whispered as he ran his tongue over Scheherazade''s ear.

    I''ve been intimate with Scheherazade for over a year now.

    "What do you say?¡¡In bed tonight?

    "No, that''s ...... not a good idea.

    You can find a lot more information on this topic on the web.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    She was a devout Messianic woman, and her guard was tight around here.

    Hercule released Scheherazade with a regretful look on his face.

    "Master Hercule!

    The next person to jump in was Cecilia.

    Cecilia touches Hercule''s right hand.

    "It''s really healed!¡¡I''m so glad!

    Oh, it''s true. ...... Now I can rub your breasts with both hands firmly. You''ve been a little frustrated so far, haven''t you?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little frustrated.

    Cecilia is basically more devout than anyone else, but when it comes to her lower body, she''s even more devout than Scheherazade.

    Hercule whispers in Cecilia''s ear.

    "Come tonight. Okay?

    "...... Tea party?

    Yeah, a tea party. I''m not going to rape you this time.

    Of course you will.

    Next came Karolina and Lunalie.

    They also took Hercule''s right hand and touched it.

    "You''re really healing. ......

    "Great ......

    Both of them looked relieved.

    It was a great relief for both of them to see that their husbands had lost their right arms.

    You can now finally satisfy both of you.

    No, no, ...... one hand was enough.

    For that matter, even two hands are more of a threat .......

    Karolina and Lunalee looked away.

    If you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you can always ask for help.

    I''m not sure what to say. Come to ...... tonight.

    Yes.

    "...... Yes.

    I''ll be with Cecilia, but it won''t be a problem.

    Hercule decided on his own.

    He would use Carolina and Lunalee to torment Cecilia, Hercule thought, his heart pounding.

    "Your Majesty!

    The next person to jump in was Nia.

    He is now twenty years old and has grown in stature.

    ......, but unfortunately she was no match for Karolina.

    Her breasts are also slightly larger than Carolina''s.

    You''re cured!

    "You''re really overreacting, you and I included. An arm or two is not life-threatening.

    Nia rubbed Hercule''s right hand, and Hercule smiled bitterly.

    It''s a little funny how everyone does the same thing.

    Hercule pats Nia''s head with his right hand.

    He does not ask her to go to bed.

    ...... Unfortunately, Nia was still a virgin.

    Next came Cifanie and Petra, the daughter of Hercule and Cifanie.

    Petra had recently celebrated her third birthday.

    Your Majesty, you''re healed!

    "Yes, I''m healed.

    Hercule raised his right hand.

    Sifanny ran up to Hercule and touched his right hand.

    What''s wrong with your hand, mister?

    "It''s healed.

    "Wow.

    Petra looks at Hercule''s right hand with great interest.

    It was the first time for Petra to see Hercule''s right hand.

    Petra''s eyes were blue, just like Hercule''s.

    While stroking Petra''s head with his right hand, Hercule pulled Cifanie to him with his left hand and whispered in her ear.

    Come to bed with me tonight. I''ll make you Petra''s sister or brother.

    "Yes.

    Cifanie blushed.

    Cifanie was two years younger than Hercule, at twenty-four.

    She is still young, but as a human, she will age quickly.

    Hercule thought that he should hold her as long as he could while she was still young.

    I''m not sure what to say. I''m sorry, I''m sorry,.......

    It was the silver-haired celestial fox, Hupatia, who walked in, her voice trembling.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea. It''s a great demon contract magic.

    "It''s not a demon, it''s a spirit, Miss Hypatia.

    "Oh, my, High Priestess Medium!

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    If you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.

    Hercule restrained Cecilia, and then embraced and kissed Hyppatia.

    Then he stroked her fox ears and whispered.

    "I want you to check my right hand tonight. How is it?

    "Yes, ......, I understand.

    I''m not going to tell you that Carolina, Lunalie, Cifanie, and even Cecilia are here.

    If I tell you, you will never come.

    Hercule hums merrily.

    His right arm was back and he felt really good.

    Now, let''s get to work cooking those bloogalons.

    Sasan VIII had given Hercule some valuable information.

    Sasan VIII gave Hercule valuable information that the Bulgaron Kingdom was being hunted down to the point that they had to ask for help from the Kingdom of Foulds.

    Hercule smiled lecherously.

    "Well, dogs of the Bulgurons, and Alicia Crom. I''m going to make it up to you for what you did to me three years ago.

    More ......

    I''m not sure if I''ll be seeing my wife or mistress first.

 145 Episode 17 Equestrian Tactics Before

    Three years had passed since Hercule had placed an economic blockade on the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    It had been steadily causing great damage to the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    At first glance, nomads seem to be a solitary people who don''t interact with farmers. ......

    In fact, their lives are closely related to those of the farmers.

    While the farmers can maintain their society within their own world, the nomads cannot maintain their society and life without interacting with the farmers.

    People cannot live only on sheep meat and goat milk, and in the first place, there is not enough food for them.

    Wool is sold to farmers to buy grain, vegetables, salt, and handicrafts.

    It is only through such trading activities that nomads can make a living.

    Therefore, it was fatal for the Kingdom of Bulgalon that the Lemurian Empire completely sealed its borders and completely stopped trade with the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    The Lemurian Empire is the only nation that can trade properly with the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    The cessation of trade with the Lemurian Empire was tantamount to losing the means to obtain necessities such as grain, vegetables, and salt.

    However, not all the clans in ...... are in need.

    For example, the Kotormir clan suffered minimal damage because they had many agrarian cities within their dominion.

    The Chromes were not as strong as the Kotormians, but they still had a strong economy and were not cornered.

    And the Teritelle, the third largest clan, is ......

    "Thank God you''re wise, Teritel Chief.

    "That''s too good to be true, Your Majesty. "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. ...... We look forward to your trade and technical assistance.

    "Yes, I know.

    "Thank you, Your Majesty.

    The Territorial Chief kneeled to Hercule.

    This is the Palace of Nova Lemuria.

    The Territorial Chief had secretly traveled by sea to the Nova Lemuria Palace to negotiate with Hercule in secret.

    In fact, the Tellitel tribe had been in contact with the Lemurian Empire since the time of the previous emperor Hadrian III.

    The Territorial Clan was absorbed into the Kingdom of Bulgaron after being defeated by the Cotormia and Chromium Clans. ......

    In fact, the Territorial Clan was unhappy with the rule of the Kotormir Clan.

    In addition, the Territories of the Territorial Clans are located from the central part of the Bulgaron Kingdom to the north, and in order to trade with the Lemurian Empire by land, one must pass through the territories of the Kotormir and Krom Clans.

    In order to trade with the Lemurian Empire by land, one had to pass through the territory of the Kotormir and Crom clans.

    Therefore, it was very important for the Territorial Clans to trade with Lemuria by sea.

    However, there was no huge port in the territory of the Territorial Clan, so it was only a way to make up for the lack of trade by land.

    Initially, the Territorial Clan was included in Hercule''s economic blockade.

    However, the Territorial Clan sent messengers to Lemuria from an early stage and negotiated with them to somehow reopen trade.

    After three years of negotiations, ......

    The Lemurian Empire lifted the economic blockade against the Tellitelle clan.

    In exchange for the following conditions

    In exchange for the Lemurian Empire lifting its economic blockade against the Tellitelle, the Tellitelle would intervene as little as possible in the war between the Kotormir and the Lemurian Empire, and if they did, they would limit the number to no more than a thousand.

    In exchange for a secret agreement, the Tellithians would intervene in the war between the Lemurian Empire and the Kotormian Empire as little as possible.

    In addition to this, the following secret agreement was made.

    In addition to this

    In addition to this, the Territorial Clans would vassalize to the Lemurian Emperor.

    In return, the Lemurian Empire would help the Lemurians to build a port in their territory.

    In return, the Lemurian Empire would support the construction of a port in the territory of the Tellitelle clan.

    After seeing off the back of the Teritel clan chief, who was leaving with a satisfied look on his face, ......

    Hercule smiled.

    "He''s an inedible man, that one.

    "Not at all, Your Majesty.

    Todoris, who was standing next to him, agreed with Hercule.

    If the Lemurian Empire has the advantage, they will join the Lemurian Empire, but if the Bulgurons have the advantage, they will join the Bulgurons.

    The Territorians have chosen a path that will allow them to maintain some independence no matter how this war turns out.

    The Teritels have chosen a path that will allow them to maintain some independence no matter how this war turns out. "But then again, they are a powerful clan to be able to do that. They are the second most powerful clan after Kotormia and Crom. Weak clans can''t do that.

    The only way to maintain neutrality is to have enough power to make both sides think that they can''t be enemies.

    Neutrality without competence is just being a bat.

    Therefore, ......

    Many of the weaker clans of the Bulgaron Kingdom were forced to choose between the Lemurian Empire and the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    "How many clans can you control?

    "They''re all clans of 10,000 people, but I''ve got about seven.

    That''s enough.

    The fact that we''ve been able to recruit this many at the moment means that ......

    If word gets out that the Tellitelle clan is leaning towards Lemuria, it will further accelerate their betrayal of Lemuria.

    Now, it''s time to get down to business. ......

    Hercule grinned and ......

    He called Nia and Jebe over.

    This is one of the settlements of a nomadic village belonging to the Krom clan.

    You need to win this time, don''t you?

    It''s true. It''s true, but it looks like Alicia will be there, so she''s bound to win again. There''s no way Lemuria can beat the Bulgurons. Then this life of suffering will be over.

    The women of a certain clan in the Kingdom of Bulgalon were making small talk like that.

    The topic of conversation was that the Lemurian Empire, which had not moved in the slightest for three years, had once again launched a massive military campaign.

    All the men had left the village and headed for the battlefield.

    Now there are only a few men, women, children, and old people in this village.

    And did you hear that?¡¡I heard that the Kotormir clan lives in luxury.

    I don''t like the Kotormir clan, even though they are allies.

    On the surface, the Crom and Kotormir clans are on good terms, but deep down, they are not on the same page.

    The relationship between the Chromes and the Kotormir has been deteriorating lately.

    The Chromium clan is certainly more economically powerful than the other clans, but it is weaker than the Kotormir clan.

    If the economic blockade is imposed on them, their lives will become more or less difficult.

    And the grass is not growing well this year. ......

    We have very little food reserves.

    This year''s cooler-than-usual weather has resulted in very poor grass growth.

    Last winter was also very cold and many goats and sheep froze to death.

    The chief of the Chromium clan gave us some of his grain reserves and we managed not to starve. ......

    But life was still hard, and there was no telling what would happen next year.

    The men will have to work hard, after all.

    That''s right.

    The women were worried about their husbands, who had sent them off to war.

    A village with such a mixture of tension and idyllic atmosphere is ......

    It wasn''t until a few hours later that I was thrown into a state of terror.

    The Lemurian Empire''s forces are closing in!¡¡There are about a ...... thousand of them!

    A boy who was herding sheep noticed the approach of the Lemurian Empire.

    Hearing this, the few remaining men in the village mounted their horses and set out to repel the Lemurian army.

    The Lemurian army that they captured, with their excellent eyesight, was ......

    The Lemurian army they captured was about a thousand horsemen.

    But they all dismounted at once.

    Then they set up their spears and began to form a formation.

    "Aren''t they cavalry?¡¡...... Yeah!¡¡Charge!

    The men took up their bows and charged the Lemurian army.

    "Captain, the Bulgurons. There are about two hundred of them!

    I''m not sure how they''re going to challenge us with that many men. ...... If there are 200 men left, then at best there are 200 or a little more in the village.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    He is leading a battalion of 120 rangers that were given to him by Hercule.

    The difference in strength is sixfold.

    "Formation D, sir.

    ""Yes, sir!"

    The Nia Battalion, having received Nia''s order, began to form a formation as they had been trained to do.

    Three companies of forty-five dismounted and formed a circle with their spears at the ready.

    Then two companies also dismounted and set up their bows inside the circle.

    Finally, three companies, still on horseback, prepared to charge.

    The members of Nia''s battalion are cavalry, archers, and infantry. ......

    All of them are trained.

    They are usually cavalrymen who travel on horseback, but they can also be infantry or archers depending on the situation.

    Whenever and whatever the battlefield ......

    This is the strength of the Near Battalion.

    This was the strength of the Nia Battalion.

    The archers first fired a volley at the charging Bulgarson soldiers.

    The Lemurian longbows had a longer range than the Bulgaron shortbows, so the Bulgaron soldiers were shot dead one after another.

    And even the Bulgurons who managed to get close to the Lemurians were bounced back by the wall of spears that formed a circle.

    "Cavalry, charge!¡¡Follow me!

    Under Nia''s command, the spearmen and archers made a hole in the circle.

    From there, forty-five hundred cavalry charge at the Bulgurons.

    "If you resist, I''ll kill you!

    Nia declared as she slashed at the Bulgaron soldiers.

    Only eighty of the Bulgurons survived and were taken prisoner.

    "Report the damage.

    "Zero, sir.

    Good.

    Nia nodded in satisfaction after receiving the damage report from his first officer.

    With a six-fold difference in strength, it was only natural that they would win.

    He was proud of his troops, whom Near had spent more than three years raising.

    I don''t want them to die in a battle of this magnitude.

    I''ll split the squad in two. Five companies will follow me and head for the village. The other three companies, take those prisoners and come back later.

 146 Episode 18 Equestrian Tactics After

    If you resist, I''ll kill you. If you remain calm, I will not take your life.

    Nia declared in the Bulgarian village.

    Nia''s words were immediately translated by his second-in-command who could speak Bulgarian.

    The Bulgurons obeyed Nia meekly and raised their hands, as there were no more forces in the village to resist.

    Nia gathered the inhabitants in one place and had the soldiers watch them.

    He then selected some of them to show them around the village.

    "Where are the sheep and horses?

    "Why do I have to tell you ......?

    "If you don''t answer, I''ll kill you one by one every three seconds. Three, two, .......

    Come on, come on!¡¡Follow me, follow me, follow me!

    Nia and her men are led by the Bulgurons to a place where they are herding sheep and horses.

    Nia orders his men.

    "Kill all the sheep. Kill all the horses, leaving the best ones alive.

    "No, no, no, no, no!¡¡Sheep and horses are ......

    Shut up!

    Nia put her fist in the Bulgaran''s stomach and killed all the livestock with poisoned arrows, leaving only a few horses.

    Nia leads the drooping Bulgaron man back to the village where Yurt stands.

    Next, Nia orders the gathered inhabitants.

    Take off your clothes and remove all ornaments. Anyone who does not strip completely naked within 30 seconds will be killed. Thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight. ......

    At Nia''s command, the Bulgurons hurriedly began to take off their clothes.

    After watching with satisfaction as the Bulgurons hid their naked bodies, Nia gathered the clothes she had taken from them into one place.

    "Set fire to it.

    Nia''s men set the stolen clothes on fire with torches.

    The fire burns bright red.

    Nia also sets fire to all the yurts in the village.

    The naked Bulgurons can only watch the scene.

    In the meantime, his men, who had once parted ways with him, came back with the prisoners.

    They were all disarmed and stripped naked.

    We will release all the prisoners. However, ...... we''ve cut off their fingers so they can''t fight anymore.

    Nia said, and released the men.

    He then mounted his horse and gave the order to his men.

    ''Come on, let''s get to the next settlement. What?¡¡Distribute the loot?¡¡We can decide that on the march!¡¡Act quickly!¡¡Come on, let''s go!

    Nia hurried her men away from the village in a flash.

    The remaining residents muttered to themselves as they watched the village go up in flames.

    "...... How will we live from now on?

    No one could answer that question.

    Within a week, more than 20 villages were burned by Nia and Jebe. ......

    More than twenty settlements were burned and looted by Nia and Jebe.

    "Your Majesty, we have just returned.

    "Good, well done. How did it go?

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction as he heard the results of the battle from Nia and Jebe.

    It seems that they succeeded in burning the defenseless Bulgaron settlements, especially those of the Krom clan.

    Let''s retreat. There is no reason for us to stay here any longer.

    With that, Hercule ordered the entire army to retreat.

    For the past week, Hercule had been deploying a large force of about 80000 troops near the border with Bulgalon. ......

    Now that Nia and Jebe have succeeded in their mission, there is no need to deploy any more troops.

    "Your Majesty.

    What is it?¡¡Nia.

    I was wondering if you could tell me the purpose of this operation?

    Nia asked Hercule.

    Hercule smiles wryly.

    "Hmm ......, just so I understand, do you know why I''ve deployed a large force?

    Yes. It''s a diversion, right?¡¡The two of us, Jebe and I, will quietly invade the Bulgaron Kingdom and attack the defenseless Bulgaron settlements.

    When war breaks out, the Bulgurons move their settlements closer to the battlefield.

    When war breaks out, the Bulgurons move their settlements closer to the battlefield, and the Bulgurons'' settlements serve as logistics bases.

    Hercule''s goal is to create a diversion with a large army, and while the Bulgurons'' men are out of the way, ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    But I don''t understand the intent of the order to kill as few of the inhabitants as possible and burn all their property to the ground ....... No killing of prisoners, only cutting off their fingers. ......

    "Jebe is a nomad, so he''ll understand.

    Hercule said. ......

    Jebe gave a small nod.

    Nia frowned blatantly.

    It''s frustrating that Jebe knows what he''s doing and I don''t.

    It''s not that he''s inferior to Jebe.

    This is not to say that Nia is inferior to Jebe.

    But Nia wants to win all the battles.

    For us nomads, sheep, horses, easy-to-carry cloths and precious metals are our most precious possessions. To be deprived of all that would mean starving to death.

    "That''s right, Jebe. Nia, do you understand?

    ...... So your goal is to starve the Bulgurons to death?

    When Nia asked this, ......

    Hercule shook his head from side to side.

    No, not exactly.

    "...... different?

    What, you were wrong, too?

    When Nia found out that Jebe was wrong, she looked blatantly happy.

    Jebe frowned a little uncomfortably at the sight of Nia''s expression.

    You were wrong, too, weren''t you?

    What, what are you trying to say?

    "Don''t fight.

    When Hercule blamed them, they apologized to Hercule.

    When Hercule blamed them, they apologized to Hercule, who inwardly thought that he was the wrong person to apologize to.

    No one wants to starve to death. No one wants to starve to death, so they''re going to do something before they do. That means help. We''ve got to get food from somewhere. Especially the hard-hit Krom and the smaller clans with weaker economic bases.

    The Krom clan has lost enough food to feed a total of 30,000 people.

    The Chromes have lost a total of 30,000 people''s worth of food, and the small and medium-sized clans, which originally had little reserves, have been hit hard.

    If this were Lemuria, we could all help each other out. ...... Now, what about the Bulgurons?

    Hercule smiled.

    "This is a bad idea, Alicia.

    "Yes, father .......

    When Alicia and the Crom Chief returned from the battlefield, they were met by their own people, who had been deprived of food.

    Alicia and the Chrome-Chief had no choice but to redistribute the food: ......

    "There was originally only enough food for 400,000 people. We lost another 30,000 people''s food and many sheep. ......

    The population of the Chrom clan is 450,000.

    In other words, the Chromes were already in a situation where more than 50,000 people were running out of food.

    On top of that, they lost another 30,000 people.

    Especially painful was the loss of many sheep, goats, and horses.

    Livestock could not be increased so easily, and it became difficult to obtain milk, a valuable source of nutrition.

    This year is good. This year is good, but we have to think about the future. ......

    Even if we manage to make it through this year, ......

    Even if we manage to survive this year, we don''t know what next year will bring.

    Even if we manage to survive this year, we don''t know what will happen next year. If we''re not careful, more than half of our population may starve to death.

    "Clan leader!¡¡We''re in trouble!

    What''s wrong?

    The settlement to the west has been attacked!

    What is it?¡¡Lemurian forces?

    No, no, no. ...... It was the Tulum Clan!

    The Tulum Clan.

    They are the most powerful clan in the Kingdom of Bulgaron.

    It''s hard to believe they would attack the Chromes.

    At least not on their own.

    So ......

    "You''ve turned to Lemuria!

    The Chrome Chief clenched his fists in frustration.

    The economic base of the clan was weak to begin with.

    They must have succumbed to the Lemurian Empire''s economic blockade early on.

    The Lemurian army knew the exact location of our village because they were guided from within. ......

    Although nomads have an image of moving about freely, there is actually a certain order to their movement.

    There are only a few places where you can find water, sunshine, ...... and, if possible, fuel wood.

    Such places are limited.

    For a stranger with no geographical advantage, it is hard to know where the nomads are now. ......

    For the nomads, they have a rough idea of where they are.

    "First, we should have an audience with King Bulgalon. Then we will have to ask for food aid. ...... I am Master Telerig''s fiancee. I''m sure he''ll make it easy for us.

    "Yes, yes, I will. The Tulum clan can wait. Let''s fix the ...... food problem first.

 147 Episode 19 Front

    "Ummm ......, as much as I''d like to help...

    When Alicia and Chief Chrom asked King Bulgalon for help, he slurred his words.

    Alicia and Chief Chrom bit their lips.

    We can''t afford it. And if we help you, ......".

    Other clans will come to us for help.

    Then there will be no end to it.

    So said King Vulgaron.

    Well, that certainly makes sense.

    But ......

    "We of the Chromium clan must have a close relationship with the Kotormir clan. ...... is different from the other clans.

    "Of course we know that. But it is impossible to provide food for eighty thousand people.

    King Bulgalon replied.

    Alicia pressed him further.

    So, ...... 40,000, even 10,000 would be fine!¡¡Please, please save the people of my clan.

    Alicia bowed profoundly to King Bulgalon.

    At the same time, Chief Chrom bowed as well.

    If you say you can''t, you can''t!¡¡You can''t get what you don''t have!

    King Bulgalon raised his voice.

    "But ......

    "Stop it, Alicia!

    "Stop, Alicia!

    "I''m sorry, King Vulgaron. My daughter was rude. ...... We''ll leave you to it.

    "Well, I''m sorry I can''t help you.

    After the audience, Alicia was temporarily separated from her father, Chief Chrom. ......

    After the audience, Alicia split off with her father, the Krom chief, and went to visit her fianc¨¦, Telerig.

    "Mr. Telerig, please, can''t you intervene?

    "And I would if I could, ......, but my father has asked me not to respond to any requests for help.

    Terelig said, shaking his head.

    Alicia closed in on Terelig.

    You''ve got to get out of there. ......

    No, you can''t ...... go against your father.

    Just a little, just a little ...... sheep will do!

    Alicia says, but Terelig says no, no, no.

    Alicia then looked at Terelig suspiciously.

    ...... Are you sure you don''t have a stockpile?¡¡From what I''ve seen, you seem to be quite well stocked.

    "No way!¡¡Are you doubting me?

    The way you''re dressed, it''s not hard to suspect.

    Terelig, of course, but also King Bulgaron and the other leading members of the Kotormia clan were all dressed in expensive silk.

    Even though Alicia and the others had sold off most of their luxuries and were cutting back on their lives.

    We of the Krom clan are short of food, and some of our young have died. ...... Are you sure the Kotormir clan can''t afford it?

    "Oh, of course not. ......

    That was a lie.

    In fact, the people of Kotormia had a good life.

    Since they had the farming people under their direct control, they could easily obtain grain from them as taxes.

    It is true that they could not provide food for 80,000 people, but they could still afford to provide some support.

    But ......

    King Bulgalon was not going to help.

    The reason was simple.

    He wanted to reduce the power of the Chromes.

    Not just the Chromes.

    He was planning to reduce the power of the powerful clans in the Kingdom of Bulgalon, including the Territorial Clans, and create a centralized country with King Bulgalon at the top.

    Although he had originally had this idea, the decisive moment was the Battle of Astia, where he was defeated because the clan leaders left the war on their own.

    The Battle of Astia, where the clan chiefs left the war on their own and were defeated, was the decisive moment.

    It is true that the Krom clan has intermarried with the Kotormir clan and become a powerful clan, but ......

    No matter how many intermarriages they have, they are still other clans.

    In fact, it was rather troublesome because they had to be careful.

    This is not a problem because the power of not only the Chromes, but also the Telltales and other non-Kotormir clans will be reduced.

    We have helped the Kotormir clan many times. We have helped the Kotormir many times. ...... We have given many young men as soldiers. We also value our trade with Lemuria. But we have shed our blood and spent our fortune fighting for the Kingdom of Bulgalon!¡¡So how dare you treat us like this!

    Alicia said in a hoarse voice.

    Then ......

    "Shut up!!!

    Terelig shouted at her.

    Alicia''s body stiffened involuntarily.

    "Don''t you dare speak to me like that!¡¡You''re supposed to shed blood for the Kingdom of Bulgalon!¡¡Don''t ask for anything in return!¡¡You''re really, always, always, always £¡£¡£¡£¡¡¡You''re so cocky!¡¡You''re a woman, and you''re getting carried away!¡¡It''s only natural for you Chromes to work for the Kotormir clan. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Terelig yelled at her.

    Alicia looked stunned.

    "Oh, you ...... thought of me, of us, that way?¡¡I''ve worked so hard as your fianc¨¦e, as the daughter of an allied clan. ......

    Alicia glared at Terelig as she said this.

    A tear rolled down her cheek.

    When she saw the tears, Terelig realized that she had misspoken, and hurriedly made up for it.

    No, no, no, no, no!¡¡Wait, wait. I never meant what I said. ......

    That''s a lie!

    Alicia yelled.

    She stood up and turned on her heel.

    That''s enough. I will not ask you to do this. I understand what your people, the Kotormir, want. To you, I, your father, and the Chromes were tools and slaves.

    "Wait, wait, Alicia!

    "...... Goodbye, Master Terelig.

    Alicia said and left the place.

    After that, Alicia and the chief of the Krom clan returned to the Krom settlement and sent letters to all the clans, including the Telltale clan, asking for their support.

    But all the clans were in trouble.

    They were all turned down.

    We''ll have to turn to foreign countries.

    "Foreign?¡¡But father, there is no foreign country that borders Bulgalon. ......

    There is the Lemurian Empire, or the warbeast tribal nations on the western side of the land.

    Or the kingdom of Hayastan on the other side of the sea.

    The warbeast tribal nations don''t have the production capacity to export food.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is a tributary of the Lemurian Empire, so there''s little hope for them. ......

    The Lemurian Empire''s agricultural production capacity is not right in the first place.

    Only the Lemurian Empire or the Kingdom of Fars has the capacity to produce enough wheat to feed its own people and export to other countries.

    "How about looting?

    Looting? ...... But can we defeat Lemuria on our own?

    The Lemurian Empire has moved all of its villages and cities inside its own borders.

    The Lemurian Empire has moved all of its villages and cities to the interior of the country, so in order to loot, you need to break through the Lemurian Empire''s defense lines.

    But the Lemurian Empire''s defenses are too strong to be breached.

    But if you don''t, you''ll starve to death.

    "......

    Alicia knows.

    It''s impossible for the Chromes to defeat the Lemurian Empire alone.

    If you can draw them into the Bulgurons'' kingdom and use their geographical advantage to fight them, you can still ......

    It''s impossible for them to invade the territory of the Lemurian Empire, defeat the Lemurian army, and then plunder it.

    The Lemurian Empire''s army is so powerful and the Lemurian Emperor''s military abilities are so high.

    The Lemurian emperor''s military prowess is so great that Alicia knows that he has more military talent than most people.

    "Clan leader!¡¡The settlement to the north has been attacked this time!

    "What!¡¡Which clan is it this time?¡¡They''re coming after us like hyenas. Those traitors who sold their souls to Lemuria. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    The Chrome Clan Chief shouted.

    Hearing this, ...... Alicia realized.

    There''s only one way to do this.

    Yes, just one. ......

    "Oh, Father, ...... I''ve got an idea.

    "A plan?¡¡What''s that? Tell me.

    Alicia tells her idea to Chief Chrom.

    The Chromium Chief''s face contorted.

    You can''t do that. There''s no way I can do that, and they''ll never allow it.

    "But it''s the only way!¡¡If we don''t, we will all starve to death!¡¡This year is good, but next year?¡¡What about the year after that?¡¡The Kotormir clan has no intention of saving us, but rather they are waiting for us to weaken!

    "That''s true, but .......

    The Crom Clan Chief twisted his face in frustration .

    The main reason for this was that Chief Chrom had too much faith in the Kotormir clan.

    If he''d given up on them early on and gone with the war protesters like the Tellitelle, none of this would have happened.

    "...... All right, Alicia. You''re right. There is no need for us to think about the whole of Bulgalon when the Kotormia clan only thinks about the Kotormia clan. We''ll think only of us.

    Finally, the Crom Clan Chief relented.

    "Then I''ll be going right away.

    "Yes, I''ll entrust you with full authority. I''m entrusting you with full authority.

    It was a week later.

    In the Throne Room of the Nova Lemuria Palace: ......

    Hercule looked down at the girl in the traditional costume and said.

    ''You''re faster than I thought, Alicia Crom. No, b*tc*. Now, what can I do for you?

    Hercule said happily.

 148 Episode 20 After

    I''ve come to ...... ask for an alliance.

    Alicia said to the Emperor of Lemuria, a man sitting on a throne and smiling fearlessly .......

    The Emperor of Lemuria was the man Alicia had once shot through with her Leraje.

    (Why is he still alive?).

    Alicia wondered, but didn''t say, because it would only make her worse.

    "An alliance?

    Yes, that''s right. ...... We will break our alliance with the Kotormia clan and form an alliance with the Lemurian Empire and you. I will also give you all the information I know about the Kingdom of Bulgaron. In return, please provide us with food and lift the trade blockade. ......

    "So you''re here to negotiate with me?

    Alicia nodded.

    Alicia nodded. Hercule snickered and ......

    "Go home.

    "Why?

    Your attitude is rude. Negotiation?¡¡It''s a negotiation between equals. You dogs and I, God''s agents, are not on equal footing. I won''t say it again, leave.

    Alicia looked dumbfounded.

    All of the bargaining chips she had prepared before coming to the Lemurian Empire had fallen apart.

    "Oh, Alicia-sama, .......

    What should we do, Princess?

    Alicia''s attendant asked Alicia in a whisper.

    Alicia looks around.

    The knights with swords are glaring at Alicia and the others.

    If she continues like this, she will be thrown out.

    Alicia bows deeply to Hercule.

    Please forgive me for my rudeness. Please have mercy on ...... and help my tribe. If this continues, my tribe will perish.

    Alicia gave up trying to negotiate with Hercule.

    There is no longer any negotiation.

    All Alicia could do was beg for help.

    Seeing Alicia''s attitude, Hercule smiled.

    "Hmm, that''s all right. I forgive you for your rudeness. But is that how you ask for help?

    "......

    Alicia bit her lip, then ......

    Alicia bites her lip and then bends her knees, resting her forehead on the floor.

    Seeing Alicia''s knees folded, the followers hurriedly assumed the same posture as Alicia.

    "Please, please, please. Please have mercy and help my clan.

    Even Hercule''s vassals, who were standing near the throne, looked surprised at this attitude.

    The proud Bulgaron had fallen to his knees.

    But Hercule said, ......

    "That''s the way humans beg. You are dogs, are you not?¡¡Beg like a dog, like a dog.

    Alicia involuntarily clutched her hands tightly.

    Her nails dig in and blood stains the floor.

    "Yeah?¡¡That''s a very defiant look on your face. Is that the look you get when you ask someone for something?

    "I''m sorry, sir. I''m sorry, but what exactly do I have to do to beg like a ...... dog?

    Alicia fought to keep her face from contorting in humiliation as she asked Hercule.

    Alicia struggled to hold back her humiliation and asked Hercule.

    Get on all fours and walk over here. Then lick the shoe.

    At this, even Hercule''s subjects were taken aback.

    This was not the kind of thing to order a noble princess to do in public, no matter how hostile the country was.

    "Oh, Princess, let''s go home ......, you don''t have to do this!

    The servants stopped Alicia.

    Alicia struggled for a while and then said to the squire in a ...... whisper.

    "Do you ...... have an alternative?

    "Well, that''s ......

    "Then I guess we have no choice.

    Alicia said, ......

    Alicia began to walk on all fours to the bottom of the Hercule.

    Then she climbed the stairs to the bottom of the throne.

    Alicia looked up.

    There was a man with a twisted, lecherous smile on his face.

    He looks like he''s really enjoying himself.

    Alicia puts her face close to Hercule''s shoe.

    And extended her tongue.

    It was only a few moments, but to Alicia it felt like an infinite amount of time.

    Fighting back tears, biting back shame and anger, she managed to lick the sole of Hercule''s shoe with her tongue.

    At that moment ......

    Alicia''s face was shocked.

    Without thinking, Alicia screamed.

    She fell down the stairs and touched her cheek, which was aching.

    Only then does Alicia realize that Hercule has kicked her down.

    Anger welled up in her.

    "Why, you licked my shoe. ......

    I only told you to lick my shoes. I didn''t tell you to lick my attitude. I told you to ...... be a dog, like a dog, didn''t I?

    Then Hercule said with a laugh.

    "Do Bulgur dogs wear clothes?

    For a moment, Alicia could not understand what was being said.

    For a moment, Alicia did not understand what was being said, and neither did Hercule''s subjects and Alicia''s followers.

    "What are you ......

    "I''m telling you to take off your clothes. Lemurian dogs don''t wear clothes.

    Alicia felt the blood rush to her head.

    She glared at Hercule and yelled at him.

    "Don''t play dumb!¡¡If you''re in a bad position, you''re in a good position. ...... Who the hell do you think you are?

    Alicia couldn''t say a word until the end.

    I''m not sure what to say," she said.

    She felt intense pleasure, intense pain, itching and discomfort.

    Oh, my ...... what, my body!

    "Payback, b*tc*. Three years ago, you put an arrow through me, didn''t you?¡¡I lost my right arm because of it. Well, it''s back now for some reason, but it still crippled me, hurt me, almost killed me.

    Hercule said as he ordered Asmodeus and Citri to torment Alicia.

    Seeing her writhing around, Alicia''s followers stood up in unison.

    In response, the guards drew their swords in unison.

    You''re going to attack me?¡¡But I''d rather see Alicia die of madness than you harm me.

    Hercule threatened, and Alicia''s followers fell to their knees again, their faces contorted in frustration.

    Alicia, you are not disciplining your men.

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry. No, no, no, no, no. ......

    I''ve weakened you. You can talk, you can move. If you want me to stop, you understand?

    Hercule said, ......

    Alicia cried and put her hands on her clothes.

    Slowly, she took the time to remove her clothes, leaving her body completely clothed.

    "Don''t cover up, b*tc*. Put your hands behind your back.

    "...... Yes.

    Hercule''s gaze crawled over Alicia''s body.

    Alicia''s face was red and shaking from the pleasure and humiliation that had just overtaken her body.

    "Put this on, Alicia.

    Hercule shot out something.

    Alicia picked it up.

    It was a red collar.

    The collar had a bell and a chain attached to it, and the chain was reaching for Hercule''s hand.

    Alicia saw the despair in Hercule''s eyes as she realized his intentions.

    "Hurry up.

    "Uh-uh......, yes......, I understand, I understand.

    Crying, Alicia put a red collar around her neck.

    A bell was attached to the collar, and every time Alicia moved it rang, humiliating her to death.

    Come on, let''s do it again. Alicia, come down to me.

    Yes, .......

    Alicia crawled on all fours and started to walk under Hercule again.

    As she walks up the stairs, Alicia thinks.

    Perhaps her squire kneeling at the bottom of the stairs would be able to see her most embarrassing part.

    But it was too late for that now.

    The Lemurian Kingsguard and his vassals had already seen her in all her nakedness.

    Alicia did not think about anything else, but only about climbing the stairs.

    When she reached Hercule''s feet, Alicia looked up at him.

    Strangely, she felt higher than before.

    You look better than before, Alicia.

    "Thank you.

    Alicia didn''t have the energy to argue with Hercule anymore.

    Come on, lick it.

    Yes, .......

    Alicia took a lick of Hercule''s shoe.

    Then she checked Hercule''s face.

    There was no change in Hercule''s expression.

    Alicia continued to lick Hercule''s shoe with all her might.

    She stopped thinking about anything other than licking the shoe.

    If she didn''t, she would bite her tongue out at any moment.

    "That''s enough.

    Alicia did not know how much time had passed.

    It felt like she had been licking it for over an hour, or maybe it was just a matter of minutes.

    Alicia looked blankly at the foot that was closing in on her head.

    Avoiding it was not an option left to her.

    "Agh ......

    I''m not sure what to say. How do you feel?¡¡How do you feel?

    As Hercule stomped on her head and scraped her face on the floor,......

    Alicia cried out.

    "It''s bad. ......

    "Oh, I''m surprised. I thought you''d be happy about it. So how did the shoes taste?

    "It was salty.

    That''s because Alicia''s own tears got into her mouth while she was licking the shoe.

    Alicia''s answer seemed to satisfy Hercule and he smiled good-humoredly.

    Next, Hercule yanked up the chain.

    Alicia''s neck was suddenly yanked and she let out a croak like a squashed frog.

    Hercule roughly grabbed Alicia''s hair with his right hand and grabbed her face with his left.

    He grabbed her face with his left hand. It''s not a bad look. Her breasts and buttocks are also ...... quite good. Good for you, Alicia. If you were ugly, I would have abandoned the Krom clan.

    Hercule said with a brutal smile.

    "You''re lucky, Alicia. I''m sure the Lemurian boys and women you Bulgurons have raped and sold into slavery have suffered more than you have now. You won''t be gang-raped by multiple men, and you''ll be my b*tc* for all eternity. You can thank me for my mercy, Alicia.

    "Oh, thank you .......

    Alicia thanked Hercule with tears.

    "Weak to be taken, weak to be raped.

    These were the words that came to her mind.

    It was the same words that Alicia had once said while sneering at a Lemurian woman who was being raped.

 149 Episode 21 Battle of Bellejuen Pass Before

    The Chrome Clan has betrayed us.

    The news was widely publicized by Hercule.

    As a result, not only the anti-Kothrumia clans that had not directly opposed the Kothrumia clan, but even the opportunistic clans decided to vassalize with the Lemurian Empire at once.

    On the other hand, the Territorial Clans, the clans friendly to the Territorial Clans, and the clans that were still undecided rallied to form an alliance and declared their neutrality upon breaking the alliance with the Kotormia Clans.

    As a result, the Kingdom of Bulgaron was divided into three factions: the Lemurians, the Kotormians, and the Neutrals.

    Hercule lifted the ban on trade with the Lemurian clans, and at the same time began to provide them with food aid. ......

    He gathered a large army and started to march on the Kingdom of Bulgalon again.

    The number of troops was 876,000, including all the standing army.

    In addition, the reinforcements of the Krom clan, with Alicia Krom as their commander, numbered 100,000.

    One hundred and ten other Lemurian clans were added. ......

    The number of troops swelled to seventeen hundred and sixty.

    "Nngh, hmm, nngh, ......

    In the tent of the Lemurian Empire''s army, two Long-eared Elves were facing each other and embracing.

    One is a black-haired bulgaron elf girl, and the other is a man in a glittering costume.

    The man was sitting on the bed and the girl was sitting on his lap.

    The girl, with a flushed face, devours the man''s mouth.

    It looked more like the girl was being served rather than forcefully taking his lips or being on the offensive.

    The man pulled the girl away from him.

    The man pulled the girl away once.

    A bridge of saliva crossed their mouths.

    The man stroked the girl''s buttocks with his left hand while he stroked her head with his right.

    "Good girl.

    Huh, huh. ...... Well, you see, the treatment of the Chromes after the war was ......

    "Oh, don''t worry. I won''t make it worse. After all, your betrayal has been definitive.

    The man - Hercule - said with his hand on the girl - Alicia''s chin.

    Hercule had been steadily swaying the clans within the Bulgaron Kingdom, but he was unable to turn them at the last moment.

    The weaker clans were too afraid of Cothrumia to turn against him directly.

    All they could do was sell information to the Lemurian Empire or harass the weakened and impoverished Krom clans from all sides.

    The Territories were still weighing the Lemurian Empire and the Bulgaron Kingdom, and there was no telling how they would turn.

    But that was not the end of the matter.

    The reason they were able to take direct action was because the Chromium clan had turned to Lemuria.

    The Krom, the second most powerful clan in the Kingdom of Bulgalon, and the biggest ally of the Kotormir clan, turned to Lemuria.

    This had a strong impact on the clans of the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    As a result, the war situation suddenly turned in favor of Lemuria.

    Hercule was finally able to advance his army to the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    The Cotormia clan was slow to respond, and was on the move left and right. "The Kotormir are slow to react and are on the move. This is all thanks to you.

    "Thank you for the compliment. Your Majesty.

    Alicia thanked Hercule and gave him a pecking kiss.

    Alicia thanked Hercule and kissed him peckingly.

    Although she has already demanded service from Lunalie by taking her country and family as hostages, Lunalie is different from Alicia in that she still maintains the pretense that she will not give in to her heart.

    Alicia has no shame or outward appearance.

    However, it is interesting to note that she sometimes seems to be tormented by disgust or guilt, and has a momentary hesitant expression or movement.

    Hercule licked Alicia''s cheek with this in mind.

    Then Alicia shivered.

    You don''t have to be so frightened. I''m really grateful, okay?

    More than two hundred reinforcements were appreciated, but what was most appreciated was the information.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon is a different country, and Hercule knows little about the geography of the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    Unlike Fars and Hayastan, where merchants from both sides often come and go, Lemurian merchants rarely go to Bulgalon, and there is no way to gather information.

    The land of Bulgalon used to be the territory of the Lemurian Empire, but the terrain has changed drastically in a few hundred years.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Hercules are agrarian, and it is nearly impossible for them to accurately grasp the location of a nomadic settlement that is constantly on the move.

    "In addition, the Kotormir must be getting suspicious by now. That''s why they''re moving so slowly. Well, I suppose that''s true. They''ve been cuckolded by their betrothed, the Chromes.¡¡Alicia.

    "Ugh ......, please don''t be mean.

    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find any useful information.

    She seemed to be concerned about her betrayal.

    She seemed to be concerned about her betrayal, which confirmed that her betrayal was not an act or anything.

    "Hey, it''s not your fault. It''s a Bulgarian tradition that it''s worse to be betrayed, isn''t it?

    The society of the Bulgarians is simple, clear, and rational.

    They talk about bravery, tradition, friendship, etc., but in fact, deep down, they are always playing the abacus and are not afraid to do anything cowardly, depending on the situation.

    He has a utilitarian streak in him.

    It is against this cultural and social background that Alicia decided to betray him so easily.

    "But if you betray me, you know what I mean.

    "Yes, yes, I do, Your ...... Majesty.

    When Hercule reminded her, Alicia shook her head repeatedly.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.

    In addition, all the wives and children of the Bulgurons participating in this war have been transferred to Nova Lemuria.

    In order to avoid being involved in the war, we have given various reasons for this, including protection and reduction of the food burden. ......

    In short, they were good hostages.

    "Work hard. I''m buying your skills. After all, you took the right arm from me. You''re going to work hard in this war. Understood?

    "Yes, ......, that tickles.

    Hercule said as he stroked Alicia''s white thighs.

    Alicia was wearing a traditional Bulgarian dress.

    The dress had deep slits in the legs, making it easy to ride a horse.

    At first glance, the dress looks extreme because it exposes the thighs, but in fact, it is very well made and the inside is never visible.

    In addition, she usually wears riding pants separately, so there is no need to be conscious of what is inside.

    However, Alicia was forbidden to wear such pants or underwear inside.

    She was also forced to raise the length of her dress, which normally went down to her ankles, to about 20 centimeters above her knees.

    She was allowed to wear her normal dress and pants when she went to the battlefield, but she was still embarrassed.

    Alicia secretly hoped that Hercule''s comment two days ago, "All the clothes you wear in Nova Lemuria from now on will be in that style," was a joke.

    "Well, Alicia. The Kotormir clans will be ready to fight back soon. Then the battle will begin. Before that, I''d like to find some favorable lands. Do you have any suggestions?

    "Yes.

    Alicia nodded and told Hercule about the terrain.

    Alicia nodded and informed Hercule of the terrain. "The Kotormir will prepare a large force to meet us and intercept us. If they see us as weak, they will accelerate the defection of the other clans, and we will have no choice but to go on the offensive. However, they will have to cross a mountain range before they can reach us. And there are only so many roads that a large army of cavalry can take.

    Hearing Alicia''s plan, Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    Excellent. If that plan is successful, this war will truly be over. ......, but there''s just one problem.

    "What''s that?

    Hercule grabbed Alicia by the throat.

    What is it?" Hercule grabbed Alicia by the throat. Hey, Alicia.

    "No, he won''t!¡¡It''s true. ...... You can trust me.

    Alicia said with tears in her eyes.

    As far as Hercule can tell, she''s not going to betray him. ...... But she could change her mind.

    "If you betray us, we will kill all of the Chromes that have been transported to Nova Lemuria. Do you understand?

    "Yes, sir. Yes, I understand.

    I''ll also assign Nia and Jebe to watch over you. They''re both good, so you can use them as your second in command.

    "Yes, sir.

    Both Nia and Jebe will complain, but ......

    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find a way to get rid of it, but I''m sure you can.

    "Also, ...... is an engagement ring, Alicia. Take it.

    "An engagement ring, sir?

    Hercule took Alicia''s confused hand and slipped it on her finger.

    It''s a beautiful emerald.

    "This is for your collar, b*tc*. Do you like it?¡¡Remember, your master is here.

    "Yes, sir.

    Alicia nodded again and again.

    Incidentally, this ring is enchanted to listen in on Citri.

    If Alicia acts suspiciously, you''ll know.

    Alicia, move.

    "Oh, yes.

    Hercule pulls Alicia off his lap and stands up.

    Then he stretches.

    Then he took a long look at Alicia''s body.

    "You have a nice body after all.

    "Oh, thank you, thank you.

    Alicia thanked him, shaking her head shyly.

    Alicia''s breasts were about the size of Carolina''s and Lunalie''s.

    The size of Alicia''s breasts is between Carolina and Lunalie, which is quite large for an elf.

    But what Hercule particularly liked were her slender legs and taut buttocks.

    Her lower body was well toned from riding horses every day.

    Hercule actually prefers women with moderate muscle tone.

    (I can''t wait for the war to end so I can hold her)

    Hercule hadn''t held Alicia yet.

    This was because he was at war.

    During the war, unless the soldiers have access to prostitution facilities, he has made a rule that he will not hold women.

    He was a strangely disciplined man in this area.

 150 Episode 22 After the Battle of Bellejuen Pass

    It was raining hard that day.

    The rain poured down in torrents, wetting the earth and creating a mire.

    However, the cobblestone roads once laid by the Lemurian Empire were still intact, and the Bulgaron army was able to continue its march without getting trapped in the mud.

    King Bulgalon, with more than a thousand cavalrymen, had crossed the mountain range to repel the invading Lemurian Empire.

    "You, Crom and Territorial ......, will see when this war is over.

    King Bulgalon was trembling with anger.

    King Bulgalon was trembling with anger, especially at the betrayal of the Crom Clan.

    He was especially angry at the betrayal of the Krom people, who, in his opinion, had betrayed him first.

    "Traitors. ...... Alicia Crom!

    King Vulgaron shouts the name of Alicia, the whore who sold his country to the Lemurian Empire.

    It was already known to many Bulgarons that Alicia had sold herself to the Lemurian emperor to beg for her life and that the Krom clan had betrayed the Bulgaron kingdom as a result.

    There are three kinds of thoughts that people have when they hear this story.

    One, "Alicia Krom is a whore and a coward who sold out her country to the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Two, "Alicia Crom is a hapless princess who sacrificed herself to a tyrant for the sake of the Crom clan.

    Three, "The Cotormiers are ungrateful, heartless people who put Alicia Krom in a situation where she had no choice but to do so.

    The first comment is mainly from the Bulgarons of the Kotormia faction, the second from the Bulgarons of the Lemurian faction and the subjects of the Lemurian Empire, and the third from the neutral Bulgarons, including the Territorial clans.

    However, there are exceptions.

    "Oh, Alicia, ...... why, are you okay, ......?

    There is one man who is worrying about it.

    This is Telerig, the prince of the Bulgaron Kingdom and Alicia''s fianc¨¦.

    Terelig regretted that he was the reason for Alicia''s outburst.

    He regretted the cruel words he had spoken to her.

    And at the same time ......

    Did Alicia really do such a thing? ......

    Alicia''s betrayal was always followed by rumors that she had licked the shoes of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Not only that, but it is also said that she was stripped naked in public and raped.

    Telerig was filled with remorse for having caused Alicia''s unhappiness, a sense of loss and burning jealousy that Alicia had been taken from him, and hatred for the Lemurian Emperor.

    "Terelig, stop slouching!

    "I''m sorry, Father.

    King Bulgalon scolded him, and Terelig came to himself.

    King Bulgalon snickered.

    "Forget about that whore. If you really want it, win the war. Then chop off her hands and feet and turn her into a mirror. Then you''ll never be able to do what you want again.

    "Yes, yes .......

    Telerig nodded vaguely at the angry King Bulgalon.

    It''s not like Terelig has a taste for cutting off women''s limbs.

    Concentrate on the battle for now. There may be Lemurian infiltrators lurking somewhere.

    That''s when King Bulgalon said that.

    Something black covered the heads of King Bulgalon and Telerig.

    Being good warriors, they immediately realized that it was a rain of arrows and hurried to raise their shields.

    In an instant, their shields turn into hedgehogs.

    "Where did it come from?

    ''From the bushes in the forest!¡¡I can''t tell how many there are because of the rain, but ...... there are about a hundred!

    "Lemurian archers!¡¡You''re being clever. ......

    King Bulgalon immediately sent his troops to try and eliminate the Lemurian Empire''s ambushers.

    But the surprise attack that had just taken place had injured several high-ranking generals who had been with King Bulgalon and Telerig, and some of the chain of command had been disrupted, making it impossible to eliminate the ambushers as planned.

    And ......

    "Your Majesty, the King!¡¡We''re in trouble!¡¡We''re being attacked from behind!¡¡The flag belongs to the Krom clan!

    The Bulgurons were in a state of panic.

    Alicia''s plan was as follows.

    The Bulgaron army is composed mainly of cavalry, and their route of advance is much more limited than that of infantry.

    This is especially true when crossing the mountains, where they can only take roads that have a certain width and are well maintained.

    Therefore, the Bulgaron army always passes through the Belejuen Pass.

    Nia and her 120 troops, hiding in the forest, would launch a surprise attack to temporarily paralyze the chain of command, and then Alicia and her 200 troops from the Chromium Clan and Jebe would move in behind them, for a total of 220 troops.

    The question is how to get around behind them. ......

    Alicia, as his fianc¨¦e, had been to Terelig''s ...... territory many times, that is, the territory of the Kotormir clan.

    Naturally, she had also visited the Berejwen Pass many times.

    It was possible for him to get ahead of them or use the trail to get behind them.

    "Commence fire!

    Commence fire!

    At Alicia and Jebe''s command, the arrows were released, and they rained down on the Bulgaron army in unison.

    At the same time, the heavy cavalry charged, driving the Bulgurons back.

    We can''t lose, either. Let''s charge!

    Nia gave the soldiers short spears and led the charge herself.

    The Bulgurons were caught off guard by a surprise attack from behind and were hit from the flank, throwing them into chaos.

    The hobbled cavalry was no longer a threat.

    Stuck in a state of complete panic, ......

    Some of the Bulgarson soldiers begin to move north to escape the infantry coming from the south.

    Once the flow of people is established, even the calmest of people can no longer resist.

    And ......

    To the north, a precipice awaits.

    "Wait, wait, wait, don''t push!¡¡Aah!

    One by one, the Bulgurons fell to the bottom of the cliff.

    Screams echoed across the valley floor, adding to the chaos.

    "Hey, Your Majesty!¡¡Please get out of here!

    "All right, all right. Terelig, let''s get out of here!¡¡South!

    Yes, Father!

    King Bulgalon and Telerig dismounted and rode south with a small guard.

    That''s a good point.

    Their current position is rather backward, so if they try to flee forward, it will take time and they will be caught up in the chaos.

    But they can''t run backwards, and north of the cliff is out of the question.

    The south is the least likely to be surrounded by the Lemurian army, and the trees in the forest will block your view, so your escape is more likely to be successful.

    But ......

    You can''t let them get away!

    By chance, Nia caught sight of King Bulgaron and Telerig, and judging from their attire, she instantly recognized them as high-ranking generals and attacked them single-handedly.

    The speed of Nia, who had applied a number of magic to enhance her physical abilities, was so fast that she caught up with them in no time.

    "Heh, protect Her Majesty and Lord Telerig!

    The guards stood in front of Nia.

    "Get out of the way!

    Nia draws her sword and cuts down the guards one by one.

    She then threw two knives at the two fleeing soldiers.

    By chance, the knives thrown at King Bulgaron didn''t hit him because of the trees in the way. ......

    The knife that was thrown at Telerig stabbed him in the leg and sewed him to the ground.

    "d*mn you, .......

    "I''m sorry, game over. The long rain was worth it!¡¡I never thought I''d catch a prince!¡¡It hurt to let the ...... king escape, though.

    Nia smiled happily.

    The Hercule in Nia''s imagination gently stroked Nia''s head.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.¡¡I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to do it.¡¡Oh, my God!¡¡I''m not sure what color underwear I should wear,......, but I think white is a good first choice.¡¡I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I''d rather wear black or ...... pink. I think I''ll go shopping with Cecilia.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    I never thought I''d be caught by one of these things.

    "Clan leader!¡¡Your Majesty has escaped!

    "Clan leader!¡¡The Crown Prince has been killed. ......

    "Wasn''t it His Majesty who was killed?

    He was not killed. They were both captured. ......

    The clan leaders were informed. ......

    None of them were certain.

    The only thing they knew was that their sovereign and his heir had disappeared from the battlefield.

    We''re coming back to .......

    "Are you sure?

    There is no point in further reducing our forces in this chaos when the monarch is gone.

    Clan leader!¡¡The other clans are retreating one after another!

    ...... Then shall we retreat as well?

    Retreat!

    We can''t afford to fight a war when our sovereign is on the run!

    The clan leaders left the battlefield at their own discretion, though at different times.

    Thus, the Lemurian army achieved a great victory at the Battle of Belejuen Pass and got revenge for the Battle of Edin Cliffs.

    Battle of Belejuen Pass

    Battling Forces

    Lemurian Empire + Krom Clan VS Bulgaron Kingdom

    Main commander

    Hercule Julianos

    Jebe

    Nia Lucarios

    Alicia Crom

    Force

    Lemurian forces (excluding soldiers not participating in the battle)

    Cavalry 2,120

    Infantry 120

    Total: 2,240

    Kingdom of Bulgaron

    Cavalry 1,000,000

    Results

    Lemurian forces suffered minor damage.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon suffered 200 casualties, 200 captured prisoners, and 600 withdrawn.

    Victory of the Lemurian Empire

    Remarks

    The victory of the Lemurian Empire is decisive.

 151 Episode 23 Bull gallon murder before

    After the Battle of Belejuen Pass, Hercule dropped some cities on the other side of Belejuen Pass, put up a minimal defensive force, and temporarily sent all the troops back to Lemuria.

    "Are you sure, Your Majesty? I''m almost ready to drop the capital.

    "The logistics won''t hold. It is indeed difficult to keep 10,000 troops in one place, and in the first place, the Bulgaron Kingdom does not have the resources to do so.

    Hercule replied to Nia''s question with some regret.

    Even though Lunalie has been leading the transport team from the rear base and sending food and arrows, it is impossible to cover all the food.

    Local procurement would inevitably be necessary.

    However, it is difficult to keep more than 10,000 troops moving in the Kingdom of Bulgalon, where food productivity is low to begin with and food shortages have been caused by the economic blockade for many years.

    It is possible if we push ourselves, but there is a risk that it will bankrupt the economy of the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    We don''t want to cause too much damage to the land we are planning to annex.

    We have to bring the prisoners back once, and our strategy will change depending on how the neutral faction, including the Tellitelle clan, will react to this victory. We''ll have to rethink our strategy.

    "I see.

    Nia nodded her head in agreement.

    This time, the Lemurian Empire has obtained 200,000 prisoners.

    You can''t go to war with this number of prisoners in tow.

    (Besides, I want to hold Alicia for a while.)

    Hercule smiles lecherously.

    Hercule was thinking about how to make Alicia cry.

    (Just in time, I got Alicia''s fianc¨¦, ......, a guy named Terelig. (Oh, by the way, it was Nia who got him, wasn''t it?

    Hercule looked down at Nia.

    Then Nia looked up at Hercule with sparkling eyes.

    She didn''t say it out loud, but her eyes were saying ...... "Hurry up and praise me, hurry up and praise me! Her eyes were telling her.

    Hercule pats Nia on the head.

    "You captured the prince of the Bulgurons, didn''t you?

    "Yes!

    Yes!" Nia replied in a loud voice, as if she had been waiting for him.

    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of it.

    "As I recall, I promised to hold you if you did well. This is a good enough achievement. I''ll hold you ......, but you''re the daughter of the Lucarios, albeit an adopted one. It''s not that easy. I''ll go over things with Lucanos once. After that, okay?

    "Yes, yes!

    Nia is overjoyed.

    Hercule scratched his cheek.

    (It''s a bit politically complicated, though.)

    If you marry Nia, you will be related to the Lucarios, and the Lucanos'' power will increase too much.

    However, it is doubtful that Loukanos and the Lucarios would be satisfied with her treatment as a mistress or concubine.

    I''ve avoided it until now because of the troublesome situation, but I can''t take back what I''ve said.

    I have to fulfill my promise.

    Nevertheless, this can wait.

    What we need to do now is decide what to do.

    Now, I''m looking forward to ...... seeing how this victory plays out.

    Hercule smiled.

    The first thing that Hercule did after arriving in Nova Lemuria was to take Alicia''s virginity.

    Naturally, in front of Terelig.

    It was really fun for Hercule to see Alicia in a messy state, even though she was being held in front of her ex-fianc¨¦, or maybe because of that, and Terelig screaming something through her gagged mouth, and finally turning dead-eyed.

    "Huh, huh, your majesty, ......, the Chromium clan is .......

    "Rest assured, your devotion has been noted. As long as you''re my wife, you''re safe.

    Oh, thank you, .......

    After the deed was done, Alicia bowed to Hercule with an exhausted look on her face.

    After the act, Alicia bowed her head to Hercule with an exhausted look on her face. Hercule stroked Alicia''s head and asked, "Don''t worry, Alicia.

    "Don''t worry, Alicia. I''ll protect you and your clan, unlike those men lying around.

    "Yes, yes.

    "So serve me well. The more you devote yourself to me, the more I will devote myself to you. Unlike some ungrateful, pathetic man.

    "Heh, Your Majesty, .......

    Alicia''s cheeks flushed slightly.

    The human mind would try to adapt somehow, and Alicia had already begun to lean towards Hercule.

    Otherwise, it would be unbearable.

    Of course, there was also the fact that she had grown tired of Telerig and Kotormir, and the trauma of being betrayed despite her devotion to Telerig and Kotormir.

    At the very least, Hercule has said that he will protect the Chromes, and Alicia has convinced herself that this is better than Telerig and Kotormir, who didn''t even promise to do so. ......

    Poor Terelig, who had to see it.

    If Alicia didn''t like it, cried out and asked for help from Telerig, there would still be a way to console her. ......

    It''s no wonder that Alicia is shocked when she shows her obvious devotion to Hercule.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.¡¡Alicia.

    Yes, I do. ......

    Alicia agreed with Hercule''s thoughts.

    A few moments ago, Terelig had been dejected, but now he had regained his energy and was shouting something.

    It sounded muffled, but she could only vaguely understand that it contained words that were abusive to Alicia: whore, whore, traitor, traitor, coward.

    In Alicia''s opinion, it was Terelig who had betrayed her first.

    A little while ago, Alicia also felt some guilt, but ......

    As mentioned above, the mind has a tendency to rewrite memories and emotions as a defensive instinct.

    Now, Alicia felt no guilt, despite her resentment towards Telerig and the Kotormir clan.

    Suddenly, Hercule thought of something: ......

    He whispered to Alicia.

    Did you get it?

    "Yes, yes, but Terelig is the prince of the Bulgaron, .......

    What, you can''t take orders from me?¡¡Or do you still have a thing for him?

    When Alicia looked confused, Hercule''s mood took a nosedive.

    Alicia turned pale and shook her head.

    "No, no way!¡¡I never liked this pathetic coward in the first place. But he is a prisoner of war. Shouldn''t he be treated as such?

    "Did you treat the Lemurian prisoners of war properly?

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    I''m also sorry, .......

    The Bulgurons treated Lemurian prisoners of war like slaves, forcing them to work.

    In addition, the female elves were treated like s*x slaves and child-bearing machines, and the women of the nobility were no exception.

    All of the Bulgurons were complicit in this, not to mention the Kotormir and the Crom, and Alicia, the daughter of the clan leader, was not only irrelevant, she was the one who gave the orders.

    I''m not going to blame you for the past, Alicia. It''s the present and the future that matters. Come on, Alicia. ......

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Determined, Alicia stood up.

    She stood up and walked briskly over to the bound Telerig.

    Telerig''s face twitched with fear as he wondered what she would do to him.

    Looking down at Terelig, Alicia thought that he was still a pathetic man.

    "Ggh, ggh, ggh, ggh, ggh!

    He was gagged, so she could not understand what he was saying.

    Alicia ignored him and pulled down Terelig''s pants and underwear, thinking it would be a bad idea.

    And ......

    £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    Terelig''s screams echoed through Nova Lemuria.

    On this day, Terelig joined the ranks of Loukanos and Kronos.

    A few weeks later.

    As he prepared his army for another large-scale expedition and reworked his logistics, Hercule was coordinating with the Bulgarons.

    But, hmm, we''re not making as much progress as we thought.

    I think he''s probably trying to price ...... out the fact that the Chromes are allowed and treated well, so if he sticks around a little longer, he might get better treatment.

    Todoris tells Hercule about his reasoning.

    That was not entirely wrong.

    After all, it would take a lot of effort to completely destroy the Kingdom of the Bulgurons. ......

    In any case, I want to raise the price and then betray them.

    Many of the clans seemed to think so.

    Also, Kotormia is the most powerful clan.

    Since the Chromium clan turned to Lemuria, the power of the Kotormir clan has increased in the Bulgaron Kingdom, for better or worse.

    The clans that originally distrusted the Kotormir clan or were not so close to it belonged to the Lemurian or Neutral faction, and many of the Kotormir clans were too close to the Kotormir clan to be willing or able to betray them so easily.

    By the way, Your Majesty, the Telltale Clan has approached us about joining the war.

    I think they should just go ahead and join the war. ......

    But there are conditions for their participation. ......

    Hercule was stunned by Todoris'' words.

    The Territories are asking for more concessions at this time.

    Hercule had already given as many concessions as he could.

    Any further concessions would be detrimental to the interests of the nation and would undermine its prestige.

    If the Telltale clan becomes the second Kotormir clan, there is no point.

    "Don''t get carried away, barbarians. You can join the war all you want, but I''m not going to give you any more food. And if you join the Cothrumans... We will stop trade immediately and destroy you. Tell them .......

    Are you sure?

    They''re not stupid enough to turn to the Kotormir at this time. The only thing they can do is stay neutral or join the war on Lemuria. They might hint at turning, but it would only be to sway us.

    When Hercule said that, Todoris bowed his head and said, "I understand.

    Todoris would make sure that Hercule''s will was conveyed to the Territorial Clan.

    But ...... hmmm, are we being too nice to the Chromes and they''re taking advantage of us? I''m in trouble. ...... Well, let''s show them that I''m a tough monarch.

    Just throw cold water on the spoiled ones.

    Hercule grinned.

    "Todris, all prisoners are to be returned.

    "Are you sure?¡¡It''s true that there is no use in keeping them in our country, but ...... it may have the opposite effect. They will get carried away. They are ingrates.

    When Todoris said this, Hercule nodded.

    "If you return the favor normally.

    "...... normally?

    Listen to me carefully.

    When Todoris heard Hercule''s idea, he thought from the bottom of his heart.

    When he heard Hercule''s idea, Todoris thought from the bottom of his heart that he was glad that this man was the emperor of his country and not an enemy.

 152 Episode 24 Bull gallon murder after

    A week has passed since the Lemurian Empire announced the return of all prisoners of war. ......

    Indeed, all the prisoners were able to return to the Kingdom of Bulgaron.

    At the same time, all the Bulgarons were shaken up.

    It was ......

    What the hell is this?

    The King of Bulgaron said, his face turning pale.

    The prisoners of war returning from the Lemurian Empire were spread out below King Bulgalon.

    The prisoners of war were grouped in groups of a hundred, totaling about two hundred.

    In other words, there were 20,000 of them.

    This huge number of prisoners were walked from the border of Lemuria to the border of Bulgalon. ......

    The horror was in their faces.

    From the faces of the prisoners, ......

    The eyeballs were missing.

    "Hee ......

    King Bourgaron was stunned.

    A face without eyeballs, which should be there, is extremely grotesque, and 20,000 of them are walking in a row.

    It''s very hard to keep a normal mind.

    "Oh yeah, ......, where''s the telerig?¡¡Where''s Terelig?

    King Bulgalon is looking for his beloved son, Telerig.

    Fortunately, he found Terelig.

    But ......

    "Father, is it ......?

    "Oh, Telerig!

    King Bulgalon embraced Terelig.

    Without exception, Terelig had his eyes gouged out.

    Afterwards, the prisoners were identified and ......

    It was firmly confirmed that all the prisoners had been returned to the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    But this was not good news.

    But this was not good news, because it meant that the eyes of all the prisoners had been gouged out.

    "Your Majesty, the confirmation is complete. It appears that only one in a hundred has one eye left.

    "Well, ......

    It''s not a mercy.

    It was just to show him the way.

    And, Your Majesty, there''s something I''d like you to see. ......

    What is it?

    No, it''s nothing urgent, and it can wait until you''re more comfortable. ......

    Show me now.

    When King Bulgalon said this to his men, ......

    The man''s face twitched with fear as he brought out several of his captives.

    They were prisoners with only one eye gouged out.

    The prisoners turned their backs on King Bulgalon and took off their tattered clothes.

    Their backs were branded with the Lemurian language.

    "To the enemies of my country and God, and to the bats who still refuse to reveal their position. You''re next.

    Something to that effect was written on it.

    I checked and all the one-eyed prisoners had this inscription on them. Can we really send them back to their families or not ...... Your Majesty?¡¡Your Majesty the King?¡¡Your Majesty!

    King Bulgalon was so shocked that he collapsed with the whites of his eyes.

    Hercule''s "return of the prisoners" went around the entire Bulgaron Kingdom.

    The burden of feeding more than 20,000 blind people weighed heavily on the Kotormir clan and its allied tribes.

    The prelude to the fall of the Kingdom of Bulgalon was when the neutral faction, led by the Territorial Clans, which had until now remained neutral, decided to vassalize with the Lemurian Empire and began attacking the Kotormir Clan and its allied tribes.

    Although the military power of the Kotormir clan was still intact, they were unable to deal with it in unison due to low morale and the absence of a commander-in-chief, and suffered defeat after defeat.

    The defeats themselves were small and not enough to diminish the power of the Kotormir clan. ......

    The psychological impact was so great that the tribes of the Cothrumia faction, feeling uneasy, left one after another and came under Lemuria''s sway.

    As if the teeth of a comb were falling out, the Kotormian clan began to collapse.

    And then, as if to put a stop to it, the allied forces of the Lemurian Empire and the Crom Clan invaded the Kingdom of Bulgalon once again.

    In this expedition, the Lemurian army did not stop and approached the capital straight away.

    Sandwiched between Lemuria and the Territorial Clans, and betrayed by numerous allied tribes, ......

    King Bulgalon finally collapsed from the heartache.

    The blind Telerig could not succeed to the throne, and the second and third sons of the Bulgaron royal family competed for the throne.

    The third son enlisted the help of the Lemurian army to defeat the second son and became the chieftain of the Kotormir clan.

    However, he soon fell into disfavor with Hercule and was imprisoned and executed a few days later.

    His eldest son, Telerig, secretly fled with his men.

    With the destruction of the royal and clan families, the Kotormir clan was effectively destroyed.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon effectively collapsed and the Kotormia clan was placed under the control of the Lemurian Empire.

    It was four years after the war between the Bulgaron Kingdom and the Lemurian Empire began.

    Thereafter, a small remnant group led by Telerig had been operating as guerrillas in the Kingdom of Bulgalon, but Telerig and the Kotormir clan already had no power to attract the people of Bulgalon.

    With the help of Alicia, who knew Terelig very well, the ex-Cotrumia Bulgarons who had contacts that Terelig could rely on, Nia and Jebe who were skilled in raiding, and Hercule''s relentless pursuit, ......

    In the end, Terelig was captured by Jebe and taken to Nova Lemuria before being executed.

    It was one year after the Bulgaron Kingdom had practically collapsed, and with Terelig''s execution, the Bulgaron Kingdom was destroyed in both name and reality.

    Thus ended the Lemurian-Bulgarian War, which lasted about five years.

    So, now the three hundred and fifty thousand people of the Bulgaron Kingdom are newly under our control.

    Hercule muttered as he looked at the results of the population survey conducted in the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    The exact population of each clan had been determined.

    Hercule ordered the heads of the clans that had come under his control to report the population of their clans.

    At the moment, the clans are deeply afraid of Hercule, so it is safe to assume that the figures are highly accurate.

    However, people''s memories fade.

    At some point, some clans will think, "If I underreport the population, they won''t notice.

    But we can take care of that later.

    For now, the fact that we have a population of 350,000 is significant.

    "That''s a lot of people. I didn''t think you could drink an entire country dry, Master Hercule.

    The one who praised Hercule was Cecilia, who was now twenty-two years old.

    Cecilia, now twenty-two years old, had already graduated from being a girl to becoming a respectable woman.

    However, her appearance does not seem to have changed much since she was eighteen.

    Cecilia''s physical peak was at eighteen, and the inherited magic of the Medium has slowed her aging process.

    Cecilia will probably maintain this appearance for about a hundred years.

    Incidentally, her breasts have grown, but her back has not grown much.

    She is concerned about this, and measures her height every morning, but she has not grown any more.

    My lack of exercise has not changed.

    I hear they call you the ''Bulgurgeon Killer''.

    Yeah.

    I don''t think that''s a very good title. ......

    It''s not a very good title, I''m afraid." Cecilia couldn''t help but chuckle at the proud expression on Hercule''s face.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    "So what is it you want to talk about, Mr. Hercule?

    "I intend to divide Bulgaron into several provinces, and I want to establish an archbishopric and a bishopric. I need your help with that.

    "That means you''ll be proselytizing to the Bulgarons!

    Cecilia looked pleased.

    It''s not only the spread of Messianism among the Bulgars, but also the offensive of the orthodox Messianic High Priestesses (Mediums).

    Yeah, I''m going to go ahead and do a mass conversion of the Bulgaron clan leaders.

    A little from the top and a little from the bottom, you mean!

    I see.

    Forced conversion from the top by Hercule and urged conversion from the bottom by the preacher sent by Cecilia.

    It was an attempt to convert the Bulgars into Messianics.

    In addition to religion, we''re going to have a gradual assimilation policy. At first, we''ll ask them to keep their traditional way of life.

    If you suddenly ask them to change their lifestyle, they will not do so.

    Therefore, we will continue the assimilation policy little by little.

    For a while, the military and civilian governments will coexist.

    After that, we''ll build some new cities, build roads, ports, ...... you name it.

    "Please rule as moderately as possible. Now that the war is over, we don''t need to hate each other anymore, do we?

    Cecilia said, and Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I can only say that it depends on their attitude. But, well, I have no intention of oppressing them.

    If they start a rebellion again, we won''t be able to handle it.

    But the problem is that they don''t know how to live.

    But the problem is that their lifestyle does not match with the Messianic religion.

    Is that so?

    They are always on the move, but the Church cannot. They can''t travel all the way to a church in the city just for the Sabbath. Missionary work might be difficult.

    This was also the reason why Messianism had not spread in the Bulgalon Kingdom until now.

    Messianism is a religion that has developed to fit the lifestyle of the Lemurians, so it cannot be applied to the Bulgars.

    Hercule is in trouble: ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    So why don''t we just move the church?

    "...... What are you talking about?

    If the house moves, the church moves.¡¡If the house is mobile, there is no reason why the church should not be mobile. Let''s have one church per tribe.

    Hercule didn''t know what Cecilia was talking about for a moment, but ......

    He thought about it for a while and finally realized what she meant.

    For Hercule, a church was a building.

    But to Cecilia, a church is just a facility, and she has no problem with it being a yurt.

    It''s a shame ...... that you don''t realize how easy it is for me to do something like that.

    Hercule couldn''t help but laugh.

 153 Episode 25 Division and Rule

    After the meeting with Cecilia, Hercule began the post-war process in earnest.

    The anti-Lemurian forces had already been wiped out from the territory of the former Bulgaron Kingdom, leaving only those who had pledged themselves to Erucule, at least on the surface.

    Now, the question was how to govern, and Hercule decided to establish a dual system of governance.

    The reason for this was that it would be inconvenient to unify the nomadic and agricultural peoples.

    It was not only nomads who lived in the Bulgaron Kingdom, but also many farmers.

    And Hercule had intended to settle the old Bulgalon region with the colonists.

    These farmers would be ruled in the same way as the Lemurian Empire had been ruled, that is, on the basis of land, and would be ruled centrally by bureaucrats sent from home.

    Since most of the former Bulgaron region was originally a province of the Lemurian Empire, it was divided into provinces based on that division, and some areas that did not fit that division were either absorbed as part of the province or a new division was established.

    On the other hand, Hercule decided to rule the nomads on the basis of people.

    In other words, it is the same way as the traditional Bulgarian Kingdom.

    In effect, Erk¨¹l will take the position of King of Bulgaron, and the autonomy of the clans and their participation in the war in case of emergency will remain the same.

    But not everything is the same.

    "You must pay your taxes. That is the law of Lemuria.

    Hercule gathered all the Bulgaron chiefs in the throne room and said so.

    Their expressions were not very cheerful.

    It was no surprise, but they had never paid taxes before.

    The Kingdom of Bulgalon is a confederation of clans.

    The internal affairs of the clans are decided by the clans, and no matter how powerful the Kotormir clan is, they do not collect taxes or tribute from other tribes.

    But the Lemurian Empire was different.

    But the Lemurian Empire was different. As a centralized state, it was only natural for the Lemurian Empire to collect taxes.

    "But, Your Majesty. We can''t afford to pay taxes. ......

    "When did I ever give you permission to speak, Teritel Chief?

    Hercule blamed the Territorial Chief for his objection.

    At the same time, he used the magic of Awe to intimidate the Territorial Chief.

    The Territorial Chief''s face turned pale.

    In the Kingdom of Bulgaron, the king and the clan chiefs are allies and friends, not lord and vassal.

    As such, they could say whatever they wanted at meetings and not be blamed for it.

    So, out of habit, he opened his mouth.

    But ......

    I''m a friend of yours. I''m not your friend, I''m your lord and master. The Emperor of the Lemurian Empire is God''s agent on earth, ruler of all the lands of the world, the Messianic world. He is absolute. I say again.¡¡I am your master and your keeper, and you are my slaves and my dogs. Keep in mind that there is a greater difference between you and me than that.

    By using the word "dog", which the Bulgurons hated, Hercule made them understand their position.

    He continued.

    I did not gather you here to listen to your opinions, nor to gain your approval. I have gathered you here not to listen to your opinions or to gain your approval, but to inform you of my decision. Normally, you, who are no more than viceroys of your provinces, would not have an audience with me, much less receive such orders directly from me. You should be honored to kneel before me here in front of me. You will listen to the orders I give you and carry them out. If you do not wish to do so, take your bows.

    Hearing Hercule''s words, the Bulgurons realized once again that Hercule, the Emperor of Lemuria, was an existence on a different level from their own.

    It was certain that they would be oppressed.

    The clan chiefs felt their eyes darken as they thought about the future.

    Hercule said to them.

    However, I do not expect you to have the money. Therefore, until a monetary economy is established, payment in kind will be permitted. As for the tax rate, we will allow you to make some adjustments later. There will be no taxation for five years, and for another five years, taxation will be at the discretion of each clan.

    When Hercule said this, the clan leaders looked surprised.

    When Hercule said this, the clan leaders looked surprised, and the gloomy expressions on their faces became a little better.

    You will be subject to military service in addition to your normal taxes. The bureaucrats will explain the specifics to you, but ...... each clan will form a battalion, and you will be conscripted as soldiers in consecutive numbers. The battalions will be used as administrative units and will be taxed, so be prepared for that.

    This is what Hercule ordered.

    For example, clan A has 600 people who can endure military service.

    Clan A with 480 people, Clan B with 480 people.

    Clan B. Clan C.

    Each of these clans has a battalion.

    In order to construct a battalion for each clan, A has five, B has four, and C has one.

    This is done in order so that the burden on each clan is as fair and equitable as possible.

    This is the way it is.

    This is the number of people who can endure military service.

    In other words, the number of people in a battalion rises if you include the families of the soldiers, such as children, women, and the elderly.

    The clans that can''t maintain a battalion, or those that don''t have enough people to begin with, will be asked to merge.

    When Hercule said this, the weaker clan leaders looked at each other in disbelief.

    This meant that their positions could be overthrown.

    But because they were weak, they could not defy Hercule.

    "Also, each clan is to send a certain number of Bulgaronian children to study in Nova Lemuria.

    This was a move to spread Messianism and Lemurian culture among the Bulgars.

    It also meant that the Bulgaron children would be made into bureaucrats and watchmen to monitor the movements of the Bulgarons.

    In addition, Hercule informed the clan chiefs of his detailed ruling policies.

    The chiefs were disgusted by the detailed regulations, but there was one thing that made them happy.

    This was the liberalization of business.

    Until now, the Kingdom of Bulgaron and the Lemurian Empire had been separate countries, and there had been certain restrictions on their trade.

    However, since they were now subjects of the same country, Hercule decided to remove all such restrictions.

    This would increase the movement of merchants from both sides.

    This was a great blessing for the Bulgurons, for whom trading activities were indispensable.

    ...... Of course, Hercule did not liberalize trade out of kindness.

    The goal was to integrate the economy of the Bulgurons into the economy of the Lemurian Empire so that they would not be able to secede even if they wanted to.

    The Bulgaron Kingdom died because of the economic blockade of Hercule, that is, because it was economically dependent on the Lemurian Empire. ......

    None of the clan leaders were aware of this, and were quite happy to become more and more dependent.

    And the final question is: ......

    Now, let''s move on to the matter of the treatment of the Kotormian clans, which I''m sure you''re all wondering about.

    Hercule said with a grin.

    I''m nervous.

    And so it should be.

    Only the Lemurians and the neutral Bulgarons had been invited to this meeting, not the Kotormians.

    "First, those who resisted until the end were killed or captured and sold as slaves.

    Those who resisted until the end.

    Those who resisted until the end were Telerig, the eldest son of the Cothrumia clan, and his faction.

    They could not be allowed to remain in the old Bulgaron Kingdom, so Hercule dealt with them all.

    The next faction to join the pathetically defeated ...... second son. They are yours.

    Hercule''s words were met with confusion by the clan leaders.

    The second son''s faction is the one that confronted and defeated King Bulgalon and the third son who invited the Lemurian army to take the position of chief of the Kotormia clan.

    I understand that, but ......

    The clan leader didn''t know what "let''s do it" meant.

    Alicia.

    Then, for the first time, Hercule called out Alicia''s name.

    This made many of the Bulgalon clan leaders tilt their heads inwardly.

    There was no Alicia Crom here.

    Yes, yes!

    But there was indeed a voice that answered.

    Alicia was here, in the throne room.

    The clan leaders moved their gazes and looked in the direction of the voice.

    Alicia''s voice came from the front ......, not far from Hercule.

    But there was no Alicia there.

    "Yes, Alicia.

    What is it, your majesty?

    Sorry, I changed my mind.

    Snap.

    And with a snap of his fingers, Hercule broke the illusion he had been maintaining with Asmodeus and Citri.

    "!!!!

    The clan leaders saw something unbelievable.

    The Lemurian emperor, who had been sitting on his throne earlier, was now sitting on ...... a dark-haired girl.

    The girl was not wearing riding pants, but was wearing a short bulgaron dress with a red collar around her neck.

    The chain of the collar extended to Hercule''s hand.

    "I didn''t know you''d changed your mind. ......

    The illusion has been lifted.

    ......!!!!

    Alicia''s body shook with agitation as she realized what it meant.

    Her face turned red with humiliation and disgrace.

    Bang!

    Hercule slapped Alicia''s buttocks hard.

    Alicia lets out a small scream.

    Hercule forcibly pulled the chain, forcing Alicia to pull her face up.

    Alicia''s face contorted as pain and suffocation overtook her.

    "Don''t shake. You''ll get drunk.

    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry. ......

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry.

    Yes, yes. ...... Ugh. ...... Ugh.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    I''ll allocate as much as I can to the Chromes. You can use it as you wish.

    "Spend?

    "Slaves, slaves.

    Hercule''s words finally made Alicia and the other clan leaders understand what Hercule was trying to do.

    In other words, all those who sided with the second son would be turned into slaves and distributed.

    I will distribute more slaves to the clans that sided with me early on. This is my way of thanking you. This is my way of thanking you, especially the Chromes, or rather Alicia.

    "Oh, thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty.

    Alicia had no choice but to thank Hercule.

    Alicia could not help but thank Hercule.

    The Bulgurons felt no particular discomfort in using the people of the nomadic tribes they had destroyed and the people of the agricultural tribes they had kidnapped as slaves.

    It''s true that I have some reservations about this, considering that the Kotormia clan and its allied clans, in other words, are my old friends. ......

    Even so, the culture of the Bulgarians is that it is worse to lose, and that it is natural for the weak to be oppressed.

    Therefore, it was easily accepted without much disgust.

    In the first place, there is no right of veto.

    Finally, the Kotormian clans that turned to our country after the Battle of Berejwen Pass, and the Kotormian clans that surrendered. They will be regrouped into smaller units. They will not be used as slaves.

    That being said, there is something more to it than being called here.

    So the clan leaders wait for Hercule''s next words.

    "No military service will be imposed on them. Instead, they will be subjected to heavier taxes and labor than you were subjected to. Especially since the infrastructure of the old Bulgaron region is in urgent need of improvement.

    Hercule intended to impose such an oppressive regime on them that they would not even have the power to revolt.

    The clan chiefs couldn''t help but feel pity for him.

    But Hercule''s next words made them realize that they were not alone in this.

    The clan chiefs felt a pang of sympathy, but Erkur''s next words reminded them that they were not alone in this... "But be warned, depending on your attitude towards me and the Lemurian Empire, you may well be reduced to slavery and subjected to heavy taxes and labor. Also, if they rebel, and you fail to detect it before it happens and inform us, you will be held jointly and severally responsible for the tax increase. Keep a close eye on them.

    £üDivide and conquer.

    Hercule''s goal was to divide the Bulgarons.

    The most favored are the Lemurians, mainly the Krom clan.

    The most favored are the Lemurians, mainly the Chromians.

    The next to be mistreated and oppressed are the early surrenders of the Kotormians, and the last to be reduced to slavery are those who surrender late.

    They also intended to discriminate against each class in a less direct but more indirect way.

    By doing so, they would envy the upper classes and despise the lower classes, and at the same time, they would be more obedient to the Lemurian Empire and the Lemurian Emperor in order to maintain and improve their current position.

    This is the plan of Hercule.

    Thus, the Bulgaron Kingdom will be completely divided by Hercule, losing its horizontal cooperation and economic dependence, and will not be able to secede, gradually spreading messianism and Lemurianization. ......

    By the time Hercule died, he had become a subject of the Lemurian Empire, but that was still a long way off.

    However, it was a future that was sure to come.

 154 Episode 26 Kaukasos

    Lunalee, I need to borrow a few of your Hayastan soldiers.

    "...... Yes?

    A while after the end of the Bulgaron War, Hercule suddenly said such a thing.

    Lunalie had a puzzled look on her face.

    "Why?

    "The colonists have been settled, and we have a minimum of trained soldiers. Now that they''ve been settled, they''ll have to go through a real battle at least once.

    That''s .......

    Whether you have experienced actual war or not, weak soldiers are weak and strong soldiers are strong.

    The important thing is not whether or not you have experienced actual combat, but your morale and daily training.

    But even so, there is a difference in the sense of security between an army that has experienced real war and one that has not.

    I wonder how useful Hayastanese soldiers, who have been overrun by Lemurians and Falcons throughout history and have never even fought, let alone won a proper victory, would be in a time of crisis. ......

    It''s rather doubtful.

    Hercule is a rationalist and logical person, so he doesn''t say unscientific things like "all people are weak" or "all people are cowards". ......

    Even Hercule had some misgivings about the national character of the Khayastans.

    You''re a dominant people who are good at losing, but you''re not good at winning.

    "That''s rude. If all Khayastans are Doms, then that makes me a Dom.

    Regrettable.

    Regrettable," Lunalie insists. ......

    Hey, Lunalee.

    "What?¡¡What?

    Hercule suddenly grabbed Lunalie''s hair with his right hand and pinned her body against the wall.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do with your time and money.

    ...... You''re still a dominatrix, aren''t you?

    What? What part?

    "Here.

    Hercule showed Lunalie a hand mirror.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    "...... Well, even if there is some of that!¡¡It is regrettable that all Hayastans are dominant.

    "I''m sure there aren''t many at your level, .......

    "I''m a little bit.

    I''m just a little bit like that.

    I''m just a little bit like that," Lunalie insisted.

    Hercule ignored her and said.

    If you look through the history books, you have never won or fought properly, yet you have survived to this day. The only thing you seem to be good at is your sense of diplomacy and your ability to walk the tightrope of diplomacy over and over again, and the business that takes advantage of your position.

    The land where the Khayastans have settled seems to be a land that is surrounded by great powers and is easily invaded. It has been invaded not only by Lemuria and Fars, but also by various other countries many times, but the Khayastan nation has never died even though the invaders have been destroyed.

    The Khayastan way of diplomacy is to keep licking the soles of the strongest opponents on the spot.

    Normally, the Hayastan people would be treated as bats and would be destroyed, but it seems that they are very good at licking.

    I''ve been letting Alicia lick my feet a lot lately, and you''re the best at it.

    I''m not ...... happy about that.

    I''m not happy about that." Lunalie looked a little pleased.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡Is it Foulds?

    No way.

    Relations with the Foulds are improving now.

    Erkur is not so domineering that he would go to the trouble of creating an enemy nation in the east, when he is already in trouble in the west.

    He is not like Hayastan and Lunalie, who love to be poked and prodded in the front and back by superpowers on both sides.

    We''re going to take over the North Caucasus region. Of course, Lemuria will be the main force, but Hayastan''s soldiers will also be involved. It''s close enough.

    "North Cauquassus: ...... Beyond the Cauquassus Mountains.

    Lunalie pictured the map in her mind.

    The Caucasus region is located between the Aethel and Khazar seas and is divided into north and south by the Caucasus Mountains.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is located in South Kaukarsos, while North Kaukarsos is dotted with several small ...... settlements that can hardly be called nations.

    In the north Caucasus, there are several small settlements that can not be called a state. Above all, if we can control that place, we will have the entire coast of the Aether Sea in our hands.

    Hercule''s goal is to turn the Aether Sea into an inland sea.

    At present, Nova Lemuria imports a large amount of wheat from the coast of the Artel Sea, and it is desirable, if not necessary ......, to control the control of the Artel Sea to ensure a stable supply of wheat.

    Is the Kuro Thrust good?

    Lunalie voiced her greatest concern.

    The North Caucasus region borders the Kuro Ridge.

    So far, the Kuro Plague has not invaded North Caucasus, but a Lemurian settlement in North Caucasus could damage relations between the two countries.

    We have received their consent to incorporate the coastal areas into their territory. It would be a good trade window.

    Neither of the two countries want to take all of North Caucasus into their hands.

    The North Caucasus region is a buffer zone between Lemuria and Kurotsugu.

    I see.

    Do you understand?¡¡Then I''ll borrow it. And I''ll need you to come with me to boost morale.

    No, thanks.

    ...... Looks like you need some discipline.

    Hercule said in a low voice to Lunalie, who refused to obey his orders.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand.

    It is not in the interest of the Kingdom of Hayastan. I don''t want to shed Hayastanese blood in a war that doesn''t ...... benefit us.

    "We of Lemuria have bled for the kingdom of Hayastan, have we not?

    "That''s the thing, this is the thing. ...... Because it''s in Lemuria''s best interest to begin with, right?

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    Please give us a share of Hayastan.

    "How dare you?

    But if you don''t, morale will suffer.

    Even if they are sent to an unrelated battle, their morale will not rise, and the Hayastan soldiers, who are weak even by themselves, will be weakened even more, making them even more useless.

    The Hayastan soldiers would be more motivated if they knew that they could benefit the Kingdom of Hayastan, even if it was only a little.

    Lunalie argued.

    Hercule thought that he had a point. ......

    I''ll cut off some of the land on the other side of the Caucasus Mountains.

    Really?

    "No lie. I''m not going to lie to you. In exchange, it will be the Khayastan soldiers who will fight the natives of the Caucasus Mountains.

    The natives and barbarians living in the Caucasus Mountains sometimes invade the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Because of their size, they don''t do much damage, but they are a problem for the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    In addition, the Kingdom of Hayastan has long traded with the North Caucasus region and the Kuro Gourd on the other side of the North Caucasus region, and it makes economic sense to incorporate the Caucasus Mountains and the lands on the other side of the mountains, which must be passed through on the trade route, into its territory.

    Incidentally, the transit trade between Lemuria, Fars, and Kurotsuki accounts for a not insignificant portion of the financial income of the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    This is approved by Hercule, as it benefits Lemuria as well.

    I''ll do my best.

    "Well, you''re not the one doing the hard work.

    Thus began the first real battle of Hayastan''s army.

    Hmm, well, they''re still my opponents, so I won''t lose.

    To begin with, Hercule advanced his troops southward from the Taurica Peninsula, and attacked North Cauquasus with the Royal Army of Khayastan.

    The ideal situation would be for the Lemurian army to advance south from the Taurian Peninsula and the Khayastan army to advance north. ......

    Because Hercule did not trust the strength of Hayastan''s army at all, he brought his army all the way to the Taurica Peninsula and attacked together with them.

    Fortunately, the Khayastan soldiers were not as weak as Hercule had feared, and they fought well.

    Of course, they were no match for the well-trained Lemurians, but...

    "You''re a pretty good commander yourself. Vahan, you say? What do you say?¡¡Would you like to join the Lemurian army?

    Hercule approached Vahan Kaluran, Lunalie''s maternal grandfather, the general in charge of Hayastan''s army.

    Vahan shook his head as Hercule approached him.

    If I leave, there will be no one left to lead the army of Khayastan. Besides, I''m a Hayastanian and a vassal of the King of Hayastan. I''m not a vassal of the Emperor.

    "Hey, Grandpa.

    Lunalie blames Vahan.

    What you just said might offend Hercule.

    But Hercule seemed unconcerned.

    I''m sorry to hear that. Well, the king is my wife now.

    The king is my wife now." Hercule said and hugged Lunalie.

    Lunalie gave him a troubled look.

    The king is now my wife.

    "Hey, Your Majesty. Here is .......

    "What, are you embarrassed?¡¡You have a cute side.

    Hercule said as he kissed Lunalie.

    And a wink to Vahan.

    I''ll show you my great-grandson as soon as I can.

    "I hope so, Your Majesty. I hope so. ...... To me, she is a lovely granddaughter before she is a queen.

    Vahan himself only maintains the position that he is a vassal of King Hayastan and Lunalie, not of the Emperor of Lemuria and Hercule. ......

    It''s not that he hates Hercule.

    It is thanks to Hercule that the Kingdom of Khayastan is currently at peace.

    And Lunalie also likes Hercule.

    Then all Vahan had to do was wait for the birth of his great-grandson and the crown prince.

    "Now that we have the coast under control, we will bring the barbarians of the Cauquasus Mountains to their knees. Vahan Kalurans, I expect great things from you.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Over the next few months, the barbarians in the mountains were wiped out.

    The Lemurian Empire succeeded in capturing the entire coast of the Aether Sea, and the Kingdom of Khayastan incorporated the Caucasus Mountains and its northern lands into its territory.

 155 Episode 27 Southern Diplomacy Before

    After the invasion of the Caucasus region, Hercule moved to the province of Misr.

    He had an important meeting to attend.

    It''s very hot, Master Hercule.

    "Indeed.

    Hercule and Cecilia met up there and had a friendly date until the day of the meeting arrived.

    But it wasn''t a standard date where they walked around the city together.

    It was a desert date.

    I don''t want to get too sunburned.

    Cecilia pulls her hood up as she says this.

    Both Hercule and Cecilia are wearing cloaks with hoods attached to protect them from the sun.

    The locals don''t seem to mind, though.

    The locals don''t seem to mind, though. "You''re all dressed amazingly ....... Aren''t you ashamed of yourselves?

    Many of the Misrule people living in the province of Misrule wear rather revealing clothing.

    Both men and women wear only a waistcoat, and their breasts are bare.

    Some children are completely naked.

    Cecilia, who was a devout Messianic woman (except for the fact that she was very dirty), was quite shocked.

    "Are they Messiahs, ......?

    "Well, I don''t know.¡¡I don''t know. The beliefs around here are pretty random.

    The same is true for ancient Lemuria, but ancient Mithul was also a polytheistic world.

    Lemuria became a uniformly monotheistic world due to Messianism, but polytheistic beliefs still persist in the province of Misr.

    However, this does not mean that Messianism is not believed in.

    They believe in Messianism, follow the teachings of the Bible, and also visit the temples of the native gods of Misrule.

    That is the extent of the religious views of most Misrule people, and of course it is doubtful how much they understand the doctrines of Messianism.

    In ...... urban areas, especially in Alectia, polytheistic beliefs have been completely eradicated.

    The majority in Aletheia, however, is not Orthodox Messianism, but Alethean Messianism. ......

    It''s really not good. We may need to increase the number of evangelists to the province of Mysul.

    In moderation.

    As for Hercule personally, as long as he believes in Messianism, he will not mind if he does not adhere to its teachings.

    It''s too much trouble.

    But this horse is not very comfortable to ride. I think his face is cute, though. ......

    "Pretty?¡¡If you think it''s cute, it''s fine.

    Cecilia smiled kindly and patted the strange horse she was riding - a camel.

    Camels are not very comfortable creatures to ride because they rock more than horses.

    In the desert, however, they are far more durable than horses.

    If you like it so much, why don''t you take it back to Nova Lemuria?

    "Well, I don''t usually ride them. It would cost a lot of money to feed them.

    Cecilia doesn''t have any pets.

    She also did not own a horse.

    I''m not very good at riding a horse either. I can''t ride alone.

    Hercule and Cecilia ride camels, but the camels are pulled by Mithulians.

    The camel is pulled by a Mithulian, like a pony ride in a zoo.

    Hercule can ride a horse, but he is not yet able to handle a camel by himself.

    Do you want me to teach you?

    No, I don''t have much time. ......

    I''ve been wondering for a while if you''re not getting enough exercise.¡¡Why don''t you get some exercise?

    When Hercule said this, Cecilia clammed up.

    I''ve been thinking about it for a while.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.¡¡I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to try.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do, and how you''re going to do it.

    I don''t want to tell lies, quibbles, or sophistry, but ......

    But I don''t want to be defeated, so I choose to keep silent.

    Of course, when you shut up, you have already lost the battle.

    If we work out together, you''ll have more time for me.¡¡Besides, I prefer a woman with a healthy body. Besides, Nia works out too.

    "Oh, really?¡¡Okay, I''ll give you a minute. Well, if you do, please be gentle.

    Cecilia had already heard from her own mouth that Nia had been favored by Hercule.

    She had thought that she was far ahead of Nia until now, but now that Nia was gaining on her, she was getting a little impatient.

    There is no catching up or anything in ...... Hercule''s favor, but there is between Cecilia and Nia.

    This is just a matter of Hercule being brought into the fray of the two of them, and not really a matter of romantic feelings.

    This horse ...... is a camel, right?¡¡Are they in the Misrule region since ancient times?

    "The origin is different, but I heard it was introduced more than several thousand years ago. It''s only in recent years that their use has become more active.

    Camels - human camels - were introduced to the province of Misrule before the invasion of the Lemurian Empire, and even before the founding of the city-state of Lemuria.

    However, their use itself was not very active.

    Camels are indeed desert-adapted creatures, but not all deserts have the same conditions.

    The deserts of the southern continent and the deserts where the camels originated have slightly different environments, and the camels could not fully demonstrate their abilities in the southern continent.

    In addition, horses and donkeys had already been introduced to the continent.

    Misrule horses and donkeys, acclimatized to the activities in the Misrule region, could work as well as the early camels.

    As a result, they were treated as "horses and donkeys are good, right? As a result, horses and donkeys were not used extensively, and their spread stopped in the Misr region.

    However, after thousands of years of use in the Misrule region, camels have adapted to the environment.

    Unlike the camels of the early days, today''s camels are perfectly adapted to the deserts of the southern continent, and can travel long distances in the desert, which is impossible for horses and donkeys.

    Hercule also attached great importance to such camels.

    While they were talking, Hercule and Cecilia arrived at their destination.

    They wanted to see the Pyramids, the largest pyramidal structure in the province of Misrule.

    If you look up, you can see how big it is. Was it the tomb of a king long ago?¡¡How did you build such a thing? I don''t think it''s important to make a big tomb. I feel sorry for the slaves who were forced to work there.

    "Well, I doubt it''s really a tomb. I doubt it''s really a tomb, and I wonder if the slaves really made it. ......

    Hercule replies, pulling out the knowledge of his previous life from his brain.

    At least the Egyptian pyramids were not built by slaves, and there is no solid evidence that they are tombs.

    Well, Hercule is thinking, "Isn''t it a tomb? Well, Hercule thinks that it is a tomb.

    Maybe it''s a giant pickle stone.

    That''s absurd.

    But it''s more productive than a tomb, don''t you think?

    When Hercule said that, Cecilia couldn''t help but gush.

    Surely pickles would be more useful as long as they could be eaten.

    But thousands of years is indeed too much time for pickles.

    What''s going on inside this thing?

    "I''m sure there''s an entrance somewhere. I think there''s a way in, but I''m going to have to investigate soon.

    At that time, I''m going to go in there myself, Hercule.

    Adventure is a man''s dream.

    Well, I''d better get back.

    "Yes, Master Hercule.

    The two of them returned to Alectia, the capital of the province, in peace.

    It was a few days later.

    Hercule and Cecilia had an audience with a group of people at the governor''s office in Alexandria.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, Emperor, High Priestess Medium.

    A black man greeted them in a slightly accented Lemurian language.

    He is not a Mithulian.

    He was an official messenger from the Nuba Kingdom, south of the province of Misrule.

    Oh, thank you for coming.

    Thank you for coming.

    Thank you for coming." Hercule greeted her with an air of importance, and Cecilia with politeness.

    There was a difference in their personalities, rather than their positions.

    I am here today on behalf of our new king, His Majesty King Techiridea Mani.

    (What king did you just say?)

    (I think it''s ......, but I can''t make it out.)

    (I think it''s , but I can''t make it out.) Hercule and Cecilia are confused by the overly exotic name.

    The messenger, knowingly or unknowingly, begins to tell them the reason for his visit to Lemuria.

    "Since the time of the previous king, our country and the Lemurian Empire have had a close relationship. However, the previous king disliked Messianism, drove out Messianists and their clergy from the country, and stopped trade.

    Yes, it was a very unfortunate incident.

    The Kingdom of Nuba had long had trade relations with the Lemurian Empire.

    The Nuba Kingdom was rich in gold, and the Lemurian emperors who wanted gold to ensure the stable issuance of the Lemurian gold coin, the reserve currency, had been as close as possible to the Nuba Kingdom, and had also promoted the spread of Messianism.

    However, the Nuba Kingdom also had its own indigenous religions, and the penetration of Messianism caused conflicts with those religions.

    This culminated in the era of Hadrian, the first emperor of the Lemurian Empire, and the first king of the Nuba Kingdom.

    The relationship between Hadrian, who was an ardent Messianist to the extent of issuing a ban on holy images, and the First King of Nuba, who loved indigenous beliefs and was anti-Messianic, was at its worst.

    However, the anti-messianic king died and the Lovemessian king, King Tekirideamani, ascended to the throne. ......

    The Nuba Kingdom immediately sent an envoy to improve relations with the Lemurian Empire.

    The king said he would apologize on behalf of his predecessor for his outrage.

    "Apology certainly received.

    Hercule nodded.

    Hercule didn''t care that much about it.

    After all, it had happened before he was born.

    So you will allow us to resume trade?

    "Of course.

    Hercule wanted to trade so badly that he wanted to go to her and ask for permission.

    You can never have enough money.

    There''s also one more thing the King would like to ask of His Majesty the Emperor and High Priestess Medium: ......

    What is it? Tell me.

    You want me to do it?

    Of course, we both know that.

    We have already discussed this at the bureaucratic level, and all we need is a political performance from Hercule and Cecilia to shake their heads.

    "We would like you to establish a Messianic Archdiocese in our capital.

    This meant that the Nuba Kingdom would officially accept Messianism and make it the state religion.

    If something like what happened to the previous king happened and the priests were killed, it would be unacceptable for the guardians of Messianism.

    "I understand, Your Majesty. I understand, Your Majesty. The Nuba Kingdom will do everything in its power to protect the clergy.

    Hearing the messenger''s words, Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    This was the end of what Hercule needed to confirm at the very least.

    "What can I do for you, High Priestess Cecilia?

    Hercule asks. ......

    Cecilia smiled.

    I have no problem with that. We will begin preparations for the installation of the archbishopric immediately.

 156 Episode 28 After Southern Diplomacy

    "Here, Dumbo. Say hello to His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the Medium.

    The elephant, called Dumbo, politely greeted Hercule and Cecilia as the black trainer gave the order.

    Well, you''ve been trained well, haven''t you?

    "That''s very polite.

    This is very polite." Hercule shouted in admiration, while Cecilia reflexively bailed.

    The diplomat from the Kingdom of Nuba sees them and gives the trainer a look.

    The trainer, knowing that the emperor and the princess maiden (medium) would be pleased with his performance, had Dumbo perform the trick as he had planned.

    Dumbo continues to perform a number of tricks.

    At the climax of the performance, five elephants appeared and performed one trick after another.

    When the performance was over, the Nuba diplomat asked Hercule what he thought of the performance.

    How did you like it, Your Majesty?¡¡Your Highness, the Medium.

    "It was wonderful. I''ve never seen an elephant before.

    "Such a large creature obeying a human!¡¡They must be very clever animals!

    The diplomat chuckled as he looked at Hercule, who seemed to be in a good mood, and Cecilia, who was innocently happy.

    Once the Nuba Kingdom has unilaterally severed diplomatic relations with the Lemurian Empire.

    It was known to the Nuba Kingdom that Hercule was a very cruel monarch, and it was now a national policy for the Nuba Kingdom to curry favor with the two.

    If it please Your Majesty, I would like to offer you these six elephants. They are useful not only for performing arts but also for carrying heavy objects such as construction.

    "In war?

    ...... These elephants have been trained to never harm anyone for safety reasons. Of course, there are many elephants in the Nuba Kingdom that have been trained for warfare. If Your Majesty so desires, we can sell them to you along with the elephant masters.

    "Hmm. ......

    After some thought, Hercule decides to accept the six elephants.

    Incidentally, the names of the six elephants are Dumbo, Jumbo, Maitriarch, Catty, Giggles, and Prissy.

    (Well, if you use them for construction, and let them do tricks occasionally, the people will be happy. I''d like to show them to Karolina and Luna, too.

    The problem is the cost of food, but at least they don''t eat as much as the military or bureaucracy.

    The biggest expense is labor, and six elephants is a small price to pay.

    (But well, war elephants are a problem. ...... I''m interested.

    War elephants are unstable weapons.

    They are unstable weapons. If they are not used properly, they can go out of control and cause your army to collapse.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    Hercule sees a diplomat with a wise little mind.

    When the diplomat sees that the elephants are popular with the two, he continues to bring in lions and giraffes for them to see.

    When he sees Cecilia''s sparkling eyes, Hercule can''t help but say, "Well, I''ll take that too.

    I''m sure you''ll agree that it''s a great idea.

    Cecilia pats down the lion.

    The male lion with the large mane is well trained and does not attack Cecilia.

    However, the soldiers guarding her seem to be in a state of anxiety, and are on the edge of their seats.

    "Why don''t you try touching her, Master Hercule?

    "Yes.

    Hercule reaches out his hand to the lion.

    Hercule reaches out his hand to the lion, which suddenly shivers and shrinks back.

    It shivers and shakes.

    "Oh, my God. ......

    "You don''t like me, do you?

    Hercule''s voice sounded a little unhappy.

    The diplomat hurriedly addressed Hercule with another lion.

    "What about this one, sir?¡¡It''s a baby lion.

    "Wow, he looks like a cat.

    Hercule takes the baby.

    At first the baby is scared and tries to run away, but ......

    At first the baby is frightened and tries to run away, but when Hercule gives it a strong killing blow, it quickly becomes quiet.

    "This baby seems to be a good boy.

    Hercule strokes the lion cub''s throat.

    It was a cat, after all, and it mewed.

    "Yes, Master Hercule, .......

    Here.

    Hercule hands the lion to Cecilia, who looks like she wants to touch it.

    The baby lion then lifted Cecilia''s face to his chest, as if he was truly relieved.

    Finally, the diplomat showed Hercule and Cecilia ......

    "Well, that''s great!

    "Wow, they''re real.

    It was a unicorn with a bright white horn.

    It was larger than a normal horse and had a beautiful silvery white coat.

    It has a beautiful silvery coat. It is the most beautiful, noble and ferocious animal in the world. It is the unicorn.

    In the Messianic religion, the unicorn is considered a sacred beast.

    No animal could be a more appropriate gift for Hercule and Cecilia.

    However, Hercule had one concern.

    I''ve heard that unicorns prefer virgins and will kill you if you are not a virgin.¡¡I''m not a virgin.

    said Hercule jokingly.

    It was obvious that Hercule did not have virgin membranes, and the problem was that Cecilia did not either.

    Cecilia''s virgin membranes were no longer intact, having been in and out of Hercule''s possession for so long that not a single fragment remained.

    It would be a rather unfashionable scandal if Cecilia had been thrust to her death.

    "That''s a superstition, Your Majesty. I''m a man and I can touch it just fine.

    The diplomat said and touched the unicorn.

    Seeing this, Hercule and Cecilia felt at ease and approached the unicorn.

    Cecilia touched the unicorn in a fearful manner.

    The unicorn then licked Cecilia''s palm.

    As Cecilia moved even closer, the unicorn rubbed its face against Cecilia.

    (...... Oddly enough, animals seem to like Cecilia.

    On the other hand, animals are frightened when they see Hercule.

    What''s the difference?

    The difference in personality.

    "Is it possible to ride on the back of a unicorn?

    I''m not sure. From ......, it seems that High Priestess Medium and this unicorn go well together, so I think it is possible to ride it. But it''s dangerous and I can''t recommend it from my position.

    Well, there''s nothing you can''t do, so you can do it if you want.

    But we have nothing to do with it.

    But we have nothing to do with it," said the diplomat, with a hint of a smile.

    (Let''s put Cecilia on a unicorn and let her walk around Nova Lemuria.

    The theory that Cecilia is not a virgin is already spreading in the Lemurian Empire.

    Cecilia is popular in the Lemurian Empire, and Hercule is also a great ruler for the Lemurian people, so the fact that the two of them are man and woman is seen rather favorably. ......

    But still, there are some germophobes who think, "What about that? Some people are germophobes.

    Most of these germophobes are devout believers in Messianism, and they firmly believe in the unicorn virgin kitchen.

    If you put Cecilia on a unicorn in front of them, it will be a great advertisement.

    Later, gold, ivory, and rare animal pelts from the Nuba Kingdom, as well as many black slaves, were presented to Hercule as tribute.

    In return, Hercule gave silk, rubies, spices, and other luxuries acquired through trade with the East, as well as cotton cloth, sugar, glass, and pottery from the Lemurian Empire.

    This was not a mere exchange of tribute and return, but was meant to be a sample of trade goods that both sides could offer to the other.

    In fact, the diplomats of the Nuba Kingdom were surprised to see cotton cloth, sugar, and pottery, which had not existed until a short time ago.

    Thus, the Lemurian Empire and the Nuba Kingdom reestablished friendly relations.

    A little while later, ......

    Hercule and Cecilia were having a meeting with another party.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness, the Emperor, the High Priestess Medium. I am Masinissa, Chief of the Shuyen Clan of the Barbarians.

    A dark-skinned man with a high nose and blue eyes greeted Hercule and Cecilia.

    The Balbals of the Balbals mean "those who speak an obscure language (Balbals Balbals Balbals)", although their self-description is somewhat different. ......

    To avoid confusion, Masinissa referred to herself in Lemurian as the Balbals.

    I have come to see you both because I have three requests to make.

    Masinissa held up three fingers.

    First, she said to Cecilia.

    I am a Messianist, and there are many Messianists in the Shuien clan. But we have no official priest or bishop. Therefore, incorrect teachings are being spread. Please send us a bishop.

    "All right, I''ll find one for you right away.

    Cecilia nodded easily.

    There was no reason for Cecilia to refuse.

    "One more thing, Your Majesty. "One more thing, I would like to ask the Emperor for official permission to trade with you.

    "Trade, huh. What can you offer me?

    Gold and ivory. There are many other rare products south of the Great Desert.

    Hercule smiled.

    You can never have too much gold, let alone ivory.

    "Of course it is. You can come to Aletheia every year.

    "Thank you, ......, and one last thing. Can you tell me how to raise a camel?¡¡That way we can bring more products to Lemuria.

    The Barbarians use horses and donkeys as their main means of transportation, but that is not enough to cross the desert.

    There is nothing more reassuring than to be able to use a camel for transportation.

    I would say, "Okay, ......," but there''s a condition. ...... Cecilia, could you give us a moment, please?

    "Well, Master Hercule. Are you hiding from me?¡¡You can tell me later.

    Cecilia simply left the room.

    After that, Hercule and Masinissa engaged in some diplomatic negotiations, which eventually led to a secret agreement between the Lemurian Empire and the Barbarians.

 157 Episode 29 Silk and Tea

    Huh, huh, huh. ...... can''t do it anymore either.

    Cecilia put her hands on her knees and exhaled wildly.

    Sweat drips from her beautiful silver hair, runs down her cheeks and chin, and soaks the ground.

    A beautiful woman is beautiful even when she''s covered in sweat, Hercule thought.

    No, no, you''ve only run five laps. You have to run another five laps.

    No, I need to rest. ......

    You''re too soft for that, aren''t you?

    Cecilia gulped down the water she had received from Near.

    Nia told her to refrain from drinking too much because it would make her stomach hurt later.

    "Hmm, this water is sweet.

    "It''s the water His Majesty designed for exercise. Right?

    Yeah. It''s lemon water with sugar and salt. Not bad, huh?

    When we sweat, we lose not only water but also electrolytes such as salt.

    It is a well-known story.

    It''s dangerous if you don''t make them rehydrate properly, because weak people like Cecilia will claim to be fine and suddenly collapse.

    "Did you finish your break?¡¡Come on, five more laps.

    "Oh, my God, Hercule, please help me!

    Five rounds isn''t that much. Come on.

    Hercule waved Cecilia off as Near dragged her along.

    In addition, Nia''s lesson is not as easy as just running.

    According to Nia, there are push-ups, sit-ups, back-ups and squats waiting for you after this.

    She also plans to teach some self-defense techniques.

    She''s also going to teach her some self-defense techniques.

    He''s a bit of an S word to everyone but me.

    Hercule thought of his s*xual activity with Nia.

    It was not bad at all to see how he was willing to do anything for Hercule, but ......

    The current Nia, who is torturing Cecilia, looks more radiant.

    (Let''s have a catfight.)

    No doubt Cecilia will lose.

    Cecilia will lose, and Nia will take advantage of her.

    Hercule couldn''t help but smile as he pictured Nia torturing Cecilia and Cecilia being tortured.

    After observing Cecilia''s training, they went to the audience hall.

    A few moments after Hercule sat on the throne, the guest of the day entered the audience hall.

    Hearing the report from that person, Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    "Good, you have done well. Giuliano Branca.

    "Thank you for the compliment.

    Juliano Branca, the president of the brotherhood, bowed to Hercule.

    In fact, the president of the brotherhood had a secret mission from Hercule.

    It was to propagate Messianism in the East, to establish a base and to ......

    The mission was to preach messianism in the east, establish a base, and then secretly steal the silk manufacturing method and the chanoki tree from the eastern countries.

    The silk was not easy to steal, as it was an important strategic material for the eastern countries.

    However, thanks to the efforts of Giuliano and his monks, they succeeded in stealing the silk production method, silkworms, and mulberry.

    Now we can produce silk and tea in our country.

    Of course, the know-how of the countries in the East was far superior to ours, and we would be able to produce only inferior products at first.

    However, it is still a big step for us to be able to produce and export these products at home.

    If you were my vassals, I would have given you a huge reward, and if you were not a mendicant order, I would have donated money and land to you. ......

    It is enough for me to say that. ...... If possible, we would appreciate your further support.

    Yeah, I know.

    You can''t give money or land, but you can give money indirectly. ......

    For example, it is possible to waive fees for some public facilities, to rent a permanent base of operations, or to lend a boat or horse.

    For the brotherhood, missionary work is a God-given task.

    For the brotherhoods, missionary work is a God-given mission. It''s a win-win situation, as Hercule can keep the cost of missionary work low and the brotherhoods can concentrate on missionary work without any inconvenience.

    "By the way, Your Majesty, rumor has it that you and High Priestess Medium are on very good terms.

    "Is it a problem that the Emperor of Lemuria and the High Priestess Medium are on good terms?

    When Hercule said this, the head of the brotherhood frowned.

    No, we are happy for you. It is in God''s will that the sacred and the profane work together to further the development of the Messianic world. However, I would like to ask you to keep ...... in moderation.

    Apparently, the head of the brotherhood was not too happy about Hercule and Cecilia having a corrupt relationship.

    So, for the sake of Cecilia, Hercule will tell her a lie.

    You seem to have misunderstood something, but Cecilia and I do not have a sleazy relationship. We are, of course, very close.

    "...... Are you sure?

    Then you should check with Cecilia.

    Cecilia would definitely say.

    "Do you have any proof? And...

    "Do you have proof or not?¡¡Why are you asking me that if you don''t?¡¡Are you accusing me of something?¡¡That''s disgusting. That''s defamation. How would you feel if someone suddenly told you that you are homos*xual, but there is no proof?¡¡Wouldn''t you feel bad?¡¡I''m sure you''d say, "At least come up with a proof or two before you say it.

    The key is to never say, "I''m a virgin.

    "But you know what? ......

    "Actually, I haven''t gotten a unicorn. The unicorn is very fond of Cecilia. I''m sure you''ll see Cecilia riding the unicorn soon. She''s in the middle of training to ride.

    "A unicorn?¡¡The holy beast?

    Yes. I got it from the Nuba Kingdom. You''ll believe it when you see it. Or do you not believe in unicorns?

    If the most powerful virgin creature in the world, the unicorn, says, "Hmm, that''s a virgin," then it''s definitely a virgin.

    At least, the general public will certainly believe it, so there is no problem.

    After parting with Giuliano, Hercule called Antonio.

    "Antonio, the report on the sheep ...... says that you were successful.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. We have succeeded in perfecting the breed. We''re preparing to increase the number.

    Hearing the report directly from Antonio, Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    There is no significant difference in the technology of processing fiber into cloth or clothing.

    If the technology can be transferred, it is more efficient to develop the industries that can be transferred.

    At least, it is more efficient than trying to start an industry that you have never tried before.

    How are prices in the Empire?

    Prices have begun to rise steadily in the provinces. But in the capital, the gap between the rich and the poor seems to be widening.

    Hmm, that''s troublesome.

    Since there are no particularly bad harvests or natural disasters, we can basically conclude that rising prices mean that the economy is improving.

    However, excessive price increases are not a good trend.

    This is because the gap between the rich and the poor will inevitably widen.

    The widening gap between the rich and the poor will lead to a deterioration of public safety and ultimately to an economic recession.

    We should introduce a wealth tax.

    "...... Wealth tax?

    It''s a voluntary tax paid by the rich above a certain income level. If the names of those who pay the highest taxes are made public and honored, some people will pay it.

    It''s only a volunteer thing, because we don''t want the rich to decide they can steal your money with fines and get away with it. ......

    We need to collect as much money from the top as possible and pass it on to the bottom.

    Taxes have a role to play in the redistribution of wealth.

    There is an urgent need to expand social welfare. Well, we''ll have to discuss that with Cecilia. ......

    The joint effort with the Church is going well, for the time being.

    Orphanages and shelters co-funded by the Imperial Government and the Church have been built not only in Nova Lemuria, but all over the Lemurian Empire, and a theological college has also been established.

    Cecilia did not spare any effort to help Hercule, as she had declared.

    Of course, Cecilia was promoting the Messianic missionary work in Taurica, Bulgalon, Nuba, Barbary, Kurotongue, and the East, which was definitely in the interest of Hercule.

    The relationship between the two parties is very good.

    "Your Majesty, what shall we do about the Republic of Adleria?

    "Oh, leave that clever little ...... behind. It''s no longer a threat. We''ll destroy it when the time comes.

    The Republic of Adluria was a small city-state with a powerful navy.

    In the past, Lemuria, Chellda, and Adluria had divided the seas in three.

    However, Cerda lost its naval power and civil war broke out, and Lemuria regained the islands in the sea. ......

    In addition, the Republic of Adleria began to lose its power when it established a trading company and entered into an aggressive trading business.

    The trading companies established by the Lemurian Empire were open to non-Lemurians.

    As a result, the merchants who had been based in the Republic of Adluria thought that there was no need to be concerned with the Republic of Adluria, and were moving their headquarters to Nova Lemuria.

    In the first place, there was a difference in national strength between the large empire of Lemuria and the small city-state of the Republic of Adluria.

    Lemuria had an overwhelming advantage in shipbuilding power.

    But won''t it be troublesome if we join forces with the Fulling Kingdom and Edelna Kingdom?

    Do you have something of interest to tell me?

    Yes, ...... merchants from the Republic of Adleria have been known to frequent the courts of both countries. Also the Kingdoms of Cerda and Tretum.

    "Hmm. ......

    The Kingdom of Chelda is in the midst of a civil war, and the Kingdom of Tretum is a friend of the Lemurian Empire, so it is not a threat.

    But the kingdoms of Fulling and Edelna are a bit more troublesome.

    You''re right, ...... it''s time to start dealing with the west.

    Hercule muttered to himself with a hint of annoyance.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    But in order to do that, we have to cut down on patronage.

    Hindsight.

    That is, to take care of the Kingdom of Cerda, whose civil war is winding down.

    Now that we''ve done the prep work, let''s move on to the cooking and eating.

    Hercule smiled.

 158 Episode 1 Conquest of Albion

    When Hercule is plotting to take back the Patriarchate of Lemuria: ......

    King Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Fullerling is on an expedition to Albion.

    Albion is an island across the straits from the Kingdom of Fullerling, and was once under the control of the Lemurian Empire.

    It is also famous for the expedition of the first Lemurian emperor, the father of Hercule.

    There were three reasons for King Ludwig I''s expedition to Albion.

    First, to expand his territory.

    Second, to relieve the gloom behind him.

    Third, to make his name known in the world and in history by performing a feat equal to or greater than that of the first Lemurian emperor.

    This was already his third expedition, and he was one step closer to conquering the world.

    But ......

    The enemy general is not to be underestimated. The enemy general.

    King Ludwig I muttered.

    The army of the Kingdom of Frarling was 50,000, while the army of Albion was 30,000.

    Of the 50,000 troops, 30,000 were cavalry, while most of the Albion troops were infantry.

    However, despite their superiority in numbers and quality, the Fullerling army had yet to break the formation of the Albion army.

    Three days had already passed since the engagement.

    For King Ludwig I, who had many enemies at his back, time was his worst enemy.

    Perhaps you should have brought a few more men with you, Laurent.

    Yes ...... but Hercule I has already finished the conquest of the Bulgars. You can''t help it if you don''t know which way his eyes are going, west or east.

    The Kingdom of Frarling has a strong military power in relation to its size.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot more than one hundred,000 knights who have feudal contracts with King Ludwig I, the total number of troops will probably be even larger if you include the infantry squires that the knights bring with them.

    However, there is no way that all of them can be brought along on an expedition.

    The kingdom of Albion was already on the verge of collapse,......, so King Ludwig I went on an expedition with 50,000 men.

    The enemy''s morale was so high that it was difficult to break formation. Both spearmen and archers are troublesome.

    The main force of the Fullerling Kingdom is heavy cavalry, and their basic tactic is to charge with heavy cavalry.

    The warbeasts are physically strong and can wear heavy armor with ease.

    And ......, many warbeasts are skilled in strengthening magic, which strengthens the animals they ride.

    This is why the heavy cavalry of the Fulling Kingdom are far more heavily armed than the heavy cavalry of the Lemurian Empire (cribanarius), and their blows are truly hammer blows.

    However, horses are basically creatures that are afraid of sharp objects, and no matter how much you try to strengthen their abilities, you can''t train their instincts.

    And again, no matter how thick the armor is, ......

    There are holes in the armor to ensure visibility, and the joints are thinner to ensure mobility.

    So if an arrow hits that part, the knight will be wounded.

    The bow is not a point weapon, but a surface control weapon, and a few hits will do the trick.

    In other words, if you form a circle with long spears and shoot arrows from the inside, ......

    No matter how powerful the cavalry charge of the Fullerling knights is, it is possible, if not easy, to prevent it.

    In this case, the key to victory or defeat would be the level of morale.

    In other words, how much the heavy cavalry can charge with courage without fearing spears and bows. ......

    And how long the opposing long spear troops can hold their stance with courage without fearing the heavy cavalry''s charge: ......

    The side that holds on to their courage more strongly and firmly will win.

    And so far, the courage and morale of the Albion army was superior.

    "As I recall, the general of the enemy was a prince of Albion. I believe his name is .......

    "Astolfo, Your Majesty.

    Roran replied.

    Astolfo, Prince of Albion.

    That was the name of the enemy general.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing and how you''re doing it.

    ...... Let''s give it a try and see if we can get a shot at him. If you win, you can get rid of Astolfo. If he refuses, the enemy''s morale will drop.

    But it''s Albion who''s cornered.

    Ludwig I thought that Astolfo would surely accept if he offered to fight him in single combat.

    The question was whether he could win or not.

    "Laurent, can you go?

    "Of course, Your Majesty.

    Laurent smiled.

    The next day, Laurent rode alone and slowly approached Albion''s army.

    He called out in a loud voice.

    My name is Laurent, a knight under the great King Ludwig I. My title is Count. My name is Laurent, a knight under the great King Ludwig I. My title is Count.¡¡I wish to challenge the enemy general, the second prince of Albion''s army, Astolpho, to single combat!

    When Laurent shouted this, ......

    Slowly, the formation of the Albion army moved, and the soldiers gave way as if the waves were receding.

    What emerged was a very beautiful boy.

    He had silvery hair, eyes as beautiful as violet crystal, and armor as polished as a mirror.

    From his silvery hair appeared the beast ears of the warbeast race and the long, slender ears of the elf race.

    A total of four ears ...... made it clear that he was a half-breed of the warbeasts and elves.

    It is very strange to have four ears, but this kind of appearance is rare among the mixed race of warbeasts and other races.

    Albion used to be a territory of the Lemurian Empire, and there were many Lemurian nobles and elves who were native to Albion.

    After the Lemurian Empire withdrew from Albion, the warbeasts invaded and conquered the land.

    Because of this history, half-breeds are not that uncommon.

    However, it is very rare to see the characteristics of both races as he does.

    "My name is Astolfo!¡¡I am Astolfo, the second prince of the Albion army!¡¡I will answer your request for single combat!

    Roran''s eyes widened involuntarily when he saw the beautiful boy who called himself Astolfo.

    Roran''s eyes widened when he saw the beautiful boy who called himself Astolfo, because Astolfo was a very beautiful boy.

    Laurent was convinced that perhaps the Lord had given him the wrong gender for her.

    And after admiring the beauty of it, Laurent finally realized.

    He realized that Astolfo was riding a very strange animal.

    An eagle on the front half of his body and a hippogriff ...... on the bottom half of his body.

    "What''s wrong!¡¡Laurent!¡¡Are you scared?

    No, I was just admiring your ...... hippogriff. I''m sorry.

    "Hmm, you must be jealous!

    Astolfo puffed out his chest proudly.

    Laurent looked closely at the ...... breasts, but could not observe any bulge in them.

    As Laurent pondered the philosophical and theological question of what the difference was between an extremely beautiful boy and a beautiful girl with no breasts, Astolfo had one of his men bring him a spear.

    Looking at the spear, Laurent asks, "Don''t you use demons?

    "Don''t you use a demon?

    Roran had heard that Astolfo had made a pact with some kind of demon.

    He had heard that Astolfo had made a pact with some kind of demon, a demon that could turn into a very powerful spear.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    "Oh, you mean the ...... ''Amy''. Hmmm, I feel it''s a bit cowardly to use that in a one-on-one fight. Even if I won, I wouldn''t be proud of that victory. That''s why I don''t use it. ...... Well, it''s just for my own satisfaction.

    Hearing Astolfo''s words, Roran was impressed.

    So Laurent took off his beloved sword from his waist and handed it to his squire.

    I see, I see. Then I won''t use this sword either.

    "Hmm, are you sure?¡¡I''ve heard that it''s a very good magic sword.

    It''s for my own satisfaction. ...... Don''t worry about it.

    They laughed at each other.

    And then, with a serious (but cute) look on his face, Astolfo said: "If I win, I''m going to go to the continent.

    If I win, you''re going to have to pull back on the continent. Okay?

    "Then, if I win, you will disband your army and surrender.

    Then the two men took up their spears and charged.

    Using the strength of the warbeast, a thrust like a bolt of lightning struck Astrfo.

    Astrupho did his best to deal with the spear, but his opponent was bad.

    Roran is the strongest hero in the kingdom of Fulling, perhaps the strongest of all knights in the world.

    Fortunately, Astolfo''s horse is a hippogriff, while Roland''s horse is just a horse, albeit a great one.

    The battle between the two was kept alive by the quality of their horses.

    But one day, the balance is broken.

    Suddenly, Roland''s horse stumbled heavily.

    Astolfo took the chance and tried to thrust his spear into Roran. ......

    He stopped the spear just in time.

    His face turned red and he turned himself around.

    I will not accept this victory!¡¡We''ll meet again tomorrow, Laurent!

    After shouting in a high voice, Astolfo returned to his camp.

    "You saved my life, Laurent.

    "Yes, ......, Your Majesty. I''m sorry, I''ve brought you shame.

    Laurent hung his head in front of King Ludwig I.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at the best way to get the most out of your time.

    It lowered the morale of the Fullerling Kingdom army a lot.

    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do that. But why did Astolfo turn back? ......

    "About that, Your Majesty. Perhaps because of this.

    Laurent showed King Ludwig I a thin needle-like object.

    It was an arrow from a blowgun.

    "It was stuck in my horse. It was probably fired by an impatient Albion soldier. Astolpho noticed it and announced a fresh start.

    "I see, I''m relieved to hear that. So you are not defeated, are you?

    No, you can''t make excuses like that at .......

    Oh, I get it, I get it. Yes, a loss is a loss. But that doesn''t mean you were inferior, that''s for sure. You must win tomorrow.

    King Ludwig I said, but ...... Laurent''s face did not look happy.

    Laurent then looked at Ludwig I with a determined expression on his face and said.

    "Your Majesty. Before we meet, I would like to thank him. ...... Please allow me to do so.

    "A bow?¡¡You''re a very polite man, you know that? Well, I don''t hate that about you. ......

    Ludwig I pondered for a moment, then came up with a good idea.

    Then he smiled.

    "Very well. Tomorrow, I''ll send Namo as a messenger. You''re to accompany him. I''ll have to thank him for saving one of my most valuable subjects.

    Thank you, Your Majesty!¡¡Your Majesty!

    Laurent''s face lit up, then he bowed and left.

    Ludwig I, who was left alone, grinned.

    Prince Astolfo, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Namo, one of His Majesty''s great knights, and my title is ''Duke''. My second name is Wisdom, and I am Namo the Wise. Please make my acquaintance.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Namo. And you, sir Laurent. I''m Astolfo. ...... Now, what can I do for you?¡¡I don''t think you''re here for a one-on-one fight, by the looks of it.

    Astolfo asked with a good-natured smile.

    Laurent replied.

    ''I came to thank you for yesterday, Prince. You spotted the poisoned blowgun and saved my life by calling off the duel. You saved my life by noticing the poisoned blowgun and calling off the duel, giving me another chance at a fair fight.

    Stop it. ...... I didn''t do it because I wanted you to thank me. I just didn''t agree with you, that''s all. It''s all about my self-gratification.

    "That''s the same for me. I can''t be so shameless as to go back into single combat without ever thanking you.

    When Laurent said this, Astolfo laughed in annoyance.

    Seeing that the exchange between the two was over, Namo opened his mouth.

    Our King, King Ludwig I, admires the chivalrous spirit of His Highness, Astolfo. We are also very grateful to you for saving the life of our best knight, Laurent. Therefore, he wishes to present a gift to His Highness.

    Namo said and clapped his hands lightly.

    Then the knights of the Fulling Kingdom appear, bearing gifts for Astolfo.

    Lemurian gold coins, the reserve currency of the West, of course, and beautiful jeweled ornaments.

    Luxurious garments of silk, cloaks of blackened fur.

    And precious spices, rarely found in Albion.

    Astolfo''s eyes widened at the unexpected souvenir.

    I can''t accept this ......!¡¡I''m just being selfish!

    I''m just being selfish!" "No, no, for my country, for His Majesty the King, Laurent''s life and honor are far more precious than such treasures. I am very sorry that I can only give this kind of gift to His Highness Astolfo, who saved it.

    "But, .......

    Astrupho denied it with his mouth, but ......

    The boy''s eyes were glued to the treasure.

    In fact, this boy is quite fancy and loves gorgeous and beautiful things.

    Ornaments adorned with gold, silver, and jewels are, of course, ......

    Beautiful silk fabrics from the Land of Silk, far to the east of Albion, are coveted.

    The image of myself in a beautiful cloak of cloten or sable fur, which I can''t get in Albion, makes me smile just thinking about it.

    Please accept it.

    I can''t help it. ...... I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this topic.

    Astrupho muttered to himself as an excuse and received these treasures.

    With a grin, Namo smiled.

    Now, some time later, a rumor circulated in Albion.

    According to ......

    Astolfo, the prince of Albion, is in league with the kingdom of Fulling.

    He did not use the Spear of Victory and did not stop the fallen Roland.

    And above all, the fact that he received numerous bribes from the Fulling Kingdom was considered proof of this.

    Many of the people and soldiers snickered at the rumors.

    There''s no way Master Astolfo would do such a thing.

    They thought that the chivalrous and, above all, weak-minded Lord Astrupho would never think of betrayal.

    But the king, who was jealous of his son''s popularity, and the first prince, who feared that he might lose his position as crown prince, believed the rumor.

    They summoned Astolfo to the palace and held him in prison.

    With the loss of Astolfo, the Albion army collapsed, and the Fullerling army under King Ludwig I quickly marched on Albion.

    Finally, the capital, Londinium, fell.

    Afterwards, Astrupha was rescued from her prison by King Ludwig I. Astrupha was the first to be rescued by King Ludwig I.

    Astrupho was knighted again by King Ludwig I and became a Fullerling knight. ......

    This is the first time I have ever seen such a thing.

    After that, the kingdom of Fullerling marched on the island of Albion at breakneck speed.

    He was given the title of "Count" and the name "Love".

 159 Lemuria Imperial Economic White Paper Map*2

    Population: 25 million (+ 2 million in the Kingdom of Khayastan) Total: 27 million

    Geography

    Major cities

    Nova Lemuria (850,000)

    Capital of the Lemurian Empire. At the beginning of the story, the population was around 700,000, but after Hercule''s accession to the throne, the population continued to increase and the population grew significantly.

    It is a bay city with a good natural harbor and the largest trading port in the western world. It is the largest trading port in the western world. It attracts various products from all over the world. An important city that supports the finances of the Lemurian Empire.

    Also known as "the city where two-thirds of the world''s wealth is gathered.

    Surrounded by the sea on three sides and a strong wall on the land side, it is an impregnable city.

    It is located at the intersection of three global trade routes: the Sea Route, the Grassland Route, and the Oasis (Silk) Route.

    It is one of the Five Temples of Lemuria, and is home to the Patriarchate of Nova Lemuria.

    The Patriarchate of Nova Lemuria is located here.

    Aletheia (450,000)

    The second largest city in the Lemurian Empire. The capital of the province of Misr. The city was 400,000 at the start of the story, but has increased by 50,000 since then.

    All wheat and other agricultural products harvested in the provinces of Misrule and Suria are gathered in Alektia and transported to Nova Lemuria.

    It is also located on the "Sea Road" and is one of the gateways to foreign countries for the Lemurian Empire.

    It is also one of the five principal cities and the seat of the Patriarchate of Aletheia.

    Orontia City (400,000)

    The third largest city in the Lemurian Empire. The capital of the province of Suria. The city had a population of 300,000 at the beginning of the story, but with the stabilization of the border with the Kingdom of Fars, the population increased by 100,000.

    Located on the Oasis Road, it is one of the gateways to foreign countries for the Lemurian Empire.

    It is also known as an impregnable city with a strong wall of defense.

    The front line against the Kingdom of Phallus.

    It is one of the five head temples and home to the Patriarchate of Orontia.

    Cyrene City (200,000)

    The fourth largest city in the Lemurian Empire. The capital of Cyrenaica.

    One of the granaries of the Lemurian Empire, the wheat of Cyrenaica gathers here and is temporarily transported to Alexandria and then to Nova Lemuria.

    Erstadt (200,000)

    Capital of the Kingdom of Hayastan. The economic and political center of the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    At the beginning of the story, the population is about 150,000, but thanks to Hercule and Lunalie, the population has increased.

    It has developed to a certain extent.

    City of Hiesolia (80,000)

    A medium-sized city in the Lemurian Empire.

    However, it is the holy land of the Lemurian Empire''s state religion, Messianism, and also the holy land of the Six Stars.

    Originally, the Six Stars were not allowed to approach the city, but now that Hercule has allowed them to return, the Six Stars have gathered from all over the world and the population is growing.

    There are more of them than expected, and Hercule may or may not regret it.

    The Patriarchate of Hiesolia is one of the five main temples.

    Major Provinces

    Province of Tranquia

    A province located almost west of Nova Lemuria. It was a military lifeline for the Lemurian Empire, as it bordered the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    However, it was not economically prosperous due to the threat of the Bulgaron Kingdom nearby.

    The main industries were olives, grapes, and marble.

    Pelosonia

    A region temporarily occupied by Darius. It is located southwest of Tranquia.

    It is not very rich, mainly because of Darius, but it was a culturally prosperous region in the past.

    The industry is not so different from that of Tranquia.

    Misrule Province

    A province in the southern continent of the Lemurian Empire.

    It has a desert climate, but the Neil River makes it very fertile.

    It is the largest breadbasket of the Lemurian Empire, and is home to wheat, barley, cotton, sugar, rice, coffee, and other agricultural products, as well as luxury goods (spices, etc.) imported from abroad.

    It is the most economically important province in the region.

    Cyrenaica

    The most economically important province in the region, located to the west of Misr.

    Although it has a desert climate, the coastal area is rich in soil and is one of the most important granaries of the Lemurian Empire.

    It is one of the most important grain-growing regions of the Lemurian Empire. It is also an important region militarily, as it is adjacent to the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Province of Suria

    A province located northeast of the province of Misr.

    Along with Misrule, it is a fertile crescent region, and its agricultural productivity is as high as that of Misrule.

    It is also a very important place economically, with trade goods flowing from the Kingdom of Farus.

    However, this also means that it is constantly targeted by the Kingdom of Phallus.

    If the province of Suria is taken, the Lemurian Empire will be torn in two, north and south. The Achilles'' heel of the Lemurian Empire.

    Anatolicon Province

    A province in the eastern part of Nova Lemuria.

    Although mountainous, the land is reasonably fertile, and its proximity to the capital makes it an important granary.

