VOL.18

<< Chapter of the Song of Heroes >> 

Episode 3 "Choir and experiments"

"No, it was Mary-sama who rescued us from the Papal States!"

"You are our savior!"

"No matter what they say, you're a saint to us!"

Mary was perplexed, as they all told her this and looked at her with admiration in their eyes.

"Kakakka! Isn't that good? If they want to worship you, let them worship you!"

That quiet voice was heard. And Maria looked at the owner of the voice spitefully.

"That's easy enough to say, Your Eminence Archbishop Soji?"

Then Soji raised his hands and said, "Oi oi, I don't want you to look at me with anger."

"It was definitely your decision to rescue them. It is said that in the Orthodox state of Lunaria Fuuga's supporters are widespread, and that the elimination of political enemies, called Heretic Hunting, is rampant and rain blood. Had they remained in the country as they were, they would surely have been persecuted as heretics. To consolidate the authority of the lady who was chosen as a saint of Fuuga, other female saint candidates are only an obstacle."

"Saint of Fuuga ... Ann"

Maria's expression clouded. A child who did not take her hand when Mary held it out to her when she was running away from the Orthodox State. A child that Maria could not rescue. No, if the answer was what he wanted, it would be uncomfortable to think he couldn't save her.

(Ann ... What are you thinking about now? Even though you have become a tool of authority, you who seek the way of life in what people need, what are you thinking in front of all the blood flowing? Is it because your heart has been broken? ...!?!?)

As Maria was thinking about it, she suddenly felt her face contract on both sides. Soji was holding her temples with both hands. Then Soji shook Maria's head as it was. Staggering ... (グラグラググラグラ [guraguragura])

"Qu-, what are you doing? Stop, please."

When Maria protested, Soji laughed.

"No, you had a funny face. Let's shake it up a bit."

"I have a proposal don't shake it. It's already my hair all messed up."

Maria took her hands off Soji and fixed her messy hair, while puffing out her cheeks. Seeing her gesture, Soji laughed, "That's it."

"It's better to have that emotionally exposed face than to have a distressed face."

"What were you thinking..."

"If you have a distressed face, there are a lot of people who will care."

Speaking thus, Soji pointed behind Maria with his chin. When Maria looked back, there were the former saint candidates looking at Maria with a worried look. Soji said to Maria, who wondered why.

"You must surely be a saint to these ladies. Whether you admit it or not, you are the object of their respect. Wouldn't it be worrisome if the person you admire or respect had a face of distress?"

"That's right. I'm seriously such an admirable person..."

Mary tried to be humble, but when she looked at the former candidates for sainthood, they all looked at her with the same worried eyes. No less than 24 pairs of eyes. In front of those eyes it was difficult to show excessive humility. It is the human feeling of not wanting to discourage those who follow you.

"... Your life has become very important. Before you knew it."

"Hey. This suspicious priest is the archbishop. If the world and the environment change, people will change too. The important thing is to think for yourself and stand up for yourself no matter where you are. Whether you go with the flow or resist it, it's important to decide for yourself."

"Soji Your Eminence..."

Thinking for yourself ......? If Anne chose to be a saint, just as Mary chose to be released from her chain as a saint, it may be inevitable that Mary would be distracted by pondering it. Perhaps Mary, who knows how hard it is, should at least acknowledge her decision. No matter how it is viewed by the public and posterity.

Maria relaxed her expression.

"As expected, Your Eminence. You are good at pointing the way for lost lambs, aren't you."

Soji, who was kindly complimented by Maria, laughed as he stroked his bald head.

"Kakakka! I like lamb meat in oil better than the lambs themselves. I'm in big trouble because I've been asked to take care of the lambs."

"Ara, there are lambs being cared for by a sloth. Without me, Merula-san, the archbishop would be a total disaster and His Eminence's majesty would have already collapsed."

"... The lady has come to say that again."

Mary, who was asked by King Souma to deal with Soji directly, administers Soji's private life. Since Soji is the face of the "Lunarian Orthodox Church of the Kingdom", if his authority is lost, it will have an adverse effect on all Lunarian Orthodox Christians in the country. Therefore, under strict supervision, he began to form a joint front with the high elf Merula, who was cleaning his house in payment for staying.

Merula, who was once attacked by the Orthodox State as a witch, and Mary, who was in a position to accuse her, joined forces to deepen their relationship with the goal of rehabilitating the man in front of them. Recently, Soji has been able to lead a healthy life (even if there is not really a change in his consciousness). About this of Souma said:

"The "Orthodox Church of the Kingdom" does not forbid priests to marry, so you two ask him to become your husband."

