Datasets:

mpasila
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ParallelFiction-Ja_En-100k-alpaca

input stringclasses 1 value	output stringlengths 2.36k 124k	instruction stringlengths 463 58.1k
	“Uh-hmm. ......” “You woke up huh” The woman got up quickly and looked around her. She had a look of confusion on her face, as if she didn’t know what had happened to her. Most of the onlookers had already dispersed. I rented the nearby teahouse’s eaves, laid her down, and let Gigi take care of her, which she did surprisingly quickly. “You, what?” “You’d better thank this person, he’s the one who saved your life.” The owner of the teahouse, a good-looking woman, said to the woman and went to serve the customers in the busy store. “How much do you remember?” “I was fighting ...... and there was an attack from somewhere I wasn’t paying attention to.” “The guy you were fighting had his guys sneak in and attack you.” “Cowardly!” The woman became angry and spat at the person. “I don’t deny that it was cowardly, but you were too careless.” “Ugh. ......” “Why were you doing that in the first place? You never intended to lose no matter who your opponent was, did you?” “You understand, ......?” I chuckled. Beyond what she didn’t say, I thought I heard her say, “A kid like you?” . “I can tell that by looking at you.” This time she gave a wary look, a look that said, “This guy’s not ordinary.” “If I was going to do something, I would have done it while you were unconscious.” “...... That’s true.” “So, why were you doing that anyways?” “...... I had no money for travel.” “Travel money?” She nodded and spoke with a bitter look on her face. “I came to Royal Capital for this year’s knight selection, but I couldn’t make it. Thinking it was some kind of mistake, I stayed in the capital and waited for them to look into it, but I ran out of my expenses. I couldn’t even go back to my hometown at this rate, so I did what I did .......” “Well, that’s strange.” She was depressed and turned her head down when she mentioned that she was not selected for the knighthood, but when I replied, she looked up and glared at me with an angry face. “What’s so funny?” “Don’t get mad, that’s not the point. I just saw your skills. If you were to come with that skill set, there was no way you could fail the selection process.” Even if you take into account the fact that she was just some person from the city, her skills were quite impressive. She is no less skilled than Shirley, the only knight I’ve taken. I can’t imagine her falling for that. “I thought so too. That’s why I asked my contacts to check it out. Then, I was able to meet the Tenth Prince, the examiner. And for His Highness, a woman had .......” The woman stammered, and her face turned bright red. Her expression could not be taken as either shame or outrage. “Okay, that’s enough. I understand what you’re talking about.” The tenth prince, my brother, I know his character well. I think he was very direct in saying that if you are a woman, you should offer your body. That’s the kind of guy he is. I thought about it for a while and asked the woman. “Do you still want to be a knight?” “Of course I do. I will come back next year. No matter how many years it takes, I’ll make it.” “If so, there is no hurry to return home.” “Eh?” I took out a small bag from my pocket and handed it to the woman. “Is this ...... money? “It’s reens. Enough to last you a year in the capital.” “Eh ......?” “Gigi, weren’t there some empty houses on Tyler Street?” “Yes, Master.” Gigi, who had been quietly waiting behind me for a while now, answered. “Tell Dylan to arrange for her to use one of them.” “Understood.” “W-What do you mean?” The woman was puzzled. She still didn’t seem to understand what was happening. “Stay in the capital. It’s easier to get information about the selection of knights and take measures if you stay here.” “It’s not that. I mean, why are you giving me this ......” “I’m a patron of many people. And I like you, so I gave you money.” “Me, you say?” “I want you to be recognized for your abilities, not for your easy use as a woman. That’s the kind of person I like.” “......” “Who are you? You’re not an ordinary person.” The woman stares at me with admiring eyes. Then, an intruder, who did not read the air, arrived. “There she is!” After the voice, I heard many footsteps approaching. I looked around and saw that there were roughly twenty people surrounding us in the entire teahouse. At the center of it all was the man from earlier, Chad. He had a first aid bandage on his shoulder and had changed into proper pants. “You little bastard. Finish him off, all of you! Brother too, please!” At Chad’s command, the men attacked in unison. They never learn, do they? I took a step forward. While I was thinking about Leviathan, Luthiya made a direct appeal in my head. Not only Leviathan, but also me. Such feelings flowed straight to me, and I decided to respond to them. I linked the two rings together. Linking Luthiya and the armor ring, I transformed them into hand armor to cover both arms. In an instant, I had two burning fists. I intercepted the men with them. Punching them in their unprotected bodies and through their gaping jaws. Throwing flames that crawled on the ground, I grabbed their throat rings and blasted them at zero distance. I replicated Luthiya’s technique, just as I had done with Leviathan. Each time the attack hit, the men’s bodies would burst into flames. Another characteristic of Luthiys’ technique is that it flares up for a moment and then quickly disappears. “Amazing ...... speed and strength for a boy who looks ...... just like he does, but he’s so strong!” The woman who was late to the game was marveling. In the meantime, all the newly arrived men had been defeated, including Chad, who I could hardly be bothered to question anymore – I thought. There was only one man, dressed like a knight, who had not fallen. He was at the end of the line and didn’t attack, so I didn’t fight back and attack him. The man looked as if he had bitten into a bitter bug. If you do not want to fight, there is no need to bother, I told the knight. “I’ll take these guys and go somewhere else...” “You are! The Tenth Prince’s knight!” “Hm?” When the woman said that, the knight was startled. When I looked at the knight, his face instantly turned pale. “Ooh, I see. That’s how it is, huh.” “—!” I said so, and the Knight was surprised again. It seems that the Knight is a knight of the Tenth Prince Dustin Ararat. While I don’t know anything about the other side, of course they know about me. Oh, by the way, Chad also said, “Brother, please.” It’s okay that Chad had dragged him here, but knowing that it was me, and thinking that I didn’t know him, he didn’t attack me and kept quiet to see if he could get away with it. But then, the woman who had probably seen him before, when she asked for backstage entertainment, told me. It would have been fine if I hadn’t known about it, but now that it’s out there. “Please forgive me! Your Highness the th.” The knight instantly kneeled down to me on the spot. The onlookers, who had once dispersed, gathered again and started buzzing. “eh ......?” The woman, too, looked at the knight and me in turn, as if she had been pinched by a fox. “3th......? His Highness? Isn’t that the Wise Prince of the Minister of Justice?” The woman was greatly astonished. “Yeah. Noah Ararat.” ‘T-the real one ......? No, that knight is on his knees with such vigor. It can’t be fake. ......” It seems that this knight also have something to say about it. “You’re a prince and a minister, but you don’t flaunt your status and position. ......?” The woman’s eyes were half in amazement and half in respect. She could be left alone for a while, but the problem was the knight. Unlike the time at Cobalt Street, this one is well behaved. “Are these your people?” “Yes,......, that....right... my friend.” “If so, then just leave.” “Didn’t you hear me?” “N-no. I did. I ......?” “Did you try to attack me?” The knight man shook his head with such force that it seems like he would rip his neck off. “I’ll let you off. Take them and get the hell out of here.” “Oh, thank you for your greatness!” The knight slammed his head into the ground with such force that you could hear it thump, thump, thump, and then he woke up his friends and left with them all. Now, all that’s left is the woman– Clap, Clap Clap. I heard a resounding clapping sound while the onlookers were still buzzing around. Looking towards the sound, I saw an old man clapping at a stall serving sake across from the teahouse. “Well, you are quite a boy. Your face, as well as your skills, are first-rate. I’ve never seen such an amazing boy in recent years.” The old man praised me, he seemed to have a certain air about him. Just as I was wondering who the hell he was, I saw the golden gourd he had placed on the table. My heart thumped! And I felt my heart beat loudly. Dokun! In this world, there are times when the most eccentric belongings are more famous than the person himself. For example, a knight’s alias is the pattern of his favorite weapon. The golden gourd is another example. Recently, I came to know its owner. I looked it up and found out. I approached the old man and knelt down in front of him.	「う、ん......」「気がついたか」女はパッと起き上がって、周りをきょろきょろと見廻した。女は自分に何が起きたのか分からないという顔をしていた。既に野次馬の見物人の殆どが散っている。近くの茶屋の軒先を借りて彼女を寝かせて、ジジに介抱させたら、意外と早く気がついた。「お前、は?」「この人に感謝した方がいいよ、あんたを助けてくれた恩人さんだよ」茶屋の女将で、いかにも人の良さそうなおばさんが女にそう言いながら、繁盛している店で接客にまわった。「どこまで覚えている?」「戦って......あっ、警戒してない所からの攻撃が」「その時の男が、仲間にこっそりお前を攻撃させたんだ」「卑怯な!」女は怒りを露わにして、吐き捨てるように言った。「あれが卑怯なのは否定しないが、お前も油断が過ぎる」「うっ......」「そもそもなんであんなことをしていたんだ? 相手が誰であろうと負けるつもりはなかったんだろう?」「分かる、のか......?」俺はクスッと笑った。彼女が言わなかったその先に「お前のような子供が?」って言うのが聞こえたような気がした。「そんなの見てれば分かる」今度は警戒の目をした、こいつただ者じゃないって目だ。「何かするつもりなら気絶してる間にしてる」「......それもそうだな」「で、なんであんなことをしてたんだ?」「......旅費が無かったから」「旅費?」女は頷き、苦虫を噛み潰した様な顔で語り出す。「今年の騎士選抜で上京してきたのだが、それが叶わなかった。何かの間違いだと思って都に残って、調べてもらって待っていたら、旅費が底をついてしまった。このままじゃ故郷にも帰れないから、あんな事を......」「まて、それはおかしい」騎士選抜に落ちたと言うことを口にしたことで落ち込んで俯きかけた女だが、俺が言うとパッと顔を上げて、怒った顔で俺を睨んだ。「何がおかしいっていうんだ」「怒るな、そういうことじゃない。お前の腕はさっき見させてもらった。その腕前なら選考に落ちるはずがない」相手が街中の、その辺の男って事を差し引いても、女の腕はかなりのものだった。俺がった騎士、シャーリーに勝るとも劣らないほどの腕前だ。それで落ちるとか、考えられん。「私もそう思った。だから伝手を頼って調べてもらった。すると、審査官の第十親王様と会うことが出来た。親王様は、女なら、その......」女は言いよどんで、顔を真っ赤に染めた。羞恥とも、憤怒とも取れない顔だ。「ああ、もういい。話はわかった」第十親王、俺の兄でもあるそいつの性格はよく知っている。女なら体を差し出せ、って言う意味のことをかなりド直球にいったんだろう。そういう性格の男だ。俺は少し考えて、女に聞いてみた。「まだ、騎士になりたいか?」「もちろんだ。来年も来るつもりだ。何年かかっても、私の実力で騎士になってみせる」「なら、急いで故郷に帰ることも無い」「え?」俺は懐から小さい袋を取り出して、女に手渡した。「これは......お金?」「100リィーンある。都に一年滞在する位はある」「えっ......?」「ジジ、タイラー通りに何軒か人が住んでない家があったな?」「はい、ご主人様」さっきからずっと俺の背後で、物静かに控えていたジジが答えた。「ディランに、その中から一軒を彼女に使わせるように手配しろ」「わかりました」「ど、どういうことだ?」女は戸惑っていた。自分の身に振りかかったことをまだ理解出来ていないようだ。「都に残っていろ。ここにいた方が、騎士選抜の情報が入りやすくて、対策も立てやすい」「そうじゃなくて、どうして私にこんな......」「俺はいろんな人間のパトロンをやっている。お前が気に入ったから金を出した」「私、が?」「女の武器を安易に使わずに、実力で自分を認めさせたい。そういう人間は好きだ」「......」「あなた、何者? ただ者じゃない――」感心した目で俺を見つめる女。そこに空気を読まない、邪魔者がやってきた。「いたぞ!」声の後に、たくさんの足音が迫ってきた。みると、ざっく人くらいが、茶屋ごと俺たちを取り囲んでいた。その中心にさっきの男――チャドがいた。チャドは肩に応急処置の包帯を巻いて、ちゃんとしたズボンに履き替えている。「この小僧だ。お前らやっちまえ! 兄貴もお願いします!」チャドの号令とともに、男達が一斉に襲いかかってきた。まったく、懲りない奴らだ。俺は一歩前に進み出た。レヴィアタンを――と思ったら、ルティーヤーが頭の中でダイレクトに訴えかけてきた。レヴィアタンだけじゃなくて、こっちにも活躍の場を。そんな感情がストレートに流れてきたから、俺はそれに応える事にした。二つの指輪をリンクさせる。ルティーヤーと鎧の指輪をリンクさせて、手甲に変化させて、両腕をおおう。瞬間、燃え盛る両拳のできあがりだ。それで男達を迎撃した。がら空きのボディを殴って、隙だらけの顎を打ち抜いて。地を這う炎を投げつけて、喉輪を掴んでゼロ距離で爆破させる。ルティーヤーの技を、レヴィアタンの時と同じように再現した。攻撃がヒットする度に、男達の体が大きく炎上する。一瞬だけ燃え上がってすぐに消えるのも、ルティーヤーの技の特徴だ。「すごい......スピードも力も見た目通りの少年なのに......こんなに強かったのか」出遅れた女が感嘆していた。そうこうしている間に、もはや問答するのも面倒臭いチャドを含めて、新たにやってきた男達を全員倒していた――と思いきや。一人だけ、騎士っぽい格好の男が倒れてなかった。最後尾にいて、攻撃をしてこなかったから、俺も反撃してなくて攻撃しそびれた。そいつは苦虫を噛み潰した様な顔をしている。戦わないのなら面倒もない、俺はその騎士に。「こいつらを連れてどこかに――」「お前は! 第十親王の騎士!」「むっ?」女が言って、騎士がビクッとした。騎士を見ると、みるみる内に顔が青ざめていった。「ああ、そうか。そういうことか」「――っ!」俺が言うと、騎士はまたビクッとした。そいつはどうやら、第十親王ダスティン・アララートの騎士のようだ。そして俺は向こうのことは知らないが、向こうは俺のことを当然知っている。ああ、そういえばチャドが「兄貴頼む」とかも言ってたな。チャドに引っ張られてきたはいいが、相手が俺だと知って、そして俺は向こうのことを知らないと思って、攻撃もせずどうにかやり過ごせないかと黙っていた訳だ。それをしかし、裏接待を要求された時に多分会ったことのある女にバラされてしまった。知らないままならそれでも良かったが、一旦ばれてしまった以上。「どうかお許しを! 下」騎士は、その場でパッと俺に土下座した。一度は散った野次馬が再び集まってざわざわし出して。「え......?」女も、いきなりの事に騎士と俺のことを、キツネにつままれたような顔で交互に見比べた。「十三......殿下? って、あの法務親王大臣の賢親王様!?」女は盛大に驚愕した。「ああ。ノア・アララートだ」がここまでの勢いで土下座してるんだ。偽物のわけがない......」どうやらこの騎士にも何か言われたみたいだな。「親王で大臣なのに、身分や地位をひけらかさない......?」女の目は驚嘆と、尊敬の色が半々になっていた。彼女はしばらく放置でいいとして、問題は騎士の方だ。コバルト通りの時と違い、こちらはちゃんと「こいつら、お前の仲間か?」「は、はい......その......悪友、と申しますか」「なら処分は任せる」「聞こえなかったのか?」「い、いえ。そうではなく、私......は?」「お前、俺に襲いかかってきたか?」騎士の男はプルプルと、クビがちぎれる程の勢いで振った。「なら見逃してやる。そいつらを連れてとっととどっかに行け」「あ、ありがたき幸せ!」騎士はゴツン、ゴツンと音が聞こえてくるほどの勢いで、頭を地面に叩きつけてから、仲間達を起こして、全員引き連れて立ち去った。さて、後は女のほうだが――。パチパチパチ。まだ野次馬のざわつきが残っている中、やけに響く拍手の音がした。音の方を見ると、茶屋の向かいにある酒を出している露店で、一人の老人が拍手しているのが見えた。「うむ、中々の少年だ。顔も腕も一級品。これほどすごい少年は近年稀に見る」俺の事を褒める老人、とても雰囲気のある人だ。一体何者だ――と思った瞬間、老人がテーブルの上に置いている黄金の瓢箪が目に入った。胸がドキン! と大きく鼓動した。ドキン! 世の中には、風変わりすぎる持ち物が、本人よりも有名という場合がある。分かりやすいところだと、騎士の異名が愛用している武器のパターン。黄金の瓢箪もそれだ。その持ち主を俺は最近知った。調べて、知った。俺はつかつかと近づいていき、老人の前で片膝をついた。
	After the mess of the black slave trade was over, I invited my brother to the mansion and we had dinner together. In the large dining room, my brother and I were seated facing each other at a long table, with a considerable distance between us. There was no need to be so particular with my brother Henry, but it was part of the etiquette. The maids served the meal, and just as the main course was about to be served, Dylan, the butler, came into the dining room. Dylan first bowed to brother and then spoke to me. “...... Okay, you can step back.” “What’s up, Noah, is there a problem?” “It’s about First Prince – Brother Gilbert’s man.” “Oh, what did he say?” Brother stopped his hand and asked, his eyes flashing. “Well, he got me. After questioning the scoundrel, I found out that he was doing business under brothers name. I would have taken him to court tomorrow, but he killed himself when we took our eyes off him.” Brother and I both sighed. A person is a treasure, but ....... After exchanging glances with brother, both of us nodded our heads with a slight tug of the chin. Brother and I both know that the same words must have crossed our minds. The lizard’s tail. Dead men tell no tales, it’s the same in every age. And to go to such lengths to silence them? “The black market slave trader did what brother ordered him to do.” Brother Henry nodded. “Gilbert had always been like that. Business – owning a store, buying a manor. He’s always been into that sort of thing.” “It can’t be helped, brother.” Brother stared at me in surprise, raising his eyebrows. “He was the first prince, but also was the son of a concubine, and because of that he could not become crown prince. Maybe he’s trying to vent his frustration, or maybe he’s looking for a suitable replacement because he can’t take over the empire itself. Business and the manor are in the territory of substitutes.” “......” After I said it all at once, Brother Henry continued to stare at me in silence for some reason. “What’s the matter, brother?” “No, ...... didn’t think you know that as well. You’re really amazing, you know that?” “Is that so? I’m sure anyone can figure it out with a little thought.” “No, not really.” He smiled and took a bite of the main dish that the maids had brought over. The food was not very tasty because of the disgusting things I had heard. In the living room of the mansion, after Brother Henry had left. Me, my guard Shirley, and a few other kids were in the same room. In the room, lit by lanterns, the boys and girls who were about to be sold were kneeling in front of me as I sat down. There were five of them, three boys and two girls. They are about the same age as I am now, and with just a slight shift in their birthdays, maybe they would have been playing hide-and-seek together. I asked these boys and girls. “I have already taken care of it. You’re free to go. You will not be sold because now.” “””......””” The five of them didn’t seem too happy despite being declared free from slavery, but rather just stared at each other in confusion. Is it ...... because of that? “You can go anywhere you want. Do you have somewhere to go?” “No. ......” One of the girls, who was in the middle, the one who stopped my carriage first, answered in a muffled voice. “There isn’t any?” “Yes...... I was sold in exchange for this years paddy.” “I was sold to pay for my mother’s funeral.” “To reduce the number of mouths to feed......” The boys and girls told me about their circumstances. All of them have no place to go back to, or if they do, they will be sold again sooner or later. By the way, it is more profitable for the parents to sell them to black market slavers. It’s not that there’s some kind of trick to it, it’s just that the black market slavers don’t have to pay taxes, so they can turn that money around and buy them at a higher price. Parents who sell their children to black market slavers are bound to sell them again, even if they come back. “All right then. Dylan.” I clapped my hands and called Dylan, the butler. Almost immediately, Dylan came into the room. “I’m taking all of these people in. Give them a place to sleep and assign them to appropriate jobs.” “And if any of them are smart, make sure they study.” “Yes. As usual.” “A-Ah are you buying us?” The girl asked, half surprised, half happy. ” I am not buying you, so if you want to leave, you can always go to .......” I cut her off and looked at the boys and girls one by one. They must have sensed something in my gaze, because they all shrank back and gulped. “I will never take in anyone who has already left. It means I will not tolerate traitors.” “””......”” Mmm? Was that too difficult? As if he sensed this, Dylan came from the side. “You just have to be sincere without betrayal. Hurry up and thank His Highness.” He urged the children. The children knelt down and thanked me, then Dylan took them away. Alone in the room, I remembered something. “Call Evelyn.” I clapped my hands and said this, and a moment later Evelyn, the maid, appeared. Evelyn, the maid, had been serving the guests at the house for a long time. “You wanted to see me, master?” “Yes, I brought you this.” I took out a large envelope and handed it to her. When Evelyn received it, she puzzled. “What’s this?” “A letter of appointment. You are now appointed governor of a small estate in Almeria.” Evelyn mumbles in a flat accent, perhaps because the language is unfamiliar to her.