    It is bordered by the Kingdom of Phars and is militarily important. ...... However, it has not been exposed to warfare because the Kingdom of Phars is more likely to target the Province of Suria than the Province of Anatolicon.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan

    A province of the Lemurian Empire, located to the east of Anatolicon.

    The land is reasonably fertile, but it is a tragic land that is often targeted.

    Recently, however, the land has become more stable as it has become a member of the Lemurian Empire.

    The economy seems to be doing well due to the export of grain to Nova Lemuria.

    It also conducts transit trade between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars, which is quite profitable. (The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars have high tariffs on each other''s trade, but they are kept low on trade to the Kingdom of Khayastan, so in some cases it is more profitable than trading directly.

    Taurica Province

    A newly conquered province of Hercule.

    Taurica Peninsula and the surrounding northern region.

    The Taurica Peninsula and its surrounding northern regions are still underdeveloped, but have high potential due to the fertile Chernozem.

    It is also a gateway for trade with northern countries.

    Emigration is currently increasing.

    Caucasus

    A newly conquered province of Hercule.

    It is located on the coast of North Caucasus. The rest of North Caucasus is left as a buffer zone against the Kuro Plume.

    The remaining North Caucasus region is left as a buffer zone against the Kuro Ridge. The region has a good future due to the fertile Chernozem.

    Province of Bulgaron

    The southern half of the former Kingdom of Bulgaron. Nomadic and agricultural people live together. Major clan is the Krom.

    Major industries include sheep and horses.

    Dacia Province

    Northern half of the former Kingdom of Bulgalon. Nomadic and agricultural people live together. Main clan is the Teritel.

    Main industries are sheep and horses.

    The main industries are sheep and horses.

    Agriculture

    A large part of the Lemurian Empire''s income comes from agriculture, and almost all of its citizens are engaged in farming.

    This is the norm in this world, however.

    The main agricultural products are wheat, which is the staple food, and barley, rye, and oats, which are substitutes for wheat.

    Then there are grapes to produce wine, essential for the food culture of the Lemurian Empire and for Messianic rituals.

    Then there is olive oil, an indispensable cooking oil.

    In addition to this, in recent years, soybeans have been introduced in some parts of the province of Misr for use as oil, grain and fodder.

    Rice has been introduced in parts of the Misr region.

    Fruits such as oranges and lemons are also grown.

    Coffee, sugar (sugar cane and sugar beet), cotton, and tea are also important commodity crops.

    Livestock

    After agriculture, animal husbandry is the most important industry. The main animals raised in the Lemurian Empire are as follows

    Pigs: ...... In the Lemurian Empire, the word "meat" refers to pork. In the Lemurian Empire, the word "meat" refers to pork, but only in the western part of the Empire, in Nova Lemuria, Tranquia, and Pelosonia. This is because in the eastern part of the Empire, in the provinces of Suria and Misr, there is a culture that abhors pork.

    The reason for this is unclear, but ...... probably because there were few forests in Suria and Misr, and not enough acorns to feed the pigs, so in order to fatten them up quickly, they had to be fed barley and other grains, the same food as humans. In other words, pigs had to be fed the same food as humans.

    Unlike pigs, sheep are raised almost everywhere in the empire. The main use of sheep is wool, followed by meat. Nowadays, improved breeds of sheep that can produce high quality wool are being introduced, and the overall quality of wool in the Lemurian Empire is improving.

    The basic purpose of goats ...... is to collect milk and goat milk. In the Lemurian Empire, the term "milk" often refers to goat''s milk. Only the wealthy could drink cow''s milk.

    Chickens ...... are mainly used for eggs. Of course, it is also used as meat. There is no farmer who does not raise chickens.

    Rabbits...... for meat and fur. Many farmers raise rabbits for pocket money.

    Cattle...... are used for three purposes: meat, milk, and animal power, but basically they are used for animal power. The less affluent rural communities raise cattle together and use them to cultivate the fields. Milk and beef are for the wealthy and are raised mainly in the vicinity of large cities.

    Horses ...... are important livestock for powering farmland, as vehicles for logistics, and as important military weapons. Currently, Hercule is actively encouraging the breeding of horses.

    However, this is not going very well. This is because sheep have already been grazing in the areas where horses can be grazed.

    Therefore, the incorporation of the Bulgaron Kingdom has been quite helpful for Hercule in terms of horse production.

    Incidentally, horses consume more food than cattle, so only wealthy farmers can use horses to plow fields as animal power.

    Donkeys ...... are an alternative to horses. However, as a spoiled horse, they are better than horses in some cases.

    Camels ...... are used in desert areas and in the Misr province. Camel milk is a luxury item. The meat is considered a delicacy.

    Mining

    The Lemurian Empire has a large territory, and most mineral resources can be extracted.

    The province of Anatolikon is particularly rich in mineral resources, with gold, silver, copper, and iron available for mining.

    There are also veins of gold in the newly added province of Dacia.

    However, since precious stones cannot be mined, many of them must be imported.

    Handicraft

    The handicraft industry of the Lemurian Empire is centered in the city of Nova Lemuria.

    The main industries are as follows

    Liquor ...... is mainly wine. There is also barley wine. Rice wine is currently under development. The wine of the Lemurian Empire is highly regarded throughout the world, and is drunk not only in the West, but also in the Kingdom of Phars.

    Oil: ...... Mainly olive oil. Recently, soybean oil and cottonseed oil are also produced. Most of the demand is for domestic consumption, but the surplus is exported. It is also highly valued.

    In addition to the ancient wool, cotton and silk are produced. In addition to the traditional wool, cotton and silk are produced. It is currently a rapidly growing industry.

    Glass: ...... Glasswork called Lemurian glass. Glasswork called Lemurian glass. It competes with the falsework produced in the Kingdom of Fals. It is exported to western countries, and most of the window glass in western countries is produced in Lemuria.

    Ceramics: ...... Originally, the Lemurian Empire had a ceramics industry, which competed with the ceramics industry of the Kingdom of Phallus. In recent years, the Lemurian Empire has gained an advantage over the Kingdom of Phars due to the development of bone ash porcelain.

    Trade

    The capital city of Nova Lemuria is located at the intersection of three trade routes, and trade is a source of national wealth.

    However, the trend is toward excessive imports, and the outflow of gold and silver has been a problem since the country was founded.

    Major trade routes

    The Oasis (Silk) Road

    A trade route from a certain silk country to Nova Lemuria through Oasis cities and the Kingdom of Fars, passing through Orontia City.

    Because it is an overland route, its main trade goods are light, small, and expensive.

    Silk, jewelry, etc.

    The Sea Road

    A trade route from the east, through the Sea of Rubel, and through the canal to the Neil River, passing through the city of Arrecia to Nova Lemuria.

    It is a sea route, and its main trade goods are heavy and not expensive (compared to silk and jewels).

    Tea, Eastern porcelain, spices, perfumes, etc.

    The Grassland Road

    A trade route from the east through nomadic territories such as the Kuro Tongue, through the Kingdom of Hayastan and the Taurica region to Nova Lemuria.

    Because it is an overland route, the goods traded are similar to the Oasis (Silk) Road.

    Silk, jewelry, etc.

    Other trade routes

    Trade routes to the northern countries

    Trade routes with northern countries through the Taurica Peninsula to Nova Lemuria.

    It is partially covered by the Grassland Road.

    Animal pelts, amber, etc.

    Desert Trade

    A trade route that traverses the deserts of the southern continent. Not very active due to the harshness of the road, but the interest rate is high.

    Gold, ivory, etc.

    Trade with other countries

    Kingdom of Fars

    The Lemurian Empire unilaterally imports too much goods from the Kingdom of Phallus. After Hercule''s accession to the throne, the situation has eased to some extent, but the structure has not changed significantly.

    Since the Kingdom of Phallus is a silver economy country, the Lemurian Empire has been experiencing an outflow of gold and an inflow of silver.

    Exports

    Wine, coffee, bone ash porcelain, glasswork (Lemurian glass), sugar, textiles (clothing fabric), gold (gold coin outflow)

    Imported goods

    Jewelry (transit), silk (transit), glasswork (Foulds glass), Foulds carpets, silver (silver coin inflow)

    Monsoon trade (Shindila trade)

    Sea Roads. Trade with Sindhira and surrounding countries via the city of Alexandria. The Lemurian Empire unilaterally imported too much.

    Exports

    Wine, coffee, bone ash porcelain, glasswork (Lemurian glass), sugar, textiles (clothing fabric), gold (gold coin outflows).

    Imports

    Spices, perfumes, Eastern porcelain

    Kingdom of Khayastan

    Trade with the Kingdom of Hayastan has been unilaterally in excess of the Lemurian Empire''s imports, due in part to the generosity of Hercule. However, due to the repayment of loans, the Lemurian Empire''s gold that flowed to the Kingdom of Hayastan will eventually return to Lemuria.

    Exports

    Wine, coffee, bone ash porcelain, glasswork (Lemurian glass), sugar, textiles (clothing fabric), gold (gold coin outflow).

    Imported goods

    Grapes, wine, wheat, barley, honey, other agricultural products

    Northern countries

    The Lemurian Empire unilaterally overexported its trade with the northern countries. However, the scale of trade is small, not enough to overturn the trade with the Kingdom of Fars.

    Exports

    Wine, coffee, bone ash porcelain, glassware, sugar, textiles (clothing fabric)

    Imported goods

    Slaves, amber, furs, gold, silver, copper

    Nuba Kingdom (and other southern countries)

    Trade with the Nuba Kingdom has been a unilateral export surplus for the Lemurian Empire. It is an important source of gold for the Lemurian Empire.

    Exports

    Wine, olive oil, coffee, bone ash porcelain, glasswork, sugar, textiles (fabric for clothing), jewelry (transit), silk (transit), spices (transit), eastern porcelain (transit)

    Imported goods

    Gold, silver, slaves, ivory, jewelry

    Gold, silver, slaves, ivory, jewels, etc. ?Western countries (Cerda, Fulling, Tretum, Edelna)

    Unilateral overexport by the Lemurian Empire. There is nothing in particular that the Lemurian Empire needs to import.

    Exports

    Wine, olive oil, coffee, bone and ash porcelain, glasswork, sugar, textiles (clothing fabric), jewelry (transit), silk (transit), spices (transit), Eastern porcelain (transit)

    Imported goods

    Slaves, gold, silver, coppe

 160 Episode 1 Sheep and

    No, no, no, no, no, no!¡¡Hey, you can''t do that ...... No, you can''t!¡¡No, you can''t! No one would normally do such a ridiculous thing even if they could think of it!¡¡If I did, I would be a real fool!¡¡But that''s why no one ...... has ever tried to do such a thing before!¡¡But that''s why no one has ever tried to do such a thing before: ......

    About Emperor Lemuria.

    --Sonya Lupus Gayseria--

    Blah, blah, blah.

    "Ludwig I completes conquest of Albion. ...... That''s annoying. It''s so annoying.

    Hercule sniffed disapprovingly.

    A few years after conquering the Bulgurons, Hercule was now twenty-nine years old.

    He had reached the age of twenty-nine years old.

    If you''re a human, you''ll start to feel a little older by now. ......

    However, Hercule''s appearance has not changed since he was in his early twenties.

    It will probably remain the same for the next eighty years or so.

    That''s what the elves are all about.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    I would''ve brought the Albion nation into the siege against the Fullerling if I could''ve. It''s too far.

    Albion is the collective name for the two islands across the strait from the continent, Greater Albion and Lesser Albion.

    The two islands have never been united under a single political power in history.

    Before the Lemurian Empire set foot on the island, there were only small city-states, or even small settlements scattered throughout, and the people who lived there had no concept of ethnicity, although they were aware that they were fellow citizens with a common ancestor, culture, and religion.

    It was only when the Lemurian Empire stepped in and the Lemurians built Londinium as their base of control in the southern part of Greater Albion that the natives of Albion began to think in terms of ethnicity, that is, to separate "us" from "the invaders. "us" and "the invaders.

    The Lemurian Empire controlled 70% of Albion, but it was not able to bring all of it under its control.

    No, they could have if they wanted to.

    But the Lemurian Empire didn''t see the value in doing so.

    As the Lemurian Empire declined, Albion was the first to be abandoned.

    With the invaders gone, Albion was left in peace. ......

    There is no way.

    The loss of the Lemurian ruler led to a loss of order, and the loss of the Lemurian invader, the common enemy, led to a struggle for supremacy among the native peoples.

    If nothing were to happen and this conflict was left unresolved, ......

    If this conflict had been left unresolved, a unified nation might have been born in Albion.

    But soon after, the warbeasts landed in Albion.

    Lemurians, indigenous people, and warbeasts came together in Albion.

    And it has continued to this day.

    It is impossible for even Hercule to grasp the situation in Albion from this distant place in Nova Lemuria.

    But ......

    So, at least formally, all the powers of Albion have signed a feudal contract with King Ludwig I. He probably only controls a small part of the south, but it''s still a big deal. So you''re not just a war fool.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    Hercule raises his opinion of King Ludwig I.

    Because of the ostentatious rumors of him being "the knight among knights" and "the Lion King", many people tend to see him as a typical warrior.

    The same is true for politicians, vassals of King Ludwig I, early Hercules, and even later historians.

    Because of Ludwig I''s spectacular military achievements and his extremely military name, many people envision him as a warrior-like figure.

    But that is a false image.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    Ludwig I is a politician rather than a soldier.

    He prefers indirect and political solutions to direct and violent ones.

    He wears the mask of chivalry, but in reality he is a conspirator. ......

    He specializes in low-key subterfuge.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    "Well, it''s obvious when you think about it. The kingdom of Fullerling is a feudal, decentralized state by any measure. It is not a centralized state with a complete bureaucracy like Lemuria, nor is it an eclectic state like Faerus. And yet, the fact that he can command so many lords and mobilize an army ...... cannot be explained by mere charisma.

    Tick, tick, tick, tick.

    The way Hercule mobilizes his army is simple.

    Just tell the bureaucrats and generals to gather their troops.

    In the Lemurian Empire, which is organized from top to bottom, that''s all it takes to gather an army.

    Well, maintaining that organization requires a different kind of effort. ......

    In the Lemurian Empire, which is organized from the top to the bottom, it is easy to gather an army.

    But in the kingdom of Fulling, it will not be so.

    You can''t force lords to send troops if they don''t want to.

    That is what feudalism is all about.

    Therefore, it is necessary to make careful arrangements and to keep a close watch to prevent betrayal.

    King Ludwig I was very good at that.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    He''s a pain in the ass. Sasan VIII might be simpler and easier to deal with.

    Hercule let out a sigh.

    He puts the report on the table and looks down.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    Hercule looked down at the slave who was licking his toes in a frenzied manner.

    Licking her right toe was a blue-haired woman with large breasts, wearing a collar, manacles, and shackles, and a pale skinned, transparent slave uniform.

    The one licking her left toe is a dark-haired woman also wearing shackles, but instead of a slave uniform, she is wearing a traditional Bulgarian costume - albeit one that has been tampered with and is very indecent.

    Both have the long ears of the elves sprouting from between their hair.

    Splish, splash, splash!

    Tsk, tsk, tsk.

    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.

    The sound of foot licking echoes through the office.

    Hercule holds the leashes that extend from their collars and calls out to them.

    Luna is better than me.

    "No, I''m not happy.

    I''m not happy about it." The woman in the slave uniform who was praised by Hercule, the Queen of Hayastan and Lemuria, Lunalie Yulianos, replied with her usual poker face.

    However, her eyes were moist, and it was obvious that she was drunk from the torment given by Hercule.

    Alicia isn''t bad at it, but she''s not as good as ...... Luna.

    Next, Hercule looked down at the woman licking his left toe, Alicia Crom, the eldest daughter of the chieftain of the Crom clan, one of the most powerful clans in the Bulgaron Kingdom, a princess, and currently a candidate for the Lemurian Empire''s side room.

    At the same time, I move my left toe.

    Then Alicia moans in pain.

    I''ll do my best.

    She moans and licks her toes with great effort, which is very healthy.

    The task at hand for Alicia is how to gain Hercule''s favor and ensure the safety of the Chrom clan for the next two hundred years.

    It''s no wonder she''s desperate.

    (It''s interesting that they''re both abused, but of different ...... types.

    Lunarie is more of a type that likes direct violence.

    She likes physical pain.

    Alicia, on the other hand, has a strong reaction to mental pain, shame and humiliation.

    Perhaps the fact that she was stripped naked in public during the audience greatly distorted Alicia''s s*xuality.

    Well, maybe that''s a blessing in disguise.

    "Good luck, you two. Your people''s situation will change depending on your efforts.

    As Hercule said this, the speed of their tongues increased.

    Their expression of affection for Hercule was calculated, but ......

    Actually, Hercule doesn''t mind this kind of relationship.

    There are two reasons.

    First, Hercule''s perverse proclivity for taking hostages and forcing them to do his bidding (????) is what he likes about the situation in the first place.

    The other is that ...... the root is distrustful of human beings, so it is more trustworthy if there is a reason for the affection.

    He did not receive the love he should have received from his mother.

    Therefore, deep down he craves for affection, but because of his distrust of people, he is afraid to establish an equal relationship with them.

    If you interpreted that, you would feel very sorry for Hercule.

    "Come on, Luna. Come here.

    After saying this, Hercule tugged lightly on the chain.

    Lunalie stopped licking her toes and hurriedly climbed into Hercule''s lap.

    They shared a pecking kiss.

    "You''ve become quite a good listener, Luna.

    I don''t ...... have a preference for the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    You can sell your body and flirtation, but not your heart.

    "Okay, fine, fine. ...... By the way, what''s your second favorite thing?

    "...... Father.

    And what''s your third?

    Then Lunalie blushed for a moment, and then answered.

    "...... Heika.

    You are a good, honest girl.

    Hercule stroked Lunalie''s hair messily.

    Her hair was pulled and Lunalie moaned in pain.

    Her eyes grew hotter.

    Hayastan''s wheat and wine are selling like hotcakes these days.

    Yeah, they''re cheap. ......

    Nova Lemuria, the capital of the Lemurian Empire, is a large city with a population of over 700,000, and is a major consumer of wheat and wine.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is directly connected to Nova Lemuria through the Aether Sea, which makes it very suitable for exporting agricultural products and minimizes transportation costs.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan has a less extensive monetary economy than the Lemurian Empire.

    This means that the Kingdom of Hayastan can live on less money, which means that it can sell its products at lower prices.

    And while the distribution of wheat in the Lemurian Empire is dominated by the wheat market in Aletheia, the kingdom of Hayastan is much freer.

    As a result, Hayastan''s wheat and wine are highly competitive, as they can be sold at somewhat lower prices.

    Thanks to this, our country is importing too much. Now what shall we do?

    "No, no, no, leave it like this: ......

    Lunalie clutched her body to Hercule''s breastplate and looked up at him with moist eyes, begging for forgiveness.

    If the Lemurian Empire raises its tariffs, the economy of the Kingdom of Khayastan will be hit hard.

    If the Lemurian Empire raises its tariffs, the economy of Khayastan will take a severe hit. Lunalie flirts with Hercule, asking him not to put a damper on the current prosperity.

    "What do you like best, Luna?

    "Hayastan, the kingdom.

    What''s your second favorite?

    "Oh, Father.

    Let me ask you again. What''s your second favorite?

    "...................

    said Lunalie in a feverish voice.

    Hercule met Lunalie''s lips with his own, like a parent feeding a baby bird.

    Don''t worry, I won''t do anything wrong. It''s just that ...... the Taurican peninsula is about to be settled, and northern wheat is coming in earnest. Either we need to increase the weight of wine production, or we need to expand our arable land to increase wheat production and lower the price. Or at least not as much as before.

    Hey, hey, hey. ...... Oh, can I borrow some money?

    That depends on your attitude, I guess.

    When Hercule said that, Lunalie put her weight on Hercule more than ever.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    Please, let me serve you. Heykaa ......

    Yeah, this evening.

    The trade between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Khayastan is a unilateral excess of imports by the Lemurian Empire: ......

    The Lemurian Empire''s trade with the Kingdom of Khayastan is a one-way flow of money to the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    However, Hercule is not too concerned about this.

    This is because if the inflow of gold continues, the price of goods in Hayastan will be almost the same level as in the Lemurian Empire.

    If this happens, prices will rise, and imports will fall as competitiveness decreases.

    At the same time, the peasants of Hayastan, who have become wealthy farmers, are expected to purchase the handicrafts and commodities of the Lemurian Empire.

    Even now, some of the money is being returned to the Lemurian Empire in the form of interest on loans, and at worst it can be siphoned off in the form of taxes.

    It is not that serious a problem.

    In the first place, the wheat market in the Lemurian Empire is not so small that it can only be filled with wheat from the Kingdom of Hayastan and the Taurica Peninsula, and since Hercule is trying to shift the entire Empire from wheat to commodity crops, external pressure from imported wheat is a good thing.

    "Oh, uh, heh, Your Majesty.

    "Who gave you permission to stop licking?¡¡b*tc*.

    "Mmm, mmm, mmm. ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    Coughing bitterly, Alicia began to lick her fingers again.

    I''ll let you guess what you wanted to say.¡¡I want to start a new industry for my Chromium clan. You want to be superior to the other clans. ...... That''s what you want, isn''t it?

    "Hmmm... ...... hmmm...

    Alicia licked Hercule''s toe and gave a small nod.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    He stroked Alicia as if stomping on her.

    To be honest, I still hold a grudge against you for dropping my arm. ......

    I hope you''ve forgiven her. You''re too small.

    What did you say, Luna?

    I love you, Emperor.

    Lunalie hugged Hercule and tried to cover it up.

    She stroked her head and at the same time increased the strength of her right foot, which was stroking Alicia''s head.

    Hercule looks down at the teary-eyed girl, who continues to lick her left foot with all her might, even while being stomped on by her right foot.

    I''m sure you''re surprised at how successful the Tellitelle clan has been, aren''t you?¡¡It seems there are others who are doing better. And you guys keep failing. You and your father are hopelessly lacking in business acumen.

    The political and economic system of the Kingdom of Vulgaron might have been fine until now.

    But now that they could trade freely with the Lemurian Empire, losing the economic competition would mean a decline in the power of the entire clan.

    Alicia would not be rewarded if she was quickly impoverished and absorbed by another clan after having betrayed them in exchange for a humiliation that made her want to die.

    "Well, the Chromes are the most loyal dogs I''ve ever had. I''ll give you a few pointers. I''ll be heading to the Bulgurons at ...... later.

    Alicia''s eyes lit up at Hercule''s words.

 161 Episode 2 Bull gallon internal affairs before

    "Wool, horse milk wine at ......, wheat I tried for starters . Did you really think you could sell it?

    Bulgalon, Krom Clan Autonomous Region.

    In the center of the tent, Hercule said with a snicker.

    Right next to Hercule, Alicia was pouring a cup of horse milk.

    A step below, the chief of the Chrom clan and the following influential people were sitting with their faces turned down.

    So, but isn''t ...... it delicious?¡¡Horse milk wine.

    I don''t dislike it, but just because I like it doesn''t mean all Lemurians do.

    I''m not a fan, but just because I like it doesn''t mean all Lemurians do.

    This wine, with its strong acidity, is very nutritious.

    Hercule had ordered it for his health and drank a cup or so every day. ......

    That''s it, that''s it.

    The Lemurians preferred wine. The Lemurians prefer wine, because it is part of the Messianic ritual. It''s the only drink that is inferior to grape wine, although barley wine and, more recently, rice wine have become popular in some quarters.

    How do you treat horse milk wine?

    The general feeling of Lemurians is that it is not for human consumption.

    In the past, barley was considered a lowly food in Lemuria.

    In the past, barley was treated as a lowly food in Lemuria because it was used to feed livestock such as horses.

    Therefore, barley wine made from barley was a drink for livestock and a drink for barbarians.

    Recently, barley wine has become a drinkable beverage in Lemuria as well.

    This is because the culture of the warbeasts has been reimported.

    In the first place, there are a large number of warbeasts living in the Lemurian Empire.

    So what about horse milk wine?¡¡For Lemurians, it is an unknown drink.

    It is a cloudy white, acidic, sloppy liquid.

    And it''s made from horse''s milk. ......

    It is not supposed to be drunk.

    You may think that goat''s milk and cheese are eaten, but horse''s milk is not?

    You might think.

    But even Japanese people can eat crabs and shrimps, but not spiders or caterpillars.

    The crab looks like a sea spider, and the peeled shrimp looks like a beetle larva.

    But you can eat crabs and shrimps, but not spiders and caterpillars.

    It''s the same thing.

    "Oh, really?

    "Yeah, well, ...... you better keep drinking. You should keep drinking, because if you take away the horse milk wine from your diet, your nutrition will be unbalanced. Vitamin C is especially important. Aside from that, ......

    Hercule didn''t come to give nutritional advice to the Bulgurons.

    I''ll leave aside the discussion of the nutritional value of horse milk wine and move on to the topic at hand.

    Wool can be sold at ......, but it won''t be very competitive. It''s not very competitive. Other Bulgurons would sell it too.

    Sheep themselves are raised all over the Lemurian Empire.

    Hercule is focusing on the textile industry, and demand for textiles is actually growing. ......

    In addition to this, the Lemurian Empire is currently experiencing an increase in the production of cotton, which has led to a gradual decline in the demand for wool.

    In addition, the Lemurian Empire is now raising new breeds of sheep that produce high quality wool.

    As a result, the wool of the Bulgurons would be bought at a discount.

    Then there''s wheat. ...... Well, I appreciate your willingness to try farming. But not wheat. The competition is too strong.

    The soil in Bulgaron is not thin, but ......

    The breadbasket of the Lemurian Empire, the province of Misr, the province of Suria, the province of Anatolikon.

    And it is inferior to the wheat production of the Kingdom of Khayastan and the Taurican Peninsula with Chernozem.

    And above all, the Bulgars are not very good at farming.

    They can produce enough for their own consumption, but not enough for a product.

    So, what should we make?

    Alicia asked, echoing the sentiments of the leading members of the Krom clan.

    Hercule thought for a moment before answering.

    "First, learn from the successful ones. ...... The Telltale clan sells horses, right?¡¡Less sheep, more horses. Horses are in high demand in Lemuria right now. Not only for military use, but also as packhorses and farm horses. Not only horses, but donkeys as well. A mule, a cross between a horse and a donkey, would have high commercial value.

    A large area of land is essential for the growth of horses.

    However, the Lemurian Empire was an agrarian nation, and there were few large grassland areas suitable for growing horses.

    Even if there were, those lands were used for sheep grazing.

    In this respect, the land in Bourgaron is large, for better or worse.

    You can raise your horse in a big way.

    But won''t we run out of food in case of emergency?

    "Hmm, good question. Here''s a quiz for you. ...... There were two villages in the Lemurian Empire. One village specialized in growing wheat, the other grew wheat but focused more on producing commodity crops such as flax. Now, one day, there was a drought that damaged the crops. Now, which village do you think had more deaths?

    Alicia pondered a bit before answering.

    Isn''t it the village that was growing commodity crops?¡¡Because they have less food to eat. ......

    "The conclusion is incorrect. There were more deaths in the villages that specialized in wheat.

    Hercule gave the answer first, and then began to explain.

    The Lemurian Empire is large. The Lemurian Empire is a big place, so it''s not uncommon for one place to have a bad harvest and another place to have a good harvest ....... If there is a bad harvest in the province of Misrule, it could be Suria, Anatolicon. Or you can buy wheat from Hayastan or Taurica. If you have money, you can buy anything. In addition, ...... wheat lasts only a year or two, but gold lasts for decades and can be stored for emergencies.

    To begin with, it is often the case that the producer and the owner of the wheat are different.

    In other words, the peasants who grow the wheat may be impoverished by low rents, but the lords may have financial difficulties, but they will not starve to death.

    Then there are the lords who pay large sums of money to buy wheat, or foreigners, and ......

    The peasants who don''t have a dime.

    To whom would you sell your wheat?

    Good. Basically, in a market, if there is a buyer and a seller, the buyer is absolutely strong. The buyer can choose the seller, but the seller cannot choose the buyer.

    It depends, Hercule added in a quiet voice.

    In the middle of the desert, where there are no oases or anything like that, ......

    If there is a buyer and seller of water, the seller may be stronger.

    But such a situation rarely occurs.

    This also applies to the power relationship between countries. The Kingdom of Khayastan and the Empire of Lemuria are currently engaged in a one-sided excess of imports by the Lemurian Empire. Lemuria imports Hayastan''s wheat from ......, but Lemuria doesn''t need to be concerned about Hayastan''s wheat. Lemuria does not need to be concerned about Hayastan wheat, so if Hayastan gets cocky, it can just raise the ...... tariff. That will be enough to ruin the economy of Hayastan. We are the only country that buys their wheat. That''s why Hayastan can''t stand against us. Gold can be substituted for all things, but wheat can only be substituted for gold.

    It is often said that the customer is God. ......

    It''s very true.

    If there are no customers, the products in the store are nothing but junk.

    "I see. ...... I understand.

    Alicia poured herself a glass of horse milk while giving her advice.

    Hercule hugged Alicia''s shoulders and pressed his lips to her cheek.

    Alicia''s cheeks flushed.

    Now, as for farming, ...... given your lifestyle and culture, it would be impossible to farm on a large scale. This means that wheat, soybeans, grapes, flax, cotton ...... and other low-margin products are not suitable for you. High value-added products that are easily profitable even for a small-scale operation are preferable. In addition, I would prefer products that are not produced in Lemuria.

    What is it exactly?

    Alicia asks.

    Hercule lightly tapped Alicia on the head.

    "Can''t you think for yourself a little?

    I''m sorry, I don''t understand ...... agriculture at all. ......

    "What about the option of reading a book?

    I can''t read .......

    Oh, well, that''s just as well.

    Hercule drank the horse milk wine and then cowered.

    Lunalie and Alicia are in similar positions, but they are different.

    Lunalie is a pervert, but she has a good head on her shoulders.

    She is subordinate to the Lemurian Empire, but is using her economic power to enrich the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    Lunalie can speak several languages, including Lemurian, Khayastan, Farsi, and Cyrillic, and she is able to fill in the gaps in her knowledge with books.

    Alicia, on the other hand, is smart, but ...... that''s only when it comes to warfare, especially tactics.

    When it comes to the level of strategy, she is quite dubious.

    She is no good at politics, but she is no good at economics.

    And she can only speak Bulgarian and a smattering of Cyrillic.

    He is practically illiterate because there are almost no books in Bulgarian.

    (Or rather, the ethnicity of the people is very apparent. (Interesting ......)

    Hayastan is a nation that has been a vassal state for many years.

    It has been a vassal nation for many years.

    Therefore, the upper class can read and write other languages in order to be able to get around no matter what country controls them.

    The Bulgarians, on the other hand, have almost no period of domination.

    It sounds good to say that they have a robust culture, but they are a bit of a brainiac.

    You can find a lot of spices and flavors that grow around here. The spices that grow around here are saffron, but I''m not sure if that would be suitable for the climate of Bourgallon. Hmmm, anise, sunflower, rose...

    Hercule likes fragrant oils.

    But he doesn''t like to apply them to himself.

    He likes to apply it to women, and the women he applies it to.

    Hercule thought of Karolina with rose oil.

    It''s very good.

    But I don''t know how to grow them. ......

    But I don''t know how to grow it. " "I''d say at least look it up. If you can''t read, it''s no use. Next time, I''ll introduce you to some members of the Reclamation Society. I''m sure you know one or two of them.

    Oh, thank you!

    No problem, ......, it''s not much trouble.

    Weakening the Chromium clan is not what Hercule wants.

    As long as the Territorial Clan is not trustworthy, the Chromium Clan must maintain their position as the number one tribe in Bulgalon.

    "Oh, yes, ...... we''ll be sending a camel to Bulgalon soon, can you get the horses used to the camel smell?

    That''s ...... why?

    Because I plan to use it in my upcoming expedition.

    Not wanting to give too much away, Hercule answered shortly.

    There is no room for disobedience in whatever you do.

    Alicia nodded honestly.

    And while you''re at it, convert her to Messianism. Our little medium has been nagging me. If we don''t convert her soon, she might say she''s going to Bulgalon to proselytize. She''s a pain in the ass, that one. She''s cute when she''s quiet.

    Oh, uh, hey, Your Majesty. ......

    What''s the matter?¡¡You jealous?

    "......

    Hercule embraced the mute Alicia.

    He stroked her hair as the rest of the Chromes looked on.

    "Well, don''t worry. I''ll take good care of you as long as you''re mine. Well, ......, we''d better get going. I didn''t come to Bulgalon just to take care of the Chromes.

    With that, Hercule stood up, flipped his cloak, and left the tent.

    Alicia hurriedly followed behind him.

    "Huh. ......

    After they left, the Crom Clan Chief let out a loud sigh.

    This is the first time that I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    They all went limp.

    I guess that''s just as well.

    They had been subjected to a constant barrage of killing and mind-altering magic from Hercule.

    "That''s ...... irresistible.

    The Chrome Clan Chief muttered in a low voice.

    The leading members of the Chrom clan silently affirmed their agreement.

 162 Episode 3 Bull gallon internal affairs after

    The Great River, Hysteria.

    It was once the natural border between the Lemurian Empire and the barbarian realm, and after the Bulgarons broke through it, the river ran through the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    Now that the Bulgaron Kingdom is part of the Lemurian Empire, it has returned to the natural border of the Lemurian Empire.

    At present, the Hystere River was being steadily fortified by the order of Hercule.

    Why are you defending it so well?¡¡I don''t think there are any enemies to the north of ...... that would threaten the Lemurian Empire.

    Alicia asked Hercule.

    Today, Hercule had come to inspect the fortification of the Hystere River.

    Alicia was his escort.

    Moats had been dug on both sides of the river, and sharp-edged fences and stakes had been filled in to prevent horses from crossing.

    Both ends of the bridge across the river were completely fortified, and siege weapons would be needed if one tried to cross the bridge.

    Such are the fruits of the Lemurian Empire''s civil engineering technology, stretching for tens of kilometers.

    He''s not here today. But tomorrow, the day after, I don''t know.

    "The Tellitelle?

    The Hysteria River was the natural border between the Lemurian Empire and the barbarian realm.

    But not all the time, not all the time.

    Northwest of Nova Lemuria, in the northern part of the Hysteria River, there was a region called Dacia.

    This area has long been home to large gold deposits. ......

    Therefore, only Dacia was invaded by the Lemurian Empire and became a province, even though it was outside the Hysteria River.

    After that, it was conquered by the Kingdom of Bulgaron ......, and now it has been reclaimed by Hercule.

    Currently, the former Bulgaron Kingdom is divided into two administrative regions, Dacia on the north side of the Hystere River and Bulgaron on the south side.

    If the largest Bulgaron clan in the southern province of Bulgaron is the Krom, then the largest Bulgaron clan in the northern province of Dacia is the Teritel.

    The Teritelle clan suffered little damage in the Lemurian-Bulgarian War.

    They have also been successful in reforming the ...... economy by acquiring ports and trading directly with Lemuria.

    Hercule was wary of the Territorians, including their attitude before turning to Lemuria.

    But ......

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of money to spend, you''ll be able to use it to buy a lot of things.

    It''s a powerful, but only a few hundred thousand people.

    From the perspective of the Lemurian Empire, they''re just pebbles.

    Of course, if the Tellitelle clan joins with the other clans to form a large force, they will pose a great threat.

    What for then?

    Well. For example, ......, the Kuro Death.

    "Coates, sir?

    Alicia''s face contorted.

    The cultures of the Bulgurons and the Coats are very similar.

    That''s because they are both the same people, if you trace their roots back.

    The Kuro Thrust were the champions of the steppe, and the Bulgurons were chased by the Kuro Thrust into the Lemurian Empire.

    Their power is far to the east, and their eyes are on the south ...... of Foulds and the Land of Silk. But that doesn''t mean they won''t turn their attention to the west. In that case, it will be the Taurica peninsula, the kingdom of Hayastan, and this area ...... of the Bulgaron region that will be invaded.

    Now that Linasha has married, she is allied with and related to Kurotsuto.

    But since we don''t know what will happen in the future, it''s best to be prepared.

    I''m not concerned about the black thrust. ...... This place is easily penetrated by nomads. Even if you Bulgurons can shield us, I don''t know if that''s enough to keep them out. I''ll make sure of that.

    The reason why Hercule is not forcing the Bulgarons to become agrarian is that it is more reasonable to respect their culture in terms of governance. ......

    This is partly because it is more rational to respect the culture of the Bulgarons in terms of governance, but also because it prevents the creation of a power vacuum.

    The area around the province of Bulgaron has long been a base of operations for invading nomads.

    If the nomads in this area were to be wiped out, there would be a danger of other nomads entering the vacuum.

    Therefore, the Bulgars are subordinated to the Bulgars, but they are ruled as nomads.

    ...... You have built a similar structure in Dacia, right?

    The fortresses in Dacia are more heavily fortified. The fortresses in Dacia are more heavily fortified because there are no rivers there and they are in direct contact with the barbarians.

    There are some mountains there.

    But mountains are not really a shield against enemy invasion.

    Not only can they be scaled, but the trees obscure the view, delaying the enemy''s detection.

    And once they have escaped into the mountains, there is no way to pursue them.

    This is why the Lemurian Empire''s defense policy has long been to keep mountain ranges within the borders as much as possible, and to create artificial borders such as the Great Wall in places with good visibility.

    Isn''t that ...... expensive?

    I''m not sure what to make of it. It''s good to have a workforce that can be reused.

    Alicia shuddered at Hercule''s words.

    If she had made the wrong choice, the Chromes could have been forced into labor.

    The Bulgaron and Dacia provinces are lagging behind economically. The Bulgarons and the Dacians are lagging behind economically, so it would be a good public works project, and money is not such a bad thing.

    Is that how it works?

    That''s the way it is. You''ll get your money back in taxes in the end. Fortunately, Lemuria is booming right now.

    Hercule said cheerfully.

    The tax revenue is increasing, so there''s plenty of room in the wallet.

    And ...... we can expect income from the gold deposits in Dacia.

    Isn''t Dacia''s gold already mined out?

    Isn''t Dacia''s gold mine already exhausted?" "Not to the extent that it can be dug with your technology. With our technology, we can dig deeper still. Our scholars estimate that there is at least enough for fifty years.

    As I said earlier, there are gold deposits in Dacia.

    The surface layer has been dug up, but there is still a profitable amount of gold lying in the deeper layers,......, although it will take some effort.

    If we can dig it out, it will be a great source of income.

    "But even so, the provinces of Bulgalon and Dacia are currently in the red. We knew this would happen, which is why we didn''t plan to conquer the Bulgarons in the first place.

    "What?¡¡Is that so?

    Alicia''s eyes widened at Hercule''s unexpected revelation.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    What made you change your mind?

    Alicia''s life had taken a turn for the better or for the worse, or rather, almost for the worse.

    It is only natural to want to know the reason for that movement, the reason for her change of heart.

    "To put it simply, I was angry that you did it to me.

    "...... got you?

    You know, thanks to your surprise attack, I lost a lot of my best men.¡¡In addition to that, I also lost my arm. ...... Well, that''s good because I got it back. It''s natural to get a little angry or two.

    Alicia was stunned.

    If I hadn''t been victorious at the time, the Kingdom of the Bulgars might not have been destroyed.

    So, what was your original plan?

    At best, the Bulgaron Kingdom would be subordinate to us and we would control their economy, at worst, we would take back their territory and rebuild their defense lines and then make a non-aggression pact. Either way, I was able to establish a friendly relationship with the Tellitelle clan, and I had some plans to drive a wedge between the Kotormir and Chrom clans. As long as I could devote a large portion of my energy to the Bulgurons, I would have been fine.

    So what did I do? ......

    "Well, that''s a turn for the worse. I''m grateful for that. I''m grateful, because now I know that you don''t care about keeping your promises. I knew it, but I didn''t realize it enough. People like you need to be beaten and collared and disciplined.

    Hercule said and grabbed Alicia by the neck.

    Alicia shuddered.

    Hercule puts his lips close to Alicia''s frightened ear and whispers.

    "Don''t be so frightened, dear. It''s not all bad for you and the Chromes, is it?¡¡Quite frankly, I''m several times a better man than your ex-fiancee ...... tele something, aren''t I?

    That''s ...... well, yes.

    Alicia''s impression of Telerig is even worse.

    It was also clear that Hercule was a better man than Terelig, and more importantly, stronger than her.

    However, Alicia''s true feeling was that she could not honestly call Hercule a "good man" because of his serious character flaws.

    But with his neck in her hands, she couldn''t say such a thing.

    "The Cotormir clan wanted to use you and the Crom clan. If you had stayed on good terms with Cotormir, you might have been in trouble in the near future. Besides, if the Territorial Clan had wanted to become the hegemon of Bulgaron, I would have supported them. A civil war between the Bulgarons might have resulted in a pile of corpses. Well, I can imagine all sorts of IFs that would have gone bad.

    "That''s because ...... you''re trying to shut down the Bulgarons, isn''t it?

    When Alicia said this, Hercule smiled.

    You''re right. You can''t help it, can you?¡¡You''re still a pain in the ass.

    The Kingdom of Bulgaron has grown thanks to the Lemurian Empire.

    You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their lives.

    It''s not surprising, then, that the decline and fall of the Empire depends on what happens to the Lemurian Empire.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m not sure what to do.

    After all this time, you''ve got a nice ass. I think you''re going to have an easy delivery and a healthy baby.

    Hercule stroked Alicia''s buttocks with his other hand.

    Alicia squealed in delight at the suddenness of it.

    You''re going to have a baby. A child who will be the future leader of the Krom clan. A child who will be the wedge that holds the Bulgarons to Lemuria, a child who will be a shield against the threats that may come from the Territorial ...... and beyond.

    With that, Hercule pulls Alicia into his arms.

    Alicia blushes as her body is held close.

    Hercule and Alicia are not the only ones present here.

    There are soldiers guarding them, bureaucrats guiding them, and many workers.

    They are being watched by many eyes.

    "No, please don''t. ......

    You seem to be in a good mood even though you say you don''t want to. Why?¡¡Am I mistaken, or is this an act? ......

    If you''re looking for the best way to get the most out of your wedding, you''ll want to check out this website.

    As if stroking, his hand slowly moved up the inside of her dress and to the top of her thigh.

    Meanwhile, the hand that had been gripping Alicia''s neck moved forward to the front of her upper body.

    From her stomach, it slowly crept upward.

    As Hercule''s hands moved, Alicia''s breathing became more ragged and her voice more muffled.

    While running his tongue over her reddened ear, Hercule whispers.

    I''ve been buying you for some time now. Your martial arts skills are second to none, your tactical skills are second to none, and your political skills are second to none. I don''t like stupid women. You''re smart enough to know that. That''s why you have to keep her in a tight collar. ......

    Then Hercule blew on Alicia''s ear.

    You''ll be able to get a lot more than just a collar.

    She seems to have lost her strength and her will to resist.

    Hercule says to Alicia.

    "Listen, b*tc*. Wagging their tails, flirting, and performing tricks to entertain their owners is part of a dog''s job,......, but a dog''s main job is to help its owner. The dog became a domestic animal because of its hunting talent. And the reason I have you is because I want to use you as a hound.

    Alicia looked up at Hercule with feverish eyes.

    Nervousness, fear, disgust, obedience, anticipation, and pleasure ...... mixed together, making Alicia''s heart race wildly and her body temperature rise.

    It was enough of a physical reaction to trigger the suspension bridge effect.

    "I''m counting on your devotion. Alicia.

    "Yes, Heika .......

 163 Episode 4 Corn, Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

    I guess you can find a lot of things if you look hard enough.

    Hercule said in a good mood.

    He was in a good mood because he had found the three crops he was looking for.

    They were corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

    Thanks to Cecilia''s help.

    No, no, I''m happy to help you with this.

    Cecilia said with a smile.

    It was only with Cecilia''s help that we were able to find these three crops.

    It was Cecilia who informed the clergy of the Church of Messiah of Hercule''s intentions.

    Under Cecilia''s leadership, the Church of Messiah is now extending its reach throughout the world.

    Naturally, before establishing churches and monasteries, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research and planning.

    Cecilia instructed that if any unusual crops were found in the process, they should be obtained and sent to Nova Lemuria.

    But ...... is not a food mentioned in the Bible, can we eat it?

    "That''s more proof than argument, I guess. ...... Oh, Ciphany. Put it here.

    Yes, sir.

    In Hercule''s office, Cifanie brings a dish made from three different crops.

    She places it on the table, bows and leaves.

    When he was sure that Cifanie was gone, Hercule tapped the table next to him.

    Would you like to eat with me?

    "I''ll take your word for it at .......

    Cecilia blushed slightly and moved from the couch across from Hercule to the one next to him.

    So ...... can you explain to me how this is prepared?

    "The potatoes and sweet potatoes were simply boiled, and the corn was ground into flour and then processed into bread.

    Hercule said and picked up a potato.

    He broke it open with his hand and handed half of it to Cecilia.

    Cecilia put her beautiful lips on the potato, as if she was afraid.

    Hmm, it''s soft. How can I describe it?¡¡It''s hard to describe the taste.

    "Not to your taste?

    Cecilia tilted her head when Hercule asked.

    No, it''s not bad. It''s just, well, I''m not sure. It''s not something I''m used to eating. ......

    "Well, that''s true.

    Hercule also took a bite of the potato.

    I''m not familiar with the taste. ......

    Hercule also tilted his head.

    It''s a bit of a strange taste, but it''s still a bit strange.

    It was no wonder.

    There are no potatoes in the Lemurian Empire.

    It was a completely unknown food.

    Even Hercule''s tongue was puzzled by his first taste.¡¡What is this? ......" He seems to be puzzled.

    It grows in the ground, right?¡¡Do you mean roots?

    "No, it''s not a root. As I recall, potatoes are a kind of underground stem.

    "...... stem?¡¡This?

    Cecilia tilted her head.

    Hercule agreed.

    "Well, but you see. If you soften the stems of broccoli, don''t you think it would look like this?

    ...... Indeed, it does seem that way.

    It''s a mystery plant, but it''s still a mystery plant according to the Lemurian Empire.

    Let''s try sweet potato next.

    Similarly, Hercule split a sweet potato in his hand and handed half of it to Cecilia.

    They both take a bite.

    It''s a little sweet.

    "Yes, it''s like a sweetened ...... potato.

    The sweetness is not as sweet as the variety eaten in Japan.

    It''s not as sweet as the Japanese variety, but they haven''t improved that much.

    "It also grows in the ground, doesn''t it?¡¡The stem?

    Yes, it grows in the soil, but this is a root.

    "Oh, so it''s totally different from potatoes.

    Potatoes are a type of potato in the family Solanaceae.

    Sweet potato is a species of sweet potato in the family Solanaceae.

    They are mongoloid, but they are strangers to each other, like a Japanese citizen of Tokyo and a Chinese citizen of Beijing.

    Next is corn.

    After being processed into flour, it is kneaded, baked, and made into bread.

    In Japan, it is common to boil and eat corn.

    However, this corn is not very tasty even when boiled.

    The type of corn commonly grown in Japan is called "sweet corn".

    On the other hand, the type of corn obtained by Hercule is called "flint corn", which is a hard grain type.

    Hmm, this is rather normal.

    "Well, it''s normal.

    The fact that it was cooked in bread made it more palatable to both of them.

    But wheat bread is more to my liking.

    Well, that''s true.

    Bread made of wheat and bread made of corn.

    There is no reason for either of them to choose the latter, other than curiosity.

    So, Mr. Hercule, what are the advantages of introducing these three crops?¡¡...... If it''s just taste, I think wheat is better.

    It''s just that we''re not used to eating it. ...... Advantages? Well, let''s start with an explanation of potatoes.

    Potato.

    It''s a crop called potato in Japan.

    Its name comes from "potato from Jakarta".

    When it was introduced to Japan, Jakarta was a Dutch trading post.

    In other words, it is a potato brought by the Dutch.

    It can grow on thin land and is resistant to cold.

    It requires little precipitation.

    In other words, it is a crop that can be grown on land that is not suitable for growing wheat.

    If I had to pick a drawback, it would be that it is prone to repeated crop failure.¡¡Also, it can be destroyed by epidemics. We have to be careful about that.

    So, there are pros and cons. What kind of crop is sweet potato?

    Sweet potatoes.

    In Japan, it is often referred to as sweet potato.

    Its name comes from "sweet potato of Satsuma," which means "sweet potato of Satsuma," and it was named for the fact that its cultivation spread from Kyushu to the rest of Japan.

    In Kitakyushu, it is sometimes called "Ryukyu potato".

    In Kitakyushu, it is sometimes called "Ryukyu sweet potato," and in Okinawa, it is sometimes called "Kara-imo," while in China, it is called "Ban-imo.

    This means that sweet potatoes spread through the Americas, Europe, China, Ryukyu (Okinawa), Satsuma (Kyushu) and Honshu.

    In other words, sweet potatoes are "Satsuma potatoes" to the people of Honshu, "Ryukyu potatoes" to the people of Satsuma, "Tang (Chinese) potatoes" to the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and "Ban (European) potatoes" to the people of China.

    Sweet potatoes, like potatoes, can grow well on thin soil and in areas with little rainfall.

    "Will it be prone to crop failure as well?

    No, sweet potatoes are not prone to continuous cropping problems.

    Sweet potatoes are able to fix nitrogen because of their symbiosis with rhizobia.

    Therefore, it can be grown continuously.

    Of course, a certain amount of caution is necessary.

    "Well, isn''t it a top competitor to potatoes?

    "That''s what I thought too. ...... It needs a warm place and a lot of sunshine to grow. The only place in the Lemurian Empire where it is suitable for cultivation is the Misrule Province.

    I see. ......

    There is no such thing as a universal crop.

    Finally, what about corn?

    Well, as you can see, it can be grown on thin land.

    "Corn grows well on thin land, and it is not prone to repeated crop failure.

    It can be grown in areas where wheat cannot be grown, especially in the mountains.

    "Well, to sum up, ......, the advantage of these three crops is that they can be grown in areas where it is difficult to grow wheat. The fact that they can be grown in areas where wheat cannot be grown is a big advantage. More: ......

    "Risk diversification?

    You know exactly what I mean.

    When Hercule praised her, Cecilia smiled happily.

    Risk diversification.

    This is the main reason why Hercule wants to introduce three crops.

    If we grow only wheat, many people will starve to death when the wheat crop fails.

    But if we grow crops other than wheat, we can greatly reduce the number of starvation deaths.

    The important thing in agricultural policy is not to increase the yield. What is important in agricultural policy is not to increase the yield, but to diversify the risk and to limit the damage in case of famine.

    Risk diversification here does not only refer to the type of crop.

    It also includes the regions where the crops are grown and where they are imported from.

    Well, the question is how to eat it and how to spread it.

    The problem is how to eat it and spread it. ...... I''ve never heard of any food that grows underground.

    People can''t eat what they are not used to eating.

    It is not a matter of logic, but a matter of emotion.

    You can eat a king crab, but not a spider.

    You can eat peeled shrimp, but not the larvae.

    You can eat shellfish, but not snails or slugs.

    Humans are such creatures.

    In addition, the texture and taste of food are both unknown.

    It is quite possible that the psychological hurdle is higher than that between crabs and spiders, or shellfish and snails.

    "...... And potatoes are poisonous.

    "Oh, really?¡¡I''ve eaten them. ......

    "No, to be precise, the poison is in the sprouts. If you remove the buds properly, there is no problem.

    However, even though I knew that I could eat African myrtle if I heated it properly, I still thought, "Oh, African myrtle!¡¡I''m having a feast tonight! Tonight we will have a feast!

    How to explain this is important.

    "So, Cecilia.

    "Yes?¡¡What can I do for you ......?

    Hercule suddenly pushed Cecilia down.

    Then he took her lips forcibly.

    With a practiced hand, he ties Cecilia''s hands and feet with rope and restrains her.

    "Hey, hey!¡¡What are you doing?¡¡Please don''t!

    "Easy, easy. I''m just trying to do you a favor.

    Hercule then stroked Cecilia''s cheek.

    Cecilia''s breathing became ragged and her eyes began to water.

    Cecilia''s breathing became ragged and her eyes began to water. Despite her words, it was clear that she was excited.

    "If you want me to stop, you''ll have to help me spread the crop. See?

    When Hercule said this, Cecilia turned her cheeks away.

    "No, I''m not going to give in!

    It was a kind of pretense.

    Cecilia is a clergywoman, after all.

    Premarital s*x is not allowed.

    Cecilia is not allowed to have premarital s*x unless she has an excuse that she was raped and has no choice.

    From Cecilia''s point of view, it is no more important to enlighten the clergy about corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

    It''s just that ......

    It''s just an excuse.

    Hercule slowly reaches for Cecilia''s chest.

    Cecilia''s body shuddered.

    "Oh, ......, hmm, .......

    "Your body is so honest. You''re still the same. ......

    I''m not feeling it. I don''t feel anything. It''s just weird. ...... I hate you, Hercule!

    In other words, I''m feeling great and I feel good. I love you, Mr. Hercule.

    I love you.

    Cecilia dares to say the exact opposite.

    She is very honest.

    "You''re a cute guy. ...... I love you.

    "I love you too ...... Mr. Hercule .......

    When Hercule whispered his love to her, Cecilia swooned.

    What did you say?¡¡I couldn''t hear you.

    Hercule''s hearing is suddenly impaired.

    Cecilia hurriedly made up for it.

    I don''t love you at all, Hercule. I hate you!

    I know. You can''t possibly love me, can you?

    Of course not!¡¡I don''t like you at all!

    And they laughed at each other.

 164 Episode 5 Slavery

    I don''t think slavery is a good idea!

    One day, Hercule suddenly started to say something like that.

    When Lunalie heard this, she silently put her hand on Hercule''s forehead.

    "...... No fever.

    What do you think you''re doing?

    Hercule grabbed Lunalie''s hand.

    What do you think of people?

    Why can''t I be a human rights advocate?

    "Because you''re always telling me what a b*tc* I am!¡¡You''re always telling me, "You b*tc*!

    "That''s one thing, that''s another.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    "That''s the thing.

    Are you going to abolish slavery?

    "No, I don''t mean that. No, I don''t intend to abolish slavery, and whether I do or not won''t have much of an effect.

    There was slavery in the Lemurian Empire in the past.

    And it still exists.

    However, slavery in the past and the present are completely different.

    In the past, slaves were consumable goods, like disposable body warmers.

    A small percentage of slaves who were beautiful, educated, or possessed a certain skill were valued and had a better life than the commoners. ......

    It was really a very small percentage of slaves who lived in the cities, about 1%.

    Ninety-nine percent are forced to work until they die on large farms or in mines.

    When they die, they can buy new ones.

    In those days, slaves were readily available because of the wars, so they could be bought easily.

    Now it is different.

    Yes, there are wars, and in fact Hercule has waged many wars against foreign nations. ......

    But those wars do not produce slaves.

    And so it should be.

    Hercule forbids looting.

    It is impossible to loot people when it is forbidden to loot things.

    In the past, the countries around the Lemurian Empire were all barbarians and there was no proper state.

    Therefore, it was no problem to kidnap people or enslave entire tribes.

    But now, the surrounding countries have become countries in their own right.

    It would be a diplomatic problem if they took people, and they can''t afford to win a war while kidnapping people in the first place.

    For these reasons, the value of slaves is high in the Lemurian Empire today.

    It is very inefficient to use up slaves in mines and farms, because you cannot use up high-value slaves.

    The system of large estates and farms using slaves still exists, but it is not mainstream.

    Self-employed farmers and small farmers are more common.

    This is because it is more efficient.

    "Well, whether we liberate them or not, it will have little impact on the economy of the ...... empire. Then it''s better not to free the slaves, which would antagonize the aristocracy.

    "Then why did you suddenly start talking about slavery?

    It is a natural question.

    Hercule answers this question.

    I thought I''d at least create some framework. The slave trade is distinct from other trades and commerce in that its product is people. We can''t just leave it like that, can we?

    "Well, sure. It may not be good that they are currently being traded like ordinary goods. ...... It''s a kind of population transfer.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    "Do you want to ban ...... debt slavery as well?

    Yeah. Near says it''s confusing. It''s hard to distinguish them from illegal slaves who were kidnapped and made into slaves.

    Kidnapping is a crime that exists everywhere, in all ages.

    It is a lucrative business.

    Children are especially targeted because they are easy to take.

    If left unchecked, it would worsen public safety and become a source of income for bandits.

    That''s why Nia is concentrating on the kidnappers. ......

    This is not easy.

    It is difficult to distinguish between formal slaves and those who were kidnapped and enslaved.

    But if you forbid the enslavement of your subjects, it doesn''t matter. We''ll be able to smash them all.

    The moneylenders are going to be in trouble.

    It''s wrong to lend money to someone who''s not likely to pay it back.

    It means that you should consider the repayment ability of the person you are lending to.

    "In some cases, there are people who lend money they can''t pay back in order to reduce them to slaves. We need to eradicate such evil people.

    Social unrest has a negative impact on politics and the economy.

    It''s better to eliminate such gray areas as much as possible.

    Next, ban the export of slaves.

    ...... What kind of slaves are exported from the Lemurian Empire?

    Even if a subject of the Lemurian Empire becomes a slave, the slave usually does not go out.

    The reason is that the buyer is also a Lemurian subject.

    "Not usually, but there is one thing that is. ...... "There is one valuable slave that can only be found in the Lemurian Empire.

    "...... Long-eared Elves?

    You''re right.

    There are many foreigners who want to have an Elf.

    For men in the North and West, it is a dream to have an Elf woman as a wife.

    However, it is not so easy to get one as a wife.

    Therefore, they have to buy them as slaves.

    In addition to the fact that the export of elves to Lemuria is forbidden, the export of elves to Lemuria is forbidden as well. We''re going to control the flow of people out there.

    If they can''t be exported, there will be fewer kidnappings.

    Of course, smuggling is also a possibility. ......

    I''m hoping that Nia will do her best in this regard.

    And limiting the slave market. That''s a must.

    I understand that. It''s impossible to crack down on free trade.

    Lunalie nodded her head.

    If the location is limited, the slaves can be controlled in one place.

    Any trade that takes place outside of that is illegal, and we can just shut it down.

    And I''m thinking of giving vassalage to the children of slaves.

    "...... slaves and the children of slaves?

    "As long as they were born in the Lemurian Empire.

    Hercule nodded.

    "And why is that?

    Back to the beginning, I''m not a fan of slavery in the first place. I''m not a fan of slavery in the first place, and I''d like to see it abolished eventually.

    I don''t want to push it, but ......

    I don''t want to push it," Hercule added.

    Are you still having a fever?

    "Okay, I''ll tell you why, just to reassure you. There are no taxes on ...... slaves. That''s all there is to it.

    Well, that makes sense.

    Of course, there is a slave tax on slave owners.

    Of course, there is a slave tax on slave owners, but there is no tax on slaves themselves.

    If you free the slaves, let them work freely, and squeeze the taxes from them, the revenue of the country will increase.

    Also, slaves are very unpleasant creatures. They owe their allegiance to their masters, not to me. This is no good. ...... I alone should be the master of this country. All others are slaves.

    "I''m relieved to see you as usual, Your Majesty.

    I''m relieved that you''re the same as always." Lunalie looked deeply relieved.

    Hercule pats Lunalie on the head.

    It hurts.

    You can''t be so rude.

    If you''re aware of it, why don''t you fix it?

    Do you think you can fix it?

    I don''t think so.

    Poke!

    "Ouch. ...... against violence.

    Lunalee''s head is in her hands.

    But then again, Hercule didn''t really hit her either.

    And I''m thinking of abolishing the death penalty.

    Again. ......

    I''m serious, okay?

    Hercule shrugged.

    "Why?

    Because I''m a devout messianist. I''m a devout messianist. Don''t you think that every sinner should be given a chance to repent?¡¡Besides, even if you kill the sinner, you can''t bring back the life that was lost.

    "Hmm.

    Lunalie narrowed her eyes.

    "So you''re saying we should give the sinner a great labor?

    "Yeah. Yeah. I''m thinking of sending them to the cold Taurica peninsula to be used up.

    I''m going to send you to the Taurica Peninsula, where it''s cold as shit.

    But you know, if you''re going to use them up completely, they''re not going to be motivated. If you do your job well and survive, I''m thinking of giving you some land. That way, I can collect taxes.

    I don''t know how long they''ll survive, but I think it''s humane to hope. ......

    Lunalee smiled bitterly.

    It''s true that when a person dies, that''s the end.

    Rather than execute them, it would be better for the country to send them to the settlements to work, and eventually reintegrate them into society and have them pay taxes.

    More at ......

    The last thing in Pandora''s box is hope.

    Death is the end of suffering for better or worse, but the pain of being forced to run with the carrot of hope dangled over your head is worth it.

    Lunalie could not decide which was happier for the sinner.

    "Lunar.

    "Hmm?¡¡What ......?

    Suddenly, Hercule sealed Lunalie''s lips with his own.

    His tongue immediately entered Lunalie''s mouth and violated her soft mucous membranes.

    You can''t even try to escape because you''re being held back by strong arms.

    "...... Oh, puh-lease, what are you doing?

    Lunalie asked, her eyes black and white.

    Hercule replied with a smug look on his face.

    "Hmm?¡¡Do I need permission to do anything to my slave?

    ...... You, you, you, you.

    Lunalie raises her eyebrows.

    However, she immediately leaned her weight on Hercule as if she was not satisfied.

    "Put your hand on the wall there.

    "...... Yes.

 165 Episode 6 Girls

    You''re in a good mood, Carolina.

    "Of course I am...

    Karolina patted her belly happily.

    As you can see from this behavior, Karolina is pregnant.

    She had just found out, so her belly was not yet swollen.

    "Do you want a boy or a girl?

    I don''t care which, as long as it''s a healthy baby.

    I''ll do my best. I''ll do my best.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure what you''re trying to do.

    You can''t change the s*x of the baby no matter how hard you try.

    Hmm, maybe a girl.

    "Are you sure it''s not a boy?¡¡I''m the heir to the family.

    Karolina raised her voice in confusion at the unexpected reply.

    I think she was ready to have a boy.

    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    "Oh ...... I see.

    If Hercule dies at the age of 200, as is the average lifespan of the Elves, then a child born today will ascend the throne at the age of 170.

    If that child lives as long as the average lifespan of an Hercule, he or she will reign for only thirty years.

    Well, that doesn''t mean that there''s anything wrong with it. ......

    I''m not sure what''s wrong with that. Well, if it comes to that, we can just adopt the boy. It''s not like I really want a boy.

    Then why do you want a girl?

    Same as with Ciphany. You can never have enough girls. ...... Well, I also want a daughter personally. She''s cute.

    Hercule said and cowered.

    I''m not sure what to do with it.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan doesn''t care about the male line, so that''s not a problem.

    Lunalie joins the conversation.

    In addition, Lunalie was dressed in a maid''s uniform as a prank by Hercule.

    She doesn''t look like a queen, but ...... not surprisingly, she is.

    You may be good, but there are people who are bad. For example, the Kingdom of Phallus, the Kingdom of Phallus, the Kingdom of Phallus, and so on.

    There are many ways to make things difficult.

    The fact that the king is not a man is a reason to complain.

    Choosing a son-in-law is more troublesome than choosing a wife. "Choosing a son-in-law is more troublesome than choosing a daughter-in-law, because there is a possibility of being taken over.

    The throne should be male.

    Especially in the case of the Kingdom of Khayastan, which has only been under the rule of the Lemurian Empire for a short time.

    Your Majesty, may I have a moment of your time?

    No problem, come in.

    No problem, come in." A voice suddenly called from behind the door.

    When Hercule gave his permission, it was Todoris who came in.

    Immediately, Lunalie hid behind Hercule.

    She was embarrassed to be seen in her maid''s and servant''s clothes by her vassals.

    "What''s going on?

    "The civil war in the Kingdom of Chellda has ended.

    "Oh. ......

    Hercule raised his eyebrows.

    The civil war that lasted for more than ten years has finally come to an end.

    Did the idiot son win?

    "Yes. Raus I was defeated and Hilderic II was victorious. Hilderic II was crowned the sole king of the Kingdom of Chelda. ...... The nobles of Raus I''s faction want to go into exile, what should we do?

    Raus I fought hard, but in the end Hilderic II, who was superior in economic power, won.

    As a result, many warbeast nobles were forced to flee to the province of Misrule.

    What did King Hilderic II say?

    He''s demanding it back. He has also accused us of violating the ...... secret agreement and supporting Raus I. What should we do?

    Ignore them.

    Hercule had no intention of answering their accusations in any serious way.

    Just let them say it.

    "Accept the exiled nobles as much as you can. If you want, I can throw you a welcome party.

    Hercule was going to welcome them.

    Hercule was going to give them a welcome party because it would be a good way to advertise how tyrannical Hilderic II was.

    I''m sorry to say that relations with the Kingdom of Cerda will worsen.

    "No problem. It''s a country that''s about to disappear.

    Hercule grinned.

    "Hello, Cecilia. I''m here to see you today.

    "Well, well, Mr. Hercule.

    The next day, Hercule visited Cecilia at the mansion she was renting.

    Cecilia''s cheeks broke into a smile as she welcomed him.

    "What can I do for you today?

    "Oh, you needed me to come to you. I''m sorry about that.

    Please don''t be so mean to me.

    Cecilia hit Hercule lightly with her fist as he cowered as if to say he was hurt.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s worth it.

    Cecilia glanced at the bed and Hercule.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but ...... I have a favor to ask.

    I''m sure you have your own business to attend to.

    Cecilia smiled bitterly.

    I''ve come to ask you for a favor. I''ve come to ask your forgiveness, that''s more like it.

    "Forgiveness?

    Cecilia tilted her head.

    I''m about to issue a new edict on religious matters. I''m going to issue a new religious edict. ...... It''s an edict that will bring the treatment of Western Messianics in line with that of the Alexians and Orthodox.

    Cecilia narrowed her eyes.

    I see. ...... Am I correct in assuming that this has something to do with the end of the civil war in the Kingdom of Cerda?

    "Yes. I''m not sure what to make of it, but it''s a decree for the Kingdom of Cerda.

    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.

    I''m not sure what''s legitimate and what''s heretical. ...... That''s the domain of the Holy Realm and my jurisdiction. But how to deal with heretics is within the realm of the secular. So it''s up to you, Hercule. ......

    Cecilia said, and then ......

    She smiled mischievously and stuck out her tongue.

    I''d like to say that I don''t like it.

    I''d like to say that I don''t like it either.

    Hercule grinned, grabbed Cecilia by the shoulders and pushed her down on the bed.

    What are you doing?

    "Bad boys get punished. You''d better be ready.

    Hercule and Cecilia''s bodies came together.

    This is my report on the criminal organization of Nova Lemuria.

    "Hmm, well done. However, it is still a weasel. There''s no end to this kind of thing, no matter how hard you try to destroy ....... It''s like a weed.

    Hearing Near''s report, Hercule let out a sigh.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The more people gather, the more criminal organizations are formed.

    "Your Majesty, there''s one thing I''d like to ...... advise you on.

    "Well, what is it?¡¡Tell me.

    It was rare for Near to make a suggestion.

    Hercule narrowed his eyes.

    I want to expand the police force nationwide.

    "Hmm, ...... seems like Nova Lemuria has its hands full at the moment, why is that?

    If this had come from someone other than Nia, Hercule would have made this decision.

    If it had come from someone other than Nia, Hercule would have concluded that she was trying to increase her power.

    The police power is more troublesome than the command power.

    It''s just that ...... Nia is morbidly in love with Hercule, and is absolutely loyal to him.

    It''s a level that Hercule is not comfortable with.

    "The expansion of the distribution network has created a horizontal connection between criminals. Especially between the major cities, Nova Lemuria and Aletheia.

    "Hmm, ......, so that''s it. So that''s what you were talking about, the urbanization and expansion of bandit gangs.

    Yes, that''s right.

    Traditionally, bandits were based in mountains or caves.

    They attacked travelers and merchants on the road and took their money.

    This was the common practice of bandits.

    In recent years, however, this has not been the case.

    The reason is the Tonden-bei.

    The reason for this is the presence of the "tonden-hei," a group of soldiers who, in the event of an enemy attack, would act as a delayed reaction and a reserve for the standing army. ......

    In addition, they also play a role in maintaining public order and as administrative police.

    In the event of a rampage by bandits, etc., the Tonden-hei would catch them.

    Since the main roads are the routes of the enemy''s march, the Tonden-bei are naturally set up on them.

    This made it difficult for bandits to run amok along the main roads.

    This is possible on narrow roads in remote areas, but this time there are not enough travelers or merchants to sustain a bandit corps.

    As a result, the classic bandits who lay low in the fields and mountains, waiting for their prey to come to them, are dying out.

    On the other hand, the number of bandits hiding in the cities is increasing.

    The trouble with them is that they usually live as ordinary citizens.

    Moreover, they do not attack merchants, but even join forces with them.

    In short, they are like the yakuza or the mafia.

    According to Nia, they are strengthening their ties between the cities.

    In particular, Nova Lemuria and Aletheia are geographically far apart, but they are connected by sea, so they are actually quite "close".

    If they get on a ship and run away, we can''t track them anymore.

    "Hmm ......, I see.

    Hercule looked up at the ceiling.

    And after a moment''s thought, he asks Nia.

    "Are you sure you can handle the workload?¡¡I don''t want you to neglect the independent rangers I''ve entrusted you with.

    "I''m fine. ...... I leave it to my men.

    Hmm.

    That means you''re using people well.

    That''s great growth.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the police force is made up of patrolmen, tonten soldiers, and a standing army.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the military is in charge of the police and fire departments.

    In the Lemurian Empire, the military is in charge of the police and fire departments, and we don''t have the financial means to split them up.

    But only Nova Lemuria has a judicial police force to investigate crimes. It''s ...... not a bad idea to set up something similar in Aletheia.

    "Then ......

    "Let''s try to spread it throughout Alexia on a trial basis.

    Nia''s face lit up at Hercule''s words.

    Nia''s face lit up at Hercule''s words. She was happy that Hercule had accepted her opinion.

    "Do you have any idea who they are?

    "Yes. I have some ideas about that.

    Good. ...... So, yes. Now give me a concrete plan.

    Yes!

    Nia''s tail wagged in a good mood.

    "Yeah, but you don''t have to do that now. Focus your efforts on training the independent rangers.

    It''s ...... I see, I understand.

    Nia understood what Hercule was trying to say.

    This means that there will be a war soon.

    "By the way, Your Majesty.

    Yes?

    ...... It seems that you and Cecilia have been getting along quite well lately.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Hercule patted his knee lightly.

    You can come now.

    Yes!

    Nia jumped onto Hercule''s lap with great joy.

    They kissed each other.

    You''re so jealous of my attention to Cecilia. You don''t get that way with Carolina or Lunalee. ...... May I ask why?

    I don''t want to lose to ...... Cecilia.

    We''re friends, right?

    Because she''s ......

    It''s complicated.

    I don''t understand.

    I don''t understand." Hercule shrugged as if to say.

    "Oh my God!

    You''re as sensitive as ever here, though.

    Hercule grabbed Nia''s tail and stroked it.

    Nia breathed hard, grabbed Hercule''s clothes, and shivered.

    "So Nia ...... you want to marry me?

    I''ve never really thought about ...... marriage.

    I''ve never really thought about it," Nia said, her cheeks flushing.

    If you want, you can have the ceremony after everything is taken care of.

    I''d like to have a ...... wedding.

    Well. Well, .......

    But I don''t want to get married at .......

    Hercule''s hand stopped at Nia''s reply.

    Her tail left Hercule''s hand and hung down.

    "What do you mean?

    I think that politically it is not a good idea for me, the adopted son of House Lucarios, to marry His Majesty.

    "Oh, ......, did Lucanos tell you that?

    ...... No, it''s my personal opinion. But considering the balance of political power between the ...... father-in-law, General Galfis and General Christos, I think it would be better for me not to marry him.

    Galfis married his daughter, Carolina, to Hercule.

    Christos is Hercule''s uncle.

    And Lucanos was Hercule''s tutor.

    The balance of power between these three men has created political stability in Hercule''s government.

    But my power is now absolute. Even if it collapses a little, it''s still within the margin of error, right?

    "Yes, but ...... I don''t want to inconvenience you. And .......

    And?

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure what to do. I''m not sure what to say. I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "Well, that''s true.

    Hercule smiled bitterly.

    And I''m not like that. I want to be of service to you as a vassal.

    "I see. ...... So, you want to have a wedding?

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    It''s a girl''s dream, isn''t it? I''d like to have a nice wedding and wear a bridal gown.

    "You mean that. A wedding is a private affair. But I won''t be married in the official sense, that is, I won''t be a concubine?

    Yes. ...... Is that selfish of me?

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''ve seen it before.

    I don''t mind. I''m not a man if I don''t give in to that kind of selfishness.

    Hercule laughed and grabbed Nia''s tail again.

    Nia squealed in delight.

    I''m going to sit on you today. I''ll give you lots of love.

    "Hee, hee, .......

    Nia''s cheek rested against Hercule''s breastplate with an enraptured look on her face.

 166 Episode 7 World Diplomacy

    Don!

    Hercule hits the wall hard.

    Scheherazade''s body trembles.

    "Oh, um, ......, Your Majesty.

    "Scheherazade......

    Hercule lifts Scheherazade''s chin lightly with his right hand.

    Scheherazade closed her eyes and ...... their lips came together.

    Then Hercule slowly pulls Scheherazade into his arms.

    Scheherazade''s large mounds pressed against Hercule''s body, ...... and Hercule salivated.

    She put her lips close to the long, shapely ears peeking out from her long, beautiful blonde hair.

    And ......

    "Scheherazade......

    He whispers.

    Then Scheherazade leaned into Hercule as if she were weakening.

    "Oh, ...... Your Majesty, no, no. I''m, uh, the Princess of Foulds.

    "Yes, you are. Yes, I am. ...... But I''m Messianic.

    "Well, yes, but ...... oh, no.

    Scheherazade said, pulling Hercule away.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m sorry ......

    "No, it''s fine. I rather like you.

    Hercule said and stroked Scheherazade''s hair.

    Scheherazade''s ears flushed red.

    "Long time no see, Emperor of Lemuria.

    "Long time no see, ......, though it''s been a month. King Farus.

    Hercule and Sasan VIII exchanged greetings.

    They were at the middle of the Hurath River, which was always used for diplomatic negotiations between Lemuria and Phars.

    Today, they had come to sign a treaty that would have a profound effect on the future relationship between the two countries.

    It is a marriage between the pure-blooded High Elves of Lemuria and Fahls.

    Both the Empire of Lemuria and the Kingdom of Fahls are nations that hold the supremacy of the High Elves.

    Just as there are seventy-six holy families in the Lemurian Empire, there are thirty-seven aristocratic families in the Kingdom of Foulds.

    The fact that the Lemurian Empire has a larger number does not mean that it has a larger population of pure-blooded High Elves.

    Both empires have about the same population of pureblooded High Elves.

    Now, both countries have a policy of intermarriage between purebloods in order to maintain the purity of their blood. ......

    Actually, there are two problems.

    One is that the ages of the people do not always match.

    Elves are a long-lived race, and they have very few children.

    Therefore, there can be an age difference of about 50 years.

    However, this is not very good.

    If possible, we should marry people who are close to ...... in age.

    Another reason is that the blood becomes thicker.

    For example, Hercule and Karolina are actually quite close in blood.

    It''s not dangerously close, but it''s still very close.

    It is known to some extent as a rule of thumb in both countries that children with disabilities are more likely to be born when closely related people marry.

    Even so, the birth rate is low.

    In addition to this, if the rate of children with disabilities increases, it could shake the ...... national system.

    The nobles of both countries were vaguely worried.

    Therefore, Hercule and Sasan VIII planned an international marriage.

    In other words, they planned to marry a woman from the Lemurian Empire to the Kingdom of Phars and a woman from the Kingdom of Phars to the Lemurian Empire.

    The idea was to exchange and dilute the blood between the two countries.

    Needless to say, this is a very dangerous policy for both countries.

    After all, the two countries are still virtual enemies.

    If war were to break out, the married woman would be caught between her husband and her parents.

    There was also the issue of religion.

    As we know, the Lemurian Empire is a messianic nation, and the Kingdom of Fars is a holy fire nation.

    Even though both countries do not allow interfaith marriages ......, it is an issue that must be handled with care.

    Therefore, Hercule and Sasan VIII sent diplomats to each other, and sometimes they met face to face to discuss the matter.

    As a result, the Lemurian-Faerus Friendship and Marriage Treaty was finally concluded.

    The contents of the treaty were simply as follows.

    Both countries will marry the same number of girls.

    Even if war broke out between the two countries, the marriage relationship, once established, would not be denied.

    Both countries respect each other''s religion.

    Children born in both countries follow their national religion.

    Women who marry swear allegiance to their country.

    A woman who marries must swear allegiance to her country. But she must return home.

    In the event of the death of her husband, she may choose to return home or remain.

    If the husband dies, the woman can choose whether to return home or remain.

    There are other detailed rules and regulations, but I will not go into them here.

    It is also important to note that ......

    This marriage is supposed to be done secretly in both countries.

    This is because the Lemurian Empire is allied with the Kuro Thrust.

    The reason is that the Lemurian Empire is allied with the Kuro Thrust, and it would not be convenient for them to exchange blood with the Phallus ......

    The reason for this is that it is not very convenient to exchange blood with the Phallus, even though we are both allied against the Phallus.

    Let''s get this thing signed.

    "Yes, I would say so, but things have changed a bit.

    King Foulds grinned.

    Hercule frowns.

    The air froze.

    The diplomats on Lemuria''s side looked angry, while the diplomats on Farus''s side looked panicked.

    "Hmm, don''t look so scared. Emperor Lemuria.

    "I''m not sure how tolerant I am, but I''d feel bad if you were to rescind it. I hope you have a reasonable excuse?

    When Hercule said this, Sasan VIII laughed out loud.

    The diplomats on the Lemurian side looked displeased as Hercule became visibly angry.

    On the other hand, the diplomats on the Farse side looked pale, as if they were in a hurry.

    "His Majesty the King ......, you know, there''s a way to say that .......

    "Well, well, Befnum. Calm down.

    As if he couldn''t stand to watch, his aide, Befnum, tried to remonstrate with Sasan VIII.

    But Sasan VIII stopped him.

    "Rest assured, Emperor of Lemuria. If anything, I believe this proposal will be of great benefit to your country .......

    "Well, ...... you''ve put yourself on the line here. That''s a reasonable benefit, isn''t it?

    "Hmmm, of course. I''m sure you''ll be pleased.

    Sasan VIII grinned.

    "I will give you my daughter, Scheherazade.

    Hercule raised his eyebrows for a moment, a questioning look on his face.

    The diplomats on Lemuria''s side were also puzzled.

    On the other hand, the diplomats on the Fals side were relieved that Sasan VIII had finally broached the subject and dispelled the bad atmosphere.

    You forget, don''t you?¡¡My country has entered into a marriage relationship with Kurotsuki. If there is a marriage between our country and yours, Kurotsuki will be angry.

    Hercule was trying to make Scheherazade fall in love with him and control him. ......

    In fact, he had no intention of marrying her at all.

    Because of her relationship with Kurotsuki.

    You can rest assured of that.

    Sasan VIII smiles.

    After all, my country and Kurotsuki have entered into a marriage and a truce agreement.

    At this, even Hercule''s eyes widened.

    The diplomats on Lemuria''s side were also shocked.

    The Kingdom of Foulds and Kurotsuki were on bad terms, and it was impossible for the two countries to make peace.

    At the same time, it meant that the Lemurian Empire had been betrayed by Kurotsuki.

    Let me explain how this happened. You know the land of Sirna, don''t you?

    The Land of Silk, you mean. That much I do know.

    Silna.

    It''s not very common, but it''s an empire in the Far East that the Lemurian Empire calls the Land of Silk.

    You know of course that his country and the Kuro Plague started the war?

    Of course.

    Linasha had told Hercule about it.

    According to Linasha, they have a slight advantage.

    Hercule had increased the volume of trade between the two countries in order to support the Kuro Thrust.

    "So we are slightly outnumbered?

    I''m not so sure about that.

    Oh, I see there is a discrepancy between your sister''s information and mine.

    Sasan VIII said with a smile.

    But his eyes were not smiling.

    He was calmly trying to determine how well Hercule knew the situation in the East.

    That''s not what I meant. After all, our country and its battlefield are at the very eastern and western ends of the continent. A great deal of time is needed to transmit information. The situation of the war is changing every moment. ...... Therefore, whether the information we have and your information are the same or not, we cannot judge whether our information is different or not unless we know when the information was obtained in the first place.

    The information known to Hercule and the information known to Sasan VIII.

    I can''t tell which is newer.

    It is possible that the change in the war situation from superior to inferior has caused a discrepancy in the information.

    The reverse may also be true.

    Most ...... of all, I will never fully trust my sister''s information, nor yours.

    "Well, why is that?

    Because I would mix lies with it.

    Linusha is indeed Hercule''s sister, and she is working for the benefit of the Lemurian Empire.

    But at the same time, she is the Empress of Kurotsuki.

    Naturally, she''ll be working for Kurotsuki.

    (Well, it''s probably a back-and-forth battle, and I''d say the situation is stalemated.

    If they were winning even a little, they would exaggerate and report it as a "great victory" in order to advertise their military power.

    On the other hand, if they were losing even a little, they would report it as a "great defeat" in order to extract aid.

    If the war situation is 50-50, ......

    If the war situation is 50-50, it is easy to predict that they will say that they have the upper hand, considering the national style of Kurotsuki.

    In Hercule''s mind, he would stick out his tongue and say, "I''m sorry, Your Majesty. I''m sorry, Your Majesty.

    Sasan VIII''s statement that he was "outnumbered" also confirms this.

    This is because Sasan VIII moves in the opposite direction of Kurotsuki.

    In other words, the war is in a stalemate, going back and forth, and both sides are in the process of rewriting the game.

    "So what does this war have to do with my marriage to Scheherazade?

    Calm down, calm down. I''m not finished with you yet.

    Sasan VIII appeases Hercule.

    Sasan VIII tries to calm Hercule down, but it''s counterproductive and gets on Hercule''s nerves. But Sasan VIII knows what he''s doing.

    "Actually, Sirna has asked for an alliance with us. In fact, Sirna has asked for our alliance.

    Hercule''s eyes widened.

 167 Episode 8 World Diplomacy Breaking Down

    Did you accept ......?

    "Huh. ...... Well, it was a pretty tempting offer. I had my doubts, but as it turns out, I turned it down.

    Sasan VIII shrugged his shoulders.

    I don''t know how much you know about Sirna, but it''s a very proud country. They think they are the center of the world. Everyone else is a barbarian. Whenever we try to negotiate diplomatically with them, they always insist that we show them the courtesy of a vassal.

    Sasan VIII narrowed his eyes.

    Sasan VIII narrowed his eyes, "He''s a great country. I''ll give him that. It may be the most powerful country in the world,......, but it''s not the center of the world. To be honest, I never liked that country. I doubt I could trust them in the first place.

    "But it was a chance to pin down your nemesis, the Kuro Plague, wasn''t it?

    When Hercule asked, Sasan VIII shook his head in disbelief.

    "Emperor of Lemuria, you are a bad person. If we attack the Kuro Plague, you will attack us.

    "Well?¡¡I''m not so sure about that.

    But Hercule would have definitely moved.

    No matter how big of a military power Kurotsuki is, if it is sandwiched between the Kingdom of Silk and the Kingdom of Foulds, there is nothing it can do.

    If Kuro Thrust is weakened, the Kingdom of Foulds will turn its attention to the Lemurian Empire.

    Hercule will have no choice but to mobilize his forces.

    If you were at war with the Bulgaron Kingdom, it would be a different story. Just when the end was in sight. Well, what bad timing. No matter how I look at it, I only have one body. I can''t take on both you and Emperor Kurostocking.

    Sasan VIII let out a sigh of regret.

    In fact, Sasan VIII must have been very confused.

    Indeed, his feelings were clearly conveyed to Hercule.

    And I wanted Cyndyra. To be frank, the land under the control of the Kuro Tongue is not very rich. Well, it''s a trade route, but it''s a burden to defend. In this respect, Cyndira is wonderful. If we ally with Syrna and take a position with both Kurotsuki and Lemuria, we will not be able to get Sindira. For these reasons, I rejected the alliance with Sirna.

    Sasan VIII speaks his mind without hesitation.

    It seems as if he''s not talking very much. ...... It''s now an open fact that Sasan VIII wants Cyndyra.

    You can''t help it if you hide it.

    "So, ...... what does your country''s decision to kick off an alliance with the Silk Nation have to do with your country''s marriage to the Kuro Rush?

    The answer is already on the way: ......

    Hercule dared to ask.

    Sasan VIII smiled.

    Sasan VIII smiled. "Almost as you expected. I sought a peace treaty with the Princess of Kurotsuki on the condition that she would not intercept Sirna and Kurotsuki. Thus, relations between my country and Kurotsuki became good. It was only recently. It''s no wonder you don''t know. Because of the distance. Perhaps you''ll be hearing from me soon?

    "I see. ......

    Hercule let out a sigh inwardly.

    The distance is still a problem.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    But there''s nothing you can do about that.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but you''ve never heard of it. Is that what you''re saying?

    "That''s what I''m saying, Emperor of Lemuria.

    Hercule pondered.

    Sasan VIII''s goal is simple and clear: stabilize the western border.

    Once the west and north are stabilized, he can direct all of his forces towards Cyndira.

    The conquest of Sindhira by the Kingdom of Fars will be more advanced than ever before.

    This is not necessarily a good thing for the Lemurian Empire.

    The growing power of a virtual enemy is a matter of concern.

    But ......

    The same is true for Japan.

    The eastern border of the Lemurian Empire will be completely solidified.

    Hercule will be able to focus all his forces and attention to the west.

    Wouldn''t that be of some benefit to your country?¡¡...... I hear you''re having diplomatic problems with the West at the moment.

    You know a lot.

    Our intelligence is very good.

    But that''s before we get to the counterintelligence.

    If you ask around the merchants, you will soon find out that the Lemurian Empire is in trouble with the West.

    (Now, what to do about ......?)

    Either way, Hercule is not going to stand with Fahls.

    She may or may not be married to Scheherazade.

    But he doesn''t want to damage his friendship with Kuro Thrust.

    When Hercule is troubled, ......

    Sasan VIII opened his mouth.

    "Well, I''ve said a lot of things. I''ve said a lot of things about the national interest and friendship. ...... Hmm, we are sovereigns, representatives of a country. Of course we have to take care of those things.

    That''s right. ...... What''s wrong with that?

    But we''re men first, aren''t we?

    That was a very powerful statement.

    It was so powerful that even Hercule could not help but be drawn to it.

    "Don''t you want the Emperor of Lemuria ......? Don''t you want Scheherazade ...... and her breasts and ass!

    ""£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡"

    The air froze.

    Unusually, the opinions of Hercule, the diplomats of the Lemurian Empire, and the diplomats of the Kingdom of Farus, Todris, Befnum, and the rest of the group overlapped.

    What the hell is this guy talking about all of a sudden?

    "I thought, when I first saw Helena. Didn''t you think, ...... Emperor of Lemuria, that if you missed out on this, you''d be finished as a man?¡¡When you saw Scheherazade... Didn''t you think that when you protected Scheherazade?

    Hercule gulped.

    The truth is that Hercule loves big tits.

    The bigger the breast, the more attractive it is.

    For an elf with long ears, those breasts are amazing.

    I can understand why King Sasan VIII abducted and imprisoned Scheherazade''s mother, Queen Helena.

    Even Hercule wanted to kidnap and imprison Scheherazade.

    Or rather, he almost did. ......

    Scheherazade is great ...... and even better than Helena. To be frank, I''m both happy and sad why she was born as my daughter. That I''ll never get it.

    Sasan VIII says the worst thing a father can say.

    And Sasan VIII said to Hercule.

    You like it as much as I do, don''t you?¡¡Breasts and ass.

    "...... What makes you say that?

    Hercule asks as calmly as he can, so as not to be overwhelmed by Sasan VIII''s pace.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that your wife, Karolina, has a very nice pair of breasts for a pure-blooded High Elf.

    "I hope you don''t look at ......''s wife that way.

    I hope you don''t look at my wife that way." Hercule said something quite sane.

    But Sasan VIII did not stop.

    "Your consort, the Princess Lunalie. She''s good. She''s got great breasts and ass. ...... Actually, that''s the one I was after.

    I won''t do it.

    Well, I know better.

    Somewhere, Loukanos and Helena sneezed.

    I hear the mare you recently acquired has a nice body.

    "She has a name, Alicia Crom. I''d appreciate it if you didn''t refer to my fianc¨¦e that way.

    No, you used to call her a b*tc*.

    You were calling her a b*tc*," thought Todoris, but he quickly suppressed the thought.

    I''ve heard she''s quite good.¡¡I hear she''s quite good. I''m sure she''ll grow up well.

    I''ll never marry her to you.

    Mmm, I know, I know. I''ve had my moments.

    Hercule made up his mind to never marry his daughter to Sasan VIII.

    "And there is also a vixen, I hear, called Hupatia. She''s a big one too, isn''t she?

    "......, yeah.

    Hercule, who was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed, answered vaguely.

    In fact, Hupatia is a woman of many ups and downs.

    I''ve heard that your country''s chief priest has a pretty good body too.

    "...... You mean Cecilia.

    It''s true that Cecilia has nice breasts that just barely fit in her palm, but not quite.

    She also has a great ass.

    Well, there are some exceptions. ......

    Giri.

    Hercule''s ears did indeed hear the sound of teeth biting together.

    That was the sound made by the exception who was accompanying him this time.

    Hercule regretted that it was a little early for Nia to be in the diplomatic arena.

    I know what you like. You like ...... big breasts and asses, don''t you?

    "I won''t deny it. I won''t deny it. ...... knows a lot about you.

    Our intelligence is very good.

    What do you have your agents looking for?

    Hercule shouted inwardly to Sasan VIII.

    "I admit it. I do like breasts and asses. Scheherazade''s are amazing. It was like two melons stuck together.

    It would be so good to eat, Hercule thought.

    "Hmmm. ......, right?¡¡My daughter, it''s really wonderful. That''s why I don''t want to give her to an inferior man. Clearly, there is no man in this country who can match her.

    Sasan VIII assured him.

    That is, of course, excluding myself.

    "You are the only one I recognize.

    "That''s very high praise, but what about ...... your nemesis, Ihsan?

    "Well, he''s certainly a brave man. I agree with that.

    But ......

    Sasan VIII said with regret.

    That''s just a man who would be satisfied with a linasha. That''s what he''s made of.

    "Yes, that''s true.

    Hercule thought of his sister.

    I see, it is true that Linasha was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the Lemurian Empire at that time.

    Perhaps, even on a global scale, Hercule could say with certainty that the only beautiful woman who could rival Linasha was Cecilia, or herself dressed as a woman.

    But she was flat-chested.

    It was flat.

    There was a great plain.

    (Ah, so that''s why you''re so good with sweat.)

    Nomads and the Great Plains.

    I see," Hercule thought rudely, "he must be running around the Great Plains today.

    In the first place, ...... was a philanderer. A woman with no breasts is not much different from a man.

    Hercule began to argue violently.

    Sasan VIII nodded his head in agreement with the argument.

    In fact, I''d say that men are better off with an extra bottle. In other words, a titless woman is just a backward compatibility for a beautiful boy.

    "Well, I have no comment on that.

    Messianism forbids homos*xuality.

    It''s a religious gibberish to say that men are better off with one.

    In the background, Nia just kept saying, "Relax, I''m not breastless. I''m not poor, I''m just not ...... big. The difference between me and Carolina is minimal. I have them. I''m a little below average, but I''m good enough to squeeze. Calm down, Nia Lucarios," he whispered.

    "Well, ...... let''s hear it again. Do you want Scheherazade?

    Sasan VIII asked.

    All eyes were on Hercule.

    "Hmm.

    Hercule laughed.

    Then he said .......

    "Let me call you Father-in-law!

    "Musuko. £¡£¡£¡£¡

    And so the match was made.

    By the way, you haven''t told me exactly how the marriage treaty will change when Scheherazade and I get married.

    Oh, that''s a story for another time. Oh, that''s for next time. I''ve taken up more space than I wanted with the breast story.

 168 Episode 9 World Diplomacy Urgent

    What Sasan VIII was trying to say was this.

    It was originally planned to be done secretly behind Kurotsuki''s back, but Kurotsuki betrayed him first, and Scheherazade is getting married, so let''s do something spectacular to show our friendship.

    So let''s wait a bit for the signing and rethink it. ...... That''s all I''m saying.

    As for the wedding, can it be in two years?

    Sasan VIII asked Hercule.

    Hercule thought for a moment and then shook his head.

    No, within a year.

    "Hmm, may I ask why?

    It''s easy. If we don''t get ...... done in a year, then maybe we''ll get married after this war is over.

    "Well, that''s easy to understand.

    Sasan VIII cowered.

    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you''ll be able to get in touch with your doctor.

    It''s not too late. So let''s hurry up and get ready for the wedding.

    "Oh. I''ll hurry back to my country and prepare the dress and the venue.

    A hastily arranged blitzkrieg wedding.

    As a result, the bureaucrats of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus were in an uproar.

    Marriage is an important political activity.

    It was only natural that it was decided suddenly.

    Expenses had to be squeezed, and guests had to be invited through diplomatic negotiations.

    It''s a big event.

    Anyway, Hercule left his seat to go home.

    "By the way, Nia, you seem to be in a bad mood. ...... What''s wrong?

    ...... Nothing, nothing at all.

    You got your period?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    When he returned home, Hercule explained to Scheherazade what had happened.

    "Heeeeeeeee!¡¡Keko, you''re getting married?

    Scheherazade''s eyes widened.

    Her face turns bright red.

    "Oh, no, and suddenly ......

    "Did you not like it?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    No, no, no, no, no, not ...... that, but ......

    I''m glad to hear that.

    It''s a good thing, then, that Scheherazade nodded a little when Hercule said that.

    At the same time, her heart shook for a moment.

    It''s great after all, thought Hercule.

    "So Scheherazade is finally getting married.

    I thought you might be a little jealous, but ...... you''re calm.

    Hercule said a little disappointed.

    Then Carolina cowered.

    It''s a little late for that, isn''t it?

    You can''t deny that.

    It''s a matter of routine.

    Scheherazade is a pureblood, isn''t she?

    Yes, she is. Carolina.

    Scheherazade nodded.

    Carolina smiled.

    It''s wonderful. Your Majesty will have priority, starting today, over Scheherazade.

    "What are you talking about?

    Scheherazade blushed.

    It''s a natural reaction. ......

    "Your Majesty must have a baby boy. Isn''t that obvious?¡¡I was very concerned that I was the only full-blooded High Elf wife.

    Karolina said with a look of relief.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    Although Hercule doesn''t particularly care, people around him still want Carolina to have a baby boy.

    However, having a boy or a girl is not something that can be done with energy or perseverance.

    It is a matter of luck.

    Elves tend to be infertile.

    If it were all girls, Carolina would be blamed.

    But if there is another belly, Scheherazade, then even if Karolina gives birth to only girls, ......

    But if there is another belly, Scheherazade, then even if Carolina gives birth to only girls, she will be fine because she has Scheherazade.

    Even if they both have only girls, then the blame will fall on both of them.

    They can encourage each other.

    It''s not a bad thing.

    Of course, there are times when they are hostile to each other because they want their own child to succeed to the throne if possible.

    However, at the present stage, Carolina was not mature enough to be a mother to worry about her unborn child''s throne, which was more than a hundred years away.

    You don''t have to be so defensive. I have Titus and Titus'' children.

    However, Hercule was not so concerned about his DNA.

    For Hercule, it made no difference whether his son or his brother''s child would succeed him.

    As long as they are good, that''s all that matters.

    You can''t be responsible for your own mortality in the first place.

    That''s not what I meant!¡¡You can''t have premarital s*x!¡¡It''s slutty!

    "......

    "......

    Hercule and Karolina exchanged glances and cowered.

    Apparently, they were both sluts.

    In the first place, the representative and leader of the Messiahs, the medium, is ......

    "What did you say? Hercule-sama.

    Just as Hercule was about to speak, a voice called out from behind him.

    A beautiful girl with silver hair had a blue streak on her forehead.

    Hercule held out his hands in an ostentatious manner.

    "Oh!¡¡This is the Lord''s representative, our dear High Priestess, the Medium!¡¡What brings you here?

    "......, that''s quite deliberate, isn''t it?

    Cecilia clenched her fist lightly and punched Hercule in the chest.

    Then she clears her throat lightly.

    I''m not sure what to say. I heard you''ve decided to get married. First of all, ...... I see. Congratulations.

    "This is High Priestess Medium!¡¡Thank you very much!

    Scheherazade, a genuine Messianic who insists that premarital s*x is wrong, is happy to be congratulated by the highest person in the Messianic religion.

    Sheherazade is happy to be congratulated by the foremost Messianic figure in the world, although the Messianic figure is engaged in a very unhealthy game with another Messianic figure.

    Only Carolina, who is aware of this, sees the strange scene and smiles.

    "You don''t think premarital s*x is a good idea, do you, High Priestess Medium?

    "What?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    Cecilia''s eyes swam.

    You can''t say that it is not a problem because of your position as a medium, but you are not so brazen as to say that it is a problem.

    "Yes, Scheherazade. You''re going home for a while.

    Hercule quickly offered a helping hand.

    Sheherazade''s gaze turned to Hercule.

    Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Return home?

    "Yes. If I get married, I won''t be able to come back for real. Unless you have nothing to do when you get back, you will have something to do, right?

    Hercule asked and Scheherazade nodded.

    I think so. I want to see ...... your mother. And since you''re marrying the emperor, you don''t have to worry about forced conversions anymore.

    It was inconceivable that King Sasan VIII, who had even said he would give his daughter to her, would go to the trouble of converting Scheherazade.

    Unless, of course, he wanted to start a war.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. Do you want to say no to the black thrust?

    "Well, that''s the thing. At least ....... I want to get along with Kuro Thrust.

    The other day, a messenger came to tell you that he was sorry, if not sorry ......, for the fact that he had entered into a marriage relationship with the Kingdom of False.

    Therefore, Hercule replied that he did not mind at all, and told him that he had entered into marriage with the Kingdom of Fars.

    Of course, if he only told her this, Sasan VIII''s attempt to separate Lemuria from Kurotsuki would be successful.

    Hercule feared this, and offered to expand the trade.

    Of course, the trade is in favor of Kurotsuki.

    At least until the end of the war, he has expressed his intention to provide indirect support.

    Although this is a unilateral concession by Hercule, ......

    That''s how important the alliance with Kurotsuki is.

    "Well, anyway, it''s a year from now. Keep in mind that we don''t have much time to spare.

    Hercule said to Scheherazade.

    Scheherazade gave a small nod.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. The ...... is a side room, is it not?¡¡Oh, no, I didn''t mean that. Just a little confirmation .......

    "No, you''re my regular wife.

    When Hercule answered, Scheherazade''s eyes widened.

    "Yeah, but your real wife is Carolina. ......

    I don''t see why you can''t have two full wives.

    What?¡¡You don''t mind if I have two?

    Scheherazade looked at Cecilia.

    Sheherazade looked at Cecilia. She wanted to know if such a thing was okay from the perspective of the Messianic Church, from the perspective of Messianism.

    Cecilia clears her throat lightly.

    "Well, to begin with... Messianism forbids polygamy, or bigamy.

    "Well, there''s no such thing in the Bible. The six-star wizard king took seven hundred wives. ......

    "Your Majesty!

    When Hercule interrupted, Cecilia stopped him with an angry voice.

    I''m not going to tell you what to do.

    In the first place, the Messianic system of polygamy is a custom of the Lemurian Empire.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Long-eared Tribes (Elves) have always been based on the principle of monogamy, and while Messianism spread in the Lemurian Empire, the doctrine was formulated to adapt to it.

    When God created man, he created man and woman in pairs. Therefore, in principle, there is monogamy. However, if there are too few men and too many women, ...... many women will be unable to have husbands and will be in poverty. In such cases, God allowed polygamy.

    Cecilia gives the Church''s view without hesitation.

    In the case of the ancient kings, they had a duty to leave an heir to their posterity. That is why God allowed it on this occasion as a special exception.

    The Lemurian emperors'' polygamy was allowed on religious grounds.

    Cecilia said.

    And as for the question of whether it is permissible to have more than one wife or wife''s wife, ...... as I said earlier, in principle there can be only one wife. If you have more than one wife as a special exception, you must love her as much as you would if you had one wife. In other words, there should be no superiority or inferiority. Therefore, there is no problem in having more than one wife. In fact, there should be no difference in treatment.

    Now, one question arises.

    Then, what about the existence of side chambers and concubines?

    When Scheherazade asks about that, ......

    As for concubines, we in the Messianic Church recognize them as wives on an equal footing. It''s just a matter of ...... whether the child has the right to the throne. That is a secular issue. Concubines are not recognized by the Messianic Church. However, a child born between two Messianic people must be baptized and blessed as a Messianic person.

    Cecilia replied in an orderly manner.

    She did not say that it is a sin for a man and a woman who have not received the miracle of marriage to have s*xual intercourse for pleasure.

    I see. ...... So, you''re saying that both Karolina and I will become full wives?

    "That''s right. In the first place, it is forbidden to have a difference in treatment between the regular and side chambers, so I think there is no problem whether you are a regular or side chambers. Hey, Your Majesty. All wives are equal, aren''t they?

    Cecilia said as if to remind him.

    Hercule nodded exaggeratedly.

    Of course I do!¡¡I love them all equally. ...... Well, my wives are still only Karolina and Luna.

    For a moment, Cecilia and Nia were included in the ......

    Hercule hurriedly denied the "everyone" part as well.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    "Yes, it is. Don''t worry, Princess Scheherazade.

    "Yes, I''m glad!

    Scheherazade nodded happily.

 169 Episode 10 New Surname

    While planning the wedding to Scheherazade, Hercule has something else to do.

    It was Nia''s wish to have a private wedding.

    First of all, he had to get permission from Loukanos.

    Even though Nia was adopted, she was still a daughter of the Lucarios.

    There was no way that Hercule could decide everything on his own.

    Hercule called Nia and Loukanos to his room and reported the matter to them.

    Lukanos'' response was simple.

    I understand. Your Majesty, please take care of it.

    Is there anything else you want to tell me?

    "Nia once asked me if it would be possible for us to get married in a vassal relationship. I knew what you meant.

    Lucanos shrugged his shoulders.

    I''m also a little sad that there will be no heir to my fortune after my death.

    "Indeed.

    Hercule nodded.

    The Lemurian Empire is a patrilineal society.

    The Lemurian Empire is a patrilineal society. Therefore, when a woman marries into another family, her right to inherit the family''s property is extinguished.

    (However, the bride would be given a reasonable amount of money, so she would never receive anything from her parents. However, whether or not she can freely use the bride money is a different story.

    Nia will marry Hercule in a religious sense, but not in a political sense.

    In other words, Nia''s own inheritance rights will be preserved.

    However, ......

    I can''t have my children take the Lucarios name. You can think about it when you can, or you can change it now. ......

    Lucarios.

    The surname "Lucarius" means that the family is the Holy 76th family.

    The seventy-sixth family is the direct lineage of the seventy-sixth family in the narrow sense, and in the wider sense, it is the lineage of the High Elves, which includes the branch families of the seventy-sixth family.

    In other words, it is a prerequisite to be a pure-blooded High Elf.

    In exceptional cases, adopted children, illegitimate children and bastard children of non-pure-blooded High Elves are given the family name, but the children do not inherit it.

    This is to prevent the blood of the High Elves from being mixed in with that of the 76 families.

    But ......

    It is reasonable to assume that they are already mixed.

    In the first place, the marriage system was established after Lemuria became an empire.

    The history of the seventy-six families goes back to the Republican period, the Monarchy period, and even the period of national migration.

    It''s hard to imagine that they never intermarried with other races during that time.

    In the first place, it would be a bit unreasonable to think that ...... there has never been a time in the long history of the world when a wife conceived a child of a man other than her husband, or a child of another species, due to adultery.

    Adultery is rarely discovered and brought to justice, but there are many cases where it was never discovered in the first place.

    Pure-blooded High Elves are a fantasy existence to begin with.

    Both Hercule and Karolina are thought to have some non-High Elf blood in their veins.

    As a matter of fact, even the origins of Hercule''s ancestors, the first emperors, are highly questionable.

    But we all know that, don''t we?

    ...... You''re right. I think it would be better to change it while we still have time. It would be less confusing.

    Nia nodded.

    For a moment, Loukanos looked sad.

    But, whether he knew it or not, Near continued.

    But I would like to incorporate the name ''Lucarios'' into the second name.

    "Well, that won''t be a problem. It happens all the time.

    Hercule agrees with Nia''s wish.

    Lucanos'' expression brightens.

    Basically, an elf''s name consists of three parts: the first name, the second name, and the third name.

    For example, Hercule is Hercule Julianos.

    Hercule is the first name, the personal name that identifies the individual.

    Euryanos is the name of the clan, which means belonging to the Euryanos family.

    The reason why there is no third name is that Hercule is the main line of the House of Julianos.

    The third name determines to which branch of the family a person belongs.

    For example, Titus, the elder brother of Hercule, took the third name "Arsicus" when Hercule succeeded to the throne.

    Titus, Julianos, and Arsicus.

    Now, what does Nia mean by incorporating the name "Lucarios" into the second name? ......

    Nia 000000 = Lucarius.

    In this case, "Nia" is the second name.

    In this case, "Near" is the first name, and "000000=Lucarios" is the second name.

    To add to this, the "." indicates that the name is separated, and the "=" indicates that the names are connected to form a single meaning.

    But what about the first part?¡¡If you want, I can come up with .......

    In fact, there''s one that I''ve been thinking about .......

    Hercule raised an eyebrow at Nia''s words.

    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find the right one for you.

    Hercule, who had secretly invented a name for Nia''s clan, nodded in respect of Nia''s will, though he felt disappointed and sad.

    What''s the deal?

    "I''m thinking of ...... Deavorus.

    Deavolus.

    It''s an ancient Cyrillic word for nightmare.

    It is also the origin of the current Lemurian word for demon.

    "Hmm, why?¡¡To be honest, it''s not a very good name. Well, if it''s your kind of name, it''s certainly not your kind of name. ......

    Literally, it''s a devil''s name.

    Unless you are prepared to do so and have a good reason, I cannot allow you to do so as Hercule. ......

    I''m a Nightmare. That''s not going to change. I''m a Nightmare. ...... I''ve been through a lot because of that, it''s true. I''m sure you''ll find a lot of people who''d like to have a look at it. I wouldn''t have been able to become best friends with High Priestess Sesi and High Priestess Medium. And that''s a fact.

    Nia said in a strong voice.

    I don''t know if my child will be a Nightmare ...... as well. However, it is certain that they are of Nightmare blood. I do not know what will happen to my children or my family in the future. But ......, please don''t deny your roots and the fact that you have Nightmare blood in your veins. No matter what anyone says, it is the blood that the Emperor, your foster father, and High Priestess Medium have approved of. This name may be a curse. Even so, ...... I want you to be proud of it, even though it is my ego.

    "I see.

    Hercule looked at Loukanos.

    Lukanos nodded quietly.

    "That''s good. Nia Deavorus-Lucarios, well, the Lemurian Empire was originally a multi-ethnic nation. The Lemurian Empire was originally a multi-ethnic nation. It''s good to have at least one Nightmare noble family.

    It''s a good thing there''s at least one Nightmare noble family.

    "Thank you!

    "You don''t have to thank me. ...... It''s your name, after all.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    "A private ...... marriage?

    No?

    Next, Hercule and Nia went to Cecilia''s place.

    Cecilia looked at him suspiciously.

    I''m sure there are no religious issues. It''s not often you hear about this, but there is no doctrinal rule that says you have to make your relationship public or change your name to your husband''s after marriage.

    Marriage is a political ceremony as well as a religious ceremony.

    Marriage is both a political ceremony and a religious ceremony, but there is no rule that says you have to get married in both senses at the same time.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing. Oh, yeah, marriage. ......

    Yes, I''m getting married!

    Nia said and hugged Hercule''s arm.

    A blue streak appeared on Cecilia''s forehead.

    "You are a slut. A man and a woman touching each other like that before marriage is ......

    "How dare you speak so highly of me?

    "Ugh.

    Cecilia choked up.

    It''s just a big boomerang.

    This is the first time that I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    "Gosh, gosh!¡¡I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.¡¡If you report it to me, you mean you want me to arrange the ritual?

    "Well, yes. Lucanos wants to be there as the bride''s father. And you''re Nia''s best friend, right?¡¡Help me out.

    "......

    Cecilia had a complicated expression on her face.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.

    But Cecilia, who is basically a good girl, nodded.

    It''s a good idea. It''s fine. ...... You can make it up to me in some way later.

    "Well, how about marriage, then?

    When Hercule said this, Cecilia kicked Hercule in the shin.

    Cecilia kicked Hercule in the shins. Hercule held his shins involuntarily.

    How can you say such a thing in front of your fianc¨¦?

    Cecilia, your face is bright red. ......

    Cecilia, you''re blushing.¡¡You should at least have something to complain about.¡¡You''ve already done your job!¡¡Now, get out of here!¡¡I''m busy!

    Cecilia forced Hercule and Nia out of the room and kicked them out.

    And as she left, she said in a quiet voice: "Congratulations on !

    "Congratulations on .......

    "Thank you, Cecilia.

    When Nia smiled, Cecilia''s face contorted.

    "Huh. .......

    The man let out a big sigh.

    His hair was black, his eyes gray.

    He is a slender, gentle man with a beautiful voice.

    He was one of the most beautiful men in the Lemurian Empire, where there are many beautiful men.

    He has been called the greatest artist of all time, the founder of Lemurian culture, and the champion of the three arts (literature, art, and music) by future generations. ......

    He let out a great, great sigh.

    "Your Majesty.

    "What''s the matter?¡¡Do you have a problem with me?

    Hercule said provocatively to his brother, who looked like he wanted to complain.

    Nia, who was sitting next to Hercule, looked at the two anxiously.

    For the royal family, a brother is not always a good friend.

    In fact, they are more likely to be political enemies.

    For Hercule, the biggest enemy that threatens his life may not be ...... Sasan VIII or Ludwig I, but Titus.

    The Lemurian empire, however, no longer has the power to enthrone Titus.

    Titus held his temples and said.

    "I want Scheherazade''s wedding dress within a year. Design a wedding dress that is as beautiful as the ones for Princesses Karolina and Lunalie that were created before ....... Well, so far, so good. Your Majesty may not be able to understand how difficult it is to achieve the number within a year, but that is all we can do. Circumstances being what they are, ...... it is not impossible.

    And Titus lets out a big sigh again.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you can do it. ...... But first, make Nia Lucarios'' wedding dress within six months. I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "Even if you say so, .......

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.¡¡I''m sure you''ll agree.

    In the first place,......, I would have liked you to consider a little more time to make the request,.......

    You can''t blame them for deciding to do this on short notice.

    That may be so, but ......

    I''m in a lot of trouble too.

    Titus says.

    Even if he is a genius, he does not have an inexhaustible supply of ideas.

    It''s a good idea,......, after all, to take the time to design Princess Scheherazade''s dress for me,.......

    I''m sure you''ll agree.

    You don''t need to be shy about it. And didn''t you want to wear something like the one Karolina is wearing?

    It''s also true, but ...... it''s still good. I need something that''s appropriate for me. ......

    That''s not good!

    It was Titus who interrupted Nia''s words.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    The wedding is for life. Even if it is something that can be done in private, it should not be compromised.

    Titus clenches his fists tightly.

    The number of guests, the quality of the food served, the music, and the prestige of the place ...... where it is held are all important, but they can also be scaled down somewhat. But the dress, whether ...... rented, sold, custom-made, or whatever, if it''s what you want, you should wear it.

    I think I''ve ignited something I don''t understand.

    I''ll do my best. I''ll do my best. ...... But six months is a bit long. I''d appreciate it if you could make it ten months or so. I have to finish Princess Scheherazade''s first.

    "...... Well, that won''t be a problem. It should be ready before or right after Scheherazade''s wedding.

    I understand.

    Titus nodded.

    Nia''s face lit up.

    Thank you very much!¡¡But ...... are you okay?

    If you want something like Her Highness Princess Karolina''s, ...... has already been designed once. It''s not that much harder than making everything from scratch. I''ll redesign it to fit you better, so don''t worry. There is no such thing as an exact copy. I have a few molds I''d like to try out myself.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    Hercule muttered.

    Karolina''s height and breasts are a little smaller than Nia''s.

    If Carolina is a "beautiful" type of beauty, then Nia is more of a "pretty" type of beauty, so they are very different.

    Yes, so it''s not that difficult to design. It''s impossible to eliminate something that''s there, but it''s not that difficult to create something that''s not there.

    "Well, sure. Well, that''s true. The worst that can happen is that they get stuffed.

    Hahahahaha ......

    And Hercule and Titus laughed.

    "...... Your Majesty.

    "Whoa, whoa, don''t glare, don''t glare. It''s okay, it''s okay. You''re cute. ......

    Little bitty, huh?

    You''re cute because you''re tiny.

    I''m not sure if that''s a good thing or a bad thing.

    She''s more than my wife, you know. She is more than my wife. And by no, I mean a woman like my wife. Well, that was a real problem. Well, thanks to her, I''ve improved my skills in creating things that don''t exist. My wife is also ...... well, she''s a real scam. Hahahahaha!

    Titus let out a loud laugh.

    Hercule and Nia looked at each other and stood up.

    I''ll be back later, anyway.

    "Good luck, Master Titus.

    The two men left as if to flee.

    What''s going on?¡¡Titus tilted his head.

    "...... you.

    Suddenly, he heard a low voice behind him.

    A cold sweat ran down Titus''s back.

    "Uh, uh, uh, ...... uh, where did you hear that from?

    I''m sure you''re not the only one. ...... By the way, can you please explain to me who and what is missing?

    Titus'' wife smiled at him.

 170 Episode 11 Those Who Believe Are Saved

    Now, while working behind the scenes on his marriage policy with Scheherazade and Nia, ......

    Hercule had another policy in the works.

    "Somehow, it looks like it will be ready by the end of the year. You''ve done a great job so far, Antonio, Shylock.

    Hercule thanked his two advisors for working behind the scenes on the project.

    Antonio and Shylock smiled happily.

    In a week, we will issue a proclamation. We''ll be able to implement it in ...... two months?¡¡At any rate, it looks like we won''t have any trouble raising money for the war effort.

    said Hercule in a good mood.

    The document that Hercule is holding in his hand is titled ......

    "Establishment of the Bank of Lemuria".

    Bank.

    Bank.

    It is the heart of money circulation.

    Originally, there were plans to establish a bank, and Antonio and Shylock had been ordered to conduct various surveys.

    Finally, the plan took shape.

    There are four roles that Hercule is seeking for the Bank of Lemuria.

    One is the stable supply of money and price adjustment.

    Currently, the Lemurian Empire is experiencing a continuous rise in prices ...... and moderate inflation.

    This means that the economy is growing in an upward direction.

    However, one wrong move could cause prices to soar, putting pressure on the people''s livelihood.

    Banks are essential to effectively regulate the quantity of money.

    The other is the redistribution of wealth.

    Basically, money tends to gather where there is money.

    The rich get richer, and the richer areas get richer.

    Well, in other words, people, goods, and money are currently flowing rapidly into Nova Lemuria in the Lemurian Empire.

    This flow is not a bad thing.

    But if it goes too far, it could lead to the impoverishment of the provinces.

    That''s not a good thing for security.

    That''s where the banks come in.

    We can collect deposits from the wealthy and middle class of Nova Lemuria and invest them in the regions. ......

    In this way, the money gathered in the center will be redistributed to the regions again.

    Hercule''s goal was to stabilize the country by maintaining a sustained economic boom by creating a reflux throughout the Lemurian economy.

    The other purpose is to clear debts.

    The Lemurian Empire still had a lot of debts.

    The debts accumulated since the time of the previous emperor Hadrian are enormous, and it is impossible to repay them all in a decade or so.

    By asking the banks to shoulder these debts, Hercule hoped to consolidate the debts and consolidate the sources of repayment.

    The last one was to secure war funds.

    In fact, Hercule had a war coming up ...... and was planning to use the bank to raise money for the war.

    The reason why he accelerated his plan to establish the bank was to be able to do so in time.

    There are also other purposes, such as working with trading companies and providing loans to the Seventy-six Holy Families. ......

    There are various purposes.

    The wedding has put a bit of a squeeze on the war funds we had set aside for it. A bank would make it much easier.

    In the pre-modern era, a country''s finances were inevitably dependent on tax revenue.

    You can''t budget more than your tax revenue, or income.

    It is possible to borrow money, but it is not easy to do so.

    However, if a bank is established, the story will be a little different.

    We can borrow and lend money freely.

    In other words, financial freedom is increased.

    However, ...... there is still the possibility that the debt will grow without limit.

    But ...... the question is whether the banks will accept it.

    The problem is whether the banks can accept it.

    This is because of the profits from the previous coinage reform and the goods confiscated from the royal palace of the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    But that is not enough for the bank to function.

    Someone has to lend money to the bank, or deposit it.

    We have already received the cooperation and understanding of many lenders. ......

    "Many of the guilds have already decided to transfer their assets to the bank. I''m sure they''ll be fine.

    Shylock and Antonio have already briefed the financiers and guilds, the people and organizations that have the most money, in advance.

    The biggest concern is that the financiers who already exist will think that a powerful rival has appeared. ......

    The Bank of Lemuria has explained that it will not provide loans to individuals.

    "What I''m worried about is private investment, or ''deposits''.

    You deposit money in a bank.

    This may make you feel as if the bank is a vault.

    But the reality is that you are lending money to the bank.

    It is difficult to say how many of the subjects of the Lemurian Empire will understand this feeling, which is difficult even for modern Japanese to understand.

    In the Lemurian Empire, there are safe-deposit boxes, but there is always a fee to use them.

    It is common knowledge in the Lemurian Empire, or rather in this world, that if you deposit money in a safe deposit box, you will be charged a certain amount of money.

    However, in the case of the Bank of Lemuria, interest is paid on the amount of money deposited, or in other words, the amount of money lent.

    Rather than taking money from you, they give you money in return.

    Most of the subjects will feel that this does not make sense.

    Furthermore, the "Bank of Lemuria" lends money to the Imperial government using the money deposited by the subjects.

    "That''s our money, why are you lending it to us? What are you doing with our money?

    The people may wonder, "Isn''t this a big scam by the government? In fact, Shylock and Antonio were the first to do so.

    In fact, Shylock, Antonio, and others took great pains to explain the banking system.

    Even the economic experts, financiers and merchants, needed time to be convinced.

    It is doubtful how many of our illiterate subjects will be able to understand it.

    However, in order to maximize the benefits of banking, deposits from the majority of subjects are absolutely essential.

    To begin with, there is no need to go through a bank to borrow money from ...... lenders or guilds.

    The reason is that they have enough capital on their own.

    On their own, they have enough money to influence the national budget.

    The important thing is to gather up the small, dusty capital of the subjects and make it into a powerful capital.

    If you can''t do that, there is no point in having a bank established.

    ...... Isn''t that the only way to get people to understand, little by little?

    Well, yes, .......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll do fine.

    You''re right, Cecilia, you''re very quick with your words.

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    Hmm.

    "No?¡¡I''m just going to lend you the money.

    When Hercule asked, Cecilia let out a sigh.

    It depends on how independent the Bank of Lemuria is from the Imperial government, from the Emperor of Lemuria, Lord Hercule. As you can imagine, the church cannot operate without money. Depositing such important funds in the Bank of Lemuria is a matter that concerns the autonomy and independence of the church.

    In other words, Cecilia was saying that she didn''t want Hercule to be able to seize the church''s assets.

    Hercule clicks his tongue inwardly.

    ...... I was thinking of threatening her with that when the time came.

    Yes, ...... well, not all of it is possible, but a certain amount is possible. And ...... in return, if you accumulate the know-how, can you let us know?¡¡In addition to the Church of the Messiah, I would like to create a bank for it.

    "What?¡¡I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    Hercule frowns.

    The Church of Messiah has taken a negative stance on lending and borrowing money.

    The Church of the Messiah has a negative stance on lending and borrowing money, "The current interpretation is that it is wrong to charge ''high interest'' but not wrong to charge ''interest''. And I don''t want to be in the financial business for profit. I''m like Hercule, I want to be able to freely manage my budget.

    "I see. Well, that''s fine. I''ll give you a loan from my bank when it''s ready. We want to create credit.

    ...... So Mr. Hercule is his own bank after all.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to try.

    It''s a good thing that the number of banks is increasing, though.

    It''s a good thing that the number of banks is increasing, although it''s assumed that the Bank of Lemuria will be the largest and most central.

    "By the way, what is credit creation?

    "I deposit 1,000 gold coins in the Bank of Lemuria. Then the Bank of Lemuria lends 900 gold coins to Cecilia, and Cecilia deposits 900 gold coins in the Bank of Cecilia. Now the Bank of Cecilia lends Nia 800 gold coins, and Nia deposits 800 gold coins in the Bank of Nia. This is the alchemy of ......, which increases the number of coins you have on paper to a total of 2,700: 1,000 from Lemuria Bank, 900 from Cecilia Bank, and 800 from Nia Bank.

    What''s with the scam-like tactics?

    It''s called salvation for the faithful.

    Please don''t blaspheme the Lord.

    Cecilia furrowed her brow in disapproval.

    And I''m not sure if my ...... subjects will deposit their money properly. Did I say that?

    You might think it''s a ...... scam, right?

    Yes, it is. Well, it''s certainly puzzling at first glance. When you deposit money, the amount you deposit increases.

    It is a system that is somewhat difficult to understand, even for those who are familiar with it.

    It will be hard to make people who have never thought about economics or finance in their lives understand this.

    Why don''t you just stop trying to make them understand ......?

    What do you mean?

    What do you mean? - I mean, convince them that if they leave it with you, you''ll understand. No matter how many words you say to a doubter, it will only make him doubt even more. In fact, the more details you give, the more suspicious they may become.

    Even now, Cecilia regularly goes down to the streets to preach.

    This is because she feels that such grassroots activities are important.

    Through such activities, Cecilia feels that ......

    The more words you use, the harder it is to be understood.

    When people are given long explanations and jargon, they stop thinking. So, rather than explaining the banking system in detail, you should go to ...... and say, ''I will be saved if you deposit your money. If you deposit money, I will pay you money in return. The more you save, the less you waste, and the more you kill two birds with one stone! It might be better to ask sincerely like that. The Lemurian Empire''s subjects trust Erkur-sama.

    "I see. ......

    Hercule has the strong support of his subjects.

    He does not need to explain himself to his subjects, as they already trust him.

    Trust me, that''s the only thing that will make them trust him.

    You''re right, you''re right. You''re right. ...... By the way, you''ll help us out, won''t you?

    "Well, we''ve added the doctrine that saving is a shortcut to heaven. Well, we''ve added the doctrine that saving is a shortcut to heaven, and it fits in with our policies and principles. But ......, what shall we do?

    Cecilia said deliberately, looking up.

    Hercule sensed what Cecilia was looking for and stood up and ......

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

 171 Episode 12 Maidens Conflict

    It is a small chapel inside the palace of the Lemurian Empire.

    There are four women and three men there.

    That is, Carolina, Lunalie, Cecilia, Nia, Hercule, Titus, and Loukanos, for a total of seven people.

    Carolina and Lunalie are dressed in modest dresses, while Titus and Loukanos are in modest ceremonial dress.

    Cecilia is in her formal dress as a medium, ......

    Hercule wore a fancy ceremonial dress and Nia wore a beautiful white wedding dress.

    It looks good on you, doesn''t it?

    ...... Yes, thank you.

    Nia smiled happily.

    The off-the-shoulder, slender-line wedding dress suited Nia, who was tall and thin.

    The color of the wedding dress is white, but it is not exactly pure white. ......

    It has a slight peach tint to it to match her hair color.

    From a small hole in her buttocks, a cute ...... heart-shaped tail was sticking out, swaying in a good mood.

    I''m sorry. I''m going to start now.

    Cecilia coughed lightly and then carried out the wedding ceremony in a solemn voice.

    "...... Both of you, do you swear?

    "I swear." "I swear.

    When they finally say their vows, Cecilia has a complicated expression on her face, a mixture of joy and jealousy, for a moment, and then her expression shifts to her usual earnest blankness.

    "Then kiss your vows.

    Hercule lifted Nia''s veil and kissed her on the cheek.

    Nia''s face is enraptured.

    "I love you, .......

    "I love you too, Nia.

    When Hercule said this, ......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    "Ugh. ...... Guffaw. ......

    "Hey, hey, what''s wrong?

    I''m sorry, I''m ...... so happy. ......

    Hercule took out a handkerchief and wiped Nia''s tears away.

    Nia smiles happily through her tears.

    I didn''t think at the time that I would live to see ...... and get married.

    I never thought when I picked you up that we would end up married either.

    Hercule said and stroked Nia''s hair.

    Nia looked up at Hercule.

    "Your Majesty, thank you so much for ......

    "Hmm ......, that''s my line. Please continue to serve me with all your heart and soul.

    Yes!

    You and Your Majesty wore wedding dresses that night. ...... What''s wrong?¡¡Cecilia, you don''t look well.

    ...... That''s the tenth time I''ve told you that.

    Cecilia said sullenly.

    Two weeks have passed since Nia and Hercule''s secret wedding.

    Their wedding was a secret, and the number of attendees was limited. ......

    There are a few people who do not know that Nia and Hercule have a special relationship.

    In the near future, Nia will be independent from the Lucarios family, but that is still a long way off.

    "Huh?¡¡Is that right?

    I wish I had to listen to the same love story every time I met ....... I wish I could hear the same love stories every time I see you.

    Cecilia said, tapping her index finger on the desk.

    Even if Cecilia is in a bad mood, she rarely shows it on her face or in her attitude.

    The fact that Cecilia is expressing her displeasure indicates that she is ...... quite pissed off.

    You''ll find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

    "So how about a non-slutty story?

    What are you talking about?

    "Me and Your Majesty''s family plan. I''ve been thinking about how many children I''m going to have, and I''ve actually been reading a dictionary of names lately. ......

    That''s the umpteenth time I''ve heard that story!

    Bang!

    Cecilia slammed her fist on the desk.

    Cecilia slammed her fist on the desk. Nia finally noticed that Cecilia was in a bad mood.

    "What''s wrong?¡¡Cecilia. Menstruation?

    ...... Since we got married, even our words and actions have become similar.

    Cecilia let out a sigh.

    It''s good that you''re happy, yes. ...... As your best friend, I''m happy for you. But!¡¡You should be a little more careful. Yeah, you know what I mean.

    "What?¡¡Cecilia, are you jealous?

    Nia smirked.

    Cecilia then looked really, really unhappy at ......

    "Ch.

    And then Cecilia clucked her tongue.

    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.

    "I''m sorry ......, don''t be so angry.

    ...... I''m not mad at you.

    "Oh, yeah?

    This is absolutely angry: ......

    Nia looked at Cecilia, who had a rare, almost murderous look in her eyes, and said.

    "Well, Cecilia...

    What is it?

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    ...... Tell me the rest of the story.

    Cecilia glared at him, as if to say, "Don''t interrupt me.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "......Yes. I think I need to get myself together, yeah, I think I need to get myself together!¡¡It''s good that someone else is free to marry whoever they want, yeah, I''m jealous!

    Cecilia''s anger had finally reached its peak, and she kicked the desk with a crunch.

    Cecilia''s change of heart made Nia look frightened.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that. It''s not that I don''t like it.

    "......

    Then Cecilia stopped kicking the desk.

    Then she stopped kicking the desk and stirred her tea with a spoon, resting her cheek on it.

    "Well, ......, what do you think?

    "What do you think about ......?¡¡You like it, don''t you?

    "...... Are you saying that to ridicule me?

    Cecilia glared at Nia.

    Nia''s face paled.

    "No, no!¡¡It''s not like that at all!¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to make the most out of it.¡¡I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''m not sure if it''s true or not.

    In the event that you''ve got any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.

    "...... I''m sorry. I''m sorry, I misunderstood. I''m sure you have a bad personality, but it''s not that bad.

    "......

    I''m sure I''m not a very good person, but isn''t that a terrible thing to say?

    I''m sure I don''t have a very good personality, but isn''t that a bit harsh?

    Cecilia seemed to be in a really bad mood today.

    It''s a good thing I''m not in a bad mood. Yes, ...... I''m not very well.

    Oh, really? ...... Well, take care of yourself?

    Yes ...... Well, that''s the thing, marriage. Your Majesty and .......

    Cecilia let out a sigh.

    Cecilia is sighing a lot today.

    You''re going to be ......, aren''t you, Hercule?

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    Hercule is very determined to impregnate Cecilia.

    But Cecilia seems to have a different idea.

    As a medium, I think it would be better if we didn''t ...... get married.

    Why is that?

    Because ...... that man wants to take control of the Church of Messiah.

    Right now, Hercule and Cecilia have the same goal in mind.

    It''s a banner of overthrowing Gregory the Great.

    The anti-papal banner.

    However, the political and religious views of Hercule and Cecilia are not compatible.

    Hercule wants to control the Church of Messiah politically.

    Cecilia wants to maintain the independence of the Church of Messiah.

    One day, they will part company.

    I feel like if I get married, ...... I''ll be taken in.

    That''s ...... probably true.

    You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this.

    If she and Hercule were to become husband and wife, Cecilia would be completely swallowed up.

    The medium would become an ornament to her imperial power.

    But, Cecilia. But, Cecilia. ...... You''ve been doing it a lot, haven''t you?

    ...... Do what?

    That''s the one.

    She made a circle with her left hand and inserted the fingers of her right hand.

    A woman''s best friend ...... is not reserved.

    I''m not sure ...... that''s the right word to describe it. I''m not sure if that''s the right word, but I''ve done it a fair amount.

    "Are you on birth control?

    ...... Because God forbid you should.

    I know.

    God''s teaching is not to use contraception.

    Your Majesty is a long-eared elf, so it''s hard for you to get pregnant, but if you do ...... a few, you''ll be able to.

    I''m aware of the ...... safe days.

    "But when you can do it, you can do it. What do you do?

    ......That''s when it happens.

    Then you''ll have to give birth secretly.

    And Cecilia was prepared for it inwardly.

    It''s not like Cecilia to not think about ...... the future.

    ...... I''m a girl in love too.

    This is not a matter of logic, but of emotion.

    In Cecilia''s case, however, the problem was that she hadn''t been able to completely follow her emotions.

    Her strong reasoning urges her to refrain at the halfway point.

    "Why don''t you get married?

    "...... I can''t do that. I have a mission to protect the Church of the Messiah.

    "Then why don''t you be strong?

    Cecilia tilted her head at Nia''s words.

    "...... What do you mean?

    I''m not sure what you mean by that. I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure which one to choose, Hercule or Cecilia?

    If asked to choose between Hercule and Cecilia, Nia would choose Hercule without hesitation.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    At least give her a good talking to.

    Nia thought.

    "Do you think ...... I can beat Lord Hercule?

    I don''t think so.¡¡But isn''t that your goal?¡¡You said that a long time ago.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    It was. What I did was ...... forget my initial feelings. I''m sure you''re right. ...... Even Hercule is a human being. There''s no reason why I can''t win .......

    Cecilia mumbled in a whisper and then smiled at Nia.

    Thank you, Nia. I''ve got my first goal, thanks to you. ...... You''re right!¡¡All I have to do is learn to be that good!

    Cecilia stood up.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to do it. ...... I''ll acquire enough power to not be taken in by Hercule-sama, and I''ll definitely marry her!

    Cecilia then walked away.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    "...... did I go too far?

 172 Episode 13 Names of Children and Cities

    "Oh, Your Majesty!¡¡Your Majesty!¡¡You just kicked me!

    "Mm ......, you move when I take my eyes off you.

    Hercule smiled bitterly.

    At Hercule''s side is Carolina, who has a big belly.

    Her Majesty''s child is kicking vigorously in her belly, and I want you to feel it," said Hercule, who had just put his hand on Karolina''s belly.

    But when she didn''t start moving at all, Hercule got bored and took his hand away.

    Do you think he hates me?

    ''He''s just shy, that''s all.

    Carolina said in a good mood.

    (At any rate, she seems to be in a good mood now.)

    Hercule let out a sigh inwardly.

    Karolina''s mood has been up and down lately.

    One minute she''s in a good mood, the next she''s suddenly in a bad mood, the next she''s crying with anxiety, the next she''s smiling with happiness.

    Sifanny had never been like that (at least she never became emotionally unstable in front of Hercule), so she was a little confused.

    "Which would you prefer, a boy or a girl?

    "If I had to choose, I''d say a girl.¡¡If I had to choose, I''d say a girl, but either way, I''d be happy as long as she was born healthy.

    Hercule utters a line that I don''t know how many times I''ve heard him say it.

    I''ve asked and answered this question many times before: ......

    To which he replies, "Haven''t I already answered that? Karolina''s mood will plummet, so you have no choice but to reply in the same way.

    Hercule didn''t understand at all what Karolina was feeling right now, as she looked so happy to hear the exact same answer.

    As for Hercule, who doesn''t have much interest in a child that hasn''t even been born yet, he''s fine as long as you''re safe, but Karolina is willing to give birth to this child even if it costs her her life.

    Their feelings are on a parallel track.

    However, Hercule is aware of this, so he does not say anything about it.

    Fortunately, due to the concern of Hercule and the people around her, Karolina is unaware of her husband''s feelings.

    But will ...... the baby be born healthy?

    A look of anxiety crossed her face.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do with your time.

    Hercule was feeling like he needed to leave.

    (It doesn''t matter if I''m here or not, if you''re born, you''re born, and if you''re not, you''re not born.

    (It doesn''t matter if I''m here or not, they''ll be born or not.

    As a matter of fact, Sifanny successfully gave birth to her second child while Hercule was busy in the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    Well, if the mother''s mental state is bad, of course it will affect the birth. ......

    This does not mean that Hercule has to be with you all the time.

    "Your Majesty, ...... are you alright?

    "Don''t worry, don''t worry. I''m right here with you.

    I''m not a doctor and I don''t know if I''m okay or not, Hercule thought. ......

    He comforts Karolina.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who can do this.

    In terms of physical ability, Karolina is better than Hercule.

    It doesn''t matter if Karolina is pregnant or not,......, if you are physically held, you cannot escape.

    (...... It''s not good if I don''t get back to my political duties soon.

    In fact, Hercule is quite busy right now.

    Diplomacy with the Kingdom of Foulds, including the marriage to Scheherazade.

    Researching the situation of the war between the Kuro Plague and the Silk Kingdom, and providing support to the Kuro Plague.

    Managing the newly established Bank of Lemuria.

    And preparing for the next expedition.

    I don''t have time for Karolina alone.

    But I know that if I force her out of the way, it''ll be even more trouble than it already is.

    Also, Hercule loves Karolina for some reason.

    If the person he loves asks him to stay by her side with tears in his eyes, even Hercule can''t do anything about it.

    But time is limited, and there is nothing he can do about that.

    "Oh, Carolina. I''m about to go to .......

    Hercule was about to say.

    Someone knocked on the door.

    "May I come in?

    Ciphany?¡¡Good.

    When Hercule gave permission, Cifanie entered the room, holding hands with a girl and a boy.

    The girl is Petra, Hercule''s first child.

    She is now six years old.

    The boy is Zeno, a child born during the Battle of Bulgalon.

    He is now two years old.

    Both are half-elven.

    "Your Majesty!

    Petra is innocently running towards Hercule.

    She grabs the sleeve of Hercule''s dress and looks up at him.

    "Petra, it''s been, uh, a week, hasn''t it?

    "Two weeks, Your Majesty!

    We meet once every two weeks.

    At first glance it seems infrequent, but when you take into account that you are the Emperor and his bastard child, it is quite frequent.

    I noticed that Karolina had released Hercule''s hand, as if she was paying attention to him.

    Hercule pats Petra on the head.

    Petra looked happy.

    "Your Majesty, you''re well educated.

    Not long ago, Petra used to call Hercule "Father", but since then she has been calling him "Your Majesty".

    When she was young and materialistic, she was allowed to do so. ......

    He was disciplined by a pedagogue or a ciphany for being sensible.

    Oh, mommy. ......

    "Zeno, good.

    I''m not sure if Petra was jealous when she saw Erk¨¹hl spoiling her, but Zeno came running to Erk¨¹hl.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.¡¡That''s enough.

