Noon, November 3, 2813 in the western continental calendar


'Nonsense!　What in the world are you talking about, Mikhail? Do you know what you're talking about?

　The Earl of Bergston's angry voice echoed through the room.
　The cry, completely oblivious to decorum, contained anger.
　He called Mikhail out, but no one would blame him for it.
　It was because Mikhail's words were so unexpected and shamelessly suggested.

　Since the conference has been silent ever since it began, I thought that he had acquired the depth of thought necessary to speak for himself, but it seems that Earl Bergston was mistaken.

''Mikhail-dono.......what in the world are you up to?

　Count Zeref inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. Then he turned his probing gaze to Mikhail.
　His words oozed with wariness towards Mikhail.

''Thank you, is there any other choice?　I'm proud to say that it's the best choice given our track record.

　Indeed, if one were to consider only ability, Mikhail's proposal was correct.
　The reason for this is because it was undoubtedly Mikoshiba Ryoma's human power that brought victory to Queen Lupis, who was overwhelmingly outnumbered.
　Normally, his name would be the first to be mentioned, but until now, no one has ever mentioned it.
　No, it could be said that his name had been deliberately removed from my mind.

''If you're serious, then I doubt your insight.

　Anger comes into Count Zeref's eyes.
　As someone who usually hides behind Count Bergston's shadow and doesn't often speak out in these occasions, his words are heavy.
　However, Mikhail smiled and said with a cold light in his eyes.

''Isn't that so? He came from a commoner's background and was anointed as a nobleman. Isn't it only natural that he should be asked to use his power in the crisis of Roselia? Besides, this is probably the last time. If we miss this moment, this country will be destroyed in the not-too-distant future. Isn't it?

　I'm not wrong.
　It is true that Mikoshiba Ryoma is a commoner. It's also a person who is a former mercenary who has no idea which horse's bones he's from.
　If that's the only thing you focus on, then Mikhail's words are certainly correct.
　In order to repay the royal family's favor, it can even be said that it is natural to defend the country in exchange for death.
　That's right, if you ignore the truth that Lupis pushed the Woltenia peninsula, which can be called the demon world where monsters roam, in order to fear and eliminate Mikoshiba Ryoma's power.　

　Lupis was silent at Mikhail's words.
　But what was floating on her face was guilt and fear. And a glimmer of hope.
　Everyone could see the inner workings of Lupis' heart in her hand.
　She herself must have been thinking the same thing as Mikhail in a corner of her mind.
　No, everyone here may have been thinking about that possibility.
　Indeed, it might be the only possibility that could save the current Roselia Kingdom.

''I admit there's a name for it, but I'm not sure if he'll be convinced.　

　The Earl of Bergston shook his head and spoke the question.
　And the way he spoke contained a sharp thorn in his mouth.
　A tone that seemed to make fun of people somewhat.
　Of course, the Count himself had wanted to ask Mikoshiba Ryojin to help him.
　Considering his prowess during the civil war, he could even be said to be a trump card for the current Roselia Kingdom.
　And considering the current situation in Roselia, there is no spare capacity to preserve a trump card.
　If the Kingdom of Zaruda succumbs to the Oltmere Empire, they will surely attack Roselia next.
　And when they do, they will be destroyed without adequate resistance.
　The majority of the Roserian Kingdom is a plain.
　I've got to say, I've got a lot of people on my hands, but there are only a limited number of terrains that can be called harmful.　
　In the plains, field battles held in the plains are heavily reliant on military strength.
　If the western mountain range located on the border of the Zaruda Kingdom is exceeded, it will be overrun by an overwhelming number of troops and will be destroyed.　
　Once the country is invaded, the reinforcements from the Mist Kingdom will probably be meaningless.
　Therefore, if you only consider the convenience of the kingdom, Mikhail's proposal is correct.
　His words accurately capture the current situation and the national strength of the Roselia Kingdom.
　Even the strongest card is meaningless if you don't put it on the playing field.
　But if you can rely on Mikoshiba Ryojin, you won't have to worry about it from the beginning.
　It's not surprising that Count Bergston's words contained some sarcasm.
　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to see the difference.
　If only he hadn't insisted on the success of the war and hadn't been captured by Gerhardt, the situation wouldn't have come to this point.　
　But even after hearing Count Bergston's words, Mikhail did not change his face and said.

''There's no need to convince me. Just order it. You'll be able to find out what you're looking for. Refusing a royal order at the time of the crisis of the nation's survival is not a nobleman's way of life.

　There is not even a hint of human emotion in those words.
　But a cold, inorganic voice echoed in the room.　

You're a fool........are you insane?

　Count Bergston forgot that he was in the presence of Queen Lupis and involuntarily questioned Mikhail's sanity.

''Count Bergston, did I say something strange? What are you going to do with all these noblemen who have no loyalty to the royal family?

''What do you mean? By and large, if you're talking about the duties of the nobility, wouldn't that cover most of the nobles in this country?