(TN: instead of kanji she pronounced just hiragana) “Also it’s valid immediately. You are now an official.” “B-But why me?” Evelyn asked back, she looked both surprised and happy. The land granted to the Prince is quite large, and of course the Prince cannot do everything by himself. Therefore, the land is divided into small areas and a governor is sent to rule on his behalf. The acting governor of the Prince is also called a deputy governor by the common people. From a maid to a deputy – that’s quite a rise. “I’ve been watching you for many years, and you’re the smartest maid we have. That cleverness would be wasted if you were just a maid in charge of serving guests at the mansion. That’s what I thought.” “W-Well but! You see, I’m .......” She wandered her gaze. It was obvious that she was choosing her words. “I’d much rather serve my master than go out and get ahead!” Evelyn begged. The words were sincere, and I could tell she meant it. “I know, but you will grow. And if you do, and you do well, then I will have been a good judge of character in appointing you.” “Ah.......” “And so you should go out and work for me.” “Y-Yes! I understand!” Holding the letter of appointment as if it were a lifelong treasure, Evelyn walked out of the living room with a look of equal parts happiness and determination on her face. “Amazing .......” “Hmm?” I turned around and looked at Shirley. She has been escorting me since a while ago. It’s not just for personal safety that she is a guard in these cases. Depending on the case, the aristocracy, because of their status, can lose just by “directly involving”. This time it was the same, and even if the children were to get upset and attack me, I, as the prince, should not fight back directly. It would ruin the nobleman’s status, and the other side would be guilty of causing trouble for the Prince. That’s why I put Shirley in charge. Shirley is a knight, not a nobleman. If the children should do something, Shirley would take care of it and there would be no problem. Shirley was staring at me with her mouth agape, looking impressed. “What is it?” “His First Highness and his use of people is totally–“ “Shirley.” I cut off Shirley’s words. “That’s enough, you can’t say that out loud even if you think it.” “Y-yes! I’m very sorry.” Shirley hurriedly apologized. She apologized, but did not say anymore. After that, she continued to stare at me with a look of respect. The next morning. I was summoned to the morning meeting of His Majesty and the ministers in the audience hall. I was called in after I had gone through the government business, and I left the line of ministers and bowed to His Majesty on one knee. After receiving the bow, His Majesty said. “I heard about it, Noah. I heard that you defended Gilbert’s honor.” “It was a coincidence, Your Majesty.” He meant the black market slavers. That means Brother Gilbert reported it himself. You’re good. Rather than hiding it, it’s better to offer it properly so that it looks like you have nothing to hide. “However, there were some wicked people, using Gilbert’s name as a black slave trader. I wonder what the crime was in the black slave trade.” “By imperial law, trafficking in unreported slaves is punishable by amputation of the dominant arm for the principal offender, and by military servitude for the second offender and below.” “Is that so? First Vizier.” “His Highness is correct, Your Majesty.” The First Vizier, who was at the front of the column, answered with a slight bow. “FumuFumu. By the way, was Noah injured? I heard that some of them got angry and attacked you.” “Fortunately, I was able to turn it back.” “I see. Well, it was Noah, so there was no way he could have been hurt. If it was me, I would have been beaten to a pulp while I was trying to decide whether or not to identify myself.” “Then it would have been a crime of great blasphemy, punishable by death.”(TN: was confused whether to use Blasphemy or Disrespect) The First Vizier replied to His Majesty as the conversation went on. “I don’t think so.” I countered. “Under imperial law, the crime of disrespect does not apply to those who do not know His Majesty’s true identity, that is to say, if His Majesty was going incognito. In this case, it would be mere assault.” At the moment I said this, the audience hall, which was already quiet, became even quieter. The ministers were all staring at me. I may have said too much, but “blasphemy” – in other words, whether or not to do something blasphemous to the emperor – is an inherently delicate subject. In a metaphor like this, it might be better to say the word “disrespectful” as a cover, but it’s better to talk about it properly. However, it’s also true that I said too much. I was just thinking that I should apologize. But then His Majesty suddenly started laughing. “How about it, First Vizier, do I win this bet?” “Umm, ......, what do you mean?” His Majesty suddenly said “bet” and “win” and laughed with the First Vizier, and I was troubled to understand his intentions. “I had a little bet with him. I was testing Noah to see if he could speak straightforwardly and only with the law.” “Ha-haah ......” Tested? For what? “That’s great, Noah. No, I’ve known for six years that Noah is very strict when it comes to the law. I was just checking to make sure.” “......?” “Noah.” “Yes.” “In the name of the Emperor of the Empire, I hereby appoint Noah Ararat as Minister of Justice.” ....... “‘”Oh, oh, oh!’?””” After a breath of silence, a cheer went up from the ministers. I was somewhat tested, and I was answering as usual. And now I am appointed as the Minister of Justice.	闇奴隷商のゴタゴタが終わった後、俺は兄上を屋敷に誘ってに夕飯を食べた。大食堂の中で、長いテーブルを縦に挟んで、かなりの距離で向き合って座る俺と兄上。ヘンリー兄上相手でそこまで拘る必要もないが、これも礼法のうちの一つだ。メイド達の給仕で食事が進み、メインディッシュになろうかというところで、執事のディランが食堂に入ってきた。ディランはまず兄上に一礼してから、俺に耳打ちした。「......分かった、下がっていい」「どうしたノア、何があった」「第一皇子――ギルバート兄上の家の者です」「ほう、なんて言ってきた」兄上は手を止め、目をキラン、と光らせて聞いてきた。「よく捕まえてくれた。不届き者を尋問したら、やっぱり俺の名を騙って商売をしていた。明日にでも裁判所につき出すつもりだったが、目を離した隙に自殺してしまった」兄上はため息をついた、俺もため息をついた。まったく、人は宝だというのに......。兄上と目線を交換した、どちらからともなく、あごを微かに引いた程度に頷いた。俺も兄上も分かっている、おそらく同じ言葉が頭を過ったに違いない。トカゲの尻尾切り。死人に口なしというのは、どの時代のどこでも同じことだ。そしてそこまでして口を封じると言うことは。「闇奴隷商は兄上が命じてやらせていたことだな」ヘンリー兄上も頷いた。「ギルバートは昔からそうだった。商売――店を持ったり、荘園を買ったり。とにかくそういう事に夢中になっていた」「仕方ないですよ兄上」ヘンリー兄上はびっくりして、眉をひそめて俺を見つめた。「ギルバート兄上は第一皇子だが側室の子、そのせいで皇太子になれなかった。その鬱憤を晴らすためなのか、それとも帝国そのものを継げないからかわりを求めているのか。商売も荘園も、代替品のナワバリなんだ」「......」俺が一気に言った後、ヘンリー兄上は何故か無言で俺をじっと見つめ続けていた。「どうしたんですか兄上」「いや......それも分かっているのか。つくづくすごいな、お前は」「そうですか? 少し考えれば分かることです」「そんな事もないがな」ヘンリー兄上はニコリと微笑んで、メイド達が運んできたメインディッシュに手をつけた。を聞いてしまったせいで、メシはあんまり美味くなかった。ヘンリー兄上が帰った後の、屋敷のリビング。俺と、護衛のシャーリーと、数人の少年少女が同じ部屋の中にいた。ランタンの灯りが照らし出す部屋の中、座っている俺の前に、売られかけた少年少女らが跪いていた。全部、少年で、少女。今の俺と同じくらいの歳だ、出会いと生まれをちょっとずらすだけで、一緒にかくれんぼでもしているような間柄になっていたのかもしれない。そんな少年少女らに聞く。「とりあえず手は回した。お前達は自由の身だ。今回の事で売られることはない」「「「......」」」奴隷からの解放を宣言したが、五人はさほど喜ぶでもなく、むしろ戸惑いながら互いを見つめ合ったりしているだけ。これは......あれか。「どこへでも行くがいい。どこか行くあては?」「ありません......」少女の一人、真ん中にいて、最初に俺の馬車を止めた少女が消え入りそうな声で答えた。「ないのか?」「はい......私は今年の種籾の代金の代わりに売られました」「俺は母親の葬式代に」「口減らしです......」少年少女らはそれぞれの事情を訴えた。全員が全員、帰る場所がないか、帰ってもそのうちまた売られるであろう子達だ。ちなみに親は闇奴隷商に売った方が高くついてお得だ。別になにかからくりがあるわけじゃない、闇奴隷商は税金を払わなくていいから、その分の金を回して高く闇奴隷商に一度売ったような親は、例え子供が戻ってきてもまた売るに違いない。「分かった。ディラン」手を叩いて、執事のディランを呼ぶ。ほとんど間を空けずして、ディランが部屋に入ってきた。「こいつら全員引き取る。寝床と、適当な仕事を振り分けてやれ」「それと賢いのがいたら勉強もさせてやれ」「はっ、いつもの様に」「わ、私達を買って下さるんですか!?」少女が驚き半分、嬉しさ半分で聞いてきた。「買うんじゃない、だからお前達も出て行きたかったらいつでも出ていっていい、ただし......」そこで一旦言葉を切って、少年少女らを一人ずつ見ていく。俺の視線から何かを感じ取ったのか、全員が身じろいで固唾を飲んだ。「俺は一度出ていった人間を二度と使わない。裏切り者を許さないって意味だ」「「「......」」」むぅ? 難しかったか。それを察したのか、ディランが横から。「裏切らず誠心誠意尽くせばいいだけだ。早く殿下にお礼をいいなさい」と、子供達をせっついた。せっつかれた子供達は跪いたまま俺にお礼を言って、それからディランに連れて行かれた。一人になった部屋の中で、俺はそういえばと、あることを思いだした。「エヴリンを呼べ」手を叩いてそう言うと、しばらくしてから、メイドのエヴリンが現われた。屋敷で接客を長く担当してきたメイドだ。「お呼びでしょうかご主人様」「ああ、お前にこれを持ってきた」俺はそう言って、大きめの封筒を取り出して、エヴリンに手渡した。受け取ったエヴリンはきょとんとして。「これは?」「辞令だ。アルメリアにある、小さな土地の統治官だ」聞き慣れない言葉のせいか、平坦なアクセントでオウム返しにつぶやくエヴリン。「即日発効のものだ、これでお前も一端の役人だ」「ど、どうして私に?」エヴリンは驚き半分、嬉しさ半分で聞き返してきた。親王に与えられた封地はかなり広いものだ、当然、親王一人で何もかも出来るわけじゃない。そのため土地を細かく区切って、統治官を送って代理で治めてもらう。親王代理の統治官――庶民は代官とも呼んでいる。メイドから代官――かなりの出世だ。「長年お前を見ていた、今いるメイドの中で、お前が一番賢い。その賢さは屋敷のメイドとして接客を担当するだけじゃもったいない。そう思ったのだ」「で、ですが! その、私は......」エヴリンは視線を彷徨わせた。明らかに言葉を選んでいる様子。「外に出て出世するより、もっとご主人様に仕えていたいです!」エヴリンはせがむようにいってきた。真摯な言葉で、本気なのが伝わってくる。「分かっている、だが、お前は伸びる。そしてお前が伸びて、活躍してくれたら、任命した俺の人を見る目があったという事になる」「あっ......」「外にでて、俺のために働け」「は、はい! 分かりました!」辞令を一生の宝物のように大事そうに胸もとに抱えて、エヴリンは嬉しさ半分、決意半分の顔でリビングから出て行った。「すごい......」「ん?」振り向き、シャーリーを見る。さっきからずっと護衛をしていたシャーリー。こういう場合の護衛というのは、身の安全のためだけじゃない。場合にもよるが、貴族はその身分故に、「直に手を出した」だけで負けなところがある。今回がそうで、子供達が万が一逆上して襲いかかってきても、親王の俺が直接反撃してはいけない。貴族の身分を落とすし、向こうも親王の手をわずらわせたことで罪が重くなる。だからシャーリーを置いた。シャーリーは騎士で、貴族じゃない。万が一子供達が何かしても、シャーリーにやってもらえば何の問題もなくなる。そのシャーリーが、舌を巻いて、感動した様子で俺をじっと見つめていた。「何がだ?」「第一親王殿下と人の使い方が全然――」「シャーリー」俺はシャーリーの言葉を遮った。「そこまでだ、そういうのは思っても口に出すもんじゃない」「は、はい! すみませんでした」シャーリーは慌てて謝罪をした。謝罪をして、口では言わなかったが。その後も、ずっと尊敬の眼差しで、俺を見つめ続けたのだった。次の日の朝。謁見の間で開かれる陛下と諸大臣の朝礼に俺は呼び出された。一通りの政務を行ったところで俺が呼ばれて、俺は大臣らの列を出て、片膝ついて陛下に一礼した。それを受けた後、陛下は。「話は聞いたぞノア、ギルバートの名誉を守ってくれたそうだな」「偶然でございます」闇奴隷商の事か。ということはギルバート兄上自ら報告したんだな。上手いな。変に隠し立てするより、ちゃんと申し出た方が、やましいことがないように見えてしまう。「しかし不届き者もいたものだ、ギルバートの名を騙って闇奴隷商とは。闇奴隷の商いは――どんな罪だったかな」「はっ、帝国法で無届けでの奴隷――人身売買は、主犯であれば利き腕の切断刑、従犯以下は従軍刑となっております」「そうなのか? 第一宰相よ」「殿下のおっしゃる通りでございます」列の一番前にいる、第一宰相はわずかに腰を折って答えた。「ふむふむ。そうだ、ノアにケガはなかったか? あれは逆上して襲いかかってきたと聞く」「幸いにも返り討ちにできました」「そうか。まあノアだからケガをするはずもないか。余だったら、お忍びだったろうから、名乗るべきかと迷っているうちにボコボコにされていたであろうな」「それでは大不敬罪、死刑でございましたな」第一宰相が話の流れでそのまま陛下に答えたが。「いいえ」と、俺はそれに反論した。「帝国法において、陛下の正体を知らないものに、つまり陛下がお忍びで名乗る前であれば不敬罪は適用されない。この場合ただの傷害罪になります」言った瞬間、ただでさえ静かな謁見の間がますます静かになった。大臣達が全員俺を見つめている。言い過ぎたかもしれない、「不敬罪」――つまり皇帝に失礼な事をするしないというのは本来デリケートな話だ。こういう例え話であれば、ごますりもかねて不敬罪だっていった方がいいのかもしれないが、とは言え言い過ぎたのもそうだ。仕方ない、謝るか――と思ったその時。陛下がいきなり笑いだした。「どうだ第一宰相よ、賭けは余の勝ちだな?」「えっと......どういうことなのでしょう?」いきなり「賭け」とか「勝ち」とか言い出して、第一宰相と笑いあう陛下に、俺は意図がつかめずに困った。「なあに第一宰相と少し賭けをしていたのだよ。ノアが真っ直ぐ、法のみで語れるのかと試したのだ」「は、はあ......」試した? 何のために。「すごいぞノア。い前からノアが法に関しては厳正なのは分かっていた。それを念のために確認したまでだ」「......?」「ノアよ」「はい」「帝国皇帝の名において、ノア・アララートを法務省大臣に命ずる」 ......。「「「おおおおお!?」」」一呼吸の沈黙の後、大臣らから歓声が上がった。なんだか試されて、いつも通りに受け答えをしていたら。俺は、法務省大臣に命じられたのだった。
	The next day, I woke up in the morning and found myself in the garden, in an Azumaya.[TN: Azumaya is a traditional arbor or summer pavilion found in formal Japanese gardens. “ The ‘Azumaya’, as it is also called, is a structure with no walls, just four pillars, and a ceiling on top of them. [Like this one] A cool breeze blew through the Azumaya, and with Zoe, the maid, by my side, I let Leviathan and Luthiya do mock battle. I linked the Armor Rings to create altered bodies, and let them fight. The Water Demon Sword and the fire ring were both very powerful, so we did it in a garden vestibule instead of inside the mansion so as not to break anything. They fought ten times, and Leviathan won all ten times. Both of them were highly skilled, but Leviathan was more dominant. “It went up.” I mumbled, my eyes shifting from the two figures after the battle to the status in the corner. Name: Noah Ararat Minister of Justice Gender: Male Level: / ∞ HPE+FMPF+FStrengthE+EStaminaF+FIntelligenceF+ESpiritF+FSpeedF+FDexterityF+FLuckF+F FireF+CWaterE+SWindFEarthFLight FDarknessF My level went up by again. Just like yesterday, I let Leviathan and Luthiya do mock battle. This time, my strength has gone up one level, to E. “Zoe.” “Understood, Master.” Zoe nodded, closed her eyes, and cast a status check spell on me. It has been more than six years since she entered my residence. She’s learned a lot of things because she’s been indebted to me and wants to return the favor. One of the things she learned was the status check spell. The magic she cast on me brings up my status instantly. Gender: Male HPEMPFStrengthDStaminaFIntelligenceESpiritFSpeedFDexterityFLuckF FireCWaterSSWindFEarthFLight FDarknessF As usual, it’s completely different from what I can see, there’s no “+” after it, so it looks sum? Well it is displayed like this. “Wow, ...... your level really went up without you fighting. ...... I’ve never heard of anything like this.” “This is the result of these figures fighting.” “T-Then. If they fight all the time, will your level go up endlessly?” “It’s not that simple. The experience required to raise a level decreases the more you fight the same person. It took one fight to get to level , but it took ten to get from 2 to 3.” “Ahh ......” “If I let Leviathan and Luthiya continue to fight like this, I’ll get to level 4 over 100 times. If you’re patient, that’s fine.” “I see. ...... it’s a shame.” “Well, now I understand something else.” “Understand what?” “I’ve learned that it’s better to collect more like Leviathan and Luthiya because even if it takes 100 times, with 200 of them it’ll only take a second. “Indeed!” When Zoe convinced, I let Luthiya and Leviathan fight again. It’s not nearly as effective anymore, but I still let them try. It’s quite helpful. Watching Leviathan and Luthier fight. I know what they are capable of, and it’s great to see what happens when they use it, and from a third person’s perspective. So I let Zoe serve me while I watched them fight endlessly. So far, Leviathan was winning all the battles. Luthiya is not weak as far as I can tell, but in comparison to Leviathan, a notch or two lower. That’s why it was overwhelmed. At the same time, I was able to understand Luthiya’s personality. Unlike Leviathan, who is a loyal dog, Luthiya is a competitive one. Even though it’s under my control, as soon as it loses, it immediately appeals to me with the emotion of “next”.[I am keeping it gender neutral] And I let her do it endlessly. “Ah!” It found an opening in Leviathan’s movements after deflecting an attack. It was stunned after the attack was deflected. I can also use Leviathan’s techniques, so I could clearly see the gap. At the same time, I knew that Lutiya would not be able to exploit it since I could also use its ability. Unfortunately, Leviathan would win yet again by overcoming this gap. Just as I thought this, Luthiya’s movements changed. Though it lost its balance completely, it was able to regain it by blowing out flames to kill its momentum. And then used the hand wrapped in flames to deliver a full swing hammer punch to Leviathan. Leviathan’s body was severed in two and then burst into flames. Luthiya had won. Luthiya, who hates to lose, directly conveys the emotion, “I did it! I’ve done it!”