Hero Stories: Bloodthirsty Ambition

Did you hear? Apparently, a fight broke out in the royal palace last night.

What? Don't tell me it was something like a rebellion...

Of course not. It wasn't rebellion, but... I heard King Schniel attempted to flee the kingdom again.

No way... Again?

Last night's commotion was all because they were trying to stop him from running away. And now, no one seems to know where he is.

This is unbelievable. What's going to happen? There needs to be somebody sitting on the throne...

This is his second time abandoning his country and people. Schniel certainly won't be able to continue being King. And since it was officially proclaimed by Knight Commander Romann and Guard Captain Tywin, I assume it was the truth.

They announced it themselves? I thought they were King Schniel's closest allies.

Well, I guess they're sick of having to deal with such an irresponsible king.

Goodness... Then who's going to take the throne?

Well... I guess someone will have to replace Schniel. Although...it's pretty obvious who that will be.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

It's uncomfortable hearing you call me that all of a sudden. It's only the two of us, so just address me the same way you used to.

The way I used to... You mean, address you the way Romann did?

Yes. Though people believe Romann has turned his back on Schniel and is now working with me, they'll still find it odd to see you speaking to me so formally all of a sudden.

I suppose you're right... Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

That's better. Are the soldiers ready, Romann?

Yes. They await your orders.

Okay, let's proceed.

Attention, soldiers!

Though our kingdom has been prosperous for a long time, political turmoil has caused Lefundos to fall into disarray.

The former king took our peace and prosperity for granted, ruling our nation lazily and irresponsibly... And now, our nation's power continues to grow weaker.

The former king was a kindhearted person, but when it came to gaining power, he was weak and complacent.

And under the rule of such an irresponsible leader, Lefundos's past glory has all but faded.

Meanwhile, our neighboring country, Wintenberg, has grown stronger through centuries of warfare. Our lack of strength makes us all the more vulnerable to their takeover.

But as long as I am on the throne, I will make Lefundos stronger than ever before!

...

...

With strict discipline, I will restore Lefundos to its former glory.

Therefore, each and every one of you must prepare yourself for the many upcoming wars. And I will be personally evaluating your abilities.

And to those of you who grew weak under our false peace and are no longer qualified to fight... Do not expect mercy from me.

A mistress?! This is unbelievable! I don't know what that fox did to tempt that stupid old man into...

Watch what you say. The walls have ears...

But it's all true!

And now that his mistress has given birth to a child, the line of succession will be even more complicated than before! What should we do?

I'm worried about how long this meaningless fight for the throne will last. I thought the palace had finally found peace...

She seems very ruthless, unlike the young princess. She'll almost certainly turn the whole thing into a bloodbath!

...But her son is an illegitimate child.

And her attempts to become queen have all been stopped by the princesses' opposition. Her child will never be recognized as the legitimate son of the king.

Umm, hello?

...

...Umm, if you're uncomfortable with me being here, do you want me to go somewhere else?

There's no need to be so nervous. You can stay.

And I've been meaning to mention this... There's no need for you to be so well-mannered toward me.

Well, you're the son of my grandfather, who also happens to be the king...

That doesn't make any difference. I'm merely a bastard. So please, don't speak to me so politely.

...You heard the members of the court talking about you, didn't you? Please, don't pay them any mind.

They're not wrong. And even if I ignore them, it won't change the truth.

I understand why the royal family might think of me and my mother as nuisances. I'll just have to work harder to earn their respect.

...

Ah, it's already time for my swordsmanship training. I must excuse myself, my mother is waiting for me.

Okay...

...It won't be easy to get closer to him.

...As they say, history is written by the victors. And that history has the power to shape the future.

Meaning that this war is my one and only chance. I must win.

If I win the war and manage to lead Lefundos to prosperity once again, history will reward me. I will go down as the heroic king who helped Lefundos regain its lost glory.

Even the fools who judge me by my blood won't be able to deny a true hero. No, they'll have no choice but to listen to the people and accept me as their king.

And...once I am a hero, no one will dare pity me.

Therefore, to ensure no one ever looks down on me nor pities me ever again...I must seize victory.

What a disappointment. Who would have thought our army could become such a joke? Train them, and fire anyone who doesn't meet my standards.

I expect that they will have improved by my next visit.

...Understood.

...What a mystery.

What do you mean?

King Ervalen. You know, how he took the throne.

