Moto Sekai Ichi – 230 | Sousaku – 創作

230　Is it possible to tell the future?

Arc 11: The Empire

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Gordo Marubell: Emperor
Clearla Marubell: The Emperor's Wife
Melson Marubell: Princess, Eldest Sister
Light Marubell: Prince, Younger Brother

Seram: Melson's dog
Nat Shaman: General of the Marubell Empire, Leader of the Princess' Imperial Guard
Sigaronne Elbuni: Prime Minister of the Marubell Empire

"――Seven, be careful."

The next morning, as I was getting ready to leave for the Kingdom of Oranjee, someone suddenly spoke to me from behind. It's a clear female voice.

Looking back, there stood the woman in the robe with distinctive tousled dark blue hair who had been standing next to the emperor during the audience.

"…………Who? "

"Ufufu, you're rude. But I don't dislike it."

Seriously, who is this?

"I'm Spica. Spica Amrit. You really don't know? "

"I really don't know."

"……Well～……"

The woman who called herself Spica looked at me with eyes reminiscent of a rare animal, opened her thickly lipsticked lips slightly, and covered her mouth with her hand, which was adorned with large, jeweled rings and bracelets. At the same time, the scent of perfume drifted through the air.

She's dressed up and looks like a celebrity, but she seems young. From the looks of it, she appears to be in her early twenties.

"What kind of work do you do? "

"Fortune teller. I'm currently employed by His Majesty, but I used to be famous in the imperial capital, you know? "

Wow, a fortune teller! I've never heard that before. Of course, there was no such job at Mobius.

Spica smiled at me in surprise and pointed her index finger at me.

"By the way, despite my appearance, I am higher in rank than a Commander of the Imperial Guard. Respect me properly. Is that clear? "

"Ah, yes."

This girl sounds just like Chérie used to.

"Then, is that what you mean? The skilled fortune teller came all the way here to warn me?"

"Exactly. There's going to be some trouble with this invasion."

Spica said this with absolute certainty.

Well, I suppose wars without turmoil are rare, but I won't say so out of politeness.

"What kind of trouble will there be? "

Instead, I asked for more details. She'll probably allow this much.

"If I say that, it won't be fortune-telling anymore. But, yeah……"

Spica hesitated for a moment, then opened her mouth.

"Avoid clashing as much as possible. There will be many deaths. If possible, try to reach a compromise. This is also His Majesty's will."

"His Majesty's will? "

"Yeah. We will make concessions to the Kingdom of Oranjee if we can reach a compromise. While we're fighting over Shizun, the Kingdom of Castall will rise to power, and once the Republic of Dizart solidifies its position, it will be disadvantageous for both the Marubell Empire and the Kingdom of Oranjee. In that case, wouldn't it be smarter to strengthen the bond between our two countries, using the small country of Shizun as a starting point? "

I was surprised. Since she said she was a fortune teller, I thought she would predict the future using some kind of mysterious power, but surprisingly, her ideas were based on sound reasoning.

Basically, she came here in place of the emperor. In other words, she was an envoy sent by the busy emperor.

However, something seems off. That contradicts what Sigaronne said.

"Seven, I know that your promotion depends on this mission. And while using that as a shield, perhaps the Prime Minister is threatening you in some way... You must carefully consider whether to follow the orders of His Majesty, who desires a peaceful resolution, or those of the Prime Minister, who is belligerent and violent."

Spica said as if she had seen through me.

I see, so Sigaronne-san's instructions to me were his own judgment, ignoring the emperor's intentions. Was that a separate order for me personally, different from the current mission? Hmm, this is getting harder.

Actually, I'm struggling with whether or not to follow Sigaronne-san's orders. As expected of a fortune teller, she seems to see right through me.

The reason why I'm conflicted is simple.

"Thank you for your advice."

"It's nothing, good luck. I wish you success."

The name of the opponent whom Sigaronne-san has ordered to be defeated is the general of the Oranjee Kingdom Army―― In other words, Nova Bartelemon. Yeah, that's right, she's that clingy female general.

＊ ＊ ＊

"The man who headed for the Sacred Country, you said his name was Seven? Really interesting."

While enjoying tea after breakfast in his luxurious room, Emperor Gordo Marubell smiled and muttered to himself.

