Imperial - VII 5

The end of this war is simple. Either the kingdom achieves its war objectives, or it exhausts the resources needed to continue the conflict. Either way, the empire simply needs to keep weakening the enemy's forces to prevent them from reaching their goals.

"Isn't it endless then?"

"Yes, if we keep clashing head-on, it would seem endless. That's why the crucial part lies beyond the battlefield. We halt exports, stop people from traveling, and ultimately sever the flow of the economy."

"If you do that, ordinary people not fighting on the battlefield will suffer as well... I've seen it firsthand."

The Empress shows a faint expression of disappointment.

"Even a little bit of insight... I see now. You're truly an adventurer, aren't you?"

The Empress straightened her posture and turned around.

"I am the Empire. I lead the Empire to victory for peace and prosperity."

Having finished her business, she swiftly departed—like a storm.

Her final words echoed in my mind. Had I said something wrong?

Time until departure is short.

After the Empress left, I went out into the city to find people willing to join as mercenaries and sources to replenish supplies.

I have a plan.

First, I head toward the Fujiwara Trading Company.

"Oh, look who's here—some guy who should be in the kingdom. Seeing ghosts, are we?"

"Please, no jokes. I'm real."

"Sorry. But it's true we're suspicious. You were definitely in the kingdom, yet no one saw you until you suddenly appeared in the empire. So you really did become a sorcerer, huh."

"...I can't go into detail, but I'm not wielding powers beyond comprehension."

"Still, not understanding something is frightening. Don't use that power recklessly. Especially you—your origins are unclear. You could easily be set up as an enemy."

I'm overwhelmed by Marie's serious expression.

"I entrust my life to you."

"Anyway, what brings you here today?"

"Have you ever seen anyone living in the mansion I reside in?"

"I haven't seen them myself, but I've heard about them."

"I'd like to ask you to serve as my guard while I head back to the kingdom's combat zone."

"I see... just the right people. There are caravan groups stuck due to the war, and you're one of them."

That group, huh!

"You're right—then I can trust you. I didn't realize the war's effects reached even this far."

"How was the battlefield?"

"It was terrible. Soldiers from the kingdom were sacrificing themselves, launching attacks with no regard for their own lives. They're practically becoming living magic stones, their bodies fueling the spells."

Marie made a thoughtful gesture, her expression distant.

"This war will end soon... I think."

"Why do you know something like that?"

"Because there's no way to win."

No way to win? Then why are we fighting?

"The Empire pushed them too far. No soldier wants to die, but without effective weapons, using whatever's at hand only leads to a pointless death. So they'd at least like to leave behind proof they lived as soldiers... the stronger their patriotism, the more this desire grows."

So they choose to sacrifice themselves and fight.

I couldn't understand it. Yet, I felt a strange sense of nostalgia toward that feeling.

"Marie-san. How would you resolve this outcome?"

"It's simple. Settle it with money. Ultimately, this war is an economic war. Problems are solved with money."

"Then why haven't both countries reached that solution?"

"If the kingdom receives the empire's money, the kingdom will cease to be a kingdom. If the empire receives the kingdom's money, even if the war ends temporarily, it will erupt again. Everyone knows this."

Even if resolved temporarily with money, human life won't drastically change. We haven't identified the root cause of the war, but it's likely due to multiple complex factors.

The war will happen again if the same situation arises.

"Do you think the Empire should win?"

"It doesn't matter to me who wins. I'm just a merchant. No matter the outcome, I'll keep selling my goods. Now, that's enough talk. I've certainly accepted the request. I'll be getting a generous reward, so don't worry."

"I understand. I'll leave it in your hands."

On my way back from Marie's, I find myself reflecting on many things.

I've asked others about this war.

No clear answer has emerged.

I couldn't help but think there must be something more to it. The kingdom had been pushed to the brink.

Lost in thought, I arrived at the mansion.

People with injuries were hurrying about, preparing dinner.

It was because the kingdom was in such dire straits that they had all come to this state.

What would I do if I were in their place?

I might be partly to blame for prolonging this war. By revealing information about magic stones, I may have inadvertently caused the creation of the mad magic stones.

Even though Alex said otherwise, I can't bring myself to accept it.

On my next journey, I'll save William. And I'll stop the kingdom's deranged magic stones—no matter how much I dread having to do what I don't want to do...

Clenching my fist so tightly that blood begins to seep, I steel myself with resolve.

That night, I am summoned by Lina.

Unusual for her.