. “Nice work, Luthiya. You’ve really overcome yourself with that.” A feeling of joy flowed from Luthiya. At the same time, I saw a status move in the corner of my eye. Level: 3 / ∞ HPE+FMPF+FStrengthE+EStaminaF+FIntelligenceF+ESpiritF+FSpeedF+FDexterityF+FLuckF+F FireF+BWaterE+SWindFEarthFLight FDarknessF My level and ability remained the same, but the “+” in fire went up. “You’ve grown more than I thought.” Clap, clap, clap. From behind me, I suddenly heard the sound of applause. I turned around to see Brother Henry being led towards me by the new serving-maid (Evelyn’s Successor). “Brother.” ‘As expected of you, Noah. Even though the ring has a will of its own, it still manages to grow.” “Where were you watching from, brother?” I chuckled. “For a while now. It’s because you’ve been doing something interesting.” “Is that so.” As I laughed again, he walked into the room and sat down across from me. “More than that, anything I can do for you, brother” “Yeah, actually, the nest of monsters managed by the Ministry of Military Affairs has matured.” The nest has matured. It was a phrase that I learned after I was born into the imperial family as a prince, something I didn’t remember from my previous life. A man of the imperial family, a prince, cannot go into battle without the emperor’s permission, to prevent his untimely death. That’s why I was still at level 1 until yesterday. And in order to prevent accidents in the actual battle – the first battle – there is a “reasonably safe” hunting ground, a monster’s nest that has been prepared in advance. That is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Military Affairs. Well, it seems that it’s ready. “His Majesty has granted me permission. So I shall divine your first battle.” “Divination?” “Here.” He then took out a seamless box and handed it to me. “What’s this?” “It’s a box from a famous fortune-teller. When you open it, it will tell you what you need to know. This time, it’s designed to tell you the strength you need for your first battle.” “We have to be very careful in this area.” My brother’s face became serious. “If we have too many men accompanying us on the first battle, it will be a disgrace. And if there are too few, the danger will be too great. That is why we divine the appropriate number.” “By the way...” Brother’s expression changed dramatically, and he smiled mischievously. “That’s 10,000 leen a piece.” “That’s expensive.” My sense of money has become more sophisticated since I became a Prince, but I was still surprised by this. If I were a con man, I would have laughed it off, but the person who brought it to me was Brother Henry, the Fourth Prince, Minister of Military Affairs. It would be an item worthy of the high price of ten thousand leens. “What should I do with this?” “Anything. Open it and you’ll find the answer inside.” “Okay.” With that, I applied force to the box, pushing and twisting it. Then the seamless box came unraveled like a thread. The thread disappeared further and further, and a piece of paper remained. I grabbed the paper and read the words on it – mmm. ” what is...... mmm.” My brother, who stood up and looked at the paper, was also surprised. The only thing on the paper was the number “1”. “Does this mean that ......just 1 person is enough?” “That’s what it means. ...... you’re amazing, Noah.” Perhaps because he had brought the box with him, my brother was convinced that the result of the fortune-telling was my ability.	次の日、朝起きた俺は庭のあずまやの中にいた。あずまやは」とも書くように、壁のない四本の柱のみで、その上に天井だけを乗っけた構造物だ。涼しい風が吹き抜けていくあずまやの中で、メイドのゾーイをそばに侍らせながら、レヴィアタンとルティーヤーを戦わせていた。鎧の指輪をリンクさせて、分身体を作り出させて、戦わせる。水の魔剣に火の指輪、両方とも高い能力を持っているから、何かを壊さないように屋敷の中じゃなくて庭のあずまやでやった。十回戦って、十回ともレヴィアタンの勝ちだった。両方とも高い能力を持っているが、レヴィアタンの方が圧倒している。それはそうとして。「あがったな」つぶやく俺、目線が戦闘後の人形から、隅っこのステータスに移る。名前:ノア・アララート法務親王大臣性別:男レベル:3/∞ 体力 F+F 地 F また、レベルが1上がった。昨日と同じように、レヴィアタンとルティーヤーに戦わせて上がった。今度は力階上がって、Eになっている。「ゾーイ」「分かりましたご主人様」侍っていたゾーイが頷き、目を閉じて、俺にステータスチェックの魔法を掛ける。俺の屋敷に入ってか以上。俺から恩を受けて、恩返ししたいということで、彼女は色々覚えた。ステータスチェックの魔法がその一つだ。彼女がかけてくれた魔法で、ステータスが即座に浮かび上がる。性別:男レベル:3/∞ 体力 F 地 F 相変わらず俺が見えてるのとまったく違って、「+」の後ろがなくて、合算? したようなのが表示される。「すごい......本当にご自分が戦わないでレベルが上がった......こんなの聞いたことが無い」「この人形達が戦った結果だ」「じゃ、じゃあ。ずっと戦わせてれば延々と上がるのですか?」「そんな簡単な話でもない。レベルを上げる為の経験値は、同じ相手からはやればやるほど下がっていく。2になるには一回戦ったらなったけど、2から3は10回だ」「あっ......」「この感じだと、レヴィアタンとルティーヤーを延々とやらせても、レベル4は100回以上だな。根気よくやればそれでもいいんだが」「そうなんですね......残念です」「まあ、これでまた一つ分かった」「何をですか?」「レヴィアタンやルティーヤーみたいなのをもっと集めたらいい、ってね。100回必要でも、「確かに!」ゾーイが納得した所で、俺は再びレヴィアタンとルティーヤーを戦わせ出した。もうほとんど効果は無いが、それでもやらせた。結構参考になる。レヴィアタンとルティーヤーが戦っているのを見るのは。二体の能力は頭に入っている、それが使えばどうなるのかを実際に見て、しかもの視点から見れるのは大きい。だから俺は侍らしたゾーイに給仕させつつ、延々と戦うのを見ていた。今の所、レヴィアタンの全勝だ。ルティーヤーも動きを見る限り弱いって訳じゃないが、レヴィアタンに比べると一枚――いや二枚くらい格が落ちる。だから圧倒されている。同時に、ルティーヤーの性格も把握できた。忠犬のレヴィアタンと違って、ルティーヤーはかなりの負けず嫌いだ。俺の配下になっているのに、負けたらすぐに「次だ」という感情で俺に訴えかけてくる。それを延々とやらせた。「あっ」攻撃をしのいだレヴィアタンの動きに隙を見つけた。攻撃を受け流した後の硬直。俺はレヴィアタンの技も使えるから、はっきりと見えた隙だ。同時に、ルティーヤーの能力も使えるから、ルティーヤーではそれをついて破ることは出来ないだろうことも分かった。残念だが、この隙をしのいでまたレヴィアタンの勝ちだな。そう思った次の瞬間、ルティーヤーの動きが変わった。しのがれたあと完全にバランスを崩したが、それを炎を吹き出すことで勢いを殺して持ち直した。そして炎に包まれた手甲で、フルスイングしたハンマーパンチをレヴィアタンに叩き込む。レヴィアタンの体が両断、のちに炎上する。ルティーヤーの勝ちだ。負けず嫌いなルティーヤーから、「どうだやったぞ!」という感情がダイレクトにつたわってきた。「見事だルティーヤー。今の動き、一皮剥けた感じだな」ルティーヤーから喜びの感情が流れ込んでくる。同時に、視界の隅でステータスが動いた。 HP E+F 火 F+B 俺のレベルと能力は変わりなくて、火の「+」があがった。「お前の方が成長したのか」パチパチパチ。背後からいきなり、拍手の音が聞こえてきた。振り向くと、ヘンリー兄上が、新しい接客のメイド(エヴリンの後釜)に案内されてこっちに向かってきた。「兄上」「さすがだなノア。意志があるとはいえ、指輪をも成長させるとは」「どこから見ていたんだ兄上」俺は苦笑いした。「少し前からな。面白そうなことをしていたから、つい」「そうですか」また苦笑いしていると、兄上はあずまやに入ってきて、俺の向かいに座った。「それより、俺に何か用ですか兄上」「ああ、実は、兵務省で管理しているモンスターの巣が熟した」巣が熟した。前世の俺にはない記憶で、皇室に、親王として産まれた後に知った言い回しだ。皇室の男、親王は夭折を防ぐため、皇帝の許しがなくては実戦にでる事は出来ない。だから俺は昨日までレベル1のままだ。そして実戦――初陣での事故を防ぐために、あらかじめ手を加えた「それなりに安全な」狩り場、モンスターの巣を用意する事がある。それは兵務省の管轄だ。なるほど、それの準備が済んだって訳だ。「陛下の許しも得た。だからお前の初陣の占いをする」「占い?」「これだ」兄上はそう言って、継ぎ目のない箱を取り出して、俺に手渡した。「これは?」「有名な占い師の箱だ。これを開けると、必要なことを占ってくれる。今回は開けた人間の、初陣に必要な兵力を占う造りだ」「この辺は慎重にやらねばならんのでな」兄上は真顔になった。「初陣に随行する兵が多すぎては、後々の汚点になってしまう。かといって少なすぎては、危険が生じて元も子もない。だからこうして適切な数を占うのだ」「ちなみに」兄上の表情が一変、にやりとして、イタズラっぽい笑顔を浮かべてきた。「それ、一つで1万リィーンするぞ」「高いですね」親王になってから金銭感覚が詐欺師なら笑い飛ばすところだが、持ってきたのがヘンリー兄上、兵務親王大臣の第四親王だ。一万リィーンの高額にふさわしいアイテムだろうな。「これをどうすれば?」「なんでもいい、開ければ中に答えがある」「わかりました」俺はそう言って、力を箱に加えて、おしたりひねったりしてみた。すると、継ぎ目のない箱が、糸のようにほぐれてしまった。その糸が更にすぅと消えてなくなり、一枚の紙が残った。その紙を掴んで、書いてある文字を読む――むっ。「どうした......むっ」立ち上がって、紙をのぞき込んできた兄上も驚いた。紙には――「1」という数字だけがあった。「これは......1人で十分、ということか?」「そういうことだな。......すごいぞノア」自分が持ってきた箱だからか、兄上は占いの結果が、俺の実力だと信じ切っていた。
	“You guys over there.” Ignoring the two stunned men, I called out to a group of soldiers kneeling at a distance. “Y-Yes!” A man who appeared to be the Captain of the soldiers responded to my call, moving his feet dexterously as he knelt and stepped forward. The soldiers gave me the awe-struck respect they would give to a superior being as I revealed my identity as the Emperor. “Put these two in prison for now. And some of you, come with me.” “Yes. W-Where to, sire? “The residence of Governor Olcott.” With soldiers in tow, we arrived at the residence of Dussel Governor, Olcott. Even though it was nighttime, the house was so majestic that it was clearly visible. With such a mansion, it was only natural that there would be a gatekeeper to guard it. “Stop! Who are you?” And, they asked me who I was, as a matter of course. I did not respond. The soldier who had brought me here, who I had revealed my identity as the Emperor, acted as a matter of course. They seized the gatekeeper without saying anything and completely neutralized him. “Please.” “Umu.” The main gate was opened and I entered the compound. The commotion in the front quickly spread inside. I saw a large number of servants and the man I had seen on the river a few days before in the lobby immediately after entering the mansion. That man was the one who had scattered the gold. It was Dusell’s Governor, Olcott himself. “Who are you? Do you know where you are?” “You insolent! You’re in the presence of His Majesty!” “His Majesty?” Olcott looked at me with a suspicious look. It’s no wonder because he doesn’t know me. Olcott is not the Governor I appointed, and never met in person. Even if he is the Governor, it would not be surprising if he has never met me when I was Prince even though he has been in the region for a long time. So I– “Is this satisfactory?” Saying this, I released the pressure to reveal my identity. And Olcott with all the servants around him. All of their expressions changed and they all knelt. “I beg your pardon, I didn’t know it was His Majesty’s direct advent...” “I don’t care about that. More than that–Olcott, you know your own sin, don’t you?” “–!” Olcott kneeled down, trembling as he kept his head lowered. But such agitation was only for a moment, and Olcott quickly regained his composure, which had almost been shaken by the agitation. “Not admitting, huh. It’s too late for that now, though.” “I don’t know what His Majesty is referring to. I admit that I did not greet you, but there is no official record of your departure from the capital, and as long as you were on a personal visit, there is no crime–“ “You still refuse to admit it, huh. How much is a Governor’s salary? Is it enough to scatter gold around?” “Well, what are you referring to?” Olcott shrugged his shoulders. He was agitated at first, but he seemed to have calmed down. Now, which evidence should I start with? A young voice suddenly interrupted me. When I turned around, I saw a young man watching me from among the servants. Looking at his clothes, I guess he was a low-ranked servant, probably a slave or something. He had a look in his eyes that said he wanted to say something. “Mind your manners, you are in the presence of His Majesty” Olcott reprimanded him as a master should. That is the way it is with status differences. It is outrageous for a servant more so for a slave to interrupt the conversation between the Emperor and the Governor. One can’t complain even if one were to be disrespected here and there. However, “It doesn’t matter. You have something to tell me, don’t you? Tell me.” With I–The Emperor’s permission, it doesn’t matter. “......” As proof, Olcott frowned, but could not say anything. The man gulped as he saw Olcott like that. After taking a breath and being surprised, he stared at me. “A-are you really the Emperor?” “Well, that’s not what I meant. I just can’t believe that the Emperor would be here.” “Is that so?” “Really ...... the thing is ......” The young slave and I had a not very meaningful exchange. Olcott got grumpy when he saw it – but couldn’t interject. I, the Emperor, gave him permission to speak and say what he wanted to say. It was the equivalent of giving the young slave the right of direct appeal, albeit summarily. The Emperor himself had granted the right of direct appeal. To interrupt him would be an act of disrespect. Therefore, Olcott could not say anything. On the other hand, does the young slave understand this or not? The young man was finally convinced that I was the Emperor and that I had appeared here. “T-there’s something I want the Emperor to see.” “What is it?” “This!” The young man removed the front of his garment. I was wondering what he was suddenly doing when I saw something sewn into the lining of the garment. The man ripped open the stitching. He took out an envelope from inside his clothes and held it out to me. ‘What’s this?’ “My Lord–it’s the evidence of Olcott’s bribe.” “Waa!” Olcott exclaimed. He then immediately jumped on the man and tried to reach out to grab what the young man was offering but, “Gwaa!” Leviathan’s mild intimidation caused him to slump down and not be able to move at all. After stopping Olcott, I asked the man again. “Why do you have proof?” “M-My parents and my sister were killed because of Olcott.” “So you went undercover to get revenge.” “Yes! I got the evidence, but I couldn’t find anyone I could trust. Besides...” “I had to keep it under wraps and wait for the right moment to use it because if I didn’t, it would be buried under the rug.” “......” I was impressed. “What’s your name?” “Eh? P-Phil Mohm.” “Phil, huh.” I looked at him admiringly so much so that even others could tell. It’s not uncommon for people to turn themselves into slaves to avenge their families. It is not that difficult to infiltrate and get evidence. The most difficult thing is to hold on to the trump card in your hand for as long as you can and to snap it when you think it is effective. I now understand what he meant earlier when he wasted no time in carefully checking that I was the Emperor. He made sure that I am the Emperor, the supreme power of the Empire, and used his trump card. Phil Mohm. This fellow... “Show it to me.” I took the documented evidence and looked at it. “Phil Mohm.” “Well done. From now on, you are the Governor.”[TN: LOL] “””.........................””” As soon as I said that, everyone in the room froze. Of course they did. But. “What’s wrong, you don’t want to be?” “N-not that. Umm ......thank you very much!” Phil bowed his head in a panic. Either because he was too flustered or because he didn’t understand the situation. Phil’s response lacked any manners. But that’s not it. ―――――――――――― Name: Noah Ararat Empire Emperor Gender: Male Level: + / ∞ HPC+BMPD+CStrengthC+SStaminaD+CIntelligenceD+BSpiritE+CSpeedE+CDexterityE+CLuckD+C FireE+S+SWaterC+SSWindE+CEarthE+CLight E+BDarknessE+B HP’s stat that I can see out of the corner of my eye, it had it’s ‘+’ went up. I thought that Phil was a rough gem, a talent that has yet to be polished. The next afternoon, the ‘Former’ Olcott residence. After Olcott was dismissed from office, I decided to use this place as my temporary residence. In the study there, I met Zoe, whom I had called back. “Your Majesty, how wonderful!” Zoe’s eyes lit up when she heard what had happened last night. “You selected him as soon as you discovered the right person for the job. As expected of His Majesty.” “That good perception? It’s a natural thing, hard to get. I hope we can nurture him well.” “It’s His Majesty, so it’ll be alright!” “More importantly, how is the confiscation of their property coming along?” “Ah, yes.” Zoe hurriedly looked at the documents in her hand. Olcott and the others who will be imprisoned for the salt tax will have their property confiscated. I’m having that done as soon as possible, and I’m putting Zoe in charge. “Ashley–well, the cheeky one’s residence, there’s a bit of a problem.” “What is it” “Well, actually, some human remains were unearthed in the yard, and they think he might be suspected of murder.” “.......Fu” I laughed. “Fu........., Your Majesty?” “That’s a common occurrence.” “Eh?” “When you’re confiscating property, the soldiers go there to monitor it, tally it up, right?” “Y-Yes.” “And, most of the time, they’ll sneak the subject’s assets back into their pockets. Well, it’s a little bit of a scam. And it’s pretty annoying.” “Annoying, sir?” “Yeah, the subject’s wives, concubines, etc. Those sorts of people, even in a situation like this, will cry and scream with their emotions bare. They will say, why is it only us” “Ah, ......” “So, when it gets out of control and interferes with the soldiers’ ‘pocket earnings,’ they are harassed. In this case, they bury human remains and falsely accuse them of murder.” Isn’t ‘As expected’ too soon? I looked at Zoe, wondering. “I already know it’s a false accusation. The ribs and pelvis of the human bones that came out looks like a mixture of male and female, and when soaked with water, I found out that the place where they were dug up was recent.” So, it was quickly discovered at the site. “Your Majesty is amazing. I can’t believe that you could figure it out right away before I even reported it to you.” I smiled again. I used to be the Minister of Justice. Because of my experience in confiscating the property of many criminals, I know exactly how they do it. That’s it. “Now, ......, give me a rough estimate of how much will it be?” Zoe looked at the paperwork and gulped. “What is it?” “Well ...... no less than million reens.” “That’s quite an accumulation.” While thinking that I admire them in a way. “0 million ......” The current national treasury is less than 5 million. That’s an increase of 20 million all at once. And on top of that, we can expect the normalization of the salt tax. With this much money, we can do a lot of things, I thought.	「そこのお前達」茫然自失となっていを無視して、離れたところで跪いている兵士に呼びかけた。「は、はっ!」兵士の隊長だと思われる男が、跪いたまま器用に足を動かして、一歩前に進み出て、俺の呼びかけに応じた。皇帝だと身分を明かした俺に、兵士達は天上人に向ける畏怖混じりの敬意を向けてきた。「この二人をとりあえず牢にぶち込め。それと何人かは余と一緒に来い」「はっ。ど、どこにでありますか?」「オルコット総督の屋敷だ」兵士を引き連れて、デュセル総督オルコットの屋敷にやってきた。夜であるのにもかかわらず、屋敷ははっきりと分かるくらい威容を誇っていた。それほどの屋敷だ、当然門番はおり、「止まれ! 何者だ!」と、当たり前のように誰何してきた。俺はそれに応じなかった。既に皇帝だと身分を明かしている、連れてきた兵士が当たり前の行動をした。有無を言わさず門番の兵士を取り押さえて、完全に無力化した。「どうぞ」「うむ」正門が開かれて、俺は屋敷の中に入った。表の騒ぎは早速中に伝わった。屋敷に入った直後のロビーに大量の使用人と、数日前、川の上で見かけた男の姿があった。あの、黄金をばらまいていた男。デュセル総督、オルコット当人だ。「何者だ。ここがどこなのか分かっての狼藉か」「無礼な! 陛下の御前だぞ!」「陛下、だと?」オルコットは胡乱げなものを見る目で俺を見た。オルコットは俺が任命した総督ではなく、実際に会ったことはない。総督であっても、長らく地方に居続けたものなら、と面識がなくても不思議はない。だから俺は――。「これで納得か?」そう言いながら、身分を明かす為のプレッシャーを放った。オルコットも、そして周りにいる使用人達も。全員が一斉に血相を変えて、その場で跪いた。「陛下直々の降臨とは知らず、失礼を――」「そんな事はどうでもいい。それよりも――オルコット、自分の罪を分かっているな?」「――っ!」オルコットは跪き、頭を下げたまま、びくっと震えた。が、そんな動揺も一瞬だけの事、オルコットはすぐに動揺で傾きかけた心を立て直した。「認めないか。今更とぼけても遅いぞ」「陛下が何を指しているのか分かりかねます。たしかに出迎えをしなかったことは認めますが、陛下が都を発ったという公文書はなく、お忍びである以上罪は無い――」「あくまで認めないか。総督の俸禄は年いくらだ? 黄金をばら撒けるほど貰えてるのか?」「はて、なんのことでございましょう」オルコットは更にすっとぼけた。最初こそ動揺はあったが、腹を括ったらしくて、かなり落ち着いてきた。さて、どの証拠から突きつけてやるか――。いきなり割り込んできた若い声。そっちに振り向くと、使用人の中から、一人の若い男が俺を見つめていた。服装を見るに、使用人の中でも下級の使用人で、多分奴隷かなんかなのだろう。その男は何か言いたいという目をしていたが、「弁えろ、陛下の御前だぞ」オルコットは、主人として当たり前の叱責をした。身分の差というのはそういうものだ。皇帝と総督が話している時に、使用人や奴隷が口を挟むなど言語道断。