Maoyuu Maou Yuusha-Volume 3 Chapter 4, “I love the both of you.”

- The Holy Empire, the Octagonal Palace

Holy Imperial General: “The points on this map denote the new Villages of the Children of Light.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm.”

Military Strategist: “We’ve achieved almost 80% of our target.”

Holy Imperial General: “However, there appears to be a rumour spreading.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “That was within the scope of our calculations. We don’t really need the rumours to be spreading, but we can just leave it as it is for now. At least they’ll help to increase interest in the project.”

Holy Imperial General: “Yes.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm… However, now that we’re on this, the next problem is the production of gunpowder.”

Military Strategist: “Saltpetre, your Highness.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Can we procure more from the Kingdom of Copper?”

Military Strategist: “Yes. I have already sent people to secure that.”

Holy Imperial General: “But should we really be placing so much emphasis on these muskets? From what I can tell, the reload rate is fairly slow and the effective distance is not very far either. Their penetrative power is not bad, but a magical battalion has far more destructive power at their disposable, right?”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hehehehe. Hahahaha.”

Holy Imperial General: “Your Highness…?”

Crown Prince Marshal: “No, no, you are correct. These are not particularly powerful weapons. It is as you say. However, that is because you only consider the battle to take place on the battlefield.”

Military Strategist: “Indeed.”

Holy Imperial General: “…The battle is outside of the battlefield?”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Think about it. Look at all these countries in the Central Continent. Let’s assume there is a war, what would the noblemen do? First, they would issue a mustering order to their vassal knights. If these knights have other vassal knights, then they can muster them, their families, and any other soldiers. This will go on, all the way until nobody has any more subordinates. No matter how strong the noblemen are, even the royalty will issue mustering orders and their subordinate noblemen will ride to their banner. There are a few systems but this is more or less the same across the board. In other words, this is a military organisational problem. If we merely rely on mustering orders, then we miss out on a large portion of the population who could be in the army. Of course, when it comes to things like riding horses, it takes a specific skillset, and apart from those in the Kingdom of Red Horses, where they are the local product, we can’t expect those villages to be able to procure Warhorses*. Another way to put it, in the Central Continent, people who are prepared to fight = people who can ride and own warhorses = people who are rich enough to afford the training and equipment = people of the social status of knight and above, or people related to them.”

Holy Imperial General: “I-I see.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “The exception are mercenaries. These people have given their lives to battle, so they’re different. There are many reasons why this is so, but the biggest reason is that learning the techniques which allow you to be effective in a war requires a long time. For example, I, or for that matter, you, have been waving your sword around since you were old enough to hold one.”

Holy Imperial General: “Yeah. I was the son of a knight, and my father taught me to use a sword……”

-

Explanation

Warhorse: A horse which has received the specific battle training to endure the loud sounds and stench of blood on the battlefield. Well-trained horses are capable of charging directly into a sharp wall of enemy spears and some can even be taught to stomp and bite the enemy. Breeding a warhorse requires a lot of time and money and as a result, only knights and those of higher social classes can afford them.

-

Crown Prince Marshal: “Yes, that’s the reality of the countries of the Central Continent.”

Holy Imperial General: “…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “That’s the issue of swordsmanship. You must also consider the issue of horsemanship. Being able to ride a horse is one thing, but how long does it take to learn how to fight from the back of a horse? It’s the same for bows. It’s true that a well-trained longbowman can probably fire ten times faster than a musket with twice the range, but that requires long years of training and practice.

“Moreover, the ability to use a bow effectively is very dependent on your physical condition. It is common knowledge that the ability to make an arrow go very far with significant penetrative ability is largely dependent on the strength of the individual. However, with a bullet propelled by black powder, we can expect even a woman or a child to have the same amount of power. Magical division? Out of the question. Each one of them requires twenty years of dedicated training and study.”

Holy Imperial General: “That is indeed true.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “The fact is that all the weapons that we humans have been using up till now have required an enormous amount of time to train before reaching a level where they can be used practically in battle. A knight takes about 15 years to train. A squire maybe 10 years. A mage will take 20 years. A mercenary is likely to have spent more time on the battlefield than any knight. They flit from battlefield to battlefield so they may reach their peak after just five years, even though most of them die before that.

“Spending time training soldiers means spending money on their upkeep. Very few people are willing to subject themselves to such training, so the price is likely to be quite high. It is because we use such expensive knights that our country is unable to field an exceptionally large army. Even as the Holy Empire, we may only have a standing army of 2,500 knights. Any manpower above that will require a mustering order from the nobility. Such a method of gathering troops will depend on the opinions of the vassal noblemen and the speed of their mobilisation. If supplies of rations get cut off, morale will crash almost instantly.”

Military Strategist: “Correct. That is the reason why the previous expedition failed.”

Holy Imperial General: “I understand.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “As for muskets…”

Cocks musket.

Holy Imperial General: “Their effectiveness, rather than being compared to bows, is more similar to crossbows. A musket is easier to aim and produces a larger sound than a crossbow. If it hits its target, it is capable of penetrating even metal armour. Moreover, the training time required is exceptionally short. Even a peasant levy will be able to learn its use in months and take to the field as elite soldiers.”

Holy Imperial General: “Training time…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “You could say that is the only advantage, but it would still be the key to changing everything. With these muskets, fighting a war on continuous resources will be much less expensive. With muskets and suitable training, we can change the entire face of battle. We can throw a nearly inexhaustible supply of peasants onto the battlefield. Compared to other infantry men, these peasants who have been used to a life of poverty and hardship are much more capable of walking longer distances every day, even more so than the noblemen. Longbows can shoot faster than muskets? In that case, I just need to field ten times more musketeers than longbowmen. Cavalry have more charge attack? In that case, I just need to field ten times more musketeers than cavalrymen. Noblemen have more battle spirit? In that case, I just need to field ten times more musketeers than noblemen. All of this is possible because of the musket. If we can kill one enemy soldier, it will take them 5-10 years to train another soldier of a similar calibre. On the other hand, if they kill one of our soldiers, we will be able to replenish him in a matter of months.”

Military Strategist: “But there are other disadvantages.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “I will leave you to work out the logistics of the gunpowder.”

Military Strategist: “—Understood.”

Holy Imperial General: “It sounds wonderful. This is a very scary invention, how should I say it…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Of course, it comes with many disadvantages. With us fielding this many people, they will require a lot of food, without which we will already begin to incur many casualties.”

Military Strategist: “Yes.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Furthermore, once we fire one volley, it will take time to load the next round into the musket. In that interval, we will be practically defenceless against the enemy.”

Military Strategist: “Correct.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “However, if I only had a frontline commander who could deal with these problems, it is no mistake to say that the Musketeer Companies will be the strongest throughout the land.”

Military Strategist: “If only we had the Black General…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “It is useless to dwell on dead people. That mischievous old general disappeared after getting involved in a scandal at the palace.”

Holy Imperial General: “The Hero of the Seven Miles?”

Crown Prince Marshal: “That is an old story.”

Military Strategist: “The Grey King of the Kingdom of the Mist once challenged our forces. With a few words of advice, he was able to turn the situation around.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmph. I once considered using him at the frontlines and taking command of the army myself.”

Military Strategist: “Hahaha. It is a long time to the summer.”

Holy Imperial General: “I shall speed up the construction of the Villages of Light.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “I’m counting on you. The Holy Empire shall rule over the Continent.”

- The Village of Wintering, the Manor of the Demon King, Late at Night in the Central Courtyard

(—The world is big and without end. Here there are countless people, some are heartless and evil but some are kind and beautiful, every single type of existence is possible.)

Swish!

Elder Sister Maid: “!”

Clang! Swoosh!

Elder Sister Maid: “—!”

Swing! Whoosh!

Elder Sister Maid: “Hah!”

Swing!

Elder Sister Maid: “… Pant… Pant…”

Swing!

Elder Sister Maid: “Heh!”

—Clunk

Elder Sister Maid: “!”

The Female Paladin: “Ah, it’s me.”

Elder Sister Maid: “…Female Paladin.”

The Female Paladin: “Did I scare you?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Ah. No.”

