A strange question from Ceylan.


　--Do you know what I am?


　It was as if he was asking me how I perceived Ceylan.
　The answer he gave to Ceylan, who was still standing with his back to him, was that he took it to mean something like that.


"......... I consider your highness to be the next in line for the Kingdom of Rynor.

"I see.


　Ceylan affirms my words.
　I think I've given a bland answer, but that's the best I can come up with. Considering the flow of the conversation, Ceylan's question must be the catalyst for the clarification that follows.


"You are right, I am the heir of Rynor. You are right, I am the heir of Rynor, but what makes me different from my father and my fathers is that I was created to create a new authority.

A new authority. ......

Yes. Authority is a fruitless power that makes all things bow down unconditionally. It does not depend on force, power, or wealth, but only on name, lineage, and title, and it works directly on people's faith. You understand that, don't you?

I do. I am one of those who fall under its umbrella.


　If I were to list those who benefit from authority, the nobility would be the first. Of course, the three things I mentioned above may be in the background, but for commoners, the common sense of "noble is great", "do not go against them", and "forbidden" is firmly rooted.
　However, Ceylan already has the distinction of being the crown prince of the kingdom. Nevertheless, what does it mean that he has more authority than that? The only person who has more authority than the crown prince in the kingdom is the king.
　But the way he is talking now, he is as good as or better than that.


I don't know what kind of 'new authority' you are referring to, Your Highness. If that is the case, I would like to know.

"Hmm. My authority ...... is not something I can easily speak of, is it?


　Ceylan said, and turned to me.


You may understand these words. Arx, I am a divine being.

"......!

So you do know what it means. That's great.


　I'm not sure what to make of that.


　[Kamiko].
　The reason why Ceylan went out of his way to use the [ancient arts language] in such a way is probably because the words he just used are not common.
　In the common language, there is no word that corresponds to the existence of "gods" as is often the case in the world of men.
　In the first place, the concept of God is not common in this world.
　This is only because the common sense that all the events in this world were created in the crucible of logic has taken root.


　If the world is as described in the Book of Genesis, then the heavens, the earth, the mountains, the seas, and everything in this world is made of words. They were not intentionally created by someone with a will, but their original form was born through the combination and separation of words, and became the form we have today through the flow of time and the activities of the people who live in this world. The answer to this question is found in the Book of Genesis, which is why no one imagines a "willful being who created the world" as in the world of men.


　......, but that does not mean that there is no equivalent.
　The one who stirs the crucible, Khanna am Lahai.
　This is probably a being that was briefly mentioned in the Age of Spirits and worshipped for a brief period of time during the time the Great Seal was created.
　One who is created from the crucible and controls the crucible.
　In other words, he is depicted as someone who has the power to move all events and manipulate phenomena.
　In other words, he is depicted as someone who has the power to move all things and manipulate phenomena.


"In other words, Your Highness is the same as the one who controls the events of this world?

"Yes. Yes. You have arrived at the description of the one who stirs the crucible, have you not?


　Ceylan said, speaking without question.


"Throughout history, monarchs who rely solely on bloodline tend to become less powerful as time goes on. The same is true for the dispersal of royal bloodlines through intermarriage in order to strengthen the connection between families. However, if only talent is emphasized, the royal family will eventually despise the main family, backed by wealth and military power. In order to make these things a thing of the past once again, the existence of the remainder was created.

"In other words, does your blood carry an authority that surpasses that of your father, His Majesty Shinru?


　Ceylan nodded, saying, "That is correct.
　...... Since Ceylan does not speak further, we do not know what the nature of the authority is, but there is no doubt that his blood has an authority that many would bow to if it were true.


If that is the case, then there is no doubt that there is an authority in his blood that many will bow down to. ...... Therefore, when I am placed in this situation, I must leap over my father's authority and play an active role. In order to consolidate my authority created by my father.

So ......

