Read Reincarnation into the Barrier Master | 130 -

130 - - The 130th Award for Merit

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The emperor's private chamber in the palace of the Heedata Empire. Five men are standing there. All but one have furrowed brows.

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"It's a mess, that's all."

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"Really? I thought it was a good idea."

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I sigh. His Majesty's proposal was too absurd.

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"What do you think, Prime Minister?"

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"Hmm. It's unheard of, but... It's a good idea.

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Isn't that right?

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No, no, no, it's still messed up!

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The other participant, Lafayence, commander of the Northern Legion, remained silent and kept a grin on his face.

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As soon as we had finished the battle on the border with Lamaron, Lafayence and I had come to report the situation to His Majesty. His Majesty also invited the Prime Minister and His Highness Vilas, and the five of us had a meeting.

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The discussion was exclusively about the merits of the war. These matters should have been left up to His Majesty's Government to decide on their own, but for some reason, Lafayence and I were also invited to the meeting, and we were involved in the discussion about the rewards for those who had served in the war. And I'm stunned to my core when His Majesty's ridiculous idea is announced.

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"Hm. Well, there's still time for the southern army led by Lyssen to return. Until then, let's take it easy and think about it.

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His Majesty grins.

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"By the way, Mister Linos. How is Lycorette?"

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"Rico...let? I'm in charge of the Krumfal territory now..."

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"No, I've come to you for some advice. I would like to speak with Licorette in the near future.

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I understand. When would be good for you?

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The sooner the better. Today or later is fine.

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"Now...?"

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His Majesty nodded slowly. I am surprised, but leave the room anyway and move to my office in the house of Krumphal. Fortunately, no one was there and Rico was alone. As expected, Rico was surprised at my sudden appearance.

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What in the world is going on?

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"Sorry, Rico. Can we go to the capital now?

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"What's wrong?"

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"I just went to give His Majesty a report on the war with Lamaron. Then His Majesty said he had something he wanted to discuss with Rico.

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"Well, brother?"

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If he could talk to you about it now, he would.

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"Something must be going on, if you are in such a hurry. I understand. I'm coming. Please wait a moment.

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Rico left the room and soon returned. He had told the staff of the museum that he was going out.

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"By the way, how is the war going?

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Yeah, no problem. Ramallon has retreated and the Imperial Guard is in retreat. In the meantime, the Imperial Army is winning.

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"Well, that's good to hear! Come on, let's go."

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We were transferred again to a location near His Majesty's private chambers.

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"... Riccolet, it's been a long time."

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"Your Majesty, you are in a good mood..."

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"Good, let's skip the formalities. I'm sorry to call on you so suddenly. You were busy, weren't you?"

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No, no problem. Whenever Your Majesty wishes.

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It's between you and me. You're my brother.

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"Yes..."

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I'm sorry, but I need to talk to Licorette. I'd like to ask you all to leave. Leave us.

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"Your Majesty, may I join you?"

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Weiras, you too.

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I'm sorry, sir.

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Everyone leaves the room. I was the last one to leave the room when His Majesty stopped me.

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"As soon as we're finished, Ricoulette will leave. If you wish, you may place a transfer marker here."

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"Yes, sir."

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I'm going to set up a transfer line that goes directly to the house. Naturally, no one but me and Rico will be able to activate it. We don't want Your Majesty coming to the house unannounced.

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If you'll excuse me.

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I rode the transfer wards and returned to the house.

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It was late at night when Rico came back to the mansion. I waited in the dining room with Mei and Gon, but Rico was surprisingly tired.

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"Rico, what about dinner?"

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"I'm fine."

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Rico wandered off in a daze. I followed Riko.

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As soon as I entered the room, Riko fell flat on her back on the bed, with a dazed look on her face. I had never seen her look like this before.

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"Rico... are you okay?"

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"I'm fine."

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Rico staggered up and put his face into my chest.

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"Linos... do you like me?"

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"I love you."

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"Please stay by my side forever...forever...please stay by my side."

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Rico was crying. I dared not ask her why she was crying. And I kept stroking her back with my arms around her all night long.

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The next morning, Rico's kiss woke me up. It was still before dawn and I wondered what was going on, but Rico said he wanted to take a bath. I remembered that I had not taken a bath, so we decided to take a morning bath together.

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Rico's skin is always beautiful. Her every movement is so refined that taking a bath with her is like watching a graceful dance.

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"Linos..."

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While we are in the bathtub together, Rico unexpectedly speaks to me.

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"In the future, when I grow old and become an old woman, will you always be by my side?"

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"Of course."

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"When I get old, will you still sleep on my arm?"

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"I'm not going to leave Rico until I die. I'll stay with Rico until he hates me."

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Rico hugged me and cried again.