His daughter, Melson Marubell, sitting opposite him, replied in a bad mood when she heard this.

"Father, you must not let such a newcomer take command just because he is interesting. The agreement concerning the small country of Shizun is an important one that will determine the future of the Kingdom of Oranjee and the Republic of Dizart――"

"Melson. You have a different opinion from me about this expedition, don't you? "

"……Yeah. We should invade the exhausted Sacred Country, now known as the Republic of Dizart, before they can recover from the revolution."

"I don't think so. The Kingdom of Oranjee is home to Bartelemon. Behind the Sacred Country stands the Kingdom of Castall. The Kingdom of Castall has a Second Firstest. Overall, it won't be easy."

"That's why, if we return Sigaronne to his position as general......"

"That's not possible. If he becomes general, the future of the empire will be drenched in blood."

"…………"

Emperor Gordo was completely reluctant. Melson understood this well.

By the time a man named Second Firstest sent minced meat, Emperor Gordo had already begun to pull back.

Val Morrow infiltrated the Kingdom of Castall and rose to become prime minister. He raised the first prince Klaus, skillfully occupied the royal castle, and waited for reinforcements from the empire. However, his request for reinforcements was ignored. The reason Emperor Gordo ignored the request for reinforcements was ultimately because he chickened out.

It was easy to say anything with words. There was no doubt that Gordo had come up with various excuses to avoid war. For Melson, Gordo had been nothing but a man of empty words for the past few years.

It seemed as if he wasn't seriously considering the future of the empire, but was only concerned with his own safety, living comfortably in the safety of the imperial capital.

If things continued like this, the Marubell Empire would be ruined. Melson was convinced of this and was working behind the scenes to take the throne for herself.

Specifically―― the formation of an “assassination squad.” Her dog, the spy Seram, was also one of them.

Melson was prepared to kill even her own father if necessary.

She loved the Marubell Empire so much and felt responsible for her position as a member of the imperial family, who was entrusted with the lives of many citizens.

However…… apart from that, a new problem had arisen.

"Even so, I am impressed that he became Commander of the Imperial Guard in only three days. It is extremely impressive. Depending on how things turn out with the Kingdom of Oranjee, I may have to consider appointing him as vice-general."

"No, Father, you can't. The timeframe is too short. Many people will not be satisfied with that."

"Sigaronne also said that it was precisely its briefness that made it interesting. I feel the same way."

"…………"

The new problem was the rise of Seven.

This was a very bad situation for Melson.

Seven's promotion meant that Light was getting closer to becoming the next emperor.

Melson's knight Nat Shaman had already been soundly defeated by Seven. That alone severely damaged his reputation among the knights and soldiers.
On top of that, if he were to become vice-general after distinguishing himself in the matter with the Kingdom of Oranjee, it would be no exaggeration to say that Light would be almost on equal footing as her, rapidly approaching the throne of the next emperor.

If that happens, Gordo's indecisiveness will be the least of her worries. From Melson's perspective, Light was clearly not fit to be emperor.

After all, the only way to lead the Marubell Empire in the right direction was for her to become the next Empress. And to achieve that, she had no choice but to use any means necessary―—at least, that's how Melson saw it.

"Sigaronne said he could handle it. Therefore, I will take a chance on that man and negotiate with the Kingdom of Oranjee. Besides, Spica's fortune wasn't that bad."

Emperor Gordo said with a look on his face as if he had seen a rare sight. That's how rarely Sigaronne acknowledged others.

However, Gordo, who ordered him to go and talk to the Kingdom of Oranjee, seemed unaware that Sigaronne had given Seven completely different instructions.

"Fortune telling, that's a bit......"

"If you have a good heart, the door will open, but if you have an evil heart, the door will close..."

"I see... Do you think Seven has a good heart? "

"It's a tough question. Whether you look at the door through your heart or look at your heart through the door, both are equally interesting. Unlike you, I am interested in the heart, not the door."

In other words, Gordo had high expectations for Seven and hoped he would do well.

Conversely, Melson was worried about Seven and did not want him to do well.

Melson, whose true feelings were unexpectedly revealed by Gordo's response, opened her mouth with a bitter expression.

