The curriculum at Asura Royal Academy is sophisticated and intense.
Because it is so dense, the enrollment period is rather short.
Only three years.
The school term only lasted three years.
Me, Pax and Sariel.
Our relationship continued without changes, then that relationship came to an end.
Graduation day.
■
The graduation ceremony was held at the silver Royal Palace of Asura Kingdom.
All the graduates gathered in the large auditorium in the Royal Castle first before heading together to the party venue.
To show all graduates are equal for this occasion, there are no chairs set in the venue, only tables piled high with food.
All the graduates were dressed up in formal wear.
They are dresses and tuxedos, not uniforms.
Of course, commoners won’t have money to prepare such luxuries, so theirs were provided for as a graduation gift.
A huge 5-meter wide chandelier hung from the ceiling, luminating brightly the beautifully dressed newly grads.
At the opening ceremony, the Asura Queen stood directly on the stage to congratulate the new graduates.
This was a great honor.
After all, even in the academy, many could not easily see the queen.
In addition, the country's other heavyweights made their appearance as well.
The Prime Minister of the Asura Kingdom, high nobles, and other celebrities.
King's Gatekeeper Doga and King's Great Shield North God Isolte, of the renowned Seven Knights of Asura.
Those two were heroes that fought against North God Kalman, Ogre God, and Fighting God with Father.
Even for me, they’re people of legends. Of course we’re all honored to see them even from a distance.
In addition, Father and Mothers came as well.
My father wore a crisp tuxedo that he would never wear at home, standing proud, chatting happily with his neighbors.
Because he’s even more renown than even the Asuran high nobles, many graduates had gathered around Father.
Venue, food, and guests.
I had heard of such luxury beforehand, but I was still surprised.
This was a world apart.
As I thought when I first entered school, was this the same world? Maybe the Asura Kingdom was another world altogether?
Yes… It was actually another world.
Especially for me and Pax.
After all, even now we were isolated here.
"Sariel is also popular today."
"Unlike us two."
We watched Sariel, surrounded by many students at a corner of the venue.
So popular compared to us, left to eat by our lonesome.
Many students flocked to her.
Not just the students, many nobles who were attending as guests also greeted her.
She probably had higher status than most noble adults here.
Without having time to eat, Sariel wore a flowery smile to greet them all.
She probably wasn’t used to this either.
She seemed more lively when talking with us.
"Oh, it’s her Majesty!"
Among Sariel’s wellwishers was her mother.
Ariel Anemoi Asura, Queen of the Asura Kingdom.
She ascended to the throne at a young age and quickly brought peace to the Kingdom. A true queen without equals.
Her appearance was beautiful even from a distance, her voice must be equally bewitching as well.
The Queen spoke to Sariel a bit before heading toward us.
Bringing Doga and Isolte with her, our sights crossed.
Seeing this, I hurriedly laid down my plate and attempted to kneel.
"Oh, as you were, you graduates are the protagonists of the day."
Troubled, I looked toward Pax. With his hand folded against his chest, he bowed gracefully.
An informal greeting.
"Pax Shirone Jr. I'm honored to meet you, Your Majesty."
Following his example, I put my hand on my chest and lowered my head.
“Sieghard Saladin Greyrat. I'm honored to see you. Your Majesty."
Ariel is a friend of Father's, so she probably knew my name already.
In fact, I have met her several times when I was little.
However, it was my first time making self-introduction in such a formal setting.
I raised my head thinking so, when Her Majesty smiled softly.
"Congratulations to both of you for your graduation. I've heard that coming from afar, cultural differences and hair color have caused you some difficulties. Now that you have successfully graduated, did you learn anything in these three years? "
"Indeed, the economy of the kingdom of Asura, territory management, populus management, subordinates management... those were all valuable classes."
"Yes, I think so too."
I concurred with Pax’s words when Ariel suddenly approached close to me.
Even approaching her 40s, her beauty had yet to diminish.
A pleasant voice seemingly filled with magical powers.
My heart quickened.
But the content of the following words was so terrifying that they chilled the beating heart.
"Looks like you're on good terms with Sariel. If you wish, maybe it’s time to formalize your marriage arrangement."
Sariel was ordered by Ariel to approach me.
Sariel said so herself.
But I didn’t truly appreciate the weight of those words back then.
