The Strategist Knows Everything

The Albion army withdrew. Take Fio as a hostage.

And we, Knox, we all joined up and we were in retreat. to Velis.

"I'm not convinced"

The Imperial Castle stands in the center of the Imperial Capital. On the way there, Mikana walking a little behind me squeaks so blush.

That has been scattered on the road so far, and I have apologized and explained to Micana many times. And when he heard the explanation, Micah was convinced.

So I don't deal with them anymore. My body and heart are broken no matter which way I'm dealing with them. Micana is not the only one who is dissatisfied.

All Knox's crew, who heard me go to Albion, came together to protest. How much time and words did you use to forgive them?

The grievances of the soldiers who took the form of betrayal by the Empire were not usual, and I was convinced that I would go to Albion and that Knox would return to Velis, but that was all.

The Imperial Army, which has accompanied Knox to the Imperial Capital, is constant and too dangerous, so everyone, except Micah, is sent to the port where the ship is waiting. Of course, be careful not to make a scene.

"... Sofia-sama and Kaguya-sama will get angry at you, won't they?

"I guess. But there's no other way, right? If you run away, the Empire will follow you with all its might, beyond Fio already being held hostage. Can we get out of here?

"Let them escape."

"Together, yes. Veris is already isolated and helpless. If you drain too much power, you'll have trouble afterwards."

"Without Yukito, we will not be talking about trouble."

"If you find out I escaped, you'll soon know what the Imperial Navy is up to, won't you?

It is the empire that leaves the empire. And it is the Imperial Navy who is operating the ship. If those people don't cooperate, I can't go to Velis.

At a time when we depend on the Empire for everything we travel, it is unrealistic to flee. The sea, in particular, is too dangerous. If you do poorly, you will die without even being able to resist.

Then it would still be better to follow the Empire and go to Albion. In the end, it's about as good as it gets.

"I just hope they don't find out"

"What if they find out? I can't do that without you."

If I were just myself, I'd still be involved in the whole Knox thing, and Fio's life. It would be wiser not to make an escape here.

If you want to do it, it will be after you go to Albion. And then I'm going to need help from the outside.

"Now be patient. And come and help me when the opportunity comes. You're the only ones I can count on, so don't lose too much calm."

"… I am sorry for your loss"

Micana apologizes so on the top of the Buddha.

I don't know how unwilling you are, but I want you to keep your emotions down here somehow.

Even I have a lot of good things to do.

Well, I'm good to go now.

I am in Micana and the Imperial Capital for two reasons.

To meet the King that the time to return to the Imperial Capital is the limit point where I can go.

Even though it is possible to drop off Knox because Fio has taken me hostage, time constraints exist. Given that time constraint, I have to break up with everyone in the Imperial Capital.

Initially, I was going to drop him off and head under the Albion army, but seeing the looming Imperial Castle, I was gradually getting angry, so I decided to reschedule a little and ask to see the King.

Bringing Micah here is what to do if they refuse. If they refuse, they will exercise their strength. That much would be forgiven.

I was sold for this country.

"But... I guess I'm not cool, either?

"Even at times like this, I don't like superiors who are calm and can't feel their emotions."

"It's not good to like or dislike it. When I get back to Velis, I might have a different commander while I'm away."

Although it is only for the duration of my absence.

Well, Knox's commander, a special unit, does not serve as an ordinary commander. I think it will be done either by the troop leader, or by Kaguya or Dio.

For now, it's hard to have a weird guy. It's my precious lifeline, and more importantly, my men on hand salt. Even though it's temporary, I can't keep it from someone I don't trust.

"I am Lord Yukito's deputy. And I think you're the only one in my superiors."

"... Well then that's fine. Just obey Master Caguya and Mr. Dio, okay?

"Those two are the masters to say. Because it's not like a superior officer."

I don't know what kind of line is being drawn inside Micana, but the only thing I can be sure of is that I won't admit to being a superior officer except me.

"I'm in trouble."

"Then come back. It's not just me. Everyone at Knox is waiting."

"I'll do good. I'd like you to come and help me if you can."

"Try your best to get near the border. I guarantee your safety from then on."

Tough. You have no idea how hard it is to get from enemy capitals to near the border.

"…… When you get near the border, do you need a horse? I'll put it in the math."