The Female Paladin: “This is the sword that the Disciple Soldier used to use a long time ago, right? I think it’s too heavy for you.”

Elder Sister Maid: “But I’m used to it already.”

The Female Paladin: “I see. Well, I guess it’s something you can get used to. — When did you start?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Since last autumn.”

The Female Paladin: “A year…”

Elder Sister Maid: “—”

The Female Paladin: “Show me what you know.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Alright.”

The Female Paladin: “…”

Elder Sister Maid: “……”

The Female Paladin: “Don’t make such a troubled face. I won’t tell anyone.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yeah…”

The Female Paladin: “It’s this sort of era. Everyone should know a few self-protection techniques.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yeah.”

The Female Paladin: “But you don’t really have the physical strength. You’ve got to use your legs more. If you hold the sword so far away, you do increase your power, but your body will be forced to swing in the opposite direction. In that situation, you won’t be able to avoid the enemy’s attacks.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Is that… so…?”

The Female Paladin: “Yeah.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Use my legs…”

The Female Paladin: “Bend your knees more… Yeah.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yeah… Like… this?”

The Female Paladin: “Turn your body so you hide it in the shadow of your sword. Strike towards the head of the enemy, steady your blade. Pretend that there is another sword in between you and your opponent. Practice moving backwards, forwards, and sideways. Your wrist strength is enough for now. You probably don’t have the strength to cut through a suit of armour, but without armour, your current strength should be sufficient.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes…”

The Female Paladin: “Listen to the sound of your breath, don’t transfer your weight to the heel of your foot.”

Elder Sister Maid: “…Yes!”

Swing!

The Female Paladin: “Good.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes.”

The Female Paladin: “You don’t really have to do too much. Jumping around, flying all over the place, and shining laser beams of destruction all over the place is only possible if you’re of the same class as the Hero. Try not to shake your body too much and don’t jump around without purpose. Above all, you need to calm down.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes.”

The Female Paladin: “Alright, go on.”

Swing! Swish!

Elder Sister Maid: “Hah!”

The Female Paladin: “…”

Swing!”

Elder Sister Maid: “… Hah… Hah…”

The Female Paladin: “Good. Stretch out your wrist more.”

Elder Sister Maid: “…”

The Female Paladin: “Steel your chest and breathe slowly.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes…”

The Female Paladin: “…”

Elder Sister Maid: “Umm… Can I ask something?”

The Female Paladin: “What?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Should normal peasants be allowed to hold swords…”

The Female Paladin: “The Holy Order does not think about such pointless things. Do you think they should?”

Elder Sister Maid: “…Yes.”

The Female Paladin: “It’s late… I wish you the best of dreams, Elder Sister Maid.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Thank you very much.”

- In a Bar in a Nameless Settlement

～? ～～?

Disciple Bard: “～? …?”

Elderly Settler: “…”

Drunk Villager: “…Ahh, that was great!”

Innkeeper’s Daughter: “That was amazing.”

Innkeeper: “Ohh, lady, that was a good song. Have a glass on the house. And if you feel up to it, play another song!”

Disciple Bard: “Of course!”

Elderly Settler: “Ms. Bard, I ain’t never seen such an instrument before.”

Disciple Bard: “This is a Dragonshead Fiddle*. It’s got a sweet sound, doesn’t it?”

Elderly Settler: “Yeah, it’s a very pleasant sound.”

Drunk Villager: “For a bard to stop by a nondescript village like ours, you must just be stopping by to let us hear a little bit.”

Innkeeper: “Indeed.”

Disciple Bard: “Oh, really?”

Elderly Settler: “You mustn’t be from around here, miss. That’s some beautiful golden hair you’ve got there.”

Drunk Villager: “There’s a country called the Kingdom of Ice two kingdoms away. That place is filled with bards and minstrels. The Palace is really good to these artists and the city streets are like music halls. Since winter is the season of music, bards from all over the world gather at the Kingdom of Ice each winter.”

Innkeeper: “Registered minstrels often come under private sponsors once their skills become recognised enough. When they have sponsors, they’ll stay with them for years. That’s why there are live-in bards and even bards hired as private music teachers in the Kingdom of Ice. Since there are so many people there, it is known as the Home of the Bards. Most of the bards throughout the land have spent some time there, it’s a very festive mood.”

Disciple Bard: “Ehh! I’ve come from a very long way. Apart from this Home of the Bards, is there any other place famous for its music or instruments?”

Elderly Settler: “Hmm, let me think.”

Drunk Villager: “Hmm.”

Innkeeper: “Well, if it’s about music, there’re two.”

Disciple Bard: “Two?”

Innkeeper: “The first is the music of the bards. My niece has been to the Kingdom of Ice before so she’s more familiar with that.”

Disciple Bard: “Thank you. I’ve collected my skills in music, poetry, and playwriting before coming here!”

Innkeeper: “I see, I see! Then let me tell you something. But in return, you’ve got to stay the night. I’ll charge you a good price. And you can let the other customers listen to the music of foreign lands.”

Disciple Bard: “Sure!”

Innkeeper: “Right. First is the music of the bards. At pubs and festivals… Well, on the streets and in the shrines, we’ve got a different kind of music. It’s light and fun and rowdy. I love it. The popular ones get transmitted by bards as they roam through the countries.”

-

Explanation

Dragonshead Fiddle: This is modelled after the Mongolian Horsehead Fiddle (morin khuur) without a horse head but rather with a dragonhead. A horsehead fiddle is a bowed instrument, like a violin, which has only two strings, and the scroll is usually carved in the form of a horse’s head.

-

Disciple Bard: “Is it like a chorus?”

Elderly Settler: “What’s a chorus?”

Disciple Bard: “Well, umm, is it sung?”

Innkeeper: “Yeah. Musical instruments are played and it’s sung along to. From time to time you get just one of them, but that’s not really very common. The musical instruments, well… I ain’t never seen anything like your Dragonshead Fiddle, but the most common are lutes*, rebecs*, gitterns*, lyres*, those sorts of instruments.”

Disciple Bard: “Hmm, I would like to see that.”

Innkeeper: “There is one more type of music, and that’s church music.”

Disciple Bard: “Church?”

Innkeeper: “In order to give praise to the Spirit, the Church plays some holy music every day. Most of us can sing at least a few hymns. We don’t have any in a small village like ours, but big cities tend to have Holy Choir Brigades.”

Disciple Bard: “Holy Choir Brigades?”

Innkeeper: “That’s right. There’s been a bunch of really talented singers among the latest group of faithful. Most are young boys and girls. The voices of children are much purer and clearer so when you get them to sing altogether, the music produced is something out of this world. Unlike bards, church musicians don’t need to move around very much so they can use some really huge instruments. Sometimes they even use instruments as big as entire sheds.”

Innkeeper’s Daughter: “Sheds?!”

Disciple Bard: “By sheds, do you mean those houses where they keep the farming implements?”

Innkeeper: “That’s the one. They’re as big as small houses, really.”

Innkeeper’s Daughter: “What!”

Disciple Bard: “How surprising.”

Elderly Settler: “It’s true.”

Innkeeper: “Furthermore, since bards usually travel alone, they don’t like to use instruments that require their mouths. Otherwise, they won’t be able to sing along.”

Innkeeper’s Daughter: “Now that you say it, I haven’t really seen many bards with flutes.”

Disciple Bard: “I see.”

Innkeeper: “Instruments like the fife* or the musette*, which resemble flutes, are commonly used in the church. Of course, there will be bards who are capable of using them as well.”

Disciple Bard: “I know fifes…”

Looks around.

Disciple Bard: “These, right?”

-

Explanation

Lute: A stringed instrument commonly used in Europe during the Middle Ages. Like a guitar, the strings are plucked with fingers. The body is shaped like a pear which has been cut into half. The front is flat but it has a rounded back.

Rebec: An ancestor of the violin. This medieval instrument is shaped like a lute but smaller. It used to be played with a bow.

Gittern: A medieval instrument also known as the citole. It also looks like a violin and was plucked by finger.

Fife: A woodwind instrument, but played vertically rather than horizontally. It is a relative of the flute and the piccolo.

Musette de Cour: A type of bagpipe. It is used as an oboe but produces a higher pitch sound.

