Chapter 84

The biggest difference between Lastock and Volzard is the presence of the river.

During the rainy season, the river widens to about fifty meters, and to cross it anywhere other than the jump bridge, a boat is necessary.

This river serves as a natural moat, so Lastock does not have the kind of walls that Volzard has.

Even if a group of about a hundred monsters tried to cross, if the knights lined up on the riverbank and attacked with magic and arrows, they could be repelled.

After all, the attackers would be unable to move as they wished in the water, making them easy targets.

Furthermore, the river's current washes away blood, so there is no need to worry about attracting new monsters.

Perhaps because the town was built relying on the river, the houses are ordinary in construction.

They are not as sturdy as Dino's house at the Lieble farm, nor do they have the armored shutters of the houses in Volzard.

Moreover, it seems that there are no evacuation facilities like those in Volzard.

"Reinhardt, it seems there's quite a difference from Volzard, doesn't it?"

"Yes, it seems that due to prioritizing development, they didn't have the foresight to prepare for a major outbreak."

"I see... but that seems pretty careless, doesn't it?"

"Yes, in the current state, if a major outbreak were to occur and the monsters managed to cross the river, I doubt the residents could evacuate safely."

The day after Rondal and the others returned to Lastock, the town was in an uproar, as if a beehive had been disturbed.

People of all ages were rushing around to take countermeasures.

However, one surprising thing was that even with rumors flying about a possible major outbreak and the danger to Lastock, almost no one was trying to flee the town.

If the same situation happened in Japan, there would likely be traffic jams with people packing their belongings and fleeing.

"There are probably several reasons, but one is that the residents of Lastock are people who moved from the western side of the desertified Reisenburg, and the surrounding area is within the territory of the Second Prince, so there is nowhere to run."

For the residents, Lastock is a new land and a bridgehead for the upcoming development of the Demon Forest.

Losing Lastock would mean losing the hope of their fellow sufferers from the desertification, so they seem determined to protect it at all costs.

"Another reason is probably Camilla's popularity."

Camilla has been out in the town since morning, confirming the situation and giving orders one after another.

When asked by the residents, she answers without hesitation with a smile, immediately dispelling their worries.

Because Camilla looks at things from the same level as the residents, listens to their voices, and speaks of protecting the town together, there are almost no people who abandon the town and flee.

"Looking at this situation, if we were to say that hindering the countermeasures would definitely lead to negotiations, it might make us seem like the bad guys, but..."

"But, Sir Kent, the opponent is that Camilla. Without targeting her weaknesses, it will be difficult to get her to agree to our demands."

"I see... but..."

While understanding that to negotiate favorably with Camilla, it might be necessary to take measures like taking the residents hostage, it just doesn't sit well with me.

Despite the dire situation, as I watched the people of Lastock running around without losing hope, I felt a complex mix of emotions. Then, Reinhardt made a suggestion.

"Sir Kent, would you like to see the capital as well?"

"Huh? Oh, right, if Basten can be a guide, we can easily get to the capital, can't we?"

"That's right. In the future, we might need to negotiate with the king, the First Prince's faction, and the Second Prince's faction. It would be good to have been there once."

"True, I've got a good idea of Lastock's situation, so let's go once. Fred, can you handle the reconnaissance here?"

"Understood... I'll take care of it..."

We decided to leave the reconnaissance of Lastock to Fred and head to the capital with Reinhardt.

With Basten as a guide, we could use shadow travel to reach the capital, which would normally take several days by carriage, making it incredibly convenient.

The capital, Aldaros, is located slightly to the east and north of the current Reisenburg, and is a water city with four concentric moats that also serve as canals.

The area beyond the first moat from the massive royal castle is the noble district, the area beyond the second moat is the administrative district with schools, government offices, and theaters, the area beyond the third moat is the commercial and industrial district, and the area outside the fourth moat is the agricultural and residential district.

The royal castle has a tall tower, and the view from the top is breathtaking.

"Wow... amazing, as expected of the capital, it's so vast..."

"Hahaha, this is a place where only the royal family is allowed to enter, but thanks to Sir Kent's retainer, I can enter as well. What a magnificent view!"

"Even though the tower of the royal castle is tall, compared to the skyscrapers in Tokyo, it's probably less than half the height."

"But, with no tall buildings around, you can enjoy a 360-degree view. The circumference of the outermost moat is about the same as a loop of the Yamanote Line."

"Four to five times the size of Volzard... no, with the town extending beyond the moat, it's probably ten times the size, right?"

"The capital draws water from a lake to the northeast, which is also used for daily life."