That's right. That's why there have been many exceptions, such as raising an army without your father's approval. That's why there have been so many exceptions, such as raising an army without your father's approval. Well, that's all in the palm of your hand. This time, you want to test me and make me rise to the next level.

"Then is that why the mobilization of the national army is not as large as expected?

No, the slow dispatch of the national army is because they are wary of the movements of the Han and Grand Shell. It seems that they are moving as if they are responding to Nadar's movements. If they move, it's only natural that our reinforcements will be limited.


　It's a matter of scale, I suppose.
　The flood tribes in the Cross Mountains and the Grandshells to the south are naval nations, but their land forces are not to be underestimated. If you weigh the clans that are powerful enough to form a state or a nation against Polk Nadar, who is just a domestic nobleman, the answer becomes obvious.
　It is strange that they seem to be responding to each other even though they are supposed to be cut off from information.


I am destined to rule the kingdom. Therefore, I must seek. Great power. A reputation to which all will bow. To make the line of the Crosselords immortal.




　Ceylan speaks in a somewhat feverish manner.
　It's as if he is reaching for the moon or the sun, far away in the sky.
　He is Don Quixote, who has lost the sense of distinction between fantasy and reality.
　Or Icarus, who foolishly tried to reach the sun.
　He is a man of strong convictions, and a man of inappropriate speech.
　To the casual observer, this arrogance may seem out of place for a man who holds the title of Crown Prince of the Kingdom.
　Strong power is absolutely essential for the future ruler of the kingdom.


　But...


Why did Your Highness tell me this?

"Arx. I need an ally I can trust. Someone who won't get carried away when flattered by higher-ups, someone who won't take the bait of the obvious, and someone who can keep his cool. That is the kind of person I would like to have at my side, and you have certainly lived up to my expectations.


　Ceylan said and turned back to me.
　And then.


I need your help to realize my ambition.


　It was not a command as I had been given in the past, but a wish.
　It was not a request to listen to an order, nor was it a request to lend strength, but a request to lend strength, a request that required the other party's approval. A person who is related to a royal noble would have no difficulty in answering.
　Most noblemen would shed tears of joy at the favor of the royal family if such words were spoken to them.
　The absolute superiors need their own power.
　In a feudal society, this would be a great honor.


　But not for me. Because I have experienced a man's life and know a little about how society works, there is no blind faith in authority.


　That's why.


　I don't know if I can just nod my head.


　Do I need to be careful?


　Such a voice whispers to me from within.


(............)


　The reason I can't make a decision immediately is because I don't know what the outcome of helping Ceylan will be.
　Will it be success? Will it be ruin? Before that, is this the right direction to take?
　I can't see where I'm going with this and using my power for Ceylan's sake.
　In fact, I am in a state where I am not even sure what I want to do.
　If I nodded my head carelessly, there was no way it would lead to a good result.


　But the word of royalty must be obeyed, even if it is not an order.
　But--


...... does not need to be answered right away. You may have different circumstances. For now, just remember what I have told you.

This is .......


　So for now, all he could do was nod.


　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.


And also, in the event of war, all you have to do is stay by my side. If you are by my side, the Kingsguard will protect you. You'll be safest on the battlefield if you stay close to me.

"What ......?

"Don't look so foolish. Just by watching the battle from a relatively safe location, you will have the experience of being in the battle. I'm sure it's something you'd like to have.

That's true, but ......

You have a lot of other things on your plate besides your magic meter, I'm sure. But if you try to bring them out into the world, there will be people who will want to interfere. That's for sure. And when that happens, you'll be at a great disadvantage. It would be a loss not only for you but for the royal family as well.


　There will be people who will drag you down. That's what the man experienced, and that's what I've often experienced as I've followed him. It is not just a possibility, but an absolute certainty.


"Among the military nobility, there are those who only care about war work. If we can make a mark in this war, we should be able to silence them.

"I appreciate your kindness, Your Highness. Thank you for your kindness, but I'm sure there are those who are watching me fight in the middle of the war.

