Rakuin no Monshou:Volume2 Chapter1

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Chapter 1: Endless Battle

Part 1

Upon finding that Kaiser had been imprisoned, Fedom Aulin jumped up. Kaiser Islan was a noble who once served as a member of the Imperial council.

One week earlier. According to an assessment by Mephius' emperor, Guhl Mephius, the Dragon God shrine would be relocated and undergo a large-scale reconstruction. The shrine built 200 years ago to worship the Dragon God, would be placed in the basement under the imperial capital Solon's renowned [Black Tower]. It would be moved towards to the vicinity of the palace, and made into a marvelous structure.

Of the sudden comments, a good number of nobles graciously offered flattery, but Kaiser alone had directly expressed his feelings of opposition. The amount of gold and people required made it far from being precedent. Now was the time to fix the relations between Mephius, Garbera and Ende, though of course, the situation wasn't all that optimistic. To start with, in the festivals dedicated to the Dragon God that are already held several times a year, practically none of the people even showed up, in other words it had become a thing of the past.

"There should be more critical issues at hand. Forgive my insolence, but please reconsider."

"Is that so," was all the emperor said. And then the talk was over.

Kaiser was well into his mid-fifties, and held a long standing relation with the emperor. And with that, no one paid the conflict another thought. But, five days later, Kaiser had heard through one of his evening parties, that the king's political measures had been formally reproached. "Recently, his majesty passes over whatever he says without warning," he grieved to the close friends he had invited over while he was drunk.

Normally, this would not have warranted any special course of action, but this time in particular, the emperor for some unknown reason entered into a fit of rage and declared, "Those are the thoughts of a rebel!" All of a sudden Kaiser's residence was surrounded by troops, and with that he was arrested. "I'm acting without notice" — and Kaiser's own actions had unexpectedly become evidence against him.

Unease soon spread within Solon on whether his majesty planned on executing Kaiser. Three days and nights passed. Kaiser was located underground, put in a prison unfit for a noble, and not allowed a single meeting with his family.

Fedom had jumped, in response to being struck by a seemingly mixture of shock and dread – he had personally voiced his opinion to the king having seen an opportunity to hasten peace negotiations with Garbera – and there was something else; something completely different. His chest filled with a feeling of delight nearing excitement.

It might be my turn at last

Emperor Guhl Mephius would once more put his plan of strengthening his own authority into action, and after earning the hostility of his surroundings, was when Fedom would put his own plan into practice, and the testimony of that day draws closer. That is, in support of Prince Gil Mephius, the foundation of a new political power will be formed within the empire. It was a large ambition. If he could just bring to light even a little of those inner feelings, regardless of whether it was the same as Kaiser's—no, at this rate his stern eyes would doubtlessly expose him. And at that,

"Lord Fedom."

Down the Main Palace's hallway as he greeted Zaat Quark, I met a troublesome fellow, he thought.

"Have you heard of Lord Kaiser's circumstances?"

"Immediately so"

"Just what is his majesty planning? This has gone too far for a joke. You must tell me your thoughts. I will take it with me to my grave."

Fedom responded vaguely as he passed by Zaat who displayed signs of labored breathing. Zaat Quark was head of the so-called anti-imperial faction. Of course, it's not as if he walked around with a sign hanging on him stating what he was. Like Fedom, he followed a similar train of thought, and in remonstration before the emperor who was so insistent on fighting to the bitter end, helped in convincing him to promote peace negotiations. He also held the title as a member of the Founding Imperial Council and it became evident that there was no way they would harbour positive sentiments towards the man who was emperor in name only.

In this sense, Zaat considered Fedom as a comrade. Or at least, he should have.

"There haven't been many incidents that have become too serious, though it seems to have had the opposite effects. For this reason, our intentions are to spread idle chatter of this 'joke', which will instead become truth. This is a secretive matter. You know fully well of the king's temperament."

"How are you so calm? This is treason against the king. And did you know? Just the other day, the king met with a messenger from Ende and—"

"Pardon me. I have some matters to attend to."

"Lord Fedom," Zaat knitted his deep black eyebrows, "This isn't like you. Worrying over the country's future in earnest to this extent, you're even prepared to face his majesty's judgement. Surely, the affair regarding Lord Kaiser hasn't left you losing your wits.

"Mind your words, friend." Fedom fixed a sharp glare at Zaat. Age-wise, Fedom was 10 years older.