Ah... But isn't it only natural? After all, the former king didn't have any children, and King Ervalen is his brother...

Ha! What's natural about it? A bastard who was rejected by his father and abused by his mother is supposed to be king?

Huh? A bastard? So they're not brothers? But he always treated the former king like his older brother...

You really don't know anything, do you? How did you even make it into the palace?

...

Yes, he's younger than Schniel, but he's a part of the generation above Schniel's. But, well, I guess that doesn't really matter because he's an illegitimate child.

King Ervalen is the son of the previous king, Tarman, and his concubine, Camellia.

C-Concubine? Really?!

Yes, she conceived King Ervalen when the late King Tarman was very old. Come to think of it, Camellia had quite a difficult life.

The dying king was the only family she had, and the princesses opposed her so strongly that she never managed to become queen. You have no idea how much those two have been thr...

W-Wait, let's stop talking about this...

Huh? Why? What's the matter?

B-Behind you...

...

*gasping* Y-Your Majesty!

What country would allow its citizens to openly discuss the king's personal history?

Y-Your Majesty... I'm so sorry, please, kill me!

Ah, so you are aware.

SLASH!

Uck...!

That you deserve to die.

*gasping* Y-Your Majesty...! I-I was just...

You were just what? Listening to him speak?

I-I...

Allow me to give you a friendly piece of advice.

Dare to speak about me in such a manner and you'll be next.

U-Understood, Your Majesty...

...Romann, where was I supposed to be going?

To visit the Barelit family and fetch Eliza.

Ah, that's right. It is time, isn't it? Well, I'd better dress nicely to meet my future wife.

...

The longer I watch him, the harder it becomes to read his thoughts.

He seems heartless, but he sometimes acts impulsively when his emotions get the best of him.

And regardless of his deal with Eliza, I cannot understand why he decided to keep Schniel imprisoned rather than killing him...

Surely he's aware that the nobles who support Schniel will only cause trouble once they find out Schniel is still alive.

At first, I thought he was keeping Schniel alive because he pitied him... But I saw a burning rage in Ervalen's eyes when he was locking Schniel up.

...Though my orders are to support Ervalen, I don't have nearly enough information about him to sustain this relationship.

As Romann's replacement, I'm supposed to be his closest confidant, but he never talks about himself.

And he's so sensitive about his personal life that it's nearly impossible to get any information out of him. What does he have planned...?

...Romann, you look troubled.

Oh... Was it that obvious?

I don't know what's on your mind...but forget about it. All you need to do is support me and follow my commands.

And then I'll keep climbing higher, until I reach a point where nobody will even dare to challenge me.

...

I see. Then as you say, I have nothing to be troubled about.

To protect and obey you, and become the foothold that allows you to climb higher and higher...

...That is my sole duty.

SLAP!

You haven't improved at all from yesterday. Do you really think this is good enough? You must be better than this!

...I'm sorry, Mother.

B-But ma'am... He's doing great for his age, considering the fact that he's not even ten years...

For his age? What does age have to do with the throne?!

You call yourself a teacher?! I'm going to change his tutor. Leave. Now!

...

*sighing* Does she really think that an illegitimate child can become the king? That poor little boy...

...Ervalen.

Yes, Mother.

Listen to me carefully. The only way you'll survive in this palace is if you become the best. Better than anyone else.

And as long as you're my son, you must become the king. I see the potential you have. You can become so much more than you are now.

We must gain power and show those idiots who dare to look down on us who the most suitable heir truly is.

Every struggle you experience now is for your future. These hardships are nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Train harder. Whatever it takes, you must become the king! That's the only way we'll survive!

You are my only hope, Ervalen. Never forget that.

...I understand, Mother.

I will become the king, and I will trample on those fools who looked down on me.

No matter what it takes...

...It's taken me quite a long time to get here.

What do you mean?

Nothing. How are you managing our soldiers?

As you commanded, I've taken care of those who don't meet our standards. We've filled the vacancies with new recruits, and they're all training hard.

Excellent. Keep up the good work.

From what I've heard, you intend to deploy several times the number of soldiers that were deployed during Schniel's reign. Is that true?

Yes. Is there a problem?

No, it won't affect training. But...I'm just curious as to why you're suddenly increasing our numbers.

I'm not sure it's sudden. I've been thinking about it for a very long time.