"That girl seems to like you too, so I’m sure she would be pleased if you would agree. Even your father had consent to let you do as you please."
"...Oh, ah, I will seriously consider it then."
"I don't mind. Anytime is fine. I look forward to the next few years."
For the time being, Ariel nodded with a smile.
Then she turned to Pax.
"Pax Shirone Jr. I've heard a lot about you."
"...Huh?"
"If you don't wish to return to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, I will welcome you into Asura. You're very impressive."
"..."
"Of course, it's not only your own excellence. Your uncle, Zanoba Shirone, was a friend and classmate... I have no reason not to lend his family a hand."
"No, I'm sorry, I still have a duty to my royal bloodline."
"Is that so?"
Ariel smiled with a slight bitterness, having been refused twice.
She turned and returned to the center of the venue.
"Then, please enjoy your graduation ceremony."
Just a few minutes.
Or maybe less than a minute.
But I was exhausted, as if we had been talking for hours.
Is that the power of a queen?
I wanted to talk to Doga and Isolte, but we didn’t have a chance.
"Her Majesty is incredible."
"Yeah, very."
Pax and I agreed.
Feelin so intimated from mere conversation with her.
"Ah."
As if switching with Ariel, a figure came towards us.
Father.
The students who surrounded him scattered when he approached us.
"Hey, Sieg. Congratulations on graduating!"
"Thank you, Father."
"Don’t be so modest..."
Placing my hand on my chest and bowed, and my father smiled wryly and reciprocated.
"Why are you hanging out all the way out here?"
"This is the most comfortable place."
"That... well, not that I don’t get it."
I said in half-jist, but father seemed to understood
Father probably came to the conclusion that I’m the “hate crowd” type and nodded.
"Anyhow, congratulations on ranking first in martial arts on your graduation exams. I’m very proud.”
"No, that's to be expected. I can't afford to taint the good name of Father or Sensei. Rather, I'm ashamed that I didn't take first place overall."
"I think you have nothing to be ashamed of..."
Father was smiling wryly again.
He probably thought it’s only natural that I can't take first place overall.
After all, compared to our great father, us children had no results worth mentioning.
So he had no expectations for us.
While I entertained such thoughts, Father said instead.
"Good. After your graduation you’ll be standing on your own two legs now. I expect much from you."
Expect much from you.
That phrase rang like a bell through my heart.
Ding, dong.
Even more intense and unstoppable than when I was spoken to by Her Majesty.
Expectation.
Father said, but… what do you expect from me?
My marriage… was that it?
"..."
When I was silent, my father turned to Pax.
"Congratulations on your graduation as well!"
"Pax Shirone. Jr. I'm honored to see you, Rudeus-sama."
"Please, no -sama. Even though some started calling me 'Mage King' these days, I’m really no big deal."
Father shrugged and said.
A man of great humility.
Even though he spoke so casually with Her Majesty of the Asura Kingdom just now.
"Pax. I heard about that matter."
He suddenly said that.
That matter?
What the hell is that?
I had no idea.
"I wish I could do something ..."
"No, I already heard the permission to study abroad at Royal Academy for me was due to your recommendations. What comes next is something I alone should overcome."
"I see... I won’t pursue further if you say so. Do your best!"
I didn't understand the meaning of the exchange between Pax with my father.
My father simply bowed to us and returned to the venue.
I didn’t look at Father’s face then.
From the moment I was told, “I expect much from you”, I stopped looking at Father's face.
And my heartbeat never settled until the graduation ceremony was over.
■
After the graduation ceremony, I was on my way home with Pax.
We didn’t talk much.
After the graduation ceremony, you will return to your hometown.
You have to prepare for your trip and leave the dormitory before next season.
Otherwise, there won’t be room for freshmen.
With Pax, the time for parting approaches.
"...Pax, you knew Father?"
On the way, I spit out the question.
"Yeah, your father was involved in my father’s death. That always bothered him, so he gave me a lot of support over the years."
That was a story I only heard once before from Father.
Shirone Kingdom.
A small western region country.
It was a time of internal turmoil at Shirone Kingdom.
The Seventh Prince, who had been casted away by the king, returned with the backing of the Kingdom of the Dragon King for the throne.
My father and his friend, Zanoba Shirone, took part in the conflict.