この場で無礼打ちされても文句の言えない所業だ。だが、「かまわん。余に話したいことがあるのだろう? 言ってみろ」俺――皇帝の許しがあればそれは問題にはならない。「......」その証拠に、オルコットも眉間をキツく寄せたが、何も言えなかった。男はそんなオルコットを見て、息を飲んだ。息を飲んで驚いた後、俺をじっと見て。「ほ、本当に皇帝陛下なのですか?」「そ、そうじゃなくて。皇帝陛下がこんなところにいるのが信じられなくて」「なるほど?」「本当に......本物......」俺と若い奴隷、あまり意味があるとはいえないやりとりをした。それを見てオルコットが不機嫌になったが――口を挟めない。皇帝の俺が、話していい、言ってみろ、と許可を与えたのだ。それは略式ながら、若い奴隷に直訴権を与えたということと同義だ。皇帝自ら認めた直訴。それを遮ってしまうのは不敬罪に当る行為。だからオルコットは何も言えなかった。一方で、それを理解しているのかいないのか。若い奴隷はようやく、俺が皇帝であり、ここに出現した事に納得して。「こ、皇帝陛下に見て欲しいものが」「なんだ?」「これです!」男は衣服の前をはだけさせた。いきなり何を――と思っていたら、服の裏地に何かが縫い込んでいるのが見えた。男は縫い込みをビリビリと破った。服の中から封筒を取り出して、両手で俺に差し出した。「これは?」「旦那様――オルコットの賄賂の証拠です」絶句するオルコット。直後、男に飛びかかって差し出したものに手を伸ばして掴み取ろうとしたが、「ぐわっ!」レヴィアタンの軽い威嚇で、へたり込んでまったく動けなくなった。オルコットを止めてから、改めて男に聞いた。「なんで証拠を持っている」「お、俺、両親と妹をオルコットのせいで殺されたんです」「復讐の為に潜入したわけか」「はい! それで証拠を手に入れたはいいけど、信用できる人が見つからなくて。それに」「下手に出すと揉消されてしまうから、ずっと隠して、使い時を待っていたんです」「......ほう」俺は感心した。「お前、名前は」「え? フ、フィル・モームっていいます」「フィルか」俺は自分でも分かるくらい、称賛の籠もった目でフィルを見つめた。家族の復讐の為に奴隷に身をやつす事は珍しい話ではない。潜入して、証拠を掴むことはそこまで難しいことでもない。一番難しいのは、手に入れた切り札を、ずっと持ったまま、かつ効果的だと思った時に切れることだ。さっきの無駄話、俺を皇帝なのかと念入りに確認した意味が分かった。帝国皇帝、最高権力者だと念押ししてから、切り札を切ったのだ。フィル・モーム。この男は――。「それを見せろ」俺は証拠の書類を受け取って、パラパラと眺めた。「フィル・モーム」「は、はい!」「よくやった。今からお前が総督を引き継げ」「「「........................」」」おれが言った瞬間、その場にいる全員が固まった。当然だろうな。だが。「どうした、嫌なのか?」「い、いえ。えっと......ありがとうございます!」フィルは慌てて頭を下げた。慌てすぎたからか、あるいは知識が無いからか。フィルは作法もへったくれもない返事をした。それだけではない。 ―――――――――――― 名前:ノア・アララート帝国皇帝性別:男レベル:17+1/∞ HP C+B 火 E+S+S 視界の隅っこに見えているHPの能力、その「+」があがった。フィルは、まだまだ磨かれてない、才能の原石なんだと、俺は思った。次の日の午後、「元」オルコットの屋敷。オルコットが罷免され、この屋敷はひとまず俺のそこの書斎で、俺は呼び戻したゾーイと向き合っていた。「凄いです陛下」昨夜の事を知ったゾーイは、めちゃくちゃ目を輝かせた。「人材だと分かるやいなやの抜擢。さすが陛下です」「あの勝負勘? は天性のもの、得がたいものだ。上手く育てたいものだ」「陛下ならきっと大丈夫です!」「それより、連中の財産没収はどうなってる」「あっ、はい」ゾーイは慌てて、手元の書類に視線を落とした。オルコットを始めとする、今回の塩税に関わって投獄する連中の財産は没収する事にした。それを早速やらせて、ゾーイに仕切らせてる。「アシュリー――えっと、小生意気な方の男の家なんですが、ちょっとしたトラブルがあって」「なんだ?」「実は庭から人骨が発掘されまして、殺人の容疑もあるかも知れないと」「......ふっ」俺は笑った。「ふっ......って、陛下?」「よくある話だな」「え?」「財産没取するとき、兵士が行って監視したり、集計したりするだろう?」「は、はい」「それでな、大抵の場合、こそっと対象者の資産をポケットに入れて持ち帰るんだ。まあ、ちょっとした不正だ。そしてそれは結構邪魔される」「邪魔、ですか?」「ああ、対象の妻や妾などにだ。ああいう手合いは、例えこういう時でも、感情剥き出しのままで泣きわめくからな。こんなのおかしい、なんで私達だけ。ってな」「あ......」「で、それが暴走して、兵士達の『小遣い稼ぎ』を邪魔すると、嫌がらせをされる。今回だと、人骨埋めて殺人容疑の冤罪をふっかけられたってわけだ」「さすが」が早くないか? って不思議になってゾーイを見た。「もう冤罪だって分かってます。出てきた人骨が、肋骨とか骨盤で見ると男と女の混合みたいで、掘り出した場所も、水を染みこませてみたら最近掘り返した場所だってわかりました」現場では早速バレてるってわけだ。「やっぱり陛下は凄い。報告する前にすぐに分かってしまうなんて」俺は再び、ふっ、と笑った。かつて法務親王大臣をやっていた俺だ。罪人の財産没収を多く実行してきたから、その手口はよく分かる。それだけの話だ。「さて......概算でいい、どれくらいになるんだ」ゾーイは書類を見て、息を飲んだ。「どうした」「その......2000万リィーンは下らないだろう、って」「かなり溜め込んだな」ある意味尊敬するよ、と思いつつ。「2000万か......」今の国庫は500万もない。それが一気に2000万増だ。そのうえ更に、塩税の正常化も望める。これだけの金があれば、結構な事ができるぞ、と俺は思ったのだった。
	The next morning I awoke in the morning sun. I woke up, got out of bed, and at about the same time, there was a knock at my bedroom door. “Master, may I come in?” I responded with my eyelids still not fully open from sleep. Then the door opened and I noticed several people entering the room. The first one was probably Mary, who knocked on the door and asked for permission. The rest of them are probably her servants. I felt Livyathan’s presence shake slightly. It must be that girl who is showing hostility toward me, I thought. I couldn’t help but smile at Livyathan’s usual loyalty. “Excuse me. Please be on your feet.” I got off the bed and stood up on my feet. With my eyelids closed, I relaxed my entire body. Then with a familiar hand, Mary helped me out of my nightgown. I was undressed in my natural state and completely naked. Mary, who had been a servant in the Imperial Residence for many years, naturally did not react to her Master’s nudity and helped me to get ready in the morning. But the other servants were different. When I stripped naked, I could see that they were all shaken up at the same time. “I apologize, Master–my hands are full here.: “Excuse me!” After apologizing to me, Mary reprimanded the servants. And with that, the servants began to move. It was mostly Mary though. She took off my clothes and put on new clothes. After that, she brushed my hair and washed my face. Especially, she cleaned my ears by carefully blotting them with a steaming towel. This is something Audrey taught her about when she first met her. Audrey believed that it is the parts of the body that are usually unnoticed should be cleaned. This was also connected to politics, and I took it in stride. Since then, the servants at the Imperial Residence cleaned my ears every morning. Mary did that in the same sense as when she was at the Imperial Residence. By the time the area around my ears was clean, I was completely sleepy. “Excuse me, Master. Now then...” “Oh, wait a minute. Mary and that girl stay behind.” I picked out the girl, whom I sensed by her presence. The girl was surprised, and I could see she was warier towards me. “Very well. Then you guys go back ahead of me.” “”Yes.”” At Mary’s command, the other servants left the room without question. Only Mary and the girl remained before me. “What is your name?” “Eh?” The girl was puzzled. “It is an honor to be asked directly by Master. You must answer the question honestly.” “Y-Yes. My name is Ivy.” The girl– Ivy, answered nervously. Although she was cautious of me and was hostile toward me, she actually seemed nervous about talking directly to her ‘Master’s Master’. I chuckled. “No need to be so nervous. Mary, you picked up a nice girl.” “Yes. She is the smartest of all the girls we have.” “I’m sure she is. Even though she’s not used to taking care of me, she’s been very good at supporting you. It’s not easy to be able to anticipate and anticipate quickly like that, and do it in a good way.” “I am very impressed with your wise words, Master. I became able to do that about a year after the master picked me up.” “You were able to remember things better than most.” “I’m not trying to flatter you. I let John out because I thought you could act as his brakes and support when the time came.” “......” Mary was startled and speechless. “John’s a seven, and you’re an eight. I figured you two together would make .–one and a half times what I’d expect from a regular retainer–so I let you out.”[TN: It’s like rating someone out of , and combined they got 5.... bla bla bla ...acting as one entity would be 1.5 times the single] “–! Thank you very much! I can’t thank you enough ...... for giving me that much praise from you, Master” Mary was moved to tears and burst into ragged tears as she said. “Don’t cry so. It’s a compliment.” “Y-yes. Thank you very much!” “Don’t tell him about what happened, but you will get him through it. With you in his life, he will be more successful. Then, when the time is right, bring him back to the center and have him work even harder than he is now.” “Yes! I’ll be sure to follow up with him.” “hmm” I looked at Ivy again. “It’s a shame, though. If only I had found her first.” I meant if I had, I would have taken Ivy with me. Then Mary knelt down in front of me. “Master, please take her with you.” “Mary-sama!?” At Mary’s sudden remark, Ivy almost screamed and stared at Mary in disbelief. “Hmm? Are you sure? Don’t you want to keep her close?” “Of course I do. Instead of smoldering in a place like this, it would definitely be better for her to learn under Master.” “That’s not entirely true, though.” I chuckled. Well, I don’t intend to make it worse. “Mary-sama! I haven’t repaid my debt to Mary-sama yet. So–“ “Silly girl! There’s no better way for you to repay back.” “Eh?” Ivy was puzzled. Why was it something different than before? she looked at Mary with those questioning eyes. “His Majesty always says, ‘People are treasures’.” Mary cut off her words there and looked at me. I nodded my head in silent affirmation. Then Mary turned to Ivy again and continued. “To be able to present a human being who can satisfy His Majesty’s eyes is more wonderful than presenting any gold, silver, or treasure.” “That’s right. It’s the equivalent to 1 million reens.” “T-That much......?” Since I gave her a specific number. Ivy was even more surprised. “......, R-really. I can return Mary-sama’s favor with a ......?” Ivy looked at me and at Mary and asked me as if she were trying to figure out what I was going to say. “Umu.” “I-I understand. I’ll follow you .......” Ivy said timidly. She still felt like she was returning the favor to Mary, but even if she was, it didn’t change the fact that she was a very promising recruit. I felt a sense of satisfaction this morning, and I vaguely thought that today was going to be a good day. After breakfast, I set out with John’s escort. John provided a carriage and said he would escort me to the border of his jurisdiction. While accepting this, I let John ride with me in the carriage and we sat facing each other. “Children like Ivy.” “How many do you take in a year?” “Let’s see, ten, maybe a few more. ......” John answered, “Why do you ask that?” He looked at me strangely. “That’s putting a strain on you and your wife’s lives. Your stipend is not enough to protect and support you unless you take a bribe or something.” “T-That’s ...... of course! I didn’t take a bribe, I swear.” “I know. People’s everyday lives are reflected in the air. I don’t sense any elegance or richness in you. I don’t doubt that.” “Thank you very much!” “It’s rather the opposite. If you’re not receiving anything, then you’re putting a squeeze on your life together.” “Y-yes. ......, it’s all right, sire. And Mary understands that.” John looked me straight in the eye and assured me emphatically It’s understandable because Mary is also from the same background. “Let me tell you what my purpose is.” “Y-yes, .......” He was obviously puzzled by this completely out-of-context conversation. “John, what do you think my purpose is as the Emperor? “Every retainer understands your ambition, Master Noah!” In turn, John strongly insisted. “It is to create a peaceful world where people like us can live in peace.” I said with a smile. John widened his eyes in surprise. He had not expected such a low score for his answer. “That’s not wrong, but it’s not the goal. In the grand context, it’s more like a ‘means’ to an end.” “ends...... means......” “The true purpose in the grand context is to make me, and the Former Emperor, who found me and gave me the Imperial Throne, into a great sovereign.” “H-His Majesty is firmly a great lord...” “For the present, perhaps. If there is any misbehavior on my part, the history books will add a note saying that the successor lacked discernment. Therefore, there must be no great upheaval in my reign. No matter what.” “Is ...... Oscar-sama plotting something?” John suddenly said something like that. This time I was surprised. I was surprised at John’s way of thinking. That’s right. Oscar’s ambition has not disappeared. If Oscar should start a rebellion for the throne, the history books would add it as a mistake of the previous Emperor. Oscar is the Eighth Prince, and I am the former Thirteenth Prince. If I had been the First Prince, his rebellion after receiving the throne would not be seen as father’s mistake, but because I was the Thirteenth, it would be a “dare” on his part no matter how it happened. He dared to choose me, and as a result, a rebellion broke out due to discord between the brothers. So, from my point of view, Oscar is someone I am always on the lookout for and wary of. John sensed that. I smiled and replied. “No, I don’t think so. It can’t be. It shouldn’t be.” John’s face grew increasingly grim at my triple-entendre phrasing.[TN: triple-entendre means three different phrasings giving similar meaning] I was saying No, No, No three times in a row, effectively telling him it was possible. “Master. I’m always ready. No, if something happens, I can go berserk on my own.” John says with a straight face. That means he’s talking about assassinating Oscar himself, as a bullet. “Hold it down. If my retainers do that, the former Emperor will be called a man who gave the throne to a man who couldn’t even control his own retainers.” “I-I’m sorry!” John was shocked and lowered his head in a panic. “That’s why as far as I’m concerned, I won’t touch Oscar. And Neither do you.” “Yes, sir! As expected of Master. We were wondering why Master was so soft on Oscar-sama. “Well, it’s just because that’s what he wants, that’s all.” I turned my head to the side. And stared into the distance through the wall of the carriage with a very distant look. Well, it doesn’t matter now. I turned to John. “You’re very perceptive and quick with your words. Do you understand that means change according to the purpose?” “Then what is your purpose?” “My .......” “For what purpose do you take in these children?” “......!” After thinking for a while, John gasped. He stared at me with that look on his face for a long time. Then he said... “Master, I want to build a relief shelter on this land, will you allow me to do so?” I praised John. “Well done. If you want to save the poor, you can do it publicly, or you can appeal directly to me. I’m trying to be a great ruler, so I won’t reject that kind of thing outright.” “Yes!” “Well done. You’re clever.” “It’s thanks to Master’s education! It is the master who is amazing!” John looked at me with increasingly impressed, enthralled eyes. “Okay, come up with a plan.” “Yes!” John nodded broadly, then switched his expression and asked timidly, “Master ......, where did the ten points go wrong?” “You just appealed directly to me, prepared to be punished–prepared to die.” “It’s the same with me and for others. People are treasures. Don’t risk death for nothing.” “—! Understood! As expected of Master. ......” John seems to have grasped a lot of things. Because I want to bring him back to the heart of the Empire eventually, I will teach him what I can when we meet. I was satisfied that I could do something about it.	翌朝、俺は朝日の中目覚めた。目を覚まして、ベッドから起き上がると、ほぼ同時に寝室のドアがノックされた。「ご主人様、よろしいでしょうか」寝起きでまだ開ききらないまぶたを閉じたままで応じる。するとドアが開き、気配で数人、部屋に入ってくるのが分かった。先頭にいるのはドアをノックして許可を求めてきたメアリーだろう。それ以外は彼女の使用人だろうが――。リヴァイアサンの気配が微かに揺れたのを感じた。例の俺に敵意を剥き出しにしている少女がいるのだな、と。リヴァイアサンの相変わらずの忠犬ぶりに、思わず笑みがこぼれた。「失礼します。おみ足を」俺はベッドから降りて、自分の両足ですっくと立ち上がった。目蓋は閉じたまま、全身を脱力する。すると、メアリーが慣れた手つきで俺の寝間着を脱がせてくれた。俺はあくまで自然体のまま脱がされて全裸になった。長年親王邸で使用人をやっていたメアリーも、当然主の裸になにか反応することなく朝の身支度をやってくれた。が、他の使用人たちは違った。俺が全裸になると、全員に動揺したのが気配で分かった。「申し訳ございませんご主人様――あなた達、手が止まっているわよ」「すみません!!」俺に一言断ってからの、メアリーの叱責。それをきっかけに、使用人達が動き出した。基本はやっぱり、メアリーだ。俺の服を脱がせ、新しい服を着せて。髪をとかし顔を洗う。特に耳の中を丁寧に蒸しタオルでふやかし、綺麗にしてくれた。これはオードリーと出会った頃くらいに教わったことだ。オードリーは、普通は見ない・見えない所こそ綺麗にすべきだという持論の持ち主だった。それは政道にもつながる事で、俺は素直に取り入れた。それ以来、親王邸の使用人達には、毎朝特に耳のあたりを綺麗にしてもらっている。それをメアリーが、親王邸にいた頃と同じ感覚でやってくれた。耳のまわりが綺麗になった頃には、俺の眠気も完全にさえた。「ごくろう」「恐れ入ります、ご主人様。では――」「ああ、少し待て。メアリーと――その子は残ってくれ」俺は気配で感じ取った、件の少女を指名した。少女は驚き、より一層俺に警戒したのがわかった。「かしこまりました。ではあなた達、先に戻っていなさい」「「はい」」メアリーの命令に、他の使用人達は疑問にも思うことなく、部屋から出て行った。俺の目の前に、メアリーと例の少女だけが残った。「お前、名前は?」「え?」少女は戸惑った。「ご主人様から直接聞かれるは光栄なことなのよ。聞かれたことを素直に答えなさい」「は、はい。アイビーって、言います」少女――アイビーは緊張気味で答えた。俺の事を警戒して敵意めいたものを向けては来るものの、実際は「主人の主人」と直接会話することは緊張するようだ。俺はくすっと笑った。「そう緊張しなくていい。メアリー、いい子を拾ったな」「はい。今いる子達のなかで一番賢い娘です」「そうだろうな。俺の世話なんてやり慣れてないだろうに、それでもお前のサポートは上手くやってた。あんなふうにテキパキ先読みしていいあんばいでやれるのはなかなかいない」「さすがご主人様、ご慧眼恐れ入りました。私もそれが出来るようになったのは、ご主人様に拾われて一年経った位の頃です」「お前はお前で並以上には物覚えがよかった」「世辞を言ってるつもりは無いぞ。ジョンを外に出したのは、お前がいざっていう時のブレーキ役、サポート役ができると思ったからだ」「......」メアリーは驚き、言葉を失った。「ジョンお前わせて1.5――通常の家人の1.5倍は期待できると踏んで外に出した」「――っ! ありがとうございます!! ご主人様にそこまで褒めていただけて......感謝の言葉もないです」メアリーは言葉通り、感涙してボロボロと泣き出した。「そう泣くな。褒めているのだからな」「は、はい。ありがとうございます!」「今の事はジョンには話すな、お前が上手くジョンを乗りこなせ。お前がいればジョンは上手く功績を積めるだろう。そうしたら頃合いをみてジョンを中枢に呼び戻して、今以上に働いてもらう」「はい! ちゃんとあの人のフォローをします」メアリーへの激励が済んで、俺は改めてアイビーを見た。「しかし残念だ。余が先に見つけていればな」そうならアイビーを連れていったのに、という意味で言った。すると、メアリーがその場で俺に跪いてきた。「ご主人様、是非彼女を連れて行って下さい」「メアリー様!?」メアリーにいきなりそんなことを言われて、アイビーは悲鳴に近い声を上げて、信じられないような目でメアリーを見つめた。「ん? いいのか? 手元に置いておきたくはないのか?」「もちろんです。こんなところでくすぶっているより、ご主人様の下で学んだ方が断然彼女のためになります」「一概にそうともいえんがな」俺はふっと笑った。まあでも、悪いようにするつもりもない。「メアリー様! 私は、メアリー様にまだご恩を返していないです。だから――」「おバカ! これ以上の恩返しは無いのよ」「え?」戸惑うアイビー。さっきとは違う意味で、どういう事なのか? とメアリーを見つめる。「陛下は常々『人は宝』だとおっしゃってるの」メアリーはそこで一旦言葉を切って、俺の方をみた。俺は無言で頷き、それを肯定してやった。するとメアリーは再びアイビーの方をむき、更に続ける。「陛下のお眼鏡にかなう人間を献上出来るなんて、どんな金銀財宝を献上することよりも素晴らしい事よ」「そうだな。100万リィーンに匹敵するな」「そ、そんなに......?」せっかくだから、具体的な数字を口にした。アイビーはますます驚いた。「......ほ、本当に。メアリー様への恩返しに......?」アイビーはおそるおそる、俺とメアリーの顔を見比べ、うかがうように聞いてきた。「うむ」「わ、わかりました。ついて......いきます」アイビーはおずおずと言った。まだメアリーへの恩返しで、という感じだが、例えそうだとしても有望そうな人材を手にしたという事に変わりは無い。その事に、朝から満足感を得て、今日はいい一日になりそうだと何となく思ったのだった。朝食の後、俺はジョンの護衛で出発した。ジョンは馬車を用意してくれて、自分の管轄の境まで護衛するといった。それを受け入れつつ、ジョンを馬車に同乗させて、向かい合って座る。「アイビーの様な子供は」「年間どれくらい引き取っている」「えっと、十人か、もうちょっとか......」ジョンは答えつつ、「なんでそんなことを聞くの?」って不思議そうな顔をしていた。「お前達夫婦の生活を圧迫してるだろ。賄賂とかもらわない限り、お前の俸禄じゃそんなに保護できないし養えないはずだ」「そ、それは......もちろん! 賄賂なんか誓ってもらってはないです」「しってる。人間は普段の生活が空気にでる。お前からは上品なのも成金なのも感じない。それは疑っていない」「ありがとうございます!」「むしろ逆だ。何も受け取ってないならお前達夫婦の生活を圧迫しているのではないかという話だ」「は、はい......だ、大丈夫です、それは。メアリーも分かってくれてます」ジョンはまっすぐ俺を見つめ、力強く言い切った。そりゃわかるだろう、メアリーも出自は同じなんだから。「余の目的を話してやろう」「は、はあ......」まったく脈絡のない話をされて、困惑してるのがありありと見て取れた。「ジョンは、余が何のために皇帝をやっていると思う?」「ノア様の志は家人がみな理解してます!」うってかわって、ジョンは強く力説した。「俺達のような人間でも安心して過ごせるような、泰平の世を作りあげることです」俺はフッと微笑みながら、言った。ジョンは目を見開くほど驚いた。今の答えがこんなに点数が低いとは思ってもなかった顔だ。「それは間違ってはいないが、目的ではない。余の中ではむしろ『手段』に分類される」「目的......手段......」「世の真の目的は、余を見いだし、帝位を譲ってくださった先帝陛下を名君にすること」「へ、陛下はしっかりと名君――」「今はそうであろう。しかし余に失政があれば、歴史書では後継者を見る目がなかったと一筆が加えられる。だから、余の代では大きな動乱があってはならない。何があってもだ」「......オスカー様がなんか企んでるんですか?」ジョンが急にそんなことを言い出した。今度は俺が驚いた。ジョンの察し方にびっくりした。それはそうだ。オスカーの野心は未だに消えていない。帝位を虎視眈々と狙っている。万が一オスカーが帝位を狙って乱を起こせば、歴史書ではそれは先帝のミスとして書き加えられる。オスカーは第八親王、俺はもと王だ。俺がもし第一親王――長男であれば帝位をもらったあとの反乱は父上のミスには見られないのだが、十三親王だからどうしたって父上が「あえて」という形になる。あえて俺を選んだのに、その結果兄弟不和からの反乱が起こった。だから俺からすれば、オスカーの動向は常に気を配っていて、警戒している相手だ。それを、ジョンが読み取った。俺はふっと微笑み、答えた。「そんな事はない。あるはずがない。あってはならない」三段活用的な俺の言い方に、ジョンはますます顔を険しくさせた。ないないないの三連発だが、事実上あると言ってるような物だ。「ご主人様。俺、いつでもいけます。いや、なんかあったら勝手に暴走真顔でいうジョン。それはつまり、自分が鉄砲玉としてオスカーを暗殺すると言う話だ。「押さえろ。余の家人がそうなったら、家人の制御もできなかった男に帝位を渡した先帝に――ということになる」「す、すみません!!」ジョンはハッとして、慌てて頭を下げた。「そういうわけだから、余の目的がそうである以上、オスカーには手をだせん。お前もだすな」「はい! さすがご主人様。俺達は不思議だったんです、ご主人様がなんであんなにオスカー様をあまやかすんだろうって」「ふっ、目的がそうだからそうせざるをえないだけだ」俺は横を向いた。馬車の壁越しに遠くをみつめる、ものすごく遠い目をした。まあ、それは今どうでもいい。俺はジョンに振り向いた。「お前の察しがよくて話が早い。目的に応じて、手段が変わるのは分かったな?」「はい!」「では、お前の目的はなんだ?」「俺の......」「どんな目的で子供達を引き取っている?」「......っ!!」しばらく考えた後、ジョンはハッとした。その顔のまま俺を見つめることしばし。そして――。「ご主人様、この土地で救貧院を作りたいのですが、許可をいただけますか?」俺はジョンを褒めた。「そうだ。貧民を救いたいということなら公的にやればいい、なんなら余に直訴すればいい。余は名君たらんとしているから、その手の話は無下には却下しない」「はい!」「よくやった。賢いなお前は」「ご主人様の教育のおかげです! すごいのはご主人様です!!」ジョンは言葉通り、ますます感動した、心酔しきった目で俺を見つめた。「おって沙汰を下す、計画を練っておけ」ジョンは大きく頷いたあと、表情を切り替え、おそるおそる聞いてきた。「ご主人様......足りなかった十点はなんですか?」「お前は今、処罰覚悟――死を覚悟して直訴しただろ」「余に対しても他に対してもそうだ。人は宝だ、死を覚悟して何かをするのはやめろ」「――っ! わかりました!! さすがご主人様だ......」ジョンはいろいろ理解してくれたようだ。いずれ帝国の中枢に呼び戻したい人材だから、会えるときに教えられるだけ教えておこうと。それが出来たことに、俺は満足したのだった。