-

Elderly Settler: “Ahh, I’ve seen this.”

Drunk Villager: “My grandpa played this at festivals.”

Innkeeper: “That’s right. The shape isn’t really the same, but it’s a fife. Can you play this too?”

Disciple Bard: “Of course.”

Drunk Villager: “Let me hear a song, miss!”

Innkeeper: “Would you?”

Disciple Bard: “Of course. It’s no trouble.”

～? ～～?

Disciple Bard: “～? ～～?”

Elderly Settler: “Ahh, how beautiful.”

Drunk Villager: “Indeed.”

Innkeeper: “I’ve never seen such a skilled bard.”

Innkeeper’s Daughter: “Yeah, she’s incredibly good! It’s almost as if a bird had flown down from heaven…”

- The Winter Palace, the Strategy Room

Disciple Merchant: “Hey. Hey.”

Assistant: “Yes.” Scampers over.

Disciple Merchant: “What are you doing?”

Assistant: “I’m tidying up the records and cleaning up the books.”

Disciple Merchant: “Alright. Good.”

Assistant: “Hehe.”

Disciple Merchant: “Everyone’s been working like crazy.”

Assistant: “Work has been insane.”

Disciple Merchant: “Is it really that crazy? You just sit there the whole day.”

Assistant: “It’s because I sit here the whole day that it’s so crazy. There’re not a lot of people who can do this sort of work in this country.”

Disciple Merchant: “Is that so?”

Assistant: “Yes.”

Disciple Merchant: “You don’t seem to be fazed by that.”

Assistant: “I don’t really have anywhere else to go…”

Disciple Merchant: “I see. I see.”

Assistant: “Hehe.”

Disciple Merchant: “In that case, I’ll think of something for you to do.”

Assistant: “What?!”

Disciple Merchant: “Relax. A frog will die instantly if it is put in boiling water, but if you slowly increase the temperature of the water, then it can live for quite longer, right?”

Assistant: “Wait, are you thinking of something terrible?”

Disciple Merchant: “Not at all.”

Assistant: “Uhhhhhhhh.”

Disciple Merchant: “Don’t be so bothered. Make me a cup of tea first.”

Assistant: “Yes.”

Runs off.

Assistant: “Alright, let’s take a look at the work you’ve done. Let’s see. You’ve done a great job on the accounts. This memo… Haha. You’ve written down everything you don’t understand… so that you can ask questions later? You’re learning well. How nostalgic. Good job.”

Flip flip.

Disciple Merchant: “Hmm.”

“The potato is extremely delicious. It’s so good that you can never stop at just one, which is sad… Which is why we need to produce more potatoes.”

Disciple Merchant: “…What are you thinking about?”

“Today, a servant girl gave me a pastry made from eggs. She asked me out for dinner, but because I was afraid, I ran away. Sorry.”

Disciple Merchant: “…What is this?”

Assistant: “The tea is here.”

Disciple Merchant: “Good job!”

Assistant: “Really!”

Closes book.

Disciple Merchant: “Not bad.”

Assistant: “Thank you.”

Disciple Merchant: “Then shall we deal with the issue of the census records?”

Assistant: “Right, I’ve cleared all the census accounts.”

Disciple Merchant: “Very good. So what is your estimate?”

Assistant: “Estimate…?”

Disciple Merchant: “Yeah. How much money do you think we’ll get?”

Assistant: “Surely that’s just small change.”

Disciple Merchant: “It may seem that way, but in the Kingdom of Winter, the country’s main revenues come from tax receipts, right? A large proportion of that comes directly from the taxation of production and currency transfers. This comes roughly twice every year: spring and autumn. In other words, while this is a source of income, if we use this without planning, we won’t have enough money to last us through the next season and we’d end up starving. We’ve got to carefully plan our spending. That’s quite important, right?”

Assistant: “Yes it is… But if it’s so important, why haven’t we done anything about it up till now?”

Disciple Merchant: “Because the scale has been so small. You need to have the acumen of a merchant.”

Assistant: “?”

Disciple Merchant: “It also increases the amount of work you need to do. The Kingdom of Winter, for many years, has been a mercenary country receiving food and monetary aid from the central Continent. There were a lot of settlers but those were mainly comprised of risk-takers with nothing to lose, those whom had hoped to avoid the heavy taxation in the Central Continent. At the time, to survive properly in the country, it would require a large gamble on the part of each individual. But now we have potatoes. Because of the potatoes, the population can increase and we can escape from the binds of the curse set on us by the Central Continent. That is how the Southern United Kingdoms were able to plan for independence.

“Up till now, in this time of strife, the Central Continent’s wallet has been bleeding due to various incidents. This has exacerbated the situation, which is why we now have to deal with this in this manner.”

Assistant: “So it’s kind of like when the father leaves the house and the brother assumes his responsibilities?”

Disciple Merchant: “That’s a good analogy.”

Assistant: “Hehehe.”

Disciple Merchant: “Because of the Tripartite Economic Union, the Kingdom of Winter has managed to achieve some splendid gains in production. However, it’s clear that there are some limitations to the union. We can easily gain metal products from the Kingdom of Metal, but every year our need for wood increases. Our kingdoms have quite a few forests but even these have limitations. On top of that, we also lack horses and brass*, spices, and textiles.”

Assistant: “…”

Disciple Merchant: “Well, for all of these, what we will require is help. The merchants can basically ship in anything that we need.”

Assistant: “Then what should I do?”

Disciple Merchant: “That’s your job. To figure out what it is that you should do.”

-

Explanation

Brass: An alloy created from the fusion of copper and zinc, which was produced in very large quantities around the 17th century. The standard ratio is 65% copper and 35% zinc, but sometimes the amount of copper is more or less. The more copper there is, the redder the brass becomes; the less copper there is, the whiter the brass becomes. When more than 40% is zinc, the metal takes on a metallic sheen similar to gold and is hence often used as a replacement. A very close-to-home example of the usage of brass would be the 5 yen coin. Most gold-coloured instruments like trumpets are also made from brass.

-

Assistant: “Ummm. Ummm.”

Disciple Merchant: “What’s the most important thing?”

Assistant: “…Greetings?”

Disciple Merchant: “That’s the first thing you do when you meet someone.”

Assistant: “Yes.”

Disciple Merchant: “And then?”

Assistant: “Umm… And then, a meal?”

Disciple Merchant: “Right. Food. If it’s about that, then potatoes should be fine. Also, the amount of livestock has increased as well, particularly pigs which are being reared in large numbers by the farmers. You must also consider the balance of wheat and barley production. Then you should consider the production of dairy and fruits. And what’s next?”

Assistant: “Umm, if you don’t produce or buy the things you want, then you can’t get them.”

Disciple Merchant: “Very good. You’re learning fast.”

Assistant: “Ehehe.”

Disciple Merchant: “Using money to buy the things is very easy, especially when we’ve already come up with estimates of what we will require. But if we just do the easy things, we’ll run out of money rapidly. The most important thing to consider is cost-effectiveness*. For example, there are many doubts within the statement, ‘We need to buy dairy products!’”

Assistant: “Really?”

Disciple Merchant: “Well, to begin with, we should of course question if the money we’re paying is worth the value of the good, but there are a few other things we should consider as well. First, the word ‘need’.”

Assistant: “Need?”

Disciple Merchant: “A need should be considered something that we would die without, right? If you think about it this way, there aren’t actually a lot of things that we need. If you don’t take care of such things, then you’ll think that you need everything and end up using a lot of money for these. That’s the first thing.”

Assistant: “Yes.”

Disciple Merchant: “The second important point is to consider, ‘What could I do with the same sum of money?’”

Assistant: “…?”

Disciple Merchant: “Don’t get it? Alright, let’s assume you’ve got no food to eat at home.”

Assistant: “That’s sad.”

Disciple Merchant: “Then buy some bread!”

Assistant: “Bread is delicious! Buy some bread!”

Disciple Merchant: “Good. But before its taste, if you don’t eat bread, you’ll starve to death. So bread is a ‘need’.”

Assistant: “It’s a need.”

Disciple Merchant: “So you’ve bought bread. Buy another one!”

Assistant: “Yes!”