"How rude of me. But lately, you've been acting strange." Strange, probably referred to how he was recently sticking to Prince Gil Mephius all the time. Leaving the still insistent Zaat, Fedom hurried along. For Fedom who should have been on the very same anti-imperial faction, there was no other way but for him to seemingly change his allegiance.

That damned Zaat, curses! Making a face as if he knows everything, he plans to test me, eh?

To start with, Fedom never held any good will towards Zaat. There were plenty of competent intellectuals around, but for Fedom's knowledge alone, many big-shots had clearly come to him for favours. In the case of the peace talks, after unfastening a historical document, [That country's precedent was so and so] [According to former traditions, this and that should be done], and one by one brought out old information that left the others quite dumbfounded.

Of all things, to be treated as a coward.

Far from it, Fedom had crossed a far more dangerous line in voicing his concerns to the emperor than Zaat ever had. In terms of risks alone, his plan was immeasurably more dangerous. And this plan was finally about to enter the stage where it could be implemented. Thinking about it left him lost in thought, but

"What's wrong?" Orba asked, staring at Fedom as he gave off a creepy expression.

"While wondering why you suddenly went quiet, your complexion turned blue, then red. You seem very sick."

"Shut your mouth," Fedom cursed out in embarassment. They were in the prince's room within the Main Palace. For the time being, he received ‘’get-well presents’’ from feigning injuries, though Fedom behaved slovenly in spite of this.

"That aside, what about you? If you keep going out to check on the current situation, you won't be able able to recover. You don't have all the time in the world. Dinn, how do you explain this sorry state? Precisely because the finally time drew nearer, he must not be impatient with Prince Gil's education to guarantee success. He aimed the brunt of his frustrations towards Dinn, the page in charge of his education.

"Oh, please do so," Gil Mephius grumbled.

After letting out everything he wanted to say, Fedom immediately left. Gil let out a big yawn, having read through all of the Mephian history books spread out on the table without rest until a short while ago.

"Its as if I was a new sword-slave about to enter the fray in the arena for the first time all over again. Those guys generally don't get a chance to appear a second time though."

"In any case, Fedom-sama was right to scold you," Dinn said as he placed down a full remaining cup of tea. "If you would only try harder. Then you could take on the prince's appearance in public without putting him to shame, and yet, at this rate two, three, even ten years wouldn't be enough."

"Table manners, the study of Mephian culture, memorizing the names of successive generations of emperors and their accomplishs by heart, and spending one hour a day standing in front of a mirror correcting my posture and smile; these are things I might not use in my whole life. What's the point in continuing this?"

"All of it is necessary."

"I'm fed up with learning the old geezer's face and name. Anyway, bring the military writings over. You can place them next to those records of recent battles."

He lay his body down on the couch, whilst pretending not to hear Dinn's reproaches. Just now, Fedom seemed to be irritated for some reason, but for Gil ---the gladiator Orba also formerly known as the Iron Tiger --- his pent up emotions were no smaller in size than Fedom's.

He had been picked up by Fedom to act as a body double, but Orba never had any intention of only doing as he was told from the start. Even if he had to make use of this position, he would accomplish his goal: To get revenge on the people that took everything from him. And to search for all the things he had lost.

He had finally reached the point where, with his own hands, he could bring himself closer to the many goals he held that couldn't be granted with the status of sword-slave. But the situation had reached a stand-still.

"Today, another twenty meeting requests had to be turned down. It is Rodloom-sama's fifth time by request of Ineli-sama and for Baton-sama---if you remember his name, one of the prince's best friends---he has come twice. One month of valuable time has already passed since your first campaign, and it will only seem more and more unusual."

For this one month, Fedom had confined Orba within the prince's room. Under the pretext that the mental strain from his first campaign and reality of the circumstances over the several days had caused his physical condition to crumble, he was not allowed to participate in official business and prohibited from having personal meetings with the large number of people who sought to get closer to him. During this time he devoted himself to Orba's education in making him more prince-like, no matter how little, as part of his plan.

But within that month, Orba naturally also had to build up his knowledge, and at least master manners. He was forced to endlessly repeat these activities. Unable to search for his mother, brother, and Alice's whereabouts, he only spent his time on meaningless extravgance that served to only test his patience to its limits.

"Because Fedom-sama isn't aware of the current situation here, he's convinced that he settled everything with the words "Refuse the meetings," but he really needs to put himself in the position of the one refusing. Even though I went through great lengths to make the prince presentable after the first campaign, now I have to deal with this." Dean grumbled his complaints, but suddenly faltered.

