Viziest inwardly utters a "good" at the reaction of those around him. If you explain it in a logical way, even Bellic would be ripped off. That's how little we know about the current situation.
　And there is no proof that what Bellick has been saying for some time now is true. That's why we haven't had an official convocation.

　It's not just a matter of time before they are called up.

　Viziest caught a glimpse of why Morwellian was not chosen as the Governor and Beric was chosen in this process.

　Already the air in the chamber is tilted in favor of Beric; no one doubts that the decision for first place was appropriate, and it is also becoming unclear why the Governor had reached a conclusion that even he could not know.
　The atmosphere was filled with an atmosphere that it was natural to be able to do it, and that it would be inevitable to discuss it now if you have more knowledge than anyone else in the room.
　A heavy atmosphere began to coiled up, so heavy that everyone could feel it, even if no one took an overt attitude toward the Major General. There is a sense of urgency as to how many more drops can be endured without spilling, as if the water is being poured into the cup side by side and is on the verge of overflowing.

　You know that the person who will be at a disadvantage if the dam is broken is Major General Morweld himself.
　But--'

'I see, you have a point, Viceroy.

　Viziest wasn't the only one surprised by Morweld dropping a drop.
　'I don't see the merit in coming here and playing a race of chicken to hunt himself down,' he said.

'But, sir, his first place has already been offered for retirement. The Governor has admitted him to the military academy under the protection of the military, as a leash.

　Thrusting out one of his fingers to show the belly of his finger, Morweld's expression turns to Beric in mock disdain.

'Apparently, I can't help but wonder if his first place is too much of a disregard for the chosen power of a mage.

　Morweld muttered, "Alas!" as he took a cigar from his pocket and began to play with it with his fingers.
　There are many here who cannot overlook that one word. The edge of the Major-General's mouth rose ugly in a way that aggravated it.

'Major General, no matter how much, that would be disrespectful to our country's magicians.
With all due respect, I'm sure the Major General is no stranger to his achievements, having been ranked first. My men have been saved more than once.

　The Major General coolly dismissed such abusive remarks and waited for the words that would eventually come out with all his nerve, in fact, sharpened.

　He stood up vigorously with a bang, slamming the desk with both hands. The man wore a number of medals on his chest. Even at the rank of Colonel he was a moderate man who supported himself as a Beric.

''Major General, your troops would have been saved by Lord Ars, too, have you forgotten that!　The reason why the current Alpha has been able to achieve so much is because he was able to head up the most powerful magician, the first place. I won't say different....
Yes, no, I wouldn't dare.

　Spotting one target, Morweld gave a grin and mock agreement. Then, with a nonchalant look on his face, he tasted the aroma of the cigar and lit it.
　A large inhale of smoke fills his lungs and a cloudy white smoke is exhaled. A high ranking officer next to him gingerly set aside an ashtray as if he were a subordinate of the Major General.

'Of course, sir. I do not mean to belittle the ability of the first rank in any way. If Ars Regin is unquestionably our country's number one, then that is something to be counted on...''

　It was Vizayst who broke through the disquieting air. Because the momentum that had tilted to Beric as if this eye-filling cup were being drained from the bottom was regaining its cool.

'What does that mean?'

　It's perfectly calm, and yet the dusky thing that rises in the pit of my stomach makes me feel caged with anger.

'Oh, Visaisto. Don't you think so too?　A wizard with that much power retired from the army?　Then what do we do after that, do we leave the rest of the world alone?　I'm of the opinion that someone with more responsibility and the backbone to serve humanity, even for the sake of the Alpha, should call themselves a single. What can you expect from a mage who must have the reins?
You!

　Around the time each of them had reached the end of their patience, one of the high officials finally shouted angrily.

''Silence!

　A shout-out from Beric quieted the place down, but this was an unexpected silence for him. He was forced to prepare the place by himself for everyone to listen.
　Even so, Beric, realizing that the momentary stagnation was still a disadvantage, rushed the trump card that Morweld would have been reluctant to play earlier.

'What are you trying to say, Major General Morwellian? I know that if things go wrong, I will be advised that I will be at a disadvantage.
Humm, then, on behalf of the unworthy Governor I wonder if everyone knows where Ars Regin is now?
--!

　Gillian!　Beric's back teeth scraped together hard. It's not so much a blind spot as it is a convincing hunch that this trend will be completely turned over to the Major General for the unexpectedness of bringing it up now.

　'What do you mean by that?' said the quizzical voice of the high command, to which the hawk and Morweld replied with a full shake of their faces.

'Ars Regin is in Rusarka now. How could everyone not know what this means?'
'Major General Morweld!　Let's stop speculating. I'm granting it as a leave of absence on my part.
'So I have to say it's undeserved. You are being too light on the subject of singles crossing over to other countries. It's a good thing we're cutting corners and falling behind. If you ask me, only single wizards and their partners are allowed to do so.

　It was not Beric who finally let out his indignation at this, but Vizayst, who was sitting across from Morweld. He raised his right hand.

'Mages are not pawns or puppets!　Don't get that part wrong.