Disciple Merchant: “But at that price, you could have bought two sacks of potatoes, right?”

Assistant: “…?”

Disciple Merchant: “Right? See, so when you say something like ‘Buy some bread!’, you can’t just focus on the bread. That’s because money is limited. When you’re making plans for how to use your money, if you don’t consider the specifics of everything, then you’re going to make a mistake. Two sacks of potatoes are much more filling than two loaves of bread, right? That’s why saying things like ‘We should buy bread!’ or ‘It would be weird if we didn’t buy bread!’ or ‘We can’t eat money. This is not a problem of money. Not buying bread would be akin to murder!’ is false. We must consider that there are other ways to save lives using the same amount of money.”

Assistant: “Yes.”

Disciple Merchant: “This shows us that the question ‘Should we buy bread?’ is not really the issue at hand. The real issue is trying to find out ‘Why do we need this thing?’ or ‘Out of all these things that we want, which one should we prioritise?’ and ‘How do we get the goods we want at a cheaper price? How do we get more of it?’”

Assistant: “How very complicated…”

Disciple Merchant: “Well, think through this slowly. If you don’t understand, you should ask someone who does.”

Assistant: “Yes…”

Disciple Merchant: “So the real question isn’t ‘Should we or should we not buy bread?’ but rather ‘What sort of food should we buy?’ or ‘What should we do to feed everyone in a healthy manner?’”

Assistant: “…Yeah, I understand,”

Disciple Merchant: “Right. Now for your homework…”

Assistant: “What?!”

Disciple Merchant: “The Kingdom of Winter would like to produce more dairy products. More precisely, rather than milk, we need cheese. This is a matter of storage. Have you eaten cheese before?”

Assistant: “Yes!”

Disciple Merchant: “Then I want you to study it. I want everybody to be eating cheese, and I want us to spend as little money as possible. Think of a way.”

Assistant: “Hmmm.”

Disciple Merchant: “You must carefully consider our goals.”

Assistant: “A hint. Give me a hint.”

Disciple Merchant: “I wouldn’t have something like that. There’s no right answer.”

Assistant: “In that case, what would you do?”

Disciple Merchant: “I haven’t thought about it so I don’t know. But I guess… we could buy cheese in large quantities from foreign countries and sell them to everyone in the Kingdom of Winter.”

Assistant: “Then let’s do that!”

Disciple Merchant: “That method would surely fail. Such a method wouldn’t even make 10% of what needs to be done.”

Assistant: “…”

Disciple Merchant: “Right. Now that I’ve given you your homework, it’s time to work out today’s accounts.”

Assistant: “Yes, Disciple Merchant!”

- The Manor in the Village of Wintering, the Study

The Demon King: “Where are the studies on the crop rotation issues the Order did for us?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Here they are.”

Clatter clatter!

The Demon King: “Ugh.”

The Chief Maid: “Well, well, are you alright?”

The Demon King: “Sorry, I’ve knocked over all these reports.”

The Chief Maid: “I’ll get it cleaned up in a bit.”

The Demon King: “My right arm is so incapable of moving properly so I’m really clumsy.”

The Chief Maid: “Well, it’s all bandaged up. Just endure it.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Here are the letters we received today.”

The Demon King: “Hmm, just confirm them for me.”

The Chief Maid: “This is the salary from the Lone Winter King?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yeah.”

The Demon King: “What? I’m some kind of titular honorary nobleman now?”

The Chief Maid: “You’re a type of marquis. You’re in an advisory position. You will receive a stipend four times a year for your service.”

Elder Sister Maid: “It’s in the treasury, right?”

The Demon King: “Is it? I never noticed.”

The Chief Maid: “Well, you may be an economist, but you have a very thin attachment to money.”

The Demon King: “Why would I develop an attachment to something like currency?”

The Chief Maid: “Well, well, even if it’s the object of your research…”

The Demon King: “The object of my research is the advancement of the economy in order to create a more harmonious society between people. And of course, also to establish an independent financial infrastructure in this area. Umm…”

The Chief Maid: “What is it?”

The Demon King: “Well, uhh… This is weird.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Hehehe. Are you looking for the minutes of the Conference of the Tribe or the plans for the Nine Tribes? They’re here.”

The Demon King: “That’s the one!”

The Chief Maid: “Hehehe.”

The Demon King: “Well. Even without me, the Demon Race is still the Demon Race.”

Flip.

The Demon King: “Hmm. Rebuilding the roads. The previous wars have really destroyed many of the bridges.”

Elder Sister Maid: “…”

The Chief Maid: “Bridges?”

The Demon King: “In many cases, bridges are important choke points in times of war. Traffic often necessarily passes through them. As a result, they are important in deciding the speed of troops. For this reason, even though it’s better for bridges to be built out of stone, they are often specially built out of wood so that in times of crisis they can be easily burnt.”

The Chief Maid: “For the bridges to be rebuilt, that means that peace has been agreed to at least temporarily.”

The Demon King: “Correct. Even though we’re still left with the issue of the Demons of the Pale…”

The Chief Maid: “That’s going to take some time…”

Elder Sister Maid: “Umm…”

The Demon King: “What is it?”

The Chief Maid: “…?”

Elder Sister Maid: “No. Umm.”

The Demon King: “What is it? Are you feeling unwell?”

The Chief Maid: “—”

Elder Sister Maid: “No, um. I’ll go get some tea.”

The Demon King: “Yeah, please.”

Runs off.

The Chief Maid: “—”

——— The Holy Empire, a Secret Metal Factory

Clang! Clang!

Production Supervisor: “Raise the temperature! More kindling!”

Worker: “Yes!”

Production Supervisor: “Stop slacking off! You want your meals to get cut?!”

Clang! Clang!

Production Supervisor: “Don’t stop with the furnace*! Keep going!”

Worker: “Ahh… Ahh…”

Worker: “Hot… water…”

Production Supervisor: “Just a bit more to your rest! Work! Work!”

-

Explanation

Furnace: A facility required for the production of metal. The oldest metal melting furnaces were produced in China in ancient times. The first modern furnace was constructed in England in the 12th century.

-

Clang! Clang!

Head Craftsman: “The work is going well. Alright, now we can create some really high purity metals. Just from this, the quality will go up.”

Engineer: “I see.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “How is it? How’s the production?”

Head Craftsman: “Well, we should be able to fulfil our monthly quota of 800 muskets.”

Holy Imperial General: “If you can, then we would have stockpiled more than 5,000.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Too slow. Can we make them any faster?”

Head Craftsman: “That would cause problems with quality…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm, and what about the cannone*?”

Head Craftsman: “That is going on well, the non-defective yield* is very good. We’re producing at the pace of two a month.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Looks like there’s no issue with the cannone.”

Head Craftsman: “Well, it’s because we’ve been using The Genius’ Manuscript.”

Knock knock.

Head Craftsman: “You can come in.”

Engineer: “Did you call?”

Experienced Technician: “I came as fast as I could.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Who are those people?”

Head Craftsman: “The Genius’ Manuscript that you handed to me has a lot of sketches and notes written on it. Muskets and cannones were experimental products. It’s a bit too early to reproduce them but there are many other designs apart from these.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “I know. I gave you the instructions after all.”

Head Craftsman: “Yes. It’s quite scary.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “So, what about them?”

Engineer: “Well…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “I don’t mind. I respect the views of other qualified and talented individuals. You may answer freely, so tell me in detail.”

Engineer: “In that case…”

Experienced Technician: “First of all, The Genius’ Manuscript is brilliant. It’s almost like a blessing from the Spirit of Light himself! Most of the entries are written about in detail and the rest are sketched out so you can get an idea of it right away!”

Engineer: “Yes. Beginning with the muskets, a lot of different observations are written here.”

Experienced Technician: “For example, we pulled this charcoal-like rock from the ground, and it burns.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm, that’s from the North, right?”

Engineer: “The Genius’ Manuscript details how to steam these rocks at an appropriate temperature to produce something known as Coke*. Using this coke, we can produce a stronger metal than usual.”

Experienced Technician: “Furthermore, The Genius’ Manuscript also has this sketch. I’ve enlarged it and cleaned it up a bit.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Is this… a percussion hammer?”