"No one on the ...... battlefield would do that. Everyone is occupied with their own achievements. In the meantime, we can make up our own stories about your exploits. Of course, you can do it if you really want. I've heard that you have powerful magic.

What?

What? - That's what Dietria said when she reported in.　Dietria told me when she reported it to me that you blew up a warehouse with some kind of magic that combines fire and wind.


　Deet told you that? I'd rather show it to you now.


I'd rather see it now.


　Ceylan said and clapped his hands as if he had a good idea.


"Yes!　That's a good idea. All right, I'll be right over there in the training area .......


　Ceylan suddenly grabbed my arm and tried to pull me to the door. You want to take me to the training ground?


　However, if you use a highly effective spell at this time of night, it may lead the enemy to think that you are planning a surprise attack.


No, no, no, no!　No, no, no, no! It's late. If you use magic, you'll cause trouble for everyone!

"Oh, really?　Mm. ......


　When he expressed his concern, Siran began to look very disappointed.
　You can't see the expression on his face, but his shoulders dropped noticeably.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


I'm not going to give up.　A little bit, just a little bit would be fine, right?　What?　What?


　With his thumb and forefinger, he made a shape as if he were picking something, and moved it closer and further away. It's a universal gesture to indicate "a little" with body movements.


It's a universal gesture to indicate "a little". ...... So, if His Highness tells me to do it, I have no objection, but if the commotion is caused by His Highness' order, won't it affect the entire defeating army?

"Ummm, ......, that's right. You're right, you're right. You're right, you're right, you're right. ......


　Are you sorry to the point of tears?
　Ceylan's voice was filled with regret.
　From the past exchanges, I thought he was quite strict, but in reality, he is not that strict. I felt that I had caught a glimpse of a childishness appropriate to his age.


　Eventually, I thought he was satisfied and calmed down, but he was still saying in a small voice, "But if it's just a little ......".
　Apparently, Ceylan is also hardcore.


　............ After that, Ceylan's story was over and he left the room.










　............After Arx had left Ceylan's room.


　In the quiet room, a shadow suddenly appears.
　She has long peach-colored hair and lightly pigmented purple eyes. She wears silver-rimmed glasses and is now dressed in the same attire as the Kingsguard.
　The figure is that of Lisa Rousey, the Director of the Office of the Inspector General.


　She appeared in the corner of the room, in the shadow of the furnishings, but Ceylan was not surprised.
　It was as if he had known she was there all along.


As if he had known she was there all along. "So I guess I lied to Arx.


　Ceylan sits down on the single-seater sofa, tilts his teacup, and lets out a regretful breath.


"I hope you'll forgive me for making you speak falsehoods, Your Highness.

"Good. Your father ordered you to stay close to me so that I would not be alone, didn't he?

Yes. Yes, your Highness.


　Lisa hung her head deeply in response to Ceylan's question. The protection from the shadows was a matter of strict order from King Shinru. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.


"But, Your Highness, was that a good idea?

What was what?

About the way you told Arx Raytheft about some of your affairs. Arx Raytheft is still a young child. I think it was hasty, if not inadvertent ......, for you to tell such a person about his highness' secret.


　When Lisa said this, Ceylan smiled lightly.


This is a strange thing to say. I'm just as young as Arx, aren't I?

I am afraid to compare your highness, who is the next generation of the kingdom, with the son of a nobleman, even a lowly nobleman.

"Lisa. I don't like it when people use that kind of language in conversation. The word "normal" is not appropriate for the Arcs,......, and you are especially familiar with it.

It's .......


　In response to Ceylan's words, Lisa spoke in affirmation.
　She had experienced something similar, though not quite as hot, being drunk by Arx in the Marquis case before. Of course, she did not suffer any disadvantage, only that the response was too late, but there is no doubt that she was taken advantage of.
　Therefore, I know that Arx Raytheft is unusual.


