Towards World War

The communal threat to mankind in the Demon Lord's Domain was now

resolved, and the announcement of no further demon waves spread through

the continent. With this, people anticipated the dawn of a new era.

The people of the Kingdom of Friedonia and their allied countries in the

Maritime Alliance waited eagerly to see what new wonders would come

about in a world devoid of a demon threat. Diversity had increased, which

led to the discovery of many gifted people and advances in many fields of

the arts and sciences. Just how prosperous would they all become?

Meanwhile, the people of the Great Tiger Empire viewed things

differently. Their lives were filled with battles to expand their country and

regain stolen lands. Being an assembly of the deprived, their presence was

made known through cheering and applause. They focused on how they had

small, weak nations and were forced to think more about how to appease

other countries than how to enrich themselves. And that it was Fuuga who

liberated them from poverty, slavery, and refugee status.

For those who'd been freed from their suffering, the idea that Fuuga

might cease to be absolute frightened them. If their savior fell from power,

they feared their lives might return to the hard times they'd lived in before.

Unlike the nations of the Maritime Alliance, who had their eyes on the

future, these people were terrified of returning to the past.

Fear served as a more powerful motivator than hope.

That's why, as far as the people of the Great Tiger Empire were

concerned, the leader of the coming era had to be Fuuga, not Souma. They

couldn't rest well at night until it was clear which of the two was more fit to

carry the next era. Fuuga and Hashim quickly unified public sentiment

behind this opinion and created an atmosphere that called for war with the

Kingdom of Friedonia.

History showed that with the support of the people, fabricating a casus

belli was a simple matter. They could invent an attack from the enemy

nation that never occurred, claim they were sheltering political opponents,

or even accuse the other side that they stole their woman, like in the Trojan

War. Whatever the reason, there were ways to twist it into a justification.

They could condemn the Maritime Alliance for trying to get ahead by

negotiating with Mao, the ruler of the Seadians, without consulting them, or

for giving succor to political enemies like Sami and Nike Chima, or

enemies of the Lunarian Orthodoxy like Souji, Mary, and the former saint

candidates.

If they wanted to make an issue of Souma mistreating Yuriga after she

married into his house, they could probably do that too. (But given Fuuga's

personality, this one was unlikely.) Once traveling merchants and

adventurers brought word that public sentiment in the Great Tiger Empire

leaned towards war, the people of the Maritime Alliance had to set aside

their earlier joy, replacing it with the thought of inevitable conflict.

It wasn't long before the entire continent of Landia was bracing for war.

One day, Fuuga gathered his key subordinates at Haan Castle. They

assembled in the grand hall in front of the throne like they had to celebrate

the new year, but instead of food, there was a map of the continent in the

center.

The commanders could tell they were probably here to hold a war

council, one for a hypothetical conflict against the Maritime Alliance. And,

as expected, Hashim, the head of the meeting, indicated the Kingdom of

Friedonia with his pointer.

"The battle against the Kingdom of Friedonia must be quick and

decisive," Hashim told the distinguished group before him. "Our Great

Tiger Empire can mobilize two times as many troops as the Kingdom can,

but we'll be at a disadvantage if we face the entirety of the Maritime

Alliance at once. Not even the assistance of our allies in the Orthodox Papal

State and the high elves of the Father Island would be enough. If all a

country has going for it is its many allies, then the established strategy is to

defeat them individually. However, the bonds between the Alliance are

strong. We must be prepared that moving towards one will require us to

face them all."

"Aw, yeah! We're going to war with half the world!" Nata, the battle

maniac, sounded ecstatic, but no one responded to him.

Looking at the map, Shuukin, the Sword of the Tiger, hesitantly said,

"The Kingdom of Friedonia is a country so impressive that we saw it

worthwhile to wed Lady Yuriga to their king to secure their friendship. It is

clear they will be a difficult foe. I know that public sentiment inside our

country has grown bellicose, but there's really no need for us to force a

conflict, is there?"

Shuukin understood that Hashim had fomented public sentiment but

purposely neglected that fact.

"Lord Fuuga once described King Souma as a massive turtle," Shuukin

continued. "Should we not make a move first, it is doubtful he'll take the

initiative. If the consensus is that they won't invade us, then aren't we at

leisure to amass our strength?"