Supporting the Seventh Prince, they fought off an invading northern nation taking advantage of the turmoil.
Although my father won the battle, the consequences of the conflict were dire.
The Seventh Prince died, and someone else gained the throne.
As a result, the Shirone Kingdom broke away from the Kingdom of the Dragon King and declared independence.
However, the new regime did not last and was destroyed by a pincer of the Kingdom of the Dragon King and the northern kingdoms.
After the civil war, the Seventh Prince left behind a wife and son.
Although they returned to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, they lived in dire straits.
After all, the Kingdom of the Dragon King lost a tributary state as result of the Seventh Prince.
Feeling responsible for what happened,Father supported them until the child of the Seventh Prince could become independent.
And the name of the Seventh Prince.
I remembered it now.
Pax.
Pax Shirone...
Pax Shirone Jr. is the son of Pax, the Seventh Prince who died in battle.
"Well, that was the first time we spoke face-to-face. I heard that I was receiving support, but we never met."
"Is that so…"
"Honestly speaking, back when we first met, I thought you were told to help me out, so I wouldn't be alone.”
"..."
I didn’t know…
Well, I didn’t remember.
In any case, the story of the Shirone Kingdom War ultimately ended in defeat.
My father didn’t like to talk about it, nor did I like to hear it either, so I didn't ask about it again.
It's a story I've only heard once or twice.
"Don’t let it bother you. I didn't tell you until now, but I didn't intend to deceive you. I just thought you always knew."
Pax said and apologized.
I shook my head. I don’t mind.
"...No, it's fine. I’m actually grateful that you approached me. Even if you were told to, I would still be grateful."
"I would have helped you regardless.”
Unlike Sariel.
I wasn’t so calculating.
Maybe I should have noticed when he introduced himself as Pax.
Maybe my lack of reaction was disappointing to Pax?
"So, what was that about?"
"You mean from earlier?"
"What Father and Her Majesty said, about helping you out."
"Well..."
Pax turned gloomy, smiling wryly.
"I will be given a territory when I return to the Kingdom of the Dragon King."
"...You’ll become a lord?"
"Ostensibly. But nothing so impressive. The territory grant is on the southern border of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, near the northern forest of the Red Dragon's Lower Jaw. A barren land I need to develop from scratch."
The Red Dragon Mountains, a large mountain range that separates the Aura Kingdom from other countries.
Humans cannot pass through the mountains where countless Red Dragons reside.
With the exception of several valleys, which are called Red Dragon's Jaws.
No Red Dragons inhabiting those areas.
Therefore, they have served as strategic positions since ancient times.
Although their value has diminished since the Asura Kingdom recently began to popularize Teleportation Circles, their importance as a chokepoint remains.
It is not surprising that the Kingdom of the Dragon King would try to claim a nearby territory.
Rather, with Asura Kingdom so preoccupied with the Teleportation Circles, they are less likely to interfere. Now is the perfect time.
"The forest hosts many monsters, so neighboring kingdoms will not stay quiet when the Kingdom of the Dragon King makes its claim. Even without the Kingdom of the Dragon King’s backing, with my education I should be able to manage if the land develops quickly enough. But the notoriety of my name would rile up the neighbors. They would probably try to sabotage me.”
"...So it's an impossible task?"
Even in my classes, I learned about the trials and tribulation of developing a wilderness.
The forests of the Asura Kingdom are relatively peaceful, but it still took thousands of people and decades to tame.
And doing so without any support.
"Yeah, I'm sure I'll die there, so Her Majesty and your father both offered their help."
Pax seemed unfazed, speaking of death.
"But why?"
"As I said before, I'm a nuisance."
I heard that before.
His father caused great damage to the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
In addition, his mother is a descendant of the Demon Race.
However, since the royal family is a royal family, he has a claim to succession.
The possibility exist, however low.
"...You understand, right?"
"Then why did you refuse Her Majesty's offer? If you claim asylum in the Asura Kingdom..."
"Noblesse Oblige. While the Kingdom of the Dragon King considered me a nuisance, it also allowed me to study in the kingdom of Asura and its top-notch education. My county granted me freedom, and in turn I owe it responsibility. If I flee at the first sight of trouble, even I won’t forgive myself. Moreover, if I flee, mother would certainly be held liable too.”