In this world, there are magical devices for purification, so the wastewater is purified before being returned, making the moat water clear and allowing fish to swim.

The moat also serves as a canal, with waterways connecting the moats.

Of course, there are floodgates to close these waterways in emergencies.

"So, Basten, how is the situation in the capital?"

"Yes, the king has instructed the prime minister to send reinforcements, the First Prince has ordered preparations to be made for immediate reinforcements, and the Second Prince is sending scouts to other factions. Both factions seem to be formulating strategies."

"So, at least reinforcements from the king will be sent immediately, right?"

"No, Sir Kent, the situation is still fluid."

"Huh? Why, the king has given the order, hasn't he?"

"Yes, but it seems to be stalled at the prime minister's office."

"Hmm... why is it stalled?"

"That's because..."

According to Basten, the prime minister is gauging the reactions of the two princes.

In Reisenburg, the prime minister is appointed by the king and oversees the practical affairs of the country.

The prime minister's responsibilities are wide-ranging, and a capable prime minister can remain in office even if the king changes.

Conversely, an incompetent prime minister is likely to be dismissed when the king changes.

"So, shouldn't he dispatch reinforcements more quickly?"

"Normally, that would be the case, but there is a possibility that the dispatch will benefit one of the princes, and of course, it will incur costs. If a major outbreak doesn't occur, it will be a waste of money. The funds used are, in a sense, the inheritance of the next king, so if they are wasted..."

"Ugh... that's so troublesome. Why are they thinking about such complicated things? A major outbreak could be heading towards Lastock at any moment."

"Sir Kent, this is the nature of the nobility."

Despite how infuriating Camilla is, I feel a bit of sympathy for her in this situation.

No, that's not right. If I feel sympathy, it should be for the residents of Lastock.

"But, it's amazing that the country hasn't collapsed with so much time taken to make a single decision."

"For general matters, as long as they follow precedent, there are no particular problems."

"But the desertification is progressing... oh, it's not a general matter, is it?"

"Still, about fifteen years ago, as a measure against desertification, the western residents were relocated to the east, and a large-scale development project was carried out. The town that was created then is Lastock."

"So, they did take some measures."

"Yes, but it seems that no further action has been taken since then. If the desertification of the western farmland had been addressed by a team of earth and water mages, it wouldn't have become such a problem now."

"So, the decision to take action hasn't been made yet?"

"Probably..."

Reisenburg during Basten's lifetime and the current Reisenburg may be different countries in terms of territory, but it's understandable that Basten would be frustrated to see the country he once lived in in such a state.

"Hey, what's the king like? I'd like to see him a bit."

"Would you like to see him?"

"Huh, can't I see him?"

"No, it's not that you can't... I understand, I'll show you."

Led by Basten, who seemed unusually hesitant, we went to peek at the king's chambers.

"Phew... I can see why Basten was hesitant."

"I apologize."

The current king, Alexis Reisenburg, was in the bath.

He was probably in his mid-fifties, fat with a double chin, and his complexion was oddly red and unhealthy. He was drinking wine with young women attending him in the middle of the day.

"Is this the king?"

"Yes... that's him."

"Is Reisenburg really doomed?"

Basten and Reinhardt were speechless, holding their heads in their hands.

To think that Camilla was born from such a man... it makes you feel the mystery of life.

"So, are the First Prince and the Second Prince similar?"

"No, they're not that bad."

"That bad... that's a bit concerning. Can you show me?"

"Of course."

Led by Basten, we first peeked at the First Prince's chambers.

Surprisingly, the First Prince, Alphonse, was discussing countermeasures for the major outbreak with a male advisor.

It was unexpected after seeing his father, but on second thought, it made sense.

"Torvil, when is the best time to send them out? Will Bernst let us through?"

"The timing should be decided after confirming the movements of the Second Prince, Bernst. If he doesn't let us through, preparing won't make any sense."

"That's true... it won't make any sense if he doesn't let us through..."

The First Prince, Alphonse Reisenburg, was the opposite of his father, the current king, being as thin as a crane and pale to the point of looking sickly.

He had been pacing around the room like a bear in a zoo, while the advisor, Torvil, seemed much more composed.

"But, but, if Camilla is rushing to inform us, it must be something serious, right?"

"From the content of the letter, it seems that Camilla has taken the story from Volzard at face value. Besides, there is a river between Lastock and the Demon Forest. Even if a major outbreak occurs, it won't be easy to cross."

"That's true, the river will protect us."

"Yes, and the one who will be most troubled if the river is crossed is the Second Prince, Bernst. Camilla will hold them back with the river, and Bernst will send reinforcements."