Experienced Technician: “Your Highness, I had no idea you were so familiar with muskets?!”

Crown Prince Marshal: “How could I not be familiar with the weaponry of the soldiers I lead myself?”

Experienced Technician: “Wow! Amazing! Then allow me to explain. This appears to show an improvement to the musket, it may perhaps be its very successor.”

-

Explanation

Cannone: Italian for cannon. It was used primarily throughout the 16th century as a smoothbore cannon with direct fire. This means that the weapon was aimed directly at the enemy.

Non-Defective Yield: The ratio of non-defective goods to totally produced goods. If there are no defective goods, then the non-defective yield will be 100%, but in reality, defective goods are far more common. As an industrial standard, in most cases a 95% non-defective yield is superb.

Coke: If coke is burnt on a metal furnace, higher temperatures can be reached, resulting in a purer metal. Furthermore, carbon produced during the burning of coke can mix with the liquid metal, resulting in carbonisation that can create a stronger metal, further creating steel from iron. Coke was first used by the Chinese circa 200BC and was heavily used in Europe beginning from the 18th century.

-

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm.”

Experienced Technician: “The percussion hammer strikes a flint at this portion here, this also opens the cap of the small housing below.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “And how big will this housing be?”

Experienced Technician: “It looks big in the sketch but in reality, it will be smaller than your finger tip. However, the cap will have to be allowed to open and close, hence we will have to install a spring action. This allows the sparks from the flint to fall inside the housing and ignite the gunpowder, firing the musket. In this way, we can create muskets that do not require fuses.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm.”

Experienced Technician: “Do you understand?”

Crown Prince Marshal: “I understand. Are there issues with usage or production?”

Experienced Technician: “As for usage, we still do not completely understand but firstly, since there is no need for a match or a fuse, the posture for firing is a lot more natural. Moreover, in adverse conditions, since there is no need for a naked flame, it will not be put out. Reloading is also easier and can be fired in more constrained positions.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Constrained positions… How about in tight formation?”

Experienced Technician: “That may require some training but I believe it is possible.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “You will require more time, right?”

Experienced Technician: “Of course. This will be harder to produce than regular muskets and requires more detailed and precise work which only a team of highly skilled craftsmen can achieve.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “In any case, produce a few for me.”

Experienced Technician: “Yes.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Chief.”

Head Craftsman: “Yes.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “You’d better think of a production method.”

Head Craftsman: “Ehh?!”

Engineer: “…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “That’s your job, isn’t it?”

Head Craftsman: “Y-yes.”

Engineer: “Your Highness, I’m afraid…”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Speak freely.”

Engineer: “Each of these weapons are made individually. We may have a new idea for a weapon but all of these items require highly skilled engineers and craftsmen.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm.”

Engineer: “Hence, I do not think that we should produce the muskets one by one as we do now. What if one part was produced by a certain craftsman and another part was produced by another craftsman. What do you think of this Division of Labour*?”

Crown Prince Marshal: “…!”

Engineer: “If we do this, each craftsman has to remember less of his work. If we only used middle-skilled craftsmen, they would still be able to produce high quality parts as long as they do not produce anything else. They could learn from working alongside more skilled craftsmen and they would still be able to contribute. The more complicated mechanisms should be entrusted to the experts while the less-skilled can work on the bulkier and less precise parts. This will also allow us to train new craftsmen.”

Head Craftsman: “But what would the guilds say! Such a method of teaching would completely destroy all the years they’ve spent training their apprentices! Our way has always been to train each craftsman slowly and wholesomely. Through this education, we are able to keep the ways of our guild private and hidden so that we don’t sabotage our own benefits!”

Engineer: “That’s… I suppose…”

-

Explanation

Division of Labour: The Division of Labour was first put into a proper philosophical work by the 18th century economist Adam Smith. The Demon King’s civilising achievements may be beginning to take root in the world but this is not just limited to the Demon King. Even from the enemy, other Renaissance thinkers are beginning to make their appearance.

-

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm, Chief, I have a proposition for you on this subject. How about we make a law which says that even if this technology manages to get disclosed, any musket or related technology produced within the influence and jurisdiction of the Holy Empire must have the approval of the metallurgy guilds of the Kingdom of Copper or a directive from the Guildmaster? I could issue a decree if you’d like.”

Head Craftsman: “Really?!”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Yeah, The Genius’ Manuscript was taken from the Kingdom of Metal anyway. Hasn’t the Kingdom of Copper’s technologies always been stolen by the Kingdom of Metal? …If you think about it, it’s not a bad thing for things to happen in reverse. So, Experienced Technician, Engineer, what about it?”

Engineer: “Yes!”

Experienced Technician: “Yes!”

Crown Prince Marshal: “I expect to see results from your young selves. Please help the Chief to revolutionise and modernise the industry.”

Engineer: “It would be an honour!”

Experienced Technician: “We pledge to serve!”

Crown Prince Marshal: “Hmm. Right. I’m a bit busy, so if there’s anything else, we can leave it to next time.”

Head Craftsman: “Allow me to send you out, Your Highness!”

Clang!

Crown Prince Marshal: “Good, their work seems up to scratch. I’ve got high expectations for this.”

Holy Imperial General: “Chief, this is enough. Please speak to the Engineer and the Experienced Technician about this.”

Closes door.

Crown Prince Marshal: “General.”

Holy Imperial General: “Yes.”

Crown Prince Marshal: “When you have the opportunity, liquidate that Chief. I think it’d be best if we leave the running of the factory to younger, more nimble minds.”

Holy Imperial General: “With pleasure.”

——— The Manor in the Village of Wintering, the Study

Writing…

Elder Sister Maid: “…”

Writing…

Elder Sister Maid: (With this, I’ve settled the work for the last two years… Now I’ve got to the do the finances for this year)

Writing…

The Demon King: “…”

Writing…

The Demon King: “Elder Sister Maid.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Ah, Mistress!”

The Demon King: “You’re working too hard.”

The Chief Maid: “Yeah, what would you do if you spoil your body?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Chief Maid… I’m sorry. May I help you with anything?”

The Demon King: “What are you so flustered about?”

Elder Sister Maid: “…”

Elder Sister Maid: “No…”

The Demon King: “?”

Elder Sister Maid: “I’m not flustered — Mistress.”

The Demon King: “…?”

The Chief Maid smiles.

Elder Sister Maid: “I have something to ask of you.”

The Demon King: “What is it?”

Elder Sister Maid: “I would like to take a vacation.”

The Demon King: “…”

The Chief Maid: “—”

The Demon King: “Where will you go?”

Elder Sister Maid: “I don’t know. But—not here.”

The Demon King: “And your sister?”

Elder Sister Maid: “I have spoken to her. Staying here is her dream after all… I’m sorry for being so stubborn. You and the Chief Maid saved my very life. I am really sorry.”

The Demon King: “I… see…”

The Chief Maid: “Your Majesty.”

The Demon King: “I understand.”

Elder Sister Maid smiles.

The Demon King: “…”

Elder Sister Maid: “Ah…”

The Demon King: “What are you looking at with those two eyes of yours… Do you have anything else?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes, I… I will definitely come back.”

The Demon King: “Then have fun. Spread your wings. Go off and seek your own destiny.”

Elder Sister Maid smiles.

The Demon King: “You’re not leaving because you hate this place, right?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Not at all. This house is my entire life. — Everything, the most kind-hearted, the friendliest… It’s the most… important place in my life. I don’t really want to leave it. But I must. I cannot allow myself not to… I have a lot of responsibilities I need to fulfil. — I can no longer allow myself not to walk on my own too fee, it’s a harsh reality… Because of what I said that day at that square. Because of what I said, I must now understand the repercussions of my actions.”

The Demon King: “You don’t really owe anyone anything for that.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Then, I want to choose.”

The Demon King: “…”

The Chief Maid: “Go.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes.”

The Demon King: “Will you take whatever I have taught you with you?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes. I will never forget the care and concern you have shown me. I will come back with a broadened view of the world.”

The Demon King: “—What of?”

Elder Sister Maid: “Probably war.”

The Demon King: “…”

The Chief Maid: “—”

Elder Sister Maid: “It’s not about the other people, it is something which I must see for myself.”