　Their voices are excited and hostile to each other.
　The majority of the Roserian aristocrats today do not have unconditional loyalty to the royal family.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on.
　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Even so, there is a limit to that.
(Nothing has changed from a year ago.......)
　A year ago, during the civil war, the Earl of Bergston had been a bystander.
　Many times, Mertina and the so-called princesses had asked for his help, but he did not agree.
　The reason for this is because they only demanded loyalty to the royal family.
　Loyalty to the royal family. It's certainly a pleasant sound.
　But that's not enough to move people.
　I'm sure Mikhail knows that.
　It's a good thing that you're in a good position to do this, because a year ago, Mikoshiba Ryoma demonstrated this before their eyes.

''What are you in such a hurry for?''

　Suddenly, Elena, who had been watching their exchange in silence, opened her mouth.

'Impatient?　Of course. We don't have much time left. Wouldn't it be quickest to execute Baron Mikoshiba as an example and unify the will of the nobles?

　Mikhail couldn't help but be flustered by the question that was put to him from an unexpected source.

Well that's what you really think.

　Mikhail's face twisted at Elena's words.
　The unexpected question caused him to unintentionally put into words things he didn't need to say.
　It is true that showing off is effective from the point of view of domestic unity of will.
　But if that is the only reason, there is no need to target Mikoshiba Ryoma.
　There are plenty of other candidates for sacrifice.

　The Earl of Bergston instantly realized.
　It is true that Mikhail's assertions are at first glance a bit of a slippery slope.
　But it's only a bad habit for those who know the truth.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make a good impression.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

　Apparently he decided to play dumb, but to be honest, it's too late now.

'Do you hate Mikoshiba-dono that much?　That was your fault. I don't think it's right to hold a grudge against him.

I have no idea what you're talking about, sir.

　The moment he looked into Mikhail's eyes as he said that again, a cold feeling ran down Count Bergston's back.
(What eyes....)
　Mikhail's eyes are filled with hatred. It's a dark flame that resembles a delusional 《More》.
　This is an unthinkable attitude from Mikhail until now.
　It is true that he is a thoughtless person, but this is the first time he has revealed his hostility to an individual like this.
　Sparks flew between the two sides.

''Stop it!''

　Lupis' cry echoes in the room.

''Enough ... I give the king's order. First of all, Elena. Contact Baron Mikoshiba and ask him to go to the royal capital. It's not a given that he will always refuse, so you can decide again what to do with your punishment when he refuses after you have spoken to him. That's fine with me, Elena.

"Your Majesty...

　As if to ignore the stunned Mertina's mutterings, Lupis gives his life in rapid succession of arrows.
　There is no more time for useless discussions.
　That thought made Lupis, who had been hesitating for a long time, make a decision.
　No, perhaps that's not all.
　He felt the cold feelings for Mikhail that covered the room and tried to protect him.

'Send a messenger to Zaruda to send reinforcements. We need to prepare for the expedition, so we won't be heading there for a month. And tell him that the troops of the Mist Kingdom that are waiting at the border will be given permission to pass. Is that clear?　Earl Bergston, you have one month to get everything ready.

'A month.......just in time. Besides, may I bring an army of Mist into the country?

You can't blame them. You can't blame them, even though they haven't made a move until now, it doesn't look good for both countries. Besides, if you let them cross the border after we're ready, it will take too much time and we'll all be fine with that, won't we?

　It takes time to run an army.
　You will need an enormous amount of supplies, from food to spare armor, especially if you are going to deploy abroad.
　It was only natural for Count Bergston to frown, but at any rate, time is running out.
　But the time left in this country is limited.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more information on this.
　Whatever the reason, the king had made his decision.
　As a vassal, I have no choice but to nod my head.

I'm sorry. Your Majesty.

　Everyone who had been sitting on the chairs stood up, and they all folded their hips in unison to submit to the royal command.
　All in order to protect and defend the Roselia Kingdom.


''Why did you say that?''

　The meeting was over, and three figures remained in the room where most of the things had left the room.

'As a vassal, I was merely suggesting the best way to protect this country.

　In response to Lupis' question, Mikhail said without hesitation.
　It's an unthinkable cold voice from his past.

''Is that really all........?''

What do you mean by that?

　Even under Lupis' probing gaze, Mikhail's expression doesn't change.
　It's as unwavering as a doll that has left its emotions behind.

''Mikhail-dono. Such an attitude is towards His Majesty.

No, no. Mertina!

But I'm sorry.

　When she restrains Mertina from trying to reprimand Mikhail, Lupis turns her sad eyes to Mikhail.

''Fine, please step back,''

Now, excuse me.

　They could only look at Mikhail's back with sad eyes as he left the room without losing his expression until the end.

''I wonder why this happened........''

　Mertina was unable to answer Lupis' muttered question.
　The reason is clear.
　But I can't put it into words.

''Your Majesty has done nothing wrong.

　Mertina had no other words than to say ta-da...