Did you see the exchange earlier and think that Arx was not worthy of my time?

It's .......

Hmm.


　When he affirmed, Ceylan turned his gaze to the marble table as if he was thinking about the previous exchange.
　And then.


"Arx was lost at that moment.

"Lost, sir?

"Just now, when I asked for Arx's help. At that time, Arx was hesitating whether to accept my offer or not.

So, to be hesitant about His Highness' words: ......


　That's more than just being afraid. He should have been compelled to do so under normal circumstances, but he went so far out of his way.
　The nobility should blindly nod to the orders of the royalty.
　Every noble family should be thoroughly educated in this and should do so at all times.
　Nevertheless, to have doubts is not something that can be dismissed with words such as irreverence.
　Rather, it is something that could be punished for shaking the unity of the nobility of the kingdom.


That's him. He must have thought not only about what would happen to him, but also about what he would do in the future and what it would be like.

"Your Highness!　It's the same as having doubts about the royal family!　If the royal family is the absolute ruler of the kingdom, then it is only right for the subjects to follow the will of the royal family!　I'm sure you're aware of that, but you're not the only one.




　Lisa's voice rises, but Ceylan seems perfectly calm and tries to calm her down.


"Calm down. It's not nice.

"...... is... I'm sorry I was so upset in front of you.


　As Lisa hung her head, Ceylan began to speak again.


Perhaps Arx does not see the royal family as so absolute. They are as powerful or powerful as the local monarchs who have been responsible for being the head of state or representative of the land for generations.

...... I don't understand. If you despise the royal family, aren't you just as likely to rebel against them as Khau Gaston or Poluk Nadar?

"Absolute devotion to the royal family?

It's not a belief. It's a matter that all members of the noble family should be aware of. Those who don't will disrespect the crown and eventually become its enemies.

"If you do not regard the royal family as absolute, you will have room for unnecessary thoughts and calculations. If you are driven by profit and loss, you will naturally despise the royal family.

"I think Carew Gaston is a good example of this.

So you think Arx will also rebel against the royal family?　If so, I wonder how many rebels there are in the kingdom today. I can't imagine.

It's .......

Lisa. If the royal family is still absolute and everyone is following it, then you are denying your own existence. I ask you once again. Why am I here? Tell me.

I think it's to bring more solidity to the royal authority.

Perhaps. Then it stands to reason that we would see the likes of Kahlua Gaston and Poluk Nadar.

"............


　King Shinru created the new authority of Ceylan because he feared that there would be cracks in the royal rule in the not too distant future. As time went on, the pressure from the surrounding countries grew stronger, and in the generation of the previous king, the empire even took the fortress and the Yao Tian Sword, the crown jewel of the kingdom.
　In other words, it was also because he knew that the faith of the nobles would be shaken.
　If you deny that this is not the case, you may be denying the existence of Ceylan.


......, but it is quite possible that Arx Raytheft's ideas have not yet been formulated. If Arx Raytheft changes his mind and becomes the one to avenge your highness, it is too early to think about keeping it with you. If that is the case, I think it would be wise for you to reconsider.


　However, Ceylan cut off Lisa's concern in an instant.


"You think Arx will betray me?　That's not possible. It can't be true.


　It's as if he never dreamed that Arx would betray him.
　No, you sound as if you don't doubt it.


"So, Your Highness?

What is it?　Isn't it?　Arx is always working for me. He's always there to help me. You know that, don't you?　Don't you?

"That's true, but ......


　Yes, I do. Lisa knows that, too. But isn't that just a coincidence?
　These words rose to Lisa's throat, but she could not say them out loud.
　She felt like she shouldn't say those words here.


　...... A few moments passed without her being able to say anything.
　In the meantime, was Seiran thinking about that boy?


"...... Arx. You're just as good as I thought you were. You are everything I thought you would be.


　It was a somewhat euphoric murmur that was spat out towards the ceiling.
　It made Lisa feel somehow gloomy.