The Demon King: “…I suppose you wouldn’t listen if I told you to stop.”

The Chief Maid: “Yeah…”

Elder Sister Maid: “It’ll be alright. I am not exactly a maid.But having received the guidance of the Chief Maid, I believe I have surpassed maids, especially since I have received the golden treasures of lessons from the Mistress, the Hero, the Female Paladin, and even the Three Disciples.”

The Demon King: “…I understand.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Mistress. In this ledger you will find the completed accounts for the last two years. The contents are all contained in this small cabinet here. You will find a content page here.”

The Demon King: “Hmm.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Umm, this may be presumptuous, but I have also thought of areas where further work should be done. In order to carry this on, I have written a series of notes here.”

The Demon King: “…”

The Chief Maid: “Very good, you’ve done a lot.”

Elder Sister Maid: “I had a good teacher.”

The Demon King: “When will you leave?”

Elder Sister Maid: “By dawn.”

The Demon King: “You should sleep.”

Elder Sister Maid: “Yes. Please excuse me. Umm…”

The Chief Maid: “—”

Elder Sister Maid: “I love the both of you.”

Runs off.

The Demon King: “We can’t stop her.”

The Chief Maid: “This is right.”

The Demon King: “Chief Maid… You let her go.”

The Chief Maid: “—No. This isn’t a problem. No matter where she goes, no matter what she does, her faith in us will never change.”

- The Demon World, the Substitute Conference

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Am I late? Sorry.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “No, no, don’t worry about it. It’s not time yet. We’re just sitting around drinking the Queen of Fairies’ tea.”

The Queen of Fairies: “That’s right.”

The Cyclops: “…It’s… good…”

The Hero: “This is pretty nice.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Hahahahaha. Then give me a cup too.”

Pours tea.

The Baron of Steel: “Terribly sorry.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Sorry to have made you wait.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “Oh, the two of you made it.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Looks like everyone is here.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Then, ahem. The Second Conference has now begun.”

The Queen of Fairies: “The topic for discussion today?”

The Cyclops: “…First, we resume with last time.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “That’s right, the issue of the Demons of the Pale.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “What’s the situation?”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Let’s hear the report from the Tribe of Fairies.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Yes… First, there have been no big movements. No squad on a scale larger than fifty people has been seen leaving the territory of the Pale.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “Mmhmm.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Also, ever since the new King returned to the city, there seems to have been a very anxious atmosphere throughout the territory of the Pale. The troops of the New King of the Pale have been on the move throughout the territory, but at present most of them have calmed down and returned. Of course, the number of soldiers patrolling each region is also impressive.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “In other words, there’s the atmosphere of impending war?”

The Queen of Fairies: “Yeah, that’s right. At the very least, the state of war with the Demons of the Pale, in other words, a state in which it would not be surprising if we received a surprise attack at any moment, is something we cannot deny.”

The Cyclops: “We don’t do things… like surprise attacks.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “How are the war and military preparations?”

The Queen of Fairies: “I’m not too clear about that. I mean, my scouts have confirmed that their soldiers are undergoing military training, and they are all outfitted, but… how to do I say this. We cannot deny that such a state is actually normal for the Demons of the Pale.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hahaha, that war-like tribe.”

The Queen of Fairies: “We will remain on the alert but apart from that, there’s no other urgent news. I apologise.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “No, no, it is very important news that there are no movements.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “Right. Then back to the topic at hand, this is about how to deal with the Tribe of the Demons of the Pale.”

The Hero: “…Hmm.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Will you allow the Tribe of the Fang to say something?”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Yeah.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “Please.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “The Tribe of the Fang is a Tribe which lives for battle. However, living in this world, we have no intention to be unreasonable. If we go to war and we manage to rout them, I believe that something like ‘exterminating the Tribe of the Demons of the Pale’ is a far too heavy-handed method.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Of course.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Indeed.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Ahh. We’re not very good at this, but I’ve written a letter. What do you think about that?”

The Queen of Fairies: “A letter?”

The Cyclops: “…to whom?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “To the Pale.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Ahhh! A request for surrender?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “That’s right! What do you think of this course of action?”

The Baron of Steel: “Hmm, we’ve never considered that before.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “I see…”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “The letter will read:

‘You are nothing but a coward. On the battlefield, we will thoroughly exterminate you. If you had any disagreements, you could have voiced them out harmoniously. The underhanded means you chose to use are not the way of the warrior. Such a deplorable attitude is not something we can tolerate from any Tribe, even if it is the Tribe of the Demons of the Pale, and we are unable to consider you a first-rate people with honour and dignity.

‘If you still wish to discuss terms, we will leave a seat for you. However, if this is not what you want, then we will meet on the battlefield.’”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Hmm, that is well thought out. You did not even directly mention a surrender.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hoho.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “If we had told them to throw down their weapons and beg for their lives, would a stubborn and proud race like the Demons of the Pale really listen? They would rather fight off our combined invasion! The result being their self-destruction.”

The Baron of Steel: “Hmmm.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “That’s why I asked them for discussions. Just discussions.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Hoho.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “If we do that, then we’ll be able to get those guys to appear at the Conference, right? This Conference is like the Kurultai, but it’s not really. They won’t be able to use their sly tactics here anymore.”

The Baron of Steel: “That is true.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “And if they do appear at the Conference, we can severely warn them. We can tell them that we will not accept their illegal methods and that they should prove it if they want to apologise.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Prove?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “First, deliver us the heads of the New King and their Generals.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Kill them…”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Well, we don’t have a choice. I agree with the Silver Tiger Lord here.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Yeah.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “More importantly, on a temporary basis, they should allow a mixed coalition force of our troops to be emplaced in their territory. They should also probably make some monetary reparations, but I’m not too clear on household affairs like that.”

The Baron of Steel: “That’s not a bad suggestion.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Yeah.”

The Queen of Fairies: “…Yeah.”

The Cyclops: “…Let’s send…”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “This has problems too.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Oh, I’ve already thought of that!”

The Baron of Steel: “Oh?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “At the last Conference, the Khan of the Gate mentioned this, right? That we should reasonably consider what will be the plans for after the war. If we were to attack them without any warning, it would not be honourable. In a way, we would be no different from the Demons of the Pale. By sending out this latter, we are giving them a chance to have a discussion with us. On top of that, we are also telling them that rejecting the methods of apology we have laid out for them will be equivalent to a Declaration of War. At this time, we could attack them, having given advance warning.

“If this happens, and say we manage to eliminate the military power of the Demons of the Pale on the battlefield and they retreat to their city, can we deal with the people? Our troops might act like they own the place and bring in a state of anarchy. However, if we clearly delineate our course of action at this Conference, then we will not act out of selfishness.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: (This is reasonably well thought out. That Tiger guy… Looks like I’ve changed the way I think about him.)

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “A well thought out proposal!”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Hahahaha! Not really. I’m bad at thinking of things. This is the wisdom which I sought from the Sages of the Fang. Those old guys were so happy to contribute they started nosebleeding! They came up with this after three days and three nights and consecutive counselling. They’re no longer fit enough to fight so this is how they contribute.”

The Baron of Steel: “Hahahaha! I see!”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “So, what do you think? This isn’t my idea and I think we should come up with a clearer proposal but for now, I believe this is a good course of action.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Yes, a brilliant strategy.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Yes.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “A good Khan knows how to borrow from the strengths of his people. Very impressive.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: (For sure.)

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “What do you think, my Khans? I believe that this proposal is fairly appropriate.”

The Hero smiles.

The Baron of Steel: “I have no objections.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “Me neither.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Then we will send such a letter. As for the writing itself… Chieftain of the Tattooed, we shall entrust it to you.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “With pleasure.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: (That was also a good consideration.)

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “It would probably be disadvantageous to the message if it came from the Tribe of Banshees.”

The Baron of Steel: “Then, is there anything else?”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “I apologise, but I’m afraid the Tribe of the Gate has a request we would like to make.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hoho, what sort?”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Do you mind if I call in a very important member of the Self-Governing Council of our city? She is related to this request.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Do you?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Nope.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Not at all.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Come in.”

Door opens.

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hoho.”