"Are you a fool?" Orba interrupted. "If i'm still struck with horror from my first campaign. then they will wonder what the Prince-sama was doing when the battle took place, finding he did not abide by decree to go into battle, only to be shaking in his boots.

"W-Would you like to go for a stroll?"

"That was something I thought up. Isn't it fine, the former prince was this kind of person. Instead, this would clear us of suspicions."

The problem is,

While joking around, Orba thought of another matter. When Fedom had come just moments ago, he never addressed his claims.

of the two, which is the real 'fool'

A body double would normally only act the role during essential times. There should be no need to set up a double especially when the palace was normal. Fedom had subsequently claimed it was because there risks of assassination even in the capital city of Solon, which should have been a sufficient explanation, but Orba obviously didn't buy it.

And also.

When the battle at Zaim Fortress had ended, Fedom accidentally let out that no one else knew of the fact the prince had been substituted for a body double. On that account, Fedom might be the only one involved in this plan he set up. If that were to be true, even the resilient Orba---who was beside death's door during his two years as a sword-slave---couldn't possibly not have felt the ice-cold chills.

No one else knowing would imply that Fedom must be deceiving all of the Mephians, himself excluded. Orba also couldn't allow himself to take a break no matter what. Because it was a problem that his life hanged on.

"Mephius' founding festival is approaching. It is a festival that gathers the whole country together. If you do not show make an appearance here, things will take a bad turn. Just when will Fedom-sama..."

At that moment, the bell was rung. Dinn responded by leaving. Beyond the door, a voice could be heard from a small room facing the corridor. It sounded Ineli. Immediately after Emperor Guhl had lost his wife, he married a second wife and her daughter, Ineli, became Gil's younger stepsister.

Once the heated discussion ended, Dinn returned. He gave off a face of total exhaustion.

"That person ranks as the most difficult."

"What happened?"

"The usual 'Let's go hang out' invitation with your various close friends and 'Instead of being holed up in that room with that of weak body his, he needs some recreational activity' remark."

"I see," Orba said, somewhat occupied with other thoughts. "Back then, what did Gowen say to you?"

"Eh? Oh, he asked whether we could go together to General Syan's residence after receiving his invitation."

"Then let's head over to where Ineli and the group is. Let's finish these two tasks in one go. Pass the message to her for me."

"But Fedom-sama wants to..."

"It's better if I learn some faces up close . Lets go with this ruse: left with a nasty temper due to his bad shape, especially if it's within his own home no one will think much of it if the Prince acts a differently. If it's just for a bit, it'll work.

Orba by no means had any intentions of becoming the same as the flustered Dinn. He refused to take no action. No matter how big, essentially, in this one room no different from a prison, he passed days on end, and crushed any impatience and insecurities he held.

‘’This also counts as a battle. Completely becoming the prince will bring me one step closer in searching for Alice and my family, he murmured to persuade himself.

And within Solon was one other person, unable to dispel her growing irritation.

"How about this dress? How does it compare to the previous white and vivid one? Aah, but I wonder if the second dress might be better since it is a Mephian one. But then the tiara I brought from my own country won't match. I'll have to ask the maids here, and show my appreciation later."

"Ok."

In a room lying deep within the women's chamber, compared to the briskly working about Theresia, Vileena offered not even the slightest of movements. As a guest from Garbera, the fourteen year-old princess played around with the dresses and tried on multiple ornaments. Upon witnessing this sight, even the enemies of her parents would scowl at their own reflected appearance.

"Honestly, if it were the Garberan royal court, it wouldn't matter how famous the designer was. On behalf of the princess, upon sending out an official notice of her provisional needs, a pile of dresses would appear in her room without waiting a week. Though that is something the daughters of aristocrats and nobles scorn to their amusement.

"Right."

"Solon, being far from any sea trading base, holds few numbers of fine quality cloth. Even though it's my first set of tailored clothes, if I had known three months ago that an advance order was necessary, I would have taken measures before the wedding."

"Is that so."

"At this rate, if you were to become any more skillful at being dependent on others, there is a chance you might be no different from the queen, in other words your stepmother. You are begging to show off your tiara and clothes. To become a bride is to enter your partner's family. To become a harmonious couple, such endeavors are needed. ....Aah, but if I remember correctly, the current queen is the second wife. She probably holds no strong feelings for a son's bride, because she has not borne a son to inherit the position of prince."