"Yes. I'll be waiting for you."

"Phew... well, let's go say hello to the person who created this situation"

I came all the way to the Imperial Castle. I groaned.

"It's Yukito Clay. I am here to see His Majesty the King. Let's hope for the next one."

Yes, I told the guard.

■ ■ ■

I went through the next time.

I've been ordered to wait in separate rooms for a while to prepare, but there's no sign of any attempt on our part.

"Something like a clap?

That's what Micana asks me as she asks for my expression sitting in the chair.

While nodding at it, I think.

The King's sincerity.

What's the point of meeting with an enemy warrior who sold himself? If I were you, I wouldn't see you. That's why I brought Micah here. To get you to meet even if you can't.

It's not like we have to see each other. But I thought it would be easier if I planted my guilt here in the emperor and hence in the empire.

However, the King responded well.

I don't know why. Is it a whim, or is it because of a clear reason?

With that in mind, the door to the room opened without a knock.

"You seem troubled with a difficult face."

I looked familiar to the little man who opened the door and came in. No, I'm not talking about where I looked familiar.

The characteristic silver-haired appearance, and an old-fashioned way of talking that is not commensurate with its appearance. The outfit is the same as when I saw it before, a black gothic dress.

She was the one I took hostage for once.

"Master Leasia? Why are you here?

"The concubine has the right to inherit the emperor's throne. Is it natural to be in this castle?

"You're absolutely right… I thought it was something I was in Velis with Admiral Arnold."

I rise from my chair and lower my head slowly.

"It has been a while. Seems like a good victory."

"It's been a while. Not since you set up your concubine, too, right?

Lady Leasia's irony. Micah did not change her expression in any way,

"Yes. It's been a while. princess. Indeed, ever since we put the princess in crisis."

That's what I said.

The said Lady Leasia has a slightly grumpy expression, takes her gaze off Micah and turns her gaze towards me.

Keep rocking the silver hair up to your hips and come to my side.

Then.

Suddenly I lowered my head.

"Dear Leasia!?

"My empire is forgiven for what it has done. By the life of his father, the concubine returned to the Empire from the battlefield as a counsellor to His Majesty. Nonetheless, I could not stop the foolishness of selling your Lord...... It's all because the concubine is incompetent. Sorry........."

I can't hear the look on Leasia's face, who lowers her head so deeply that she can't see her face.

But I can predict. Master Liasia regrets and blames herself. Then the look on your face would not be a beautiful one.

"Give me your face. I can't help it this time. No matter how much Rearsia regrets it, no matter how much she lowers her head, nothing can be done from here on out."

"Master Yukito!

Mr. Leasia's thin shoulders shake slightly.

Micana is a small but tight voice calling my name for my little things, but I don't respond.

There is no need to comfort someone who is self-blaming.

What you need.

"So can I do you one favor?

"Hey, what...?

I give in gently and gaze as I smile at Lady Leasia, who raised her fearful face.

"My men will return to Velis. Could it not be delivered by Lady Riasia?

"Your Lord's men...?

"Yes, Master Liasia... I can take care of it."

Lady Leasia, who had a semi-crying expression, gave a moment and a resolute expression.

That was the look I saw somewhere.

That's what I think, and I'll get to the answer soon.

It's the same look Fio gave me. Even though cousins come to each other, it's rare to get a look that looks just like this.

"By the name and life of Riasia Dooneheil. I promise you I will send your Lord's men to Velis."

"Thank you. Thanks to you, one anxiety has disappeared."

"Are you still anxious? What? Say it."

Where did the heartbreak go earlier?

I shook my head as I smiled bitterly at the momentum when I said I would try to solve all my anxieties.

"I don't know if I can do anything about it to Master Liasia. I'm more suspicious than anxious."

"I don't mind. I'm telling you!

I don't know if this neighborhood is still old enough.

Remember to curtail your curiosity, and they'll do it again.

Well, it's Admiral Arnold's job to teach around there, not me, okay?

"Is that so? So…… my anxiety, my suspicion, does not know what His Majesty the King is thinking. That's one thing."

"… I also felt the concubine. Your Majesty doesn't know what he's thinking..."

Seeing Master Liasia drop her shoulders with Shun, I knew I would squeal in my heart.