No escape.
He certainly thought so.
Not knowing what to say, I bit my tongue.
But his words did not stop.
"That’s just the face of it... the truth is different."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed, I’ll tell only you this."
When he said that, he stopped on the spot.
He looked back at me and said with determination.
"I have an ambition."
I stopped as well, watching him.
He seemed unusually nervous.
He was always so easygoing, but today he’s choosing his words carefully.
"Ambition? What ambition?"
"My ambition for my own nation."
Those words left me agasp.
Pax's ambition, founding of a nation.
“I will fulfill the dream that my father left behind.”
I thought it would be something trivial, but his want was far greater than I imagined.
Founding an entire nation, going far beyond even his father.
Indeed, he looked dazzling.
"That’s why, this will become my opportunity. Developing a new land, untainted by anyone. Even though an enclave of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, at some point it should be able to become independent."
Pax declared.
Buty it’s a sucker’s bet.
There is little hope.
Becoming independent means betraying the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
After that war with the Kingdom of the Dragon King would be inevitable.
"That… seems unlikely.”
"It will be tough. But even without independence, if I developed it, it'll be my territory, both in name and in fact. I can welcome mother over then. I’m confident that with my three years of education here, I can identify talent and develop the territory into a comfortable place. Then it’s distance can take care of the rest.”
It's easier said than done.
However, reclaiming barren land is no easy task. There’ll be little reason for talented people to gather, and thin, barren lands can support only so much population as well.
Maybe I should try to stop him.
It is impossible. Look at reality.
You should choose exile in the Asura Kingdom, and Father will do something about your mother.
But I know.
Pax has always been working toward that dream.
For that purpose, he has been studying in the distant Asura Kingdom.
If he had remained in the Kingdom of the Dragon King, he would have surely lost his life already.
He left but did not give up, daring to walk the difficult path in sole pursuit of his goals.
So I can't stop him.
Because even I started to envy his pursuit in life.
"That’s why, even though it’s difficult to ask, there is one thing I want to ask you."
"...What is it?"
Pax exhaled.
He took a deep breath and clenched his fist.
He said with determination.
"Would you come with me?"
He did not wait for my reply, he continued.
"I know your circumstances.
You will be married to Sariel.
Your father and Her Majesty Ariel both desire it.
I know what I’m asking cannot compare.”
His words had me thinking of Father.
"But I've thought of the last three years I have been with you.
You are strong and thoughtful.
Talking to you has given me courage and conviction many times.
With you with me, I feel like I can overcome any difficulty.”
"That is…"
"So fight with me."
Oh, that request...
I was troubled.
I was troubled.
Father's words returned to me..
My father's words, "I expect much of you."
Surely, my father "expects" me and Sarriel to get married.
Complete the task that my older brother had failed.
Moreover, my father has a particularly friendly relationship with Asura Kingdom.
While he has interaction with the Kingdom of the Dragon King as well, only with the Asuran royal family is he interested in an marriage alliance.
By doing so, my family would forge a reliable link.
Father's expectation.
Surely isn’t to help Pax.
Not strengthen relations with the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
Marry Sariel and strengthen our relationship with the Asura Kingdom.
Following Pax deviates from Father's expectations.
But that doesn't mean that we can strengthen our connection with the Kingdom of the Dragon King instead.
Within the Kingdom of the Dragon King, Pax is isolated.
No benefit to my father.
On the contrary, it might cause troubles.
Indeed, the disadvantage would be greater.
If Pax aims for independence, we’ll become hostile to the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
Following Pax will surely betray Father's expectations.
The father that protected us all the time.
My respected father.
"..."
I thought for a long time without a response.
I needed time to think.
But Pax did not wait for a reply.
"...I'm sorry, pretend that I never asked."
A few seconds after asking a question, Pax said, ending the conversation.
And that was my last conversation with Pax in the Asura Kingdom.
■
Pax returned to his homeland, and I felt something vacant in my chest.
I became empty and lethargic.
I didn't know what to do.
Pax's invitation I rejected, probably in line with Father's wishes.
But getting married to Sariel seemed like a betrayal of Pax.
I could not do it either.
Troubling over this, I returned home.
I refused Pax's invitation and betrayed Father's expectations as well.
Abandoning everything, presently unemployed.