"That's true, Bernst will be more troubled than me."

"Exactly."

Still, Alphonse continued to pace around the room.

It might not be due to anxiety but rather his default state.

Torvil watched Alphonse's behavior intently, then nodded twice as if making a decision and spoke.

"Prince Alphonse."

"What, what is it, Torvil?"

"If you make a decision, we can use this opportunity to... eliminate Bernst in one fell swoop."

Alphonse shuddered and stopped, turning to look at Torvil.

"T, Torvil, e, eliminate...?"

"If the desertification in the west doesn't stop and Camilla's development doesn't go well, our disadvantage will continue. If we survive this major outbreak, the Second Prince's advantage will be unshakable."

"S, so that means... I won't become king?"

"I can't say for certain, but the possibility is increasing..."

"N, no, the next king will definitely be me, the older brother."

"Then, make a decision..."

"D, decision... you're asking me to make a decision suddenly..."

Alphonse's indecisiveness was a known trait, and Torvil didn't show any disappointment, continuing to speak.

"Indeed, it's a difficult decision. So, how about a bet?"

"A bet? What kind of bet?"

"It will be difficult to send a sufficient number of troops unless a major outbreak occurs."

"That's true, Bernst is cautious, so it won't be easy..."

"No, in the case of a major outbreak, even Bernst won't be able to choose his methods. That's where the bet comes in. If a major outbreak doesn't occur, we'll just observe. But if it does occur..."

Torvil was pressing Alphonse with a determined gaze.

"B, but..."

"Do you not want to be king... king?"

"I want to... no, I will be king."

"Then..."

"I understand. If a major outbreak occurs... I will eliminate Bernst."

"Exactly, that's the First Prince... no, the future king."

"Torvil, I'll leave the arrangements to you."

"Understood."

Bowing respectfully, Torvil smiled with a dark grin.

Meanwhile, Alphonse, biting his thumbnail, resumed pacing around the room.

"Reinhardt, isn't this dangerous? If a civil war breaks out during a major outbreak, the country might really fall apart, right?"

"Indeed. As it stands, Lastock's response won't be sufficient. If a major outbreak occurs, a wave of monsters will reach the mainland."

"Basten, is the Second Prince taking any measures to protect the residents?"

"Not yet..."

Basten's expression clearly showed that no measures were being taken.

Yes, I can read his expression clearly, even if it's subtle.

"I'd like to see the Second Prince as well."

"I'll show you."

The royal castle was divided into several buildings, with factions occupying different areas.

The area where the Second Prince stayed had a somewhat neglected impression compared to the others.

The Second Prince, Bernst Reisenburg, was a fat man who, at first glance, could be recognized as the son of the current king.

However, there were two men who looked very similar, though they were not twins.

"Basten, which one is the Second Prince?"

"The one facing us with reddish hair is the Second Prince, Bernst. The one with greenish hair is the Third Prince, Christoph."

"They look very similar, which is not surprising since they are brothers."

"Yes, these two are the sons of the Second Queen, Therencia."

"So, the First Prince is the son of the First Queen?"

"That's right. There are currently three queens in the royal family: the First Queen, Marguerite; the Second Queen, Therencia; and the Third Queen, Marianne. Camilla is the daughter of the Third Queen."

"So, the First Queen and the Third Queen are working together against the Second Queen?"

"It's not that simple."

According to Basten's investigation, the relationship between the First Queen and the Third Queen is not necessarily good.

In fact, the First Queen suspects that she is being used as a cover and believes that the Fourth Prince should be discarded if the Second Prince wins the struggle.

"But, Camilla supports the First Prince, right?"

"It's more about putting a brake on the Second Prince's faction's reckless actions."

In front of us, the Second Prince and the Third Prince, along with their entourage, were having a drinking party.

Unlike the king, there were no women attending, and a map of Reisenburg was spread out on the table, with ominous discussions taking place.

"So, brother, what will you do? Will you send reinforcements?"

"I will send reinforcements... but only as a show."

"Only as a show? So you won't send them?"

"Right, listen well. This is a large-scale trap set by the First Prince's faction, like Torvil."

The Second Prince, Bernst, paused, drained his cup in one go, wiped his mouth roughly with his sleeve, and began to speak with a crude smile.

"They desperately want to send troops to our territory but lack a reason. So they made up the story of a major outbreak."

"What, is the story of the major outbreak a lie, brother?"

"No, it's possible that Volzard was attacked by a major outbreak, but there's a river between it and the Demon Forest. It's not a big deal."

"I see... they think they can send troops if a major outbreak occurs..."