... Soji had a bitter look on her face when she was told. The former saint candidates smiled at the exchange between the archbishop and the former saint, who did not know what the balance of power was. Then ...

"Ah, Ohon. So you're both here already?"

A deep voice full of dandyism ([ダンディズム], it could be said to be like a voice belonging to someone of "elegant and well-mannered" behavior) resounded. Next to Ginger, the president of the university, and his wife, Sandria, who were watching, there was a walrus-faced big man dressed in a black tie. In the republic, he was part of the elephant seal tribe (walrus beast human race), said to be the five races of the snowfield, and he was Morse (he first appeared in Volume 11), the representative of the "Labor Song Study Group" (commonly known as the "Labor Song Lab").

Morse went into the music business with the success of East-West Real Song Battle, and was now the director of the "Lunaria Girl Chorus." Morse told Maria and Soji with a bitter smile.

"Let's start the experiment. Ginger, is everything ready?"

"Yes. The jewelry I borrowed from Her Majesty shows the interior of this auditorium."

Ginger pointed to the jewelry set up near the auditorium entrance.

"The video is being broadcast not only to this country, but also in the Maritime Alliance countries. The cities conducting experiments in each country are to treat the wounded while listening to the singing voice of all in the " Lunaria Girl Chorus."

The secret technique of the Orthodox Lunarians, "Range Recovery Area Heal", consists of treating a large number of human injuries at the same time while listening to the chanting voice of a light system magician belonging to the church. The importance of the image in the effectiveness of magic and the efficient action of the "songs" to imagine that image have been found in experiments in battles with real songs.

Accordingly, this experiment is conducted to find out if hymns heard through transmission also have the effect of enhancing recovery magic. Realm geniuses such as Genia and Merula predicted that this was "expected". The opinion was that the effect would be less than hearing the voice sung directly, but the image of the song would not fade during transmission.

Yes, this is proven, maritime allies will be able to set up a dedicated recovery transmission channel to help treat the wounded in case of a global battle. Even if the other side becomes aware of this transmission, the wavelength can be changed and shared with the allies, not to be used.

When Ginger explained this intention, Sandria stepped forward.

"In other words, interaction between the two is out of the question at this point. I wonder if they should do it after they get home?"

"No, no, that's not it."

"........."

Soji protested against Sandria with a calm face, but Maria was embarrassed, reddened her face and looked down. In response to these two reactions, the former santa candidates at that age, were making a high-pitched voice (I imagine it refers to the typical voice of girls like screaming in anime for seeing a couple or when talking about love). Then there was a sound of clapping like bread, bread.

"Yes, yes. That's it. It's not a good thing to meddle in someone else's love life."

When Morse said it in a low voice, the former saint candidates gave a good answer, "Yes!". Soji was trying to say something, but couldn't say anything because she knew it would only make the misunderstanding bigger if she argued, and Maria looked like she wanted the earth to eat her, as she held her face with her hands. Morse raised the baton with a bitter smile in front of these two people.

"Then all of them. Let's go."

""" Yes """

Thus, the "Range Recovery Area Heal" experiment was conducted through broadcasting. As a result, the "ant effect" result was obtained as expected beforehand. Upon receiving the report, Souma and his colleagues were delighted and instructed Ginger and his colleagues to continue the experiment.

Episode 4 "Ei~ ei~ o~"

--- The end of the year 1553 of the continental calendar.

This year is a memorable year when the Demon King's territory was liberated, and people in every country seem to be very excited about the end of the year and the New Year vacations. They seem to be dreaming of a bright future, freed from the anxiety they had for more than a dozen years. Even in our country, Juna is preparing a song battle (this is not for magical research, but to add color to the year-end celebration).

However, contrary to the atmosphere of the people, the high political and military officials of the countries of the sea alliance could not be neglected. Now that there is no common enemy for all mankind known as the Demon King's territory, the only destination for Fuuga's fangs is the sea alliance. When public opinion within the Great Tiger Empire solidifies and all preparations are made, Fuuga will surely invade the sea alliance.

The Friedonia faction thought so and raised that concern with its three allied countries, the Republic of Turgis, the Kuzuryu Island Kingdom and the Euphoria Kingdom, and the Nothung Dragon Kingdom, which has not joined the alliance, but has recently been dabbling in the aircraft carrier business. Since the leaders of these countries must cooperate with the plan, he took the time to explain what was seen and heard in the innermost part of the Demon King's territory, the origin of this world and the existence of the northern hemisphere world.

And today, through the transmission, I, Kuu, Sha Bon and Jeanne held a summit meeting of the four countries of the maritime alliance. When everyone was ready, I spoke first.