	Even after Henry left, Shirley and Jessica’s mock battle continued. I intently watched the battle between the two of them. Shirley is a serious and earnest person. When she concentrates, she will use her blade to achieve her goal, regardless of whether it’s a Prince or not, just as she did during the knight selection process. Jessica is a similar woman. From the moment I ordered her to ‘fight seriously,’ the atmosphere around her changed completely, and she released a fighting spirit that was sharper and more refined than the warriors of the past. It was beautiful to watch these two clash and fight with sparks flying both physically and mentally. It was so beautiful that I wanted to watch it forever. And, that was my mistake. Serious fights, even if they are mock battles, can easily cross the line. Shirley flicked Jessica’s sword, and with a stagnant movement, a lightning-fast thrust went straight for Jessica’s chest– “Not good!” I instinctively snagged my middle finger on my thumb and flicked it back with a recoil. A chunk of air flew straight up and hit Shirley’s longsword. Shirley stared in dismay as the longsword was flicked from her hand, whirled around, and stuck into the ground far away. And Jessica, who was closed in, had fallen on her backside. “That’s enough.” As I said that, they both came to their senses at once. I should apologize to them for putting them in danger because of my indulgence in fun. “Sorr–.” “That’s amazing! As expected of Your Majesty!” “Just now that was a...... chunk of air. Did you just flicker a chunk of pure ...... air?” Shirley was overjoyed and praised me innocently. Jessica was surprised, and then gazed at me with fascinated eyes and a blush on her cheeks. “Mu” It was very difficult when those two gave me such looks. “......That’s enough for now. Jessica, go get changed. Let’s go to father’s place.” “Understood.” Jessica’s atmosphere instantly switched. She was a warrior before, but in an instant, she changed her air into that of a noble lady. I watched Jessica’s back as she read my intention and returned to the mansion to change into her dress, and I reflected on what I had just done. And ....... I took Jessica, who had changed into her dress, and requested an audience with my father. It was the meeting between the Emperor and the retired Emperor which, in some cases, is accompanied by a rather solemn ceremony, but Father let us through into the garden and himself appeared in plain clothes. “Father.” “Umu, welcome, Noah. So that’s the new concubine, huh.” Even after he gave up his position as emperor to me, his information network is still strong. It seems that he is fully informed of Jessica becoming my concubine. That’s good, saves me the trouble of explaining. “Jessica, your greetings.” Jessica stepped forward and bowed to her father. It was an impeccable bow, perfectly executed in the manner of a noblewoman, a common concubine. It’s natural, but the etiquette of Empress, direct concubines, side concubines, and common concubines differs greatly depending on their ranks. And today, Jessica showed off her perfect manners as a common concubine. “Well, she’s quite a woman, isn’t she?” “I also think so.” “Also, I heard she’s an expert swordswoman, let’s see what she can do.” “I do beg your pardon, father.” After what had happened with Shirley, I thought it would be best to leave that for another time. Father glanced at me for a moment but said ‘I see’ and withdrew without complaint. “So you intend to have the girl accompany the subjugation army.” I nodded quietly, knowing that my father was quick with words. “Yes, I intend to.” “Shouldn’t the flowers remain in the vase?” “People are treasures, Father.” “Fumu?” “And there’s still half a treasure left untouched. Jessica is only the beginning.” “I see. Fufu, that’s just like Noah.” Father laughed happily. This shows that at least he likes my idea. “So I would like to ask father for assistance.” “What do you want me to do?” “Anyone who opposes this should attempt to appeal directly to father.” “...... Umu, I have ten times as many concubines as Noah. And one would think that I would be the most affected because of Noah.” Actually, nothing will be affected – I didn’t dare to say the words because I communicated that through eye contact with my father. Even if I break the tradition by publicly announcing that I will make the consort my subordinate, it will have no real effect on my father. However, the format may change. There’s no doubt that those who oppose it will run to my father to get to the bottom of it. “All right, I’ll take care of it.” “Thank you very much, Father.” I bowed lightly, and Jessica did the same, silently, at my side. A concubine is someone who treats her husband with respect. Jessica, who is a common concubine, played the role perfectly. “But,...... it’s been so long since your accession to the throne and yet there are only two ...., Noah, why don’t you add more at once?” “All at ...... once?” Father’s air changed drastically. He seemed to be serious, but in fact, he was teasing. It’s almost the same as when an old relative asks, ‘Aren’t you married yet?'[TN: I know that feeling] “A man should always have a woman’s scent on him.” “Haah.” “The blood of the battlefield and a woman in his bed chamber are two essential smells for a man, Noah. And having or so concubines will push Noah to the next level.” “That would be more than you, father.” “That’s fine, that should be minimum for a man of Noah’s caliber.” It was a tremendous recognition. But even without such recognition- people are treasures. “If I can find one, I will, father. I want quality, not quantity.” “Fumu, that’s all right.” Our conversation ended there, and I took Jessica and dismissed ourselves from the palace. After we left the palace, Jessica spoke softly to me. “Your Majesty.” “Hmm, what is it?” “I am heading for subjugation, but should I look over the women among the enemies, prisoners of war, and locals?” “It’s because of Father’s words, huh.” Jessica looked at me with a straight face. She’s not joking and doesn’t look like she’s trying something. She is only asking if she should do it, as she intended. And as soon as I give the order, she’ll do it seriously. “That’s not–aah no.” I swallowed the words I was about to say and replaced them with something else. “You heard what I said to my father, didn’t you? Quality is better than quantity. Bring me only those women you think are worthy from your viewpoint.” “—-Yes!” Jessica nodded greatly, taking my words as a sign of confidence. I was alone in the study of the detached palace, and I brought out Apophis. I took a deep breath and commanded Apophis, “Do it.” I could feel a slight hesitation from Apophis, but it still obeyed fearfully because it was my order. “—–Gghh!” The next moment, poison rushed through my body. It was Apophis’s poison. It was so poisonous that it spread over my body in an instant—. “Erase it” –With that command, it was gone. “...... haaaa!” I spat out what was rising from the bottom of my stomach. It was purplish blood. Poisonous blood, the proof of having been poisoned. After spitting out most of it, I said, “Apophis, one more time.” This time, its hesitation was shortened, and it obeyed my order again, letting the poison circulate through my body. And then erased it again. “...... I–see.” I experienced the poison and its disappearance twice in my own body. The sensation is almost precisely what I expected. When Apophis erases its poison, it does not make it disappear into anything at all but neutralizes it with the exact opposite force. That opposite power was what I wanted now. I knew it was there – three times. To better feel what I know is there. “Apophis, do it–erase it.” I took the poison into my body again. I spit out the poisoned blood again. Purple blood spread all over the floor. Thanks to that, I found what I wanted. I reached out and concentrated all my attention on my outstretched index finger. Before long, a glistening, transparent drop oozes from the tip of my finger. The Ministry of War, the Minister Prince’s office. I entered the room without knocking, and Henry said, ‘Who is it!’ but when he saw my face, he hurriedly got up from his chair. “I apologize for not knowing that Your Majesty was here.” He said as he knelt down on the spot. “Good, more than that, what about the reports? And Jessica you can make yourself comfortable.” Jessica, who had been talking with Henry, knelt the same way, so I helped them both to their feet. “So ...... what brings His Majesty here?” “Ahh, I had something to talk to Jessica about. And I thought if Henry could have a look at it, it would make it easier for me to assign it for the subjugation.” I said so and took a small bottle out of my pocket. A pale blue liquid was shimmering in the bottle. “I thought I’d give this to Jessica to take with her. It’s just a prototype, but I’ll have a few of them for you by the due date.” “What is it?” “Look.” First I slit my wrist with my knife-hand. It was a pretty deep cut, and the blood was pouring out. Henry and Jessica, who had prepared themselves for what I was about to do, were surprised. “Your Majesty!” “It’s all right, just watch.” I stopped them, and I sprayed the liquid from the vial onto the wound on my wrist. The wound, which should have been a deep cut, instantly closed. “What!” “I made this. Jessica, take this with you.” “Y-You don’t mean to tell me that’s the Legendary potion?” Henry asked, astonished. “Potion? What is it?” “You know that ancient civilizations that once flourished in the past had ‘recovery magic,’.” It’s ancient magic that has been completely lost. “Even if there is recovery magic, magic cannot be used by everyone. That’s why magic potions were made, which have the same effect as recovery magic.” “I see, that makes sense.” “Can it really heal injuries?” “If it is only a cut. If the injury is so severe that the body parts are missing, it can only close the wound in an instant.” “It is the legendary potion itself...... Did His Majesty make this?” “Yeah, I made it.” “As expected ...... sasuga, Your Majesty.” But, the one who was most surprised was Henry. Leaving Henry as he was, I turned to Jessica. I handed her the potion. I made this potion when I saw that she and Shirley were almost injured in the mock battle, and I tried to do something about it. “Jessica.” “You are also my concubine. Keep your body safe and use it as soon as you are injured.” Jessica was moved and knelt down on the spot. On the other hand, Henry, when he saw the potion. “Amazing,...... if there were more of this,...... it would change the flow of the war,.......” He had a serious look.	ヘンリーが帰った後も、シャーリーとジェシカの模擬戦は続いた。の戦いを、俺はじっと食い入るように見つめていた。シャーリーは真面目気な女だ。集中すれば騎士選抜の時の様に、親王である俺でも構わず、目的の為に平気で刃を突き立ててくる。ジェシカも似たような女だ。俺が「本気で戦え」と命じた瞬間から纏う空気が一変して、どの歴戦の戦士よりも鋭く、洗練された闘気を放っている。そんな二人がぶつかり合い、物理的にも精神的にも火花を散らす戦いは美しかった。いつまでも見ていたいと思うほど美しかった。だから、これは俺のミスだ。真剣の戦いは、例え模擬戦であっても簡単に一線を踏み越えてしまう。シャーリーがジェシカの剣をはじいて、淀みのない動きで電光石火の突きがジェシカの胸にまっすぐ伸びていく―― 「いかん!」とっさに中指を親指に引っかけ、反動をつけてはじいた。はじかれ飛ばされた空気の塊がまっすぐ飛んでいき、シャーリーのロングソードをはじいた。手からはじかれたロングロード、ぐるぐる回って遠く離れた地面に突き刺さったのを、呆然と見つめるシャーリー。そして王手をかけられ、尻餅ついたままの格好のジェシカ。「そこまでだ」俺がそう言うと、二人は一斉に我に返った。俺が楽しみに耽ってしまったせいで二人を危険にさらした、謝らないと。「すま――」「すごいです! さすが陛下!」「今のは......空気の塊。純粋な空気の塊を飛ばしてきた......?」シャーリーは無邪気に喜び、俺を褒め称えた。ジェシカは驚きつつも、頬を染めて心酔しきった目で俺を見つめた。「むっ」二人してそんな目をされるとものすごくやりにくい。「......取り敢えずそこまでだ。ジェシカ、着替えてこい。父上のところに行く」「わかりました」ジェシカは一瞬で空気を切り替えた。さっきまでは歴戦の戦士だったのが、一瞬で高貴な貴婦人に纏う空気を変えた。俺の意図を読み、ドレスに着替えるため屋敷に戻っていくジェシカの後ろ姿を眺めて、俺は今の事を反省し。そして......。ドレスに着替えたジェシカを連れて、父上に謁見を求めた。皇帝と上皇の面会、場合によってはかなり荘厳な儀式とともに行われるものだが、父上は俺達を庭園に通して、自身は平服のまま姿を現わした。「父上」「うむ、よくきたなノア。ほう、それが新しい妃か」皇帝の座を俺に譲って、上皇になった後も父上の情報網は健在のようだ。ジェシカが俺の新しい妃になったことは完全に筒抜けのようだ。それはいい、説明の手間が省けた。「ジェシカ、挨拶を」ジェシカは一歩前に進み出て、しずしずと父上に一礼した。貴婦人の――庶妃の作法を完璧におこなった文句のつけようがない一礼だ。当たり前の事だが、皇后、嫡妃、側妃、庶妃と、位によって礼儀作法がまったく異なる。昨日の今日で、ジェシカは庶妃として完璧な作法を披露してみせた。「ほう、なかなかの女ではないか」「余もそう思う」「剣術も達者だと聞いたが、見せてくれぬか」「それは容赦願いたい父上」シャーリーとの一件があったから、それはまた今度にして欲しいと思った。父上は少し俺を見たが、食い下がることなく「そうか」と引き下がった。「で、その娘を討伐軍に随行させるつもりなのだな」やはり父上は話が早い、と、俺は静かにうなずいた。「はい、そのつもりです」「花は花瓶に生けたままでよいのではないか?」「人は宝です、父上」「ふむ?」「そして手つかずの宝は半分も残っています。ジェシカは始まりの一人に過ぎません」「そうか。ふふ、ノアらしいな」父上は楽しげに笑った。これで少なくとも俺の考えには好意的なのが分かった。「ですので、父上にもご協力願いたい」「何をすればいい」「これに反対するものは、父上に直訴を試みるはずです」「......うむ、余はノアの十倍は妃をもっている。ノアのそれで余がもっとも影響を受けると考えるであろう」実際はなにも影響を受けないけど――とは、父上とのアイコンタクトで通じ合ったから、あえて言葉にはしなかった。俺が妃を部下にすると公言し、その伝統を壊したとしても、父上には実質何の影響も出ない。しかし形式としては変わることもある。そこをついて、反対する連中が父上のところに駆け込むのは間違いない。「わかった、その事は任せよ」「ありがとうございます、父上」俺が軽く頭を下げた、ジェシカも無言ながら、俺のそばで同じように頭を下げた。妃というのは夫をたてるもの。庶妃になりきっているジェシカは完璧にそれを演じた。「しかし......即位してからこれだけ経つのに、まだ二人とは......もっと一気に増やさぬかノア」「一気に......ですか?」父上の空気が一変した。真剣のように見えて、その実からかっている口ぶり。親戚の老人が「まだ結婚しないのか」って言ってくるあれとほぼ同じだ。「男子たるもの、常に女の匂いをくっつけておくべきだ」「はあ」「戦場の返り血と閨の女、この二つの匂いは男には必要不可欠だぞノア。100人くらい妃を持て、それがノアを更なる上のステージへ押し上げる」「それでは父上よりも多くなってしまいます」「それでよい、ノアの器を考えればそれが最低限だ」ものすごい評価をされた。が、そんな評価がなくとも――人は宝だ。「見つかればそうします、父上。数ではなく質が欲しいので」「ふむ、それもよかろう」話はそこで終わり、俺はジェシカを連れて、辞して宮殿から立ち去った。宮殿を出た後、ジェシカはそっと話しかけてきた。「陛下」「ん、なんだ?」「討伐に向かうのですが、敵や捕虜、現地などで女を見繕った方がよろしいのでしょうか」「父上の話か」ジェシカは真顔で俺を見つめている。冗談ではない、何か試しているという顔でもない。言葉通り、やるべきなのかと聞いてきている。そして、命令さえあれば本気で、という顔でもある。「そんなのは――ああいや」俺は言いかけた言葉を飲み込んで、別の言葉に代えた。「父上との話を聞いてたな? 量より質だ。お前のメガネにかなって、ふさわしいと思う女だけつれてこい」「――はい!」俺の言葉を信頼と正しく受け取って、ジェシカは大きく頷いた。離宮の書斎、一人になった俺は、アポピスを出した。一つ深呼吸して、アポピスに命じる。「やれ」アポピスからわずかなためらいの感情が伝わってきたが、それでも俺の命令だから、とおそるおそる従った。「――ぐふっ!」次の瞬間、俺の体に毒が駆け巡った。アポピスの毒だ。その猛毒は一瞬でまわり―― 「消せ」 ――命令とともに消えた。「......がはっ!」腹の底からこみ上げてきたものを吐き出した。紫色をした血だ。毒に犯された証である毒血。それをあらかた吐きだした後。「もう一回だ、アポピス」今度は迷いが短くなって、再び俺の命令に従って、俺の体に毒を回らせた。そして、再び消す。「......なる、ほど」二度にわたる、毒とそれが消えた瞬間を自分の体で体験した俺。その感覚は、ほとんど予想した通りのものだ。アポピスが自分の毒を消すとき、全くの無にするのではなく、正反対の力でそれを中和させている。その正反対の力が、俺が今欲しい物だった。それがあると分かって―。あると分かるものを、もっとよく感じるために。「やれアポピス――消せっ」俺は、再び毒を自分の体に受けた。また毒の血を吐き出す。床一面に紫色の血が広がった。そのおかげで欲しい物が見つかった、判明した。俺は手を伸ばして、つきだした人差し指に全神経を集中する。やがて、指先からきらりと光る、透明の雫がにじみ出る――。兵務省、親王大臣室。ノック無しに入室した俺に、ヘンリーは一瞬「何者だ!」と誰何したが、俺の顔を見るなり慌てて椅子から立ち上がった。「陛下がおいでとは知らず失礼しました」と、その場でひざまづいた。「よい、余が通報しなくていいと言ったのだ。ジェシカも楽にしていい」ヘンリーと話をしていたジェシカも同じようにひざまづいたから、二人を立たせた。「それで......陛下がおいでになったのは?」「ああ、ジェシカに話があってな。ヘンリーにも見てもらった方が討伐での割り振りをしやすいと思ってな」俺はそう言って、懐から小瓶を取り出した。瓶の中に薄青い液体が揺らめいている。「これをジェシカに持たせようと思ってな。まだ試作品だが、期日までに数を揃える」「それはなんでしょうか?」「見ていろ」俺はまず、手刀で自分の手首を斬った。結構深く斬って、どくどくと血が流れ出す。俺が何かをする、と分かって身構えていたヘンリーもジェシカも驚いた。「陛下!」「いいから見ていろ」二人を制止して、小瓶の液体を手首の傷に振りかけた。すると、深く斬ったはずの傷が一瞬で塞がった。「なっ!」「これを作った。ジェシカはこれを持っていけ」「そ、それはまさか――伝説のポーション?」ヘンリーが驚愕しながら言った。「ポーション? なんだそれは」「かつて、栄華を誇った古代文明に『回復魔法』なる物があるというのは陛下もご存じのはず」完全に失われた古代魔法の事だな。「回復魔法があっても、魔法は誰にでも使えるものではない。そこで回復魔法と同等の効果がある、魔道具『ポーション』が作られていたわけです」「なるほど、道理だ」「本当に怪我が癒えるのですか?」「切り傷程度ならば。肉体が欠損するほどの大けがだと、一瞬で傷を塞ぐ程度でしかないが」「伝説のポーションそのものです......これを陛下が?」「ああ、作った」「なんという......さすが陛下でございます」ヘンリーは、今までで一番びっくりしていた。そんなヘンリーを置いといて、ジェシカと向き合う。ポーションを渡す。彼女とシャーリーが模擬戦で怪我をしそうになったのを見て、それを何とかしようと作ったポーション。「ジェシカ」「お前は余の妃でもある。肉体は綺麗なままに、怪我を負ったらすぐに使え」ジェシカは感激して、その場でひざまづいた。一方で、ポーションを見たヘンリーは。「すごい......これがもしもっとあれば......戦争の形が変わる......」と、真剣な顔をしていた。