The curriculum at Asura Royal Academy is sophisticated and intense.
Because it is so dense, the enrollment period is rather short.
Only three years.
The school term only lasted three years.
Me, Pax and Sariel.
Our relationship continued without changes, then that relationship came to an end.
Graduation day.
■
The graduation ceremony was held at the silver Royal Palace of Asura Kingdom.
All the graduates gathered in the large auditorium in the Royal Castle first before heading together to the party venue.
To show all graduates are equal for this occasion, there are no chairs set in the venue, only tables piled high with food.
All the graduates were dressed up in formal wear.
They are dresses and tuxedos, not uniforms.
Of course, commoners won’t have money to prepare such luxuries, so theirs were provided for as a graduation gift.
A huge 5-meter wide chandelier hung from the ceiling, luminating brightly the beautifully dressed newly grads.
At the opening ceremony, the Asura Queen stood directly on the stage to congratulate the new graduates.
This was a great honor.
After all, even in the academy, many could not easily see the queen.
In addition, the country's other heavyweights made their appearance as well.
The Prime Minister of the Asura Kingdom, high nobles, and other celebrities.
King's Gatekeeper Doga and King's Great Shield North God Isolte, of the renowned Seven Knights of Asura.
Those two were heroes that fought against North God Kalman, Ogre God, and Fighting God with Father.
Even for me, they’re people of legends. Of course we’re all honored to see them even from a distance.
In addition, Father and Mothers came as well.
My father wore a crisp tuxedo that he would never wear at home, standing proud, chatting happily with his neighbors.
Because he’s even more renown than even the Asuran high nobles, many graduates had gathered around Father.
Venue, food, and guests.
I had heard of such luxury beforehand, but I was still surprised.
This was a world apart.
As I thought when I first entered school, was this the same world? Maybe the Asura Kingdom was another world altogether?
Yes… It was actually another world.
Especially for me and Pax.
After all, even now we were isolated here.
"Sariel is also popular today."
"Unlike us two."
We watched Sariel, surrounded by many students at a corner of the venue.
So popular compared to us, left to eat by our lonesome.
Many students flocked to her.
Not just the students, many nobles who were attending as guests also greeted her.
She probably had higher status than most noble adults here.
Without having time to eat, Sariel wore a flowery smile to greet them all.
She probably wasn’t used to this either.
She seemed more lively when talking with us.
"Oh, it’s her Majesty!"
Among Sariel’s wellwishers was her mother.
Ariel Anemoi Asura, Queen of the Asura Kingdom.
She ascended to the throne at a young age and quickly brought peace to the Kingdom. A true queen without equals.
Her appearance was beautiful even from a distance, her voice must be equally bewitching as well.
The Queen spoke to Sariel a bit before heading toward us.
Bringing Doga and Isolte with her, our sights crossed.
Seeing this, I hurriedly laid down my plate and attempted to kneel.
"Oh, as you were, you graduates are the protagonists of the day."
Troubled, I looked toward Pax. With his hand folded against his chest, he bowed gracefully.
An informal greeting.
"Pax Shirone Jr. I'm honored to meet you, Your Majesty."
Following his example, I put my hand on my chest and lowered my head.
“Sieghard Saladin Greyrat. I'm honored to see you. Your Majesty."
Ariel is a friend of Father's, so she probably knew my name already.
In fact, I have met her several times when I was little.
However, it was my first time making self-introduction in such a formal setting.
I raised my head thinking so, when Her Majesty smiled softly.
"Congratulations to both of you for your graduation. I've heard that coming from afar, cultural differences and hair color have caused you some difficulties. Now that you have successfully graduated, did you learn anything in these three years? "
"Indeed, the economy of the kingdom of Asura, territory management, populus management, subordinates management... those were all valuable classes."
"Yes, I think so too."
I concurred with Pax’s words when Ariel suddenly approached close to me.
Even approaching her 40s, her beauty had yet to diminish.
A pleasant voice seemingly filled with magical powers.
My heart quickened.
But the content of the following words was so terrifying that they chilled the beating heart.
"Looks like you're on good terms with Sariel. If you wish, maybe it’s time to formalize your marriage arrangement."
Sariel was ordered by Ariel to approach me.
Sariel said so herself.
But I didn’t truly appreciate the weight of those words back then.