    Yes.

    "...... Yes.

    Petra easily and Zeno regretfully left Hercule.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can contact us at .......

    It seems that their upbringing is going well.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that ...... they''re very well behaved in front of you.

    I''ve heard a lot about them. I''ve heard a lot about it. I''ve heard that they''re getting into a lot of trouble, mostly Petra.

    I''ve heard a lot about that." When Hercule said that, Cifanie smiled bitterly.

    She seemed to be having a hard time.

    You can call me if you need anything. It''s the least you can do as a father. ...... By the way, you didn''t come to see me today, did you?

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    Hercule slightly avoided the body.

    Sifanny slowly approached Karolina''s bed.

    "How are you feeling, Princess Karolina?

    "Not bad, ...... just a little anxious. I''m just a little worried that I won''t be able to give birth to a healthy child like Cifanie. ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    And then Cifanie grabbed Carolina''s hand.

    I understand, Your Highness. I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little nervous about the whole thing. ...... I was nervous at first, too. ...... With Zeno, His Majesty didn''t even come to his side.

    "......

    I''m sure you''ll agree.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that," said Hercule, tilting his head.

    But if you say you were anxious when Hercule wasn''t around, then Hercule can''t deny it.

    If he was blamed for not being around when Zeno was born, ...... then Hercule could not say anything.

    (...... Is this perhaps a trend of badmouthing me?)

    I''m not sure what to say.

    We both start complaining that the Emperor doesn''t understand us at all.

    It''s possible.

    (Hmmm, is the Xeno thing a signal from Ciphany that she''s going to badmouth you and wants you to leave?

    Somehow or other, Hercule guessed.

    Well, even if it''s not a swear word, there are some things that can only be talked about between women, or at least not in the presence of their husbands.

    Thinking this, Hercule took advantage of the situation and turned on his heel.

    I''m going to leave you alone for a moment," she said, "I''m sure you have a lot to talk about with someone who''s been pregnant and a pregnant ...... woman. I''ll be out of the room for a bit,......, but I''ve got some business to attend to. Petra and Zeno ...... both do well in their studies. Don''t embarrass Ciphany or your educator too much.

    And so on, Hercule said, and ran away from the scene.

    A few weeks later, Sifany''s mental care of Karolina was successful. ......

    A few weeks later, Sifany''s mental care of Karolina was successful, and Karolina gave birth safely.

    Phew. ...... It was the most painful thing I''ve ever experienced.

    You''re looking good for that, aren''t you?

    Hercule stroked Karolina''s sweat-soaked hair.

    When he had witnessed Sifanny''s birth, she had been so breathless that she had been unable to move.

    Carolina, on the other hand, was exhausted, but her complexion was not bad.

    I''ve been working out all day.

    I''ve been working out for a while now.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to be doing and how you''re going to do it.

    "That ...... Your Majesty. Please hold her.

    Oh, okay.

    Hercule receives the baby from Karolina.

    The little hair is red.

    She looks like Karolina there.

    She''s a pretty girl. She looks healthy. ...... Good, good, good.

    I''m sure you''ll be glad to hear that.

    "Well, Your Majesty. You have a name ...... in mind, don''t you?

    "Oh, I forgot. ...... What did you think I was going to say?¡¡I did. I was going to name him Constantine for a boy and Constantina for a girl. So this girl is Constantine.

    When Hercule said this, Karolina narrowed her eyes.

    ...... Is the next girl going to be Alexandros or Alexandra, by any chance?

    ...... How did you know?

    The third one is going to be ...... Antiochus if it''s a boy or Antiochus if it''s a girl, right?

    You''re right, Carolina. Not bad for ......, don''t you think?

    "Well, it''s a lot better than being obsessed with ...... and being given a weird name. Isn''t that too easy?

    What about something more irregular and cool?¡¡Like Herculea?

    When Hercule jokingly says this, Karolina makes an indescribable face.

    "...... Do you mind a little?

    I think it''s a bit of a dare to read it in a strange way, the old man.

    Hercule shrugged.

    I''m not sure if there will be a fourth ...... child, by the way, but what are you going to do about it?

    I''m not sure if I''m going to have a fourth child, but what are you going to do about it?" "Well, I''ll probably ...... have one by then.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    If it''s a boy, it''ll be Heracl?os, if it''s a girl, it''ll be Heraclea. So ...... I''m going to rename them.

    "What does ...... that mean?

    When Carolina asked, Hercule grinned.

    "It means that in a few years the flag of the double-headed eagle will be flying over the city of Cerda.

 173 Episode 14 Wedding Ceremony

    Some time later, ......

    It was the wedding day of Hercule and Scheherazade.

    "Wow, ...... looks good on you.

    Hercule marveled at Scheherazade''s dress.

    The dress that Scheherazade is wearing is a traditional Farse-style dress made by the craftsmen of the Farse Kingdom.

    Both the Lemurian Long Ears and the Foulth Long Ears (Elves) are essentially the same people, but ......

    They differ only slightly in skin color and facial features.

    This is because they differentiated a long time ago, and their bodies mutated to suit the local climate. ......

    In reality, the pure-blooded High Elves are an illusion, which means that blood mixing is occurring.

    Regardless of this, Scheherazade, a beautiful Pharisees woman, looked very good in Pharisees-style clothes.

    Isn''t that so?

    "Oh. I wonder why?¡¡Is it because she feels more at home in the clothes of her native land?

    The beautifully dyed silk dress was embroidered with countless embroidery and sparkling jewels scattered throughout.

    The dress was quite fancy, but Scheherazade was a flamboyant beauty with beautiful blonde hair.

    I''m glad you said that.

    I''m glad you said that. ...... It''s just that ......

    What''s up?

    No, it''s just a little ...... thing, you know, the lines of the ...... body.

    Oh, I see.

    Scheherazade has large breasts and buttocks, while she has a slender, stripped waist. ......

    She is a typical "beautiful style" woman.

    She has the perfect style that many women admire and men want, but she is not without her flaws.

    Because of her large ...... breasts and buttocks, she looks fat when she wears clothes.

    It''s not something that usually bothers me, but for this wedding.

    The artisans of Foulds wanted to show the beauty of their princess to the Lemurians.

    I guess they thought so.

    They designed the dress so that the lines of her body would be clearly visible.

    As a result, Scheherazade''s large breasts, protruding buttocks, narrow waist, and long, beautiful limbs are emphasized.

    Scheherazade is a little embarrassed about it.

    "Well, I can understand that, but it''s better than looking ...... fat, isn''t it?

    That''s ...... true, but...

    Sheherazade is Sheherazade, and she has a certain amount of confidence in her own body.

    I don''t want to be unfairly judged because of my clothes.

    Can I check your schedule, by the way?

    No problem.

    The wedding itself will take place in the morning.

    Hercule and Scheherazade will now parade through the city of Nova Lemuria.

    The purpose of the parade was to show off the friendship between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars.

    Scheherazade''s dress at this time is in the style of Phallus.

    After that, she went to the church.

    When she arrived at the church, she took off her current dress and changed into a wedding dress designed by Titus.

    This is partly because she is changing from the princess of Phallus to the empress of Lemuria ......, but more than that, it is because Scheherazade wants to.

    Scheherazade''s strong desire to wear the pure white dress that Carolina wore to her wedding earlier led her to do so.

    After that, they paraded through the imperial city again and returned to the palace, where a luncheon was held between the imperial family of Lemuria and the royal family of Fars, in other words, their relatives only.

    After a short break, a large dinner party was to be held.

    You were supposed to change into a different dress than your wedding dress for the banquet, right?

    "Yes. Titus designed the dress. ......

    You''ll have to work on that after the wedding.

    Haha. ...... I see.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your wedding.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing. He looked as if he was worried that he might die of exhaustion.

    There was no doubt that Titus was the biggest contributor to this wedding.

    But that''s for later. Now ...... it''s time to go. Come on ...... princess.

    Hercule smiled and held out his hand gently.

    Scheherazade''s cheeks flushed and she took his hand.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    "''Long live the Emperor!

    "''Long live the Empress!

    "''Long live the Emperor and Empress, whom God has given us!

    "Long live the Emperor and Empress, whom God has given us!

    "A thousand years of friendship between Lemuria and Faerus!

    "God bless you both in your marriage!

    "God bless Lemuria and Phallus!

    The citizens of Nova Lemuria cheered loudly, petals falling like snow, and the music sounding beautifully. ......

    A four-horse golden carriage rides slowly through Nova Lemuria.

    The Emperor of the Lemurian Empire and the new Empress are standing close to each other and waving to their subjects.

    It''s a great cheer. It''s hard to believe that just a short time ago we were enemies.

    Haha...... is just like that. People are controlled by the atmosphere.

    Sheherazade looked a little surprised, but Hercule smiled.

    In fact, Hercule secretly manipulated information to advertise the friendship between Lemuria and Phars.

    In addition, the soldiers of the Lemurian Empire secretly kept a watchful eye behind the scenes to make sure that people with anti-Fallus sentiments did not take any dangerous actions. ......

    There are many behind-the-scenes efforts, such as preparing a large number of cherry blossoms.

    But Hercule doesn''t talk about it because Scheherazade doesn''t need to know about it.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    "And the new Empress is no less beautiful.

    "That''s the second Empress .......

    I''m jealous of your beautiful figure .......

    She''s a beautiful blonde.

    Wow, ...... big breasts.

    Big ass.

    "And your waist is so thin. ......

    Ninety percent of the murmurings of the citizens mixed with the cheers were about Scheherazade''s appearance. ......

    In addition, about 70% of the murmurs were about Scheherazade''s body, her breasts and buttocks.

    I''m a little ...... embarrassed.

    "Don''t worry about it, you should be more proud.

    Hercule said and pulled Scheherazade into his arms.

    The ears peeking out of her beautiful golden silk hair turned red.

    The people cheered loudly.

    I''m not sure if there''s more lovey-dovey than at our wedding.¡¡In my wedding, His Majesty didn''t give me that much attention ...... or even touch me during the parade.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you have.

    Then Lunalie shrugged her shoulders.

    The parade was a show of friendship between Lemuria and Fars, right?¡¡Even when I was in Khayastan, you touched me a lot.

    In other words, it was for political reasons.

    After all, in Hercule''s mind, ''marriage = politics'' is at the core of the equation.

    "Well, you have big boobs, they''re always amazing.

    The one who let out an exclamation of admiration was Nia.

    Dressed in a dress designed to accentuate the lines of her body, Scheherazade''s breasts looked much larger than usual.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.¡¡I''d like to squeeze them too.

    Nia waggled her hands.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Karolina and Lunalee take a step away from Nia.

    If you''re looking for the best way to get the most out of your wedding, you''re going to want to make sure that you''re getting the most out of your wedding.

    This is because I have had the experience of having my body played with by Nia several times.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.

    "...... what?

    "Because Scheherazade is your superior.

    Carolina said with a grin.

    Lunalie looked annoyed.

    There aren''t many women who wouldn''t be offended if someone told them that they were backwards compatible with that woman.

    "That''s not true .......

    No, it''s not. I don''t think that His Highness Scheherazade can endure the kind of intercourse that His Majesty had with Princess Lunalie. I''m sure you''ll agree.

    At Nia''s words, Lunalie made a complicated expression.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your home.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.¡¡Is that okay with those tits?

    What do you mean?¡¡Nia.

    No, ...... I think those breasts might be a little too big.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.

    The dress that they wore was a dress that would look better if they didn''t have such large breasts.

    According to Titus, "Small breasts are not a problem. It''s not a problem if you have small breasts. But large breasts are a problem." ......

    It is Nia''s concern that Scheherazade, with her large breasts, might have a hard time.

    I''m sure. I''m sure it''s not easy with those breasts.

    Yes.

    Karolina and Nia nodded their heads.

    You can see through their insistence that breasts are not only good if they are big.

    I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that if I were you.

    I''m sure Titus can at least design a dress that suits big breasts.¡¡At least, it''s not something that poor breasts should be concerned about.

    "I have big tits.

    I''m not a tit.

    You''re out of your mind!

    As if to say, Carolina and Nia insisted.

    I''m not as good as Scheherazade, but I''m adequate. I have big tits considering I''m an elf with long ears. Please don''t lump me in with Nia.

    Karolina implied that Nia had small breasts.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    I''m sure there''s not much difference between them.

    My breasts fit nicely in your palm. My breasts fit nicely in your palm, but yours are a little smaller than yours, right?¡¡Bigger or smaller than your palm is an important criterion.

    "No, no, no. Please don''t set up a strange reference point on your own. Please think in terms of numbers. ...... There is no big difference, right?¡¡What is it?¡¡I''m not sure what you''re talking about. It doesn''t matter. At least Her Royal Highness Princess Karolina doesn''t have big tits. And I don''t have small breasts.

    "Please don''t equate other races with the Long Ears (elves). Based on the average of other races, wouldn''t your breasts be classified as barely adequate?

    "No, I don''t. That''s because Her Highness, Princess Karolina, only sees big-breasted servants in the palace. That''s because Her Highness sees all the big-breasted servants in the palace. Think about the breasts of ordinary women. My breasts may be a little smaller than the standard ......, but they are not poor. And don''t you think it''s embarrassing to use the vain excuse that you have big breasts because you''re an elf?¡¡I''ll tell you right now, please don''t do such a shameful thing. I can see at a glance that Her Highness Princess Carolina is no match for Her Highness Princess Lunalie and Her Highness Princess Scheherazade. Just admit it.

    I''ve never seen such a thing before.¡¡What breasts are you talking about?

    "Isn''t that ''what mouth is saying''?¡¡It''s a misuse of language. Don''t misuse the Lemurian language, Empress. It''s a threat to the dignity of the Lemurian Empire.

    It''s sarcasm, don''t you see?¡¡Poor girl. You need to relearn Lemurian. Have you noticed?¡¡I still have an accent sometimes.

    I''m being sarcastic too. Lemurian is your mother tongue, but you don''t know that?¡¡I mean, you have an accent, but it''s only a small one. You sound like my mother-in-law, pointing out the dust on the window.

    "You''ve gotten cocky lately, haven''t you?¡¡You used to be a little more humble and pretty. Are you getting carried away now that you''re married to His Majesty?

    That''s my line. Where is the old, gentle Princess Karolina?¡¡Is that what I think it is?¡¡Are you in a hurry to catch up with me?¡¡That''s right, Her Highness Karolina is not the only one with height, breasts, and military talent. I can understand your impatience.

    If that''s what you think, then I guess that''s what you think. If that''s what you think, then I''m sure it is, in your mind. ...... I''m bigger than you in many ways.

    What?¡¡Are you saying that I''m backwards compatible with Her Highness Princess Carolina?

    I''m not saying that much, okay?¡¡It''s just that ...... I''m taller and have more breasts than you.¡¡I''m not saying that," he said. "I''m just saying that I''m taller and have more breasts than you, and I have more troops in my command militarily,......, and more importantly, I''m a wife and I''ve had children. Well, I''m a better woman for you than any of those little girls. ......

    There''s not much difference. There''s only a small difference in height and breasts between me and Her Highness Princess Karolina.

    Not a little, a big difference. It''s like the difference between a puddle and a lake.

    "Then the difference between Her Highness Princess Lunalie and Her Highness Princess Scheherazade is as great as the difference between a stream and the Neil River!

    The argument between Carolina and Nia became more and more heated.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    "I don''t have breasts!

 174 Episode 15 Traitor

    It looks good on you, doesn''t it?

    After the parade, Scheherazade smiled as she finished changing into her pure white wedding dress.

    The wedding dress that Scheherazade wore was a little different in design from the ones worn by Carolina and Nia.

    The fabric from the upper body to the waist was tightly attached to the body, and the skirt below the waist was spread out like the tail fin of a mermaid.

    The beautiful curves of Scheherazade are strongly emphasized.

    The bosom was cut in the shape of a heart to emphasize Scheherazade''s large breasts.

    I''ve already given up on the ...... breasts, but I''m kind of wondering if I can do something about the buttocks.

    Scheherazade smiled bitterly.

    Her dress was designed to accentuate not only her breasts, but also her buttocks.

    Apparently, she is more concerned about her buttocks than her breasts.

    "Your Highness. Titus told me to wear this ribbon if my hips are really bothering me.

    With that, the servant attached a large white ribbon to Scheherazade''s waist.

    The large ribbon would cover Scheherazade''s buttocks.

    It''s not very noticeable, is it? ...... You remembered what I said earlier when you were trying it on.

    Scheherazade smiled happily.

    Hercule, on the other hand, looks at Scheherazade''s buttocks and thinks.

    (It''s rather erotic when it''s a little hidden. ...... At any rate, well done, Titus.)

    You know exactly what you''re doing, brother.

    Hercule inwardly praised Titus.

    Then they went to the church and performed the marriage ceremony.

    The details were not so different from those of Carolina and Lunalie.

    The only difference was that Cecilia, not Millenia, performed the ceremony.

    The only difference is that Cecilia, not Millenia, will be performing the ceremony.

    Cecilia''s expression was a little tense.

    Nia''s wedding was a good rehearsal for Cecilia. ...... But Scheherazade''s wedding and Nia''s wedding have different political importance.

    Failing here would be a huge embarrassment for Cecilia. ......

    Cecilia is nervous.

    Hercule gives Cecilia a wink to relieve her tension.

    Cecilia then glared at Hercule.

    You shouldn''t be flirting with a woman who is not the bride at the wedding, let alone the officiant.

    It was as if she was saying.

    However, Cecilia''s anger at Hercule seemed to have released some of her tension, and her complexion was better than before.

    Thanks to the effect of Hercule''s wink, Cecilia was able to successfully perform the ritual.

    Both Scheherazade and Hercule exchanged their wedding rings and became husband and wife.

    After the wedding, a luncheon was held.

    Lemuria and Fahls were seated separately at a circular table.

    Initially, the table was supposed to be rectangular, but there was a great deal of conflict over who should sit on top, Hercule or Sasan VIII, and where Cecilia, the medium, should sit.

    "I''m ...... glad to have you as family and blood relation, even if it''s only in law, Emperor of Lemuria.

    "I''m also glad to be ...... related to you, King Farus.

    Hercule and Sasan VIII smiled at each other as they sipped their wine.

    Their faces were smiling, but ......

    I''m sure both of them are not happy about it.

    By the way, Chief Priest of Lemuria.

    "...... is that me you''re talking about?

    Cecilia asked Sasan VIII, and he nodded.

    That''s right, it''s about you.

    I see. ...... May I make one correction?

    "Hmm, what is it?

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    I don''t know how the diplomats of the empire told you about me, but I am not the Chief Priestess, I am the Medium, the leader of all Messiahs. Let me just point that out.

    The official language of this world is Cyrillic.

    Therefore, the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars also conducted their diplomacy in Cyrillic, ...... and Cyrillic is also used here.

    The term "chief priest" in Cyrillic used by Sasan VIII refers to those who served the gods in polytheistic religions before the establishment of Messianism.

    The priests of the Chiris were priests who served the gods, but they were also "officials," that is, bureaucrats who served the state and the community.

    Praying to the gods for victory in war or for a good harvest was an important political enterprise of the state. ......

    It is obvious that those who did so were also bureaucrats who served the state.

    Therefore, referring to Cecilia as the "chief priestess" implies that Cecilia is a servant of the state, i.e., the Lemurian Empire and the Lemurian emperor.

    So Cecilia corrected that part.

    Oh, ......, excuse me. "Oh, , excuse me. Are you sure it''s Medium?

    Yes. ...... And what is that?

    No, no, no, no. ...... I''ve heard that you are a very beautiful priestess of the Lemurian Empire, but I didn''t expect you to be as beautiful as you are. I would like to take this opportunity to get to know her better.

    Sasan VIII began to talk eloquently.

    The words of praise for Cecilia''s appearance came smoothly out of her mouth.

    As expected, Cecilia became embarrassed when she was so blatantly flirted with.

    Her ears, hidden by her beautiful silver hair, turn red.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.¡¡We''re supposed to be celebrating the marriage of Scheherazade and I.

    "Oh, excuse me. I''m sorry, but this is just too beautiful for Medium.

    With a smile and a laugh, ......

    Hercule and Sasan VIII stared at each other again.

    "Well, Mother, ...... don''t you think you ought to stop that?

    ...... I''m sure they both know their limits. Maybe.

    Scheherazade and Helena whispered to each other.

    After the luncheon, there was a break for a few hours, and then the dinner began.

    You look great in your new dress, don''t you?

    Thank you, ......, it''s not too naughty.

    The dress that Scheherazade was wearing was designed to look like a combination of an old Lemurian costume and a Foulds costume.

    The fabric was loose and did not cling tightly to the body.

    However, it was still made in such a way as to emphasize Scheherazade''s unevenness, and it was also open at the chest. ......

    It seems that Scheherazade''s senses are slowly becoming numb.

    "Come on, let''s go. Scheherazade.

    "...... Yes. That .......

    Scheherazade said with a grimace.

    "You!

    The dinner party, unlike the luncheon, was quite large.

    The number of invited guests was much larger than the party held for Carolina.

    And so it should be.

    It was the marriage of the emperor and princess of two superpowers, the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Foulds, so the scale of the event was appropriate.

    Incidentally, both the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Foulds are paying half of the funds for such a large wedding.

    Well, formally, the Lemurian Empire alone is paying for the wedding. ......

    The Kingdom of Fars paid for half of the bride''s expenses in the form of a bride price.

    Sasan VIII was overjoyed to pay for the wedding because he thought that the wedding of his most beloved daughter should be lavish and grand.

    The party was held in a standing room only style.

    The food was mainly Lemurian, but there were also dishes from Khayastan, Farus, and other chefs that Hercule had recruited from around the world.

    "It''s been a while, Emperor Lemuria. But ...... hmm, I guess a change of dress does change your impression. It looks good on you, Scheherazade.

    Sasan VIII took a long look at Scheherazade, who was standing by Hercule''s side, and praised his daughter''s fine appearance.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    "...... Yes, thank you. Father.

    Scheherazade smiled happily.

    "Your Majesty, take care of my daughter.

    Helena, who had come with Sasan VIII, bowed to Hercule.

    Hercule gave a small nod.

    "Yes, of course. You can count on me.

    Hercule grabbed Scheherazade by the shoulders and held her close.

    Then he kissed her on the cheek.

    The guests who were watching the scene groaned.

    While Scheherazade was red-faced and embarrassed, Hercule grinned at ...... Sasan VIII.

    "I got your daughter.

    "...... Hmm. How is it possible to be a slut in public like this?

    "How dare you seduce our medium with impunity?

    Hercule, who was still holding on to the incident at the luncheon, glared lightly at Sasan VIII.

    Sasan VIII shrugged his shoulders as if to say, "Oh dear.

    It seems the groom doesn''t understand puns. Hmm, a cultural difference, perhaps?¡¡Scheherazade, you''ll have a hard time, but good luck. ...... If you get tired of it, you can always come back, right?

    Hahaha ...... I don''t think there''s any pun intended in your father''s case.

    Sheherazade, who knew of her father''s misogyny, smiled bitterly.

    Then Sasan VIII turned on his heel.

    "Well, I''m sorry to interrupt. Helena and I will go to eat and talk with the ...... other guests. It''s not every day you get the chance to exchange words with a diplomat from a western country. Besides, ...... the food here is delicious. Let''s just admit it. ...... It''s a complete defeat.

    Sassan VIII said, dragging Helena with him as he went to scavenge the food with gusto.

    "Oh!¡¡Well, well, well, isn''t this King Hayastan!¡¡No, ...... the former King of Hayastan, to be exact?¡¡It''s been a long time!

    "Geez!¡¡Huh, King Foulds!

    Hey, hey, why are you running away?¡¡Why are you running away? You''re my former ally!

    Sasan VIII, who seems to have found a perfect tormentor while scavenging for food, heads straight for the poor ex-King Khayastan.

    Wouldn''t it be better to help him?

    "Hmm, well, I don''t have to, Luna will go first. I want Hayastan to be somewhat independent.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    Then Hercule and Scheherazade went to greet the dignitaries.

    "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Emperor of Lemuria, Your Highness, Princess Scheherazade.

    It was a diplomat dispatched from Kurotsuki who said this to them.

    His expression was ...... calm.

    Thank you. Thank you. ...... And actually, there is something I need you to tell the emperor of Kuro Thrust, okay?

    "Anything at all.

    "My country''s best ally remains the Kuro Plague. If my sister''s husband is in trouble, I will help him in any way I can.

    "Yes, I will certainly inform them.

    The diplomat bowed his head reverently.

    He had dared to tell Scheherazade in front of her that the Kuro Plague was her best ally, and his intentions seemed to have been well received.

    "Your Majesty, Emperor of Lemuria, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am the Duke of Fulling. My name is Namo.

    "Well, well, well. ...... Perhaps it''s his famous Namo the Wise?

    "You know my name, ......, and there is no greater honor.

    The elven man who introduced himself as Namo ...... bowed his head reverently.

    It''s a great way to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    If you think about it, ...... his actual age is about 150 to 60.

    (......A naturalized elf of the Fulling Kingdom. Blood traitor.

    Hercule curses Namo inwardly, but smiles mildly.

    I wish I could have met His Majesty Ludwig, but ...... he can''t come today, can he?

    "Yes. I''m currently on an expedition to the Duitsch region.

    The word "Duiche" means "the masses" or "the people" in the language of the Warbeasts.

    During the decline of the Lemurian Empire, many warbeasts flowed from the Duiche region to the West Lemurian Empire, including the Garlia region.

    The kingdoms established by the warbeasts who came to Gullia and became indigenous to the region were repeatedly consolidated and abolished, and the last surviving kingdom was the Fulling Kingdom.

    On the other hand, there was a group of warbeasts who remained in the Duiche region until the end.

    They called themselves "Duiche" and the land came to be known as "Duiche".

    Tell them I wish them luck.

    "Yes, sir. I will certainly do that.

    Hercule parted from Namo, saying something absent-minded.

    Then he met up with Todris once more.

    "Everything okay, Todris?

    Yes. ...... Well, there''s no one I want the most.

    Well, he''s not here, is he?

    The most wanted.

    I mean the kingdom of Cerda.

    Well, but this is to be expected.

    In the first place, there is no need to establish diplomatic relations with ...... a country that is about to be destroyed.

    Hercule and Todoris smiled wickedly, and then ......

    The music echoed in the hall.

    The musicians of the Lemurian Empire began to play music.

    "Scheherazade, can you dance?

    "I don''t know that ...... Lemurian music.

    "Well, I''ll lead you. Diplomacy is important, but ...... it''s even more important to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime wedding.

    Hercule said and took Scheherazade''s hand.

    Scheherazade''s face flushed red.

    "Yes ...... Your Majesty!

    After that, Hercule and Scheherazade continued to dance until the party was over.

    This is the capital of the Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria. This is Nova Lemuria, the capital of the Lemurian Empire.

    A girl with chestnut hair and eyes muttered as she looked around.

    The hood that hides her face has a triangular-shaped head, ...... indicating that she is a warbeast.

    A wolf-like, brown tail peeked out of her skirt.

    Her body is feminine enough, but her ...... face is still a little young.

    Her eyes, however, were ...... glowing with a sharp light.

    Warbeasts, high-ranking species, werewolves.

    Sonia Lupus Geyseria.

    She is the princess of the Gayseria family, a branch of the famous werewolf family, the Leups, who rule the Kingdom of Chelda.

    She is also engaged to the current king, King Hilderic II.

    It seems that she is in the midst of happiness,......, but the girl''s expression was dark.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.¡¡Princess.

    ...... Not so long ago, was it?

    ......

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    The man in charge of the guard held his tongue.

    "It''s as if ...... you''re siphoning off our wealth. No, I''m sure they''re actually sucking it up.

    Sonia stared at the large ships coming in and out of the Nova Lemuria harbor.

    This city was definitely the economic center of the western world, with various products being brought in from all over the world''s oceans, consumed, and new products being produced and shipped out.

    A metropolis with a population of over 700,000, a place where two-thirds of the world''s wealth is gathered. When I read it in a book, I thought it was an exaggerated expression, but ...... I think I may be right.

    In addition, ......, which has a population of over 700,000

    This is a bit of old information.

    The current population of Nova Lemuria has surpassed 800,000 and is on the verge of reaching 900,000.

    The population was increasing due to the stability of Hercule''s reign and the booming economy.

    In comparison, our capital, Chelda City, has fallen quite a bit.

    The capital of the Kingdom of Chelda, Chelda.

    It is one of the largest cities in the western world.

    It is one of the largest cities in the western world. With a population of over 500,000, it supported the economy of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    However, due to the economic turmoil caused by the ...... long war, the city of Chelda has completely declined.

    The population of Chelda City, which used to be 500,000, has now dropped to around 300,000, and the population is still declining, and is about to drop below 30.

    Is there a difference between ...... monarchs?

    Princess!

    What''s wrong with telling the truth?¡¡Let''s face it.

    Sonia said grimly.

    She frowned as she thought of the face of her future husband, the king of the kingdom of Cerda, and ...... her well-shaped eyebrows.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. The previous king, Raus I, was a great king. In his time, Cerda City was as developed as Nova Lemuria!

    Sonia''s words contained a slight glorification of the past.

    It is true that until most of the reign of King Raus I ......, when a man named Hercule appeared on the scene, the Kingdom of Cerda was more than equal to the Lemurian Empire.

    It''s just the beginning, Princess!¡¡The Lemurian Empire has developed to this extent because of its cooperation with other races. Since the reign of His Majesty the King, the Kingdom of Chelda has abolished discrimination against other races and given them equal rights under the law. It will continue to develop more and more in the future. ......

    You''re not serious about that, are you?¡¡...... You are a fool to believe the logic of such a fraud (Hoamel). I''m sure the history and culture of Lemuria and Cerda are different. Why don''t you realize that?¡¡Why don''t you realize that? ...... Do you think politics is so simple that if you follow the same policies as Lemuria, you''ll get the same results?

    Sonia seemed to be irritated.

    I''m sure you''ll agree.¡¡I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.¡¡That''s impossible!¡¡You can''t run a country''s government based on emotion. ......

    "Princess!¡¡Don''t go any further.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    If you say anything else, we will have to take your words to your father and the king.

    "The King?¡¡Where is the king? ......

    Princess!

    ...... I''m sorry. You''re right, no matter how incompetent he is, he''s still the king. I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''ve never heard of it.

    Sonia chattered her teeth.

    A sharp canine tooth peeps out from her lovely lips.

    "...... Princess. I''m not sure what to make of this.¡¡You can''t send a messenger to celebrate that man''s wedding.

    "Hmph. If it was the raccoon King Fullering or his treacherous Lemurian emperor, they would have attended the wedding with open arms and said a sarcastic word or two.

    It''s times like this that you should show your size. ......

    What is the point of showing off your small capacity?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that," Sonia said irritably.

    However, ...... Hilderick II''s idea of "losing face" is also reasonable.

    However, Sonia simply cannot forgive all the actions of her fianc¨¦, whom she hates.

    The actions of people she dislikes always seem to be wrong.

    This is a great opportunity to get to know the great king of the Farse Kingdom, the superpower of the East.

    "My Master. I''m sure you''re aware of that. ......

    "You''re just going to watch the wedding from a distance, aren''t you?¡¡I know.

    Sonia''s visit to Nova Lemuria was an unofficial one.

    And she didn''t even get permission from the king or her own father.

    She knew that if she asked them in advance, they would say no.

    But Sonia really wanted to see the face of the Emperor of Lemuria and his fianc¨¦e, who had disgraced the Kingdom of Cerda.

    You must learn their faces so that you can be the first to cut off their heads when you see them on the battlefield.

    "Princess. For God''s sake, don''t charge into the middle of the parade.

    I''m not going to go that far. ...... maybe.

    A few days later, the wedding took place.

    Sonia and her friends waited for the emperors of Lemuria to arrive at a place they had reserved in advance.

    ...... It''s a big crowd.

    "Princess, don''t let go of my hand, okay?

    I know!¡¡Don''t ever treat me like a child!

    I know, I know, don''t treat me like a child!" The petite Sonia was jostled by the crowd, but somehow managed to stand on the street on two legs.

    A few moments later, lively music vibrated in her eardrums.

    Then the citizens cheered loudly.

    Then came the golden carriage.

    "So that''s the Emperor of Lemuria. ......

    Sonia stared at the Emperor of Lemuria as hard as she could.

    The Emperor of Lemuria was completely oblivious to this.

    Then she looked at the bride.

    The woman was beautiful, an elf in an unfamiliar dress, perhaps a foul dress.

    A few hours later, while I was waiting at ...... the same place, the golden carriage came again from the opposite direction.

    It was returning from a wedding ceremony at a church.

    Sonia stared at the Emperor of Lemuria as he reappeared.

    She also glared at the bride.

    When she saw the pure white bride smiling happily, ......

    Sonia felt a tightness in her chest.

    It''s a beautiful dress, princess. What do you think?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be happy with the results.

    "......

    Indeed, the pure white wedding dress was very beautiful.

    I wish I could wear a dress like that for my once-in-a-lifetime wedding. ......

    There are no craftsmen in Japan who can make such a dress.

    You don''t know ...... that, do you?

    I don''t know. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... Well, even if you could make it.

    I''m not going to get married in the first place, so it doesn''t matter.

    You can get a lot more information on the web.

 175 Episode 16: Before the Great Strategy

    In October, when he was thirty years old, Hercule finished his wedding with Scheherazade and other internal affairs.

    Hercule launched his long-planned invasion of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    "Well, gentlemen. Let''s start with a review of ...... our military capabilities.

    After saying this, Hercule ordered his servants to hand out the documents.

    He then ordered his servants to distribute the documents to the generals of the Lemurian Empire.

    As you know, after the ...... Bulgarian War, we established a new infantry corps. In addition, Nia and Jebe have been given two new battalions each to account for their achievements.

    Five legions of infantry, one legion of archers, one legion of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), one legion of medium cavalry (cataphract), one battalion of light cavalry, and two rangers of three battalions.

    That''s 1,044,000.

    That''s the entire standing army of the Lemurian Empire.

    "Oh, but keep in mind that the light cavalry is for spotting, so they don''t take part in direct combat much. As for the Tonden-bei, 600,000 people, about three percent of our country''s total population, are engaged.

    A total of about 700,000 troops.

    This may sound enormous.

    However, it is the standing army, about 100,000, that has the capacity to go out to war.

    The Tonden-bei is a completely defensive army, or rather, a status. ...... While the scale is huge, the financial burden is low, and the fighting capability is low.

    If the enemy attacked, they would not be able to use any tactics other than delay.

    The navy has also been strengthened to maintain control of the seas, with the number of ...... ships reaching five hundred.

    Naturally, the number of personnel has increased accordingly.

    "Now the question is, what is the total military strength of the Kingdom of Chelda? Well, ...... we don''t know the exact number, so it''s just a guess. ......

    The population of the Kingdom of Chelda is around 6 to 8 million.

    Of these, about 55%, between 3.3 million and 4.4 million, are warbeasts.

    In the Kingdom of Chellda, warbeasts = warrior class = soldiers, so the total number of warbeasts is quite large, but ......

    Before they are warriors, they are also farmers.

    Therefore, in terms of the total mobilizable (?????) military force, it is reasonable to think that it would be about 300,000 to 400,000, or 10% of the population.

    It''s a good idea to make a large assessment of the total military strength of the country, even though it has been exhausted by the recent civil war. ...... I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    The Lemurian Empire''s total military strength is about 700,000.

    The Lemurian Empire has a total of about 700,000 troops, but only about 100,000 are standing troops that can actually be sent out on expeditions.

    The enemy force is three times our size. In addition, taking into account the existence of the ...... Fullerling Kingdom, it is not desirable to fight for too long. Decide on a short-term battle. Well, ...... three years at the most.

    After saying that, Hercule looks around at the expressions of the generals.

    As Hercule had predicted, ...... many of them had expressions that said, "Are you serious? As Hercule had expected, most of them had a "are you serious?

    However, their eyes did not show any suspicion of Hercule.

    They are waiting to hear what Hercule has to say next, and what his specific plan and strategy will be.

    I''ll tell you the name of the operation.¡¡The name of the operation is ...... "Operation Surprise". What do you think?¡¡Isn''t ...... adorable?

    "''......''.

    That was a little slippery.

    Hercule scratched his cheek and regretted what he had just said.

    It would have been better, he thought, to have taken the ''no tiger without a tiger'' approach.

    Oh, I''m sorry. I''ll give you a rundown. ...... First, ......

    When the generals heard of Hercule''s plan, their reactions were mixed.

    "...... Are you insane?

    Galfith''s eyes widened.

    "There is a fine line between genius and something .......

    Christos held his head.

    You might want to get your soldiers to prepare their wills before they go into battle.

    Edmond let out a sigh.

    "Ha-ha-ha!¡¡Great, Your Majesty!¡¡If this works, the Emperor will be the greatest a**h*le in history!

    Darius burst out laughing.

    ...... I still have a kid.

    Oscar looked stunned ......

    "Huh. ...... Looks like I''m not in charge there. Good luck, General Oskar.¡¡When you die, I''m going to tell your children that their father was a great soldier.

    Stefan sends his sympathy and encouragement to Oskar.

    "Huh. ...... A short life, huh?

    Jebe, with a faraway look in his eyes, looks in the direction of his native prairie and twilight.

    "...... Are you nuts?

    The Lunarian in charge of the supply line frankly abused Hercule.

    You''re right, it''s His Majesty!¡¡I''m not sure what you''re talking about.¡¡That''s what makes me numb, that''s what I admire!

    Nia said to Hercule, "Fool" in an offhand way.

    And ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡My name is!¡¡What do you want me to do!

    Karolina shouted.

    Hercule has something to say to Karolina.

    "Stay.

    Oh, no!¡¡Why not!!!

    Karolina closed in on Hercule.

    Hercule let out a sigh.

    Why? You just had a baby. You need to rest now. ...... I can''t take you on a dangerous expedition like this.

    So who''s going to protect you?

    I''m taking Scheherazade and Alicia with me. Isn''t that enough?

    It''s a matter of trust that Scheherazade and Alicia are not here.

    I can''t tell you right now ...... because the mission is the mission.

    Hercule personally trusts them (Scheherazade because of her personality and Alicia because of her position, it is unlikely that she would divulge the mission), but the people around her were not convinced.

    But the people around them weren''t convinced, though they were told before the expedition.

    So, but ......

    I''m talking for your own good. You know?¡¡Carolina ......, you need to rest this time.

    ...... I understand.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    ...... Your Majesty should first worry about the soldiers who are forced to go along with your reckless strategy.

    All the generals agreed with him.

    The end of November.

    King Hilderic II gathered his subjects and held a meeting.

    The topic of the meeting was the movements of the Lemurian army.

    "Gentlemen, as you may have already heard on ......, about 80,000 Lemurian troops gathered in Alectia about a week ago. Since then, the Lemurian army has split into two groups, one by sea and one by land, and is heading towards our country.

    King Hilderic II said in front of his subjects.

    Hilderic II''s face twisted in abhorrence.

    The greedy, deceitful Emperor of Lemuria is finally about to overrun our land. ...... We must work together as one against this.

    Hilderic II then glared at his subordinates, Hoamel and Carmine.

    Even after the end of the civil war, the government of the Kingdom of Chelda has not been stable.

    This was because Hoamel and Carmine started a political war.

    King Hilderic II was unable to stop them, and felt itchy.

    However, he could not afford to have a political war at a time of national crisis.

    Therefore, Hilderic II knew that it was useless, but he nevertheless nailed it down.

    But ...... land or sea. Probably the best bet would be the sea route. I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Carmine muttered.

    The south side of the Kingdom of Chellda faces the desert.

    Therefore, its real territory is the narrow coastal area between the desert and the sea, which is the only area that is passable.

    There are not many roads that pass through this narrow coastal area.

    It is difficult for a large army to advance, and it is also difficult to bypass forts and cities, making it unsuitable for an invasion, and on the other hand, from the perspective of the Kingdom of Chelda, the terrain is easy to defend.

    And the navy of the Kingdom of Chellda has not recovered from its previous defeats. ......

    There are only about a hundred ships.

    In other words, it is easy to invade from the sea.

    Taking this into account, we can expect the land to be a diversion and the sea to be the main target.

    The problem is that we don''t know from which port they plan to land. ...... Even if we blockade and chain the ports, we won''t be able to hold them off for very long.

    The coast of the Kingdom of Chelda is long and narrow.

    Once they land, the country will be divided.

    "Your Majesty. As for the eastern part of the kingdom, the Teriportanian region, let''s leave it behind. A small number of troops in each fortress will be enough to hold them back. Our land forces should be concentrated on the defense of the capital city of Cerda, and the city of Teripol, which is the connection point between the central and eastern regions and a logistics hub.

    The Lemurian Empire can''t be invaded by land if there are enough troops in Teripol.

    The problem is the sea route. ...... We have to give up on this to some extent.

    Since they have lost the control of the sea, we don''t know where they will land. ...... In other words, we should take a strategy that will not be a problem no matter where they land.

    In order to do so, it is important to strengthen the defense of the capital.

    As long as the capital does not fall, there is no problem.

    On the contrary, the Lemurian Imperial Army, isolated in the land of the Kingdom of Chelda, will be at a disadvantage.

    Then you can strike the weakened Lemurian army.

    The Kingdom of Chelda can mobilize a minimum of 200,000 troops and a maximum of 300,000 troops.

    The enemy army is estimated to be at least 100,000 ...... and has a good chance of winning.

    Also, if the Lemurian army attacked the city of Teripol with all of its forces, that is, from both the land and sea sides,......

    In the event that the Lemurian army attacks Teripol from both the land and sea sides, you can allocate the troops that you have placed in the defense of the capital to come to the rescue.

    If you can secure the communication route between the capital city of Cerda and the city of Teripol, the rest is not a problem.

    "But, ...... General Carmine. But, General Carmine, won''t that mean that the region of Teriportania will temporarily fall into enemy hands?¡¡It''s one of my country''s greatest breadbasket areas,......, and there are innocent people there.

    King Hilderick II did not like Carmine''s plan.

    The Teriportanian region has a high percentage of human population. It would be unacceptable for King Hilderic II, who wanted to gain the support of the human race, to cut off this region.

    This region is also the support base of Hoamel.

    It is obvious that abandoning the Teriportania region would displease Kassandra, Hilderick II''s favorite princess,......, and that is also not very desirable from Hilderick II''s point of view.

    I''m sure you''re aware of this, but I''m not.

    "But, Your Majesty. If we wait for the enemy at the entrance to Teriportania,...... and they land by sea and drop Teripol City, we will not only lose Teriportania, but we will lose valuable troops.

    The Lemurian army will eventually be exhausted and retreat.

    If so, Carmine argued, we should fortify ourselves inside the country.

    Hilderick II''s eyes swam.

    Does anyone have an alternative? ......

    And then a young man of the human race stood up.

    "Your Majesty. We should not abandon the region of Teriportania.

    The young man''s name was Iason.

    He is one of the generals of the Kingdom of Chelda, and one of the few warriors of the Hoamelites.

    He is one of the generals of the Kingdom of Chelda, and one of the few martial artists of the Hoamelites. ......''s own fighting ability is not very high.

    He is one of the few warriors of the Hoamelites.

    He is more of a military strategist or advisor.

    "Oh, Iason!¡¡So, do you have any alternative plans?

    "Yes. First of all, divide the army into four parts.

    "Nonsense, ...... there will be at most three divisions of troops!

    Carmine shouted at the top of his lungs.

    Carmine didn''t just want to divide the army into two.

    There was a big reason for this.

    The Lemurian Empire had a force of about 100,000.

    The Kingdom of Cerda, on the other hand, could mobilize at most 300,000 troops.

    Even if the troops are dispersed, the number of troops that will not be defeated individually is 100,000 for each of the three equal parts. ......

    If the opponent is the Emperor of Lemuria, who is a good warrior, Carmine''s idea is that you should take all possible precautions and limit your dispersal to 150,000 each.

    Carmine!¡¡...... Iason, tell me the rest.

    Yes, sir. I understand Carmine''s concern about the danger of dispersing troops. Listen first. We''ve divided our forces into four, one to defend the capital, one to the key city of Teripol, and one to Azdavia, the gateway to Teriportania.

    ......

    Carmine has a frustrated expression on his face, but ......

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do this, but I''m going to have to.

    And the last one will be dispersed throughout the region of Teriportania. If the enemy tries to land from the sea, the ...... dispersed troops will hold them off, and in the meantime, the main force from the city of Teripol will rush in and destroy them.

    "That''s a theoretical theory!

    Carmine shouted.

    Carmine yelled.¡¡Carmine banged his fist on his desk.

    Carmine slammed his fist down hard on the desk, "What makes you think you can hold them off?¡¡We''re going to get blown to pieces!

    "Landing operations sometimes require several times as many troops. There aren''t many large ports in the Teriportanian region. If you try to land from a small port, it will take a lot of time. ...... On the other hand, if you try to land in a large port, you will only need to prepare a reasonable number of troops.

    Carmine and Iason exchanged heated words.

    Carmine and Iason argued furiously, each appealing to his king.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡We shouldn''t take any risks!¡¡We should abandon the region of Teriportania.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡"Your Majesty, the people are the treasure of the land and should not be dismissed lightly!

    Hearing both sides of the argument, ...... King Hilderic II came to a decision.

    "I will adopt Iason''s plan.

    Iason smiles happily at Hilderic II''s words, and Hoamel grins.

    Carmine, on the other hand, sniffed unhappily.

    (...... I feel like I''m missing something important.)

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you have.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what''s going on in your life and how you''re going to deal with it. ...... But as a politician and a soldier, I feel Iason has a point.

    In fact, it is not a good idea to abandon your people so carelessly.

    In fact, it is not a good idea to abandon the people lightly.

    If the Emperor of Lemuria, with his excellent ruling skills, were to take the region east of the city of Teripol, Teripoltania, ......

    If the Emperor of Lemuria, with his superior ruling skills, were to take Teriportania, east of the city of Teripol, he would not only take the land, but also the hearts of the people, and control them.

    The Teriportania region is the breadbasket of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    From an economic point of view, ...... if this land is controlled, the supply of food to the capital city of Chelda will become insecure.

    Therefore, Iason''s plan is not a bad one.

    Of course, there is the danger of individual defeat.

    (Actually, both your father''s plan and Iason''s plan should be able to prevent the Lemurian army to a certain extent unless there is a serious failure or some kind of confusion or mistake. The Emperor of Lemuria doesn''t want a long war, considering the existence of the Fullerling Kingdom. (If it goes on too long, he will retreat. ...... also ......)

    Is it really possible that the Emperor of Lemuria didn''t even anticipate this level of operation?

    No.

    The Emperor of Lemuria should be able to predict the strategies of Iason and Carmine.

    He predicted it, and judged that he could win, and moved his army.

    Since he moved his army, he must have been confident of victory.

    (Something is ...... wrong. (Something is wrong.) I think I''m missing something. ......No, but the Lemurian Emperor''s possible measures are already on the agenda.

    And the measures to deal with it are already being worked out now.

    So the Kingdom of Chelda will win.

    Yes, from a common sense standpoint.

    (...... worrying too much?)

    (Is that too much to worry about?) Sonia shakes her head as if to blow away her worries.

    Maybe I''m overestimating how much I fear the Lemurian Emperor.

    (At any rate, ......, I''ll get the head of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    The man who disgraced the kingdom of Cerda.

    I''ll make sure of it.

    Sonia clasped her hands tightly.

 176 Episode 17 Map after the Great Strategy*3

    In accordance with the decision of the military council, the Kingdom of Cerda began to prepare for the interception of the Lemurian Imperial Army.

    Quick horses were driven across the country, and military nobles from all over the land began to gather with their troops.

    The first place where the army gathered was Azdavia, the front line.

    Here, about 500 soldiers consisting of warbeasts gathered.

    While these 500 soldiers are holding off the invasion of the Lemurian Empire''s forces, the defenders of Cerda, the capital city, the defenders of Teriportania, and the defenders of Teripol, the city of Teripol, will be formed.

    ...... But can''t we gather the troops at the same time?

    Hilderic II muttered in a low voice.

    He grabbed a piece of meat with his hand and brought it to his mouth.

    In the Kingdom of Cerda, there is no culture of using forks and knives, and eating is basically done by hand.

    It can''t be helped. It takes time to mobilize the army. The lower priorities will inevitably come later.

    It was Sonia who replied as she put the vegetables in her mouth.

    As the king and his fianc¨¦e, Carmine had arranged the dinner so that they could get to know each other better and interact.

    However, ...... the effect is not so apparent.

    ...... What are you getting upset about?¡¡There is no need to be so angry. Your father and I stopped you because we were worried about you.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.

    In fact, Sonia belonged to the frontline Azdavian defenders to fight against the Lemurian Empire''s army, and tried to fight, but ...... it was stopped by Hilderick II and Carmine.

    Hilderick II stopped this out of genuine concern, as he said.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what''s going on in your life.

    I''m not in a foul mood. I''m just stating the facts.

    Sonia replied, still grumpy.

    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.

    If you''re looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, you''ll want to make sure that you''re getting the most out of your business.

    If we can defend Azdavia first, we can stop the invasion from the land side.

    The next thing to watch out for is the invasion from the sea, which can be found at ....... In other words, there will be a Cerda defensive force to prevent a surprise attack on the capital, a Teriportanian defensive force to protect the various ports in the Teriportanian region, and a Teriport defensive force to protect the city of Teriport.

    For your information, the planned troops and the generals who will command them are as follows: ......

    The first is the Azdavian defensive force of 500,000, commanded by Iason.

    First, the Azdavian garrison 500,000, commanded by Iason. 700,000 in the Teriportanian garrison, commanded by Iason''s men.

    Guard of Chelda 60000, commanded by Carmine''s man.

    Guard of Teripol 70000, commanded by Carmine.

    The total number of troops is 250,000, and the commander is Carmine.

    The commander is Carmine.

    Carmine is nominally the commander-in-chief, but Iason is a member of Hoamel''s faction. ...... In reality, there are two commanders-in-chief, Carmine and Iason.

    "Mmm ...... well, I''m sorry.

    No,......, I was too strong, I''m sorry.

    Sonia bowed to Hilderick II.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    Hilderick II looked at Sonia with an indescribable expression.

    Hilderick II''s impression of Sonia has changed drastically in the last ten years.

    About ten years ago, she was just a noisy little girl, but ...... she has grown up to be beautiful, and Sonia has stolen her heart, if only a little.

    This is partly due to the fact that Kassandra, the favorite princess of King Hilderick II, is declining with age.

    The werewolves, a high-ranking species of the warbeast race, have a long lifespan - about one hundred and fifty years - though not as long as the elves.

    Hilderick II himself is still young, but his human counterpart, Kassandra, has aged.

    Hilderick II is no longer as attracted to Kassandra as he used to be, and he has begun to think that he would prefer a werewolf with the same lifespan to be his lifelong companion.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    His dislike for her is still the same,......, and Hilderick II has had very mixed feelings about her.

    However,......, was it right to disperse the troops like this? I''m not sure that General Carmine''s strategy would have been better.

    Hilderick II said, half to please Sonia and half to be honest.

    Hilderick II said, half to please Sonia, half to be honest, and then looked at Sonia''s face.

    Sonia''s eyebrows shot up for a moment, but she answered in a calm ...... voice.

    ...... This is unavoidable, considering that we are defending Teriportania. The enemy can land from anywhere. As long as they have control of the sea, we have no choice but to take a back seat. It is true that such a dispersal of troops is a fool''s errand, but that doesn''t mean that abandoning the innocent is the better choice.

    Sonia''s reaction came as a surprise to King Hilderic II.

    Taking into account the fact that Sonia is Carmine''s daughter, and that the Terriportanians are the base of support for Hoamel and have a large number of Humans, she would surely condemn Iason''s plan and say that Carmine''s plan would have been better. ...... Hilderick II had expected.

    His Majesty''s desire not to abandon the innocent is very admirable in a ruler.

    "I see.

    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    But that was not the end of Sonia''s words.

    So you should be confident in your own thoughts. You have made a decision, and your vassals will feel uneasy if you feel free to say anything that might lead them to doubt that decision. I sympathize with your feelings, but you should keep them to yourself.

    Having been lectured by a girl younger than himself, Hilderic II was once again in a bad mood.

    If it were Kassandra, she would have comforted him. ......

    ().

    (...... It''s okay to complain a little. You''re his fianc¨¦e.

    I did not mean to imply that I was unsure of the decision I had made with my vassal.

    I was complaining to my fiancee, Sonia, who is my family member.

    Hilderick II was not wrong in thinking that this level of tolerance ...... would be acceptable.

    Even the brutal Emperor of Lemuria and the tyrannical King Foulds might be a little less outspoken in front of his big-breasted wife.

    (...... Kassandra is bigger than you.)

    Hilderick II looked at Sonia''s breasts and thought.

    It''s not that I''m not a fan of her, but I''m not a fan of her.

    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time and money.

    "...... anything?

    No, no, ...... I''m sorry. I wasn''t thinking clearly. If I apologize ......, you''ll get mad at me again.

    ...... No, I''m sorry. I was out of line. Please forgive my rudeness.

    Sonia bowed her head again.

    Then they continued to eat in silence.

    Silence reigned in the room.

    Unable to bear the silence, King Hilderic II brought up the subject again.

    Is the Emperor of Lemuria seriously thinking of invading our country?¡¡We have 250,000 troops. If we wanted to mobilize even more, we could gather more than 300,000 troops. In the event that you''ve got a lot of money to spend, you''ll be able to get a lot more than that.¡¡It''s not that our soldiers are so weak that we can win with more than twice the difference in strength,.......

    The mainstay of the Chelda Kingdom are the warbeasts.

    The Warbeasts are not necessarily superior to the Humans in terms of physical ability,.......

    The warbeasts with superior physical ability and longevity are limited to the higher species.

    If you''re a middle-ranked species, you can handle the physical abilities of humans, and if you''re a lower-ranked species, you''re only slightly superior to humans.

    If it is a one-on-one battle, but if it is a group battle, the key is not physical ability but coordination.

    In other words, in land battles, there is not a big difference in strength between the Lemurian Empire, which is mainly composed of humans, and the Kingdom of Chelda, which is mainly composed of warbeasts.

    The fact that there is not a big difference means that what is important is numbers.

    And in terms of numbers, the ...... defending kingdom of Cerda can gather more.

    It''s not a skirmish, it''s a serious expedition, so he''s serious. The Emperor of Lemuria is a famous general,......, and it is reasonable to assume that he has moved his army because he has a plan to win. I can''t even begin to imagine how he plans to win, though.

    Hmm. Well, ......, but our proud generals, Iason and Carmine, have taken all possibilities into consideration and are responding. That man''s plan will be crushed.

    Hilderick II nodded his head yes.

    But something was nagging at Sonia''s mind.

    (Have you considered all the possibilities?)

    I''ve certainly considered every conceivable possibility and have prepared a response.

    At least there should be no loopholes. ......

    (Are we really dealing with this?)

    Something fundamental must be missing.

    Sonia pondered.

    "Sonia?¡¡Are you okay?

    "......

    Sonia dove deeper and deeper into the sea of thoughts, so that Hilderick II''s words could not reach her.

    After about twenty minutes, Hilderick II was about to call for a doctor when...

    "Ahhhhhh £¡£¡£¡£¡

    Sonia screamed and stood up.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    Her face had turned pale.

    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!¡¡You can''t do that,......, no, you can''t!¡¡You can''t do such a ridiculous thing, even if it occurred to you.¡¡If I did, I would be a real fool!¡¡But that''s why no one ...... has ever tried to do such a thing before!¡¡What if, what if, such a thing were possible ......?

    Sonia was so shocked that she collapsed.

    "Hey, are you okay?¡¡Sonia.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.¡¡I''m sure it''s not possible,......, but it''s possible,......, but it''s possible!¡¡The main force of the Lemurian army is not really the sea route!¡¡It''s a diversion by sea and by land!¡¡It may be that their main mission is .......

    Rather than Sonia saying: ......

    It was faster for a messenger to jump in.

    "His Majesty the King!¡¡I''m sorry to interrupt your meal!¡¡I have to tell you something urgently .......

    The messenger knelt down with a pale face and said the news.

    I''m sorry to interrupt your meal, Your Majesty!

 177 Episode 18 Behind the Scenes

    It was over a year ago.

    I''d say, "Okay, ......, but I have a condition. ...... Cecilia, could you give us a moment, please?

    "Well, Master Hercule. Are you hiding from me?¡¡You''ll have to tell me later.

    After making sure that Cecilia left the meeting, ......

    Hercule turned to Masinissa, the chief of the Shuyen clan.

    You are based in the Fesan region, south of the Teriportanian region of the Kingdom of Cerda, correct?

    Yes, that''s right. Yes, that''s right. Originally, Qurenaica and Teriportania were also our lands.

    The Barbarians used to live in a rich coastal area in the north of the southern continent, in a place called Liebua.

    And in the old days, they were called Leibureans, not barbarians who spoke a strange language.

    But the Leibureans were defeated in a war with the later settlers of the southern continent. ......

    They lost their land little by little.

    Today, the richer parts of the region where they once lived are part of the Lemurian Empire''s province of Qurenaica, while the Teriportanian region is part of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    And they were relegated to the not-so-rich Fezzan region.

    Hmm, I don''t know if I should ask for it back now.

    I''m not going to say anything like that. ...... That was over a thousand years ago.

    Our homeland is Feathern.

    Our home is Featherstone," said Masinissa.

    I see. But ...... I heard that the Chelda Kingdom has been invading your land a lot lately?

    Yes, ...... we''ve been losing land to the Kingdom of Chelda for the last few hundred years. You know a lot about it.

    I''ve done my fair share of research.

    The Barbarians have been driven into the Featherlands, but not all of their land has been taken.

    Until a few hundred years ago, they had been living in the southern part of Terriportania.

    Before the invasion of the warbeasts, the region of Teriportania was also under the control of the Lemurian Empire, but the Lemurian Empire tolerated the settlement of Teriportania by the Barbals.

    If it was a military invasion, the Lemurian Empire welcomed it as long as it was a peaceful settlement.

    However, this all changed after the invasion of the Warbeasts and the establishment of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    The warbeasts took the land from the humans, became landlords, and exploited the humans as peasants.

    The indigenous Barbarians were no exception.

    No, rather, the Barbarians, who were originally discriminated against, were treated far more discriminatorily than the other human races.

    If they were exploited as peasants, they were still better off.

    Many Barbarians were forced to move to the Fesan region and completely lost their lands in Teriportania.

    And the invasion of the Kingdom of Cerda is still going on, isn''t it?

    "Yes. There are some oases in the Fesan region, but ...... they are trying to take away even the few remaining rich lands. Although recently their military actions have been reduced due to the civil war in the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Masinissa frowned in displeasure.

    It may sound like the Balbals are being bullied by the Chelda Kingdom, but ......

    In fact, the Barbarians are doing their fair share of fighting back.

    They have repeatedly invaded and plundered the Teriportanian region.

    The reason why the Kingdom of Chelda is invading the Featherlands is not to steal the rich lands, but rather to crush the Barbals who are repeatedly invading Teriportania.

    The relationship between the Kingdom of Chelda and the Barbarians may be similar to the relationship between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    In other words, the Kingdom of Chelda and the Tribe of Balbaru are enemies. And ...... the Kingdom of Chelda and our country are also enemies. So, why don''t we form a military alliance?

    "A military alliance?

    Exactly. ...... Let''s destroy the Kingdom of Chelda together.

    We will destroy the Kingdom of Chelda.

    We don''t fight it, we destroy it. Destroy. Conquer it.

    Masinissa gulped.

    ''Well, it''s basically the Lemurian Empire we''re fighting, isn''t it?¡¡All you need is a few troops and ...... some logistics.

    ...... In return, what do we get in return?

    "We welcome you, the Barbarians, as subjects of our Lemurian Empire.

    Masinissa frowned at Hercule''s words.

    This means that they should be under your control .......

    At least, it''s not something that can be called "quid pro quo".

    I''m not sure if you got the message.¡¡...... I have no intention of getting involved in what my subjects do or settle in any land of the empire.

    That''s ......

    "Well, I mean, I''ll allow them to settle in the Terriportanian and Qurenaic regions. However, if you settle in ...... Teriportania and Qurenaica, you will have to pay taxes to the Lemurian Empire. As for the Feathern region, it will be your autonomous territory. You will not be required to pay taxes. I''ll also give you a monopoly on ...... desert trade. What do you think?

    "......

    Masinissa pondered.

    In fact, the lack of land was a very serious problem for the Barbarians.

    The Fezzan region was a land of desert and wilderness, making nomadic herding, let alone farming, difficult.

    Oases are plentiful, but there are not so many ...... oases.

    As the population increases, there will be a shortage of food, and some people will starve to death.

    Therefore, the permission to settle in Teriportania and Cyrenaica was an attractive proposal.

    If the Barbals can be settled, or in other words, abandoned, food shortages will become less of a concern.

    In addition, the monopoly on desert trade is very attractive.

    If we could use the profits from the trade to purchase wheat from the Lemurian Empire, our current food problems would improve.

    And if our nasty virtual enemy, the Kingdom of Cerda, really does disappear, ......

    I''d be more than happy.

    But the risks are great.

    First of all, we don''t know how much the Emperor of Lemuria is willing to keep his word.

    The other is the risk of interference in the internal affairs of the country.

    Masinissa herself is a Messianist, and she wants to govern the Barbals with Messianic morals and laws, but she does not want the Emperor of Lemuria to use that as an excuse to interfere in her internal affairs.

    If it becomes a self-governing territory, the Lemurian Emperor''s power will nominally extend to it.

    However, it is not only the Barbals who are at risk from .......

    For the Lemurian Empire, this proposal also poses a considerable risk.

    In particular, they would be crossing a very dangerous bridge when it comes to settlement permits.

    In some cases, the Lemurian Empire would risk losing Terriportania and Qurenaica to the Barbarians.

    However, ...... Hercule is confident that the Balbals can be transformed into Lemuria, which is why he is willing to allow them to settle.

    ...... I understand. I accept your offer of a military alliance.

    That''s great. Then we are friends from today. Now, ......, I have a favor to ask of you. ......

    Hercule smiled and gave an outline of his plan.

    Now, about a year later, in early October, when Hercule was thirty years old.

    After the strategy meeting, Hercule immediately began military operations.

    First, an infantry corps led by Oskar, composed of black men who were resistant to the heat.

    Then, a corps of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) with high mobility.

    Then there are the independent rangers of Nia and Jebe, six battalions in total.

    And a legion of Bulgarian cavalry, formed around the Crom clan.

    A total of 4,320 troops were assembled and loaded onto ships in the middle of the night.

    They then traveled by sea for several days to the province of Misr and entered the city of Arrecia at midnight.

    Under the cover of darkness, they changed to smaller ships and traveled up the Neil River, riding the monsoon that blows from north to south on the southern continent in winter.

    In this way, they quickly moved to the interior of Misrule Province and finally unloaded the entire army from the ship.

    "Oh, uh, Your Majesty.

    "Hmm, what''s wrong?¡¡Alicia.

    You said you were going to fight the enemy. ...... Which enemy will you fight?

    Alicia asked Hercule in a reserved manner.

    And so it should be.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.

    Many of the soldiers were bewildered by the sudden move into the desert.

    Especially the Bulgurons who were not used to the desert climate were completely confused.

    "Your Majesty. I would appreciate it if you could tell me as well.

    Scheherazade also said to Hercule.

    Sheherazade, who had been told by Carolina that she would be taking care of the Emperor, was very excited, but she was baffled by the fact that they had come so far and had not been told their destination.

    "Could it be that the Nuba Kingdom is the enemy?

    The only country south of the province of Misrule was the Kingdom of Nuba.

    Scheherazade mobilized her knowledge of geography and made a prediction.

    But Hercule shook his head.

    No, it''s not. Well, ...... I''ll tell all the soldiers where we''re going, so don''t worry. First, ...... get ready to go before they come for you. Alicia, do as I say. Scheherazade, you''ll be my escort.

    "...... Yes.

    Yes!

    Alicia looked confused, while Scheherazade replied with an expression of unconcern.

    Where the hell are you going with this expedition, ......?

    Alicia stared at the shining sun and let out a sigh.

    Alicia had been ordered to spend two weeks training the Bulgarron cavalry to get used to the climate.

    The climate was harsh, but ...... as expected of the mighty bulgarian cavalry, within a week they were able to perform reasonably well under the blazing sun.

    The problem is the horse. ...... Hercule had instructed her in advance to bring a replacement horse so that it would not be a problem even if it was crushed, so it was not much of a problem.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    In Alicia''s field of vision, she could see a series of ships sailing up the river in the monsoon.

    A large amount of military supplies are being transported from Aletheia City to inland ports using the Neil River waterways.

    And this was also ...... prepared many years ago.

    The military supplies are loaded onto Transportation Corps, which consists of over 10,000 camels and donkeys.

    If it''s not the Nuba Kingdom, it''s the Cherda Kingdom. ...... If it''s the Cherda Kingdom, it''s this far away. ...... No, wait, what?¡¡...... No way.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I have a really bad feeling about this.

    I''m not sure what to say. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    "Oh, I understand.

    When Alicia received the report from the messenger, she suspended the training and arranged the Bulgurons in the exact place she was told.

    The black infantry corps led by Oscar Almon, the independent rangers led by Nia Lucarios and Jebe, and the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) that Hercule was to command directly were already gathered there.

    With the arrival of the Alicia-led Bulgaron cavalry, the entire army was assembled. ......

    Hercule went up to the stage.

    Then he raised his voice and spoke to the soldiers.

    "Gentlemen!¡¡You are fortunate. You are fortunate, because you are about to witness, or at least be a part of, a feat unparalleled in military history!

    Hearing these words, ......

    Alicia let out a sigh inwardly.

    And then ...... Hercule said the words that Alicia had expected.

    "Gentlemen!¡¡From now on, we will cross the ...... Great Desert, the Feathern Region, and launch a surprise attack on the Kingdom of Cerda!

    Thus, the greatest military feat of the champion of the three continents, the "Holy Light Emperor" Hercule I, the great military action .

    A major operation that would rewrite the common sense of military history.

    A legendary feat that etched Hercule''s name in the history of warfare as a great general.

    An act of madness comparable to, if not greater than, the crossing of the Great Mountains by that legendary general.

    The crossing of the Great Desert has begun.

 178 Episode 19 Behind the Scenes Of The Great Strategy

    The scorching sun.

    A desolate land where not a single plant or tree grows.

    The few plants and animals that could be seen were only a few creatures specialized for this harsh environment.

    In the midst of such a world, a group of more than ten thousand people were walking.

    A double-headed eagle on a fluttering flag.

    The elite of the Lemurian Empire, the standing army and the Bulgarian cavalry.

    And leading them on their way, the people of the Featherlands, the Barbarians.

    "Hmm ...... hot .......

    Alicia muttered to herself.

    It''s incredibly tiring to march in the sun.

    She wore a hooded cloak to keep out the direct sunlight, but the ...... sun''s rays pierced through the cloak like an arrow, heating Alicia''s skin underneath.

    Sweat trickled down her ethnic clothing, hidden beneath the cloak.

    I want to ...... take it off.

    Alicia felt the urge to take off her riding pants.

    The national costume of the Bulgarian women consisted of riding pants and a one-piece garment that covered the ankles with a deep slit.

    Alicia was often harassed by Hercule to take off her riding pants, exposing her healthy legs to the public, and at other times she was forced to wear a dress that was extremely short, just above the knees or at the limit of what her underwear could cover.

    There were also dresses that had a large opening in the fabric at the back, exposing the white back, and dresses with a ......

    Some dresses had a heart-shaped cutout at the bust, exposing the cleavage of their white breasts. ......

    Sometimes they were sleeveless, exposing their armpits, and other times the fabric of their abdomen was cut out, exposing their shapely navel. ......

    In the worst cases, I was made to wear a dress that looked like a combination of all of the above.

    I have been humiliated many times by the public exposure of my skin and the alteration of my costume, the pride of the Bulgars.

    ...... Most recently, as seen in the wedding dresses of Carolina and Scheherazade, skin exposure has become accepted as a fashion to some extent, and in Lemuria, ignorance of the Bulgarian culture may have led to people saying, "Wow, Bulgarian women wear such clothes. In Lemuria, the ignorance of the culture of Bulgaron led to an oblique response such as, "Oh, women in Bulgaron wear this kind of clothing, how interesting to see a different culture," while in Bulgaron, the response was, "Apparently, women in Lemuria don''t have much resistance to exposing their skin. The Lemurian Empire was the cultural center of Lemuria. The Lemurian Empire is a cultural center. ...... That''s civilized fashion. Nice!¡¡The Lemurians also misunderstood the Lemurian women who began to imitate her, and the contamination and misunderstanding of the Lemurian culture began without Alicia''s knowledge.

    But that''s a long story.

    Anyway, Alicia had been forced to dress in such embarrassing ways, but now her pain from the heat and fever (?????) was overriding that embarrassment.

    I just want to dress cool.

    If I wanted to, I could take a dip.

    Alicia earnestly wished.

    Boom!¡¡Boom!¡¡Boom!

    A loud gong sounded.

    It was a signal to rehydrate.

    As if she hadn''t waited long enough, Alicia grabbed the leather bag that was hanging around her waist.

    She takes a few sips.

    For a moment, she feels as if she is coming back to life.

    But the sun''s rays soon make her sweat.

    "Hang in there, Alicia. We''re almost at rest.

    Hercule, who was walking next to her, called out to Alicia.

    With a fluid motion, he stroked Alicia''s buttocks.

    "Yuck!

    You''re soaking wet. ...... For once, you''re really sweating.

    "Heh, you look ...... fine.

    Alicia looks up at the smirking elf man.

    His forehead was sweating, ...... but his expression was incredibly cheerful.

    I''ve been working out.

    So ...... you don''t need to ride a horse by the way?

    In order to conserve the strength of the horses, all of the party, including the cavalrymen, were traveling on foot, not on horseback.

    The horses were carrying luggage and armor on their backs, though.

    However, the emperor, Hercule, could ride a horse.

    No one would complain, Alicia thought.

    No one will complain, but some people will. In a march like this, energy and morale are important. I can''t be the only one who has it easy.

    He is a man who is disciplined in a strange way.

    Alicia was bewildered by the gap and difference from her usual arrogant attitude, but it was because of such attentiveness that she was able to ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what''s going on in your life.

    "Your Majesty.

    "What is it, Scheherazade?

    The new wife, who was also walking by Hercule''s side in a disciplined manner, ......

    Scheherazade, former princess of the Kingdom of False, new empress of the Lemurian Empire, asks Hercule, "Why is this water so sweet?

    I''m not sure if you can tell me why this water is sweet.¡¡Also, ...... seems to have a slightly sour and sour taste.

    Alicia had her own doubts about that.

    The water that Hercule distributes during the march has a strange taste.

    It has sugar, salt and lemon in it.

    "Why does it taste like that?

    Scheherazade asked. ......

    Hercule forcefully embraced her.

    He ran his tongue over her cheek and licked her sweat.

    What are you doing ......?

    What are you doing?" "Sweat is tasteless, isn''t it?

    When Scheherazade and Alicia heard Hercule''s words, they were shocked.

    If you ask me, it is true that ...... sweat is soapy.

    This means that ...... salt is flowing out of the body at the same time as water.

    In addition to salt, sweat contains a variety of other nutrients. I''ll spare you the details, but ...... it''s more efficient to consume them together.

    "Is that why they give out those ...... candies during breaks?

    Alicia asks.

    Every hour, Hercule would take a break, and during these short breaks, each soldier would be given a candy bar.

    This was one of the few amusements for the soldiers marching in the hot sun.

    At first, Alicia thought it was to provide entertainment for the soldiers and to quench their thirst by salivating. ......

    That''s right. Well, it''s also for ...... entertainment.

    Hercule nodded.

    Alicia was impressed by this.

    ...... The Bulgallon Kingdom must be defeated.

    You know exactly what I''m talking about. "You know exactly what I mean. And ...... the Kingdom of Cerda will be destroyed as well.

    Hercule grinned.

    When Alicia heard those words, she was convinced.

    The Kingdom of Chelda will be destroyed, no doubt about it.

    And the Crom Clan must not defy Hercule.

    By the way, Your Majesty, how much further walking do we have to do today?

    About twenty-five kilometers?¡¡Well, about five or six more hours.

    Hercule replied to Scheherazade''s question.

    I''m not sure how much longer I''m going to be able to walk at this pace for the next five hours. ...... Scheherazade and Alicia let out a sigh.

    It''s a good idea to slow down.¡¡Your Majesty. We''ve already walked fifteen kilometers today.

    It''s insane to walk for forty kilometers in the hot sun like this.

    Alicia complained to Hercule.

    If we slow down, our plans will go awry. We have to reach the next oasis by the day after tomorrow. Besides, ...... this isn''t the first time you''ve walked forty or fifty kilometers.

    That''s also ...... true, though.

    On average, the Lemurian army walked about thirty kilometers a day.

    Sometimes they would walk forty or forty-five kilometers, perhaps because of the distance between watering holes.

    In this great desert, this marching speed is extraordinary.

    Even with such a high speed, the number of people who have dropped out is still less than 10,000. ......

    The reason why there are still less than one hundred casualties is because of the steady pace of Hercule''s planned march.

    "Just so you know, the slower the pace, the more people will drop out, right?

    "...... Is that so?

    Alicia''s question was answered by Hercule''s nod.

    I''m sure you''re right. In a place like this, where water and food supplies are unreliable, it is safer to run ...... at a brisk pace than to walk slowly. The troops will be exhausted, but you can ...... make sure they get a good rest. Fortunately, this is the territory of the allied tribe, the Barbarians. There is no need to worry about fighting.

    If you don''t have to worry about fighting, it''s okay to march a little too hard.

    Rather, it is better to march through even if you have to.

    It is better to march through," said Hercule.

    But it is also true that ...... morale is on the decline. Let''s give them some motivation.

    Hercule gathered his cavalry mounted messengers.

    Then he said to them.

    Tell the troops. ...... We''ll reach the oasis city by noon the day after tomorrow. It''s a large city of the Barbarians. We have water, food, women, brothels. Naturally, stealing and raping are forbidden, but ...... will give you some money. I''ll give you a day to play as you wish, good luck.

    When the messengers heard Hercule''s words, their eyes lit up.

    When they heard Hercule''s words, the messengers'' eyes lit up and they rushed out as if it was their mission to tell their friends about it.

    "This will restore morale.

    It''s that simple. ...... was the man.

    Alicia thought of the men in her tribe and let out a sigh.

    Can you f*ck a woman?¡¡I''m not sure what to say.¡¡They were raiding the village with great glee.

    Even in the Lemurian army, where military discipline is strictly enforced, men are still men.

    "Whoa!

    "Yes!¡¡Let''s go for it!

    "Let''s go!

    "Long live the Emperor!

    "Long live the Empress!

    Long live the Princess of Vulgaron!

    A cheerful voice came from the rear.

    Scheherazade, Alicia, Nia, and a few of the elven women knights in the cataphracts let out a collective sigh of dismay.

    I''m not sure what to say. Let''s sing a song to cheer ourselves up. Alicia, follow me in singing.

    "Oh, a song?

    Yes. Scheherazade, you sing with me.

    Yes, yes.

    Alicia and Scheherazade nodded.

    After confirming that they nodded, Hercule began to sing a high-pitched chant in a good mood and in a strangely beautiful voice.

    A group of humans singing a high-pitched chant in the middle of the great desert.

    The vultures that had been flying above the Lemurian army were taken aback by this and flew away.

 179 Episode 20 Great Strategy Behind the Scenes

    What am I really doing here?

    Suddenly, Lunalie came to her senses.

    Lunalie was currently at the western edge of the province of Misrule.

    A city near the border between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Chellda.

    It is the city of Cyrene.

    The city of Cyrene, the center of Cyrenaica, is the third largest port city in the Lemurian Empire, and is one of the most important cities in the Lemurian Empire, although it is not as big as Nova Lemuria, Alexia, and Orontia. --It is one of the largest port cities in the Lemurian Empire.

    Currently, it is the front line of the war between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Cerda. ......

    It was an important logistics base.

    Lunalie was here, buried in papers, sending supplies to the generals on the front lines.

    It''s a big job, I know.

    I know it''s a big job, and I know it''s a job that can only be done by a good person, and I know that Lunalie was deemed good enough by Hercule to do it.

    I am very happy about that.

    But ......, however, Lunalie suddenly wondered.

    But Lunalie suddenly wondered why she, the Queen of Hayastan, was in charge of the logistics of the Lemurian Empire''s army?

    And.

    "...... You''ll say it''s because you''re my slave, won''t you?

    Lunalie muttered.

    He then looked over the plan that Hercule had created.

    This time, the plan that Hercule made, namely a surprise attack on the center of the Kingdom of Cerda by crossing the Great Desert.

    The basis of this plan is a meticulous march plan and logistics.

    According to the plan, Hercule had already been working on it since the middle of the Bulgalon War, when he noticed that the chaos in the Kingdom of Chelda was subsiding.

    He had prepared more than 10,000 camels and donkeys, and had organized a huge logistics force.

    It was about a year ago that the plan really began to take off.

    Hercule had formed a military alliance with the Barbarians of the Great Desert of Fezzan.

    They were secretly transporting military supplies to the oasis cities of the Barbarians.

    Armor, arrows, and other items that would be a burden on the march were carried in advance. ......

    They would then march with a minimum of armor and plenty of supplies.

    The supplies would be in the form of replenishment of pre-stored supplies, and would be the minimum amount necessary to travel between oases.

    Even so, they have to carry a huge amount of supplies, especially water and military provisions.

    In particular, Hercule seems to have been very concerned about water and fodder.

    Horses and other service animals require huge amounts of water and fodder.

    In order to carry a large amount of goods, service animals are needed, but the amount of goods needed increases when service animals are taken along.

    Hercule has a very complex and detailed plan to solve this problem.

    "It''s really awesome ...... and it''s awesome that you''re willing to put this into action.

    Lunalie read Hercule''s plan and marveled at it.

    Lunalie read Hercule''s plan and admired it.

    What is more amazing, however, is the enormous amount of money used for this plan.

    First of all, just preparing a large number of camels and donkeys would have required a tremendous amount of money.

    In addition to that, there was a huge amount of military supplies.

    The amount of money poured into this operation was enough to purchase the treasury of the Kingdom of Khayastan by the dozen.

    The Lemurian Empire''s finances are not bankrupt and its people are not impoverished even after spending this much money like it was hot water. What''s really going on?

    According to him, he has created a system called the Bank of Lemuria.

    They are collecting money from their subjects all over the Lemurian Empire in the name of deposits, and using it to fund their military.

    To put it bluntly, Lunalie thought it was a scam.

    But it''s working.

    It''s horrible.

    If we conquer the kingdom of Chellda, we can make up for our losses. ...... The fact that you''re working on the assumption that you''ll win the war gives you a lot of confidence, or something. ......

    Lunalie let out a sigh.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    You can find a lot more information on the web.

    "Lunalie, have you received any information about His Majesty?

    "Carolina, you should at least ask permission. We''ve just passed ...... the third oasis city, but this is a week old information. In fact, we should be a little further along.

    In the meantime, Hercule is using his horse to send information about how far he has gone to the rear.

    But as expected, the information is not as fresh as it should be due to the distance between them.

    I mean, why are you here?¡¡You were ordered to stay at Nova Lemuria.

    ...... I took that to mean that I was to stay in the Lemurian Empire. This is the Lemurian Empire. I want to be as close to you as possible.

    "I don''t think the distance will make much difference.

    However, Lunalie could understand Karolina''s concern for her husband.

    Lunalie also worries about Hercule, just a little bit, just a little bit, just a little bit, just a little bit, like a grain of wheat.

    She even had a dream about Hercule last night.

    Is he going to be okay?

    He''s probably singing a song right now, isn''t he?

    It could be .......

    These two people ...... looked worried though.

    In the meantime, a large fleet of the Lemurian Empire was anchored in the port of Cyrene.

    Of the five hundred warships, two hundred were gathered in this port.

    Of the remaining three hundred ships, two hundred were working to seize control of the waters around the Kingdom of Chellda and control the coastal areas, while one hundred remained in Nova Lemuria to control the movements of the navies of other countries around the capital.

    In addition, two infantry corps were also waiting here.

    Depending on the situation, they would immediately board a transport ship and embark on the mainland of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    "Hmm, can''t we just board like this?¡¡Grand Admiral.

    Stephan asked Christos.

    Stephan was an expert on land, but he had no experience with the sea.

    He had no experience in landing operations.

    It''s difficult. After all, it''s a transport ship carrying two infantry legions. There aren''t many ports in Teriportania that can hold that many ships. Besides, if the port is blocked with chains, the ships won''t be able to get in, and as a last resort, we can intentionally sink the ships and make the port temporarily unusable.

    The Lemurian Empire, with its control of the sea, has a significant advantage over the Kingdom of Cerda.

    But that doesn''t necessarily mean that they can beat them unilaterally.

    You can only land at a port, and a huge one at that, and with a little ingenuity you can block it.

    And landing operations involve a lot of sacrifice. ...... The sea is deeper and wider than a river, and it flows faster.

    "Well, I suppose that makes sense. ...... So we just have to be patient until His Majesty successfully secures a port.

    That''s right. In the end, all victories will be won, but it will take a lot of time and effort.

    After all, every victory depends on whether Hercule succeeds or not.

    "Well, Your Majesty. I''m sure he''ll succeed.

    "It''s ......, isn''t it?

    Christos agreed with Stephan''s words.

    Meanwhile, Azdavia, a city in the Kingdom of Cerda.

    In this city, the armies of both the Kingdom of Cerda and the Lemurian Empire were gathering.

    The armies of the Kingdom of Chelda consisted of about 50000 infantry and cavalry.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian Empire had two legions of infantry, one legion of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), one legion of longbow troops, and one battalion of light cavalry for reconnaissance.

    Total 49,200.

    The commander of the Kingdom of Chelda''s army is Iason, while the commander of the Lemurian Empire is Galfis, who commands the Heavy Cavalry (Clibanarius), assisted by Darius, who commands two infantry corps, and Edmond, who commands the Longbow Corps.

    The Kingdom of Chelda''s forces are positioned with their backs to Azdavia, and are solidly defending themselves.

    The army of the Lemurian Empire was positioned facing it.

    The enemy general, Iason, seems to be a young human. He seems to be a young human. What do you think, General Galfis? Why don''t we do it ourselves instead of waiting for you?¡¡I don''t know if you''re a warlord or what, but why don''t you show us what it''s like to be an adult?

    Darius said with a chuckle.

    He then pointed out some of the weaknesses in Iason''s formation.

    It is true that Iason seems to be an excellent man,......, but in the eyes of Darios, who has been through many battles, he is still a novice.

    I''m sure he''ll be fine.

    I laughed at him.

    However, when he said it while laughing, he was sure he didn''t mean it.

    If you have the same number of soldiers,......, you will receive a painful counterattack if you launch an unreasonable attack.

    "Don''t get carried away, General Darios. Have you forgotten how you were defeated by the Emperor?

    That was something else, wasn''t it?¡¡It is too rude to lump the Emperor, who can expose himself to danger, with the cowards who are holed up in the back. The morale of the ...... enemy does not seem to be very high.

    Iason is a human being.

    The mainstay of the Cherda Kingdom''s army is the warbeast.

    The warbeasts probably don''t want to listen to the orders of a human who is telling them what to do from behind.

    Even if the formation itself is as perfect as a textbook or a military manual, ......

    If you can''t understand the subtleties of soldiers, you''re no match for the Emperor.

    Darios said.

    But if we don''t make the right moves, he''ll see right through us. Let''s play our cards right.

    "Well, how about this?¡¡It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for, but it''s not always possible.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure if the ...... warbeasts will listen to my command.

    Iason let out a sigh.

    He was reading, and closed the book.

    The warbeast warlords are insisting that they must go on the offensive.

    However, their opponents are the renowned generals Galfis and Darius.

    It would be too risky to go on the offensive against them.

    The Lemurian Empire will retreat on its own if the war goes on for too long. Besides, ...... the Book of War says that the attacker needs three times as many men as the defender. Do the ...... warbeasts even read war books?

    The armies of the Kingdom of Chelda and the Empire of Lemuria are almost equal in number.

    It''s much easier to defend than to attack, and you can conserve your strength.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The other day, the Lemurian Empire''s forces attacked sporadically.

    The other day, the Lemurian army attacked sporadically, and Iason responded in accordance with the Book of War and defeated them.

    He had forbidden the warbeast generals to pursue them.

    A wounded beast can sometimes fight back unexpectedly.

    In addition, they were up against the renowned generals Galfis and Darius.

    However, some of the warbeast generals, who were very bloodthirsty, gave unreasonable pursuit and were surrounded and defeated.

    This kind of thing has already been repeated many times.

    "Master Iason, I have come to inform you that the interrogation of the Lemurian prisoners has been completed.

    Oh!¡¡Information is of the utmost importance. So, do you know what the Lemurian army is doing?

    Yes, sir. Yes, they''re talking about it.

    I''m going to torture you. ......

    The Lemurian prisoners seemed to have told him everything.

    According to the prisoner of war, the Lemurian Imperial Army''s plan to invade from the land side was a diversion, and their main objective was to invade from the sea side.

    The Lemurian Empire''s main strategy was to invade from the sea.

    The Emperor of Lemuria.

    The emperor of Lemuria is in charge of the invasion and landing force from the sea side,.......

    It is said that he is currently watching vigilantly for an opening from the city of Cyrene.

    I''m not going to let that happen. An invasion from the land is impossible as long as I''m here. An invasion from the sea will be blocked by my defense network. An invasion from the south is absolutely impossible due to ...... the great desert to begin with (??????). Phew. ...... I guess I can go back to reading in peace.

    Iason was relieved and went back to his reading.

 180 Episode 21 Behind the Scenes of The Great Strategy

    One month into the desert crossing.

    Hercule, Alicia, Scheherazade, and Nia were half submerged in a pool with a radius of about three meters.

    Hercule is wearing a surf-style swimsuit and the other three are wearing bikini-style swimsuits.

    The other three are wearing bikini-style swimsuits.

    Hercule stretched out in the pool.

    The other three are in bikini swimsuits.

    "Oh, .......

    "Oh, it''s so naughty, ...... Your Majesty.

    Alicia let out a small scream and Scheherazade screamed in protest, but ......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    With Scheherazade''s large breasts and Alicia''s moderately large breasts, Hercule looks happy.

    "You look exhausted.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Please don''t forget about me and mine!

    No way!¡¡I have not forgotten you.

    Nia embraced Hercule, draping her over him.

    The two of them kissed passionately.

    "Oh my God!¡¡Your Majesty, you can''t go there!

    "That''s good, that''s good.

    Hercule quickly grabbed Nia''s tail.

    It''s a lovely black, heart-shaped tail.

    "Your tail is so cute. It''s twitching. Come on, come on.

    Please, please, please, you can''t go there, you can''t go there, you can''t go there, you really, really can''t go there. ......

    There?¡¡Where''s there?¡¡Be specific.

    The tail, the tail, the tip of the tail. ......

    Here?

    Oh, my God, oh, my God, oh, my God!¡¡Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I can''t do that to you.

    Nia''s small shoulders quivered, her naked body flushed with red.

    Then, as if weakening, she fell against Hercule''s body.

    Every time Hercule''s hands stroked Nia''s tail, buttocks, and back, Nia would shudder and let out a sweet cry.

    After playing with Nia for a while, Hercule put his hands on Scheherazade''s shoulders on her right side.

    He slowly stroked her naked white body.

    "Scheherazade, you really do have a nice body, as always.

    "Hmm ...... ah, heh, your majesty, there are two of you .......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    He did not touch the beautiful, bountiful fruit with his hands, but pressed it against his body.

    It''s as big as ever. Great elasticity.

    "Oh, ......, that''s embarrassing.

    Sheherazade pressed her body against Hercule''s.

    Sheerazade herself seems to be intoxicated by the pleasure that comes from rubbing her body against his.

    "Aah!

    Hercule grabbed Alicia''s buttocks with his left hand.

    He then pulled her to his body.

    You have moderate breasts, but a big ...... ass. I''m not sure if it''s the same as Luna''s ...... or even Scheherazade''s.

    "Oh. ......

    Huh. ......

    Hercule stroked Scheherazade''s buttocks with his right hand and Alicia''s with his left.

    Then he carefully compares their sizes.

    Hmm, they both feel about the same. I have to be sure about this. ...... Alicia, Scheherazade. That''s an order. ...... Take it off. And Nia, too.

    The three of them blushed and nodded their ...... little heads.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    I feel like I''m even more tired than I was on the march. ......

    Nia leaned languidly against the sofa.

    Alicia and Scheherazade, also sitting on the sofa, nodded.

    You guys are good. I''ve taken on three guys by myself.

    Hercule said as he picked a chilled peach.

    But these peaches are not fresh fruit.

    They were canned and candied, brought from the Lemurian Empire.

    Isn''t that what you deserve?

    ...... You look good for that.

    Scheherazade looked dumbfounded and Alicia smiled bitterly.

    Hercule cowered.

    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty ......, I, I, I want one!

    "Hmm?¡¡...... Oh, I see. That''s what I''m talking about.

    Hercule pricked a peach with his fork and brought it to Nia''s mouth.

    Nia took a bite out of the peach.

    "Mmm, it''s delicious. ......

    That''s good.

    Hercule pats Nia on the head.

    I''m sure you''ll like it.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that we''ve made a lot of progress,....... I was prepared to lose half my men .......

    Scheherazade said, thinking back on the hard march.

    Already the Lemurian army had lost about three hundred men, but ...... it was only three hundred.

    The fact that there were only three hundred casualties in such a grueling march is extraordinary.

    "Well, we''ve prepared very carefully.

    Hercule grinned.

    First of all, I carefully researched the march route beforehand.

    The locations of watering holes in the desert were also carefully studied.

    In addition, heavy baggage, such as armor, arrows, and military provisions, had been brought to the oasis city of the Barbarians.

    There seems to be little complaint from the soldiers. I had been worried that the Bulgurons might mutiny.

    Alicia muttered.

    Even the ill-behaved Bulgurons were much more quiet on this march.

    This was partly due to the fact that their families back home had been taken hostage. ......

    This is partly because they are being held hostage by their families back home, but more so because Hercule has put his heart and soul into relieving the soldiers'' frustrations.

    While on the march, he had no choice but to stop at the oasis cities of the Barbarians to provide entertainment.

    There were, of course, prostitutes to relieve s*xual desires, watering holes to cleanse the body, and delicious meals made from canned food. ......

    These were arranged in advance.

    This allowed the soldiers to stretch their wings in the oasis cities where they rested, and prevented any mutiny during the march.

    "No, but ...... it was hard for me too. It''s really hard not to be able to hold a woman while on march, yes, it''s important to understand the feelings of soldiers.

    Hercule nodded his head.

    The reason why Hercule provides entertainment to the soldiers is because he has experienced the frustration of the soldiers first hand.

    If it''s this hard, it''s tempting to start a mutiny or two.

    That''s why he makes sure to provide entertainment at the resting places.

    "Your Majesty. Have you made yourselves comfortable?

    While the four of us were relaxing in the guest room, ......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    "Oh!¡¡Oh, Masinissa, thank God. I apologize for the mess. I''m sorry.

    Hercule quickly stood up.

    Masinissa''s international position is that of a chief, an emir ......, a little lower than the king .......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m glad you enjoyed it.

    This house is the residence of Masinissa.

    This oasis city is the capital of the Barbarian and Shuyen clans.

    The pool that Hercule had just used was also owned by Masinissa.

    In the desert, having free access to water is a kind of status.

    "By the way, Masinissa. Have you gathered your troops?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Six hundred cavalry, twelve hundred infantry. A total of 180 troops will enter the war as an allied force.

    "Hmm, ......, that''s more than I expected. Are you sure?

    "It''s nothing compared to the burden the Emperor has placed on the Lemurian Empire.

    Masinissa dismissed Hercule''s concerns by saying so.

    However, ...... in reality, 1,800 troops was quite a burden on the economy and population of the Shuyen clan of the Barbarians.

    Masinissa was only the chief of the Shueen clan.

    He is not the king of all Barbarians.

    The Shuyen clan, which controls the Fezzan region and has several Barbarian clans under its control, is certainly a very powerful clan among the Barbarians, but ......

    The Shuyen clan, which has several Balinese clans under its control, is indeed a powerful Balinese clan, but its scale is hazy compared to the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Even though they are a nomadic tribe, unlike the Bulgalon Kingdom, which ruled over the rich steppes, ......

    The dominant territory of the Shuyen tribe of the Barbarians is a desert area where not even grass and trees grow properly.

    The number of 1,800 was just about the limit of what the Shue Yan clan could muster.

    The reason why they went to such lengths to provide such a large army was because Masinissa believed that they could win this war, and also because they wanted to show the Lemurian Empire the power of the Shuyen clan in order to raise their reputation and check them.

    "Well, the more reinforcements, the better. Thank you for everything. It is with your help that we have come this far.

    First of all, the march itself required the guidance of the Shuyen clan.

    Bringing supplies to the oasis city was also not an easy task.

    If the Kingdom of Cerda were to find out about the unnatural movements of the objects, the plan for the surprise attack would be exposed, and the whole operation would be shaken to its core.

    It was with the full cooperation of the Shuyen clan that we succeeded in concealing the information.

    "No, no, it wasn''t much trouble. It wasn''t much of a hassle. Originally, the Fezzan region wasn''t very busy.

    Trade through the Great Desert has been going on since ancient times. ......

    But it''s not as busy as the trade routes that cross the Lemurian Empire, the Kingdom of Phars, and the Land of Silk (Sirna).

    In addition, the oasis city itself is surrounded by desert and is completely isolated.

    It was not too difficult for the Shuyen clan to conceal information.

    In addition, ...... the Lemurian Empire''s aggressive propagation of Messianism and Masinissa''s Messianic policy also played a role in the concealment of information.

    Originally, there was a movement of goods such as stone and wood to build churches. ......

    They were importing it from the Lemurian Empire ...... and sending large amounts of military provisions to the Oasis City.

    The supplies were all stored in the basement of the church.

    Many of the Shue Yan clans were unaware of the existence of the goods.

    It is also obvious that the Kingdom of Chellda is unaware of it.

    "By the way, ......, you have engaged the Kingdom of Chelda many times, haven''t you?¡¡We''ve done our own research. ...... Are there any enemy generals we should be aware of?

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    Yes, there are. The most famous enemy generals are General Carmine and General Iason.

    I''ve heard that too.

    Hercule nodded.

    I''ve heard a lot about them.

    However, ...... I personally think that the ''Red Wolf Princess'' is the most terrifying.

    "The Red Wolf?

    Yes. The Red Wolf Princess, Sonia Leups Geyseria. She''s the one with the highest ratio of soldiers killed to soldiers led. The bravest and most brutal troops in the Kingdom of Chellda are the Red Wolf Squad led by her.

    After saying that, Masinissa talked about the threat of the Red Wolf Princess.

    Hercule pondered for a moment and then nodded.

    I see. I''ll tell my men about it.

    Hercule nodded.

    Then Hercule reached out his hand to Masinissa.

    Masinissa took Hercule''s hand and ......

    A handshake was formed.

    "Now, ...... stick to the plan, will you?

    "Yes, sir.

    Masinissa nodded and grinned.

    "For the prosperity of the Lemurian Empire and the Shueen clan.

    "Yes. Let''s show those heretics, those messianists of the West, the majesty of God.

    "Gentlemen, a month and a half of long march, a great cause!

    Hercule spoke to the soldiers.

    "Gentlemen, a month and a half of long march, a great cause!

    Not a few sacrifices have been made to get here.

    The Lemurian Empire''s army had lost approximately 300 soldiers in the march.

    This army, which originally had a size of 432,000, had already dwindled to 420,000.

    However, morale had not declined.

    In fact, the soldiers were in high spirits.

    At last, they could get out of this hellish march.

    And they could take their ...... exasperation out on Cerda''s army.

    One more hour of marching and the city would be in sight. "Another hour''s march and you''ll see the city, the frontline of the territory between the Kingdom of Chelda and the Barbarians. We will break through here ...... and invade the city of Teripol inside the Kingdom of Chelda at once!

    Hercule declared.

    Then he flipped his cloak, turned his back on the soldiers, and faced north, towards the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Then he raised his voice loudly.

    "Jebe!¡¡The three battalions you lead are the spearhead. Your three battalions are the spearhead. Use your cavalry mobility to blow a hole in the Cerda Kingdom''s defense line!

    Your Majesty!¡¡Your Majesty!

    Jebe nodded.

    And Alicia!¡¡You''ll lead the Bulgurons, and I''ll lead the Cataphracts. I look forward to your valor, brave steppe people. Lemurian catapracts!¡¡Do not fall behind the Bulgurons!¡¡Show them the power of the Elves, the power of Lemuria!

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. We will certainly live up to your expectations.

    Alicia nodded.

    Alicia nodded, and the Bulgarian cavalry and cataphract soldiers followed suit, shouting their enthusiasm.

    The next one is Oscar Almon!¡¡You lead the infantry corps. Don''t fall behind the speed of the cavalry, follow me!

    "Yes, Your Majesty!

    Oscar and the infantry shout.

    "Finally, Nia Lucarios!¡¡Take my back. Protect our backs.

    Yes, Your Majesty!¡¡I will!

    Nia replied, tightening her grip on the reins of her horse.

    Hercule called out one last time to the entire army.

    "Now, gentlemen!¡¡We will now approach the enemy''s territory at once. Do not stop, and do not be intimidated!¡¡We will show the power of Lemuria to the barbarians and the infidels.

    And he shouted loudly.

    "The gods are with us!

    Then Scheherazade, Alicia, Nia, and Oskar shout.

    "God be with us!

    Then the whole army shouts.

    "''God be with us!

    Hercule raises his sword above his head and points north, towards the kingdom of Cerda.

    "All troops!¡¡March, commence £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

 181 Episode 22 Battle of Teripol Introduction

    It was a nightmare for the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Suddenly, a group of dusty people were approaching.

    If it had been the usual barbarian Barbarian attack, the border guards of the Kingdom of Chelda would have been able to respond calmly.

    But ......

    The army was flying a double-headed eagle and the military flag of the Lemurian Empire.

    Why is the Lemurian army coming from the desert?

    What''s going on?

    Help me, please!

    Jebe, who was in charge of the spearhead force, ruthlessly ordered his men to shoot the fleeing guards.

    "Shoot to kill!

    " "Yes!

    The independent rangers, led by the well-trained Jebe, shot and killed the enemy without mercy.

    And they easily break through the enemy''s defense line.

    "Rear, report to the Emperor. The defense line has been breached. He wants us to push forward at once.

    "Yes, sir!

    Jebe sent a message to the rear: ......

    "Yes!" Jebe said as he sent a message to the rear, "Keep your speed and approach the enemy city at once.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡The Lemurian Empire''s army is attacking!

    No way!¡¡No way! We''re in the middle of a huge desert!¡¡There''s no way the Lemurians are coming.

    False alarm! False alarm!

    No, no, no, I saw the double-headed eagle!

    Could it be the Barbarians, disguised as the Lemurian army?

    Whatever they are, they''re the enemy!

    Close the gate!

    Wait!¡¡There are still people out there!¡¡We can''t leave them behind!

    We can''t just leave them!

    Hurry, hurry, everyone into the city!

    Hey, you''re in my way!¡¡We can''t close the gates!¡¡Get out of the way!

    Please, my wife''s not here yet!

    Hey, that wagon''s in the way!¡¡It''s too big!

    Don''t rush me! ...... Ah!¡¡The wheel, the wheel is broken!

    Don''t be silly, at a time like this!¡¡I can''t close the gate!

    I don''t care what you do!¡¡I don''t care if you break it!

    Don''t destroy it!¡¡It''s my property!¡¡Don''t steal my stuff!

    I don''t care what you do, just do it!

    Oh, hey!¡¡The Lemurian army is already upon us!

    Nonsense!¡¡The fast horses from the guards haven''t arrived yet. ...... No way, are those fast horses?

    Oh, they''re right behind the guard''s fast horse!

    Come on, come on, close the gate!

    It''s getting pretty exciting.

    Jebbeh said cheerfully as he watched from afar the chaos and confusion at the gates.

    The tone of his voice is casual, but ...... the horse is moving at full speed.

    Captain, aren''t you moving too fast?¡¡The Bulgurons and the Cataphracts are not keeping up. ......

    "No, this is good. This is what Your Majesty ordered. This is what you want, that''s why you made me the spearhead.

    The Independent Rangers, led by Jebe, are made up entirely of cavalry.

    They are completely lightly armed, with only a few sharp points of protection.

    The horses are nearly naked.

    Their weapons are sabers and bows and arrows.

    If that''s all they are, they are just light cavalry.

    The most distinctive feature of the independent rangers led by Jebe is that each rider is accompanied by four replacement horses.

    Therefore, by changing horses several times, they can move at maximum speed.

    You''re going to flow into the city. ...... Clear the obstacles.

    ""Yes!"

    The cavalrymen replied: ......

    The cavalrymen replied, and raised their Lemurian compound bows.

    The arrows rained down, sweeping away the crowd in front of the city gate.

    Jebe drew his saber and shouted.

    After the raid, we''ll hold the gates and then we''ll take the city. All hands, prepare for battle!

    ""Ha!"

    After that, the Lemurian Imperial Army led by Hercule invaded the heart of the Kingdom of Cerda, dropping its cities at a breakneck pace.

    And three days after they began their march: ......

    The Lemurian army was closing in on the city of Teripol.

    What the hell ...... is going on?¡¡What''s going on? Has some port been taken?¡¡Where did the Lemurian army come from?

    Carmine, the general of Teripol''s garrison, who defended the city of Teripol, held his head in his hands.

    The sudden appearance of the Lemurian army had torn apart the defense and intelligence networks of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Information was completely mixed up, and it was impossible to tell what was a lie and what was the truth.

    Some claimed that the port had been captured and the Lemurian army had landed from there. ......

    Others claim that General Iason was defeated and that the Lemurians came up here.

    Others claim that the enemy is the Balbarians, and that they are only borrowing the Lemurian flag. ......

    Others say that the Lemurian army has crossed the Great Desert.

    This mixture of false and real information makes it impossible to grasp the current situation.

    In the first place, the truth that "the Lemurian army crossed the Great Desert and launched a surprise attack" itself is so fictional that it cannot be helped.

    "Yes!¡¡That''s why I said we shouldn''t spread out our forces!¡¡Just as I thought, we''ve been caught short!¡¡That young man with the raw art of war!

    Carmine''s frustration was evident.

    The youngster was Iason.

    It is true that Carmine''s strategy would have been to ...... intercept the enemy in the city of Teripol with the best of intentions.

    But ...... then Hercule would have taken a different tack, so it really wouldn''t have made much difference.

    "Hey, General!¡¡Anyway, we have to intercept them!

    I''m sure you''re right, but ...... we only have 500,000 troops!

    Originally, the garrison of Teripol was supposed to consist of 700 troops.

    However, ...... as expected, gathering 700 troops would take time, and Azdavia had to be prioritized first, and the capital and Teriportanian defenders had to be mobilized at the same time.

    As a result, only 500 Teripol defenders have yet to be assembled.

    But if we could gather 500, we would have no problem.

    We have already sealed the port with thick chains, and we are ready to deliberately sink the ships to render the port unusable.

    Even if the Lemurian Imperial Navy tries to land, ......

    If the Lemurian Imperial Navy were to attempt a landing, 500 ships should be enough to prevent it.

    But ...... the enemy came from land.

    "But the enemy force is about three hundred!¡¡We are superior to them!

    "Yes, that''s true ......, as they say. If we siege the city, we should be able to hold out for a while. ...... How much food do we have?

    Carmine checks the amount of food stored in the city.

    Carmine listens to the report and ponders.

    "d*mn, it''s too little .......

    Preparing for a siege also takes some time.

    It''s not easy to prepare enough food that you won''t have a problem even if the food supply is cut off for a long time.

    The city of Teripol has a population of 10,000 and is located in the south of the city.

    Moreover, Teripol City is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Cerda, boasting a population of 150,000.

    Their stomachs must also be supported.

    However, it is impossible for the ...... Lemurian army to completely encircle a city with a population of 150,000 where an army of 500,000 is holed up.

    However, it is still possible to interfere with ...... logistics.

    If the food supply to the city of Teripol is interrupted, there will undoubtedly be people who die of starvation.

    "Yeah, I don''t like it, but ...... we''re in the field!¡¡We have more men than you, there''s no reason we can''t win!

    So Carmine set up camp near the city of Teripol and waited for the Lemurian army.

    So Carmine set up camp near the city of Teripol and waited for the Lemurian army.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    They have more men than us. It makes sense.

    "Yes, exactly. I think it''s a wise choice. I think it''s a wise choice. Basing yourself in this situation is just plain stupid. We have more men than they do. If we siege, we''ll dry up in less than three days and we''ll have to make a final stand. Then it is rational to intercept them in the field from the start.

    I am not a foolish general.

    He was not a foolish general, and Hercule and Alicia appreciated it.

    But ......

    But to challenge me in the field with less than twice the number of ...... troops is a thousand years too early.

    Hercule smiled wryly.

    After that, Hercule waited for the entire army to assemble ......

    After regrouping his forces, he slowly closed in on the city of Teripol.

    The final battle was the next day.

    And that night, Hercule called Jebe.

    "Jebe here.

    "Thank you for coming, Jebe. Your work with the independent rangers has been excellent. It''s thanks to you that we''ve made it this far without any obstacles.

    Hercule praised Jebe.

    Jebe''s ears reddened a little, as if he was happy to hear this.

    (...... You really do have a pretty face, don''t you?

    When he saw Jebe''s blushing face, Hercule had an indescribable expression on his face.

    It''s just as well that she was sent as Hercule''s mistress.

    However, Hercule has no taste for men, and Jebe has no taste for being held.

    "Well, Jebe. You will not participate in tomorrow''s battle, and you will leave here early in the morning.

    "All right, sir. ...... What''s your destination?

    Iphiclesia.

    Iphrykia.

    It is an administrative division of the Kingdom of Cerda, west of Teriportania, where the city of Cerda is located.

    In other words, it''s like a metropolitan area.

    "Proceed to the Iphrykia region while avoiding engagement with the enemy. ...... Threaten Chelda City and distract the enemy. With the mobility of your cavalry, it should be possible.

    "...... leave it to me. That''s my specialty. We''ll just wreak havoc, won''t we?

    Yeah. I''ll leave you to judge the situation. Just ...... as little damage to civilians as possible. It''ll make it difficult to govern later. And send out the horses regularly. We don''t want to lose track of where you are. Yeah. ...... Be back in a month, anyway.

    Yes, sir. I''ll keep that in mind.

    Jebe nodded.

    After Jebe left, Hercule then called Nia.

    "This is Nia Lucarios.

    "Good to see you, Nia. Thanks to your protection, we were able to march smoothly this time. You''ve grown.

    "Heh, ......, that''s right, .......

    Nia grinned happily.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of money, you''ll be able to use it to pay off your credit card debt.

    "Well, Nia. You will not participate in tomorrow''s battle, but will be assigned to another ...... mission.

    "Another mission?

    Yeah, I want you to start early in the morning.

    Hercule nodded.

    Then he unfolded an elaborate map.

    It was a map made when the area around the Kingdom of Cerda was part of the Lemurian Empire, with information that Hercule had gathered through merchants and agents, as well as information he had gathered on the ground.

    As you know, the city of Teripol is the hub of Teriportania, and also a major transportation hub. Nia, I want you to take over the barrier on the main road connecting Teripol City and Cerda City, and cut off information from west to east of Teripol City.

    "Yes, sir!¡¡...... May I ask why?

    You''re worried about not knowing if Teripol City has fallen or not ......?

    Hercule smirked.

    It''s impossible to block out all the information, as there are small narrow streets.

    But if Nia blocked the main road, some information could be prevented.

    Distraction by manipulating information is also possible.

    This can only be done by your independent rangers. Take care of it.

    Yes, sir!¡¡I''ll do it, I promise!

    Nia clenched her fists tightly.

    After Near had left: ......

    Hercule smiled wickedly.

    "Well, well, ...... can you handle it?¡¡Let''s see what Hilderick II has in store for us.

    Hercule smiled with amusement.

 182 Episode 23 Battle of Teripol

    "Our strength is 12,000 infantry corps and 240,000 bulgarons and medium cavalry (cataphracts). I''d like to say a total of three hundred and sixty......, but in reality it''s about three hundred and thirty because of the vacancies.

    Hercule explained the current strength of his army to Oscar and Alicia.

    Of course, both of them knew that.

    This is just a preamble.

    "And the enemy force, according to the report from the reconnaissance unit, is 14,000 cavalry. There are two types of infantry, light infantry and heavy infantry, 21,000 light infantry and 15,000 heavy infantry, for a total of 360,000. The total is about 500,000.

    The cavalry of the Kingdom of Chelda is lighter than the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts), but heavier than the bulgarian cavalry. ...... In terms of classification, they belong to the light cavalry.

    Among the infantry, the light infantry are capable of attacking with projectile weapons such as spears, stones, and bows and arrows, as well as close combat with swords, while the heavy infantry are armed with short spears and shields.

    The Lemurian Empire does not have an infantry unit that can attack with projectile weapons like the light infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda. ...... However, there are archer cavalry, the Bulgaron Cavalry.

    The Lemurian Empire''s army is overwhelmingly superior in cavalry strength: ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m not going to go into the details, but I''m going to give you an idea of what I''m talking about. I don''t have to tell you, do I?

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    The two of them had an idea in their minds of what they thought would be the best tactic.

    "Then I''ll give you an overview of the ...... operation.

    Hercule instructed Alicia, Oskar and the other generals on the formation and the strategy.

    When Alicia and Oscar heard this, they muttered in small voices.

    ...... We don''t know that.

    No, you don''t.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to try.

    It''s just something you''ve assumed, isn''t it?

    He smirked.

    On the other hand, Carmine, the general of the Kingdom of Cerda, thought about the difference between the enemy''s troops and his own troops. ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria, no doubt.

    The Emperor of Lemuria will undoubtedly aim for a siege by both wings.

    He has an overwhelming advantage in cavalry strength.

    There''s no way he won''t do that.

    The infantry force that will be in charge of the center of the Lemurian army is certainly far inferior in numbers to the Chelda Kingdom''s army. ......

    However, the infantry of the Lemurian Imperial Army is known to be very strong.

    You should pay attention to ...... the Bulgarian cavalry. I''ve heard that they''re a nomadic tribe, and their fighting ability is extremely high. ...... They''ll be far more skilled than our own cavalry.

    If the forces of the two wings were to collide in a serious manner, defeat would be obvious.

    The cavalry alone will not be able to support the two wings.

    Stretch the infantry troops thin. ...... No, that''s not enough. Keep light infantry in the rear and send forces to both flanks as needed to hold the line. That''s the only way.

    If the Lemurian army shows signs of exhaustion, you can try to break through to the center.

    There is no need to force the attack.

    Reinforcements will eventually arrive.

    It is the Lemurian army isolated among the enemy that should be in a hurry, not the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Time is on Chellda''s side.

    Thus, the two armies faced each other on the outskirts of the city of Teripol.

    The formation of the two armies is as follows.

    00-00-00

    0-0-0-0-0

    ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ

    o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

    ¡ô-¡ô--¡ô ¡ô-¡ô--¡ô

    ¡ô¡ô¡ø¡ø ¡ñ¡ñ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ñ¡ñ ¡ø¡ø¡ô

    ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    Shiro ...... Cerda Kingdom Army

    0...... light infantry

    ¡õ...... heavy infantry

    ¡÷...... cavalry

    Total troop strength about 500 (one symbol is about 100)

    Kuro ...... Lemurian Imperial Army

    ...... halberd troops

    ¡ö...... pike troops

    ¡ø...... medium armored cavalry (cataphract)

    ...... bulgaron cavalry

    Infantry Corps commander...... Oscar Almon

    Right flank cavalry corps commander...... Alicia Crom

    Central commander: ...... Hercule

    Total troop strength is about 330 (one symbol is 120.000 troops per battalion). (However, due to the march, there are about 300 vacancies, so the actual number is less than 120.

    The - sign means spread thin.

    Hmm. ...... So you''ve been preserving your light infantry to make up for the troops on both flanks. Well, good. Let''s see if we can shatter that level of reinforcement. First, the cavalry will begin their attack!

    Hercule gave orders to the cavalry units on the front line.

    Thus, the war began with a charge by the cavalry of the Lemurian Empire.

    Raising a cloud of dust, the cavalry of the Lemurian Empire began to charge at once.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.¡¡Move forward!

    Carmine moved his troops in response.

    The cavalry and light infantry troops on both flanks begin to advance.

    "Let us show the Emperor the valor of the Bulgarians!¡¡Commence cavalry fire!

    On the right flank, under Alicia''s command, the Bulgaron cavalry launched a projectile attack.

    At the same time, the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) fired arrows at the bulgaron cavalry.

    Arrows were shot one after another from compound bows.

    A hail of arrows rained down on the cavalry of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    They raise their circular leather shields to block the arrows. ...... However, they are unable to block the tremendous rain of arrows, and one by one, they fall from their horses.

    The same thing was happening not only on the right flank, but also on the left flank and in the center of .......

    In the center, the light infantry tried their best to shoot arrows and throw stones and javelins, but ......

    In the center, the light infantry were throwing arrows, stones and spears, but they were being pushed back by the onslaught of the archers and cavalry, who had far greater range and mobility than the light infantry.

    "d*mn, the enemy''s attacks are too fierce, I can''t fight back!

    "The arrows are too piercing, and my shield is useless. ......

    "So this is the archers of the Bulgurons!¡¡I can''t use my shield! You cowards!

    When they had finished firing their arrows, the cavalry on both flanks began to charge.

    The medium-armored cavalrymen (cataphracts) drew their short spears, and the bulgarian cavalrymen drew their sabers and began their onslaught.

    "Die!

    Alicia alone summoned her contracted spirit, Leraj, and continued her attack with her bow.

    The target is usually a warrior of high rank.

    It''s very easy to see that commanders and other high-ranking warriors are usually dressed in a conspicuous manner.

    Alicia''s arrow is a deadly demon bow that can kill the enemy even if it is only grazed.

    Chelda''s cavalrymen, who had lost their shields to the cavalry attacks of both the Bulgurons and the Cataphracts, had no way to block Alicia''s arrows.

    The warbeasts of the Kingdom of Chelda are very brave. The warbeasts of the Chelda Kingdom are very brave. The more commanders they have, the more they fight on the front lines. ...... Thanks to them, you can aim all you want.

    The more commanders you have, the more brave the warbeasts are.

    In the meantime, the Bulgurons, who had kicked out the light infantry in the center, finished shooting their arrows and headed for the reinforcements on both wings, as instructed beforehand.

    The Lemurian infantry slowly began to advance, as if to fill in the center where the Bulgurons had disappeared.

    The enemy''s aim is still on both our flanks!¡¡Light infantry and heavy infantry troops, begin advancing!

    Light infantry and heavy infantry units, start advancing!" Carmine also moved his troops to respond to the Lemurian Empire''s movement.

    Carmine also moved his troops to respond to the Lemurian Imperial Army''s movement, and also threw in the light infantry troops that had been holding back in the rear to counter the reinforcements of the Lemurian Imperial Cavalry, or the Bulgaron Cavalry, that had newly joined the two wings.

    00-00-00

    ¡õ ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ ¡õ

    ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¡ô ¡ñ-¡ñ-¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö-¡ñ-¡ñ ¡ô¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ

    ¡ö¡ö-¡ö

    ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø

    But even so, the onslaught of the Lemurian Empire''s cavalry, which is superior in both quality and quantity, has pushed back the Chelda Kingdom''s two-winged cavalry and light infantry units.

    In particular, the onslaught of the right flank of Lemuria commanded by Alicia was fierce, slowly pushing the left flank cavalry of the Kingdom of Chelda and attempting to encircle it.

    In addition, ...... Hercule threw some of the mid-armored cavalry (cataphracts) that he had been holding back in the center into the left wing.

    With Alicia''s onslaught on the right flank and the introduction of new cataphracts on the left flank, ......

    The two wings of the Kingdom of Chelda slowly begin to collapse.

    The infantry of the Lemurian army led by Oskar is also ......

    The infantry of the Lemurian army led by Oskar also made an onslaught against the infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda, despite their numerical disadvantage.

    The light infantry that fought close combat with swords, of course, but the heavily armed infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda, who could not hold very long spears due to their shields, were no match for the infantry of the Lemurian Empire armed with halberds and pikes in frontal combat.

    As you can see, the Chelda Kingdom''s forces are superior in numbers, and the center of the country shows no signs of collapsing. ......

    Even so, they were being pushed back significantly.

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    I don''t know.

    I didn''t expect Lemurian cavalry to be this powerful. ...... So the enemy''s goal is to encircle both wings and destroy the encirclement? The reason why the center is open is to guide our troops to the center. ...... But that''s not going to happen!¡¡We know what the enemy wants. Don''t bother trying to fit them in!

    Carmine sent all the light infantry he had left in reserve to the two wings.

    Carmine sent all the light infantry he had left in reserve to the two flanks, and he also diverted some of the central force to reinforce the two flanks, just in case.

    Then ......

    Even the cavalry of the Lemurian Empire would find it difficult to break through such thick wings.

    Slowly, their momentum waned. ......

    And so the battle between the two wings came to a standstill.

    Carmine had successfully prevented the onslaught of the Lemurian Empire.

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    Carmine patted his chest in relief.

    And muttered.

    It looks like we''re going to win, .......

    On the other hand, Hercule, who was prevented from attacking ...... both wings, muttered.

    I won.

 183 Episode 24 Battle of Teripol

    Hercule grinned as he confirmed that the general of the Kingdom of Chelda had moved most of the central troops to both wings.

    In fact, ...... Hercule''s goal is not to destroy both wings of the enemy, but to surround and annihilate them.

    The Kingdom of Chelda and the Lemurian Empire are long-time enemies of each other. ......

    Naturally, we can assume that the Kingdom of Cerda has studied the tactics of Hercule to the fullest.

    Nowadays, Hercule''s name is known throughout the western world as a great general.

    We can''t be optimistic that they''ll let their guard down conveniently.

    And on this battlefield, the Lemurian army is outnumbered, but overwhelmingly superior in cavalry strength.

    So it''s easy to see why Hercule would want to try to encircle both flanks to take advantage of their mobility.

    In addition, ...... is the battle between Lemuria and Chelda.

    The history of the Chelda Kingdom is completely different from that of the Chelda Kingdom, as are the ethnic groups that made up the kingdom. ......

    There was once a maritime and commercial nation called the Republic of Chelda in the southern continent.

    The legendary warlord of the Republic of Chelda surrounded and annihilated the armies of Lemuria many times. ......

    In the end, Lemuria imitated his tactics and defeated him on this southern continent.

    I can''t help but think of ...... this anecdote.

    It is obvious that the general of the Kingdom of Chelda would expect siege tactics.

    If you know the tactics of your opponent, there is a way to deal with them.

    After all, the Chelda army is superior to Lemuria in terms of military strength.

    If the infantry could make up for the difference in quantity and quality of the cavalry, it would not be difficult to prevent Lemuria from encircling both wings.

    Although the enemy general Carmine is not renowned as a great general, ......

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.

    He thought that they would not be so easy to be surrounded by.

    Therefore, Hercule abandoned the royal tactic of encircling both wings.

    He decided to use ...... the enemy''s thinking against him.

    Carmine would have believed that Hercule would have surrounded both wings.

    So he dared to direct Carmine''s attention to both wings by pouring force after force into both wings to make it look like he was really trying to encircle both wings.

    In addition, he deliberately slowed down the advance in the center to create a depression, concentrating the enemy''s forces there in a formation that made it look like he was trying to encircle .......

    Completely impatient, Carmine poured all the reserve troops in the center into the two wings, and even poured the troops in the center into the two wings.

    The result: ......

    The troops of the Kingdom of Chelda''s army were largely poured into both wings, and the thickness of the center was greatly reduced.

    This was exactly the situation that Hercule had hoped for.

    "Scheherazade, we''re about to crush the enemy. Will you guard me?

    "Yes!¡¡Your Majesty!

    I''m finally useful.

    Scheherazade smiled happily.

    After patting Scheherazade on the head, ......

    Hercule hides behind two central battalions of infantry, and then orders three battalions of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts), hidden by Asmodeus'' magic.

    "Well, gentlemen. It''s finally our turn. ...... Infantry, fall back!¡¡Medium Cavalry, forward!

    Hercule switches the infantry and cataphract troops back and forth.

    Then he orders the infantry.

    "After the cavalry charge, you will open wide the enemy''s wounds. I''m counting on you.

    And so Hercule, along with Scheherazade, stood at the head of the middle cavalry (cataphracts).

    He raised his sword and shouted.

    "Come on, let''s go!¡¡God be with us!

    "God be with us!

    The assault by the Lemurian army has begun.

    Carmine realized his mistake at .......

    Carmine realized his mistake when he noticed that a cataphract had appeared in the middle of the Lemurian army.

    Slowly, the ...... cataphracts and infantry units switched sides.

    With that, Carmine''s face turned blue.

    "No, no way, the enemy''s aim is ......".

    Carmine hurriedly tried to pull back the light infantry from both wings.

    But it was already too late.

    The center of the Lemurian army was already preparing for the assault.

    With a roar, the Lemurians begin their assault.

    "Huh, I guess I''ll just have to hold out for now!

    Carmine mounted his horse and stood on the front line to take command.

    "Central infantry!¡¡"Central infantry, lances at the ready!¡¡Repel the enemy cavalry!

    The infantry of the Kingdom of Chellda prepare their shields and spears for the assault of the Lemurian army.

    But the medium cavalry (cataphracts) stopped suddenly before the charge.

    They started shooting at once.

    Heck, it was a bad idea to send all the light infantry to both wings!

    With the light infantry, they could have counterattacked with stones, spears, and bows and arrows to mitigate the enemy''s attack.

    But now, in the center were heavy infantry with no means of long-distance attack.

    They have no choice but to raise their shields and endure the enemy''s attacks.

    When arrows pierce the shields of the heavy infantry, they become useless. ......

    The medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) had already shot down all the arrows.

    And ......

    Finally, they raise their spears and begin to charge.

    Attack them!

    Three battalions of medium cavalry and three battalions of heavy infantry clashed on the battlefield.

    The result is ......

    The result was a victory for the Cataphracts.

    Originally, the heavy infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda had shields and were strong against long range attacks, but due to weight problems, they had to shorten their spears and were weak against cavalry assault.

    Now that they have lost their shields to the cavalry charge of the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts), ......

    The heavy infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda are merely spearmen with spears too short to catch the cavalry.

    Speed + weight.

    With overwhelming destructive power, the medium cavalry (cataphracts) crush the infantry.

    Then, two battalions of Lemurian infantry, who had arrived late, charged.

    Slowly, the wound widens.

    "d*mn, there''s nothing we can do!¡¡All troops, retreat!

    Carmine orders the entire army to retreat.

    Carmine ordered all the troops to retreat, and then called out to the elite troops of a hundred cavalrymen who had formed a perimeter around Carmine.

    "We will now hold off the enemy''s advance as long as we can. Those who can be beastly, beastly!

    Carmine ordered, raising his sword and charging.

    It''s all settled. But ...... hmm, the timing of the retreat is earlier than I thought.

    This is not cowardice .......

    This is a sign that you have a good grasp of the war situation.

    This is proof that the enemy general Carmine is an excellent general in his own right.

    (If it were possible, I would have liked to push through, encircle the enemy''s right or left flank, and destroy them individually, but ...... it would have been safer to aim to increase the results of the pursuit.

    Hercule makes a slight change in direction.

    "Scheherazade. It''s time for us to move to the rear .......

    Just as Hercule was about to say this.

    It was just as Hercule was about to say this that some of the enemy charged in with a roar.

    It''s the elite of the Warbeasts!

    Some of the hundred warbeasts have turned into beasts and are attacking us as one.

    I don''t think you can do anything about the war situation now. ......

    But I think I can at least cut off Hercule''s head.

    Your Majesty, please stand down.

    ...... Are you okay?

    Carolina has asked me to protect you.

    Scheherazade smiled.

    Hercule trusted Scheherazade and decided to temporarily move backwards.

    "Gugga gugga gugga £¡£¡£¡£¡

    The beast roared and lunged at him, ......

    Scheherazade smiled.

    The warbeast''s beastmastery is a very powerful ability. ......

    Scheherazade swung her sword.

    Sheherazade wields a greatsword that temporarily transforms the armor and weapons of enemy soldiers into pure gold, and when they become brittle, it cuts through them like butter, along with their flesh and bones.

    Its weakness is its inferior intelligence.

    After slicing one to death, Scheherazade shouted.

    "Do not be afraid!¡¡The enemy is only a beast!¡¡They are nothing but beasts! Show them the power of the Elves!

    With Scheherazade''s inspiration, the cataphracts mustered up their courage.

    "Follow the Empress!

    "Do not be defeated by the warbeasts!

    "Remember the power of the Elves!

    The warbeasts are being defeated one after the other.

    You''re the only one who hasn''t turned into a beast, aren''t you?¡¡You''re the only one who isn''t beastly.

    "......, the princess of Foulds, as they say. There''s no shortage of them!

    Carmine, who had not been beastialized to take command of the troops, raised his sword.

    And then he cut a swath with Scheherazade: ......

    I''ll be back!

    Sheherazade''s sword sliced through Carmine''s body.

    Sheherazade''s sword slices through Carmine''s body, fresh blood pouring from his side.

    It''s over!

    Scheherazade swings her sword down at Carmine''s neck.

    Sheherazade swings her sword at Carmine''s neck, but it''s caught in mid-swing.

    "General!¡¡You must flee!

    "But ......

    "You can''t let that scoundrel Hoamel have his way!

    Carmine''s face lit up at his lieutenant''s words.

    He turned on his heel.

    "I''m sorry.

    "Sir!¡¡I''m sorry. - "Sir!" "The Kingdom of Cerda at your service. ...... Switch players, long ears!

    The second-in-command turned into a beast and attacked Scheherazade.

    The Battle of Teripol

    Forces at War

    Empire of Lemuria vs Kingdom of Cerda

    Major Commanders

    Lemurian Empire

    King Hercule I

    Scheherazade Yulianos

    Alicia Krom

    Kingdom of Cerda

    Carmine Leups Geyseria

    Troops

    Lemurian Empire 330,000

    Kingdom of Chelda 500,000

    Result

    Lemurian Empire

    Dead: 300

    Remaining 30000

    Kingdom of Chelda

    Dead: 150,000

    Fugitives 1,300

    Captives 120

    Remaining 100,000

    Victory of the Lemurian Empire

    Impact

    The city of Teripol is in danger of falling due to damage to its defensive forces.

    Logistics and information between Cerda and Teripol were cut off.

 184 Episode 25 Territory Attack

    The day after the Battle of Teripol.

    Hercule had finished regrouping his forces and was beginning to lay siege to the city of Teripol.

    "Nghhh ...... holed up, nghhh, done, hmmm, nghhh ......

    "Well, but as planned, we have more men than you.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean.

    In contrast to Hercule''s calm expression as he gazed at the walls of Teripol, Alicia''s cheeks were red and flushed.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    "Oh,......, hmm,......, are you going to attack the castle after this?

    No,......, it will be difficult to bring down the castle with this army.

    The Lemurian army''s strength is three hundred and ten.

    The Lemurian army has 300,000 troops, while the Cerda army has 100,000 troops defending the city of Teripol.

    A siege is quite possible, but ...... I''d like to gather a few more troops if possible.

    It''s difficult to completely encircle ...... the city with this difference in troops. Well, ...... you''re right. The safest option is to hold the west gate with infantry and use cavalry to hold the enemy''s logistics and information.

    There are three gates to the city walls of Teripol.

    There are three gates on the walls of Teripol: the West Gate, which leads to the city of Cerda; the East Gate, which leads to the cities of Teriportania and Azdavia, as well as the city of Cyrene in the Lemurian Empire; and finally the South Gate, which leads to the Great Desert and the territory of the Barbarians.

    If we divide the forces in front of the three gates, we can simply say that there are 100 Lemurian troops per gate.

    Considering that the enemy force is 100,000 ......

    With this difference in strength, the Lemurian army might be attacked by an assault and receive a severe blow.

    Therefore, it is safer to give up on a complete encirclement, and to fortify the west gate to make it harder for the enemy to pass on information to the capital city of Cerda, and to respond to the south and east gates with cavalry units that are highly mobile.

    "Uh, uh, uh, uh, what about the sea side?

    "Christos is attempting a sea blockade. You can''t land on ...... unless one of the ports is down, though.

    The Lemurian Empire''s maritime forces are currently divided into three.

    The first is the fleet that remains on the mainland, such as Nova Lemuria and Aletheia City, to keep an eye on other countries.

    The second is the fleet guarding the landing forces.

    The last is a fleet directly commanded by Christos to blockade the shipping lanes between Cerda and Teripol.

    The sea is blocked by Christos, the west gate is blocked by infantry, the east and south gates are blocked by cavalry, and the main road is blocked by Nia. Well, it''s still difficult to completely block the information. ......

    Either way, the enemy''s ability to transmit information will be greatly impaired.

    If Jebe disrupts the information and Hercule spreads false information, ......

    The enemy will be unable to move.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll do fine.

    What''s up, Alicia? What''s the matter, Alicia?

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve seen it before," said Hercule, who grabbed Alicia''s breasts in what appeared to be a shoulder hug.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    "Oh, no, not here, not so directly .......

    What, you prefer my ass?

    No, not really. ...... Oh, God, no. ......

    Alicia writhed in agony.

    "...... Your Majesty. What are you doing?

    When Hercule was playing with Alicia, ......

    Sheherazade, who had temporarily left Hercule''s side to tend to her weapons, shouted angrily and approached Hercule.

    The fire of jealousy swirled in his eyes.

    "Oh, Scheherazade. What''s the matter?¡¡Did you want a squeeze too?

    "No, no, not really. ......

    I don''t want to be s*xually harassed in public like Alicia was. ......

    I don''t like being s*xually harassed in public like Alicia, but I don''t like seeing Alicia being s*xually harassed instead of me.

    I''ll touch your breasts later, or your ass, or whatever you want.

    "No, no, ...... no, thank you, .......

    Scheherazade''s ears flushed and she turned away.

    Hercule grinned and ......

    Alicia breathed a sigh of relief as she walked away from Alicia and towards Scheherazade.

    Alicia breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Oh, come on, don''t be shy.

    "Hee!¡¡No, please don''t!

    Hercule grabbed Scheherazade''s breasts without hesitation.

    The shape of her breasts distorted.

    Hercule squeezed Scheherazade''s breasts and said to Alicia.

    "Alicia. In answer to your earlier question, ...... we will now contact the landing force led by Stefan that is anchored on the island of Marne and conduct a simultaneous land and sea attack with a total of 5,300 troops to bring down the city of Teripol.

    "Aaaaah!¡¡I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    Scheherazade''s face turned red and her body trembled as she half cried.

    But Hercule forcibly restrained Scheherazade''s body and moved his hands more violently.

    For a few moments, Scheherazade''s body convulsed more than ever before, and then ......

    She went limp and motionless.

    When Hercule removed his hand, Scheherazade sat down on the ground, wincing.

    Breathing hard, she stared at the ground with unfocused eyes.

    "What''s the matter, Alicia? You want me to do it too?

    No, no, no, thank you!

    No, thank you!" "Don''t be shy, ......, I''ll give your ass a good squeeze.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    The first siege of Teripol was about to begin.

    Well ......

    Five days back in time.

    Just a few hours after Hercule crossed the Great Desert and invaded the Kingdom of Cerda.

    The Shueyens of Balbar, led by Masinissa, invaded the region of Teriportania.

    They crossed the desert by a different route from that of Hercule.

    The reason why they didn''t work with Hercule was because Hercule wanted a separate force to disrupt the Teriportanian garrison while he was attacking Teripol City. ......

    The reason for this was that he did not want to confuse the chain of command by mixing armies with completely different chains of command.

    In such a strategic surprise operation, where speed is paramount, any disruption in the chain of command would be fatal.

    Thus, ......

    A total of 1,800 soldiers, 600 cavalry and 120 infantry, fell one city after another in the region of Teriportania.

    The Terriportanian garrison was 70000......

    However, the number of soldiers had not yet been gathered, and the number was 500.

    Five hundred is almost three times as many as the eighteen hundred troops of Masinissa who launched the attack. ......

    However, their attention was focused on the sea side, that is, to the north, in order to prevent the Lemurian army from invading, and their forces were further dispersed.

    As a result, the response was delayed and ......

    The result was that they allowed Massinissa to attack.

    Because Masinissa did not want bloodshed in this war, ......

    It was a tactic of retreating into the great desert after a raid, and then launching a surprise attack on another point.

    The Terripolitanian defenders were too busy preparing for the raids of the Shueen clan led by Masinissa and the possible Lemurian army coming from the sea to send reinforcements to Terripoli.

    Three days had passed since the Barbarians, led by Masinissa, had launched their attack on the Teriportanian region, on the fourth day of the desert crossing.

    The generals were closing in on Iason.

    They had received information about the attack by the Barbals and the Lemurian army crossing the desert.

    "Master Iason!¡¡What should we do?

    "......, calm down.

    Iason closed his book and spoke to his generals in a calm voice.

    The expressions on the generals'' faces varied.

    Some were pale, some were very upset, and some could not hide their annoyance with Iason.

    "According to information I have obtained through interrogation of prisoners of war, ...... the Lemurian army''s main objective is the sea. In other words, the Barbarians who attacked from the desert were only a diversion.

    As the Lemurian army invades, the Barbarians will take advantage of the opportunity to invade.

    Or both sides will team up to attack.

    This was something that Iason had expected.

    The Terriportanian garrison was certainly prepared for the Lemurian army that would invade from the ...... sea. But we''ve given them a certain amount of leeway, so that if they come at us from the desert, we''ll still be able to respond.

    In fact, even though we''re on the back foot: ......

    The Teriportanian garrison has been able to deal with the invasion of the Barbarians, and they have not let up their guard on the sea.

    The problem is that sending reinforcements to Teriportania in a hurry would weaken the defenses of Azdavia. That''s probably what the enemy is after. We just need to stay calm and continue to defend Azdavia.

    Iason concluded.

    But what news do we have of a Lemurian invasion across the desert?¡¡But what news do we have of the Lemurian invasion across the desert, or of the defeat of our friends in the city of Teripol?¡¡There are other reports that the city of Teripol has already fallen and is closing in on the capital city of Cerda. ...... There is a lot of information flying around, but ......

    It''s a hoax. Think about it. You can''t cross the desert, can you?

    Iason said as if he were telling his generals.

    The premise of the desert crossing is a lie.

    Iason''s prediction was that the rest of the information was likely to be wrong.

    Iason''s prediction is that the rest of the information is likely to be wrong. "Perhaps they misidentified the Barbals who appeared in the desert south of Teripol as Lemurian troops. ...... The confusion will be cleared up soon, and if we wait a while, we should hear from General Carmine. You can judge the truth by that. It''s not too late to wait for more accurate information.

    It''s rather dangerous to move under these circumstances.

    Iason argued that it would be dangerous to move in this situation, and decided to continue the standoff with the Lemurian army without sending reinforcements.

    The generals seemed to be satisfied with Iason''s argument. ......

    However, they still could not hide their dissatisfaction.

 185 Episode 26: Kami de Oni

    "So we''ve got the major highways covered.

    Nia muttered as she looked at the map.

    Upon receiving Hercule''s order, Nia immediately moved and took over the main road from Teripol to Cerda.

    It took only two and a half days to seize all the gates and roads.

    We started moving early in the morning of the next day after receiving the order. ......

    As a result, by noon of the sixth day after the start of the desert crossing, they succeeded in blocking the main road between Cerda and Teripol.

    Nia''s independent rangers can be described as "infantry that can ride horses.

    Its mobility is equal to that of cavalry, and it can march 70 kilometers a day.

    It is also capable of mounted combat, dismounted infantry combat, and siege warfare.

    It takes cavalry to move quickly, siege skills to bring down a fortified position, and infantry to defend a fortified position. ......

    Nia''s independent rangers are capable of all of these things.

    That''s why Hercule assigned Nia to this task.

    "General Nia!¡¡The Emperor has sent an early horse to .......

    "Really?

    Nia was overjoyed to see the soldier who had brought the letter from Hercule, and she took it from him.

    She then opened it up and gave him an enraptured look.

