Volume 9 Chapter 39 Day Two (A Sorrowful Parting)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I was marching with 1,500 soldiers toward McGaref when the staggering news reached us.
”So… it’s being broadcast worldwide through magic power communication?”
”I’m not versed in magic myself,” Nyx replied, “but from the looks of it, yes. That’s how it must be.”
We both leaned out of the carriage to confirm with the staff officers riding alongside. The fact was as unbelievable as it was undeniable: the emperor of the enemy we were fighting had been assassinated — and on only the second day of the war.
”They’re saying the culprit was Minister of Internal Affairs Gritch, already executed,” I muttered.
”Yes. It seems beyond doubt. Diplomats everywhere are sending urgent messages in plain text. The truth is spreading too — that the depletion of magic stones was caused by the Quvarian Empire opening the Underworld.”
I had never heard of this Gritch. But it was astonishing that on the morning of the second day, before even noon, the world had turned on its head.
”What’s your view, Nyx?”
”I can’t guess his motives. But neighboring nations with territorial ambitions may seize this chaos to carve away Quvarian lands.”
”That would fit the original script, wouldn’t it? The neighboring powers will surely move soon.”
South, the Gonan Kingdom. To the east, the Nations’ Alliance. Even the Dragon Kingdom of Enied, once neutral, might now take our side.
”And what about the diplomatic angle? That Quvar is to blame for the magic stone crisis…”
”In a word: ‘they’ve made the world their enemy.’ Quvar, one of the Four Great Nations, was entrusted with managing the Underworld. To abuse it and squander such a vital resource… that crime is unforgivable.”
Magic stones were the very infrastructure of civilization. Wood still burned, but so fragile was the supply chain that a single pebble-sized stone could equal a bundle of logs in heat — and the cycle had always been perfectly sustainable. Small wonder the world had relied on stones alone.
”And now… winter is coming,” I said quietly.
”Yes. Without stones, people will freeze and die. Not just in Quvar, but in Seron, in Lesta — even here.”
”Which means… we have to destroy the Ghost Army, return them to stones, before winter comes.”
”That is the only solution. But though the Ghost Army’s existence is now public, it’s unclear how each nation will respond. If I were one of their rulers, I’d send aid to Gonan Kingdom at once, urging them to march.”
”That route…”
Thanks to Haruka and Dora’s feat of blasting a mountain aside, a direct road now connected Gonan to McGaref. Even the late Margrave of the Valkyries had used it to send reinforcements.
”But if you’re Gonan, this is the perfect chance to topple Quvar outright. Wouldn’t you prefer to strike at the Imperial Capital itself?”
”Likely. We cannot predict their choice.”
”…Then all we can do is hurry to McGaref. I only hope Chinatsu and Clarice hold out until we arrive.”
Unlike the emperor’s assassination, broadcast in the open for all the world, no word came from McGaref.
As we pressed onward, Rira’s grim code phrase arrived over comms: “The sweet buns are eaten.” It meant Kanare had fallen. Despair shadowed us as we marched on.
* * *
Far away, in Astoria’s royal palace, a council was hastily convened. Prince Clovis sat in silence, heavy of heart, as the court debated.
”The magic stone crisis,” King Astoria said. “We suspected Quvar’s guilt, but with the emperor slain and the truth declared… Maribel, report.”
”Yes,” answered Witch of the Four Seas Maribel. “The announcement came under Lady Livia’s own name. I contacted the other two Great Court Witches — all agree it is fact.”
The chamber erupted with murmurs.
”So the only solution… is to wipe out the Ghost Army at McGaref.”
”Yes. But reports indicate Takumi Nasu and his forces are hard-pressed.”
”Small wonder. That land was never fortified. Even during Lesta’s rebellion, the Empire could not act. And yet he crushed it.”
The king scanned Takumi’s dossier, lips tight.
”A man who commands the Number One, the ‘Ruler of the Underworld Emperor.’ Harsh… merciless.”
”Merciless indeed,” said an advisor. “And after the Ghost Army, could he turn on Quvar? Or beyond?”
”He’s already allied with Gonan and the Eastern Alliance. If his ambitions grow…”
”…He will not stop,” the king said flatly.
A hush fell. Takumi’s reputation preceded him — ruthless, severe. And the fact he had publicly broken and enslaved Date Haruka only confirmed the world’s fears.
”…We must prepare offerings. The man is said to have a fondness for women.”
Clovis flinched at his father’s cold words.
”Clovis. You understand.”
”…Yes, father. I understand.”
”Flavia must be formally divorced, confined in the palace until we decide her fate. With Quvar branded criminal, their First Princess cannot be our queen.”
Clovis’s voice trembled. “…Her fate?”
”Say no more. I know she is beautiful, gentle. A truly lovely girl.”
The king’s eyes hardened. If Takumi triumphed and emerged dominant, Flavia would be given — as tribute.
”Already, the Queen has sent for her. Your marriage is annulled.”
”…Then may I at least speak with her once more, as husband and wife?”
”…Granted.”
The council continued, aligning with the other Great Nations to brand Quvar a rogue state and call the world to arms. But time was short — winter loomed, and survival itself was at stake.
* * *
Clovis returned to his chambers with a heart like lead. Flavia greeted him as always, smiling, radiant.
”Welcome home, my prince. You must be weary. Shall I massage your shoulders? Or… though it’s only midday, would you prefer my body?”
”…Thank you,” Clovis murmured, shaken. She knew. She must know.
Then he saw the small vial upon the table. His blood ran cold.