	With the loss of the ringleader, the Almeria rebellion was quickly put down by Brother Henry. The cheers of the ministers echoed in the audience room of the royal palace where the news was delivered. The messenger who brought back the news knelt before His Majesty and continued. “Most of those who plotted the rebellion have been captured. We wish to seek Your Majesty’s approval.” His Majesty nodded quietly. The expression on his face is calm – it’s not that he’s unconcerned. Rather, he was furious, as if he was about to blow fire from his eyes. “Tell Henry to bring every single one of them to the capital.” “Yes!” “How do you intend to do this?” After the messenger had left, the First Vizier stepped out of the ministerial line and asked His Majesty about his intentions. “It’ s clear, I will not allow any rebellion in Noah’ s territory. Prepare the oxen and horses, they will dismember the whole clan.” Understanding from His Majesty’s tone that his anger was genuine, the ministers agreed with him verbatim. “Your Majesty,” I left the queue and got down on one knee next to the First Vizier. “Wait for me, Noah. I’ll get them —-“ “With all due respect, Your Majesty. This is not allowed.” “– ripped to pieces at ...... what?” His Majesty was surprised, and the other ministers were buzzing at the same time. An act of outright disagreement with the enraged emperor. Several ministers, famous for their weaknesses, were already pale in the face. “What do you mean, Noah?” The tone of His Majesty’s voice lowered as well. Though the words were directed at me, several ministers shuddered in a jolt. Their reactions were like indirect proof of the emperor’s authority. I raised my face without hesitation and looked at His Majesty. “Punishment should only be in accordance with the law.” After confronting the basic premise first. “Under Imperial Law, the ringleader of the rebellion is punished by beheading, the third degree and any co-conspirators are punished up to and including hanging, and the rest of them, based on the degree of their involvement. Although beheading is a conventional way to punish, no such punishment exists under Imperial law.” “But they have smeared dirt on Noah’s face.” His Majesty raised his eyebrows and insisted on that, but I passed it off. “If the emperor takes the initiative to break the law, it will cause disorder in the land. Please reconsider.” “......” His Majesty was silent. The ministers watched the course of events holding their breaths. A heavy silence passed between audiences. “...... Fuu. Noah’s reasoning is correct.” After a moment, His Majesty murmured. I could clearly hear someone – or several people – exhale in obvious relief. “Well done, Noah. For admonishing me for my mistakes.” “But that would not satisfy me. The punishment should be the heaviest within the limits of the law and should not be reduced in any way. So be it.” “No problem at all, sir.” I bowed my head once and then continued further. “In past rebellions, there were many cases where even the third degree of the ringleader was overlooked because of the pity of the children or babies. If His Majesty is of that opinion, I think that is something we should pay special attention to.” A child of a nobleman is not just a child. There are countless examples of fallen or ruined houses being revived or avenged by surviving children. Especially in the case of rebellion. In the aristocracy, the conspirators can be overlooked, but the ringleader’s children must be eradicated. So I advised him to do so, and His Majesty nodded, “You have made me well aware of this.” “Third Vizier,” “Yes!” The Third Vizier, Jean-Brad Reydouk, called by His Majesty, bowed quietly from the line. “You’ve heard the story. I leave this matter to you.” That almost decided the treatment of those who had planned the rebellion. At the same time, as if to dispel the heavy atmosphere that had been created earlier, a different kind of voice was raised. “As expected of His Imperial Highness the Thirteenth. I didn’t expect him to be so direct.” “And yet he never looked back, never blinked, just spoke his mind to His Majesty.” “A genius gifted by the gods, a child prodigy.” The ministers said this to each other. Hearing that, His Majesty’s anger from earlier was nowhere to be found, and his mood became better. “Noah!” “If I make a mistake, you have to correct it.” ” Today it’ s ...... hmmm, the only reason I didn’t leave a bad name in history is because of Noah. There should be some kind of reward for that.” His Majesty put a hand to his chin and thought about it. Unlike the silence of earlier, this time everyone is at ease with the idea of what the reward for me will be. “Umu, it’s been decided. Let’s give you a title.” A moment later, there was a stir. In the past, only a select few princes could be the imperial prince. Nowadays, under imperial law, a prince had the status of imperial prince from birth. In terms of rank, above the imperial prince was the Emperor, which meant that the imperial prince would never rise to the top, so to speak. The idea was to give the title to the prince because there was no other reward for his achievements. “Noah’s admonition was well done. My son can only remonstrate against me, but what makes it right is its irreplaceable quality. To make his wisdom known throughout the world, I will give him the title of ‘wise’.” After His Majesty said that, there was another stir. “Long live Master Noah, long live the Wise Prince!” A cheer arose. ―――――――――――― Name: Noah Ararat Wise Prince Gender: Male Level: / ∞ HPFMPFStrengthF+FStaminaF+FIntelligenceF+FSpiritF+FSpeedFDexterityF+FLuckF+F FireFWaterE+SWindFEarthFLight FDarknessF And then my status changed, and I got a new title. “I am grateful and happy.” I kept my head down. His Majesty got up from his throne, got off the red carpet, and came over to me. I was on one knee and he came in front of me. “If only you’d been born a little sooner.” Three times, the stirring turned to a different quality. It had been a few weeks since I became the wise prince. On this day, I was in the Imperial City’s Horse Street Plaza – the largest plaza in the city. A stage is set up in the middle of the plaza, with tables and chairs on it. I was sitting in the chair, and there is a tea set on the table. Knight selection. We were holding that preliminary round. It went exactly the way I proposed to His Majesty before, and I just relaxed and let the people I was selecting attack me as they pleased. I didn’t do anything myself, instead the ring-linked Leviathan was blocking every attack. One by one, they came up to the stage and attacked me – completely blocked and left the stage in disappointment. “Damn, that’s impressive, considering it prevents all that magic.” “For such a small guy, he’s extraordinary.” “You’re being impolite. That man is the th Prince, no, the Wise Prince.” Since it was being held in the biggest plaza in the city, the crowd of onlookers came in torrents. I didn’t specify the criteria for passing, but it’s clear to everyone that all the challengers so far have failed. They’ve all attacked me, and they’ve all been perfectly defended by the Leviathan. In front of a large number of people, if you can’t even penetrate the defense of a relaxed child, the person doing it has to back down honestly. It’s already been half a day since I’ve been doing that. I was looking up at the western sky to see if the sun was about to set. “Heyaaaaaaaaaaah!” An attack was lobbed at me along with the energy of a cleaver. It was a girl in white armor. The girl thrust her sword out horizontally and rushed forward with a front hinge, as if to put her weight on it. Leviathan reacted to it, transforming the linked ring and using it as a shield to prevent it. So far, it’s just like that. Exactly the same as what we have selected hundreds of people for today alone. “This ...... thing, then!” The sound of the girl’s teeth clenching was heard with a grind. Right after that, the girl rushed even more forward, and at the same time, the shield cracked. This girl rushed further through a shield that no one was able to break through for a whole day. The cutting edge pierced my right shoulder. The person who did it was most surprised. She unconsciously pulled her hand away from her sword and backed away. “You!” “What the hell do you do!” A group of soldiers who had been guarding the stage came over and seized the girl on the spot. The people are buzzing below the stage. I looked at the shoulder that had been pierced. “Hmm.” I nodded. “Let her go.” “Eh? No, b-but. She’s guilty of hurting your highness–“ “I said, Let her go.” “—-!” The soldier who had seized the girl freaked out and moved away from her. The girl, stunned, raised her upper body only from the seized position and looked at me with eyes that said she didn’t know what had happened. I pulled out the sword, blood spurted out. “Master!” The maid who had been serving me all day – Zoe – rushed over to me, ripped off her own maid’s clothes and tended to my shoulder. “I-I’m really sorry!” The girl came to herself and got down on her knees to me. “Hmm? And also why are you on your knees?” “F ...... for hurting His Highness.” “Well, I never mentioned about a passing grade, but judging by what you just did, by all appearances, that was a passing grade, don’t you agree?” The girl paused. ” So that was enough to pass” “And she’ s been accepted.” “To someone who has pierced his shoulder, ...... such a big caliber of a person ......” As the onlookers buzzed around, the girl was still in a state of shock and didn’t come back.	首謀者を失ったアルメリアの反乱は、あっという間にヘンリー兄上によって鎮圧された。その知らせが届いた王宮の謁見の間で、大臣達の歓呼がこだました。知らせを持ち帰った伝令兵は陛下の前に跪きながら、更に続ける。「反乱を企てた者達はほとんど捕縛。陛下の裁可を仰ぎたい、とのことでございます」「うむ」陛下は静かにうなずいた。表情は平然としている――という訳ではなく。むしろ今にも目から火を吹きそうなくらい激怒している。「ヘンリーに伝えよ残らず都に連れてこいとな」「いかがなさるおつもりなのですか」伝令兵が去ったあと、第一宰相が大臣の列から出て、陛下に意図を聞いた。「決まっている、ノアの領地で反乱を起こすなど許さん。牛馬を用意しろ、一族郎裂きにしてくれる」陛下の口調から怒りが本物だと理解した大臣達は、口々にその意見に賛成した。「陛下」俺は列を出て、第一宰相の横で片膝をついた。「待っていろノア。今すぐ奴らを――」「恐れながら申し上げます陛下。それはまかりなりません」「――八つ裂きに......なに?」驚く陛下、同時に他の大臣らもざわつく。激怒している皇帝に真っ向から異を唱える行為。既に何人かの、気の弱いことで有名な大臣が顔を青ざめていた。「どういう事だ、ノア」陛下の声のトーンも低くなった。俺に向けられて発した言葉だが、何人かの大臣がビクッと震えた。その反応は、皇帝の権威を間接的に証明しているようなものだ。俺は平然と顔をあげて、陛下を見つめた。「刑罰はあくまで法に則るべき」と、大前提をまず突きつけてから。「帝国法では、造反の首謀者は斬胴の刑、そ等および共謀者は絞首まで、それ以外は関与の度合いに応じて斬首となっております。八つ裂きは慣用表現なれど、帝国法ではそのような刑罰は存在しません」「しかし、奴らはノアの顔に泥を塗ったのだぞ」陛下は眉をひそめてその事を主張したが、俺はスルーした。「皇帝が率先して法をやぶっては天下が乱れる原因となる。ご再考を」「......」陛下が黙った。大臣達は固唾を呑んで成り行きを見守った。謁見の間に重い沈黙が流れた。「......ふう。理はノアにあるな」しばらくして、陛下はそうつぶやいた。誰かが――いや何人かが明らかにほっとして息を吐いたのがはっきりと聞こえた。「よくやったノア。余の過ちを諫めてくれて」「いえ」「しかしそれでは余の腹が納まらぬ。量刑は法の範囲内で最も重く、減刑は一切無し。それならばよいな」「まったく問題ありません」俺は一度頭を下げてから、更に続けた。「過去に起こった反乱では、首謀者の三親等であっても子供や赤子は可哀想だからと見逃されるケースが多くございました。陛下がそのお考えなら、そこは特に注意すべき所かと」貴族の子はただの子供ではない。没落や滅ぼされた家が、生き延びた子供によって再興、あるいは復讐を遂げる事例は枚挙に暇が無い。反乱の場合とくにだ。共謀者は見逃せても、首謀者の子供は根絶やしにしなきゃならないのが貴族の世界だ。だから俺はそう進言した、そして陛下は「よく気づかせてくれた」と頷いた。「第三宰相よ」陛下に呼ばれて、第三宰相、ジャン=ブラッド・レイドークが列をでて静かに一礼した。「話は聞いていたな。この件はお前に任せる」それで反乱を企てた者の処遇がほとんど決まった。と同時に、さっきまでの重苦しい空気を払拭するかのように、別の種類の声が上がった。「さすが十三親王殿下。あれほどの直諫をなさるとは」「しかも顔色一つかえず、陛下に向かって朗々と意見を述べられた」「まさに天が授けた英才、麒麟児のごときお方」口々にそう話す大臣達。それを聞いて、陛下はさっきの激怒などどこへやら、って具合に機嫌がよくなっていった。「ノアよ」「はい」「これからも余に過ちがあれば正してくれ」「今日の所は......ふぅむ、余が歴史に汚名を残さずにすんだのはノアのおかげだ。何か褒美をあたえんとな」陛下はあごに手を当てて考えた。さっきの沈黙とは違って、今回は皆、気楽な感じで俺へ下賜される褒美が何なのかをまった。「うむ、決まった。称号を授けよう」瞬間、どよめきが走った。かつて、親王は一部の皇子しかなれなかった。現在では帝国法において、皇子は産まれながらにして親王の地位を持つ。位的に、親王の上は皇帝、つまり親王はいわゆる出世する事はない。ただそれでは功績を立てた親王にやれる褒美はないと言うことで、親王に称号をつけるという方法が考えられた。「ノアの諌言はよくやった。余に諌言できるのは子ならばできるが、それが正しいものなのは何物にも代えがたい素晴しい資質。その賢さを天下に知らしめるために――『賢』の字を与える」陛下がそう言うと、またどよめきが起きたあと。「「「ノア様万歳、賢親王万歳」」」歓呼の声が起きた。 ―――――――――――― 名前:ノア・アララート賢親王性別:男レベル:1/∞ 体力 F+F 地 F そして、俺のステータスも変わって、新しい肩書きになった。「ありがたき幸せ」俺はそのまま頭を下げた。陛下が玉座から立ち上がって、赤絨毯を降りて、こっちに来た。片膝をついてる俺の前にやってきた。「お前が、もう少し早く産まれてくれていたらなあ」三度、どよめきが違う質のものに変わったのだった。賢親王になってから数週間。この日、俺は帝都のホース通り広場――都で一番大きな広場にいた。広場の中央に舞台を立てて、その上にテーブルと椅子を置く。椅子には俺が座ってて、テーブルにはティーセットがある。騎士選抜。その予選をやっていた。前に陛下に提案した通りのやり方が通って、俺はくつろぎながら、選抜する相手に好きなように攻撃させていた。俺自身は何もしない、代わりに指輪とリンクしたレヴィアタンがことごとく攻撃を防いでいた。一人また一人と舞台に上がってきては、俺に攻撃して――完全に防がれて落胆して舞台を降りる。「おいおいすごいな、今の魔法も防いじまうのか」「あんなチビなのにとんでもないな」「お前それは不敬罪だぞ。あの方は十三親王、いや、賢親王様だぞ」都一番の大きな広場でやってることもあって、見物人は山のように集まって来た。俺は合格基準を明示してない、だが、今までの挑戦者が全員不合格なのは誰の目にも明らかだ。全員が全員、攻撃してきては、レヴィアタンに完璧に防がれている。大勢の前で、寛いでいる子供の防御すら貫けないとあっては、やる側も素直に引き下がらざるをえない。それをやり続けて、半日。そろそろ日が落ちるな、と西の空を見あげていると。「やああぁぁぁぁ!」裂帛の気合とともに、攻撃がしかけられてきた。白い鎧を纏った少女だった。少女は剣を水平に突き出し、体重を乗せるかのように前掛かりで突進してきた。それをレヴィアタンが反応して、リンクした指輪を変形させて、盾にして防ぐ。ここまではまるで一緒。今日だけで数百人を選考してきた内容とまったく一緒。「これ......しきの、ことで!」ぎりっ、と少女の歯ぎしりの音が聞こえた。直後、更に前掛かりになった少女、と同時に盾がひび割れた。丸一日誰も突破できなかった盾を突き破って、更に突進する少女。切っ先が、俺の右肩を貫通した。「――っ!」やった本人が一番驚いている。思わず剣から手を離して後ずさりした。「貴様!」「何をするか!」舞台の上で護衛をしていた兵士達がやってきて、少女をその場で取り押さえた。舞台の下では民衆がざわざわしている。俺は貫通された肩を見て。と頷いた。「彼女を離せ」「え? いやしかし。殿下を傷つけた罪人――」「離せと言っている」少女を取り押さえた兵士がビクッとして、少女から離れた。呆然とする少女、取り押さえられた体勢から上体だけを起こして、何が起きたのか分からないって目で俺をみた。俺は剣を抜いた、血が噴き出した。「ご主人様!」一日中ずっと俺の給仕をしていたメイド――ゾーイが慌てて駆け寄ってきて、自分のメイド服を裂いて俺の肩を手当てした。「も、申し訳ありません!」我に返った少女が俺に土下座した。「ん? なんでお前まで土下座する」「で......殿下を傷つけたから」「合格ラインは言ってないが、やらせたことからしてどう見ても今のは合格だろ?」少女はポカーンとなった。「あれで合格か」「しかも本選合格だって」「自分の肩を貫いた相手に......なんという器の大きさだ......」見物人達がざわざわする中、少女はポカーンとしたまま、中々
	I left the Great Hall and returned to the Study with His Majesty. I was the only one who was called to come with him. His Majesty returned to his desk and sat down in his chair as usual, and I faced him across the desk. “Well, Noah.” “Yes” “It’s about the hostages. What do you think about the idea of assigning one of the princesses as your concubine in order to give them a favor?” ” It would be better to have her as the wife of my son than as a mere hostage.” It would be a political marriage. This is a standard procedure. I thought about it for a while. His Majesty said, “Give them a favor.” That is the general policy that His Majesty thinks. With that as the starting point – or rather, the unmoving endpoint. He thought of something that would further benefit the empire, along with that. After a number of things raced through my mind like lightning, I bowed to His Majesty and replied. “I think it would be better not to take any hostages.” “Hou? Do you have any interesting ideas?” His Majesty looked at me with curious eyes. “Yes. First of all, we don’t need hostages. Mother and sister. Not many people can hold those as hostages and completely split, no matter how much they know they need them.” “Of course not.” “So, let’s send them back. Instead, we will supply them with the food that we have discussed earlier. I’ll send it in weekly shipments.” “Every week?” “Yes, just enough to feed the people of the Rushi Tsar, every week.” “And what will happen—–haa” His Majesty was about to ask when he realized it. He looked at me, first with surprise, then with a smirk on the corner of his mouth. “That’s intense, Noah.” With that one word, I was sure that he understood my intentions. I nodded and continued. “Yes, it’s all about baiting, sir. If we feed them, they will gradually become unable to stay away from this ration of food. Taking into account the fact that the supply will be cut off in case of emergency, this will become a de facto hostage.” “Umu, that’s right.” “Furthermore, if they become so dependent on this bait that they start to seek other sources of supply...” “Double-dealing- the first sign of betrayal. Is that what you mean?” I nodded quietly. “We’ll send food, we don’t need hostages. It could be a way to kill two birds with one stone, to ingratiate ourselves and at the same time hold their lifeline.” “Umu. That’s great, Noah. Okay, I’ll let you go ahead with that idea.” His Majesty seemed to be satisfied with my proposal. The next morning, I was at the residence of the Thirteenth Prince next to the Royal Palace. When I entered the fief, I left Dylan in charge of this place. Dylan, who had served me – the Thirteenth Prince – for many years, had maintained the mansion in the capital without a hitch. I had some business to attend to in the capital for a while longer, so I decided to stay here for the time being. Waking up in the morning in the room I had been familiar with for more than ten years, I had the maids I had left here get ready. Now, where to start today ....... “Call Shirley and the rest.” I ordered the maids and they immediately went to call them. As I headed to the living room, I waited while I sipped the tea the maid had made for me. After a while, two women came into the living room. Shirley Glans and Sheryl Hyde. Shirley was the only knight I took when I was a judge for the first time. Sheryl was an aspiring knight I had met before I met Indra, and after that, she was ambitious and promising, so I went in as a guest judge at the knight selection and brought her up. As soon as the two of them entered the room, they knelt down and bowed to me as I sat on the sofa. “You wanted to see us, Your Highness?” “Yes. I wanted to check out the results of your training. Checking your