    "Smells like ...... your majesty ......

    The letter stated that Hercule had won the battle of Teripol two days ago.

    It also told him to continue his mission as ordered.

    "Yes, sir. I will now write a letter to His Majesty informing him that all the gates have been sealed, so please wait a moment. Well, ...... if you didn''t hesitate to come here, then I''m sure His Majesty already expected me to succeed.

    Nia has yet to inform Hercule of the success of the mission.

    And yet, the fact that Hayama did not hesitate to come to this barrier means that he expected Nia to be there by this time.

    "Your Majesty ......, I will definitely carry out my mission!

    Nia clenched her fists tightly.

    At the time when Nia clenched her fists, ......

    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this type of product.

    I''m not a fan.¡¡I''m sure that the Lemurian army is in Iason''s custody, and they were fully prepared for an attack from the sea.¡¡Where the hell did they come from? !

    Hilderick II raised his voice and stood up.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    "Well, it''s the desert. ......

    Sonia muttered in a small voice.

    Hilderick II asks Sonia back.

    "The desert?

    Yes,......, it''s a diversion on land and sea. The enemy''s aim from the start was to use the desert crossing as a strategic surprise ......, if only I had known about it a little earlier!

    Sonia slammed her fist down on her desk in frustration.

    Then she stood up and said to Hilderick II.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡We need to send reinforcements now!¡¡The Chelda defenders have 60000 troops. We haven''t gathered all of them yet, so the actual number is 500. ...... If we can allocate about 200 of them to go to Teripol City, we should be able to defeat the Lemurian army once and for all!

    This is a pinch, but it''s also an opportunity.

    This is both a pinch and an opportunity," Sonia argued.

    Meanwhile, Hilderic II thought for a moment and then asked the soldier who had informed him of the Lemurian attack on the city of Teripol.

    "Did the Lemurians really cross the desert?

    "...... I can only assume so. But according to the information I have, it wasn''t the Lemurians, it was the Barbarians.

    At least I can''t judge, since I''m just a soldier.

    However, the role I was given was, "An army that appears to be the Lemurian army has crossed the desert and appeared near the city of Teripol. I am to inform you, the king, that there are approximately 30000 of them.

    I reply.

    "Are you sure it''s about three hundred?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. "Yes, Your Majesty. I have been ordered by General Carmine to tell you that it is three hundred.

    The soldier nodded.

    Sonia, we''ll have a ...... military conference first. Right now the information is too confusing for me to make a decision.

    "Oh no!¡¡What if the city of Teripol falls while we''re doing this?

    "Teripol City will be defended by General Carmine 50000. If the enemy''s strength is only three hundred, they won''t be able to break through that easily.

    In fact, Carmine has already been defeated, and his forces have been reduced to 100,000. ......

    This information had not yet reached King Hilderic II.

    "But ......

    Sonia was not happy, but ......

    But Hilderick II was right, you can''t move too fast in this situation when you don''t have enough information.

    Sonia nodded with a reluctant ...... expression.

    A few moments later, a military conference was held.

    We should send reinforcements right now!¡¡The fall of the city of Teripol means the loss of the region of Teriportania!

    The fall of Teripol means the loss of Teriportania!

    The generals of Carmine''s faction insist as well.

    In fact, most of the Carmine generals (with the exception of Sonia) were not too worried about the region of Teriportania.

    This was Hoamel''s support base, and losing ...... would not be a loss for Carmine.

    However, if Carmine were to be defeated, it would be a blunder for Carmine and ......

    If Carmine is defeated or captured as a prisoner of war, it would be a disaster.

    Therefore, they insist that we should send reinforcements to the city of Teripol.

    It''s too early to tell. It''s not too late to wait for more information to arrive.

    It is Hoamel and his faction who insist on this.

    The Teripolitan region is an important base of support for Hoamel, but ......

    For now, only three hundred Lemurian troops have appeared in the city of Teripol.

    It does not mean that the region of Teriportania is threatened right now.

    As a matter of fact, Teriportania is currently being attacked by the Shuien clan of the Barbarians, led by Masinissa, and is in the process of being threatened. ......

    This information had not yet reached the royal court.

    (It''s not too late to send reinforcements after General Carmine''s defeat. No, that would be more convenient.

    Hoamel chuckled inwardly.

    If Carmine was defeated, Carmine''s political influence would be reduced.

    That''s good for Hoamel.

    (d*mn, these people ...... are having a political fight at a time like this!

    Sonia was inwardly furious,.......

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    You can''t wait for information to get to you. The city of Teripol could fall tomorrow!

    "...... You''re exaggerating. The enemy has only three hundred men, right?

    The enemy general is the Emperor of Lemuria!

    The famous general, Hercule I, would be ......

    I''m not sure how useful a difference of three hundred and five hundred troops would be.

    Sonia argued.

    But Hoamel shook his head.

    It''s impossible. You think the Emperor of Lemuria himself will make the dangerous crossing of the desert?¡¡It is true that there are reports that the Emperor of Lemuria has come with an army, but ...... that would be a mistake.

    It''s only because it''s so dangerous that the emperor himself would lead an army!

    Sonia insists, but ......

    It was not possible to gain the sympathy of Hoamel and Hilderick II.

    Their values are fundamentally different.

    It is doubtful that the enemy is the Lemurian army in the first place. Isn''t it more likely that they are the Barbals, flying the Lemurian flag?¡¡It''s impossible to cross the desert.

    Hoamel''s argument is also plausible.

    Between the possibility of the Lemurian army directly crossing the desert and the possibility of the Barbarians invading under the banner of the Lemurian army, the latter is far more realistic.

    In the first place, if the Cerda defenders pull out their troops and send them to Teripol City, ...... the defense capacity of Cerda City will be reduced. It is possible that this is the goal of the Lemurian army or the Barbarians.

    "d*mn .......

    Sonia couldn''t argue and kept her mouth shut.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    ...... Hmm, I can see where Sonia and the others are coming from. I''m worried about Carmine as well,......, but if we move unnecessarily at this point, we could be playing right into the hands of the enemy. It is not too late to gather information first, and then ascertain its authenticity.

    Hilderick II concluded.

    In other words, the reinforcements to Carmine and to the city of T?ripol would have to wait.

    Sonia clenched her fists in frustration.

    After that, the military council was held day after day.

    And there, Sonia and Hoamel waged a daily war of words, and Hilderic II admonished them.

    The fifth council ...... was held four days after the first one.

    Ten days after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    The council was held as usual, and as they were discussing without any progress: ......

    Two new pieces of information were brought to my attention.

    The first was that the main road between Cerda and Teripol had been blocked by the enemy general, probably Nia Lucarios, since four days ago (i.e. the day of the first meeting), making the exchange of goods and information impossible. The other was that the enemy general, probably Jerusalem, had been killed.

    The other is that an enemy general, probably Jebe, appeared in Ifrikia two days ago and has been wreaking havoc and looting in Ifrikia.

    These two pieces of information were interpreted in opposite ways by Sonia and Hoamel.

    That''s why I said we should send reinforcements!¡¡When the information is blocked, no matter how long we wait here, we will not be able to get information about Teripol City here. It''s not too late. We should send reinforcements and lift the enemy''s roadblock!

    Hoamel, on the other hand, shook his head.

    No way!¡¡The enemy is invading the region of Iphiclesia. It''s clear that the enemy''s target is the heart of our country, the Ifrikia region ......, namely the capital city of Cerda!¡¡If we accept the enemy''s invitation and send reinforcements, we will not be able to defend Iphrygia!

    Sonia slammed the desk hard.¡¡I''m not sure what to do.

    The enemy commander, Jebe, has an army of about three to four hundred men. That''s not a lot!

    "They may not be many, but they''re closing in on our capital!¡¡And speaking of small numbers, the Lemurian army that''s closing in on the city of Teripol is only three hundred. On the other hand, the army led by General Carmine is 50000. ......

    "How many days ago was that!

    Sonia''s shout echoed through the conference hall.

    Not only Hoamel, but also King Hilderic II and the generals of Carmine''s faction wore horrified expressions.

    As expected, Sonia felt bad about this, and turned to Hilderick II and apologized for raising her voice.

    However, she had no intention of retracting her statement and continued to speak.

    If your father''s ...... General Carmine''s army is still alive and well, there is no way the road will be blocked!¡¡Even if they were, some information would have reached us!¡¡And yet, for the past four days, seven days counting from the time when the Lemurian army closed in on Teripol City, there has been no information whatsoever.¡¡This is just too abnormal!

    Sonia implied that Carmine could have been defeated and at worst, the city of Teripol could have fallen.

    This made Hoamel''s face turn pale as he finally realized the seriousness of the situation.

    Carmine''s defeat is a good thing for Hoamel, but ......

    If it was important enough to lead to the fall of the city of Teripol and the fall of Teriportania, it would be a big deal for Hoamel, who has a support base in Teriportania.

    There are three things we need to do. The first is to lift the blockade, the second is to eliminate the Lemurian army that is attacking the Iphiclesia region, and the third is to send reinforcements to the city of Teripol.

    Sonia said, staring at Hilderic II.

    Hoamel ...... said nothing, but kept his mouth shut.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.

    I think Sonia is right. The first thing we should do is to allocate troops from the Cerda defenders to lift the blockade and eliminate the Lemurian forces that have invaded the Iphiclesia region. After that, we can gather information and send reinforcements to Teripol City. ......

    "Your Majesty!

    Sonia interrupted Hilderic II''s words.

    Hilderick II''s eyes widened in surprise at this.

    I''m sorry for my rudeness. But it''s too late to send reinforcements after gathering ...... information!¡¡The blockade should be lifted and reinforcements should be sent at the same time, which means at least one to two hundred highly mobile troops should be sent to Teripol City!

    With a horde that large, the Lemurian army''s tricks could be crushed with a single blow.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    No, ......, but isn''t there a risk that the Lemurian army or the Barbarians will attack the thinly defended city of Cerda?

    "That''s not likely, Your Majesty. It is true that the desert region to the south of Iphiclesia is the domain of the Barbarians, but ...... it is the domain of a different tribe than the Shueyens, who are currently believed to be in cahoots with Lemuria.

    The Fezzan region controlled by the Shuien clan extends from the southern part of the Lemurian province of Misr to the southern part of Teriportania.

    The area south of Iphrygia is the domain of another tribe.

    Therefore, it is unlikely that the Lemurian army or the Balbals will send a large army from across the desert to Iphrykia and Chelda City.

    But isn''t it possible that they are also in league with Lemuria?

    It''s .......

    Sonia, as expected, could never deny that much.

    Then Hilderick II asked Hoamel.

    "Hoamel, it is highly unlikely that the 50000 led by General Carmine will be defeated by the 30000 Lemurian army. That''s what you think, isn''t it?

    "Huh?¡¡Ah, yes, .......

    I''ve already changed my mind, Hoamel. ......

    Since the other day, I have not been able to easily discard or deny my previous opinion.

    It''s an act of admitting that I''m wrong.

    It is unlikely that the city of Teripol would have fallen or that General Carmine would have been defeated. In fact, wouldn''t it be more dangerous to move the army in an inappropriate manner and degrade the defense capabilities of Cerda City and the Iphiclesia region?

    Hilderick II concluded, perhaps unaware of Hoamel''s change of heart.

    Sonia bit her lip as she listened to Hilderick II''s words.

    (You coward. ......)

    There are three reasons why King Hilderick II is reluctant to send reinforcements to the city of Teripol to defend Cerda.

    The first is that, like Hoamel, he doesn''t want to admit that he has made a mistake in his decision.

    The second reason is that he doesn''t want to admit that he has made a mistake in his judgment, and it is pointed out by a girl who is younger than him and whom he is not very fond of.

    Emotionally, he could not easily change his mind.

    The other reason was that the reinforcements he had sent might be useless.

    If the reinforcements were useless, it would be an error of judgment on the part of Hilderic II.

    The last reason is that he is genuinely afraid that by allocating forces to defend Cerda, Cerda City, and thus himself, will be in danger.

    The Lemurian army, though small in number, has invaded the capital region of Iphraicia.

    There is no guarantee that the Lemurian army or the Barbarians ...... will not come to reinforce the enemy.

    I''m sure that the enemy forces blocking the ...... roads and those invading the Iphicles are about 400 each, right?¡¡Considering that the former is probably dispersed, 500 would be sufficient. The latter will be handled with 100. Let''s allocate a total of 150 from the Chelda defenders.

    From a total of 60000 Chelda defenders, 15000.

    That was the maximum line that Hilderic II could psychologically tolerate at the moment.

    Hilderic II was afraid of the Lemurian or Barbarian armies that might come from across the desert.

    So, this is the end of the war games. Now let''s get on with reorganizing the army.

    With that, King Hilderic II left the room early.

    The remaining members of the army looked at each other.

    "...... What are you going to do, Minister Hoamel?

    Sonia said as if to chastise the blue-faced Hoamel.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    What you do or don''t do is your decision.

    There was nothing more Hoamel could say.

    Fortunately, the reorganization of the army itself was completed in one day.

    However, the information that came with the ...... reorganization further confused the royal court of the kingdom of Cerda.

    It was the movements of the Lemurian army, led by Jebe, that was ravaging the region of Iphraicia.

    The information that came yesterday was that as of two days ago (i.e. three days from now), the Lemurian army was looting a point 500 kilometers from Chelda City. ......

    However, according to ...... information received that day, as of two days ago, the Lemurian army had sacked ...... a point four hundred kilometers from Chelda City.

    And as of ...... two days ago, the Lemurian army had sacked four hundred kilometers.

    The speed of their advance is one hundred kilometers a day.

    This means that they are now rampaging 200 kilometers away from the ...... capital.

    And the next day, two separate units of ...... soldiers from the Chelda garrison, one hundred and fifty men each, were about to leave the capital.

    As of yesterday, Jebele''s troops had looted a two-hundred-kilometer radius, according to ......

    A few hours later, in the early morning of today, it was reported that they had looted a point 150 kilometers from the capital.

    What it means is: ......

    The Lemurian army that is invading Iphiclesia is advancing at an astonishing rate of one hundred kilometers a day.

    And it is possible that they will appear here in the suburbs of Cerda tomorrow.

 186 Episode 27 God Speeds Independent Battalion

    The royal palace of the Kingdom of Chelda is in turmoil due to the approach of Jebe. ......

    The Lemurian army led by Jebe had already moved a hundred kilometers from Chelda City.

    "Captain, why don''t we find a place to sleep?¡¡It''s already getting late in the day.

    "Hmm, I suppose we could.

    Jebe nodded his head in agreement and looked for a place to stay.

    After riding along for a while, he found a village of some size.

    Is that a good place?

    Jebe''s troop of three hundred and sixty cavalry headed for the village.

    Suddenly, a group of cavalrymen appeared and gradually approached. ...... The inhabitants of the village seemed to be in a state of confusion.

    "All of you, take up your bows. But don''t shoot yet.

    Jebe ordered his men, and then slowly approached the village gate.

    Then an old man came out of the village.

    He appeared to be a dog-shaped warbeast.

    Jebe said in his newly learned warbeast language.

    "We, the Lemurian army. Let us stay. Or die.

    We are the Lemurian army.

    We are the Lemurian army. Let us stay in this village.

    Jebe told the village chief.

    It seems that Jebe''s intentions were conveyed to the chief, and he turned pale.

    Let him stay. We''ll be quiet.

    Jebe said that he would not do anything if the chief let him stay.

    The chief knelt down in front of Jebe and said slowly.

    I understand. General of Lemuria, please come with me.

    The chief then invited Jebe and his men in.

    Once they were inside the village, they were on their own.

    Jebe demanded more food and barley to feed his horses.

    The cavalry led by Jebe numbered 360. ......

    Each horse has four replacements, bringing the total number of horses to 1,800.

    The weeds on the road can provide a good amount of food, but ......

    We would like to feed them better fodder if possible.

    Of course, the village chiefs argued that they would starve to death if they offered that much barley. ......

    Jebe said, "I''m dying now. I''m dying of hunger. Which is it? Jebe asked, and they reluctantly gave him the barley.

    Then he had the pigs and cows crushed and fresh meat prepared.

    There were also about ten horses that looked good, so they threatened to take them by force.

    The men also wanted to drink alcohol. ......

    However, Jebe decided that it was dangerous to get drunk in the middle of the enemy, so he rejected the idea.

    Instead, Jebe demanded of the village chief.

    "Young woman. Give it to me.

    This was met with resistance, as expected. ......

    But when Jebe said, "Then die," he offered her to him with a look of tears on his face.

    "Huh. ...... Are you sure you don''t want to do this, captain?

    "As you can see, I''m busy.

    After enjoying intercourse with the women of the village, a member of the team asked Jebe, ......

    Jebe replied that he was not particularly interested.

    In fact, it seemed that Jebe was telling the truth when he said he was busy. ......

    He was comparing the maps he had brought with him, the maps he had obtained everywhere he went, and the information he had obtained in the village, writing on the maps as he planned his next move.

    But to the men, it seemed that Jebe was not interested in women at all.

    "Captain, is the rumor true that you are the emperor''s mistress?

    No, of course not.

    But, Captain, isn''t she pretty?

    One of the men pointed out.

    There are a lot of beautiful elves with long ears, but ...... Jebe''s feminine face made her stand out from the rest of the independent rangers, and she looked very lovely.

    He looked like a beautiful girl in the midst of hot men.

    You''re right, the captain is really pretty.

    I wish you were a girl.

    Then we''d have an orgy every day!

    You''re His Majesty''s woman, you idiot.¡¡She''ll kill you if you touch her.

    Well, I''m her man, actually.

    "Well, actually, I''m her man," Jebe said, waving his hand in the air in annoyance at the officer''s ridicule.

    Boom!

    The knife snatched the soldier''s cheek and plunged him into the wall.

    The air froze.

    Jebe stood up slowly.

    I have a wife. Doesn''t that disprove the false rumors that I''m his mistress?

    Jebe has been offered an arranged marriage by Hercule. ......

    A few years ago, he finally married a half-elf.

    She is a pretty blonde Lemurian girl, and Jebbeh is very happy about it.

    He said, "Whoever laughed at me, get out. If you don''t, I''ll kill you.

    Jebe said in a low voice.

    The men, their faces pale, ...... nodded and walked out of the building.

    He ordered them to form a group of ten.

    The people who made fun of Jebe and the men who were there totaled thirty.

    That makes three groups.

    After the groups were formed, Jebe ordered the three groups in a low voice.

    There will be a one-tenth punishment. Be ready.

    Jebedee then called the other soldiers in the village, and also the inhabitants of the village.

    ...... What are you doing?

    "A festival.

    Jebe said to the chief, who looked worried.

    The chief saw a strange sight.

    Three soldiers of the Lemurian army were tied to a tree.

    In their hands, they held a target-like object, which they raised above their heads.

    Their faces were tense with fear, and their legs were shaking.

    Meanwhile, about a hundred meters away from them, twenty-seven soldiers were holding bows with pale faces.

    "Hey, captain!¡¡I''m so sorry!¡¡Please forgive me!

    One of the bound men shouted.

    Jebe looked at the man and nodded.

    "Are you sorry?

    I''m sorry, sir.

    I see.

    Jebe slowly approached the man and ......

    He drew his sword and cut off the man''s head.

    The assembled villagers screamed.

    On the other hand, the ...... Lemurian soldiers, perhaps used to human death, turned pale but did not scream, only gasped.

    Jebe then went to the group of bound men, a total of nine men.

    The men were pale.

    "Pick one.

    ""Yes, sir!"

    Jebe ordered, and the nine men drew lots to choose one of them. ......

    They tied the body to the tree where they had removed it.

    After confirming this, Jebe ordered the twenty-nine men to do the same.

    "One man, one arrow. One man, one arrow. Make sure you hit the target that the base is holding up. If you hit the target well, I will forgive you. If you are unlucky and miss the target and the foundation dies, ...... choose one of the remaining nine to be the foundation.

    On that day, three soldiers were killed by the punishment of ......

    Three soldiers died that day as a result of Jebe''s punishment.

    The next morning, in the dim light, Jebe decided to leave the village.

    Thank you for your help.

    No, no. ...... No, not at all. ......

    The village chief said with a pale face.

    The village chief''s feeling was that he wanted them to leave as soon as possible.

    As well as the forcible requisitioning of goods, I don''t want to stay long with a general who carries out such cruel punishments.

    Here you go.

    Jebe handed the bag to the village chief.

    The chief took the bag with trembling hands.

    The bag was stuffed to the brim, but only a small amount of its contents were visible.

    Shining gold in the morning sun, it was a ......

    It was a Lemurian gold coin.

    "What''s this?

    "Barley. Meat. Woman. Money.

    With that, Jebe turns on his heel and leads the cavalry away.

    The chief looked at the bag of gold coins and muttered.

    The chief looked at the bag of gold and muttered, "......, if you get this much, you should have stayed another ten days.

    "Captain, what do we do now?¡¡Attack the capital?

    ...... It''s too risky. We''ll get a little closer and stick around for three days, five days max if we can. Then we come home.

    Ten days to get there.

    Five days to rampage.

    Ten days to return.

    That''ll give us 30 days to get back to Terpol.

    "Brace yourselves. ...... The enemy is about to launch a full-scale counterattack. I''m not going to fight them, though.

    Jebe''s goal is to distract the enemy.

    Jebe''s goal is to distract the enemy, to drive them back mentally.

    Therefore, there is no need to hit the enemy directly, and there is no need to even fight in the first place.

    It''s impossible for them to catch us.

    Jebe and his troops were marching a hundred kilometers a day, and it was nearly impossible for Chelda''s army to catch up with them and engage them.

    Jebe had absolute confidence in the mobility of his troops.

 187 Episode 28 First Battle of Teripol

    It was exactly thirteen days after Hercule had crossed the desert that Stephan''s landing party appeared in the waters near the city of Teripol.

    It was almost the same time that the cavalry led by Jebe had left the village.

    The day after the battle of Teripol, Hercule sent a boat to the Marne: ......

    It took three days for the ship to reach the Marne, and four days for Stefan to leave the Marne for the waters around the city of Teripol after he received the news.

    The Lemurian navy had chained and stabilized the ships ...... and lined them up to cover the harbor of the city of Teripol.

    The Lemurian Navy chained the ships to each other and lined them up so that they covered the harbor of Teripol.

    The kingdom of Cerda, on the other hand, had already given up on naval warfare: ......

    They sank all the ships and made the harbor unusable.

    They also blockaded the harbor with thick chains.

    "Your Majesty, the smoke is rising.

    "Looks like it.

    Looking at Alicia''s pointing finger, ......

    Hercule sneered.

    The west gate of the city of Teripol is already manned by three hundred and thirty troops.

    "The wolfsbane is up, which means Stefan''s guy can launch an attack at any time.

    Hercule grinned.

    Then he ordered the soldiers.

    Then he ordered the soldiers: "Raise the wolfsbane and give the signal. ...... We will now launch an all-out attack.

    330,000 from the land side.

    330 from the land side. 200 from the sea side.

    A total of 5,300 Lemurian troops launched an attack on the city of Teripol, where 10,000 soldiers were holed up.

    The Lemurian army''s attack on the first day was mainly with projectile weapons.

    On land, trebuchets, made by engineers of the Lemurian Empire, roared and sent various objects flying into the city.

    It could be a simple stone, a lump of straw soaked in oil and set on fire, a human or animal carcass, or a pot filled with feces and urine. ......

    There are many different types.

    In addition, the Bulgurons and cataphract cavalry would shoot arrows as close as possible to the walls of the city, and then leave the city immediately, thus reducing the enemy''s strength little by little.

    At sea, arrows were fired mainly from ballistae attached to ships.

    Sometimes, a small bottle was attached to the tip of the arrow and filled with "holy fire" (a weapon made of refined oil mixed with pine resin, sulfur, and nitre), which was then shot into the harbor.

    The enemy''s counterattack was surprisingly feeble.

    That night, Alicia gave her impressions of the siege to Hercule.

    Normally, in a siege, the enemy''s arrows rain down on you like rain.

    The arrows from the top of the wall and the arrows from the bottom of the wall fly longer than the arrows from the top of the wall.

    No matter how good the Lemurian Empire''s compound bow is, the disadvantage of height difference cannot be overturned.

    However, the number of arrows raining down from the Kingdom of Cerda was not very large.

    Perhaps the loss of the light infantry was having an effect.

    The archers of the Kingdom of Chelda are the light infantry.

    However, in the last battle, Chelda''s army was reduced to one-fifth of its strength.

    In particular, the light infantry seems to have been severely damaged by being forced to deal with both the mighty Bulgurons and the medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts).

    Instead, we''re seeing a lot of stone throwing. It looks like the citizens are joining in.

    Scheherazade said.

    Instead of archers, the enemy general Carmine had mobilized his strongest citizens to fight back against the Lemurian Empire by having them throw stones and household goods.

    Even citizens with no combat training could throw things.

    Just throwing things from the walls is not a bad idea, as it is powerful enough to kill people.

    However, ...... there is a limit to the distance that an amateur can throw by hand, no matter how high or low the difference is.

    This has resulted in many casualties among the citizens.

    "Your Majesty. Are we just going to wait and see for today?¡¡Will you launch a full-scale attack tomorrow?

    Alicia asked.

    Alicia asked, because Hercule hadn''t made any aggressive attacks today.

    They mainly attacked with projectile weapons and occasionally attacked the city walls sporadically as if they remembered.

    The projectile attacks are still going on.

    Particularly with the trebuchet, Hercule intended to keep it in full operation throughout the night.

    There is no need to hit the city walls.

    All that was needed was to hit a house inside the city walls and kill someone.

    That''s enough to give the enemy psychological stress.

    I''m going to keep going like this for a while. I''m going to keep going like this for a while. If the trebuchet hits the city walls well, we''ll be golden.

    While Hercule waited for Stephan to arrive, he chopped down a nearby tree and had a trebuchet made.

    There were four of them in total.

    This leverage-based weapon is very powerful: ......

    It is powerful enough to destroy a castle wall.

    The problem, however, is that it does not hit very hard.

    When they do hit, it is only in the upper and middle parts of the walls, ...... slightly destroying the walls.

    To bring down the walls, you have to bring down the lower part of the walls, but you rarely hit that part.

    (Should we call Nia back?)

    Suddenly, Hercule had an idea.

    Nia''s magic eye could see vectors.

    Perhaps he could manipulate the trebuchet well.

    But if you think about it, being able to see vectors and being able to control a trebuchet are not necessarily the same thing.

    And you can''t call it back now.

    "Well, don''t worry. It''ll be down in five days.

    "Why is that, ......?

    Scheherazade asked.

    Alicia was curious.

    Hercule shrugged.

    While we were waiting for Stefan, I dug a tunnel. Five in total. In five days, these tunnels will reach the bottom of the city walls. All that''s left is to bring the walls down from their foundations.

    A tunneling strategy is a tactic of digging beneath the city walls and destroying the walls with their foundations.

    The tunnels are supported by wood and are dug under the city walls.

    Then, when the time is right, the wood is set on fire and the tunnel collapses.

    As the ground sinks, the walls will collapse under their own weight.

    This strategy is very effective and requires minimal casualties.

    But it requires advanced tunneling techniques.

    However, the Lemurian army is a standing army, and ...... Hercule had trained his infantry in tunneling techniques, so this tunneling strategy can be adopted relatively easily.

    To counter the tunneling strategy, the enemy would have to dig counter tunnels to destroy the tunnels dug by the Lemurians. ......

    This is not an easy task.

    It is impossible to destroy all five tunnels.

    Well, we''ll be attacking with a castle hammer and trying to hang ladders on the walls, but ...... those are all diversions. The main thing is the tunnels, which are sure to win.

    The victory of the Lemurian army was already assured.

    After that, the Lemurians continued to wage a day-and-night siege, exhausting Chelda''s army.

    In the meantime, they continued to dig tunnels under the walls.

    Noticing the Lemurian tunnels, Chelda''s army succeeded in destroying two of the five tunnels by creating counter tunnels. ......

    By the evening of the same day, three of the tunnels had reached just below the city walls.

    By the evening of the same day, three of the tunnels were directly under the city walls. "Now, we will launch an all-out attack as soon as the sun rises in the early morning of the next day. Let''s make a surrender call before that.

    Just before sunset, Hercule wrote a letter recommending surrender and sent it to the city of Teripol.

    The letter read, "The tunnel has already reached the bottom of the city wall. There is no point in resisting any longer. Open the gates and surrender before we launch a full-scale attack tomorrow. You don''t want to hurt the innocent people, do you? That''s what he said.

    "Are you sure, Your Majesty?¡¡Your Majesty. May I inform the enemy of the existence of the ...... tunnel?

    Alicia asked.

    She didn''t want to tell them the timing of the general attack, but it seemed too big a hint to the enemy that she intended to use the ...... tunnels to bring down the walls.

    No problem. Think about it, we can''t even dig a counter mine now, can we?

    ...... That''s true, too.

    Alicia nodded.

    I''d like to avoid a civil war if possible.

    Yeah. It would cause more damage. ......

    Hercule nodded in agreement to Scheherazade''s words.

    A siege doesn''t have to end when you get over the walls,.......

    The city battle that follows is also very costly.

    Because the enemy has the advantage of the land, it will cause great damage to its own forces.

    Not only that, but many civilians will die as well.

    If too many innocent people die, it may affect the future governance.

    And I want to keep the walls intact.

    The war is not expected to end soon after the city of Teripol is destroyed.

    There is a high possibility that the enemy will come to take the city back.

    Therefore, it is important to keep as much of the city''s defensive equipment as possible, as it will determine the outcome of the war.

    Now, ......, I''d be happy if you surrendered.

    All that was certain was that the next morning, the double-headed eagle would be fluttering over the city of Teripol.

    That evening, Carmine and his men were discussing whether or not to surrender.

    Those in favor of surrender argued that there was no point in fighting any longer.

    They argued that if the walls fell, they would be crushed by a five-fold difference in strength. ......

    In addition, the morale of the soldiers was greatly degraded by the defeat in the battle and the fatigue from the daily defensive battle.

    On the other hand, there were many who advocated against surrender.

    They claimed that the Lemurian army had lied when they said that the tunnels reached right under the city walls.

    In other words, the walls would not come down the next morning, and there would be plenty of time to fight.

    The city of Teripol is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Cerda, and the key to the defense of the country.

    We can''t afford to lose it.

    However, the opposition''s claim that the tunnels reached just below the city walls was a lie told by the enemy was denied by those who observed the "tremors" that occurred during the digging of the tunnels during the war.

    We don''t know the exact location of the tunnels, but there are certainly multiple tunnels extending ......

    And it has yet to be destroyed.

    It is quite possible, they argued, that it reaches right under the city walls.

    ...... We have no choice but to surrender. We can''t afford to sacrifice our men and our people.

    Carmine muttered.

    But ...... one of his men shook his head.

    "No, my lord!¡¡If his lordship is taken prisoner, the ...... royal court will be taken over by that traitor, Hoamel!

    "That''s .......

    Carmine stammered.

    It is true that if Carmine is captured in Lemuria and absent from the palace, it is certain that Hoamel''s power will increase.

    I don''t think my daughter Sonia can stand up to Hoamel on Carmine''s behalf.

    "Sir ......, why don''t we just get out of here?

    One of his men said.

    Carmine frowned.

    Carmine frowned. "What do you mean by that?

    "Everyone here right now is a key member of your faction. Your capture is certainly a problem, but ...... the capture of the others would be a great loss for us. Besides, there are few people who can lead an army in the Kingdom of Cerda now.

    In the last civil war, many of the warbeast aristocrats who are known for their martial prowess followed King Raus I. As a result, many capable generals were killed.

    As a result, many capable generals were killed in battle or executed.

    In addition, if Carmine, his nobles, and his subordinates were captured, the kingdom of Cerda would have no generals who could command an army.

    "But running away without your soldiers and your people... ......

    Carmine muttered.

    But inwardly he tapped his abacus.

    (......Teriportania is the support base of that traitor, Hoamel. No great loss for me in losing it.

    Do I really need to work so hard to protect it?

    I wondered.

    (This all happened because of that idiot Iason, the young soldier. If we put all the blame on Iason, it would be more of an attack on Hoamel.

    Carmine smiled.

    (Why aren''t the reinforcements coming to us in the first place? (Why haven''t the reinforcements come to us in the first place?) That Hoamel must have told the king something bad and said he didn''t want reinforcements. In other words, ...... it''s all Joamel''s fault.

    Let''s put it that way.

    Carmine may be blamed for the defeat, but ......

    In any case, Hilderic II has no choice but to entrust his army to Carmine.

    In addition to the fact that Carmine is the only person, aside from Iason, who can stand up to the Lemurian Emperor to some extent, not a few of the troops in the Chelda Kingdom''s army come from Carmine''s territory.

    "We have no choice but to leave ...... a few commanders behind and escape the city on our own.

    Carmine decided to do so.

    Thus, Carmine and his party escaped from the city of Teripol under the cover of darkness through a hidden passage.

    The next morning.

    The next morning, the gates of Teripol City were opened and 5,300 Lemurian troops entered Teripol City.

    It was the eighteenth day after Hercule had begun his journey across the desert.

 188 Episode 29 Red Wolf Corps

    Meanwhile, back in time: ......

    It was the thirteenth day after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    The day Jebe left the village early in the morning and Hercule and Stephan launched an all-out attack on the city of Teripol.

    The royal court of the Kingdom of Cerda was finally informed that Carmine had been defeated in the battle of Teripol.

    King Hilderic II hurriedly held a military council.

    In the midst of a heavy atmosphere, ...... King Hilderic II opened his mouth.

    "How many reinforcements do you think we need?

    How many reinforcements do you think we need? We must send reinforcements, of course.

    That was the only decision that had to be made.

    In response, a blue-faced Hoamel opened his mouth.

    ...... In order to deal with the Lemurian army that is currently closing in on Cerda City, I think we need to leave at least 10,000 troops behind.

    "So you''re saying we should send the rest of our troops, 500, as reinforcements?

    Coincidentally, that was the exact same force that Carmine had led when he was defeated at the Battle of Teripol.

    What this means is that five hundred and fifty is not a sufficient number of troops for reinforcements.

    "...... Sonia, are you the same?

    If possible, we should send not 500 but 600, that is to say, the entire army, but considering the presence of the Lemurian army rampaging in the ...... Iphiclesia region, that will be difficult.

    In other words, you''re in favor of 500 reinforcements.

    I''m worried.

    Hilderick II said in a weak voice.

    ...... What guarantee do we have that this isn''t a trap for the Lemurian army? Who can guarantee that the moment we send out reinforcements, over a hundred thousand troops won''t come pouring in from across the desert?

    "......

    "......

    Sonia and Hoamel kept their mouths shut.

    There are a lot of reasons why this is unlikely, but they can''t provide enough evidence to say it will never happen.

    But I can''t give you enough evidence to say it''s impossible, because what I''ve already said is impossible has already happened.

    And the Lemurian army that is currently rampaging through Iphraicia is an exceptional army that marches over a hundred kilometers a day, isn''t it?¡¡I don''t think the general is incompetent. Who can say for sure that ...... 10,000 men will not be destroyed by that general?

    "Your Majesty. The army led by the enemy general, Jebe, is between three and four hundred. There''s more than double the difference in strength. We can''t expect to be defeated so easily. ......

    "Then, Hoamel. You think it''s unlikely that an army will march more than a hundred kilometers a day or that a twofold difference in strength will be overturned. Which do you think is less likely?¡¡Which do you think is more difficult?¡¡I think the former, don''t you?

    This is an army that can march a hundred kilometers a day.

    Can you deny the possibility that they will employ unimaginable tactics to overturn a two- or three-fold difference in strength?

    Hilderic II said to Hoamel.

    To this, Hoamel could not say anything.

    Normally, a march of more than 20 kilometers per day is considered fast enough.

    The marching speed is determined by the morale and skill level of the soldiers. ......

    The soldiers of the Kingdom of Chellda, a military state, have high morale and skill levels.

    Therefore, they are capable of marching about 25 kilometers a day, the same level as the army of the Lemurian Empire. (However, when it comes to a very strong march of more than 30 kilometers a day, the general''s talent becomes more important, and it is difficult to march at the extraordinary speed of the Lemurian emperor.

    However, the Lemurian army, which is ravaging the region of Iphiclesia and threatening the capital, is marching at a speed of 90 to 100 kilometers a day.

    That speed is ''impossible''.

    I''m sure the reports say that the enemy is an elite force made up entirely of cavalry?¡¡Well, ......, but it''s still an extraordinary army.

    Hilderick II said with a sigh.

    ...... I don''t think we should send reinforcements. Shouldn''t we gather all our troops and use them to defend here in Cerda and the region of Iphiclesia?

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Then what about the lives of the soldiers, the people of Terriportania, and the lives of General Iason ...... and General Carmine?

    What about the lives of the soldiers, the people of Teriportania, and General Iason and General Carmine?

    Hoamel, whose support base was in the region of Teriportania, had to prevent the fall of Teriportania.

    What will happen if the city of Cerda is taken by surprise by the enemy?¡¡Our country will be destroyed.

    Hilderic II said with an exhausted look on his face.

    He was completely frightened of the Lemurian army and the Lemurian Emperor Hercule.

    "Your Majesty.

    Sonia stood up.

    Hilderic II looked at Sonia with stagnant eyes and said weakly.

    "Do you agree with Hoamel?

    Sonia looked firmly at Hilderick II and said, "I understand your concern.

    I understand your concern. Indeed, ...... anything can happen now.

    Hilderick II''s eyes widened at Sonia''s words.

    He had been expecting a direct denial.

    I will eliminate the enemy general, Jebe. I will rid the region of him, even if it costs me my life. So rest assured, you have my permission to send 500 troops as reinforcements. Your Majesty.

    After that, another 450 troops were sent to the city of Teripol. ......

    A total of 500 troops joined the 500 troops that had gone ahead to lift the blockade, and headed to defeat the Lemurian forces besieging Teripol City and rescue Carmine and the Teripol defenders.

    More ......

    A few days later, they would learn that the city of Teripol had fallen.

    It''s going better than I thought, Captain!

    Keep your guard up. The enemy is already on the move.

    It''s been four days since the independent rangers under Jebe''s command launched their destructive campaign within a hundred kilometers of the city of Cerda.

    So far, Jebe''s troops had been able to inflict effective damage on the enemy without much loss.

    They had already burned several food stores and raided convoys, threatening the enemy''s logistics.

    Jebe was skillfully sneaking through the enemy''s encirclement and striking back with a surprise attack, dealing blows to the enemy.

    While Jebe''s army marched a maximum of one hundred kilometers a day and a minimum of forty kilometers, ......

    While the Jebe army marched a maximum of one hundred kilometers a day, and a minimum of forty kilometers, the Chelda army marched at most twenty-five kilometers, and at most thirty kilometers if they pushed themselves too hard.

    With this, there was no way they could catch up with them or surround them.

    We should just shoot the enemy with our cavalry and leave the battle line immediately.

    But they don''t have many generals left, do they?

    No, they have one .......

    Jebe has been told in advance by Hercule ......

    He recalled the information provided by Mashinissa of the Barbarians, who had engaged the Chelda Kingdom many times, to be exact.

    There are three generals in the Kingdom of Chelda that we should be aware of.

    One is the warlord Carmine.

    The other is Iason, a young genius general.

    But these two are not much of a threat, Masinissa said.

    Both are good generals, but they are "ordinary" generals, she said.

    Carmine is experienced and well-liked, but he is not particularly gifted, and he is only an ordinary soldier.

    Iason is gifted but inexperienced, and his popularity is less than flattering.

    There are definite weaknesses in each of them.

    Therefore, there is only one general to watch out for: ......

    There is only one.

    "Sonia, the Red Wolf Princess, she''s here.

    Sonia Leups-Geisseria.

    She is the fianc¨¦e of the current king, King Hilderic II. ......

    And she is Carmine''s daughter.

    She is the daughter of Carmine. This seventeen-year-old girl, Masinissa said, should be the only one you pay attention to.

    "You''re still a little girl, aren''t you?

    "Don''t you know how old the Emperor was when he defeated General Darios?

    "Do you not know how old the Emperor was when he defeated General Darios?" Jebe retorted to his subordinate''s underestimation of the seventeen-year-old girl.

    Everyone clammed up at this.

    "According to Masinissa-dono, Princess Sonia''s army called the ''Red Wolf Corps'' is famous. It is said to be a cavalry unit made up of warbeasts that General Carmine gave to his daughter out of love for her.

    It''s a kind of independent ranger force owned by himself and Nia Lucarios.

    Jebe said.

    The difference is that the ...... Red Wolves are Carmine and Sonia''s private army.

    In the kingdom of Cerda, however, there is no clear distinction between "private" and "public".

    Both Carmine and Sonia are vassals of King Hilderick II, and Hilderick II is the king of the Kingdom of Chelda, so the "Red Wolves" are a respectable army of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Is red a thing?¡¡Are you wearing red armor or something?

    The elite troops are dressed in conspicuous colored armor.

    It is something that a seventeen-year-old girl would do.

    However, unifying with flashy colors is actually not such a bad idea.

    In the military of this world, which is based on the premise of massed warfare, it is more convenient to have uniforms in colors that stand out so that allies can easily recognize them.

    The more flashy the color, the more it intimidates the enemy, and the more it increases the sense of solidarity.

    No, they say it''s white.

    "Then we''re the Shiro Wolves. Why red?

    "Because it turns red with blood.

    Jebe''s answer left the members in awe.

    Jebe''s answer was enough to give them an idea of what kind of unit the "Red Wolves" were.

    The Red Wolves are said to charge head-on into a dense formation of infantry, unafraid of the bedding of spears. Its fighting ability is like that of a rabid dog ......, yes. Well, that''s probably an exaggeration, but it''s still a tremendous fighting ability.

    At the very least, it is certain that the Barbarians have been killed in great numbers by the Red Wolves led by Sonia.

    But we should be careful, but not overly afraid. There are no troops that can keep up with our speed.

    Jebe said confidently.

    And so they rode on to their next destination.

    .

    What they arrived at was a warehouse where military supplies were temporarily stored.

    If the supplies stored here were burned, the army of the Kingdom of Chelda would suffer from a temporary shortage of food, even though it was within its own territory.

    But since it''s still within their territory, the problem will soon be solved. ......

    That''s enough harassment.

    Here we are. Now, ...... let''s annihilate the garrison, burn them, and then go home.

    Three hundred and sixty cavalrymen kicked out a hundred enemy garrison soldiers as if they were working.

    One by one, they were shot and killed. ...... The guards fled like spiders.

    The Jebes then went into the warehouse and set fire to the burlap sacks full of wheat and barley.

    The food, which had been dried for preservation, burned very well.

    "Well, this is the last of it.

    Jebe led his men to open the largest of the warehouses.

    GIGGYGIGGY......

    The warehouse door opened with a loud bang.

    Jebe shone his torch into the darkness.

    There was a pile of grain sacks.

    It was not.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, General Jebe.

    There were a hundred heavy cavalrymen in bright white armor and a girl with a lovely smile on her face.

 189 Episode 30 Surprises and Assaults

    "All of you, evacuate: £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡

    Jebe shouted this at the exact same time that the Red Wolves led by Sonia made their charge.

    Jebe was the only one who managed to roll on the ground and avoid the cavalry charge. ......

    The soldiers accompanying Jebe and standing in front of the warehouse were all crushed by the horseshoes of the heavy cavalry.

    "All hands!¡¡Get on your horses!¡¡Let''s get out of here!

    Jebe shouted as he mounted a nearby horse and galloped off.

    As expected of an independent ranger unit led by Jebe.

    Since they were originally engaged in sabotage in the midst of the enemy,......, they had taken into account the possibility of being ambushed by the enemy and had been trained to leave the scene immediately in case of emergency.

    He was on the run like a rabbit.

    In no time at all, the independent rangers led by Jebe were out of the way.

    As he drove his horse, Jebe checked behind him.

    The enemy was in pursuit, but ...... far behind.

    And ...... his men and replacement horse are following behind him.

    This is the result of daily training.

    But ......

    d*mn, we''re down to 500 men. We''ve lost half our replacements.

    Jebe gritted his teeth.

    The loss of 500 elite troops and the loss of the replacement horse were both great.

    The loss of 500 elite troops and the loss of their replacements was also significant. This meant that the mobility of the independent rangers led by Jebe was greatly reduced.

    (We lost 100 in the march and battle up to this point, and now we have lost 500. Now we''ve lost three hundred. ...... Maybe it''s time to move on.

    We''ve rampaged far enough.

    It might be dangerous to stay in Iphiclesia any longer.

    So Jebe decided to return a day earlier than planned.

    But ......

    "Captain!¡¡From the forest on your left: ......

    "d*mn, we''re being ambushed!¡¡Retreat to the right with cavalry fire!¡¡Avoid direct combat as much as possible!

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    In response, the Red Wolves were not intimidated at all and made a cavalry charge against the left flank of the Lemurian army.

    The Lemurian army is split back and forth.

    d*mn ......, let''s save our friends!

    Jebe turned quickly, and now made a cavalry charge against the left flank of the Red Wolves that had pierced the Lemurian army.

    The following Lemurian army also attacked the right flank of the Red Wolves as Jebe charged.

    The Red Wolves, trapped between the front and the rear, were now in a tight spot.

    Jebe, with his skillful command, surrounded the Red Wolves and tried to destroy them.

    "Don''t be afraid!¡¡Show the inferior race the power of our warbeasts!

    "Oh, oh, oh... £¡£¡£¡£¡

    However, the Red Wolves were not intimidated at all, and launched an absurd assault on the Lemurian army led by Jebe.

    The soldiers of the Red Wolves became like hedgehogs after taking countless arrows.

    However, the resistance was greater than expected, and the Lemurian army led by Jebe suffered many casualties.

    In the meantime, the Red Wolves, led directly by Sonia, had returned.

    Their armor, which had been pure white, was now dyed red with fresh blood.

    They charged straight at the back of the Lemurian army surrounding their friends, without slowing down.

    Jebe hurriedly broke the siege and formed up.

    On the other hand, Sonia also arranged the Red Wolves'' ranks, which had been disrupted by the encirclement.

    About three hundred independent rangers and one hundred Red Wolf troops faced each other.

    In order to catch a beast that is fleeing at an untraceable speed, you have to set a trap in advance. Isn''t that obvious?

    Sonia spoke to Jebe in Lemurian.

    Jebe snickered.

    The beast is that way.

    Then he drew his saber.

    "Two battalions ....... Troops A and B, run ahead. Troop C, you''re stuck with me.

    Jebe gave the order to the independent rangers.

    At the same time, Sonia ordered the Red Wolves to...

    "Kill the vermin that are destroying our land.

    The voices of the generals on both sides overlapped.

    "Charge!

    About one hundred independent rangers and one hundred Red Wolves clashed with each other.

    It was a mess. ......

    At noon the next day, Jebe, with wounds all over his body, rejoined the two battalions that had escaped earlier.

    The first battalion, led by Jebe, had been chased all day yesterday by the Red Wolves, led by Sonia.

    Thanks to them, we lost six hundred of our best men.

    The Red Wolves led by Sonia were as strong as they were rumored to be: ......

    A battalion led by Jebe lost sixty men.

    The number of soldiers lost in the march so far is 100.

    And 500 in the ambush by Sonia.

    And 600 in Sonia''s pursuit.

    We lost a total of 120 men.

    In effect, we lost an entire battalion.

    "Captain, thank you for coming back. ......

    "That''s my line. You got away with it.

    Jebe smiled and thanked the troops who greeted him with tears in their eyes.

    If this had been a normal ...... unit, they would have been scattered among the enemy, and the independent raiding party led by Jebe would have been annihilated.

    However, Jebe had set up a rendezvous point in advance so that he could escape no matter what happened.

    Therefore, the Shinshin led by Jebe and the two battalions that had fled earlier were able to reunite safely.

    Many of the soldiers were killed, but ......

    There were no soldiers lost.

    Jebe patted his chest.

    "What do we do now?¡¡Captain.

    We can''t stay here any longer. Let''s get the hell out of here.

    Thus, on the seventeenth day after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    The independent rangers led by Jebe have begun a general retreat.

    d*mn, did we lose him?

    As Jebe rejoined his allies, Sonia muttered to herself, her teeth chattering.

    Her lovely lips revealed sharp canine teeth.

    The white armor was dyed bright red by the blood that came back. ......

    And her beautiful chestnut hair is covered with a thick layer of blood.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Sonia looked around at her soldiers.

    Although the Red Wolves had decided to take them by complete surprise and had given them a thorough chase, they were by no means unscathed.

    They had lost forty of their best men in the counterattack.

    "Oh, well. We''ve lost at least 100. Now they''ll retreat from the Iphiclesia region.

    They had lost about a third of their men.

    It''s safe to assume that their operational capabilities are greatly diminished.

    "First, let''s go back to the palace and report our ...... victory to His Majesty.

    Sonia flipped her reddish cloak and began to retreat.

    The next day, that is, the eighteenth day after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    That was the day the city of Teripol fell.

    "Hello, Stefan. It''s good to see you.

    "Your Majesty, it''s good to see you too. Good to see you.

    Stefan said sincerely.

    I''d be in a lot of trouble if my sovereign left me to die in the desert.

    Your Majesty. What do you intend to do now?

    I''m going to take a legion of cataphracts and a legion of bulgarian cavalry and return to Cyrene City. Then we will join Darios and his men who are attacking Azdavia and destroy it.

    "So I should be defending with General Oscar Almon with a total of three legions of infantry?

    Yes, that''s what it will take. The chain of command is ......, and you''re up there this time. You''re better at defending, aren''t you?

    When Hercule said that, Stephan nodded.

    Yes, sir. I''m sure you''ll be happy with the results. ...... But are you sure?¡¡I''m newer than you, and my status is also .......

    Oscar is the oldest of Hercule''s generals and a member of the Armon family, a prestigious noble family in the province of Misrule, albeit a minor one.

    Stephan, on the other hand, is newer than Oskar and a former mercenary.

    "Don''t worry. Don''t worry. I''ve already agreed with Oskar''s guy. He''s much better at offense than defense.

    Hercule muttered inwardly, Oscar on the offensive and Stefan on the defensive.

    I don''t want to say it, because it sounds very unhealthy and anti-Messianic.

    Stefan looked relieved when he heard that Oskar had given his consent.

    Normally, Stefan talks to Oscar in a broken tone, but ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    What is the plan for General Jebe and General Nia''s independent rangers?

    "They''ve both been ordered to retreat to the city of Teripol. At least they''ll be here sooner than the enemy will be able to retake Teripol City.

    As of yesterday, Hercule had ordered Nia to meet up with Stephan in Teripol City.

    Now that the city of Teripol had fallen, there was no need for any further information blockade.

    Besides, ......

    It was about time that the information that had fallen through the cracks was delivered to Hilderick II.

    Well, ...... maybe in two weeks at the earliest, a month at the latest, enemy reinforcements will arrive from both Teriportania and Cerda. We''ll be coming for you as soon as we''ve defeated the Azdavians. ...... Hang in there until then.

    When Hercule said this, Stefan nodded.

    I understand. Leave it to me. ...... I''m good at defense. May I use General Jebe and General Nia as I see fit?

    I don''t mind. Teripol is a key city. Make sure you defend it ...... even in death. Don''t let them see you run away ...... like some other guy.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.

    I''m sure you don''t mind if I annihilate ...... the Cerda Kingdom army, do you?

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.¡¡If you feel like dying, you can run away.

    It''s a matter of feeling.

    I really don''t want you to die, Hercule reminded him.

 190 Episode 31

    Meanwhile, twelve days ago.

    Six days after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    Iason received word that Carmine had been defeated.

    "That''s absurd. ......

    The book fell from Iason''s hand.

    He looked stunned for a while, ...... and muttered.

    "Are you sure you''ve crossed the desert?

    It was only here that Iason realized that it was true that the Lemurian army had crossed the desert in earnest.

    He unrolled the map and pondered.

    (If it were possible, I''d go for reinforcements, but ...... it''s nearly 700 kilometers from Azdavia to Teripol. It''s not practical. ......)

    It will take at least a month to get there.

    To begin with, ...... Iason is now facing the Lemurian army. There is no way that Iason can go for reinforcements.

    So we''ll have to send the Terriportanian garrison to them.

    The Teriportanian garrison is about 500 strong.

    There are about 500 Teryportanian defenders, and there are about 200 Balbals currently attacking Teriportania.

    There is room to spare in terms of numbers.

    (According to the information, the Lemurian army is about 30000. (According to our information, the Lemurian army is about 30000. If we can allocate 30000 from the Terriportanian defenders to go to them, ......)

    And then Iason realized.

    No, ...... there''s a Lemurian army at sea.

    The strength of the Lemurian army at sea is not known in detail, but it is ......

    Taking into account the number of Lemurian troops that have crossed the desert, the number of Lemurian troops that Iason is facing now, and the total number of standing troops in the Lemurian army, we can estimate the number to be around ...... 200-30000.

    If we allocate 30000 troops from the Teriportanian garrison, 20000 to 30000 Lemurian troops will come ashore from the thinly-manned port.

    Master Iason, the Teryportanian garrison would like you to send reinforcements. ......

    "No. Tell them not to send reinforcements, but to prepare for the enemy at sea.

    Iason said.

    And think.

    "The garrison of Chellda has plenty of room. They''ll get reinforcements from there. It may take some time, but it should also tell them that the Terriportanian garrison has no room to spare. (...... I''ll ask His Majesty to send reinforcements, just in case.

    Iason will be furious with the beast for not going to help his friends! Iason is trying to think of a way to appease the Warbeast generals who will be furious with him for not going to help their friends. ......

    He took a pen and wrote a letter, which he sent to Cerda City on a fast horse.

    The letter took about four days to make it past the city of Teripol and onto the main road between Cerda and Teripol. ......

    There, it was caught by Nia and never reached Chelda City.

    By the way, ......

    Iason''s prediction was partly correct, and it should be noted that Hercule''s second plan included a plan to land Stephan at a port in the Teriportanian region if the Teriportanian garrison came to reinforce him.

    Ten days later.

    Sixteen days after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    Iason received new information.

    It was that the Lemurian army had surrounded the city of T?ripol from land and sea, and had launched an all-out attack. ......

    The information was from three days ago: ......

    The Lemurian army actually attacked the city of Teripol on the thirteenth day after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    "Heck, we should have sent reinforcements .......

    Should we have dispatched about three hundred troops from the Teriportanian garrison as reinforcements?

    Iason regretted the choice he had made ten days ago.

    But ......

    (No, it would have taken 20 days to get the Teriportanian garrison to head there in the first place. ......)

    The Teriportanian garrison is dispersed at various ports and important points.

    Gathering them together and sending them towards the city of Teripol would take twenty days.

    If we move the deployment poorly, the Lemurian army will still land from the ports that have become inadequate. ......

    The Barbarians who are currently raiding Terriportania may slip through the cracks in the defenses and join the Lemurian army.

    Iason reminded himself that he had made the right choice.

    (In the first place,......, this strategy has failed from the moment the Lemurian army crossed the desert,......?

    Iason let out a sigh.

    Crossing the great desert is insane.

    The unexpected actions of the Emperor of Lemuria had upended the strategy of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    All countermeasures have been put on the back burner.

    The next best thing you can do now is ...... not to panic and not to move your army too far.

    The Teriportanian defenders are perfectly positioned.

    In fact, the Barbarians only ravaged the southern part of Teriportania, unable to penetrate deep into the country. ......

    And the Lemurian army has also given up on landing from the sea side.

    Unless we move this: ......

    The Lemurian army will not be able to make a move into the Teriportanian region unless this is moved.

    (Reinforcements will soon arrive from the Cerda defenders. (Reinforcements will arrive soon from Cerda''s garrison.) If that happens, the Lemurian army, isolated among the enemy, will be finished. We shouldn''t move here. We should hold the line.

    That was Iason''s decision.

    He rejected the request from the Teriportanian defenders to send reinforcements to Teripol City, and ordered them to continue defending as before.

    Iason''s choice was not the best one, but ......

    It was not a mistake.

    In a few days, the city of Teripol would fall.

    There was little point in sending reinforcements.

    If the Teriportanian garrison was still intact, it would be a wise decision, as it would prevent the Barbarians from traversing and crossing the Teriportanian region and joining up with the Lemurian forces in Teripol.

    But ......

    What''s this all about?

    That night, a group of armed Warbeast commanders came to Iason''s room.

    They all have grim expressions on their faces.

    "General Iason, I heard that you rejected the request of the Terriportanian garrison ...... and forbade General Carmine from sending reinforcements to Terripol City, is that true?

    It''s true. Because ......

    When Iason was about to give his reasons, ......

    The commanders drew their swords and pointed them at Iason''s face.

    "Whoa!¡¡What the hell?

    "Cancel the order ...... to send the Teriportanian defenders to Teripol City!¡¡Otherwise, we will remove you from office.

    I''m the one who''s supposed to be guarding Azdavia.¡¡I''m the commander of the Azdavian and Teryportanian garrisons, and your superior.¡¡In the military, hierarchy is absolute. ......

    "Shut up, you inferior!

    The Warbeast commanders barked at Iason.

    The Warbeast commanders barked at Iason, killing him and shouting at him with terrible swordsmanship.

    "We have orders from the king. We will listen to your orders. ...... But we will not stand idly by and let you abandon our troops!¡¡You traitor!

    "All right. ...... All right!¡¡I''ll listen to you, but I''m not going to stand by and watch you abandon your friends, you traitor! ......

    Iason complained, but rescinded the order he had issued a short time ago: ......

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    Further ......

    Ironically, it was the following night, seventeen days after the desert crossing, that Carmine and his warbeast nobles abandoned their soldiers and people and fled from Teripol City.

    It was three and a half days later that word of the fall of Teripol reached Iason.

    It was the twenty-first day after the desert crossing.

    Hahaha ...... What are these reinforcements for?

    When Iason heard of Carmine''s escape and the fall of Teripol City, he laughed helplessly.

    It had been five days since Iason had given the order.

    That is, twenty-two days after the desert crossing.

    "Chief, there''s something wrong with the Chelda Kingdom army.

    "...... They''re probably on their way to Teripol City for reinforcements.

    The information about the fall of Teripol City reached Masinissa at .......

    It''s been twenty days since Hercule crossed the desert.

    That means he got the information a day earlier than Iason did.

    What should we do?

    "We''ll take advantage of the opportunity and head for Teripol City to join our friends and defend ...... Teripol City. That was my promise to the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Hercule asked Masinissa to do two things.

    The first is to keep the Teriportanian garrison pinned down in the Teriportanian region. One is to repeat the raid.

    The second was to join up with the Teriportanian garrison if they attempted to reinforce either Teripol or Azdavia.

    I have no intention of spilling blood for Lemuria, but ......

    At the moment, the Kingdom of Chelda, an enemy of Lemuria, is also an enemy of the Shue Yan clan.

    I have no intention of shedding blood for Lemuria, but I am willing to shed blood for the Kingdom of Chelda.

    "All for the sake of our future, ...... using Lemuria. Let''s go, brethren.

    Masinissa turned her forces to the northwest, towards the city of Teripol.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Shuien Clan.

    Lemurian Emperor Hercule and Shuien Clan Chief Masinissa.

    Two very different countries, cultures, and languages. ......

    Both of them worked together and cooperated with each other much more than the king and his vassals of the Kingdom of Chelda.

 191 Episode 32 Temporary Return

    After leaving the city of Teripol, Hercule took a ship to the city of Cyrene, about 800 kilometers away.

    Traveling by ship depends on the direction of the wind, so it is basically impossible to proceed as calculated.

    However, it is still much faster than on land.

    The voyage of Hercule from Teripol to Cyrene was not a smooth one: ......

    The voyage from the city of Teripol to the city of Cyrene was not a smooth one, but it did not suffer from bad weather either.

    As a result, he crossed the sea in twelve days and reached Cyrene.

    This was exactly thirty days after crossing the desert.

    "Long time no see, Luna!¡¡Did you miss me?

    "...... I didn''t miss you at all.

    When Hercule landed at the port, he approached Lunalie, who had greeted him at the port, with open arms.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m here.

    "...... Not at all. I just didn''t want you to die.

    I mean, you were really worried about me, weren''t you?

    If you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask your doctor.

    "Mmm!

    He placed his own lips on hers.

    Lunalie''s eyes went black and white.

    As he did so, he twisted his tongue into her mouth and violated her soft mucous membranes.

    "You''ve missed me all this time, haven''t you?

    I''ve been pining for you all this time, haven''t I?

    Your ass.

    No, that''s not what I meant. ...... Stop it!

    You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this.

    I''m not going to hold you tonight.

    I''ll be back in a few days.¡¡I''m going to head to Azdavia City right now.

    What?¡¡No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. ......

    I didn''t miss you at all, did I? I didn''t miss you at all.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    "d*mn ......, that''s not fair .......

    "Yeah?¡¡What''s not fair?

    "It''s ...... dumb.

    Lunalee said something in a quiet voice.

    What?¡¡What?

    Suddenly deafened, Hercule.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Hold me, please. ......

    Louder.

    "Please hold me!

    When she said it loud enough for everyone to hear, Hercule stroked her head and said.

    I can''t help it. You can''t say no to that if you ask me that much. ...... By the way, you might want to keep your voice down a bit.

    "...... Shut up, you pervert.

    Lunalie muttered in a small voice.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    "Your Majesty!

    A woman with red, fiery hair came running at full speed.

    Gasping for breath, the woman approaches Hercule.

    "Your Majesty. Welcome back.

    "Oh, Carolina, I''m back. By the way, didn''t I tell you to stay at home with Nova Lemuria?

    I thought I told you to stay at home with Nova Lemuria," Hercule said, and Karolina shook her head.

    I''m sure you''re aware of that.

    "Oh, ......, is that so?¡¡But my intention was for you to wait for me in Nova Lemuria.

    ...... I see. I''m sorry about that. Please pass the punishment on to me ...... this evening.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one.

    Hmmm, ...... well, it''s been a long time, so it''s okay.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    After enjoying the feel of her silky hair, he kissed her on the cheek.

    Carolina''s cheeks turned red, the same color as her hair.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. I have some business with Lunalie, if that''s okay?

    "Yes?¡¡Yes, of course.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m here.

    I''m sure you''ll be glad to hear that.

    "Because you didn''t ask.

    ''I told you to tell me when you knew His Majesty was coming!

    I forgot.

    Please don''t lie to me!

    I''m not lying.

    You''re lying.

    No, no.

    You f*cking pervert! You''re a f*cking tit!

    Shut up, you little b*tc*.

    Seeing Lunalee and Karolina starting to fight, Hercule ......

    Oh, you''re back.

    I''m back.

    Then Hercule spent two nights with Karolina and Lunalie.

    In the daytime, he filled in the vacancies of a legion of Bulgarson cavalry and a legion of cataphract cavalry that he had brought with him, and reorganized.

    On the morning of the thirty-second day after the desert crossing, they were about to leave Cyrene, when ......

    "Your Majesty, I''m coming with you.

    "No, but I will. ......

    When Hercule woke up in the morning, he found Karolina standing there, already fully armed.

    It''s been a long time since she gave birth. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    ...... Well, so be it.

    It''s already been more than three months.

    Hercule decided that it would not be a problem and gave permission for her to accompany him.

    "Go ahead, Your Majesty.

    She waved from the bed, rubbing her eyes sleepily with her bedraggled head.

    She glanced at Karolina, then said.

    She glanced at Carolina and said, "A good wife waits for her husband to return from war.

    "What is it?¡¡If you have something to say to me, why don''t you say it to me straight?

    "Your Majesty. Let''s take a bath together before you go. We have time for that, don''t we?

    "Don''t ignore me!

    Karolina shouted.

    The Lemurian army left Cyrene and headed for Azdavia at a speed of about forty-five kilometers per day.

    This may seem like an astonishing speed ......, but considering that the troops consisted only of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) and burghalon cavalry, in other words, cavalry, and that they were moving within the country where logistics were less of a concern, the speed of their march was quite reasonable for Hercule. The speed at which they were advancing was a very generous speed.

    It was nine days after leaving Cyrene that Hercule arrived in the outskirts of Azdavia and met up with Galfis and the others.

    In other words, it was the 41st day after crossing the desert.

    Thus, the Lemurian army gathered in the suburbs of Azdavia. ......

    One legion of heavy cavalry (cribanarius) led by Galfis.

    A legion of longbow troops led by Edmond.

    And two legions of infantry led by Darius.

    Plus one battalion of light cavalry for reconnaissance, for a total of 49200, plus ......

    In addition, a battalion of light cavalry for reconnaissance, for a total of 492,000, plus a corps of medium cavalry (cataphracts) and a corps of bulgarian cavalry, for a total of 240,000, for a total of 732,000.

    Oh ......, the battle situation is already going from bad to worse.

    Iason let out a sigh.

    The total strength of the Azdavian defenders, led by Iason, is 500,000.

    Originally, they were facing the enemy with their backs to the city of Azdavia, with the walls of Azdavia protecting their backs. ......

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    However, ...... this choice enraged the officers of the Warbeast nobility.

    You run away in the face of the enemy, you coward! .......

    The attitude of the Warbeast noblemen is getting worse and worse every day. ......

    This also annoyed Iason.

    The Barbarians were also joining Teripol City. ......

    At about the same time that the Lemurian forces were joining forces in Azdavia, Iason received the information he had been dreading.

    That is to say, information that the Barbarians had entered the city of Teripol.

    Iason''s fears were completely correct, as he sent reinforcements from the Terriportanian garrison to Teripol City, which in turn allowed the enemy to reinforce.

    The Balbals and the Lemurians are two armies with different chains of command.

    Hopefully, they won''t be able to coordinate with each other and will drag each other down. ......

    I would like to think so, but that''s wishful thinking.

    In the first place, unlike field battles, siege battles are relatively easy to coordinate and can be fought by amateurs.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you." "...... On the other hand, there''s a good chance we''re not coordinated.

    The Teriportanian garrison is under the jurisdiction of Iason,.......

    In other words, the general leading the reinforcements from the Teriportanian garrison headed for Teripol City is one of Iason''s subordinates, a Hoamelite soldier.

    On the other hand, the garrison of Cerda is under Carmine''s jurisdiction. ......

    Of course, Carmine''s men lead the reinforcements from Cerda''s garrison to Teripol City.

    After escaping from Teripol City, Carmine and his men joined the reinforcements from the Chelda defenders heading for Teripol City, and now Carmine is said to be in actual command.

    In other words, it is Carmine and the generals of the Hoamelites who will be attacking Teripol City. ......

    "And worst of all, both of them have the same command structure.

    "And worst of all, neither army is prepared for a siege.

    Neither side is headed to retake the city of Teripol.

    Neither side was heading to retake Teripol City, but to destroy the enemy surrounding it.

    Neither side was prepared for a siege, nor were they prepared for a siege.

    It depends on how much preparation was done on the ...... road, i.e., how much food and siege weapons were available for a long war.

    The ...... Teriportanian garrison is the only one we can''t move any further.

    If the rest of the Terriportanian garrison were to head to Azdavia City to rescue him, it would be a disaster.

    The region of Teriportania would be completely depleted.

    If the Lemurian army invades the city of Azdavia, the region will fall under the control of the Lemurian Empire without any resistance. ......

    I''ll send out the order before we''re completely surrounded.

    Iason issued an order to the commander of the Terriportanian garrison to ''never'' leave his post.

    "As expected, you''re holed up. Your Majesty.

    I guess so.

    Hercule nodded in agreement to Darios'' words.

    "It''s a good decision. There is no mistake.

    Hercule smiled.

    Aside from misreading the impossibility of crossing the desert, Iason had made few strategic or tactical mistakes so far.

    Iason has made few strategic or tactical mistakes so far, except for misreading the fact that it was impossible to cross the desert, but moving part of the Teriportanian defensive forces to Teripol City was a blunder.

    Hmm, I have a feeling that was not Iason''s intention, given his character.

    Maybe he had to do that for some reason.

    Perhaps he was forced to do so for some reason," Hercule predicted.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what you need to do.

    It was the Azdavian garrison that would be defeated if the two sides met in battle.

    Therefore, shifting to a siege war is not a bad option.

    Fortunately, the population of Azdavia is not that large.

    Moreover, there was plenty of time to accumulate food for the army after the war started.

    Considering the difference in troop strength, if the war is limited to a siege, defeat is unlikely.

    However, ......

    "It''s not a mistake, but it''s not the right answer.

    "Indeed, Your Majesty. It seems to me that the enemy does not understand anything about the feelings of a general.

    Hercule and Darios laughed at that.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.¡¡Besides, ...... our precious boss is under siege by the enemy. No matter how many times you''re told not to come to the rescue, ...... it''s only human nature to want to help.

    Hercule smirks.

    Darius smiled just as nastily.

    Unless, of course, you trust me. I won''t come to your aid if you tell me not to. ......

    I wonder how much trust I have in my men.

    The two men looked at the walls of ...... Azdavia with amused smiles on their faces.

 192 Episode 33 The Country Of Sale

    Fourteen days before Hercule''s arrival in Azdavia.

    That is, twenty-seven days after the desert crossing.

    An independent ranger unit led by Jebe entered the city of Teripol.

    "Good to have you back, General Jebe.

    "It''s good to have you here.

    Jebe was greeted by Stefan and Oskar.

    Jebe checked with them.

    Who is in charge of the defense of Teripol City?

    I''m in charge this time," Stefan said.

    Stephan said.

    Jebe nodded.

    "His Majesty tells me you''re a good defender. It''s a good choice.

    I''m not going to argue with His Majesty''s choice in the first place," Jebe added.

    Jebe added.

    Even if I don''t trust the generals and vassals that Hercule has chosen, I can trust the way he looks at people.

    Such is the psychology of the Lemurian vassals.

    Do you have any other generals?

    "I''m here.

    The one who appeared was Nia.

    Jebe muttered to himself as he looked at the Nightmare girl with a fearless smile.

    "You''re here too?

    What is it?¡¡What''s wrong with me being here?

    When Nia grumbled, Jebe shook his head.

    It''s not like that. ...... I thought you were going with His Majesty.

    I would have liked to have gone with you, but I was ordered by His Majesty to protect the city of Teripol.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one. ......

    But it seems that disobeying Hercule''s orders is not an option.

    In the event that the king ordered him to be embraced by another man, even by a greasy, disgusting old man, he would fulfill that order, even if it meant crying.

    Jebe thought inwardly.

    Even Jebe, who felt grateful and loyal to Hercule, was not loyal enough to accept such an order.

    I''m not sure what to make of it. ...... Have you lost a third of your men?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that. That''s surprising.

    Nia doesn''t like Jebe very much,.......

    But he did have an appreciation for his abilities.

    So it was a bit surprising that he came back with a third of his troops gone.

    That''s about it. I''d like to ask General Stefan and General Oscar about this. ...... The enemy has a troublesome general.

    Jebe then described the generals and troops that had hit him, the Red Wolf Princess and the Red Wolf Squad.

    But he''s protecting Cerda, isn''t he?¡¡It''s not a problem, is it?

    Stephan said, and Jebe shook his head.

    Unfortunately, the ...... Red Wolves joined the army heading for Teripol City as soon as I left Ifrikia. The Red Wolves number about three hundred. In other words, the enemy''s strength was 5,300.

    Since the Red Wolves were not originally part of the Chelda defenders, the Chelda defenders still numbered about one hundred and ten and were guarding Chelda City and the Royal Palace.

    But we''re going to be fighting a siege, so we don''t need to worry about it.

    Oskar said.

    The Red Wolves are heavy cavalry, but ...... heavy cavalry is useless in a siege.

    You''re right. You''re right. It''s not good to be too fearful and reluctant. Just keep in mind that ...... is a good place to start. By the way, I have three questions for you, if you don''t mind.

    Jebe held up three fingers.

    One, ...... have you finished repairing the city walls?

    That''s already taken care of.

    Stephan nodded.

    So, ...... I hear there are loopholes in the castle, is that okay?

    No problem about that either. The enemy lieutenant told me about it.

    Not a few of the generals were unhappy that Carmine and his men had escaped.

    They easily showed him the loopholes that existed in the city of Teripol.

    Stephan also interviewed the citizens of the city and ......

    I''ve plugged all the holes thoroughly.

    We can''t be sure that we''ve completely closed all the holes, though, so we need to be careful.

    So finally, ...... how many archers do we have?

    The bow, a projectile weapon, is an indispensable weapon in siege warfare.

    If you don''t have one, you will have to substitute stones.

    Stones thrown from the top of the walls are also a considerable threat, but they are no match for arrows.

    General Jebe''s three battalions ...... are now actually two battalions of 1,200?¡¡Along with that, there are General Nia''s three battalions.

    "I see.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I don''t think I''ve ever heard of it.

    And Nia''s independent rangers can also handle bows and arrows as a ''universal force''.

    In addition, I have prepared a ...... crossbow. I''m going to give these to the infantry.

    "Oh ......, that''s reassuring.

    The crossbow is a very expensive weapon, and its mass production requires a great deal of money and superior technology.

    However, the Lemurian Empire has both.

    Since it is not official equipment, it is not usually carried on expeditions. ......

    Teripol is a port city, and the Lemurian Empire has control of the seas.

    You can make them in advance and bring them to Teripol City on a transport ship.

    The crossbow will be powerful enough to be carried by a soldier who does not normally handle projectile weapons.

    And ...... the chiefs of the Barbarian and Shuyen clans, Masinissa, are on their way here to reinforce. Their numbers seem to have dwindled a bit in the battle, with 500 cavalry and 110 infantry, for a total of about 160,000,......, but they are still a valuable force.

    Currently, the force defending the city of Teripol consists of three infantry corps and six battalions of Jebe-Nia''s independent rangers.

    Originally, this would be 19200. ......

    However, the siege that took down the city of Teripol and Jebe''s pursuit of Sonia have reduced his forces.

    The actual strength of the three infantry corps is about 280.

    The independent raiding force led by Jebe is about 240.

    The independent ranger corps led by Nia is almost undamaged, about 360.

    In total, about 340,000.

    If you add to this the troops that Masinissa is expected to lead, about 160,000, ......

    The total will be about 500,000.

    The enemy force will be 5,300 coming from Cerda City and 3,000 coming from Teriportania. Total: 8,300. However, ...... there is a possibility that they will bring together soldiers who escaped from the previous battle of Teripol and soldiers who could not be gathered due to the confusion caused by His Majesty''s crossing the desert, so you might want to be prepared for around 10,000 soldiers.

    Teripol City is right in the middle of enemy territory.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    The enemy has twice as many troops ...... as we do, but we still have control of the seas.

    Oscar smirked.

    This means that the cities of Cyrene, Alexandria, and Nova Lemuria will be sending in huge amounts of food and weapons by sea.

    We will not have to worry about starving to death.

    It will be an easy defensive battle. Our goal is not to defend the city of Teripol. Our goal is not to defend this city of Teripol, but to defend it and then ...... see how much damage we can do to the enemy.

    Stephan said with a wry smile on his face.

    Meanwhile, the next day.

    Twenty-eight days after the desert crossing.

    Carmine had joined up with the Teripol Liberation Army, reinforcements from Cerda City.

    As a result, the command was automatically transferred to Carmine.

    "I can''t believe it, ...... Father. I can''t believe you abandoned Teripol City and ran away. I''ve failed you!

    Sonia shouted at her father.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Her adorable dog ears and chestnut hair were poking at the sky in anger.

    I''m not sure what to say. There''s a reason for this. ...... Even if I stayed, the city of Teripol would have fallen. I can''t be caught in there. Isn''t that right?

    That''s ...... true, I suppose.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    The only people who can command a large army in the kingdom of Cerda and stand up to the Lemurian Emperor are Iason and Carmine.

    It is true that Carmine can''t be caught while Iason is stuck in Azdavia City.

    I understand.

    I''m not convinced, but I understand.

    I''m not convinced, but I understand," Sonia said, about to open her mouth to say something.

    But, but ......

    Here Carmine says something unnecessary.

    I can''t let that traitor, Hoamel, do what he wants.

    "...... Hoamel?

    Sonia furrowed her brow.

    Carmine nodded broadly.

    ''Oh, yes. If I''m caught, the royal court of Cerda will be controlled by that Hoamel. I am the only one who can resist Hoamel. ......

    "For ......?

    Yeah?¡¡What did you say?

    This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.

    Sonia looked up slowly.

    She glared at Carmine and shouted at him.

    "Is this a political battle!¡¡At a time like this!!!!

    Sonia''s shout echoed outside the curtain.

    Carmine panicked and tried to keep his voice down, but ......

    I can''t believe it!¡¡I can''t believe it! At a time like this, at a time when the nation is dying, you''re still going to have a political fight?¡¡Oh, I see. Well, yes, the region of Teriportania and the city of Teripol are the support base of Hoamel. It doesn''t hurt to lose them to your father. ...... On the contrary, if Hoamel''s power recedes, he''d rather let the Lemurian Empire take them. ...... Is that what you''re saying?

    To Sonia''s words: ......

    Carmine choked on his words.

    It''s not like Carmine was willing to let the Lemurian Empire take away the land of Cerda.

    But ...... the support base of Hoamel, it would not hurt to lose it, in fact, it would be a boon if Hoamel''s power was reduced.

    It was a fact that I thought that it was a good idea.

    So he could not immediately deny it.

    When Carmine went silent, Sonia took it as an affirmation and said, "You''re a traitor.

    ...... You traitor.

    And then he left the camp with his teeth chattering so hard you could hear it clearly.

 193 Episode 1 The Second Battle of Teripol City

    Eight days after Jebe arrived in Teripol City, that is, thirty-five days after the desert crossing.

    Stephan called Nia and Jebe.

    "Yes, sir?¡¡General Stefan.

    Nia asked, and Stefan unfolded a map.

    Here is the location of the reinforcements now being led by Lord Masinissa, Chief of the Shuien Clan, and here is the location of the enemy forces from ...... Chelda City.

    Stephan pointed a pin to indicate the position.

    With that, they both understood what Stefan meant.

    "So, ......, if we don''t do something, the enemy will reach Teripol City before our reinforcements do, so we''re supposed to hold them back, is that correct?

    "Excellent. That is correct, General Jebe.

    Stephan nodded significantly.

    That''s why I need you two, General Nia and General Jebe, to lead an independent raiding party and somehow delay the enemy''s advance for two days.

    "Understood.

    The two men nodded.

    "I''ll basically leave the planning to you.

    "Well, that''s surprising.

    Jebe''s eyes widened at Nia''s words.

    Jebe''s eyes widened at Nia''s words. He had expected the assertive Nia to insist that she was superior to him.

    "Excuse me, ......, but you know more about the enemy than I do, don''t you?¡¡You know more about the enemy than I do, so it should be easier for you to plan a strategy against them. It''s my own rational decision.

    Jebe nodded at Nia''s words, "I see.

    (I heard that you had a secret marriage with the Emperor, is that why your personality has become a little rounder?

    (I heard that he had a secret marriage with the Emperor.

    Jebe thought to himself.

    Your opinion is well taken. But I''d personally like to ask you to plan the ...... operation.

    "May I ask why ......?

    Because the enemy knows me better than I know myself.

    Yes, that''s true, too.

    It stands to reason that the enemy understands Jebe as well as Jebe understands the enemy.

    This means that they may be able to outsmart you.

    So here''s what we''re going to do. Basically, I''ll make the plan. You advise me.

    "Yes, sir.

    Jebe nodded.

    That day, the liberation forces of the city of Terpol, led by Carmine, were pushing through the forest.

    "Spearhead unit reporting, sir. They say there''s an obstacle ahead.

    "Obstacle?

    Carmine frowned.

    ''What kind of obstacle?¡¡Is there any way around it?

    "Yes. The obstacle is .......

    According to the report, it''s a fence that blocks the entire road.

    Beyond that is a large rock.

    Beyond that, there''s a three-meter ditch that''s filled with water from last night''s rain.

    And the road between the ditch and the road, about 50 meters away, has been dug up and filled with holes.

    He said.

    "And that ......

    Is it still there?

    No, there''s a sign and a hair on the wall like this: ......

    Carmine forcibly picked up the paper.

    The paper had a picture of a pretty girl on it.

    It was a girl with pink hair, holding a pickaxe and wearing a hat that read "Safety First".

    A cute, heart-shaped tail was sticking out from her buttocks.

    The girl bows her head, closes one eye, and sticks out her tongue.

    Next to the girl''s face is a small piece of paper with the word "Tehepero" written on it in the Chelda language.

    And at the bottom of the paper was written in Chelda.

    We are under construction. We apologize for the inconvenience. By the Lemurian Imperial Army.

    Carmine smiled.

    "Hahaha!¡¡I''m sorry for the inconvenience.

    Carmine was furious and slammed the paper on the ground.

    He then crushed it with his shoe.

    You have no choice but to ...... remove the obstacles and make the road passable!¡¡...... How long will it take?

    The spearhead unit said they could do it in about four hours. ......

    "Three hours to fix it!

    And Carmine clicks his tongue.

    It''s a real pain in the ass. ......

    An obstacle in the road is enough to halt the advance.

    And ...... once an army stops, it takes a long time to get going.

    After all, it is a procession made up of many people.

    Of course, 500,000 people do not march ...... in a line, but they are divided to some extent .......

    Even so, once they stop, it becomes a bit troublesome.

    (But it shouldn''t be easy to create obstacles or destroy roads. ......)

    If it were easy to stall the enemy, everyone would use the same tactic.

    The reason why so few people do it is because it takes about the same amount of time to destroy and to repair.

    Repairing does not mean rebuilding the road.

    Fences can be broken down and removed, and holes can be plugged.

    There is no need to repave a road whose pavement has been torn off, it is enough to simply resolidify the soil.

    (Is this really all there is?)

    Carmine thought to himself. ......

    "General!¡¡We''re under attack!¡¡The tail section and the wagon train in the middle have been attacked by the enemy!

    What!

    Well, that went well.

    Well, we didn''t kill most of them.

    It''s a stopgap, that''s all.

    Nia and Jebe, who had carried out a surprise attack on the enemy, were fleeing through the forest.

    As expected, horses were not allowed in the forest, so they were on foot.

    A horse was available at the end of the forest, and they planned to ride it before leaving.

    We''ve got three hours, plus two hours of stalling.

    Nia smiled.

    The goal of Nia and Jebe is to stop the enemy, not to defeat them by surprise.

    They shot arrows at random and immediately ran away before the enemy could counterattack, resulting in zero damage to their unit.

    However, only a dozen or so enemy soldiers were killed.

    There are three more obstacles along the way. Each obstacle will alert the enemy to the ambushers. It will slow our progress.

    "How dare you think that up? But ...... will hold them off for a day.

    Place obstacles on the road to obstruct the enemy''s advance.

    Surprise attack on the enemy to confuse them and obstruct their advance.

    These two are essentially completely different acts of sabotage. ......

    By doing them simultaneously, you force the enemy to connect the two.

    From now on, the enemy will have to be on the lookout for surprise attacks when they see obstacles.

    If we can hold them off for a day, that should be enough. I''ve sent a messenger to Masinissa to hurry up. ...... At worst, we can manage without her.

    It''s also true. I don''t think it''s worth the effort to hold you up.

    Nia and Jebe took no risks and quickly retreated to the city of Teripol.

    Reinforcements led by Masinissa arrived in Teripol City on the thirty-eighth day after the desert crossing.

    Masinissa and her soldiers received a great welcome from the Lemurian army.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Masinissa. I''m Stephan, the general in charge of the Lemurian army''s defense of the city of T?ripol. It''s a pleasure to meet you.

    Stephan extended his hand toward Masinissa.

    Masinissa also shook Stefan''s hand, and the two shook hands firmly.

    "Although our languages and cultures are different, we are members of the same Messianic faith, the Orthodox faith. Let us work together to fight the heretics. By the way, ......, do we have control of the seas?

    Of course. If the worst happens and the city falls, you can escape to sea. At that time, I promise to give priority to ...... the soldiers of the Barbary tribe. In return, ......

    "All right. Then I''ll follow your instructions.

    If the city of Teripol should fall, I will give top priority to the Barbarians and spare their lives.

    On that condition, Masinissa promised to follow Stefan''s instructions.

    Thus, the siege troops of Teripol City temporarily unified their command structure.

    On the other hand, the Teripol Liberation Army led by Carmine from the Cerda Defenders arrived in Teripol City the next day, on the 39th day, and the Teripol Liberation Army from the Teripoltanian Defenders arrived in Teripol City on the 40th day.

    The former was originally 500,000, and the latter 300,000.

    The total was supposed to be 800.

    In reality, however, the number of troops swelled further.

    For example, the Teripol garrison was originally scheduled to mobilize up to 700 troops, but by the time they were mobilized, they had engaged the Lemurian army, and at that time their strength was 500,000......, which meant that there was a mobilization gap of 200,000 troops.

    Similarly, the Terriportanian defensive forces were only able to mobilize 500 troops when they should have been 700.

    The two armies had mobilized such undemobilized troops, as well as new troops such as the fugitives from the battle of Teripol and the Red Wolves along the way.

    Therefore, the former, the Teripol Liberation Army from Cerda City, had a total of 860,000 soldiers in addition to the original 500,000 soldiers, including 300,000 Red Wolves, 130,000 fugitives from the battle of Teripol, and 200,000 soldiers not mobilized by the Teripol defenders.

    The latter, the Teripol Liberation Army from Teripoltania, has 500,000, which is the original 300,000 troops plus the 200,000 that were not mobilized.

    A total of 136,000.

    In addition, 1,400 troops were mobilized along the way, bringing the total number of troops to 1,500.

    "I was told that I should be prepared for 10,000, so I was. ...... Is that about 10,000?

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it. Yeah, I''m sorry.

    Stefan bowed his head in regards to the fact that there were more enemies than he had expected.

    Nia shook her head.

    No, ......, I''m not blaming you. Well, 100,000 or 150,000 won''t make much difference. It''s just that twice as many troops are now three times as many.

    Nia''s expression was not optimistic.

    Twice and three times the number of troops may not be much different in words, but in numbers, it''s a huge difference.

    There is one thing that bothers me. Does the ...... enemy have any food on hand?

    Jebe said with a scowl.

    There is an image that the latter side is more troubled by food shortages than the former because of the existence of the blame game.

    However, the reality is the opposite. In reality, the siege side often runs out of food first.

    There are two reasons for this.

    First of all, the latter side has more troops than the former side, so it is the latter side that runs out of food first.

    Secondly, when the siege side decides to siege, it prepares for the siege by thoroughly gathering food from the towns and villages around the castle. ......

    The siege side will be forced to fight a prolonged battle in a land where there is not even a single wheat left, because the siege side has already gathered all the food.

    More ......

    This depends on the number of non-combatants, or residents, in the city or castle and the logistics capabilities of both sides.

    In other words, if the logistics capacity of the siege side is much better, then a siege is possible.

    And in this case, that is, between the Lemurian army in siege and the Cerda army in siege, ......

    In this case, that is, between the Lemurian army in a siege and the Cheludian army in a siege, the former has by far more food to spare.

    The Lemurian army has already gathered food from the surrounding villages before the enemy arrives, and since Lemuria previously held the control of the sea, it can transport as much food as it wants by sea.

    On the other hand, in the case of Cerda''s army, the Lemurian army has already taken all the food around Teripol City, so they need to bring it in from far away by land.

    "Well, ...... the Teriportania region is the granary of the Kingdom of Cerda, so it should be possible to get by, don''t you think?

    "Mm ......, well, sure.

    This siege or siege warfare is a little different from the usual one.

    Usually, the siege side is in its own territory, while the attacker is invading the enemy''s territory.

    This time, however, the structure is the exact opposite: the siege side is invading the enemy''s territory, and the siege side is in its own territory.

    Normally, the logistics capacity of the siege side, which is supposed to be inside the enemy territory, is significantly reduced. ......

    In this case, the siege side is in its own territory.

    It''s a good idea to have some idea of what you''re doing. ...... If you are planning to fight a long term battle, that is, if you have enough food, you will not gather such a large army.

    They did not gather such a large army because they had enough food.

    Stefan guessed that it was the other way around, that is, they gathered such a large army because they could not afford it.

    In other words, the Cerda army, thinking that they would be at a disadvantage if the battle dragged on, would dare to gather a large army and fight a short battle in order to lose the city of Teripol before they ran out of food.

    This is a theory.

    Oscar, Nia, Jebe, and Masinissa, who had been listening in silence, nodded, as if they found this persuasive.

    Thus, ......

    The second siege of Teripol, which would determine the victory or defeat of the Lemurian-Cherda War, was about to begin.

 194 Episode 2 The Second Battle of Teripol City

    ''Well, we''ve managed to unify command, haven''t we?''

    Carmine muttered.

    Initially, Carmine and the commanders sent from the Terriportanian region had a great deal of trouble, but ...... somehow Carmine managed to take overall command, and all the commanders agreed to listen to Carmine''s orders.

    The first barrier was overcome.

    The first barrier was overcome. "Our rations will last ...... a month at best. We have to take it back, even if it costs us some.

    The defeat of Carmine and the rest of the Teripol Liberation Army meant that the city of Teripol had fallen completely into the hands of the Lemurian Empire.

    This means that the region of Teriportania will become the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    If the city of Teripol falls, the soldiers defending Teriportania and the soldiers led by Iason defending Azdavia will be isolated among the enemy, and they will have no choice but to fall back to the Lemurian Empire.

    The Teriportania region is an important breadbasket for the Kingdom of Chellda.

    The loss of this region would greatly diminish the national power of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    We must win this war at all costs.

    We will deploy 50,000 troops each at the West Gate, South Gate, and East Gate. We will attack day and night in waves for 30 days. ...... Even the Lemurian army will not be able to withstand this.

    The Lemurian army will probably flee to the sea. ......

    But it doesn''t matter.

    Anyway, as long as we can regain this strategically important city of Teripol, the war situation will change.

    "All troops!¡¡Commence march!

    Carmine gave the order.

    A gong sounded, and all at once, the soldiers of the Kingdom of Cerda began to attack Teripol City.

    Thus began the Second Siege of Teripol.

    It was the forty-first day after the desert crossing.

    "Oh!¡¡That''s a lot of ...... troops.

    Nia shouted in admiration as she saw the enemy army slowly approaching the city walls.

    It''s not often that you see an army of fifteen hundred men.

    The Kingdom of Chellda is a big country, isn''t it? It''s as if they''ve been an enemy of the Lemurian Empire all this time.

    In the Western World, the Kingdom of Chelda is the second largest country after the Lemurian Empire.

    Since it controls the northern part of the rich southern continent, its agricultural production capacity is very high.

    It also has a powerful navy and a thriving maritime trade.

    It also has a powerful army of warbeasts.

    Even if we deduct the fact that this is only a defensive war within its own territory, a country that can gather 15,000 troops can''t be a great power.

    "Well, the Lemurian Empire has mobilized 100,000 troops on several occasions during the time of the previous emperor...

    Oskar muttered.

    If the Kingdom of Cerda is a great power that can mobilize an army of more than 100,000 in a defensive war, then the Lemurian Empire is a superpower that can mobilize an army of more than 100,000 in a war of aggression.

    You mean like the siege of Rosa Island?

    Yes, I did. Well, I wasn''t even born then. ......

    Oscar said sincerely.

    In other wars against the Kingdom of Bulgaron, the Kingdom of Phars, and the Kingdom of Cerda, the previous emperor Hadrian had mobilized an army of over 10,000 troops and had been defeated at every turn.

    It is not a matter of the number being large enough.

    Maybe ...... this moment will be decisive for the fall of that great kingdom, the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Jebe muttered with deep emotion.

    And ...... Oscar, Nia, and Jebe, from the top of the city walls, were looking forward to that moment, the moment when the fall of the great kingdom of Chelda would be decisive.

    For the soldiers of the Kingdom of Chelda, it was a sudden and unexpected event.

    They had ducked through the hail of arrows fired by the Lemurian army, shields raised, and the spearhead troops were approaching the castle walls, about to climb up the ladders, when it happened.

    There was a tremendous roar.

    Only then did the soldiers of the Kingdom of Chellda turn their heads in unison.

    What the soldiers saw was a strange sight.

    The ground was cracking and flames were spewing out from it.

    It was as if the cracks in the ground had reached hell, and the flames of hell were pouring out onto the ground.

    The cracks in the ground and the flames surrounded the circular city of Teripol, as if drawing a circle from the city walls at regular intervals.

    The cracks and flames radiated out from the walls of the city of Teripol into the circle.

    It might be easier to imagine a wheel, with spokes extending from the center to the circle.

    It was such an event that the soldiers stopped in their tracks.

    Then a heavy rain of ...... arrows rained down.

    At the same time that the soldiers of the Kingdom of Chelda were in chaos, the gates of the West, South and East Gates were opened.

    From there, the Lemurian army led by Nia, Jebe, and Oscar appeared and attacked ......

    The Lemurian army, led by Nia, Jebe and Oskar, attacked the forces of Chelda.

    I''m surprised ...... what kind of magic was that?

    When Masinissa saw the sudden cracks in the ground and the flames, she asked Stefan.

    Stephan shook his head.

    "It''s not magic, Masinissa. It''s a civil engineering technique.

    Stephan then began to explain.

    But it''s not really a trick.

    What we''ve done is the exact same tunneling strategy that Hercule used to take down the city of T?ripol.

    Not the siege side, but the siege side.

    And the difference is that the enemy soldiers'' footholds are broken down, not the city walls.

    In other words, holes are dug radially from the walls of the city of Teripol, and then in a circle around the walls, supported by wooden foundations, and covered with earth from above.

    And when the Cherda Kingdom army attacked, they set fire to the foundations and destroyed the ground.

    That''s all they did.

    I see, ......, but that must have been a lot of work.

    "Well, I had a month to do it.

    Stephan smiled.

    Not only did he have the time, but he also had the labor to spare.

    All infantry units in the Lemurian Empire were trained to do civil engineering work.

    Stephan had three legions, or about three hundred and sixty men, at his disposal.

    Stefan also mobilized prisoners of war and citizens of the city of Teripol.

    He hired some of them as laborers on the condition that they would be supplied with abundant food from the Lemurian Empire, sent by sea.

    Many of the prisoners and citizens, feeling abandoned by Carmine and his men, volunteered to do the work.

    Only a few of them dug tunnels. Most of them were dug directly from the ground and then covered with earth, so it wasn''t that labor intensive.

    ...... That alone is impressive enough.

    This technology alone is worth marveling at.

    This is the first time that I have ever seen such a thing.

    But what about the flames?¡¡The fire that burned the foundation would not have been large enough to cause such a conflagration.

    Masinissa pointed to the flames, which were still not fully contained.

    The flames shot up from the ground as if they were going to explode.

    Oh, that''s easy. We covered the inside of the tunnel with straw that had been heavily moistened with spirits and oil, and then we placed a large number of barrels filled with oil and a special liquid called ''sacred fire''.

    The flames exploded because the vaporized alcohol and oil ignited the flames. ......

    The reason why the flames have not been extinguished even now is because the straw, the oil in the barrels, and the ''sacred flame'' are still burning.

    In addition to the visual impact, ...... you can''t cross when it''s burning like that, right?¡¡In other words, the flames have divided the enemy. Our strategy is to attack them, surround them, and destroy them. ......

    I see,......, but...

    Masinissa pointed to a part of the battlefield.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that some of your soldiers are jumping over the flames.

    "...... Well, there are a few healthy ones.

    Stephan frowned.

    It''s just a scare!¡¡Jump over the horse at once!

    The one who was referred to as the "energetic one" was ......

    It was the Red Wolves, led by Sonia, who were the first to attack.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of money, you''ll be able to use it to buy a lot of things. I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    As Sonia jumped over the ditch in front of her, the Red Wolves led by Sonia jumped over the flames and the ditch one after the other.

    In fact, the ditch itself was reasonably deep, but not very wide.

    There was just not enough time and labor to make it both deep and wide.

    The gates are open, now is a good time!¡¡Charge!

    The Red Wolves jumped over the flames one after another and headed straight for the gates.

    The city of Teripol is in danger of falling.

    But ......

    I''m not going to let that happen.

    Sonia and her team were confronted by three battalions of independent rangers, led by Nia, numbering approximately three hundred and sixty.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    "So you''re the Nightmare woman I''ve heard so much about. You filthy demon!

    It''s been a long time since I''ve been abused head-on. It''s been a while since Raus I did that to me.

    Nia''s sword and Sonia''s clashed violently.

    That was the signal for the rangers and the Red Wolves to begin their fierce battle.

    "Shut up!¡¡It was because of you that His Majesty the First was humiliated and captured by Lemuria. It''s all your fault!

    It''s your own fault that he was humiliated and then captured by Lemuria, isn''t that too much of a leap?

    Die, you filthy Nightmare!¡¡It''s a wonder that God allows demons like you to survive!

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s worth it.

    Nia and Sonia immediately sensed that they were incompatible with each other.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    "It''s your own fault for starting the civil war in the first place, isn''t it?

    You''re the ones who messed with the king!

    But it''s true that you stole the throne from your own father. Your king is an unbelievably filial man!

    Shut up! Shut up!¡¡You whore!¡¡You got that troop for opening your legs to the Emperor of Lemuria, didn''t you?¡¡Your sovereign is a womanizing, color-crazed pervert!¡¡You are human garbage!

    Nia, who had been abused by her favorite Hercule, had a blue streak on her forehead.

    What?¡¡I''ve heard of you.¡¡I''ve heard that your fianc¨¦ has a mistress!¡¡Oh, I get it. You''re jealous, aren''t you?¡¡You''re jealous of lovers who love each other, like me and you?¡¡It''s a pity that a woman is abandoned by a man... Oh, that''s right, can I introduce you to a man?

    "Huh?¡¡You''ve got to be kidding me!¡¡Who is with inferior species like you!¡¡I''m not being abandoned by His Majesty in the first place!¡¡I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It seems that it is true that things are not going well with your fianc¨¦.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.¡¡Did I hit the nail on the head?¡¡You''re so ugly. That''s why you''ll get dumped. I''m sorry for the king of your country ...... who has a fianc¨¦e who is a hysterical woman who throws tantrums and snaps at the drop of a hat like you. I pity him.

    Sonia''s face flushed red with anger.

    Then she snapped her teeth.

    Her long, sharp canine teeth peeked out, and she barked ferociously.

    "Shut up!¡¡You inferior race!

    "Yay, red face, red face!¡¡You''re angry because you got the point!¡¡Scary, scary, scary. Stay away from me, you''ll get rabies and fleas. You''ll get rabies and fleas.

    The cursing between the two of them was getting lower and lower. ......

    But as they did, the fight grew more intense.

    "I''m going to get you and keep you. You b*tc*!¡¡I''m going to let my soldiers gang rape you and then I''m going to walk Nova Lemuria naked and show you how to sit, hand, down and cock. Oh, you''re a b*tc*, aren''t you? So you''re a cunt, are you?¡¡I''ll discipline you right here and now, b*tc*!

    "Don''t play dumb with me, you inferior!¡¡How dare you insult me!¡¡How dare you insult me! I''ll chop off your limbs and then turn you into a meat machine for my troops, you whore!

    The two female generals continued to wield their swords as they roared at each other .

    Their battle seemed to go on forever, but ......

    Hyun!

    A single arrow flew at them.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    I want to ask, "Are you okay?¡¡I''d like to ask you if you''re okay, but you seem to be.

    It was Jebe who fired the arrow.

    It was Jebe who fired the arrows. He came with three legions to join Nia.

    I''m not going to let you ...... win, you whore!

    "That''s my line, b*tc*!

    The two cursed each other.

    Thus ended the first battle of the Second Siege of Teripol.

 195 Episode 3 Asdavia City Siege

    It was the fortieth day after the crossing of the Elkur Desert.

    At the exact same time that the Second Siege of Teripol began, another battle that would determine the course of the Lemurian-Cherda War was about to begin.

    The Lemurian army, now totaling about 7,320 after joining forces with the army led by Hercule, began to lay siege to the city of Azdavia, where about 5,000 troops were holed up.

    We''ll surround the city so thoroughly that not even a single ant can get through.

    To tell the truth, surrounding an enemy force of 500,000 with approximately 700,000 troops was a bit unreasonable in terms of the difference in strength.

    If we were to conduct a siege with this difference in troop strength, it would be more effective to concentrate our troops and conduct a wave attack instead of a siege.

    However, the goal of Hercule this time is not a siege.

    It is a siege itself.

    Therefore, the small difference in troop strength was not much of a problem.

    However, even so, there was still a risk of a breach between 700 and 500.

    Therefore, Hercule undertook large-scale civil engineering work in order to thoroughly surround Azdavia.

    He built a four-meter-high earthen mound around the city of Azdavia.

    This earthen mound was not only piled up with earth, but also thoroughly reinforced with wood, stone, and Lemurian concrete, and planted with reverse bushes.

    Four rows of dugouts were dug in front of the earthen mounds, reverse bushes were planted under the dugouts, pitfalls were built in front of the reverse bushes, and a large number of iron stakes were driven in front of the pitfalls.

    In order to prevent the enemy from breaking the siege, they set up a number of defense posts and watchtowers.

    Iason had been observing the movements of the siege, but ......

    Some of the impatient warbeast generals tried to interfere, but the Lemurian army intercepted them all.

    Once the inner siege was complete, Hercule built the very same siege that had surrounded Azdavia in order to repel any enemy reinforcements that might come to liberate the city.

    These civil works took twenty days to complete.

    Once the work was completed, Hercule brought in forty days'' worth of food and prepared for the siege and siege.

    Somehow, we managed to finish it before the enemy reinforcements arrived. Well, I would have liked to have fortified it a bit more if I could. ......

    Isn''t that a bit overprotective?

    Well, that''s one thing.

    Hercule nodded at Galfis'' words.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s worth it. Leaving behind a minimum of defense, they''ll be at almost full strength, ...... with an army of two hundred and ten.

    That means two things.

    It means that the Lemurian army currently surrounding Azdavia may be pinned down by a total of 700, consisting of 500 from the Azdavian side and 200 reinforcements.

    And ......

    At present, there are almost no troops defending the region of Teriportania.

    You got what you wanted, didn''t you?

    "Yes. Now the region of Teriportania is as good as fallen.

    The Azdavian garrison, which should have prevented the Lemurian army from entering the Teriportanian region, is holed up inside Azdavian City and is being thoroughly surrounded.

    And the Teryportanian garrison, which is supposed to be the last line of defense, has gone to Azdavia City to help their friends ...... and has left the Teryportanian region behind.

    That''s why. I''ll be leading a legion of Bulgaroon cavalry and a legion of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) to the region of Teriportania.

    There are no more than 10,000 soldiers defending Teriportania.

    Moreover, those less than 10,000 soldiers are scattered all over the vast region of Teriportania.

    If we put 2,400 fully equipped cavalry into the area, ......

    Many cities will choose to surrender rather than fight.

    "Galfis, the overall command reverts back to you, but ...... you know what you have to do, don''t you?

    "Nail both the Azdavian and Teryportanian defenses, is that it?

    Exactly. There''s no need to force the city of Azdavia. Just make sure they can''t get out.

    When Hercule said that, Galfis nodded.

    Then he grinned and said.

    But you don''t mind if we defeat ...... them, do you?

    I don''t mind, but take it easy, okay?

    Hercule became a little worried.

    So, Hercule led a legion of bulgarian cavalry and a legion of medium-armored cavalry (cataphracts) to the region of Teriportania.

    ...... What is the enemy''s goal?

    Iason tilted his head as he watched the Lemurian cavalry leave the siege.

    The reason why the enemy has surrounded us so thoroughly is probably to bring down Azdavia.

    And the fact that they have even built defensive equipment is to prevent the enemy from attacking behind you,......, which means that even if they do attack behind you, they are determined to take down Azdavia.

    And yet, it is inconceivable that they would remove a force of over 200,000 from the siege.

    And then, a worst-case scenario came to Iason''s mind.

    (Don''t tell me that the ...... Teriportanian garrison is on its way to reinforce us?

    But if they are, it makes sense.

    In other words, they''re building defensive facilities to prevent the Terriportanian garrison from attacking.

    And the reason why ...... over two thousand troops were removed from the siege was to gain control of the Terriportanian region, which had been stretched thin while the Chelda Kingdom''s army was drawn to Azdavia City.

    No, that''s not possible!¡¡No, it can''t be! I gave orders not to send reinforcements, but to hold the line!

    Iason said to himself.

    It was more than twenty days ago.

    Forty-seven days after Hercule had crossed the desert.

    The commander of the Terriportanian garrison received two fast horses.

    The first was that the Lemurian army was about to encircle Azdavia, and that Iason was in danger.

    The other was an order from Iason to never leave his post and to absolutely continue to defend the region of Teriportania.

    "...... is an order from Master Iason. It can''t be helped.

    The commander of the Terriportanian garrison continued to defend the Terriportanian region as ordered by Iason.

    But after ......, more information came to the commander.

    Many of them were fast horses that came from cities and villages near Azdavia.

    The content of the information was that the Lemurian army was trying to encircle Azdavia thoroughly.

    The commander was torn between two questions.

    Should he continue to obey the order or should he go for reinforcements?

    If possible, he would ask Iason for instructions, but the Azdavian garrison led by Iason was completely surrounded by the Lemurian army, and he could not ask for instructions.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.

    In the end, it was the lessons of the past that pushed the commander forward.

    What will we do if we keep making the same mistakes over and over again?

    Would Iason be able to protect the city of Azdavia?

    What guarantee do we have?

    General Carmine was defeated.

    It would not be surprising if General Iason were to be defeated.

    If the Azdavian defenders are defeated, there is no way to prevent the Lemurian army from pouring into the Teriportanian region.

    No, no, but ...... if we stay out of Teriportania, there is a possibility that some of the Lemurian army will pour into the region. ......

    This is the reason why Iason ordered us to never leave the region of Teriportania.

    If the Lemurian army were to pour into the thinly stretched region of Teriportania, it would be enough to take over Teriportania.

    If that happened, the Kingdom of Chellda would be finished.

    But ......

    "No, ......, but isn''t that better than the fall of Azdavia?

    Iason is asking us to protect Teriportania on the assumption that Azdavia will be protected.

    However, if Azdavia falls, it will no longer matter whether or not there are about 200,000 Terriportanian defenders left in the Terriportanian region.

    More than 700 Lemurian troops will pour into the Teriportanian region at once.

    And if you cross the ...... Teriportania region, you will find the city of Teripol, which is currently under siege.

    If more than 700 Lemurian troops approach Teripol, the siege of Teripol will have to be abandoned.

    In other words, ......

    That would mean that the region of Teriportania would become completely the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    No way!¡¡No, perhaps ...... that''s the goal of the Lemurian Emperor!

    It''s possible.

    It''s possible.

    The commander does not doubt Iason''s wisdom, but ......

    There is no doubt objectively that the Lemurian emperor is superior to Iason.

    It is possible that Iason is dancing in the Emperor of Lemuria''s hands.

    What a mess!¡¡We''ve wasted too much time. ...... We have to hurry!

    Thus, the Terriportanian defenders left behind only a minimal amount of defense, and led a near-entire army of 200 to Azdavia City.

    On the way, information reached the commander that the Lemurian army was heading for the region of Teriportania, but ...... he did not return.

    He did not return because he thought there was no turning back now.

    He also thought that it would be better to temporarily give the region of Teriportania to the Lemurian Empire than to let the city of Azdavia fall.

    This was also an opportunity, the commander thought.

    Because the Lemurian forces currently besieging Azdavia were about 500,000 strong.

    And the number of Azdavia''s defenders is also about 500,......, and the reinforcements are 200,000.

    In other words, the Lemurian army of 500 can be pinned down from the front and back by 500 and 200, for a total of 700.

    The commander thought that he might be able to annihilate the Lemurian army.

    If he did so, the war situation would suddenly tilt in favor of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    If he led a total of 700 troops to annihilate the 200 troops that had later occupied the Teriportanian region, and then invested another 700 troops in the siege of Teripol, the city of Teripol would also fall.

    The Lemurian army would have no choice but to retreat from the Kingdom of Cerda.

    And perhaps ...... the Emperor of Lemuria sent his army to Teriportania in order to avoid such a worst-case scenario?

    The commander also thought.

    Daring to attack in order to stall enemy reinforcements: ......

    This was a move that the Emperor of Lemuria had made many times in the past month-long war.

    How can I fall for the same trick over and over again?

    The commander headed for the city of Azdavia with a certain confidence in his heart.

    ...... Well, the Commander was not wrong in his thinking.

    It is true that the fall of Azdavia and the annihilation of the Azdavian garrison would be a greater loss than the loss of the thinly-held region of Teriportania.

    And ...... it was true that this pinch was also an opportunity, and if the Lemurian army could be successfully pinned down and eradicated, the war situation would quickly turn in favor of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    However, ......

    The only mistake I made was that I forgot that the Lemurian emperor also knew this.

    In other words, I had completely forgotten the possibility that the Emperor of Lemuria was prepared to defend himself even if he was caught in the crossfire.

    Iason''s despair at the sight of the Terriportanian garrison that had come at his heels was ......

    It was sixty-six days after the desert crossing.

 196 Episode 4 Drunk

    The day when Iason was despairing at the sight of the Terriportanian garrison that had lately arrived.

    That is, the 66th day after the desert crossing.

    It was the night of the twenty-sixth day after the second siege of Teripol began. ......

    "Ah!¡¡I''m going to catch that b*tc* and train her for sure!

    Nia was in a rage.

    She was holding a porcelain cup in her hand, which was filled with wine.

    She gulped it down.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    "Captain, you''re not that strong of a drinker, so don''t drink too much. ......

    "Yea!¡¡Shut up!¡¡You should just pour the alcohol into my cup!

    You should just pour yourself a glass of alcohol!" Nia yells at her subordinate who advises her to cut back on drinking.

    She''s a complete power harasser.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

    The b*tc* Nia is referring to is of course Sonia.

    Ever since the first day of the battle, Nia and Sonia have been aware of each other as douceur enemies.

    And I don''t know if it''s a good thing or a bad thing that fate has brought them together. ......

    They often met each other on the battlefield.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

    Basically, Sonia, who climbed the walls of the castle, and Nia, who was defending the walls, fought ......

    The usual pattern of the game is that Sonia spits out a discarded line and leaves when the army of the Kingdom of Cerda signals its retreat.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    "Well, but ...... it''s great to be able to drink like this despite being on the side of the siege.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    The soldiers of the Shuyen clan, led by Masinissa, were also active, dropping stones from the top of the city walls and shooting at the enemy with crossbows.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    In siege warfare, supplies, especially food, tend to be scarce.

    Therefore, Masinissa was prepared for a certain amount of inconvenience, but ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Her fears were unfounded.

    It''s a great idea.

    After all, the Lemurian Empire had control of the seas.

    Any number of supplies can be transported from the port.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    On the battlefield, you can usually only eat hard-baked bread. ......

    The Lemurian army under siege was eating freshly baked bread.

    Flour is transported from Cyrene City, baked that day, and supplied to the soldiers.

    The bread oven was located in the city of Teripol, and there was no need to save money as long as the fuel wood could be transported from the port.

    Of course, bread is not the only meal.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    Olive oil and other food oils, dried meats, dried fruits, pickles, cheese, bottled and canned foods, and of course, fresh raw fruits and vegetables, and sometimes even live pigs and chickens.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow!

    Wine, malt liquor, sugar, honey, spices, and other delicacies were also supplied, not in sufficient quantity, but enough to ease the soldiers'' complaints.

    Furthermore, the city of Teripol is a port city.

    In other words, it has a thriving fishing industry.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    As expected, the Lemurian military has not given permission for fishing boats, but they have given permission for fishing in the harbor. ......

    The fish caught by the citizens of Teripol City were purchased by the Lemurian Army.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

    That''s why the fresh fish caught that day often made it to the soldiers'' tables.

    Food was not the only entertainment for the soldiers.

    It also includes the processing of s*xual desire, or "women".

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    The Lemurian army forbade rape as a general rule in order to maintain military discipline and rule after the occupation, but did not forbid, or rather actively promote, the buying of women for money, or in other words, prostitution.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow!

    The city of Teripol was a port city, and there were many brothels used by sailors.

    The Lemurian army was renting out all of these facilities and letting the soldiers use them.

    Nevertheless, the s*xual desires of five hundred and fifty young men.

    The brothels in Teripol City were not enough, so they had to bring in prostitutes by the dozen all the way from the brothels in Nova Lemuria City.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    This was another trick that could only be done by holding the control of the sea.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

    (That''s a hell of a lot of national power.)

    Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

    Masinissa thought to herself as she sipped her drink.

    She knew that the Lemurian Empire was a superpower, but she had never imagined that it had enough power to allow its soldiers to enjoy such luxury on the battlefield.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

    It was not a good idea to go against the Lemurian Empire, Masinissa thought again.

    And she inwardly praised herself for riding a winning horse.

    Wow, wow, wow, wow!

    ......There is no way that the Lemurian army always eats like this.

    In fact, this battle is a special case.

    It is because they have control of the sea and can transport supplies from the sea that they are able to fight with so much leeway.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa!

    Meanwhile, the enemy seems to be suffering from a shortage of food. The soldiers don''t look too good.

    Jebe said as he sipped his wine.

    Unlike the Lemurian army, the Cerda army, which cannot be transported by sea, will not starve, but they will have to conserve food.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

    War, war, war, war!

    ''Warwah, bother £¡£¡£¡£¡£¡''

    Nia yelled, slamming the cup on the floor.

    Nia yelled and slammed the cup on the floor. The team members said, "Captain, don''t throw a tantrum!

    Nia slowly stood up, swept the floor, and said to Jebe and Masinissa, who were apologizing, "I''m sorry about our captain.

    "Stop drinking and get up!¡¡Let''s go!

    "No, where?

    "Shut up and follow me!

    The men stood up, letting out sighs as Nia shouted at them.

    It seemed to be business as usual.

    "Hey, wait, Nia. Where do you think you''re going?

    "We''re going to shut up those idiots out there.

    The people who are making a racket: ......

    I mean the Kingdom of Chellda''s army.

    They were shouting in the middle of the night in order to exhaust the Lemurian army as much as possible, making it seem as if they were about to launch an attack right now.

    They seldom actually launch an attack.

    Night attacks are too risky.

    However, the fact that they rarely do means that they will attack once in a while.

    Having to be vigilant throughout the night exhausts the Lemurian army.

    It is not only Nia who is frustrated, but the entire Lemurian army.

    In other words, it was definitely having an effect.

    Whether or not it would affect the course of the war...

    "Hey, wait. If you open the gates, the enemy will have their way.

    No, sir.

    What are you going to do?

    We''re going down from the top of the wall.

    Are you all right, you drunkard?

    Jebe and Masinissa thought.

    Are you sure you want to do this, captain?

    Yes, sir. I have General Stefan''s permission.

    Nia said and let the rope hang from the top of the castle wall.

    Then she quickly descended the rope to the bottom of the wall.

    The men let out a sigh and followed Nia.

    Three companies of soldiers, a total of four hundred and fifty in number, descended the city walls.

    They crept forward, approaching the enemy encampment.

    Only about a fifth of them seemed to be making a fuss, while the remaining four-fifths seemed to be sleeping.

    When I give the signal, throw them all together. That''s good. ...... Three, two, one, now!

    With that, Nia used a rock thrower and threw a bottle of liquid into the enemy lines.

    Forty-five hundred soldiers followed Nia''s lead and threw them at him.

    Immediately afterwards, he took out the bow he was carrying on his back, attached a flaming arrow to it, and shot it into the sky.

    A red meteor floats up in the night sky.

    Some of them ignited the liquid in the bottle he had thrown earlier, the Sacred Flame.

    The Sacred Flame scattered on the ground spread all at once, and a carpet of bright red flames spread over the camp of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    "Hey!¡¡Throw them all at me!

    Nia, in a drunken stupor, threw a large number of bottles filled with the Sacred Flame at them with a rock thrower.

    The others didn''t bring as many as Nia, but each of them still brought three bottles, so he threw more at them.

    "Let''s cut in!¡¡Everyone, draw swords!¡¡Charge!

    Nia drew her sword and charged.

    The troops followed Nia''s lead, cutting into the enemy encampment.

    The Cerda army, which was in a state of confusion due to the sudden flames, was further thrown into chaos by the Lemurian army''s night attack.

    After five or six minutes of cutting down enemy soldiers, Nia ......

    In the event you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can call us at our own web site.

    After that day, not only the Lemurian army, but also the Cerda army had to pay attention to the enemy''s night raids.

    "Captain, are you sure you don''t remember?

    "Are you making fun of me?¡¡I didn''t launch a night attack on the enemy last night. Oh, my head hurts. ...... Is it a cold?

    (Have you even forgotten that you drank alcohol? ......)

 197 Episode 5 The Second Battle of Teripol City Ends

    The day after a drunken Nia set fire to an enemy camp.

    The sixty-seventh day after the desert crossing.

    Hercule was marching through the Terriportan region at a speed of forty kilometers a day.

    Considering that it was a force composed entirely of cavalry, it was a very slow march compared to the usual Lemurian army.

    "Let''s show them what the Bulgurons are made of!¡¡Commence firing at once!

    "Keep up with the Bulgurons!¡¡Don''t fall behind the Bulgurons! Show them what the Lemurian medium-armored cavalry is capable of!¡¡Charge!

    The Bulgaron cavalry led by Alicia distracted the enemy with cavalry fire, and the Cataphracts led by Karolina charged in.

    Then, as if to push open the hole made by the cataphracts, the bulgaron cavalry also pulled out their sabers and charged.

    The outnumbered infantry of the Warbeasts of the Kingdom of Cerda fled like spiders.

    Karolina, you''re really exerting yourself.

    "Yeah. It''s been a while since you''ve been on the rampage, so you must be having fun.

    ...... I don''t think it''s fun, I think it''s more like she''s competing with Alicia.

    Scheherazade guessed Karolina''s psychology.

    With Nia, Alicia, and Scheherazade, the number of Hercule''s favorite princesses who could fight as well as she could, Carolina was feeling a little impatient inside.

    So, as if to make up for the delay, she is fighting hard.

    But what can I say? But what can I say? It''s a very sporadic attack.

    Well, the main force, the Terriportanian garrison, is not here.

    The Teryportanian garrison is surrounding the city of Azdavia.

    In other words, the region of Teriportania is completely out of reach,......, but it is not completely defenseless.

    There are many warbeasts who were not drafted into the army living in Teriportania.

    As farmers, they can''t so easily give up their farmland and go into battle ......, but they can make a certain level of resistance when the enemy attacks.

    However, they are still no match for an army of 240,000.

    We will continue to move westward along the coast and take control of the port cities. The inland areas will have to wait. We''ll kill any enemies that resist, and show them mercy if they surrender.

    Are you sure about the interior?

    Yes. There are too many warbeasts inland.

    The reason why Hercule is taking over from the coast is partly because he wants to seize the port ...... to secure the communication and transportation routes to the mainland of the Lemurian Empire, but there is another reason as well.

    This is because the coastal areas of Teriportania are inhabited by a large number of human races, including the Kiris.

    There are also many descendants of the Cheludans - not the warbeasts, but the humans who built the Cheludan Republic long ago.

    Of course, all the port cities in the Teriportanian region were built by the Kiris and the Cheludans long ago.

    And in the Kingdom of Chellda, it is mainly the descendants of Kilis and Chellda who are engaged in the shipping business.

    Teriportania originally had a large percentage of humans.

    And most of them live in the coastal areas.

    And many of the ...... humans are Orthodox Messianics.

    The Orthodox Messianic religion is now divided between the Papal and the Mediumistic factions. ......

    In fact, many believers are not aware of the difference.

    The division is only within the ruling classes, such as the clergy and nobility.

    Well, it seems that Hilderick II has begun a policy of reconciliation with the human race, but ...... the history of persecution is not so easily erased. In addition, it is still just a philosophy, but the reality has not caught up. ...... In other words, discrimination by warbeasts against humans is still taking place.

    The humans have no motive to fight the Lemurian Empire for the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Therefore, many cities have welcomed the Lemurian army with bloodless siege.

    In contrast are the warbeasts.

    They seemed to think that their privileges would be abolished if they came under the control of the Lemurian Empire, and they took a defiant attitude toward Hercule.

    We will burn any warbeast villages that stand in the way of our march. Of course, if they surrender, we will guarantee their lives and property.

    Hercule grinned.

    Not all of the warbeasts are resisting the Lemurian army.

    I don''t know if they know that they will be defeated if they challenge 240,000, or if they think that the defeat of the Kingdom of Chelda is already certain. ......

    Some villages surrendered to the Lemurian army, while others showed reverence and actively cooperated with the warbeasts.

    In other words, the warbeasts are beginning to split between the Lemurians and the Cheludians.

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea. They won''t be able to return to Teriportania.

    The region of Teriportania was already occupied by the Lemurian army, and a not insignificant number of troops, 2,400, were closing in.

    If the siege failed, the only possible destination for the Kingdom of Chelda''s forces was Chelda City, or in other words, the Iphrygian region.

    If they were to retreat to the Teriportania region, they would be pinned down by the siege forces of Teripol City and the 2,400 cavalrymen led by Hercule.

    That means we''re already at .......

    This war is ours to win. We''ve already won this war. ...... Victory was already decided when we succeeded in crossing the desert.

    Hercule smiled and ......

    "Aha!¡¡What are you doing?

    There''s a city to the west. I''m sure there will be prostitutes there so the soldiers can have women. If a soldier can have a woman, that means I can lift the restrictions I have placed on myself.

    The restrictions that Hercule has placed on himself.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    I''m going to make love to you a lot tonight.

    "Heh, Your Majesty. ......

    While Carolina and Alicia are on the front lines fighting the enemy: ......

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    It''s been thirty-four days since the second siege of Teripol began.

    The seventy-fourth day after the desert crossing.

    ...... "Gentlemen, today will be the last general assault.

    Carmine announced early in the morning to his commanders.

    This made the commanders bite their lips in frustration.

    This was because during the 33-day siege of ......, there had been no sign of the city of Teripol falling.

    Every siege weapon had been destroyed, and the tunnels had been easily spotted and destroyed.

    And the number of troops that had initially reached 15,000 had been reduced to 10,000 due to the counterattack by the Lemurian army and the plague.

    It was unlikely that they would fall in today''s general attack.

    And ...... today would be the last, which would mean the defeat of the Kingdom of Chelda''s army.

    "Oh, Father!¡¡What do you mean today is the last day?

    "...... Sonia?

    In the event that you''re looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, you''ll want to take a look at this website.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    Sonia''s questions were valid, and there were others who had doubts and objections to Carmine''s words.

    As you know, our army was originally only able to gather enough food for thirty days. We have managed to last three days, but we are running out of time. If we go on any longer, we won''t even be able to feed ourselves when we retreat. Therefore, today will be our last all-out attack.

    "But ...... if we don''t, the city of Teripol will ......

    In addition, 2,400 cavalry led by the Emperor of Lemuria are approaching, crossing westward through the region of Teriportania. We can intercept them with our 100,000 ......, but there''s still a chance we''ll be pinned down, and since there''s no chance of Teripol City falling, we''ll have to retreat to avoid the worst-case scenario.

    Worst-case scenario.

    The worst thing that could happen is that the army of the Kingdom of Chellda would run out of food and the soldiers would starve to death, and then the 2,400 led by the Emperor of Lemuria would attack.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to be doing and how you''re going to do it.

    I''m sure you''ll understand.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    You will find a lot of people who have been in the business for a long time. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    "Now, ...... gentlemen. Please get ready to attack immediately.

    "Yes!

    Until dusk that day, the Kingdom of Cerda''s forces continued to attack Teripol City.

    However, the Lemurian army dealt with this calmly and repelled all of their attacks.

    On the same night, the Kingdom of Chellda also conducted a large scale night attack. ......

    The Lemurian army also repelled them.

    And the next day, early in the morning.

    The Kingdom of Chellda''s army began a general retreat.

    "Retreat!¡¡Retreat!

    The Kingdom of Chellda''s army abandoned their encampment and began to retreat en masse with only the bare minimum of provisions and equipment.

    Morale was completely low, and the exhausted soldiers were so disorganized that they could barely march.

    Naturally, the Lemurian army would not stand idly by and watch.

    Not to mention the independent rangers led by Nia and Jebe: ......

    In addition to the independent guerrillas led by Nia and Jebe, the entire army, except for the soldiers of the Barbarians led by Masinissa and the infantry corps led by Oscar ......, or the infantry of the two corps led by Stefan that were guarding Teripol City just in case, tried to start a pursuit of the Royal Army of Cerda.

    In response, Carmine allotted 30,000 relatively energetic and highly motivated troops out of 10,000 to serve as shingari.

    And among them was the Red Wolves, led by ...... Sonia.

    "d*mn you, you persistent bastard!

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    Are they now tied together by the red thread of fate? ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    (d*mn ...... these guys, they''ve been in a siege for over a month, how can they be so healthy!

    Sonia was being held back by Nia''s rangers, who were still as strong as they were a month ago.

    No matter how strong the Red Wolves are, they will be weakened by the exhaustion of a month-long siege.

    On the other hand, the raiding party led by Nia was still strong, as they had taken plenty of food and sleep in preparation for the pursuit of the enemy.

    "Retreat!

    Thinking that further fighting is impossible, Sonia tries to leave the battlefield.

    But ......

    I''m not a fan.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time and energy, you''ll be able to make use of it.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you have.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure what''s going on here,......, but I can''t move my body,.......

    "I''ve applied a numbing agent. I put some numbing medicine on you. ...... I want to thank you for killing one of my men.

    It was Jebe who appeared.

    It was Jebe who had shot Sonia in the back.

    "Sorry, Nia. I''m sorry, Nia. I didn''t mean to interfere with your prey.

    "No, no. I''m just very happy that I was able to catch this woman!

    Nia said in a good mood.

    Then she dismounted and slowly approached Sonia.

    "Agh, let go of me .......

    She grabbed Sonia''s ears from the net and lifted her face.

    She then looked into Sonia''s face and smiled.

    "I''m going to train you very well, b*tc*.

    "Shut up, you inferior, you!

    Nia slammed Sonia''s face into the ground hard.

    I''m not sure if the numbing agent has fully kicked in or if she just fainted,......, but Sonia stopped moving.

    "ugh ...... I got a good souvenir for your majesty ?

    Nia smiled happily.

    Thus, the Second Siege of Teripol ended in victory for the Lemurian Empire.

    And ...... means two things.

    One, that the region of Teriportania had fallen completely into the hands of the Lemurian Empire.

    And ...... the Azdavian garrison led by Iason was left behind.

 198 Episode 6 Revolt

    After confirming that the Terripol Liberation Army had completely retreated towards the city of Cerda, the besiegers left two infantry corps led by Stephan to defend, while the ranger corps led by Nia and Jebe, the infantry corps led by Oscar, and the allied forces of the Shuien clan of the Barbarians led by Masinissa headed west.

    Three days later, on the seventy-eighth day after the desert crossing.

    They met up with Hercule.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I''ve done my best!¡¡Please praise me!

    Oh. Well done, my friend. Nia.

    Hercule was the first to jump out from underneath Hercule and pat Nia on the head.

    He then smiled at Oskar and Jebe, who were looking at him with indescribable expressions.

    "Do you want me to pet you too?

    "No, thank you.

    The two men shook their heads in unison.

    Then Hercule approached Masinissa, who was standing a step away.

    "My friend, you have done well. ...... So, what are you going to do about it?

    The victory is already decided. ...... We don''t need to be there, but we will see it through to the end.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased with the results.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be happy with the results.

    "Understood, Your Majesty.

    Masinissa nodded.

    Then Hercule looked at Jebe, Nia and Oscar.

    "You guys follow me. Oskar, I need you to take the coastal cities. There shouldn''t be any resistance since I''ve already surrendered everything. If they resist, crush them. I want a battalion in each of the ten cities I''m assigning you. When you finish capturing the tenth city, stay there.

    ""Ha!!!"

    The three of them nodded.

    The next day.

    Seventy-nine days from the desert crossing.

    The Tseldas (former Teriportanian defenders) besieging the Lemurian army besieging Azdavia received word that the Teripor Liberation Army had withdrawn.

    And the Emperor of Lemuria is about to rejoin his friends and return to Azdavia: ......

    The Emperor of Lemuria has joined up with his friends and is returning to Azdavia.

    What this means is that ......

    This means that there is a possibility that we will be caught between the Lemurian army of at least 40000 troops and the Lemurian army of about 50000 troops besieging Azdavia.

    If this was the Lemurian army of about 20000 before the confederation, there was the option of temporarily releasing the siege on the Lemurian army, defeating it in battle, and then starting the siege again. ......

    However, there is no guarantee that the Lemurian army, which exceeds 400,000, can be defeated in battle.

    And also, ...... half of the region of Teriportania was already in the hands of the Lemurian Empire, and there was no place to retreat to.

    The former general of the Terriportanian garrison realized that the Kingdom of Cerda was defeated.

    "...... We have no choice. Let''s surrender.

    They sent a messenger of surrender to the Lemurian army besieging the city of Azdavia.

    The commander-in-chief, Galfis, accepted this surrender.

    "So that leaves the enemy forces holed up in Azdavia, five hundred and fifty, General Galfis.

    "Ah. I''ll send a messenger to report it. If we send the commander of the Teriportanian garrison as our messenger, he''ll trust us.

    The Azdavian garrison is thoroughly surrounded by the Lemurian army, so all information from the outside is blocked.

    In other words, they don''t know that the Teripol Liberation Army has been defeated.

    "Well, normally, they would surrender. They don''t have an unlimited supply of food. We can''t keep holed up in Azdavia forever. And there''s no chance of reinforcements.

    We know that Iason is not a foolish general from what he has done so far.

    He is a general with common sense.

    No doubt he will surrender, Darios predicted.

    No, but ...... there are only three major battles in this war, the Battle of Teripol, the First Siege of Teripol, and the Second Siege of Teripol. It''s a good idea to take a look at the following tips to make sure you''re getting the most out of your game. Edmond grimaced.

    Edmond smirked, touched his beard, and continued with amusement.

    "Our emperor has inflicted about ten times as many losses on the enemy as his own army. Almost without a fight. ...... You are a terrible man. Moreover, the breadbasket region of Teriportania is virtually unscathed.

    The only battles that took place were around the cities of Teripol and Azdavia.

    Therefore, the breadbasket region of Teriportania was not damaged to any great extent.

    Of course, this is not to say that it is completely unscathed. ......

    The wounds will heal within a year, and will undoubtedly bring enormous wealth to the Lemurian Empire.

    But ...... in this war, the enemy was completely at the mercy of the Emperor. Everything he did seemed to be backfiring. How can you read the enemy''s thoughts so well?

    Is the emperor a wizard or something?

    Edmond wondered.

    But Darios shook his head.

    No, ...... the Emperor did not read the thoughts of his enemies, General Edmund. I''m sure he wasn''t thinking about what the enemy was thinking at all.

    "What do you mean by that?¡¡General Darios?

    What does that mean, General Darios?" Edmond''s question was answered by Darios with an amused smile on his face.

    It''s simple. ...... His Majesty was planning a strategy that would allow him to win, no matter how the enemy responded. He was not reading the enemy''s thoughts or guiding them. You are not the kind of man who relies on such uncertainty.

    If we compare this war to a maze, the dead end is defeat and the goal is victory.

    To many, it looks as if Hercule has completely read or guided the thoughts of the Kingdom of Cerda, and has prepared a dead end in their direction of travel.

    But ...... is not the case.

    In the first place, there is no goal in this maze.

    No matter how far you go, you will always end up at a dead end.

    Therefore, from the beginning of this war, the Kingdom of Cerda had no chance of winning.

    The greatest dividing line would be the desert crossing. If the Kingdom of Chelda could detect the Emperor''s desert crossing, then the Kingdom of Chelda would have won.

    Galfis added.

    It was just before the Desert Crossing that the Kingdom of Chelda got lost in the maze without a goal.

    If they had been able to respond to the situation at that time, the Kingdom of Chelda might have had a chance of victory.

    Well, in other words, His Majesty destroyed the Kingdom of Chellda with just one move of the desert crossing. Although it was nearly impossible to cross the desert in the first place, ...... how could he have succeeded?

    I still can''t believe it.

    I still can''t believe it," muttered Darios.

    It was a triumph for Hercule, who had planned so meticulously and without preconceptions.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. ...... Oh, the messenger has returned.

    At the same time that Edmond praised Hercule, ......

    The gates of the city of Azdavia opened and a messenger came back from there.

    It was probably an acceptance of surrender.

    Galfis, Darios, and Edmond thought.

    But ......

    The Azdavian garrison refused to accept Lemuria''s offer of surrender.

    That''s enough!¡¡I''m the commander-in-chief of the Azdavian garrison, remember?¡¡Do you really think you can get away with this?

    Iason shouted.

    Iason is in a prison in the city of Azdavia.

    Standing in front of the cage is the commander of the Warbeast.

    "Shut up, traitor. "Shut up, traitor! Surrendering to the enemy is outrageous!

    "Nonsense!¡¡We can''t win any more battles!¡¡You can''t win any more battles! You''re a traitor for wasting your lives!¡¡It is our duty to surrender and return as many soldiers as possible to their homes with as few casualties as possible. ......

    "Shut up!

    The commander drew his sword.

    Iason threw up his hands involuntarily.

    "Whose fault do you think this is?

    It''s your fault!

    That was before!¡¡If it had been General Carmine''s plan, we wouldn''t have ended up like this!

    This defeat is your fault for dispersing the troops .

    This defeat is your fault for dispersing your troops," the Warbeast commander pointed out.

    I don''t think General Carmine''s plan could have handled the desert crossing. ......

    Carmine''s plan was to leave the Teriportanian region behind and fortify the cities of Teripol and Cerda. ......

    Whether you disperse or concentrate your troops, the speed at which they gather will not change.

    In other words, if the city of Teripol is attacked by surprise before the troops can gather, it''s over.

    "No, shut up!¡¡Anyway, we''re not surrendering. We''re not going to surrender. We''re going to take out as many Lemurians as we can!

    That''s absurd. ...... What''s the point of that?

    What''s the point of that?" "It will only cause soldiers to die in vain.

    The commander shook his head.

    The Kingdom of Cerda has not surrendered yet!¡¡As long as we continue our resistance, the Lemurian army will not be able to turn the region of Teriportania into a province. As long as we continue to resist, the Lemurian army will not be able to turn the region of Teriportania into a province. ...... If we stall for a month, they will start to fight back. If they do, we''ll win.

    What the hell are the odds of that happening? ......

    It''s a myth.

    Iason said, but his commander didn''t listen to him.

 199 Episode 7 Iason

    After eleven days of marching, the Lemurian army led by Hercule arrived at the city of Azdavia.

    It was eighty-nine days after the desert crossing.

    "Hasn''t the Azdavian garrison surrendered yet?

    Hercule raised his voice in disgust.

    Hercule could not understand the feelings of the enemy general, who was still fighting pointlessly even though the victory had already been decided.

    The enemy general, Iason, is supposed to be a rational person. I don''t think he would do something so senseless. ......

    After all, there are no absolutes.

    Hercule confirmed it again.

    According to internal reports, the warbeast commanders are revolting.

    Galfis gave Hercule the information he had gotten from his inside help.

    Hercule let out an involuntary sigh.

    "An insider, huh. In other words, the enemy is internally divided between those who want to fight tooth and nail and those who want to surrender.

    Most of the soldiers seem to be in the latter camp, but the warbeast commanders seem to be in the former camp.

    Galfis supplemented Hercule''s prediction.

    Hercule scratched his head in annoyance.

    Hmmm, ...... that''s troublesome.

    If you ask me if the resistance of Azdavia will overturn the victory of the Lemurian army, the answer is no.

    For the time being, the Kingdom of Cerda would not even be able to wage a proper defensive war.

    The sacrifices have increased to such an extent.

    However, it does not mean that Hercule will not be troubled.

    What is troubling is that it is troubling.

    "It''s hard to force them down, Your Majesty. I''d advise you to feed it. It''s not a good idea to waste valuable troops on that thing.

    It was Darios who said that.

    Darius, like Hercule, had a look of utter dismay on his face.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    In order to force the enemy to surrender, you will need more time.

    Hercule wants to take control of Teriportania as soon as possible.

    "Well, ......, let''s do this.

    Hercule smirked.

    The enemy doesn''t seem to be attacking us.

    I''m sure they''re scared. ...... The rations will last for another month. Don''t expect to succeed so easily.

    The current general in charge of the Azdavian garrison said.

    If the Lemurian army chooses to attack with food, it will surely be a long war.

    The Lemurian army does not have the luxury of keeping a large army idle in Azdavia City,......, which means that it can annoy the Lemurian army by itself.

    On the other hand, if they come at you forcefully for a short battle, you can ......

