"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.



　エルキュールは笑みを浮かべた.
　現在の世界の潮流は、歩兵ではなく騎兵だ.

　強力な騎兵戦力でもって、ルートヴィッヒ一世は急速に領土を拡大させているのだ.

　「……そんなにフラーリング王国は騎兵を持っているの？」
　「最近、ルートヴィッヒ一世が戦った戦争では……二万の騎兵を動員したと聞いた. つまり少なくとも、二万は保有しているわけだな」

　フラーリング王国は封建制度が非常に発達している.

　他の西方国家と比べて、フラーリング王国は『どれくらいの土地を持った』『どれくらいの地位の貴族は』『どれくらいの騎兵を揃えなければならない』と言ったことが、厳密に定められている.

　爵位制度などの、厳密な身分制度を構築しているのもフラーリング王国だけだ.
　他の国はレムリア帝国と同様に、身分が割と流動的なところがある.

　他の諸王国の貴族……支配階級である獣人族(ワービースト)が、レムリア風の暮らしで堕落し、尚武的な気風を失いつつあるのに対し、フラーリング王国は未だにそれを失っていない.

　よくも悪くも田舎で、文化が発展していないからだが.

　「まあ、付け足すのであれば……フラーリング王国は現在、イケイケドンドンで領土増やしてるしな. 国として、活気がある. 何より、国王が優秀だ. 動向には目を光らせるべきだろう」

　エルキュールはそう言ってから……
　マントを翻し、後ろを向いた.

　「さて、そろそろ帰ろうか. ……明日は戴冠式で、その夜は晩餐会だ. 明日のショーは見物だぞ、カロリナ、ルナリエ. 楽しみにしていろ」
　「ショーっていったい何が……」
　「あなたは何を……」

　カロリナとルナリエはその言葉の本意を尋ねようとして……
　息を飲んだ.

　この時エルキュールは……
　戦場で敵の兵士を虐殺した時と同様に、嗜虐的な快感に酔ったような、恐ろしい笑みを浮かべていたからである.