”Flavia… what is that?”
”Oh, that? Poison. They say it brings the sweetest, most peaceful sleep.”
Her words were gentle, natural — and cruel.
”I begged Her Majesty, and she gave it to me. Just as Lady Maribel said… they mean me to end myself.”
”Flavia… I—”
”It’s all right. I was raised to feign ignorance of politics, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand. I wanted to live as your wife, as mother, as beloved queen. But that won’t be allowed.”
Still smiling, she cupped his cheek.
”I’m sorry, Clovis. My homeland’s sins bring you only grief.”
”Wait. The crown will annul our marriage, yes — but your life—”
”It’s the same. Alive, I would only burden you. Better to die than live apart from you. Ah… but you’re hard already,” she whispered with a knowing smile, hand stroking his swelling need.
Clovis stared. She was always kind, but today — she was clear, deliberate.
”Is love in a political marriage so strange?”
”No… it isn’t. I love you, Flavia.”
Her smile deepened. “I’m glad. I love you too, Clovis.”
He pleaded, “Don’t. Don’t die. At least not yet. Think—”
”You hesitate too much. If I live, I may one day be handed over as tribute. But if I die now, I save you, and save our people shame. This moment is my only freedom. So… will you make love to me, once more?”
”…Of course. Of course I will. But please — don’t speak of death.”
He held her tightly, desperate. They joined, pouring their love into each other. And afterward, as his seed warmed her womb, she kissed him goodbye… and without pause, lifted the vial to her lips.
”Clovis… please, take care of Sheryl,” she whispered.
With that, she drank, and slipped into serene sleep, never to wake.
When her death was confirmed, the Queen herself admitted she had yielded the poison to Flavia’s pleas.
”Clovis. She cloaked you in love until the end,” the Queen said softly.
”…Yes. I will never forget her love,” he answered, broken.
Publicly, Flavia’s death was called illness. But then, chaos struck again: the court witch Maribel announced her death to the world by magic broadcast — and immediately vanished.
Thus, with the emperor assassinated and Flavia gone, succession fell inevitably to Sheryl. And with it, the First Emperor prepared to make his most disastrous choice yet.
Notes:
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Nyx – The First Princess of Celon Dukedom, who escapes to McGaref; next in line to the throne after the Queen’s expected death.
• Gritch – Minister of Internal Affairs, shrewd and power-hungry, allied with Roshima and exploited Katarina’s grudge. Manipulated by Livia, he slew the Emperor with poison, dreaming of ruling as regent and claiming Sheryl or his daughter’s marriage into royalty. Betrayed and denounced, he died in agony and his line was erased. First appears v9c2. Reminder: Ambitious minister undone by his own scheming.
• Quvarian Empire – Ruling kingdom. Harsh world, restricted freedom.
• Dragon Kingdom of Enied – It is Weed’s homeland, appeared as part of his introduction, notable for its elite Guardian Knights.
• Haruka – Witch of Destruction — Silver-haired, F-cup. Former class vice-president, now a powerful witch. Wields the Agilaus Staff, capable of devastating ritual magic. Became the world’s strongest after acquiring the ‘Dark Emperor of the Abyss’ as a familiar. Exhibits exhibitionist tendencies, often seeking public intimacy with Takumi. Deeply devoted to him, balancing her role as a leader with her desires. First appears in v1c1 Prologue.
• Dora – Dark Elf from the underworld, sharp and cautious with deep knowledge of magic cycles. Travels with Takumi, Shiori, Haruka, and guides Scaya and Neige, often taking a steady leadership role. Her body can morph into deadly substances like Aqua Regia, capable of melting or piercing mountains. First appears v6c14. Reminder: Dark Elf who blends wisdom with terrifying alchemy
• Chinatsu – White Wall — Black hair, B-cup. Adventurous, masochistic, Takumi’s first slave & lover. Master of Asakura-ryu Iaijutsu, wields cursed sword Chisame (blood-powered). 12th-ranked fighter, close to Hikari. First appears in v1c1 Prologue.
• Clarice – The ‘Witch of Abundance’ from Lesta Kingdom.
• Kanare – The stern battalion commander, who once led Chinatsu, shares a solemn mission, his eyes reflecting battlefield memories.
• Rira – A classmate and one of Takumi-kun’s harem members. She has J-cup breasts and short black hair, which she plans to dye blue. Rira enjoys playful and creative expressions of intimacy, including cosplay and affectionate physical affection. Rira is also known for her ‘Intuition’ skill, which has been evolving into something more advanced. She is a key figure in Takumi-kun’s life, offering both emotional and physical support. First appearance in v1c15.
• Livia – 8th-ranked imperial witch, heir of Cartera and friend of Lilus (Neige’s sister), whose death drove her to hate Quvar. Austere, sharp, and feared, she opposed the Ghost Army and toppled Emperor by using then betraying Gritch, secretly backing Princess Sheryl. First appears v9c3. Reminder: Brilliant witch who twists loyalties to save the world.
• Sheryl – Second Princess of the Quvarian Empire, a striking beauty with red hair. Initially appears as a diplomatic envoy, but she is a reformer within the empire, seeking to atone for Quvar’s past betrayals, particularly the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. Sheryl is highly intelligent and politically savvy, using her position to gather secrets and undermine the empire’s plans to destroy McGaref. She is also a slave to Takumi, bound by enslavement magic, and tasked with sowing chaos within Quvar. Despite her circumstances, she maintains a sense of duty and hopes to bring about change. First appears in v6c26.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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