　The fury of Vizayst, who was touted as the past three titans, drilled a large hole in the desk.

　Moluwerd is dripping with cold sweat as he recovers from his slight rigidity and brings a cigar to his mouth to catch his breath.

'It's not like you, Viziest,' he said. It's true that mages are not puppets, but they are pawns. The army is the one that operates those pieces. However, a single wizard can't help but be treated as a wooden doll. I'm sure you'll be able to get away with it. As a reminder, our desire is to take back our lands from these monsters. How can we not use what we have available for that purpose? Let me tell you exactly what I want to say...

　The dignitaries on either side of Viziest are keeping their distance. Because their hard, big fists are milling and creaking the desk.

(How dare you slip away and wield your cause!　(A fool who only wants to gratify his own ambition and becomes more of a monster than a demon when he turns his useless wits.

　Still, he didn't open his mouth because Beric was restraining him with his eyes.

　Everyone here watched the moment with baited breath to see what words would be spun out of the Major General's mouth.

'I thought Ars Regin was going to saddle up with Rusarka.
"...and so on!
'Nonsense!'

　My distrust of Ars rose to a crescendo. He asserts without proof in his position as a major general, and even if Beric knows it's a lie, there aren't many people who can calmly judge it here. If this is brought back, the army will be divided inside.

　Bellick is relatively calm in his response to Morwellian.

''Major General Morweld, is that not speculation?　You seem like a different person than the Ars I know.
"You're going to another country. You might as well cover your head with a cat. As we've learned so far, you know too much about the inner workings of the army. If he knows information that only the Governor can see, the possibility of defection will increase. I can't think of any reason to do that. And I can see the possibility of a connection to Krama, too.

　A few of the higher officials still revealed their displeasure. It was not a body of argument at all.
　Out of the many remarks that were too profane, Morweld would choose one to refute.

''Morweld, do you intend to insult your Lord Ars, I can't sit back and listen to you any longer!
'Put a major general on it!　A tough guy with a servant's look...
You!
'Then let's have an answer. Based on the information we have so far, it's true that defection is a strong possibility. If it's still different, then why do you trust it? An achievement?　You're offering to retire. If you chip away at #1 now, you'll see Alpha weakened. No, no, it would be better if he still crosses over to another country. But I don't see any reason to let Krama, who infiltrated the academy despite the fact that the power of the number one spot is that far removed, escape.
Well that's in light of the damage.
"Track them and move them around. "Why don't you track him down and move him around?" "Track him down and move him around," he said. "Especially if he's as good as you say he is in first place. Aren't you exaggerating a little too much?　Is he ineligible for first place, or is he really connected to Kramer? Isn't that why you let him get away with it?

　Beric let out a sigh, saying that it couldn't be helped if this happened. It was also a decision. Already the audience is at a stage where they are beginning to listen and think.
　There is nothing to say that Ars will definitely stay in Alpha. No, there was no way it was going to happen in the first place. Mages are the proud lion and shield of humanity. That is the only thing that makes a wizard a wizard.

　I'm sure Morwelld knows that and says it. So if you only stand on the strict facts, Ars's actions can be taken as a will to leave. It is no different in any country that retired military personnel have a reasonable obligation of confidentiality.
　That said, it was also true that what the Major General was saying was an outrage. If this was the way things were going, the army would be able to settle down with only temporary confusion. Even if Morweld's relentless criticism to this point would only create discord within the army, Beric was inwardly concerned, even if he expected that, he had a nagging concern.
　The mouthpiece of Morweld, who had taken advantage of this opportunity, would be a huge fire. It was such a premonition. But Beric was aware of the fighting spirit that was bubbling up inside and was ready to ride it out.

'Very well, I understand Major General Morweld's point.

　The Major General staked out a taunting and triumphant smile with the astonished dignitaries.
　The meaning of these words suggested the possibility of court martialing an unprecedented single wizard. While everyone expected that, the actual words unleashed suggested an entirely different path.

'Let me make it clear at this point. I don't mind if Ars leaves this country. If it is his choice, I will respect it. 'What do you mean by retirement?　Major General, Ars has completed his military service, where is the deficiency? Considering what he's done so far, you're throwing aspersions on a place that deserves praise.
Well you said it, Bellick.

　Major General Morweld's voice, muttered in a whisper, crossed only between the two men. This was a declaration of war. It was a sign of his readiness to completely split the army.

　Whether it was really possible for Bellic to let go of Ars is not a simple matter when it comes to Alpha. Speaking from personal feelings, what I just said must have been my true intentions. But if you are thinking from the position of the Governor, you have no choice but to keep it to yourself.

　However, the reason I dared to express my true feelings on this occasion was precisely for another purpose.
　The chamber was corrected to its original trajectory and was dismissed, leaving only a smoldering spark. There were a small number of people who remained in the chamber apart from those who turned their heavy feet to the door and left the room.
　Viziest is one of them. He will undoubtedly be the most influential man in the room in terms of being noticed.