"If the heart is how Seven exists in relation to the empire. Does the door represent the relationship between the Kingdom of Oranjee and the Empire? Spica has a roundabout way of saying things, doesn't she?"

Seeing Melson like that, Gordo smiled softly and replied.

"If she says that, it won’t be fortune-telling anymore."

＊ ＊ ＊

A day and a half after leaving the Empire.

I met an unexpected person at the border with the small country of Shizun.

"Seven! It was a quick reunion! How have you been? "
"Captain! And you guys came too?"

All the members of the fifth squad are here.

They surrounded me with happy faces and cheered, “We've been waiting for you!”

"That's right. We, the fifth squad of the first combat brigade infantry, are with you! Besides, it's not just us. The Prime Minister, being thoughtful, has ordered the entire first combat brigade infantry to be dispatched, so that nothing will happen to Seven."

Being thoughtful…… While claiming that, he probably gathered them to invade the Sacred Country under my command.

"I hear that Seven has full command at the scene. But I've got to say…… Will you be okay? "
"Oh, it's no problem. There's only one thing to do."
"Huh, just one!? As always, it's clear and easy to understand."

There is only one goal. Meet Nova at the border, that's all.

The rest depends on how she responds.

But if she pushes back with force……

"By the way, you're Commander of the Imperial Guard, Seven! Just as I suspected! On top of that, I heard you beat that general ten times in a row! You're really an incredible man! "

"Uwhoa! ? "

While I was spacing out, the high-energy captain tried to slap me on the back.

If I get hit, the Wraith's morph will be canceled. I dodged at the last moment and put two steps between myself and the captain.

"What's wrong, Seven?"

This is bad. They must be suspicious.

"……My bad. I'm a little nervous because I'm about to face the general."

When I made an excuse on the spur of the moment, the captain looked startled and opened his mouth.

"I'm s-sorry! That's understandable. Facing Bartelemon, even Seven would be nervous! Hey, you guys! Let's give Seven some space! Okay?! "
"Yes! "

The captain shouted orders to members of the team who had little to do with the situation, and they hurriedly moved away from me.

Then, they moved back about fifteen meters and waited in formation. It seems that I managed to deceive them well.

I see, so Nova is quite feared in the Empire. That makes sense. Certainly, that gorilla-like physique must have seemed like a giant female gorilla had appeared from the perspective of the squad leaders.

However, she is extremely sensible. Possessing both strength and skill, her technique is refined down to the smallest detail. It's hard to think of her as a gorilla.

"…………"

――I want to do it. To be honest, this is what it is.

Leaving aside the emperor and the prime minister, I want to go all out with her, risking my life, doing anything and everything, because I can't stand the urge.

Is there any way to fulfill the orders of both the emperor and Sigaronne-san at the same time?

In short, is there any way to defeat Nova while maintaining good relations with the Kingdom of Oranjee?

"Hoo."

There's no way a convenient method exists…… thinking that I looked up at the sky and sighed.

The fifth squad is fifteen meters away. Being like this makes me feel like I'm all alone.

What was the border between the small country of Shizun and the Sacred Country of Kamel, where we are currently heading, like? I'm pretty sure it was a desert ruins area. A vast desert littered with what looked like the remains of collapsed ruins.

Are the soldiers supposed to line up in the desert and have me and Nova talk things over?

Whether we settle things through discussion or launch a surprise attack, it's up to me. However, in the latter case, there is nowhere to hide soldiers, so it becomes a battle of pure strength with no room for tricks.

Sigaronne-san said to decide what to do after seeing Nova's forces……?

"! "

No, wait.

……How about a one-on-one?

Both sides' soldiers should stand down and wait behind their commander, just as we're currently doing.

Nova and I will settle this one-on-one, and the outcome will determine the future of the two countries.

If we win, the Kingdom of Oranjee will withdraw its troops from the Republic of Dizart. If they win, the Marubell Empire will withdraw its troops from the small country of Shizun.

With a peaceful solution that avoids casualties, I will show a conciliatory attitude toward the Kingdom of Oranjee, defeat Nova head-on, and conclude an agreement that is acceptable to both sides. I can't think of any other way to fulfill the orders of the emperor and the prime minister at the same time.