    If the enemy is aggressive, you can give him a painful blow.

    Either way, you can annoy the Lemurian army.

    The only thing he didn''t realize was that ...... it wouldn''t lead to victory.

    "......?¡¡What''s that?

    From the Lemurian encampment, naked men were gradually approaching the city of Azdavia.

    The general attempted to attack them, but ......

    Realizing what they were, he ordered the garrison to stand ready and wait.

    He then ordered the gates to be opened.

    As soon as he saw that the naked group had gone through the gate, he had it closed.

    And the general immediately greeted them.

    He said, "It must have been ...... cold for you to be so naked. I''ll get you some clothes and a hot meal right away. ...... Our friends!

    The naked group ......

    It was a portion of the 20000 soldiers of the Kingdom of Cerda that the Lemurian army had taken prisoner.

    We unleashed two hundred of them first. ...... You really took them in, didn''t you?

    "Of course they did. We''re not going to abandon the soldiers who came to our aid.

    Edmond''s words were met with a sly grin from Hercule.

    They were former soldiers of the Terriportanian defenders who had come to Azdavia to defeat the Lemurian army surrounding the city.

    They ended up surrendering. ......

    The fact remains that they rushed to the aid of the Azdavian garrison.

    If they were thrown out naked and headed for the city walls, it was only natural to accept them.

    "From now on, today and tomorrow, we will release all 200,000 prisoners.

    "Are you sure?¡¡There is a possibility that the enemy''s strength will increase. ......

    What good is 500 plus a bunch of naked men with no weapons?¡¡There''s only so many rocks you can throw.

    The Azdavian garrison is already out of arrows.

    It''s unlikely that they have enough swords, spears, and armor to spare for two hundred men.

    And when the Lemurian army attacked, they were throwing furniture and bricks at us as projectiles. ......

    This shows that there are not even enough stones left to throw.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.¡¡Your Majesty.

    "Well, a third of them.

    Hercule gave a small nod at Darios'' words.

    Darios smiles.

    "Oh, ...... there''s two-thirds left? Yes. ...... Are you bribing some of the soldiers?

    That''s about it. They''re infiltrating the city with agents in order to start a rebellion from within.

    Hercule was planning to bribe the relatively high status warbeasts among the prisoners of war with treasures and land to start a rebellion inside Azdavia.

    The enemy warlord has given some thought to this possibility. ......

    I don''t think we can doubt our friends who once tried to help us.

    But there''s still a third of them left.

    Do you still have a reason?¡¡May I ask?

    It''s simple. Soldiers who have surrendered, who have been taken prisoner, who are relaxed that the war is over for some reason, who are eating our relatively good food, and who are feeling at peace, do you think they will be useful in a ...... siege? Do you think they will be useful in a siege?

    In fact, on the contrary, it will create an atmosphere of "Come on, let''s surrender ......", which will greatly lower the overall morale.

    "Oh, yeah, ...... Nia, Jebe!

    "Yes.

    Hercule ordered the two commanders of the independent rangers who had come in very handy.

    "Gather the inhabitants of this area as you see fit. After the third day, we''ll throw all the people around here naked.

    Hercule smiles with amusement.

    "Now, how many days do you think that will last?

    Five days.

    Over the next five days, two hundred prisoners of war and three hundred local residents were forcibly thrown into the city of Azdavia.

    Ninety-four days after crossing the desert.

    Finally, a rebellion of soldiers broke out in the city of Azdavia. ...... The soldiers of the surrender faction detained the general of the resistance faction.

    They surrendered to the Lemurian army as a souvenir.

    As a result, the city of Azdavia fell.

    This was the end of the entire war.

    After the fall of Azdavia, Iason was quickly rescued.

    He was then captured by the Lemurian army as a prisoner of war and was given an audience with ...... Hercule.

    Iason is tied up on a beautiful carpet and surrounded by soldiers, while Hercule is looking down on Iason from a throne placed on a much higher step than the surrounding area.

    "Hmm, you are Iason?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. My name is Iason. My hobby is reading.

    Hercule narrowed his eyes at Iason as he answered a question he had not been asked.

    That''s strange. I also enjoy reading.

    "Really?¡¡I''d love to discuss books with you.

    I''d love to discuss books with you." "Well, ...... when you get a chance.

    Hercule replied, ......

    From a chair on a high step, he looked down at Iason.

    "Is it true that you were about to surrender?

    Yes. ...... I decided it was futile to go any further.

    That''s a wise decision.

    Hercule complimented Iason honestly.

    Iason had certainly been pushed around a lot in the war so far, but it seemed to Hercule that he was doing the best he could .......

    "You are to come to Nova Lemuria. As a prisoner of war, you will be guaranteed at least a civilized life. Your life of inconvenience will be short-lived. That is, if you can pay the ...... ransom.

    However, the Kingdom of Chelda is not so far gone that it can''t pay the ransom of a country''s general.

    "...... No, I have no intention of returning to the Kingdom of Chelda. Would you be willing to grant me citizenship of the Lemurian Empire?

    "...... Oh, and why is that?

    Hercule narrowed his eyes.

    I''ve had enough of the Kingdom of Chellda. It''s not just that the generals don''t listen to me, they threaten me and even take away my command, General Carmine is running away, and Prime Minister Hoamel is only thinking about his own interests. His Majesty the King is unreliable and devoted to his mistress, and his fianc¨¦e is quarrelsome and racist.

    Iason let out a sigh.

    Iason let out a sigh and said to Hercule as if he were begging him.

    The Emperor is far superior to our King as a monarch. And his vassals are all working together, not dragging each other down. ...... The Kingdom of Chelda has no chance. No one wants to be on a mud boat, right?

    "I see. ......

    Hercule smiled.

    Slowly he rose from his chair.

    He slowly got up from his chair and walked down the steps.

    I know exactly how you feel.

    He put his hand on the sword at his waist.

    And ......

    "Would you like to be a librarian in my country?

    "Librarian? ...... Really, really?¡¡Yes!

    Are you sure?¡¡Your Majesty.

    That night, Darios asked Hercule.

    "He''s quite good, sir.

    "Well, that''s surprising. You were very critical of him, weren''t you?

    It''s true that he''s good, considering his lack of experience. The lack of popularity is ...... why don''t you just treat him as your second-in-command and not as a general in the first place?¡¡I think it would be a shame to keep him as a librarian.

    He may not have the talent to lead an army, but he has the ability to plan a strategy and assess a situation.

    That was Darios'' assessment of Iason.

    Yeah. I appreciate his abilities as well.

    "Then why?

    Darios asked, and Hercule shrugged.

    I don''t like his personality. You wouldn''t want to work with someone you didn''t like, would you?

    I thought you didn''t care much for the personalities of your subjects. ...... Is there something you don''t like so much?

    "Well, there are some things I personally don''t like about ......

    I personally don''t like it much.

    But it''s not his own personal feelings about Iason that Hercule has a problem with.

    I''m not sure I like him much, but it''s not my own personal feelings about Iason that Hercule has a problem with. ...... I think it''s going to be awkward if he joins the vassals. He''s the kind of guy that''s hated by both the top and the bottom, right?

    "...... I can''t deny that.

    Darius smiled bitterly.

 200 Episode 8 Armistice

    Ten days after the victory at the Siege of Azdavia.

    In early April, at the age of thirty-one, Hercule had returned to the city of Teripol.

    He was in the process of ordering his generals to wipe out the enemy resistance in the region of Teriportania.

    At the same time, he is preparing to settle about 100,000 Tonden soldiers that he had recruited.

    This is in order to establish the region of Teriportania as the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    Negotiations with the Kingdom of Cerda were currently being conducted by Todoris.

    As for Hercule, he would be happy if he could make peace with them, as long as he could incorporate the region of Teriportania into his dominion for the time being. ......

    However, it seems that the Kingdom of Cerda does not approve so easily, and it was difficult to conclude a peace treaty.

    However, the Kingdom of Cerda had not yet been able to replenish the troops it had lost in the great defeat, and because of the political turmoil, it was able to conclude an armistice.

    Therefore, Hercule is trying to take advantage of this time to completely transform the region of Teriportania into Lemuria.

    This is because if it is made into an established fact, the enemy will have no choice but to admit it.

    "But ...... I''ll have spent my birthday, Thanksgiving, wedding anniversary, and New Year''s all on the battlefield, Luna.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Now that the war is over, it''s safe to say that ......

    Lunalie had also come to Teripol City to see Hercule.

    Hercule was naked, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, and he was lying face down on a table.

    In his hands he was holding what looked like a chain ...... that led to Lunalie''s neck.

    Lunalee was forced to wear a slave-like collar with manacles and shackles.

    She was also dressed like a slave, ...... wearing a thin cloth that allowed her skin to show through.

    The structure was similar to an apron, with the cloth hanging down from the neck, barely covering the area from the chest to 30 centimeters above the knees. ......

    In addition to the steam and heat of the bathhouse, there is also the heat of the water.

    In addition, due to the steam and heat of the bathhouse, the cloth absorbed moisture from the air and Lunarie''s sweat, sticking to the skin and not functioning as clothing.

    In front of them, there was a large mirror, so that Lunalie could see herself even if she didn''t want to.

    Lunalie''s cheeks were slightly flushed from the heat of the bath and her shame.

    Luna, you ...... look better than ever. Mmm ...... good, good. There you go.

    "Thanks ...... to you.

    With a complicated look on her face, Lunalie continued to massage Hercule''s back.

    "Oh, your ...... majesty. I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    "Alicia, you''re finally here. Alicia, you''ve finally arrived. Don''t dawdle. Put on the collar and chain and give me a massage.

    Alicia appeared in the same attire as Lunalie, with manacles and shackles. ......

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before.

    She then put on the collar and chain provided.

    When Hercule tugged on Alicia''s chain, she moaned with a little pain and a slight look of pleasure on her face.

    You do the lower half of her body, her hips and legs.

    "Yes ...... Your Majesty.

    Alicia begins to apply pressure to Hercule''s lower body.

    "Agh ......

    "Oh, I''m sorry. Did that hurt?

    ...... It''s okay, keep going.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to be doing and how you''re going to do it.

    "......, phew.

    "Your Majesty. It''s stiff here.

    It''s been a while since I''ve done any paperwork. I''ve been doing a lot of paperwork lately, and it''s really good for my health to be out on the battlefield exercising.

    Hercule''s voice sometimes sounded a little painful, sometimes pleasant, as Lunalie and Alicia moved their fingers.

    They start to get a little excited at the unusual turn of events - they are blaming Hercule.

    "How do you like it here, Your Majesty?

    "Ahh ...... there''s a little pain, no, phew ...... continue.

    "Your Majesty, what is it?

    "Uh-huh. It''s a little ticklish. Oh, hmm. ...... there, something itchy. Go on.

    My face was flushed with heat and I was sweating. ......

    She followed the movements of their fingers, occasionally shuddering and panting.

    Lunalie and Alicia looked at each other and grinned.

    The two of them tried to find out more about Hercule''s stiffness.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡I''m sorry to disturb you. May I come in?

    "Is that Nia? ...... Good.

    When Hercule gave his permission, Nia came in wearing a swimsuit.

    It is a cute triangle bikini with a red and white border.

    The pattern is cute, but the area is rather small, so it''s quite revealing, and the fabric is a little thin, so it shows a lot of things.

    Unfortunately, the only clothes available for slaves were those of Lunalie and Alicia.

    "Hey, heika......, can I have a massage, too?

    "Hmm, yes. Can you massage my hands?

    Yes!

    Nia grabbed Hercule''s hand with a happy expression and applied pressure.

    "Heh heh ......, Your Majesty, is it around here?

    "Heck, you''re good at that.

    "How about here?

    "Huh, ...... good.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.

    "Her Royal Highness Princess Lunalee, Master Alicia.

    ...... What?

    "Yes, Mister Nia.

    They turned to Nia, not stopping their massage.

    Nia stared at them and smiled.

    You two look great together. ...... It''s very s*xy and see-through.

    "......Yes.

    "......

    They both blushed and covered themselves with their hands.

    Then they realized and apologized to Hercule.

    "I''m sorry, ...... Your Majesty.

    "I''m sorry, Your Majesty. I stopped.

    "No, I was just about to stop, that''s fine. Besides, it was Nia''s fault for harassing me.

    Hercule said, getting up from the platform.

    Then he grabbed the black heart-shaped tail.

    "Hiya!

    "You evil b*tc*. ...... You really are a bad boy.

    Nia screamed as she was grabbed by the tail.

    She blushed and writhed.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.

    She exhaled hard and writhed.

    "Luna, Alicia. The three of us can play with him tonight.

    "Hey, hey!¡¡Your Majesty, your Majesty, your Majesty, your Majesty, what does that mean?

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    And then he lost all of his strength and fell to the floor.

    "Come on, get your ass up.

    "Oh, ......, give me a break, .......

    Hercule played with the tip of her tail and lifted it up so that it was taut.

    With that, Nia thrusts her hips and buttocks up.

    "See?¡¡Isn''t this fun?¡¡The three of us playing around with it would definitely be fun.

    ...... I want to touch you too.

    Your Majesty. Please let me get even.

    Lunalee and Alicia couldn''t wait for the night to begin. ......

    I''m not sure what to do.

    This made Nia teary-eyed and frightened.

    And then, in order to get out of the situation, she shouted.

    "Hmm, ah, ......, Your Majesty. In fact, there''s something I''d like to tell ...... you, Your Majesty.

    "Hmm?¡¡What is it? Tell me.

    Look, look, I''ve got this b*tc* ...... that I caught, King Cerda''s fianc¨¦e, Sonia Leups Geyseria, and I want to talk to you about her!

    When Sonia''s story was brought up, Hercule released Nia''s tail .

    If not now, just torment her this evening.

    I thought you had her locked up in a cell here in T?ripol. I haven''t seen him yet. ......

    I''m locked up because of my violent behavior. ......

    Sonia Leups Geyseria is the daughter of Carmine, a great nobleman of the Kingdom of Cerda, the princess of the Leups Geyseria family, and the future queen.

    We can''t continue to treat her roughly forever.

    Let''s at least take a look at her face. ......

    "Well, Your Majesty!¡¡Can you leave Princess Sonia to me, please?

    Yes?¡¡Why is that?

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    A friendship between female generals growing on the battlefield.

    It was a common story.

    It''s impossible for Near to be the only one,......, but it can''t be completely denied.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    "......

    It''s not that I''m not a good person.

    He was still the same Nia.

    If you leave it to me, I''ll train that b*tc* to perfection!¡¡I will discipline her so that she will be your favorite.

    Hercule asks Nia, who is no longer trying to hide her desire.

    "What exactly?

    What exactly?" "Well, she seems to be a virgin. For now, I''ll keep her virginity as a gift to you. And I''ll make sure he gets a hundred while he''s still a girl. Even though she''s a virgin, I''ll turn her into a perverted 100-pound b*tc* slave. I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk. How about ......?

    If you''re going to go that far, you should get a tattoo or two.

    "That''s His Majesty!¡¡Let''s go with that.

    Nia with a big smile on her face.

    Hercule also had a big smile on his face. ......

    He grabbed Nia''s tail.

    "Hyah!

    "Are you stupid? You''re an idiot. You can''t do that to a princess of great nobility. Treat her with respect. No questioning. It''s rude.

    But he called me a nightmare and made fun of me, didn''t he?

    "Alright, alright. I''ll try to recreate as much as I can of what you tried to do to Princess Sonia tonight. That way you''ll learn to be a little more considerate of others, won''t you?

    When Hercule said this, Nia clung to him, crying.

    "Hee ......, Your Majesty. I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    I''m not going to let anyone else have you, so don''t worry about that.

    You''re not going to do anything else?

    That depends. But if it''s my baby, you can get pregnant, right?

    "Oh, sure. Then I''m rather happy ......, and please forgive me for the rest.

    He grabbed her by the tail again, and she screamed.

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.

    "Why do you guys look so unhappy?

    Hercule asked Lunalie and Alicia, who had complicated expressions on their faces.

    The two looked at each other.

    "...... Your Majesty. I was Princess of Hayastan, and now I am Queen.

    It was Lunalie who said this.

    I was not treated with respect.

    You need to look at what you''ve done and put your hand on your heart and think about it.

    ...... crawled on me at night and raped me.

    It wasn''t done to you, it was done to me.

    When Hercule said that, Nia whispered to him.

    That''s absolutely not true. ...... Higghhh!

    I''m not sure what to say. So, Alicia, what are you unhappy about?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    I''m not ...... complaining.

    If you lie to me, you will be punished.

    I have a few thoughts.

    Alicia readily confessed.

    "Well, tell me about it.

    They made me strip naked in public and lick their shoes. ...... I''m supposed to be a princess too.

    That was hilarious, higgity!

    I''m sure you''ll agree with me.

    But you violated the agreement and shot me with an arrow.

    ...... I''m sorry about that.

    Alicia looked away.

    Unlike Lunalee, Alicia was not so brazen as to open up.

    It''s a good thing. Let''s just go to Princess Sonia''s place. I''ll go out first, you guys get dressed right away.

    ""Yes."

    "Oh, Nia, you''ll stay in your bathing suit.

    When Hercule said this, Nia looked horrified.

    And then she looked at herself in the mirror.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to do it. ...... The thought of walking out of the house looking like this makes me cringe.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡You''re kidding, right?

    That''s an order.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand. ......

    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment.

 201 Episode 9 Princess Sonia

    "Are you Princess Sonia?

    Hercule called out to the warbeast girl who was lying face down in her cell.

    The girl looked up and glared at him.

    "Are you the Emperor of Lemuria?

    "Well, you and I have never met before.

    I''m sure you''ve never met me before," said Hercule, and Sonia looked unhappy.

    I''ve seen your face at the ...... wedding.

    "Oh, that''s nice of you. You should have come to say hello anyway.

    Hercule said, looking at Sonia closely.

    Her appearance is quite good.

    You can find a lot more than just a pretty face. ...... You''re still in your teens, so you still have a little bit of youth in you.

    The eyes are lifted up in a self-satisfied manner, giving the impression of a strong personality.

    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.

    However, the dog ears that grow from her head and her slightly young face make her look a bit cute.

    She is sitting with her knees rolled up, so it is difficult to see the unevenness of her body. ......

    It''s a shame for Hercule that she doesn''t seem to have big tits.

    (But then again, big tits don''t look good on her.)

    Face and body shape are not always the same thing.

    Her own image is that ...... big breasts are not suitable for strong women.

    I''m not sure if she knew that Hercule was thinking of such a trivial thing, but she glared at him and said, "Don''t look at me.

    Don''t look at me like that, it''s disgusting.

    "That''s a terrible thing to say.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    He then introduced the women who were standing behind him.

    "Let me introduce you to this woman, Lunalee. This is my wife, the Queen of Hayastan.

    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Sonia. I am Lunalie Yulianos.

    Lunalie bows to Sonia.

    I am Princess Sonia and this is Lunalie Yulianos.

    This woman is Alicia. She''s not my wife yet, but she''s my fianc¨¦e. She is the daughter of one of the most powerful clans in Bulgaron.

    I''m Alicia Krom. ...... Nice to meet you.

    Alicia said curtly.

    Unlike Lunalie, Alicia is a bit more rough around the edges when dealing with people other than Hercule.

    "And this is, as I''m sure you already know, Nia Lucarios. I''m sure you''re aware of that. ...... I see he was quite rude to you. I''ll apologize to him. I''m sure you''ll do the same, Nia.

    "...... Please forgive me for my rudeness. Your Highness Princess Sonia.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    In addition, she was wrapped in a cloak.

    She was naturally wearing a swimsuit underneath.

    This is why she has a restless expression on her face.

    Hercule really tried to make her walk around in just a swimsuit, but ......

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    There is also the reason that it would be rude to meet a princess of a great nobleman wearing only a bathing suit .......

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.

    I''m not sure if I''m a good person or a bad person. You''re the whore who sold her body to the Emperor of Lemuria and hired his army, and the other is the b*tc* who betrayed her country.

    Lunalie and Alicia were annoyed by this.

    Lunalie and Alicia frowned.

    Even Lunalie, who has a quiet personality, looked unhappy, and Alicia, who has a big attitude toward everyone except Hercule, raised her eyes to show her anger.

    Sonia turned to Lunalie.

    If the emperor of Lemuria there is dead, you can be sure that he will not be able to get rid of her. If the Lemurian emperor there dies, whose bed will you be hiding in this time?¡¡The infidel King Fahls?¡¡Or that fraudulent heretic, King Fulling?

    ''The ...... little b*tc*.''

    Lunalie didn''t really argue, but she did mutter something in an annoyed tone.

    Sonia then turned to Alicia.

    How dare you show your face to anyone? If I were you, I would commit suicide by being stripped naked in public, having my shoes licked, and then selling my country to the enemy. ...... Or do you have some kind of proclivity that gets you excited about exposing your skin in public?

    "Don''t get too carried away.

    Alicia glared at Sonia and said in a low voice: "Don''t get carried away.

    Alicia glared at Sonia and said in a low voice, "Don''t get carried away." Her hands were trembling and her right hand was about to reach the sword at her waist.

    Finally, Sonia turned to Nia and ......

    She sneered.

    I don''t care about those filthy Nightmares.

    "Who''s ......?

    Nia tried to curse Sonia, but ......

    I''m not going to get into it.

    I''m not going to let you get away with it," she said, "because you might get your cloak confiscated as punishment for your outburst.

    "You can''t do anything on your own without a man to shake your ass, you whores!

    Alicia''s anger finally exploded as Sonia spat at her.

    If you hadn''t told me to treat you with respect, I would have cut you down, you b*tc*!

    Alicia pulled out her sword and yelled at him.

    "You''re the b*tc*! Lemurian Emperor''s dog.

    "Shut up, you inferior dog!¡¡"Shut up, you inferior dog!¡¡Half-breed!

    I''m not a dog, I''m a ...... proud wolf!¡¡You long-eared monkey!¡¡Barbarian!

    Sonia and Alicia use racist terms to stir each other up.

    Hercule realized the reason why racism has not disappeared from this world.

    "Your Majesty. We''ll play with Nia next time, but tonight we''re going to hurt her.

    "That''s unusual, Luna. What''s so annoying about it?

    "So much so that I want to pick off his ears and tail and turn him into a rug.

    Unusually, Lunalie also seemed to be very angry.

    Incidentally, Nia was glancing at Hercule while touching the knife in her pocket.

    If Hercule nodded towards Nia, Nia would immediately throw the knife at Sonia.

    Alicia, that''s enough.

    "But ......

    Stop. That''s an order.

    Alicia backed down as Hercule spoke more forcefully.

    Then Hercule turned to Sonia and said.

    I hope you won''t abuse my wife, my fianc¨¦e, or my subjects too much. Princess Sonia.

    "Hmm ......, I''m just telling you the truth. If you have a problem with that, boil it or roast it as you like.

    "Oh ......

    Hercule laughed at Sonia''s words, raising the corners of his mouth.

    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment.

    (...... Your legs are shaking a bit.)

    If you look closely, you can see that Sonia is inwardly frightened.

    I think you should take her agitation as a form of bravado.

    (Sonia, you threatened her a lot, didn''t you?)

    Hercule''s mind was filled with images of Nia and Sonia quarrelling with each other.

    In the middle of it, Nia must have made a lot of threats to Sonia, just like she had done in the bathroom.

    After all, Hercule had a record of humiliating Alicia, the princess of a powerful foreign noble, by forcing her to strip naked in public.

    Sonia must have felt that Nia''s threat was very real.

    "Princess Sonia. I want you to promise me one thing.

    What? What?¡¡You color-crazed, perverted emperor!

    Ranting is fine, but no violence, please. That means no violence. ...... We don''t want to hurt each other''s bodies for nothing, do we?¡¡If you promise to do so, you''ll be out of jail in no time, and you''ll be treated with respect.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve seen it before.

    A small nod was given.

    "Huh. ......

    Sonia let out a small sigh.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    It''s a good idea to have a good night''s sleep.

    It''s much more comfortable and secure than the cold floor with straw and shabby cloth.

    Sonia looked around.

    In addition to the bed, there was a marble table, a wooden chair, a small closet, a chest of drawers, and a bookcase with about a dozen books, including the Bible.

    There were paintings on the wall, porcelain from the East on top of the chest of drawers, and a vase of flowers on top of the bookcase.

    The clothes she wears are also Lemurian, but ......

    The fabric was high quality, fashionable and pretty.

    It''s a change from the life in prison I had a while ago.

    Life in prison was quite difficult for Sonia.

    Even though she had fought in many battles and had experience in encampments,......, Sonia was still the daughter of a great nobleman.

    You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

    Instead of the fine flax, silk, and wool clothing she had been used to, she was now dressed in an unfamiliar, coarse linen, and her bed was made of straw covered with cloth.

    Meals were cold and chilly, and since they had to be careful not to be poisoned, they were not very entertaining.

    They could not go to the toilet to do their business, so they did it in a pot. ......

    It was humiliating to be carried by a soldier of the opposite s*x.

    The occasional altercation with a nightmare girl was also very tiring for Sonia.

    To add to the horror, the guard was a man, and he had the key to Sonia''s prison.

    If the guards unlocked the door in the middle of the night and attacked Sonia with more than one person, ......

    If the guards unlocked the door in the middle of the night and attacked Sonia, she would be easily raped.

    It is not uncommon for female prisoners to be raped by soldiers and guards.

    Sonia was not optimistic enough to think that she would not be raped.

    But as of today, she is free from that fear.

    Sonia''s guardian is a female knight of the Elves, and her personal attendant is a female servant of the Humans.

    He''s more of a gentleman than I thought.

    Sonia thought of the face of the Emperor of Lemuria who had come to her prison today, and muttered to herself.

    The Emperor of Lemuria''s reputation is not a good one.

    In addition, the ...... Emperor Lemuria''s subordinate, a girl of the demon race (nightmare), had threatened him a lot, and he was inwardly afraid.

    I was prepared to lose my virginity at the very least.

    However, the Emperor of Lemuria was not angered despite Sonia''s agitation, bad language, and outbursts.

    On the contrary, he arranged for a bath, prepared a simple hot meal, and even gave us a comfortable room.

    But don''t let your guard down. Sonia.

    Sonia muttered to herself.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it.

    "Princess Sonia, the Emperor wants to see you.

    A soldier called out from the other side of the door.

    You can use your health condition as an excuse to refuse ......, but Sonia''s upbringing and character were not so bad that she could be rude to someone who had treated her so politely.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    Sonia stood up and headed for the Lemurian Emperor, guarded by a female knight.

    "Princess Sonia, it''s been a while.

    The Emperor of Lemuria, Hercule I, was in the courtyard of his mansion.

    He is sitting in front of a white round table.

    There was tea and cake on the table.

    Would you like to have tea with me?

    Emperor Lemuria said, lifting his teacup.

 202 Episode 10 Tea Ceremony

    Sonia was sitting facing the Emperor of Lemuria.

    On the table were three kinds of cakes, cookies, and macaroons.

    A servant pours fragrant tea into a teacup.

    Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?

    ...... If I had to say, I''d say coffee.

    The Emperor of Lemuria smiled as Sonia said, "I see.

    I see. That''s a shame. ...... I prefer tea, though. Oh, well. I''ll get you some coffee next time. By the way, do you like milk or sugar in your coffee?

    "...... Yes.

    Sonia gave a small nod and picked up the cup.

    And drink the freshly brewed tea.

    (...... delicious)

    It was one of the most delicious teas Sonia had ever tasted.

    Then Sonia looked at the sweets on the table and gulped.

    In the kingdom of Cerda, there is a law against extravagance.

    It is a law that restricts the importation and use of luxury goods.

    This law was issued by the previous king, Raus I.

    The law was issued by the previous king, Raus I. And ...... defines what is considered a luxury in the Kingdom of Chellda.

    These are goods imported from the Lemurian Empire.

    For example, spices and silk, which are typical examples of luxury goods, all pass through the territory of the Lemurian Empire and come to the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Other items such as tea, coffee, sugar, ceramics, jewelry, and glassware are all produced in or imported through the Lemurian Empire.

    Purchasing these items is synonymous with bringing wealth to the Lemurian Empire.

    Therefore, certain restrictions have been placed on them.

    And ...... because of the state of war until recently, Sonia, the daughter of a great nobleman, could not afford luxury either financially or emotionally.

    But ......

    Sonia is just a girl.

    She loved sweets, that is to say, sweets of the Lemurian empire with lavish amounts of sugar, and coffee with lots of milk and sugar.

    Her envy of such luxuries was strong because she could rarely eat them.

    And now it was right in front of me.

    "Do you like sweets?

    "........................... ......... I don''t really like them.

    Sonia replied, desperately looking away from the sweets.

    I don''t like sweets.

    I''m not sure if the Lemurian emperor knew of Sonia''s strength or not, but he smiled.

    I am proud to say that Lemuria''s pastries are the best in the world. I''m sure it will suit your palate.

    "............

    The sweets of the kingdom of Cerda are better.

    I''m sure you''ll like it." Sonia tried to say, but couldn''t.

    The Kingdom of Cerda, which gets its sugar only through the Lemurian Empire, is not capable of making sweets as sweet as those of the Lemurian Empire.

    In the Kingdom of Chelda, sweetness is limited to dates, watermelons, melons, figs, grapes, and other fruits.

    (I''ll just eat a little bit of ...... and then pretend I don''t have a sweet tooth.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    "......!

    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    To accentuate this sweetness, the fresh fruit juice overflows, mingling the sour and sweet flavors.

    Sonia couldn''t help but swoon.

    "...... Ah!

    She found herself eating the entire slice of cake.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Sonia''s cheeks flushed red from embarrassment.

    I''m glad you like it.

    "...... Yes.

    You can no longer deny that you don''t like it.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    There are still two kinds of cake, cookies and macarons left. There are two more cakes, cookies and macaroons left, and there are refills if you want them.

    "Oh, I''m not such a picky eater!

    Sonia shouted and stood up.

    Then she sat down silently, her face flushed red.

    Her reaction was clearly a mistake.

    "Princess Sonia.

    "...... What is it?

    The Emperor of Lemuria said in a gentle voice to Sonia, who had reopened her mouth and started eating the sweets.

    In a couple of weeks, all the prisoners will be transferred to Nova Lemuria.

    "......

    "You''ll be coming to Nova Lemuria. You will be coming to Nova Lemuria.

    Emperor Lemuria said. ......

    Sonia glared at the Emperor of Lemuria.

    The war is not over yet. The Kingdom of Cerda is not defeated!

    Of course we know that. That''s why we''re transporting the prisoners to the capital. To use them as bargaining chips.

    In other words, Sonia herself is a bargaining chip for the Lemurian Empire to extract concessions from the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Sonia bit her lip in frustration as she realized this.

    It''s your fault. Because of you, the Kingdom of Chelda is ......".

    That''s right. Because I am the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire.

    The Emperor of Lemuria said coldly to Sonia.

    It is the sovereign who acts in the best interest of his subjects. I may be the cause, but ...... it is your king who is to blame.

    "......

    Sonia could not refute any of this.

    A month later, in mid-May.

    "...... What''s for dinner today?

    Sonia rubbed her eyes sleepily as she waited for her meal in the guest room she had been given at the Lemuria Palace.

    After waiting for a while, a servant brought her a delicious looking breakfast.

    It included Sonia''s favorite coffee with milk and sugar.

    She ate until dessert and stretched out.

    It''s too comfortable.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    I''ve been a prisoner of war in Nova Lemuria for a while now, and it''s been very comfortable.

    Although she was a prisoner of war, she was actually treated as a guest of honor.

    Three meals and a snack were provided every day, and she could take a luxurious bath at night.

    The undergarments, dresses, and ornaments provided were of a much higher quality than what Sonia possessed.

    Moreover, the Emperor of Lemuria had even told her that she could take them all back with her when she returned home, since they had been prepared for her.

    I can understand if it was underwear or a dress, but he also gave me a beautiful ruby and pearl necklace and earrings that came with the dress.

    It was so generous that Sonia felt sorry for him.

    In addition, entertainment was also provided.

    They would lend her books as much as she wanted, and sometimes they would even take her to the library.

    With permission, I could rent an exercise facility, and at ...... I could even meet the two empresses of the Lemurian Empire, Carolina and Scheherazade, there.

    I was allowed to visit churches and chapels every day, and even had an audience with a medium.

    If I jokingly said that I wanted to take a walk in Nova Lemuria, I was actually allowed to do so, albeit under supervision.

    It was an unbelievably good treatment.

    If ...... this treatment had been given only to Sonia, she would not have been able to enjoy it quietly.

    However, Sonia was not the only one to receive this kind of treatment.

    Of course, Sonia was the one who received the best treatment in terms of status. ......

    The other prisoners of war were also guaranteed a fairly comfortable life.

    The generals of the kingdom of Cerda were also allowed three meals, a bath, and a certain amount of freedom in entertainment.

    Even Iason, who hated Sonia, spent every day in the library of the Lemurian Empire.

    The soldiers of the commonwealth are also provided with warm meals and enough environment to keep their bodies clean. ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    Once, Sonia went to see the soldiers of the Red Wolf Corps, who had also been captured,.......

    Many of them looked better than before they were captured.

    So, Sonia was relieved and received good treatment from the Lemurian Empire, but ......

    But she never forgot her hostility towards the Lemurian Empire.

    Rather, he kept it burning in his heart so that he would not forget it.

    The goal of the Lemurian Empire was to make the prisoners, including Sonia, pro-Lemurian.

    Sonia was not foolish enough to fall for such an obvious ploy of the enemy.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and how you can get it.

    You can find a lot of people who have been in the same situation for a long time, but they are not the same people.

    ...... Speaking of which, I have a tea party with the Emperor of Lemuria today.

    Sonia stood up.

    I''m going to dress up ...... more than usual today, Sonia thought subconsciously.

    ......Have you been preparing for that desert crossing that long?

    Well, yes. It was expensive and dangerous. But the return was also great.

    The Emperor of Lemuria told Sonia with great pride.

    In the name of deepening their friendship, Sonia and Emperor Lemuria had been having regular tea parties.

    Sonia thought that Emperor Lemuria''s intention was to make her pro-Lemuria .......

    In fact, Sonia felt that her ill feelings toward Lemuria were slowly fading away.

    But that didn''t change the fact that Lemuria was still an enemy nation.

    Sonia had been asking the Lemurian emperor about various things, hoping to steal some important secrets from him.

    But ......

    (He doesn''t talk about important things, or ......)

    The way he speaks so smoothly, so eloquently, so smoothly, he seems to be very light on his feet. ......

    The Lemurian emperor would never give Sonia the information she wanted.

    The Lemurian emperor has not relaxed his guard against us at all.

    So Sonia had half given up on trying to steal information from the Lemurian emperor.

    Even so, the reason why she continues to have tea parties with Emperor Lemuria is ......

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    The tea, coffee and sweets served are delicious, of course, but more than that, the Emperor of Lemuria is a good speaker.

    His high level of education could be clearly seen from his conversations.

    He also listened to Sonia''s not-so-good Lemurian pronunciation without laughing. ......

    Sometimes she even spoke in fluent warbeast.

    Best of all: ......

    "By the way, Princess Sonia.

    "...... Yes. What is it?

    "Those earrings, did you buy them in ...... Nova Lemuria?

    Sonia nodded at the Lemurian emperor''s question.

    Yes. I bought them the other day in the port of Nova Lemuria.

    The Emperor of Lemuria smiled and said, "It suits you.

    It looks good on you. You look more mature than usual.

    "Thank you, .......

    Emperor Lemuria is quick to notice Sonia''s little fashions.

    And he compliments her on it.

    (......That man would never do that.)

    Inwardly, Sonia compares her fianc¨¦ with the handsome man in front of her.

    The former had a fianc¨¦e of his own, but he was obsessed with a human woman and didn''t care for her in any way.

    On the other hand, the latter never misses even the slightest change and praises her.

    Sonia''s liking for the Emperor of Lemuria had increased greatly.

    However, ...... there is still something that doesn''t add up.

    It is the fact that he humiliated Alicia Crom by making her strip naked in public.

    I can''t imagine what he would have done if he hadn''t been such a gentleman.

    "Your Majesty.

    What is it?¡¡Princess Sonia. You want a refill?

    "I''m not a glutton!

    Sonia denied that she wanted any more cake. ......

    And then she asked Alicia why she had done such a terrible thing to her.

    "Oh, that. ...... Hmm, well, no wonder you feel that way. It''s a terrible thing to do, I know.

    ...... If you know that, why?

    If you know what you''re doing, why not?

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    Alicia Crom had come to the Emperor of Lemuria and the Empire for help.

    How can we reach out to those who have killed, robbed, and raped our people?

    Is it that easy?

    No, Sonia thought, you can''t.

    At least the Kingdom of Cerda would not accept the Lemurian Empire''s request for help.

    It''s the same thing.

    Let''s starve the Bulgurons to death!¡¡There must have been many who insisted.

    But in the end, the people and their vassals agreed. ...... Now, the Bulgaron region is the territory of the Lemurian Empire, and its people are treated as its subjects.

    In order to create this situation, the Lemurian emperor dared to become the bad guy and humiliate Alicia Krom in order to make them drink.

    You are ...... a wonderful monarch.

    Sonia sent her heartfelt words to the Emperor of Lemuria.

    You are a cruel and brutal man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

    He is a cruel and brutal man who does not hesitate to use any means to achieve his goals. Even though people around him think of him as such, and he is regarded as a villain, ...... he enriches his people and shows mercy even to his enemies.

    He is a man who has a reputation for being a bad guy.

    It was the ideal monarch for Sonia.

    (At least, not like ...... those guys.)

    Her father and his political opponents are engaged in a political struggle despite the fact that they are at war.

    A general with no ...... patriotism who wants to turn on his enemies simply because they have captured him.

    And then there is ...... the king who is a coward, indecisive and only cares about his own reputation.

    It''s not like he''s selfish and doesn''t care about the country or the people.

    At least, that''s what Sonia thought.

    That''s an exaggerated assessment. I''m not a great ruler, at least not a great ruler. I''m more of a tyrant.

    No, you''re not. I can see it in the faces of the people of this country, the citizens of Nova Lemuria.

    You can see how much this Lemurian emperor cares for his people.

    At least that''s what Sonia saw.

    I wish you were the King of ...... my country .......

    Sonia muttered, from the bottom of her heart.

    This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your time with your family and friends. ...... The young princess did not yet understand what that statement meant or what thoughts were budding in the depths of her mind.

 203 Episode 11 Ransom

    "Your Majesty.

    Oh, my God, Alicia. What''s wrong?

    The day after the tea party with Sonia, Alicia visited Hercule in his office.

    The next day, Alicia visited Hercule''s office.

    I heard that you humiliated me in order to convince my people and my vassals. Is that true?

    "Who told you that?¡¡You and Sonia are not exactly on speaking terms.

    Karolina and Scheherazade have been in contact with Sonia.

    Cecilia is also trying to convert Sonia to Orthodox Messianism out of the kindness of her heart.

    However, Lunalie and Alicia are avoiding each other, probably because of their bad impressions from their first meeting.

    Incidentally, Nia and Sonia still seem to agitate each other whenever they see each other.

    "The servants are talking about it.

    "I see. ...... Well, yes. Half of it is true.

    In fact, anti-Bulgarian sentiment within the Lemurian Empire was very high.

    There were many who argued that we should not help the Chromes because we could have won even if we had not helped them and continued the economic blockade.

    In particular, Alicia was the one who killed many Lemurian soldiers in a surprise attack that broke the truce, and she also tried to kill the Emperor Hercule.

    If Hercule had said yes and spared Alicia and the Chromes, there would have been a lot of discontent among the people and their vassals.

    In that sense, it is not wrong that he humiliated Alicia in public in order to relieve ...... that dissatisfaction.

    ...... half, huh?

    Yes. The other half is my feelings. If I don''t, my people and my vassals may forgive me, but I won''t.

    "...... haha.

    Alicia smiled vaguely, unsure of what to say.

    Hercule reached out to Alicia.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It''s over. Don''t worry about it, I''ve already made up my mind about what you did.

    "......, you bullied me last night about it.

    That''s all in the past.

    Hercule shrugged.

    Alicia let out a sigh.

    Gradually, Alicia began to understand what kind of person Hercule was.

    Hercule is a kind of joker.

    It is better not to take his words and actions too seriously.

    By the way, what are you doing now?¡¡You seem to be very busy lately.

    "Stabilizing the region of Teriportania. We''re going to make the occupation a fact. ...... We''re halfway there. It''s just a matter of time.

    The first thing Hercule did was to wipe out the rebellious forces in the region of Teriportania.

    The first thing he did was to wipe out the rebellion in the region of Teriportania. In other words, he suppressed by force the warbeast villages that refused to accept his rule.

    At the same time, he issued the name ......, guaranteeing land, property, and life to those who accepted his rule early on.

    In fact, only a few of the warbeasts rebelled violently, and many of them accepted the rule of the Lemurian Empire, albeit reluctantly.

    They were guaranteed land and property. ......

    But more than that, many of the privileges of the time of Raus I (the previous king) were abolished by Hilderic II (the current king).

    There were also a number of warbeasts who were dissatisfied with King Hilderic II.

    They felt that they had no obligation to follow the Lemurian Empire, but they also felt that they had no obligation to risk their lives for Hilderic II.

    Therefore, he readily accepted the rule of the Lemurian Empire.

    Those who resisted were the warbeasts of Hilderic II''s faction, who had won the previous civil war and gained a lot of land through merit, as well as a small number of humans. ......

    They were wiped out by the Lemurian army led by Oskar, Stefan, Darius and Galfis.

    The next thing Hercule did was to settle the Tundan soldiers.

    In exchange for the withdrawal of the standing army, he recruited a large number of colonists and settled them one after another.

    Many of the warbeasts who defied the Lemurian Empire were those who had vested interests: ......

    In other words, many of them had vast private lands, so there was no shortage of land for them to settle on.

    In the areas where the rebellion existed, Hercule settled the Tunda soldiers who would become the wedge of control.

    There was not much to be done now.

    All that was left was to set up a governance structure.

    Hercule treated the leading figures of the human and warbeast races who had turned to the Lemurian Empire, and incorporated them into the governing structure.

    He also gave back some of the territories of the warbeast nobles who had previously defected to the Lemurian Empire, and placed them above the local leaders.

    They were well versed in the geography of the region, and also had the know-how to rule it.

    Since they were originally of the Priorists, they were not badly received by the local remnants of the Priorists.

    And he is a bit more trustworthy than those who turned to Lemuria with a reluctant attitude. ......

    Naturally, we have sent many bureaucrats from the center.

    In another five years, the region of Teriportania will be completely integrated into the bureaucratic centralized system of the Lemurian Empire.

    In addition, the military postal system and ......

    Erkur was planning various measures for his future rule, such as raising funds for public works such as flood control and irrigation to restore farmland devastated by the war.

    As for the peace negotiations, Todoris is working on them right now, but they''re already in the final stages.

    "Has the Kingdom of Chellda accepted the abandonment of the region of Teriportania?

    It''s not so much that they''ve accepted it as they''ve been forced to. Well, they haven''t admitted it yet, but ...... we''re going to make sure they do.

    The Lemurian Empire intends to keep the region under its control, whether or not the Kingdom of Cerda declares that it will abandon or cede the region. ......

    This has already been reported to the Kingdom of Cerda.

    According to Todoris, the court of the Kingdom of Chelda seems to be in a state of resignation.

    However,......, there are a few viziers who have a base of support in the region of Teriportania who are showing resistance, but it is only a matter of time.

    The ransom is being negotiated now. Princess Sonia has been priced at a high price.

    It''s not that kind of commodity. ...... By the way, since you''re negotiating, whose ransom are you struggling with now?¡¡General Iason?

    No, no. They''re just soldiers.

    The Lemurian Empire has captured over a hundred thousand prisoners.

    Hercule has demanded a small ransom, which he will hand over to the Kingdom of Chelda. ......

    The Kingdom of Chelda is refusing to pay and is trying to bargain.

    This is because even though the amount of money for each person is low, if the number of people reaches 100,000, it will be enough to put the treasury of the Kingdom of Chelda on fire.

    I see. ...... The kingdom of Cerda is in dire straits, and may not be able to pay.

    You''ll be able to''t pay for reparations, too. ...... They''re complaining that if you''re going to demand such a high ransom, you should reduce the amount of compensation. If you care about the soldiers, you should pay the ransom, no matter how high it is.

    That''s not the words of a ransom demander.

    Hercule cowered at Alicia''s words.

    And what do you intend to do with it?

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to try. I''m going to explain to the ...... soldiers that the kingdom of Cerda is going to be stingy with the ransom and abandon you. I''m going to explain to the soldiers that the Kingdom of Cerda is going to be stingy and abandon you.

    That''s a terrible thing to do, no matter what. ......

    The prisoners of war, who are under the generous protection of the Lemurian Empire, are already leaning pro-Lemurian.

    If Hercule were to tell them that ......

    If Hercule tells them that, their hearts will turn away from the Kingdom of Cerda and closer to the Lemurian Empire.

    But if ...... the ransom negotiations are terminated, does that mean that they will be released for free?

    "No, the ransom will be paid by you. Those who can''t pay will be given labor.

    Incidentally, Hercule is planning to charge half the ransom to individual soldiers.

    By doing so, he hopes to make the soldiers think, "The Kingdom of Chellda is so reluctant to pay even this much that they abandoned us? The reason for this is to make the soldiers think, "The Kingdom of Chelda is reluctant to pay us even this much!

    I''m going to let them choose whether they want to return to the Kingdom of Chellda or stay in the Lemurian Empire. Some of them may be having relations with Lemurian women, and some of them may be from the region of Teriportania.

    Whether they return or stay, ......

    It doesn''t really matter if they return or stay, their feelings will be pro-Lemuria by then.

    By the way, since the peace talks ...... are underway, when will you invade next?

    "What, you want a war so badly? You''re more belligerent than I thought.

    You are the one who said that ...... the kingdom of Cerda will be destroyed.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. So it will be five years at the earliest. By then, the pro-Lemurian Princess Sonia will have become queen.

    The kingdom of Cerda is split in half between the anti-Lemurian king''s faction and the pro-Lemurian queen''s faction. ......

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    I''m sure that''s why you''re so busy having tea parties with Princess Sonia.

    What did you think it was for?

    I thought it was just a bad habit of yours. ......

    When Alicia said this, Hercule stood up.

    He grabbed Alicia''s hand and drove her up against the wall.

    "What is it?

    "......

    Hercule did not answer Alicia''s question, but put his lips to hers in reply.

    What''s the use of hitting on another woman when you have such a beautiful one?

    ......

    Alicia blushed and looked away.

    They kissed a few times.

    Then Hercule said.

    It''s not that I don''t want to hold every woman I see. If that''s what you think, then you''re prejudiced.

    Currently, Hercule is satisfied with his s*xual partners, both in terms of quantity and quality.

    He had no plans to add any more mistresses, lovers, or wives.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.¡¡If you mess with that, you''ll get in trouble. I''m going to return her to her country in a clean slate.

    ...... I was also the fianc¨¦e of the crown prince of the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    I''m sorry.¡¡I''m sorry, I forgot about that part.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    Of course, Hercule hadn''t forgotten.

    It''s the same thing, this is the same thing," she said.

    "At any rate, we''ll be friends for five years, okay?¡¡With the Kingdom of Chellda. So, I won''t do anything that will worsen our relationship, at least for the next five years. The tea party with Princess Sonia is also for the sake of friendship between the two countries. ...... It''s just a temporary friendship for the next five years.

    I''ve heard from the servants that you seem to be actively courting her for that ...... reason.¡¡The relationship between His Majesty and Princess Sonia is already known throughout the Nova Lemuria Palace, and even in Nova Lemuria there are rumors. Are you sure you''re not trying to seduce her?

    Alicia asked, and Hercule cowered.

    That''s just who I am. When I''m talking to a beautiful woman, I just naturally start hitting on her.

    ......

    When Alicia heard Hercule''s reply, she let out a sigh for the umpteenth time.

 204 Episode 12 Peace

    June.

    A peace treaty between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Cerda was finally signed.

    The Kingdom of Cerda ceded the region of Teriportania to the Lemurian Empire.

    The Kingdom of Chelda paid reparations to the Lemurian Empire, half of which was to be paid in a lump sum and the other half in five-year installments.

    Mutual non-aggression for five years.

    Mutual non-aggression is renewed one year in advance, in three-year increments.

    That''s all.

    So Sonia managed to return to Cerda City.

    "Are you all right, Sonia?¡¡Did they do anything to you?

    Hilderick II greeted Sonia as she stepped off the deck.

    Hilderick II greeted Sonia as she stepped off the deck and asked with concern.

    "...... Yes. I''m fine, Your Majesty.

    Sonia replied.

    She then bowed to her father, who was standing behind Hilderick II with an uncomfortable expression on his face.

    I''m sorry for your concern. ...... General Carmine (?????).

    ".......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    After that, high-ranking generals and bureaucrats who had been captured by the Lemurian Empire came down from the deck and were reunited with their families.

    After a few days of rest, a meeting including Sonia and the others who had been captured was held.

    This was the first meeting after the peace treaty was formally signed and implemented.

    The agenda was to decide on a policy to rebuild the war-torn country.

    Currently, the Kingdom of Cerda was presented with two options.

    One, use the country''s power for economic recovery and rebuild the country with at least enough military power to prevent the Lemurian Empire from invading.

    Two, put the country''s strength into military power and try to retake the region of Teriportania.

    The former is supported by the Reconstructionists, led by Carmine ......

    The latter was supported by the main war party led by Hoamel.

    The region of Teriportania was an important base of support for Hoamel.

    He had to win it back.

    Of course, the meeting was split in two.

    Now, with the loss of his support base, Hoamel''s momentum was waning. ......

    He was opposing Carmine by involving the neutrals who wanted to restore the land.

    And Hilderic II was unable to put an end to the conflict between them.

    "Sonia, what do you think of ......?

    Towards the end of the meeting.

    Hildegard II took the opportunity to ask Sonia, who had remained silent until now.

    Sonia looked lost for a moment, but then ......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    ...... Teriportania will never return. So there is only one option.

    Sonia''s words were met with a momentary gasp.

    This is because Hilderick II, Carmine, Hoamel, and the rest had expected Sonia to insist on restoring the land.

    What do you mean, "Teriportania will not return?¡¡Sonia. Does it mean that the Lemurian Empire can''t win a war?

    "...... That''s one thing. But the people don''t want it in the first place.

    No one could understand what Sonia was saying.

    The people who live in Teriportania are originally subjects of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    They don''t want to return to the Kingdom of Chellda?

    How can that be?

    "...... What do you mean, Mister Sonia?

    Hoamel asked.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''d like to go back to Cerda.

    I mean what I say. Five years from now, the people of Teriportania will choose between Lemuria and Cerda.

    "...... Are you talking about the human race?

    Hoamel asks.

    Teriportania has a large human population.

    It''s no wonder that the latter is a better place for humans to live than the Kingdom of Cerda and the Empire of Lemuria,.......

    It is true that humans may be attracted to Lemuria. But ...... we have adopted a policy of reconciliation to eliminate the disparity between the warbeast and human races. In fact, there are humans like me here. Isn''t that right?

    I don''t deny that. But ......

    Sonia narrowed her eyes.

    Is it as far as Lemuria?

    What does ...... that mean?

    In Lemuria, half of the ...... bureaucracy is made up of humans. A large number of human nobles also occupy seats in the senate. Yes, there are human nobles. Are there any human nobles in this country?¡¡What is the percentage of humans in the bureaucracy of this country?

    Yes, that''s .......

    The policy of reconciliation is no match for Lemuria, which has been pursuing it for hundreds of years.

    If you fight on the same field, you will surely be defeated.

    "......, but you have the warbeasts. Isn''t that right, Sonia?

    It was Carmine who said so.

    Carmine is leading the Reconstructionists, ...... but the Reconstructionists are not about to give up on Teriportania completely.

    They want to regain the power of the state and then reclaim Teriportania.

    In other words, the ultimate goal is the same as that of the main war party.

    However, ...... Sonia sounds like she is asking us to give up on Teriportania itself in the first place.

    This is unacceptable to Carmine.

    "Yes, it is. Many of the warbeasts will choose between Lemuria and Cerda.

    ...... You make it sound as if there are some who would choose Lemuria.

    I believe that there are more than a few.

    "I believe there are more than a few," Sonia said, as if to throw him off.

    Everyone frowned.

    There is no way that the people of the warbeast race, let alone the human race, are going to leave.

    That is the consensus of those present.

    The Emperor of Lemuria demanded obedience from the warbeasts in exchange for land and property. Those who chose obedience were protected by Lemuria, and those who refused were killed. I hope you''ll still be alive in five years. Those who swear allegiance to the Kingdom of Chellda.

    "Sonia, it''s only temporary, isn''t it?¡¡I don''t think they are truly loyal to the Emperor of Lemuria. If we return, ...... they will welcome us with open arms.

    Hilderic II said to himself.

    Shouldn''t the Kingdom of Cerda be a better place for the ...... warbeasts than Lemuria?

    "The situation is as you say, Your Majesty.

    The current situation is.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what Sonia is trying to say.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this. Our rights will be equal to those of the humans, and our wealth will be redistributed.

    The air froze.

    "Those who obeyed the Emperor of Lemuria do not obey him wholeheartedly. But they also do not have a strong allegiance to the Kingdom of Chelda. Five years from now, that will diminish even more. If the treatment will be the same in the end even if you turn against it,......, it is better to follow the stronger side.

    "Sonia!¡¡You''ve bonded with the Emperor of Lemuria!

    Carmine shouted at her.

    You''re tied to the Emperor of Lemuria!

    "I''m just telling you the truth, the truth!¡¡Do you know?¡¡Do you know that in Lemuria, when a soldier dies, his family is paid a pension? Enough to live on, every year. What about our country?¡¡When a soldier dies, they never see him again, not even pay the ransom. Who would risk their life for a country that doesn''t even pay ransom for its soldiers?

    A hush fell over the room.

    Sonia sat quietly.

    No one opened their mouths.

    After a few moments of silence, Hilderic II said in a muffled voice.

    "Sonia, are you saying that ...... my policies were all a mistake in the first place?

    Sonia replied coldly.

    I''ve been saying that since the day you ascended to the throne. Have I misremembered?

    Get out of here!

    Hilderic II shouted.

    Sonia let out a sigh and stood up.

    If it makes you feel any better, we''ll leave.

    Sonia then stood up and walked out of the chamber alone.

    Then, in the ...... chill of the air, Hilderic II said.

    The policy is set.

    Carmine and Hoamel''s eyes widened.

    Carmine and Hoermel''s eyes widened, for it was not often that Hilderic II made a decision on his own.

    If in five years'' time the people''s hearts are already broken, neither ...... Carmine''s plan nor Hoamel''s will bring back the region of Teriportania.

    Everyone gulped.

    That means that ...... Hilderic II has decided to abandon the Teriportanian region.

    It was not an "afterthought" like the Reconstructionists.

    He has completely given up on the idea of reclaiming Teriportania.

    ..................

    ............

    ......

    And for a moment, everyone thought.

    "Scrap the peace treaty!

    "......?

    "Your Majesty?

    Carmine and Hoermel''s faces tightened.

    "Abrogate the peace treaty!¡¡All we have to do now is go to war and get ...... it back!¡¡Isn''t that right!

    Hilderic II''s words rang out.

    "...... my policy was not a mistake. My choice to usurp the throne from my father was the right one. I will prove it!¡¡I will not tolerate dissent!

    Then, after desperate persuasion by Carmine and Hoamel, ......

    The peace treaty was annulled and the invasion was to take place not now, but three years later.

 205 Episode 13 Country from shelves

    "I have it on good authority that ...... the Kingdom of Cerda is planning to break the treaty and invade in three years. Your Majesty.

    "Is that true, Todris?¡¡Where''s your source?¡¡Has King Chelda lost her mind?

    Todoris nodded in response to Hercule''s question.

    Then he told Hercule about the source of the information.

    "There have been several similar reports. The palace of the kingdom of Cerda is also in turmoil. ......

    "Well, that''s confusing. I''m confused too. I''m confused too. ...... People make some incredible decisions sometimes.

    The character of Hilderic II, as Hercule knew him, would never have made such a decision.

    It''s reasonable to assume that someone put the idea in his head. ......

    It is said that almost all of Hilderic II''s vassals secretly oppose it.

    In other words, it is the sole decision of King Hilderic II.

    "What shall we do?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "What can we do or not do?¡¡But three years,......, that''s a lot of time, and the defenses are not yet in place. Well, ...... if it''s a defensive war, we''ll have a huge advantage.

    It''s easy to win.

    And you can blame us for breaking the treaty and impose even stricter conditions on us.

    "Well, there''s no need to be hasty. You''ll continue to monitor the movements of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Todoris nodded.

    It was a month after that report.

    On that day, Hercule was hunting with Cecilia and Nia in the woods near Nova Lemuria.

    "How is it, Cecilia?

    "Yes, it''s very tasty.

    Cecilia said as she ate the meat of the wild bird that Hercule had killed.

    It''s very simple, just salt and pepper.

    The fact that she was out in the open, eating meat that had just been processed, was a seasoning that made it taste even better to Cecilia.

    "Your Majesty. Would you please eat the rabbit I killed?

    It was Nia who approached Hercule, saying so.

    "No, thank you.

    Hercule opened his mouth.

    Then Nia carefully placed the rabbit meat on the skewer into Hercule''s mouth.

    "How is it?

    "It''s good.

    Hercule replied, and Nia smiled happily.

    Inwardly, Hercule thought that the taste of the rabbit would not change just because you killed it.¡¡But he didn''t say it out loud.

    Hercule was a man who could read the air.

    "Um, Mr. Hercule?

    "Hmm, what''s the matter, Cecilia. Do you want me to eat meat too?

    Yes!¡¡...... No, that''s not it. Can I ask you something about the kingdom of Cerda?

    The reason Hercule brought Cecilia hunting was not just for a date.

    It was for a secret meeting.

    Surprisingly, the forest is a good place to talk in secret.

    "Oh, good. Now, where do I start?

    Hercule told Cecilia what he knew about the current situation in the Kingdom of Cerda.

    "...... three years later?

    "Yes. King Chelda seems to be in desperation. His retainers are trying to stop him, but it doesn''t seem to be working. At this rate, a coup d''¨¦tat is likely.

    Hercule said, remembering an event that happened in the Kingdom of Foulds a long time ago.

    At that time, two of the generals of the Kingdom of Foulds, Coward and Shaheen, forcibly detained Yazdegild, who was acting as the king''s representative at the time.

    More ......

    In the case of the Kingdom of Fars, it was the prince, while in the case of the Kingdom of Cerda, it was the king himself.

    It would not be so easy to imprison him.

    Even if the current King Cerda, or King Hilderic II, is detained, ......

    There is no one who can be used as a replacement king.

    If King Hilderick II had a child, he could be enthroned as king, but King Hilderick II and Sonia have not even been married yet.

    In the first place, it is doubtful that there is anyone in the Kingdom of Cerda who has the courage to stage a coup.

    But thanks to this, more and more people are trying to come to our side, which is a big help.

    ...... It''s a terrible thing.

    I can''t help it. No one likes to be on a mud boat.

    Not a few of the nobles of the Kingdom of Cerda thought, "This country is doomed" when they saw King Hilderick II''s turmoil.

    They have been divulging information about the inside of the Kingdom of Chelda to the Lemurian Empire in case Chelda is invaded by the Lemurian Empire.

    However, this is only an insurance policy for them.

    If by some miracle the Kingdom of Chellda should rise again, they will try to cut ties with the Lemurian Empire.

    "Well, if they break the peace and attack us three years later, we''ll just have to meet them. If we change our minds, we can wipe out the rebels in one fell swoop.

    Three years from now, there will still be many warbeasts flying the banner of anti-Lemuria.

    Therefore, they will rebel at the same time as the Kingdom of Cerda invades.

    This is quite troublesome for the Lemurian Empire. ......

    But it''s only a nuisance.

    Hercule was confident that he could take care of all of them at once.

    Cecilia, I''m counting on you and the Messianic Church to help us.

    "Yes, of course. Yes, of course. It is also our mission to lead them to the correct teachings.

    It would be in Hercule''s interest and Cecilia''s interest to convert the Western Messianic Church in the former Chelda Kingdom to the orthodox Princess Priestess (Medium) Messianic Church.

    "Once Chellda is taken care of, Edelna. At the very least, let''s go get Lemuria City back. The day when we can go back to ...... is near, okay?

    In fact, Hercule has little intention of taking direct control of the Kingdom of Edelna.

    In fact, Hercule has little desire to take direct control of the Kingdom of Edelna, since it is too busy swallowing up the Kingdom of Chellda.

    Therefore, he is thinking of establishing a pro-Lemurian puppet government as before.

    But Lemuria City is a different story.

    I will take the head off that self-proclaimed "Pope." I''ll take the head off that self-proclaimed ''Pope''. ...... You messed with my Cecilia.

    ...... I say "my", but she wasn''t yours then, was she, Hercule?

    So I guess I can assume that she belongs to me now?

    Then Hercule put his hand on Cecilia''s chin.

    Cecilia''s cheeks flushed and she looked away.

    "Well, well, ...... in the sense that I am under your protection, I suppose. But still, I am a Himemiko. I''m your equal!

    "I see, I see.

    Hercule patted Cecilia''s head.

    Cecilia puffed out her cheeks.

    Cecilia puffed her cheeks. "You''re making fun of me!¡¡I''m going to make you squeal, I promise!

    "Geez!

    Then Nia, who had been watching the exchange between Hercule and Cecilia with a sour expression, said with a smirk on her face.

    Cecilia glared at Nia.

    Cecilia glared at Nia, "Why are you telling me this?

    "I hope I can make you say it.

    What do you mean?

    What do you mean?

    Cecilia and Nia begin to bicker.

    What Hercule, Nia, and Cecilia didn''t know yet...

    Something terrible was happening in the Kingdom of Chellda.

    It was in the evening of that day that the three of them returned to Nova Lemuria City.

    After dropping Cecilia off at the mansion they had given her, Hercule and Nia returned to Nova Lemuria Castle without a care in the world.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡You can''t go out at a time like this without telling me!

    "Your Majesty, you''re back!

    ...... What have you been up to?

    They were greeted by Carolina, Scheherazade and Lunalie.

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    Nia had a smug look of superiority on her face, and as a result the blue streaks on their foreheads increased.

    "What''s going on?

    ''You do that again!¡¡It''s all part of your plan, isn''t it?¡¡Don''t play dumb with me.

    Karolina ran up to Hercule and angrily slapped him lightly on the chest.

    Hercule tilted his head.

    "What about ......?

    "Isn''t that your plan, by any chance?

    It was Scheherazade who asked.

    Scheherazade, who was not known for her suspicions, began to think that Hercule really did not know what was going on.

    "Don''t be fooled, Scheherazade. He''s always been like that. You know?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "...... No, I don''t know what you''re referring to.

    Hercule tilted his head, wondering if he had been exposed to something he shouldn''t have been.

    I don''t know, I have too many ideas.

    Maybe you''ve planned so many evil things that you don''t know which ones have come to fruition.

    "That''s a terrible thing to say, Luna.

    Lunalie looked at Hercule with a frown.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    So, what is it?¡¡Tell me now. If it''s something I know and I really forgot, I''ll apologize. If it''s something I really don''t remember, you''ll have to give me a sincere apology, okay?

    Hercule''s words frightened Carolina and Scheherazade slightly.

    But Lunalie replied with a slight flush on her face.

    The kingdom of Cerda has surrendered to us without us having done anything. Your Majesty is playing a trick on us, isn''t it?

    Hercule replied to Lunalie''s words.

    ''...... I really don''t know anything about this, what do you mean?¡¡Why would the kingdom of Cerda roll over on its own?

    ""......?"

 206 Episode 14 Crazy

    It was a few months ago.

    The national politics of the Kingdom of Chelda had reached the peak of confusion.

    After desperate persuasion by Carmine and Hoamel, King Hilderic II changed his mind and decided to break the peace treaty and invade after three years of preparation. ......

    He could not wait even three years, and ordered his vassals to hasten their preparations for war.

    Carmine and Hoamel said, "We can''t go to war right now. We need three years to prepare," but in other words, "we can start the war as soon as we are ready.

    Therefore, King Hilderic II was trying to finish the preparations for war as soon as possible.

    However, Carmine and Hamel did not give the figure of "three years" without reason.

    They have always been at odds with each other, but ...... both of them came up with the exact same "three years" figure.

    Since they both say three years, three years is absolutely necessary.

    If we try to force it forward, ......

    The decline in national power will accelerate.

    The fall of Teriportania was fatal to the Kingdom of Chelda.

    The loss of the Teriportanian region was fatal to the Kingdom of Cerda, as the mass of refugees worsened the security situation and increased the demand for grain.

    The loss of the breadbasket led to a decline in grain supply.

    As a result, the price of grain skyrocketed several times, and the merchants of the Lemurian Empire who sold cheap grain to the Kingdom of Chelda at high prices reaped the profits.

    If the Lemurian Empire were to impose heavy taxes to prepare for war, it would be obvious that the economy of the Chelda Kingdom would collapse.

    Knowing this, Carmine and Hoamel work together (reluctantly) to stop King Hilderic II.

    The result is a conflict between the king and his vassals.

    Fortunately or unfortunately, in the Kingdom of Cerda, where absolute sovereignty has not been established like in the Lemurian Empire, the two sides are almost as strong as each other.

    ...... But this is not good.

    This is not good, because the officials of the Kingdom of Chelda will not know which side to listen to.

    Each time a decree is issued, it is revoked, and then revoked again.

    This had been going on for several months.

    Meanwhile, Sonia was under house arrest in the house of the Gayseria family in Mauglinia.

    She was under house arrest in the house of the Gayseria family in Mauglinia, ostensibly because of her rude comments to the king: ......

    In fact, Carmine had forced her into the house to prevent her from pouring any more oil on King Hilderic II.

    Sonia, let''s go in.

    "......

    Carmine went into Sonia''s private room.

    Sonia was sitting on the bed in her private room, holding her knees.

    In fact, she was allowed to go out into the garden, because the purpose of the house arrest was to prevent her from meeting the king.

    However, Sonia was either too serious or not in the mood to begin with, so she kept to her private room and only went out for the minimum requirements.

    I have something important to tell you.

    Have you decided to break off your engagement to ......?

    Sonia was convinced that Hilderick II completely disliked her because of this incident.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    So it doesn''t really matter to Sonia ......, she''s just glad she didn''t have to marry someone she didn''t like.

    If there was any inconvenience, it would be being sent to a monastery.

    I don''t think the king''s former fianc¨¦e will be marrying anyone.

    I can see being sent to a monastery and being kept there for the rest of my life.

    I''ll have to say goodbye to the Red Wolves, Sonia thought to herself.

    No, the other way around.

    "...... backwards?

    The marriage has been hastened. The ceremony will take place in three months at the latest.

    Sonia''s eyes widened.

    I don''t see why the marriage should be accelerated in this climate.

    I don''t see why we should get married so soon in this climate. ......

    Originally, getting married was no different.

    It''s not a big deal from Sonia''s point of view because it''s only ...... accelerated.

    I''m not sure why, but it made Sonia feel uncomfortable.

    What is your intention, sir?

    "To strengthen the relationship between my family and His Majesty the King. We are in a situation like this.

    Sonia shook her head.

    It is precisely because of this situation that I cannot see your intentions. Right now, your father and the king are supposed to be enemies.

    That''s the way it''s always been. Not anymore.

    Sonia did not immediately understand what Carmine was trying to say or what he wanted.

    But it soon dawned on her.

    "No, no way!¡¡You''re going to side with the King?

    "...... I''ve been the King''s vassal from the beginning. I''ve been his vassal from the start.

    It''s not what I''m talking about!

    Sonia glared at Carmine.

    What the king is trying to do must be stopped. You know this better than anyone!¡¡Our country cannot endure any more war!¡¡Even if we could, we would be no match for Lemuria!¡¡Isn''t that why your father was trying to stop the king?

    But we can''t keep dividing the country forever.

    It''s ......

    It''s true that we can''t do anything about it if the country is currently divided.

    If things continue as they are, King Hilderic II may break the peace and start a war without listening to the restraint of his vassals.

    If we are going to be attacked anyway, it might be better to unite the country.

    That''s what I''m thinking.

    Sonia was not convinced. ......

    But that was when she thought that Carmine''s opinion was not without a point.

    "First of all, we must unite the country in order to rebuild.

    That was the gibberish Carmine had let slip.

    It was a casual remark, but Sonia, who was smart enough to know better, took it all in.

    "...... put together?

    "What''s the matter, Sonia?

    ...... So, that''s it.

    Sonia glared at Carmine.

    You''ve promised to help the king on the condition that he removes Hoamel from the palace!

    Carmine gives his full cooperation to King Hilderic II.

    King Hilderick II eliminates Carmine''s greatest political enemy, Hoamel.

    As proof of this promise, Sonia marries Hilderick II as a bill.

    This is the structure behind Carmine''s sudden change of heart.

    Another political battle at a time of national crisis?

    That''s a mistake. ......

    Misunderstanding?¡¡What is it then?¡¡What is the point of abandoning efforts to persuade Hilderick II to stop his foolish war and, on the contrary, cooperating and then ostracizing the comrades with whom he was in league?¡¡Is there a legitimate reason?¡¡Please answer me!

    Carmine couldn''t argue with Sonia.

    ...... The fact is that Carmine was caught by the fruit of "getting rid of political enemies".

    But as a patriot, ...... precisely because Carmine still wants to think of himself as a "patriot", he cannot choose to affirm without saying anything back.

    "In the first place!¡¡You''re the one who set His Majesty on fire, and that''s what got us into this mess in the first place!

    I''m just stating the facts!¡¡In the first place, who elected a foolish king who decides his policies based on his emotions just because a little girl told him the right thing to do!¡¡If it had been His Majesty King Raus I, none of this would have happened!

    That''s a bit too much of an overestimation of Raus I.

    But he would have been much better than Hilderic II.

    In fact, during the reign of Raus I, the Kingdom of Cerda was much more developed than it is now, and was on equal footing with the Lemurian Empire.

    The fact that I burned the king has nothing to do with the fact that you betrayed Minister Hoamel and followed the foolish king!¡¡Why are you digressing?¡¡It''s probably because you got the point!

    Anyway, you should marry His Majesty!¡¡Listen to your parents!¡¡It''s for the good of this country and this family!

    Sonia sniffed.

    It''s for my own good, isn''t it?¡¡...... you traitor.

    Sonia said and left the room without a word.

    Then, against Sonia''s will, preparations for the wedding proceeded steadily.

    As the wedding day approached, Sonia''s heart began to stagnate.

    I don''t want to get married.

    Originally, Sonia did not like Hilderic II.

    Now she hated him so much that the thought of his face made her want to vomit.

    She would rather have the slug ring than have Hilderick II''s child.

    Of course, if it was for the sake of the country or the family, she would have swallowed her tears and married him.

    Sonia was born as a noblewoman, so she was prepared to do so.

    But ...... her own marriage is linked to the destruction of the country.

    The Kingdom of Chellda is no match for the Lemurian Empire.

    If we wage a foolish war, we will be defeated and eventually destroyed.

    And that would be the end of House Gethseria.

    Sonia saw no point in marriage.

    "Everyone is selfishly ......, why should I be ......?

    Hilderick II, Hoermer, and Carmine are all engaged in political battles for their own benefit.

    So why should I be the only one who has to give up my true desires and marry someone I don''t like for the sake of such trivial political battles?

    "...... What do you really want?

    Sonia suddenly realized.

    What is it that you really want?

    Once she realized it, it was too late.

    (Oh, ......, that''s why ......, that''s why I''m ......)

    I don''t want to get married this badly.

    Sonia realizes why she has always hated marriage from the bottom of her heart.

    "...... haha.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    And it''s getting bigger and bigger.

    Sonia continued to laugh like a mad woman, and then ......

    I don''t care anymore.

    She muttered with cloudy eyes.

 207 Episode 15 Lovely Wedding

    The time has passed, and it is the day of the wedding.

    The warbeast nobles from all over the kingdom of Chellda gathered at the royal palace.

    The great nobles of the Carmine faction looked happy, while the great nobles of the Hoamel faction looked disappointed.

    On the other hand, the small and medium-sized nobles of both factions share a common expression of disappointment.

    The peasants were not the only ones hit by the war.

    In fact, the aristocrats were hit harder in terms of the "amount" of property they lost.

    Many nobles had to borrow money to supply soldiers for the war.

    In spite of this, the king''s government did not provide them with any land as a reward or even ransom.

    ...... Needless to say, the economic situation of the nobles who held territories in the Teriportanian region.

    The large nobles could endure some expenses, but the small and medium nobles could not.

    Many of the nobles were in poverty, and some of them even went bankrupt.

    That''s when the wedding comes.

    When it comes to weddings, you have to dress appropriately and bring a gift or two to celebrate.

    This may not be a problem in normal times, but it is a big problem for the wallets of the small and medium nobles.

    In addition, the smaller nobles were aware of Carmine and the King''s intentions.

    They would rather save their own wallets than fight a war.

    For those nobles who think so, this wedding is not only uninteresting but also unpleasant.

    No one ever says ...... that to them.

    However, it is impossible for a human being not to show it at all, and the overall atmosphere of the wedding was bad.

    As the saying goes, the star of the show comes late, and it was about three days before the wedding that Sonia, Carmine and the rest of the Gaecelia family arrived at the royal palace.

    "...... Long time no see, Your Majesty the King.

    "Well, it''s been a long time. Sonia.

    This is the first time that Hilderick II and Sonia have seen each other since that day''s meeting.

    I''m sorry for my rudeness on that occasion.

    Sonia bowed her head.

    Hildegard II shook her head.

    No, I don''t care about that anymore. We are going to be ...... husband and wife. Let''s let bygones be bygones.

    Hilderick II looked at Sonia as he said this.

    Sonia usually wears a military uniform and riding pants.

    Her hair is tied back for ease of movement, and she wears no makeup on her face.

    More war than flowers.

    That was the girl, Sonia.

    But today she was wearing a beautiful dress, braided hair, and a hair ornament.

    Her face seemed to have a hint of makeup on it.

    She was wearing a sword at her waist, though.

    (...... She looks beautiful when you look at her like this.)

    Hilderick II thought to himself.

    ......In fact, there is a bit of a backstory to the hastened marriage of King Hilderick II and Sonia, and to the fact that Hoamel was cut down.

    As you know, King Hilderick II had a lover named Kassandra.

    She was Hoamel''s daughter, and Hilderic II loved her very much.

    But Kassandra was a human being.

    But Kassandra was a human, and aged much faster than the High Warbeasts.

    In short, Kassandra''s beauty was beginning to fade.

    Of course, Hilderick II did not dislike Kassandra, but ...... now he did not have the same passion as before.

    Instead, Hilderick II began to take an interest in ...... Sonia.

    The two were originally more than ten years apart in age.

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    But as Kassandra grew old, Sonia, on the contrary, grew in beauty.

    She was now a beautiful seventeen-year-old girl with long arms and legs, full breasts, and beautiful soft chestnut hair and eyes.

    If this were a woman who had nothing to do with me, I would not care, but she was my fianc¨¦e.

    You can''t help but be curious.

    ...... Of course, our personalities are incompatible, but I don''t care about personalities when I hold her.

    If the face and body are good, that''s all that matters.

    ...... Speaking of which, Sonia...

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    You said you wanted to invite your men ...... from the Red Wolves to the wedding, what does that mean?

    Hilderick II tilted his head and went.

    The Red Wolves are indeed a force of warriors from the warbeast tribe,......, but many of them are of lower nobility.

    At the very least, they don''t belong to the kind of families that get invited to weddings.

    Yes ...... I''ve had my share of hardships with them. But now that I''m married to you, I won''t be able to go to war so casually. The Red Wolves are disbanded.

    The Red Wolf Corps has been disbanded. ...... In some countries, there are women who run around on the battlefield despite being an empress, but that is the exception.

    Usually they don''t go to the battlefield after they get married.

    Hmm, what does it matter?

    "Since this is the last time, I want them to see me in my best light. Of course, I don''t want to invite the entire Red Wolf Corps, nor do I want them to have a good seat. I would like to invite about twenty captains as representatives of the Red Wolves alone. Can you give me permission to go to ......?

    ".......

    Hilderick II pondered for a moment.

    It''s not a good idea to invite them to the wedding, considering their family status.

    But it is the wish of the bride, Sonia.

    (...... Would it be a problem if she bent her navel and went into battle?

    It would be a great shame for my bride to be taken prisoner so soon after our wedding.

    I want Sonia to be quiet.

    All right, fine.

    Thank you very much!

    Sonia had a big smile on her face.

    It was a smile like a flower blooming,......, and it made Hilderick II unconsciously nervous.

    In the Lemurian Empire and other Messianic countries, weddings are held in churches.

    The party is just to "celebrate" the marriage and has nothing to do with the wedding itself.

    In the Kingdom of Cerda, however, it is a little different.

    It is the same in that the wedding is hosted by the clergy, but it is not held in a church, but in a large indoor party hall.

    A party is a wedding.

    Originally, weddings among the warbeasts were just a kind of festival.

    It was not a solemn ceremony, but a celebration of the birth of a new couple. ...... That was the wedding for them.

    The Kingdom of Chelda retains many of these warbeast customs.

    This is due to the fact that the kingdom''s national policy is based on the supremacy of the warbeast race, and it is not so steeped in Messianic culture.

    However, the arrangement itself is not so different from other Messianic countries.

    Hence, ......

    Hilderick II, as the groom, waited quietly for his bride, Sonia, along with the other attendees at the venue.

    Even the warbeasts, for whom weddings are supposed to be a time of revelry, are quiet until the wedding vows are exchanged.

    As King Hilderic II waited nervously for a few moments, the clergyman in charge of the proceedings announced the entrance of the bride.

    The big doors opened and Sonia came in, accompanied by Carmine.

    "Wow. ......

    Hilderick II couldn''t help but exclaim in admiration.

    Sonia looked even more beautiful that day.

    She was well made up, her hair was braided, and she was adorned with ornaments.

    The dress she wore was a pure white wedding dress, the latest fashion.

    ...... This is a trend that originated in the Lemurian Empire, but fashion knows no borders.

    Even when political relations are deteriorating, fashion is somehow accepted.

    It looks good on you.

    Hilderick II said sincerely, and Sonia smiled and gave a small bow.

    "Thank you for the compliment.

    I''ve seen the beautiful white dress that Scheherazade wore in the past, so Sonia''s wish to wear a dress like that has been fulfilled.

    However, the ...... dress was still inferior to the one worn by Scheherazade due to technical and financial problems.

    The dress did not keep up with the beauty of Sonia.

    The people of the Kingdom of Cerda, who were a step or two behind the Lemurian Empire in terms of art and culture, did not even notice it.

    The clergyman read from the Bible ...... and when it was over, the marriage vows were taken.

    First, King Hilderic II swears his marriage vows to God.

    When he had finished, the clergyman urged Sonia to make her vows.

    However, Sonia smiled and did not say her vows at all.

    There was a moment of silence, and then the ...... whispers of the attendees.

    Sonia, are you not feeling well?

    Hilderic II asked with concern.

    Sonia shook her head.

    No, I''m fine. ...... I''m sorry, I''m a little nervous.

    Sonia said with a shy smile, and Hilderick II, Carmine, the clergy, and the attendees all patted their chests.

    If the wedding were to be ruined here, there is no telling how much turmoil the government would be in.

    The reason why Sonia didn''t or couldn''t say her vows was funny and cute for a bride, and many people were relieved and gave Sonia a warm look.

    "I''ll answer your questions at ......, won''t I?

    Oh.

    Sonia took a deep breath and opened her mouth.

    This is my answer.

    At that moment, many of the attendees had no idea what was going on in front of them.

    So much was happening that they went wide eyed, open mouthed and stiff.

    But it was King Hilderick II who was the most confused.

    "...... What, what, what, what is this, ...... blood?

    Hilderick II didn''t know why he was bleeding from his belly. ......

    Is there a knife sticking out of him? ......

    Sonia clutched it, a big smile on her face. ......

    I didn''t understand any of it.

    I was so sickened by your compliment that it made me want to vomit.

    Sonia said, pulling the knife from Hilderic II''s stomach.

    Then she swung again.

    Hilderick II''s head rolled.

 208 Episode 16: Seizing power

    Carmine and Hoamel came to their senses as the crowd screamed.

    In the midst of the chaos, they both shouted together.

    "Carmine, you''ve got to be kidding me!

    And they were both surprised to hear the same voice.

    Carmine thought that Sonia was planning to assassinate King Hilderic II by linking up with Hoamel, while Hoamel thought that Carmine was using Sonia as an assassin to usurp the throne.

    However, from the looks of his opponent, it seemed that he was not plotting against him.

    "Hey, Sonia!¡¡What did you just do to yourself, ......?

    Don''t move unless you want to waste your life. Sir.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at the most effective way to get the most out of your wedding ceremony.

    "You can''t think this is allowed to happen .......

    Hoamel was also confronted with a sword by another member of the team.

    The next thing you know, the 20 Red Wolves in the hall have drawn their swords and are holding the attendees in check.

    ...... No, it wasn''t just the members of the Red Wolves.

    There are also a number of other warbeast nobles, at least a dozen or more, who have drawn their swords and are threatening the other nobles.

    Sonia and her party had completely taken over the venue.

    "Father, if you don''t want to die, please listen to me.

    "You foolish ...... man, temporary occupation of this place will not save you from your own destruction .......

    Carmine said with a pale face.

    There are many soldiers of House Gethereia in King''s Landing whom I have brought with me!¡¡They''ll hear what''s going on.

    "Yes, I know. Yes, I know. Your father exaggeratedly brought more than five hundred ...... soldiers with him.

    This was for protection and ......

    It was also to show the military power of the Geyseria family to the other families.

    They were all fully armed, heavily armored, and elite.

    "My Lord!

    In the meantime, an armed knight entered the hall.

    On his armor was the family crest of the House of Geyseria.

    He came from a family of vassals of the Geyseria family and was an excellent Knight Commander.

    Relief spread among the attendees: ......

    However, only Carmine noticed something strange.

    For some reason, there was blood on the knights'' armor.

    And that''s not all.

    For some reason, he bypassed Sonia''s group and walked straight to Sonia and Carmine.

    And he ......

    He got down on one knee to Sonia.

    I''ve got the castle under control, my lord. Also, there are already 500 soldiers from House Geyseria and 500 soldiers from our allied noble families, for a total of 10,000 on their way.

    "Good.

    Sonia had a big smile on her face.

    Then she threw over Hilderic II''s head.

    "You can put this away for now.

    "Yes, sir.

    He grabbed Hilderick II''s head roughly.

    He is about to leave.

    At his back, Carmine shouted at him.

    "You!¡¡What the hell do you think you''re doing?

    "Is this the Lord of ......? I''m sorry, but I must now fulfill the orders of my new lord, Master Sonia, so if you''ll excuse me.

    With that, he walked out of the hall.

    At the same time, knights wearing the family crest of the House of Gethseria on their armor arrived in droves and took the attendees away.

    "My former lord, please obey me.

    "Obey me!¡¡You have betrayed us!

    Carmine tried to shake off the knights who were trying to take him by force.

    But Sonia said coldly to her father.

    It was your father who betrayed you.

    What are you talking about? ......

    The knights who serve our family have sacrificed much. But you have not paid attention to your vassals, and have spent your time fighting politics in King''s Landing. ...... It was very easy for me to take control of the territory while you were away.

    "What? ......

    If Sonia was right, all of the Geyseria''s territories and soldiers would have been taken by now.

    It''s not just that. It''s not only that, but a number of noblemen have agreed with me. See?

    Sonia said, and some of the attendees nodded.

    Half of them were from Carmine''s faction, and the other half were from ...... Hoamel''s faction.

    Not only Carmine, but also Joamel had been "eaten" by Sonia''s faction.

    "My soldiers and allied nobles are already on their way to conquer the capital. Let me tell you, my comrades are not the only ones here. Rather, it is those who are unable to attend the ...... wedding who should bear in mind that there are many of them.

    Thus easily ......

    The kingdom of Cerda has fallen into Sonia''s hands.

    Now, 10,000 troops had conquered the city of Chelda.

    After that, Sonia immediately imposed martial law.

    All roads leading to the capital, all gates were closed, and the port was temporarily closed to ships.

    Sonia''s information management was perfect, and no details of the coup d''etat leaked out of the capital.

    Even the secret agents who had infiltrated the city of Cerda at the time were unable to inform Hercule of the incident in the royal capital.

    He had the nobles gather in the hall.

    The small and medium noblemen of the Sonian faction kept their swords on their belts and kept a watchful eye on the area, while the non-Sonians, mainly the large noblemen including Hoamel and Carmine, came with their arms bound and swords pointed at the Red Wolves.

    Most of the major nobles of the Kingdom of Chellda had gathered here.

    Sonia, who had long since changed from her dress to her military uniform, stood in front of the nobles and said.

    As you all know, our king, His Majesty King Hilderick II, has died in an accident.

    It was a very blunt statement.

    But there was no one to criticize Sonia.

    But there was no one to criticize Sonia, because several people had already been killed for defying her.

    The throne of the kingdom of Cerda is now vacant. By convention, the person closest in blood to King Hilderic II should succeed to the throne, but ...... you have no son or brother.

    Sonia said sadly.

    The direct bloodline of our fathers, who founded our country. The Gaissaric bloodline has died out.

    The one who did it, however, smiled.

    But don''t worry. But don''t worry. The line has died out, but that doesn''t mean that the blood of our fathers has disappeared. And the family closest to the royal family would be ...... our Gayseria family?

    Of course, there was no way Carmine could take the throne under these circumstances.

    Then there is only one.

    The only one who could take the throne would be ...... Sonia.

    But I don''t have the confidence to serve as king. But I''m not sure I''m up to the task. ...... So, in keeping with the ancient traditions of our warbeast people, and in accordance with ancient warbeast law, we will elect a king ...... and I will support him as his wife and co-ruler. How would you like to support the country as his wife and co-ruler?

    King Election.

    In other words, a system in which a country decides its own monarch through discussion and voting.

    This may seem like a strange system, but in fact, such elections have not been uncommon in history.

    For example, the warbeast nations, which are now hereditary monarchies, used to elect their kings through elections.

    The nomadic kingdom of Bulgalon also formally elected its king.

    The Emperor of Lemuria was also created under a republican election system.

    "No objections!

    Good idea!

    Then surely a king will be chosen who will satisfy everyone!

    "If Master Sonia marries him, our fathers'' blood will be spilt!

    Then someone said.

    Then someone said: "Then who is worthy to be our king?¡¡What do you think, Master Sonia?

    Sonia deliberately ...... puzzled over the question in a very deliberate way.

    Of course, the Sonians already know the conclusion.

    Of course, the Sonianists already know the conclusion, and only Carmine and Hoermel are frustrated because they don''t know the conclusion.

    So, ......

    Sonia, after much prodding, said.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. There should be no problem with his bloodline or his abilities.

    Carmine and Hoamel were stunned by Sonia''s suggestion.

    The other non-Sonians, perhaps not expecting the name to come up, opened their mouths in disbelief.

    However, the Sonians had already been told that the name would be mentioned.

    So, as scripted, they shouted out.

    "Wonderful!

    "The emperor will surely enrich our country!

    "Long live the Kingdom of Chellda!

    "Long live King Hercule!

    "Long live Queen Sonia!

    "Long live Queen Sonia!

    And ......

    The Red Wolves brought their swords even closer to the non-Sonian nobles.

    "Yes, I agree!

    "Hail!

    And ......

    Finally, Carmine and Hoamel turned their heads and said in small voices, with a sigh.

    "Long live .......

    It was a week later that the Lemurian Empire was visited by a messenger seeking a "union of sovereigns".

 209 Episode 17 True Intentions

    "Huh......, hmm......, hmm.......

    "Oh, ......, yeah, .......

    "Forgive me, ...... hey, .......

    "Your ...... Majesty, what is the meaning of this?

    It was Alicia who said, somewhat puzzled.

    She usually goes back and forth between the Bulgaron Kingdom and the Lemurian Empire.

    The news of the coup d''etat in the Kingdom of Chellda happened to reach Alicia when she was in the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    Therefore, she rushed back to find out from Hercule what had happened.

    What Alicia saw was a strange sight.

    Three women were on all fours, licking Hercule''s feet.

    Their cheeks were red, their skin was flushed, and their eyes were moist.

    Every time they moved their tongues, their bodies quivered quietly as if they were enduring something.

    "Oh, ......, you know about the political upheaval in the kingdom of Cerda, right?

    Yes. I''ve come to talk to you about it.

    Then let''s talk. They''ll suspect me as if I''m behind it. Isn''t that rude?

    Then Hercule looked down at the women - Carolina, Scheherazade, and Lunalie - and snickered.

    "So you''re punishing me for doubting you?

    "Yes. They''ll lick my feet until I''m satisfied.

    ...... You look like you''re in a lot of pain for that.

    They were letting out sweet noises with every flick of their tongues.

    I''m not sure if this is the result of just licking their feet.¡¡Alicia tilted her head with a slight blush on her cheeks.

    "She''s using necromancy.

    "Ah, I see.

    With Asmodeus and Citrie''s abilities, it''s easy to play with their tongues a bit.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.

    "So, Your Majesty. What''s going on with the political changes in the Kingdom of Cerda?

    "What makes you think I know about it?¡¡Alicia.

    Hercule asked with narrowed eyes.

    Alicia''s expression hardened.

    "No, no, it''s ......

    I''m also confused by the sudden news, why did you think I was fully aware of the situation?

    It''s, uh, ......, uh, .......

    It''s less of a crime to answer honestly than to tell a bad lie.

    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.

    I thought ...... you were plotting something.

    "Good. Sit there.

    Hercule then pointed in front of him.

    Alicia sat down in front of Hercule''s lap, her heart pounding.

    Right next to Alicia is a woman who is licking Hercule''s legs hard.

    And his feet were glistening with their saliva.

    You know what you have to do, don''t you?

    "Yes, ...... Your Majesty.

    Alicia extended her tongue, which was now hot and sensitive to the slightest movement of the air, to her toes, which were coarse with fingerprints.

    One more charming sound.

    About a week later, information finally began to come to Hercule.

    "So, Sonia Geyseria has staged a coup d''etat, assassinated the king, and taken control of the kingdom of Cerda. And then she asks me to marry her and seeks a union with her ......, is that it?

    Yes. It seems that there was more pessimism within the kingdom of Cerda than we thought.

    Todoris nodded.

    A series of civil wars and wars had left the Warbeasts, the ruling class of the Kingdom of Chelda, economically impoverished.

    Sonia took up their grievances and brought them together to form a new government.

    So far, so good.

    But there is one mystery.

    "Why are you asking me to marry you?

    "...... Wouldn''t you like to resume trade with the Lemurian Empire?

    Todoris replied to Hercule''s question.

    The current economic distress of the Kingdom of Cerda is due to the loss of the breadbasket of Teriportania.

    The border has divided the mainland of Teriportania and the Kingdom of Chelda economically.

    This has caused a great deal of economic turmoil.

    Therefore, if we merge with the Lemurian Empire, the border will disappear and we can reconnect economically. ......

    You can think of it as.

    No, that doesn''t mean that you should marry me. In the first place, there is no guarantee that I will rule the Kingdom of Cerda equally with the Lemurian Empire. We need to start negotiating on tariffs and trade first.

    Reopen the trade.

    Sell us grain at a discount.

    In exchange, I''ll give you part of the administration of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    That''s the proper order.

    But what Sonia is doing is

    But all Sonia is doing is giving you the administration of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    That''s all.

    This can hardly be called diplomacy.

    But we can''t just say we don''t know, we can''t just say we don''t know.

    What should we do, Your Majesty?

    First of all, Princess Sonia must come to the Imperial City and explain everything to me. I''ll send a messenger.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Soon after, Sonia went to Nova Lemuria.

    It was a very quick move, even for Hercule.

    "It''s been a long time, Your Majesty.

    Sonia bowed gracefully to Hercule as he sat on the throne.

    Sonia bowed gracefully to Hercule as he sat on the throne, his face flushed as if he had a fever.

    I''m not sure what to make of it. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    What do you mean?

    I''m asking for your true intentions. I''m asking you what you really mean, and why you want a union with my country.

    Sonia replied with a puzzled look on her face.

    "Unfortunately, our king has passed away. That''s why.

    Why are you asking me such an obvious question?

    Sonia said.

    Hercule put his hand on his forehead.

    I don''t understand what Sonia is trying to say.

    "What do you mean? Would you like to tell me in detail?

    "Yes, of course.

    Sonia, for some reason, began to explain happily.

    "At present, the closest thing to our fathers are my father Carmine and myself. But my father, unfortunately, is not well supported by the people of our country. Therefore, I will take the throne. But as you can see, I''m inexperienced and not capable of ruling a country. Therefore, I would like you to marry me and rule my country as my co-ruler!

    "...... The pretense is fine. Let''s hear what you really mean.

    Hercule said in a low voice.

    In fact, Sonia''s proposal is not detrimental to Hercule in any way.

    If the Kingdom of Cerda were to form a tyrannical alliance with the Lemurian Empire, ......

    The Album Sea will effectively become an internal sea of the Lemurian Empire.

    This would mean the integration of the economic sphere of the Album Sea, and the economic benefits would be immeasurable.

    Even without that, the vast granary of the southern continental coast of the Kingdom of Chellda would be very lucrative.

    Above all, the disappearance of the military threat of the Kingdom of Chelda is of great benefit to the security of the Lemurian Empire.

    If the Kingdom of Chelda disappears, the only threats to the Lemurian Empire in the west will be the Kingdom of Edelna and the Fulling Kingdom behind it.

    The less the threat in the west, the more we can focus on the threat in the east, namely the Kingdom of Fahls.

    Of course, the more the ...... Chelda Kingdom is added to the map, the more territory there will be to defend.

    The nomadic Barbals in the south and the great gold-producing nations beyond the desert are also of concern.

    However, these are nothing compared to the threat of the Kingdom of Chelda itself.

    In the first place, the Kingdom of Chelda was able to fend off these threats and even afford to mess with the Lemurian Empire.

    But, but...

    There''s no such thing as a good story.

    Hercule is not foolish enough to happily make a duck hot pot just because a duck brings a leek on its back.

    The leeks brought by the duck may be poisonous, or the duck itself may be poisonous.

    Therefore, Hercule says.

    Enough with the pretense.

    Tell me what you mean.

    What are you up to?

    And.

    But Hercule knows that there''s no way he''s just going to tell her what he''s up to. Hercule knows that there is no way he can honestly tell her what he''s up to.

    Therefore, what Hercule wants to tell her is to check her, "I''m not foolish enough to be fooled by your schemes.

    But...

    For some reason, Sonia blushed.

    And then she looked around her, fidgeting strangely.

    "Oh, no, ...... not in such a crowded place, ......

    You can''t talk about ...... things in public, you mean.

    Hercule let the man go.

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to use the site, you can call us at the web site.

    Hercule and Sonia were left alone.

    Hercule called out in a whisper.

    "Asmodeus, Sitri.

    [Yes, yes, you wanted to see me?

    It''s been too long!¡¡There''s plenty of payback, I''ve accumulated it!

    He secretly calls Asmodeus and Sitri, ready to stop Sonia at any moment.

    Now, let''s hear what you really mean.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    "Heh, you and .......

    "Hmm.

    I want to have a beautiful wedding!

    ''........................... ...............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 210 Episode 18 Baffled

    Hercule''s first thought was.

    What is he talking about?

    He wondered.

    Then he wondered, "Could it be that ''nice wedding'' is some kind of political code word? I wondered.

    If so, does that mean that marriage is an alliance?

    Do you want to make a nice alliance?

    How is a nice alliance nice?¡¡To whom is it nice?

    Do you want to have a good relationship with the Lemurian Empire?

    No, I don''t think it''s that simple.

    In general, in the Lemurian Empire, a wife retains her property rights after marriage.

    Does this mean that you won''t give her the administrative rights of the Kingdom of Chellda?

    Well, if we are invaded, our administrative rights will be taken away. ......

    But before that, we will surrender and secure the minimum administrative rights.

    Is that what you mean?

    Is it actually a sign of surrender, but also a sign that they will never give in to the Lemurian Empire?

    I thought about it a lot. ......

    (......, like a maiden in love)

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it here. I''m not sure what to make of that.

    And occasionally, she would look at Hercule with glazed eyes, and when they made eye contact, she would hide her face in embarrassment.

    Her bare skin is bright red, her animal ears are flicking, and her tail is moving in circles.

    (Is he really, really, genuinely saying he wants to marry me?

    Finally, Hercule came to that possibility.

    (Does she genuinely want to marry me?) Hercule finally came to that possibility.

    There are too many risks.

    It was not a rational decision.

    And yet, Hercule whispered.

    "Is he lying, Citri?

    Citri is the devil of secrets.

    Especially when it comes to romantic relationships, there is no demon that can match him.

    [You didn''t say that. ...... He really wants to get married, you know?¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out. He''s already thinking about what kind of wedding he''s going to have and what he''s going to wear on his wedding night.

    So, yeah, .......

    If Sitri says it, then it must be true.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    (Now, what to do: ......)

    In the event you''re not sure what to say, Sonia asked him with a frightened look on her face.

    "Well, ...... what do you think?

    What?¡¡No, you''re right, .......

    Hercule cleared his throat deliberately.

    "Princess Sonia, there is no greater honor for a man than to be asked to marry a woman as beautiful as you.

    "Oh, no!¡¡I can''t believe we had feelings for each other!

    ...... No, I didn''t say that much.

    I''m not saying that.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    But it''s ....... In the event that you are a member of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Cerda, you will not be able to give an answer so easily. I will discuss it with my vassals, and I would appreciate it if you would allow me to withhold my answer for a while.

    "Yes, I understand!

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do this, but I''m going to try.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do this, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.¡¡If I''m just Sonia, there won''t be any obstacles to our marriage, will there?

    "No, no, wait, wait. No, no, no, no, no, no, wait.

    I don''t do it lightly. I mean it!

    All right, all right, all right, all right, all right, all right. It''s going to take some time to come to a conclusion. Until then, ...... refrain from any hasty actions.

    There is no profit in marrying Sonia, who is now just Sonia.

    There is no benefit in marrying Sonia, who is now just Sonia. Abandoning the throne would be very bad for Hercule.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.

    So, what should we do?

    Hercule immediately summoned his ministers.

    The vassals gathered were those who were deeply involved in the affairs of state.

    Galfis, Christos, Loukanos, Todoris.

    And then there was Carolina, the queen; Scheherazade, the key link to the Kingdom of Foulds; and Lunalie, the queen of Hayastan, who was also a member of the Alliance of Monarchs.

    These were the members.

    It was Galfis who opened his mouth first.

    The first to speak up was Galfis. ...... Leaving aside her romantic feelings, what is the downside?¡¡I don''t think there are any major problems with that.

    "Hmmm ...... judging by the information we have, the benefits are greater than the disadvantages.

    Hercule replied.

    The reason why Hercule was wary was because it was too good to be true for the Lemurian Empire.

    If no poison had been planted, this marriage would be nothing more than a "good deal".

    There''s no reason to reject it.

    "I''m all for it, Your Majesty. If we can absorb the remnants of the Cherda Kingdom''s navy, there will be no country in the Album Sea that can compete with us.

    In the meantime, there is a maritime trading nation called the Republic of Adleria.

    But if the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Cerda form a tyrannical alliance, the Republic of Adorlia will be nothing to fear.

    "If anything, I''m concerned about our religion, Your Majesty. We are Orthodox, and the Kingdom of Chelda is Western. We are Orthodox, and the Kingdom of Chelda is Western, so of course we have to accept the Western faction, but Princess Sonia needs to convert to Orthodoxy, and the Kingdom of Chelda''s state religion needs to be changed to Orthodoxy as well.

    Hercule is the guardian of Orthodoxy.

    The guardian of the orthodox faction cannot become the king of a western country.

    He must convert the Kingdom of Cerda to Orthodoxy, if not in practice, then in principle.

    ...... Well, that''s an extension of the rule of the Terriportanian region. It''s not a problem as long as Princess Sonia agrees to convert.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    She doesn''t care about her country for love.

    He probably doesn''t have much of an opinion on faith either.

    If there is a question, it is whether to take a wife or a side-chamber, isn''t it?

    Todoris said.

    In the Lemurian Empire, it is the regular family that bears children who have the right to the throne, and it is the side family that bears children who do not.

    Therefore, Carolina and Scheherazade are the legitimate wives, and Lunalie is the concubine.

    Since Lunalie is a half-elf, her child will not be entitled to the throne.

    In the Lemurian Empire, which is based on the principle of the supremacy of the High Elves, only a High Elf can succeed to the throne.

    Of course, according to Messianic doctrine, even if a man has multiple wives, they must be treated as equals.

    Therefore, religiously, there is no distinction between regular and side wives.

    However, this is just a precaution.

    In reality, the regular family is treated higher than the side family.

    Now, the question is Sonia''s position.

    In terms of bloodline, she is more likely to be a concubine.

    She is not a pure-blooded High Elf.

    However, I don''t know if she and the Kingdom of Chellda will accept her position as a concubine.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan was a small country, and the Lemurian Empire was overwhelmingly superior to Hayastan, so there was no problem with her being a concubine.

    But the Kingdom of Chelda is a large country, and its power is still something to be reckoned with.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that." "...... Well, it''s treated as a legitimate wife, but without the right to inherit the throne.

    ...... Isn''t that a side room?

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.

    In the worst case scenario, you can amend the law to create something in between the regular and side rooms.

    Whether she is a legitimate wife or a concubine is just a matter of face and a play on words.

    All you have to do is convince Sonia and the Kingdom of Cerda that the right of succession to the throne does not arise.

    What do you guys think?

    Finally, Hercule asked Carolina, Scheherazade and Lunalie.

    Of course, in the patriarchal Lemurian Empire, there was no need to ask the permission of one''s existing wife for marriage.

    But even so, it would be prudent to ask.

    I don''t like the little girl who called me a whore.

    "I don''t like the little girl who called me a whore," said Lunalie, crossing her arms.

    I don''t like her calling me a whore," Lunalie said, crossing her arms.

    But I''m not going to argue with your decision. ...... Give me a chance to get even later.

    "Well, ...... when we actually get married.

    I guess we''ll have to call Nia and Alicia then, too.

    Hercule felt a little bit of pity for Sonia, ...... though she deserved it the most.

    I don''t mind at all.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    The relationship between Scheherazade and Sonia is not so bad.

    They were friends when Sonia was a prisoner of war, and they played hand-to-hand.

    In that sense, Karolina is the same.

    However, Karolina looked unconvinced.

    "Are you reluctant to get married, Your Majesty?

    "Why do you think so?

    I think it is in the national interest of the Lemurian Empire to marry her, but ...... you seem to be looking for a reason not to marry her.

    ...... Very perceptive.

    In fact, if you are willing to marry her, you can decide on her as your absolute sovereign.

    You don''t need to get the approval of your vassals or even your wife.

    But strangely enough, asking his vassals and wife, "Is it okay if we get married? But the fact that he strangely asks his vassals and wife if they are willing to marry means that Hercule is not willing.

    Carolina saw through this.

    I think she''s a beautiful woman, and it would be nice to have the kingdom of Cerda intact, but what''s wrong with you?

    "No, well, ...... you''re right, though.

    It''s a good thing that you can get it as it is.

    It''s a little ...... scary, don''t you think?¡¡It''s a bit too heavy or crazy to say the least.

    ""......"

    It''s true.

    They all thought of Sonia''s face as her eyes went crazy.

 211 Episode 19 Boning

    Conversion to Orthodox Messianism.

    No child shall inherit the throne of the Lemurian Empire.

    That all the rights of governance be given to Hercule.

    If you accept these three points, we will marry and form a formal union with the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Hercule told Sonia.

    Then Sonia said ......

    I understand!¡¡I will convert!¡¡I don''t even need an inheritance!¡¡I will give you everything I have, not to mention the right to rule!

    And Sonia raised her hands in joy.

    As a result, legally speaking, the Kingdom of Cerda easily formed a tyrannical union with the Lemurian Empire, and this surprised the world.

    However, this was a legal matter.

    In the first place, Sonia was able to pull off the coup d''etat by surprise, winning over the leaders of the Kingdom of Chelda in a single day.

    The Kingdom of Chellda as a whole has many people with anti-Lemurian sentiments.

    As a result, there was a rebellion in the Kingdom of Chellda by the Anti-Patriarchal Union.

    However, there was no one who could be the leader of the rebellion, and the rebels could not organize themselves into a "rebel army.

    The forces of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Chelda quickly subdued the rebels and brought them to their knees.

    In about two months, the Kingdom of Chelda regained its peace.

    Heraclea, the capital of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    The city, which was renamed Heraclea after the Lemurian Emperor, was currently importing large amounts of grain from the Lemurian mainland.

    This should solve the food problem in the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Hercule said as he looked out over the harbor from the balcony of the royal palace.

    Several ships were anchored in the harbor and sacks full of wheat were being unloaded from them.

    From now on, this grain will be transported all over the country by the land transportation network of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    This will greatly improve the severe food shortage that has been occurring in the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Thank you for saving our people, Your Majesty. Your Majesty.

    Sonia said and bowed her head.

    She was wearing her military uniform as before.

    She didn''t mind dressing up, and she wanted to look beautiful in front of Hercule, but ......

    It seems that he is most comfortable in his military uniform.

    However, he was also greatly influenced by Hercule''s casual remark during the suppression of the rebellion, "Your military uniform looks good on you.

    "They''re my people now, too. I did what I had to do.

    "Very good, Your Majesty!

    Sonia said and jumped into Hercule''s chest.

    Then she rubbed her cheek like a dog.

    When Hercule stroked her head, she whipped her tail around to show her delight.

    I''m not sure what''s going on here. (...... What the hell is going on here?)

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    If you think about ...... why you feel so strange about Sonia, you will realize that it is because she is fully affirming of Hercule himself.

    If you think about it, even Nia sometimes says something ironic to Hercule.

    Sonia has none of that.

    But that''s a small thing, Hercule reminded himself.

    Then he turned his thoughts back to ruling the kingdom of Cerda.

    (...... saving the people or not, considering the fertility of the land, this level of expenditure would be enough to pay for itself later...)

    Of course, Hercule doesn''t care much about the people of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    This man, who doesn''t even have proper affection for the people of the Lemurian Empire, can''t possibly show compassion for the people of a country where he just became king a few months ago.

    The reason why he was giving charity was to suppress rebellion, to gain popularity in the Kingdom of Chelda, and to increase tax revenue by quickly recovering from the war.

    (Besides, there was a shortage of grain, so it was just right.)

    In contrast to the shortage of grain in the Kingdom of Chelda, the Lemurian Empire was experiencing an excess supply.

    It''s not surprising, really.

    The new breadbasket of Teriportania had been incorporated into the Lemurian Empire.

    The grain that had originally filled the bellies of the people of the Kingdom of Chellda was now flowing into the Lemurian Empire.

    The oversupply of grain caused the price of grain to drop, which put pressure on the livelihood of the farmers of the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    In particular, the Kingdom of Khayastan, whose economy depended on grain exports to the Lemurian Empire, was facing a serious problem, and Lunalie demanded an early solution.

    Therefore, the distribution of grain to the people of the Kingdom of Chelda was a boon.

    "Thanks to your efforts, Sonia, we were able to end the war so quickly. Thank you.

    "Oh, no, thank you ......, I love you, more than anyone in the world, I''m ashamed .......

    No, I didn''t say that much. ......

    Apparently, Sonia can hear voices that Hercule can''t.

    I wonder if she is possessed by some kind of demon, or if she is on some kind of strange drug.

    Hercule became seriously worried.

    To test it, Hercule lightly touched Sonia''s chin and lifted it.

    Then he bent down and placed his own lips on those beautiful pink lips.

    "Huh. ......

    It was a light kiss, not a tongue kiss, but it was enough to make Sonia lose her strength.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    Her eyes were feverish, her face red, and she stared blankly at Hercule.

    He sits her down on the sofa.

    He sits her down on the sofa and says, "Now, I would like to discuss with you the future governance of the Kingdom of Cerda, if that is alright.¡¡Let me know if there are any problems.

    While Sonia''s head is still in a state of debauchery, Hercule plans to proceed with the important discussion.

    Sonia, in her current state, would never say no to anything that Hercule said.

    "First of all, I''m not going to make any changes to the national government of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    Hercule has made the Kingdom of Hayastan carry out a massive reform of its national politics. ......

    The Kingdom of Chelda is much more powerful than the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    And anti-Lemurian sentiment also continues to simmer.

    If Hercule tries to change the system of the Kingdom of Chellda to Lemurian style, we can expect a massive backlash.

    In order to reassure his people, he must not change the outward appearance of the system.

    ...... Outwardly.

    However, as for the feudal system of the Kingdom of Chelda, ...... we intend to change it into something that is effectively similar to our own Tunde system.

    The Tontine system was implemented by Hercule as part of his efforts to strengthen the military and financial health of the Empire.

    Colonize soldiers along the border, let them cultivate the land in peacetime, and fight as soldiers in times of crisis.

    If the standing army at the center is the brunt of the Lemurian Empire, the Tondabei is the shield that protects the borders.

    This system is very similar to the feudal system.

    Rather, it is more like the feudal system of the Lemurian Empire.

    The difference between the feudal system of the Kingdom of Chelda and the tontine system is whether or not there is a large noble family in the middle.

    In the case of the tontine system, the soldiers are given land directly by Hercule.

    The generals who command the soldiers are exactly the same as the other soldiers in that they are given land directly by Hercule, and they are not allowed to share it with others.

    On the other hand, in the case of the Kingdom of Cerda, the king first gave a large tract of land to a large nobleman, who then gave it to his subordinate nobles. ......

    This is how the staircase structure is built.

    Hercule wanted to destroy this staircase structure while maintaining the appearance of feudalism.

    Specifically, he wanted to confiscate the land from the great nobles and give it to the warrior class of the warbeasts who did not have any land. Or we will make the cultivators of the land the owners of the land.

    Fortunately, in the process of suppressing the rebellion, some of the land in the Kingdom of Cerda can be distributed.

    ...... But it''s still not enough.

    So, Hercule asks Sonia.

    In order to do this, the land of the House of Leups Geyseria must be dismantled, will you agree?

    "Yes, ...... is fine.

    Sonia nodded with a feverish look on her face.

    Dismantling the land of the Leups-Geisseria family and giving it away would mean that Sonia''s power would disappear, but ......

    She didn''t seem particularly bothered by this.

    Thank you. This will allow us to dismantle the lands of all the great nobles.

    Since Queen Sonia was dismantling her own lands, it was only logical that the lands of the other great nobles should be dismantled as well.

    This would greatly weaken the power of the noble class in the Kingdom of Chellda.

    Now, if the bureaucracy could be slowly developed, a centralized state system could be built.

    Hercule then suggested to Sonia a number of things that would undermine the state system of the Kingdom of Cerda: ......

    Whether she knew it or not, Sonia did not reject any of them, but agreed to them.

    As a result, the kingdom of Cerda was effectively brought under the control of Hercule.

 212 Episode 20 Orthodox and Western

    Maybe you should have waited until after the church was built to come here.

    Hercule said to Cecilia as they landed at the port.

    Cecilia had come to Heraclea to lead the missionary work in the Kingdom of Chellda.

    In Heraclea, an Orthodox Messianic church is currently under construction.

    Although the Kingdom of Chellda is a Western Messianic nation, it has never been a nation that has violently oppressed Orthodox Messianism, and so Orthodox Messianic churches have existed.

    However, they were inferior to the western churches.

    In order to save face, a larger and more majestic church is currently under construction.

    A church is not a building. It''s a group of people, an organization. There is no need for a building. And the sooner the better.

    Cecilia smiled at that.

    I wanted to see Hercule as soon as possible, but that''s a secret.

    I see, you are indeed our High Priestess, the Medium. My idea was foolish.

    "...... Are you making fun of me for being so serious?

    When Cecilia frowned, Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    "Do I look like the kind of person you think I am?¡¡Your Holiness.

    Yes, because that is what you are, Hercule.

    That''s terrible.

    Now, the two of them moved to a room in the royal castle.

    This was the room Cecilia had been given.

    Since the church was still under construction, Cecilia would be staying in the room for a while.

    Hercule sits down on the sofa.

    Cecilia sits down next to him with a natural movement.

    She opens the wine, makes a toast, and then gets down to business.

    Thanks to you, Mr. Hercule, the spread of Orthodox Messianism in the southern continent has made great progress. Thank you very much.

    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. In fact, it is I who should be thanking you.

    The interests of Hercule and Cecilia are completely aligned when it comes to the propagation of orthodox messianism.

    "Well, the Kingdom of Chellda was keen on attacking the Warbeasts, but not so keen on attacking the ''heretics'', so I guess it will be easier than the missionary work we''ve been doing with the infidels and heretics.

    Within the ruling hierarchy of the Warbeasts of the Kingdom of Chelda, there were a number of Orthodox.

    The Kingdom of Chellda, which upholds the supremacy of the warbeast race, had to tolerate "heresy" to some extent in order to solidify the warbeast race as a monolith.

    This is why there is a minority of orthodox people, and the hostility from the west towards the orthodox people is not strong.

    That''s right. The doctrinal interpretation of Orthodoxy and Westernism is whether the Messiah was born as a son of God with God as his father, or whether God adopted the Messiah who was born as a son of man. ...... Sadly, many ordinary believers do not understand the difference. The difference between the two is not understood by most lay people.

    Both the Orthodox and Western schools agree that the Messiah is the Son of God.

    Then, we just have to round up the believers who don''t understand the difference properly by any means necessary.

    As a side note, if I had to choose between the Orthodox and the Western schools, the Western interpretation is probably the more correct one.

    This is because the idea that a demigod is born when a man and a god intersect is derived from polytheism.

    On the other hand, the idea of man being adopted by a god is a monotheistic, six-star concept that was the mother of Messianism.

    The orthodox doctrine was born out of Messianism''s incorporation of polytheistic ideas and rituals, which is essentially ''heresy''.

    By the way, there is something I would like to ask of you, Your Highness the Medium.

    "That''s an oddly formal way of putting it. What can I do for you?

    I would like you to spread the word across the desert.

    There are many deserts. ......

    Considering that this is the Kingdom of Chelda, the desert is the great desert that stretches to the south of the Kingdom of Chelda, including the Phaethan region.

    We have begun missionary work with the Barbals, but ......

    You asked for the Shuyen tribe of the Barbarians, right?¡¡But there are many other clans, large and small, in the Barbarian tribe. Rather than conducting a massive missionary ...... campaign there, I wanted you to investigate their movements.

    "So you''re saying you want me to send an agent?

    Well, I suppose you could say that.

    What is God''s is God''s and what is the emperor''s is the emperor''s.

    That''s the basic principle of Messianism.

    So Cecilia personally does not want to get involved in politics as much as possible,......, but she knows that she has to drink some water.

    But that''s proselytizing to the Great Desert, isn''t it?¡¡What about the other side?

    "I only know from books and rumors that there is a black kingdom across the desert that produces gold.

    Whether the kingdom exists or not, it is a fact that there are gold mines on the other side of the Great Desert.

    The Kingdom of Chellda obtained a large amount of gold from the trade in the Great Desert, which supported the Kingdom of Chellda''s finances.

    Securing gold has been a perpetual issue for the Lemurian Empire since its founding.

    The balance of trade with the East has always been in the red, and the outflow of gold has been remarkable.

    I would like you to send missionaries for missionary work and research. Of course, we''ll give you our full support.

    ...... Well, it is true that it is the mission of the church to spread the teachings of the Lord. But...

    But," Cecilia broke off and then told Hercule clearly, "we can''t force missionaries.

    You can''t force a missionary to come. If there are no missionaries who want to go, please give up. I can''t force you either.

    "You''re a medium, aren''t you?¡¡You''re just giving orders.

    Because I''m a medium, I can''t force missionaries to go to their deaths.

    The other side of the Great Desert is a completely unknown world to the Lemurian Empire and to the Church of Messiah.

    No matter how eager the missionaries are to spread their message, they will inevitably shy away.

    No matter how many lives we have, it will not be enough.

    Therefore, I can''t force you to do what I want.

    He put his hand on Cecilia''s shoulder when she refused.

    "Well, well, don''t be so formal. This is between you and me, right?

    I''m not sure what to say.

    When Cecilia tried to escape, Hercule caught her and pushed her down.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    A bridge of saliva crosses between the two of them.

    "No, no, no, no!

    "Then I''ll just make him say yes.

    A few hours later.

    "Oh, my God, ......, you''re such a jerk!

    Cecilia said in exasperation as she hastily put her underwear back on.

    On the other hand, Hercule, sipping a glass of wine in the nude, said.

    You were expecting me when you wore that underwear, weren''t you?

    No, sir!¡¡No, no, no, this is ...... just a coincidence.

    It''s not a good idea for a medium to wear such black, transparent underwear on a regular basis. ......

    "Oh, I don''t want to be lectured on morality by you!

    Cecilia said, her face turning red.

    I''m not sure if it''s because she''s been having an affair, but her skin is slightly red all over, including her shoulders and legs.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    I''m sure you''ve been forced to say that!¡¡Oh, I''m sorry, but anyone who does something like that is ......

    What exactly do you mean by that? ......

    I understand, I understand!

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''ll try.

    I will try my best,......, yes, I will try my best. But if you can''t,......, just give up, okay?

    Hercule returned aloofly, wearing a jacket on his upper body.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.

    "Oh, spankings?" ......

    Cecilia''s cheeks once again turned red.

    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to do it.

    You want to be punished. ...... Don''t talk about me like I''m some kind of pervert!

    And then Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I have not yet mentioned the specifics of the spanking. ...... Hmm, you have quite the imagination for a pervert.

    "Oh my God!

    Cecilia slapped Hercule''s breastplate, hard.

 213 Episode 21 Root of Evil

    "Choose any of these, Sonia.

    After finishing his secret conversation with Cecilia, Hercule handed Sonia a book that had been sent to him by Nova Lemuria.

    "What is this?

    "It says so on the title, doesn''t it?¡¡It''s a catalog of wedding dresses. It was made by my great brother.

    Hercule''s brother, Titus, was a man of great artistic talent, dabbling in a variety of fields from architecture to painting to dressmaking.

    In particular, he has established himself as a leader in wedding dresses, thanks to the weddings of Carolina, Lunalie and Scheherazade.

    He is already booked up for the next ten years.

    Originally, Titus was a fickle and troublesome man.

    He wants to get the job done. ...... But it''s too much trouble for him to have meetings and explain himself every time.

    The person who asks for help is also a little afraid to ask the emperor''s brother to explain everything directly.

    That is why Titus made an easy-to-understand catalog book.

    First of all, read it and choose a few candidates of your favorite design, and then we''ll talk.

    That''s Titus'' intention.

    "Well, I''ll have a meeting with Titus later, but it will be easier for us to talk after I''ve read through ...... it.

    The bookings are booked up for the next ten years,......, but in Hercule''s case, it''s a different story.

    With the power of the emperor, it is easy to break into this waiting list.

    "Hey, Your Majesty .......

    Sonia turns her face down and begins to shake and shake.

    Hercule''s heart rate increases slightly.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡I''m not sure if I''ve said anything to offend you.

    Hercule prepares himself in his mind.

    After all, he''s dealing with the woman who killed and injured his fianc¨¦e at their wedding.

    However, despite Hercule''s concern, Sonia embraced him with tears in her eyes.

    You remembered that I told you that I wanted to have a beautiful wedding!

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it. ......

    It is not that Hercule dislikes Sonia.

    It''s not just that she''s a pretty girl, but that she''s also very capable.

    She is also a very pretty girl and very capable.

    For Hercule, it was a matter of chance, but he was engaged.

    It is natural to want to get along as well as possible with your fianc¨¦e. ......

    It''s a good thing that you''re a man and an emperor, and it''s your duty to make that wish come true as much as possible.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.

    But what is normal for Hercule is not necessarily normal for Sonia.

    It''s a good idea to take a look at the actual products and services that are available.

    The reason for this is ...... that she usually wears a military uniform and has been on the battlefield.

    On the battlefield, there are no men or women.

    In addition, her de facto private army, the Red Wolves, has a bad reputation.

    It''s not necessarily a bad reputation, since they''ve done a lot of good in the war,......, but people who turn their white armor red are feared regardless of gender.

    In addition, Sonia had a fianc¨¦ named Hilderick II.

    This Hilderick II was cold towards Sonia, and was infatuated with her favorite princess, Kassandra, daughter of Hoamel.

    Hilderick II and Sonia had never been on the same page, and their relationship had grown cold.

    Nevertheless, there was no man who would approach Sonia over her fianc¨¦, the king, and even if there had been, the serious Sonia had treated such men harshly.

    As a result, for seventeen years and a few months, Sonia''s life had been devoid of any kind of manliness.

    "I''ll do my best, Your Majesty!¡¡I''ll do anything for you!¡¡So ...... that .......

    Sonia fidgeted shyly.

    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    Sonia''s face turns red like a boiled octopus.

    You''re my fianc¨¦e. You''re my fianc¨¦e, and soon we''ll be husband and wife. It''s my duty to love you, to take care of you, and to make sure you smile.

    "Oh, ...... hey, .......

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    (If this were Luna, she would probably say, "I don''t want your love, give me your money.")

    If Lunalie is a very expensive woman for Hercule, then Sonia is a very cheap woman.

    After all, all you have to do is give her a few hot words.

    (But love is blind,......, so you have to be careful not to wake up.

    In a way, the businesslike relationship between the two is easier.

    What is important in the relationship between Hercule and Lunary is the national interest, not emotions.

    The former is easier to reconcile between national interest and emotion.

    However, the relationship between Sonia and Hercule is ...... established by Sonia''s one-sided romantic feelings.

    There is nothing more unstable than this.

    Sonia''s moods are the most important thing to watch out for.

    And that''s when Hercule made up his mind.

    And then...

    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen. There''s something I need to ask you right away. May I?

    A voice came from outside the room.

    He was a member of the Sonian faction of the vassals of the Kingdom of Chelda.

    In the current Chelda Kingdom, both the Carmine and Hoamel factions have been wiped out from the upper echelons of the kingdom, and the lower and middle class warbeast aristocrats who are affiliated with Sonia have taken over.

    We''re taking it in now!¡¡Later, ......

    "Well, well, Sonia. It''s a good idea to at least ask them what they want.¡¡Then you can make your decision.

    Hercule said, appeasing Sonia.

    On the surface, the rule of the Kingdom of Chellda is stable, but inside, dissatisfaction is swirling.

    A rebellion could break out at any time.

    So we can''t afford to neglect these things.

    "Is that so?¡¡So, if you say so, .......

    For Sonia, the meeting with Hercule is more important than the Kingdom of Cerda.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    "First, tell me what you need. Make it short.

    I''m sorry.¡¡...... Kassandra has been found on the run!¡¡He''s now in custody.

    "......"?

    "I see.

    The color of Hercule''s and Sonia''s eyes changed.

    I''m not sure if I''ve ever seen anything like it.

    "Bring her back to King''s Landing. Now.

    Hercule ordered in a cold voice.

    Kingdom of Chellda, audience hall.

    In the place where the throne of King Hilderic II had been placed not long ago, and that of King Raus I before that, two thrones were placed side by side.

    Hercule sits on the right, and Sonia on the left.

    The faces of the vassals standing in a row had also changed completely.

    Aware that the kingdom of Cerda as she knew it was no longer there, the woman - Kassandra, daughter of Hoamel and favorite princess of the late King Hilderic II - folded her knees and rubbed her forehead against the floor.

    Silence reigned in the area.

    The first person to break the silence was ...... Hercule.

    "What do you have to say for yourself?¡¡Kassandra.

    "...... With all due respect.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    There was a man with eyes like the surface of a frozen lake, cold and piercing.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    In the meantime, the man with the cold eyes - Hercule - observes Kassandra closely.

    (Hmm, so this is the kind of woman Hilderick II liked.

    She is probably in her mid thirties.

    (Hmmm, so Hilderick II liked this kind of woman.) She was probably in her mid-thirties. Her beauty was certainly diminished by age, but she was certainly beautiful.

    (Her taste in women is not bad.)

    (Not bad taste in women, huh?) Hercule commented inwardly.

    However, Hercule had no interest in a woman who was already fading with age.

    And so Kassandra, with tears in her eyes, said.

    "Please ...... please!¡¡I don''t care what happens to me!¡¡I don''t care what happens to me! Please let my child, my little child, live .......

    "You are a brazen woman, refusing to obey the orders of His Majesty and myself to appear before you.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    There was a clear hatred for Kassandra in Sonia''s eyes.

    Sonia is the fianc¨¦e of King Hilderic II.

    Kassandra, on the other hand, is Hilderick II''s mistress.

    It was true that Sonia did not like Hilderick II,......, but the fact that her fianc¨¦ was infatuated with a woman other than herself was annoying even if you took that into account.

    And if he was so enamored with her that he neglected himself,......, he would naturally hate her.

    You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

    "Your Majesty, such a woman, right now, ......

    Wait.

    Hercule interrupted Sonia''s words with a cold voice.

    He put his hand on his chin, and after a moment''s thought, he asked.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of one two year old girl and one newborn boy?

    "Yes, .......

    Of course, both are children of King Hilderick II.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    What Hercule has more of a problem with is her child.

    Her child is of the royal family of the Kingdom of Cerda, the Leupes Clan, and the Geyseric Clan.

    Considering that Sonia is from the Gayseric family, a branch of the Leupus clan, ......

    If you consider only the paternal bloodline, the son of Kassandra is the legitimate king.

    So, what Hercule really needs is the child.

    He doesn''t really care about Kassandra itself.

    So, unfortunately, he can''t hear her request to save the child, no matter what happens to him.

    (Now, what should I do? ......)

    Hercule ponders.

    (What to do? ) Her child is certainly a danger, but if you ask me if it''s dangerous enough to kill, I have some doubts.

    Would she go to the trouble of mixing with the human race to start a rebellion?¡¡I don''t know.

    In addition, Kassandra is neither his wife nor his side wife, she is just a concubine ...... and her child is a bastard.

    (Killing babies is notoriety. ......)

    (Killing babies is notorious. ) It is best to avoid unnecessary notoriety, let alone necessary notoriety.

    Especially when it comes to ruling the kingdom of Cerda.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out a way to keep the flag from losing its value... ...)

    After thinking about it for a while, a strange idea popped into Hercule''s mind.

    I''ve been thinking about it for a while, and an idea popped into my head. "Kassandra, are you sure you''re not making a big mistake ......?

 214 Episode 22 Dirty Flag

    "Kassandra, is there something you are ...... making a big mistake about?

    said Hercule in an exaggerated manner.

    Everyone gulped and waited for Hercule''s next words.

    "The way you say it, it sounds as if I''m trying to kill you and your children.

    "......

    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    It''s not only Kassandra, but also Sonia and everyone else in the room, who did not understand.

    The only crime you have committed is disobeying ...... my order to appear before me. Well, disobeying a royal order is a serious crime. The death penalty is appropriate. But I don''t think that crime should be extended to children.

    Certainly, legally speaking, Kassandra is guilty of nothing more than disobeying the king''s order.

    It can''t be a crime to have a child with the previous king.

    "And disobeying the king''s order is not without its extenuating circumstances. You were pregnant and recuperating in a monastery. You were pregnant and recuperating in a monastery in the countryside,......, where the king''s orders could not reach you.

    In fact, Kassandra was hiding in a monastery in the middle of nowhere, where it would take months to find him.

    In fact, Kassandra was hiding in a rural monastery that took months to find.

    If so,......, the death penalty would be too severe. By Lemurian law, Messianic law, the Warbeast, and ...... any other law, it should not be punishable by death.

    If I tell you this much: ......

    I know what Hercule is trying to say, unless he''s too dumb to see it.

    Hercule is trying to save the lives of Kassandra and her child.

    Kassandra patted her chest, relieved.

    But at the same time, she thought.

    Would the famously cruel emperor of Lemuria be so generous with his punishment?

    As if to answer the inner thoughts of Kassandra, ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    "Oops, ...... I forgot one of your grave sins.

    The air froze again.

    The air froze again. Kassandra''s expression tightened.

    "Rumor has it that ...... you''ve been living a very lascivious life.

    "Lewd life?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    It is true that being the mistress of King Hilderic II is not a good position in the Messianic religion, but why does Hercule bother to point this out?

    "Oh, yes. I''ve heard that she had s*xual intercourse with various, unspecified (?????) men. I''ve heard that you''ve had s*x with various unspecified (?????) men, and that you don''t even know (?????) who the father of your child is.

    Kassandra felt the blood rush to her head.

    The man in front of him now had disgraced ...... himself, his child, and his late lover.

    "That''s it!

    Kassandra shouted without thinking.

    And ...... quickly cooled down.

    The blood drained from his veins and his face turned pale.

    What''s wrong with that?¡¡Is ...... there something wrong with the facts?

    ".......

    Kassandra shook her head from side to side, weakly.

    "No, no ...... errors, no. It is true that I have had s*xual intercourse with many different men and led a promiscuous life. I don''t even know ...... who the father of my child is.

    "No, thank you.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    Kassandra admitted to herself that her child was not the son of Hilderic II.

    Then the child is not Hilderick II''s child.

    Therefore, there is no need for Hercule to kill him.

    All that was left was to fabricate a story and spread the word about how Kassandra was an evil, lecherous, and immoral woman.

    No one will want to use a flag that has been defiled so badly.

    (And while we''re at it, let''s put all of Hilderic II''s evil policies on her.

    Thinking about this, Hercule passed judgment.

    I''ll take care of the child.¡¡I''ll take care of the child.

    It''s .......

    Is there a problem?

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    No, there is no ...... problem. Yes, I think it would be better for the ...... child.

    Good. I''ll ...... find you a suitable monastery somewhere. There you will be able to reflect.

    Yes, sir. ......

    The frustration of being disgraced.

    Or the grief of having your child taken from you.

    Or is it ...... joy that her child''s life has been spared?

    Kassandra nodded, tears in her eyes.

    "That ...... Emperor!

    When the various processes concerning Kassandra are over and you and Hercule are popular,......

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    You''re not happy. You are saying that the punishment for Kassandra is too lenient?

    "...... Yes.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    That woman''s child is dangerous!¡¡And so is she. We must kill her!

    "Because she is of the blood of Hilderic II?

    Yes!¡¡She is a future discontent!

    Hercule doesn''t deny that.

    ...... But whether or not that''s enough to kill him is another story.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that. As long as you have not received the sacrament of marriage, you are not officially the child of King Hilderic II.

    In the Messianic world, the word "bastard" does not have a good meaning.

    In the Messianic world, being a bastard is not a good thing. Of course, being a bastard doesn''t mean that you are discriminated against.

    This is evident in the fact that Edmond Erdemort, the son of the previous emperor of Lemuria and a human concubine, holds an important position in the Lemurian Empire.

    But whether or not he will be given his rightful inheritance is another story.

    That''s ...... true, but ......

    It''s not just her children that are disturbing, by the way. In addition to the Gayseria family, there are other bloodlines close to the Gayseric family, which is the family of the Leupes clan. We''ll have to kill them all, right?

    That would upset the rule of the Kingdom of Chellda.

    There are many who wonder if they will be the next to be purged.

    As for the benefits and disadvantages of killing, the scales in my mind have tipped to the latter. Do you understand?

    Hercule said plainly, but Sonia still persisted.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not.

    But ...... that woman''s father, Joamel, is also dangerous. That man is .......

    His base of support, the region of Teriportania, is already under the control of the Lemurian Empire.

    Hoamel has no power now that he''s been cut off from his base of support.

    And the warbeasts hate him, don''t they?¡¡...... In terms of danger, Carmine, your father, is more dangerous than Hoamel.

    Carmine is Sonia''s father.

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    However, he is not as hated by the warbeasts as Hoamel was.

    In addition, like Sonia, she is a member of the Gayseria family of the Leupus clan, and is a descendant of the founders of the ...... Chelda Kingdom.

    Should I kill Carmine?

    No, no, ...... that''s not ...... that''s not ...... that.

    Sonia begins to get upset.

    Sonia may have given up on her father, but that doesn''t mean she has lost her feelings for him.

    In fact, she has kept her father alive even after the coup.

    (She''s not stupid, but she''s emotional, for better or worse.)

    That''s how Hercule described Sonia in his mind.

    (She is not stupid, but she is emotional, for better or worse.) Her thoughts are filled with the noise of emotions and prejudices, though she has a brilliant mind.

    It was this kind of personality that had led to the coup.

    Hercule slowly walks up to Sonia.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

    Sonia is driven to the wall.

    "Hey, Heika?

    Sonia looks up at Hercule with an anxious, frightened expression.

    Hercule, with a rather grim expression, slammed the wall right next to Sonia''s face.

    Sonia shivered at the loud sound.

    Hercule grabbed Sonia''s chin rather forcefully with his other hand.

    Sonia, killing that woman is ...... your personal grudge, isn''t it?¡¡I''m not sure what to make of that.¡¡Don''t let your feelings get in the way.

    But, but ......

    Sonia!

    Hercule shouted loudly.

    Sonia squeezed her eyes shut.

    Her body was trembling, and there were a few tears in her eyes.

    We''re the joint rulers of the Kingdom of Chelda.¡¡We are co-rulers of the Kingdom of Chelda,......, but as the Emperor of Lemuria, I have the upper hand. Above all, ...... I will be your husband.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you have.

    When their lips are almost touching, Hercule says in a low voice, "A wife is the patriarch of her husband.

    A wife is subordinate to her husband''s patriarchal authority. I''m not saying you can''t disagree, but you can''t rebel. Do you understand?

    Sonia looked completely frightened and answered in a trembling voice.

    "Yes. ......

    "Good, good girl.

    When Sonia affirmed, Hercule smiled broadly.

    And then he took her cherry lips forcibly.

    He then forcibly took her cherry lips and forcibly inserted his tongue into her mouth.

    The room was filled with the sound of saliva, saliva, tongue and tongue intertwining and mingling.

    It''s a good thing I''m not the only one.

    When they parted their lips, a bridge of saliva formed.

    Sonia reclined against Hercule, her eyes debauched, her skin flushed, her breath ragged.

    She seemed to have lost all strength in the deep kiss, which was different from the shallow kisses she had had before.

    Sonia, let''s go over this again, shall we?¡¡What am I to you?

    "This is my fianc¨¦ and ...... my husband-to-be.

    And Sonia said with an enraptured expression.

    "I am your master, .......

    "Do you obey my commands?

    "I will obey you, ......, and I will not rebel, .......

    Sonia replied, letting out a hot breath and raising her voice in a lusty tone.

 215 Episode 23 Dogs and Younger

    Six months have passed, including the processing of Kassandra.

    April, when Hercule turned thirty-two years old.

    It was exactly one year after the end of the series of wars with the Kingdom of Cerda.

    "Mmm, chu......, mmm.......

    "Gghhhh ...... gghhh ......

    "...... what is this?

    When Lunalie walked into Hercule''s office, she immediately frowned.

    Two women, buttocks thrust out and blindfolded, were hard at work licking the man''s feet.

    One of the women was a slender, dark-haired woman named Alicia.

    The other is a lovely looking girl with chestnut hair, Sonia.

    Alicia is dressed in an unusually short bulgaron costume, and Sonia in a slave uniform.

    Around their necks is a collar like a dog''s collar, which somewhat inhibits their breathing, and they both seem to be in pain.

    Their hips are raised high, and they are not wearing any underwear, which means that their private parts are fully visible.

    Alicia and Sonia shuddered as they heard the sound of Lunalie''s entrance and noticed her voice.

    Their skin reddened from embarrassment, and Alicia''s long ears quivered, while Sonia''s dog ears and tail quivered.

    This may be why their tongues stopped moving for a moment.

    "Nggghhh ......

    "Geez, .......

    "Who says you can''t rest?

    When Hercule deliberately moved his toes, the two moaned in pain.

    Then he started moving his tongue again.

    "Ah, Luna. Welcome home.

    Lunalie lives her life between Nova Lemuria Palace and Erstadt Castle in Hayastan.

    Until the other day, she was ruling the Kingdom of Hayastan in Erstadt Castle, and today she came back.

    "Yeah, ......, and what''s this?

    "Listen. These guys caused a duel in the corridors of the palace.

    Sonia and Alicia don''t get along.

    Their history of conflict began a year ago when Sonia cursed Alicia.

    After the marriage of Hercule and Sonia was decided and the various processes were settled, Sonia apologized to Lunalie, Alicia, and Nia.

    At least, Sonia thought she had said too much.