"Now, let's start the talks."

"Oh" "Yes" "I understand"

When I saw that all three nodded, I also nodded and looked at Kuu.

"First of all ... Kuu"

"Mmm? What's up big brother?

"It looks like you will be born from your first child to your fourth. Congratulations!"

"Ukkakka. It's a little embarrassing."

When Kuu scratched his cheeks with a feeling of shyness, Sha Bon and Jeanne also congratulated him with "Congratulations." It seems that Tal and Leporina were pregnant at the same time. In addition, Leporina seems to be pregnant with triplets and her stomach seems to be getting bigger every day. Originally, the White Rabbit tribe seems to be a race known for their fertile nature, and it seems that it was inside the mind of Kuu and others, but it seems that he was deeply shocked when he was suddenly told that he would be the father of four children.

Kuu then shook his head to regain his composure and smirked.

"Well, it's for that reason. If I have four children, some of them will get along with their older siblings. Let's commit them to Kazuha, Enju or even Kaito."

"You're going too fast and they're not even born yet..."

Kazuha would be engaged at age 6. It is well tolerated in terms of world values, but I would like to avoid commitments that the person does not like. However, Kuu shook his head, "No."

"Since I was told about the importance of the blood of archaic humans ... big brother, I want to secure a lineage in the republic. The Kingdom of the Nine Dragons has a betrothal between Cyan and Sha Ran, and the Kingdom of Euphoria wishes to have the child between your brother and the former Empress. I cannot accept a no as head of state."

Kuu's opinion was also valid. I would do that if I were in Kuu's position.

"... I understand. When your kids are born and grow up a little bit, we're going to meet. I think it's okay to involve the people who will be engaged."

"Ow! (Yes) That's a promise, big brother."

When Kuu smiled, Jeanne nodded.

"I certainly want the lineage of archaic humans. If a child is born between Souma and my sister, I definitely want my country to adopt it."

"That's too fast ... Jeanne-dono"

"Oh, Jeanne is fine. Brother-in-law."

That's right, she became my sister-in-law. She is my second sister after Tomoe-chan.

"By the way...I'm sorry Jeanne. Normally I would have called Hakuya as soon as they got married."

When I said that, Jeanne shook her head with a bitter smile.

"Well, the situation is what it is. It can't be avoided."

"It would be helpful if you could say that ..."

"Well, more than my husband...rather than Hakuya's absence from the country, I'm more concerned about my sister, who was brought back, not doing anything. It seems that she is working on projects to ease the pain of being separated from Genia."

Trill ...... is not true, does it look like Princess Trill is still the same? Jeanne sighed as if tired.

Even before the meeting, "There's no trick to just protecting a castle! You don't think it's right to have a castle that completely crushes the enemy!" ...I was remodeling the walls!"

"En-, I understand..."

"Hakuya has examined his inventions and proposed those that could be used, so our country's technological capabilities have increased tremendously ..."

"Ukkakka! Miss Trill is still interesting! Let her come to our country and supervise the cities she stole from Zem!"

Being an eccentric person Kuu himself said this, Jeanne gestured with an outstretched hand, "Please, please." Although I am familiar with tunnel construction, I feel that Kuu and Trill are like volatile and dangerous chemicals when mixed. So ...

"Souma-dono ..."

"Mmm?"

When Sha Bon, who had been watching with a kind face until then, suddenly corrected his posture, I leaned into his place.

"About the failure of our fleet during the past expedition to the Demon King's territory. I am really very sorry."

"... Oh, it's just about that?"

When our country sent a fleet to the Demon King's territory at Fuuga's request, Sha Bon also contributed some ships from the Kuzuryu Islands as escort. However, when we encountered the enemy humanoid weapon, Jungal, some of the ships from the Kuzuryu Islands attacked Jungal without listening to the instructions "Do not start any conflict" and entered into combat phase.... The battle resulted in the loss of the aircraft carrier Shimagata and numerous casualties.

Sha Bon had already apologized for that. Once Sha Bon apologized after returning to the kingdom, but he apologized again in this very public hearing.

"Those who violated the order were punished in accordance with the law of our country, but I apologize for the terrible diligence of my subordinates."

"Hold your head up, Sha Bon. It was all too unexpected. Originally, it was a mistake on my part to decide to send out a fleet like that, being dragged in by Fuuga. I heard that there were many dead on the side of Kuzuryu's fleet, and if you've already taken care of that, say no more."

"... thank you for your understanding, it is very painful."

Apologize in public and forgive in public. It can be important to make a move this way. I said, looking around at the three of us.

"More than that, I have something to ask you three from now on."

"Is it about Fuuga Khan?"