Yes, and Vileena's form once more stood across the mirror. Theresia glared at her, and before long decided to take a deep breath.

"Vileena-sama!!"

"Eek!"

With a startled jump, Vileena instantly came to a halt. "Shouting in a person's ear like that..."

"If didn't use this volume of voice, then the current princess would not have heard me," Theresia puffed up her chest. "The princess is choosing clothes to wear at the founding festival, as if it's someone else's problem. Generally, women pick their clothes and make do with even the least bit suitable earrings and bracelets should they even have them, and then worriedly fuss over other significant matters. Anticipating for their fated partner, or possibly realizing their insecurities, indulge in their own worries. "

"On that matter, I have complete faith in you. If that is of your opinion."

"Oh my, I am humbly delighted to receive such a generous praise...and? What are you really thinking? Will you share them with me? Are you thinking about how you haven't rode in an air carrier recently, or how you want to fly in the sky. Or if it's not riding that you want to do, then how you could pass time doing maintenance, or maybe miss the smell of oil. Ah! It must be about why the prince hasn't come to visit you."

"That last one was completely uncalled for!"

Vileena scowled, but could not conceal the smile on her mouth. Theresia had always been a formidable foe. In a straight battle of wits, she would immediately get caught in her pace. And then with a shrug, "Well, since his return from his first campaign, he's shut himself in his room the whole time, the frail prince is somewhat like a princess."

"It has already been a month since, and he hasn't allowed anyone to see his face. For a maiden in love, it is a somewhat long time..."

"Anyhow!" Vileena forcefully interrupted, "I'm not hiding anything. I'm annoyed. How much longer will these awkward times continue. The scheduled day of the wedding has not been decided at all, and my range of activities has been restricted the entire time. I'll be frank. This is not the least bit fun!"

"Haaa"

With that assertion, Theresia had no clue on what to do. But she also planned to grasp her words. Whether or not Garbera still held any influence on it, the marriage ceremony had been postponed indefinitely. There were considerably few places Vileena could freely roam, and day after day her growing irritation only worsened.

Originally even within her Garberan homelands, she was an energetically active princess who would not be found in the same place after the hour was up. Spending whole days living her life doing everything within a small portion of the women's chambers was something she completely could not agree with. She would occasionally show up for tea and dinner parties after receiving an invitation from the noblewomen, but would experience nothing but agony as she put on the guise of a smiing face.

"The prince too, appears to have entirely forgotten that his fiancee is here. But during times like these, isn't there also that? He could exchange letters and then pass the message on to the chamberlain, right?"

"It is often used in stories. Secretly accompanying the letter would be a love poem."

"Even the receiver would naturally becoming increasingly irritated if he were unable to meaning behind the message. And to add to the problems, there is unrest within Mephius no matter how you look at it. The emperor refuses to offer an explanation for his judgement of Islan, who appears to have been imprisoned. There is nothing to gain from doing this in Garbera. His retainers, however, neither challenge nor protest, only taking sneak peeks at his countenance and taking care not to face his wrath."

It's exactly as she said, Theresia thought in her head. She usually did not make such an understanding statement based on rumours alone, but the Theresia who knew her so long kept silent.

"If the retainers cannot give counsel due to fear, then the prince himself should act as an intermediary for the retainers. He may find admonition disagreeable, but if it were Gil, his own son and successor, the emperor would be willing to lend an ear."

"Truly."

"And yet, he has not outstripped his poor physical condition nor be cured of the illness he received from the front. If he cares about his country's future, he should even be crawling forward. If it were my grandfather, he would hurl scoldings at you if you didn't have enough guts."

"Speaking of which, you want to hold a discussion with the prince, right? If that's the case, " Theresia said with a clap, "how should we go about the get-well present?"

"Get-well present?"

As a matter of fact, Theresia had been waiting for the right timing to broach the topic. There was no way Vileena didn't even consider the thought, but it was hard to say she would personally go to see her fiance, who had neglected her for so long.

"Come now, the princess was going to ensnare the prince right? To get him to fall madly in love with you, a certain degree of preparation will be needed. For this to happen, with this Theresia whom you've fully placed your trust, will to the best of her abilities, make you Mephius' most beautful woman!"

Theresia immediately began selecting clothes for the soon-to-be faltering husband.

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