    Lunalie accepted the apology easily, and Nia accepted it reluctantly to save Hercule''s face.

    However, Alicia was the only one who stubbornly refused to accept it.

    Apparently, she was very upset about being called a "b*tc*".

    In the Bulgarian language, the word "dog" is one of the greatest insults.

    Perhaps because of this cultural situation and her own personality, Alicia demanded that Sonia apologize more sincerely, even breaking her knees to apologize.

    Sonia was offended by this.

    Indeed, it was Sonia''s outburst that started the whole thing.

    It was polite and reasonable for Sonia to apologize until Alicia was satisfied.

    But after she apologized, she said, "You haven''t apologized enough. It is human nature to be annoyed when someone says to you in a high-handed manner, "You haven''t apologized enough.

    The two men argued, fought, and even killed each other.

    If Hercule hadn''t stopped them, they would have gone as far as killing each other.

    After that, the feud between Alicia and Sonia was never resolved. ......

    And so it is now.

    Incidentally, the reason for this duel was that both sides refused to give way.

    Basically, when two people meet in a hallway, the inferior side gives way to the superior side.

    For example, if Hercule and Carolina were to meet, Carolina would move to the corner of the hallway and bow until Hercule passed.

    In the case of Carolina and Scheherazade, since Carolina, the first to marry, is slightly higher, Scheherazade avoids her without bowing.

    If Carolina Scheherazade and Lunalie meet, it is Lunalie who avoids them.

    Lunalie is a lady-in-waiting, and the kingdom of Khayastan is a small country.

    If it is Lunalie and Alicia Sonia, Alicia Sonia is the one to avoid.

    Alicia is the daughter of the Krom clan, a clan of the former Kingdom of Bulgalon, and therefore Alicia is lower in the pecking order.

    Sonia is lower than Hayastan in terms of power, but they are both queens of the same kingdom, and she is Hercule''s wife. In this case, the younger and newer Sonia would be lower.

    So far, there is no one who disagrees with this order.

    The question is who is higher, Alicia or Sonia?

    Alicia argues, "Since both of us are going to be side chambers, we are equal in that respect. And since she is the older one, Sonia should give it up. In the first place, she won the war with Sonia. The loser follows the winner.

    Sonia''s argument was that she was the queen of the kingdom of Cerda, even though she was a concubine. Don''t lump me in with the women of some nomadic tribe. And even if you''re an old hand, there''s not much difference. And I was defeated by Hercule, not Alicia by any means. If it were a one-on-one fight, I would be stronger than Alicia.

    So, let''s see who''s stronger, shall we?

    That''s what happened.

    At first they stared at each other, then they argued, then they fought, then the servants and soldiers rushed to call Hercule, and when Hercule rushed in, both of them had drawn their swords.

    As a matter of course, drawing swords inside the Nova Lemuria Palace is not allowed.

    It was a clear violation of the law.

    Since it was impossible to judge his side wife (or to be more precise, his fianc¨¦e who was to become his side wife) as a criminal, the duel was deemed to have "never happened".

    But if no punishment is given, it will happen again.

    That''s why Alicia and Sonia are being forced to perform a humiliating service.

    Both of them are proud, for better or worse, so this punishment is hard to bear.

    Sonia, in particular, is not used to this kind of thing, and she is crying so much that her blindfold is stained, and she is sobbing at times.

    "That was another stupid thing to do.

    Then Lunalie sighed.

    Hercule nodded his head in agreement.

    I''d like to know what you think. Here, Lunalie. Tell these stupid dogs more. That will punish them more.

    Alicia and Sonia shudder at the word "dog".

    Both of them are red in the face.

    "Yeah?¡¡Then ......

    Lunalie pondered for a moment, then said with a snort.

    "Dogs can listen to their owners'' commands. They don''t bite each other on their own. ...... Rude to dogs. If you don''t understand me, you''re no better than a dog.

    As expected, Alicia and Sonia had to endure this.

    Both of them shivered slightly.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    Then he sighed.

    The wedding is coming up.

    "Isn''t that why?

    "Well, sure.

    A few days later, Hercule would be getting married to Alicia, and a week after that, he would be getting married to Sonia.

    First, his wedding to Alicia had been postponed in order to prioritize his wedding to Scheherazade, which was immediately followed by the war with the Kingdom of Cerda, which had been postponed for a long time.

    On the other hand, Sonia''s wedding must be held as soon as possible in order to stabilize the rule of the Kingdom of Chellda.

    Incidentally, there was also a dispute about which wedding should be held first.

    It was Hercule''s decision to have Alicia''s wedding first.

    He thought that it would be too rude to put off the wedding of Alicia, since he had been putting it off for a long time.

    However, Hercule could be reasonably considerate if he wanted to be.

    Sonia was dissatisfied with this.

    A few years ago, Sonia would have complained directly to Hercule and expressed her dissatisfaction.

    However, Sonia, who had been trained in hierarchy for a while now, couldn''t complain to Hercule and instead took out her hate on Alicia.

    I''m sure it''ll happen again, but what are you going to do?¡¡We need to set a pecking order.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    In the meantime, Hercule thinks that it is reasonable to put Sonia on top.

    Because the Kingdom of Chellda is more powerful.

    But that would make Sonia more uptight, and Alicia would hate Sonia more.

    "Since it''s too much trouble, I''m thinking that Alicia will be on top in even-numbered months and Sonia in odd-numbered months.

    "That''s a good idea.

    That''s a good idea." "It''s a bit of a postponement, but I think it''ll cause the least trouble.

    By the way, ......

    What''s up?

    You are now officially the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire, the King of Hayastan, the King of Cerda, and the King of Bulgalon.

    The former Kingdom of Bulgalon is ruled as a vassal state.

    The former Kingdom of Bulgalon is ruled as a vassal state, but Hercule wanted to ascend to the throne of the Kingdom of Bulgalon in order to consolidate his rule.

    The king of the Bulgaron Kingdom is an elective monarchy, elected by the votes of the Bulgaron tribes, so it is easy to ascend to the throne with a little political maneuvering.

    I congratulate you on that.

    "That''s unusual. ...... Well, I''ll say thank you. So?

    What are you going to do next?

    Well, there''s only one problem to solve now that we''ve taken care of the Cerda Kingdom.

    Yes, the problem of the West.

    That''s why Lunalie''s question was not "What are you going to do? but rather, "What are we going to do? is closer.

    I think the Kingdom of Edelna can be dealt with later, but the Papal problem needs to be solved as soon as possible. The longer the Church is left alone, the more serious the schism will become.

    The Messianic Church has already experienced many schisms.

    The Messianic Church has already experienced several schisms. In order to avoid creating new religious problems, the Lemurian bishopric must be restored.

    But in order to do so, King Ludwig I of the Fulling Kingdom stands in the way. That man is the protector of the Pope and the Kingdom of Edelna.

    Currently, King Ludwig I is trying to unite the Duitsch region.

    Unfortunately for Hercule, this unification project seems to be going well so far, and he has already added a third of the region to his map.

    "Well, fortunately for us, the man has no territorial ambitions for the Lemurian Empire. It''s only natural, given the distance.

    In other words, if Hercule hadn''t touched Edelna, Ludwig I wouldn''t have made a move.

    And Ludwig I seems to be avoiding confrontation with Hercule as much as possible.

    He must be aware of the fact that the Lemurian Empire''s power far exceeds that of the Fulling Kingdom.

    For a man who looks so bold, he''s quite a coward.

    He is a cowardly man.

    Our country is now a snake after swallowing a rabbit. We can''t move until the Kingdom of Chellda is digested. The same goes for the kingdom of Fulling, which is busy in the Duiche region. That''s why we won''t take direct military action, but will use political maneuvering to undermine the power of the Kingdom of Fuhring.

    "...... cut down the lords, support the kingdom of Tretum, and unite the anti-Fullerling forces in the Duitsche region?

    "You know exactly what I mean.

    You know exactly what I mean.

    "But the Fulling Kingdom is surprisingly tightly knit. We can''t break it down. We''ll mainly be supporting the anti-Fullerling forces.

    And this is inextricably linked to the missionary activities of the orthodox Messianic and Mediumistic factions.

    Cecilia''s cooperation is essential.

    "What an abomination.

    Hercule said, then beckoned Lunalie to come to his side.

    "What?

    "Step over, Luna.

    Lunalie''s cheeks flushed slightly.

    Lunalie gave a small nod and sat on Hercule''s lap.

    Our lips touched.

 216 Episode 24 Nationalization

    Alicia and Sonia''s wedding went off without a hitch.

    If there is one difference between their wedding and other weddings, it is that it was not held in Nova Lemuria.

    My wedding to Alicia took place in the former Kingdom of Bulgaron, in the province of Bulgaron.

    Most of those invited to the wedding were nobles of the Lemurian Empire and influential people of the former Bulgaron Kingdom.

    The wedding was divided into two days: the first day was a Messianic-Lemurian wedding conducted by Cecilia, and the second day was a Bulgaron-style wedding.

    The same is true for the wedding with Sonia.

    The wedding ceremony with Sonia was held in Heraclea, the capital of the Kingdom of Chellda, the former city of Chellda.

    As expected, the guests were nobles from both the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Chelda, and the wedding was held in the Messianic-Lemurian style on the first day, and in the Warbeast tradition on the second day.

    It was clear that the purpose of both weddings was to announce the formation of a union between the Lemurian Empire, the Kingdom of Bulgalon, and the Kingdom of Chelda, both internally and externally, but especially internally.

    The fact that the wedding was not held in Nova Lemuria, but in the former Kingdom of Bulgalon and the Kingdom of Chelda respectively, and that it was held in the traditional manner of both countries, was also a message from Hercule that he respected the culture and traditions of both countries.

    ...... Of course, it was a formality.

    "Heh heh ......, the wedding was lovely .......

    The girl looks at the picture with an enraptured expression.

    Her chestnut-colored tail is wagging from side to side.

    This is Sonia, who just had her wedding last month.

    She is looking at a painting of Hercule and Sonia standing side by side.

    Hercule is wearing a military uniform and Sonia is wearing a pure white wedding dress.

    It''s a realistic painting Titus did for both of them, but mainly for Sonia.

    You can admire it all you want, but let''s talk business now, Sonia.

    "Yes, Your Majesty!

    Sonia hurriedly put the painting back in its place and sat down to face Hercule.

    In front of them was a map of the Kingdom of Cerda and a stack of documents on various tax rates and industries.

    The rule of the Kingdom of Chellda has become quite stable.

    The remnant soldiers have been hunted down, the economy has stabilized, and the problem of starvation has been solved.

    The next thing to do is to stabilize the power of the Kingdom of Chelda, which has been damaged by the war, in order to achieve permanent stability.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    But compared to the ...... Bulgaron Kingdom, it''s a fertile land to begin with. There is no need to do anything about it.

    The southern continent is generally considered to be a desert, but its coastal areas are extremely fertile.

    The province of Teriportania, which was incorporated into the Lemurian Empire, the region of Ifrikia, where the capital of the Kingdom of Cerda is located, and the region of Mauglinia, which is the support base of Sonia''s family, the Gayseria family, were originally the breadbasket of the Lemurian Empire.

    To put it bluntly, it''s just a matter of returning to the original sheath.

    (Although, wheat production may be reduced in the future.

    The current Lemurian Empire has the Kingdom of Hayastan and the new granary region of Taurica.

    Especially in Taurica, there is a black soil region (Chernozem).

    As the land is cultivated, this region will be able to produce high quality wheat.

    The whole empire will be over-supplied with wheat, and we will collapse together. ......

    The end result is too stupid.

    In addition, it would be better to have a division of labor among the tributary kingdoms, so that they would be more dependent on each other.

    Just as the Kingdom of Hayastan specializes in wheat and grape production, it is more convenient for the Kingdom of Chelda to specialize in certain industries.

    The Lemurian Empire, especially the city of Nova Lemuria, is the core of the Lemurian Empire, with the provinces on the periphery and the kingdoms on the periphery, which is the most desirable form for Hercule.

    In order to avoid famine in the future, it is advisable to increase the planting of drought-resistant crops ......, such as grapes, oranges, olives, tomatoes and potatoes.

    That''s a good idea!

    Sonia smiled.

    I wonder if she really thinks so, or if she knows what Hercule is thinking.

    (Well, he''s not stupid, so it''s probably the latter.

    (Well, he''s not stupid, so it''s probably the latter.) It''s scary that he says "good idea" after knowing Hercule''s black-hearted scheme.

    The rest is cotton and wool production. The textile industry is growing in Nova Lemuria. The demand for raw materials is high.

    Between those who produce raw materials and those who import and process them, the latter are more profitable.

    Of course, Hercule knew this when he said.

    "Wool ...... is cattle farming, Your Majesty. How would you like to introduce camels?

    "Camels, ...... well, they''re good. They''re good for trade.

    It seems that Sonia still has a little bit of love for her country.

    She came up with a very constructive idea.

    The expansion of camel production is something that Hercule would like to see.

    Camels will be in high demand for trade with the south, and even if not, they can be used for transportation in war.

    (Come to think of it, there is also ...... camel cavalry, what do you think?¡¡The nomads of the Habila Peninsula are said to ride camels and shoot them.

    The Habila Peninsula is a huge peninsula on the eastern side of the Misr Province.

    Most of it is covered by desert.

    Most of it is covered by desert. ......, but it also serves as a detour for the Silk Road, and the monsoon trade for spices always passes through the Habila Peninsula.

    In other words, it is a place of great economic importance.

    (Well, it doesn''t really matter now.)

    Hercule once eliminated the Habila Peninsula from his thoughts.

    "Now we need to plant trees.

    Plantation ......?

    You can see it in the documents. ...... You''ve built too many ships. The price of lumber is going up every year. That means the forests are diminishing. Desertification will ruin the fertile land we have.

    Maybe we should regulate the cutting down of trees.

    And so on, says Hercule.

    Incidentally, the intention behind the restrictions on tree cutting is to reduce the shipbuilding capacity of the Kingdom of Cerda and keep its fangs intact.

    And here''s the important part.

    What I have said so far is just a prelude.

    In the first place, encouraging industry is not very effective.

    Most farmers don''t listen to the government very well.

    Of course, the production of grapes, olives, tomatoes, oranges, cotton, camels, etc., will bring great benefits to farmers.

    Therefore, they will actively increase the planting of these crops.

    That is why there is no point in encouraging industry.

    If it is profitable, they will move in that direction on their own, whether we encourage it or not.

    The situation is a little different in the afforestation business.

    "Let''s lower the taxes for five years first.

    Are you sure?

    Well, they''re exhausted from the war.

    Of course, it is not for the sake of the people, but for the sake of popularity.

    Of course, he was not thinking of the people, but of his own popularity. Of course, it was a complete match pump, since it was Hercule himself who had exhausted the people in the first place.

    One more thing, and this is important, ...... we will make trade with the Barbarians relatively more favorable to them.

    "...... Why is that?

    Sonia furrowed her brow.

    I''m not a fan of this kind of thing.

    So Sonia hates the Barbarians.

    She may not be able to agree with any policy that would benefit the Barbarians.

    The reason they loot is because of economic deprivation. And the reason they are in economic distress is because the merchants of the Kingdom of Chelda are looking at their feet and trying to buy them cheap.

    Rather than invading militarily or exploiting them forcibly, it would be better to give them some sweet candy and make them economically dependent on us.

    That''s what Hercule learned from his long war with the Bulgaron Kingdom.

    It is not a policy of candy and whip, but a policy of candy and candy.

    However, the candy contains poison in the name of wealth.

    When Hercule said this, Sonia nodded her head.

    I''m sure you''re right about that. ...... By the way, Your Majesty. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.

    "Yes, .......

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    I''m not sure what to do about it.

    "Well, you can reduce the size of your army. However, since you''ll be participating in ...... my war, you''ll have to keep up your training. And I suggest you centralize as much as possible. It is advisable to create local armies by treating feudal lords as tonten-hei, and separately develop a central army that can move freely.

    Hercule''s real intention is to reduce military spending in peacetime as much as possible.

    This is because the Lemurian Empire''s finances are not in good shape after the series of wars.

    (I''d like to digest the kingdom of Cerda as soon as possible, but ...... well, I''ll need three years.

    Hercule sighed inwardly.

 217 Ludwig I

    Three years have passed since the Lemurian Empire swallowed the Kingdom of Cerda in a tyrannical union.

    West of the Lemurian Empire.

    The capital city of Lutish, the Kingdom of Fullerling, was being steadily built.

    It''s not as good as Nova Lemuria, the capital of the Lemurian Empire,......, but it''s going to be a very good capital.

    From the balcony of the palace under construction, a man with a glass of wine in his hand said in a good mood.

    A man with golden hair and cat ears growing out of his head.

    He is King Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Frarling.

    "How many of you have finished your migration now?¡¡Namo.

    I''m sure you''re aware of that, but I''m not.

    The man who replied this was a man of the Long Ears tribe, in his forties or fifties, in human terms.

    So his actual age is probably around 150.

    He is one of the seven knights of King Ludwig I, Namo the Wise.

    It''s great ...... that you were able to use your contacts to bring in artisans and merchants from Lemuria. What started out as a pittance has now come to fruition into such a huge city.

    The Lemurian Empire is extremely rich in human resources.

    The Lemurian Empire is extremely rich in human resources, including not only artisans engaged in handicrafts and merchants who sell them, but also intellectuals such as architects and lawyers.

    The Lemurian empire is saturated with them.

    The Lemurian Empire''s status system is highly fluid.

    This means that fierce competition for advancement and economic battles are waged day and night.

    Therefore, there will inevitably be people who will be kicked out.

    And ...... only the best will always win, and the incompetent will always be the losers. ......

    This is not always the case.

    There is an element of luck involved in the game.

    Also, some people may use despicable means to oust their opponents.

    There are many who have lost their place in the Lemurian Empire despite their excellence, or who are dissatisfied with their current position.

    Many of them will find their way to other countries.

    Hercule has tried to stop this outflow of talent - the ban on the export of slaves is one example - but it is impossible for even Hercule to completely stop the flow of people. So they found a way out.

    Thus, finding a way out of the country, King Ludwig I recruited the people who had left the Lemurian Empire.

    Fortunately, there were many former Lemurian nobles in the region of Gaul that Ludwig I ruled.

    Of course, the same is true for the kingdoms of Edelna and Tretum. ......

    The former Lemurian aristocracy in Garlia tended to be very independent.

    The former Lemurian nobles of Garlia, who were constantly threatened by the Warbeasts, had to take up arms, arm themselves, and protect their families and property.

    They could not rely on the state.

    The fact that they could not rely on the state to protect their families and property, and the fact that ...... they could not rely on the state to protect their families and property, led them to distrust the Lemurian empire and to have confidence in their own abilities.

    The first of these former Lemurian nobles is Namo.

    Namo is a pure-blooded High Elf who is a member of the Holy 76th Family.

    By winning over the former Lemurian aristocrats, led by Namo, and using their connections, King Ludwig I succeeded in gathering human resources more efficiently than other countries.

    His efforts over the years have paid off.

    Speaking of Lemuria,......, the establishment of the Duiche Kingdom was a disaster.

    "...... I''m sorry, Your Majesty.

    Namo, who was in charge of diplomacy, bowed deeply to King Ludwig I.

    Namo, who was in charge of diplomacy, bowed deeply to King Ludwig I. But Ludwig I waved his hand lightly.

    Keep your head up. It''s not your fault. You''ve done well. If it had been anyone but you, the consequences would have been much worse.

    Kingdom of the Duitsch.

    The Kingdom of the Warbeasts, established in the Duitsche region (?????) where King Ludwig I failed to eat (......), is an anti-Frahring alliance in name only.

    Until now, the Fullerling Kingdom had the advantage over the tribes of the uncivilized Duiche region in terms of economic and technological power. ......

    However, since the establishment of the Duiche Kingdom, it has become difficult to win.

    However, since the establishment of the Duyce Kingdom, they could not win easily because the soldiers of the tribes of the Duyce Kingdom suddenly began to wear superior armor.

    There are not many of them, but some of them have been confirmed to have armor that surpasses the technology of the Fulling Kingdom.

    It seems that ...... no longer even intends to hide them.

    The armor has been confirmed to have engravings made by craftsmen from the Lemurian Empire.

    In other words, Hercule I is providing a large amount of armor to the Duiche Kingdom at a low price or for free.

    The King of Duiche is a powerful warbeast, but the real ally is the Emperor of Lemuria, Hercule I, of course.

    "Your Majesty, I have something to report.

    "...... Chulpan?

    The man who appeared was a long-eared man in a bishop''s uniform.

    He is a half-elf, unlike Namo, who is a half-elf.

    Chulpan of Faith.

    He is in charge of church affairs in the Kingdom of the Fuller Ring.

    But first, tell me the good news or the bad news.

    "...... Bad news, Your Majesty. Your Majesty.

    "Hmm. Tell me.

    "Well, tell me," said King Ludwig I after he had made up his mind a little.

    Tulipan nodded and then answered.

    The missionary work in the Duce region, which we have been working on for some time, is not going well. Many of the bishoprics established by the papacy are virtually nonfunctional and are overwhelmed by the main bishoprics of the mediums. ...... Not only that, but there are also fears that some of the churches within our country may be dominated by the Mediums. If we don''t take immediate action, we risk a total collapse.

    "...... Do you know the cause?

    "I think it''s because the mediums allow idolatry.

    Of course, the mediums do not consider it idolatry.

    However, it is a fact that the missionaries of the "Medium" school have tacitly approved of local polytheistic and idolatrous beliefs, and have even actively incorporated them into their doctrine.

    Originally, the Papacy was looser, for better or worse: ......

    Nowadays, the "mediums" are becoming more flexible.

    In the case of the Papists, it is the sole decision of the local missionaries, while the Hime-Miko "Mediums" are doing it systematically, which is a big difference.

    In recent years, the "mediums," who have become black-hearted under the influence of someone else, have been saying, "Anyway, all we have to do is bring them to the church and make them listen to our preaching. Just talk your way out of it and bring them in. What?¡¡Someone who claims to believe in God the Father, but believes in the local spirits?¡¡Well, there''s nothing wrong with that. If you go to church, you will change your mind. Anyway, just think about spreading the Lord''s teachings first! These are terrible instructions.

    As a result, the number of warbeasts in the Duiche kingdom has been increasing rapidly, worshipping the gods of their ancestors alongside the images of the Son of God.

    Many of them may not have understood the teachings of Messianism properly.

    But if you ask them if they are Messianic, they will say that they are.

    Of course, if you ask them if they believe in the gods of their ancestors, they will say that they do.

    To them, the one and only God of the Messianic religion is just one of the many gods.

    For them, the only god of Messianism is just one of the many gods. If it''s easy to worship and it will take you to heaven, then why don''t we just worship it?

    Therefore, the number of them is increasing anyway.

    "Can''t you convince that Gregorius (the idiot)?¡¡"Can''t you convince that Gregorius (idiot) to do something similar?

    ...... He insists that we can''t allow idolatry.

    I don''t think that ...... is going to change where that piece of shit goes after he dies, whether he admits it or not.

    Well, I''m pretty sure I''m going to heaven.

    And so on.

    "Your Majesty, the King, no, the Emperor. Good day to you.

    And then another person appeared.

    He was a bearded warbeast who looked to be middle-aged.

    He has a very fishy smile on his face.

    If you ask an illustrator to draw a despicable man who betrays his allies in the final battle and traps them in a trap, eight out of ten illustrators will probably draw a man with this appearance.

    A man with such a wicked smile on his face stepped forward in front of Ludwig I. "Oh, Ganuron.

    "Oh, Ganullon. The emperor is not so fastidious, is he? Or are you finished with your ...... preparations?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. "Yes, Your Majesty. Justice is ours, and we''ve all agreed to it.

    A man far from righteous.

    One of the Seven Knights, Ganullon the Righteous, grinned.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that. I''ll take care of the ...... missionary work as well, shall I?

    "That''s my jurisdiction.

    Ganullon and Chulpan glared at each other.

    Ludwig I, on the other hand, is in a good mood.

    I am now the Emperor of Lemuria in the West. This will completely eliminate any interference from the Lemurian Empire.

    Namo the Wise.

    Roran of Courage.

    Ganullon of Justice.

    Astolfo, of Love.

    Chulpan, Faith.

    In addition to these, there are two knights who bear the names of "Temperance" and "Hope," for a total of seven knights, or seven heroes, who have made their mark on history over the past thousand years.

    And the one who unites them is one of the three heroes, King Ludwig I the Lion.

    The clash between Hercule I and his sixteen pillar vassals is ......

    It''s close.

 218 Episode 1: The War

    It''s been three years since the Lemurian Empire swallowed the Kingdom of Chelda as a confederacy.

    In those three years, the Lemurian Empire had completely digested the Kingdom of Chelda: ......

    The Lemurian Empire has been able to completely digest the Kingdom of Chelda, but it was still able to move around.

    And so, Hercule''s next target was ......

    The Republic of Adleria. It''s about time we drove this thing out of the Album Sea.

    Hercule declared in front of his subjects.

    Republic of Adluria.

    The Republic of Adluria was a commercial power that controlled the Adlurian Sea between the Kiris Peninsula, where Nova Lemuria City is located, and the Edelna Peninsula, where Lemuria City is located.

    Although it is a small city-state, its territory is surrounded by tidal flats.

    Therefore, it is extremely specialized in defense.

    It has been engaged in trade under the patronage of the Kingdom of Edelna and the Kingdom of Fulling.

    It has sometimes cooperated with the Lemurian Empire, and sometimes had commercial conflicts with it.

    However, now that Hercule had ascended to the throne and the Lemurian Empire''s national power had begun to recover, it had completely lost its position as the dominant force in commercial trade to Lemuria and was falling.

    However, it is still a troublesome country for the Lemurian Empire as the home of pirates (i.e. privateers).

    At present, it is effectively a vassal state of the Fulling Kingdom.

    It also serves as a detour route for the Fullerling Kingdom to import spices and other luxury goods, and even today it has a certain amount of national power.

    However, compared to the current Lemurian Empire, it is nothing more than a puff of dust.

    Now, as for our military strength, ......

    Five legions of infantry, one legion of archers, one legion of heavy cavalry (Cribanarius), one legion of medium cavalry (Cataphract), one legion of light cavalry, and two rangers of three battalions.

    And Sonia''s Red Wolves also have three battalions.

    In addition, it is possible to summon at least one legion each from the Bulgarons and the Kingdom of Chelda.

    And this is only the land force.

    In terms of maritime power, we have absorbed the navy of the Kingdom of Chelda, and we have a large fleet of 500 ships, including newly built galleys.

    There is no problem when it comes to dealing with the Republic of Adluria, but the problem is the Kingdom of Fulling.

    The Republic of Adluria is under the protection of the Kingdom of Fulling.

    If the Lemurian Empire attacks the Republic of Adluria, there is a high possibility that the Fullerling Kingdom will come out.

    "Or should I call them the Fullerling Empire?¡¡They''re very irreverent.

    Hercule sniffed grimly.

    It was only recently that Hercule had heard that King Ludwig I of the Fullerling Kingdom had ascended to the throne as Emperor of the West Lemurian Empire.

    In the first place, when the West Lemurian Empire died, its crown was returned to the Emperor of the East Lemurian Empire, and at this point, the East and West Lemurian Empires were united.

    Therefore, legally, Hercule is the emperor of both East and West Lemuria.

    Therefore, there is no legal basis for Ludwig I to ascend to the throne as Emperor of Western Lemuria. ...... In the first place, he is a man who prepares a meaningless position such as Pope.

    It is better to think that logic does not apply.

    Of course, the Lemurian Empire does not recognize the emperorship at all.

    Therefore, I''m going to be very clear about that as well.

    In other words, the defeat of the Republic of Adleria is merely bait.

    Our main goal is to crush the Fulling Kingdom, which came out of nowhere.

    "Antonio. As for my people in the Republic of Adluria, have they been evacuated yet?

    Very well.

    The merchant from the Republic of Adorlia, Antonio, grinned and nodded.

    With all of the merchants associated with the Lemurian Empire gone, the Council of the Republic of Adorlia is undoubtedly anticipating war. ......

    That''s to be expected.

    "Good. Christos, you will lead your entire fleet to capture or sink every ship in the Republic of Adleria and the Kingdoms of Fulling and Edelna. We will also place an embargo on both of them.

    This is a double-edged sword that will have a huge impact on the economy of the Lemurian Empire: ......

    This is a double-edged sword that will have a major impact on the economy of the Lemurian Empire. However, in reality, the economy of the Lemurian Empire is supported not by trade with the West, but by trade with the East.

    In fact, the economy of the Lemurian Empire is not supported by trade with the West, but by trade with the East. Therefore, this is not a big problem in the short term.

    Darios. For you ......, I guess. I''ll give you a corps of infantry, four battalions of archers, and three battalions of near rangers. You will receive a total of 240,000. Use this force to blockade the Republic of Adleria and force them to eat.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Hercule knew that the mainland of the Republic of Adleria was impregnable.

    However, the Republic of Adluria is not even self-sufficient in grain, and is completely dependent on commerce.

    It''s only a matter of time before it dries up if we shut down its land and sea routes.

    (......) Mmm, you''re with General Darios. (Well, I can''t help it if His Majesty ordered it.

    Nia was not happy that she could not be with her beloved Hercule. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I will lead a corps of infantry and three battalions of archers to invade the Kingdom of Edelna from the north along the coast. Alicia will lead a legion of Bulgaron cavalry, Sonia will lead three battalions of Red Wolves and a legion of Cerda infantry, and Jebe will lead three battalions of Rangers to follow me.

    ""Yes!"

    The three of them replied in unison.

    The reason why Hercule had included Alicia and Sonia in his army was because he thought that he was probably the only one who could control them.

    In fact, both of them were so capable and proud that they would definitely not take orders from Darios or Galfis seriously.

    I''ll go with Darios on the road.

    When Hercule said that, Nia''s expression relaxed a little.

    She seemed to want to be with Hercule as much as possible.

    "Galfis, you will be in charge of a single legion of heavy cavalry, the Clibanarius. Edmond will lead a corps of infantry and three battalions of archers under Galfis'' command. You two, from the south, invade the Edelna Peninsula.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸ Yes! ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Seeing that his men nodded, Hercule continued with his orders.

    As for the legion of light cavalry, divide them into thirds and assign them as reconnaissance units. Including the light cavalry, we will invade the Kingdom of Edelna with 1,428,000 troops.

    Then Hercule held up three fingers.

    "We have three goals. One is to destroy the Republic of Adleria. The second is to reclaim the city of Lemuria for our own use. And finally, we must crush the Fulling Kingdom, which has come to the aid of the Republic of Edelna and Adleria. That is all!¡¡Begin your preparations. God be with us!

    "Yes!¡¡God be with us!

    It was some time later.

    While King Ludwig I was in his palace in Lutosy, he received urgent news.

    "Your Majesty, there is movement in the Lemurian Empire. There is movement in the Lemurian Empire.

    Namo was the one who announced this.

    Using his contacts in the Lemurian Empire, he was the first to detect the movement.

    King Ludwig I immediately summoned the seven heroes.

    No, but ...... hmm, military action in winter.

    The season is October.

    The season is October, and it will soon get very cold.

    Hercule''s aim was clear.

    In the winter, it will be difficult to lead a large army over the great mountains. The sea is controlled by the Lemurian Empire. The Lemurian Empire is holding the seas, and they want to destroy the Kingdom of Edelna and the Republic of Adleria before we can move our forces.

    Maraziji of Hope, one of the seven heroes, said.

    Half-human, half-warbeast, he is not only an excellent general, but also a sorcerer.

    Marajji''s guess was quite correct, but ......

    It''s winter, so it''s hard to cross the great mountains. ...... Crap, yeah. But I''m sure there are examples in history.

    Ludwig I said with a confident expression.

    The seven heroes were surprised by this, but ......

    I''m sure he can do it.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    The one who said this happily was Astolfo of Love, one of the seven heroes.

    But King Ludwig I shook his head left and right.

    No, no. There is no way that the Emperor of Lemuria, or rather the people of the Lemurian Empire who were tormented by such a great general, would not expect that. Therefore, he must be working on the assumption that I will cross the Great Mountains.

    There was a certain amount of trust in Hercule I in Ludwig I''s voice.

    There was a certain amount of trust in Hercule I in Ludwig I''s voice.

    But...!¡¡You can''t call yourself a knight if you don''t accept this offer!¡¡It will take at least 100,000 to counter 150,000. Each of you must enlist your lords and gather at least 100,000 men!

    Then he turned his gaze to the last of the seven heroes.

    He then turned to the last of the seven heroes. "The Emperor of Lemuria has divided his forces into three groups to achieve mobility and strategic flexibility, but this is a foolish way of distributing power. Bradamante!¡¡I give you 15,000 of my best men.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    The blonde girl smirked.

    "Yes, Your Majesty," the blonde girl grinned, "she is the last of the Seven Braves, Bradamante of Temperance.

    "As an advance party, cross the Great Mountains!¡¡"As an advance party, you will cross the Great Mountains and stop the Lemurian army from entering the Pasta Plains.

    "Yes, sir. ...... By the way, Your Majesty.

    The girl asks her lord.

    "You don''t mind if I defeat him, do you?

    Ha-ha-ha!¡¡Well said!

 219 Episode 2 Prelude

    In response to the advancing Lemurian army, the Republic of Adleria immediately chose a siege war.

    Its troops numbered about 500.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian army led by Darios, including Nia''s rangers, surrounded the Lemurian army.

    The difference in strength was about four times that of the Lemurian army, enough to put it under complete siege.

    However, if you want to force it down, ...... it''s a bit of a long shot.

    We''ve completed our reconnaissance, General.

    How''d it go?

    Darius asked Nia when she returned.

    Nia had attacked the enemy lightly, just to test the waters.

    Nia''s rangers were trained to work as both cavalry and infantry.

    It is possible to approach a thinly defended area with cavalry and dismount to attack .......

    You can also dismount and attack . "Frankly speaking, it would be difficult to forcefully attack down. I chose a weakly defended area and attempted to launch a surprise attack, but was met with a fierce counterattack. We are mainly mercenaries, but our morale is not low.

    Although they are mercenaries, they are soldiers who have long-term employment contracts with the Republic of Adleria, like a standing army.

    It''s only natural that their skill level and morale are high.

    The presence of citizen soldiers has also been confirmed. We have also confirmed the presence of citizen soldiers. ...... Their skill level is not low.

    "Well, ......, I suppose. The Republic of Adluria is a small country that has fended off invasions by major powers on numerous occasions. Its citizens have a lot of guts.

    Originally, Darios was a mercenary captain from the west.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you. The rangers led by General Nia are the only cavalry force we have. I look forward to their performance.

    Cavalry is useless in a siege.

    But against an enemy who wants to break through the siege and get outside information and supplies, they are a good match and can be expected to perform well.

    Yes. I''m not going to let a single ant escape.

    Good. ...... Well, as for the information that you have defeated the enemy in the Pasta Plain, I dare you to let it pass.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    The Lemurian Empire''s strategy has been to move north and south.

    The Lemurian Empire''s strategy is not to pin the Kingdom of Edelna down from the north and south. ......

    It is not.

    Will King Ludwig I really come over the mountains?

    "Well?¡¡But you said he would. Then he will come.

    Both the Republic of Adluria and the Kingdom of Edelna are important allies and dependents of the Fulling Kingdom.

    In particular, the Republic of Adluria''s port of Adluria and the Kingdom of Edelna''s port of Edelna are important gateways for the Fulling Kingdom, not to mention the importance of the city of Lemuria.

    The loss of these three would inevitably lead to a loss of authority for King Ludwig I.

    "Ludwig I is a prudent man. He is a cautious man. Therefore, he will not easily challenge us with a large army of about 15,000 men. That was your biggest concern.

    But that doesn''t mean that he won''t come to the aid of the Kingdom of Edelna or the Republic of Adorlia.

    There are many ways to fight.

    In fact, it is rare for a decisive battle to occur in war.

    King Ludwig I avoided a frontal battle and forced a passive battle.

    Although the knights of the Fullerling Kingdom are known for their chivalry, it is already well known in the western world that they are more like bandits.

    If they see that they cannot win, they will run away without hesitation.

    Therefore, if you want to defeat the Fullerling Kingdom and crush King Ludwig I, you must attack him directly.

    However, the region of Gaul, where Ludwig I is based, is beyond the limits of what the Lemurian Empire''s army can do.

    This means that Hercule cannot invade the Kingdom of Fulling.

    It is necessary to challenge King Ludwig I to a decisive battle in the Kingdom of Edelna.

    Therefore, by dividing his forces into three, he will create a situation in which Ludwig I will be able to win the battle. It''s a dangerous strategy. ......

    Nia paused.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of money, you''ll be able to use it to make a lot of money.

    Therefore, Ludwig I will always challenge him to a fight.

    Of course, with an army nearly as large as the one led by Hercule.

    "It''s true that if His Majesty on the Pasta Plain is defeated, we''ll be strategically divided. It would be very bad.

    Ludwig I would have the chance to defeat both Garufis, who was attacking the Kingdom of Edelna from the south, and Darius, who was besieging the Republic of Adelia.

    Even if it were not so, the morale of the soldiers would be lowered if Hercule, who had lowered the sign that he was always undefeated, was defeated.

    But your Majesty will not be defeated.

    "That''s true.

    The two of them decided to trust their lord.

    On the other hand, the main army led by Hercule - although most of its main force was allied forces - was marching smoothly across the Pasta Plain.

    The infantry force consisted of one infantry corps and three battalions of archers from the Imperial Army, and one corps from the Kingdom of Chelda. The total was 276,000.

    The cavalry force consists of one legion of Bulgaron cavalry and three battalions of Red Wolves. Total: 156,000.

    The total number of troops was 432,000.

    From the perspective of the entire Lemurian Imperial Army, which is about 15,000 strong, its strength is about one-third, but if you take logistics into account, its strength is close to its limit.

    The limit of gathering troops in one place for a long period of time is around 50,000.

    Now, the main force led by Hercule ......

    There was a problem that was bothering Hercule.

    It''s a good idea not to drag your feet at all. You b*tc*.

    You''re the dog. You half-breed!

    You misshapen long-eared monkey!

    Did you hear that, Your Majesty?¡¡He called the long-eared people long-eared monkeys!

    "Apes are only for the savage Bulgurons.

    Don''t talk to me like a dog!

    You''re the dog, aren''t you?¡¡I''m a wolf, for God''s sake!

    What do I look like to you?¡¡Are your eyeballs made of glass?

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    The reason why he incorporated these two into his army was because he thought that only he could control them.

    Originally, the two of them were extremely proud.

    Alicia is willing to submit to Hercule, but she has no intention of submitting to the Lemurian Empire, and Sonia has not abandoned the supremacy of the beastmen because Hercule is special to her, and her anti-Lemurian sentiment is still alive and well.

    In addition, Alicia and Sonia are leading an army that is unwilling to listen to any orders other than those of their lord or her husband, Hercule. --The allied forces.

    Under the command of Darios or Galfis, their power would not be fully demonstrated, and they might even become arbitrary and violate orders.

    After all, both of them do not doubt their own military prowess, and will not hesitate to overthrow any order that goes against their will.

    That''s why it was necessary to keep these two under Hercule''s watchful eye, but they were extremely incompatible with each other.

    They argued night and day.

    Fortunately, they use the Lemurian language in their arguments.

    Therefore, their disagreement is not known to the soldiers.

    The story changes at the officer level, though, because they understand Lemurian.

    Alicia, Sonia.

    "Yes!

    The two reply in unison.

    It''s a great way to get to know each other, but it''s also a great way to get to know each other.

    It''s okay to fight in peacetime. But on the battlefield, you must help each other. Obey my orders and do what I tell you to do, no matter how personal.

    "Yes, sir!

    And they both respond in unison.

    Uncertain if they really understood what he was saying, Hercule decided to ask them about the future plan.

    "You remember what was decided in the military council, right?¡¡Where are we going now?¡¡Sonia.

    Edelna City, the capital and port city of the Kingdom of Edelna.

    Tell me why, Alicia.

    For one thing, to secure logistics. The other is to lure King Fulling.

    Hercule was a little relieved that she seemed to understand what she had to do.

    To be sure, he asked further.

    "What is the enemy''s strength?¡¡Do you remember?

    "Forty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry.

    Sonia answered.

    We have already confirmed that about 50,000 troops are gathered in Edelna, the capital.

    Do you have any idea how the enemy is going to challenge us?

    "I believe they will challenge us to a decisive battle in the field.

    Alicia replied.

    From a purely military point of view, the Kingdom of Edelna should hold the siege until the reinforcements of King Ludwig I arrive.

    But politically and diplomatically, the choice is not easy for the Kingdom of Edelna.

    The Flaring Kingdom is interfering in Edelna''s internal affairs more and more every day.

    If they ask for reinforcements, it is obvious that they will be completely subjugated.

    Therefore, the Kingdom of Edelna will not wait for the help of the Fulling Kingdom.

    In fact, they probably haven''t even asked for help.

    And if they don''t rely on reinforcements, then they can''t choose a siege war. ...... Therefore, they will be forced to choose the field battle.

    Fortunately, the Lemurian Empire''s main army is smaller in number than Edelna''s, and the majority of it is a hodgepodge of foreign troops.

    So there is a good chance of victory. The Kingdom of Edelna must be thinking that.

    This is the prediction of Hercule.

    Hercule also thinks that "King Ludwig I will cross the mountain range without waiting for a call for reinforcements.

    If you know that, good for you. ...... We can''t afford to lose to Edelna before we can face the Fullerings. You will ...... be victorious.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    A week later, a massive field battle broke out between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Edelna, a hundred kilometers from Edelna City.

    The majority of the Lemurian Empire''s forces were a hodgepodge of foreign allies, and they had a reputation for poor coordination. ......

    In just one day, Edelna''s army was destroyed.

    The Kingdom of Edelna had to pay a painful price.

    At the same time, the Bradamantes crossed the Great Mountains.

 220 Episode 3 Corner

    What?¡¡The army of the Kingdom of Fulling has crossed the mountain range?¡¡...... That was surprisingly fast.

    After the siege of Edelna City, Hercule''s eyes widened in surprise for a moment when he heard the report.

    In Hercule''s estimation, it should have taken much longer for the Fulling Kingdom to gather its forces.

    "How many men?

    ''Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. 100 infantry troops, mainly crossbows and spears, and 500 cavalry. The total number of infantry and cavalry is 15,000. The enemy commander is the Bradamante of Temperance.

    "...... I see. So it''s an advance party.

    Hercule patted his chest inwardly.

    It was not as if Ludwig I had brought the lords together and led a large army much earlier than Hercule had expected.

    It was probably the army of Ludwig I''s prot¨¦g¨¦.

    The kingdom of Flering was a feudal state.

    As a military state, the total number and quality of its troops is moderate, but it takes time to gather soldiers.

    The fact that it was able to move into military action so quickly suggests that it was a kind of standing army, a tiger child that King Ludwig I could move quickly.

    (But how could he entrust his precious elite to a single vassal? ...... And at such speed. You should think that they probably anticipated our moves at the stage when I moved my army, or even before that, in the preparation stage.

    It''s a troublesome opponent, Hercule ponders.

    Fortunately, the city of Edelna had fallen easily.

    As a result, the "king" of Edelna and the nobles of his court have already expressed their intention to surrender to the Lemurian Empire.

    However, the Kingdom of Edelna is a country that is not yet centralized.

    Therefore, even if you cut off the head, the body and limbs will move on their own.

    The lords of the land have shown their will to resist.

    Currently, diplomatic measures are being taken to make them obey. ......

    However, it is a different story when the Fulling Kingdom army arrives so quickly.

    There will be many lords who will be shuffling left and right, weighing the Lemurian Empire against the Fulling Kingdom.

    (It''s those who don''t know whether they''re friend or foe that are the most troublesome. (It''s the ones who don''t know whether they''re friend or foe that are the most troublesome. ......)

    This is probably exactly what Ludwig I wanted.

    On the tactical level, Hercule has a big lead at the moment, but on the strategic level, the board is even.

    Hercule has the corner of Edelna and Ludwig I has the corner of the advance troops.

    The battle situation is not in favor of Hercule.

    However, unlike ...... Othello, both sides'' corners can be taken.

    (If we can defeat Bradamante, the wind will be in our favor.

    Hercule chuckled.

    And then the generals gathered around him.

    They were Sonia, Alicia, and Jebe.

    "Welcome. You know that an advance party of the Fullerling army has crossed the Great Mountains?

    ""Yes, Your Majesty."

    The three of them, who had already shared the information, replied in unison.

    Hercule nodded.

    I''d like to say that I''m going to go to ...... to fight them off, but I can''t leave for a while to coordinate and settle the surrounding area. Therefore, I will send out a separate force to intercept the enemy.

    The question is who to send out as a detachment: ......

    You can''t send Sonia and Alicia out together.

    We can''t send Sonia and Alicia out together, because it''s obvious that they''ll start to split up.

    So it''s safe to say that it''s either Jebe or these two.

    And considering the specialties of each of them, ......

    "Sonia, you will lead an infantry corps of the Kingdom of Chelda and the Red Wolves to intercept them. Jebe, you will lead an independent battalion to assist you.

    Yes, sir!

    ...... Yes.

    "......

    Sonia wagged her tail happily.

    Jebe looks as if he''s been entrusted with something troublesome.

    And then there''s Alicia, who looks very unhappy.

    (I wonder if it''s okay ......)

    Hercule''s anxiety got the better of him.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    Of course. I have no intention of disobeying your orders.

    "Of course. Jebe replied earnestly.

    When Sonia confirmed that Jebe listened to her firmly, she nodded her head.

    The detachment led by Sonia, with a total of 19,200 foot soldiers, was steadily closing the distance to the Fullerling Kingdom''s advance party led by Bradamante.

    They were expected to arrive at the city where the Fullerling Kingdom army was stationed in two days'' time.

    The Fullerling Kingdom''s army seemed to be preparing for a battle with Sonia''s detachment, gathering mercenaries from the surrounding areas and strengthening their forces.

    I''m going to listen to what you have to say for now.

    Oh, you''re willing to listen to my opinion?

    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.

    I''m not sure what you mean by that.

    What do you think you''re doing?¡¡First of all, use honorifics!¡¡I am the Queen of the Kingdom of Cerda, the wife of the Emperor, and the Queen!

    "This is rude. I''m still not very good at Lemurian.

    ...... Well, that''s fine. I don''t like your attitude, but I do recognize your abilities.

    Oh, ......, that''s good to hear.

    "Yes, after all, ...... you''ve ravaged my country for so long.

    When it was pointed out to him that he had looted the kingdom of Cerda, Jebe cowered.

    That tactic would not work in the Kingdom of Edelna.

    There are many geographical obstacles such as rivers and mountains.

    Unfortunately, the battle is being led by the other side. "Unfortunately, they are in control of the war. We want to eliminate the Fulling Kingdom army, but they don''t. If we can fight them evenly, we can gain some support from the lords of Edelna. They will not cross the dangerous bridge.

    ...... So you''re saying that the enemy won''t leave the city?

    In fact, the Bludamanites have not shown any signs of leaving the city.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.

    If you want to keep gaining the support of the lords of Edelna, you have to show a certain amount of aggressiveness. So if we approach them or provoke them, they will have no choice but to fight in the field.

    "I see, that''s where you want to hit. If we are fighting in the field, we have the advantage because we are more numerous.

    Jebe nodded as Sonia smiled at him.

    And so the plan was decided.

    When Bradamante heard the report that a separate Lemurian force was heading straight for him, he couldn''t help but smile.

    It''s a good decision to divide the troops again .......

    The reason why King Ludwig I sent Bradamante to Edelna as soon as possible is to keep Edelna on the side of the Fullerling Kingdom.

    He thought that if he waited too long, the lords of Edelna would fall under the influence of the Lemurian Empire in no time.

    On the other hand, the reason why Hercule sent the army to eliminate Bradamante even after dividing his forces even further was probably because he was confident that he could bring the Kingdom of Edelna completely under the influence of the Lemurian Empire if he could get Bradamante to back down.

    Currently, Bradamante''s army relies on the lords and cities of Edelna for most of its logistics.

    Although they are cooperating with the Fulling Kingdom at the moment, depending on the state of the war, they may become dominated by the Lemurian Empire and become uncooperative.

    If that happens, the Kingdom of Fulling will have a hard time with logistics when the decisive battle comes.

    No, they may not even be able to fight a proper battle in the first place.

    It is actually more difficult to maintain logistics on the other side of the mountain range than it is to deploy an army across the mountain range.

    If possible, I''d like to challenge you with a siege warfare. ...... It''s a problem if people think we''re not active in the war.

    As long as they are dependent on lords and cities for logistics, Bradamante must show that they are willing to fight to protect them.

    In the first place, it was for this reason that he had come all the way across the great mountains.

    Good,......, let me deal with you. As a knight, I will deal with you fair and square.

    Bradamante smiled wickedly and stood up.

    But ...... first we need to close the gap. Do you want to hurry up and hire mercenaries?

    Fortunately, we have plenty of money to hire mercenaries.

    Of course, this is the purse of the lords and cities, so it will not hurt the pockets of the Kingdom of Fulling, not to mention Bradamante.

    And since Bradamante is leading a large army to defend (occupy) this land, they cannot disobey Bradamante''s orders.

    Is such a way really knightly?

    If I had asked that question, Bradamante would have answered with a smile.

    If this is not chivalry, what is?¡¡And.

    This is the meaning of chivalry in the kingdom of ...... Fullerling.

 221 Episode 4: Syllables

    Two days after Sonia and Jebe''s strategy meeting.

    The Fullerling army led by Bradamante and the Lemurian army led by Sonia faced each other on the plain.

    The Fullerling army numbered about 180, while the Lemurian army numbered 192.

    The breakdown of the Lemurian army''s strength was the same as before.

    On the other hand, the Fullerling army has retained 500 infantrymen for the defense of the city, and has added 800 mercenaries and Edelna knights.

    In terms of breakdown, there are 500 Fullerling infantry, 500 Fullerling knights, 500 infantry mercenaries, and 300 Edelna knights.

    Bradamante placed 500 mercenary infantry on the center left wing and 500 Fulling infantry on the center right wing.

    He placed 300 Edelna Knights on the left flank and 500 Fullerling Knights on the right flank under his direct command.

    Sonia, on the other hand, placed the Royal Army of Chellda 1200 in the center.

    On the left flank will be the Red Wolf Corps 360 commanded by herself.

    On the right flank, he placed the rangers commanded by Jebe at 360.

    "God is with us.

    "God is with us.

    "God is with us." "God is with us.

    Both sides prayed to God the Father and the Messiah, in whom they both believed.

    And ......

    "All troops, begin march!

    With the order of Sonia and Bradamante, the battle began.

    The first to start moving was the central infantry of both sides.

    The first to move was the central infantry of both sides. 100,000 central infantry of the Fullerling Army and 120,000 infantry of the Kingdom of Chellda clashed.

    The battle situation was ...... in favor of the Royal Chelda Army.

    Although they were outnumbered by about 200, the left flank of the ...... Fullerling Royal Army was made up of mercenaries who were inferior in morale and skill.

    Compared to the powerful infantry of the Kingdom of Cerda, they will inevitably be pushed back.

    On the other hand, the Fulling infantry could fight as well as or better than the Chelda infantry.

    As a result, when the infantry clashed with each other, the left flank of Fullerling''s army was greatly pushed in.

    At about the same time as the infantry clashed with each other, the cavalry of both wings clashed.

    There were 360 rangers on the right flank of the Lemurian army led by Jebe, and 300 knights of Edelna on the left flank of the Fulling army.

    The Red Wolves of the left wing of the Lemurian army, 360 led by Sonia, and the Fullerling Knights of the right wing, 500.

    A fierce battle was raging on both sides.

    Let''s fight like knights, fair and square. Princess Sonia!

    "What knights? !¡¡You bandit!

    The two of them clashed fiercely sword to sword.

    The two of them clash swords against swords. Both of them are high-ranking beastmen, so their blows are incredibly heavy.

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡...... That''s outrageous.

    What do you mean, "out of my mind"?¡¡I''m sure you''re not the only one.

    Sonia shouts at Bradamante.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    More at ......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    The knights of the Kingdom of Chellda are also known to be just as crude.

    A blue streak appeared on Sonia''s forehead.

    It looks like you want to die young!

    If it''s on land, the bandits have a better chance than the ...... pirates.

    A fierce battle ensues.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your home.

    On the other hand, ...... the left flank of the Fullerling army and the right flank of the Lemurian army were dominated by the Lemurian army, thanks to Jebe''s success and their numerical advantage.

    As a result, on both flanks, the left side of the Fullerling army was greatly pushed back.

    An hour after the battle began.

    Finally, the knights of Edelna, who made up the left flank of Fulling''s army, were defeated.

    Having eliminated them from the battlefield, Jebe attacked the mercenary troops that made up the center left wing of Fullerling''s army.

    The left flank of the Fullerling army, already heavily outnumbered by the Cerda infantry, was thrown into chaos by this blow and began to lose ground.

    Oh dear ......, it''s about time.

    Wait!

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    In the meantime, Sonia begins to chase after it bravely.

    The Lemurian Union Army also begins a fierce chase after Sonia.

    One after another, the Cerda infantry kills the mercenary troops who have failed to escape.

    "Captain!¡¡We should hurry up and give chase too!¡¡If we don''t, we''ll lose the battle!

    The men hurry Jebe, who doesn''t move to pursue.

    Jebe, on the other hand, showed no sign of joining the pursuit and replied quietly.

    We''ll see what happens.

    "Captain?

    "Save your strength, just in case.

    In the meantime, Sonia and Bradamante continued to chase each other, occasionally exchanging swords.

    Aside from the mercenary troops, the Lemurian army had not been able to mount an effective pursuit against the Fullerling army and the Edelna knights.

    This was because the elite troops led by Bradamante had become their lords.

    Sonia is trying to break this, but ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It''s ...... about time, isn''t it?

    "Finally, you''ve given up!

    He stopped his horse again and faced Sonia.

    Sonia grinned and pointed her sword at Bradamante.

    She was convinced that if she killed or captured Bradamante, the man she loved would praise her.

    "The idea?¡¡I don''t know what ...... you''re talking about.

    I''m talking about your life!

    ...... I have no intention of dying, sir. All troops, reverse!

    The two crossed swords again.

    The fulling knights and the red wolves clashed fiercely.

    But there was one thing that was different about .......

    In addition to the Fullerling knights, the Fullerling army of one hundred and ten, including the Fullerling infantry, changed direction at once and attacked.

    They had formed up during the retreat.

    The Chelda infantry, on the other hand, were disorganized and exhausted by the fierce pursuit.

    And then, from behind the ...... Chelda infantry, a hundred or so Fulling infantrymen appeared before they knew it and attacked.

    "Hey, when did this ...... happen?

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    I''ve dispersed them by platoon and hidden them in the rocks around the area. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: .......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Even if they were confused, they would be able to repel them adequately.

    On the other hand, if there are more than 100 ambushers hiding, they will indeed notice them.

    Therefore, Chelda''s infantry will not be defeated by a small amount of ambushes.

    However, it''s a different story in this situation where they are exhausted, their formation is broken, and they are being attacked from front, rear, left and right by one hundred Fullerling troops.

    I''m sure you''re not as naive as you think. Princess Sonia.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that the Fullerling Knights do not include infidels or heretics in their fair fight.

    You''re bandits after all, aren''t you?

    You''re pirates, aren''t you? Now, ......, it''s over!

    Bradamante is convinced of his victory and has a triumphant look on his face.

    But Sonia gave a small ...... laugh.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''ve prepared for the worst.¡¡...... All troops, reverse!¡¡Retreat!

    At Sonia''s command, the Cerda infantry turned at once and began to retreat.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    "Master Bradamante!¡¡The cavalry troops led by the enemy general Jebe have pinned down the infantry troops that had been sent around the rear, and the enemy has broken through!

    "...... I see. No wonder I couldn''t see you.

    Bradamante sighed.

    It looks like it''s a draw this time. It''s no use. Shall we turn back as well?

    But there was a hint of composure in his expression.

    "We only lost a mercenary and a few Edelna knights. We lost mercenaries and a few Edelna knights, while they lost about the same number of strong Chelda infantry as we did. In fact, the Lemurian army escaped with their tails between their legs,......, even if the numbers are the same. I think that''s enough to call it a victory.

    We got what we got.

    More victories would be a violation of temperance.

    So Bradamante returned to the city to advertise his "victory".

 222 Episode 5 Fishermans Interest

    Hercule groaned when he heard Sonia''s report of a narrow victory (a draw).

    I''m not sure what to make of it. I''ve heard rumors, but ...... how can you call yourself a knight?

    I''m not a knight, but a bandit or a thief.

    There is no hesitation in using cowardly methods.

    If they are infidels or heretics, they can do anything they want. ...... This is the moral code of the Fullerling knights.

    The kingdom of Fullerling is a rare orthodox country in the western world.

    It is surrounded on all sides by infidels and heretics.

    There must have been no shortage of people to play cowardly tricks on.

    The Lemurian Empire is also Orthodox, but the current Orthodox faction is divided between the Papacy and the High Priestesses.

    In other words, from the point of view of the Fulling Kingdom, the Lemurian Empire is a land of heretics.

    The Lemurian Empire is a country of heretics in the eyes of the Fulling Kingdom.

    However, even if the ...... Lemurian Empire was Papal, I don''t know if they would have been so reserved.

    "That little girl ...... almost lost her troops in a trap. Isn''t punishment necessary, after all?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "Well, ...... I was too hasty in my actions, that''s for sure. But there are some things that can be done.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to see that the Fulling''s retreat was an act.

    The reason why she could not notice the enemy''s "performance" was because the "performance" was not an act.

    In other words, it was an undeniable fact that the enemy''s left wing mercenaries and Edelna''s knights had been defeated.

    The enemy general, Bradamante, may have used the defeat of the mercenaries and Edelna knights as bait to catch Sonia.

    The most ...... fortunate thing is that Sonia had Jebe waiting in the rear just in case.

    This allowed for a successful retreat.

    It is to Sonia''s credit that she was able to turn a major defeat into a virtual draw.

    (Well, if you don''t pursue cautiously, that''s fine. ...... But if you don''t pursue, you won''t be able to increase the results of the battle.

    The greatest number of people die on the battlefield during retreat and pursuit.

    If you don''t attack when the enemy is in a state of total collapse, you may give them a chance to rebuild.

    Therefore, Sonia''s decision was not a mistake.

    She should be commended for keeping Jebe in the rear, just in case.

    (But losing Cerda was a big deal. We were counting on them.

    It was not a total loss, but it was a loss of some of the best infantry.

    And the enemy will advertise this as a victory. (Besides, the enemy will probably advertise this as a victory, but from our point of view, they eventually returned to the city, so we won.

    This made it difficult to attract cities and lords around this side of the Great Mountains to our side.

    Ludwig I would have enough time to cross the Great Mountains.

    War is all about results.

    Perhaps Sonia''s tenuous draw should be punished somewhat, as it worked against the Lemurian Empire.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had a bad experience.

    ...... Isn''t that too lenient?

    So, if you make a mistake comparable to Sonia''s this time, I''ll punish you severely?

    No, no .......

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    Alicia also thinks that Sonia''s decision is not wrong.

    If you have a problem with the severity of the punishment, it is simply a personal grudge.

    Fortunately, this battle is a victory for them as well as a victory for us. The lords and cities around Edelna have managed to hold together.

    The territories of the Kingdom of Edelna will be reduced, but will remain intact.

    We will recognize the existing interests of the lords and cities and will not touch them in any way.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Edelna will have a bilateral relationship.

    And so on. ...... I explained that their lives would not change much before and after the war.

    In fact, Hercule has little territorial desire for the Kingdom of Edelna itself.

    In fact, Hercule had little desire for the Kingdom of Edelna itself, and thought it would be fine as long as he could maintain the southern part of the country to maintain sea control.

    Therefore, he could offer such a generous condition.

    ...... In the first place, occupying the land of a devastated country that is only worth ''the mainland of the former Lemurian Empire'' is nothing but a burden.

    "Your Majesty. I have a report from General Galfis.

    "General Galfis has something to report to you," said Hercule, as a messenger from Galfis came to him.

    "You have permission to speak.

    What?¡¡About two days ago, an army led by General Galfis took over the city of Lemuria!¡¡The Archbishopric of Lemuria is now in their hands!¡¡The self-proclaimed Pope Gregorius has also been captured.

    "Thank you.

    Hercule smirked.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in this article.

    You have two horns now, don''t you?

    "Yeah. Yes, we have the advantage on the board.

    We''ve already signed treaties with the southern lords and cities of Edelna.

    At the very least, they''ve promised to remain favorably neutral.

    We''ve also secured logistics routes.

    And ...... the best bait to catch King Ludwig I is in Hercule''s hands.

    Tell Galfis to hurry and come to Edelna.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    "Yes, Your Majesty," Hercule muttered, shutting his eyes as he commanded the messenger.

    The rest will be decided by the battle with King Ludwig I, who has crossed the ...... Great Mountains.

    Meanwhile, the news of the fall of Lemuria and the capture of Gregory had reached Ludwig I. "You''re only pulling my leg," he said.

    "He''s only dragging us down. That man.

    "Not at all. I would have thought you could have tried a little harder.

    Ludwig I nodded in agreement with Tulpan''s words of faith.

    Then he simply said something brutal.

    Depending on whether the war is won or lost, we might as well cut that thing loose.

    "Yes. We''ve already achieved our goal of independence from Lemuria, and we have no use for them.

    In the first place, there is not much difference in doctrinal content between the Papists and the Hime-Priestesses.

    This is not a matter of doctrine, but of politics.

    And King Ludwig I had succeeded in reorganizing the domestic churches into a national church, separating them from the Lemurian Archdiocese.

    He also brought the Lemurian princes under the influence of the Lemurian Empire to the side of the Fullerling Kingdom, or even destroyed them, and turned them into his own nation.

    The political system is complete enough to suppress any interference in internal affairs from the two "Lemuria", the Lemurian Archbishopric and the Lemurian Empire.

    In other words, whether the head becomes a priestess or a pope, the political independence of the Fullerling Kingdom is unassailable.

    However, ...... says that the portable shrine should be light and par. It doesn''t have to be Gregory, but I''d like to keep the ...... Lemurian Archbishopric in my hands for as long as possible.

    He had no intention of making any concessions.

    The Lemurian Archbishopric, the Kingdom of Edelna, the Republic of Adleria, and the title of Emperor.

    A complete victory would win all four from the Lemurian Empire.

    With renewed determination, King Ludwig I looked at his army below him.

    60,000 infantry.

    20,000 cavalry.

    Gauls, Duitsch, Albion, Scardinawea.

    These were the elite that King Ludwig I had recruited from the areas under the feudal system of the Kingdom of Frarling.

    With the exception of Namo and Ganuron, who were left in charge, and Bradamante, who had crossed the Great Mountains earlier, the seven heroes - Astolfo, Laurent, Chulpan, and Marazizi - were all here.

    There has never been an enemy we couldn''t defeat with this.

    There had never been an enemy that could not be defeated with this force, and Ludwig I believed that there would never be one in the future.

    "Well, gentlemen!¡¡Let us go to the rescue of our people!¡¡God be with us!

    "God be with us!" "God be with us!

    "God be with us!" Ludwig I''s journey over the mountains had begun.

    Meanwhile, news of the fall of the Archbishopric of Lemuria reached Cecilia across the sea.

    "Your Holiness. It seems that the Emperor has fallen the Archbishopric of Lemuria.

    "I see. Well, I suppose that''s only natural for Hercule.

    "Master ......?

    Mm-hmm.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m here.

    Cecilia, on the other hand, smiles meaningfully.

    Then she stood up.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    "...... What do you mean?

    "Oh?¡¡Did you forget?¡¡We are not Lord Hercule''s vassals. It would be nice to sit here and wait for Hercule-sama to give us the Archbishopric of Lemuria, but he is not the kind of person who would give it to us for free. He might even make it a condition of marriage.

    Cecilia''s cheeks were flushed.

    Cecilia''s cheeks were flushed and her eyes were flushed.

    Cronus asked, as if he could guess what his lord was thinking.

    I''m not sure if that''s what you want ......?¡¡As His Holiness?

    I am not reluctant to do so, but it would be disqualifying for one who unites the Church to simply fall under the patriarchate of Hercule.

    Cecilia said with some regret.

    Then she smiled wickedly and put her index finger to her lips.

    No matter what happens, you should arrange for the Lemurian Archdiocese to be returned to my hands.

    It''s .......

    "It''s called fishing for fish. Kronos.

    With a snap, Cecilia winked.

    Hercule, Ludwig and Cecilia.

    History is in flux as the thoughts of the three parties intermingle. ......

 223 Episode 6: The Battle of the Two Emperors of Rezel...

    The Lemurians were the first to assemble their forces.

    Hercule gathered all the troops except for those under Darios'' command in the port city of Edelna.

    Three legions of infantry

    Six battalions of archers

    One legion of infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda

    1 legion of heavy cavalry "Clibanarius

    1 corps of medium cavalry "Cataphract".

    One legion of bulgarian cavalry

    Three battalions of red wolf troops

    Three battalions of riflemen

    A total of 984,000.

    However, since the number of Chelda''s infantry was reduced by about 200 in the last battle, the actual number is about 964,000.

    Hercule, who had succeeded in rallying his troops ahead of the Fullerling Kingdom, divided his forces again and set out for a city in a divided battle.

    That city is Boronia, a free city where ...... Bradamante is holding a siege.

    The total army of the Kingdom of Fulling, led by Bradamante, including mercenaries, was about 2,000.

    Therefore, the difference in strength is four times.

    The difference in strength is enough to defeat them. ......

    "Ummm, ...... can''t fall.

    Hercule was frowning.

    To be precise, it could be dropped if it wanted to, but it would ...... require great sacrifice.

    It is not desirable to do so before a decisive battle with King Ludwig I.

    The enemy generals seem to be pretty good. ...... I''ve heard that Fullerling knights are good at siege warfare, but this is really troublesome.

    In the west, there are more small-scale sieges and sieges than in the east.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your home.

    In fact, they are best at muddy siege warfare.

    Their wars basically consist of holing up in a castle, forcing the enemy to bleed, and defeating them through diplomatic negotiations.

    And the ...... pinnacle of such a world was King Ludwig I. (If he joined Darius, he would have been the first.

    (If he joins up with Darius, he can be defeated, but ...... then he would have to break the siege of the Adorian Republic. Those annoying sea monkeys must be eliminated in this war: ......

    Then, Hercule had only one option.

    "All troops, fall back. Prepare for the final battle.

    Thus, Bradamante won the siege for several weeks.

    And the day after ...... Hercule drew back, the Fulling Kingdom army crossed the mountains and set foot on Edelna''s soil.

    A few more days later.

    The Fullerling army entered the city of Boronia.

    "Your Majesty, we''ve been expecting you.

    Bradamante knelt down and welcomed his lord.

    King Ludwig I nodded broadly in a good mood.

    Bradamante, you have endured well before I arrived. You''re my knight.

    "What a waste of words.

    Then King Ludwig I sat down on the throne that had been prepared for him.

    "Gather round, my knights.

    "Yes!

    "Gather round, my knights!" "Yes!" he called, and Bradamante and the other seven heroes knelt before him.

    Bradamante of Temperance.

    Astolfo, the Love.

    Laurent, Justice.

    Tulpan, Faith.

    Marazisi, Hope.

    When all five were present, Ludwig I opened his mouth.

    According to Bradamante''s preliminary report, the Lemurian Empire''s forces are stationed in the village of Rezela, 20 kilometers southeast of ...... Bradamante. Do you have any new information?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Nothing significant so far, sir.

    Hmm. So you''re inviting me to fight you here at ......?

    In the hinterland of the village of Lezera is the capital of the Kingdom of Edelna, Edelna City.

    The Lemurian Empire receives supplies of food and other goods from Edelna.

    The Lemurian Empire is able to keep nearly 100,000 troops stationed here for a long period of time because of the combination of maritime and land transportation networks.

    The city of Edelna is not only strategically but also politically important.

    It was one of the places that King Ludwig I had to retake.

    If the Lemurian army is in its path, a clash is inevitable.

    The enemy is less than a hundred thousand. We have 100,000, including Bradamante''s army. We have the advantage in numbers. On the other hand, the passage of ...... time works to the enemy''s advantage.

    Although King Ludwig I was able to gather a large army of 100,000,......

    In fact, in terms of economic power and population, the power of the Fullerling Kingdom is less than a third of that of the Lemurian Empire.

    Due to the nature of the feudal system of government, it is difficult to maintain such a large army for a long period of time.

    This is because lords and knights will want to return to their own countries if the war is prolonged.

    On the other hand, in the case of the Lemurian Empire, it can continue to fight for one or two years.

    The Lemurian Empire, on the other hand, could continue to fight for a year or two. If it wanted to, it could call in more troops from the Kingdoms of Cerda and Bulgalon.

    There is also the issue of logistics.

    The lords and free cities of the northern Pasta Plain are supplying food and fodder to the Fulling Kingdom led by King Ludwig I, but their economic power will not last long.

    In the first place, the food production in the northern Pasta Plains is not enough to feed an army of 100,000 for a long time.

    On the other hand, the Lemurian Empire continues to supply food from its provinces.

    It would not be an exaggeration to say that its supply limit is virtually infinite.

    At least compared to the Fulling Kingdom.

    King Ludwig I has his reasons for rushing the battle.

    If the Lemurian Empire''s army is willing, there''s no reason not to take the fight to them.

    Let''s go!

    "Ha!

    The army of the Fullerling Kingdom began to move.

    In the meantime, Hercule smiled fearlessly when he heard that the army of the Fullerling Kingdom was on the move in the village of Lezera.

    I knew you''d come on board.

    He knew that King Ludwig I was going to take the fight to him.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who can''t afford to buy a car.

    ...... By the way, why would Hercule''s side want to fight in the field?

    What benefit does it have for Lemuria?

    Isn''t a siege an option?

    First of all, there is the reason that they want to crush King Ludwig I completely.

    The Lemurian Empire is far superior to the Fulling Kingdom.

    A decisive victory is necessary to let the world know that.

    Now that the Fulling Kingdom has come out of hiding.

    We can''t let this opportunity pass us by.

    In addition, the Lemurian army does not have much time to waste.

    If Ludwig I prioritized the rescue of the Republic of Adleria before the liberation of Edelna, Hercule would have to move to interfere with that.

    The leadership of the war would be lost to King Ludwig I.

    And the last reason is ......

    We may be outnumbered in terms of total troops, but when it comes to the number and quality of our cavalry, we have the advantage.

    Alicia said with an expression full of confidence.

    Lemuria has probably the strongest bulgarian cavalry in the northern continent.

    Also, Lemuria''s total number of cavalry is 372,000, while the Fulling Kingdom has about 250,000.

    In the field, the number of cavalry is the key to victory.

    In other words, Lemuria actually has an advantage.

    Furthermore, ......

    The quality of the enemy is uneven and not very well controlled. With an army of 100,000, you''re bound to get ripped apart.

    Sonia said assertively.

    The quality of the soldiers in the Fullerling Kingdom''s army ranges from top to bottom, according to information from Sonia who has actually fought in the army.

    There are excellent knights, but there are also unmotivated mercenaries and peasant soldiers who were somewhat forcibly conscripted into the Fullerling Kingdom army.

    In other words, it''s a hodgepodge.

    Of course, they are held together by the Seven Braves, but there are limits to what they can do.

    On the other hand, the quality of the Lemurian army is uniform and there are no weaknesses.

    The presence of the foreign armies of the Kingdom of Chelda and the Kingdom of Bulgaron may be a weakness,......, but fortunately there is good cooperation between Hercule and their respective commanders, Sonia and Alicia.

    "Now, gentlemen. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.

    ""Ha!"

    Meanwhile, the Republic of Adleria was under heavy siege by Lemurian forces led by Darios and Nia.

    The two also received information about the movements of both the Lemurian and Fulling armies.

    "General Nia.

    What can I do for you?¡¡General Darios.

    Nia, who had been summoned, had a suspicious look on her face.

    Darios handed Nia a piece of parchment.

    "This is a directive from ......!

    "If you can afford it, your rangers are to join us.

    "I see.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    If you ask me if I can afford it,......, I can afford it.

    This is because the city of Adleria is already under complete siege by double bunkers.

    Now we can continue the siege even without the cavalry.

    "On my way, General.

    "Good luck.

    Thus, the rangers led by Nia also began to move.

    The famous Battle of the Two Emperors of Lezera was about to take place.

 224 Episode 7: The Battle of the Two Emperors of Rezel...

    Three infantry corps, six archer battalions, 432,000

    One legion of infantry of the Kingdom of Chelda 100,000

    One legion of heavy cavalry "Clibanarius" One legion of medium cavalry "Cataphract" 2,400

    One legion of Bulgarson cavalry, 1,200.

    Three battalions of the Red Wolves, three battalions of the Jebele Rangers, 720.

    A total of 964,000 Lemurian, Cerda, and Bulgarian troops.

    King''s Kingsguard Infantry Corps (Kingsguard Infantry) 10,000

    Royal Guards Infantry Corps (Guards Infantry) 200,000

    Lords Infantry Corps (Lords Infantry) 30000

    Edelna Lords and Cities Combined Infantry Corps (Edelna Infantry) 100,000

    Royal Guards Cavalry Corps(Kings Guards Cavalry) 500

    Royal Guards Cavalry Corps(Guards Cavalry) 10,000

    Lords'' Cavalry Legion(Lords'' Cavalry) 100,000

    Edelna Lords and Cities United Cavalry Legion(Edelna Cavalry) 500

    A total of 1,000,000 Fulling and Edelna allied troops.

    The two sides were facing each other in the plains near the village of Lezera, with a combined force of 200,000.

    Erk¨¹hl I and Ludwig I, the commanders-in-chief of the two sides, stepped forward respectively.

    King Ludwig I shouts.

    "Your Majesty, Hercule I of the Lemurian Empire. I have three requests for you. One, leave the Kingdom of Edelna, our ally, immediately. Two, release the Archbishopric of Lemuria. Three, lift the siege on the Republic of Adleria. If you agree to this, I will not turn my sword against you.

    Hercule I exclaims.

    "Don''t worry. I have only come to free the kingdom of Edhellna from the hands of the pretender. As soon as the legitimate King of Edelna, who is in exile in my country, is enthroned and the security of the Kingdom of Edelna is established, we will leave this land. I will also return the Archbishopric of Lemuria to its rightful owner, His Holiness Cecilia I. As for the Republic of Adluria, ...... of course, if they are willing to bow down to me, I will gladly lift the siege. If you agree, ...... you may return to your homeland immediately.

    King Ludwig I shouted.

    You''ll be the first to leave the army. Invaders!

    Hercule I cries out.

    I''ve only come to reclaim the land of my fathers!¡¡Pretender of the Hullerings. I say no evil. Retreat from the army!

    And they both shouted.

    "The will of the Lord is with us!

    Negotiations broke down.

    Three infantry corps, six archer battalions. ......

    One legion of infantry from the Kingdom of Chelda ......

    One legion of heavy cavalry "Cribanarius" One legion of medium cavalry "Cataphract" ......¡ø

    One legion of bulgarian cavalry ......¡ô

    Three battalions of the Red Wolves, three battalions of the Jebe rangers ......¡ï

    2,400 per symbol

    But only ¡ï is 120

    King''s Kingsguard Infantry Corps (Kingsguard Infantry) King''s Squire Infantry Corps (Squire Infantry) ......¡õ

    Lords Infantry Corps£¨Lords Infantry£© ......

    Edelna Lords and Cities Combined Infantry Corps (Edelna Infantry) ......¡ò

    King''s Guard Cavalry Legion (Kingsguard Cavalry) King''s Squire Cavalry Legion (Squire Cavalry) ......¡÷

    Lords'' cavalry corps(Lords'' cavalry)......¡ó

    Edelna Lords and Cities United Cavalry Legion(Edelna Cavalry)......¡î

    2,000 per symbol

    But some are rounded up.

    Hercule placed twelve battalions (1400) of mixed archer/infantry troops equally in the center, center right wing, and center left wing, for a total of 43200.

    In addition, two battalions (240) each of mixed heavy and medium cavalry troops were placed on both wings of the center, and six battalions (720) were placed behind as reserve troops, for a total of 120.

    The commander in the center was Hercule himself, with Stephan as his second-in-command.

    Galfis commanded the center left flank, Edmond commanded the center right flank, and Oscar was the second-in-command.

    On the left flank was a corps of Bourgarron cavalry, and on the right flank ten battalions of mixed heavy and medium cavalry, totaling 2,400.

    Alicia commanded the left flank, and Carolina commanded the right.

    In the center front was a single corps of Cerda infantry (1,000 due to lack of capacity) and three battalions of Red Wolves (360), for a total of 1,360.

    This was commanded by Sonia.

    Finally, three battalions (360) of rangers led by Jebe were placed as reserve units for the entire force, and were given the authority to act freely.

    In response, King Ludwig I placed 120 Lords'' infantry in the center and 600 Kings'' Guards and Squires'' infantry further to the rear.

    The king''s bodyguards were placed on both flanks, with 200 cavalry each, and another 100 in reserve behind them.

    In total, he had 3,800 under his command.

    In front of the center, he placed 15,000 Edelna infantry and cavalry.

    Its command was entrusted to Chulpan.

    On the center right flank, 1,200 squire infantry were placed diagonally across the rear.

    On the center left flank, on the other hand, 1,200 attendant infantry and 1,800 lords'' infantry were placed slightly forward. ¡¡The command of the center right flank was given to Maraziji, and the command of the center left flank to Bradamante.

    One hundred lords'' cavalry were placed on the right flank, and one hundred squire cavalry on the left.

    The command of the right wing went to Astolfo and the knights of the left wing to Roland.

    King Ludwig I groaned as he looked at the Lemurian army''s formation.

    The first thing that caught his attention was the central protrusion.

    This is where the mighty Cerda infantry and the Red Wolves are positioned. Looking only at this area, it appears that the Lemurian army''s goal is to break through the center.

    However, one should not overlook the abundant cavalry strength on the flanks.

    (Is Hercule I''s aim to break through the center, disguised as a flanking attack by his superior cavalry force ......?¡¡(Is Hercule I aiming for a breakthrough through the center disguised as a flanking attack ? A flanking attack disguised as ......?¡¡(No, both should be seen as options.)

    On the other hand, Hercule was also groaning as he looked at the Fulling army''s formation.

    Like the Lemurian army, this one also has a protrusion in the center.

    However, ...... the knights and mercenaries deployed here are the exact opposite of the Lemurian army, the knights and mercenaries of the inferior Edelna Kingdom.

    It should be assumed that King Ludwig I intended to discard this force from the beginning.

    And behind that discarded force is a thick layer of infantry.

    The aim is to break through the center ...... No, it should be considered as a thick defensive line to guard against the Lemurian army breaking through the center.

    The problem is the number of infantry in the center right wing and the center left wing, and the shape of their placement.

    The center right wing has fewer infantry, and they are slightly behind.

    The center left flank has more infantry and is slightly forward.

    If you look closely, you can see the arrangement.

    (Ludwig I''s aim is easy to understand. (Ludwig I''s aim is easy to understand: slow tactics by the center right and center infantry, and the center left breaking through our center right ......, or diagonal formation.

    Both sides saw through the other''s strategy 90% of the time just by looking at the formation.

    King Ludwig I put his hand on his chin and pondered.

    (I hope he is mistaken about the thickness of the center, but we should not hope for the enemy''s carelessness. We should assume that our aim, the diagonal line, has been seen through. The key to victory is whether or not the center and left flank can break through the enemy''s infantry formation while the center and right flank hold their own. ...... Some ingenuity is required.

    I''m not sure what to do.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not. I think I''ve set up a lineup that can be used for both, but I think they''ve probably seen through me. The key to victory is whether the left wing, right wing, or center can break through the enemy line while the center right wing holds off the enemy attack. It''s going to take some finesse.

    And they both smiled.

    (No matter how it turns out, we will win.)

    And so the battle began.

    "God is with us!

    "God is with us!

    "God is with us!

    "God is with us!

    "God is with us!

    As both sides chanted Messianic verses, ......

    The first to clash were the armies of Cerda, led by Sonia, and Edelna, led by Tulpan.

    At the same time, under the orders of Hercule and Ludwig I respectively, the cavalry guarding the two wings of the center jumped out.

    The warbeasts of Edelna who have lost their minds, show them what we can do!

    "Brave warriors of Edelna!¡¡Do not be daunted!¡¡The enemy are heretics!¡¡The gods are with us!

    The Red Wolves and the Edelna Knights clashed first.

    The Red Wolves and Edelna Knights clash first. 360 Red Wolves and 500 Edelna Knights, the latter will win in terms of numbers. ......

    Follow me!

    Don''t fall behind the queen!

    "Let our name be known throughout Edhellna!

    Kill! Kill! Kill!

    Kill them all!

    Kill the heretics!

    The Red Wolves are turning their white armor red, but the Edelna Knights are reticent.

    What?

    What the hell is wrong with these people?

    Help me!

    In no time at all, the Edelna Knights'' formation was scattered and broken through.

    But what awaited them after that was a layer of infantry about 100,000 thick.

    Even though the Red Wolves led by Sonia are very strong, they can not be easily ......

    I''m not going to stop!

    I''m not going to stop!

    That''s absurd!

    I''m not sure what to do.

    They quickly disrupted the battle line.

    And the Cerda infantrymen cut into the wounds they caused.

    Don''t lose to the Red Wolves!

    "Follow the Queen!

    In the blink of an eye, Edelna''s knights and infantry force broke through. ......

    And just when it looked like they were going to break through, they did.

    "You can''t go any further. Your Majesty Sonia.

    You rotten boy!

    The bishop''s staff in his hand, Chulpan stopped Sonia.

    The fact that Sonia''s feet stopped, and no matter how strong Cerda''s army was, it was difficult to break through the thick battle line in one breath. ......

    Gradually, the center front turned into a melee.

    More ......

    "d*mn ...... what a force!

    "Don''t let the monks come out to fight!

    It was only a matter of time before the center front was broken.

    But there was no change in the expressions of Hercule and Ludwig I.

    For both of them, this much was expected.

    The victory or defeat will be determined by the victory or defeat of ...... both sides.

 225 Episode 8: Rezellas Second Emperors Battle III

    A short time after the clash between the Cerda troops led by Sonia and the Edelna troops led by Chulpan, the cavalry units of both wings also clashed.

    First, a clash between the right wing of the Lemurian army''s 1200 heavy and medium armored cavalry troops led by Carolina and the left wing of the Fulling army''s 1000 king''s squire cavalry troops led by Laurent.

    Both heavily armed cavalry clashed with each other.

    The fact that they were both heavily armed did not change.

    They are both heavily armed, and they are both equipped with relatively uniform and elite equipment.

    They were also the same in that there was not much difference in their tactics even though they developed in different regions.

    Each side fought fiercely with swords, spears, and war hammers.

    And the commanders are the same.

    "Your Highness, Karolina, Queen of the Lemurian Empire. Prepare yourselves!

    "That''s my line. Count Roland!

    Karolina wields the Eligos.

    Her Eligos has the effect of adapting a completely different set of physical laws to the target.

    For Carolina, it makes the object less than a leaf, and for Laurent, it makes the object as massive as a ship''s anchor.

    It is impossible to catch this blow unless you have some kind of inherent magic or have made a contract with a special demon through spirit magic. ......

    It was supposed to be.

    I''m sure you''ve heard the rumors about the ...... spirit-killing demon sword.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    "Durandal, the holy sword of the demon slayer. It''s a natural enemy for you demon users.

    Durandal has the power to neutralize the magic of spirits, or demons as they are called.

    It is one of the many special swords in the world.

    It''s also a great way to make sure that you don''t end up in a situation where you''re the only one who can''t get out.

    You call it a demon, right?¡¡My partner... ...... Eligos!¡¡Tell them which one is the Lord''s enemy!

    The two swords, Carolina and Roran, glinted.

    Each time the two collide, a special magical sound like breaking glass echoes through the air.

    The battle between Carolina and Roran was evenly matched.

    Hence, ......

    The Lemurian army, outnumbered, was slightly outmatched.

    On the other hand, the battle between the left wing of Lemuria''s army, Alicia''s army of 120 Bulgaron cavalry, and the right wing of Fulling''s army, Astolfo''s army of 100 lords'' cavalry, took a slightly different turn.

    "Come on, knights of Fulling, Albion, and Scardinawea!¡¡Follow my lead!

    A young man of mixed race, warbeast and elf, mounted on a hippogriff, a fantastic beast that only lives in Albion, inspires his allies.

    Astolfo of Love, a young man who looks like a beautiful girl dressed as a man, shouts as he raises his spear.

    The bloodthirsty, achievement-seeking knights of the Lords followed Astolfo''s lead and charged.

    In response, Alicia said ......

    I don''t need to take you seriously. I''m pulling out.

    The cavalry retreated as if to flee.

    Perhaps emboldened by this, the lords'' cavalry increased their speed and drove the Bulgaron cavalry away.

    Wait!

    Don''t run!

    You barbarians!

    But the charge of the heavy cavalry doesn''t last long.

    When the horses are exhausted and have stopped, ......

    "All troops, change direction!¡¡Begin counterattack!

    The Bulgurons fired their arrows backwards in unison.

    The heavy cavalry in the front line were instantly turned into hedgehogs and fell from their horses.

    Shoot, shoot!¡¡No need to aim at people. Aim at the horses!¡¡Surround them and torture them to death!

    Horses are less defensible than people.

    And a knight who falls off his ...... horse is nothing to fear.

    The tactics that had worked so well against Lemuria so many times were now working against the Fulling.

    The bulgarian cavalry was steadily reducing the numbers of the lords'' cavalry.

    That was when...

    From above Alicia''s head, a beautiful voice called out.

    "Excuse me from above!¡¡I see you are the enemy general!¡¡Let''s play this game normally!

    Astolfo was approaching, flying through the air.

    He has a jousting spear in his hand.

    I want to say that flying is terrifying ......, but it''s a good target for one person. Fire!

    The Bulgurons shot their arrows at Astrupho in unison.

    A myriad of arrows slowed Astrupho and the hippogriffs,...... but all of them were blocked by the hippogriffs'' thick muscles and feathers.

    I don''t know what the hell I''m doing.

    I''m not sure what I''m doing here." Alicia sighed and tugged on her contracted demon, Leraj.

    As she flew up into the sky, her arrow narrowly missed the hippogriff''s skin.

    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

    All living things are equally cursed to death.

    Alicia''s Lerage is effective even if it is just a graze.

    The same is true for creatures like hippogriffs.

    The hippogryphs desperately carry their master to Alicia, even though their entire body is poisoned.

    Astolfo jumped off the hippogriff with his jousting spear in his hand.

    He immediately jumped at Alicia.

    The hippogriff''s death will not be in vain!

    The hippogriff''s death will not be in vain!" "...... That''s not a very warm attack!

    Alicia drew her sword from her waist and caught the javelin thrust from below.

    It''s easy to handle a javelin that doesn''t have the weight and running power of a horse on it. ......

    It should have been.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    Alicia felt some kind of magic operate in her body.

    She was thrown off her horse with irresistible force.

    "f*ck. ......

    Alicia was blown off the horse and rolled on the ground.

    Alicia''s eyes went black with surprise.

    "My demon, ''Amy'', will always topple over any enemy she strikes. Sorry.

    Astolfo stretched out his flat chest - no surprise, he was a man.

    He was number fifty-eight in the pecking order, president, and his name was "Amy.

    She is the Great Spirit with whom Astolfo has a contract.

    Its power is just as Astolfo said, it will always knock down and blow away any enemy it touches.

    The lords and knights cheered as Astolfo made the enemy general fall.

    The enemy general has fallen from his horse!

    Now is the time!

    Seize him!

    Alicia was not so easy to capture.

    Holding Lerage in her hand, Alicia rolled on the ground, shooting at the approaching knights.

    "Master Alicia!

    Finally, help arrives for Alicia.

    Alicia clutches at the offered hand and climbs up on her horse.

    "Too late, you incompetent!

    Alicia''s face twisted in humiliation as she cursed the cavalryman who had come to her aid.

    I''ll kill you, you pseudo-criminal!

    I''m going to kill you, you pseudo!" Alicia shouted as she tugged at Lerage.

    With Astolfo''s efforts, the Lords'' cavalry had recovered slightly.

    But the difference in strength and the unfamiliar tactics of the enemy made them suffer. ......

    Little by little, they lost their momentum.

    As the battle between the two wings and the center intensified, ......

    The center left wing of Lemuria''s army and the center right wing of Fullerling''s army had yet to even come close to each other.

    On the other hand, the center right wing of the Lemurian army and the center left wing of the Fulling army finally clashed.

    The diagonal formation of King Ludwig I began to take effect in earnest.

    Thus, ...... was one of the critical moments that would determine the victory or defeat of the Battle of Lesuele.

    The battle between the center-right wing of the Lemurian army and the center-left wing of the Fulling army was about to begin, as was the battle between Bradamante and Edmond.

 226 Episode 9: The Second Emperors Battle of Resera I...

    "Servants of the king and lords!¡¡Follow me if you want to be successful!¡¡Muster up your courage!¡¡If you do, ...... the king will surely give you horses and land!

    Bradamante raised his sword and charged with a few knights of his guard.

    Bradamante raised his sword and charged forward with a small group of knights guarding him, followed by the squires of the lords and the king''s squires.

    Their status, so to speak, was less than a knight and more than a commoner.

    Depending on their merits in battle, they were given lands and horses and could become knights or even nobles.

    Therefore, their morale was very strong.

    The 1,400 infantry of the Lemurian Empire''s standing army, led by Edmond, were ready to meet the 1,800 infantry led by Bradamante.

    "Archers ...... fire!

    The longbow troops of the Long Ears (Elves) fired arrows at the approaching infantry troops.

    Many of the foot soldiers are not uniformly equipped, and many are lightly armed with leather armor.

    Therefore, if they are hit by arrows, they are helpless and fall down on the battlefield one after another.

    But ......

    Don''t be afraid!¡¡Let''s show them what we''re made of!

    " "Oh!

    There are too many of us.

    And morale is high.

    We''re quickly closing the distance while creating a mountain of corpses.

    "Archers, fall back. ...... Long spearmen, ready!

    Under Edmond''s command, the Lemurian army created a spear line of long spears with unhindered movements.

    But ......

    "Get in the pocket!¡¡Go, go, go!

    The infantrymen of the Fullerling army do not stop.

    The infantrymen of the Fullerling Army do not stop. They try to force their way through the spear bedding and break the formation of the Lemurian Army as if they were pushing in.

    The violence of numbers and morale was there.

    ...... halberd troops, move around to the flank.

    Edmond kept his composure as he moved the halberd units on both sides.

    Edmond kept his composure as he moved the halberd units on both flanks, planning to encircle the Fulling army that was encroaching on his army.

    "King''s retinue!¡¡Cover the Lords'' retinue!

    Bradamante brought forward the king''s squadron that had been waiting in the rear.

    They held back the Lemurian halberd troops, preventing them from flanking the encirclement.

    The Lemurian army was slowly being pushed back.

    Edmond''s expression began to show signs of impatience.

    Edmond''s expression began to show signs of impatience, "Come on, keep pushing!¡¡Come on!

    Bradamante, feeling the killing intent, swung his sword as quickly as he could.

    He repelled the numerous arrows that flew at him.

    He then glared at the enemy general who had fired the arrows.

    That person is ......

    "Master Bradamante!¡¡I have an urgent message. Our flank is being threatened by enemy cavalry!

    "The enemy general, Jebe? "The enemy general, Jebe. Well, he got in our way that time, didn''t he?

    Bradamante smiled grimly.

    Then he raised his voice.

    "Don''t be afraid!¡¡The enemy is few!¡¡Concentrate on the enemy on the front!

    Now, the battle situation was changing by the minute.

    First, the battle between Roran, the left wing of the Fullerling army, and Carolina, the right wing of the Lemurian army, was almost evenly matched, but the scales were tipping slightly in favor of the Lemurians.

    In the battle between Astolfo on the right flank of the Fullerling army and Alicia on the left flank of the Lemurian army, the quality of the cavalry on both sides really showed, and the balance was tilting heavily in favor of the Lemurians.

    In the battle at the front of the center, the Cerda troops led by Sonia were breaking through the Chulpan Edelna knights and infantry, and were closing in on King Ludwig I''s main camp.

    On the other hand, the center-left wing of the Lemurian army, Galfis, and the center-right wing of the Fullerling army, Marazizi, were finally close to each other and were starting to fight.

    Finally, the battle between Edmond, the center-right wing of the Lemurian army, and Bradamante, the center-left wing of the Fullerling army, had defied Jebe''s obstructive support, and the scales had tipped heavily in favor of the Fullerling army.

    Both Hercule and Ludwig I were faced with a decision.

    At this rate, it was only a matter of time before the Lemurian left flank cavalry broke through our right flank cavalry. (At this rate, it''s only a matter of time before the Lemurian left flank cavalry break through our right flank. If this is the case, reinforcements will have to be sent from the center. (But if we send reinforcements from the center, Hercule I will surely bring forward the infantry in the center.

    ) Hercule still kept 1,440 standing infantry and 720 heavy and medium cavalry troops in reserve in the rear of the center.

    This was putting pressure on King Ludwig I.

    (But if Hercule I put forward the infantry in the center, the rear of the ...... Lemurian army would be thin. If Bradamante is one step ahead of the enemy, he can surround and annihilate the Lemurian army. (......Then we have to be careful in selecting our reinforcements.

    In the meantime, Hercule was also pondering.

    (Edmond is not going to last as long as I thought. (Edmond is not going to last as long as I thought.) At this rate, it''s only a matter of time before the center right wing of our army is breached. (Edmond is not going to last as long as I thought.) Normally, Carolina should have been able to draw the enemy''s forces back a little more, but ...... enemy general Laurent is more skillful than I thought. There is no sign that the game will be decided there. So, the only hope is Alicia or Sonia. But both of them will take time, and at the very least, they''ll have to call in reinforcements to make a decisive move.

    If you''re sending reinforcements to Sonia, you''ll need infantry; if you''re sending reinforcements to Alicia, you''ll need cavalry.

    If Sonia succeeds, she will be able to break through the center; if Alicia succeeds, she will be able to flank the enemy.

    If Alicia succeeds, she will be able to flank the enemy. (The enemy''s center left flank, led by General Bradamante, is still a threat, and the center infantry cannot be moved. Then it''s Alicia.

    And they both made their decisions almost simultaneously.

    "Tell Alicia. We''re sending four battalions of heavy and medium cavalry, 480 troops as reinforcements. Break through the enemy''s right flank as soon as possible and surround them on one flank!¡¡Victory or defeat depends on you.

    Tell Tulipan. Tell Chulpan to fall back and lead 120 of the Lords'' foot soldiers and 100 of their cavalry to the Bludamante as reinforcements. I will take over the command of the Edelna Knights and infantry. Do not worry about the center, but prioritize breaking through the enemy with the Bradamante!

    Upon receiving King Ludwig I''s orders, Chulpan entrusted the command of all Edelna knights and infantry to his sovereign, and reorganized the elite King''s Kingsguard Cavalry Unit 100 and King''s Squire Infantry Unit 120 to join the Bradamante.

    Edmond and Jebe sensed the presence of new enemy reinforcements and inspired their soldiers to fight hard to hold them off.

    Sonia sees the thin center of the Fullerling army as an opportunity to step up her offensive and take a shot at King Ludwig I''s head.

    On the other hand, Alicia, in order to live up to Hercule''s expectations, begins to destroy the enemy led by Astolfo.

    Astrifo struggles to hold his ground against Alicia''s increasing offensive.

    Galfis reads that Alicia is attempting to break through the enemy''s left flank and begins a full-scale offensive against the enemy''s center-right flank.

    Marajidji senses that Astolfo is unable to hold and that the enemy left center flank led by Galfis has intensified its offensive, and begins to devise a plan to make the entire right flank of his army hold out.

    Then, Carolina and Laurent wielded their swords to prevent the opposing enemy from turning to their supporters.

    Will both of their decisions turn out to be good or bad?

    Which side will the goddess of victory smile upon?

    Everything is left to the struggles of each general.

 227 Episode 10: Rezellas Second Emperors Battle V.

    It was the left flank of the Lemurian army led by Alicia that made the first move.

    In addition to the Bulgaron cavalry, 4,800 heavy and medium cavalry sent by Hercule joined the battlefield as reinforcements.

    "Enemy general, Astolfo!¡¡Prepare yourself!

    Gosh ......, this is really not looking good. We''ll have to fall back. ......

    The two sides switched horses and kept their distance from each other as they took command.

    Alicia''s bow could be fatal to Astolfo.

    Astrifo''s spear, the "Amy," is also a threat to Alicia, ...... but if it doesn''t touch her, it''s nothing to worry about.

    Alicia is slowly driving Astrupho back.

    The right flank of the Fullerling army was crumbling.

    But...

    But it won''t collapse so easily.

    The right flank of Fullerling''s army was collapsing, but not so easily. The right flank of Fullerling''s army was waiting for Alicia, who had driven Astolfo away.

    "Oh no ......, diagonal formation.

    It''s not easy to get through here. ...... Send word to Lord Astolfo. Tell Astolfo to get into position while he can.

    The battle between the left flank of Lemuria''s army and the right flank of Fulling''s army has temporarily fallen into a stalemate.

    At the same time, Chulpan had finished regrouping the King''s Kingsguard Cavalry Corps 100 and the King''s Squire''s Infantry Corps 120.

    He had one goal. The gap between the center of the Lemurian army and the center right wing!

    Bradamante had pushed the center-right wing so far that there was a fatal gap between the center and the center-right wing of the Lemurian army.

    Not missing a beat, Chulpan launched his assault.

    This was met by ......

    "All troops, fall back and fire!¡¡Buy us some time!

    It is Jebe.

    Jebe, firing poisoned arrows, slowly retreats, trying to delay the arrival of reinforcements from the Fulling army led by Chulpan.

    But while Jebe is fighting Chulpan, Bradamante makes his move.

    Now is your chance!¡¡We must break through the Lemurian army!

    The center left flank of Fulling''s army is gaining momentum.

    Edmond stands in the way, determined not to let his master get away.

    "The enemy general, Edmund Eldmort, is it?¡¡Let''s play this game!

    Bradamante raises his sword and attacks Edmond.

    Edmond intercepted the blow, but ......

    Edmond meets the blow and his face contorts.

    (What kind of arm strength ...... is indeed a high ranking warbeast.) I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that if I were a half-breed elf.

    I''m not a big fan of close combat.

    However, there is no need to take him seriously.

    "I''m sorry, but I don''t want a fair fight. I can''t let him get past me. Andromarius!

    Edmond summons his contracted demon, Andromarius.

    This demon has the ability to steal the belongings of his enemies.

    This allows it to take the weapons and armor of the enemy, namely Bradamante and the soldiers around him, and disrupt them. ......

    It was supposed to.

    What?¡¡The magic doesn''t work?

    I don''t know what kind of magic you used, but ...... the demon''s magic has no effect in my presence.

    Bradamante flicked away Edmond''s astonished sword and smiled wryly.

    On the index finger of her right hand is a shiny ring.

    It''s the Ring of Doom. Like Roland''s Durandal, it can neutralize demon magic. Be prepared.

    "d*mn. ......

    Thinking his odds were against him, Edmond quickly turned away and ran away.

    If he was defeated, the right wing of the Lemurian army might collapse.

    But even if he was not defeated, his escape would lower the morale of his allies and raise the morale of the enemy.

    The center-right wing of the Lemurian army has begun to collapse.

    Bradamante and his guards were the first to break through, closing in on the center rear of the Lemurian army.

    At about the same time, a new force of Fullerling''s troops, led by Chulpan, broke through Jebe''s slow tactics and was closing in on the center of the Lemurian army.

    Both Bradamante and Chulpan were confident of victory.

    But ......

    What they saw was not behind or to the side of the center of the Lemurian army, but in front of it.

    "Jebe, Edmond. You''ve bought us some time. ...... Give them the message. "Jebe, Edmond. I''ll take it from here for the time being.

    Hercule had already tilted the center he was leading forty-five degrees and was ready to take on Bradamante and Chulpan.

    The formation of both sides had changed drastically from the original one, and was now tilted 45 degrees diagonally.

    At the same time, the center of the Lemurian army and the center of the Fulling army were clashing violently.

    "Push, push, push!¡¡Let''s show them what we''re made of!

    Raising her sword, Sonia inspired the Chelda soldiers.

    In the middle of the Fullerling army, where Edelna''s troops have been defeated and her own left flank has been drawn out as reinforcements, there are only 600 of the King''s Kingsguard and foot soldiers who can fight properly.

    If we can crush this, the general, Ludwig I, will be close at hand.

    But.

    "Well fought, Edhellna''s men!¡¡Leave the rest to us!

    About 600 infantrymen, led by King Ludwig I, stood in front of Sonia and the others, led by the elite 500 infantrymen of the King''s Kingsguard.

    They hadn''t fought in a war before, but they were strong enough.

    On the other hand, the Cerda soldiers were exhausted from the continuous battle after battle.

    As a result, they were able to temporarily push back the disparity in numbers and bring the war to a standstill.

    "Oh no ......, don''t be afraid!¡¡Don''t be afraid!¡¡Kill, kill, kill!

    Sonia raises her sword and yells as her body turns red with blood.

    The expression on her face is one of desperation.

    She half-knew that the center of her army, Hercule, would be breached if she continued like this.

    On the other hand, Ludwig I''s expression was relaxed.

    The enemy is in a hurry!¡¡Hold on!

    It was only a matter of time before the center was breached.

    But ...... believed that Bradamante and Chulpan would break through the center of the Lemurian army before that.

    In addition, ......

    The Fulling army is holding ...... up!

    This is our fight, not theirs!

    Join us!

    Edelna''s soldiers, who had been on the verge of collapse, returned to the front.

    This was an unexpected miscalculation on Ludwig I''s part.

    (I was going to use them up, but ...... they''re surprisingly stubborn. I hope you die for me.

    He grinned and chuckled.

    Now, in contrast to the surprisingly strenuous Fulling Army Central, the Lemurian Army Central was in a crisis.

    At one time, Hercule had rebuilt the front line, but ......

    The momentum of Bradamante''s and Chulpan''s armies began to pick up again.

    Finally, Bradamante took a small number of knights to ......

    And finally, Bradamante, with a small group of knights, reached Hercule at the central headquarters.

    You are Hercule I, Emperor of the Lemurian Empire, are you not?¡¡Prepare yourself!

    I never thought I''d see you here.

    "I didn''t expect you to come this far." Bradamante came straight at him with his sword raised.

    Hercule''s bodyguards stand in the way to prevent this, but ...... they are cut down one by one.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I have a feeling we''ll lose if we play it normal. I have a trick for you. Asmodeus!

    Hercule summons his demon.

    And instructed him to cast a powerful sensual curse on Bradamante.

    But at that moment, Bradamante''s ring glows.

    The demon''s curse will not work on me!

    Oh, master!¡¡Oh, that ring has the power to neutralize our power!¡¡The spell has been reversed!

    Even though it''s a replica, it has the power to temporarily repel demon magic.

    I''m sure you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.

    "What? !¡¡Don''t be silly!

    Prepare yourself!

    Hercule catches Bradamante''s sword fight.

    Her hands go numb with shock.

    If you can contain the demon, the elves will be of no concern to you!

    "If they can be contained, huh?

    Hercule smirked.

    A chill ran down Bradamante''s spine.

    "Citri!¡¡Uncover his secrets!¡¡Destroy the ring''s guard!

    [Leave it to me, Master!¡¡This is what I''m good at!

    Citri, a spirit that specializes in uncovering the secrets of others, places a curse directly on Bradamante''s ring.

    This temporarily weakens the ring''s protection.

    Perhaps sensing this, Bradamante''s expression twisted.

    But you can''t defeat it completely!¡¡This is nothing to worry about. ......

    I''m not sure if this is a normal demon. But Asmodeus is a different story. Do it!

    I don''t care if it''s Durandal.¡¡I''m sure you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.¡¡Leave it to me, master!

    Asmodeus has a track record of having broken the Demon Lord''s hold on the ring in the past.

    In other words, it is resistant to the medium of the ...... ring.

    A full-blown demon ring might have broken Asmodeus'' curse, but ......

    But now, weakened by Citri, it can break through.

    "Ggh!¡¡This ......

    Bradamante''s entire body temporarily relaxed.

    Hercule took the opportunity to swing his sword.

    With a high metallic sound, Bradamante''s sword is flung away.

    At the same time, Bradamante''s entire body lost strength.

    "Oops, ......, that''s dangerous.

    Hercule caught Bradamante as she was about to fall from her horse.

    I''m sure you''ll be glad to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it. You''ll have to forgive me for that.

    Hercule then winked at the weakening Bradamante.

    Bradamante''s cheeks flushed slightly, but ......

    It''s a good thing you''re a knight.

    I''m so proud of you for defeating me. But ...... it won''t stop now. Our victory is at hand!

    Ha!¡¡...... So, what do we do now?

    Bradamante''s words were neither a frustrated lie nor a provocation.

    In fact, the energetic Fulling''s army was pushing into the center of the Lemurian army without losing momentum, even if Bradamante was defeated.

    In addition, ......

    "Soldiers under Bradamante''s command, follow me!¡¡We must defeat the Lemurian army and rescue her!

    As long as Tulpan is alive and well, the Fulling army will not collapse.

    As long as Chulpan is alive and well, the Fulling army will not collapse. Hercule''s expression shows signs of impatience.

    But, but ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    What? What?¡¡It''s not a good idea,......, even though it''s almost there!

    The movement of the Fullerling army led by Chulpan suddenly slowed down.

    In the end, they pulled out some of the troops that were on the offensive and started sending them to the rear.

    What''s happening ...... and why?¡¡You can''t be sure that something is going to happen to you,.......

    You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their lives.

    In response, Hercule patted his chest inwardly and smiled.

    "It seems my dear vassal has arrived in time. We don''t know if we''re going to win or lose yet, do we?

    The rangers led by Nia arrived at the battlefield.

 228 Episode 11: The Battle of the Two Emperors of Reze...

    After driving the horse for a long time, Nia finally arrived at the battlefield, but the battle had already reached its climax.

    What should we do, Captain?

    Let''s go to the Emperor!

    If we continue like this, the center will be breached!

    "......

    While listening to the advice of his men, Nia thought as she looked over the battlefield.

    It is true that we should go to the center of our allies who are about to break through right now and join them.

    After all, the main camp of the Lemurian army is located there.

    If this is breached, the Lemurian army will surely be defeated.

    On the contrary, the Emperor Hercule''s life is in danger.

    But ...... is a long way from here to the center of our side.

    It''s more like ......

    "No, we''re going to charge into the enemy''s center.

    "What?

    "But His Majesty the Emperor is ......

    Nia shook her head left and right as her subordinates shouted in confusion.

    If we attack the center of the enemy, they will have no choice but to retreat from the army. Besides, if ...... goes well, we can capture King Ludwig I.

    That would mean victory for the Lemurian army.

    I can''t ask for His Majesty''s orders, but I''m sure He''ll tell us to do it. Let''s go!

    Nia shouted as if the conversation was over, and galloped off.

    His men were ready and followed him.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡About three to four hundred enemy troops have appeared from the northeast!¡¡They''re heading straight for the main camp!

    "What?¡¡According to estimates, it should take another half day. ......

    Ludwig I had been informed that the rangers led by Nia had left Darios'' command and were heading towards us.

    However, their arrival was much earlier than expected.

    That''s not good. There are no more reserve troops here. Assuming that the enemy''s cavalry numbered around 400,......, we would need at least 200 just to buy time for friendly reinforcements to arrive. (But now, whether you can cut it off from the main camp and defend it: ......)

    In the meantime, however, the raiding party led by Nia was getting closer.

    King Ludwig I made a decision.

    "I''m sending 200 infantry to intercept them. ...... The Edelna soldiers will have to fight hard for that.

    With a pained look on his face, King Ludwig I made his decision.

    This decision was made by ......

    This decision will greatly affect the victory or defeat of the battle.

    What?¡¡What? General Nia?¡¡...... You''re good. That demon.

    Sonia grins when she learns that Nia has charged into the main center of Fullerling''s army.

    Although Sonia is an Herculean supremacist, her eyes, and her military talent, are not clouded by love.

    It''s better to cut down the enemy first than to rescue your allies.

    It seemed to Sonia that it was in her best interest to help her allies.

    "Yes!¡¡We''ll break through the enemy''s main line at once!¡¡Use the last of your strength!

    Sonia encouraged the Cerda soldiers.

    Three hundred and sixty rangers led by Nia and two hundred infantry of the King''s Kingsguard clashed.

    Then, as if to take advantage of the gap left by the 200 soldiers, Sonia launched an all-out attack.

    Meanwhile, Chulpan, panicked by this, sent 600 soldiers to rescue his lord.

    As a result, the pressure of the Fulling army that was attacking the center of the Lemurian army weakened, and the Lemurian army regained momentum.

    The formation of the ...... began to lean towards Lemurian dominance at once.

    The rest is ......

    It''s up to you to decide whether Nia''s sword will be at King Ludwig I''s throat first, or whether the reinforcements sent by Tulpan will arrive in time.

    And ......

    "You are King Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Fuhring, are you not?¡¡I''m taking you into custody. If you don''t want to die, you''ll have to be quiet!

    At last, a small force led by Nia has reached King Ludwig I''s main camp.

    The rangers, including Nia, were covered in wounds and had arrows sticking out of their armor.

    ...... I''m sorry, but I''m not going to let you lose so easily.

    As soon as Ludwig I said that, he drew his shining sword.

    "Then you will die!

    I can mimic all sorts of magic just by looking at it.

    Using her magical properties, Nia cast all sorts of magic on her body and on her horse, and charged.

    She reaped the rewards of the Fullerling knights and approached King Ludwig I at a glance.

    I never thought I would have to draw my sword to fight.

    Ludwig I pulled out a shining rainbow-colored sword from his pocket.

    I''m sure you''ve got a lot of time on your hands if you''re not beastly!

    In the event you''re not in a position to make a decision on the best way to go about it, you''ll be able to find out more about the best way to go about it.

    Nia''s sword collides with Ludwig I''s sword.

    A high-pitched metallic sound.

    Nia''s sword snaps in half .......

    It''s .......

    My holy sword, Joieuse, neutralizes all magic. It will also neutralize my bestiality.

    To Nia''s surprise, King Ludwig I draws his sword.

    She somehow manages to defend herself with her broken sword, but ......

    He is easily knocked off his horse.

    "Or is there ...... power in my body?

    I''m not sure if it''s true that Laurent''s Durandal, Bradamante''s Demon Ring, and my Joieuse neutralize all sorcery and magic,......, and according to legend, weaken the demon race.

    King Ludwig I ordered Nia to be captured.

    At about the same time, the 600 reinforcements sent by Tulpan arrived.

    The quick decision of King Ludwig I succeeded in buying time.

    This meant that the rangers under Nia were either killed or captured as prisoners.

    All right, the center is now intact. Now it''s time to re-engage the enemy''s right flank. ......

    Ludwig I said in a good mood after capturing one of the enemy generals.

    However, his expression quickly darkened.

    "Your Majesty!¡¡The right flank of our army has been partially breached!¡¡The cavalry of the Lemurian army led by the enemy general Alicia is closing in!

    "......

    Hearing this, King Ludwig I made a quick decision.

    "All troops retreat!

    Thus ended the War of the Two Emperors of Lesuele.

    The War of the Two Emperors at Lesuele

    Battling Forces

    Lemuria, Bulgaron, and Chelda vs. Fulling and Edelna

    Major Commanders

    Lemuria, Bulgaron, and Chelda

    Hercule I (Emperor of the Lemurian Empire)

    Alicia Yulianos (Queen of the Kingdom of Bulgalon)

    Sonia Yulianos (Queen of the Kingdom of Chelda)

    Karolina Yulianos

    Galfis Galleanos

    Edmond Erdemort

    Oscar Almon

    Stephan Shaykoski

    Jebe

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios

    Flaring Edelna Confederates

    King Ludwig I

    Bradamante

    Maraziji

    Roland

    Astolfo

    Tulpan

    Troop strength

    Lemuria-Bulgaron-Cherda allied army 964,000 (+360) = 100,000

    Flaring Edelna allied army 100,000

    Result

    Lemuria-Bulgaron-Cherda Allied Forces

    Casualties 1,300

    Prisoners of war: 9,000

    Remaining: 780

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios was captured as a prisoner of war.

    Flaring Edelna Coalition Forces

    Casualties 1,300

    Prisoners of war: 7,000

    Remaining: 800

    Bradamante was captured as a prisoner of war.

    Victory or defeat: ...... Draw (both sides claimed a great victory)

    Impact

    Not settled

    Both sides suffer heavy losses.

    Edelna War becomes a quagmire.

    Stalemate

 229 Episode 12 Peace Talks I.

    Three days after the battle of Lesheret.

    "Rejoice, men!¡¡We have won!

    Hercule said cheerfully to his generals.

    The generals, however, have subtle expressions on their faces.

    "...... Your Majesty.

    "What is it, Carolina?

    It''s a tie, isn''t it?

    "......

    Hercule was silent for a moment.

    But then he said with an air of superiority.

    "It was the enemy who retreated. Then it was us who won.

    ...... It appears that our losses are slightly more than theirs.

    "It''s not the numbers that matter. It''s not about the numbers, it''s about what we''ve accomplished.

    I''m not sure we''ve achieved ...... that.

    The strategic goal of the Lemurian army was to defeat King Ludwig I on the battlefield once and for all.

    I''m not going to say we lost, but we did suffer some losses.

    I wouldn''t go so far as to say we lost.

    But it was not a victory.

    "I''m worried about General ...... Nia.

    I''m worried about General Nia," muttered Sonia.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.

    And Sonia seems to approve of Nia''s activities this time to a certain extent. ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I don''t have a problem with that. I know you''re alive. You know you''re alive, and you''ll be treated with respect as a prisoner of war.

    It was well known that Nia was Hercule''s lover.

    Even so, she is a general and vassal who is highly valued by Hercule.

    There was no way she would treat such a person roughly, much less violently.

    If he did, Ludwig I would be on the wrong side of Hercule.

    And Hercule would not be able to back down for the sake of face.

    The war would go on forever until both sides were decisively defeated.

    Ludwig I would never make such a foolish choice.

    And the same goes for us. Be sure to treat her ...... with the respect she deserves when it comes to the enemy general Bradamante.

    Bradamante is a hero in the kingdom of Fullerling, who has the title of "Temperance" and is praised along with the seven heroes.

    He is also a chief vassal of King Ludwig I.

    If he were to be disrespectful, Ludwig I would not be able to forgive Hercule.

    Emotionally and in terms of honor.

    Hercule does not want to go to war with King Ludwig I forever.

    Therefore, although he keeps a watchful eye on her, he treats her as a guest of a nobleman.

    Also, Bradamante did not show any sign of running away, as if he understood that he was being released directly.

    Anyway, ...... we won. At least, that''s what you should tell your generals. And to our allies. We won. In politics, if you say you''ve won a hundred times, you''ve won, even if you''ve lost. Understand?

    "Ha!

    The loyalists decided to pretend that they had won.

    And that night...

    "Herr Bradamante. Is there anything I can do for you?

    Hercule said as he poured wine into Bradamante''s cup.

    They were sitting on a plush carpet with a beautifully decorated table between them.

    They were sitting on a luxurious carpet with a beautifully decorated table between them, and on the table was a delicious looking dish.

    No, not at all. We are very comfortable here.

    Bradamante said as she poured the wine into Hercule''s cup.

    They took the cup and bumped it lightly against each other.

    "Here''s to our friendship.

    They sip the wine.

    Then Hercule asks Bradamante.

    "A thirty-year-old from Khayastan, delivered from the capital. I hope it suits your taste.

    "It''s so rich and fragrant. The Lemurian Empire, I might add.¡¡How could they prepare such a thing for the battlefield?

    Bradamante said as he looked at the food on the table.

    Bradamante said as he looked at the food on the table. It was so sumptuous that it was hard to believe it had been prepared on the battlefield.

    Of course, if this was prepared only for Hercule and Bradamante, and the soldiers were lacking in food, ......

    Bradamante would have despised Hercule.

    But Bradamante knows, because he has been observing the meals of the Lemurian soldiers for some time.

    The food is not as good as the food displayed here, but the food of the Lemurian soldiers is also delicious.

    (As you can see, I can''t help but feel the difference in national power.

    The food of the Fullerling army, not to mention the ordinary soldiers, knights, lords, and even the king, King Ludwig I, is mainly hard stone-like bread.

    At least, it''s not as tasty as the food of the Lemurian army.

    I''m thrilled to be praised by a beauty like you.

    "A beautiful woman, no way. ......

    Bradamante''s cheeks flushed slightly.

    It''s no bad thing to have a beautiful young man like Hercule compliment you on your looks.

    Fullerling men are often crude and vulgar.

    So it''s a little refreshing to be wooed by a gentleman like Hercule, who is (on the surface) a gentleman. ......

    There are not many women as beautiful as you in Lemuria. I thought the Fullerlings were crude, but there are beautiful women like you.

    Then Hercule winked.

    I think we can find a way to reconcile with the Fullerlings.

    "Yes, indeed. If you withdraw your troops from Edelna, ......

    But you''re the one who has to leave.

    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you''ll be able to find out.

    In Bradamante''s vision, Hercule and King Ludwig I overlapped.

    I would very much like to entrust you with the task of reconciliation.

    "Well, you can tell my lord what you said, but ...... I''m not going to do anything that will benefit Lemuria.

    Bradamante also said this firmly.

    To be honest, I don''t dislike Hercule.

    On the contrary, perhaps because of the demon''s curse, it is also true that his face makes me nervous.

    But that''s not the same thing as this.

    I have no intention of selling out my country for love, like some other people.

    I will take any cowardly means to win.

    But I will keep the bond of master and servant that I have made through the bilateral contract as long as my lord continues to offer me a price.

    That is a fulling knight.

    "Well, I''m not so sure about that. It is my opinion that the interests of Lemuria and the interests of the Fulling are not at variance.

    "...... What do you mean?

    I''m sure you''re aware of that.¡¡I''m sure that by now, Fullerling''s army is having a hard time even finding bread.

    ".......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own webpage.

    On the other hand, it is impossible for the Fulling army.

    Even if they could supply food, ...... the lords and knights would want to return to their own lands.

    If the war continues for a long time, it is the Fulling army that will be at a disadvantage.

    I''m sure you''ll agree. Fortunately, time is on my side. Fortunately, time is on my side. ...... I''ve told you an unpleasant story. Let''s have a nice talk.

    "Sure. Let''s get back on track.

    The two of them toasted again and had a conversation about their respective cultures.

    Meanwhile, at the main camp of Fulling''s army.

    "Well, what do you think?¡¡What do you think, Lord Nia? How is our food?

    "...... is very, very good.

    Wa-ha-ha!¡¡I can see it in your face. I can see it on your face. It didn''t taste so good, did it?

    Ludwig I laughed in amusement at Nia''s distorted expression as she popped the venison into her mouth.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    The wine is quite good.

    "Hmm, I see. I''m glad to hear that. ...... By the way, what part of our cuisine did you find tasteless?

    ...... I found it too spicy for my taste.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    In the Fullerling Kingdom, spices are a sign of wealth.

    That''s why they flaunt it by sprinkling it all over the food.

    In the Lemurian Empire, spices are also a precious commodity, but ...... even the common people can afford them if they stretch themselves.

    Therefore, they do not use it in large quantities like the Fulling Kingdom.

    Because they are cheap and plentiful, they cannot be used as a tool to show off one''s wealth or differentiate one''s status.

    Is that so?¡¡For me, it is also very tasty.

    In addition, human taste buds are indoctrinated.

    If you eat spicy food all the time, you will come to enjoy spicy food.

    The nobles of the Fullerling Kingdom are not eating bad food to differentiate themselves from the rest, they are eating it because they think it is delicious.

    They think it''s delicious. "Well, but was it inappropriate for me to entertain General Nia, whose palate has been spoiled by Lemurian cuisine?¡¡I apologize.

    "No, your sentiments are well appreciated. I''m very glad to hear it.

    Just as Bradamante was being entertained by Hercule, Nia was being entertained by King Ludwig I.

    I hope that my captors will take a liking to my country or to me and will act in my country''s favor after they return to the enemy country. ......

    The same is true for both sides.

    But General Nia''s military prowess and his judgment are amazing!¡¡But General Nia''s military prowess and judgment are impressive. ...... Would you like to join our army?¡¡I''ll give you an estate and a title.¡¡If you do, our seven heroes will become eight!

    I''ll accept your offer.

    Wa-ha-ha!¡¡I''ve been rejected!

    After laughing in amusement for a moment, King Ludwig I proposed to Nia in a rather serious tone of voice.

    Now, I want you to be my peace envoy to the Lemurian Empire.

    ...... You can tell my lord what you say, but I have no intention of doing anything to benefit the Fullerings.

    Oddly enough, Nia utters the same words as Bradamante.

    And ...... King Ludwig I also spoke the same words as Hercule.

    I don''t know about that.¡¡I believe that the interests of Fulling and Lemuria are not different.

    The longer this war goes on, the more advantageous it will be for our country. I''ll make it clear, the Fulling army''s logistics are weak.

    Nia has clearly seen with her own eyes the food conditions of the soldiers of the Fulling army.

    At first, Nia thought that they were being served bad food as a form of harassment, but ......

    He knew that bad food was the norm in the Fullerling army, and that it was now deteriorating not only in quality but also in quantity.

    It''s not just the food that''s bad.

    "Hmm, you''ve hit a sore spot. But you know what?¡¡Warfare is an extension of politics.

    "...... What are you trying to say?

    Unlike our country, Lemuria has a great enemy behind it, I think.

    Nia''s eyes widened at Ludwig I''s words.

    No way!¡¡Phallus is now an ally of ours. ......

    "Oh?¡¡I never said anything about the Fahls.

    I never said anything about the Furls." King Ludwig I grinned.

    Friendship between nations is never permanent. And ...... is not the only country with capable diplomats. We have excellent ones, too.

    Nia was stunned.

    Ludwig I smiles broadly.

    Then Ludwig I picked up a bottle of wine.

    I''ve told you an unpleasant story. I''m not so quick to say that I have to give you an answer today or tomorrow, although my time is limited. Lemuria and our country have a certain amount of time left. So, let''s have some fun tonight.

    King Ludwig I poured a glass of blood-red wine.

 230 Episode 13 Peace Talks II

    Now, a week has passed since the two sides stared each other down.

    Coincidentally, both King Ludwig I and Hercule were shouting together.

    "Hurry up and admit defeat!¡¡You stubborn bastard!

    At the same time.

    The capital of the Kingdom of Frarling, Luthiery.

    In a certain mansion there, an important person was invited.

    "Is this situation ...... as expected?¡¡Your Holiness.

    No way. It''s just one of the possibilities I''ve been considering.

    Cecilia replied to Archbishop Cronus of Lemuria''s question while sipping her tea elegantly.

    Currently, the war between the Lemurian Empire and the Fulling Kingdom was a battle of "who will break first".

    First of all, the Fulling Kingdom could not continue the war for a long period of time due to logistics and other problems.

    However, the Lemurian Empire is the Lemurian Empire, and with the Kingdom of Farus behind it, it cannot continue the war.

    Therefore, the situation is like a chicken race.

    If it''s the Lemurian army and the Fulling army, well, I''m not a military expert, but I would expect the Lemurian army to be more powerful. The Lemurian army is more powerful than the Fulling army. ...... The quality and quantity of weapons and soldiers are different, as well as the commanders. And ...... diplomatically, the Lemurian Empire is at a huge disadvantage when it comes to having enemies behind them.

    Cecilia explains her analysis in a simple manner.

    This is a characteristic of the country as a "nation," without the capabilities of Hercule or Ludwig I.

    The Kingdom of Frarling is economically inferior, which inevitably changes the amount of capital spent on the military. This is not something that can be reversed by the efforts of King Ludwig I.

    The fact that the Lemurian Empire is a perpetual diplomatic challenge, that it is a crossroads of civilizations, that it is easily surrounded by great powers in all directions, and that the Kingdom of Phallus exists behind it, is also not something that can be overturned by the efforts of Hercule.

    However, ...... the fact that King Ludwig I can move the Kingdom of Phallus is something that Hercule I could not have predicted, right?

    Kronos questioned, but ...... Cecilia shook her head left and right.

    No, I think that Hercule I could have predicted this. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. ...... But Ludwig I had a stronger connection to Sasan VIII than Hercule had assumed. That''s all I''m saying.

    What Cecilia could assume, but Hercule could not, was the difference in the amount of information.

    The Church of Messiah is a kind of bureaucracy, and it exists all over the world.

    Cecilia''s information network extended not only to the Kingdom of Fullerling, but also to the Kingdom of False.

    Cecilia does not give all of her information to Hercule.

    Some important information was kept on hand as cards.

    As a result, the Kingdom of False began to show suspicious movements earlier than Hercule had expected. Up to this point, Hercule had not expected this. And from here on, it''s not what King Ludwig I expected.

    "Ludwig I''s?

    I think he underestimated the Lemurian Empire''s total mobilization and military power. He probably thought that the Lemurian army would have retreated by now. But they haven''t. This is because the Lemurian Empire has a strong defense line centered on the Tondabei. And they can still squeeze more troops out of both Bulgalon and Chelda, or worse, from Hayastan. Therefore, the Kingdom of Fars can''t invade carelessly, and it''s because they know they can''t invade carelessly that Lord Hercule has been able to continue staring at each other for a week.

    There''s no way that Hercule is going to attack another country with his own country empty.

    It is because he is confident that he can hold out for a while even if they mess with him a little, and because he is confident that he can fight even if the worst comes to the worst, even if it is a two-front operation, that he started the war.

    Sasan VIII is probably wagging his finger right now.

    I guess we both hate to lose. I guess they don''t want to back down. As a result, both sides are playing the Thousand Days Move. That''s why it''s our turn to play.

    With that, Cecilia stood up.

    At that moment, the door opened.

    Just in time, a knight from the kingdom of Fulling arrived.

    We are the only ones who can end this war. ...... I have already spoken with Todoris Todorianus, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lemurian Empire. All we have to do is talk to Lord Namo of the Fullerling Kingdom, and then convince the monarchs of both countries, and we''re done.

    Cecilia''s face was filled with a smile of ......

    The smile on Cecilia''s face was one of triumph.

    Now, another week later.

    Cecilia went to Hercule, that is, to the Kingdom of Edelna.

    "Good day, Your Majesty, Hercule. How are you?

    "Well, do I look like I''m doing well to you?

    Hercule''s expression was ...... very unhappy.

    Cecilia''s suggestion must have already made its way to Hercule through Todoris.

    And that''s what''s making him uncomfortable.

    Yes, of course. We''re almost at the end of the ...... war.

    "...... Oh.

    In response to Cecilia''s words, Hercule smiled and made a small gesture.

    In spite of his facial expression, Hercule''s mood is plummeting.

    The crowd, noticing this, cringed.

    "Are you asking me to admit defeat to Lemuria?

    Hercule asked in a low voice.

    There was a hint of anger in his voice.

    A normal person would have been taken aback by this, and would have looked horrified.

    Cecilia, however, trembled inwardly, but did not show it on her face and replied stoutly.

    No, not at all.¡¡What I have proposed is only a draft of the terms of the peace. If you don''t like them, you can discuss them with King Ludwig I.

    Then Cecilia gave a small wink.

    I''m proud to be the only one who can set the scene. Because, isn''t that right?¡¡If Hercule-sama sends the peace envoy first, it will be thought that Hercule-sama is weak. And vice versa.

    Both Hercule and King Ludwig I knew that they could not continue the war any longer.

    Both Ercole and Ludwig I knew that they could not continue the war any longer, and they wanted to make peace.

    But the stumbling block was who would propose peace first, that is, who would propose to come to the table.

    If they made a bad move, they would be perceived as weak and would be asked to negotiate on their own terms.

    Therefore, both sides had no choice but to stare each other down.

    The son of God is God, and the emperor''s is the emperor''s. I am far from secular power. I''m the most neutral of them all.

    "How dare you speak so bluntly? Who do you think you are?

    Who do you think it is?

    Who do you think it is?" Cecilia laughed mischievously, and Hercule scowled disapprovingly.

    "Well, let''s say for a moment that I want you to be my intermediary. Would King Ludwig I approve of your mediation?¡¡It''s obvious that you and I are close?

    "Of course, Master Hercule.

    Cecilia nodded.

    The Papacy''s momentum is now greatly diminished. It''s obvious that it will be replaced by the High Priestesses. It''s about time that King Ludwig I began to want to ingratiate himself with me, or even switch sides.

    "...... Who do you think helped you get this far?

    Of course, it was me. I was the one who got the support from Hercule. Didn''t you?

    "You really ...... have become brazen.

    Then Hercule sighed heavily.

    Then he bowed his ...... little head.

    "High Priestess, please ...... mediate peace.

    "Your Highness. Your Majesty.

    After that, Cecilia went to King Ludwig I and ...... made some kind of negotiations and got his consent to come to the peace table.

    As a prelude to the negotiations, there was an exchange of prisoners of war between the two sides.

    This was completed without any confusion or treaty-breaking, under the supervision of the Orthodox Messianic Church''s Princess Priestess Faction.

    Thus, Nia and Bradamante returned to their respective sovereigns.

    And the next day.

    Just as the two armies were about to meet, a simple tent was pitched in the middle.

    And while Cecilia watched, ......

    "It''s been a long time since we''ve met in person. Hercule.

    "Yes, it has. It''s been a long time. Your Majesty Ludwig.

    Hercule and King Ludwig I shook hands.

    Then they sat down at the table and ......

    They stared at each other.

    Cecilia declared in a voice that was disproportionately cheerful in the apparently tense atmosphere.

    Then ...... let''s get down to business. Let''s talk and end this war peacefully.

    "Hmm ......

 231 Episode 14 Peace Talks III

    The draft of the peace treaty produced by Cecilia can be briefly summarized as follows.

    Treaty on reparations

    No reparations for either side.

    Treaty on the Kingdom of Edelna

    Both Lemuria and Fulling will withdraw their forces from the Kingdom of Edelna.

    Lemuria and Fulling will withdraw their armies from the Kingdom of Edelna.

    Lemuria recognizes the right of the current king to rule the Kingdom of Edelna (from Fulling''s point of view).

    Lemuria recognizes Fullerling''s permanent interest in the Kingdom of Edelna, especially the right to use the port of Edelna.

    Lemuria recognizes the historical leadership rights of Lemuria in the Kingdom of Edelna, and confirms that these rights will continue in perpetuity.

    Treaty on the Republic of Adluria

    Fulling recognizes Lemuria''s annexation of the Republic of Adluria.

    Lemuria recognizes Fullerling''s permanent interests in the Republic of Adluria, in particular the right to use the port of Adluria.

    Treaty between the states of Fullerling and Lemuria.

    Both sides shall be inviolate for ten years.

    Lemuria will not enter into an alliance with a third power hostile to Fulling (the Kingdom of Duytu).

    Lemuria will not ally itself with a third power hostile to Lemuria (the Kingdom of Fahls).

    Treaty on the Throne of Lemuria and its Emperor

    The two countries confirm that Hercule I, the 20th Emperor of the Lemurian Empire, is the only emperor who can unite East and West Lemuria.

    The two countries confirm historically and permanently that the country ruled by the Lemurian Emperor is the only Lemurian Empire, and that no two empires exist.

    The above does not preclude the possibility of multiple Lemurian Emperors existing at the same time (i.e. divided rule).

    The method of electing Lemurian emperors shall follow the precedent of Lemurian law.

    The method of selecting the Lemurian emperor shall follow the precedent of Lemurian law. ?Fullerling confirms that King Ludwig I never ascended the throne as Emperor of Western Lemuria in the past.

    The Treaty of the Throne and the Kingdom of Fullerling

    Lemuria confirms that as of this moment, when the treaty is signed, the throne of the Kingdom of Fullerling is internationally equal to the throne of Lemuria and is free from any interference from the Emperor of Lemuria.

    The method of electing the King of Fulling shall be in accordance with the customary laws of the Kingdom of Fulling.

    Lemuria confirms that as of this moment in time, when the treaty is signed, the current Fulling Kingdom''s territories (Galria, West Duichu, Albion, and Scardinavia) are no longer under the sovereignty of the Emperor of Lemuria and are no longer subject to the sovereignty of the Lemurian Empire.

    Lemuria recognizes the right of the King of the Fulling Kingdom to rule the Fulling Kingdom.

    Lemuria recognizes the right of the King of the Fulling Kingdom to rule the Fulling Kingdom.

    The laws of Lemuria currently in effect in the Kingdom of Fulling shall remain in effect unless revoked by the Kingdom of Fulling.

    Regarding the ownership of the Church of Messiah, the Patriarchate of Lemuria, and the city of Lemuria

    The two countries affirm that the doctrine of Orthodox Messianism is the sole and absolute doctrine of Messianism.

    The leader of the Orthodox Messianic Church is the Princess Priestess, as has always been the case, and her position is sacred and inviolable, as the Messianic Law indicates.

    The previous High Priestess was Millenia Peter, and the current High Priestess is Cecilia Peter.

    Ludwig I, Hercule I, and Cecilia Peter (the three of them) confirm that Cecilia Peter is the one and only absolute High Priestess.

    The three parties confirm that only high priestesses are eligible for ordination. However, the method of selection is regulated by the laws of both countries.

    The Patriarchate of Lemuria shall be ruled by the High Priestess and the Patriarch of Lemuria appointed by the High Priestess.

    The city of Lemuria still belongs to the Lemurian Empire.

    The city of Lemuria still belongs to the Lemurian Empire. The city of Lemuria is governed by the Hime-Priestess, but the laws of Lemuria and the administrative powers of the Lemurian Emperor are superior to her.

    The Hime-Priestess holds the financial rights of Lemuria and its surrounding areas.

    The three parties confirm the fact that the position of "Pope" did not exist in the Messianic Church in the past.

    The three parties will confirm the fact that the position of "Pope" never existed in the Messianic Church in the past.

    The end of the so-called "Great Schism" is hereby declared in the name of the three parties.

    The above treaty will be executed with the approval of King Ludwig I, Hercule I, and Cecilia Peter.

    To summarize.

    As for the Kingdom of Edelna, "except for the accession to the throne of the current de facto King of Edelna, the Kingdom of Edelna will be restored to the state it was in before the coup d''etat.

    As for the Republic of Adluria, "The Republic of Adluria will be conquered by the Lemurian Empire, but the Fulling Kingdom will be able to use its ports as before.

    As for the diplomatic relations between the two countries, "they will not have deep relations with their respective enemies".

    And Fullerling "will pretend that the accession of Ludwig I to the throne of Lemuria never happened" and Lemuria will recognize "the complete independence of the Kingdom of Fullerling.

    Finally, the division of Messianism ends with the Papal faction being absorbed by the High Priestess faction.

    This is the end of the division of Messianism.

    This is a painful split for both Lemuria and Fulling.

    There may be some dissatisfaction on both sides. ...... But it is a safe deal.

    At least the foreign minister of the Lemurian Empire, Todoris Todorianus, and Namo, who is in charge of diplomacy in the Kingdom of Fulling, decided that it was a fair deal.

    However, each of the ...... lords seemed to have a completely different opinion.

    "This kind of content is unacceptable.

    (You don''t have to say ...... together.)

    Cecilia smiled inwardly at the two men, Hercule and Ludwig I, who seemed to be on bad terms with each other.

    Hercule was the first to speak.

    The King of Edelna is the only king we recognize, and the King of the Fulling Kingdom is a mere pretender. His rule is unacceptable!

    On the other hand, King Ludwig I asserts the same.

    I have come to save the Kingdom of Edelna. I have come to save the Kingdom of Edelna. If Edelna were to return to Lemuria, my reputation would be ruined!

    The two sides immediately clashed head-on.

    At the very least, one of them would not be able to compromise.

    Cecilia analyzed the arguments of both sides.

    First, she checks Hercule''s sullen expression.

    (Mr. Hercule probably means what he says on ....... For Hercule, the Kingdom of Edelna is not a territory that the Lemurian Empire desperately wants. So, as a matter of diplomatic face, he can''t accept the rule of a pretender.

    Then check the expression on King Ludwig I''s face.

    (Ludwig I is probably a pretender. I''m sure he wants ...... the port of Edelna. He doesn''t want it to be under the influence of the Lemurian Empire. (So ...... actually doesn''t care about the Kingdom of Edelna.