homework, I mean.” “I understand.” The two exchanged glances, and Shirley drew her sword first. “Aah, you can both come at me at the same time.” “Ehh? But...” “That is ......” “It’s fine, come now.” I said and stood up. Stepping forward, I faced the two head-on. They exchange another glance. Nodding at each other, they shake off their doubts. Sheryl, too, drew her sword and unleashed it. “Haaaah!” Shirley and Sheryl attacked from both sides as if they were pinning me down. I stood there and didn’t move. Shirley’s slash went into my neck, and Cheryl’s went into my waist. Ding! A high-pitched metallic sound rang out, and sparks flew. The two slashes were blocked. “Come again” “”Yes!!”” Both of them are knights that I selected myself as a selector. There was no hesitation in their attacks because they used the same methods as when I selected them. I didn’t even move to receive the attacks. The Armor Ring and the “absolute defense” of Leviathan and the other five bodies. There was only Leviathan who did this first. The Water Demon Sword and the Armor Ring were linked together to create an automatic defense shield away from the body. That method was something that I, and Leviathan and the others, were slowly getting used to. Now, they could put up a protective membrane that was almost like a thin layer of skin attached to the body. In addition, not only Leviathan, but also Bahamut, Fuwawa, Behemoth, and Apophis. They all have different specialties, and now they are able to better repel the attacks they are good at. Leviathan can accurately block water and slashes, while Bahamut can almost completely nullify fire and combat. Because of the skin-like covering on my body, from the side, it looks like I’m being slashed by both of them one way or the other without me doing anything, but the truth is that I have quite a bit of leeway. This can be seen from the fact that I’m standing there with a calm face, while the two who are attacking me are already drenched in sweat. The ferocious assault by the two continued for five minutes. It was like holding your breath for five minutes in a mad dash. The two of them were completely out of breath and fell to their knees on the spot. “Umu. Well done, both of you. Shirley has become more and more proficient with the weight of her blows, and Sheryl has become more and more proficient with her moves.” “T-thank you, .......” “Your Highness is becoming more and more ...... amazing.” “The distance between us just keeps getting further and further.” “You guys still seem to have a lot of room to grow. You should work harder.” The two responded in unison, putting their swords away and catching their breath. I didn’t say that to comfort them, but both Shirley and Cheryl have improved since the last time I checked on their training. There’s still room for them to get stronger if they continue to work hard, I really thought. Clap Clap Clap. Suddenly, I heard the sound of applause in the living room. I looked and saw that my brother Henry had arrived before I knew it. “Brother, when did you get here?” “Just arrived. Oh, don’t blame the servants. I told them they need not report it.” “I see. Please.” I told Shirley and Sheryl to leave and sat down on the sofa with my brother. As before, I let my brother sit on the top seat and I sat on the lower seat. “It’s impressive, Noah. You said those two have gotten stronger, but I think Noah has grown even more.” “That’s right, it may be s”o. ‘Fumu. That’s good, but isn’t that way of doing things really dangerous? You know, just in case.” My brother asked the obvious question. “The two of them are worth it.” “Hou?” “I want to be able to trust them when the time comes, so I want to know what they’re capable of ....... I believe the more you experience it, the more you understand.” “You’re still amazing. I understand the logic, but if you were to ask me to do the same thing, I wouldn’t be able to.” “I’m just putting up with it.” “The privileges of the nobility, huh.” ”Fufu”, saying that Brother Henry laughed.	大広間を離れ、陛下に書斎に戻ってきた。一緒に来いと呼ばれたのは俺だけ。陛下はいつも通り机に戻って椅子に座り、俺はその机を挟んで陛下と向かい合った。「さて、ノアよ」「はっ」「人質の事なのだが。向こうに恩を売るためにも、親王の誰かの側室にあてがおうと思っているのだが、どう思う」「ただの人質よりも、親王――余の息子の側室にした方が良いだろう」政略結婚というわけだ。定石でもある。俺は少し考えた。陛下は「恩を売る」と言った。それは陛下が思う大まかな方針だ。それを起点に――いや動かない終点として。それに添うようにして、更に帝国の利益になる何かを考えた。脳裏に様々なものが電光石火の如く駆け巡っていった後、俺は陛下に一礼して、答えた。「人質は受け取らずにいた方が良いかと」「ほう? 何か面白いアイデアがあるのか?」陛下は興味津々な目で俺を見た。「はっ。まず、人質は要らない。母親と姉。いくら必要だと分かっていても、それを人質にして、完全に割り切れる人間はそうはいない」「当然だな」「ですので送り返します。そのかわり、先ほど進言いたしました食糧。それを一週間毎に区切って送ります」「一週間毎?」「はい、ルーシ・ツァーリの民の腹を賄えるギリギリの分を、一週間毎」「それでどうなる――はっ」聞きかけて、ハッとする陛下。陛下は最初は驚き、次ににやりと口角を歪めて、俺を見た。「エグいな、ノアは」その一言で、俺は陛下が意図を理解したと確信した。俺は頷き、更に続ける。「はっ、詰まるところ餌付けでございます。餌付けをすれば、次第に向こうはこの配給分の食糧から離れられなくなります。いざという時に供給を絶つ事を考慮に入れておけば、これが事実上の人質になります」「うむ、そうだな」「更に、この餌付けに依存しきってくれれば、万が一向こうが新たに別の供給源を求めだしたら――」 ――裏切る前兆にもなる。ということか」俺は静かにうなずいた。「食糧を送る、人質はいらない。恩を売るのと同時に、向こうの生命線を握る一石二鳥の策になり得ます」「うむ。さすがだノア。よし、その案で進めさせよう」陛下は、俺の提案に満足したようだ。次の日の朝、王宮横の王邸。封地入りした俺は、ここをディランに管理を任せた。長年十三親王――俺に仕えていたディランは、都の屋敷をそつなく維持してくれていた。もうしばらく都に用事がある俺は、その間この屋敷に滞在する事になった。十数年間親しんだ部屋で朝起きて、こっちに残していったメイド達に身支度させた。さて今日は何から手をつけるか......。「シャーリー達を呼べ」メイドに命じるとすぐに呼びに行った。俺はリビングに移動して、メイドに入れさせた茶を飲みながら待った。しばらくして、二人の女がリビングに入ってきた。シャーリー・グランズと、シェリル・ハイド。シャーリーは俺が最初に審査官をやった時に採った唯一の騎士。シェリルはインドラと会う前に出会っていた騎士志望の女で、あの後向上心が強く見込みがあったから、騎士選抜でゲスト審査官として潜り込み、彼女を引き上げた。その二人が部屋に入るなり、ソファーに座っている俺に片膝をついて頭を下げた。「お呼びでしょうか、殿下」「ああ。二人の鍛錬の成果を見せてもらおうと思ってな。宿題のチェックってところだ」「はっ!」「承知いたしました」二人は視線を交換して、まずはシャーリーが剣を抜いた。「ああ、二人同時にで良い」「えっ? しかし」「それでは......」「構わん、来い」俺はそう言い、立ち上がった。一歩進んで、二人と真っ向から向き合う。二人はもう一度視線を交換する。頷き合って、迷いを振り払う。シェリルも、剣を抜き放った。シャーリーとシェリル、二人は左右から挟み撃ちするかのように、攻撃を仕掛けてきた。俺は立ったまま動かなかった。シャーリーの斬撃が首筋に、シェリルのが腰に入った。キーン!! 甲高い金属音が鳴り響き、火花が飛び散る。二人の斬撃は防がれた。「もっと来い」「「はっ!!」」二人とも俺が選考官をやって選出した騎士だ。選考した時と同じやり方だったから、二人とも攻撃に躊躇はなかった。俺は身動ぎもせず、それを受け止めた。鎧の指輪と、レヴィアタンによる「絶対防御」で。最初にこれをやったのはレヴィアタンだけだった。水の魔剣と鎧の指輪がリンクして、体から離れたところに自動防御の盾を出す。そのやり方は、俺も、そしてレヴィアタンらも徐々に慣れてきた。今や、体にほぼくっついているような薄い皮一枚程度の防御膜を張れるようになった。更に、レヴィアタンだけじゃなく、バハムートやフワワ、ベヘモトにアポピスと。それぞれ得意が違うこいつらは、得意の攻撃をより弾けるようになった。レヴィアタンなら水や斬撃を正確に防げて、バハムートは炎や格闘をほぼ無効化出来る。体に皮のように張っているから、傍から見れば、俺が何もせずに一方的に二人に斬りつけられているように見えるが、実の所かなりの余裕がある。それは、俺が涼しい顔で立っているのに対して、猛攻撃を仕掛けている二人は既に汗だくになっていることからも窺える。二人の猛攻は実に五分間続いた。息を止めての猛ダッシュを五分間したようなものだ。二人はすっかり息が上がって、その場で膝をついてしまった。「うむ。二人ともよくやった。シャーリーは一撃の重さ、シェリルは手数の多さにますます磨きが掛かったな」「あ、ありがとうございます......」「殿下こそ......ますますすごくなられて......」「殿下との距離がますます遠のく一方です」「お前達もまだまだ伸びしろがあるように思える。もっと励むといい」二人は声を揃えて応じて、剣を納めて息を整えた。慰める為に言ったのではない、シャーリーもシェリルも、前に鍛錬の成果をチェックした時に比べて上達している。このまま精進すればまだまだ強くなる余地はある、俺は本気でそう思った。パチパチパチ。ふと、リビングの中に拍手の音が響いた。見ると、いつの間にかヘンリー兄上が来ていた。「兄上、いつの間に」「今来たばかりだ。ああ、使用人達を責めてやるな、俺が報せなくていいと言ったんだ」「そうですか。どうぞ」俺はシャーリーとシェリルに「もういい」と言って下がらせて、兄上と一緒にソファーに座った。前と同じように兄上を上座に通して、俺は下座に座る。「さすがノアだ。あの二人が強くなったと言っていたが、ノアはそれ以上伸びているのではないか?」「そうですね、そこそこです」「ふむ。それはいいのだが、あのやり方はさすがに危険ではないのか? 万が一と言うこともあるだろう?」兄上は当たり前の疑問を呈した。「あの二人にはそれだけの価値がありますよ」「ほう?」「いざって時に俺は二人を信用したい、だから二人の力を常に把握しておきたい......自分の身をもって。実際に体験した方がより分かるというものでしょう」「お前はやっぱりすごいな。理屈は分かるが、同じ事をやれって言われても、私にはできん」「やせ我慢をしているだけですよ」「貴族の特権か」ヘンリー兄上は「ふふっ」と笑った。
	Child Compensation “‘Why is the chief’s daughter in this state? Answer me.” “Uuh. ......” Peiyu tried to remain silent, but, since the magic of absolute obedience had already been cast, she could not disobey my orders. She bit her lips and answered my question in a choppy voice. “My father made me flee.” “The chief? But if you are the daughter of the chief, you must be a high priority as a target for the loot. It’s not that easy to get away, and even if you could, you wouldn’t be sold like this.” “My father killed a different child along with my mother, and then committed suicide.” Then I understand the story. I looked at His Majesty, who had reigned at the pinnacle of the Empire for many years and had even made the occasional procession, and nodded quietly. The chief probably realized that he was losing and staged a family suicide. It is a common occurrence. The end of a defeated warrior is usually tragic. They would prefer not to live to experience it, nor for their children to experience it. It is very common for a defeated leader to personally kill his family. Perhaps after the chief did this, the headcount was right when the crime scene was examined, so it was cleared out. “So you escaped, but you couldn’t manage to get away, so you were caught and sold to the slavers.” “......” Peiyu nodded quietly. “I was told to throw away my name and go live a quiet life somewhere .......” Well, now we know the story. “Noah, what will you do with the girl?” Peiyu shuddered when His Majesty asked. As Minister of Justice, I pulled out the imperial laws that I’ve had all through my head. “The Saeis were not originally part of the empire, so this was not a rebellion. Therefore, for the bloodline of the Chief, men are to be beheaded and women are to be given as slaves to those with merit.” “Are you saying that there is no need to do anything special?” “It is exactly as you say, sir.” Peiyu is already a slave. She can’t disobey my orders no matter what, because of the magic of absolute obedience. If I order her to die here, she will scream and cry, but her body will move on its own according to the order. I looked at her, and our eyes met. Her frightened look quickly made her avert her eyes and look away. She looked frightened, and I looked at her expression. It was a face that correctly understood that the man in front of her had the right to kill her and was therefore frightened. “Then, I’ll leave the girl to Noah.” I dropped to my knees and bowed my head. It seemed like a gift from His Majesty once again. Standing up, I looked at Peiyu. “So it is. From now on, you are my slave. You will be a maid in my house.” “Maid?” “Yes, that’s right.” “You’re not going to kill me?” “That won’t be necessary.” People are treasures. Because I had heard about Jerry’s success just before, and because Peiyu was already under the spell of absolute obedience. I have no intention of killing her. “...... Ah, um...” After a slight hesitation, she summoned up the courage to speak up. “Can everyone come ...... together?” “Everyone?” “Yes.” Peiyu nodded nervously and looked around. There were still many jute bags around her. ” Everyone is a friend who grew up in the same village. ......” After nodding, I turned to the slaver who had been silent for a while. “Everything you have here has been purchased.” “Thank you for your patronage!” “And did you catch our conversation?” Then I took out the money and handed it to the slaver. I gave him reens, the money I carry around in a bag. “If there are any survivors of the Saei tribe, send them to the th Prince’s residence instead of selling them.” “M-My Lord?!” The slaver was exaggeratedly surprised. “Understood. Please leave everything to me.” “Is that all?” “—-! Yes, sir! Thank you very much!” Peiyu looked very impressed and smiled a big smile. Her smile, although small, it was beautiful, but... More than that... Name: Noah Ararat Minister of Justice Gender: Male Level: 15 / ∞ HPC+DMPE+D StrengthC+AStaminaD+DIntelligenceE+DSpiritE+DSpeedE+EDexterityE+DLuckE+D FireE+AWaterC+SWindE+FEarthE+DLight E+CDarknessE+C It was more noticeable with the “+” in physical strength had gone up one step. A few days later, in the capital of Almeria, Nisir’s mansion. I arrived in the early afternoon and called Zoe in the living room. Zoe, the head maid. Her loyalty to me is proven, and I’ve entrusted her with the management of all my maids. I called her up. “I entrust you with all the slaves I brought back from the capital.” ” Understood. So they are all maids, is that correct?” “Yes. They’re under a spell of absolute obedience, and I’ve told them to obey your commands unless I override them. They are all yours.” “I respectfully obey.” “And...” As I was about to say a few more words just in case, the door opened and Audrey came into the room. “Welcome back, Noah-sama.” “I’m home. Have you experienced any changes in the house while we were away?” “Nothing changed at the residence. Everything is as usual.” “I have something to tell you, Noah-sama.” “What it may be?” I was a little surprised. Standing up, I approached Audrey. I knelt in front of her, though I couldn’t see it, stared at her belly, touching it gently. “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “I see. Well done. I’m glad.” It’s strange. After Audrey told me, this feeling came up from deep in my chest. This feeling of being filled with all kinds of things. It was interesting to see the change that had developed in my feelings. “Thank you very much.” ” We need to decide on a name.” “Yes please.” I stood up and thought for a moment. Several names came to mind, and I narrowed them down to two. “Sem if we have a boy.” “I think that’s a great name. “And if we have a girl then, Evis.” Right when I said that. It was the same moment. The scene I was familiar with for quite some time changed for the first time. Level: 15 + 1 / ∞ HPC+DMPE+DStrengthC+AStaminaD+DIntelligenceD+DSpiritE+DSpeedE+EDexterityE+DLuckE+D FireE+AWaterC+SWindE+FEarthE+DLight E+CDarknessE+C Not just abilities so far. A ” + ” has been added to the level value as well. “Did something happen?” “Zoe, my status.” I didn’t answer Audrey directly, but I ordered Zoe, who was standing at a slight distance from me in the middle of the conversation. Zoe cast a spell on me in a familiar way, without bothering to ask me back. Level: 16 / ∞ HPAMPCStrengthSSSStaminaBIntelligenceBSpiritCSpeedDDexterityCLuckC FireSWaterSSSWindEEarthCLight BDarknessB My outward status was displayed. Audrey glanced at it and said. “Your level has gone up. When did it go up?” “Now.” “Eh?” “I just named the baby in your belly and it went up.” “—!” Audrey and Zoe both had a look of surprise on their faces. These two know that my abilities increase every time I have more subordinates or fiefs. “Your level also increases ......? Amazing .......” The two of them were immensely surprised by this first-time phenomenon.	「なぜ族長の娘がこうしいくらの中に入っている。答えろ」「うっ......」少女ペイユは口籠もったが、既に絶対服従の魔法が掛かっているから、俺の命令には逆らえなかった。彼女は苦虫を噛み潰した顔で、訥々と俺の質問に答えた。「父様に、逃がされました」「族長にか? しかしお前が族長の娘なら、狙われる戦利品としてはかなり優先順位が高いはずだ。そう簡単に逃がせないし、逃げられたとしてもこんな風に売られるのはおかしい」「父様は、母様と一緒に、別の子を殺して、それから自殺しました」それなら話は分かる。陛下の方を見る、長年帝国の頂点に君臨して、時には親征もした陛下は静かにうなずいた。族長は、負けを悟って一家心中――を演出したんだろう。それはよくあることだ。戦争の敗者の末路は大抵が悲惨なものだ。生きてその苦しみを味わうくらいなら、そして我が子がそれを味わうくらいなら。と、負けを悟った指導者がその家族を自ら手にかける事は非常によくあることだ。おそらく、族長がそれをやって、現場検証したら「で、逃がされたは良いが、逃げ切れなくて捕まって、奴隷商に売られたって訳だ」「......」ペイユは静かにうなずいた。「名前を捨てて、どこかで静かに暮らしなさい......って」なるほど、これで話は分かった。「ノアよ、その娘はどう処する」陛下が聞き、ペイユがビクッと身震いした。俺は法務親王大臣として、頭の中に全部叩き込んでいる帝国法を引っ張り出した。「サエイ族は元々帝国に降っておらず、従って反乱ではない。故に族長の血筋なら、男は斬首、女は功績のある者に奴隷として下賜するものと定められております」「取り立てて何かをする必要はない、ということか」「おっしゃる通りでございます」既にペイユは奴隷になっている。絶対服従の魔法を掛けられて、俺の命令には何があっても逆らえない。ここで死ねと命じれば彼女は泣き叫びながらも、体はその命令に従って勝手に動くだろう。そんなペイユをみた、目と目が合った。怯えた感じの彼女は、すぐに目を伏せて視線をそらした。彼女は怯えた様子で、俺の顔色を窺っている。目の前の男が自分の生殺与奪の権利を握っていると、正しく理解してそれ故に怯えている顔だ。「なら、その娘はノアにくれてやろう」俺はその場で膝をついて頭を下げた。改めて陛下から下賜されたという形になった。立ち上がって、ペイユを見て。「というわけだ。これからは俺の奴隷。屋敷でメイドをやってもらう」「メイド、ですか?」「ああそうだ」「殺さない、んですか?」「必要ないな」人は宝だ。直前にジェリーの活躍を聞いたのもあって、またペイユは既に絶対服従の魔法が掛かっていることもあって。ペイユを殺すつもりは微塵もない。「......あ、あの」わずかな逡巡の後、ペイユは勇気を振り絞った、って感じで切り出してきた。「みんなも、一緒じゃ......だめですか?」「みんな?」「はい」ペイユはおずおずと頷き、周りを見た。彼女の周りにはまだまだ、多くの麻袋がある。「みんな、同じ村で育った友達だから......」俺は頷き、さっきからずっと黙っている奴隷商の方を向いた。「今ここにあるの、全部買い取った」「お買い上げありがとうございます!」「それと今の話は聞いてたな?」そう言って、金を取り出して奴隷商に渡す。袋入りで持ち歩いている金、1000リィーンを渡した。「サエイ族の生き残りがいれば、売りに出さないで王邸に送ってこい」「し、親王様!?」奴隷商は大げさに驚いた。「畏まりました。手前に全てお任せ下さい」「これでいいか?」「――っ! はい! ありがとうございます!」ペイユはものすごく感激した様子で満面の笑みを浮かべた。その笑顔は美しく、少しだけどきっとした――が。それ以上に。名前:ノア・アララート法務親王大臣性別:男レベル:15/∞ HP C+D 火 E+A 体力の「+」が一段階上がった事の方が、より目に留まったのだった。数日後、アルメリア州都、ニシルの屋敷。昼過ぎに到着した俺は、リビングでゾーイを呼び出した。メイド長のゾーイ。俺に対する忠誠心は折り紙付きで、それを買って全てのメイドの管理を任せている。その彼女を呼び出して。「都から連れ帰ってきた奴隷達、全部任せる」「分かりました。みんなメイド、と言うことでいいのでしょうか」「ああ。絶対服従の魔法を掛けられてて、俺が上書きしない限りお前の命令を聞くように言いつけておいた。全部お前に任せる」「それと――」念の為にもういくつか言いつけておこうとしたところ、ドアが開いて、オードリーが部屋に入ってきた。「お帰りなさいませ、ノア様」「ただいま。居ない間、屋敷に何か変わったことはあったか?」「屋敷の方は何も。いつも通りです」「私の方から、一つノア様にご報告が」「なんだ?」「ややを身籠りました」ちょっと驚いた。俺は立ち上がり、オードリーに近づく。見えはしないが、彼女の前に片膝をついて、腹を見つめて、そっと触れる。「確かなのか」「はい」「そうか。良くやった。嬉しいぞ」不思議なものだ。オードリーに告げられた後、胸の奥から湧き上がってくるこの感情。様々なものが満たされていくこの感情。自分の気持ちに芽生えた変化が面白かった。「ありがとうございます」「名前を決めねばな」「お願いします」俺は立ち上がって、少し考えた。いくつか名前を思い浮かべて、それらを取捨選択してまで絞る。「男ならセム」「素晴しい名前だと思います」「女ならアヴィス――」そう、俺が言った瞬間。の事だった。よく見た光景に、初めての変化が生じた。レベル:15+1/∞ HP C+D 火 E+A 知性 D+D 光 E+C なんと、今までの能力だけでなく。レベルの値にも、「+」がついた。「どうかなさいましたか?」「ゾーイ、俺のステータスを」直接オードリーには答えず、話の途中で、少し距離をとって控えていたゾーイに命じた。ゾーイは命令を聞き返すことなく、手慣れた感じで俺に魔法を掛けた。レベル:16/∞ HP A 火 S 運 C 表向きのステータスが表示された。それを見たオードリーは。「レベルが上がってますね。いつ上がったのですか?」「今だ」「え?」「今、お前の腹の中の子に名前を付けたら上がった」「――っ!」オードリーも、ゾーイも揃って驚きの表情を浮かべた。俺の能力が、部下や封地が増える度に上がることをこの二人は知っている。「レベルも上がる......? 凄い......」初めての現象に、二人は絶句していた。
	"In the living room of the inner garden of the mansion.\nI was standing in front of my maid, Zoe.\nI(...TRUNCATED)	"屋敷の内苑、リビングの中。\n俺はメイドのゾーイと向き合っていた。\n(...TRUNCATED)