"That girl seems to like you too, so I’m sure she would be pleased if you would agree. Even your father had consent to let you do as you please."
"...Oh, ah, I will seriously consider it then."
"I don't mind. Anytime is fine. I look forward to the next few years."
For the time being, Ariel nodded with a smile.
Then she turned to Pax.
"Pax Shirone Jr. I've heard a lot about you."
"...Huh?"
"If you don't wish to return to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, I will welcome you into Asura. You're very impressive."
"..."
"Of course, it's not only your own excellence. Your uncle, Zanoba Shirone, was a friend and classmate... I have no reason not to lend his family a hand."
"No, I'm sorry, I still have a duty to my royal bloodline."
"Is that so?"
Ariel smiled with a slight bitterness, having been refused twice.
She turned and returned to the center of the venue.
"Then, please enjoy your graduation ceremony."
Just a few minutes.
Or maybe less than a minute.
But I was exhausted, as if we had been talking for hours.
Is that the power of a queen?
I wanted to talk to Doga and Isolte, but we didn’t have a chance.
"Her Majesty is incredible."
"Yeah, very."
Pax and I agreed.
Feelin so intimated from mere conversation with her.
"Ah."
As if switching with Ariel, a figure came towards us.
Father.
The students who surrounded him scattered when he approached us.
"Hey, Sieg. Congratulations on graduating!"
"Thank you, Father."
"Don’t be so modest..."
Placing my hand on my chest and bowed, and my father smiled wryly and reciprocated.
"Why are you hanging out all the way out here?"
"This is the most comfortable place."
"That... well, not that I don’t get it."
I said in half-jist, but father seemed to understood
Father probably came to the conclusion that I’m the “hate crowd” type and nodded.
"Anyhow, congratulations on ranking first in martial arts on your graduation exams. I’m very proud.”
"No, that's to be expected. I can't afford to taint the good name of Father or Sensei. Rather, I'm ashamed that I didn't take first place overall."
"I think you have nothing to be ashamed of..."
Father was smiling wryly again.
He probably thought it’s only natural that I can't take first place overall.
After all, compared to our great father, us children had no results worth mentioning.
So he had no expectations for us.
While I entertained such thoughts, Father said instead.
"Good. After your graduation you’ll be standing on your own two legs now. I expect much from you."
Expect much from you.
That phrase rang like a bell through my heart.
Ding, dong.
Even more intense and unstoppable than when I was spoken to by Her Majesty.
Expectation.
Father said, but… what do you expect from me?
My marriage… was that it?
"..."
When I was silent, my father turned to Pax.
"Congratulations on your graduation as well!"
"Pax Shirone. Jr. I'm honored to see you, Rudeus-sama."
"Please, no -sama. Even though some started calling me 'Mage King' these days, I’m really no big deal."
Father shrugged and said.
A man of great humility.
Even though he spoke so casually with Her Majesty of the Asura Kingdom just now.
"Pax. I heard about that matter."
He suddenly said that.
That matter?
What the hell is that?
I had no idea.
"I wish I could do something ..."
"No, I already heard the permission to study abroad at Royal Academy for me was due to your recommendations. What comes next is something I alone should overcome."
"I see... I won’t pursue further if you say so. Do your best!"
I didn't understand the meaning of the exchange between Pax with my father.
My father simply bowed to us and returned to the venue.
I didn’t look at Father’s face then.
From the moment I was told, “I expect much from you”, I stopped looking at Father's face.
And my heartbeat never settled until the graduation ceremony was over.
■
After the graduation ceremony, I was on my way home with Pax.
We didn’t talk much.
After the graduation ceremony, you will return to your hometown.
You have to prepare for your trip and leave the dormitory before next season.
Otherwise, there won’t be room for freshmen.
With Pax, the time for parting approaches.
"...Pax, you knew Father?"
On the way, I spit out the question.
"Yeah, your father was involved in my father’s death. That always bothered him, so he gave me a lot of support over the years."
That was a story I only heard once before from Father.
Shirone Kingdom.
A small western region country.
It was a time of internal turmoil at Shirone Kingdom.
The Seventh Prince, who had been casted away by the king, returned with the backing of the Kingdom of the Dragon King for the throne.
My father and his friend, Zanoba Shirone, took part in the conflict.