The Hero: “Ahh.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “…What are you doing here?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Thank you for the opportunity to be here. I am a member of the Tribe of Fire Dragons, the Fire Dragon Lady. I beg for your continued guidance and support.” Bows.

The Hero: “Uhhh.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Those are… not really the words of a sheltered lady.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Ahem!”

The Queen of Fairies: “Right, and what is this about?”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “First, let me describe to you the state of the City of the Gate. Firstly, our city… is infested with people. I myself am a soldier, so I don’t like to say it this way, but the surrounding agricultural areas and roads have been ravaged.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hmm.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “There was a massive siege there after all.”

The Baron of Steel: “That’s right.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “The people traffic has returned considerably, though it’s still not the same as it used to be, but for a city on the plains, it’s not bad. That is not what I am worried about. Everyone is working well on this matter. However, for us to have restored our fortunes to this degree, it is based to a large extent on prosperous trade. The trade routes to the city are incredibly important but while they’re not completely impassable, the current roads are insufficient to support the caravan trade.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hmm.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “And so?”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Of course, since this is in my territory, my people are working hard to resolve the issue, but all of us will stand to benefit from trade.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Certainly, it is the territory of the Tribe of the Gate…”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “The City of the Gate is the personal demesne of the Demon King, along with all surrounding areas within a two day horse ride.”

The Queen of Fairies: “About there.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “So after some analysis, we have discovered that after the long periods of war, the roads and routes have been thoroughly destroyed with most of the bridges burnt. I seek to restore and rebuild this infrastructure.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hmm.”

The Baron of Steel: “My Tribe would be happy for that as well, however.”

The Queen of Fairies: “That’s right, it’s bound to cost a ridiculous sum of money and labour.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “This is why I’ve brought an expert on this subject.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hoho.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Yes. According to the research conducted by the Self-Governing Council of the City of the Gate, our profits will rise significantly with the construction of appropriate infrastructure.”

The Baron of Steel: “Huh?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Hey, how can profits rise just from building roads?”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Why don’t you explain?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Firstly, we have just concluded a very, very, very long war. This is because the previous Demon King was content to watch the war rage on from the side lines. And also because the present Demon King has taken ill.”

The Queen of Fairies: “I… see…”

Fire Dragon Lady: “The first idea to express is that if we have enough manpower to fight a war, it’s improbable that we do not have enough to build roads.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “That’s logical.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “If we build new roads, people and goods can flow. The flow of goods is the first step to prosperity. If one lacks in anything, they can be bought from neighbouring countries. If one has a surplus of anything, they can be sold to neighbouring countries. And with the buying and selling of goods, you get tax revenue.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “Tax, huh.”

The Hero: “…Hmm.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “The plans are detailed in this map here.”

Papers fluttering.

Fire Dragon Lady: “We are considering nine main roads. These utilise the old roads as a basis so that they can be constructed to an appropriate size in the shortest possible time. We intend to name the route The Avenue of the Nine Tribes. Moreover, to expand on this, we intend to construct eighteen smaller roads.”

The Baron of Steel: “What a large-scale project!”

Fire Dragon Lady: “These roads should have mounds of dirt by the sides and if possible, they should be constructed from stone.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “Why?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “One of the major troubles of this world is the preparations against the flooding of large rivers. One way of doing this is to plant Pagoda Trees* to the left and right of the roads at set intervals. Their roots can take hold of the soil and prevent landslides or mudslides. Furthermore, securing the safety of the waterways also allows more stable irrigation channels.”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “What’s that?!”

Fire Dragon Lady: “This is second-hand information but in the Subterranean World, there are many places like my hometown where the presence of water is extreme. Places are at constant risk of flooding, places without water are just an expanse of dried leaves. That is the reason why we are constantly at war for the prosperous regions. As a result, I am putting forth this plan to shift water from areas where there is too much water and risk of flooding to places where there is too little water and there is a risk of drought.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “…How long would it take to complete this plan?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Nine years for the Avenue of the Nine Tribes. Another eighteen years to complete the other eighteen roads.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “And how much people and money would you require for that?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “That is what I am here to request.”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “What?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “A transit pass.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Yes. The transit pass will take the form of a piece of wood with recorded numbers. We can produce these in very large quantities and sell them in bulk. Merchants who have a transit pass are permitted to one caravan travelling along the Avenue of the Nine Tribes without having to pay any taxes.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Hmm. In other words, you’re just collecting taxes in advance?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “You could say so?”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “How expensive would these transit permits be? Would a normal merchant be able to afford them?”

Fire Dragon Lady: “They wouldn’t be that expensive. In other words, it would have to be cheaper to buy them than to pay for all the transit taxes. We also need to make it clear that merchants who choose not to buy the transit permits will not be discriminated against. However, we should not make the taxes too low or too high such that it causes an adverse reaction. I believe it would be best if we explained the usefulness of the roads and allow them to make the calculated decision whether or not to buy it. Moreover, these roads need to be controlled for the long term. I’m sure you are aware of this, but small cities grow bigger, and at places where there are no inhabitants, entire cities could spring up. With the irrigation channels creating reservoirs, new fields can be created. With this plan, we’ll need to ensure that provisions are made to carry it on for generations.”

The Queen of Fairies: “…”

The Cyclops: “…We do not have money.” fr𝚎e𝙬𝚎𝚋𝚗૦ν𝚎𝒍.c૦m

-

Explanation

Pagoda Tree: A member of the acacia tree family. They are native to China and Japan. As hardy trees with strong roots, they are often used to line the sides of roads in Japan.

-

Fire Dragon Lady: “Do not worry. For the Tribe of Giants, we have an alternative proposal for the obtaining of transit permits. In place of money, we would like to request to borrow your strength in protecting the route.”

The Hero: “…Who taught this girl?”

The Silver Tiger Lord: “And will my Tribe be able to receive the water?”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “…”

The Chieftain of the Tattooed: “We the Tribe of the Fiends were in some ways responsible for destroying the roads, but we fully support this proposal. We Fiends are comprised of numerous Races who live in many cities throughout the land. With the route in place, we will definitely benefit greatly.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Definitely.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Interesting. I cannot give you an answer right away, but I will communicate this to my people. Await my reply.”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “My daughter.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Was I good enough for the Fire Dragon Lord?”

The Fire Dragon Lord: “Good job. I support you.”

The Queen of Fairies: “I will check and see what we can do for you.”

The Cyclops: We… support this.”

The Baron of Steel: “We will withhold our support for the time being. We are grateful for the metals that we can trade for, but we do not yet know to what extent we will benefit. For such an important matter, I must confer with my Tribe, but I will get back to you as soon as I can.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “The views on this are split roughly down the middle but no one actively opposes this proposal. Please give us some time to ask for the opinions of our Tribes.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Of course.”

The Queen of Fairies: “Understood.”

The Cyclops: “Yeah…”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “Very good, my fellow Khans.”

The Witch-Queen of Banshees: “Ha. I was wondering just what the beautiful daughter of the Fire Dragon Lord was about to talk about but it turns out that she had some very important and insightful things to say.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “The next time I appear before you, I will bring some more detailed proposals.”

The East Fortress Base Commander: “You’ve saved us. It’s great that you know the procedures and etiquettes.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “It is my pleasure.”

- The Demon World, the Substitute Conference

Fire Dragon Lady: “Black Knight.”

The Hero: “Yes.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “I apologise for being unable to address the queries that you had. Being in the place that I was, there were many stressful demands.”

The Hero: “Yeah. That’s to be expected. You did very well. It was a very important proposal.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “Do you think saying something like that would make me happy?”

The Hero: “Oh.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “I have something to ask of you, Hero.”

The Hero: “Anything I can do… ‘Hero’?!”

Walks in.

The East Fortress Base Commander: (Eye contact) “Sorry, I told her everything.”

Aide-de-Camp: (Eye contact) “I’m really sorry.”

Fire Dragon Lady smiles.

The Hero: “…Yes.”

Fire Dragon Lady: “I would like to meet the Demon King. Please take me to her.”

————— The Manor in the Village of Wintering, the Corridor

The Hero: “…”

The Hero: “What’s this, I’ve been really bullied.”