If Master Liasia had answers to my doubts, she wouldn't apologize.

First of all, it must have been obvious.

At a time when it wasn't, I knew that Master Leasia didn't have the answers I wanted. I knew it.

I didn't tell you because I don't like being depressed, but this is what happens because you ask me.

Mikana's gaze is a little harsh. Hi, Micah. Micah was in the middle of a rush with Lady Liacia. My threat.

He didn't care about the stuff with the king in his hand, so he has a shoulder for Master Liasia.

Even during the escort with Master Riasia as a hostage, he could not discern Mr. Riasia's mood or bring the men closer to Master Riasia.

"It's not my fault………………."

"Don't you have as much of a way to get them to retreat without hurting them and letting them down?

"If there's such a way, we won't let the enemy sell us. Well, is it time?

I can hear you knocking on the door.

Right after that, I hear a young woman.

"Dear Yukito Clay, Micana and Liasia. We are ready to take you to the king's quarters."

"How could a concubine be called?

"Your Majesty asked me to call you. Your Majesty is waiting for you. Please hurry."

Seeing Lady Leasia tilting her neck, I tried to read the King's psyche and stopped.

It's absurd to read the psychology of the person you're about to meet. Even if I'm a close person, I only met once when I came to the Empire, and I didn't have many words to exchange.

Even my niece, Lady Leasia, says she can't read inside, but there's no way I can.

If that's the case, we'll just meet and make sure.

■ ■ ■

There is the word "ordinary".

It's been a while since I've used my skills to find out what it means.

[Ordinary, mediocre and untouched]

The meaning of the screen appearing at the end of the line of sight leads to the evaluation of the person who is further ahead of the line of sight.

King of the Empire, counted as one of the five great powers, king who has not waged any war against another since taking office. Make it a symbol of peace in the Empire.

He sold me to Albion.

The present king of the Eitail Empire.

Ronald Blackford.

He is the heir to the allowable Blackford of naming only the King, the eldest son of the former King.

As Fio's father, Admiral Arnold or Ligar Taishou's brother with heterogeneous abilities.

The appearance resembles that of Admiral Arnold. Or just like that. If they don't say King, and come out as Admiral Arnold, many will go wrong. That's how similar they are.

Only appearance.

The numbers on the status screen are thirty fighters. Most of them are forty to fifty. Intelligence is just eighty, but it would be slightly, no, rather inferior to the king of a great power.

Its mediocrity stands out only because the brothers are quite superior in their respective numbers.

"Do you look so much like Arnold?

His Majesty Ronald, sitting on a high throne, suddenly asks me.

I have not yet knelt before the throne, nor uttered a word.

It is unusual for the king to speak for himself to a man who enters through the door and now tries to advance before the king.

But there is no one in this room who tries to blame him.

This is not a matter of position.

No one is here. between kings. I'm not even around the king.

There is no minister of the country, no knight of escort.

Only one, His Majesty Ronald, sits on a high throne. What an empty thing to be alone among a wide king.

"…… frankly, very similar"

"I guess. I've been told for a long time that 'only appearance' is similar"

Because of the distance, it is necessary to speak up a little.

I guess we should get closer, but I can't get closer because I purposefully rang in a distant position, which seems to mean don't get any closer.

Naturally, Micah, my deputy, won't move, and Master Liasia won't either, so I guess I'm not wrong.

"Long time no see. Velis' warrior. You didn't even introduce yourself when we first met. Ronald Blackford, the present king of the Eytail Empire."

As you can see from a distance, His Majesty raised the edge of his mouth.

I smiled the same way back at His Majesty Ronald, with a smile that could be taken as a mockery.

"It's been a while. Your Majesty. Yukito Clay. We are returning now."

That laugh alone made me understand.

This guy is like me.

That grin is a made grin.

A fool who makes expressions, makes himself seen by people, and plays himself above his limits while being forced.

I guess I grew up being continually compared to my excellent brothers. And he pushed the brother away and took the reins. Pressure would be unusual.

You don't know when your brothers will rebel, you have to keep playing King, who is above your limits.

It seems like you have a difficult personality.

I think so, and it's the first time I've noticed.

This is the best person I've ever been relative to.

I'm someone close to my original talent.