Will Nova go along with this?

Most likely, it will be fine. The answer is probably “YES.” She yearns for someone stronger. And surely she likes straightforward men.

Rather, it is better not to try to use tricks. Despite her appearance, Nova is highly intelligent and an excellent speaker. If she can shut up Yukari and Steam with her sharp tongue, there's no way I can win by desperately thinking about political issues and talking about them.

In that case, there is no other option but to go straight for it and take a gamble.

Whether or not such a thing is actually possible is something that can only be known by trying it out, but……

"That's good, that's good～"

I'm strangely not feeling pessimistic. On the contrary, I am optimistic.

It felt like a puzzle piece had fallen into place. Somehow, I feel like it's going to work out.

It's been like this ever since I came to the empire.

It's exactly as Windfield said, it's a game. It's like a game where you repeatedly make deductions and choices.

Therefore, you can enjoy it with peace of mind. The hints are scattered throughout in a way that only I can understand, at a level that even I can barely comprehend.

On top of that, there are exciting elements such as a one-on-one battle with Nova…… It's got everything I could want, and it's so interesting. This month looks like it's going to be a nice vacation.

"Wait for me, Nova! I'm coming!"

――At that moment, I was so happy that I would be able to play against Nova that I forgot one important thing.

With her ambition and professionalism, it was no surprise that she had been training hard over the past few days since finishing the title match.

Right, on the day of the eight-title celebration party, the skill I taught Nova with the bingo prize was――

=====
Thank you for reading.

Cheat sheet

Status Details

HP　Hit Points
MP　Magic Points
SP　Stamina Points
STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
INT　Attack Magic skill power.
LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
VIT　Simple defense.
MGR　Magic defense.

Skill Ranking

From lower (16th) to higher (1st) class, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade

16th class
15th class
14th class
13th class
12h class
11th class
10th class
9th class
8th class
7th class
6th class
5th class
4th class
3rd class
2nd class
1st class
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9 (Can challenge Title when all related skills are at this level)

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
Lance(Kyousha)
Knight (Keima)
Silver General (Ginshou)
Gold General (Kinshou)
Bishop (Kakugyou)
Rook (Hisha)
Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

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List of Swordsmanship skills

【Swordsmanship】　Damage： STR Dependent.

《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack forward + stun.
《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack in all directions.
《Rook Swordsmanship》　Very strong single-target attack.
《Bishop Swordsmanship》　Quick and powerful penetrating attack.
《Gold Swordsmanship》　Ranged attack in all directions.
《Silver Swordsmanship》　Strong, single-target attack.
《Knight Swordsmanship》　Precision attack＋added damage against vital points.
《Lance Swordsmanship》　Penetrating attack.
《Soldier Swordsmanship》　Normal attack.

(Rook＋Knight, Silver＋Knight, Lance＋Knight, Soldier＋Knight are possible for Combine)

List of Jojutsu (cane) skills

【Jojutsu】Thrust・Strike・Sweep

《Dragon King Jojutsu》　Extremely powerful wide-area attack
《Dragon Horse Jojutsu》　Wide range defense + knockback
《Rook Jojutsu》　Very powerful ranged attack
《Bishop Jojutsu》　Rush piercing attack
《Gold Jojutsu》　Very strong defense
《Silver Jojutsu》　Powerful ranged attack
《Knight Jojutsu》　Rush attack
《Lance Jojutsu》　Piercing attack
《Soldier Jojutsu》　Conventional attack

List of Spearmanship skills

【Spearmanship】

《Dragon King Spearmanship》　Extremely powerful single-target attack
《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》　Powerful long-range attack (shockwave)
《Rook Spearmanship》　Rush attack (charge thrust)
《Bishop Spearmanship》　Powerful ranged attack (Cleave)
《Gold Spearmanship》　Counterattack (Counter)
《Silver Spearmanship》　Powerful single-target attack (charge thrust)
《Knight Spearmanship》　Forward leaping attack (leaping thrust)
《Lance Spearmanship》　Ranged attack (Cleave)
《Soldier Spearmanship》　Normal Attack (Thrust)

List of Archery skills

【Archery】

《Dragon King Archery》　Powerful on-impact ranged attack.
《Dragon Horse Archery》　Powerful piercing ranged attack.
《Rook Archery》　Very strong single-target range attack.
《Bishop Archery》　Strong piercing range attack.
《Gold Archery》　Range attack with added knockback.
《Silver Archery》　Strong single-target range attack.
《Knight Archery》　Precise sniping range attack.
《Lance Archery》　Piercing range attack.
《Soldier Archery》　Normal range attack.