For a long time?

Internal conflicts have caused our nation's power to weaken considerably. The only way to rectify that is by cooperating with other nations.

The nobles' private soldiers will follow me once I become the king, and I needed to reorganize the troops anyway.

And since Politia so kindly provided me with the two of you, it was only a matter of time before our troops became properly trained.

Furthermore... Following Schniel's example of pretending to be supportive by sending just a few soldiers helps neither Wintenberg nor us.

It will only reduce our forces and do nothing to end the war against the Dragons. That's why I'm sending more troops this time.

I see. So your intention is to stabilize the situation by being cooperative and putting a real end to the war?

Precisely. Ending the war and gaining Wintenberg's trust are both crucial for our next step.

I heard a corpse was found in the palace hallway.

Shush! Are you out of your mind? Why would you ever bring that up?! You don't want to end up a corpse yourself, do you?

Oh, it should be fine to talk about right now.

I saw him leaving to get the future queen... And there's no one here to overhear anyway. Who would come to this eerie dungeon so far away from the palace?

I guess you're right... Ahem...

Then there's something I want to say about King Ervalen and Schniel...

You do? So you're the one who really wanted to talk, eh?

Well, I've wanted to ask for a while. You've worked as a guard in the dungeon for a long time...

You know, King Schniel... Do you really think he tried to run away again?

Why do you ask?

I mean, of course, he had fled before...but he's been different lately. He even promised to take his responsibilities more seriously. Don't you think it's weird that he would run away so suddenly?

Yeah, so they dethroned him. What's weird about it?

I don't know, something feels a little off...

The morning he disappeared, he was carrying out his duties like normal. And according to the maids, there was nothing unusual about him.

And what really bothers me is that King Schniel and Ervalen used to get along well, you know? So even if King Schniel did escape...

I thought King Ervalen would try to persuade him to come back...but then he took the throne for himself.

Oh... I see where you're going with this. I mean, it's not a completely absurd theory.

But...do you really think those two got along well?

I know they had a conflict regarding the throne once before.

But regardless of Lady Camellia, King Schniel protected Ervalen, and they as were close as brothers...

Protected? I don't know... And I'm sure King Ervalen only pretended to get along with him in order to survive.

What do you mean?

Let me put it this way. Why do you think Lady Camellia got kicked out of the palace and died?

If King Schniel hadn't reported Lady Camellia's misdeeds, she wouldn't have died such a horrible death.

I assume the reason why he obeyed his mother despite the abuse was that Lady Camellia was his only real family.

And King Schniel got rid of his only family. Do you think King Ervalen would have been grateful for that?

Hmm...

So when King Schniel fled again, he must have thought it was the perfect opportunity. But that's just my guess.

Maybe you're right...

How much longer are you going to stay in bed? Aren't you supposed to leave soon?

I don't know. I just want to stay in bed all day. I feel ill.

You look quite healthy to me. You even ate your entire breakfast.

...Don't you know how to play along?

Why should I? I'll just have to lie to Ervalen later.

*sighing* The real Tywin would never treat me so rudely.

Ha. If not for Ervalen's orders, I would never have spoken to you in the first place.

Neither would I!

You know what I hate most about you? You pretend to be so kind and polite in front of others, but the moment we're alone, it's like that person never even existed.

Just be grateful that I act nice in front of others.

Honestly... I've never met someone so rude and arrogant.

You seem to be in high spirits this morning, Lady Eliza.

...When did you get here?

Just a moment ago.

*chuckling* You're as cold as ever. Why don't you try to be a little nicer to me now?

I know it must be hard for you...but you will be both the queen and my wife for the rest of your life, you know.

Do you think saying that will make me want to be nicer?

Oh, that's hurtful. I hope you haven't forgotten why Schniel still draws breath.

...

And if you do decide to be nicer to me...I think we can find a way to improve the lives of those three in the dungeon, Schniel included.

Oh, speaking of which... Aren't you curious to know how he's doing?

...Are you teasing me?

Teasing you? Certainly not. I was even going to suggest paying him a visit before going to the palace.

What? Are you serious?

Of course. Why would I lie to you? You and I are on the same team now.

So what you're saying is...Schniel is okay, right? And you're really going to let me see him? Then let's...!

...No, never mind. I'm not going to meet him.

And why is that?

Because I betrayed him. I can't bear to see his face when I'm the reason he's locked up.