Supporting the Seventh Prince, they fought off an invading northern nation taking advantage of the turmoil.
Although my father won the battle, the consequences of the conflict were dire.
The Seventh Prince died, and someone else gained the throne.
As a result, the Shirone Kingdom broke away from the Kingdom of the Dragon King and declared independence.
However, the new regime did not last and was destroyed by a pincer of the Kingdom of the Dragon King and the northern kingdoms.
After the civil war, the Seventh Prince left behind a wife and son.
Although they returned to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, they lived in dire straits.
After all, the Kingdom of the Dragon King lost a tributary state as result of the Seventh Prince.
Feeling responsible for what happened,Father supported them until the child of the Seventh Prince could become independent.
And the name of the Seventh Prince.
I remembered it now.
Pax.
Pax Shirone...
Pax Shirone Jr. is the son of Pax, the Seventh Prince who died in battle.
"Well, that was the first time we spoke face-to-face. I heard that I was receiving support, but we never met."
"Is that so…"
"Honestly speaking, back when we first met, I thought you were told to help me out, so I wouldn't be alone.”
"..."
I didn’t know…
Well, I didn’t remember.
In any case, the story of the Shirone Kingdom War ultimately ended in defeat.
My father didn’t like to talk about it, nor did I like to hear it either, so I didn't ask about it again.
It's a story I've only heard once or twice.
"Don’t let it bother you. I didn't tell you until now, but I didn't intend to deceive you. I just thought you always knew."
Pax said and apologized.
I shook my head. I don’t mind.
"...No, it's fine. I’m actually grateful that you approached me. Even if you were told to, I would still be grateful."
"I would have helped you regardless.”
Unlike Sariel.
I wasn’t so calculating.
Maybe I should have noticed when he introduced himself as Pax.
Maybe my lack of reaction was disappointing to Pax?
"So, what was that about?"
"You mean from earlier?"
"What Father and Her Majesty said, about helping you out."
"Well..."
Pax turned gloomy, smiling wryly.
"I will be given a territory when I return to the Kingdom of the Dragon King."
"...You’ll become a lord?"
"Ostensibly. But nothing so impressive. The territory grant is on the southern border of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, near the northern forest of the Red Dragon's Lower Jaw. A barren land I need to develop from scratch."
The Red Dragon Mountains, a large mountain range that separates the Aura Kingdom from other countries.
Humans cannot pass through the mountains where countless Red Dragons reside.
With the exception of several valleys, which are called Red Dragon's Jaws.
No Red Dragons inhabiting those areas.
Therefore, they have served as strategic positions since ancient times.
Although their value has diminished since the Asura Kingdom recently began to popularize Teleportation Circles, their importance as a chokepoint remains.
It is not surprising that the Kingdom of the Dragon King would try to claim a nearby territory.
Rather, with Asura Kingdom so preoccupied with the Teleportation Circles, they are less likely to interfere. Now is the perfect time.
"The forest hosts many monsters, so neighboring kingdoms will not stay quiet when the Kingdom of the Dragon King makes its claim. Even without the Kingdom of the Dragon King’s backing, with my education I should be able to manage if the land develops quickly enough. But the notoriety of my name would rile up the neighbors. They would probably try to sabotage me.”
"...So it's an impossible task?"
Even in my classes, I learned about the trials and tribulation of developing a wilderness.
The forests of the Asura Kingdom are relatively peaceful, but it still took thousands of people and decades to tame.
And doing so without any support.
"Yeah, I'm sure I'll die there, so Her Majesty and your father both offered their help."
Pax seemed unfazed, speaking of death.
"But why?"
"As I said before, I'm a nuisance."
I heard that before.
His father caused great damage to the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
In addition, his mother is a descendant of the Demon Race.
However, since the royal family is a royal family, he has a claim to succession.
The possibility exist, however low.
"...You understand, right?"
"Then why did you refuse Her Majesty's offer? If you claim asylum in the Asura Kingdom..."
"Noblesse Oblige. While the Kingdom of the Dragon King considered me a nuisance, it also allowed me to study in the kingdom of Asura and its top-notch education. My county granted me freedom, and in turn I owe it responsibility. If I flee at the first sight of trouble, even I won’t forgive myself. Moreover, if I flee, mother would certainly be held liable too.”
No escape.