I nodded my head at Kuu's words.

"Oh, next year I will definitely have to fight the Great Tiger Empire."

"Hakuya also says so. They will definitely invade the Friedonia Kingdom."

When Jeanne said that, Kuu bowed his head.

"Ukya, is it okay to state that? Even if they are adjacent to the land that was the former mercenary nation of Zem, they are too far away and, other than that they have the Kuzuryu Islands Kingdom on the other side of the sea, are you worried that the Euphoria Kingdom will be attacked?"

"That would take too long. As long as we have the 'plan' I explained to you beforehand, time is on our side. If Fuuga invades the Euphoria Kingdom in earnest, we will do everything we can to thwart him. Fuuga will run out of time while dealing with it.... I would be sorry if Jeanne were to be attacked, but it's a development I hope and expect to come true."

That said, I sighed.

"But that guy has something like an extraordinary, wild sense of smell. You'll notice that we probably have something planned. Recently, a covert force under Hashim's direct control have become more active these days."

"What if he senses that plan and invades the Kingdom of Friedonia to destroy it?"

When Sha Bon asked me, I nodded "Oh."

"Rather than inferring about the plan, I have a feeling that's 'something more than likely.' It may challenge us to a quick battle of attrition. If that is the most painful policy for us at that time, Fuuga will choose that policy without hesitation. Probably because if he doesn't, I will prepare for it, and with that I can endure whatever it takes, in the hope that he will choose another policy."

"Ukiki ... I was born in the same era of a troubled man."

Kuu said with a bitter smile. He is absolutely right. In a certain Sangokushi manga, there was a scene where Zhou Yu, who was surpassed by Komei, was indignant and said, "Because the heavens gave birth to Zhou Yu and even Komei at the same time." If I had to challenge Fuuga as only a human being, I might have thought the same thing.

"But we don't challenge Fuuga alone."

The relationships between people who have been bonding up to this point. That is what has cultivated the Marine Alliance. Some of our allies have become friends early on, while others like Castor, Julius and Maria have interacted as enemies. And before they knew it, they formed a loose coalition and, before they knew it, they were working together for the same purpose. That is the strength of the maritime alliance.

I raised my fist to show my resolve toward the three of them.

"Let us work together to overcome this difficult situation and bring down the curtain on this era in which only Fuuga shines. We will show that man the strength of what we have built so far."

"Ow! I've been waiting for this moment!"

""Yes!""

Kuu, Sha Bon and Jeanne raised their fists with Ei~ ei~ o~.

Episode 5 "New Year at Fuuga´s Camp"

Almost at the same time. Fuuga was about to celebrate the New Year in his castle, Khan Castle.

Fuuga and others who returned to the castle from the Demon King's territory have been consolidating the country for a while. The Demon King's territory was completely liberated and, except for the area around Hargal, the northernmost city of the Cedians, the territory was exactly that of the Great Tiger Empire.

If you can look at things objectively, you might think that you are being forced to return to a devastated land. However, in the eyes of many people and refugees who were finally ready to return to their places of origin, it was seen as a brilliant achievement. They are delighted, although the painful work of reconstruction awaits them, which they will be happy to do.

There are no complaints from those who are likely to be dissatisfied. This is also part of Fuuga's strength, who has an overwhelming charisma that attracts people. Fuuga then sent troops to different regions to exterminate the remaining demons on the continent of Landia. There are dungeons and so on, so they can't be completely eliminated, but since Souma and Mao have closed the northern gate, no new monsters will enter. So the area of human activity will surely be expanded.

However, there is no such thing as a lot of tactics, and neither Fuuga nor Hashim, or the staff members, showed any interest in exterminating monsters that are only hunted one-sidedly, leaving the subjugation of demons to Shukin and other talented generals.... Recently, Fuuga has spent a moment of relaxation with his wife, Mutsumi, for the first time in a long time.

If you think about it, it can be said that this time was the most peaceful era Fuuga has experienced up to this point. It also means that he has survived a lot of turbulence. But peace did not fill the hero's heart.

Night. Fuuga, who was in the bedroom, was sitting on a chair by the window with his upper body naked and brushing his sword. Fuuga's favorite weapon is the Iwagatana sword, a blue dragon sword, so he rarely took the sword out of his waist, but, even so, during the long battle some damage was done to the blade. I am diligently polishing such a sword.

"... Can't sleep?"

When my name was called I looked back, Mutsumi, who was wrapped in a blanket on the bed, stood up. Right now she doesn't wear anything under the blanket. Fuuga said with a bitter smile to Mutsumi.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"No... I was freezing, because my husband wasn't by my side."

