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Chapter 87. Just Another Graduate

"So?"

"The Western countries aren’t making any notable moves... though it seems the Elgrant Empire is taking the opportunity to expand its military, as if justifying their actions, steadily preparing for war."

"Huh... What about the Kuria Kingdom?"

"Of course, they’re using retaliation against the Western nations as an excuse, greatly increasing exports of military supplies to the Elgrant Empire. They’ve also decided to set import-export tariffs with the Closter Kingdom through mutual consultation."

In other words, the Closter Kingdom has regained its tariff autonomy. This is a typical example of an unequal treaty being overturned, and with this, the Closter Kingdom may see significant development.

The Elgrant Empire, the Closter Kingdom, and the Kuria Kingdom all use the same currency. Apparently, back when the currency was created, Kuria and Closter were still one country, and when the Elgrant Empire fled from the Western nations, they were aided by Kuria, so they adopted the same currency. Though it seems pretty haphazard... well, it makes things easier on our end, so I don’t mind.

"They're not sending any knights?"

"Of course not... After the capital was attacked twice in a row, we can’t send the Magic Knights away... The citizens of the capital wouldn’t allow it."

"They could leave the Magic Knights in the capital and just send the regular army."

"That’s impossible too. The nobles hate the idea of putting their own lives at risk."

What?

"Even after all this, they still prioritize their own safety... or maybe because they've already been invaded once?"

"That's what I think... Honestly, I can’t take them seriously."

Hmm... I can understand why Frodil says the country is corrupt. But the desire to avoid death is a fundamental human instinct... Throughout history, all rulers have sought immortality. It’s likely because they know they can’t escape the absolute law of mortality. In the same way, no one wants to die.

"Wasn’t the whole reason the Western nations invaded because they found dealing with the monsters in their land troublesome?"

"In simple terms, yes."

"Then if we could eliminate that cause—"

"That’s impossible, isn’t it? We’d have to do something about the endless monsters pouring out of that huge hole the Dragon of the End created."

Yeah, that’s true... But if we could just manage that, wouldn't there be peace for a while? Even though the Western nations are united, revolutions are less likely to happen. But surely the people of a country constantly at war must be dissatisfied.

"The union isn't a monolith either, so I imagine there are internal issues."

"Well, getting humans to completely unite is impossible."

"Theodore, you say some really pessimistic things sometimes. Is that just a habit?"

Don’t say unnecessary things.

After wrapping up my chat with Eremiya, I headed toward my room in the dormitory, only to find a man dressed rather lavishly waiting for me along the way. I glanced around, but there weren’t many people near the school building at dusk... The man was clearly staring at me.

"...You're Theodore Anthem, aren’t you?"

"Yes?"

As I got closer and saw his face clearly, I realized who he was.

"I need to talk."

"The commander of the 1st Division... wants to talk to me?"

Borus, the Commander of the Kingdom’s Magic Knights 1st Division.

A hugely famous figure had come to see me... Maybe it’s about me killing Frodil? My father decided not to pursue the truth, but the Magic Knights probably didn't have time to stop individual investigations.

Without a word, Borus turned his back and began walking as if telling me to follow. I walked behind him, and we sat on a bench in front of the fountain.

"This place brings back memories... Even though the buildings have changed a bit since I graduated, the atmosphere hasn’t changed at all."

"So, you have fond memories of this academy?"

"I suppose so. Anyone who becomes a Magic Knight likely feels the same."

I had imagined someone much harsher... I don’t understand why he went out of his way to take me here to reminisce.

"...You're the one who stopped Frodil-sama, aren’t you?"

"Yes."

So it’s about that after all.

He seemed slightly surprised by my immediate response, but after looking into my eyes, he gave a bitter smile.

"I... deeply respected him. He kept many secrets, and I couldn’t call him a good man, but... he cared about the country."

"Yes, I think so too."

"Tell me... What did you talk about with him at the end? What was he thinking?"

I suppose... I should talk.

About what happened in the arena, and everything between me and Lord Frodil before that... I slowly recounted the past to Borus, skipping over certain parts. He occasionally nodded deeply and sometimes looked sad, but he listened silently to the end.

"‘Struggle against the end’, he said... and then he passed away."

"I see... He remained the Minister of Interior until the very end."

Well... I believe his feelings for the country were genuine. Though his methods were far from praiseworthy, the same could be said for me.

"...Frodil-sama invited me to join him in rooting out the country’s corruption. Just like he said, the nobles of this country have no pride left, only clinging to money and power... So I almost accepted his hand, but... I couldn’t in the end."

"Huh?"

I had assumed someone like Borus would be working with Frodil.

"I prioritized my own safety and position, just like the corrupt nobles. If I took his hand and failed, I’d lose my position. Even if we succeeded, my subordinates would bleed. I couldn’t make that decision... I’m a man of strength, but weak in spirit."

"That’s not—"

"It is. But you... knowing your own blood might be spilled and the sins you'd carry, you still dirtied your hands. Even if things ended ambiguously, you made the decision I couldn’t."

I’m not sure I deserve such high praise.

"How do you even know about me?"

"Frodil-sama spoke of you often. He said you might become his successor, or perhaps his greatest enemy. So when I heard he had died, I was sure you were the one who did it."

Seriously?

"I’m not here to punish you for that. As you can see, I’m not a knight right now... I’m just a graduate feeling nostalgic for this academy."

"Well, you’ve certainly dressed the part."

"You’ll understand if you ever become a Division Commander. You can't meet with nobles in casual attire."

Oh... That’s... unexpectedly cool.

"I’m glad I got to hear your story today... I don’t know what path you’ll take from here, but don’t think you need to carry on Frodil-sama’s will just because you ended his life. He... was living a little too recklessly."

As he said this while walking away, illuminated by the setting sun, he looked incredibly cool... but I imagine he’ll continue regretting the decision he couldn’t make for the rest of his life.

It’s... a story with no satisfying conclusion.