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By the time we got out of the bath and ate breakfast, Riko was back to her usual self. She was moving briskly, as if she had just gotten over something.

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After breakfast, Rico gave me a letter. She wants me to give it to His Majesty. I take it without saying a word. Rico gives me a pretty smile as usual and transfers to Krumphal.

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I went to His Majesty and handed him Liko's letter. When he finished reading it, he sighed and looked up to the heavens.

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"...may I ask what on earth you were talking about?"

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No, this is my personal consultation. I can't say anything until it's done.

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"Is that... is that a good story?"

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I can't say anything about that either.

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I pushed down my feelings of uncertainty and left the room.

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After leaving His Majesty's room, I headed for the Imperial Hotel. There I informed Soleil and the others of the Siljus who were being held captive there that the battle with Lamaron was over for the time being. They thanked me politely and asked me repeatedly to visit their village in Juka in the near future. To go there, I would have to become a linos (wise man) again, but that would have to be discussed later.

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The girls packed up their belongings and left the Imperial Hotel with regret. For some reason, they moved with a large amount of luggage, but when did they buy it? Well, let's not pry into it. By the way, I paid all the expenses for their stay. At any rate, I should mention that I counted the numbers twice when I saw the amount of money they charged me. It was a first-class hotel, as expected.

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It was a week before the southern army returned from its expedition to the border area. I flew all over the Juka country. There was a fear that Ramalon might invade again, so I had Sadakichi and other faerie dragons scouting the area, but there was no major movement.

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In the meantime, I talked with the Prime Minister about my merits, but there was no hope for me, so I decided to leave the matter to him. Anyway, I want to live in peace. I told the Prime Minister that it is enough for me to live with my family as I do now, and I nailed him not to go along with His Majesty's absurd talk. The Prime Minister replied that he would do as I wished, so we decided to terminate this conversation.

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Five days after the triumphal return of the Imperial Army, a banquet was already held by His Majesty to announce the awards for distinguished service. Amidst the ladies in their glittering costumes and the soldiers with their many medals hanging from their bodies, Rico and I both attended the banquet in our formal attire.

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I knew that Liko, dressed to the nines, was stunningly beautiful. Men always looked back when Rico passed by. As a husband, I am very proud of him.

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Since our meeting with His Majesty, Rico has sought me out even more than before. Perhaps in proportion to this, I feel that Rico's beauty has been polished recently. By the way, it is a secret that no one knows that I have a hickey on the part hidden by Rico's dress.

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After the greetings full of social pleasantries among the nobles, His Majesty appeared on the stage and the dinner party started.

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In the middle of the dinner, the victory of the war against the Lamaron Empire was reported, and finally the Prime Minister announced the award for the victory.

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Basically, the noble families that had sent out soldiers were given bounties, and the families that had made good deeds were given certificates of commendation from His Majesty. In addition, the general class was promoted to the rank of general.

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"Now, those who have achieved the first rank of the Order of Merit in the future will be personally rewarded by His Majesty the Emperor."

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As the tension fills the hall, His Majesty rises slowly from his throne.

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I am very pleased with your distinguished war service. Among them are General Lyssen Freilup, who led more than 100,000 troops in the south and not only stopped the invasion of the Lamarong Kingdom, but also showed exceptional command ability, inflicting enormous damage on the enemy while minimizing the loss of his own troops, The military achievements of the Honorable Marquis Bertham Darke Linos are especially recognized by the Empire as a great credit to its reputation and national prestige. Therefore, both of you are hereby recognized with the first class of the Order of Merit and are especially commended by me."

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Lyssen and I are urged to step out in front of His Majesty. Rijssen's nostrils flare with enthusiasm.

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"General Ryssen Freilup. I award him the Order of the Nikki First Class and confer on him the title of Marshal. In addition, he is to be treated as an active military officer for life. In recognition of his commanding ability, he is relieved of his present position as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Southern Area Army and newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Northern Area Army."

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"Ts, ts, respectfully, sir, I accept."

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Lyssen stammered and bowed, his chest heaving even more and his back arching. Isn't that going to hurt your back?

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"And the Honorable Marquis Bertham Darke Linos. He has conferred on you the Order of the First Class Nihiki and granted you the old kingdom of Juka to establish a new one. I allow him to assume the title of King."

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A tremendous commotion filled the hall. I'm stunned with my mouth gaping open. No, no, no, it's still the same as your original plan. Nothing has changed. That's not what I'm talking about....

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"In founding a new nation, we will allow the use of the Empire's human resources. I nominate as Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the army, the pillars of the state, my sister and your wife, Heidata Shua Ricolet, and General Lafayence Ogg, former Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army of the North.

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The room was even more crowded. Rico and Lafayence? I didn't hear that...? I can't see a thing.

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