"It is as Sir Shuukin says," agreed Lumiere, the head of the bureaucracy.

"This nation is vast and powerful, but it is still young. The people have

passion and vigor, but we have not reached our full potential. If I could only

have a few more years, I would create a country for you that could

overwhelm the Kingdom of Friedonia and the Maritime Alliance. Can I not

ask you to wait until then?"

"No, that's not gonna be possible..." Fuuga, who was sitting on the

throne, dismissed their opinions. "It sounds like Souma and his gang are

plotting something. If they pull off whatever it is, we'll stand no chance.

Lumiere's saying she needs a few years, but we don't have that kind of

time..."

"Huh?! What are they plotting?!" Shuukin asked.

Fuuga shook his head. "I've got an idea...but I can't tell you just yet."

"Why is that?"

"If I say it here, some of you will panic. Just know this. Yuriga's betting

on me losing. That's enough for us to discern that their plan is fatal to us.

We've got to prevent it no matter what."

"Yes. Hence the need to be quick and decisive," Hashim said, taking

over the conversation, pointing at the map. "When we invade the Kingdom

of Friedonia, the nations of the Maritime Alliance will coordinate their

response. Similar to when we invaded the Gran Chaos Empire, a

counterinvasion will likely attack our territory. In order to prevent that, we

should instead send our forces against each country in order to keep them in

check. Our main target will be the Kingdom of Friedonia, and we'll

concentrate our war potential there, but we will likely need to go into this

prepared to snatch a few cities from each country."

Having said this, Hashim pointed to the Republic of Turgis.

"First, there is the Republic of Turgis. They were quite active during the

battle against the Gran Chaos Empire, taking three cities from Mercenary

State Zem. They later relinquished one city, but two are still in their

possession. You could say they're the most aggressive nation in the

Maritime Alliance."

Fuuga smirked at this explanation from Hashim.

"Their current head is Kuu Taisei, yeah? I saw him during the demon

wave and at the talks about the magic bug disease. He had this wild energy

about him, like me in my younger days. The guy's got talent and ambition.

If he hadn't been born in a backwater like the Republic—maybe somewhere

closer to the continent's center instead—he might've been competing with

me and Souma. He's like a big fish lurking under the ice of a frozen lake."

"Yes. The man is not to be underestimated." Hashim nodded, then

looked at Moumei, the Hammer of the Tiger. "Sir Moumei. You will lead

the soldiers of the former Zem, who submitted to us, in an attack on the

Republic, retaking the two lost cities while keeping them in check. Even

those who resent our annexation of Zem will have a strong will to fight

after what the Republic did to them."

"Understood," Moumei answered briefly, his arms crossed.

Despite looking like a barbarian with the giant hammer he wielded,

Moumei was also intelligent and had been appointed viceroy of Zem.

He stared back at Hashim without any sign of agitation. "The soldiers of

Zem have told me that the invaders from the Republic were in high spirits.

This was likely the effect of Kuu Taisei's personality, and I have every

reason to believe he will prove a formidable opponent. If we are,

nonetheless, able to retake two cities, what would be our next move after

that?"

"The Republic's lands are hardly worth expending resources to claim.

Once the two cities have been taken, harden your defenses and maintain the

appearance that you are prepared to invade the Republic at a moment's

notice. I am sure you understand this, Sir Moumei, but when taking the two

cities, you are not to press the attack to the point that you incur losses

compromising your ability to keep the Republic in check."

"Duly noted." Moumei crossed his arms and nodded once more.

Next, Hashim pointed to the Euphoria Kingdom on the map, then looked

at Fuuga's closest friend and confidante, Shuukin.

"Sir Shuukin will take a force consisting of those who joined us from the

former Empire and the high elf volunteer soldiers from the Father Island to

keep the Euphoria Kingdom in check."

"What?! You're keeping me away from the important battles again?!"

Shuukin's eyes were full of anger.

During the Magic Bug Disease Incident, Shuukin had incurred a debt of

gratitude to the Kingdom of Friedonia and the Gran Chaos Empire, so he

was assigned to defend the rear supply lines in the previous battle against

them. However, this coming war was one in which Fuuga and the nation's

fates hung in the balance. Forbearing though he was, not even Shuukin

could accept being excluded from something so important.