He certainly thought so.
Not knowing what to say, I bit my tongue.
But his words did not stop.
"That’s just the face of it... the truth is different."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed, I’ll tell only you this."
When he said that, he stopped on the spot.
He looked back at me and said with determination.
"I have an ambition."
I stopped as well, watching him.
He seemed unusually nervous.
He was always so easygoing, but today he’s choosing his words carefully.
"Ambition? What ambition?"
"My ambition for my own nation."
Those words left me agasp.
Pax's ambition, founding of a nation.
“I will fulfill the dream that my father left behind.”
I thought it would be something trivial, but his want was far greater than I imagined.
Founding an entire nation, going far beyond even his father.
Indeed, he looked dazzling.
"That’s why, this will become my opportunity. Developing a new land, untainted by anyone. Even though an enclave of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, at some point it should be able to become independent."
Pax declared.
Buty it’s a sucker’s bet.
There is little hope.
Becoming independent means betraying the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
After that war with the Kingdom of the Dragon King would be inevitable.
"That… seems unlikely.”
"It will be tough. But even without independence, if I developed it, it'll be my territory, both in name and in fact. I can welcome mother over then. I’m confident that with my three years of education here, I can identify talent and develop the territory into a comfortable place. Then it’s distance can take care of the rest.”
It's easier said than done.
However, reclaiming barren land is no easy task. There’ll be little reason for talented people to gather, and thin, barren lands can support only so much population as well.
Maybe I should try to stop him.
It is impossible. Look at reality.
You should choose exile in the Asura Kingdom, and Father will do something about your mother.
But I know.
Pax has always been working toward that dream.
For that purpose, he has been studying in the distant Asura Kingdom.
If he had remained in the Kingdom of the Dragon King, he would have surely lost his life already.
He left but did not give up, daring to walk the difficult path in sole pursuit of his goals.
So I can't stop him.
Because even I started to envy his pursuit in life.
"That’s why, even though it’s difficult to ask, there is one thing I want to ask you."
"...What is it?"
Pax exhaled.
He took a deep breath and clenched his fist.
He said with determination.
"Would you come with me?"
He did not wait for my reply, he continued.
"I know your circumstances.
You will be married to Sariel.
Your father and Her Majesty Ariel both desire it.
I know what I’m asking cannot compare.”
His words had me thinking of Father.
"But I've thought of the last three years I have been with you.
You are strong and thoughtful.
Talking to you has given me courage and conviction many times.
With you with me, I feel like I can overcome any difficulty.”
"That is…"
"So fight with me."
Oh, that request...
I was troubled.
I was troubled.
Father's words returned to me..
My father's words, "I expect much of you."
Surely, my father "expects" me and Sarriel to get married.
Complete the task that my older brother had failed.
Moreover, my father has a particularly friendly relationship with Asura Kingdom.
While he has interaction with the Kingdom of the Dragon King as well, only with the Asuran royal family is he interested in an marriage alliance.
By doing so, my family would forge a reliable link.
Father's expectation.
Surely isn’t to help Pax.
Not strengthen relations with the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
Marry Sariel and strengthen our relationship with the Asura Kingdom.
Following Pax deviates from Father's expectations.
But that doesn't mean that we can strengthen our connection with the Kingdom of the Dragon King instead.
Within the Kingdom of the Dragon King, Pax is isolated.
No benefit to my father.
On the contrary, it might cause troubles.
Indeed, the disadvantage would be greater.
If Pax aims for independence, we’ll become hostile to the Kingdom of the Dragon King.
Following Pax will surely betray Father's expectations.
The father that protected us all the time.
My respected father.
"..."
I thought for a long time without a response.
I needed time to think.
But Pax did not wait for a reply.
"...I'm sorry, pretend that I never asked."
A few seconds after asking a question, Pax said, ending the conversation.
And that was my last conversation with Pax in the Asura Kingdom.
■
Pax returned to his homeland, and I felt something vacant in my chest.
I became empty and lethargic.
I didn't know what to do.
Pax's invitation I rejected, probably in line with Father's wishes.
But getting married to Sariel seemed like a betrayal of Pax.
I could not do it either.
Troubling over this, I returned home.
I refused Pax's invitation and betrayed Father's expectations as well.
Abandoning everything, presently unemployed.