Hmm... I see. What a shame. This is a rare opportunity, you know.

...

Then...can I just see him from a distance?

I just want to see for myself that he's doing okay... That will be enough for me.

Of course, if that's what you wish.

*gasping* Your Majesty, you're back early...

Ahem... W-What brings you here...? Please, enter, Your Majesty.

...

Umm... Ervalen, can I ask you one more favor?

...I'm listening.

Will you ask Schniel some questions for me?

What questions?

Well...

I want to know if he's healthy, if the food is okay, if he's sleeping well, if there's anything he needs, and...

...I'm sure it would mean more to him if you asked him yourself.

...

But I suppose it's not that hard to ask a few questions. All right.

Really? Thank you!

...Hmm.

Is she really that thankful that he'll ask a few questions for her? I've never seen her so happy before.

She didn't smile once or show any concern for her future husband's well-being, but she cares so much for a criminal who will be executed someday.

But I don't think it's simply because she's unsatisfied with this situation. It seems she was uninterested in Ervalen from the start.

For a husband to console his wife as she looks toward another man... It's a little pitiful.

How have you been, Schniel? Is everything all right?

Ervalen...

How's the food? Do you sleep well at night? Please, do let me know if there's anything you need.

I had no idea you were so worried about me.

Who, me?

Why would I ever worry about a criminal who abandoned his country and his duty?

I figured as much. These must be Eliza's questions?

...Yes.

How is she...? Is she safe?

Who do you think you are to ask about my fiancée? The only person you should be worried about right now is yourself.

...

...I've had a lot of time to think about what I did wrong and what made you hate me so much.

Though we aren't brothers...we were as close as brothers growing up. I thought of you as a brother.

We've never once had a fight or a disagreement. I always thought we had a great relationship.

But if you're telling me that was all in my head...

...Was my mistake made even earlier than that? Before we ever began spending time together?

...

And if that's the case...did all of this begin with what happened with your mother?

You certainly took your time coming to that realization.

Please, Ervalen. Give me a chance to apologize to you, just once. I know it's already too late, but...

Ha! If you know it's too late, then what makes you think you deserve a second chance? You clearly have yet to grasp this situation.

What difference will an apology make? Will saying sorry bring my mother back from the dead? Will it change what's already happened? Do you think it will erase the sins you've already committed?

All you're trying to do is ease the guilt on your own conscience!

No, please. That's not it. I truly wanted to...

What, you truly wanted to save me from my own mother? For my sake?

What a joke! Who did you think you were saving with such ridiculous self-righteousness? Your stupidity brought nothing but destruction!

...

If you were expecting mercy from me out of some kind of brotherly affection...think again.

Remember that it's not me who's keeping you alive. And now that I've seen how miserable you are, I will not be returning.

Let's go, Romann.

...

...

You must have heard everything. I thought you would be more upset.

It's because I expected their conversation to go this way. It's not surprising, just sad.

I see.

You must be aware of what happened between those two.

Yes. Why?

I just wanted to know why Ervalen is so angry at him.

Oh... But is that really something you need to know? I doubt Ervalen asked you to investigate that.

Of course I need to know.

I'm here to support him as Romann Barelit. But it wouldn't make any sense if I didn't know about Ervalen's past.

Because Romann grew up with you, Ervalen, and Schniel... He must have known you all very well.

In order for this plan to work, I must know everything that Romann knew.

It feels weird to be asked that by someone who looks identical to Romann... But I see your point. Let's see, where do I begin...

Back then, Schniel...

Mother, I have to tell you something.

Schniel? What's wrong, why do you look so upset?

Um... In Ervalen's room, I saw...

How could you do such a thing?! This is child abuse!

Child abuse?! I was only teaching my son...

Shut up! How dare you lay your filthy hands on that child? He may be a bastard, but he has royal blood running through his veins!

Father, there's no reason for us to listen to her excuses. We must have her removed from the palace immediately!

Ervalen is my son! I was only doing what I had to as his mother!

Your Majesty, please...! This isn't fair! You know me better than anyone, don't you?!

...

*sighing* Do what you want. But I don't need any more drama in this palace, so make it quick.

...Your Majesty!

You heard what he said. Get her out of the palace. Now!

N-No, this can't be happening! You can't do this! I'm his mother! I gave birth to the king's son! You can't do this to me!