However, Hashim didn't so much as bat an eye as he told him, "I'm

asking you because you're the only one suitable for the task. While I said it

was to keep them in check, in order to make the Kingdom of Friedonia

focus on the Euphoria Kingdom front, we will need you to make it look like

your attack is our main thrust. Even if they know our end goal is strictly

Parnam, should we attack the recently formed Euphoria Kingdom...they'll

have no choice but to take some action. In addition, you are close to

Princess Elulu, representative of the Father Island, so you'll be able to put

the volunteers they send to reinforce us to good use. Is there anyone who

could do this better than you can?"

"You have a point..."

Hashim's reasoning was sound. The wise and brave Shuukin had to

recognize that, at least in his head. But his heart was another matter. As the

foremost commander of the Great Tiger Empire, he felt a desire to take on

the decisive battle at Fuuga's side.

At this point, Fuuga, who had been listening to them, chimed in. "I once

described the former empress, Maria, as a firebird. She drew the people to

her with her radiance, but the light she emitted came from burning herself,

and she'd eventually burned out...or so I thought."

"What do you mean, Lord Fuuga?" Shuukin asked.

"A new bird named Jeanne was born from her ashes. She's still just a

chick for now, but in time, she'll shine with the same radiance. It seems the

House of Euphoria goes through cycles of death and rebirth. Jeanne is not

someone we can afford to underestimate. Especially not with the Blackrobed Prime Minister as her royal consort."

After saying this, Fuuga looked straight at Shuukin.

"They're opponents we might struggle against even with me in

command. Who else could I rely on to face them but you? Do it for me...my

friend."

"Fuuga...my lord. I understand." With all this being said, Shuukin

couldn't possibly turn him down. Not as his closest ally, and not as a friend

who grew up with him on the steppes.

With that discussion settled, Hashim pointed to the Lunarian Orthodox

Papal State and looked at Anne, the Saint of the Tiger.

"Madam Anne and the Lunarian Orthodox faithful will attack the

Amidonia Region from the Orthodox Papal State. Ensure they show no fear,

even if the 'cold-blooded prince' makes another appearance."

"It shall be as the Holy King Fuuga wills."

Anne nodded with ease. During the prior war against the Gran Chaos

Empire, the Orthodox Papal State had fallen into a panic just from Souma's

strategist Julius Lastania appearing on the border, which had tripped Fuuga

up. It had happened because memories of the oppression they faced when

he was Julius Amidonia still lingered.

Anne was being asked to take a tight hold of the reins so there wouldn't

be a repeat of that failure. If a saint like her took to the field in battle, their

fear of Julius would turn to hatred, and they could take it out on the

Kingdom. (Like the Ikko Ikki of the Sengoku Period.)

At this point, the young genius Kasen, the Crossbow of the Tiger, raised

his hand to speak. "Um... What about the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago

Kingdom? We don't have a proper navy, so I don't see any way to keep

them in check..."

"Yes. You're quite right." Hashim nodded. "Regrettably, I have to

conclude we must leave that country alone. We will defend our coastal

cities, and if they come ashore, we will retreat inland and have the local

garrisons meet them in battle."

"We're just going to let them do as they please?"

"Indeed. The war against the Kingdom of Friedonia is an inland

struggle. We will transport supplies via the former Empire's method of

overland Rhinosaurus shipping, which Madam Lumiere has arranged for us.

There will also be air delivery by the air force, so we can maintain even the

large armies we will be deploying. The same goes for the Kingdom of

Friedonia, of course. So, in this war, sea control is not important."

The Kingdom of Friedonia was shaped roughly like a right-angle

triangle, and the coast was only one side of it. Control of the seas would be

useful in an attack against the Great Tiger Empire. However, if the Great

Tiger Empire didn't care how much of a beating their lands took, it would

be hard to take advantage of sea control while rushing headlong across the

border. Faced with an enemy who employed a strategy of no defense, the

Kingdom of Friedonia would open itself up to risks if it chose to divide its

forces.

"Lord Fuuga, how do you view Queen Shabon?" Mutsumi asked.

"Hmm." Fuuga stroked his chin at this question before answering, "I

guess...she's like a jellyfish."

"A jellyfish? Those things that float in the sea?"

"Yeah. She seems fluffy and insubstantial at first, but those guys can

have some dangerous poison in them. She's hard to grasp, and would be a

pain to take on."