    After crunching both sides'' arguments, Cecilia came up with an alternative plan.

    So let''s reverse the ...... process. Let''s reverse the situation. The current king will be made to take responsibility for his actions. And let''s make the exiled royalty of the Lemurian Empire the new king. In exchange, the leadership of the Kingdom of Edelna will be transferred to the Kingdom of Fulling.

    ""......"

    Hercule and King Ludwig I put their hands on their chins and began to ponder.

    First of all, for Hercule, the pretender to the Kingdom of Edelna had been overthrown, which was a good sign.

    And for King Ludwig I, the port of Edelna will be safe to use.

    ...... Hmm, then I have no problem with that.

    Ludwig I readily agreed.

    But Hercule was not happy.

    I can''t accept the leadership of the Kingdom of Edelna.

    "Then how about the southern half?

    "Half of ......, huh? Well, that''s fine.

    Seeing Hercule''s approval, Cecilia looked at King Ludwig I. Ludwig I also agreed.

    Ludwig I did not seem to have any complaints about this.

    He was only interested in the port of Edelna.

    But in that case, I''ll have to ask him for a concession.

    I''m the one who conceded the northern half.

    Well, well, well. ...... What does His Majesty Ludwig want?

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do this, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.

    I have come to save the Republic of Adleria. I am here to save the Republic of Adleria. If you simply give it away to Lemuria, you will lose all face.

    "The existence of the Republic of Adleria is a matter of national maritime security. We can''t just leave it behind.

    As expected, Hercule and King Ludwig I were at odds with each other.

    Cecilia thought for a moment, and then made a new proposal.

    How about ......, where the Republic of Adleria is conquered by the Lemurian Empire, but still retains its autonomy?

    "......

    Once again, Hercule and Ludwig I appeared to ponder for a moment.

    Then they shook their heads.

    "Very well.

    I approve. I approve.

    As far as King Ludwig I was concerned, the Republic of Adleria was a matter of face now that the port of Edelna was safe to use.

    And for the Lemurian Empire, ...... granting a little autonomy to a small city-state is probably not a problem.

    I''ll revise the treaty then.

    Cecilia said, and had the cleric dictate the text for Hercule and Ludwig I to see.

    First.

    Lemuria recognizes the right of the current king to rule the Kingdom of Edelna (from Fullerling''s point of view).

    Fullerling acknowledges the historical leadership of Lemuria in the Kingdom of Edelna, and confirms that this right will continue in perpetuity.

    These two treaties have been repealed.

    And now.

    Lemuria recognizes as legitimate the past rule of the current King of Edelna (in Fullerling''s view).

    The current king (from Fullerling''s point of view) is deposed for his misrule.

    The new king will be chosen from the royal family in exile in the Lemurian Empire.

    The northern half of the Kingdom of Edelna will be under the leadership of the Fulling Kingdom, and the southern half will be under the leadership of the Lemurian Empire.

    The following four treaties were added.

    In addition

    Lemuria recognizes the autonomy of the Republic of Adleria for the next fifty years and guarantees its statehood.

    Lemuria recognizes the autonomy of the Republic of Adleria for the next fifty years and guarantees its statehood.

    (...... We managed to reconcile our interests, didn''t we?)

    Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief.

    ( We managed to reconcile our interests.) Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief.

    The real work begins here.

    "The Emperor of Lemuria is the king among kings who rules over all the earth, and is God''s representative on earth. Equality is not acceptable.

    "If you want me to revoke your enthronement as Emperor of Lemuria, you''ll have to pay for it.

    Will this discussion ever come to an end?

    Cecilia''s future was uncertain.

 232 Episode 15 Peace Talks IV.

    (...... both sides, both minimums are too different to talk about...)

    Cecilia sighed involuntarily.

    Hercule said, "I will grant you independence, but the position of King Fulling is below that of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    On the other hand, King Ludwig I''s argument was, "I''m willing to revoke your position as Emperor of Western Lemuria, but you are still equal to the Emperor of Lemuria, and if you revoke your position, you must pay a reasonable price.

    (It''s possible that he''s just playing games with us.

    It is a common practice to make unrealistic demands in order to negotiate.

    The same is true in diplomacy and commercial negotiations.

    However, things are not so easy.

    It is good if, after making a demand, both sides can gradually make concessions to each other and come to an agreement, but it is often the case that a negotiation breaks down without making any concessions.

    This is because it is not always the case that if you make a concession, the other party will also make a concession.

    As a result, it is not uncommon for both sides to keep raising the terms of the agreement and not be able to reach an agreement. ......

    Rather, this is more common in diplomatic negotiations.

    (These two are the type ...... who have never made any concessions in diplomatic negotiations.

    For Hercule and Ludwig I, diplomacy equals intimidation.

    For both of them, diplomacy means intimidation, because they have never been defeated in a war - not even at the level of local warfare, but at the level of total interstate warfare.

    It''s okay to make concessions.

    But only after the other side makes concessions.

    But only after they do.

    In fact ......

    "I''m not going to make any more concessions!

    (No, at what point did you make concessions?)

    Cecilia can only be dismayed inwardly.

    (Negotiation for me and negotiation for these people seem to have different meanings even though they are the same word.

    For Cecilia, negotiation is about how to obtain the minimum benefit while making concessions.

    Because of her position, she has been forced to make various concessions to Hercule.

    He has even sold his body (objectively speaking).

    He has also negotiated with King Ludwig I many times regarding the church property of the Princess Priestess Faction in the Fulling Kingdom.

    This is not because Cecilia is a weakling.

    In fact, it is because she is weak.

    The Church of Messiah does not have any real military power.

    What it does have is the "keys to heaven," a shady religious authority that may or may not exist.

    What is God''s is God''s, and what is the Emperor''s is the Emperor''s.

    These words are a motto invented by the Messianic Church, which was trying to protect the Holy World from secular powers.

    The fiction of the "principle of separation of church and state" - that politics and religion are essentially the same "festival" - was created by the clergy.

    See ......

    The secular powers quote the clergy when it suits them, and ignore them when it does not.

    Hercule is a good example.

    (So they have experience in using, but not in being used. These people are ....... Well, I can''t blame them. (I''ll take a stab at it here.)

    Cecilia smiled inwardly.

    This is because ...... up to this point, Cecilia has had her way.

    It was obvious that the negotiations were going to break down.

    Cecilia''s goal was not to reconcile these two people.

    Rather, she did not want them to make up.

    If both of them were to get along, the authority and vested interests of the Messianic Church would be increasingly taken away by these two.

    Divide and rule. (Divide and rule.) That''s a very good quote. (...... I''ll divide and rule, if I may be so bold.

    I''ll divide and rule." Cecilia said to the two who were about to start arguing, hiding her inner thoughts.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased with the results. ...... Since the discussion has already reached a boiling point, why don''t we take a break?

    Cecilia''s suggestion was met with a look of disapproval from both of them, but they agreed.

    It was only natural that both of them did not really want to fight - in other words, they wanted to make up.

    They are hoping that the other will cool down and give in.

    ...... Although, as it is, neither side is going to make any concessions.

    Now, Hercule and King Ludwig I have returned to their respective waiting areas.

    They were probably planning to take a rest while conferring with their retainers.

    Cecilia came to see King Ludwig I. "Good day, Your Majesty.

    "Good day, Your Majesty.

    "...... Hmm, the High Priestess.

    Ludwig I said, looking down at Cecilia.

    I''m not going to call you "Your Holiness.

    He had no intention of recognizing such a small girl as the leader of his religious organization.

    At least not until a formal treaty was signed.

    According to you, Hercule I wants peace, doesn''t he?

    "He''s an innocent man. He really wants to raise the white flag against you.

    Ludwig I predicted that he would have told himself a lie anyway.

    A third-rate mediator, self-proclaimed.

    This is a common practice of third-rate mediators and self-proclaimed balancers.

    Well, I''m the one who fell for it, albeit half-heartedly. ......

    Ludwig I mocked himself.

    I was actually clinging to a straw.

    (......I don''t know how long Sasan VIII will be able to keep deploying his army.

    The Kingdom of Firth and the Kingdom of Fulling.

    The Kingdom of Foulds and the Kingdom of Fulling do not border each other, nor do they have direct trade relations.

    But this time, they have formed a temporary alliance against the Lemurian Empire.

    This is because the two countries share a common interest in not allowing the Lemurian Empire to grow any further.

    It is true that the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fahls have ostensibly formed a friendship through blood relations.

    However, there has always been a potential territorial dispute between the two countries.

    For the Kingdom of Phallus, the loss of an enemy that threatens the west of the Lemurian Empire is something that cannot be overlooked.

    If the Lemurian Empire''s entire military force is directed to the east, and if they are caught in the middle of the Kuro Rush, the Kingdom of Phallus will not be able to get away with nothing.

    So far, the Lemurian Empire has swallowed up Bulgaron Chelda.

    Up to this point, the Kingdom of Foulth could forgive them.

    But the ...... swallowing of Edelna and even the evacuation of the Fulling Kingdom cannot be overlooked.

    That is why King Sasan VIII chose to join forces with the "infidel" King Ludwig I.

    But ......

    It''s clear that he''s just trying to use him. ...... If the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars were to make peace, we would be the only ones who would have to draw the short straw.

    Presumably, the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus are currently negotiating through diplomats.

    If the Lemuria-Faals negotiations succeed before our negotiations, ...... the Fullerling Kingdom will be in a tight spot.

    (......Well, I don''t think Hercule I will accept the terms that Sasan VIII offers.

    Sasan VIII''s goal is to prevent the Lemurian Empire from gaining any more power.

    Therefore, the conditions that Sasan VIII would offer to Hercule I would be enough territory and treasure to offset the benefits that Hercule I would gain from the Edelna War.

    Rationally speaking, he would rather make peace with the Fulling Kingdom than with the Firth Kingdom.

    If you have a princess maiden as an intermediary, you will gain more and lose less if you negotiate with the Fullerling Kingdom and make a compromise.

    ...... Yes, if Hercule I is rational.

    The problem is that he may not be rational.

    I came to the table because Hercule I was prepared to make concessions. This is not the same thing.

    "Yes, it is ......, but don''t worry.

    Cecilia smiled innocently at Ludwig I, who looked annoyed.

    This is a great way to make sure that you will be able to get the most out of your vacation.

    I''ll go talk to her.

    I''ll talk to her." "I have no intention of making any concessions.

    "Don''t worry. Don''t worry, it''s His Majesty Hercule who will make the concessions. If you talk to him sincerely, he will understand.

    If he understood sincerely, there would be no war.

    Ludwig I thought, but decided to listen to Cecilia for the time being, instead of saying it out loud.

    If there are any mistakes, please let me know. If I''m wrong, please point it out. ...... Your Majesty''s idea is this, isn''t it?¡¡It''s fine to abolish the accession to the throne of West Lemuria. But I want a price. Isn''t that right?¡¡If that''s the case, then I''ll go and get what I deserve from Hercule.

    ...... What is it exactly?

    The city of Lemuria.

    King Ludwig I''s eyes widened.

    The city of Lemuria," said Cecilia to the surprised King Ludwig.

    You think it''s troublesome for Lemuria to fall into the hands of the Lemurian Empire, don''t you?¡¡Well, of course. If the division of the Church of Messiah is settled and its leadership is concentrated in me alone, ...... the influence of the Lemurian Emperor, who protects me and Lemuria City, will increase.

    The reason why King Ludwig I made up the "Pope" in the first place was because he feared interference in the internal affairs of the Lemurian Empire through the Church in the Fullerling Kingdom.

    So far, he has been able to eliminate most of that influence through his maneuvering during the schism. ......

    When the messianic churches are united again, it is possible that their influence will begin to grow.

    No, not likely.

    Inevitably, Hercule will interfere in the internal affairs of the Fulling Kingdom through the Church of Messiah.

    There''s no way they won''t.

    So, let''s tear Lemuria away from the Lemurian Empire. Of course, it will still nominally belong to the Lemurian Empire, and it may not be the territory of the Fulling Kingdom, but at least I''ll put it together in a way that it doesn''t belong to either of us.

    ...... Hmm." (So it will effectively become Edelna''s territory?)

    It may or may not be possible, but it''s not a bad deal.

    But do you approve of Hercule I?¡¡If I were you, I would not?

    "Yes, so please ...... cede some of your territory to the Lemurian Empire in exchange. In return, you will receive the same status. Specifically ......, how about the city of Genua, for example?

    King Ludwig I frowned.

    The city of Genua is one of the free maritime cities that have begun to grow rapidly in recent years.

    It is not as big as the Republic of Adleria, but it has developed commercially in its own way.

    It is one of those cities that King Ludwig I would be happy to throw away, but not to give away.

    It is one of those cities.

    If I were to give up my territory, it would be as if I were admitting defeat.

    However, for King Ludwig I, the act of ceding territory itself is a problem.

    Even if the territory is worthless, or even a burden to hold, if it is ceded, it will be the subject of domestic criticism.

    Strangely enough, humans are creatures who are attached to land.

    How about a form of--?

    "............That''s fine, but ......

    Cecilia''s suggestion was one that Ludwig I was rather pleased to hear.

    Of course, this was only if Hercule accepted it.

    At this point, Ludwig I suddenly had a question.

    Why did the girl in front of him want to reconcile him with Hercule so badly?

    What''s in it for you?

    "...... I want credit. You know that, don''t you?¡¡I don''t want to be belittled as a little girl anymore.

    Cecilia said, her voice filled with negative emotion.

    And I don''t want ...... to be insulted anymore. I don''t want to listen to that man.

    Cecilia hugged her body with a look of humiliation on her face.

    (I''ve heard rumors that you''ve been threatened in various ways and asked for your body.

    (I''ve heard rumors that he''s been threatened in various ways and asked for his body, but from the looks of it, it seems to be true. I see. ...... If you think about it calmly, there is no way the relationship between those two is good. I''m sure you don''t like men who demand your body as a condition of protection. (It must be quite humiliating for a ...... woman.

    Ludwig I had a little bit of sympathy for Cecilia.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one.

    I''m ...... sick of it. I''m ...... sick of it, anyway. I don''t want to be at his beck and call anymore. I want to give that man a blow to ...... remind him that he can''t do what he wants with me so easily.

    ...... Hmmm... that''s quite a difficult life you''ve led.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    Ludwig I forgot that he had burned Gregorius, and thought, "What a wicked man to threaten such a girl and demand her body.

    (But this guy''s handy. Hopefully, I''ll be able to get laid.

    Of course, he has no taste for coercion, and as a married man, Ludwig I has no intention of embracing Cecilia.

    It''s just a figure of speech.

    Well, I wouldn''t mind if this pretty girl asked me out. ......

    And after thinking that, Ludwig I got rid of the unimportant noise that came to his mind.

    (At any rate, it is convenient for me that she dislikes Hercule I.)

    If Cecilia became pro-Fullerling, she wouldn''t have to be afraid of "interference in the internal affairs of the Lemurian Empire", she could even "initiate interference in the internal affairs of the Fullerling Kingdom".

    Then, I have an evil thought that this woman might be able to make a proposal that is more favorable to my country if I ask for more.

    But as long as the ...... Emperor of Lemuria calls himself the Guardian of the Princess Priestess, his influence will inevitably remain. And since our church is back under your command, it will be difficult to eliminate its influence. I desperately need the title of Emperor of Lemuria.

    I really need the title of Emperor of Lemuria." Ludwig I switches his argument from "I don''t really need the title of Emperor of Lemuria" to "I really need the title of Emperor of Lemuria.

    It''s a blatant switch, but it''s a request based on the assumption that this innocent-looking girl will be able to deceive him.

    Then, perhaps wanting to get rid of the Lemurian Empire or wanting to get King Ludwig I on her side, Cecilia made a big offer.

    So here''s what we''ll do. The churches in the territory of the Kingdom of Fullerling will remain the same orthodox Messianic Church, but the treaty will clearly state that they will no longer be under the command of the Princess Priestess.

    What?¡¡But with ......, who will be in charge of the Church in our country?

    Yes, that''s right. ...... This will not be written in the treaty, but will be a secret agreement between you and me.

    Grinning, Cecilia smiled.

    It''s me.

    King Ludwig I tilted his head for a moment.

    But he immediately understood her intentions.

    Then he reached out his hand to Cecilia.

    I see, that''s a good suggestion. That''s a good idea. It''ll save my face. I look forward to working with you on ......, Your Holiness.

    "Yes, Your Highness.

    The two men shook hands firmly.

    Now, Cecilia sighs loudly as she walks away from King Ludwig I. "I managed to fool him.

    "Somehow, you managed to fool me. Now all we have to do is ...... trick Hercule and we''re done.

    Then she smiled bewitchingly.

 233 Episode 16 Peace Talks V.

    I thought King Ludwig I would have listened to you?

    Hercule said to Cecilia, who had come over, rather sullenly.

    This is because the content of the meeting was slightly different from what Cecilia was talking about ......, that is, "Ludwig I will listen to you.

    Don''t worry. I''ve just spoken to King Ludwig I.

    And he smiled with pride.

    If Hercule admits that King Fraling is equal in status to the Emperor of Lemuria, then Ludwig I is prepared to concede defeat and cede territory to Lemuria.

    ...... You''re awfully straightforward.

    I''m not sure if it''s possible for that man to bow down and cede his territory?

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    (Well, but the difference in power is overwhelming. The man must have cooled down.

    Hercule decided to think about it and felt a little relieved.

    However, ...... Hercule himself does not have the luxury to complain about King Ludwig I. (King Farus).

    (King of the Foulds ...... is only conducting a military exercise.

    So far, the army of the Kingdom of Phallus is only conducting military exercises near the border of the Lemurian Empire. ...... There is no sign of an invasion.

    However, we don''t know when they will breach the border.

    Even if they do attack, it is unlikely that they will be able to break through the defense line so easily. ...... A two-front strategy against the Kingdom of Fars and the Kingdom of Fulling will be difficult.

    (You mean you won''t allow us to expand our influence any further? Not at all. ......)

    We have already been negotiating with Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Phars through Scheherazade and Todris.

    However, he has not shown any sign of retreating.

    We have made a proposal for tribute money as a test. ......

    (He proposed thirty times the amount of our proposal. (There is no way we can pay the equivalent of five years of the national budget.

    It is better to compromise with King Ludwig I than to pay five years of the national budget.

    But ...... is only about profit.

    What matters is the face.

    I''m not willing to admit that the position of King Fullerling is equal to that of Emperor of Lemuria.

    "Only in terms of diplomatic protocol, sir. Master Hercule. Since the Emperor of Lemuria is still the agent of God on earth and the protector of the princess maidens, ...... isn''t it obvious that the Emperor of Lemuria is in fact superior?

    As a nation, we are equal when it comes to negotiations.

    But when it comes to princesses and messianism, the Lemurian emperor is still the higher authority in terms of religious authority.

    Cecilia explained to Hercule.

    ...... Well, there is the precedent of the Kingdom of Chellda and the Kingdom of Faerus, if you want to equate them in terms of diplomatic protocol.

    The Kingdom of Chellda was conducting diplomatic negotiations with the Lemurian Empire on an almost equal footing.

    And so did the Kingdom of Phallus.

    But this was only allowed because both were heretics and pagans to the Lemurian Empire.

    Since the Kingdom of the Fuller Ring is also an Orthodox country, there is inevitably a dispute over who is the guardian of Messianic Orthodoxy.

    The city of Lemuria, where the Lemurian Patriarchate is located, is a territory of the Lemurian Empire. The city of Lemuria, where the Patriarchate of Lemuria is located, is a territory of the Lemurian Empire, and the guardian of the Princess Priestess and the Church of Messiah is still the Emperor of Lemuria. In addition, can we not acknowledge their status as equals in terms of diplomatic etiquette?

    "...... Well, if King Ludwig I is willing to admit defeat and cede his territory, I''m willing to accept it. But that depends on the territory.

    It would be a great loss for Hercule if he were to give us a trivial fishing village.

    This war is costing us a lot of money.

    I would like to see some profit.

    "King Ludwig I is ready to cede the city of Genoa.

    "......

    The city of Genoa.

    It was one of the city-states that Hercule had been eyeing for some time.

    You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

    Genua City is an independent free city in the Kingdom of Edelna, under the patronage of the Kingdom of Fulling and its authorization.

    The city of Genoa is an independent free city in the territory of the Kingdom of Edelna, under the patronage of the Kingdom of Fullerling and authorized by it.

    King Ludwig I is playing a bigger game than I thought.

    Hercule and Ludwig I have different opinions about the city of Genoa.

    For Ludwig I, the city of Genoa was one of several ports that the kingdom of Fullerling used to go to sea.

    The size of the port of Genoa is inferior to the ports of Edelna and Adleria.

    Therefore, it is not a very valuable land for King Ludwig I at the moment.

    However, the situation is somewhat different for Hercule.

    The Lemurian Empire has a number of large ports.

    Compared to such ports, such as Nova Lemuria and Cerda, the size of Genua''s port is small.

    However, it is not the size of the port that is important, but its location.

    Genua is located at the base of the boot-shaped peninsula where the Kingdom of Edelna is located, on the west side of the peninsula.

    It is just the opposite of the Republic of Adleria.

    If this port comes under the control of the Lemurian Empire, it could become an important base in the western Album Sea.

    Yes. If the Lemurian Empire were to take control of this port, it could become an important hub in the western Album Sea. ...... So it seems that King Ludwig I will not be able to hand it over so easily.

    "Yes?¡¡You''re the one who said you''re ready to cede it, aren''t you?

    He can''t pay as compensation. I mean, it''s a good cause.

    "...... Hmm.

    From Hercule''s point of view, we''ve already achieved some of our war aims.

    The Republic of Adluria is almost in our hands.

    You can get a pro-Lemurian king who has defected from the Kingdom of Edelna as king, and the southern half of the kingdom can be effectively annexed as its territory.

    The city of Lemuria and the Lemurian patriarchate would be acquired, and the Sisma would be brought to an end.

    Finally, the emperorship of King Ludwig I is still under negotiation, but if King Ludwig I stops calling himself emperor and recognizes the religious authority of the Lemurian emperors and their status as guardians of the Messianic Church. It would be a good compromise for Hercule.

    There is no need for Ludwig I to apologize, since he has as good as won, so there is no problem as long as he pays a little attention.

    The problem is the justification for it: ......

    ''What is it you wish to make a name for yourself?¡¡King Ludwig I.

    It''s a betrothal gift.

    What''s that?¡¡...... Oh, I see. Constantina.

    Constantina.

    The baby girl born to Hercule and Karolina a while back.

    She''s growing up nicely now.

    I have no intention of marrying her off!¡¡I''m not going to give her to Ludwig I. I''m not going to give her to ...... you know.¡¡I''m not going to give it to King Ludwig I. I feel sorry for him. I''m not going to give it to Ludwig I. I feel sorry for him. ...... I''m not going to marry an uncle like that.

    For Hercule, marriage is just a political tool.

    His daughter is just a political tool, a pawn in his game.

    However, this does not mean that he has no love for his daughter.

    Even Hercule feels that it would be too pitiful to marry her off to an uncle as old as King Ludwig I.

    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    ...... I think he''s about 20 years old?¡¡Well, then.

    The life expectancy of the High Elves and the High Warbeasts is about the same.

    In other words, the age difference of about twenty years between Konstantina and King Ludwig II is not out of age difference.

    I''ve heard that you are a reasonably intelligent prince.

    I''m sure you are.¡¡I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject at ....... When that happens, Ludwig II''s father-in-law, Hercule, will be his de facto guardian. What do you think of ......?

    "Not bad.

    Young . You''ll outlive your opponent.

    That alone is a great advantage.

    This marriage will be of great benefit to King Ludwig I as well. I would definitely recommend it for the sake of friendship between our two countries.

    For King Ludwig I, the benefits of this marriage were even greater than the fact that his son would not be able to challenge Hercule due to his position.

    Because of the state system, the kingdom of Fuhring was easily divided.

    If King Ludwig I dies, there is a possibility of a civil war.

    It would be fine if it was between children, but if the situation was bad, another family could usurp the kingdom.

    Therefore, the backing of Hercule, the emperor of a superpower, and the lineage of the Julianos family, the most prestigious family in the world, would be a great strength and have the effect of deterring a civil war.

    In order for Hercule to exert influence over the Fullerling Kingdom as his adoptive father, Ludwig II, the son of Ludwig I, would have to take the throne.

    Even if that were not the case, there was no way that Hercule would just sit back and let his daughter and her husband be murdered.

    "I see, I see. I understand what King Ludwig I was thinking. Genua City is a bridgehead in case of emergency. That''s thoughtful.

    With Genua City, Hercule could send his navy and land forces into the Kingdom of Fulling.

    And while this bridgehead would work well enough to send reinforcements, it would not be enough to send troops for a war of aggression.

    This is because it is far away from the mainland of the Lemurian Empire.

    No matter how much transportation power the Lemurian Empire has, it will still need to cooperate with local forces.

    The Lemurian Empire is located in such a perfect location that it would not pose too much of a security problem, and would allow the Lemurian Empire to exert pressure on any unsettled forces within the country.

    Genua City is in such a perfect location.

    Even my adoptive father can''t interfere in the internal affairs of my country as long as Ludwig II has a decent intelligence. Hmmm, ...... something to think about.

    Was it Ludwig I or Cecilia?

    Whichever of them thought of it, it was not a bad idea, Hercule snorted.

    But there are two conditions to the marriage.

    "What are they, ......?

    One, Constantina is too young. One, Constantina is still young. I''m not going to let her go until she''s at least fifteen, maybe eighteen. Keep it to the engagement. But Genua City will pay in advance.

    ...... I''ll try to persuade them, then.

    I''m sure King Ludwig I won''t ask you to give up your child.

    It''s reasonable that he won''t marry until Constantina is grown up.

    One more thing. Allow our merchants freedom of commerce in the realm of the Hullerling. I also demand the removal of tariffs from the ports.

    I understand. I''ll persuade him.

    This is also not a very serious request.

    There is no proper industry in the kingdom of Fulling to begin with.

    In fact, the merchants of the Lemurian Empire would benefit the kingdom greatly by entering the kingdom, which has no developed commerce.

    I wasn''t expecting much, but it''s not a bad deal. I''m willing to make peace with you. ......

    "No, Mr. Hercule. There''s one more condition from King Ludwig I.

    "What''s ......?

    Hercule instantly became unhappy.

    Cecilia looked a little flustered and tried to make up for it.

    I''m not sure what to say. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own website.

    "Well, that''s quite plausible. You and I are, in fact, good friends.

    Then Hercule put his hand on Cecilia''s chin and tried to kiss her.

    But Cecilia dodged it.

    With a slightly red face, she said reproachfully.

    We''re talking about something serious now.

    Is that so?¡¡However, despite the concerns of King Ludwig I, I have no intention of stopping the effective control of Lemuria City and the Patriarchate. Even if we don''t interfere with the Kingdom of the Fuller Ring, it is absolutely necessary for the control of our country and the rest of the Church.

    The control of the Church of Messiah is a pillar of diplomacy for Hercule and the Lemurian Empire.

    We can''t give it up.

    Yes. So, I''m thinking of stating that the churches in the ...... Fullerling Kingdom territory will not be influenced by the princess priestess.

    "...... That would diminish your authority, is that okay?

    I don''t mind if it''s for the sake of peace. I don''t care if it''s for the sake of peace. It''s not right for Orthodox people to kill each other.

    Cecilia said with a big smile on her face.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    But who will rule the church in the kingdom of Fullerling?¡¡You can''t say that it''s King Ludwig I, can you? If the princess maiden''s influence does not extend to the first place, the sisma will not end.

    The Church of the Fulling Kingdom is ruled by the Pope, the agent of the High Priestess.

    "...... I see.

    In other words, Cecilia is trying to pretend that the Sisma itself, the Great Schism of the Church itself, never happened.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    And that person will effectively lead the church organization in the kingdom of Fulling.

    This way, the Church will not be legally divided.

    So what''s the plan for Lemuria?

    "King Ludwig I said ...... that the Pope should have effective control over Lemuria. He also thinks that it should be a neutral zone.

    "What neutral zone? What neutral zone? That would effectively be the territory of the Fulling Kingdom.

    Hercule sniffed.

    I will not give it to the Pope, I will not give it to King Fulling.

    But ...... the effective control of the Lemurian Empire is still a concern for King Ludwig I. ......

    "Then I will give it to you, Princess Miko.

    In the event that you''ve got any questions concerning where by and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.

    (Hmm?)

    But when he looked at her again, Cecilia''s eyes widened and a look of surprise appeared on her face.

    And then, immediately, her face lit up.

    "Are you sure?

    "Well, as long as it''s in the form of a donation, you won''t feel any discomfort. I''m sure you won''t complain." (...... Is it my imagination?)

    Suddenly, Hercule felt as if Cecilia had "made" him say it.

    With some doubt, Hercule shook his head left and right.

    No, you can''t. I don''t want to let you go.

    "Is that a ...... proposal?

    What?

    The next thing you know, Cecilia is red-faced and squirming.

    It''s very cute, and it tickles Hercule''s protective and controlling fancy.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.

    Cecilia''s soft breasts pressed against Hercule''s body, "Even if the effective control of Lemuria City is mine, as long as I am Hercule-sama''s, don''t you think that I am ultimately Hercule-sama''s?

    With a snap, Cecilia winked.

    Hercule read Cecilia''s intentions.

    In other words, Cecilia was trying to trick King Ludwig I.

    "...... You''re absolutely right. Will you marry me?

    "Yes. We''ll have a beautiful ceremony, please.

    Their lips met.

    "What the hell ...... are you doing ...... with a hickey on your neck? That''s fine. All you have to do is tell King Ludwig I the terms that Hercule said.

    Cecilia muttered quietly as she walked away from Hercule.

 234 Episode 17 Peace Talks VI.

    That''s why, Your Majesty, Ludwig. The Lemurian princess, Her Imperial Highness Princess Constantina, will marry Her Imperial Highness Prince Ludwig when she is eighteen years old. In addition, the cession of the city of Genua must be paid in advance ......, and we also ask that you consider preferential tariffs and the protection of the merchants of the Lemurian Empire.

    Cecilia informs King Ludwig I of Hercule''s request.

    Ludwig I looked thoughtful for a moment, and then nodded.

    "Very well.

    Ludwig I nodded broadly.

    Then Cecilia gave him another request from Hercule.

    In addition, it is difficult to attribute effective control of the city of Lemuria to the Fullerling and Edelna kingdoms.

    "Mm, ......, but the remainder of the Lemurian Empire is under the effective control of .......

    "In exchange, Her Majesty Erk¨¹l will donate the city of Lemuria to me, the Princess Priestess. How about ......?

    King Ludwig I crossed his arms and grunted.

    Then he nodded.

    "Very well. As far as I''m concerned, the only thing that matters is that Lemuria is no longer under the influence of the Lemurian Empire.

    Cecilia, the High Priestess, is against Hercule and against the Lemurian Empire.

    If the city falls under the control of the High Priestess, at least the independence of the Lemurian Patriarchate will be preserved.

    It will prevent religious intervention in the Fulling Kingdom.

    ...... But you did a good job putting it all together.

    He has a soft spot for women.

    Cecilia laughed.

    Ludwig I shrugged his shoulders.

    She''s an evil woman, ...... but she''s a good business partner. I look forward to working with you in the future. Your Holiness.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    The two men shook hands.

    Thus, Cecilia presented a new treaty proposal to both Hercule and Ludwig I.

    The deletions, modifications, and additions were as follows.

    The following four articles were deleted

    The city of Lemuria still belongs to the Lemurian Empire.

    The city of Lemuria shall be governed by the Hime-Priestess. The city of Lemuria will be governed by the Hime-Priestess, but the laws of Lemuria and the administrative power of the Emperor of Lemuria will prevail.

    The Hime-Priestess holds the financial rights of Lemuria and its surrounding areas.

    The three parties confirm the fact that the position of "Pope" never existed in the Messianic Church in the past.

    The amendments include the following provisions

    Lemuria confirms that as of this point in time, when the treaty is signed, the throne of the Fulling Kingdom is internationally equal to the throne of Lemuria, and is free from any interference from the Emperor of Lemuria.

    ¡ý

    Lemuria confirms that the throne of the Kingdom of Fulling is equal in diplomatic protocol to the throne of Lemuria and is free from any interference from the Emperor of Lemuria as of this moment when the treaty is signed. However, this does not mean that the King of Fulling has any authority under the various religious laws, including the right to protect the princess-priestesses held by the Emperor of Lemuria. In terms of religious authority, the throne of Lemuria supersedes the throne of Fulling.

    Additions are as follows

    The city of Lemuria belongs to the Empire of Lemuria, the legitimate territory of the Empire of Lemuria.

    The right to rule the city of Lemuria and its surrounding areas, including the right to govern, administer, and collect taxes, is endowed to the Lemurian Patriarchate of the Messianic Church in the name of Hercule Julianos. Cecilia Peter and Ludwig Fullering confirm this.

    The authority of the Church, including the right to ordain, in the realm of Fullerling is entrusted to the Pope, who is appointed by the High Priestess.

    The Pope is nominated by the King of Fulling and appointed by the High Priestess.

    The Pope is appointed by the King of Fulling, who appoints the High Priestess. The High Priestess has the right to appoint the Pope, but does not have direct control over the Church, including the right to ordain in the Fulling Kingdom.

    At the same time as the signing of this contract, a betrothal was made between the Lemurian princess Constantina and the Crown Prince Ludwig XII of the Kingdom of Fullerling.

    Cecilia Peter and her successors guarantee that their engagement will remain valid unless both parties break it.

    Upon the signing of this treaty, the various interests of the Kingdom of Fulling in the city of Genua will be transferred to the Lemurian Empire as a gift of sorts.

    The Kingdom of Fulling will protect the activities of merchants from the Lemurian Empire.

    The Kingdom of Fulling will eliminate tariffs with the Lemurian Empire for ten years. This will be renewed every five years with the approval of both sides.

    Thus, the final treaty was completed.

    "...... Hmm.

    Not bad.

    Hercule and King Ludwig I were both convinced.

    The contents of the treaty were as follows.

    The treaty on reparations

    No reparations will be paid by either side.

    Treaty on the Kingdom of Edelna

    Both Lemuria and Fulling will withdraw their troops from the Kingdom of Edelna.

    Lemuria and Fulling will not raise an army in the Kingdom of Edelna for the next ten years.

    Lemuria recognizes as legitimate the rule of the current king of Edelna (from Fulling''s point of view).

    The current king (from Fullerling''s point of view) is deposed for his misrule

    The new king will be chosen from the royal family in exile in the Lemurian Empire.

    The northern half of the Kingdom of Edelna is under the leadership of the Fulling Kingdom, while the southern half is under the leadership of the Lemurian Empire.

    Lemuria grants the Fulling Kingdom permanent rights in the Kingdom of Edelna, especially the right to use the port of Edelna.

    Treaty on the Republic of Adluria

    Fulling recognizes Lemuria''s annexation of the Republic of Adleria.

    Lemuria recognizes Fullerling''s permanent interest in the Republic of Adluria, especially the right to use the port of Adluria.

    Lemuria recognizes the autonomy of the Republic of Adleria for the next fifty years and guarantees its statehood.

    Lemuria recognizes the autonomy of the Republic of Adleria for the next fifty years and guarantees its statehood.

    Both sides shall be inviolate for ten years.

    Lemuria will not enter into an alliance with a third power (the Kingdom of Duichu) hostile to Fullerling.

    Lemuria will not ally itself with a third power hostile to Lemuria (the Kingdom of Fahls).

    Upon the signing of this contract, a betrothal will be made between Konstantina, Princess of the Lemurian Empire, and Ludwig XII, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Fulling.

    Cecilia Peter and her successors guarantee that their engagement will remain valid unless both parties break it.

    Upon the signing of this treaty, the various interests of the Kingdom of Fulling in the city of Genua will be transferred to the Lemurian Empire as a token of payment.

    The Kingdom of Fulling will protect the activities of merchants from the Lemurian Empire.

    The Kingdom of Fulling will eliminate all tariffs with the Lemurian Empire for ten years. This will be renewed every five years with the approval of both sides.

    Treaty on the Throne of Lemuria and its Emperor

    The two countries confirm that Hercule I, the 20th Emperor of the Lemurian Empire, is the only Emperor to unite East and West Lemuria.

    The two countries confirm historically and permanently that the country ruled by the Lemurian Emperor is the only Lemurian Empire, and that no two empires exist.

    The above does not preclude the possibility of multiple Lemurian Emperors existing at the same time (i.e. divided rule).

    The method of electing Lemurian emperors shall follow the precedent of Lemurian law.

    The method of selecting the Lemurian emperor shall follow the precedent of Lemurian law. ?Fullerling confirms that King Ludwig I never ascended the throne as Emperor of Western Lemuria in the past.

    The Treaty of the Throne and the Kingdom of Fullerling

    Lemuria confirms that as of this moment, when the treaty is signed, the throne of the Kingdom of Fullerling is equal to the throne of Lemuria in terms of diplomatic protocol, and is free from any interference from the Emperor of Lemuria. However, this does not mean that the King of Fulling has any authority under the various religious laws, including the right to protect the princess-priestesses held by the Emperor of Lemuria. In terms of religious authority, the throne of Lemuria is superior to the throne of Fulling.

    The method of electing the King of Fulling shall be in accordance with the customary laws of the Kingdom of Fulling.

    Lemuria confirms that as of the signing of this treaty, the current Fulling Kingdom''s territories (Galria, West Duichu, Albion, and Scardinavia) are no longer subject to the rule of the Emperor of Lemuria and are no longer within the sovereignty of the Lemurian Empire.

    Lemuria recognizes the right of the King of the Fulling Kingdom to rule the Fulling Kingdom.

    Lemuria recognizes the right of the King of the Fulling Kingdom to rule the Fulling Kingdom.

    The laws of Lemuria currently in effect in the Kingdom of Fulling shall remain in effect unless revoked by the Kingdom of Fulling.

    Regarding the ownership of the Church of Messiah, the Patriarchate of Lemuria, and the city of Lemuria

    The two countries affirm that the doctrine of Orthodox Messianism is the only and absolute doctrine of Messianism.

    The leader of Orthodox Messianism is the Princess Priestess, as has always been the case, and her position is sacred and inviolable, as the Messianic Law indicates.

    The previous High Priestess was Millenia Peter, and the current High Priestess is Cecilia Peter.

    Ludwig I, Hercule I, and Cecilia Peter (the three of them) confirm that Cecilia Peter is the one and only absolute High Priestess.

    The three parties confirm that only high priestesses are eligible for ordination. However, the method of selection is regulated by the laws and edicts of both countries.

    The city of Lemuria belongs to the Empire of Lemuria, the legitimate territory of the Empire of Lemuria.

    The city of Lemuria belongs to the Lemurian Empire, the legitimate territory of the Lemurian Empire. The right of control over the city of Lemuria and its surrounding areas, including the right of governance, administration, and tax collection, is donated to the Lemurian Patriarchate of the Messianic Church in the name of Hercule Julianos. Cecilia Peter and Ludwig Fullering confirm this.

    The authority of the Church, including the right to ordain, in the realm of Fullerling is vested in the Pope, who is appointed by the High Priestess.

    The Pope is nominated by the King of Fulling and appointed by the High Priestess.

    The Pope is nominated by the King of Fulling and appointed to the High Priestess. The High Priestess has the right to appoint the Pope, but does not have direct control over the Church, including the right to ordain within the Fulling Kingdom.

    All other matters will be returned to the order before the so-called "Great Sisma" occurred.

    The end of the so-called "Great Schism" is hereby declared in the name of all three parties.

    The above treaty will be executed with the approval of King Ludwig I, King Hercule I, and Cecilia Peter.

    With the conclusion of this treaty, the Lemurian Empire will become

    Reclaim the throne of Edelna.

    Recapture of the city of Lemuria

    Capture of the cities of Adleria and Genua.

    Confirmation of the superiority of the Lemurian emperor in the Messianic doctrine

    These were sufficient results of the war.

    On the other hand, the Fulling Kingdom

    Successfully defended the Kingdom of Edelna

    The city of Adleria''s government was secured.

    In terms of diplomatic protocol, it has the same status as the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Religious independence.

    Marriage with the House of Julianos

    These were sufficient results of the war.

    This was enough for the monarchs of both sides to return home and advertise that it was we who had won.

    ...... Both sides lost some things, but they were not so great and were small compared to what they gained.

    Both Hercule and Ludwig I returned home in a good mood.

    Meanwhile, Cecilia, who had been granted the Patriarchate of Lemuria, made her triumphant return to Lemuria.

    Gregory and the other anti-Cecilian clergy were exiled and imprisoned in both Lemuria and Fulling.

    ...... So far, this is what Hercule and Ludwig I thought.

    Cecilia has done well.

    But...

    When all the turmoil was over and both Lemuria and Fulling had regained their composure.

    The situation changed abruptly when Cecilia put into action the "secret pact" she had made with both sides.

    Cecilia made a huge announcement to the world.

    "Cecilia Peter will marry Hercule I, Emperor of the Lemurian Empire.

    Cecilia Peter appoints herself ''Pope''.

    It was at this point that Hercule and Ludwig I finally realized what had happened.

    Cecilia Peter had ''got them''.

    In the diplomatic negotiations of the Lemurian-Frahring War, Cecilia had been able to negotiate her way into the throne of the Lemurian Patriarchate without hurting her own pocket.

    Patriarchate of Lemuria.

    Control of the city of Lemuria and its environs

    Independence from the Lemurian Empire

    Independence from the Lemurian Empire.

    and the right of ordination within the Fulling Kingdom.

    Cecilia single-handedly ended the Great Schism that began with her accession to the throne, united the churches of East and West, and achieved political and economic independence for the church by maintaining a balance in both Lemuria and Fulling.

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    Encyclopedia of World History

    Name: "Princess Priestess = Papacy

    Description: A system in which the High Priestess, the highest authority in the Messianic Church, doubles as the Pope, the religious leader in the Fullerling Kingdom. This system was established when Cecilia Peter ascended the throne in the year XXXX of the Messianic Era. With this system, the Great Schism, which had continued since the death of Millenia Peter, was dissolved and the authority of the high priestesses extended to the entire Messianic world.

    The establishment of this system meant that the High Priestess would reign over both the Emperor of Lemuria and King Fulling as the supreme religious authority.

    The structure in which the united authority of the high priestess ruled over the two great powers of the Lemurian emperor and King Fulling is one of the representative features of the Medieval World.

 235 Episode 18 Emperor and Princess Miko

    It''s been a month since Cecilia became Pope, and at the same time announced her engagement to Hercule.

    Cecilia was visiting Nova Lemuria.

    Lemuria was the headquarters of the Messianic religion, and the home of the Princess Priestess.

    But whether it could be Cecilia''s home is another story.

    In fact, Cecilia''s base of support is in the east, centered on Nova Lemuria.

    Cecilia''s support base cannot be neglected, and the reason for the Great Schism was the conflict between the Lemurian Patriarchate and the Nova Lemurian Patriarchate.

    Now that Cecilia has become the Pope, the unification has been completed peacefully, but it does not mean that the tension between East and West has disappeared.

    Therefore, Cecilia had to travel back and forth between the two cities of Lemuria and Nova Lemuria in order to maintain this state of unity.

    Fortunately, the Lemurian Empire had control of the Album Sea, and the routes between the two cities were stable.

    Cecilia plans to spend half a year at a time in both cities, as it is much safer than going overland.

    The ...... is a front.

    The real reason is that she has a loved one in Nova Lemuria.

    When Cecilia arrived in Nova Lemuria, she met with Hercule in the palace office.

    Sitting down on the sofa, Hercule sipped his tea with a calm expression.

    Cecilia, on the other hand, was reading the catalog with a good mood.

    She points to an illustration in the catalog and speaks to Hercule.

    "Mr. Hercule, I think I like this one, what do you think?

    "I don''t care what you think, Your Holiness. I don''t care what you like, Your Holiness.

    Nicely, Hercule smiled and said.

    Cecilia''s expression stiffened for a moment at his impolite attitude.

    But Cecilia, undeterred, stood up and sat down next to Hercule this time.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that suits you.

    I''m sure His Holiness would look great in any of your outfits.

    ......

    Cecilia stood up silently.

    And ......

    Ei!

    "Ouch!

    She kicked Hercule in the shin as hard as she could.

    Cecilia hugged Hercule, who was screaming in agony, holding his shins.

    Cecilia hugged him and punched him with both hands.

    Why are you acting like that?¡¡How long are you going to keep your navel bent?¡¡You''re so mean!

    "......

    Hercule sniffed unhappily.

    It''s natural to be annoyed when someone snatches your blood and sweat, isn''t it?

    Hercule said that the Lemurian Empire had finally regained its territory, including the city of Lemuria, after spending an enormous amount of blood and gold coins.

    But Cecilia had used it as a springboard to gain more than the Lemurian Empire, without making any sacrifices.

    Of course, there is no such thing as cowardice in the world of diplomacy and intrigue.

    But whether it is emotionally acceptable or not is another story.

    "With all due respect, Mr. Hercule. We too have shed blood and sweat.

    Cecilia said to Hercule with her hands on her hips.

    In fact, many priests lost their lives during the political upheaval.

    In fact, many priests lost their lives during the political upheaval, and many more died in the missionary work to revive the momentum of the Hime-Priestess faction.

    Until now, we have been indulging in your drudgery. This is our just compensation.

    Even though our interests were aligned, we were being used for good.

    The Lemurian Empire was taking the fruits of the Messianic Church''s efforts.

    The Lemurian Empire had been plundering the fruits of the Messianic Church''s efforts, and we were simply returning the favor.

    Yes, of course, I''m saying that ...... is indeed His Holiness.

    "So please stop calling me Your Holiness!

    Cecilia appealed to Hercule in a sorrowful voice.

    Her eyes were filled with tears.

    "Isn''t this between you and me, Hercule?

    "I''m not on good terms with the Pope, am I?

    I''m just Cecilia Peter now!

    Cecilia shouted, "Gusuri ......" and became somewhat half-crying.

    I''m not going to do it.

    "That''s how you''re trying to trick me, isn''t it, with all your crying and lies?

    "No, sir!¡¡No, I''m not!

    No, I''m not! - Then you''ll surrender all your powers, including ordination, to me, won''t you?

    Yes!¡¡Waka ......, you can''t allow that!

    "...... His Holiness the Pope.

    God!¡¡Please don''t be mean to me!

    Cecilia, who begins to cry languidly.

    Cecilia starts crying and crying. Hercule feels a little bit sorry for himself, as if he has abused her too much.

    It''s a good thing that you''re still cooperating with us as you always have.

    "...... I haven''t forgotten what you''ve done for me. I''ll help you as much as I can. And ...... we are husband and wife,.......

    Cecilia looks up at Hercule with a blush on her face.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    (You''ve changed a lot without knowing it.)

    Donating the city of Lemuria to Cecilia was like giving wings to a tiger.

    Nowadays, it would be impossible to keep Cecilia in a cage.

    But fortunately for ......, this tiger, winged or not, has a soft spot for Hercule.

    Just as Cecilia''s tricks work on Hercule, Hercule''s tricks work on Cecilia.

    I think this design will suit Cecilia.

    "Really?¡¡I think so, too.

    Hercule put his hand on Cecilia''s shoulder as she smiled.

    I think it would look great on you.

    "Speaking of which, Mr. Hercule. What will be my position?

    In other words, will I be a side wife or a full wife?

    Cecilia is a member of the human race, so it is customary for her to be a concubine. ......

    ...... Well, she can''t be a side-chamber, as expected. It''s a legitimate wife.

    You can''t have a princess miko as a side wife.

    Fortunately, unlike Sonia''s case, there are few people who would object to Cecilia becoming a legitimate wife.

    Whether or not that child will have the right to inherit the throne is a different story. ......

    Everyone knows that the status of the Hime-Miko is almost equal to that of the Emperor of Lemuria.

    And the subjects of the Lemurian Empire are not only subjects of Hercule, but also followers of the Messianic religion and supporters of Cecilia.

    So. Doesn''t a child ...... have inheritance rights, indeed?

    "That would be difficult by convention. What?¡¡Do you want your child to be emperor?

    Hercule asked, caressing Cecilia''s long legs.

    Cecilia''s cheeks flushed, she shook her head from side to side, shaking slightly.

    No, not at the moment. I''m sure it will be different when I have my ...... baby.

    He smiled mischievously.

    Hercule slightly extended the fingertips of the hand that had been around his shoulder.

    The fingertips touch the soft breast.

    Cecilia jolts back.

    "How will you care for the child?

    I''ll take care of it, of course. I''d say ......, but I don''t think they''d be so easy to get on board with, would they?

    In general, the right to care for a child is attributed to the father.

    In a patriarchal family system, the father, the husband, has the greater authority, and the mother and wife follow suit.

    In Cecilia''s case, as a princess maiden, she could not only disobey Hercule, but even confront him. ......

    Even so, in the patriarchal system, Cecilia''s child should be raised by Hercule.

    I''ll take the boy.

    I''ll take the boy." "...... You have no choice. Then I''ll take the girl.

    Hercule would rather have a girl than a boy.

    Hercule wants girls more than boys, because girls can be used as a tool for political marriage.

    In the case of a boy, he would have to be fed as a corrupt member of the royal family, and if he couldn''t make a living, he would literally be wasted.

    But it''s still a waste of money compared to having a boy in Cecilia''s hands.

    This is because it would be unbearable if Cecilia insinuated something strange and claimed the right to the throne.

    On the other hand, Cecilia wants to keep the girl for herself.

    It is natural for her to want to keep the future princess miko, or the child who could be the parent of the princess miko, in her possession.

    Of course, you''ll let me see her, right?

    It''s a good idea. ...... Make sure you bring the girl with you.

    In any case, Cecilia will spend the next six months in Nova Lemuria.

    And Hercule will be visiting Lemuria periodically.

    As a parent, it''s enough for me to be able to watch her grow up.

    Once that fact is confirmed, all that is left is ......

    "Oh, oh ...... Master Hercule. Well, it''s still light outside. ......

    If you don''t like it, resist.

    The two of them intertwined on the couch.

 236 Episode 19 Constantina

    "Advise, advise, tochugeki!

    A girl with red hair and azure eyes rides on the back of a maid and shouts.

    In her hand she holds a small toy sword.

    The maid woman is running on all fours, desperately.

    "Too late, too late!

    "I''m sorry, Your Highness, .......

    You don''t talk to horses!

    "Hee hee hee!

    A girl who makes her maid imitate a horse and cackles with delight.

    It''s a good idea to have a little bit of time to think about what you''re doing.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... Don''t annoy people too much.

    This is not a person, it''s a horse!

    The first child of Hercule and Karolina, Constantina called the maid she was riding a horse and defended it.

    The maid woman who was used as a horse smiled bitterly.

    "I''m fine, Your Highness.

    "But, sir, ......

    Well, I''m glad to see you''re doing well.

    The man ...... who had been laughing so hard earlier, Hercule, said.

    Then he patted Karolina on the shoulder.

    I think you''ll find that she''s a bit like you.

    ...... I feel more like you, don''t I?

    I''m a much more considerate person.

    You''re the one who''s annoying people.

    I''m the one who can think of people''s problems more.

    Karolina then sighed.

    I''m sure you''ll be fine with ......?¡¡I''m not sure if this is the right time for her to marry into the kingdom of Fulling. ......

    "Are you worried?

    Yes, I''m worried. I''m worried that she''ll be disrespectful to His Highness Ludwig II. ......

    I''d love it if you''d take me under your wing.

    Karolina looked at her husband with a wry smile.

    Then she sighed again ...... with concern.

    While Carolina and Hercule were having different impressions of Constantina astride the horse, ......

    Namo, the Wisdom, bowed deeply to King Ludwig I. "I am sorry, Your Majesty," he said.

    "I''m sorry, Your Majesty.

    Namo said in a voice of deep regret.

    It was Namo who had brought King Ludwig I and Cecilia together, or more precisely, it was Namo who had advised King Ludwig I to accept Cecilia''s mediation.

    The war will not end anytime soon if this continues.

    And ...... because he believed that it was Ludwig I and the Kingdom of Fuhring who were at a disadvantage.

    It is true that King Sasan VIII had shown signs of attacking the Lemurian Empire.

    However, it was doubtful whether or not he really wanted to invade.

    In the east of the Lemurian Empire, there is a defense line built by Hercule I.

    Even King Sasan VIII could not break through that line of defense so easily.

    On the other hand, the logistical limits of King Ludwig I''s Fullerling army were rapidly approaching.

    Namo knew that Cecilia had offered to act as an intermediary for her own benefit.

    Namo knew that Cecilia had offered to act as an intermediary for some kind of gain, but he believed that the main purpose was to gain prestige by mediating between the two powers.

    It was out of the realm of possibility that he would be thinking like a bat, trying to cheat the two countries out of their profits.

    No, ......, that''s enough. I''m in. And while I don''t like the fact that ...... profits were side-stepped, the fact is that, rationally speaking, we made peace on good terms.

    Emotionally, I resent it.

    Emotionally, I''m angry, but Cecilia didn''t make a mistake in her promise, and it''s true that thanks to Cecilia, we''re now on the same page.

    I have mixed feelings about this, but I can''t blame Cecilia, the priestess, or the Pope.

    In any case, ...... our political and religious independence is now intact. No problem.

    It is the Pope ......, or Cecilia, who has the right to ordain the clergy of the Fullerling Kingdom.

    But it is King Ludwig I who has the right of "nomination.

    And thanks to Cecilia as Pope, we were able to settle things without confusion.

    It is also true that the little girl does not hate ...... the Lemurian emperor, but she is not necessarily on his side. Then there is room for negotiation.

    When King Ludwig I asked Cecilia to "recognize" the bishops of the kingdom of Fullerling as she had in the past, she ordained almost all of them again.

    The bishops were carefully screened for personality problems, and those who did were rejected. ......

    It''s not that I''m at the mercy of King Ludwig I, but I have no intention of antagonizing him, and I''m not at the mercy of Hercule.

    Then it is a compromise for Ludwig I.

    At least it''s better than Georgios or Gregorios.

    "...... Gregorius, Your Majesty.

    Ludwig I is already beginning to forget the names of the popes he installed.

    In addition, he was already judged by Cecilia, and by the decision of both Hercule and Ludwig I, his eyes were gouged out, his nose and ears were cut off, and he was exiled to an island.

    Cecilia was not to blame for this either. ......

    It seems that the resentment of being tortured, killed and maimed is firmly rooted in her mind.

    I had underestimated her as a little girl, but ...... she was more reasonable than that. I have no complaints other than I am annoyed.

    "...... So that''s it.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what''s going on in your life.

    The city of Lemuria and its surrounding areas were donated to Cecilia to divide the Kingdom of Edelna into north and south.

    Neither Hercule nor King Ludwig I could advance their armies here without a fight.

    Partly because it is practically a manor of the Church of the Messiah, and above all because it has become a religious holy ground.

    I don''t know what the Lemurian emperor thinks about it, but for Ludwig I, this is a good thing.

    ...... I don''t want to get into trouble with Lemuria anymore. I don''t want to play with Lemuria anymore. Hahahahaha!

    We were lucky to win this time, but who knows what will happen next time.

    King Ludwig I had made up his mind not to have any more trouble with the Lemurian Empire.

    I''ve heard that she is four years old. I''ve heard that she''s four years old now, but I''m thinking that the sooner we meet ...... in person, the better.

    "That''s true.

    Yeah. So I''m going to send my son to Lemuria as an emissary of friendship. Nova Lemuria is famous as a city of arts and sciences. It will be a good experience for him to see the power of the Lemurian Empire from a young age.

    A frog in a well does not know the ocean.

    I don''t want you to become a frog in a well who doesn''t know the ocean.

    The Fullerling Kingdom is a regional power, but its national power base is much weaker than the Lemurian Empire.

    Ludwig I wanted to make his son aware of this.

    But the knight in charge of his bodyguard is .......

    Who would you like?

    Namo was about to ask.

    "You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?

    A dignified woman''s voice echoed in the audience hall.

    A woman with beautiful blond hair and cat ears knelt before King Ludwig I.

    "Hmm, well met. Bradamante.

    I see, Namo thought to himself.

    It seems that she will be the one to look after Crown Prince Ludwig.

    Bradamante was a knight who had been captured by the enemy in the last war, but had performed a great service.

    She is relatively young among the seven heroes, and is the future leader of the Kingdom of Fulling.

    As a result of his capture in the last battle, he is well acquainted with the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire and his senior advisors.

    In addition, she is one of the few female knights in the Fulling Kingdom.

    If Her Highness Constantina were to marry into the Fulling Kingdom, she would rely heavily on this person.

    The right person for the right job.

    And that''s pretty much what Namo was thinking," Ludwig I told Bradamante.

    So be it. Once you''re settled, I''d like you to go with the Crown Prince to Lemuria, if that''s all right with you?

    "Yes, as you command.

    His golden ears pricked the sky.

    In addition, as you can see from the fact that Ludwig I and Bradamante have the same hair color, they are distant relatives.

    In this sense, she is one of Ludwig I''s most trusted vassals.

    "Bradamante, go and deepen your friendship with the Lemurian Empire and Hercule I.

    "All right, Your Majesty. I understand, Your Majesty. ......, but I''m fine with friendship.

    Kiran and Bradamante''s eyes lit up.

    You don''t mind if I corrupt the Emperor of Lemuria, do you?

    ............ Well, I wouldn''t mind.

    Yes, sir!

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit nervous about this.

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s a bit of a jerk.

    ...... I hope I don''t fall into the wrong hands.

    I have to believe that ...... she will be fine.

    Is it possible that I picked the wrong person?

    Ludwig I and Namo felt uneasy inwardly.

 237 Episode 20 Honeytrap

    "Welcome to our country. Your Highness Ludwig.

    At the port of Nova Lemuria, Hercule greeted a young man who had just stepped off the ship.

    He had golden blond hair, cat ears, and a tail.

    He is a handsome young man with a beautiful appearance, though his body is a bit slender.

    "Thank you for inviting me. Your Majesty, the Emperor of Lemuria.

    Hercule and King Ludwig II shook hands.

    And a few steps away from ...... Hercule stood Karolina, with a small girl hiding behind her.

    The girl, with crimson hair and azure eyes, was glancing at Ludwig II from Karolina''s shadow.

    Ludwig II looked at the girl and smiled bitterly.

    "She is?

    Yes, that''s right. ...... Konstantina, come here.

    Hercule ordered, but ......

    Constantina clung to Karolina''s body and refused to move.

    Hercule scratched his hair involuntarily.

    (Where was the bravado just now? ......)

    I don''t want to marry a weak man. I''ll give him a test! I''m not going to marry a weak man.

    "Look, Constantine. Her Majesty wants to see you. ...... Constantina!

    "Ugh. ......

    She grabbed Carolina''s clothes and didn''t seem to let go.

    If you''re a child, you''re a long-eared man, so your grip is not foolproof.

    It''s difficult to force them apart, because if you''re not careful, you might tear your clothes.

    Oh, ......, I''m sorry. His Highness Ludwig ...... was in good spirits just now. I''m a bit shy.

    No, no, don''t worry about it. That''s just the way children are.

    Ludwig II, who had originally been told that he was dealing with a child of about four years old, showed no sign of concern.

    He was not so childish as to be offended by a little girl.

    "I''ll come to you. Is ...... okay?

    "Yes, of course. I''d appreciate it.

    Hercule was a little relieved that King Ludwig II was a man of understanding.

    If someone had said, "The Emperor of Lemuria is good at war, but not so good at raising children," he would not have been able to retort because it would have been a fair question.

    Strictly speaking, however, it''s not that he''s not good at it, but rather that he doesn''t participate in raising children at all.

    "Your Highness, Empress Carolina, it is a pleasure to meet you.

    First of all, King Ludwig II greeted Karolina.

    Karolina also bowed.

    The first time I see you, Your Highness, Ludwig. ...... Come on, Konstantina. Say hello.

    Karolina said, trying to get Constantina to step forward.

    In the meantime, King Ludwig II crouched down and made eye contact with Constantina.

    "It is a pleasure to meet you, ......, Your Highness Constantina. I am Ludwig Fraling. Nice to meet you.

    "......

    Konstantina stared at Ludwig II with her azure eyes.

    Then she stepped forward in a cautious manner.

    ...... I''m Konstantina Yulianos. Nice to meet you. Her Highness Ludwig.

    They exchanged greetings.

    Both the Lemurian and Fulling officials were relieved. ......

    But at the same time, they thought.

    But at the same time, they thought, "This is going to be difficult.

    Difficult times ahead.

    The relationship between Konstantina and Ludwig II, which at first seemed to be ......

    "You know, there are beautiful flowers here. I''ll show you!

    "That''s very kind of you, thank you very much.

    In a few days, the two of them seemed to have grown closer.

    Konstantina cackled and pulled Ludwig II''s hand.

    Ludwig II responded in kind.

    They looked more like brother and sister than a couple of well-matched fianc¨¦es .......

    You are lucky that His Highness Ludwig is a kind man.

    "Yes, he is. ...... I''m sure Constantina is happy to have an older brother as well.

    Karolina agreed with Hercule''s words.

    Constantina is the eldest daughter, and aside from her children with the concubine, she is the only other child of Hercule.

    Perhaps she was hoping to have an older brother.

    "But His Highness Ludwig seems to be quite used to children. ......

    Hercule wondered.

    This is not to say that King Ludwig II is a pedophile.

    In the purest sense of the word, Hercule was saying that he seemed to be very good at appeasing and playing with small children.

    "You have a sister, Your Highness.

    The one who answered Hercule''s question was Bradamante, who had been watching the interaction between the two of them.

    It is because of this that he was able to become Constantina''s "big brother" in the first place.

    But ......, it''s fine if you get along well, but it''s not good if you lose your sense of brother and sister.

    I don''t know.

    Karolina expressed her concern.

    But Hercule didn''t seem too concerned about that.

    The important thing is whether or not His Highness Ludwig gets a boner, but fortunately, Constantina is very similar to me and Karolina. She''ll grow up to be a lovely girl if she grows up well. No problem.

    "......

    Carolina and Bradamante both wondered how a father could say such a thing.

    However, Hercule has always been such a man.

    On the other hand, while Carolina and Bradamante were staring at him ......

    Hercule said to himself, "If you keep a male and female rat together, they will have children. In the worst case, an aphrodisiac will do the trick," he thought.

    The visit of King Ludwig II was intended to deepen the friendship between Lemuria and Fullerling, and also to show his fianc¨¦e to each other.

    But, of course, that was not all.

    After Konstantina and Ludwig II had finished touching each other, Hercule and Ludwig II had a meeting.

    I am pleased to have had such a fruitful meeting with you. His Highness Ludwig.

    "I am also ...... sure that this will deepen our friendship.

    The two men shook hands.

    The talks have been going on for several days and just ended today.

    The topics of discussion ranged from the economic spheres of the two sides, the struggle for political supremacy, and the determination of territorial boundaries.

    Basically, they were agreements on details that were not settled in the peace agreement of the Edelna War.

    Since the general framework itself had been decided, the negotiations proceeded smoothly.

    The reason for the prolonged process was that the scope of the agreement was wide.

    As a rule, Fullerling would not touch the sea.

    Lemuria, on the other hand, would not touch the land.

    Lemuria does not touch the land.

    In this way, Fulling was able to gain an independent economic and political sphere from Lemuria.

    This is a kind of concession for Hercule.

    (As a maritime nation, it is wise for us to keep our hands off the land as much as possible. Let''s leave the security of the northern continent to Fulling. (As a maritime nation, it is wise for us to keep our hands off the land as much as possible, leaving the security of the northern continent to the Fullerings. ...... We can still trust our own people more than the infidels.

    This incident has convinced Hercule that the Kingdom of Fahls cannot be trusted.

    In the first place, there is no territorial dispute between Lemuria and Fulling, but traditionally, the province of Misrule has been in dispute with the province of Suria, and those disputes are still on the shelf.

    In this situation, Fullerling is still more credible.

    In addition, although ...... is technically a meeting between Hercule and Ludwig II, it is Todoris, the Foreign Minister of Lemuria, and Namo, who is in charge of Fullerling''s diplomacy, who are behind the scenes.

    Ludwig II is still inexperienced, and Hercule believes that rice cakes should be left to the rice cake maker, so this is a natural progression.

    The two leaders should get along and hold hands.

    Well, that night.

    Hercule took a bath feeling refreshed after finishing the business that needed to be taken care of as soon as possible.

    Then he drank a glass of wine that Fulling had given him as a token of friendship, and went to his bedroom feeling tipsy.

    But....

    "......, what''s wrong?

    I thought it was Ciphany today.

    Hercule tilted his head.

    On the bed sat a beautiful blonde woman in a black baby doll.

    At first, he thought she was Scheherazade, but she looked very different.

    She had chemo ears growing out of her head.

    "Good evening, Your Majesty.

    The one who said that and poked his three fingers in the air was ......

    It was Bradamante.

    Hercule thought of three possibilities here.

    One, Hercule was in the wrong room. This was Bradamante''s room.

    Two, the desire to hold Bradamante is causing Hercule to hallucinate. She is Scheherazade, or Scheherazade in a chemo ear costume.

    Three, Bradamante broke into the room without permission.

    ...... Why are you here?¡¡I thought there were soldiers at the door.

    Even though we are friends, foreigners.

    Hercule thought it would not be so easy to get in. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    I''m sure you''ll be glad to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

    "...... I see.

    So this is what you do every day.

    Hercule put his hand on his forehead.

    So what do you think you''re doing here?¡¡What would a proud knight of the Fulling do to assassinate someone?

    Of course, I had a vague idea of what he wanted from his appearance and attire, but ......

    I''ll ask her.

    What kind of expression will she give?

    Then ...... Bradamante answered with pride.

    "It''s a honey trap!

    She was more honest than I thought she would be.

 238 Episode 21 Split Inheritance

    I would like to say that it is a shame for a man not to eat.

    I''d like to say that, but Hercule is not hugging everyone.

    In the first place, he is not troubled by women.

    It is true that Bradamante is a beautiful woman, and if you ask me whether I want to hug her or not, of course I want to hug her, but that doesn''t mean I''m careless enough to hug her right away.

    But that doesn''t mean I''d be so careless as to hold her right away... "By order of the Emperor of the Fulling?¡¡Or by order of His Highness Ludwig?

    Hercule asked tentatively.

    Ludwig I didn''t seem to be the type of man who liked this sort of thing, and Ludwig II didn''t seem like the type to do it either.

    But there was no harm in asking.

    "No way!¡¡I was ordered to go and make friends. But you, Bradamante!¡¡I would never spend the night with a man I didn''t like, even if I was ordered to!

    She replied, twitching her cat ears.

    Hercule was well aware of Bradamante''s military prowess.

    She is not a fool.

    ...... doesn''t seem to be the type to do belly tricks.

    So we can assume that this is her intention.

    Can I assume that you''re thinking of me?

    "Of course!

    Bradamante replied with a slight blush on her face.

    In fact, I may or may not have an idea.

    When she was a prisoner of war, he had been hitting on her a lot.

    So it is not so strange that Bradamante is in love with her - not that he is conceited - but it is not so strange.

    But there is one thing that bothers me.

    "But, Bradamante. I hear you are a knight of Fulling and a count. In that position, is it acceptable for you to spend the night with me?

    "I think you''re mistaken, Your Majesty.

    Bradamante said and stood up.

    Slowly, he approached Hercule.

    She was tall and her eyes were not far from Hercule''s.

    My allegiance remains to His Majesty the Fulling. But loyalty and love are two different things. I want to make love to you!

    And with that, Bradamante embraced Hercule.

    The approach was more passionate than she had imagined, which made Hercule a little upset.

    (...... Ah, come to think of it, Fullerling had this kind of climate. To begin with.

    Hercule recalled the rumors he had heard about the s*xual situation in Fulling.

    I heard that cheating and adultery are rampant in that country.

    Because of the feudal system, husbands often leave their wives behind and go to war.

    As a result, wives who are left in charge of their wives often have mistresses while their husbands are away.

    In addition, the only knights who can marry are those who have a lord and a mansion.

    In order to get them, you need a lot of merit in battle. ...... Inevitably, young knights cannot marry.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    It''s a good idea to have a good time.

    It is not a man who does not accept that .......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Then Bradamante let out a small "Oh ......".

    The feeling of her shapely breasts being crushed by her own breastplate was quite pleasant.

    Hercule put his hand on Bradamante''s chin and lifted her face.

    "Mmm, chu......

    Their lips locked together, tongue to tongue, exchanging saliva.

    A silvery thread dripped from her lips.

    "Shall we make love?

    "...... Yes.

    Bradamante nodded, his eyes dazzling.

    And that''s how I came to have Bradamante in my arms. ...... I have no plans to marry her, she''s just my mistress, don''t worry about it.

    "Huh. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''ll be fine. ......

    But Bradamante ...... told me that she is a count. Is it safe not to marry her?¡¡Of course, this is my concern for her.

    Even if she doesn''t marry, she can still have children.

    Even if they don''t get married, they can still have children, and then Bradamante will be carrying a bastard.

    Unlike the Lemurian Empire, where Lemurian marriage laws existed, Karolina wondered if this would ever be allowed in the Fulling Kingdom (Empire).

    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.

    "...... I see. It''s just as they say, isn''t it?

    Cheating and adultery are rampant.

    That''s why husbands don''t always wonder if their children are really their own.

    After all, he himself is having an affair.

    What is important in the Fullerling Kingdom (Empire) is not blood relationship, but "recognition".

    In the case of Bradamante, there is no doubt that he is her child when he is born from her belly, and since she herself owns a mansion and property, there is not much of a problem with inheritance.

    All that is left is for Hercule to recognize her.

    As long as Hercule recognizes her, the people around her will treat her as Hercule''s child, even if they don''t know where the child comes from.

    Bradamante does not seem to have any intention of switching from Fulling to Lemuria.

    It doesn''t really matter if Bradamante''s child is really Hercule''s or not, as long as it is the son of his mistress and has no claim to the throne of Lemuria, and will eventually return to a faraway foreign country.

    As for Hercule, he had no hesitation in recognizing her child.

    ''By the way, was she experienced?

    "Yeah?¡¡I don''t know.¡¡I''m not particularly interested, so I didn''t ask. ......

    There was no blood.

    However, it is a big mistake to judge her as a non-virgin just because she did not bleed.

    The virgin membrane is surprisingly easy to break.

    For a woman like Bradamante, who exercises regularly, it would not be surprising if it had been torn at some point in the past.

    However, from Hercule''s point of view, whether Bradamante is a virgin or a non-virgin is rather unimportant.

    (Well, that was nice. ......)

    Hercule remembered his affair with Bradamante.

    It seems that beastmen have a lot of strength and energy.

    Of all the women he had ever had, she was the most vigorous.

    The more vigorous she was, the longer she could last.

    "You''re thinking of the worst things again.

    It was Lunalie, who had remained silent until now, who interrupted Hercule.

    She sat back in her chair and looked dumbfounded.

    She sat back in her chair and looked dumbfounded. Hercule approached her and kissed her on the cheek.

    Did I make you jealous?¡¡I''m sorry.

    I''m sorry. ...... And don''t do that now.

    She pushed Hercule away from her with her hands.

    Then she said in an inarticulate voice.

    "It''s not good for your baby.

    Yes, Lunalie was pregnant.

    If she gave birth safely, this would be Hercule''s second child (officially).

    I don''t think you need to be so nervous about this.

    Hercule pokes Lunalie''s cheek with his finger.

    You can''t be that nervous.

    I''m worried that you''ll get carried away.

    Hercule cowered.

    And now Scheherazade, a beautiful blonde ...... woman with long ears, interrupted.

    The fact that Bradamante came at this time may have been just right.

    The burden of Lunalie''s absence will fall on the other women.

    Scheherazade chuckled as she remembered that it had been a bit, well, a lot harder when Carolina was away.

    It was a relief that this time Bradamante had filled the void.

    Lunalie nodded in agreement with Scheherazade''s opinion.

    The most dangerous thing for the baby is you. I''m glad Count Bradamante is here.

    You''re rude. What do you think you''re doing?

    What do you think people are?

    Lunalie replied shortly.

    Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    "He will be the next king of Khayastan. Very important.

    "If it''s a boy, that is.

    When Hercule said this, Lunalie shook her head from side to side.

    If it''s a girl and I don''t have a boy by the time I''m old, I''ll be crowned queen. So you could be king. Very important.

    "I see.

    Apparently, Lunalie was a little worried about losing the throne of Hayastan.

    The Lemurian Empire''s control over Hayastan was growing stronger every year, so her concern was justified.

    Of course, Hercule has no intention of incorporating the Kingdom of Hayastan as a province at this time.

    (Hayastan, Bulgaron, and Chelda ...... are all kingdoms with which I have a tyrannical alliance, but it would be appropriate to break the alliance after my death.

    No child has yet been born to take over the throne of Lemuria.

    However, Hercule did not have high hopes for his own child.

    Of course, he didn''t expect it to be incompetent.

    But he didn''t think they would be able to do what he did.

    The current vastness of the Lemurian Empire is maintained by Hercule''s leadership and management skills.

    He thought that after Hercule''s death or decline due to old age, the Empire would be forced to reduce its size to some extent.

    If the territory was going to be reduced anyway, the next best thing would be to soften it up with some inheritance.

    Especially with regard to the vassal states.

    "Are you thinking of a name?

    Lunalie asked Hercule, who was thinking about the distant future.

    Hercule nodded.

    Of course. I''m thinking of names for my children.

    What?¡¡I thought you only thought about s*x and war.

    That''s rude. ...... You''ll be ready after the baby''s born.

    There, I said it.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    This is called an invitation.

    I''m not joking, but I''m serious. What kind of name is ......?

    If it''s a boy, it''s Juppiter. If it''s a girl, it''s Juno.

    ''...... Lemurian Mythology. Strengthening the Relationship between the Kingdom of Hayastan and Lemuria. Is that what you mean?

    "Yes, it does.

    When Hercule answered, ......

    Surprisingly, Lunalie narrowed her eyes in a good mood.

    Do you like it?

    "I don''t like the bluntness. I don''t like to be blunt, but I''m relieved to see that you''re willing to make good on your promise for now.

    If he didn''t want to be the king of Hayastan, he wouldn''t have taken the name from Lemurian mythology.

    That''s what this is all about.

    Hercule smiled meaningfully at Lunalie.

 239 Episode 22 Eastern Fires

    About six months have passed since King Ludwig II came to Nova Lemuria,...... and he is finally returning home.

    "Ugh. ......

    "Come on, Constantine.

    Constantina clung to King Ludwig II with tears in her eyes.

    Karolina desperately tries to pull her away from him.

    Constantina seemed to have grown quite attached to King Ludwig II.

    I''m glad. I''m glad to see you two are getting along so well.

    "...... Well, yes.

    Hercule vaguely agreed with Bradamante''s words.

    Hercule had miscalculated ...... the extent to which Constantina would fall in love with King Ludwig II.

    (......Will she send us information that will be advantageous to our country?

    The reason why royalty and nobility marry abroad is to deepen the friendship between the two countries. ......

    Another role is to pass information to the home country.

    It would be an exaggeration to say that they are spies, but to some extent they do have that aspect.

    Naturally, all countries are aware of this fact.

    Therefore, they can limit the quality and quantity of information they give to their wives, and hide what they do not want to be known.

    Hercule is doing something similar to Scheherazade.

    As a result, it is not possible to probe into state secrets, but it is still an important window of information.

    For example, Rinasha, who married Ihsan of Kurotsuki, is informing Lemuria of the current situation in Kurotsuki, even though she is filtered by Kurotsuki to some extent.

    Therefore, Hercule was expecting Constantina to play such a role in the future.

    But...

    However, when Constantina became too attached to King Ludwig II, it became impossible for her to do so.

    She loves her husband, but her motherland is still her motherland.

    I want her to feel that way.

    Motherland?¡¡I love my husband more than that!

    This is a very beautiful story in a love story, but I don''t want my daughter to be in that situation.

    (I hope she''s as dry as Linasha. (I wish she was as dry as Linasha, but ...... she''s still young, and we''ll have to teach her a lesson.

    In the worst case scenario, the spying can be left to Constantina''s bodyguards and followers.

    And ......

    "But Bradamante. I''m going to miss you ...... a little bit.

    Hercule said lightly to Bradamante.

    Fortunately, he was able to get to know Bradamante.

    Her loyalty seems to be to Fulling, so we can''t expect her to deliberately release information that would be detrimental to Fulling. ......

    Still, more channels of information are desirable.

    That''s right, Your Majesty. But as long as the friendship between our two countries remains unbroken, our friendship will never be severed. I hope we will meet again soon.

    Bradamante replied to Hercule nonchalantly.

    Although it was half-obvious that she was his mistress, she was still a member of his diplomatic mission.

    Therefore, she could not kiss him passionately and say good-bye.

    (Well, we''ll come back next year or so.) But since we made love last night, we have no regrets.

    (Well, we''ll be back next year or so, I suppose. (We''ll probably come back next year or so. ...... And if Ludwig II decides to study abroad in earnest, he''ll stay here for a longer period of time.

    This visit of King Ludwig II is just a face-to-face meeting.

    If King Ludwig II likes Lemuria, we can expect him to study here for a long time.

    Not to be smug, but Lemuria has a better culture, technology, and legal system than Fullerling.

    In fact, King Ludwig II seemed to be overwhelmed by Lemuria''s national power.

    If he was an industrious man, he would have wanted to study abroad to learn from Lemuria.

    That way, he could enjoy the body of the bradamante a little more.

    Or not.

    We can make King Ludwig II pro-Lemuria.

    That would certainly have a positive impact on the future of relations between our two countries for a hundred years.

    "Ugh ......, goodbye ......, goodbye .......

    "Constantina, this is not a goodbye. Constantina, this is not goodbye. ...... I''ll be back soon, I promise.

    Hercule watches as Ludwig II pats Constantina''s head.

    Fortunately, King Ludwig II is planning to come back soon.

    "Well, Your Highness. I''ll see you soon.

    Thinking that it was about time, Hercule said to King Ludwig II.

    He nodded broadly.

    I look forward to seeing you again. Emperor of Lemuria.

    And so the diplomatic mission of Fraling returned home.

    "Now, on today''s agenda: ......

    After King Ludwig II''s return.

    After the return of King Ludwig II, Hercule gathered his subjects for a quick meeting.

    "Fortunately, the West has settled down. There will be no major battles in the west for at least another ten years.

    The west has settled down.

    Yes, the west.

    "As you have already heard, the east is currently in turmoil again.

    Until recently, the situation in the East was stable.

    There are multiple reasons for this: ......

    More than a decade ago, Hercule''s victory over Phallus brought the borders into order.

    Scheherazade''s marriage to Hercule deepened the friendship between Phallus and Lemuria.

    The alliance between Kuro Stake and Lemuria made it impossible for Phallus to make a move.

    Sasan VIII was more interested in Sindhira, or the east, than in Lemuria, or the west.

    These are just a few examples.

    However, in the last ten years, the situation had changed dramatically.

    This was due to the end of the war between the Kuro and Silk Kingdoms.

    According to the information from Linasha, Kuro Thrust had won the war on somewhat favorable terms.

    Considering Linasha''s position as the queen of Kurotsuki, it might have ended in a painful draw.

    But that was irrelevant for now.

    According to Linasha''s information, it was a close fight between the two sides.

    So whether you won or lost, ...... you still lost a lot of troops.

    This indicated a decrease in the pressure on Foulds from Kurotsuto.

    There was another change in the situation.

    This was the information that Sasan VIII had succeeded in bringing Sindhira to her knees a few years ago.

    This information came from a missionary who had come to the Kingdom of Fars to preach.

    Unlike the war between the Kuro Rush and the Silk Kingdom, the battle between Foulds and Cyndira was dominated by Foulds from start to finish.

    In the first place, Sindhira was just a place name, and in reality it was just a series of small kingdoms that were steadily attacked by Farus.

    This increased the national power of the Phals: ......

    It is indeed an exaggeration.

    It is difficult to collect taxes properly from a newly conquered land.

    However, the fact that the rebellion in the Sindhira region had died down meant that Phars had more military power.

    With the marriage of Scheherazade and Hercule, and the marriages between the elves of both countries, there was some optimism that they would not attack so easily. ......

    The last war in Edelna changed that optimism.

    Fars had lined up his troops on the border at that time.

    They did not attack us, but they were ready to attack us and put pressure on us.

    What this means is that Phallus has the capacity to go to war with Lemuria and is willing to do so at the worst.

    Well, ...... it''s not like they''re going to attack us today or tomorrow, is it? ......, right?¡¡Todoris.

    Hercule asked his most trusted diplomat.

    He nodded broadly.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. At the moment, our country is in a position to end the problems in the west and focus on the east. In other words, we are on the same terms as Fars. Sasan VIII is a brave man, but not a savage one. In principle, he will not attack us. The alliance with ...... Kuro Thrust is not out of effect.

    It is true that Sasan VIII has shown himself to be aggressive.

    But that''s while Lemuria is fighting Fulling.

    Moreover, he never tried to cross the border, just posture.

    In other words, this could be taken as an indication of Sasan VIII''s intention to "do it if there is a chance, but not otherwise.

    It could also mean, "If you attack us, we will intercept you.

    It is merely a check.

    Therefore, ...... will now reinforce the eastern border. Specifically, we will move the Tonten soldiers who have been assigned to the Kingdom of Chelda to the east. We will also be renovating and expanding the Great Wall (Remes).

    The defenses on the border against Fars are still strong enough, but ......

    The defenses on the border against the Fals are still strong enough, but they are far from perfect for Hercule.

    This was because he had invested his manpower and resources in the problems of the west, with Bulgaron, Cerda, Edelna, and Fulling.

    The more we focus on the West, the less power we have to direct to the East.

    Up until now, however, there had been no problem in postponing this due to the friendly relationship with Fars.

    But now that the situation is more urgent and we can focus our efforts to the east, it''s a different story.

    "Also, ...... will begin a full-scale campaign against the tribes of the Havilah Peninsula.

    Habila Peninsula.

    The Habila Peninsula is a large peninsula that lies between Lemuria and Fars.

    Most of it is desert, but ...... it was also a major trade route for the Lemurian Empire to obtain spices and other luxury goods without going through the Kingdom of Phars.

    The Lemurian Empire had no advantage in controlling this area directly, but it was important for the Lemurian Empire to gain political control of this area in order to stabilize trade.

    Of course, the Pharrs will try to counter this. As a result, there may be a kind of proxy war in the ...... Havilah Peninsula. When that happens, perhaps our country will have to send troops directly. While you''re at it, acclimate your standing army to the desert climate.

    We must avoid a full-scale confrontation with the Fals.

    Hercule told his subjects of such a policy.

    But ...... whether Hercule and Sasan VIII want it or not.

    As long as the powder keg exists, it will explode at some point.

    That was the inevitability of history.

 240 Episode 23 The End of Antiquity, The Beginning of ...

    It''s been almost six months since King Ludwig II returned home.

    Hercule has entered its thirty-seventh spring.

    He is now thirty-seven years old.

    The lifespan of an elf is about 200 years, so he is less than a quarter of the way through his life.

    Her spirituality is maturing at a reasonable rate.

    Carolina is the same age as Hercule, so she is thirty-seven.

    Scheherazade is the same age, so she''s thirty-seven.

    Lunalie is one year older than both of them, so she is thirty-eight.

    Nia is thirty-one.

    Alicia is twenty-nine.

    Sonia is twenty-four.

    Sonia is 24.

    Nia has been relatively calm since she turned thirty,......, but she seems to be taking the fact that she is over thirty very seriously.

    Sonia seems to be taking advantage of the fact that she is the youngest of Hercule''s beloved wives, and often agitates Alicia, who is only five years older than herself.

    Perhaps she has forgotten that she will be the same age in the future, or perhaps she believes that she will be the youngest even if that happens.

    Considering Sonia''s slightly absent-minded personality, the former is probably the case.

    Not to mention Carolina, Scheherazade, Lunalie, and Alicia, who are the eldest of the Elves, Nia is a demon whose lifespan is unknown (but certainly long-lived), and Sonia is a high-ranking warbeast.

    Sonia is a high-ranking warbeast, and her physical age has not changed much since she reached her mid-twenties.

    As for Hercule''s children, Carolina''s child, Constantina, is now seven years old, and Lunalie''s child, Jupiter, is now three years old.

    Lunalie is very happy to have a baby boy.

    Under such circumstances, Hercule welcomed a new wife today.

    "What do you think?¡¡Mr. Hercule.

    "It looks good on you, Cecilia.

    Hercule praised Cecilia, who wore a white wedding dress.

    The dress emphasized her pure white skin, long slender limbs, shimmering silver hair, and beautiful round lines, making her look extremely beautiful.

    (But Cecilia is already thirty-one years old. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please feel free to contact us.

    She married late compared to the other women.

    However, it was Cecilia who was to blame, since Hercule himself had been courting Cecilia for a long time, and she had been refusing him.

    "Mr. Hercule?

    What''s wrong?

    ...... Are you thinking of something rude?

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.

    It seems that age is not only a bad thing to mention to a woman, but also a bad thing to think about.

    I was so taken aback by your beauty. I''ve been thinking about ...... this evening.

    "Kyu, what are you suddenly saying? ...... You''re insolent. Insolence!

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    I''m not sure what to say, but I''d like to know what you think.

    "...... wedding night?

    "The first night of our marriage. Am I wrong?

    Cecilia stared at him, and Hercule nodded his head.

    There is nothing wrong with that.

    It''s not her virginity, but it''s her wedding night.

    By the way, Cecilia seems to be planning to wear a veil, even though she is not a virgin.

    This is the same path taken by both Carolina and Scheherazade.

    Since Hercule''s object has already passed through it many times, there is no piece of membrane left, but there is no way to prove it.

    Cecilia is not a virgin until she is observed.

    In other words, she is Schrodinger''s virgin.

    "Your Imperial Majesty, Your Highness. ...... It is time for you to go.

    It was Nia who announced this to Hercule and Cecilia.

    She was dressed in a dignified military uniform, as she intended to attend as a soldier.

    Nia glanced once at Cecilia''s chest and frowned in annoyance.

    Cecilia, on the other hand, had a big smile on her face.

    ''...... Cecilia. I''m older than you. You''ll have to remember that.

    "Yes, I''ll keep that in mind. Senior.

    If it were Nia, she would have said a few more sarcastic things to Cecilia, but today she was celebrating, so she quickly backed off.

    "So, shall we go? Cecilia.

    "Yes!

    The venue for the wedding was the former capital of the Lemurian Empire.

    Lemuria, the eternal city.

    During the past year, Lemuria, Fulling, and the Church of Messiah had restored the city to a certain extent, and it was fully equipped to hold a wedding.

    Naturally, this location had been chosen in consideration of Cecilia''s position as a princess maiden.

    Therefore, it was as if Hercule had made a concession.

    However, holding the wedding in Lemuria also had a great advantage for Hercule.

    This is evident from the faces of the attendees of this wedding.

    First of all, of course, the vassals of the Lemurian Empire.

    Then there were the queens of the Lemurian Empire''s vassal states - Lunalie, Alicia, and Sonia.

    In addition, there was the prince of Tretum, an ally of the Lemurian Empire.

    In addition, there are diplomats from the southern messianic kingdoms of Nuba and the Shuien clan of Balbar.

    The King and Crown Prince of the Fullerling Kingdom (Empire), and the leading lords.

    The King of Edelna, who was recently forced to convert from Western to Orthodox Christianity under pressure from both Lemuria and Fullering.

    Then there were the Archbishops (Papal Prefects) and Archbishops (Hime-Priestess Prefects) of the Messianic Orthodox Church.

    And the presidents of the huge congregations.

    Each of these forces had their own agendas, but ......

    Most of them were influential figures in the western world, and all of them were undoubtedly believers in Messianic orthodoxy.

    "...... Do you both swear an eternal covenant to the Lord?

    Archbishop Kronos of the Patriarchate of Lemuria, who was in charge of the proceedings, asked Hercule and Cecilia.

    They nodded in unison and said, "I swear.

    The rings are exchanged: ......

    They kissed each other in vow.

    This moment.

    At this moment.

    The highest authority and the highest power in the western world were powerfully united, and the powers that be approved.

    With this ceremony, the Lemurian Empire succeeded in cutting off the gloom behind it.

    The Great Unity of the Western Messianic World.

    Through his marriage to Cecilia, Hercule sent a powerful message to the pagan and heretical ...... world, namely the Kingdom of Phallus.

    However, ...... many historians have focused on a different point than what Hercule intended.

    Three things are important.

    All of the people gathered here were prominent figures in the Western world.

    And all of them believed in Messianic orthodoxy.

    Finally, that these powerful people are divided into three major factions: Lemuria, Fulling, and the Church of Messiah.

    Until now, Messianism has been divided into four major factions.

    Orthodox, Eastern, Western, and Achaean.

    Until recently, the orthodox faction was divided between the Papal faction and the High Priestess faction.

    The Kingdom of Edelna, the Kingdom of Cerda, and several other kingdoms had a certain influence.

    But now, only the orthodox Messianists existed here.

    And many of them have merged into the forces of Lemuria or Fulling.

    So ......

    At least the leaders of the western world, if not the general populace, were united by Messianic orthodoxy.

    What this means is that the hegemony of Messianic Orthodoxy in the western world has been established.

    No other sects had the means to make a comeback.

    Over the next hundred, two hundred, five hundred, and a thousand years, Messianic Orthodoxy would slowly spread from top to bottom.

    It will expand to cover the other heretical and pagan forces.

    It would paint the western world in the color of Messianic Orthodoxy.

    The world painted by the Messianic Orthodoxy was geographically divided into the Lemurian Empire, whose political sphere of influence stretched from the eastern part of the northern continent to the northern part of the southern continent and the Kingdom of Tretum in the westernmost part of the northern continent, and the Kingdom of Albion, the Kingdom of Scardina, and the Kingdom of the Kingdom of the West, which stretched from the southern tip of the northern continent to the interior and the north, and from there to the sea. The Lemurian Empire was divided by the Fullerling Kingdom, whose political sphere of influence stretched from the southern tip of the northern continent to the interior and north, and from there to the sea.

    The Messianic Church, which straddled the two worlds, united them.

    Hence, later historians have given this wedding this meaning.

    "The Victory of Messianic Orthodoxy".

    And ......

    The Expansion of the Western World and the Establishment of a New Order.

    Finally, ......

    "The end of antiquity, the beginning of the Middle Ages.

    and .

 241 Episode 24 Whore

    "Hello, Hupatia. How are you doing?

    About a month after Cecilia''s wedding.

    Hercule was visiting Hupatia on business in Arrecia.

    Hupatia was a warbeast woman with beautiful silver hair and a fox shape.

    She is a follower of classical polytheism, which is completely different from Messianism, and is the director of the Great Library of Aletheia.

    As a pagan by nature, she is a shady character in the Messianic world. ......

    However, she was allowed to have a huge mansion in the prime location of Aletheia City.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.

    In a frightened tone, Hupatia said to Hercule.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    I''m not sure who''s baby it is,......, but I''m sure it goes without saying.

    As I told you before, the child will belong to the Messianic Orthodox Church. But I will leave it up to you to raise the child.

    Ha, ha. ...... Oh, thank you.

    Hupatia patted her belly affectionately.

    I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that if I were you.

    But she hadn''t lost her beauty, perhaps because she was a high-ranking species.

    "By the way, Hupatia. About the report I received about a week ago: ......

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''ve been able to restore all of the books in the Great Library of Alexandria that were destroyed in the ...... fire.

    The Great Library of Alexandria.

    A great king who conquered the world once built a huge library containing all the books in the world.

    But due to an unfortunate accident, it was severely damaged.

    However, thanks to the efforts of Hupatia, her fellow scholars, and some Messianic monks, the restoration of all the books was finally completed.

    The fire occurred when Hercule and Hupatia met ......, which was when Hupatia was 20 years old.

    In other words, it took about twenty years.

    "It''s all thanks to ...... your support, .......

    "Don''t worry about it. "Don''t worry about it. Books are the world''s treasure.

    And so on.

    However, in reality, it is largely due to the work of Hercule that the collection of the Great Library of Alexandria was successfully restored and restored.

    Even during the war.

    Even in times of war.

    Even in times of famine.

    Even in times of war, disaster, or famine, Hercule continued to devote the minimum necessary funds to the reconstruction of the Library of Alexandria.

    No matter how much scholars and monks love books, they too have a life.

    By continuing to guarantee their income while they contributed to the restoration of the books, they were able to successfully restore the collection.

    Let''s continue to support them as we always have. We will continue our support as before. ...... Keeping books in one place is a risk. Next, you should work on manuscripts and translations.

    Some of the books stored in the Library of Alexandria are incompatible with Messianic doctrine.

    Nevertheless, there is a movement among the monks to incorporate such knowledge and refine the doctrine of Messiah.

    Cecilia is the first of them.

    Hercule intends to copy and translate the entire collection of the Great Library of Alexandria and preserve it for posterity in the monastery and the library he has built in Nova Lemuria.

    "Thank you, ....... Your Majesty.

    Don''t worry about it.

    Hercule said, kissing Hypatia on the cheek.

    For almost six months.

    Hercule and Cecilia had been newlyweds in Nova Lemuria.

    However, Cecilia, who had already become the leader of the Western World and the Messianic World both in name and reality, could not leave Lemuria City, the capital of the world, for a long period of time.

    So, the day came when Cecilia returned to Lemuria City.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean.

    I''m sure you''ll agree. ...... You want me to lend a hand in the reconstruction of Lemuria City, is that it?

    In Lemuria City.

    In Cecilia''s mansion, Hercule again confirmed this to Cecilia.

    Yes. Aside from politics, I and the monks and priests in my entourage are unfamiliar with this kind of internal politics.

    Cecilia had taken a page from Hercule, or more accurately, the Lemurian Empire, and had reorganized the Church into a sort of centralized bureaucracy.

    However, this organization would specialize in administering endowed manors and collecting a tenth of the taxes from congregations around the world.

    In other words, it was not very good at flood control, irrigation, or industrial development.

    In this respect, Hercule and his vassals were several steps ahead of him.

    I had already given my body to Hercule many times.

    I had no hesitation in asking him to teach me.

    (Now, what should I do?)

    What Cecilia was looking for was probably not verbal advice.

    In the first place, she had already given Cecilia a lot of advice on domestic affairs and governance in pillow talk when they had spent the night together.

    Therefore, what Cecilia is looking for is ......

    Perhaps financial help.

    In the treaty signed by Hercule, Ludwig I, and Cecilia, it was stipulated that

    The city of Lemuria belongs to the Lemurian Empire, the legitimate territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    The right of control over the city of Lemuria and its surrounding areas, including the right of governance, administration, and tax collection, shall be donated to the Lemurian Patriarchate of the Messianic Church in the name of Hercule Julianos. Cecilia Peter and Ludwig Fraling confirm this.

    It has been decreed that

    At first glance, this seems to be a way to save face for Hercule by nominally giving control of Lemuria to the Lemurian Empire, but Cecilia probably came up with this condition in order to get financial support from Hercule.

    It''s the territory of the Lemurian Empire, so give us money.

    But the right to rule, to administer, and to collect taxes is mine.

    That''s what Cecilia is trying to say.

    You''ve become quite brazen, Hercule thought.

    Cecilia, on the other hand, had a white-faced look on her face, her cheeks flushed, and her clerical garments slightly pulled down to reveal her pure white skin to Hercule.

    Of course ...... you will be paid.

    You look like a whore.

    Hercule said sarcastically. ......

    In the past, Cecilia would have been furious, but she replied with an expression of comfort.

    I''m not going to deny it.¡¡...... It''s a small price to pay if my body alone can guarantee the future development of the Church of Messiah.

    Cecilia is fond of Hercule, even if she is not.

    Therefore, from Cecilia''s point of view, this kind of pillow fight would be practically beneficial.

    She is a kind of invincible person.

    What to do, Hercule pondered.

    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please contact us at .......

    From what I''ve seen of Lemuria, ...... it looks like the old infrastructure is still alive.

    One barbarian invasion after another.

    And abandonment due to lack of funds.

    And then there was the Edelna War.

    The city of Lemuria has certainly been devastated by repeated upheavals, but the aqueducts and sewers made of sturdy stone will not decay so easily.

    Therefore, two things are needed.

    If we send money and engineers, we can lay the groundwork for reconstruction.

    Is that true?¡¡...... I don''t have many construction engineers in my circle. Can you help me?

    Cecilia said, leaning into Hercule''s chest.

    She deliberately pressed her chest against his chest and lightly traced his chest with her fingers.

    Then she pressed her lower body against Hercule''s lower body.

    "Well, what can I do?

    "Please don''t be mean. Master Hercule.

    Cecilia looked up at Hercule.

    Hercule held Cecilia tightly with one hand.

    Cecilia made a sweet sound.

    "There are three conditions.

    "......Three, huh?

    Cecilia slowly narrowed her eyes.

    Her expression and gestures were not so different from those of a prostitute, but the switch in her head had already been flipped from prostitute to politician,......, it seemed to Hercule.

    One, first of all, you must promise to take a favorable position toward Lemuria in the event of a conflict between the Fullerling and Lemuria.

    "...... I understand. First of all, King Fulling, or should I say Emperor, is trying to get out from under my control. I have no reason or interest to curry favor with him.

    Ludwig I''s goal is to gain independence from the two "Lemuria".

    His goal is to eliminate interference from Hercule and Cecilia.

    Cecilia wants to increase her interference in the country ruled by Ludwig I. ......

    Unfortunately, I do not share the same interests as Ludwig I.

    I''m afraid I don''t share the same interests as King Ludwig I. "But I can''t be hostile to King Ludwig I out in the open. Please keep that in mind.

    Cecilia clearly warned Hercule.

    Currently, Cecilia was the sole leader of the Church of Messiah because she held the dual positions of Princess Priestess and Pope.

    King Ludwig I can appoint a pope that suits him if he wants to.

    That is how much control he has over the Church in his kingdom and empire.

    Of course he knows that. So ...... this is not such a strong request.

    "I see. Okay, then.

    Cecilia readily agreed.

    Cecilia was already Hercule''s wife.

    It is only natural for a wife to help her husband.

    ...... Of course, it is also natural for a husband to help his wife.

    The relationship between the Church of Messiah and the Empire of Lemuria, and between the Church of Messiah and the Kingdom of Fulling (Empire), is one of contrast.

    The former is actively cozying up to the latter, while the latter is actively keeping its distance.

    History will prove which is true. ......

    Two ...... will help our country in times of need.

    "What does ...... that mean?

    "Unlike the Fullerings, we are confronting a powerful infidels. Do you understand?

    One is, of course, the Kingdom of Fahls.

    The other is ...... the Kuro Thrust, which is currently friendly, but who knows how it will turn out.

    Both are enemies of paganism.

    You want me to cover your back in case ...... that''s what you''re saying?

    That''s what it means.

    Cecilia nodded broadly.

    Of course. You don''t have to tell me, but I promise you. ...... I am a devout follower of the Messianic religion before I am the Supreme Leader of the Messianic Church. I have no intention of selling my soul to paganism.

    I will not join hands with the pagans for the benefit of the Church.

    As Messianics, we will cooperate to the fullest extent in the defense against pagan aggression.

    Cecilia promised.

    Hercule nodded, loudly.

    He hugged Cecilia even tighter.

    A breath escaped Cecilia''s mouth.

    "The third and final thing. For ...... the price, I''ll take your body.

    "...... Yes . Go ahead, have it your way.

 242 Episode 25: The War

    The emperor of the Lemurian Empire, Hercule I, has entered into a marriage with the supreme leader of the Messianic religion.

    About five years have passed since such information was brought to the Kingdom of Fars. ......

    About five years passed.

    "Hmm, it looks like Sindhira''s reign is going well.

    About five years ago.

    Sasan VIII nodded in satisfaction as he looked over the documents regarding the rule of the land that had been conquered.

    Sindhira is a rich land by nature.

    Not only wheat, rice and other grains, but also ivory, rubies, spices and other products are calculated.

    By controlling this area, the wealth of the Kingdom of Fars was increasing, as Sasan VIII had planned.

    However, ......

    Not everything goes well in this world.

    "Your Majesty, I have a report on the situation on the Habila Peninsula.

    The man who entered the office was an old elf.

    Befnum, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Fars.

    He was one of the eight loyal generals later known as Sasan VIII.

    He is also known as the Wand.

    "Hmm ......, I would like to hear if the report is good or bad first.

    When Sasan VIII said this, Behnam showed him two fingers.

    There are two kinds of reports: good reports and bad reports. There are two. Your Majesty.

    "I see. ...... Let''s start with the good news.

    Befnum nodded at Sasan VIII''s words and unfolded the parchment.

    Then I will read the report to you. ......

    Then he summarized it briefly.

    The tribes that we have supported for many years on the Habila Peninsula have defeated the tribes that Lemuria has supported. Our supremacy in the Havilah Peninsula has thus been established.

    That''s an excellent report.

    Ostensibly, there is no dispute between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus.

    This is because there is not much merit in a conflict between the two.

    Of course, both Lemuria and Phallus have territorial desires, but ...... it is obvious that if the two sides clash, both sides will suffer extraordinary damage.

    The damage caused by the war is clearly greater than the benefit gained by the war.

    However, this is not to say that the relationship between the two sides is completely free of shadows.

    It is not a territorial issue.

    The biggest barrier to true friendship between Lemuria and Fars: ......

    It is trade friction.

    Most of the trade goods that flow into the Lemurian Empire pass through the territory of the Kingdom of Phallus.

    Therefore, the more trade goods the Lemurian Empire seeks from the Kingdom of Fars, the more of the Lemurian Empire''s national wealth will flow to the Kingdom of Fars.

    The outflow of gold in particular is a serious problem for the Lemurian Empire.

    The Lemurian emperor has been encouraging various industries to overcome this situation. ......

    The Lemurian emperor has created and encouraged various industries to overcome this situation, but this has not led to a fundamental solution to the trade deficit problem.

    After all, the Lemurian Empire''s trade with countries in the East, such as the Sindhira subcontinent (a different region from Sindhira) and the Land of Silk, would inevitably have to pass through the Kingdom of Phallus, and until that problem was solved, there was nothing that could be done.

    The Lemurian emperor then turned his attention to the Habila Peninsula.

    The Habila Peninsula is a huge desert peninsula that exists between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars.

    It has long served as a high-risk, high-reward trade corridor.

    Successive Lemurian emperors have placed a certain amount of importance on the Habila Peninsula, so the idea of paying attention to this peninsula itself is not an "invention" of the current Lemurian emperors.

    What distinguishes the current Lemurian emperors from their predecessors and successors is the size of their empire.

    Messianic mission.

    The tribute.

    To top it all off, he made alliances with tribes that were pirates and bandits.

    They began to use every means at their disposal to secure this detour route.

    It is the Kingdom of Foulds that will be troubled by such a move.

    The Kingdom of Phallus does not have a lot of money to spare.

    Maintaining the trade routes is costing a reasonable amount of money.

    The more the detour routes develop, the more the trade routes of the Kingdom of Phallus will decline.

    If the trade surplus with the Lemurian Empire disappears, the decline of the Kingdom of Fars will be inevitable.

    Therefore, King Sasan VIII began to seriously establish his hegemony over the Habila Peninsula.

    This victory report meant the end of the proxy war.

    "So what''s the bad news?

    The Emperor of Lemuria has dispatched an army of 50,000 to the Havilah Peninsula. ...... has received requests for reinforcements from the tribes.

    "You''re getting impatient, young man.

    Sasan VIII frowned.

    The Lemurian emperor, who was a few dozen years younger than himself, had finally embarked on a full-scale military intervention.

    Younger ...... is a problem, for better or worse.

    The struggle for supremacy on the Habila Peninsula.

    It was the Emperor of Lemuria who threw a stone into the calm and caused a stir.

    But from the Lemurian emperor''s point of view, the story changes.

    Perhaps the Emperor of Lemuria believes that the Kingdom of Phallus was the first to betray him.

    The fact that he put his sword behind his back during the war with the Fullerling Kingdom may have aroused his distrust and rivalry with Sasan VIII and the Kingdom of Foulds.

    He could not feel safe with the Kingdom of Foulds holding the pulse of his life.

    This is the reason why they decided to secure the Habila Peninsula.

    And this military intervention, ......, is not an incorrect answer.

    For the Lemurian Empire, being controlled by the Kingdom of Fars on the Habila Peninsula, which is a bypass route, would cause a major crisis in the future, if not in the immediate future.

    In addition, if the Messiahs in the Havilah Peninsula call for help, the Lemurian Empire may have no choice but to act as the guardian of the Messiahs .......

    (I''m over fifty, so I can''t take any challenging military action like the Lemurian emperor. (I''m over fifty and can''t take challenging military action like the Lemurian emperors. ...... Is this really getting wiser or is it waning?

    Sasan VIII was slightly envious of the Lemurian Emperor''s energy and youth.

    Now he was probably ruled by a sense of omnipotence.

    I used to be like that, and there was a time when I was like that.

    "What can I do for you, Your Majesty?¡¡Your Majesty.

    We can''t just let the Lemurian emperor do as he pleases.

    If we hesitate to intervene out of fear of an all-out war with the Lemurian Empire, ......

    If he hesitates to intervene for fear of an all-out war with the Lemurian Empire, Lemuria will probably take control of the Havilah Peninsula.

    "Let us learn a little from the youth of the Lemurian emperor.

    With that, Sasan VIII stood up.

    In hindsight, for the past few decades, we''ve been fighting against weak nations that can never be defeated.

    And he had avoided fighting countries like Lemuria and Kurotsuki, which he knew he could lose.

    On the other hand, what about the Emperor of Lemuria?

    He has been fighting against the Kingdom of Chelda, the Kingdom of Bulgaron, and the Kingdom of Fulling, which are weaker than his own country, but still ...... have a chance of defeating him.

    And this time is no different.

    They fought against the Kingdom of Fahls.

    I don''t like the way they''ve been treating us. I''m going to break that young man''s nose.

    "......, you mean?

    Let the war begin!

    Sasan VIII shouted.

    And order Behnam.

    "Gather the eight loyal generals and the three glittering generals!¡¡It''s been a long time since we had a war!

    And declare.

    "This is the plan to attack Lemuria. Ursulagna!

    Thus, the peace of Lemuria Foulth, which had lasted for over twenty years, was broken.

 243 Episode 1 Diplomatic Destathes

    "Mmmm. ......

    It had been almost five years since his marriage to Cecilia.

    Hercule frowned when he heard the report of the failure of the "plot" in the Habila Peninsula.

    In order to harass the Kingdom of Phallus and to ensure its future security, Hercule had been actively supporting the pro-Lemurian tribes in the Habila Peninsula.

    In addition, he actively worked to increase the number of "pro-Lemurian" tribes by promoting Messianism and supporting the study of princes from small kingdoms.

    As a result of these efforts, the power of the pro-Lemurian tribes rapidly expanded in the Habila Peninsula. ......

    It seems that a few weeks ago, the pro-Lemurian tribal alliance was defeated by the pro-Faals tribal alliance.

    However, this color-coding of "pro-Lemurian" and "pro-Faals" is just for convenience.

    In reality, the interests of each tribe are intricately intertwined. ......

    This does not matter to Hercule, nor to Lemuria.

    What is important is that the power of the Lemurian Empire has been greatly diminished in the Havilah Peninsula.

    I thought it would work this time too, since it worked in Duiche. But it''s not so easy.

    Hercule had a successful experience in Duyce.

    In Duyce, he had succeeded in uniting the anti-Fullerling warbeast tribes and creating the Kingdom of Duyce.

    So I thought it would be possible to unite the anti-Fallus tribes in the Havilah Peninsula and create a pro-Lemurian "kingdom" as well. ......

    (Well, unlike the Fullerings, the Phallus did not directly invade the Habila Peninsula. The soil was a little different.

    Originally, I didn''t think it would work as well as Duyce did.

    But even with ...... that in mind, Hercule sighed at the somewhat misguided "failure".

    "Your Majesty. The tribes of the Habila Peninsula are asking for direct assistance.

    Todoris said to Hercule.

    It was Todoris who informed Hercule of the changing situation on the Habila Peninsula.

    "By direct support, you mean military intervention?

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Sending troops is not so difficult.

    Over the past five years, the Lemurian Empire''s national strength, which had been exhausted by a series of wars, has recovered and the size of the army has been expanded.

    However, the long period of peace has not slowed down its soldiers and generals.

    For example, barbarians regularly invade the Taurica region.

    To intercept them, wars are fought regularly.

    And the generals under Hercule''s command are also well rounded.

    ...... Perhaps this is the heyday of the Lemurian Empire''s military power.

    In other words, domestically, there is room for military action.

    But diplomatically, it is a little more difficult.

    (What will the Kingdom of Fars, or more strictly Sasan VIII, do?

    If the Lemurian Empire decides to take military action, there is a possibility that the Kingdom of Fars will also take military action against it.

    Eventually, the two countries might fall into an all-out war.

    That is something that Hercule would like to avoid if at all possible.

    Over the past few years, the border against Fars has become extremely strong. ......

    Even taking this into account, the Kingdom of Phallus is very powerful.

    (But threatening the ...... trade routes is a problem.)

    Originally, Hercule intervened in the Habila Peninsula in order to protect his interests from the Kingdom of Phallus.

    The religions followed by the tribes of the Habila Peninsula are similar to those of the Kingdom of Fars.

    Culturally, they are more like the Kingdom of Phallus, and in terms of interests, they are pro-Phallus.

    Hercule wanted to make this a Lemurian advantage.

    He had no intention of turning the Habila Peninsula into Lemuria, nor did he intend to invade the Habila Peninsula.

    But I don''t know if this will will be conveyed to Sasan VIII.

    Perhaps he will read that Hercule''s intention is to dominate the Havilah Peninsula and will resist with all his might.

    That is why Hercule did not send any direct troops, but only small support and intrigue.

    More ......

    Nowadays, it is true to say that it was a sequential deployment of forces.

    "Todoris Todorianus. What do you think?

    I think we should send an army.

    Why?

    You''re the protector of Messianism. If we abandon him, ...... future diplomatic relations will be compromised.

    For the tribes on the periphery of the Lemurian Empire, converting to Messianism is just a way to show that they are pro-Lemurian.

    They convert to Messianism not because they are impressed by the teachings of Messianism, but because they want to take advantage of the power of the Lemurian Empire by accepting Messianism.

    Accept Messianism and form an alliance with Lemuria.

    In this way, they can tell the other tribes that they have Lemuria behind them.

    However, this is based on the premise that the Lemurian Empire will help the allies in times of need.

    Lemuria, the self-proclaimed protector of the Messianic religion, has abandoned the Messianic religion, which is about to be invaded by pagans.

    If such a fact were to spread to the surrounding areas, there might be a movement to reconsider the alliance with Lemuria.

    Of course, it does not mean that they will all defect from Lemuria at once. ......

    It will definitely hinder our future activities.

    Are you saying that our country''s prestige is being diminished?

    That''s one thing, but the biggest concern is Fullerling. ...... We must avoid the situation where it is thought that it is better to be closer to Fulling than to Lemuria.

    Lemuria and Fulling are competitors in the same "messianic" business.

    They are friends, but they are also rivals.

    In some ways, they are more formidable adversaries than their counterparts in the Church of the Holy Fire.

    Currently, Lemuria has the largest "share" of the Messianic industry.

    But if it is taken away by Fullerling, ......

    Lemuria''s position as the ruler of the Messianic world will be shaken.

    "...... Hmm.

    As for Hercule, it''s annoying to have that King Fullerling looking so big.

    However, considering the risk of confronting the Kingdom of Foulds, it is still difficult to come to a conclusion so easily.

    "What do you think about the gloom in the background if we were to go to all-out war with the Foulds?

    You have to assume the worst in everything.

    For Hercule, the worst that could happen is that he would be pinned down by both the Fulling and the Foulds.

    To this question, Todoris shook his head.

    I thought Fullerling wouldn''t move.

    "On what grounds?

    It''s hard to gather lords and soldiers to go behind Lemuria''s back against the infidels. ......

    In the past, when Fullerling was fighting Lemuria, he moved Farus.

    But this is just a pagan''s selfish entry into the battle between Fullerling and Lemuria.

    At least that is what King Ludwig I claimed.

    On the other hand, the action of going behind Lemuria''s back to fight against the Furls is not ......

    No matter what the cause, the majority of princes would feel uncomfortable.

    Of course, in the Fuller Ring, cause is nothing more than a decoration, and what is important is economic gain, so as long as it is there, there is a possibility that they will act.

    But ......

    "King Fulling cannot ignore the wishes of His Highness the High Priestess. She also holds the position of Pope and has the right to ordain the bishops of the Church in the kingdom of Fullerling. ...... Of course, it is King Fullerling who has the real power to appoint the bishops of the Church. But even so, the authority and voice of His Highness the High Priestess has grown stronger the further you go into the periphery of the Fullerling Kingdom.

    The Kingdom of Fullerling is a feudal state.

    In other words, it is a confederation of lords (lords here include not only secular lords, but also the lords of the holy world, such as monasteries and churches that hold serfs and estates).

    Therefore, Ludwig I''s control over the kingdom weakened the further he went to the periphery.

    On the other hand, the power of the Pope, such as Cecilia, is relatively stronger.

    Of course, King Fraling keeps the country in line, so the princes won''t revolt on Cecilia''s orders. ......

    Even so, as a Messianist, you cannot escape the control of the authority of the High Priestess and the Pope.

    Above all, there is a distance between Lemuria and Fulling. The lords of the surrounding areas will not agree to send troops, and King Fulling will not be able to offer any benefits.

    "Hmm.

    King Fullerling, at least, is not moving.

    Then ......

    Good. I will send out my men. ...... Yes. I''ll send Darios as commander-in-chief, plus Oskar and Jebe. We should have about 50,000 ...... troops.

    A short battle is preferable.

    If you think about it, more troops are better than less, but if you exceed 50,000 troops, you will be worried about the border against Fars.

    Thus, ......

    Under these circumstances, Lemuria began military intervention in the Habila Peninsula.

    A short time later.

    Some time after that, information was brought to Hercule that the Kingdom of Phallus had begun a full-scale mobilization of troops.

 244 Episode 2 Front Breakthrough

    Do you have any idea how big it is?

    "I can''t tell you exactly, ....... But we''re pretty sure it''s over 150,000.

    One hundred and fifty thousand.

    It was comparable to the total number of soldiers in the Lemurian Empire''s standing army.

    A cold sweat trickled down Hercule''s forehead.

    "Isn''t that the upper limit of ......?

    "The lower limit. Your Majesty.

    When Todoris replied, Hercule sighed involuntarily.

    This is the first time in the history of the system that we have had to consider mobilizing a full-fledged army of Tunda soldiers.

    I didn''t expect Sasan VIII to overreact so much.

    ...... I didn''t expect that.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

    He only fights battles that he can absolutely win.

    ...... Of course, the same is true for Hercule.

    However, Hercule''s opponents were not all weak: Bulgaron, Cerda, and Fulling.

    Although he knew he could win, there were still many ...... gambling factors that could lead to his defeat if something went wrong.

    This is because the Lemurian Empire was forced to go on the offensive due to its geographical limitations.

    A quiet topic.

    Sasan VIII was a cautious man.

    It was Hercule''s prediction that he would avoid full-scale military intervention in the Habila Peninsula ......, but he was wrong.

    I''m not sure if the Havilah Peninsula is worth defending.¡¡...... In the end, I think the fact that the main trade route crosses through Fars remains the same.

    The Habila Peninsula is a detour route.

    The Habila Peninsula is only a detour route. In addition, it is not safe because of the intermingling of various tribes.

    For many merchants, the Kingdom of Fars is still much safer.

    After all, a detour is still a detour.

    In addition, ...... the goods that come through the Havilah Peninsula are mainly heavy and cheap goods such as ceramics and spices.

    In contrast, the trade routes that cross the Kingdom of Fars are mainly for light, bulky, and expensive goods such as jewelry and silk.

    In other words, the types of goods being transported are slightly different.

    Therefore, Lemuria''s subjugation of the Havilah Peninsula does not mean that the Kingdom of Fars will be impoverished immediately.

    This was the reason why Hercule thought that Sasan VIII would not move.

    It was an important place for Lemuria, but not so much for the Kingdom of Fars.

    "...... Are you saying that the financial situation of the Kingdom of Phallus is not as good as we assumed?

    "Even though they have succeeded in conquering Sindhira?

    It is true that Hercule has been trying to create a system that does not depend on trade with the Kingdom of Fals by producing silk and sugar domestically and producing bone ash porcelain.

    However, ...... Hercule did not believe that this would shake the economic foundation of the Kingdom of Farus, which controlled the trade routes that crossed the continent.

    In fact, considering the success of Sindhira, it is safe to assume that the power of the kingdom is increasing.

    "Well, at any rate. We have always assumed the risk of war.

    Hercule said with a calm expression.

    It was true that Hercule had expected Sasan VIII to stay put, and he had been wrong.

    But it wasn''t completely unexpected.

    The possibility of Sasan VIII waging war is always taken into account.

    In fact, we have set up a strong defense line along the Flato River along the border.

    It would not be so easy to break through.

    "Let''s rally the generals.

    Hercule decided to start the war.

    Then ......

    Todoris. I''m going to send a request to ...... His Holiness Cecilia.

    "Your Majesty, that''s not ......

    Well, it''s a contingency plan. We''ll discuss it later with Loukanos.

    When Hercule said this, Todoris bowed his head reverently.

    "Yes, sir. Your Majesty.

    First, let''s discuss their spirit magic.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it.

    ...... In addition, these three have been ordered to return home as soon as possible.

    The defense of the land is the top priority.

    In the event that you''re looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, you''ll want to take a look at the following.

    Sasan VIII is the spirit of grace, Bael, and the spirit of fire, Belial.

    Coward Cardintina is Fulkas, the Great Spirit of the Spear and Cunning.

    Shaheen Charlequin, the Great Spirit of Ice and Learning, Krosel.

    Helena Uarelius Cog, the Great Spirit of Armor and Corruption.

    Cyrus Curaines is Barbatos, the Great Spirit of the Future.

    Artaxerxes Artaxerxes is Halphas, the Great Spirit of War.

    Darius Dalmares is Agares, the Great Spirit of the Earth.

    Behnam Befelard is the spirit of healing, Buell.

    Smerdis Skuldis is the spirit of music "Amduschias".

    Of these, the Lemurian Empire is most familiar with the spirits that Helena has contracted with.

    It''s no wonder, since she is originally a general of the Lemurian Empire.

    This "Subnak" is known to have the ability to dissolve armor with an acid-like mist.

    As for Fulkas and Krosel, they too have had ample combat experience.

    Of the eight generals, Generals Coward and Shaheen have faced Hercule before.

    So, their abilities in spirit magic were known to some extent.

    "Your Majesty, I''ll hold General Coward.

    "Oh ......, perhaps it will be difficult without you. Please.

    Hercule responded to Karolina''s words.

    Fulcus is a weapon spirit that has the ability to destroy anything it touches.

    It would be difficult for Karolina''s Eligos, also a powerful weapon spirit, to suppress it.

    On the other hand, Galfis had once crossed swords with Crocell.

    I''m not sure what to make of that. Can I conclude that it is similar to the spirit with which you are contracted?

    Yes, it is. I think it''s safe to say that it''s the same ...... type that manipulates natural objects as I do.

    Hmm ......

    Hercule wondered if it was possible to freeze a lake for a surprise attack .......

    However, large-scale changes to the terrain require a considerable amount of energy.

    Unlike flames, which continue to burn on their own, ice always melts and becomes brittle at room temperature.

    Therefore, it is impossible to freeze a large river and allow hundreds of thousands of troops to cross it.

    A small number may be able to do so, though, so we must remain vigilant.

    The only other person for whom we have detailed information is Befnum''s Buell.

    However, this is a spirit of healing. ......

    I don''t think it can be used for magic that can be used in battle.

    In the first place, the user himself is old. It is not likely to come to the forefront.

    As for the other generals'' spirits, we don''t know much about them, as you can see on .......

    Cyrus'' "Barbatos" is a spirit related to the bow, and is said to increase the accuracy of ...... hits.

    Artaxerxes'' Halphas is a spirit of the axe, and can kill dozens of people with a single blow, according to .......

    Smerdis'' Amduschias is a flute spirit that attacks using sound. ......

    These three are barely known to us.

    Of the spirits that Sasan VIII has contracted with, we know that Belial is an extremely powerful spirit that can control black flames that can burn anything, but there is little information on Bael.

    As for Darius'' Agares, we know that it is a hammering weapon spirit, but we don''t know anything about its abilities.

    In the first place, the Kingdom of Phallus is a vast country, with battle lines running east, west, north, and south.

    There is a wealth of information on generals who have fought against the Lemurian Empire, but it is difficult to obtain information on generals who have made a name for themselves in battles against the Kuro Tongue and Cyndira.

    In the case of Shindira, it''s all you can do to dispatch people, and most of it is hearsay.

    You''ll be able to get a lot of information about the general, but you''ll also need to know what he or she is doing. There is no point in thinking about what you don''t know.

    There is a "first-time killer" in spirit magic.

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it by visiting our website.

    Next, let''s talk about the route of the Kingdom of Foulds. The shortest possible route is to cross the ...... Flato River and attack straight into the province of Suria. The other route would be through the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    If Hercule were Sasan VIII, he would choose the latter.

    Crossing a river that the enemy is defending is not an easy task.

    Especially with the great walls and moats that Hercule had carefully fortified.

    On the other hand, the kingdom of Hayastan is far less protected.

    Of course, Hercule has been putting a lot of effort into defense, but ......

    Compared to the Shurian provinces, which have the natural barrier of the great river, it would be easier to attack.

    Therefore, we will meet the enemy in the Kingdom of Khayastan. ...... The defenses in the Shuria region are strong. We can hold them off for a few days.

    If Sasan VIII were to turn the tables and attack the province of Suria, then all he would have to do is reposition his forces.

    The province of Suria has the capability to defend itself.

    The defensive capabilities of the province of Suria have been strengthened to an extent far beyond what they were when Hercule ascended to the throne.

    "First, gather the bulk of your forces in Orontia, the capital of the province of Suria. From there, we will take a look at the enemy and then move our forces to the Kingdom of Khayastan. ...... No objections?

    ""Ha!!!"

    The generals replied in unison.

    The Lemurian Empire''s standing army, almost all of it, gathered in Orontia City.

    The Lemurian army gathered in Orontia City numbered 61200.

    It consisted of three legions of infantry, one legion of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), five battalions of archers, three battalions of rangers led by Nia, and three battalions of red wolves led by Sonia.

    Originally, there were supposed to be two more infantry corps, one medium cavalry (cataphract) corps, five infantry corps, and three battalions of rangers led by Jebe, for a total of 45600. ......

    This one is currently on an expedition to the Habila Peninsula.

    We can''t meet up with them so soon.

    Hercule had also called for two legions of infantry from the Kingdom of Cerda and one legion of cavalry from the Kingdom of Bulgalon.

    As soon as they are gathered, they will be placed under the command of Sonia and Alicia.

    With this, the total strength of the Lemurian Empire''s army, as assembled by Hercule, would be 1,428,000.

    In addition, Hercule has called out to the Tunda soldiers in the Misrule Province and other regions...

    In addition, they will be joining up with soldiers from the Shurian provinces or the Kingdom of Hayastan in the region, so the actual total force will be even larger.

    Now, the important thing is that the troop strength of the Kingdom of Fars is ......

    The army heading north is 15,000, and the one heading straight west is 5,000.

    Hercule frowned as he looked at the pieces on the map.

    The total is 200,000,000.

    Hercule shuddered as he was shown the "power" of the Kingdom of Foulds.

    To be able to put this many troops into an attack is ...... terrifying.

    I''ve heard that Sasan VIII is directly in charge of the army heading west, towards the province of Suria. How do you read that, Galfis?

    Hercule asked Galfis.

    Galfis nodded broadly.

    The 500,000 directly commanded by Sasan VIII is a diversion.

    ...... Well, I suppose so.

    Five hundred is clearly insufficient to break through the Flato River defense line.

    In terms of the number of troops, the main force is the 15,000 troops heading north, towards the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    We can hold out for about 500,000. Should we take out 15,000 first, and then 500? ......".

    When Hercule is troubled, ......

    "Your Majesty. . ...... May I make a statement?

    Nia asked for permission to speak.

    When Hercule nodded, she gave a small nod.

    It seems too obvious to be a diversion.

    "...... Hmm.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Sasan VIII will personally lead it.

    It''s like declaring that it''s a diversion.

    Definitely suspicious.

    "......, you mean?

    It is not unlikely that the 150,000 are a diversion and the 50,000 are the main force. ...... I don''t have any concrete evidence, but I think we should be cautious.

    ......

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    But ...... what if the Foulds have the maneuvers and weapons to overtake them?

    The 500 can be the main force, not a diversion.

    However, this is lacking in concrete evidence.

    We should consider the possibility that the 500 is a diversion and the main force is the 150.

    ...... But Nia is right, we need to take into account the possibility that 500 is the main force.

    It''s also important to consider the possibility that the 50,000 is the main force. 15,000 is a larger force, but moves slower. In addition, it will take longer for them to enter our country due to the fact that they will be passing through the Kingdom of Khayastan. On the other hand, the 500 is pretty quick.

    Hercule immediately made a decision.

    We''ll divide the army into two groups. Sonia, Nia, Alicia, Karolina...... you come with me. As for the remaining generals, Galfis will be the commander-in-chief, and he will be in charge of protecting the city of Orontia.

    Thus, Hercule had one legion of infantry, five battalions of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), two battalions of archers, three battalions of red wolves, and three battalions of rangers.

    In total, they led 27,600 troops out of Orontia City.

    On the way to the border line, Hercule, who was on his way to the border line while denouncing the Shurian provincial troops, ......

    A piece of information was brought to him.

    It was the overflowing of the Flato River. ......

    It was the flooding of the Flato River and the consequent malfunctioning of some of the fortresses.

 245 Episode 3 Battle of Sardel

    While Hercule was leading Nia and the others to the Flato River.

    An army of 500 troops led by King Sasan VIII had already reached the river Flato.

    "Oh, ...... the Emperor of Lemuria is heading this way, huh? You have very good instincts.

    When Sasan VIII heard the report from his men, he smiled belligerently.

    Once he had gathered his troops in Orontia, the Emperor of Lemuria divided his army into two and left the city in the hands of his ventriloquist, while he himself sailed to intercept Sasan VIII.

    He was leading an army of about three hundred men.

    However, it seems that he is advancing by joining the Tonden soldiers along the way. ...... By the time he comes into contact with Sasan VIII, the size of his force will be about 500.

    He said.

    ...... The Lemurian army has changed quite a bit, gathering troops as it marches.

    The one who raised her voice in surprise was a beautiful elf woman.

    She had a steel shield and a lance in her hand.

    But the most striking feature was ...... her large breasts.

    Helena Uarelius Cog.

    Queen of the Kingdom of Firth and one of the ...... Eight Loyal Generals.

    Helena of the Shield.

    She was Scheherazade''s mother, and originally from the Lemurian Empire.

    So she should be familiar with the military system of the Lemurian Empire. ...... However, in her common sense, the Lemurian army cannot be so dexterous as to gather troops while marching.

    It''s easier said than done.

    Without the morale and skill of the troops, and above all, a good road network, logistics facilities, bureaucracy, and good-quality non-commissioned officers, such a feat would not be possible.

    The Lemuria of old did not have that.

    But ...... has it now.

    You might want to change your assumption that the Tundan soldiers are not of high quality because they have not experienced real warfare. ...... Your Highness, Helena.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Darius Dalmares.

    One of the Eight Lords, Darius the Hammer.

    I''m not going to let my guard down. ...... is where my precious daughter is getting married.

    That''s right. If you don''t do this, you won''t be a worthy husband for ...... Scheherazade.

    ......" (Are they waiting to be told off?)

    I''m going to invade her husband''s country.

    Darius couldn''t help but chuckle.

    Then Sasan VIII called out to the other eight generals.

    Shaheen, you are to redeem yourself. Is that clear?

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    An Elven man, perhaps a little over a hundred.

    Shaheen Charlequin.

    One of the Eight Lords, the Shaheen of the Sword.

    In the past, he was defeated by Hercule I in a battle twenty years ago. ...... This time, he will be taking his revenge.

    Therefore, he seemed to be fully motivated.

    But ...... even the Emperor of Lemuria would not be able to see through this scheme. It''s the first time he''s done this against Lemuria. Let''s do this, Dareios.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    The two of you work together to formulate your magic.

    They summoned the demons of ......''s own contract.

    "Bael, the great spirit of irrigation and flood!

    "Agares, the Great Spirit of Earth and Earthquakes!

    Sasan VIII and Dareios shout the names of the demons.

    Sasan VIII and Darius shouted the names of the demons, both of which are the 72 great demons and spirits.

    ...... Even though they are the same Great Spirits, their effects and scale vary.

    For example, Karolina''s contract with Eligos is fuel efficient and easy to use.

    In addition to magical power, Eligos uses blood from menstruation as the price of the contract.

    The price of the contract is small, and the effect is proportionally limited, but it is attractive in that it can be called up and used easily .......

    In contrast, ...... Bael and Agares demand a great price for their use.

    For that reason, their great magic can only be used once every few decades.

    Therefore, it is important to know when to use it. ......

    In return, it is very powerful.

    "Bael!¡¡Raise the flood and drink up the earth!

    "Agares!¡¡Shake the earth and break its banks!

    The first thing that happened was the swell of the great river.

    The waters of the river Flato began to create unnatural waves.

    Gradually, it became ...... enormous.

    The next thing that happened was a very localized earthquake.

    The strong tremors and shock waves hit the bank on the Lemurian side of the Flato River.

    At the same time as the levee collapsed, a great flood swept it away in an instant.

    In the blink of an eye, the land of Lemuria was covered in water.

    People, farmland, ......, fortresses, great walls, moats.

    The water washed it all away.

    "Wahahahaha!¡¡Thank you for destroying our irrigation system twenty years ago!

    Sasan VIII, who was apparently still holding on to the fact that the invading Lemurian army had ravaged his land twenty years ago, laughed hysterically.

    Then he quickly returned to his serious expression.

    It was only a small part of the levee that was breached. And only a small part of the defense line was destroyed. The line of defense built by the Emperor of Lemuria. They''ll be repaired in no time if we don''t do something about it.

    No matter how great the spirit is, it can''t create a catastrophe that can remake the terrain.

    No, maybe they can, but ......

    At least, humans cannot pay that price.

    Therefore, the floods that have occurred are very localized.

    Even the hole in the defense line is a needle in a haystack in terms of its total length.

    But ......

    As long as we can make the hole, we can do the rest.

    "Let''s go. Over the river!

    Yes!

    Thus, the armies of the Kingdom of Farus entered the land of the Lemurian Empire.

    When Hercule received the information that the army of Phallus had broken through the defensive line and was advancing through the province of Suria, he clucked his tongue.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on. ...... Anything is possible, I suppose. Magic is.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    The elves have been using spirit magic for a long time. ......

    However, there is not much information about which demons use what kind of magic.

    Can control water.

    Can control fire.

    Can control the earth.

    But the details of their abilities are often unclear.

    ...... This spirit magic is the reason why Hercule didn''t want to fight against Foulds.

    You can''t predict what he will do to you.

    But your Majesty. I''m sure you''re aware of that. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... Is it possible that the localized damage could render the troops posted along the border useless?

    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    The Great Wall that Hercule found to be the border line with the Kingdom of Foulds stretched for tens of kilometers.

    Naturally, there are a good number of soldiers guarding it.

    The Great Wall that was destroyed is only a small part of it.

    Considering the length of the entire area, it is only a needle hole.

    It didn''t feel right to Carolina that the defense line had been neutralized because of that small hole.

    That hole is fatal. The Great Wall is there to temporarily hold back the enemy. If it can no longer hold them back, the Great Wall will lose its function. And all the troops that had been attached to the Great Wall have become idle soldiers.

    This is an inherent flaw in the defense equipment and system of the Great Wall.

    Because of its lack of mobility, once an enemy escapes, it is impossible to pursue him.

    It is reported that the 15,000-strong Fars army has also suddenly changed course and begun to move westward. ......

    At this rate, the soldiers on the Great Wall will be pinned down by the 500 that have entered from the inside and the 150 that are coming from the outside.

    If they build a supply route to ......, it will be troublesome.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    Currently, the army of the Kingdom of Fars, which has invaded the territory of the Lemurian Empire, is ......

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.

    The "hole" that they broke through should have already been plugged if the system that Hercule had built was functioning.

    Even though the Great Wall is not designed to be attacked from the inside ......, it can still contain the enemy to some extent.

    However, if they are attacked from inside and outside at the same time, it is a different story.

    If a part of the Great Wall is "occupied", the army of the Kingdom of Fars can breathe through it.

    They will be able to conduct military operations freely within the Lemurian Empire.

    They would lose the strategic initiative.

    All right, we''ll take them out before the Foulds'' army of 50000 joins up with the 15000!

    Hercule immediately made a decision and began to march to the target point.

    Thus, ......

    The two armies came into contact near the village of Sardel.

 246 Episode 4 Battle of Sardel

    The troops of the Lemurian Empire that arrived at the village of Sardel consisted of one legion of regular infantry, two legions of Tunda infantry, five battalions of heavy cavalry (cribanarius), two battalions of archers, three battalions of red wolves, and three battalions of rangers.

    Total: 516,000.

    In contrast, the troops of the Kingdom of Fars consisted of 30,000 infantry, 10,000 medium cavalry "Cribanarius" and 10,000 heavy cavalry "Cataphract".

    Total: 500,000.

    The two armies then formed up as follows.

    Helena

    Darius Sasan VIII Shaheen

    ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ¨Œ River

    0,000 ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ 0,000 River

    ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ¡õ River

    River

    River

    River

    ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö River

    ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö River

    ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö ¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø¡ø River

    Sonia, Hercule, Nia.

    One Lemurian army, 120,000.

    The army of Fars is converted to one, 100,000.

    Sasan VIII''s formation was simple and straightforward.

    He deployed 30,000 infantry in the center and 10,000 heavy and medium mixed cavalry on each wing.

    Hercule, on the other hand, was also simple and straightforward.

    In the center was one corps of standing army infantry, two corps of Tunda infantry, and two battalions of archers, for a total of 3,840.

    On the left flank were the Red Wolves led by Sonia, and on the right flank were the Rangers led by Nia, with three heavy cavalry battalions in the former and two in the latter.

    The aim of both sides was simple.

    "Deep penetration with abundant infantry strength.

    "Or a siege by the cavalry on both flanks.

    Without any particular surprise, Sasan VIII and Hercule muttered to themselves.

    Hercule was the first to arrive at the battlefield.

    Hercule, who had already obtained information that this side was inferior to the enemy in terms of cavalry strength, positioned himself at the riverside, where the enemy could not make use of their cavalry strength.

    Near the riverside, he sent an independent ranger unit led by Nia, who could act as both cavalry and infantry.

    On the other hand, the Red Wolves, led by Sonia, were placed away from the riverside.

    And each of them will have heavy cavalry to reinforce their strength.

    Finally, he decided to command the infantry in the center himself.

    The only thing to be concerned about, however, is the possibility that Shaheen might use "Crossel" to freeze the river and launch a surprise attack by placing them by the ...... riverside.

    However, if they were to run head-on into the enemy on the plain, they would be surrounded from the start.

    There was no other choice but to inform Nia and warn her of this.

    On the other hand, Sasan VIII was undaunted by the terrain, which was difficult for cavalry to take advantage of, and arranged his troops according to the textbook.

    The ratio of forces in the center was about 100,000. And we''re up against deathless messianists. Hmm, we''ll have to finish both wings quickly or they''ll break through.

    ...... The gap in cavalry strength is still too great. If we don''t break through the center before the two wings are broken through, we will be surrounded.

    Both King Sasan VIII and Hercule came to the same conclusion.

    Thus, ......

    The sound of drums and flutes echoed across the battlefield.

    The advance of the two armies began.

    The first to move were the cavalry units on both flanks.

    First, the battlefields on the left flank of the Lemurian army and the right flank of the Phallus army.

    The 720 cavalry led by Sonia attacked the 10000 led by Darius. ......

    I''m sure you''ll agree.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea. But will it be that easy?

    Darius judged Sonia''s move to be a delay tactic to delay the end of the battle.

    If the two sides clash, the Lemurian cavalry will be defeated, as the difference in strength is about three hundred.

    Therefore, by retreating, he was trying to delay the settlement and protect the flank of the Lemurian army.