Let go of me! Let go...! Aghhhhh!

...

She's a very mean lady. But it's okay now. Now that she won't be living in the palace, she won't be able to hurt Ervalen ever again.

He'll be free from her shadow now. He won't get hurt. He'll be safe.

And... I'll protect him. He won't have to go through anything like this ever again.

He's my little brother... I have to protect him.

Schniel never meant to hurt anyone. If anything, I'm sure he truly wanted to save Ervalen.

But I understand how hurt Ervalen must have been. His mother was taken from him by force, and he eventually lost her.

After all, Lady Camellia was his only real family.

So I understand why he hates Schniel. And that's why I can't just blame Ervalen.

I see.

Well, this is a little different, but because of what happened, I realized that what I did to Schniel was wrong too.

I knew how much he hated the throne. I did what I did because I genuinely hoped that it might help him find happiness, but...

Regardless of what my intentions were, he must have been shocked to find out I was the one who poisoned him. He must have been very hurt...

That could be. Is that why he ran away?

I think so.

People act with good intentions, hoping they can bring happiness to others...

But that's just wishful thinking, you know? If our good intentions always came true, tragedies like this wouldn't happen. And now I'm afraid that this tragedy will grow into a disaster.

...

It's time.

Preparations are complete, correct? You haven't forgotten anything?

There's no need to worry, Your Majesty. Everything is ready. Your soldiers are prepared to risk their lives to achieve victory.

All right. Then...

Soldiers of Lefundos! The time for war is upon us.

After rigorous training, only you, Lefundos's bravest, have survived. And now, our army is stronger than ever before.

This is the moment we restore the honor of Lefundos. Through this war, we will prove to everyone that Lefundos is still strong.

The Lefundos that once ruled Eureka is not gone. This is the moment we regain our glory!

*cheering*

The weather is clear, Your Majesty. There should be no obstacles as we head toward the battlefield.

A wonderful day for honorable bloodshed, indeed. Excellent. Let us depart.

You look worried, Romann. What is it?

Oh... I was just thinking.

About?

Several days ago, I heard a story from long ago about Ervalen and the people around him...Schniel, in particular.

It seems Ervalen's rage runs deeper than I'd realized. He didn't dethrone Schniel merely for being unqualified and incompetent.

What do you mean?

Well...

...So all of this started from his personal grudge?

Right. So maybe Ervalen chose to lock him up instead of kicking him out or executing him because it was part of the revenge he wanted for him.

Because it was Schniel's shallow sympathy that caused him to lose his only family.

Even now, even Eliza pities him. She doesn't see him as her fiancé. From what I've seen, there are only two types of people around Ervalen: those who pity him, and those who hate him.

And Ervalen seems sensitive to that. He doesn't even hesitate to wield his sword.

Oh... Okay, so what does that have to do with the war?

A few days ago, Ervalen told me that his goal is climb so high that no one even dares challenge him.

It seems he wants to show everyone that he doesn't need their pity. Even this war is meant to be an example of that.

Hmm...

I thought there was a serious problem, but that's all you had to tell me? His life story? That's none of our business.

But...

Are you a Maid Doll? Do you feel the need to care so deeply for your master's feelings?

Or is this your new hobby?

...

All we need to do is bring him victory, as commanded. Just focus on what's in front of you.

...Yes, you're right.

In any case, I was able to learn more about who he is and the reason behind everything that's happening now.

It seems like he won't give up on this revenge of his until he wins and proves himself to everyone.

But...

Surrounded by nothing but pity and criticism... Will this truly be winning to him?

So, here we are... The home of the Dragon Knights.

Our arrival means that the war will soon begin in full.

This is going to be far different from our ordinary Human wars. Hold tight to your weapons.

Do not worry. As long as you're with us, you will achieve everything you want, Your Majesty.

We will assist you until you every single creature that roams this land is yours.

...Feelings change easily. They're fragile. Therefore, I don't expect your loyalty.

What I really expect from you is excellence. The skill to bring me victory. Everything else is meaningless.

And that is also why, rather than using the people who stood by Schniel's side, I brought you two Automatic Dolls in from abroad.

I understand, my king.

Good. I hope I made the right decision.

Through this war, I'm going to claim the flag of victory and prove my ability as king.

So I need you to prove yourselves to me as well. That's what I want from you.

...Yes, my king.

As you command.

Now then...