"I agree. Concerning ourselves with such an opponent would only lead

us to fall into her traps," Hashim concurred.

"So she's best left alone." Kasen nodded, seemingly convinced as well.

"Yes. And all that leaves...is for us to batter Friedonia with all our

might." Hashim smacked the Kingdom of Friedonia on the map with his

pointer. "Everything will be decided in this war. Who will decide the future

of this world? Lord Fuuga or Souma? If we can just take the Kingdom of

Friedonia, the Maritime Alliance will fracture. Conversely, if we're

defeated here, we will lose our chance to ever dominate the continent and

the support of those who wish for us to do so. Indeed, this is the decisive

battle where we will either take everything or be left with nothing."

Everyone gulped at Hashim's words.

Malmkhitan, formerly one of many competing small-to-medium-sized

nations in the Union of Eastern Nations, had gone on to liberate the Demon

Lord's Domain and grow large enough that the entire world seemed within

their reach. It was already a great enough accomplishment—a glorious and

legendary feat.

Hearing that this war would be all-or-nothing, the commanders tensed

up. But there was a strange excitement too. People demanded the

conclusion to the epic tale of Fuuga. And they felt they were playing a

small part in the energy that propelled him forward.

Fuuga let out a low laugh. "Thinking about it now, we sure have come a

long way. I ran forth, thinking I'd have no regrets if I fell along the way

towards my dreams, and that's what's brought me here. All that's left is to

run the rest of the way. If the times demand an answer from me, then I'll

show them one."

Fuuga rose to his feet, taking Zanganto from his royal guards and

thrusting the blade skyward.

"It doesn't matter what Souma and his gang are plotting! We'll keep

running along like we always have! The trail we leave will be carved into

the era's history! Now, let's realize our grand ambition at last!"

"""Yeahhhhh!!!"""

The commanders all stood up and cheered. This was the opening to this

world's first World War, later known as the North-South War.

◇ ◇ ◇

The Great Tiger Empire of Haan showed signs that portended a largescale military operation. They weren't even trying to hide their intention to

wage war at this point. The people of the Great Tiger Empire desired a

decisive battle for supremacy with the Maritime Alliance. No matter how

they felt about it personally, if one's neighbor clamored for war, they'd

naturally be inclined to do the same. Whether it was due to influence or

wanting to avoid ostracization, this mentality swept through the country and

became the general consensus. It was simply human nature.

Fuuga began preparing his troops along his border with the Kingdom of

Friedonia and the Euphoria Kingdom, which was the Lunarian Orthodox

Papal State and the former Zem domain. It looked like he was planning

simultaneous invasions from the Great Tiger Empire mainland towards

Parnam, from the territory of the former Gran Chaos Empire into the

Euphoria Kingdom, from the Orthodox Papal State into our Amidonia

Region, and from the former Zem domain into the Republic of Turgis.

The military thinkers on our side, myself included, believed Fuuga

would aim for a quick end to the war, sending his main force straight at

Parnam. However, if we were at a disadvantage on any of the other fronts,

Hashim would loudly crow about my ineffectiveness and the frailty of the

Maritime Alliance, which could shake up people on our side. We needed to

defend in all directions.

Kuu, the Head of the Republic, had told me he had his country covered

and to focus on my own, but I still had to place troops in the recently

fractured Euphoria Kingdom as well as the Amidonia Region. Queen

Shabon of the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Kingdom promised to

send reinforcements, but when it came to battles inland, all the NineHeaded Dragon Kingdom could do was raid port cities. If Fuuga's side

decided to ignore them outright, then that wouldn't even shake them up.

Of course, I had a variety of moves of my own that I planned to play.

Fuuga and I knew that dividing our forces was a bad idea, yet we still had to

shore up these different regions so that we weren't at the enemy's mercy. To

paraphrase a certain sci-fi anime, "It was hard for us, but it was also hard

for the enemy."

However, unlike in the war with the Principality of Amidonia, we didn't

have to hide our preparations this time, which made things a bit easier.

Chris Tachyon's news program provided daily, detailed reporting on the

movements of the Great Tiger Empire. Thanks to the program, public

paranoia was kept to a minimum, and those in villages or towns that were

likely to be scorched by the fires of war were convinced to evacuate.