　There is only one high-ranking official here who is prepared to go through the storm from now on. You will find that you will be able to get the most out of your own hands.
　Viziest was not the only one who had doubts about the presence of Major General Morweld here in the first place.

'What are you thinking about, Beric?'

　I asked like a former comrade in arms, without the honorific title.

　Beric folded his hands on the desk, his determined eyes looking into the distance. It was as if he had expected this moment to come.

'You're going to be busy now, Visayst. And so will everyone else.
'I understand that. More importantly, it's true that Ars is seconded to Rusalka, isn't it?
'Ah, well used. Of course it doesn't mean that Ars is going to move to Rusalka. It's a shame you can't say it's an utter falsehood.
That's a bit of a stretch.
That's true. But only a few people know about it. I didn't expect that all the scheming I've done to keep Ars out of the line of fire here would backfire. If it was a single that was recognized by the city, I wouldn't have been confused by such rootless words as this one, though.

　Rusalka had no intentions of doing so and would find out eventually. That was all Beric cared about. Regardless of the allegations against Ars, he would be cleared eventually. What is the point of such a winning battle?


'Either way, it was a unique opportunity to get rid of the tumor that nests in the army.

　Beric wasn't going to miss this unique opportunity either. Even if he were to bring the army together, Morweld was still too powerful. It was much fine for his power to turn to the outside world, but he didn't know the outside world, and he had the same values for wizards as he did earlier.
　He couldn't let such a person sit in the Governor's seat.

　Even so, this man Morweld, even though he was a former, was a man who had a position as a Lieutenant General. In that sense, he was a cunning man.

'But you see, Beric. The Major General is biting me now...''
'The army will be divided, but it should be calmed down immediately, and I'm sure the Major General understands that. Then this time it should be seen as a complete stall for time. They'll try something in the near future.

　As expected, Viziest had not expected this kind of development until he left the mansion. An internal division is about to occur that will divide the trend of the Alpha Army.

　Since his demotion, Morweld hasn't made a big stand on the public stage. Looking back, it even seems as if it was a period of time when he was sharpening his blade.

　Not only Viziest, but all of the remaining dignitaries here were prepared for the battle. All of them should have known all of them if they were genuine military officers. That Morweld was very good at letting his men die in dogs.
　That he was a character failure who thought nothing of it.


　Beric had an idea as to why the Major General was coming here to challenge him head on. He asked everyone to confirm that.

'Did you know that Morweld's private army has a unit called Crewelsaith?

　Because they are private armies, even Beric couldn't examine their members, but they were becoming increasingly active in any case. They are also making them move during their external missions.
　Hence, Morweld's war success had been growing rapidly in recent times. No, the signs had been there for a year.

　Beric predicted his opponent's aim as he monologued.

'I suppose the biggest target would be my downfall. But to get there, it will have to be a decisive fault and Morweld himself will have to gain strength.
'Yeah, it's certainly going to be up there as the next candidate, but it's lacking in determination.

　Beric took over Vizayst's ministering in his brain and let it unfold. Now Beric was appointed Governor by Cicernian, the former head of the government. It was also because of the great achievements that Beric had made at that time, the internal infighting was only a small fire.
　Now then ... the achievements of the past have faded and even the kinds of achievements have changed now. The reason it's garnering support is because it has command authority over single mages like Ars and Letty.
　Because it is the direct superior of the single mages, the achievements of the singles have gained centripetal power as the Viceroy's handlers.

''If that's the case...''

　Not only did Beric's face suddenly become grim and thoughtful, not only the surrounding dignitaries but also Vizayst waited silently for the future.
　And then, as if a thread has been broken, the expression on their faces suddenly changes to one of acceptance.

"You want a single?
Bellick, there's no way to prove it and how to prove it.

　Visayst realizes as he says it himself. The single mage is called for not only because of his achievements, but also because of his ability to be the biggest factor. Then it's really simple to prove that you're better than that. Let them compete with each other.
　Knowing Ars, I know that's not realistic, but if you ask me, it's the most efficient way to do it.

　Worst case scenario, as long as you have the ability to be close, you can dismiss Ars as a traitor. If Ars is captured as a traitor, it would be the most damaging material for the downfall of Beric, his immediate superior officer, as there is no better way to disqualify him.
　If the scenario goes according to plan, Morwelde will be able to assume the position of Governor, just like that, when the time is right.

'But that's impossible. Ars has no intention of doing so and has no proof. To the extent that he is suspected, the consequences are obvious.

　Realistically, though, it can't succeed.

'I suppose. Still, it's the quickest way to make it possible.

　The dignitaries who have taken Morweld's side are mainly noblemen. He and Beric are the symbol of the difference in perceptions about mages.

'Beric, then what do we do?'
You'll have to ask Ars to come in once for that. This is going to be an unnecessary expense.

　That's what Belichick joked about, but it's true. It's true that you don't need to take it easy as it looks.

　With a huff and a puff, Vyseist rubbed his chin with the zeal of thrusting a letter of fulfillment now, because he hadn't expected it to be this important. It was becoming a habit lately, but the smooth, freshly shaved chin left me feeling inadequate and a little uneasy.