The Hero: “Why do I have to wait in the corridor while the Fire Dragon Lady and the Demon King converse. Can I cry? Can I cry?”

The Hero: “…Can I?”

The Hero: “I’ve really lost my confidence as a Hero, dammit.”

The Hero: “…?”

“—”

“—. —”

The Hero: “No, no. I can’t. I can’t eavesdrop. I’m a Hero so I’ve got to be manly about this.”

“—!—!”

“—”

The Hero: “…Umm.”

The Hero: “Whoa! No way! It’s not good to eavesdrop. Only that perverted old man would do something like that.”

The Hero: “…”

“—. —”

“—”

The Hero: “…” Listening in.

The Chief Maid: “What is it, Hero?”

The Hero: “Nothing!”

The Chief Maid: “Really?”

The Hero nods.

The Chief Maid: “Well, well.”

Knock knock.

The Chief Maid: “Your Majesty, would you like some more tea?”

Opens door.

The Hero: “Ah.”

The Demon King: “No, I’m good. And Hero, the Fire Dragon Lady is going home, please send her there.”

- The City of the Gate, the Rainbow Hill

Flash!

The Hero: “Alright… We’re here.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Thank you, Black Knight.”

The Hero: “No, no.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “…”

Grass blowing.

The Hero: “Umm, I’ll send you to the city.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “No.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Black Knight?”

The Hero: “Yes.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Answer me honestly. Have you left me?”

The Hero: “Umm…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “I said that you’re my most important person, right?”

The Hero: “Yeah…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “…”

The Hero: “I may be important to you, but I’m important to everyone.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “How important?”

The Hero: “Very.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “How important am I to you?”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Please answer.”

The Hero: “If it gets dangerous… I’ll protect you.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “…Hehehe.”

The Hero: “?”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Saying something like that could lead to misunderstandings.”

The Hero: “Really?”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Normal people aren’t as strong as you. As a result, any woman only needs one of you to protect her. That’s why when you say something like that, you’re not just talking about protection, this has the same weight as a confession.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “It’s true that you didn’t exactly say that… There’s a proverb that goes, ‘Even with the correct food, you can’t raise a wild animal.’”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “You will protect me, but you’re also married to me for life, right?”

The Hero: “Umm… That’s a bit self-centred.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Even with my father, I hate it when I’m not number one in their hearts. I cannot allow there to be other women… Hero.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “You don’t have to feel terrible about abandoning me. I am a student of betrayal. I do not attach very much emotion to a single principle anyway. However, I have just one request.”

The Hero: “Yeah.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “When a really important person comes, I want you to tell her how important she is. With your strength, I’m sure you could protect hundreds, even thousands of young maidens. However, even for you, I’m certain that there are limitations to your heart. You know this as well, do you not? This is not something very difficult to say, but with the ambiguous manner by which the Demon King was speaking, I’m sure she was quite troubled.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Am I being unreasonable?”

The Hero: “No… I don’t think so.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Then you should say it.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “…”

The Hero: “Ah—”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “…”

The Hero: “…I guess in the end, it’s not possible. If it’s killing people or demons… If it’s burning down fields… If it’s destroying lands and laying waste to cities… I can do all of those. But to say something like that to someone like her. Someone so… dazzling. I don’t know… I feel so lucky. I don’t know how to say it right.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Coward.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “If you used such emotions to wield your sword as well, you would certainly get thrashed. You’re so strong yet you’re so pathetic. Your hands have been stained with the blood of your foes but you can’t even carry such feelings to the woman you love. You were talking about your own abilities earlier, but what is this?”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “Is protecting the girl you love just taking down enemies? Do you think just because you’re the Hero, things are so easy?

Slap!

The Hero: “!”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “This is my farewell gift to you.”

The Hero: “…Yeah.”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “I have been happy. I have been beautiful. And then… I got to know you. You, whom I called my Lord. You made me feel the pain of regret and jealousy. Do you think that’s okay? What you did to me? You owe me a large debt. The only way to pay it back is to be happy. Don’t forget that.”

The Hero: “…”

The Fire Dragon Lady: “…I’m going home.”

Wind blows.

The Hero: “…”

Wind blows.

The Hero: “…”

Walking through grass.

- The Kingdom of Reeds, a Lake Boat

～?～～?

Disciple Bard: “～? …?”

Farmer: “Ho! What a beautiful sound, Mistress Bard!”

Farmer’s Daughter: “Hey! Hey!”

Disciple Bard: “Is that a boat? Will you take me across?”

Farmer: “Where are you going? We’re going to the city to sell our barley and dairy products*.”

Farmer’s Daughter: “You wanna come with?”

Disciple Bard: “Yes, please!”

Farmer: “Hop on!”

Disciple Bard: “Thank you very much.”

Farmer: “Well, you can rest on this here straw.”

Farmer’s Daughter: “Hey, hey, Mistress Bard, where are you from?”

Disciple Bard: “A very long ways away.”

Farmer: “Oh. But isn’t that there a reed pipe?”

Disciple Bard: “Yes, it is. I just learnt how to play it yesterday. It’s a very popular instrument in these parts.”

Farmer: “I’m not sure if it’s popular or what, but a country with a lot of reeds, every village has got a guy who can play the reed pipe.”

Farmer’s Daughter: “I can play it too.”

Disciple Bard: “Shall we play together?”

Farmer’s Daughter: “Yes!”

～?～～?

Disciple Bard: “～? …?”

～?～～?

Farmer’s Daughter: “～? …?”

Farmer: “Well, you’re very good.”

-

Explanation

Dairy Products: This refers to foods made from milk such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. As they do not spoil as quickly as milk, they were eaten extensively in a time without refrigeration.

-

Farmer’s Daughter: “That was fun!”

Disciple Bard: “Yes it was, you’re surprisingly good.” Smiles.

～?～～?

Farmer: “Hey, hey!”

Bullock Cart Farmer: “Hey! You going to the city?”

Farmer: “That’s right!”

Farmer’s Daughter: “We’ll be back soon!”

Bullock Cart Farmer: “Help me check out the price of wheat!”

Farmer: “Got it!”

～～?

～?～～?

Farmer’s Daughter: “…”

Farmer: “Ah, looks like she fell asleep.”

Disciple Bard: “Looks that way.”

Farmer: “It’s been really tough everywhere lately.”

Farmer’s Daughter: “…”

Disciple Bard: “Has it?”

Farmer: “Yeah, there hasn’t been much to eat.”

Disciple Bard: “…”

Farmer: “If it’s alright, I’d like to pay you for your music.”

Disciple Bard: “Umm, well…”

Farmer: “Relax, Mistress Bard. I mean, I wouldn’t go hungry in exchange for music. But you ought to be paid for your work.”

Disciple Bard: “That’s true. Music and poetry are art forms that drive their artists hungry… but I’m still going on!”

Farmer: “Your music is really something that can keep me going. In fact, hearing good music does make me a lot less hungry. I at least know that much. Haha!”

Disciple Bard’s stomach rumbles.

Farmer: “Here, have some black bread.”

Disciple Bard: “No, I can’t accept that.”

Farmer: “It’s fine, just take half. We’re poor, so we can’t afford to pay enough for your music anyway.”

Disciple Bard: “No way! You’ve given me this boat ride!”

Farmer: “Hahaha! Well, we’ll reach the city tomorrow. Until we get there, I’ll be real happy if I could hear a few songs.”

Disciple Bard: “Yes. What kind of music is good?”

Farmer: “Good? That’s a very strange way of asking! But we don’t really know many songs. We only know things like festive songs, maybe birthday songs or New Year songs.”

Disciple Bard: “Then, shall I play a piece from my hometown?”

Pulls out instrument.

Farmer: “Oh my, what’s that?”

Disciple Bard: “It’s a Dragonshead Fiddle. It’s quite special, isn’t it?”

Farmer: “Yes, it looks like it’ll be great to play on journeys.”

Disciple Bard: “Then, let me play a fun song. This is a song that always brings a smile to my most important friend…”

Farmer: “Ahahahaha! Go on!”

Disciple Bard: (…Everyone is really nice. Everyone is really warm… What’s this? I’d expected the Surface World to be a lot scarier…)