"Oh. For some reason I woke up."

Fuuga held the sword up to the moonlight streaming in through the window. On the polished, gleaming blade, the scarred face of Mutsumi's younger brother, Gauche, was reflected. Fuuga sighed as he looked at his face.

"It's too quiet... I just have to relax. And it's going to be that way for a good while."

"If so, please help me with the domestic affairs," Lumiere said.

Mutsumi said, remembering Lumiere, who probably works the hardest in the Great Tiger Empire right now, to quickly turn the expanded land into his own national power. Fuuga knows this, and he's not bad at domestic affairs, but he doesn't feel it's worth doing, so he doesn't work overtime and wakes up in the office like Souma and Maria. I guess that's why he delegates so much work to Lumiere and Kasen, his assistant....

"I'm quite grateful to them. But I'm better off running on the battlefield."

"Even if you become emperor, your roots are those of a hero. Dan'na-sama"

Mutsumi laughed and got up from the bed with a blanket wrapped around her naked body. And when she approached Fuuga, she hugged him from behind.

"No matter how warm this area is, it gets cold on winter nights."

That said, I invited Fuuga to the blanket. Fuuga had no particular resistance.

"Oh sorry."

"No. It would be difficult for my dan'na-sama, who will continue to run, to catch a cold."

"........."

Fuuga grimaced slightly worried at Mutsumi's words.

"Is there still anywhere to run ... even if there's only the south left?"

"......Es cierto"

South of the Great Tiger Empire. That is, the countries belonging to the maritime alliance. There are also Fuuga's younger sister, Yuriga, and Mutsumi's brothers and younger sister, Ichiha, Nike and Sami. Of course, Mutsumi understood that. Still... Mutsumi rubbed her cheeks against Fuuga's bearded cheeks.

"Still, if you can't stop, I'll just follow you. I'll watch to the end the hero's tale, until then."

"......I see"

Fuuga replied, touching Mutsumi's cheek next to his face. They were cuddling like that for a while.

◇◇◇◇

---- January 1554 of the continental calendar.

And the new year has arrived. The festivities of the people of the Great Tiger Empire were incredible. Immersed in the celebration of the liberation of the Demon Lord's territory, which was achieved by their emperor, the first hero, Fuuga Khan, wondered what a wonderful year this would be.

"Is there anyone who can stop our emperor?"

"Is there any enemy that can stop our emperor?"

While singing that song, people were drinking alcohol at the New Year's party. A New Year's feast was also held at Hahn castle, where a large and luxurious carpet was laid out under the gaze of Fuuga and Mutsumi who were in the upper seat (because it is difficult to eat and drink on the throne) along with many magnificent dishes. And the renowned generals sat to the left and right to surround such a feast, below Fuuga.

The appearance was similar to that of a mandala, but there were some that did not appear.

"Oh, I can't see Kasen-kun."

[Tiger's Flag] Gaten, the best looking best man in the Fuuga army, looked around incessantly while holding a cup of sake. Gaten often teases Kasen, the youngest of the Fuuga army's top warlords, so he seems to have noticed his absence from the beginning. Shukin, the tiger sword, who is Fuuga's right arm, said to Gaten with a bitter smile.

"Kasen is working as Lumiere's assistant. And Lumiere is working during the New Year's vacations, so he can't just take a break as an assistant."

The internal bureaucrats of the Great Tiger Empire had no time to rest during the year-end and New Year vacations. The appearance of the struggle, to keep the land expanded, is as devastating as that of the bureaucrats of Parnam Castle during the first year when Souma was invoked. Incidentally, Hashim also did not participate in this party because he was turning his thoughts over considering what his next moves would be. Gaten shrugged, "So that's what he's doing then."

"Because the wisdom of Hashim and the internal affairs that Lumiere carries are now two wheels behind the scenes. They can't stop their efforts. Especially Lumiere, who is a newcomer but supports the consolidation of the kingdom, and Kasen, who supports his talented wife."

"Oh. They are the ones who will be indispensable to the Great Tiger Empire in the future. If you are only good in the military, you can be replaced. In terms of importance, you can say that they are more valuable human resources than us."

"Fumu. In case of emergency, do I have to protect him?"

In a crisis, Gaten chuckled, imagining himself falling for Kasen. The imagination that came to me made me think it wasn't unexpectedly bad. It goes against the style of good-looking man to lay down his life on behalf of another man, but it doesn't seem wrong for him to die looking at Kasen's surprised face. So ...

"Shukin-sama! This dish is delicious!"

A girl who appeared behind Shukin said that. It was Elul, the daughter of Garla Garlan, the spirit king of the spiritual realm of Garlan.