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This is a modified version of NilanE/ParallelFiction-Ja_En-100k which has been turned into Alpaca format.

Update no longer chunked!!!

This is the non chunked version. If you want the chunked version it's here for 4k context based on augmxnt/shisa-base-7b-v1 tokenizer.

Dataset format (correct one)

{
  'instruction' : 'Japanese chapter'
  'output' : 'English translation'
  'input' : 'empty'
}

Original Dataset card

Dataset details

Each entry in this dataset is a sentence-aligned Japanese web novel chapter and English fan translation. The intended use-case is for document translation tasks.

Dataset format

{
  'src' : 'JAPANESE CHAPTER'
  'trg' : 'ENGLISH TRANSLATION'
  'meta' : {
    "source": 'SAME ACROSS ALL ENTRIES',
    "series": 'NAME OF WEB NOVEL SERIES',
    "missed_lines": 'NUMBER OF LINES THAT WERE AT THE SAME INDEX BUT NOT DETECTED AS BEING TRANSLATIONS OF EACH OTHER',
    "inserted_lines_src":  'NUMBER OF LINES IN THE JAPANESE TEXT THAT DID NOT HAVE A MATCHING TRANSLATION BUT ARE BUFFERED BY TRANSLATED LINES',
    "inserted_lines_trg":  'SAME AS ABOVE BUT FOR ENGLISH',
    }
}

A high number of inserted lines is not necessarily a sign of a bad pair, as many translations concatenate or divide source chapters when publishing. Instead, watch out for high numbers of missed lines or entries where the inserted line count is high for both source and target.

Downloads last month: 81

Size of downloaded dataset files:

2.15 GB

Size of the auto-converted Parquet files:

1.21 GB

Number of rows:

103,103

Models trained or fine-tuned on mpasila/ParallelFiction-Ja_En-100k-alpaca