I was grateful I didn't have to resort to having Juno and the adventurers

evacuate them at the last minute, using the fictional Flame Pierrot monsters

to raze villages as cover. Not that I could have, though, since Juno and her

party are out of the country right now on another task for me.

Anyway, all of the different factions had been preparing for the war to

come.

That brings us to today. I was holding a broadcast call with Fuuga. We

already knew what the other wanted to say, so we cut straight to the chase.

"You really can't stop, Fuuga?"

"Yeah." Fuuga looked me in the eyes and nodded.

I ground my teeth in frustration over how completely unwavering he

remained. "Yuriga showed you another future! You still can't take it?!"

"I can't. It did touch my heart."

"Then..."

"But the people and the times want an answer—to see the end of my

epic tale and the conclusion of this era," he said calmly. "I can't just

abandon it halfway through."

Even after his sister attempted to persuade him not to, he was still going

through with it.

"You're not the type to care about other people's opinions, and you

know it," I asserted.

"Hah hah hah! True that. Which is why I want the answer for myself."

Fuuga turned his sharp eyes towards me. "And that's why I declare war on

the Maritime Alliance."

He delivered his declaration of war so casually. We all knew it was

coming, so it didn't feel like there was any weight to it.

"You realize that not even you can beat us," I warned him.

"Tough talk. And uncharacteristically warlike for you."

"I just finished learning that having other people make my decisions for

me only results in greater losses. If this war is unavoidable, then I should be

proactive and take initiative to limit the casualties."

Fuuga let out an amused laugh. "So you've found your resolve, huh?

Looks like I've finally gone and stepped on the slow turtle's tail."

"Hmm? Slow turtle?"

"I'm just talking to myself, pay it no mind... If that's the case, there's

nothing more to say." On the other end of the broadcast, Fuuga held his fist

out towards me. "Let's decide who'll shape the future! Us or you!"

"We won't lose! Not a chance!"

Fuuga and I stared each other down. Eventually, he snorted, and the

corners of his lips turned up.

"So long, Souma. See you on the battlefield."

The broadcast cut out, and Fuuga vanished. To the very end, even how

he declared war was true to his nature. He didn't have the sense of guilt that

a man on the verge of war ought to have. He carried a darkness within him,

but also a brilliant light. That was probably what made him a great man.

"Souma."

"Souma..."

As I stood there vacantly, Liscia and Yuriga, who had been watching us

from a spot where they weren't visible on the broadcast, approached me.

"Can we take that as a declaration of war?" Liscia asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, I'd say so."

It has begun. There was no time for standing around.

I looked at Yuriga. "Are you sure you didn't want to talk to him?"

"I've already realized that nothing I say can stop my brother. Although I

did ask you to let me be here so I could see him, to watch as he embarks on

what's bound to be his final war," Yuriga said, suppressing her complicated

feelings in order to remain resolute.

She prepared for this in her own way. Like brother, like sister. They were

similar, deep down.

"Whew..." I let out a sigh. "Liscia. Yuriga."

"What?"

"What is it?"

"You know...even at this point, some part of me still thinks Fuuga is

cool. He embodies a sort of masculine ideal in the way he stays true to

himself."

Liscia and Yuriga looked at one another, then both smiled.

"Even as a woman, I get it. He's got that indomitable spirit."

"I know better than anyone how cool my brother is."

At this point, Liscia hugged my arm tight. "But you're the one I feel

safest with, Souma. Like I said before Duke Carmine that day, I will walk at

your side."

"Much as it pains me to admit it, I feel the same as Lady Liscia." Yuriga

wrapped herself around my other arm. "I thought this country would be the

one to carry us into the coming era... That's why I'm here now. You're not

as cool as my brother, but I'm still proud to call you my darling husband."

Even Yuriga is saying such bold words now. But the slender arms she'd

wrapped around mine were shaking a little. She was probably on edge, yet

still trying to support me. In order to respond to the consideration she was

showing me, I pretended not to notice and joked around.

"Hey, this is nice and all, but I can't move with you two hugging me..."

"I bet you're enjoying yourself having a beauty on each arm," Liscia

said.

"Well, of course I am."

"It's a perk of the position," Yuriga said. "You've got such cute wives,

so work hard for us, Souma."

"Will do."

Oh, I'll work hard. For the sake of a future where we can all live

together.

And so, just days later, the first shots of a world war were fired.