    If Darius ignores Sonia''s cavalry and attacks the central flank of the Lemurian army, Sonia will turn again and attack the flank of Darius'' right flank phallus cavalry.

    I won''t let her get away.

    Darius increased the speed of his cavalry and closed in on the cavalry unit led by Sonia.

    But...

    "What?

    I''m not going to run away.

    When the cavalry led by Dareios showed signs of fatigue, Sonia quickly reversed.

    She took the lead and attacked.

    The Red Wolf Corps 360 became the core, holding off the 10000 cavalry led by Darius.

    In the meantime, the heavy cavalry (cribanarius) move in on both sides.

    "Nuh-uh. ...... What strength!

    "The gods are with us!¡¡Destroy the infidels!

    Sonia howls loudly, her silver armor turning red.

    And when she finds Darius, she attacks him with her sword in the air.

    "Come on!¡¡Why don''t you let your demons out too!

    "...... is not enough for a mad dog.

    The way you look at it, it looks like you''ve used up all your magic power breaking through the Great Wall!

    The hammer of Darius and the sword of Sonia clashed violently.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    "General!

    Protect your lord!

    In order to save Darius from being cornered, the Foul Cavalry attacked Sonia.

    The Red Wolves also fought hard to prevent this.

    Gradually, the battle between the left flank of the Lemurian army and the right flank of the Phallus army turned into a mixed battle.

    Meanwhile, the battlefield between the right wing of the Lemurian army and the left wing of the Phallus army.

    Here, 600 cavalry troops led by Nia and 100 cavalry troops led by Shaheen were fighting.

    The ground on which both sides were fighting was very close to a river, a tributary of the Hurat River, and the ground was rather muddy.

    In such a place, ......

    "Shoot the horses with arrows and drag down the enemy soldiers!

    The independent rangers, led by Nia, are strong.

    First, Nia drove stakes into the battlefield beforehand.

    These stakes and the muddy ground prevented the Foulds from attacking easily.

    He then had his dismounted force of three hundred and sixty carry longbows to attack the cavalrymen who were pinned down and unable to move.

    Lemuria''s longbows have excellent range.

    This, combined with the terrain effects of stakes and muck, made for an extremely vicious combination.

    And when the Foul Cavalry tried to attack Nia''s dismounted independent rangers through the few breaks in the stakes and dry places, ......

    Immediately, Lemurian heavy cavalry (cribanarius) responded.

    "...... You''re young, but you''re good. The quality of Lemurian soldiers and generals has improved over the years.

    Shaheen frowned, though he was impressed.

    He wanted to redeem himself, but ...... it was not going to be easy.

    But ...... he smiled, though.

    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

    I''m going to have to play my trump card sooner rather than later.

    A fearless smile appeared on his face.

    In the meantime, the battle between the central ...... Lemurian army and the central Phallus army began slightly later than the two wings.

    The battle began with a firefight between the Lemurian longbow and the Foulds crossbow.

    ...... Our longbows have better range and rapid fire.

    "But our crossbow troops are more numerous.

    Hercule and Sasan VIII muttered at the exact same time, expressionless.

    The Lemurian longbow is not just a longbow, it is a kind of work of art made with pulleys and other components.

    And the longbowmen who handle them are like acrobats.

    Therefore, it is difficult to increase their numbers.

    On the other hand, Foulds'' crossbows are mass-produced.

    In contrast, the crossbows of the Foulds are mass-produced, and the soldiers who use them are not unskilled, but they are replaceable.

    Both Hercule and Sasan VIII were aware of this fact.

    Each of them understood the advantages and disadvantages of such equipment.

    However, there was one thing that Hercule had miscalculated.

    (......It seems that there has been a technological revolution in a few decades.

    The power, accuracy, and range of the crossbows of the Kingdom of Foulds have increased compared to the past.

    This was a surprise to Hercule.

    This was surprising to Hercule, but when he thought about it, it wasn''t so strange.

    The country with the most advanced crossbow manufacturing technology and systems in the world is the Silk Kingdom of the Far East.

    The Kingdom of Foulds has a trade relationship with the Silk Kingdom through the Silk Road.

    Therefore, they can easily purchase the latest technology from the Silk Kingdom.

    The two armies are shooting arrows at each other, but they are gradually closing the distance.

    And ......

    Finally, the two sides'' close-quarters forces clashed.

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 247 Episode 5 Battle of Sardel

    The first clash was between the Lemurian Tunda soldiers (120) and the Phallus soldiers (100).

    The Lemurian army had a slight advantage in the number of soldiers.

    On the other hand, the morale and skill level of the Lemurian army is ......

    ...... Lemurian infantry is of good quality after all.

    "The Tundan soldiers are the reserve of the standing army. Their quality is as good as yours.

    For a moment, the battle between the central infantry was balanced. ......

    It was really only for a moment.

    Soon the Lemurians were gaining the upper hand in the battle.

    And ......

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    The Lemurian Tunda troops have defeated the first line of the Phallus army.

    The first line of the Phallus army scattered and fled to both wings.

    On the other hand, the first line of the Lemurian army kept up its momentum and attacked the second line of the Phallus army.

    "Second line, begin preparations for attack.

    Second line forward!

    Hercule and Sasan VIII each begin preparing to deploy their reserve forces.

    Finally, the first line of the Lemurian army and the second line of the Phallus army clashed.

    The first line of the Lemurian army was not moving well due to the continuous fighting.

    Fatigue filled the gap in numbers and quality, and the Phallus army stopped the Lemurian army''s advance.

    ...... until the Lemurians brought in a second line of reserve troops.

    The first line of battle went straight to both flanks. Second line, charge!

    "...... to the third line. Begin preparations for attack!

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    The Tundan soldiers that make up the second battle line of the Lemurian army easily defeat the second battle line of the Fars army.

    The third line of battle, the last reserve force of the Phallus army, will meet this challenge.

    It will be led by a former Lemurian noble. And one of the Eight Loyal Generals, Helena of the Shield.

    ...... But I can''t believe this is the Lemurian army.

    Helena is astonished, but holds off the onslaught of the Lemurian army.

    As the name implies, Helena excels at defensive warfare.

    In addition, ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    She invokes her own spirit, Subnak.

    This spirit is the great demon of corruption.

    It has the ability to gradually corrupt the bodies and armor of enemies within a 30 meter radius.

    This ability demoralized the Lemurian troops.

    Due to the efforts of Helena and the Third Battle Line of the Phallus Army, the battle line was temporarily stalemated.

    ...... temporarily.

    "Come on!¡¡Our elite troops!¡¡One last push!

    At long last, Hercule throws the third line, a tiger of a tiger composed of standing army infantry, into the battlefield.

    At last, Hercule threw the third line of the tiger army, composed of standing army infantry, into the battlefield. ...... The Phallus army had no reserve troops to take this on.

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    "......

    "......

    Hercule, Sasan VIII watches over the battlefield .

    And ......

    "Your Majesty!

    His Majesty the King!

    Hercule and Sasan VIII received a call from a fast horse, informing them of the situation at the front.

    The two mounts informed their respective sovereigns almost simultaneously of the following.

    "Message from General Nia, right wing. It is difficult to maintain the right front any longer. I advise you to withdraw.

    "Message from General Crocell, left wing. "Lemurian forces are attacking on the right flank. We''re moving to the offensive!

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    All troops, retreat!

    "All troops, commence offensive!

    Hercule and Sasan VIII gave the order to the entire army.

    And so, victory or defeat was decided.

 248 Episode 6 Battle of Sardel

    The battle that decided the course of the war was not between the central Lemurian and Phallus armies ......, but between the right wing of the Lemurian army and the left wing of the Phallus army.

    The first to make a move was Shaheen, who led the left wing of the Phallus army.

    The first to move was Shaheen, the leader of the left wing of the Phallus army.¡¡Make a path of ice!

    He led about three hundred cavalrymen to cross the river.

    Crossing a river is extremely difficult, and it should be even more difficult while mounted. ......

    However, it is not impossible for him who has made a pact with the great demon of ice.

    Even if it''s just for a moment.

    All he has to do is freeze the river just long enough for 300 cavalrymen to cross.

    Thus, Shaheen crossed the river.

    He tried to go around to the right flank of the Lemurian army.

    It was only after he had crossed the river that Nia noticed General Shaheen''s movement.

    I''m not sure what the point of a terrain defense is if you freeze the river ......!

    The reason I positioned myself so close to the river was to use its slush to restrain the enemy cavalry''s movement. ......

    It was also to protect the vulnerable right flank of his army.

    However, this would not work if the river was easily crossed.

    You can''t really ...... do that, can you? I don''t like the idea of spirit magic.

    Nia immediately reported this to Hercule.

    She herself redeployed her troops to take on Shaheen''s attack.

    Fortunately, Shaheen''s actions had been anticipated to the extent that they might have been.

    Therefore, the repositioning of the troops went smoothly.

    "Fire!¡¡They won''t be able to hold the ice that long!¡¡Don''t let them cross to the shore!

    Get across!¡¡Push through!

    As the Lemurians brought in their third line of battle.

    Nia and Shaheen were locked in mortal combat.

    As Nia had predicted, the ice path Shaheen had created could not be maintained for very long.

    Therefore, if they don''t make it across ......, three hundred of them will be wasted in the river during the crossing.

    However, if they can make it across, the ...... Phallus army can surround the Lemurian army from the front and left.

    And the battle was won by ......

    ...... couldn''t get across the thousand. But two thousand is enough!¡¡"We''re assaulting the right flank of the Lemurian army. We''re going on the offensive.

    "Send word to the Emperor!¡¡It''s difficult to maintain the right flank any longer. I advise you to withdraw.

    It was Shaheen.

    "All troops, retreat!¡¡"All troops, retreat!" ...... "We couldn''t attack!

    In the event that you do not have a good idea of what you''re looking for, you may want to look at the following.

    The first thing to do is to maintain the front line as it is, and let the infantry forces that had been avoiding the rear escape.

    On the other hand, he instructed both Nia and Sonia to leave the battlefield.

    I will remain in command until the end.

    And ......

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    Thanks to Hercule''s prompt instructions, many soldiers succeeded in escaping the siege of Fars.

    In response, King Sasan VIII said ......

    The cavalry can''t keep up!¡¡Keep the infantry in pursuit and surrounded.

    Shaheen orders Darius to pursue the infantry.

    As a result, Darius, who was chasing Sonia, and Shaheen, who was chasing Nia, turned their forces around.

    They attacked the Lemurian infantry who were trying to leave the battlefield.

    And ......

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    Surrounded and destroyed the Lemurian army left behind.

    Many of them were either killed or taken prisoner.

    The infantry corps that attempted to leave the battlefield were also severely damaged by the fierce pursuit.

    Thus, the battle of Sardel was won by the Kingdom of Fars.

    The Battle of Sardel

    Battle Power

    Lemuria VS Phallus

    Main commander

    Lemuria

    Hercule I (Emperor of the Lemurian Empire)

    Sonia Yulianos (Queen of the Kingdom of Chelda)

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios

    Phallus

    Sasan VIII

    Helena Uarelius Cog.

    Shaheen Charlequin

    Dareios Dalmares

    Armies

    Lemuria 516,000

    Fars 500,000

    Result

    Lemurian Army

    Casualties 1,680

    Prisoners of war 720

    Remaining 276,000

    Fars'' Army

    Casualties 700

    Remaining 430,000

    Victory or defeat: ...... Lemurian army defeated

    Impact

    Third victory of Sasan VIII against Lemuria.

    Collapse of the Surian Front of the Lemurian Empire.

    Start of a full-scale invasion of the Kingdom of Fars.

    After the defeat, Hercule crawled back to Orontia City, the capital of the province of Suria.

    This is the first time I''ve ever been to a game in which I''ve been able to play the game.

    ...... You''ve been beaten severely. I''m sure you''ll agree.

    Not at all.

    Hercule sits down on his throne with a dirty, uncomfortable expression on his face.

    The servants tell Hercule that he is ready for a bath, but ......

    ''After the council of war.''

    Hercule replied shortly.

    The time is of the essence.

    "Well, I''m afraid we can''t get any information while we''re in retreat. Galfis!¡¡Give me a brief summary of the situation.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Galfis, ordered by Hercule, unhesitatingly summarized the information and gave it in a straightforward manner to the unhappy Hercule.

    The report is as follows.

    The Foulds Army 50000, which broke through the defense line of the province of Shuria, has joined up with the Foulds Army 15000, which is a separate force.

    They occupied the anti-Faals defense facilities built around the Flato River and completely took control of the Flato River.

    It is now using the rich granary and economic zone of the Flato and Dajra Rivers to build a logistics line.

    So, they''ve taken control of the war.

    It''s only a matter of time before Sasan VIII finishes building the logistics.

    If he does, he can invade the Lemurian Empire at will.

    The Lemurian Empire will have to be on the back foot, as its borders are wide from north to south.

    "Also, Your Majesty. This is a report from the ...... monks who have infiltrated the Kingdom of Phallus, but it seems that there is now a new military movement in the Kingdom of Phallus. ...... In the eastern part of the kingdom, it seems that about 100,000 troops of the Sindhira army are moving straight to the west.

    "......

    The Farrus forces currently occupying the area around the Flato River are 200,000.

    If another 100 are added to this, the total force will be ......

    If another 100,000 are added to this, the total force will be 300,000.

    On the other hand, in Lemuria, Hercule bought time, and the mobilization of the Cheluda and Bulgaron armies was successfully completed, and reinforcements are almost ready to be added. ......

    All in all, less than 15,000.

    "Your Majesty. "Your Majesty. ...... Forgive my words.

    "Forgive my words. Galfis.

    "Wouldn''t it be better to make peace with ......?

    A moment of silence fell over the room.

    Hercule raised his hand and swung it ......

    He swung it down.

    With a cracking sound, the marble table was destroyed in half.

    Blood dripped from Hercule''s hands.

    "I''m not going to back down now!

    Hercule shouted, and clutched his hand, which was dripping with blood.

    "Mobilize all available troops in all provinces!¡¡Gather an additional corps from Cerda and Bulgaron!

    Then Hercule stretched out his bloodied hands to his vassals.

    Then Hercule stretched out his bloodied hands to his vassals, "And bring someone with paper, writing implements, and a seal!¡¡I''ll give you a letter of intent!

    Then he sniffed.

    "I never thought I''d have to use this bill.

 249 Episode 7 Battle off the board

    "......, Emperor.

    What''s wrong?

    Hercule had just finished healing his hand and was taking a hot bath when he was visited by ......

    It''s still light.

    It''s still light.

    Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty.

    She bowed her head deeply.

    Hercule gave a small, snorting laugh.

    "What are you talking about?

    "The war with the Foulth, it would be wise to make peace with them.

    At Lunalie''s words, Hercule raised his eyebrows in displeasure.

    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    "What are you trying to say?

    The Kingdom of Khayastan would have to come to the peace table.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is a very important state for both Lemuria and Phars.

    This time, Sasan VIII invaded Lemuria by way of crossing the Flato River. ......

    As Hercule had predicted, it would have been faster to go through the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    This is true for both Lemuria and Fars.

    The Kingdom of Khayastan is also a hub of transit trade between Lemuria, Phars, Kurotsuki, and the northern countries.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan is also one of the largest granaries in the world.

    The economic benefits are not insignificant.

    Sasan VIII will definitely claim the Kingdom of Khayastan.

    It would be good if the Kingdom of Hayastan only became a province of Fars, but ...... at worst, it could become a province.

    The reason why Lunalie is offering her body to Hercule is so that he can protect the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    In order to fulfill his promise, Hercule is going to fight Foulds until the end.

    Lemuria''s vassals, the Senate, will advise him to cut down the kingdom of Khayastan. ...... You pretended to be angry in order to silence that opinion.

    Then Lunalie bowed her head again.

    "Thank you ...... for defending our country, our homeland. Thank you ...... for defending our country, our homeland. Your Majesty ......, but please take it easy. Your ...... country can be reclaimed.

    For Lunalie, the Kingdom of Khayastan is the most important thing.

    But if the Lemurian Empire suffers a fatal defeat in order to protect ...... it, everything will be lost.

    Of course, the Kingdom of Khayastan will never come back.

    ...... I think you''ve misunderstood something. Luna.

    Hercule got up from the tub.

    He took Lunalee''s hand and grabbed her head with his other hand and pressed his lips against her lustrous lips.

    "Nchu......

    I''m not pushing it. It''s a good idea to take into account the fact that you''re going to ...... lose the war in the first place. You just have to win in the end. We have all the trump cards for that.

    "...... trump card?

    First of all, I built the Great Wall on the premise that the ...... border defense line would be brought down. There''s no fortress that can''t fall.

    No matter how impregnable a castle or fortress is, it can fall.

    That''s why Hercule had in mind what would happen after they fell.

    Next, ......, there are measures to bridge the gap in strength. We are not at a one-sided disadvantage.

    Originally, it was known that there was a huge gap in national and military power between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars.

    That''s why I''ve been planning to close the gap for several years now.

    In the first place, I am the co-ruler of the Kingdom of Khayastan. In other words, I''m also the king of Hayastan. It''s only natural for me to protect the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    "Hmm. ......

    Hercule embraces Lunalie and crawls his lips on the nape of her white neck.

    And ...... the kingdom of Khayastan will be inherited by me and your son. There is no reason to give it to Sasan VIII.

    "...... Yes.

    Hercule pushed Lunalie down.

    Lunalie looked up at Hercule with an upturned expression.

    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.

    No matter how many troops you have, you will never have enough. I''ll use Hayastan''s troops.

    "...... Yes, I will give everything. So, please.

    "I''m willing.

    Lip to lip.

    Meanwhile, Nova Lemuria.

    "Her Highness Scheherazade!¡¡Where do you think you''re going?

    Her followers desperately tried to stop Scheherazade, who wore silver armor and beautiful blond hair.

    But Scheherazade does not seem to stop.

    She walks silently to the stables.

    Where to?¡¡To her husband, the Emperor, of course.

    ''Oh, no!¡¡We''re under orders from the Emperor to keep His Highness in the palace!

    When the war between Lemuria and Fars begins, ......

    Scheherazade is the one who will be in the most vulnerable position.

    Sheherazade''s position would be compromised if she were to simply divert information from Lemuria to Phallus.

    The worst that can happen is that he will be driven back to Phallus by the danger of his homeland and his righteous indignation.

    "Yes!¡¡I''m going to help you!¡¡Get out of the way ......

    Get out of my way!

    "Get out of my way!" Scheherazade was about to shout.

    Sheherazade was about to shout, "Get out of my way!" when what appeared to be a messenger from Hercule came running towards her.

    He kneels down in front of Scheherazade.

    He knelt before Scheherazade. "Forgive my rudeness. Things must be done quickly. ......

    "What is it?

    "A decree from the Emperor. His Highness, Scheherazade, is to proceed to Orontia City at once!

    Scheherazade''s followers'' eyes widened at these words.

    Scheherazade smiled fearlessly.

    And that''s the way it is, Your Majesty. ...... Now, prepare the horses!

    Hurriedly, the attendants pulled Scheherazade''s horse out.

    In the meantime, Scheherazade clutched the rosary around her neck with her hand.

    I''m sorry I''m not a filial daughter. Father, mother. But ...... I have given my life to the Lord and to you.

    ...... I ask for your understanding.

    And so Scheherazade headed for Orontia City.

    On the other hand, there is a city-state on the Havilah Peninsula.

    One of Lemuria''s many allies.

    The Lemurian Empire''s large fleet was lined up in its military port.

    Among them, boarding the largest flagship is ...... a man with blue eyes who vaguely resembles Hercule in appearance.

    He is the Governor of the Lemurian Imperial Navy, Christos.

    He has been working in the Sea of Rubel to secure sea control over the Havilah Peninsula and capture pirates.

    It''s a humble but important job ...... that protects the safety of the Lemurian Empire''s maritime trade.

    The emperor is notorious for his reckless orders.

    Hercule ordered Christos to do one thing.

    To lead a fleet into the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Fahls.

    He wants you to attract the enemy.

    Of course, there is no landing force because there is no room for troops.

    So it''s just a check and balance. ......

    If a large fleet appears on the coast not far from the capital, or even just the information that a large fleet of the Lemurian Empire is heading for the Kingdom of Fars, we can put strategic pressure on Sasan VIII.

    It''s going to be a dangerous voyage,......, but it''s a battle for the fate of this country. Most importantly, it''s the first time in a long time!¡¡Let''s make sure we bring victory to Lemuria.

    And so the great fleet of the Lemurian Empire left the harbor.

    It passed through the Sea of Rubel, rounded the Havilah Peninsula, and began to advance ...... into the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Phars.

    But not long before that.

    When Scheherazade was ready to rush to Hercule''s side, ......

    When Scheherazade was ready to rush to Hercule,, Lemurian Minister of Foreign Affairs Todoris and Nova Lemuria Patriarch Loukanos had tense expressions on their faces.

    I never thought that I would be the one to set ...... this plan in motion.

    Should I be happy or saddened that this plan I''ve been working on for five years is not in vain? ...... The latter.

    Todoris and Loukanos chuckled.

    "We are very close to the arrival of Her Highness the High Priestess. Until then, I will prepare for the council.

    Then I will coordinate and negotiate with the ambassadors.

    The two men began their respective tasks.

    Now ...... the next day.

    The next day, some information was brought to the royal court of the kingdom of Fullerling.

    It was ......

    "Your Majesty (????), it seems that there is a large scale military movement near the border between our country and ...... no, our friendly kingdom of Edelna and the Lemurian Empire. ...... It seems that part of the garrison is moving to eastern Lemuria. It seems that some of the defenders are moving to eastern Lemuria.

    One of the seven heroes, Namo the Wise, informed his lord, King Ludwig I.

    "Hmm. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.

    Ludwig I asked Ganullon of Justice, one of the seven heroes.

    And Ganullon smiled a very sneaky smile.

    At least the war is not going well. We may not be ...... defeated, but we are at least outnumbered.

    Hmm. ...... Lemuria is an inferior opponent in terms of military strength. It''s a terrible thing to be a Phallus.

    The Lemurian Empire is far superior to the Fullerling Kingdom (Empire) in terms of the total number of troops it can mobilize.

    The Lemurian Empire is far superior to the Fulling Kingdom in terms of the number of troops it can mobilize, but the Kingdom of Phallus has even more troops than that.

    Compared to these two kingdoms, King Ludwig I is a frog in a well.

    I have no intention of going out of the well, though.

    "Hmm, so the Lemurian Empire is thin on the ground as of .......

    King Ludwig I smiled grimly.

    I''ve been in debt to the Kingdom of Phallus before ....... Without their help, we would have been defeated.

    About five years ago.

    In the war in Edelna, the Fulling Kingdom was able to draw the Lemurian Empire to a draw because of the pressure of the Foulds Kingdom from behind.

    The current war between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus may also be attributed to that event.

    "I must thank Fahls for this one thing.

    King Ludwig I muttered, and one of the seven heroes, Tulpan of Faith, asked his lord.

    "So, Your Majesty. What if ......?

    "It means that there is no such thing as true friendship between nations.

    And with that, King Ludwig I stood up.

    "It''s been five years since the last war!¡¡Let''s go to Lemuria!

    Now, about a month later.

    In a city near the river Flato, King Sasan VIII was planning his strategy.

    Then Befoum came.

    "Your Majesty, ...... I have good news and bad news, which would you like to hear first?

    "Well, let''s start with the good news.

    When Sasan VIII replied, Behnam gave a small nod.

    The 100,000 troops we brought in from the east and the three gleaming generals are expected to arrive in three days.

    "Hmm, I see.

    General Trifunnel.

    Three glittering generals. Three glittering generals are the names of three men under King Sasan VIII.

    They are not counted among the eight loyal generals because they are not technically under King Sasan VIII.

    They are made up of kings of subordinate countries or exiled royalty.

    However, their abilities are well known.

    They are not well known in the Lemurian Empire because they were basically active in the eastern part of the country. ...... Their abilities are comparable to those of the Eight Loyal Generals.

    And by the way, did you manage to bring the thing without missing a piece?

    "By the way, did you get that thing without missing a beat? ...... We have four hundred of them.

    I see. ...... Now, how will Lemuria deal with this?

    Sasan VIII smiled with amusement.

    And then he asks Befnum.

    "Any bad news?

    Our logistics units have been heavily damaged by repeated surprise attacks by Lemurian forces. Some of our operations may be significantly delayed.

    "Mm. ......

    Of course, the Lemurian Empire has the advantage of the land, so some surprise attacks are conceivable.

    However, it is strange that it has succeeded so many times and continues to lose tactically to the extent that it has a significant impact on strategy.

    I did not intend to use such an incompetent person as a general.

    I thought we had our logistics forces on a relatively safe path, don''t you see where the attack is coming from?

    "Yes, Your Majesty. This is my guess, but ......

    "The enemy''s spirit magic, huh?

    This is my guess, . "Spiritual magic on the part of the enemy," muttered Sasan VIII, and Befnum nodded in affirmation.

    And this guess of Sasan VIII''s was correct.

    In fact, Hercule had used the hallucinogenic magic of Asmodeus and Citri on some of the fortresses and great walls near the eastern border.

    In other words, the eastern defense line created by Hercule had a number of fatal flaws that only Hercule could see.

    To exploit these flaws, Hercule ordered Nia and Jebe to attack the logistics of the Kingdom of Fars.

    Even King Sasan VIII could not be sure of every line of defense with his own eyes.

    All he can do is to look at the map of the defense lines left by the Lemurian Empire''s army. ......

    You can''t know what Asmodeus and Sitri are hallucinating unless you see them with your own eyes and examine them carefully.

    It seems that Hercule I had taken into account that the Great Wall would be brought down and used against him.

    Sasan VIII was impressed by Hercule''s deliberateness.

    Then he put his hand to his chin.

    "But I''m surprised. Hercule I is very motivated. We have 300,000 men. Lemuria is ...... probably limited to around 200,000 no matter how you squeeze it. I''m surprised he hasn''t agreed to peace.

    Sasan VIII thought that Lemuria would surrender when it had 300,000 troops.

    Now, he was ready to make peace by simply handing over the kingdom of Khayastan to Fars.

    You may be a more compassionate man than I thought.

    Hmm, you mean the Queen of Khayastan is boning you?¡¡If anything, I think he just hates to lose.

    I used to be like that.

    I used to be like that," Sasan VIII said, narrowing his eyes nostalgically.

    "Well, good. If the other side doesn''t respond,......, let''s just go ahead and take the province of Suria.

    It''s not easy to overturn a 100,000 manpower gap.

    If there is a big difference in ability between Sasan VIII and Hercule I, then ......

    There is not much difference between them.

    Then, it is purely a matter of military power, national power, and numbers.

    In addition, ......

    If King Fulling follows through on his secret agreement, Lemuria will be pinned down from east to west.

    More than five years ago.

    The Kingdom of Foulds and the Kingdom of Fulling had made several secret agreements against Lemuria.

    The existence of the Lemurian Empire could not be ignored, as it could come up behind the Fullerling Kingdom in its fight against the Duiche Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Fahls in its fight against the Kuro Tongue and Sindhira.

    Therefore, when one side is at war with the Lemurian Empire, the other side plans to deploy its forces to check the Lemurian Empire.

    It was in accordance with such a secret agreement that King Sasan VIII moved his army five years ago.

    "I''m sure King Ludwig I will move. He''s a man who betrays people without hesitation.

    "A knight among knights," right?¡¡Well, a knight in Fullerling''s eyes is a knight who is driven by profit, so he may not be wrong.

    More ......

    Whether Ludwig I enters the war or not, the victory of King Sasan VIII is unassailable.

    Thus, ......

    The die is cast.

 250 Episode 8 Battle of Ilms Introduction

    Your Majesty. The Foulds are on the move.

    "Hmm, ......, looks like we''re just in time.

    When the Phallus Army established a supply line and joined with 100,000 reinforcements, they became 300,000 and began their invasion of Lemuria once again.

    The Lemurian Empire had succeeded in rebuilding its forces.

    In the city of Orontia, the capital of the province of Suria, all the troops that Hercule had at his disposal were now assembled.

    Four legions of infantry

    One legion of longbowmen

    One legion of heavy cavalry (cribanarius)

    1 legion of medium cavalry (cataphracts)

    Three near battalions of rangers

    Three battalions of Sonia''s Red Wolves

    Three battalions of Jebe rangers

    Four legions of Tunisians

    One corps of Khayastan infantry

    Three legions of Chelda infantry

    Two corps of Bulgarson''s cavalry.

    Infantry: 156,000, cavalry: 588,000.

    Total military strength 2,148,000.

    This was the maximum number of troops that the Lemurian Empire could muster from its national power.

    In contrast, the total strength of the Phallus Army is 300,000.

    The difference in strength is about 9,000.

    This difference is far from small, even to say the least.

    But ......

    I''ve done all I can do.

    Hercule said, looking around at his subjects.

    No need for so many words.

    He had faith in his generals, and they had faith in him.

    "Let''s go!

    "Yes!

    The Lemurian army, about two hundred and ten strong, began to move.

    "The Lemurian army appears to be on the move.

    "Hmm.

    Hearing the report from the scouting party, Sasan VIII smiled grimly.

    He then summoned the eight loyal generals and three glittering generals under his command.

    The first to arrive were the eight loyal generals.

    All of them were elves and had made contracts with high-ranking spirits.

    "Behnam Behferad, the Wand. An aging elf. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Foulds. His contracted spirit is Buell, the Spirit of Wisdom.

    "Coward Kaldintina, the Spear. A middle-aged Elf of long ears. One of the generals who were once defeated by Hercule. His contracted spirit is Fulkas, the spear spirit.

    "Shaheen Sharrukan, the Sword. He is a middle-aged elf. One of the generals who were defeated by Hercule. His contracted spirit is Krosel, a spirit of ice.

    "Helena Uarelius Cog, the Shield. A native of the Lemurian Empire, queen of King Fahls. Her contracted spirit is Subnak, the spirit of decay.

    "Darius Dalmares, the Hammer. Middle-aged, long-eared elf. Contracted with Agares, the spirit of earthquakes.

    "Cyrus Curaines, the Bow. Young elven long-eared. The contracted spirit is Barbatos, the spirit of future and foresight.

    "Artaxerxes Artaxerxes, the Axe. A young elf with long ears. The contracted spirit is Halphus, the spirit of war and logistics.

    "Smerdis Skuldis the Flute. Young Elf. The contracted spirit is Amduschias, the spirit of music.

    One by one, they kneel before Sasan VIII.

    At the same time as the eight generals were assembled, the three glittering generals also appeared before Sasan VIII.

    One of them was a man with an oriental face.

    His name was Li Huang.

    He was a former member of the royal family of the Silk Kingdom who had defected to the Kingdom of Fars after the political uprising.

    He is skilled in the art of war and in the use of crossbow.

    The other is a half-breed elf with a vaguely oriental appearance.

    His name is Kublai.

    He is a former member of the royal family of the Kuro Tongue, who also defected to the Kingdom of Farus.

    He controls a force of northern nomads.

    ...... is actually Jebe''s cousin.

    The last one is a dark-skinned elf woman.

    The last one is a dark-skinned, long-eared Elf woman. ...... A Dark Elf girl, not seen in Lemuria or Farus.

    Her name is Carly Marr.

    She is skilled with certain animals.

    "Are we there?

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    Sasan VIII nodded his head in satisfaction before a total of eleven generals under his command.

    "Let me assure you. In my reign, no!¡¡I assure you, this is the pinnacle of military prowess in the history of Fars!

    The eleven generals are all extremely capable commanders.

    All eleven generals are extremely capable commanders, and I am a man worthy of holding them together, a general of generals.

    Sasan VIII was convinced of this.

    "In addition to an excellent general, ...... there are about 300,000 elites!¡¡You can''t win a battle with this many soldiers!

    200,000 infantry.

    200,000 infantry. 100,000 cavalry.

    And ...... four hundred war elephants brought from Sindhira!

    This was the greatest force the Kingdom of Foulds could muster for a foreign campaign.

    "We will crush Lemuria in this war!¡¡Let''s go!

    "Ha!

    The city of Orontia, capital of the Lemurian Empire''s province of Suria, is our destination.

    Straight ahead, without avoiding the Lemurian army, I pushed forward.

    The Lemurian army and the Phallus army.

    The two armies chose as their decisive battleground a plain about five kilometers from the city of Orontia.

    It was in the suburbs of a village called Ilkhamus.

    The layout of the two armies is as follows.

    The symbol for the Phallus army is approximately 250.

    The symbol for the Lemurian army is approximately 300 (including errors).

    The Lemurian army''s symbols are about 300 (including errors). "Crushing tactics by numbers. ...... It''s simple, but that''s why it''s so tricky.

    When Hercule confirmed the formation of the Phallus army, he frowned.

    The position of the Phallus army can be divided into seven sections from the outside: the extreme left and right (both) wings, the left and right (both) wings, the center (both left and right) wings, and the center.

    Of these, 2,000 cavalry on the extreme wings.

    On both wings there are 100 cavalry and 400 infantry.

    On the center flank, 100,000 cavalry and 100,000 infantry.

    In the center are 400 infantry and 400 ...... war elephants.

    In addition, about 80000 cavalry and infantry reserve troops could be seen behind .......

    Purely, the center and both wings are thick.

    The reserves were also plentiful.

    It would be difficult to win in this situation, no matter how you devised your tricks.

    The ...... war elephants are also troublesome.

    The Lemurian Empire, or rather, Hercule, has never faced a war elephant before.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    We have instructed the war elephants to attack at their feet. ......

    I didn''t know how effective it would be.

    If we could have bought a little more time, we would have been evenly matched. ......

    But there''s no point in begging for something that doesn''t exist.

    We''ll just have to make do for now.

    It''s a race against time.

    There was no concern in his eyes.

    "...... Hmm. I don''t know.

    Sasan VIII tilted his head.

    Most of the time you can tell what the enemy is trying to do by looking at the formation, but ...... Sasan VIII couldn''t tell what Hercule was trying to do.

    In the Lemurian formation, the center of the main line is protected by two wings shaped like an umbrella.

    This is clearly a tactic for defense.

    So, at first glance, the option to go on the defensive seems reasonable. ......

    But ......

    But ...... you can''t win without losing, can you?

    At some point you have to go on the offensive to win the war.

    If you are on the defensive, you will inevitably lose control of the war.

    And the only thing that will be wasted is time and men.

    In fact, it is the side that can afford to be on the defensive in a war.

    This is because it is possible to conserve forces, and when the enemy is fatigued, it is possible to deploy reserve forces and move to the offensive.

    It is meaningless for the side with few troops or no margin to go on the defensive if it does not have the strength to go on the offensive.

    If a large number and a small number fight, the small number will get tired first.

    This is self-evident.

    Therefore, it is the minority that must aggressively go on the offensive.

    Have you lost your nerve?¡¡No, but ...... do you have some sort of reserve army?

    The Lemurian Empire''s national strength is limited to 200,000.

    But this is only an estimate.

    In addition, ......

    In addition, ...... they may be relying on the Kuro Thrust for reinforcements.

    Emperor Lemuria''s sister is the queen of the Emperor of Kuro Thrust.

    And Kuro Thrust and the Kingdom of False are not on the best of terms.

    We can''t deny the possibility of Kuro Thrust''s reinforcements coming.

    "Well, good.

    Sasan VIII broke off his thoughts.

    We should focus on the battle at hand.

    If reinforcements are coming, ...... just grind them down before they get there.

    "Entertain me at your leisure. Hercule I.

    "God be with us. God be with us. God is with us. God is with us!

    "God bless us all!¡¡Victory to us!¡¡God bless us! God bless us!¡¡Victory to us!

    Lemurian, Farsi, Cerda, Bulgarian, Cyrillic, Sindhi.

    A myriad of languages.

    Generals of various origins commanded armies composed of various ethnicities and languages.

    The total number of soldiers on both sides exceeds 500,000.

    And one of those who unites them is ......

    One of them is Sasan VIII, the "Sun King", the "Conqueror of the World".

    The other is ......

    Hercule I, the "Holy Light Emperor", the "Champion of the Three Continents".

    Thus, ......

    The Battle of Ilkamus has begun.

 251 Episode 9 Battle of Ilms

    Let''s see what we''ve got. Move the war machine.

    Sasan VIII sent instructions to the front line, far away.

    Thus, the battle began with the attack of the war elephant troops led by Kali Ma, lined up in the front row in the center of the army of the Fals.

    "Give your blood to our God!

    Under Carly''s command, the 400 war elephants and the light infantry that followed them advanced in unison.

    In response, the Lemurian Empire''s General Galfis Galleanos.

    "Archers, fire!

    The longbowmen of the Lemurian army fired their arrows in unison.

    The arrows used here are not just any arrows.

    The arrows used here were not just any arrows, but fire arrows, ignited by the spirit magic of the elves.

    The aim was to frighten the elephant with fire.

    In response, the archers of the Phallus army on top of the war elephants and the light infantry following them also fired arrows to block the shooting by the Lemurian army.

    And ......

    "All troops, charge!

    When they were within a certain distance of each other, Carly gave the order to 400 war elephants to charge.

    Little by little, the 400 war elephants increased their running speed. ......

    And their maximum speed reached 30 kilometers per hour.

    "Release the oil!

    In response, the Lemurian army used rock throwers and stone throwers to throw pots filled with oil.

    Then, the longbowmen of the Long Ears (Elves) used wind magic at once.

    Finally, ......

    "Amon!¡¡Burn these war machines!

    Galfis summons Amon, the Great Spirit.

    The flames ignited the oil, which was then fanned by the wind, creating a huge fire.

    This stopped some of the war elephants in their tracks.

    ...... Yes, some of them.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it. Once they start running, elephants don''t stop!

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.

    As a result, three hundred and fifty war elephants attacked the Lemurian infantry at once.

    It''s not going to work out that way. Halberd Squad, deal with them!

    Galfis sent the archers back and moved the halberd squad.

    The halberd squad aims at the legs of the war elephant and tries to disable it.

    In response, the light infantry following the elephant tried to interfere with it.

    As a result, a melee ensued between the two sides.

    The Lemurian army was by no means in a superior position. ......

    However, they were able to prevent the front line from collapsing due to the assault of the war elephants.

    "Hmm ...... retreat.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    A cloud of dust created by the warfare.

    When it cleared,......, the infantry of the Phallus army was close at hand.

    This is where I come in. General Galfis of the Lemurian army!¡¡I''m going to make up for my defeat here!

    The Farseer''s army, led by Shaheen, attacked the Lemurian army, led by Galfis.

    Although they succeeded in intercepting the war elephants, the cost was that the Lemurian army''s battle lines were greatly disrupted.

    The infantry units of the Phallus Army avalanched into the countless wounds in the formation.

    No matter how strong the infantry of the Lemurian army was, it would be difficult to deal with them if they were attacked while the formation was broken.

    Therefore, ......

    I''ll be bringing in a whole army of reserves. Center flanks, Sonia and Edmond. Pierce the enemy''s center.

    Hercule immediately gave the order.

    The mixed infantry and cavalry units led by Sonia and Edmond began to move.

    And at about the same time, Sasan VIII also moves.

    The Lemurian army will probably move both wings of the center. The Lemurian army is probably going to move both wings of the center. ...... It would be unbearable to be caught in the middle. Darius, to Artaxerxes. Stop the enemy from moving their central flank.

    "Long time no see, General Galfis!

    "...... General Shaheen!

    A deadly battle is raging in the center of the Lemurian army.

    In the middle of the Lemurian army, a deadly battle is taking place between Galfis and Shaheen.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    "...... Looks like it.

    Shaheen put cold air in his sword.

    Galfith casts fire on his spear.

    "Crossel!

    "Crossel!

    Amon!

    The battle of ice and fire has begun.

    At the same time, the center-right wing of the Lemurian army, led by Sonia, and the center-left wing of the Lemurian army, led by Darius...

    It''s been a month, Mad Dog Princess!

    "Who''s a dog?¡¡I''m a wolf!

    Here, too, a fierce battle was being waged.

    Sonia, her silvery armor dyed crimson, wielded her sword.

    Darius, on the other hand, wields a huge hammer.

    In the battle of a month ago, Sonia overwhelmed Darius. ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''ve recovered some of my magic. I will not be defeated by a dog!

    Who''s a dog?

    Swords and hammers clashed fiercely.

    The fight was almost even.

    Meanwhile, the center left wing of the Lemurian army and the center right wing of the False army.

    "Hmph!

    Artaxerxes, the general leading the center right wing of the Phallus army, swung his axe and ......

    The Lemurian soldiers were blown away at once.

    This is the effect of Halphas, a demon contracted by Artaxerxes.

    A spirit of war, "Halphas" is a demon that specializes in destruction.

    With just a light swing of his axe, he can take the lives of dozens of people at once.

    Its power is not foolproof.

    In fact, he once single-handedly slaughtered over a thousand men in Cyndira.

    General Artaxerxes. Please don''t kill too many of my soldiers.

    "Oh, you know my name. General Edmond.

    Edmund Erdemort, leader of the left of center wing of the Lemurian Empire.

    Hercule''s half-brother, he turned to face Artaxerxes.

    "You too. It''s an honor to be remembered by the General Artaxerxes!

    Edmond''s sword collided with Artaxerxes'' axe.

    Then the Halphas came into effect.

    Edmond is blown away and ......

    "M ......

    The problem with your genie is that it''s too flashy. The problem with your spirit is that it''s too flashy.

    Edmond smirked.

    Edmond''s contract is with Andromarius, the spirit of theft.

    Andromalius can steal not only ......

    It''s not just objects.

    It can even steal and neutralize demon magic.

    "Oh, interesting!

    "Oops, ...... not so funny to me.

    The sword and axe clashed violently.

    The sword and axe clashed violently. ...... You managed to block it.

    That''s the kind of attack you need to be able to defend against.

    Hercule and Sasan VIII muttered almost simultaneously.

    The battle between the Lemurians and the Pharisees had settled down.

    The next move will be made by ...... Sasan VIII.

    "To Generals Li Huang and Smerdis. Crush the Lemurian army from both wings!

    By the order of King Sasan VIII, more than 10,000 troops on both flanks of the Phallus army began to move.

    In addition to this, ......

    "To Generals Cyrus and Coward. Lemurian forces, break through the extreme wings and move around to the rear!

    In addition, the extreme wings of the Phallus army, totaling 40000 cavalry troops, also begin to move.

    In response to this, ......

    The generals of the two wings: ...... Oskar and Stephan, defend your positions!¡¡Carolina and Alicia, don''t let the enemy cavalry get behind you!

    Hercule gave the order to the four generals.

    The right flank of the Lemurian army was led by Oscar Almon.

    The other side is Li Huang, who leads the left flank of the Foulds'' army.

    "...... What a skillful command.

    Oskar broke out in a cold sweat.

    Oscar himself was good at tactical command, but the command of the general leading the left wing of the ...... Phallus army was nothing short of brilliant.

    The formation moved as if it were a living thing.

    The attacker would pull back, then pull back, then attack again.

    If he moved his troops ineffectively, he would unnecessarily exhaust them.

    Li Huang was also somewhat surprised.

    I didn''t know there was a general who would follow my command. Well, the world is a big place.

    He was from the Far East, but he was fighting against a general from a country farther west.

    Li Huang''s smile deepened.

    Meanwhile, the left wing of the Lemurian army was led by Stefan Sheikoski.

    Against him was Smerdis Skuldis, who led the right wing of the army of the Fals.

    "Now listen to my music.

    Smerdis took out a huge wind instrument and took a deep breath.

    Then he exhaled loudly.

    At that moment.

    A cacophony of sound reverberated throughout the battlefield.

    This is especially hard for Stefan, who is a ...... warbeast and has more senses than humans.

    He closed his ears involuntarily.

    "What ...... is this ......?

    For a moment.

    The Lemurian Empire''s command structure is paralyzed.

    Smerdis removes his mouth from the instrument.

    He tilts his head.

    "Hmm, I was trying to encourage the soldiers, but ......

    The soldiers of the Lemurian army, as well as the soldiers of the False army, cover their ears.

    But, of course, the soldiers of the Phallus Army, who are more familiar with the subject, are quicker to recover.

    "Well, good!¡¡Let''s go!¡¡Move to attack!

    The soldiers of the Phallus Army, who recovered quickly, attacked the soldiers of the Lemurian Army.

    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.

    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.

    The right wing of the Lemurian army is led by Carolina.

    On the other hand, Coward commanded the left wing of the Phallus army.

    "It''s been twenty years, isn''t it? Your Highness!

    "Yes, it has. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the first to cross swords with you in person.

    Karolina''s weapon spirit Eligos and Coward''s weapon spirit Fulkas clashed.

    It''s the first time we''ve directly crossed swords like this..." Karolina''s Eligos can change its form and relative mass at will.

    Coward''s Fulkas, on the other hand, is a spear that can pierce anything.

    Whenever Karolina''s sword and Coward''s spear collide, ......

    Whenever Karolina''s sword and Coward''s spear collide, Karolina''s sword is shattered into pieces.

    But in an instant, Karolina''s sword regenerates.

    Your spear is no match for my sword.

    "Hmm, then ...... I''ll do it until my magic runs out!

    The sound of metal shattering echoed across the battlefield.

    The extreme left wing of the Lemurian army is led by Alicia.

    The right flank of the army of Phallus is commanded by Cyrus Curaines.

    "Die!

    Alicia unleashes her cavalry shot at the Phallus cavalry.

    Alicia has made a contract with Leraj, the spirit of the bow.

    If pierced by this arrow, or even just a glimpse of it, one''s whole body will rot and die.

    One after another, the Foul Cavalry are shot and killed.

    ...... But Alicia is not the only one with a deadly bow.

    "There is nothing that my arrow cannot pierce.

    Cyrus shoots countless arrows into the sky.

    The arrows, which were not aimed as if they were aimed at him, formed a parabola and ......

    Just by chance, it pierced the eyeball of a Lemurian soldier who was looking up at the sky, and pierced his skull.

    The spirit that Cyrus contracts with, "Barbatos," can foresee the future.

    Therefore, the arrows he shoots are inevitable.

    It is fortunate that Alicia and Cyrus did not meet each other on this battlefield.

    Because if they both shoot arrows at the same time, ......

    Both of them will die at the same time.

    It had been a while since the battle between the Lemurian and Foulth armies had begun.

    At first, the Lemurian army had been able to withstand the onslaught of the Phallus army, but ...... they were slowly beginning to tire.

    Slowly, over time, the Lemurian army began to retreat backwards.

    "So, ...... what do we do now?¡¡Emperor of Lemuria.

    Sasan VIII smiled wryly.

 252 Episode 10 Battle of Ilms

    "Your Majesty!¡¡In the center, General Galfis pleads for permission to retreat!

    "Your Majesty!¡¡On the right flank, in the center, there is a request from Her Highness, Sonia, for permission to retreat to .......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Left of center, General Edmond. ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡Right wing, from General Oscar. ......

    "His Majesty the Emperor!¡¡Left wing, from General Stefan. ......

    Your Majesty!¡¡Far right wing, from Her Highness Princess Karolina. ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡From the extreme left wing, Her Highness Alicia. ......

    What came to Hercule was a plea for retreat from all fronts.

    We can''t defend this place any longer.

    We really need to fall back and regroup.

    That was it.

    "Hmm. ......

    Hercule looked up at the sun.

    He checked the approximate time and said, "......

    "All right, you''re clear.

    He then ordered the three generals he had sent to the rear to stand down.

    "Darios. You are to reinforce the center and both center flanks. Jebe to the right flank, Nia to the left!

    "Ha!

    We''ve finally used up our remaining reserves.

    In the meantime, Scheherazade looked up at Hercule with a worried expression on her face.

    "Is ...... going to be okay?

    "For now, it''s within acceptable limits.

    Hercule replied.

    At the same time as Hercule cut his trump card of reserve troops, a breakdown began to occur on each front.

    Darios, Nia, and Jebe struggled to hold it together.

    It seems that the Lemurian army has reached its limit.

    The siege on the Lemurian army is almost complete.

    The Lemurian army will naturally collapse if we keep up the pressure.

    "You''re a surprisingly insignificant man, Your Majesty. Now all we need to do is bring in our reserve troops and we''ll be victorious.

    "...... Hmm.

    Sasan VIII replied to Befnum''s words.

    There was something a little ...... troubling to him.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing. In addition, ...... there is no sign of escape despite the fact that the circle of encirclement has shrunk so much.

    200,000 troops is the mobilization limit of the Lemurian army.

    There is no such thing as reinforcements except for Kurotsuki. ......

    But Kurotsuki and Lemuria are too far apart.

    It''s unlikely that reinforcements will come this far.

    But ......

    "Kublai. Go to the rear with 10,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry in reserve. This war is over.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Kublai, one of the three glittering generals, is on his way to hand over the Lemurian army as ordered by King Sasan VIII.

    ...... You''re not going to send in another half of your reserve force?

    There''s a catch. I''m leaving them behind just in case. Forty thousand should be enough.

    Sasan VIII replied to Befoum''s question.

    Helena asked Sasan VIII with concern.

    "Will ...... Scheherazade be okay?

    "Neither Scheherazade nor the Emperor of Lemuria is a jade that will die easily.

    If the army is about to be annihilated, they will both run away.

    But ...... of course, even if we do capture them, we have no intention of executing them.

    It would be far more profitable to extort territory from the empire, using the life of the Lemurian emperor as a hostage.

    "But ......, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty.

    "...... Hmm, what are you talking about?

    You kept me in the back of the line until the end so that I would not have to fight ...... Lemuria if at all possible.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    But most of the time, it was against Cyndira or Kuro Thrust.

    He had never faced Lemuria before, and this was the first time.

    You''re thinking too much.

    "You''re still not being honest, are you?

    While we were talking about this, ......

    "Your Majesty!¡¡The scouting party reports. There are approximately four cavalry units of unknown affiliation approaching our location!

    "Unidentified?¡¡Distance and number?

    According to the report, ......

    It seemed that about four units of cavalry were approaching from a distance not far from here.

    Each unit numbered about one hundred, for a total of four hundred.

    They were coming toward us from different directions.

    Two of the troops are moving in the direction of the Lemurian army, and the other two are moving toward the main camp of the Phallus army here.

    If you don''t know their affiliation, does that mean you don''t know the ...... flag?

    Yes. The other side doesn''t seem to have a flag. ......

    Are you sure it''s not a bandit?

    Helena said, tilting her head.

    Sasan VIII chuckled.

    I don''t think there are any deadly thieves who would come to a place like ...... this to scavenge for stolen goods.

    At least Sasan VIII did not ask for reinforcements.

    So it must have been the Lemurian Empire that brought in the reinforcements.

    What can you do with a mere 400? ......

    But we must be on our guard.

    "Tell this to the generals on the front lines. ...... If they come this way, there will be no need for mercy. We''ll deal with them. Helena, you''ll handle one side. I''ll deal with the other. ...... Befnum, I''ve got the main camp.

    "Yes, Your Majesty.

    Yes, Your Majesty. - Yes, Your Majesty.

    Sasan VIII and Helena led a thousand cavalrymen to defeat the thief.

    Lemurian army, extreme left wing.

    "Master Alicia, we can''t take much more of this.

    "Yes!¡¡You are the proud horsemen of the Bulgurons!¡¡Hold your ground!

    While inspiring her soldiers, Alicia drew her bow and shot through the enemy soldiers.

    But her face showed signs of fatigue.

    At the beginning of the war, Alicia''s bow had boasted a hundred hits, but now it couldn''t hit anything.

    "You''re Alicia, the general of the Lemurian army, aren''t you?

    From about a hundred meters away, a loud voice called out to Alicia: ......

    Cyrus, leader of the extreme right wing of the Phallus army.

    He had a bow in his hand.

    "Let''s go to war.

    "...... Hmm, as you wish.

    Alicia drew her bow with trembling hands.

    Cyrus, on the other hand, drew his bow with a relaxed expression.

    (...... Your Majesty. I may not be able to do this anymore.

    Just when Alicia was ready to die...

    I''m not sure I can do it.

    Suddenly, there was a scream from behind the Foulls'' army.

    And chaos engulfed the entire army.

    "What''s going on?

    Cyrus kept his bow at the ready and checked the situation.

    Then a messenger shouted out the current situation.

    "General!¡¡A hundred or so cavalrymen of unknown affiliation ...... are attacking from the rear!

    "One hundred?

    The unfortunate thing for Cyrus was that he was so busy hunting down Alicia that he didn''t pay attention to the rear.

    It was also unfortunate that Sasan VIII''s horseman had been quicker to strike back than he had been to announce the approach of the unknown horseman.

    It''s only a hundred. ...... What does it matter?

    But out of the 100, there was a strangely strong ...... man who seemed to be a general. ......

    And then.

    In the meantime, about 30 cavalrymen came galloping through the Foulds army, blowing away the soldiers.

    It seemed that only 30 of the 100 cavalrymen had made it to Cyrus.

    "Where are you from?¡¡You!

    Meanwhile, at about the same time.

    Lemurian army, extreme right wing.

    "Surrender! Karolina Yulianos. I have no intention of killing the queen of the Lemurian Empire.

    "f*ck. ......

    Karolina was being hunted down by Coward.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    If it was just Coward, she could fight him. ......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    "So much for .......

    Just when Carolina was about to give up.

    "General Coward!¡¡I''m sorry.¡¡A cavalry unit of unknown affiliation is attacking .......

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    It was a male warbeast knight with a shining silver sword that appeared.

    He was accompanied by about 20 warbeasts.

    The male knight turned towards Karolina and breathed a sigh of relief.

    "I''m glad you''re okay, Princess Carolina.

    You are .......

    And then Coward raised his spear.

    I admire your bravery in coming to the rescue of the queen with so few!¡¡But you can''t do anything with only 20!

    Coward swung his spear at the male knight.

    The male knight intercepts it with his silver sword.

    The silver sword and the spear of Fulcus, which pierces and destroys everything, collide.

    A high metallic sound rang out.

    "...... what?

    Coward''s eyes widened.

    There was no weapon that Fulkas could not destroy.

    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.

    "What the hell are you ......?

    Meanwhile, at that time.

    In the meantime, Helena''s 100 cavalry troops were rushing towards 100 cavalrymen of unknown affiliation who suddenly appeared.

    The 100 cavalrymen were undaunted by an opponent 100 times their size and charged straight at them.

    You really don''t look like a ...... thief for not raising a flag, but your mentality is that of a thief.

    If you''re going to call yourself an army.

    At least raise the flag.

    Helena frowns in displeasure as she ......

    She holds up her sword.

    "''SABNAK''!¡¡Melt the armor and bodies of these thieves!

    A powerful poison is released from the magic circle by the magic of Subnak.

    It attacked the 100 cavalrymen and ......

    And then it dissipated.

    What?

    "Hmm ......

    The one leading the 100 cavalry was a woman, just like Helena.

    Helena and the woman''s sword clashed.

    ......

    Helena''s body felt heavier than ever.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.

    "Who the hell is ......?

    "I''m glad you asked!

    The golden cat ears twitched.

    Now, meanwhile.

    Sasan VIII was also facing 100 cavalrymen.

    But like Helena, he had no intention of taking them on with his own hands.

    If we hit 500 of them, they will stop.

    That''s enough for a burglar who doesn''t even have a flag and doesn''t seem to know the rules of warfare.

    Sasan VIII sends 500 cavalrymen to charge the enemy soldiers of unknown affiliation.

    Halt!

    Identify yourself!

    The 500 men throw a halt at the 100 burglars.

    But the ...... show no signs of stopping.

    On the contrary, they are increasing their speed.

    "Get out of the way!

    The blond man who seemed to be the commander of the group swung his sword.

    In an instant, the heads of dozens of Foulds soldiers fly off.

    And they charge straight for Sasan VIII.

    "Well, good. It''s been a while since I''ve fought. It''s been a while since we fought. ...... You think so too, don''t you?¡¡Belial!

    Sasan VIII has made a contract with a demon of his own.

    It''s a good thing I''m not the only one.

    He holds in his hand a flame of hellfire that burns up everything in this world.

    "Burn it down, Belial!

    The jet-black flames attacked the cavalry, who were reduced to 100, no, 800 in number.

    In response, the blond-haired man raised his sword, which glowed in rainbow colors.

    A high-pitched squeal echoed through the air.

    The flames, which would not go out until the target was burned, were extinguished.

    What?¡¡You ......!

    "I''ve come to return the favor, Sasan VIII!

    The blonde-haired, cat-eared man''s greatsword collided with Sasan VIII''s flaming sword.

    The flames tried to burn up the man''s sword, but ......

    The rainbow light gradually weakened the flames.

    Sasan VIII felt the spell on his body to enhance his physical abilities being lifted.

    And almost simultaneously.

    The four knights shouted.

    "My name is Astolfo!¡¡I am Astolfo of Love, one of the seven heroes of the Kingdom of the Fuller Ring!

    "My name is Roran!¡¡I am Roran the Valiant, one of the seven heroes of the realm of the Fuller Ring!

    My name is Bradamante!¡¡I am Bradamante the Temperate, one of the seven heroes of the realm of the Fuller Ring!

    My name is Ludwig!¡¡I am Ludwig, King of the Flurrying Kingdom and the unifier of the seven heroes!¡¡I''m the king of the kingdom of Flering and the leader of the seven heroes!¡¡Well, good.

    Then the four of them shouted almost simultaneously.

    .

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸ By righteousness and faith, we will join you!

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not going to be able to do it.

    Bradamante of Temperance, the Seven Valiant.

    And the knight among knights, Ludwig I, the Lion King, and ......

    His Albion, Edelna, Tretum, and Fulling coalition versus the pagan crusaders (??????).

    About 60000 of them appeared on the battlefield.

 253 Episode 11 Behind the Scenes

    It was about a month ago.

    The war between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus had begun.

    When Cecilia heard the news, she hurriedly left Lemuria for Nova Lemuria after finishing her business.

    When she arrived in Nova Lemuria, she found ......

    When I arrived at Nova Lemuria, I was greeted by Loukanos, the Patriarch of Nova Lemuria.

    At the same time, he received a letter of intent from Hercule.

    After reading the letter, Cecilia nodded loudly to .......

    I''m aware of the situation. Hopefully, my coming here was a waste of time. Hopefully, my coming here was a waste of time. ...... I suppose I should be happy for my misfortune, though.

    Cecilia divides her time between Nova Lemuria and Lemuria, where she works tirelessly on political matters.

    She was in Lemuria when the war broke out between the Kingdom of Foulds and the Lemurian Empire. ......

    In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    That is why Cecilia came to Nova Lemuria.

    The fact that it was not a waste of time means that the ...... "what if" moment has occurred.

    Are you ready for the council?

    "Already in place, Your Holiness. Your Holiness.

    The two men walked at a brisk pace and carried on their conversation.

    Now is not the time.

    As for the council''s decision, it can wait until after the fact.

    Are you sure you want to go to ......?

    Soldiers respect speed, don''t they?¡¡Don''t worry, ......, we''ve talked about it beforehand.

    And Cecilia muttered, "Master Hercule is rough with people.

    The request that Hercule made to Cecilia before the war began was not only to come to Nova Lemuria.

    There was another.

    There was another very important task that Hercule had asked Cecilia to do.

    "Then ......

    "Yes. And by now, Hercule''s letter of intent should have arrived at Ludwig''s door. So, I will write the letter, send it to His Majesty Ludwig at ......, and by the time it reaches him, it should already be in working order.

    This caught Lucanos off guard.

    Hercule and Cecilia had only exchanged letters of intent.

    Despite this, they were working in unison.

    Perhaps it was because they were in perfect harmony as a couple.

    Or is it because of the meticulous consultation and planning that took place over several years beforehand?

    Or is it because of their outstanding abilities in .......

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    Let''s put out a call for the formation of a pagan crusade.

    The time goes back a few more weeks.

    The Lemurian Empire had been building an intelligence network against the Kingdom of Fars for many years.

    The network consisted of merchants, Messianic missionaries, and local Messianic churches and monasteries.

    In other words.

    Cecilia and Hercule actually share a part of the intelligence network.

    Therefore, Cecilia knew the situation and the power of the Kingdom of Fars as well as or better than Hercule.

    That is why the "sense of crisis" that Hercule and Cecilia had was equal. ......

    This is why Cecilia accepted Hercule''s "request" without hesitation.

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of questions, you can contact us at our own web site.

    "Hmmm ......, Lemuria and Phars have started a war. I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why. I''m sure it''s of little consequence to our country, isn''t it?

    When King Ludwig I heard the news of the war between Lemuria and Phallus directly from Cecilia, he frowned.

    "You don''t mean to tell me that you and Phallus should attack Lemuria together?

    King Ludwig I has his own channel to the Kingdom of Phars, from a different direction than Hercule and Cecilia.

    However, it is more of a diplomatic channel.

    In other words, Ludwig I did not know much about the power of the Kingdom of Phars and its situation.

    But this is not surprising.

    There was no way for him to know the situation of a country that was far away from his own borders.

    Just by having a diplomatic window, Ludwig I can be said to be a very diplomatic monarch.

    (I''ve learned a great deal about Lemuria''s military power. (I''ve had enough of Lemuria''s military power. ...... I don''t want to have to deal with that country again.

    That''s what King Ludwig I was thinking inwardly.

    In fact, he had made a secret agreement with the Kingdom of Phars to attack the Lemurian Empire, but ...... Ludwig I had already benefited from the agreement.

    In addition, a marriage relationship was to be established with Lemuria.

    There is little merit in fulfilling the secret pact.

    (Well, let''s hope that the Kingdom of Foulds will do its best. It would be safer if Lemuria''s national power was a little lower.

    For King Ludwig I, the Kingdom of Phars is only a tool to control the Lemurian Empire.

    Therefore, this is the best he can do.

    I''m sure you''re not aware of the gravity of the situation.

    "......?¡¡What do you mean by serious?

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following.

    To Ludwig I, Cecilia said, "There is a possibility that Lemuria will be defeated.

    There is a possibility that Lemuria will suffer a crushing defeat.

    It is true that a major defeat for an ally would be grave. But I am the King of the Fulling Kingdom. I''m too busy with my own country. ......

    "Even if the Album Sea were to fall into the hands of the infidels?

    "...... what?

    Album Sea.

    It is an inland sea facing the Lemurian Empire and the Fulling Kingdom.

    It has a mild climate and has been used for maritime trade since long ago.

    Currently, the Lemurian Empire holds the hegemony of this sea.

    This situation is actually very convenient for the Kingdom of Fulling.

    This situation is actually very convenient for the Kingdom of Fulling, since it is unable to organize a navy no matter how hard it tries.

    It can''t protect its own waters in the Album Sea.

    Therefore, the Lemurian Empire''s domination of the Album Sea is a comfortable situation.

    Also, ...... In a feudal state, the first thing a monarch is expected to do is to protect his subjects, and the second thing is to distribute benefits to his subjects.

    These "benefits" included not only land, but also luxury goods such as spices and silk.

    So where does King Ludwig I get it from?

    Naturally, from the economic zone of the Album Sea.

    Of course, the purchase of luxury goods requires a price.

    Where does that price come from?

    It comes from the economic zone of the northern seas, the seas around the Kingdom of Albion and the Scardinawea Peninsula, under the rule of King Ludwig I.

    He sells the goods of the Northern Sea Route - salted fish, timber, and furs - to the Album Sea Route, and buys luxury goods from the Album Sea Route.

    In fact, the source of Ludwig I''s power lay in the mediation between these two economic zones.

    Therefore, any disruption in the Album Sea Economic Circle would be very bad for King Ludwig I.

    Not only would goods in the Northern Sea Route Economic Circle become difficult to sell, but if the amount of wheat and other grains imported decreased, prices could skyrocket.

    This meant that the power base of King Ludwig I would be shaken.

    No surprise there. If the provinces of Suria and Misrule were taken by the Fals, we would have a situation where the infidels would be walking around the Album Sea as if they owned it.

    But the Lemurian Empire can''t afford a major defeat. ...... Lemuria is a superpower capable of mobilizing 200,000 troops in a defensive war.

    Since the war five years ago.

    Since the war five years ago, King Ludwig I had gathered more detailed information about the Lemurian Empire''s military power and national strength.

    The Lemurian Empire can mobilize more than 150,000 troops for an external campaign and more than 200,000 troops for a defensive war,.......

    There was no way that a superpower of this magnitude could be defeated.

    King Ludwig I thought so, but ......

    The Kingdom of Fars is a superpower with an army of over 300,000 men.

    "Three hundred thousand?

    That''s ridiculous.

    Ludwig I''s eyes widened.

    "Yes, it is. If the military power of the Kingdom of Flaring is one, the Lemurian Empire is two, and the Kingdom of Fahls is three.

    "......

    "The Sea of Album must be free of infidels. Your Majesty is wise enough to know that.

    That''s the worst case scenario.

    It''s not going to happen unless it''s ...... unlikely, but if it does, it''s a big deal.

    ...... So, what is it that you want from me, Your Holiness?

    I want you to be prepared for any eventuality.

    ...... What exactly?

    The Counter-Pagan Crusade.

    A crusade against paganism.

    It was Cecilia''s idea (supposedly, but it was actually Hercule''s idea) of a military alliance of all Messianics against the Pharisees.

    When King Ludwig I heard about this, he said, "Such a situation cannot happen. It is impossible for the Lemurian Empire to rely on other nations. It''s just a political appeal," he thought.

    But at least Cecilia and Hercule had anticipated such a future to some extent.

    "...... Hmm.

    Ludwig I immediately understood that Cecilia''s words were in fact Hercule''s words.

    Hercule, because of his position, told King Ludwig I that he did not know if the war against the Furarus could be won. Therefore, he could not say to King Ludwig I, "Please prepare reinforcements in case our country is in danger.

    That is why I am indirectly conveying my will through Cecilia.

    "If the Emperor of the Lemurian Empire sends us a request for support, will you agree to ......?

    ...... I will have no choice but to do so at that time.

    The proud Emperor of Lemuria bows his head.

    That is when the pagans are really about to set foot on the Album Sea.

    Such a situation could not possibly happen.

    Even though he thought so, King Ludwig I shook his head at that time.

    And it seems that the Lemurian Empire is not doing well.

    He began to prepare to gather his troops.

    And ......

    When he received a request for help from Hercule, he began a massive mobilization of troops.

    The King''s Kingsguard Infantry Corps (Kingsguard Infantry) 10,000.

    Royal Guards Infantry Corps (Guards Infantry) 200,000.

    Royal Guards Cavalry Corps(Kingsguard Cavalry) 500.

    Royal Guards Cavalry Corps(Escort Cavalry) 10,000.

    In addition to the above, the Comte de Roland, the Comte de Bradamante, and the Comte d''Astolfo have gathered up 500 cavalrymen.

    In total, 600,000.

    Currently, this 60000 is the limit of what King Ludwig I can move alone.

    But I never thought I''d actually have to start a pagan crusade. Your Majesty.

    "Hmm. Well, it''s not technically a crusade against paganism yet.

    Ludwig I responded to Ganelon''s words with a wry smile.

    The letter that Hercule sent to King Ludwig I was in effect a request for help. ......

    But more precisely, it said, "Be prepared for the possibility that Her Holiness Cecilia Peter will soon send you a request to participate in a pagan crusade.

    As a superpower, it would be difficult for them to bow down to her honestly.

    Because of the contents of such a letter of intent, unless Cecilia formally requested King Ludwig I to join the crusade against paganism, this army would not be a crusade against paganism.

    And also, it cannot pass through the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    "His Majesty the King. ...... received a letter of intent from His Holiness Cecilia Peter.

    Finally.

    King Ludwig I received the letter from Tulipin.

    He opened the envelope and looked inside.

    It was a formal request to join the crusade against paganism.

    And that a council would be held in Nova Lemuria within two weeks to pass a resolution on the Grand Alliance of the Messianic Church.

    "Very well. ...... Namo, please send my apologies to the diplomats of the Kingdom of Phallus.

    "Awe, Your Majesty.

    Then King Ludwig I told Ganullon, Namo, and his son Ludwig II that he was leaving them in charge of the city, and ordered Chulpan to go alone to Nova Lemuria to attend the council.

    Finally, he turned to his subordinates, Astolfo, Laurent, and Bradamante.

    "Well, gentlemen. Let''s go to ...... and rescue our people!

    ""Ha!!!

    And so it came to pass that an army of 60000 men made their way from the Fulling Kingdom to the Lemurian Empire.

 254 Episode 12 Battle of Ilms Ends

    "Relief for only four hundred?

    Sassan VIII dismissed and distanced himself from King Ludwig I.

    A single battle is a chance to take out an enemy general. ......

    However, there is a possibility that Sasan VIII himself will be killed.

    A mere 400 men coming to the rescue would not affect the outcome of the war.

    In the first place, there is no need to fight properly against barbarians who do not even raise the ...... flag.

    I''ve never been to 400.¡¡I never said there were only 400 of them.

    Almost as soon as King Ludwig I said that.

    At the same time King Ludwig I said that, a horse came galloping towards Sasan VIII.

    "His Majesty the King!¡¡The reconnaissance unit reports!¡¡An army with a red cross on a white background has appeared from the west!¡¡Their number is approximately 600!

    "Six hundred?

    Sasan VIII frowned.

    The fact that he hadn''t noticed the 60000 troops before ...... was probably because they were in the territory of the Lemurian Empire.

    The Lemurian Empire''s roads once converge on the city of Orontia, the capital of the province of Suria.

    Because of this transportation network, it is difficult for Sasan VIII to receive information west of Orontia once the barrier is stopped.

    Probably, he dispersed his 60000 troops into several groups and quickly gathered them to Orontia City using the infrastructure prepared by the Lemurian Empire while hiding their banners.

    From there, they must have rushed from Orontia City to this battlefield in a forced march.

    The distance between Orontia City and this battlefield is about five kilometers.

    A forced march would take several hours.

    Wouldn''t it be better to take command of the entire army as soon as possible?¡¡I''ll return to my command. Originally, I only came to ...... apologize for a few words. Hahahaha!

    Ludwig I said, and left the battlefield in a flash with eighty cavalry.

    Sasan VIII ordered 500 cavalry to follow him, thinking inwardly that it was useless.

    Then he himself returned to the main camp.

    "His Majesty the King!

    Give me a detailed report on the developments on the battlefield.

    Sasan VIII asked Befnum.

    According to Befnum, 400 cavalrymen, including King Ludwig I, have already left the battlefield or joined the Lemurian army and are fighting together.

    And from the west, from the rear of the Lemurian army, an army of 60000 men with red crosses on a white background is approaching. ......

    With the arrival of reinforcements, the morale of the Lemurian army has been restored.

    That''s what he said.

    The confusion caused by the enemy''s raids has already subsided. ...... What should we do?

    "...... Hmm.

    An army of six hundred has appeared.

    However, they did not come at warp speed.

    Naturally, there is a reasonable distance.

    If we throw in all of our current reserve troops, we should be able to drive the Lemurian army into a complete rout by the time the reinforcements arrive.

    However, it is unknown how long the Lemurian army, which has regained its morale, will endure.

    Perhaps the reinforcements will arrive in time.

    If that happens, the reinforcements will attack the Lemurian army behind the encircling Phallus army.

    And even if they can drive the Lemurian army back, ......

    It will be a series of battles.

    You can''t lose because of the difference in strength.

    I don''t know if it will be ...... or not.

    If you start the war in a broken formation, you may suffer a great deal of damage.

    "Send a message to all the generals at .......

    King Sasan VIII made a decision.

    "All troops, withdraw temporarily. Let''s start over.

    The Battle of Ilkhamsu

    Engaging forces

    Lemuria vs. Phallus

    Main commander

    Lemuria

    Hercule I (Emperor of the Lemurian Empire)

    Karolina Yulianos

    Scheherazade Yulianos

    Galfis Galleanos

    Darrios Leopardi

    Oscar Almon

    Edmond Erdemort

    Stephan Shaykoski

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios

    Jebe

    Sonia Yulianos (Queen of the Kingdom of Cerda)

    Alicia Yulianos (Queen of the Kingdom of Bulgaron)

    Phars

    Sasan VIII (King of the Kingdom of Fars)

    Coward Cardintina

    Shaheen Charlequin

    Helena Uarelius Cog.

    Cyrus Curaines

    Artaxerxes Artaxerxes

    Dareios Dalmares

    Behnam Behferad

    Smerdis Skourdis

    Li Huang

    Kubilai

    Carly Marr

    Armies

    Lemuria 2,148,000.

    Fars 30,000,000

    Result

    Lemurian Army

    Casualties: approx. 200,000

    Remaining: approx. 180,000.

    Phallus Army

    Casualties: approx. 200,000

    Remaining: approx. 280,000

    Victory or defeat: ...... Withdrawal of the Phallus Army due to the arrival of reinforcements from the Lemurian Army (draw)

    Impact

    Stalemate in the Lemurian-Faullus War

    Formation of a pagan crusade against paganism

    The Lemurian army saw off the Phallus army as it began to retreat en masse without pursuing.

    It was obvious that they would receive a painful counterattack if they pursued. ......

    More importantly, it was necessary to rebuild the army.

    And at the same time that the Lemurian army was rearranging its formation, the Phallus army completely withdrew from the land of Ilkhamus.

    In their place came about 60000 anti-pagan crusaders.

    The Lemurian army and the anti-pagan crusaders faced each other.

    Each side was represented by a ...... representative, one from the Lemurian army and two from the Anti-Pagan Crusaders, who rode forward on horseback.

    When they were close enough, Hercule dismounted from his black warhorse.

    Then the two representatives also dismounted from their horses and walked up to Hercule.

    Thank you for your efforts to help the Lemurian army. Your Holiness, Cecilia Peter.

    I did what I had to do.

    High Priestess, Pope, and Commander-in-Chief of the Pagan Crusade.

    Cecilia Peter replied with a soft smile.

    Of course, Cecilia could not command an army.

    Therefore, the one who practically brought this anti-pagan crusade to this point is ...... this man.

    "Your Majesty Ludwig, Kingdom of Fuhring. Thank you for your help.

    "Hmm, it''s only natural to rush to ...... an allied country in times of crisis.

    King Ludwig I replied aloofly.

    The 60000 soldiers that make up the Crusade against Paganism are mostly soldiers from the Kingdom of Fullerling.

    The nobles of the Kingdoms of Edelna and Tretum, who were stationed in the Kingdom of Fullerling at the time, also participated in the war as commanders. ......

    The command is only nominal.

    I''m sure you''ve heard of it. What are you going to do after this?

    King Ludwig I asked Hercule.

    Naturally, ...... King Ludwig I knows the best course of action in the present situation without asking Hercule.

    The sun is already setting.

    It would be best to spend the night here, dispose of the bodies, and then return to Orontia.

    However, Ludwig I''s decision to ask Hercule to do so was an expression of his intention to leave the entire decision-making to Hercule.

    The crusade against paganism nominally has Cecilia as its ally.

    This is because, in international diplomacy and politics, Hercule and Ludwig I have equal status.

    Neither can be subordinate to the other because of their positions.

    This is why Cecilia is placed at the top of the list, but of course, Cecilia has no military capabilities.

    Command is divided between Hercule and Ludwig I.

    But this is not good for the military.

    Therefore, although not explicitly stated, ...... King Ludwig I has handed over the command to Hercule.

    Of course, this does not mean that King Ludwig I recognized that Hercule was a better soldier or that he was politically superior.

    It was a rational decision based on the size of the army, which side was the party to the war, and most importantly, that Hercule was the one who knew the Lemurian Empire best .......

    It''s a good idea to dispose of the corpse before the sun goes down, set up camp, and spend the night here. Then we can return to Orontia City and wait for the Kingdom of Foulds to come out and hold a military conference. ...... Any objections?

    Hold a military conference.

    I''ll take the initiative, but I''m not going to ignore your opinion.

    I''m not going to ignore your opinion," Hercule told King Ludwig I.

    Ludwig I nodded good-humoredly.

    No, that would be the best solution. ...... We will help you bury your brave warriors.

    Thank you.

    That day, the two armies spent the night here: ......

    Then they returned to Orontia.

 255 Episode 13 Victory Conditions

    "Well, I never thought I''d see a meal like this on the battlefield!

    King Ludwig I said in a good mood.

    In front of him was a sumptuous Lemurian meal.

    Sitting around the same table as Ludwig I are ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    The best food is in Lemuria, after all.

    Says Cecilia sorrowfully.

    Cecilia spends six months of the year in Lemuria, but ...... it seems that the food in Lemuria is not to Cecilia''s taste.

    You can find a lot of people who are looking for a new way to live.

    Her palate had naturally learned to appreciate luxury.

    Cecilia was also unhappy with the fact that she could not bathe freely in Lemuria.

    Water is precious.

    That''s why Cecilia was actively working on the reconstruction of Lemuria in order to improve her own living environment.

    But the problem is that it tastes too good. When I go back to my home country, ...... the soldiers might start a mutiny. ...... Is that what you want?¡¡Hahahaha!

    With a joke, King Ludwig I praised the logistics capabilities of the Lemurian Empire.

    The Lemurian Empire is the only one in the world that can prepare fresh and plentiful food for two hundred thousand people.

    When it comes to infrastructure and food storage technology, the Lemurian Empire surpasses the Kingdom of Fars.

    Hercule showed this to King Ludwig I, his subordinate lords and knights, and even his own soldiers.

    Currently, it is the Lemurian Empire that is providing for the 60,000 troops that have come as reinforcements.

    This is partly because they are in a position to receive help, but also because ...... the Fulling Kingdom''s army brought only the minimum amount of food to begin with.

    If we don''t feed them, all 60,000 of them will turn into bandits.

    It is natural for the Lemurian Empire.

    In addition, Hercule had no intention of bearing all the expenses related to the mission, nor did he intend to pay any gratuity.

    And King Ludwig I had no intention of accepting it either.

    This is because if Hercule paid all the money, the ......

    In the case of the Pagan Crusade, the entire army of the Kingdom of Fulling would be mercenaries hired by Hercule.

    If this is the case, it is only logical that Hercule would be in charge of all of them. ......

    You can''t sell your debt to the Lemurian Empire because you are only a hired hand.

    Of course, there is also the issue of Erkur''s, or rather the Lemurian Empire''s, financial situation.

    Since we have mobilized to the limit of our national power, we are naturally already under a heavy financial burden.

    We can''t afford any more.

    I''m glad you enjoyed it. ...... Now, can we move on to some serious discussion and debate?

    Hercule said as he sipped his grape juice.

    There was no wine being served here.

    No wonder.

    A very important discussion was about to take place between the three of them.

    "Hmm, let me start by asking you something straightforward.¡¡Your Majesty, Hercule. What would you like to see as the end of this war?

    Wars are easy to start.

    But ending it is difficult.

    Therefore, it is important to set the conditions for victory at .......

    As far as I am concerned, the only way to win this war is for the Kingdom of Fars to ...... crush the possibility of the infidels coming out of the Album Sea.

    King Ludwig I did not enter this war out of righteousness and faith.

    He did not enter the war out of righteousness or faith. He wanted to keep the pagan forces from reaching the Album Sea.

    If he could do that, Ludwig I''s business in this war would be over.

    ...... Of course, it''s also important to save face, because once you''ve raised an army, you have to achieve a tangible victory.

    That''s good to know. ...... For me, the conditions for victory are to drive the infidels back from the land and to defend it. You and I have the same goals.

    Does that include the Kingdom of Khayastan?

    Ludwig I asked with a smile on his face but no smile in his eyes.

    Ludwig I wants to protect the provinces of Suria and Misr.

    The Kingdom of Hayastan does not face the Arubum Sea. ......

    If the Kingdom of Fars would pull out on the condition that the Kingdom of Hayastan be ceded, it was only natural that he would want to push for it.

    Naturally, it is included. I''m also the king of Hayastan. I am also the King of Hayastan. ...... And Hayastan is a Messianic state. At the Council of Nova Lemuria, it was decided to protect our Messianic brethren from the infidels. Therefore, the Kingdom of Hayastan is included in our defense.

    Of course, from Hercule''s point of view, the Kingdom of Hayastan is an object of defense.

    In the first place, the reason why Hercule did not make peace with the concession of the Kingdom of Fars was to protect the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    If I remember correctly, the Kingdom of Hayastan is an Alethian kingdom, isn''t it?¡¡It''s a heretical sect that supports monos*xism.

    And King Ludwig I has no desire to shed blood for the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    Of course, it was only natural that he would ask Hercule to give up the Kingdom of Hayastan in case of emergency.

    "The Queen of Khayastan, Lunalie, is Orthodox. Of course, I''m Orthodox too. Of course I''m Orthodox. Therefore, Hayastan''s doctrine is Orthodox and we are brothers.

    "But the majority of the people remain Alectian, don''t they?¡¡You tolerate the Alectian faith in your country. Isn''t the majority of the nobility still Alectian?

    "In the first place, there is no text in the Council of Nova Lemuria that excludes heretical sects. Therefore, even if the majority of the Kingdom of Hayastan is Alectian, it is still a Messianic nation and therefore subject to defense.

    "Huh?¡¡That''s a misinterpretation. The theologians that I have are only defending the Orthodox Messianic people. ......

    In the first place, the majority in the provinces of Shulia and Misr are also Achaetians. The majority in the provinces of Shulia and Misr are also Alethian. If the provinces of Shulia and Misr are to be defended, then it makes sense to include the kingdom of Hayastan.

    It doesn''t matter what the people believe in. What is important is whether the ...... nobles believe in the orthodox teachings. The nobles who rule the provinces of Suria and Misr are Orthodox. But what about the Kingdom of Hayastan?

    Hercule doesn''t want to lose the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    King Ludwig I wants to make him give up the Kingdom of Hayastan.

    The war of words between the two continues.

    The one who stopped it was ...... Cecilia.

    I''m not sure if you''re aware of this, but I do.

    Clearly, Cecilia stated.

    The eyes of Hercule and Ludwig I were fixed on Cecilia.

    Cecilia said to them unabashedly and rather intimidatingly.

    Cecilia said to them in an unabashedly intimidating manner, "We cannot allow even a single piece of our sacred land to fall into the hands of filthy infidels. Even if it is a land inhabited by heretics. Do you understand?¡¡Know that any concession to the infidels in defense of the land, even a single copper coin, will incur the wrath of the Lord.

    The leader of this pagan crusade was nominally Cecilia.

    Cecilia is nominally the ally of this pagan crusade, and in her position, she cannot be asked to compromise with the pagans.

    In particular, she would have to defend the obvious goal of "land.

    The Grand Alliance of the Messianic Church was issued in Cecilia''s name, even if it was actually proposed by Hercule.

    Therefore, its failure would result in the loss of Cecilia''s authority.

    "No matter how much blood is spilled?¡¡Your Holiness.

    When Ludwig I asked this, Cecilia replied aloofly.

    "Those who shed their blood in defense of the land will surely be redeemed in the afterlife. As the one who holds the keys to heaven, I assure you.

    Cecilia has neither the money nor the men.

    But she does have the right to speak.

    Cecilia lends her name to Hercule and Ludwig I.

    But it is important to keep them out of the clutches of the infidels in order to lead them to orthodoxy and correct teaching. If we abandon the Alexians, they will become even more superstitious.

    It would be in Cecilia''s best interest to protect the kingdom of Hayastan.

    It would be in Cecilia''s best interest to protect the kingdom of Hayastan, because it would improve the Alectian sentiment toward the Orthodox.

    Heretics are the enemy of the Orthodox Messianic Church, but they are also its frontier.

    The more converts there are, the more power the Church has, the more revenue it receives, such as the one-tenth tax, and the more ...... influence Cecilia has.

    The more converts there are, the more power the Church will have and the more revenue it will receive, including the one-tenth tax. But I''m not sure if ...... my vassals will agree with me. ......

    Thinking that the odds were against him, King Ludwig I seemed to have changed his strategy.

    No, ...... perhaps he didn''t have much hope of getting Hayastan to give up in the first place.

    "We are here to protect our fellow Messiahs. We are not here to protect the personal interests of His Majesty Hercule of the ...... Lemurian Empire. If the ...... knights think that our blood and sweat are being used to secure the interests of the Lemurian Empire, they will return to their homeland. And there''s nothing I can do to stop it.

    Hercule and King Ludwig I.

    Ludwig I is the one in a stronger position.

    No matter how he tries to put it, Hercule is in a position to help him.

    "You want money?

    When Hercule asked, King Ludwig I shook his head from side to side.

    No way!¡¡We are not mercenaries. We''re not here for money, but for righteousness and faith. So we don''t ask for money, but ...... isn''t there a minimum level of sincerity?

    I''d like to get straight to the point.

    I''d like you to be straightforward with me. I''d like you to correct the unequal trade treaties that were signed before. Specifically, improve the tariff rates.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fulling made peace during the Edelna War and have been actively trading ever since.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fulling made peace during the Edelna War and have been actively trading ever since.

    With the influx of cheap wheat from the Lemurian Empire, the lords who rely on physical rents will naturally be impoverished.

    "...... is good. That''s the price to pay, of course.

    One more thing.

    King Ludwig I held up a finger.

    "I will pay in blood and sweat for the defense of the Messianic homeland. But I will not fight to satisfy your needs. ...... I''ve heard that this war is largely a battle for control of trade between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Fars.

    Strictly speaking, it''s a struggle for supremacy within the Habila Peninsula.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus started the war because of it.

    The Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phallus started a war. But we will not cooperate in the struggle for control of trade or the seizure of the Farse Kingdom''s territory. Do you understand?

    We may not be able to take territory from the Kingdom of Foulds.

    Even if we can''t take the trading rights of the Havilah Peninsula from the Kingdom of Fars.

    Even if we can''t take the trade concessions from the Kingdom of Fahls.

    Once you have secured the territorial integrity - for Ludwig I, the safety of the provinces of Suria and Misr - you should make peace with the Kingdom of Fars as soon as possible.

    That was the demand of King Ludwig I to Hercule.

    You''re right. This is a Messianic war for the defense of the land. It''s not a war of aggression. Anything more than defense would be against the purpose of the alliance.

    Cecilia agreed with King Ludwig I.

    Cecilia agreed with Ludwig I. It would be easier for her to proselytize if he "invaded" her, but since she had made Ludwig I concede on Hayastan, she thought that she would have to make a concession to Hercule here.

    Ludwig I and Cecilia demanded that Hercule ......

    A small, snorting sound.

    We have no intention of invading. You have a good point.

    I agreed.

    "You got me there, Behnam.

    Pagan crusaders.

    That''s what the allied forces of Lemuria and Fulling called themselves.

    And their ally is the little girl who was at Scheherazade and Hercule''s wedding, the chief priestess of the Messianic religion.

    It''s horrible. ...... is Messianism.

    Messianism is one of the most fanatical of all religions.

    It is one of the most fanatical of all religions," thought Sasan VIII and Behnam.

    This is because it occasionally shows such unity.

    Whenever a war broke out between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars, some of the Messianists in Phars would riot.

    However, ...... this movement of Messianists does not stem from the exclusiveness, aggressiveness, or fanaticism of Messianism.

    It is more fundamental to the organizational structure of the religion of messianism.

    The Messianic religion is highly organized, bureaucratic, centralized, and has strong vertical and horizontal connections.

    A normal polytheistic temple is often terminated in a single temple.

    Even if the temples are dedicated to the same deity, even if they are neighbors, they are completely different temples and have no horizontal connection.

    But Messianism is different.

    Messianism, or more strictly the Messianic Church, has succeeded in creating a strong sense of belonging to the Church by creating a hierarchical structure.

    The Messianic Church is a kind of state without territory and military power.

    The Church of the Messiah is a kind of state without territory and military power. "Well, but King Fulling is not so auspicious a man as to wage war for his faith, is he?¡¡Most likely, the Lemurian Empire has promised him some kind of concession.

    Still, it''s amazing that he brought tens of thousands of reinforcements.

    Sasan VIII''s opinion of the head of the Messianic Church, the High Priestess, was greatly enhanced.

    The one who mediated between the Emperor of Lemuria and King Fulling was, without a doubt, the High Priestess.

    Whether this war is won or lost.

    Whether this war is won or lost, it is a certainty that a diplomatic window will be created for the High Priestess who is capable of mobilizing such a large army.

    So, what can I do for you?¡¡Your Majesty.

    "We can''t bow to them when we haven''t lost yet. But I don''t think they''re going to bow to us either.

    At least Fulling''s army hasn''t fought a single battle yet.

    The Emperor of Lemuria will not allow us to flee back without a fight.

    "And I''m worried about Kuro Thrust''s movements. Now that King Hlauring has made his move, Kuro Thrust will make his move as well.

    There was no way that the Emperor of Lemuria had not approached Kurotsuki.

    In addition, ...... has received information that a fleet of the Lemurian Empire is currently sailing along the coast of the Havilah Peninsula.

    To say the least, the navy of the Kingdom of Fars is not very strong.

    If they invade our territorial waters, ...... the Kingdom of Phallus will have a sword at its throat.

    This is very bad.

    So.

    We have to end this before it happens.

    Well, that''s a problem.

    ...... You look like you''re having a lot of fun, though.

    Behnam pointed out.

    Sasan VIII touched his face with his hand, looking a little surprised.

    Indeed, Sasan VIII was smiling.

    He hadn''t noticed it himself.

    "Kuku kuku ......

    Sasan VIII gave a small laugh.

    "Think about it!¡¡Think about it! You get to fight two of the most famous generals in the west at the same time.¡¡There is nothing more delightful and enjoyable than that!

    Sasan VIII laughed out loud as he shouted this.

    Then he waved one hand and clenched his fist.

    "As soon as the troops have rested, we will march!¡¡We will defeat the Emperor of Lemuria and the King of the Fulling ...... all together!

    Three days later.

    Three days later, the army of the Foulds began to march again.

    The pagan crusaders and the Phallus army.

    The two armies faced each other on the same battlefield ...... as a few days ago, the land of Ilkhamus.

    In the east fluttered a flag with a golden eagle and sun on a red background.

    Male of the East. The Kingdom of Phallus.

    The conqueror of the world, Sasan VIII, the Sun King, is in charge.

    Opposed is a red cross on a white background.

    And the eight flags of Lemuria, Hayastan, Bulgaron, Chelda, Tretum, Fulling, Edelna, and the Church of Messiah.

    The Grand Alliance of the Messianic Church against the pagan crusaders.

    The commander-in-chief is the High Priestess and Pope, "Saint Cecilia Peter," the "Guide of the Faithful.

    At the helm are the Lemurian emperors, Hercule I, the "Holy Light Emperor," the "Champion of the Three Continents," and Ludwig I, the "Knight among Knights," the "Lion King.

    Thus, a great battle that will be engraved in history for all time to come.

    The battle that announced the beginning of the Middle Ages to the world with blood and rage.

    The world and history will witness ...... who the real hero is.

    The Second Battle of Ilkamus, also known as ......

    The Second Battle of Ilkamus, also known as the Battle of the Three Empires, has begun.

 256 Episode 14 The Battle of the Three Emperors of Ilm...

    The total strength of the anti-pagan crusade is ......

    Lemurian infantry 13,000.

    Lemurian cavalry 500,000.

    Fullerling infantry 400,000.

    Fullerling cavalry 200,000.

    The total strength of the army was 240,000.

    In contrast, the total army strength of the Kingdom of Fars was ......

    Infantry 1,850,000.

    Cavalry 95000.

    Total: 280,000.

    This large army, totaling over 500,000 men, was formed as follows.

    Hmmm, ...... is the chain of command still effectively divided?

    King Ludwig I judged so when he saw the formation of the pagan crusaders.

    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.

    The Lemurian and Fulling armies have fundamentally different armaments and organizational structures.

    It is extremely difficult to operate these two armies in a mixed manner.

    Therefore, Hercule I and Ludwig I may have decided to operate in a very simple and straightforward manner by dividing the chain of command into two.

    The Fullerling army constitutes the right flank, while the Lemurian army constitutes the center to left flank. ......

    This is not a single army, but rather two armies in a line.

    Probably both Hercule I and Ludwig I are trying to keep in sync as best they can, but a tripod of two untrained men is not going to succeed.

    They will certainly fall out of step with each other.

    Therefore, ......

    The weak point of the Crusade is on the right flank of the Lemurian (????) army.

    The border between the Lemurian and Fulling armies.

    The right wing of the Lemurian army is the weak point of the Crusaders.

    The right flank of the Lemurian army is the weak point of the Crusaders.

    The Crusaders must know that .......

    Therefore, the Crusaders should either make up for this weakness in some way or use ......

    The Crusaders must have some means of compensating for this weakness, or they must be devising a strategy to take advantage of it.

    "Well, good. We are outnumbered and outgunned. We should be able to deal with ...... whatever the enemy has in store for us.

    It is the Crusaders who must be desperate for wisdom.

    Sasan VIII should just watch them struggle.

    ...... It''s a safe formation, as expected.

    Hercule muttered to himself as he looked at the formation of the army of the Fals.

    He and King Ludwig I had many discussions about how to defeat the enemy by utilizing different command systems.

    They are proud of the fact that they were able to come up with the best plan. ......

    But the odds were not good.

    This is because, no matter what measures Hercule and Ludwig I devise, Sasan VIII is sure to set up a formation that can respond to them.

    In fact, the formation that Sasan VIII had set up was long and wide, and he had prepared enough reserve troops in the hinterland. ......

    It was a textbook arrangement that allowed neither encirclement nor breakthrough.

    It is most troubling when an opponent with a greater number of troops does this.

    I''m sure they''ve seen through our weaknesses.

    A crusade sounds good, but ......

    In effect, the Lemurian and Fullerling armies are just side by side.

    Therefore, the right wing of the Lemurian army, the part commanded by Karolina, is the Achilles'' heel of this crusade.

    This is where the Fahls will undoubtedly aim.

    However, because of ......, Hercule and Ludwig I were able to plan their strategy.

    Because they had a certain trust and confidence that Sasan VIII would target this Achilles heel, they were able to devise tactics to take advantage of it.

    All we have to do is throw the ...... ball.

    The signal for the battle was given by Cecilia, the nominal commander-in-chief of the crusade.

    "Take up the holy cross!

    The Holy Cross.

    The Holy Cross, the cross that was used to crucify the Son of God, is enshrined in the Holy Land.

    It was brought here to boost the morale of the crusaders.

    "God is with us. God is with us. God is with us! God be with us. God be with us!

    The morale of the Crusaders rose dramatically.

    But the morale of the Pharisees is not defeated.

    "God be with us!¡¡Victory to us!¡¡God bless us! God bless us!¡¡Victory to us!

    The morale of both sides gradually rose. ......

    At the height of the excitement, the battle began.

    The first to attack was the Fulling''s army, which made up the right wing of the Crusaders.

    "Come on!¡¡Let''s show our bravery to the Lemurians and to the infidels!

    "''Oooooohhh!

    At the command of King Ludwig I, a total of 60000 troops are set in motion.

    This is led by Laurent, Bradamante, and Astolfo.

    As expected of the seven heroes.

    Their movements were very well coordinated.

    When Sasan VIII saw the movements of the Fullerling army, he did not seem particularly upset and muttered.

    ...... It''s still a diagonal formation.

    As expected, Fullerling''s troops were able to get away with it. ......

    As expected, Fulling''s troops began their assault, tilting their flanks diagonally.

    "Coward leading the left flank, relay to Darius, take it in.

    At Sassan VIII''s order, the Farrus army also began to move.

    "Hmm, not so easy to pull off, is it?

    King Ludwig I smiled grimly.

    Flurrying''s army was quickly caught and stopped by the left flank of Fahls'' army.

    Laurent and Coward, Bradamante Astolfo and Darius entered the battle.

    Well, that''s as far as it goes. Now, as per the original plan, ...... I will only consider destroying the left flank of the Foulds army and leave the rest to His Majesty Hercule.

    With that, King Ludwig I drew his sword and jumped into the middle of the battle.

    The next time, let me go first. ...... Phallus, right flank. Cyrus, Smerdis forces, begin your attack!

    At Sasan VIII''s command, the right wing of the Phallus army began to move.

    In response to this, ......

    Lemuria''s left wing, Alicia, Edmond and Stephan. Suppress the movement of the Phallus army.

    On Hercule''s orders, the left wing of the Phallus army also began to move.

    Thus, ......

    A large gap was created between the left wing of the Lemurian army and the center.

    Sasan VIII was momentarily confused by this.

    "...... is that an invitation?

    The gap was too blatant.

    But ...... there was no way he could not exploit it.

    Of course, you don''t want to go charging in here without a plan.

    "Carly, send in the elephant squadron!

    "On it.

    Carly Marr''s war elephant troops began to move.

    Although their numbers were slightly reduced from the previous battle, their fighting ability was still strong.

    Straight away, the war elephants led by Carly and the light infantry that followed them charged into the center of the Lemurian army.

    In line with this, ......

    "Center, Shaheen''s army. Charge!

    At the same time, the center, led by General Shaheen, moved forward.

    And continued: ......

    "Communicate to Helena on the left flank. Charge into the gap between the Lemurian forces!

    This series of offensives by Sasan VIII led to the ......

    The center of the Lemurian army will be unable to move if it is attacked by the war elephants led by Kali and the central army of Fars led by Shaheen.

    With the center and left flank held back by the Pharaohs, the Crusaders would be threatened in the rear if Helena''s 10000 cavalry passed through the gap.

    ......, but this is exactly what Hercule had in mind.

    "Oskar, Galfis, Sonia. As expected, move to attack.

    "Ha!

    The movement was much faster than Sasan VIII had expected.

    The infantry of the Lemurian army moved smoothly, leaning heavily in a flank formation to intercept the Phallus army.

    More at ......

    "General Darios. You''re in good hands.

    I''m on it.

    The Lemurian reserves, led by General Darios, step forward.

    "How ...... did you expect us to respond to this move? ...... As I suspected, this was to be expected.

    Sasan VIII let out a sigh of admiration at the acrobatic movements of the Lemurian infantry.

    The Lemurian army quickly responded to the movements of the Phallus army and even attempted to encircle one wing of the left flank of the central army.

    However, there was still a hint of reserve in Sasan VIII''s expression.

    This was because he still had a lot of reserve troops on hand.

    Hercule also knew that the battle was currently going in favor of the Farrus army.

    Therefore, both of them muttered together.

    The battle is just beginning.

 257 Episode 15 The Battle of the Three Emperors of Ilm...

    The Kingdom of Hullerling is a feudal state.

    Therefore, each soldier is responsible for his own weapons, food, and horses.

    And while each soldier is skilled in his own art, they are not so good at coordinating their actions as an army.

    At the very least, they cannot be expected to move as smoothly as the standing army of Lemuria.

    The Fullerling army brought by King Ludwig I is mainly made up of less than noble squires who have direct feudal contracts with King Ludwig I.

    Because they are similar to the Lemurian army''s troops (in reality, they are different), they are more elite than the lords'' troops that make up the bulk of the Fullerling army, but their skill level is still inferior.

    However, however...

    As mentioned earlier, their individual martial arts are very outstanding.

    This is why Fullerling''s army is ......

    They show their true value in melee combat.

    The right wing of the Crusade.

    In other words, the battle between the Fullerling army and the left wing of the Fals army was in a state of great confusion.

    At first, the Foulds, armed with long spears, had the advantage over the Fullerings, but ......

    But the onslaught of the Fullerling army, armed mainly with swords and axes, broke the formation.

    If it had been a purely horizontal clash, the formation of the Foulds army might not have been broken. ......

    If it had been a purely horizontal battle, the formation of the Foulds army might not have collapsed, but since they were in a diagonal formation, the formation was prone to collapse.

    Of course, the Fulling army''s formation was also broken.

    In this case, what would happen was a melee between Fulling''s army and Farrus'' army.

    And as ...... said earlier, Fullerling''s army is very strong in a melee.

    Above all, ......

    "Hah!

    Huh!

    "Ha!

    Whoa!

    The four knights who took the initiative and defeated the enemy soldiers.

    Laurent, Bradamante, Astolfo, and King Ludwig I were extremely strong.

    You are the enemy general, Coward Cardintina, aren''t you?¡¡I am Bradamante of Temperance!¡¡Let''s play this game!

    Bradamante found Coward in the enemy''s camp and challenged him to close combat without fear of his guards.

    Hearing Bradamante''s voice, the other knights also followed her.

    It was to protect Bradamante. ......

    And if necessary, to take down Coward and take the credit.

    "Huh!

    "d*mn, that''s messy ......

    Coward''s spear and Bradamante''s sword collided.

    In the past, Coward''s spear could easily destroy Bradamante''s sword,......, but the magic of Coward''s spear had no effect.

    It was the power of Bradamante''s ring.

    I have no intention of fighting an unknown opponent!

    Coward shouted and easily turned on his heel.

    The generals of the army of the Foulds are not averse to single combat. ......

    But they don''t like to fight in single combat so much as to risk their own death.

    That is normal.

    If a general is defeated, the chain of command will surely be disrupted.

    No sensible general would force himself to fight single combat.

    But ......

    Wait!

    Bradamante chased after Coward.

    Bradamante pursued Coward, unafraid of the risk of being isolated among the enemy.

    That''s why I don''t want to fight barbarians who don''t have a flag and don''t know how to fight!

    Coward instructed his men to surround and kill Bradamante.

    As expected, Bradamante could not pursue Coward.

    But ......

    "Good to see you again, Lord Coward. In place of Bradamante, I, Roran of Courage, will deal with you!

    "Ack!

    After dispersing the bludamante, Roran appeared.

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    I''m not sure what to make of this.

    It''s not that they''re not capable of doing it.

    Therefore, when magic is neutralized, ......

    Your body can''t keep up with your head.

    Huh!

    Aah!

    Finally, Coward''s spear left his hand.

    Roran''s sword slices through Coward''s shoulder.

    "G......

    General!

    Protect him!

    The soldiers attacked Laurent, trying to protect the badly injured Coward.

    In the meantime, Coward has decided that it is too dangerous to lead the front line any longer and has moved to the rear.

    Thus, ...... the fighting ability of the left flank of the Farrus army was greatly reduced.

    The battle situation tilted slightly to the advantage of the Fullerling army, that is, to the side of the Crusaders.

    The leftmost wing of the Crusaders.

    The left flank of the Lemurian army is led by a cavalry unit led by Alicia.

    The left flank of the Lemurian army is led by the cavalry unit led by Alicia, while the right flank is led by the cavalry unit led by Cyrus.

    This is the second battle following the First Battle of Ilkamus. ......

    I''m not sure what to say.¡¡Show them what we Bulgurons are made of!

    Barking and inspiring her troops, Alicia continues to fire her arrows.

    One by one, the Foulds cavalry are being shot through with arrows.

    ...... Compared to the previous battle, the gap in strength between the two sides had narrowed.

    As a result, the bulgarian cavalry fought very well.

    The quality of the cavalry rivaled that of the ...... Kuro Platoon. This is a tough fight.

    In spite of the 10,000 manpower difference, Cyrus was unable to push Alicia.

    To Cyrus, ......

    A single arrow flies into the air.

    At that moment, Cyrus had a vision of his own death.

    He twisted his body in panic, and the arrow hit the body of the soldier behind him.

    At that moment, the soldier''s body quickly rotted away.

    d*mn it!

    The second and third arrows flew at Cyrus, one after the other.

    I''d like to go for a one-on-one fight ......, but I think I''d better back off a bit.

    Cyrus, afraid of Alicia''s arrows, retreated.

    Meanwhile, the left flank infantry of the Lemurian army and the Phallus cavalry under Helena''s command were fighting .......

    The Lemurians'' left flank infantry and Helena''s phallus cavalry were gaining the upper hand in the battle.

    I never thought I''d be crossing swords with you .......

    Edmond''s expression was one of anguish.

    He was confronted by Helena, the leader of the Foulds cavalry.

    I''m sorry, I''m sorry. But ...... now I am a Torchbearer, the Queen of King Foulds, and above all, the General of the Kingdom of Foulds!

    Edmond and Helena were once comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side.

    That''s why Edmond couldn''t help but tamper with her. ......

    Helena had no such qualms.

    Edmond''s sword flies.

    "I won''t kill you, but you''ll have to suffer a wound.

    Helena tried to strike Edmond with the belly of her sword.

    Helena tried to strike Edmond with the belly of her sword, but it stopped halfway.

    Helena tried to strike Edmond with the belly of her sword, but it stopped halfway. General Edmond.

    Oh, you!¡¡No, no, but I''m not leaving you behind. ......

    You''re exactly what we need!

    The blonde girl shouted at Edmond and he quietly stepped back.

    The beautiful blonde woman then glared at Helena.

    It''s been a long time. Mother.

    "Yes, it''s been a long time. Scheherazade......, you won''t step aside, will you?

    "Why would I?

    Scheherazade pointed her sword at Helena.

    I am a messianist and you are a pagan. I am the queen of the Emperor of Lemuria and you are the queen of King Fahls. I am the Messiah and you are the heathen. I am the shield of King Phallus and you are the sword of King Lemuria. Above all, .......

    Scheherazade declares.

    "There is no reason to give way to a traitor who has betrayed her country, to an apostate who has converted to paganism, even if she is my mother!

    "......, though you would not have been born otherwise.

    "That''s it!¡¡That''s it! That''s it!

    Scheherazade''s sword clashes with Helena''s.

    There were violent sparks.

    Both of them seemed to be evenly matched in strength, including magic.

    "''Subnak''!

    "Verito!

    Both of them activate their spirit magic at the same time.

    A magic circle emerged from the area around Helena, and a fog that melted everything came out of it.

    However, the ...... mist did not melt Scheherazade''s body or skin.

    ...... is that Verito, the Spirit of Alchemy?

    "As you can see. Your mist will not work on me!

    Of all metals, gold is the most unchangeable.

    By imparting its properties to his body and armor, he was able to prevent corrosion.

    The confrontation between mother and son has begun.

    Meanwhile, the right flank infantry of the Lemurian army.

    This was commanded by Sonia.

    "Push, push, push!¡¡Let the infidels know how strong the Cheldarians are!¡¡God be with us!

    Commanding the Chelda infantry, Sonia was on the offensive.

    With the Cherda infantry under her command, Sonia was on the offensive, not only pushing back the Central Infantry of Fars, led by Shaheen, but even achieving a single wing siege.

    With her body dyed red with blood, Sonia pushed the Phallus army into the ground.

    In a series of onslaughts by the crusaders, the Phallus army was bounced back.

    In particular, the center of the Phallus army was under the onslaught of the Chelda infantry led by Sonia, and was under a single wing siege.

    This is a very dangerous situation.

    For the ...... Crusaders.

    It looks like they''re not working together.

    Sasan VIII chuckled when he saw the gap between the Lemurian and Fulling armies.

    The Crusaders have very few troops left in reserve.

    Therefore, if he sent his troops here and went around the hinterland of the Crusaders, Sasan VIII would be victorious.

    Of course, the Crusaders might succeed in encircling the Falses army before then. ......

    Sasan VIII is not going to let that happen.

    "Right wing, to General Artaxerxes. Go to join Helena. General Li Huang, to the left flank, assist Generals Coward and Darius in suppressing the Fulling army. Befnam, you lead two hundred troops to join the Central Army. General Curley, move your troops back and prepare to attack again.

    ""Ha!"

    At the order of King Sasan VIII, the generals begin to move.

    And ......

    "General Kublai!¡¡Use 200 cavalry to cut a gap between the Lemurian and Fulling armies!

    Yes!

    There you are.

    Just as I had hoped, King Sasan VIII exploited the gap between the Fulling and Lemurian armies.

    I knew that Sasan VIII would not let this go unnoticed.

    Send word to Karolina. Hold the enemy army at 200. ...... Nia, Jebe!

    Yes, sir.

    You guys follow me. ...... This one battle will end all this!

    And so the battle moves into its final phase.

 258 Episode 16 Ilms Battle of the Three Emperors

    "Finally, it''s my turn. Oh dear. ...... But I guess this is the end of the fight.

    Kublai muttered to himself. ......

    He turned to his 20000 cavalrymen.

    Not a few of them are Kublai''s countrymen.

    The Kingdom of Fars borders the nomadic territory of the Kuro Tongue.

    And among the nomads, there are many who do not follow the Kuro Thrust.

    Many of them were working as cavalrymen under the protection of the Kingdom of Fars.

    The 20000 cavalrymen that Kublai commanded were also drawn from those nomadic tribes.

    "If we win this war, the riches of Lemuria will be ours!¡¡The king will give you a share of the wealth. The king will share his wealth with you. If you want wealth and glory, you must do your best!

    "''Ooohhh!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Kublai began his assault with a command.

    He was followed by two hundred cavalrymen.

    Two hundred cavalrymen approached the Crusaders with a cloud of dust.

    For more on this, see ......

    "The Lemurian Empire, no!¡¡The prosperity of Messianism lies in this one battle. All troops, charge!

    The Empress and General of the Lemurian Empire.

    The Lemurian Empress and general, Karolina, shouted, and took the lead, leading 10,000 cavalrymen to stand in front of Kublai.

    "Fire the arrows!

    Shoot the arrows!

    The light cavalry of Phallus and the medium cavalry of Lemuria (cataphracts) fire their arrows simultaneously.

    The cavalrymen who were unfortunately hit by the arrows fell to the ground in pieces.

    Then, the battle begins.

    Both armies are elite ......, but if their skill levels are the same, the difference in numbers is still significant.

    For now, the Lemurian cavalry are holding the line, but the difference in strength will eventually crush them.

    Therefore, ......

    "...... Your Majesty. I can''t hold out much longer. Please take care of the rest.

    Karolina had no choice but to trust Hercule.

    After seeing Carolina off on her charge, ......

    Hercule also began to prepare for the sortie.

    Hercule is supported by two of the best generals in the Lemurian army.

    Nia and Jebe.

    "Let''s go!¡¡We''re going to ...... the heathen king. King Foulth!

    Hercule led a reserve force of two hundred cavalrymen and began to march.

    Through the gap that had been created, and while Karolina held Kublai at bay, ......

    They are headed for the main camp of the army of Fars.

    "What?¡¡We''re hit!

    The first person to notice the Lemurian army''s movement was Kublai.

    At first he thought it was enemy reinforcements, but ......

    The Lemurian army ignored Kublai and was about to launch a desperate attack on the Foulds army.

    The Lemurian army ignored Kublai and moved to attack the Foulds.¡¡I''ll block the newcomer''s movement!

    I''ll try to block the newcomer''s movement!" Kubilai left the command of the scene to his second-in-command, and moved to stop the Lemurian cavalry attack with half of his 1,000 men.

    ......, but this was within Hercule''s expectations.

    "Jebe!

    Yes!

    Jebe led 500 troops away from the scene.

    He''s going to attack Kublai''s 100.

    "......?

    "You are .......

    And Kublai and Jebe met on the battlefield.

    "Kublai! Jebe!

    You''re alive?

    They both shoot their arrows at the same time.

    "I heard there was a general named Jebe, but I didn''t know it was you!

    "That''s what I''m talking about.

    The names Kublai and Jebe are common in Kurotsuki.

    So they both thought it was someone else with the same name.

    "Well, Jebe!¡¡Would you like to serve as an officer to King Foulds?

    "I''m sorry, but I already have a wife and children in Lemuria.

    "Oh!¡¡How many children do you have on ......?

    Only one.

    Then I''ll ...... conquer Lemuria and then I''ll come and hold your child!

    ...... I didn''t know you had that kind of taste.

    That''s not what I meant!

    The two of them shot arrows at each other and started killing each other.

    "...... I see. You got me there.

    I''m not sure what to make of that.

    I''m not sure what to make of it.

    The reason why I dared to create a gap on the left flank of the Lemurian army in the first place was to force Sasan VIII to give up his reserve troops.

    The Fullerling offensive and the single-wing encirclement of the central troops were also intended to lure out the reserve troops of the Phallus army.

    In this way, they deprived the Fahls of as much reserve troops as possible. ......

    At the same time, it created a gap in the boundary between the Lemurian and Fulling armies, which was the biggest weakness.

    Naturally, Sasan VIII sent a reserve cavalry force here.

    And in order to intercept this cavalry, the Lemurian army moved their cavalry troops ......

    In order to intercept this cavalry, the Lemurians move their cavalry to the main camp of the Phallus army.

    With the minimum amount of troops, the Lemurians will try to stop the Phallus army and then attack the main camp.

    ......, but it will be meaningless if we don''t succeed.

    The main camp of the Phallus army will be defended by the most highly trained elite troops in the Phallus Kingdom.

    I''m sure that Hercule is also commanding an elite force. ......

    But he wasn''t going to be passed over so easily.

    I''m not going to let them get away with it." "One on one, let''s settle this!¡¡Emperor Hercule!

    Sasan VIII drew his sword.

    "Fire at once!

    At Hercule''s command, the cavalry fired their arrows in unison.

    One after another, the arrows shot through the Phallus army. ......

    ......

    The Foulds also returned fire with their crossbows.

    Normally, I would like to win the shootout and then attack. ......

    But now time is running out.

    "Archers and cavalry, take cover!¡¡The rest of you follow me!

    Protect Her Majesty!

    Hercule and Nia both charged at the infantry of the Foulds army.

    They swung their swords, cutting down the infantry one by one as they pushed forward through the main lines.

    Nia, take the rear.

    "...... Godspeed. Your Majesty.

    At this point, Hercule split the army in two again.

    He asked Nia to guard his back, and then he took only the best of them and headed for the center of the main army of the Fals.

    I didn''t expect you to come with your own army. Emperor Lemuria.

    We are in dire straits as well.

    At last, Hercule and Sasan VIII had a chance encounter.

    "But single combat... I''ll think of something interesting.

    I''m glad you like it. I''m glad you like it. ...... I can''t afford to go easy on you. Would you please surrender before I kill you by accident?¡¡King Farus.

    That''s our line.

    They drew their swords.

    Then Sasan VIII summoned the most powerful spirit he had ever contracted.

    "Belial, spirit of fire and lust!

    The most powerful spirit that can burn anything in this world.

    It is the most powerful spirit that can burn anything in this world. It is no match for this spirit in terms of single attack ability.

    I''m sorry, but I''ll take your life ......!¡¡Hercule I!

    Sasan VIII raised his sword, which was covered with the flames of Belial.

    Hercule met it with his sword.

    An ordinary sword would have been melted by the flames.

    Therefore, Sasan VIII''s victory is confirmed here and now: ......

    What?¡¡That sword is ......

    I borrowed it. I borrowed it from King Ludwig I.

    A sword glowing in rainbow colors beat back the flames of Belial.

    Hercule''s sword is called the Jewels.

    It is the holy sword of King Ludwig I. It can defeat and neutralize all demons and magic.

    My demon is not a fighter. So, ...... I''m going to let you win with this sword, even though it''s very annoying!

    Asmodeus and Citri complained in Hercule''s head, but Hercule dared to ignore them.

    Asmodeus and Citri complained in his head, but Hercule ignored them. He raised his Juwayuz and struck again and again with Sasan VIII''s sword.

    Interesting!¡¡That''s ...... my son in law!

    ...... I don''t like it when you say things like that only when it suits you.

    Of course, all of Sasan VIII''s magic has been canceled out, but ......

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.

    Kuh. ......

    It seems that I''m the better martial artist!

    Hercule''s sword jumped up in the air.

    Sasan VIII then thrusts his sword into Hercule''s vacant body.

    Hercule grabbed it with his ......

    He grabbed it with his hand.

    "What?

    "Guh ......

    The sword sliced through the flesh and pierced the bone.

    But this stopped the sword.

    ...... Later, I''ll need to borrow your vizier''s spirit.

    Hercule swung his sword down.

 259 Episode 17 The Battle of the Three Emperors of Ilm...

    "Mr. Behnam!¡¡I have urgent news!

    The news was first brought to Befnum, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of False.

    "What?¡¡Your Majesty?

    It was the news that Sasan VIII, the King of the Kingdom of Foulds, had been wounded and had left the battlefield.

    "......" (What''s going on?)

    If Sasan VIII is unable to lead for some reason, Befnum is supposed to take over.

    I don''t know the extent of Sasan VIII''s wounds, but I''m pretty sure they are more than just a scratch from being away from the battlefield, and I''m pretty sure he won''t be able to lead.

    Befnum pondered for a bit, but ......

    He immediately made a decision.

    "All troops, retreat!

    He prioritized the safety of his master over victory.

    With Befnum''s order, the Phallus army began to retreat at once.

    The Crusaders gave fierce pursuit to the fleeing Phars army.

    Many of the cavalry, who were very mobile, quickly left the battlefield, but the infantry and elephant troops of the Pharaohs suffered a lot of damage.

    Thus, ......

    The Battle of the Three Emperors of Ilkamus ended in victory for the Crusaders.

    Battle of the Three Empires at Ilkamus

    Warring Forces

    Crusaders (Lemuria, Hayastan, Bulgaron, Chelda, Tretum, Fulling, Edeluna, Messianic Church) vs.

    Major Commanders

    Crusaders

    Cecilia Peter (Princess Priestess = Pope)

    Hercule I (Emperor of the Lemurian Empire)

    Karolina Yulianos

    Scheherazade Yulianos

    Galfis Galleanos

    Darrios Leopardi

    Oscar Almon

    Edmond Erdemort

    Stephan Shaykoski

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios

    Jebe

    Sonia Yulianos (Queen of the Kingdom of Cerda)

    Alicia Yulianos, Queen of the Bulgarson Kingdom

    King Ludwig I (King of the Fulling)

    Count Astolfo (Prince of Albion)

    Count Roland

    Bradamante, Count

    Phars

    King Sasan VIII (King of the Kingdom of Fars)

    Coward Cardintina

    Shaheen Charlequin

    Helena Uarelius Cog.

    Cyrus Curaines

    Artaxerxes Artaxerxes

    Dareios Dalmares

    Behnam Behferad

    Smerdis Skourdis

    Li Huang

    Kubilai

    Carly Marr

    Troops

    Crusaders 240,000,000

    Fars 2,800,000

    Result

    Crusaders

    Casualties: approx. 300,000

    Remaining: approx. 2100

    Phallus Army

    Casualties: approx. 500,000

    Prisoners of war: approx. 300

    Remaining: approx. 200,000

    Victory or defeat: ...... Crusader victory

    Impact

    End of the Lemurian-Faullus War

    The day after the battle.

    About ten kilometers from the battlefield, the Phallus army was in position.

    "Your Majesty. Are you feeling all right, Your Majesty?

    "Yes. The Emperor of Lemuria has really gotten to me.

    For some reason, King Sasan VIII seemed to be in a good mood.

    He had always been good at war, and had fought on the edge in his early days on the throne.

    This time, he was fighting on the edge, just like he did when he was young.

    This time, he was fighting on the edge, just like he did when he was younger, so he was in a good mood, remembering the past, when he was younger.

    "...... is not the time to laugh. If I hadn''t healed you, you would have died.

    "Well, don''t be so angry. The Emperor of Lemuria was wounded not lightly instead. The Crusaders won''t be able to move so quickly.

    At least the Emperor of Lemuria''s arm will be useless.

    With that many wounds, he should be stuck in a fever right now.

    "By the way, Your Majesty. What should we do?

    There are still men left. If we take this to an endurance battle, we''ll win. The Crusaders or whatever they are, they won''t be able to hold the peace for long.

    I don''t know why the Fullerling army is participating in this crusade.

    However, they are probably only in agreement with the Lemurian army for the present. ...... In reality, both sides are fighting for different reasons.

    If the battle is prolonged, the two sides will surely fall out.

    Above all, the ...... Fullerling army is an army with feudalistic tendencies as much as, if not more than, the Phallus army.

    If the battle goes on too long, the soldiers will want to return home.

    I don''t want to have to bow down to them.

    For better or worse, Sasan VIII is as competitive as Hercule.

    Nevertheless, ......

    "Your Majesty, the King!¡¡I have urgent news!

    And then new information came in.

    Our coastline is under attack by the Lemurian Navy!

    "A messenger from the Kuro Plague requests an audience with you.

    "...... Hmm. Send the messenger through first.

    Sasan VIII, with his wounds covered, had an audience with the Kuro Thrust messenger.

    The Kuro Thrust emperor''s argument can be summarized as follows: ......

    I took the sister of the Emperor of Lemuria as my wife, but at the same time I gave my daughter in marriage to your son.

    In other words, the Emperor of Lemuria, you, the King of Fars, and I are family.

    I don''t want to see two people who are family fight.

    I''ll mediate. Both sides, please keep your bows down.

    If King Farrus does not agree to my proposal, we will take the side of Lemuria.

    And that was all.

    Although he said that it was hard to see his family fighting, it was clear that he was actually on the side of Lemuria.

    In the end, the truce between Kurotsuki and Farrus was only a temporary one.

    "......, Your Majesty.

    I understand.

    It is difficult to continue the war any longer.

    Sasan VIII asked Kuro Thrust to mediate a peace treaty.

    "Hmm, Hercule. How are you feeling?

    As you can see, I''m fine. ......

    Mr. Hercule, no!

    When King Ludwig I came to visit Hercule, Hercule tried to show that he was in good health.

    However, Cecilia, who has been attending to him since last night, restrains him.

    "Go back to sleep.

    "But you know what, .......

    I''m not sure what to say, but I think it''s a good idea.

    I''m not sure what to say.

    It''s good to see you two getting along so well. At this rate, it won''t be long before we see the baby.

    Ludwig I said with a grin.

    Hercule frowned in displeasure, while Cecilia''s face turned red.

    "Why don''t you let me name the child?

    "Why should I give you the right to be my godfather?

    Why should I give you the right of godfather?

    In a way, it is thanks to King Ludwig I that Hercule and Cecilia were able to get married.

    I''m not going to say that I''m not a fan of the idea.

    ...... I don''t mind at all.

    "Hmm, I''ll think about it. Well, I''m looking forward to it.

    Ludwig I laughed.

    His age should be about a dozen years older than Hercule''s. ......

    He smelled strangely like his father.

    "But Your Majesty, Hercule. You''ve thought of everything. I''m not sure what you mean.¡¡You didn''t want to join the war, you wanted to be a mediator.

    Kuro Thrust seemed to have unhealed wounds from his battle with the Silk Nation.

    Hercule nodded in response to Ludwig I''s question.

    Erk¨¹hl was not asking for reinforcements or a request to enter the war, but to mediate a peace treaty.

    This was because he knew that his request would be rejected without a doubt.

    Kurotsuki had managed to win the war against the Silk Kingdom, but the wound was deep.

    It was Hercule''s expectation that they would be reluctant to fight against the Kingdom of Foulds.

    However, he would be willing to help if it was only to make peace.

    This is because Kuro Thrust does not want the Kingdom of Foulds to grow stronger.

    And if we win too much, we won''t know when to make peace.

    You''re right.

    If we win too much, King Sasan VIII may not come to peace until the tables are turned.

    If that happens, we will have to maintain the Crusades for a long time.

    But a crusade cannot be sustained for a long time.

    Already King Ludwig I and the soldiers of the Fulling army want to leave.

    It was impossible to hold them back any longer.

    We will now formally conclude peace with the Falses through the intermediary of the Kuro Plume ....... Do you have any conditions you wish to ask of the Fahls?

    "We can''t keep the territory we''ve been given. Trade agreements will be meaningless if we don''t have a direct border.

    King Ludwig I shrugged his shoulders.

    We have nothing to ask of the Furls. But you know that, don''t you?¡¡Hercule.

    "As for the tariff, I remember. Don''t worry.

    Very well then. Then get it together quickly. ...... Our soldiers are already homesick.

    After confirming the bare minimum, King Ludwig I left the camp.

    Then Hercule asks Cecilia.

    "Is there anything you want?

    "What do you want? ...... Well, yes.

    Cecilia''s cheeks flushed slightly and she looked up at Hercule.

    ...... I want a baby.

    ...... I was talking about what I require from the Kingdom of Foulds.

    After this, Hercule was unreasonably beaten by Cecilia.

    One week later.

    Lemuria''s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Todris, and the Kingdom of Farus'' Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Befnum, met.

    Both sides negotiated the terms of peace.

    A week later, Emperor Hercule I of the Lemurian Empire and King Sasan VIII of the Kingdom of Phars met.

    The peace treaty was signed on the spot.

    No territorial changes or transfers on either side.

    No compensation was paid to either side.

    As for the Habila Peninsula, the political sphere of influence of both Lemuria and Phars and the area of non-interference were defined.

    It was also agreed that both sides would protect trade on the Havilah Peninsula.

    Thus, the Habila Peninsula regained stability and the trading interests of both the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Phars were established.

    Thus, the Lemurian-Faerus War came to an end.

 260 Final Story Conquerors of the Three Continents

    One year has passed since the end of the Lemurian-Faullls War.

    The Lemurian Empire has been at peace.

    If anything had changed, it would have been the births of Hercule''s children, .......

    First, Scheherazade''s pregnancy was revealed immediately after the war ended.

    Hercule and Scheherazade''s child was a lovely girl.

    She was named Helena by Scheherazade''s mother.

    A few months later, Cecilia, Bradamante, Nia, Sonia, and Alicia became pregnant one after another.

    Considering the ...... time period, the implantation must have taken place during or shortly after the war.

    It is said that Hercule laughed at this, saying, "It seems that when people are dying, they have the power to leave offspring.

    Cecilia''s child was a lovely girl and was named "Louise" by King Ludwig I.

    ...... Incidentally, this is the feminine form of Ludwig.

    He named the children of Hercule and Cecilia after himself.

    Hercule laughed at his show-offishness and self-importance.

    Her child with Bradamante was named directly by Hercule.

    As long as they were recognized but not married, Bradamante''s child was Hercule''s bastard child.

    That is why, as a father, he decided to give her a name.

    The blond-haired girl with lovely cat ears was named Yulia, after Hercule''s last name, Yulianos.

    Hercule and Nia''s child was a healthy boy.

    It was Cecilia who gave him his name.

    It was Nia who directly asked Cecilia to give him a name.

    The son was named "Peter," the Lemurian reading of Cecilia''s family name, Peter.

    Hercule and Sonia''s child was a healthy boy.

    Sonia begged Hercule to give him a name.

    Hercule thought about it and named him "Herakleios," after the city of Heraclea (formerly known as Cerda), which is the same as his own and is the current capital of the Kingdom of Cerda.

    Hercule and Alicia''s child was a healthy boy.

    This child was also named by Hercule.

    After careful consideration, he was named "Apollo," the patron god of bows and shepherds in Lemurian mythology.

    With Cecilia, Scheherazade, Sonia, Alicia and Hercule''s two wives giving birth in rapid succession, the capital of the Lemurian Empire, Nova Lemuria, was in a cheerful mood, despite the fact that it was just after the war.

    In such a situation, ...... Hercule summoned a total of nineteen vassals and their wives.

    The following people were summoned.

    Carolina Yulianos.

    Scheherazade Yulianos.

    Lunalie Julianos.

    Sonia Yrianos.

    Alicia Yulianos.

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios.

    Hupatia.

    Todoris Todrianus.

    Lucanos Lucarios.

    Galfis Galenoas.

    Christos Augustus.

    Edmond Erdemort.

    Darios Leopardi.

    Oscar Almon.

    Stephan Shaykoski.

    Jebe.

    Titus Yulianos.

    Shylock.

    Antonio.

    "Good to see you all here. ...... By the way, gentlemen?

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.

    Do you know the nickname that was recently given to me?

    ''Champion of the Three Continents''.

    Lunalie replied to Hercule''s question.

    Then Lunalie gave the information about the nickname in a simple manner.

    The people call you that. The people call you that... A champion who has won victories on three continents and rules them all. That is the Holy Light Emperor, Hercule I.

    Yes, that''s right. ...... After all, a nickname bestowed by another person can be both embarrassing and gratifying.

    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.

    While King Sasan VIII was called the "Conqueror of the World" and King Ludwig I was called the "Knight among Knights", Hercule had no such nickname.

    That''s why he was a little concerned about it.

    It hurt Hercule''s pride that he didn''t have such a name while the two of them had a sense of rivalry.

    He might have thought, "Why don''t I just call myself that?

    But that would be embarrassing.

    Besides, such a name is not something you think of yourself, but is given to you by others, and only then does it make sense.

    "So, Your Majesty. So, Your Majesty. ...... What is the reason for your visit?

    Karolina tilted her head.

    The people gathered here are key figures in the Herculean regime.

    However, it is not often that all of them are present at the same time.

    Each of them had a different job to do.

    The presence of Hercule''s brother, Titus, is particularly interesting.

    He is an excellent artist, but he is not a great politician or soldier.

    Due to his delicate position as the brother of the emperor, he was rarely involved in politics.

    Who were the vassals of Ludwig I, the ''knight among knights''?

    I''m sure it''s the ...... seven heroes.

    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.

    Hercule nodded in satisfaction.

    "So who are the vassals of Sasan VIII, the Conqueror of Worlds?

    "The eight loyal generals and the three glittering generals.

    This time Scheherazade answered.

    ...... At this point, the vassals know what Hercule is trying to say.

    We''ve known each other a long time.

    "...... If I may, Your Majesty. You want something similar?

    "You know what I mean, Alicia.

    Hercule nodded exaggeratedly.

    He held out his hands.

    "A good master gathers a good vassal. The Champion of the Three Continents needs vassals of the right caliber. And as far as ...... I can think of, there are nineteen people here who have achieved great things!

    Galfis Galenoas.

    Christos Augustus.

    Edmund Erdemort.

    Darrios Leopardi.

    Oscar Almon.

    Stephan Shaykoski.

    Jebe.

    Nia Diavolos-Lukarios.

    Eight of the finest generals to ever bring victory to Hercule.

    Todoris Todrianus.

    Lucanus Lucarius.

    and Lucanos Lucarios, who were instrumental in negotiations with the Church and other nations, and supported diplomacy behind the scenes.

    Karolina Julianos.

    Scheherazade Julianos.

    Lunalie Julianos.

    Sonia Yulianos.

    Alicia Yulianos.

    Alicia Yulianos, wife of Hercule and sometimes his general.

    Titus Yulianos.

    Hupatia.

    Titus Julianos and Hupatia, two of the most outstanding cultural achievements of the time.

    Shylock.

    Antonio.

    Although they were not so prominent, they did much to support the financial and internal affairs of the Lemurian Empire.

    These are the nineteen.

    These are the vassals whom Hercule considered to be of particular merit.

    "After all this time, ......, you have supported me well until now. There is no better vassal in the world than you. I am ...... grateful.

    Unusually, Hercule said such a thing.

    The vassals were surprised to hear this.

    So, these nineteen are the Nineteen Pillar Generals. Please continue to serve me.

    " "Yes!

    After listening to their replies, Hercule began to get down to business.

    Now that we''re on the subject, ...... I thought I''d share with you some of the policies that will govern this country from now on.

    In contrast to the light-hearted, slightly joking atmosphere of earlier, ......

    I''m serious from here on.

    This is an important story that I will only tell the Nineteen Pillars General.

    I''ve been working on a policy of expanding our territory and securing our interests, but from now on we will be on the defensive. ...... We have no enemies at the moment.

    In the west, we agree with the Fullerling Kingdom on the policy of protecting the peace of the Album Sea.

    In the east, they have promised to maintain trade with the Kingdom of Fars as before, and to maintain stability in the Havilah Peninsula.

    Therefore, there is no enemy that Lemuria must attack in the future.

    And ...... when the children of me, Lunalie, Alicia, and Sonia come of age, we will install them as kings of their respective kingdoms. And the state of the Union of Sovereigns will be lifted from time to time.

    The vassals were surprised by Hercule''s words.

    In particular, Lunalie, Alicia, and Sonia, the three people involved, rolled their eyes.

    All three of them thought that their country would be under the rule of Hercule for the next hundred years.

    "Of course, as soon as the union is broken, we''ll form a new alliance. And the fact that I will effectively rule for the time being will not change. The reason I''m breaking the alliance is to show the world that my children will inherit the throne." ......

    After Hercule''s death.

    After Hercule''s death, there is a possibility that the nobles of the royal blood of each kingdom will revolt, claiming that they are the rightful heirs to the throne.

    So, in order to stop this from happening, it was necessary to set a precedent that the person who inherits two bloodlines, the blood of Hercule and the blood of Lunaria, Alicia and Sonia, will inherit the throne.

    Thank you for fulfilling your ...... promise. Your Majesty.

    Lunalie said to Hercule, smiling happily.

    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s not afraid of you.

    Now you can trust Hercule from the bottom of your heart.

    Hercule fought the Foulds to protect Hayastan, and now he''s willing to let his son succeed to the throne right away.

    Well, there''s a promise, or a reason for that, of course. ......

    Hayastan, Bulgaron, and Chelda are vassal states, and are in effect vassal provinces.

    However, legally speaking, they are all states ruled by Hercule, and are in a sense on equal footing with the Lemurian Empire, a union of equals.

    The fact that ...... adheres to the law is just a pretext.

    The real intention is different.

    "From now on, the Lemurian Empire will decline. You should be prepared for that.

    Hercule said, clearly.

    The vassals froze at their lord''s weak and abrupt declaration.

    "What do you mean?¡¡Your Majesty. There''s some kind of governance problem. ......

    So far, no problems have been reported.

    Hercule appeased Galfis.

    Then Christos asked.

    "Why do you think ...... it will decline?

    "It means that the power of this country will not grow in the future.

    The Lemurian Empire is already well developed.

    It has a good transportation system with roads and bridges.

    It has good irrigation and flood control systems.

    Its land is rich and developed to the point that it cannot be developed any further.

    Therefore, the Lemurian Empire has no room to grow.

    "Originally, this country was in the doldrums until I came to the throne. Well, ...... I was a genius, so I inadvertently prolonged the life of the country. ......

    I''m not saying it''s doomed.

    I''m not saying it''s doomed, but it won''t be as prosperous as it is now.

    Hercule answered Lucanos'' question.

    For the first time in a long time, the old vassals remembered the situation of the Lemurian Empire a few decades ago.

    If Hercule had not been born.

    If Hercule had not been born, it would have been Hadrian or Titus who would have taken over the throne.

    Either way, the future of the country would have been bleak.

    But ......, you can''t go against the flow of the times. Originally, this country was a crossroads of civilizations,...... where various ethnic groups could easily flow into. I''ll do my best to ...... keep it that way, but I don''t know what will happen after I''m gone.

    We do not know if Hercule''s son will be as militarily and politically adept as Hercule.

    No matter how capable he is, it will be difficult to hope for the same level as Hercule.

    Therefore, the eventual decline of the Lemurian Empire is inevitable.

    "All right, gentlemen. Be aware that this is the time of the last glimmer of light in this land. We are only enjoying a temporary peace and prosperity in opposition to the original flow.

    There is a big difference between being aware of this and not being aware of it.

    There is a big difference between being aware of this and not being aware of it. If we try to force the country to regain its prosperity, it will collapse.

    This country is already an old man.

    The old man should be allowed to pass away in ...... peace, as the old man should.

    Our mission is to take advantage of this last glimmer of hope ...... and make the decline of the country as slow and gentle as possible. One of them is to break the tyrannical alliance. Little by little, we will separate our territories, and on top of that, we will maintain a loose alliance.

    In the future, it will be difficult for the Lemurian Empire to repel all foreign enemies with a single stone.

    Therefore, it is necessary to make the vassal states independent to some extent.

    That''s what Hercule thought.

    "Well, as for the Lemurian Empire itself, that depends on how good ...... my son is. If he''s not that good, we should consider a split inheritance.

    Of course, this is a much later story.

    Of course, this is a much later story. It can change as much as you want, depending on how things change in the future.

    ...... And don''t tell anyone about this. A monarch is a person who makes the country rich. The other vassals and the people must not know that I am going to cut my losses if I cannot make the country any richer. But I spoke in the belief that you would understand. Do you understand?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yes, Your Majesty! ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The nineteen vassals replied in unison.

    All of them agreed with Hercule''s policy of softening the decline of the country.

    "Very well. Very well. ......

    Hercule was about to say something when...

    Just as Hercule was about to say something, a bureaucrat burst into the audience room.

    "Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty!

    "What is it?

    What is it? "The governor of Taurica has sent a messenger. ...... Barbarians from the north are invading the borders of Taurica. Please help us subdue them at .......

    "All right. Stand down.

    Hercule sent the bureaucrat back.

    And Hercule flips his cloak.

    "Gentlemen, end of story. It''s ...... time to fight. We will kill every barbarian who violates our sacred land.

    "Ha!

    "Ha!" The crowd began to move in unison.

    And Hercule muttered quietly.

    "While I am healthy, I will continue to show you the dream of my first glory and peace.

    And he laughed quietly.

    Emperor, who brought the barbarians to their knees!

    The emperor who brought the heretics to their knees!

    The emperor who defeated the infidels!

    The great protector of our messianic religion!

    The champion who crossed oceans, mountains, deserts and conquered three continents!

    We are the eternal heroes of Lemuria!

    Your honorable name is Hercule!

    The great emperor Hercule I!

    Hercule I, the Holy Light Emperor, champion of three continents!