List of Shield Arts skills

【Shield Arts】

《Dragon King Shield Arts》　Very powerful ranged attack to the front.
《Dragon Horse Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense + all-range attack.
《Rook Shield Arts》　Powerful forward Rush attack (VIT converted to STR and added to net STR)
《Bishop Shield Arts》　Great Reinforced Defense (16th class: 250% ~ Grade 9th: 600% Defense)
《Gold Shield Arts》　Range homing defense ＋ Knockback（While active, attacks within a certain range would redirect themselves towards the shield）
《Silver Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense (parry grace time reduced by 0.01 second, successful parry triggers counterattack effect)
《Knight Shield Arts》　Defense + Knockback.
《Lance Shield Arts》　Piercing Reflective Defense
《Soldier Shield Arts》　Normal defense.
Success condition for parry: Activate the skill 0.287 to 0.250 seconds before the attack reaches the target.

List of Magic skills

【Magic】 (Four attributes: fire, water, wind, and earth)
Advantages and disadvantages: Fire>Earth>Wind>Water>Fire
・First Form　Normal Attack （Preparation time： Super short. Cooldown： Super short）
・Second Form　Extended range attack （Slow. Long）
・Third Form　Strong single-target attack （Short. Short）
・Fourth Form　Powerful extended-range attack （Super slow. Super long）
・Fifth Form　Very powerful extended-range attack （Slowest. Longest）

【Magical Magic】
《Combine》　Combines two magic skills into a single attack.
《Synergy》　Overlays two magic spells on top of another magic spell.
《Charge》　Magic attack that increases in magnitude the more it is charged up.

List of Martial Arts skills

【Martial Arts】　Attack：(STR+DEX+AGI)/2.56

《Dragon King Martial Arts》　A very powerful wide-area attack in the front (shockwave)
《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》　Accelerated forward strike (Dash Punch)
《Rook Martial Arts》　Very powerful single-target attack + charge (Punch)
《Bishop Martial Arts》　Omni-directional attack (Roundhouse kick)
《Gold Martial Arts》　Short-range attack plus defense (Tackle)
《Silver Martial Arts》　Strong single-target attack （Punch）
《Knight Martial Arts》　Forward jumping attack （Jumping kick）
《Lance Martial Arts》　Short-range attack (Kick)
《Soldier Martial Arts》　Normal attack （Punch）

List of Sword-drawing skills

【Sword-drawing】 (STR+DEX+AGI+VIT)/5.12+remaining SP/10^4（fire power when using a sword at the belt 128％）

《Dragon King Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful area of effect attack.
《Dragon Horse》 Range attack in all directions.
《Rook Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Bishop Sword-drawing》 Quick and powerful thrust.
《Gold Sword-drawing》 Counter (Single attack + defense)
《Silver Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Powerful Sword-drawing attack.
《Knight Sword-drawing》 Large movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Lance Sword-drawing》 Movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Soldier Sword-drawing》 Sword drawing attack (Single attack)

List of Thread Manipulation skills

【Thread Manipulation】
《Dragon King Thread Manipulation》　The most powerful single attack, limited to the restrained target.
《Dragon Horse Thread Manipulation》　Simultaneously emits multiple threads, forcibly restraining the touched object.
《Rook Thread Manipulation》　Very powerful single attack using a bundle of threads
《Bishop Thread Manipulation》　Powerful penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Gold Thread Manipulation》　Thread restraints on objects within a 4-meter radius.
《Silver Thread Manipulation》　Powerful single-target attack with a bundle of threads
《Knight Thread Manipulation》　Manipulate monsters, humans, and puppets using strings for a certain period of time.
《Lance Thread Manipulation》　Penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Soldier Thread Manipulation》　Single target attack with a bundle of threads
(Gold + Lance or Bishop can be Combined)

ToC